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Vol. 37 No. 9 Website: theaustinvillager.com Email: [email protected] Phone: 512-476-0082 Fax: 512-476-0179 August 7, 2009 As Congress Leaves for August Pearce repurposing plan approved; Recess, CBC Keeps Health Care on the Front Burner cleared to reopen By. Pharoh Martin health services for children. NNPA National They argued that additional Correspondent cuts to the proposed bill that WASHINGTON passed the three House com- (NNPA) - As members of Con- mittees will weaken the ini- gress begin August recess, tiative itself. temporarily setting aside in- ‘’The Tri Com bill is tense negotiations for a pass- budget neutral and we are able health care reform bill, concerned that efforts to cut RAPPIN’ the Congressional Black Cau- more costs would mean cut- Tommy Wyatt cus has vowed to continue ting the vital services, like pre- pushing for specific provi- vention and comparative ef- sions that its members feel are fectiveness or disproportion- Texas vital for African-Americans. ate share,’’ the CBC wrote in The original House and the letter, which was also Senate bills would signifi- signed by co-chairs of the Politics as Community pushed for Pearce Middle School to remain open during community meetings. cantly reduce the staggering CBC Health and Wellness usual! number of uninsured Ameri- Taskforce Rep. Danny Davis By T. L. Wyatt, Editor ject to continuing state over- authorized under Section It seems that you can cans, of which are disparately (D-Ill.) and Rep. Donna The Villager sight.” However, the commis- 39.135 of the Texas Education never get around politics in Black. But it won’t be as effec- Christensen. (D-V.I.). On Monday, August 3, sioner did place some condi- Code. As stated above, I will Texas. No matter what tive if other provisions are not While nothing is final- the Austin Independent tion on the plan. The condi- remove the management team time of year, there seems also included, CBC members ized yet, Rep. Christensen, a School District (AISD) voted tions include: oversight of Pearce Middle to be some kind of political argue. medical doctor, said the new to submit Repurposing Plan 1. Approval of the ad- School if the principal of the action in the air. The CBC and the Con- bill, as proposed, will include to Texas Education Commis- ministrative and teaching campus has direct access to There seems to be a gressional Tri-Caucus, which an expansion of Medicaid to sioner, Robert Scott, for the teams that are currently being the superintendent’s office. fight brewing over the U. S. also comprises the Congres- young people that meet pov- reopening of Pearce Middle assembled. The success of this 3. Students wishing to Senate seat that is cur- sional Hispanic Caucus and erty guidelines. School. Scott had ordered the repurposing plan depends on transfer from Pearce Middle rently being held by Sena- the Congressional Asian Pa- ‘’Those who meet 133 school closed on July 3 be- the leadership and quality of School may not be assigned tor Kay Bailey Hutchinson. cific American Caucus, intro- percent of poverty guidelines, cause the school had been educators that serve its stu- to a campus that has been Rumors have it that she duced a bill recently that out- which has been increased rated unacceptable for the dents. I have authorized rated Academically Unac- will resign in early fall to lines their priorities for health from before, will qualify for five years. agency staff to make case-by- ceptable. While this is clearly run for Texas Governor care reform for people of color. Medicaid,’’ the congress- Although the school case exceptions to the require- stated in the repurposing against Governor Rick They call for expanded women said in an interview. had made significant im- ment for 75% of instructional plan, the plan should be up- Perry. In the event that data collection, improved ‘’It has been expanded be- provements and was accept- staff to be removed for indi- dated to include Lamar or the rumors are true, there health care workforce diver- yond just the elderly and the able in all areas, except for vidual teachers who did not Martin Middle Schools to the are a list of candidates lin- sity efforts, comparative effec- disabled.’’ Science, the school was or- teach a subject that resulted list of schools not eligible to ing up for a run at tiveness research provisions Christensen wanted dered closed. New Superin- in an Academically Unaccept- accept students as both are Hutchinson’s seat. for the disaggregation of data, Medicaid to become a part of tendent Dr. Meria able rating, and who have now rated Academically Un- The Republicans are community-centric preven- the public plan because, she Carstarphen received the demonstrated quantifiable acceptable. trying to mount a cam- tion efforts that focus on re- said, services are not covered news on her first official day improvements in student out- 4. The district will paign to hold on to the of- ducing racial and ethnic in the same degree. For ex- on the job. She immediately comes. I am committed to implement the plan submit- fice, while Democrats see health disparities, language ample, Medicaid covers some called a meeting with the working with Austin ISD in a ted, including the continua- this as an opportunity to and translation services expensive procedures for chil- school, parents and commu- timely manner allowing the tion of the efforts to recruit the win that seat back for the throughout the health care dren differently than the pro- nity to come up with a plan of repurposed Pearce Middle highest quality administra- Democrats. There are system and a significant in- posed public plan, and long- action. School to start school pre- tive team and effective faculty several things that make vestment in community term care is not covered the Texas State Law al- pared and ready this fall. as possible. The management this race interesting. One health centers and in commu- same. lows AISD to request to 2. The management team, or campus liaison, will is the unique way in nity health workers. Some of these new pro- repurpose the facility for a team previously assigned to report to me regularly on which Texas fills an un- With hopes that certain visions include non-discrimi- different instructional pro- Austin ISD will be retained progress as the school year expired term. reform provisions from their nation for pre-existing condi- gram for the district’s stu- with the same authority over progresses, specifically re- If (when) Hutchinson Health Equity and Account- tions, exorbitant out-of-pocket dents. the campus. The team will garding student performance resigns a replacement ability Act of 2009 will make expenses, deductibles or co- On Wednesday, Com- continue to have the author- and completion rates. will appointed to fill her it into the final health care bill, pays; no cost-sharing for pre- missioner Scott sent a letter ity to direct the actions of the Pearce now has the au- seat by the Governor. CBC leaders – including ventive care, no dropping of to the district stating, “I am principal, superintendent thority to reopen on August That person will only be Chairwoman Barbara Lee (D- coverage if a person becomes granting the district’s request and the board of trustees with 24, 2009, the first day of able to serve until an elec- Calif.) - wrote a letter to both seriously ill and extending for repurpose the facility, sub- respect to the new campus, as school. tion can be held, which President Obama and House coverage for young adults. would more than likely be Speaker Nancy Pelosi. ‘’Over the next month Students complete Huston-Tillotson in three or four months. ‘’We are very concerned there is going to be an ava- During the election, about the current negotiations lanche of misinformation and University’s Summer Science/Math program anyone can run, regard- and feel that it is necessary to scare tactics from those seek- less of party. There is no restate our strong position on ing to perpetuate the status party primary, but all can- several issues and provisions quo,’’ Obama wrote in the didates will run as though going forward,’’ the letter email. ‘’But we know the cost it were a general election. stated. of doing nothing is too high. Should no one be able to They are vehemently Health care costs will double get 50.1 percent of the urging Congress to keep ef- over the next decade, millions vote, the two top vote get- forts that would correct health more will become uninsured, ters would face off in a disparities and make im- and state and local govern- runoff election. provements to Medicare and ments will go bankrupt.’’ So far two Democrats have expressed an inter- Fourth Annual Back-to- est in running for the seat- Houston Mayor Bill White School Bash Held August 22 and former Texas State The Austin School Dis- Comptroller John Sharp. At ment; and the Bash, that fea- trict will kick off the 2009-10 the same time, all current tures school-related informa- school year with its fourth tion and activities for children Republican House mem- (AUSTIN, Texas) — tential and interest in becom- Students: Pre-Algebra, Marquel annual “Back-to-School Bash and parents. bers from Texas could also More than 75 students chal- ing scientists and engineers. Johnson; Year 1, Jayson Clark and Safety Fair,” beginning at Numerous District and run. They would not have lenged themselves by master- Primary courses include and Monica Farirayi; Year 2, 10 a.m. Saturday, August 22, community resources will be to give up their seat to do ing math and science applica- Logic, to stimulate the intellect Brandon Harris; and Year 3, at the Delco Activity Center, represented at the free event so. It is also important to tions at Huston-Tillotson and force young minds to Dennis Cartey. Top Students by located at 4601 Pecan Brook to help students and their point out that Senator University’s summer Austin evolve to a higher level of rea- Year: Pre-Algebra, Sarah Drive. families have a successful Hutchinson could also hold Pre-Freshman Engineering soning; Physics to explore and Eberhardt; Year 1, Amber Doyle Festivities include the school year. Attendees will on to her seat while run- Program (AusPrEP). In addi- analyze ideas; and Statistics, and Brice Dudley; Year 2, Calvin Safe Walk to School, designed also enjoy free food and give- ning for Governor, although tion, to classroom concepts, the to understand and interpret Jones; and Year 3, Kanor to help children develop safe aways, including bicycle hel- it is commonly believe students toured the Houston numerical significance. The Ebeheakey. Program Assistant walking habits to and from mets. Backpacks (for students that se would not do that. Museum of Natural Science, HT engineering faculty pro- Awards: Pre-Algebra, Sarah school and school bus stops; who qualify) and school sup- Hutchinson won a Johnson Space Center, the vides projects to stimulate new Eberhardt; Year 1, Na’Imah the Safety Fair, sponsored by plies will also be available, special election in 1993 Natural Bridge Wildlife concepts for introducing robot- Muhammad and Brice Dudley; the Austin School District only while supplies last. when she defeated the in- Ranch, and the Natural Bridge ics and building structures. Year 2, Cameron Jones; and Year Police, that includes a bike On Monday, August 24, terim appointee Bob Caverns before taking in The following students 3, Derek Cartey. rodeo, bicycle helmet fittings, nearly 83,000 students will Krueger after Senator SeaWorld. received award recognitions at Students from minority safety demonstrations, and begin classes at more than Lloyd Bentsen resigned his The nationally recog- the closing ceremony: Top Stu- groups are encouraged to apply opportunities to explore vari- 100 schools in the Austin seat to join the Clinton nized program, located on col- dents by Course: Logic, for next year’s program by con- ous aspects of law enforce- School District. cabinet. In Texas, politics lege and university campuses Monica Farirayi; Statistics, tacting the AusPrEP Director, is a contact sport and any- Get shots Now in Texas, was founded in 1979 Kanor Ebeheakey; Engineer- Andrew B. Lofters, thing goes. So, strap on Time is running out for getting those vaccinations. All stu- at the University of Texas at ing, Amber Doyle and Edgardo 512.505.3163, your headgear and get dents must have the rwquired shots by the time school opens. Any San Antonio to identify high Cabrera; Physics, Calvin Jones; [email protected], or by visiting ready an exciting time, po- one who has questions about the shots should call AISD Student achieving middle and high and Algebraic Structures, the AusPrEP Web site at http:// litically. Health Services at 324-0195. school students with the po- Jamal Sawyer. Most Improved ausprep.htu.edu. Page 2/THE VILLAGER/August 7, 2009 EDITORIALS/COMMENTARY Editorial, Commentary or Letter to the Editor Fax to 512.476.0179 Email to [email protected] Mail to 1223-A Rosewood Avenue, 78702 Nothing Learned Black Folk Must During ‘Teachable Advocate for Health Moment’ Care Reform shouldn’t rush to put the con- journalism career as a reporter troversy behind us. That’s for Sports Illustrated in 1970, women)_ breast cancer, and ists in the health reform legis- because whether most Ameri- most of my friends growing we are often diagnosed too lation? African-American cans admit it or not, we are up in segregated Alabama late for diagnosis to save us. people need the means and not past our past. were African-Americans. We should be clear that many ends to healthy lives. We need Historian Eric Foner, former Also starting at SI in New health disparities are the out- to push hard for the health president of the American York were Larry Keith, a come of racial bias and rac- care reform that the Obama Historical Association, ob- proud North Carolinian, Ron ism in our lives and experi- administration is promoting. served: “For two and a half Scott, a devout Mormon from By. Julianne Malveaux George E. Curry ences. And many health dis- Possibly, our legislators will centuries, the large majority of Utah, Kent Hannon and NNPA Columnist NNPA Columnist parities are the result of our kick the can toward health African-Americans were held Stephanie Salter from Indi- Congress seems to be own unwillingness to deal care reform, producing legis- When it was an- in slavery, and even after ana, Jim Kaplan from Boston putting the final touches on with the health challenges lation in the next several nounced that President emancipation were subjected and Don Delliquanti from health care reform legislation, that face our community. For days. The goal was that they Obama, Harvard Professor to discrimination in every as- New Jersey. At the time, I was arranging to provide health example, the fact that African would have come to conclu- Henry Louis Gates, Jr.. and pect of their lives. Other mi- the lone Black reporter at the care, especially, for the unin- American women are about sion by august 7, but there is Police Sgt. James Crowley nority groups have suffered magazine. Although we came sured. Anyone who has made 11 times more likely to be di- a clear possibility that discus- would hold a beer summit in severe inequalities as well. from different backgrounds the summer rounds of civil agnosed with HIV than ma- sion of this legislation will the White House, the suds Today, while the nation has and in a way were competing rights conventions under- jority women is partly a func- continue after the recess. tag lines began flowing. They made great progress in eradi- for the same promotions, we stand that African-American tion of sex education in our What needs to happen, now included “The Audacity of cating the ‘color line,’ the developed genuine friend- policy makers care about this community. We really can’t and later, is that we need to Hops,” “A Thousand Points legacy of slavery and segre- ships, many of which con- issue. Still there seems to be blame racism for the fact that hear black voices raised in of Bud Light” and my favor- gation remains alive in nu- tinue to this day. No one set no passionate advocacy for in an age of easily available support of health care reform. ite, “Yes, Three Cans.” merous aspects of American out to break any racial, reli- heath care reform. Our pres- information, too many sisters We need to hear black voices Late night comedians also got society.” America’s racial di- gious or social barriers. ence in this debate is much continue to put themselves at put all of this in context. We a buzz from the event. Bill vide has been a sharp one. On Rather, we spent a lot of time needed – we have a dog in risk. Ditto obesity. While we need to make sure that we all Maher said, “I don’t know if the guilt or innocence of O.J. together away from the office, this fight. African-Americans can talk about the availabil- understand how critical it is this is a case of racism. The Simpson, Whites and Blacks playing touch football, bas- are more likely than others to ity of healthy food choices in for people to have access to police in Cambridge say it were sharply divided. Even ketball, softball, and attend- be uninsured, so the many inner cities, the fact is that health insurance and to had nothing to do with Gates on a non-racial topic such as ing parties together. Friend- ways our new legislation will there is also much informa- health care. In so man ways, being Black. They said they Hurricane Katrina, there was ships developed naturally make insurance available is tion available about how to eat access to health care is the would have given the same a difference of opinion. from those interactions. important. And even when we and live more healthily. foundation of our energy and treatment to any minority.” There have been some hope- A similar thing happened to are insured, the way that Race may play a role in the survival. A community that Conan said, “The meeting got ful signs as well. For ex- me in Washington. I devel- health problems hit us are ways our health disparities has been economically off to a rough start when a ample, New York Times/CBS oped a close friendship with most different. According to play out, but our own engage- marginalized gains much neighbor called the police to poll released in April found Craig Trygstad, executive di- the Centers for Disease Con- ment in our health outcomes when health care is made say Gates was breaking into that the election of Barack rector of Youth Communica- trol, African-Americans and also plays a role. As health available to the broadest the White House.” Obama has improved the per- tion, a teen news service. Hispanics “bear a dispropor- care reform legislation snakes range of people. Health dis- Jokes aside, the president said ception of race relations. Two- Craig grew up in a White tionate burden of disease, in- its way through the congress parities are a function of the Gates being arrested on his thirds of Americans describe farming community in Min- jury, and disability.” African- and senate, it is dishearten- many racial inequities that own porch by police should race relations as generally nesota. We came together Americans, in particular, are ing to see the few who are in- plague our society. If you be used as a teachable mo- good and the percentage of through our interest in train- more likely to be killed or to volved in the legislation and scratch an African- American, ment. But three weeks after African-Americans holding ing young people for careers die of HIV than others are. the many who are silent. she can tell you what she the highly-publicized arrest, that view has doubled since in journalism. I eventually There is more – we are more You can’t live without a thought of the Henry Louis nothing has been taught to last July. But improving race became chairman of his likely to be obese, to have high healthy life, can’t agitate for Gates arrest or the beer sum- the public about race rela- relations is too important to Board and later served as the blood pressure, diabetes, or to justice without the stamina mit. How many can recite the tions. Not only have there be left to President Obama or best man in his wedding. experience strokes. The obe- for agitation. Yet there are so details of the health legisla- been no lessons, there hasn’t a beer summit at the White My experience over the years sity hits us early – our chil- many African-American tion and the many ways it can even been a lesson plan. Be- House. A major impediment has been that racial progress dren are carrying more weight people who are proud, pas- enhance the African-Ameri- cause President Obama to racial progress is the lack is aided by genuine interac- than they need to, and our sionate and sidelined by their can community. Priorities, stated that Cambridge police of meaningful interaction be- tion between equals. The prob- community has done little to health challenges. Where is priorities. Health care reform “acted stupidly,” he was sub- tween the races away from lem is that too many Whites promote healthy eating. We the intense advocacy in our will improve the health sta- jected to a barrage of criticism. the workplace. One of the and too many of us, both experience cancer earlier than community, an advocacy that tus of the African-American And for tactical reasons, the things that helped race rela- Blacks and Whites haved others, especially (for black will propel us to be key activ- community. focus was shifted from using tions in the 1960s were struc- stopped trying to bridge the the incident as a teaching tured programs that allowed racial gap. With the nation moment to putting it behind people of all races to talk di- becoming increasingly di- CNN Goes to Haiti us. From the president’s per- rectly with one another. verse – Latinos and Asians spective, the controversy over Perhaps they should be re- can’t be left out of the equa- his use of words detracted vived. Today, we still talk tion – all of us have an obli- and ‘Discovers’ from the administration’s about race, but usually gation to eradicate cripling major push to get a health care among our own racial group. barriers. If we don’t, we’ll Restaveks bill passed by Congress. Of course, we need to do more have nobody to blame but dren are exploited and would leave one with the no- For the rest of us, however, we than talk. When I began my ourselves. abused. International agen- tion that restaveks live with cies and some charities work rich families who are eating Audacity Still Intact, specifically with restaveks to bon bons; the truth is that the help remove them from abu- majority of the families are But My Hope is Fading sive situations, but the prac- abjectly poor themselves. tice is widespread and, after This omission does not justify By Nicole C. Lee generations, endemic to the the exploitation of the poorer NNPA Columnist Fast culture. So, I understand why by the poor, but demonstrates Despite Haiti’s con- CNN’s Sanjay Gupta is cov- that the answer to the prob- heights we had never experi- love,” as some have deemed stant media coverage, the ering the story in such a sen- lem should be complete eco- enced; we were bold, no it. Even on his walk through James Clingman news is almost always ter- sational manner. The system nomic empowerment and longer timid and willing to the slave dungeons of Cape NNPA Columnist rible. For that reason, I was is corrupted and the most vul- support. The international take a backseat in politics; we Coast, and standing at the not surprised at the coverage nerable are being exploited. community needs to take re- I don’t think anyone had won! Our hope was sky- Door of No Return with of the plight of “restaveks”. But, as usual, the reporting sponsibility for the impover- who knows me would say I high, and it still is among Anderson Cooper, when The term restavek generally misses the entire point. First, ishment and systemic poverty am cowardly or reticent some of us. That was then, questioned about the effect of refers to a child in servitude, the system is derived from an of Haiti, rather than wagging when it comes to speaking the albeit, not too long ago, but slavery on African- Ameri- but most often connotes a sys- actual need and a culture of their finger at poverty’s re- truth, not only on economic this is now. For me, it all cans, Obama immediately in- tem when children work their taking care of children that sults. I am not defending the issues but also on political is- started with a debate be- cluded his assertion that it not entire lives for families for may not be a part of one’s fam- restavek system. In my time in sues; my middle name could tween Hillary and Barack only affected Blacks but little or no pay. Many receive ily. Without a state supported Haiti I saw more bad than be “audacious.” when someone in the audi- Whites as well. I am sure no education and live in squa- structure, the restavek system good and I believe all children Well, as I have grown older ence asked candidate Obama Anderson Cooper was com- lor-like conditions where for all intents and purposes deserve to be loved and and wiser, my willingness to about the negative effects of fortable with that answer. abuse runs rampant. Many is the closest thing to a foster treated with dignity. It is sla- take the risk of telling the illegal immigration on “Afri- Now, with the Henry Louis restaveks are orphans, many care system in Haiti. In a coun- very more than foster care, truth, no matter who is listen- can Americans.” Barack Gates situation, we see our due to the high maternal mor- try with virtually no safety net exploitation more than a way ing (or reading), is even stron- Obama started answering President speaking in sup- tality rate or other preventable for orphaned, unwanted or out. I also know that sensa- ger. But, like many of my the question in relationship port of Gates’ rights and then diseases. Because of poverty uncared for children, this tionalizing an element of an friends and associates have to whites, Hispanics, Asians, doing a Michael Jackson and lack of opportunities, flawed system has been a ter- extremely dramatic situation expressed, my hope for sig- minorities, and then African moonwalk in response to the some rural parents even send rible ”solution”. Even more distorts the need on ground, nificant change continues to Americans. He emphasized outrage voiced by the FOP, their children to the cities to unfortunate is CNN’s abso- and makes the answers to diminish. I am not condemn- the other groups and de-em- news commentators, et al. Is be restaveks. In Haiti, solu- lute lack of context. As I these problems completely ing the future of our children, phasized Black people. A it just me, or is there a leaning tions are hard to come by. watched their coverage, they elusive. There is not some- however. The hope to which slowly pitched softball was by our President to always Children die of starvation and followed one restavek girl to thing distinctly wrong with I am referring is now - during lobbed at him and he chose accommodate the white many parents have little her home as she carried a jug the Haitian people. These my lifetime. There are things not to swing on behalf of psyche while ignoring the choice but to hope that the of water, and I realized the systems have grown out of I would like to see before I Black people. Next we had a Black psyche? Selective out- restavek system provides reporting made it seem that it generations of unmet needs. make my transition, but series of speeches given to rage on Obama’s part? There them a way out of certain is only restavek children that Until these economic, politi- based on what I see these Jewish people, Gay and Les- are many Black men who death. I had never heard of the must carry water or sleep in cal and social needs are met days, both economically and bian people, and Hispanic have experienced similar and system until I moved to Haiti terrible conditions. Yet it was by domestic and interna- politically, my cynicism in- people, which were uplifting, worse treatment than Profes- in 2002. Unlike other coun- clear that the family the young tional allies, no Haitian child creases daily. Our President, hopeful, and supportive. In sor Gates. It is happening ev- tries, Haiti did not seem to girl lived with was in abject can hope to have a dignified whose book is titled, The Au- some cases concessions were eryday. Is our President mim- have the “street children” poverty themselves. Virtually loving future. dacity of Hope, taken from a made. Then, in speeches to icking the pig in George phenomenon I had seen in so all the children in that par- sermon he heard by Dr. Black people, the latest of Orwell’s Animal Farm by many other countries. ticular neighborhood are car- Jeremiah Wright, interest- which was to the NAACP, placing so much emphasis on I quickly realized the perva- rying water for miles and ingly enough, stirred hope in President Obama continued the Gates incident and imply- sive nature of the restavek sys- miles. Why? Because Haiti’s millions of people when he his assault, as he said he ing that, “We are all equal, but tem. Unfortunately, many of infrastructure is so bad, 75 demonstrated his audacity to would, against the wrongdo- some of us are more equal than the children live in loveless percent of the country’s inhab- confidently run for the high- ings and irresponsibility of others”?As I said, my audac- situations where they are itants don’t have running est office in the land. His vic- Black men especially. No ity is strong, but my hope is given little value or dignity; water! Without further con- tory buoyed Black folks to concessions, just “tough fading. more often than not, the chil- text, watching this segment August 7, 2009/The Villager/Page 3 MUELLER’S SOLAR SUNFLOWERS BRING from Catellus, and an addi- TThehe Great Physician tional donation of $50,000 This column is by LadyLight NEW LIGHT TO PUBLIC ART from Applied Materials. The project will receive approxi- Dear Great Physician, Austin’s Largest mately $65,000 in solar re- There never seems to be enough of me to go around! It’s Public Art Project Spot- bates from Austin Energy’s seems almost impossible to juggle family, ministry, work, & Solar Program. my personal time with you! lights Creativity, Na- The SunFlowers’ pho- Frazzled ture and Sustainability tovoltaic panels were fabri- AUSTIN, Texas - July cated by Atlantis Energy Sys- Dear Frazzled, 31, 2009 - The view of Mueller tems and installed by Austin- from I-35 just got a little based Texas Solar Power Only one thing is required of you. brighter with the completion Company. Dennis Steel, Inc. Remember Martha and Mary? Mary sat at my feet. She of the larger-than-life solar of Leander produced the steel chose what was better and it could not be taken away from SunFlowers. Extending for structures. her. Find time each day to sit at my feet. I will keep you in nearly 540 feet and towering “SunFlowers - An Elec- perfect peace as your mind stays on me. 18 to 24 feet above a footpath, tric Garden” joins three other A man’s mind plans his course, but the Lord decides his these sculptures make up the nature-inspired public art in- steps. As you commit your ways to me, I will establish your largest public art project in stallations at Mueller — the plans. Trust in me with all of your heart and don’t lean on Austin history — in both size Spider, Pollen Grain and Austin’s largest public art project , th e Sun Flowers at Mueller your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge me and funding. Wigwam — all of which can use the solar energy they collect during the day to illuminate and I will make your paths straight. Created by artists Mags be found in Mueller’s South- at night. In the midst of my peace, you will have the knowledge Harries and Lajos Héder of west Greenway. Additional and wisdom necessary to both organize and accomplish your Harries/Héder Collabora- energy the SunFlowers are art.” public art pieces are planned daily tasks without stress. I do not expect you to supply all tive, “SunFlowers - An Elec- creating. The panels are an- The project was funded in future development at needs. I will supply all needs according to my riches in glory. tric Garden” consists of 15 ticipated to produce in excess by a $500,000 contribution Mueller. Love, flower-like sculptures de- of 18,000 kWh each year. The Great Physician signed to produce solar en- “Bringing art to public Luke 10:38-42 ergy and cast patterns of spaces is an important part of Isaiah 26:3 shade along the western edge the Mueller vision, and this Proverbs 16:9 of Mueller’s hike and bike trail project helps us bring that vi- Proverbs 16:3 during the day, using a small sion to reality in a big, bold Proverbs 3:5 portion of the solar energy way,” said Matt Whelan, se- Phillipians 4:19 they collect to illuminate the nior vice president of Catellus This column is by LadyLight. God taught her a long sculptures at night. The scope Development Group, master time ago that scripture is TRUTH and can be life changing of the project encourages a developer of Mueller. when it replaces deceptive thoughts. If you have comments or variety of perspectives from a “SunFlowers brings a unique would like prayer please send an e-mail to: distance or from the trail be- artistic element to one of the We can stretch your [email protected] low, either by daylight or as main entryways into Mueller. advertising budget.Just call us at they glow at nightfall. We see these sculptures be- Church news, announcement? “As we were designing coming a true icon for Austin 512.476.0082 If so, contact the Villager at 476-0082 the project we wanted to cre- along the most traveled road- ate something that captured way in Central Texas.” the soul of the community From a nationwide pool around them while also incor- of 37 candidates, SunFlowers porating Mueller’s commit- was one of four finalists cho- ment to sustainability,” said sen by a panel of visual art Héder. “In the SunFlowers we and design professionals. created an art installation that The selection process, facili- not only allows visitors to ex- tated with the help of the City perience art in a variety of of Austin’s Art in Public ways but also creates renew- Places program, included a able energy to help sustain it- period of community input in self.” which the public overwhelm- Each SunFlower col- ingly selected the SunFlowers lects solar energy through its design through Internet feed- DOUBLE “R” GROCERY self-contained photovoltaic back and comments submit- arrays enabling the sculp- ted at Austin City Hall and We cash ALL Tax Refund HOSPITAL PHARMACY tures to not only offer visual Clementine’s Coffee House. Serving Austin since 1970 interest, but to also sustain “Mueller is a model for Checks Let us Fill your next Perscription! their own energy needs as a variety of goals our commu- Check Out well as provide excess energy nity wants to achieve, and SAVE TIME to the grid. these SunFlowers are a vital Ask your doctor to call A new Web site step in the ongoing effort to your prescription in to us launched in conjunction with create more public art all over THE AIRPORT FLEE MARKET and we’ll have it ready for you the installation’s completion Austin,” said the city’s Art in Saturdays and Sundays when you get here! tracks the energy performance Public Places Administrator 2115 E. MLK Blvd. Austin, Texas 78702 of the SunFlowers. Visitors Megan Crigger. “Our hope is can log on to http:// www.PHRX.Net that by having a massive, per- 450l East Martin luther King Blvd. 512-476-7338 solarsunflowers.muelleraustin.com manent art installation in to learn more about the project such a visible location will Open Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sat 9 a.m. - Noon and access a dashboard indi- inspire other developers and cating the amount of clean businesses to embrace public 1149 Airport Blvd. Visit the church of your choice on Sunday

David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Agape Baptist Church Maranatha Faith Center In “The Centre” Bldg. F-15 7801 N. Lamar Blvd. (SE Corner of N Lamar and 183) 2211 East MLK Blvd. Office: 512-472-9748 Fax: 512-472-5399 4930 South Congress Avenue, C-302 512-750-4628 512-804-2537 AGAPE is a chuch for all people. “Where Jesus Christ is Magnified and the love He exhibited is Exemplified.” Come, receive God’s unconditional lovefor you. For there is no greater love! Jesus is Coming Again Sunday Services Church Services The church fellowship where everybody can be somebody! Discipleship Training 8:15 A.M. Sunday School 9:30 AM Sunday Services Sunday School 9:00 A.M. Sunday Worship 11:00 AM Sunday School 9:00-10:00 A.M. Mid-Week Service Worship 10:00 A.M. Thursday: Praise, Prayer and Bible Study 7:00 PM Morning Service 10:00 A.M. -12Noon Call 454-1547 for Transporation Wednesday Service 7:00 - 8:00 P.M. Rev. H. Ed Calahan Website www.agapebcaustintx.org Rev. Joseph C. Parker Jr. Nursery services available Floyd Fontenot, Jr., Pastor Pastor Pastor Floyd Fontenot, Sr., Founder JOSHUA CHAPEL CHRISTIAN METHODIST Imani Community Church St. Peter’s United Methodist Church4509 EPISCOPAL CHURCH Springdale Road 512- 926-1686 Fax 512-929-7281 1006 Yeager Lane, Suite 102-A Austin, Texas Davis Elementray Auditorium 5214 West Duval Road We invite you to come and worship with us Sunday School 9:00 A.M. Sunday Services Worship Service 10:00 A.M. Sunday Services •Power Hour Bible Study 6:30 P.M. Worship 8:30 A.M. Sunday School 10:00 A.M. Imani Complex, 1st and 4th Wednesday Sunday School 9:45 A.M Worship Service 11:00 A.M. Imani Complex & Office, Worship Service 11:00 A.M. WEDNESDAY Bible Study 6:30 P.M. SATURDAY New 11800 Mustang at Duval Austin, Texas 78727 Member Assimilation 10:00 A.M. Wednesday Rev. Jack C. Gause Pastor Evening Bible Study 6:00 P.M. Rev. Lois Hayes, Pastor Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn Donald-Mims AFRICAN ASSEMBLIES of GOD Rosewood Avenue Missionary Baptist Church Ebenezer Baptist Church 1820 Rosewood Avenue, Austin, Texas 78702 1010 East 10th Street 512-478-1875 Fax: 512-478-1892 CHURCH (512) 476-8201 Fax (512) 476-5693 Radio Ministry (KIXI 970 AM 9:00 A.M. A growing church ministering to African American and “Divine Enpowerment for Bold Ministries” TV Ministry (ACTV. Ch 32) 9:00 A.M. Bus Ministry Call 512-478-1875 other nationals Weekly Services Sunday Services Come worship with us Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 8:00 A.M. Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:00 A.M. Sunday Worship 11:30 A.M. Discipleship Training 10:00 A.M. Wed. Night Bible Fellowship 6:30 p.m. Worship Service 11:00 A.M. Wednesday Prayer Meeting 6:45 P.M. The Spencer & Ora Lee Nobles Place of Worship Wednesday “Hope Center” (512) 476-6722 The Church of Glad Tidings 2700 Northland Dr. Austin, TX 78756 Rev. Coby Shorter, III Midweek Prayer Service 7:00 P.M. For more information, contact Pastor Jonah Ghartey Website: Rev. Marvin C. Griffin Child Development Center Pastor Ages 0-5 years (Daily) 512-478-6709 512-873-8103 [email protected] Pastor www.rosewoodbaptistchurch.org Aligned with Matters Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church of Eternity 5900 Cameron Road Austin, Texas 78723-1843 St Annie A.M.E. Church (512) 451-0808 (512) 302-4575 Fax 1711 Newton Street Web Site - www.themount.net Austin, Texas 78704 Voice mail (512) 444-4509 WORSHIP SERVICES E-mail: [email protected] Sunday Worship - 7:45 a.m. & 11 a.m. Church School - 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 A.M. Bible Studies - Mon, 6:30 p.m. & Wed., 12 noon Morning services 10:45 A.M. Wednesday Night Worship - 7 p.m.

Rev. Derwin D. Gipson, Pastor “Ministries For Mankind” Luke 4:18 A.W.. Anthony Mays, Senior Pastor Page 4/THE VILLAGER/August 7, 2009 AUSTIN YOUTH JOIN COYABA DANCE County Clerk DeBeauvoir THEATER ON STAGE AT AKINS HIGH Receives National Honor SCHOOL IN “DESTINY” Award Recognizes “I have been fortunate County Government Work to see democracy unfolding and Service to Community here at home and across the (AUSTIN) – Travis globe,” DeBeauvoir said. County Clerk Dana “From the historic elections DeBeauvoir has been named in South Africa, to the 2009 Public Official of the Bangladeshand Bosnia, Po- Year by the National Associa- land and Kosovo, I have been tion of County Recorders, Elec- privileged to witness citizens tion Officials and Clerks express their unwavering (NACRC). DeBeauvoir re- commitment to democratic ceived the award at the ideals.” organization’s Installation Since being elected and Awards Banquet during County Clerk, DeBeauvoir the annual conference in also has modernized public Nashville this past weekend. ing high ethical standards, ef- records filing and expanded The award is the highest that fective and cost efficient man- access to civil court docu- NACRC presents to any mem- agement practices, the ben- ments, converting the cum- ber. efits of new technology and bersome paper-ladencesses NACRC’s Public Offi- high quality customer service to providing electronic cop- cial of the Year Award recog- to her office since she was ies and online accessibility. nizes the member who has elected in 1986,” Henderson In recent years, best exemplified a commit- said of DeBeauvoir at the lun- DeBeauvoir has received awards from the Texas Sec- Dance Umbrella presents an inspirational evening, re- ment to excellence in county cheon. butions, and the National retary of State in recognition Washington, D.C. - based vealing the power that art, government, as well as exhib- DeBeauvoir was cited Performance Network (NPN). of Travis County’s top spot Coyaba Dance Theatre (CDT) compassion, and commu- iting exemplary service to the for involvement in NACRC, Dance Umbrella is an NPN in voter turnout percentage for two performances of DES- nity can have on individual community they serve. including serving as co-chair Partner. This project is made among the top 15 counties. TINY at Akins High School, lives. The piece was inspired DeBeauvoir was nomi- of a NACRC Interest Group, possible in part by support DeBeauvoir currently Friday and Saturday, August by Soumah’s own life, who nated for the award by as well as her achievements from the NPN Performance leads the County Clerk’s 7th & 8th, 8:00 PM. The 11- grew up in the projects of in- Suzanne Henderson, Tarrant as County Clerk. Among Residency Program. Major 2009 Elections Study Group, member company will be ner-city Cincinnati. Her ex- County Clerk. For the past these are awards for security contributors of NPN include which is charged with mak- joined on stage by 27 Austin perience is a testament to the year, Henderson has served as measures adopted to protect the Doris Duke Charitable ing recommendations on fu- youth who have worked with power to change one’s own the National Association of the integrity of electronic vot- Foundation, the Ford Founda- ture voting systems to ensure the company over the past destiny. As a child, Soumah Counties’ (NACo) Represen- ing systems and national rec- tion, the National Endowment for that Travis County voters two weeks in the African received a scholarship to at- tative and is a past president ognition for efforts to estab- the Arts (a federal agency), have an accurate, fair, secure, Arts: Dance & Drum Camp. tend a dance camp which of NACRC. lish “retail voting” to increase MetLife Foundation, and the protransparent to the public, The African Arts: Dance & exposed her to a whole new “This year’s recipient convenience and accessibility Nathan Cummings Foundation. and accessible voting system. Drum Camp served to pro- world, and inspired her to DESTINY will be performed has devoted herself to bring- for voters. vide a very rare opportunity reach the success she enjoys Friday and Saturday, August Last Chance to Submit Nominations for the for Austin children to train today. DESTINY will feature 7th & 8th, 8:00 p.m. at Akins and perform with a profes- the 11-member dance and High School, 10701 South 1st Austin Music Memorial! sional company. Coyaba drum company with Austin Street. Children Under 12. Nomination Period for such as: songwriters, educators, of the grand opening of the Joe Dance Theater is a world- youth, in a colorful explo- Groups of 10 or more can get a 2010 Inductees Ends August 31 booking agents, lyricists, music R. and Teresa Lozano Long Cen- traveled, professional African sion of West African dance Discounted Group Rate. Con- AUSTIN, Texas — The directors, publishers, composers, ter for the Performing Arts on dance company that has and music on the Akins tact Dance Umbrella at 512- Austin Music Memorial pro- singers, venue owners, distribu- March 30, 2008. Ten more in- graced stages in Africa and stage.This presentation of 450-0456.For more informa- gram is still accepting nomina- tors, and non-commercial music ductees were honored in March Asia, as well as the Kennedy Coyaba Dance Theater has tion, visit the Dance Umbrella tions for individuals who have professionals. The instructions 2009. The engraved plaques are Center for the Performing Arts. been funded by the National website at made important contributions to and nomination form are avail- accessible to the public 24 hours Sylvia Soumah, the Director of Endowment for the Arts, City www.danceumbrella.comor the development of music and the able at www.cityofaustin.org/ a day on the Long Center City CDT, is one of a few female of Austin through the Cul- call 512-450-0456. Please Visit Austin music community. Nomi- music/memorial.htm. Terrace. directors of professional Afri- tural Arts Division, a grant :danceumbrella.com http:// nations for the 2010 class of in- The Austin City Council The Cultural Arts Divi- can dance companies in from the Texas Commission www.myspace.com/ ductees are being accepted will select the 2010 inductees, sion provides leadership and America. DESTINY promises on the Arts, private contri- floydgroh through August 31, 2009. each of which will be honored management for the City’s cul- There are three eligibility with a personalized engraved tural arts programs and for the Austin listed as one of the nation’s requirements for each nominee: disc on the City Terrace at the development of arts and cul- o Deceased for three years induction ceremony in March tural industries. The Cultural prior to August 31, 2009 2010. Arts Division is responsible for newest Preserve America Communities o Contributed to Austin The Austin Music Memo- the Cultural Arts Funding Pro- Austin, TX. (Aug. 3)—At music rial is a program of the Cultural grams, Art In Public Places Pro- a reception at the historic o Been from, worked, or Arts Division of the City of Aus- gram, community-based arts de- Elisabet Ney Museum in lived in/around Austin tin Economic Growth and Rede- velopment, and programs to as- Hyde Park, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Nominees do not have to velopment Services Office and sist the development of music, Doggett, Mayor Lee be famous musicians, and their approved by Austin City Coun- film, and creative industries in Leffingwell, and City Man- contributions toward the devel- cil on July 26, 2007. The first 10 Austin. For more information, ager Marc A. Ott announced opment of music in Austin can inductees of the Austin Music visit www.ci.austin.tx.us/rede- today that the City of Austin be from any music-related aspect, Memorial were honored as part velopment/cad.htm. has earned designated as one of the nation’s “Preserve America Communities.” This prestigious and significant national designation recog- Lee Leffingwell nizes communities that pro- America Community.” Sev- visit www.cityofaustin.org. tect and celebrate their heri- eral benefits come with this About Preserve America tage; use their historic assets designation including: Preserve America is a for economic development * White House recog- federal initiative that encour- and community revitaliza- nition ages and supports community tion; and encourage people to * Eligibility for Pre- efforts to preserve and enjoy experience and appreciate lo- serve America grants our priceless cultural and cal historic resources through * Preserve America natural heritage. Since the education and heritage tour- Community road sign program’s inception in 2003, ism programs. * Enhanced commu- the former First Lady of the Several of Austin’s his- nity visibility and pride. United States, Laura Bush has toric organizations that sup- Since 2006 more than served as the Honorary Chair port local preservation and $20 million in Preserve of Preserve America. In March history attended the cer- America Grants have been 2009 President Barack Obama emony to celebrate this newly awarded to 259 projects in 49 signed the Omnibus Public acclaimed status. Among states. In 2008, a total of $7.2 Land Management Act that those in attendance were the million was available. Aus- includes support of the Pre- Austin History Center, His- tin is now eligible to apply serve America and Save toric Landmark Commission, for these grant funds which America’s Treasures Act, Heritage Society, Austin Con- support research, planning, former H.R. 3981/S.226. De- vention & Visitors Bureau. marketing, interpretation tailed information on all as- Austin joins more than and training efforts. pects of this initiative can be 700 communities across the For additional infor- found at country as a “Preserve mation call (512) 974-2969 or www.preserveamerica.gov.

At the Villager, we can stretch your advertising budget. Just call us at

MYEC 512.476.0082 youth brigade AUM Is Steadily Gaining Momentum August 7, 2009/THE VILLAGER/page 5 By Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon - Villager Columnist The African Diaspors Section By Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon Toungara Sandals

Some venders of the Austin Urban Market Photo by Tsoke Adjavon.

After successfully or- seek to organize more mar- booth at a reasonable price. ganizing vendors for The ket events in the community. Finally, the Austin Ur- Villager’s 36th anniversary, They seek more involvement ban Market seeks to expose Don and his wife Sharon from Austin’s local and gov- local vendors, who have qual- Toungara Sandals owner, Alpha Oumar. Photo by Tsoke Adjavon. Ellerby came with an idea of ernment sponsorships. ity products to sell in Central, creating a market where Since the majority of the Texas. Through this market, As another week comes Guinea and raised in the village of Tombon, which is vendors would purchase a vendors and clients are lo- local businesses such as upon us, The Diaspora will Senegal, West Africa. After located in the mountainous booth to sell their products. cal, then the businesses that Aida’s Jewelry, Clothes and be writing about an innova- graduating from high-school, region of the Fouta Jallon of With the sponsorship of the invest through sponsor- Shoes were able to present tor whose ideas generate prof- he went to college in Morocco, Guinea. Each sandal is Villager, Don and Sharon ships get more exposure their products to the public. its. The innovative ideas of North Africa. While going to made of goatskin while the were able to organize their within the community. Fur- Also a Miracle on Top, owned this individual prove that he college, his friend who was soles are made from tires. first market on Saturday, thermore, the local officials by LaMetrica (Tina) Johnson is both an entrepreneur and a attending the University of Also, the glue used on the August 1, 2009 between the need to show support by was able to expose her hair humanitarian which are rare Texas at Austin convinced shoes is from tree sap. Fur- hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 sending representatives to care services. For the moment qualities. Our entrepreneur him to transfer to UT at Aus- thermore, the artisans hand PM. Approximately 15 ven- the Austin Urban Market LaMetrica has a mobile salon and humanitarian’s name is tin. In 2008, Alpha trans- craft the shoes using tools dors attended the first Aus- whose intention is to spur that takes care of her clients’ Alpha Oumar, who is origi- ferred to UT where he is rather than machines; con- tin Urban Market who sold economic development east hair. And also African Vi- nally from Guinea, West Af- studying electronic/ad- sequently, each pair is items such a books, food, of Interstate 35. Moreover, sions owned by Ellerby were rica. Although Alpha is miles vanced technologies with a unique. Through Alpha’s sandals, women shoes and the Austin Urban Market is able to sell natural hair & skin away from Guinea, his non- focus on renewable energy. Toungara Sandals is non- clothing apparel. Another thankful for the sponsor- care and unique African de- profit Toungara Sandal busi- Although he is studying at profit, each pair of shoes that vendor had a massage ship of The Villager, which cor. Hopefully, we will see ness in Central Texas is help- UT, Alpha has already is purchased goes back to the parlour; while another ven- allowed them to use their fa- more of these markets which ing to provide jobs for people started a non-profit organi- artisans. As a result the non- dor offered hair weaving cility for free. In term, this would recycle local dollars living in Guinea, who tend to zation called Toungara San- profit shoe business helps a and braiding. helped the Austin Urban into the local economy of Cen- make less than one dollar a dals. countless number of fami- Moreover, the Ellerbys Market to sell the vendors tral Texas. day. Toungara Sandals are lies in Guinea while being Alpha was born in handmade by artisans in the environmentally friendly.

President Obama’s health in- ing the doctors and nurses cess to anyone who desires surance bill is beneficial to all administrative work. Sec- health insurance. In other Americans in numerous ondly, it would increase the words, lack of insurance can- ways. First of all, the choice of insurance compa- not deny a person health cov- president’s health insurance nies that an individual can erage because of pre-existing will lower the cost by reduc- use. Thirdly, it will give ac- condition.

Food was provided by Lula Mae’s Catering. Photo by Tsoke Adjavon. Organizing for America By Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon - Villager Columnist

Organizing for America reform program. Organizing 3% which is more than is a continuation of President for America believes that wages. Consequently Orga- Obama’s presidential cam- health insurance is in a dire nizing for America is seeking paign geared toward health situation which needs to be for a better passage of health insurance reform, clean en- fixed urgently. According to insurance reform so that ergy and education. Approxi- Mike with Organizing for Americans can be alleviated mately two month ago, Orga- America, people are either from the heavy cost of health nizing for America has been under-insured or some others insurance. Organizing for active in President Obama’s don’t have health insurance. America seeks to pass health health insurance reform. And Furthermore, he stated that 47 insurance information for the past two weeks, Orga- million Americans don’t have through mobilizing people all nizing for America has been insurance. Within the 47 mil- around the United States and active in Central Texas. Orga- lion non-insured there are 5.5 especially Central Texas. Cur- nizing for America mobilizes million adult Texans and 1.5 rently they are making phone people in order to show million children in Texas. On calls to either recruit volun- elected officials that the the other hand, under-in- teers or to get declarations of people have a desire to see sured individuals tend to ac- supports. They have been health industry reformed. cumulate medical debt be- canvassing neighbourhoods Furthermore, Organizing for cause their insurance policies throughout the Austin area. America seeks to counter the don’t cover all of their needs. Furthermore, they have posi- ideas of those who oppose the And also, health insurance tioned themselves along high president’s health insurance premiums are increasing by traffic areas to speak to people about health insurance re- form. Finally, organized ral- lies tend to show support be- tween elected officials and their constituent. According to Mike with Organizing for America,

We Need YOU!

Advertise in the AA Awareness VILLAGER Page 6/THE VILLAGER/August 7, 2009 Georgetown mother fights to stop ACT-SO to host reception Austin Area ACT-SO 31st National ACT-SO Compe- petition, with winners repre- school bullies (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Tech- tition held during the Centen- senting Austin in the national nological, and Scientific Olym- nial NAACP National Conven- competition. High school stu- By: Karina Kling pics) will hold its annual recog- tion in New York City on July 8- dents are encouraged to attend A Georgetown mother is nition and informational recep- 12. ACT-SO, sponsored locally this reception and enroll in the taking legal action to try to tion on Sunday, August 16, 2009, by the Austin Branch of the 2009-10 ACT-SO Program. For stop school bullying. 3:30 PM, at the Carver Branch NAACP, is a yearlong enrich- more information, contact Polly After almost six years of Library. This reception recog- ment program for African- Street, Austin Area ACT-SO what she calls bullying and nizes the National competitors American high school students Coordinator, at 928-1390 or 497- sexual harassment against her who recently returned from the that culminates with a local com- 4342. son, Kime Mitchell filed a fed- eral lawsuit against the Georgetown Independent TxDOT to Offer Violation Fee Reduction School District for failing to protect her son at school. for Thousands of Toll Accounts When we first spoke with Mitchell and her son back Texas Transporta- time. Once the program Texas and Loop 49 in in April, she brought out all tion Commission votes is finalized, TxDOT will Tyler, nearly $3.2 mil- the letters she’d written to to create toll violation Georgetown ISD, played ha- contact those eligible for lion are owed in unpaid Jim Harrington and Kime Mitchell rassing phone messages left recovery program fee reduction through tolls and $58.4 million SAN ANGELO, TX for her son, and even showed “Georgetown is aware of has been tripped, choked and direct mailings to the are owed in unpaid vio- doctor’s notes documenting this very serious, dangerous called gay or racial slurs. She - Delinquent toll payers home or business ad- lation fees. The depart- physical abuse. problem,” Harrington said. said he now suffers from se- may soon get a break on dress associated with ment is optimistic that “It doesn’t matter what “It has and hasn’t taken any vere depression. violation fees under a the vehicle’s license many of the approxi- I do to protect my son, noth- action.” “Emotionally my son, ing ever gets better,” she said. The district superinten- he has changed. He used to onetime toll violation plate. mately 140,000 recovery program ap- It was abuse her son said dent responded through a have the type of personality “For our bond-fi- accountholders in vio- made him scared to go to statement. Dr. Abbe Boring that would light up this room proved Thursday at the nanced toll roads, lation will take advan- school. said she cannot comment on and that has definitely Texas Transportation TxDOT has a responsi- tage of this one-time of- “When I get on the bus the case, but said “the changed,” Mitchell said. Commission’s monthly bility to collect toll rev- fer. After the program and go to school, I already Georgetown Independent She hopes through this know what’s going to hap- School District takes all alle- lawsuit, she can not only meeting. In approving enues to repay bond- concludes, the depart- the measure, the state’s pen,” Mitchell’s son said. gations of harassment and help make her son’s final holders. In addition, ment will begin filing in Now, she’s taking bullying very seriously. The years of high school a little five transportation com- skipping on paying a court to collect the tolls action. Mitchell filed a federal Board has in place and en- better, but keep such harass- missioners directed toll, when other drivers and fees owed to the lawsuit against the district forces numerous policies that ment from happening to Texas Department of are doing the right thing state, which will result Wednesday. prohibit such behavior by other kids. This issue has become students and employees of Mitchell’s son will be Transportation (TxDOT) and paying their bills in an escalation of vio- staff to develop a pro- a lot more significant and se- the District.” entering a different school just isn’t right,” said lation and court fees. rious problem with schools The U.S. Department of within the district this year. gram that would reduce Phillip Russell, TxDOT This offer will not in Texas and across the Education Office of Civil Mitchell said she’s unable to the violation fees ac- assistant executive di- apply to violations on country,” Texas Civil Rights Rights also recently investi- move him to a different dis- crued on delinquent toll rector for innovative non-TxDOT toll roads, Project Director Jim gated a complaint issued trict, due to her health and fi- Harrington said. Harrington against the district of alleged nancial situation. School dis- accounts, while requir- project development. such as those operated ing the individual to said, since presented with discrimination. The case, trict officials said anti-bully- “While the department by the North Texas Mitchell’s case, he tried to however, was closed back in ing and anti-harassment open a TxTag account can and will take viola- Tollway Authority, the work with the district to May, due to insufficient evi- programs are in place at all and pay all tolls accrued tors to court, our goal is Central Texas Regional change its bullying and dence. schools within the district. in full. to develop a strong cus- Mobility Authority or sexual harassment policies, Mitchell said her son Final details of the tomer base that pays in the Harris County Toll At the toll violation recovery full and on time. Offer- Road Authority and offer have not yet been ing a toll violation re- rental car companies Villager we can stretch your determined, but will be covery program is one will be excluded from advertising budget. announced in coming more way we can help participation in this pro- weeks. In addition to those who – for what- gram. Just call us at 512.476.0082 opening a TxTag ac- ever reason – haven’t Toll road users count, those who take paid their tolls bring may inquire about the advantage of the offer their account up to date status of their account will be required to keep and keep it that way.” by calling the TxTag that account in good On Loop 1, SH 130 Customer Service Cen- standing for a period of and SH 45N in Central ter at 1-888-468-9824. Federal Probe of Texas Dragging Death Demanded By. Jesse Muhammad Special to the NNPA from the Final Call PARIS, Texas (NNPA) - In a time when many Americans are caught up in the euphoria of a so-called ‘’post-racial’’ era, a Stop renting crowd of Black and White pro- testers angrily squared off dur- ing a rally here over the dragging death of Brandon McClelland. With the book now closed on local legal action, the family and supporters are gathering A member of the McClelland family sends a message.Photo by signatures on a petition to call Jesse Muhammad/The Final Call on U.S. Attorney General Eric reminiscent of the 1950s and Muhammad of the Nation of Is- Holder to intervene immediately 1960s as a few of the White lam. “We declare Shannon and initiate a federal probe into skinheads yelled, “Go back to Finley and Charles Crostley the case. Africa” at the Black crowd. And guilty. We declare Toby Shook “President Obama, you tell some young Blacks encouraged guilty.” your Attorney General Eric them to cross the sheriff The two White males Holder to get down here to Paris, department’s human barrier for were initially charged with the Texas, and give these White boys a fight. murder of Mr. McClelland who some Texas justice,” yelled The attempt by Lamar was dismembered after being Hashim Nzinga of the New County law enforcement to es- dragged over 70 feet down a Black Panther Party. “Prosecute tablish “protest zones” was Lamar County road. His body these White beasts.” thwarted when each side de- was discovered on the morning The demonstration cided to meet head on in divid- of Sept. 16. headed by members of the New ing streets. Their heated confron- “Lack of evidence? When Black Panther Party and local tation drew a helicopter and ap- we went out to the scene there Paris activists was countered by proximately 40 state police in full were still pieces of Brandon’s White skinhead Nazis waving riot gear. skin and skull on the side of the flags and reportedly a few KKK Paris resident and Neo road,” said a cousin of the vic- members sprinkled amongst the Nazi member Antony Somers tim. “They murdered him.” crowd but not in traditional said, “Leave! Leave our town “Black Power!” “White white sheet attire. alone. Just get the hell out of here Power!” shouted the two op- “Let them vent what they and leave us alone.” posing groups back and forth. want to vent. They will never be The Blacks, numbering No punches were exchanged happy. They still going to be nearly 200, called for a “street and Mr. Somers was arrested for Black, they still going to be poor trial” with the protest held the reported disorderly conduct. and on welfare,” said KKK mem- same day originally for the trial “I am happy to see ber Rocky Banks. of Shannon Finley, who had people still coming out to sup- “We are peaceful people. been charged in connection with port,” Jacqueline McClelland, But if we are provoked then we the death. He was released along mother of Brandon have to handle our business,” with Charles Crostley in June McClelland, told The Final said James Blackwell of the after special prosecutor Toby Call. “This will only get Tarrant County Local Organiz- Shook dismissed the charges for worse. I want justice for my ing Committee. “But we have to what he called “lack of strong son. I am going to continue to stay focused on what we came evidence.” The trial was to take fight this until the end.” to do and not worry about that place in Sulphur Springs, 40 The fight is intensifying. trash over there.” miles outside of Paris. “This is a serious cover The KKK members did not “A trial was supposed to up,” Krystal Muhammad of live up to pre-media hype that take place today but since they New Black Panther Party told For information call had law enforcement on high did not do it, we have taken the The Final Call. “We can’t let alert but the scene July 21 was trial to the streets,” said Deric them get away with this.” Gary Wardian at (512) 350-1272 MBE/WBE/HUB August 7, 2009/THE VILLAGER/Page 7 EMPLOYMENT/BIDS/ said to be spreading in the “Boko Haram”, which means Austin Filter Systems is so- Clinton to northern mostly Muslim “Western Education Prohib- PROPOSALS/PUBLIC/ liciting Minority & Women Owned Business Enterprise participation for Visit Nigeria as states. ited” in the local Hausa lan- INFORMATION/ the City of Austin Oak Lawn Neigh- From an outbreak in guage. borhood Storm Drainage System Im- Tensions in Bauchi state two days ago, The country’s 150 mil- FOR SALE/FOR RENT/MISC provements, Bid Date: August 6, violence has been reported in lion people are split almost City of AustinPurchasing 2009, CIP #: 5789.033. Please list North Heat Up Borno, Kano, Adamawa, equally between Muslims what areas your company is inter- Sokoto, and Zamfara. Islam- and Christians and the two OfficeAdvertisements08/03/2009 ested in bidding and return a quote Special to the NNPA ists have told the government groups generally live peace- On October 2, 1995, a revision to the City’s MBE/WBE DBEs by 8:00 AM August 6, 2009. Plans from GIN of President Umaru Musa fully side by side, but the rise Ordinance became effective. The Ordinance establishes new goals for MBE/ are available at the Austin area plan (GIN) – Secretary of Yar’Adua that their mission of religious tensions in recent WBE or DBE Participation Bid/Proposal. Bidders are required to docu- rooms and our office. For further as- State Hillary Clinton will be ment efforts to solicit MBE/WBE or DBEs in the Compliance Plan. The sistance please contact Dan at is to install the practice of to- years is seemingly widening visiting the oil-rich nation of Goals for each project and the instructions and forms for the Compliance [email protected] or call 512/331- tal Islam in states with large the Muslim-Christian fissure. Plan are included in the MBE/WBE or DBE Program Packet included in the 6673. Nigeria from Aug 10-12 populations of Muslims. At least 100 are re- solicitation. For construction contracts, the MBE/WBE or DBE Program where a religious uprising is The group calls itself ported dead in the violence. Packet is a separately bound volume of the Project Manual. ALL BIDS Bids are being solicited for AND COMPLIANCE PLANS NOT RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE DATE Employees Retirement System of AND TIME SET FORTH WILL BE RETURNED TO THE BIDDER Texas Renovation Projects for ERS UNOPENED. SPECIAL NOTICE: Solicitations issued on behalf of the 1st and 3rd Floors (Project # 327-910- Electric Utility Dept. (Austin Energy) are no longer advertised in the 65(7-2009)) by Rogers-O’Brien Austin American Statesman. Notices will be posted on the City of Austin Construction (R-O), 3901 S. Lamar Purchasing website at: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/purchase Blvd., Ste. 200, Austin, TX 78704. A. CONSTRUCTION ADVERTISEMENTS - ALL CONSTRUC- Bids are due to R-O on August TION SEALED BIDS addressed to the City of Austin will be received 12th, 2009 before 2pm, and may be PRIOR TO date and time indicated for the following project(s), in the delivered, submitted by fax at 512- Reception Area, 10th FL., Ste. 1045, Contract and Land Management 486-3801 or emailed to Department, CLMD, One Texas Center (OTC), 505 Barton Springs Rd., [email protected]. Austin, TX, then publicly opened and read aloud in the 10th FL. Confer- Contact Lorena Liendo at 512-486- ence Room, Ste. 1045, unless otherwise indicated in the advertisement. All 6317 for more information on pro- Bids received after the time set forth will be returned to the bidder un- curement of plans, specifications and opened. The OWNER’s Official opening the Bids shall establish the time other contract documents. This for opening of the Bids. All Bid Deposits are refundable upon return of phase of the project includes inte- documents within the specified time frame and in good condition, unless rior demolition and interior finish out otherwise indicated. UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, Project Manu- of the 1st and 3rd floor. R-O reserves als, Plans and Addenda may be obtained at the Office of Engineering De- the right to reject any or all bids. R- sign & Surveying, PWD, Ste. 760, OTC. First time bidders are encouraged O is an Equal Opportunity Em- to attend the pre-bid conference to assure their understanding of Owner’s ployer. All MBE/WBE/HUB sub- bidding and contracting requirements, particularly M/WBE Procurements contractors/suppliers are strongly Program requirements. Cashiers or Certified Check Payable to the City of encouraged to submit proposals. Austin or acceptable Bid Bond must accompany each bid. Bidders will be Please add this important project on required to provide Payment/Performance bonds as specified in the bid- your bid schedule. ding documents. The City reserves the right to reject any and all Bids and to waive any informality in the bids received. Austin Bidders must attend any Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference and are encouraged to attend any non-mandatory Pre-Bid Conference to ensure Community their understanding of Owner’s bidding and contracting requirements, par- College ticularly MBE/WBE Procurement Program requirements. If the Pre-Bid Conference is mandatory the Bidder must arrive and sign-in within fifteen New Jobs for the (15) minutes of the scheduled start time of the meeting, otherwise the Week of 08/03/09 Bidder will not be allowed to submit a Bid for the project. 1. NORTHERN WALNUT CREEK TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS Coordinator, Transfer (STIMULUS FUNDS) (CIP 8921 8607 0139). IFB 6100 CLMC075. Services Pickup bid docs at OTC, Ste 760, Attn: Gabriel Stan 974-7151 after 8/3/ Highland Business Center 09. A refundable deposit of $200 is required. For info: Chris Dry, 974- Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. 9474. A Vendor Conf will be held at OTC, 505 Barton Springs Rd, 3rd Flr, - 5:00 p.m. Rm. 325, Austin, TX 78704 at 3:00P on 8/11/09. Offers due prior to 9:00A $3,174-$3,968/Monthly on 8/27/09. Compliance plans due prior to 1:00P on 8/27/09. Offers will be Job #0907016 opened on 8/27/09 at 1:00P. Administrator, Senior 2. WESTGATE BOULEVARD EXTENSION (CIP 8071 6207 Systems 9056). IFB 6100 CLMC078. Pickup bid docs at OTC, Ste., 760, Attn: Service Center Gabriel Stan 974-7151 after 8/3/09. A refundable deposit of $100 is re- Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. quired. For info: Rustin Roussel, 974-7159. A MANDATORY Vendor - 5:00 p.m. Conf will be held at OTC, 505 Barton Springs Rd, 10th Flr, STE 1000 $4,466-$5,583/Monthly Conf. Rm, Austin, TX 78704 at 1:00P on 8/12/09. Offers due prior to Job #0907021 10:00A on 9/10/09. Compliance plans due prior to 2:00P on 9/10/09. Of- Clerk, Duplication/Mail fers will be opened on 9/10/09 at 2:00P. Room For information call 3. CIRCLE C RANCH MOPAC TRANSMISSION MAIN(CIP Cypress Creek 3960 2207 2049). IFB 6100 CLMC072. Pickup bid docs at Austin Water Monday - Friday, 1:00 p.m. Gary Wardian at (512) 350-1272 Utility, 625 E 10th St., 5th Floor Ste., 515 Austin, TX 78701 after 8/3/09. - 10:00 p.m. A non - refundable deposit of $75 is required. Please make check out to $2,239/Monthly Murfee Engineering Co. For info: Phillip Jaeger, 972-0232. A MANDA- Job #0907023 TORY Vendor Conf will be held at Austin Water Utility, 625 E 10th St., Assistant III, Administrative 5th floor Ste., 500 Austin, TX 78701 at 2:00P on 8/12/09. Offers due prior Eastview Campus NOW AVAILABLE to 11:30A on 8/27/09. Compliance plans due prior to 3:30P on 8/27/09. Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. Offers will be opened on 8/27/09 at 3:30P. - 5:00 p.m. B. SERVICES AND SYSTEMS CONTRACTING. Solicitations $2,256-$2,820/Monthly will be issued, and sealed bids or proposals may be received at the Purchas- Job #0907024 ing Office, Municipal Building, 124 W. 8th St., 3rd floor, Room 308/310, Specialist, Workforce telephone number (512) 974-2500, Austin, TX until the dates and times Tutoring specified on following item(s): Eastview Campus B. SOLICITATION SERVICES AND SYSTEMS Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. 1. RFP MRH1041 AVIATION INSURANCE.A Vendor Conf - 5:00 p.m. will be held 124 W. 8th Str, 3rd Flr Conf. Rm at 9:00A on 8/27/09. Offers due $2,369-$2,961/Monthly prior to 2:00P on 9/9/09. Job #0907029 2. RFP MSO0038 WEB AGENDA MANAGEMENT SYS- Administrator, IT Applica- TEM. A Vendor Conf will be held at 301 W. 2nd St., Rm. 1101 at 10:00A tions on 8/13/09. Offers due prior to 1:00P on 9/8/09. Service Center 3. RFP MSO0037 PHYSICAL RECORDS MANAGEMENT Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. SYSTEM. A Vendor Conf will be held at 124 W. 8th St., 3rd Fl. Conf. Rm. at - 5:00 p.m. 1:00P on 8/14/09. Offers due prior to 1:00P on 9/10/09. $3,858-$4,823/Monthly THE CITY OF AUSTIN HEREBY NOTIFIES ALL OFFERORS Job #09070 THAT IN REGARD TO ANY CONTRACT ENTERED INTO PURSU- Apply at HR ANT TO THIS ADVERTISEMENT; MINORITY BUSINESS ENTER- 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd. PRISES WILL BE AFFORDED EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES TO SUB- 6th Floor, Austin, TX 78752 MIT OFFERS IN RESPONSE TO THIS INVITATION AND WILL NOT Job Line (512) 223-5621 BE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST ON THE GROUNDS OF RACE, hhtp://www/austincc.ed COLOR, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR DISABILITY IN CONSID- EEO/AA/M/F/D/V ERATION FOR AN AWARD. Employment JANITORIAL WORKERS NEEDED ISS Facility Services, Inc. has open- PUBLIC NOTICE ings for supervisory, floor men, and MetroAccess Policy Changes general cleaners for part-time Capital Metro is proposing changes to MetroAccess, and we want evening employment. Apply at ISS your feedback. We invite you to attend an Open House to learn about the Facility Services, Inc. Austin, M-F, changes and give us your input. between 4-6 pm, 8101 Cameron Tuesday, August 11 Road # 304. ISS Facility Services, Austin Community College, South Austin Campus Inc. is an Equal opportunity Em- 1820 W. Stassney Lane ployer (EOE) and promotes a Di- 6 – 7:30 p.m. verse Workforce. Bus routes: 3, 311 Wednesday, August 12 Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center 4800 N. Lamar 6 – 7:30 p.m. Bus routes: 1L/1M, 101, 338 Thursday, August 13 Conley-Guerrero Senior Activity Center 808 Nile Street 6 – 7:30 p.m. Bus routes: 2, 17, 300 Capital Metro has proposed five MetroAccess program changes At the that, if implemented, will help reduce telephone hold times and increase the dependability of the scheduled time for your trips. If approved, the Villager, we changes would occur after repairs to the automated phone system are completed. Additionally, we’re adding new Web-based reservation and can stretch cancellation tools that will allow customers to schedule and cancel trips 24 Classified Directory of African hours a day, seven days a week, as well as receive trip itineraries via email your the day before their travel. For additional information on these changes visit the Capital Metro advertising American Owned and Operated in website at www.capmetro.org ADA Accommodations for Communications: budget. Just Austin and the Surrounding area. Capital Metro strives for inclusion. Materials at the meetings will be available in Large Print and Braille. To request other accommodations call us at under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please call 512-389-7583 in $2.00 each. Call 476-0082 advance of the meeting, or email [email protected]. 512.476.0082 Page 8/The Villager/AugustVillagerVillagerVillager 7, 2009 SportsvilleSportsvilleSportsville

Hooker is 2-sport athlete, winner of Big 12 honors

Destinee Hooker has helped propel the Longhorns and was the top female high As part of the Big 12 se- In a news release had an exceptional season as to a Big 12 title for the second jumper throughout the sea- lection process nominees are Destinee said, “This is such a a member of the University of year in a row. With 4.89 points son. chosen by each institution great blessing to be named Big Texas Longhorns. She is a per set she led the Big 12 and Previous UT athletes and evaluated by media rep- 12 Athlete of the Year. It is a star both in volleyball and in was second in kills per set who were Big 12 Athletes of resentatives on athletic perfor- little bit of a shock because of track and field, and she has with 4.10 and was seventh in the Year were Cat Osterman, mance, academic status and the other females in the league been chosen the sixth UT fe- hitting percentage (.322). softball, 2005-06; Vince community involvement. that were also nominated and male and 11th person at UT to Hooker, who will be 22 on Young, football, 2005-06; Cat This year for the first time fans are equally deserving of the be chosen Big 12 Athlete of the September 7, was selected for Osterman, softball, 2004-05; were given a chance to vote honor. I couldn’t have done Year. three Big 12 Player of the Derrick Johnson, football, online at Big12Sports.com, this without both of my coach- During the volleyball Week honors. 2004-05; Cat Osterman, soft- with the results factored into ing staffs, my parents and my By George Hardin By George Hardin season for 2008-09, Hooker As a high jumper, ball, 2002-03; Erin Aldrich, the final voting. teammates.” SportsBeat played in 33 matches and Hooker competed both in- volleyball/track and field, A junior and a resident The parents of Destinee doors and outdoors. She was 1999-00; Suziann Reid, track of San Antonio, Hooker is the and Marshevet are Ricky the first person to gain victo- and field, 1998-99; Ricky Wil- younger sister of Marshevet Hooker, who was drafted by ries in the indoor and outdoor liams, football, 1998-99; Vera Hooker, a former Longhorn the San Antonio Spurs and high jump competitions since Ilyina, diving, 1997-98; and who ran the 200 meters in the also played basketball in Eu- 2004. She led the nation with Nanceen Perry, track and 2008 Olympics in Beijing, rope, and Marvetta, who also a height of 6-3.25 feet (1.91m) field, 1996-97. placing fifth. was a track and field star. Hall of Fame inductions bypass Emmett Ashford By George Hardin SportsBeat The recent annual in- the New York Yankees and grated the Brooklyn Dodgers of Fame, Rachel Robinson ductions into the National the Cleveland Indians. Gor- roster in 1947, that did not wrote, “I have intimate Baseball Hall of Fame and don hit 246 home runs, more eliminate the barrier for um- knowledge of the challenges Museum give an indication than any other American pires, coaches and other offi- he faced. At that time in as to what is happening in the Leaguers, during his career. cials. Ashford was nearing America, the need for social All-American sport. Rickey It is instructive to the end of his career, at the age change was intense and still Henderson, Jim Rice and Joe see not only who is selected of 51, when he joined the ma- to come. Mr. Ashford carried “Flash” Gordon are this but also who is not chosen jors. He retired at age 56, hav- out the role with great skill, year’s inductees—recipients for the Hall of Fame. Emmett ing gone one year beyond the determination and courage, of baseball’s most coveted Ashford, the trailblazing recommended age. thereby, creating opportuni- honor. Their names, images black umpire, is among those Ashford was known ties for others to follow him.” and records will be en- promoted for the honor who for being unfailingly polite “The letter carries shrined in the Hall of Fame at didn’t make it this year. even when angry players ob- significant presence,” said Cooperstown, N.Y., as a tes- Ashford broke the color bar- jected to his calls and berated Hall of Fame spokesman Brad tament to their prowess on rier for major league umpires him. One account states that Horn. He said it “adds a great the field. in 1965 when he joined the Tom Trash of the New York deal of credibility to the Henderson holds the American League after 15 Yankees was upset over a dis- cause.” Destinee Hooker record for the most steals years in the minors. He called puted call but he could not Arrangements are al- (1,406), the most runs scored his first major league game in remain angry after Ashford ready in the works for the (2,295), and he was chosen for 1966. Former players and repeatedly said, “Now 2010 Hall of Fame weekend, 10 All-Star games during his coaches have boosted his Tommy,,, now Tommy.” which will take place in 25-year career as a player on name. Also promoting his in- A smart dresser, Cooperstown July 23-26. The the roster of nine teams. clusion in the HOF is his Ashford wore French cuffs induction ceremony is set for Rice was an All-Star daughter, Adrienne Bratton, with his white shirt and black July 25. Adrienne Bratton will for eight times while with the 67. She is being supported by uniform, elegant cuff links continue to seek additional Boston Red Sox. He ended his Rachel Robinson, the widow and shiny black shoes. He supporters in her effort to see career with 382 home runs, of Jackie Robinson, along was an expert salsa dancer that her father is enshrined in 1,451 RBIs, and an average of with many others. Ashford and his fancy footwork as he the baseball Hall of Fame. .298. was unable to move up to the made his calls, with gusto and Meanwhile, she teaches salsa Gordon, known as a majors because of the color gestures, endeared him to dancing, the activity her fa- superior second baseman, barrier until 1965 because fans. ther loved, in her hometown died in 1978. He played with when Jackie Robinson inte- In a letter to the Hall of Los Angeles.

Emmett Ashford

Rickey Henderson Jim Rice

Aug 13 Dallas @ Oakland 10:00 pm