POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 1

P OINT OF V IEW www.afampointofview.com Our Community News Magazine september 1, 2014 OR FOREVER HOLD VOTE! YOUR COMPLAINTS By Frederick A. Hurst 688 Boston Road his political season has seen our small WHAT’S SMARTER – PAYING staff meeting with OF DEBTS OR INVESTING? T many more candidates for “Assuming you have adequate office in Massachusetts emergency savings – typically three than ever before in Point of to six months worth of living View’s almost eleven years expenses – should you pay off debts, of operation. It has been or fund your IRA or another invest- both fun and exhausting, ment account?” but most importantly, it Provided By Walter D. Woodgett – 11 has been informative. We didn’t request a DESPERATION meeting with any candi- TRANSCENDS AGENDAS AND date. Every candidate we UNIFIES CAUSES met with reached out to us “…the fact of the matter is that agen- for a meeting presumably das should not always invoke nega- because they felt it was Point of View with their photos. In candidates running for office. The tive connotations. Agendas are sim- important enough to merit their time. this issue, we have included short governor’s race was especially diffi- ply what an individual or a group is We certainly agree with them and though we did not print press releas- summaries and photos of all of the cult. As you probably noticed by our committed to. Agendas are really a es, we offered each of them an candidates we met with in our politi- last issue, even our family couldn’t set of goals that can be applied to opportunity to write a 500-word arti- cal pull-out section (pages 5,6, 35 & agree on the best choice. Marjorie our personal and professional lives.” cle about their background and why 36). (Also see “Point of View Hurst opted for Martha Coakley, By Kirk Smith – 15 they were running for office. The Primary Endorsements” on page 26). while Justin and Denise Hurst voted UNSPEAKABLE COURAGE articles of those candidates who The endorsement process has for Steven Grossman. I punted to the responded appeared in prior issues of not been easy. There are lots of good continues to page 26 “I refuse the term “illegals” as it is beyond me to classify another CONNECTICUT human being as an outlaw for want- ing to stay alive.” STATE TREASURER, By Magdalena Gómez – 17 DENISE NAPPIER, THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME SEEKS RE-ELECTION “In any large to mid-size city, urban By Arlene Davis-Rudd blight is an issue that every munici- ith the general election just two months pality constantly grapples with. It is away, Connecticut candidates running for not just an unsightly inconvenience; Welection and re-election to Local, State and it is a real issue that affects many Congressional offices have been out on the campaign Photo from http://denisenappier2014.com/ other aspects of daily living.” trail for months. State Treasurer Denise Nappier contin- by Mayor Toni Harp who sang a duet, a Nat King Cole By Orlando Ramos – 27 ues to be out there as well. She declared her favorite, “Unforgettable.” Our newest State Senator candidacy earlier on and was given a fundraiser in from the 10th Senatorial District, Gary Holder Winfield, TUESDAY, May, here in the Elm City. in a melodious voice, sang, “A House is Not a Home.” SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 According to friends and supporters in attendance, John Legend’s “All Of Me” was sung by Mayor Harp’s “The second tower is coming down. the Karaoke Restaurant in downtown New Haven was Campaign Manager, Jason Bartlett. Pharrell Williams’ This is live!” I sat gripping the plush jumping that night. The food was good, the wings were “Happy” was sung by Al Lucas from the Board of arms of my recliner chair, my mouth scrumptious, and the crowd was happy, just as the Aldermanic Affairs. And, they say Jackie James, former a wide canyon, eyes staring incredu- Grammy and Emmy Award-winning song “Happy,” Democratic Town Committee Chair, brought the house lously. My breath was short and sung by the incomparable Pharrell Williams, goes. down with her duet. Treasurer Nappier noted that she shallow. A wave of terror gripped Sponsored by the Connecticut Black Democratic would definitely sing next time. Tons of fun and a great me.” Caucus, selected Democratic leaders sang hit songs that time was had by all. By Juanita Torrence-Thompson – 31 everyone enjoyed. A special guest appearance was made continues to page 25 POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 2

african american point of view page two september 1, 2014

For a safer community for us all, experience matters.

VOTE SEPTEMBER 9 brettvottero.com POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 3

african american point of view page three september 1, 2014 COVER AN AFRICAN AMERICAN POINT OF VIEW  VOTE! OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR COMPLAINTS AN AFRICAN AMERICAN Point of View 688 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01119 

CONNECTICUT STATE TREASURER, DENISE NAPPIERCON Phone: (413) 796-1500 l Fax: (413) 796-6100 CON E-mail: [email protected] l Website: www.afampointofview.com Point of View is a monthly news journal with an African American orien- BUSINESS & FINANCE tation. It is distributed free to select locations in Hampden and Hampshire Business & Workforce Development...... 10 counties and in Connecticut. Letters, articles and comments appearing in Financial Cents...... 11 the newspaper reflect the opinions of the contributors and do not consti- Financially Yours ...... 10 tute an endorsement by POV and are subject to editing. POV assumes no responsibility for photos, articles, letters, press releases or unsolicited CLASSIFIED...... 34 materials. Decisions as to the editing and publishing of material are based COMMUNITY on space availability and the discretion of the publisher and editor. Call to the Cause ...... 15 Distribution locations are listed on our web site. POV assumes no finan- Community Focus ...... 18, 23, 24 cial responsibility for failure to publish an advertisement, incorrect place- Community Focus-CT ...... 22 ment or typographical errors in its publication. Advertisers are solely Community Information...... 16, 24 responsible for the content of their advertising and claims and offers con- tained within their advertising. POV reserves the right to refuse advertis- Community Information-CT...... 25 ing for any reason. No portion of this publication may be reproduced with- Congratulations Corner...... 18 out written permission. Events...... 37 PUBLISHER: Frederick A. Hurst EDITOR: Marjorie J. Hurst Latin@ Groove...... 17 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: THIS ISSUE Leadership Pioneer Valley...... 15 Black Sports International Melvin Wm. Bell, Editor Op Ed Orlando Ramos Business & Workforce Dev. Larry Martin Pen & Ink Brenda’s Child Political Happenings-New Haven ...... 25 TENTS Call to the Cause Kirk Smith Juanita Torrence-Thompson EDITORIAL TENTS Children’s Book Corner Terri Schlichenmeyer Political Happenings Arlene Davis-Rudd Education & Hope Gianna Allentuck Reading to Succeed Sally Fuller AF-AM Newsbits...... 4 Financial Cents Walter D. Woodgett Religious Point of View Rev. Dr. Atu White, Editor From the Publisher’s Desk (Continues from Cover)...... 26 Financially Yours Samuel N. Wilson, Jr. School Comm. Happenings Denise Hurst Op Ed ...... 27 Health Matters Doris Harris, Editor Urban Gardening Zaida Govan Dr. Anika C. Thrower EDUCATION PRODUCTION Latin@ Groove Magdalena Gómez Education & Hope ...... 8 Leadership Pioneer Valley Lora Wondolowski, Editor Artistic/Multimedia Dir. Marie Zanazanian Makalah Moore Distribution Manager Shawn Merriman Reading to Succeed ...... 9 Life’s Challenges Dr. Sweets S. Wilson Marketing Director Marjorie J. Hurst School Committee Happenings ...... 8 Mama’s Boyz Jerry Craft Photographer Edward Cohen Op Ed Denise & Justin Hurst Website Designer Marie Zanazanian FEATURES Primary Election Candidate Pullout...... 5-6 & 35-36 LOCATE OUR ADVERTISERS Book Review “Shameless Woman” by Magdalena Gómez...... 17 Alden Baptist Church------29 Jesus Christ Enlightened Christian Bible Seminary--29 Bittersweet Memories of Two Dorothy’s...... 28 Baystate Medical Center ------13 Lewin’s Boutique------16 Bethel AME Church ------29 MBC Realtors ------16 FOOD TALK Branford Hall Career Institute------3 Mount Calvary Baptist Church------29 Urban Gardening...... 14 Canaan Baptist Church of Christ------29 Mt. Zion Baptist Church ------29 Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover Foundation ------39 New Life Calvary Baptist Church ------29 HEALTH Center For Human Development ------19 Northeast Foundation For Children, Inc.------16 Health Matters ...... 11-12 City of Bridgeport------23 Progressive Community Baptist Church ------29 Committee To Elect Brett Vottero ------2 Roberta B. Johnson/Real Living Real Estate ------16 LIVING Committee To Elect Benjamin Swan ------35 Sesame Street Live------19 Committee To Elect Deb Goldberg ------40 Shiloh Seventh-Day Adventist Church ------29 Life’s Challenges...... 31 Committee To Elect Eric Lesser------19 Solid Rock Community Baptist Church ------29 PHOTO GALLERY...... 20-21, 38 Committees To Elect Justin & Denise Hurst ------7 Springfield Dept. of Health & Human Services--11 Committee To Elect Melvin Edwards------7 Springfield Museums------18 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES...... 16 Committee To Elect Peter Murphy------2 Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services -----14 RELIGION Committee To Elect Tom Lachiusa ------19 Springfield Technical Community College------37 Committee To Elect Warren Tolman ------22 St. John’s Congregational Church ------29 Religious Point of View ...... 28 Community Baptist Church ------29 The Kinfolks Soul Food Music Festival------37 Community Legal Aid ------14 Third Baptist Church ------29 Religious Directory...... 29 Ed Cohen Photography ------31 Trinity United Methodist Church------29 SPORTS Family Church------29 UMass Center @ Springfield------22 Freedom Credit Union ------10 United In Love Ministry ------29 Black Sports International...... 32 Gentle Smiles Family Dentistry------14 United States Postal Service ------16 THE ARTS Hall & Hall Siding ------15 Wesley United Methodist Church ------29 HCS Head Start ------7 Westfield State University ------23 Children’s Book Corner ...... 30 Health New England ------38 WTCC FM 90.7------14 Mama’s Boyz...... 33 Home Inspections by Marco, Inc.------16 X-Bankers Check Cashing ------25 Hurst & Hurst, P.C. ------16 YMCA of Greater Springfield ------INSERT Pen & Ink...... 30-31

Change Your Career Change Your Life

 

branfordhall.edu POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 4

african american point of view page four september 1, 2014 THE REPUBLICAN reinforce residential segregation…. bits DIVIDE gentrification (a study showed) only AF-AM NEWS continues in neighborhoods that were By Frederick A. Hurst s Leonard Pitts explains it, at least 35 percent white. It stopped or WHO THE H-LL ARE appointed neighborhood guardian A“There’s something surreal and slowed in neighborhoods that were 40 judged him a thug. It’s about Oscar THEY TO TELL US absurd about this lecture, coming as it percent black.” WHAT TO DO? Grant, shot by a police officer in an does from a member of the party that Oakland, California subway station as invented the Southern strategy and SOMETHING TO t would be one thing if cellphone cameras watched. It’s about birtherism and whose voters were last THINK ABOUT Springfield were in position to “I Amadou Diallo, executed in that seen standing at the border screaming early every parent on earth pick and choose its method of vestibule and Abner Louima, sodom- at terrified Guatemalan kids.” operates on the assumption growth. That seems more true of “N ized with a broomstick. It’s about that character matters a lot to the life Greater Boston, which has hoarded Rodney King….And it is about the JUAN WILLIAMS its economic rebirth while leaving outcomes of their children. Nearly bitter sense of siege that lives in CONCURRENCE Springfield and Western every government anti-poverty pro- African-American men, a sense that it oday the GOP has become a Massachusetts to fend for gram operates on the assumption that is perpetually open season on us.” nearly all-white party as the itself….Worse yet, the statewide ref- “T it doesn’t.” (David Brooks, The (Leonard Pitts, The Republican, August white share of the vote is declining. In erendum will be decided mostly by Republican, August 5, 2014) 15, 2014) 2012, the white share of the total vote voters in Eastern Massachusetts, was just 72%, the lowest in U.S. histo- THE DOBELLE since that is where most voters can be THE REPUBLICAN ry. That trend is making the GOP DEBACLE found. For this voting bloc to decide DIVIDE prospects in national and even Springfield’s future is decidedly t’s a favorite Black people’s quip: “A statewide elections increasingly undemocratic.” (Ron Chimelis, The t is critical for the GOP IWhite professional can make many bleak….long term, as the minority Republican, July 20, 2014) “I(Republican Party) to wean itself big mistakes and get many subsequent from the cowardly belief that simply population continues to increase, the opportunities. A Black professional THE GREAT to discuss race and culture, to GOP risks becoming a political can only make one.” We Black folks afterthought in elections unless it can AMERICAN DIVIDE acknowledge disparity in treatment are wondering where disgraced former and outcomes, to put forward ways of improve its appeal to minority voters. Westfield State University President sked whether the shooting in addressing those things, constitutes Romney won 59% of the white vote, Evan Dobelle’s next presidency will be. “A Ferguson (of an unarmed “playing the race card” or “race bait- close to the high of 63% set by TRUTH Black man by a White cop) “raises Ronald Reagan in 1984, but lost the ing” or (most recently) “fighting a war ew York Times writer Gail Collins important issues about race,” 80 per- on whites.” (Miami Herald writer election….At some point soon the cent of black respondents said it did. GOP is going to face a version of the Nassessment of Obama is true. Leonard Pitts as reprinted in The “When it comes to the long view of But only 37 percent of white respon- Republican, August 12, 2014 (com- 1964 crisis that forced Democrats to dents agreed. And while two-thirds of become more racially diverse. The presidential achievement, you have to menting on Alabama Republican turn to the historians – people who black people said the police response Representative Mo Brooks’ recent sooner the GOP understands this and in the aftermath of the Ferguson adjusts accordingly, the sooner it will have managed to acquire strong opin- comment that the Democratic Party is ions about Millard Fillmore and shooting went too far, only a third of waging a “War on Whites.”) be seen as a party of the future and white people thought so. Only a quar- not a party of the past. (Juan Williams, Benjamin Harrison. We obviously ter of white respondents said they THE REPUBLICAN Wall Street Journal, August 7, 2014) can’t tell yet where Obama will rank. If had followed the story closely, com- DIVIDE the Affordable Care Act works out pared to half of black respondents.” THE “POOR DOOR” over the long run, he could do very hat Alabama Republican (Derrick Z. Jackson, The Boston Globe, ave you heard about the “poor well. Certainly nothing that’s hap- Representative Mo Brooks said August 20, 2014) (Commenting on W door?” It tells a lot about our pened so far in his presidency would in response to a comment that the H his premise that “Ferguson raises society. A New York developer won put him anywhere near the bottom.” Republican Party cannot continue to anew the question of how many more tax benefits through the city’s (The Republican, July 10, 2014) be competitive in national elections if unarmed black men must die before “Inclusionary Housing Program” to RICK PERRY’S the nation declares this an all- it continues to alienate voters of build a luxury apartment house after American problem.”) color: “This is a part of the war on he agreed to add some “affordable” POLITICAL WINDFALL whites that is being launched by the apartments and the city gave him per- he bogus charges against Texas THE GREAT Democratic Party. And the way in mission to build two entryways, one Republican Governor Rick Perry which they’re launching this war is by T AMERICAN DIVIDE for the “rich” and the other for the by his Democratic opponents may well claiming that whites hate everybody “poor” so the rich could avoid min- catapult him into the lead in the 2016 he rage expressed in Ferguson, else. It’s a part of the strategy that gling with the poor. Really! presidential race. If the charges that Missouri over the death of (T Barack Obama implemented in 2008, criminalize his political decision to unarmed Michael Brown at the hands “WHITE PEOPLE continued in 2012, where he divides withhold funds from the office of a of a White police officer) “…is not us all on race, on sex, greed, envy, FOLLOW WHITE Democratic Travis County District just about Brown. It’s about Eric class warfare, all those kinds of PEOPLE” Attorney because she was arrested for Garner, choked to death in a con- things.” (This from a member of the drunken driving, stick, every elected frontation with New York City Police. n interesting article about “gen- party that invented the “Southern official in the country will become vul- It’s about Jordan Davis, shot to death trification” written by Kevin Strategy designed specifically to A nerable for using political muscle. I in Jacksonville, Florida, because he Hartnett in the Wall Street Journal, attract racist White Southern don’t like Perry’s politics but I dislike played his music too loud. It’s about August 10, 2014, is deserving of atten- Democrats into the Republican more the idea of criminalizing politi- Trayvon Martin, shot to death in tion. He wrote: “…gentrification does Party.”) cal behavior as do most people across Sanford, Florida, because a self- not, as you might then assume, lead to much racial mixing – in fact, (it) may the political spectrum. ■ POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 5

african american point of view page five september 1, 2014 PRIMARY ELECTION CANDIDATE PULLOUT PAGES 5-6 & 35-36 eginning on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 and ending on Wednesday, August 20, 2014, Point of View met with candidates running for Bstate and county political office in this election who contacted us and requested that we sit down with them. Below are the names of the candidates we met with, their party affiliations, the offices they are running for and a brief statement of why they are running. Point of View extended an opportunity to each candidate we met with to submit an Op Ed/Bio telling our readers who they are and what they stand for. For those candidates who submitted an Op Ed/Bio, we have referred to the month in which it appeared in our newspaper and hope that you will go back and reread it for additional information about the candidate. There are two can- didates on the list below who contacted us too late for us to sit down with before the primary but we felt it only fair to list them as well. CANDIDATES FOR GOVERNOR Martha Coakley (Democrat) ― Attorney General, Steven Grossman (Democrat) ― State Treasurer, former Middlesex County District Attorney. former Democratic National Chairman. “Steve “Massachusetts has been through difficult economic times, Grossman is a small businessman with more than 35 years and many are still struggling. But the tough, smart, resilient, of experience running a successful fourth generation fam- people of this Commonwealth can and will build a better ily company and union shop, creating jobs and career future together. Our state is poised to take off. We must opportunities for his employees. He is running for gover- continue to rebuild our economy in a way that gives every- nor to bring the people of Massachusetts proven leader- one the opportunity to succeed and attain the skills they ship and dynamic economic growth that leaves no one need to compete in a global economy. That’s why Martha’s behind. As CEO of Grossman Marketing Group, he was running for Governor, and she’s ready to lead and to earn the first business owner in Massachusetts to testify in favor your support.” of earned sick time in 2006.” Martha Coakley Steven Grossman

Charles D. Baker (Republican) ― Venture Capitalist, Evan Falchuk (United Independent) ― Attorney & former State Budget Director. “As part of the Businessman. In his race for Governor as an Weld/Cellucci Administration, Charlie helped turn a bil- Independent candidate, Evan Falchuk is determined that lion-dollar deficit into a surplus, create a half million jobs, one of the by-products of his run will be the formation of and enact ambitious education reforms. . . .(He) oversaw a a third party in Massachusetts―the United Independent number of cost-saving reforms, modernizing state govern- Party. “We face a great challenge. The institutions that pro- ment and making it more efficient. For his leadership, he vide the foundation for our country are deeply troubled. received the Distinguished Service Award from the They are stuck, and crumbling, and populated by leaders National Governor’s Association in 1998. Voters have a who are failing to provide the selfless, inspiring leadership choice about the future of our Commonwealth: either stay that we dearly need. Meanwhile, that next generation does- with the tired status quo of higher spending and higher n’t see politics as a way to reverse these problems.” Charles D. Baker taxes, or take a different direction.” Evan Falchuk (See March issue, pg. 25) CANDIDATES FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Leland Cheung (Democrat) ― Cambridge City Stephen J. Kerrigan (Democrat) ― CEO 2012 Councilor & Venture Capitalist. “I’m running for Lt. Democratic National Convention, former Lancaster Governor to provide opportunity to every single person in Selectman. “I see enormous potential for the office as an our commonwealth. From my experience in the private sec- ombudsman for state government, not just for local offi- tor expanding the innovation economy to my accomplish- cials but also for businesses and citizens finding difficulty ments as a Cambridge City Councilor, I’m the only candi- navigating state bureaucracy or complicated regulations. date with the vision and experience to ensure that the econ- And as someone with extensive private and public sector omy of tomorrow doesn’t benefit only a few people but managerial experience in addition to serving in locate elect- everyone in our state. In 1969 my father immigrated to ed office, I will advocate for using the office to help make Massachusetts from China and dreamed of building a better our economy more competitive and create broader oppor- life for his children. With a 6-month-old daughter of my tunities for all by making government work more effective- Leland Cheung own, I now share that very same dream.” Stephen J. Kerrigan ly to solve problems, not create new or bigger ones.” CANDIDATE FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL

Warren E. Tolman (Democrat) ― Attorney, former State Senator & State Representative. “We have a serious problem with gun violence and I’m not going to wait to take action. I will use the state’s consumer protection law to require smart gun technology on new firearms sold statewide, something the Attorney General can do today. I am the only candidate, Democrat or Republican, willing to take this action. Smart gun technology, which personalizes a gun so that it will only fire for the owner, will save lives. I expect a fight from the National Rifle Association, but I’ve never shied away from taking a stand. I am committed to fighting the influence of Big Money in politics and will continue my advocacy as Attorney General.” (See July issue, pg. 25)

Warren Tolman continues to page 6 POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 6

african american point of view page six september 1, 2014 PRIMARY ELECTION CANDIDATE PULLOUT PAGES 5-6 & 35-36 CANDIDATE FOR STATE TREASURER

Deborah B. Goldberg (Democrat) ― Non-Profit Group President, former Brookline Selectman. “From the time I was a small child I learned that everything in life is opportunity. Economic empowerment, economic security, economic stability are not just buzzwords, but a personal mis- sion for me . . . I am running for Treasurer to give every woman, man, family the financial power they need to get ahead in today’s tough economy. . . .I will also be a Treasurer who invests in people. We will create a college savings plan for kindergarteners at no cost to taxpayers. Research shows that a kid with college savings is seven times more likely to go to college. And, to make sure we create a level playing field, I know where we must begin. Wage equality. This is not just a women’s issue. It is a family issue!” (See August issue, pg. 12)

Deborah B. Goldberg CANDIDATES FOR STATE SENATE 1st HAMPDEN & HAMPSHIRE DISTRICT

Timothy C. Allen (Democrat) ― Springfield City James Chip Harrington (Democrat) ― Ludlow Town Councilor, Springfield & Elms College Adjunct Selectman, Small business owner. “I learned from a Professor. “To know me is to know my family, my roots. I young age the value of public service from my parents. began to realize the legacy of my family as a young man in They taught me that service is something to be held in high Springfield working in the family business, Liberty Ice and regard and what we must do. I started my career in public Fuel Co., a 7-day operation in the summer. My grandfather service at York Street Jail in Springfield as a Correctional and uncle would usually be around – pushing us to work Officer with the Hampden County Sheriff ’s Department. I faster, harder and smarter. In 2009, I ran for a seat on the learned firsthand that poverty and lack of opportunity turns Springfield City Council, which I have now held for five into hopelessness and these are the root causes of most years. I have worked to keep the libraries open; I have crimes. When legislation crosses my desk to help address fought successfully against a biomass power plant that was helping people out of poverty, I know it will improve public Timothy C. Allen planned in a residential community; and I have worked to Chip Harrington safety―be it, attaining education, training, housing or bring over 400 new jobs to Springfield at Smith and Wesson and to preserve 100 jobs employment. No one in this race can come close to matching my understanding of at Titeflex. I want to continue to do community work and am now vying for a seat in public safety. That is why I called for 50 more Springfield police officers. I will fight the State Senate, a position I would be honored to hold.” (See August issue, pg. 25) tooth and nail for every dollar in Boston including local aid and earmarks to fund this effort.” (See August issue, pg. 25)

Thomas A. Lachiusa (Democrat) ― Social Worker, Hampden County Correctional Facility. “Tom has an extensive knowledge of the first Hampden & Hampshire district struggles that families have. He is approachable, has the ability to reach out to others and build productive teams to find effective solutions. Social workers are problem solvers for individuals, families and communities. Tom brings a knowledge of the most inti- mate struggles members of our community need help with. In addition to mental health, violence, and addiction concerns, he has also consulted with career centers, addressed the needs of veterans and active duty military, police officers, medical workers, and teachers who experienced work related struggles. The next few years will bring on many new challenges for the First Hampden District. Vote for me September 9th in the Democratic Primary Election, so I can serve this district and address the needed improvements to middle school education, promote public safety programs, and advocate infrastructure improvements.”

Thomas Lachiusa

Eric Philip Lesser (Democrat) ― Former Director of Aaron L. Saunders (Democrat) ― Ludlow Selectman & Strategic Planning, White House Council of former Chief of Staff for Senator Gale Candaras. “I Economic Advisors & former Special Assistant to believe there are two things that make an effective legisla- David Axelrod, Senior Advisor for President Obama. tor―the right ideas and the ability to make those ideas a real- “Like me, you probably think the need for new ideas and a ity. I believe, and I hope to prove to you, that I have both new approach to our challenges has never been greater. My attributes, but the reason I am running for office lies with own journey into translating ideas to action began as a high how I was brought up. When I was very young, my father school student here in Western Massachusetts, when I was diagnosed with a particularly aggressive form of multi- found myself fighting teacher layoffs that didn’t seem fair. ple sclerosis. My family found itself in the same position that We. . .prov(ed) that people who care about their communi- so many families face―one income, overwhelming medical ty can come together to improve it. I went on to get my bills, and that awful feeling that the American Dream may be Eric Lesser bachelor’s degree at Harvard, and then to join the early Aaron Saunders slipping away. I feel as though I have a debt to repay to all stages of Barack Obama’s campaign for President. Eventually, I took a position at those who fought for my opportunities and the best way I can repay that debt is to fight President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisors, where I worked on issues essen- to provide the same opportunities to those who now need effective advocacy on their tial to Western Massachusetts: growing the middle class, investing in our infrastructure, behalf. Too often we hear only of the problems, but I believe that Springfield and all and creating more jobs in high-tech manufacturing. The old way of doing business of Western Massachusetts is full of opportunity. However, this opportunity will only hasn’t served Western Massachusetts all that well, nor Springfield. So together, let’s come about with hard work, determination, and the ability to be effective. After six embrace a new, strong voice that will work to unite our communities and make sure years of working side by side with Senator Candaras, I have the experience to be effec- we are heard on Beacon Hill.” (See June issue, pg. 25) tive in the State House and ability to hit the ground running.” (See May issue, pg. 25) continues to page 35 POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 7

african american point of view page seven september 1, 2014

Proven Public Servant City Councilor Melvin Edwards has the experience needed to represent Springfield in the legislature. VOTE Melvin Edwards State Representative Tuesday, September 9, 2014

THE CHALLENGE By Andrew Edwards How do we move forward? As we continue our journey down the stream of our lives, it is an oppor- BUILD ur journey is littered with hope, tunity to let your voice of change, a W INDOW of Oexpectations and optimism. compassion, mercy and love become OPPORT UNIT Y We find hope and certainty in the guide for the Pine Point with HCS coming together and building a com- Improvement League. munity of love, compassion and joy. We have con- HEAD tinuously learned from our past and we can now set our START! sights on building a community that is Our early childhood education programs prepare children for school - and for life. more participatory, • 1/2 day classes at no cost for eligible families results oriented and • Subsidized full-day classes • Nutritious meals & snacks engender change • Health (mental, physical, and dental screenings) programs based upon the • Family and community engagement programs and support services • Services for children with disabilities needs, wants and • We also offer a new, Early Head Start home-based program desires of our com- • Age requirements for HCS Head Start: prenatal moms to children 5 years old WHERE/DONDE • Limited transportation is available munity. The OLSH Pastoral Center, CALL US at (413)788-6522, or visit our website at hcsheadstart.org We all can 51 Rosewell ST, Springfield, MA awaken the deep voice within our- WHEN/QUANDO selves and take a sea- Every 2nd Monday Of the Month / 6:00 P.M to 7:00 P.M soned step to make a CONTACT difference within Pine Point Area Coordinator, Joe DeMars - (413)858-0953 our community. [email protected] 30 Madison Ave. Springfi eld, MA 01105 (413)788-6522 www.hcsheadstart.org POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 8

african american point of view page eight september 1, 2014 EDUCATION SCHOOL COMMITTEE HAPPENINGS EDUCATION & HOPE WELCOME BACK! WISHIN AND HOPIN By Denise M. Hurst By Gianna Allentuck elcome back students, teach- Gianna Allentuck is an excitement soon turned to serious Denise M. Hurst, ers, administrators and all Adjustment Counselor business, however, in the form of 10- Vice Chair other faculty and staff of at Elias Brookings hour work days in challenging condi- Springfield School W the Springfield Public School System! School, Volunteer, Wife tions, including 90 degree heat and Committee On Monday, August 25th, Springfield and Mother. For ques- uncomfortable costumes. The harder [email protected] tions or comments on Public Schools kicked off the 2014- the demands on the crew and cast, 413.330.1030 2015 school year. The school commit- uniting in hope, call (703) 930-0243 and especially the ten or so principal tee is also back in session. Please find child actors, the more prominently n today’s chaotic and demanding below the 2014-2015 School Committee Calendar and the procedure for par- one theme emerged – friendship… world, the concept of wishin and ticipating at school committee meetings during Speak Outs. I encourage stu- Each day these children, all hopin might seem dreamy or dents, parents, and anyone from the community who is interested to get I strangers to each other, would cajole flighty or be saved for material items involved in local government and attend our meetings. and tease and laugh and play while to calm our paths and ease our SPRINGFIELD SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING waiting for lines and scenes to be stress. A person might wish for a job DATES: 2014-2015 staged and “action” to be called. Not or money. A child for a dog; a parent once did I hear or observe any child Unless otherwise indicated, all regular meetings will be held in Room 220, City for a vacation. A student for an A+; complain or fuss. In considering this Hall, 36 Court Street, Springfield, MA. Working Sessions will be held at a an athlete for a homerun. miracle of behavior, I realized the location of the committee’s choice. The regular meetings will begin at Complicated or simple desires based children were amazing because they 6:30PM. Working Sessions, Speak Outs and Meetings with Student on the needs and capacities of the had each other. The adults too. All us Representative will begin at 6:00PM individual doing the wishin’… “Stage” Moms and Dads chatting and Thursday, September 4, 2014 Thursday, February 5, 2015 This Summer my son Sontino 6:00PM Speak Out 6:00PM High School Reps was cast in a movie called Wishin and bonding over iced coffees and 6:30PM City Hall, Room 220 6:30PM City Hall, Room 220 Hopin based on the novella of the celebrity sightings, and sharing stories same name written by Wally from our hearts and our real lives. Thursday, September 18, 2014 Thursday, February 26, 2015 Lamb. Though the story is a heart- As the filming days grew longer, 6:30PM City Hall, Room 220 6:30PM City Hall, Room 220 warming, funny, engaging tale of a the children’s friendships grew 1964 5th grade classroom at St. stronger. Love and loyalty just a few Thursday, October 9, 2014 Thursday, March 12, 2015 Aloysius Gonzaga Parochial School, in the many emotions shared. A true 6:00PM Middle School Reps 6:00PM Speak Out the life lessons learned during filming camaraderie solidified in a fictional 6:30PM City Hall, Room 220 6:30PM City Hall, Room 220 in July 2014 are far more valuable world. Their smiling faces and cozy game playing, modeling and demon- Thursday, October 23, 2014 Thursday, March 26, 2015 than any of the academic teachings strating lessons in humanity, and reaf- 6:00PM Working Session Regular Session from either era. firming what we should all really be School Dept., 1550 Main Street 6:30PM City Hall, Room 220 An amazing, but unexpected experience, Sontino’s participation in wishin and hopin for… People. Thursday, November 13, 2014 Thursday, April 9, 2015 the film made for some creative per- Human touch. A hug, or hand on a Regular Session 6:00PM Middle School Reps sonal scheduling all three weeks of shoulder. A smile or a laugh. A bus- 6:30PM City Hall, Room 220 6:30PM City Hall, Room 220 the shoot. When my husband and I ride conversation. A kiss. A thumb that wipes a tear. A bedtime story Thursday, April 30, 2105 first learned the details of filming, the Thursday, December 4, 2014 shared. A cuddle or caress. A wink of Regular Session thought of traveling back and forth 6:00PM High School Reps 6:30PM City Hall, Room 220 to the set in Norwich, Connecticut an eye. A connection. 6:30PM City Hall, Room 220 each day seemed daunting; and we Here’s to wishin and hopin for Thursday, May 14, 2015 questioned whether we could swing positive, supportive, bountiful rela- Thursday, December 18, 2014 6:00PM High School Reps the logistics. Carefully weighing the tionships in each of our lives… 6:00PM Speak Out 6:30PM City Hall, Room 220 pros and cons of this adventure, we “Action!” 6:30PM City Hall, Room 220 decided the opportunity for excite- Thursday, May 28, 2015 ment – and a little money toward col- Author’s Note: In theme with Monday, January 5, 2015 6:00PM Chap. 74 Vocational Com this article, Brookings is always lege – would be fun for Sontino and Organizational Meeting Putnam, 1300 State Street wishin and hopin for new or gen- our family. We had no idea of the 12:30PM City Hall, Room 220 tly used books and school uni- Thursday, June 11, 2015 deeper rewards that actually awaited forms, and school supplies, but Thursday, January 8, 2015 7:00PM Retirees Recognition him… even more so – we are always 6:00PM Middle School Reps Putnam, 1300 State Street As movie, music, and television seeking volunteers to partner 6:30PM City Hall, Room 220 stars such as Molly Ringwald, and spend time with our Thursday, June 25, 2015 Meatloaf, and Cheri Oteri joined the Brookings family. We are locat- Thursday, January 22, 2015 Regular Session cast each day, we could not believe ed at 415 Walnut Street, 6:00PM Working Session 6:30PM City Hall, Room 220 how cool this all was and how lucky Springfield. Please stop and say School Dept. 1550 Main Street continues to page 9 we were to be involved. Novelty and hello…! POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 9

african american point of view page nine september 1, 2014 EDUCATION READING TO SUCCEED KINDERGARTEN READINESS By Sally Fuller Sally Fuller heads the Reading emphasize that SCHOOLS MUST Success by 4th Grade (RS4G) BE READY for children as well. This initiative for the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, is an important understanding that we to build community support are working on together as we devel- and align efforts for all Springfield’s children to read op a BIRTH through THIRD grade proficiently on the 3rd grade way of thinking about our children. MCAS. Here are the lessons we are www.readby4thgrade.com learning and sharing: s our community works together to ensure that all ● Learning begins at birth. Achildren read proficiently by ● Parents are their child’s first the end of third grade, we know that teacher. parents play a significant role in their ● Talking, reading, singing to chil- child’s development, as their First dren from birth is critical to a The following indicators are not growing vocabulary strengthens a Teacher. We know that the time from child’s meant to prevent a child from entering child’s readiness for reading and kindergarten; they are simply to show birth through entering kindergarten is development. In any language. writing. critical for a child’s development and typical child development at this that much needs to happen for a child Here is our shared definition of age. ● Reading and Writing: When to be READY for kindergarten. KINDERGARTEN READI- It is the responsibility of our babies and children are read to and What does that mean, we asked NESS: schools to be ready for all of our see their parents reading, they ourselves? We convened a group of children. begin to connect the written word A kindergarten-ready child has a child development experts from our with the spoken word. When they strong foundation in social emotional community and researched and dis- ● Self-Control: A child who is are exposed to books that interest development, oral language, reading cussed and researched some more. socialized to solve problems and captivate them, they begin to and writing, thinking skills, and physi- through words, takes turns, and The result of our work is a definition cal development. Thoughtful and develop a love of reading. pays attention is ready to be a of Kindergarten Readiness, which we engaging early experiences, beginning good classroom citizen. ● Thinking: Children are natural are sharing with the community in a at birth, strengthen these kindergarten scientists, exploring and question- myriad of ways. readiness indicators. ● Self-Confidence: Confident, ing. Their first hands-on experi- We ask that YOU share this def- enthusiastic children are ready to Children who meet our communi- ments teach them about the world inition, too. With the caveat that what learn. They follow their curiosity makes a child READY FOR ty’s age requirements for kindergarten and help them get ready for math are ready for school in many areas, but and are quick to recover from KINDERGARTEN is part of a and science. may need support in others. All chil- mistakes. developmental process. Children dren develop differently over time. It is develop at their own pace. But if ● Oral Language: When babies ● Physical Development: When normal for children to have strengths in asked, this is what a child who is ready and young children hear words children are active, healthy, well- some areas of growth and development nourished and well-rested, they are for kindergarten looks like. and not in others. and engage in conversations with And you will notice that we adults, they learn language. A ready to learn. ■ SCHOOL COMMITTEE HAPPENINGS WELCOME BACK! rules and procedures: 1. Speakers will be allowed three minutes to present their material. The presid- continued from page 8 ing Chairman may permit extension of this time limit. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT SCHOOL 2. Improper conduct and remarks will not be allowed. Defamatory or abusive COMMITTEE MEETING SPEAK OUTS remarks are always out of order. If a speaker persists in improper conduct or remarks, the Chairman may terminate his/her privilege of address. All regular and special meetings of the School Committee are open to the pub- lic. Executive sessions are held only as prescribed by the Statutes of the 3. All remarks will be addressed through the Chairman of the meeting. Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 4. Speakers may offer such objective criticisms of the school operations and Citizens are provided an opportunity to express their ideas and wishes programs as concerns them, but in public session the Committee will not hear before the School Committee by participating in a public speak-out. Public personal complaints of school personnel nor against any member of the speak-out sessions take place at the start of every other regularly scheduled school community. Other channels provide for Committee consideration and School Committee meeting for a period of 30 minutes. Only citizens who have disposition of legitimate complaints involving individuals. signed up to speak will be invited to address the Committee. Individuals must sign up by calling the Administrative Assistant to the School Committee at 5. Written comments longer than three minutes may be presented to the 787-7874 up to 24 hours before the scheduled meeting. Committee before or after the meeting for Committee members review and To be heard at a public speak out, citizens must abide by the following consideration at an appropriate time. ■ POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 10

african american point of view page ten september 1, 2014 BUSINESS & FINANCE BUSINESS & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Larry Martin, Editor, is Business Services and LIFE MANAGEMENT IS VITAL Special Projects Manager at Regional Employment TO CAREER SUCCESS Board of Hampden County Inc. (“REB”) By Larry Martin [email protected] workplace readiness which is where leaving early for non-critical reasons, kids, how you will get to work―on www.rebhc.org many people struggle and why I will then you will do the same thing on time―on a daily basis or what you eptember is here which means place emphasis on this subject for the job. If you are in a bad relation- can do about relationship challenges our best and brightest, once our discussion. Many will argue that ship with a family member, a spouse or responsibilities that are dragging again, begin their seasonal trek S the technical training is the primary or whoever and it is impacting your you down emotionally in order to to school and I once again plan my stumbling block, but most programs performance in the training program, capture and keep that dream job. And logistics on how to best avoid the will have some type of assessment to if the issue has not been resolved for baby boomers caring for aging school-related traffic patterns in my see if you would be successful in this then you will carry that baggage to parents, don’t forget to consider their commute to work. In this month’s training endeavor or if you would your new employer. Quickly, when do article, I want to discuss the basic needs as well as you begin a new job. crash and burn. In job search prepa- you begin planning for childcare or structure of post-secondary training A training program not only ration, trainees typically do well once transportation for the dream job you programs and where many individu- provides you training in important they learn the proper components of hope will be offered to you when you als find challenges in career success. technical skills, it can provide you an a good resume, interviewing tech- graduate your training program? If Although the research, design and niques, networking and where and you said during job search prepara- opportunity to review and mitigate implementation of a quality industry- how to locate employment opportu- tion, you have already limited your barriers to long-term success. Take recognized training program is a nities. chance for success. Once you know the time you need during the pro- detailed pedagogical process, I am No, workplace readiness, specifi- you will be successful and have made gram to seek assistance, if needed, going to break it down into three cally work/life balance, is important a decision to stay with a new training with a mentor, friend, instructor or a important steps: in continued success on a job and program, you also need to begin career counselor to help guide your creating a career pathway. How you 1. Technical Training mapping out who will care for the success. ■ 2. Workplace Readiness perform in the training program is 3. Job Search Preparation typically reflective of how you will perform on the job. I always inform Home Ownership Has How much you get of each com- students in one of our regional train- ponent depends on the program. ing programs to treat the program as Never Been Easier Most programs are heavy on techni- a probationary period on a new job. cal training and provide some job If you are 10-15 minutes late for class MORTGAGES search preparation, but few focus on every day, missing training days or œ˜Ûi˜Ìˆœ˜>ÊUÊ
ÊUÊ6
ÊUÊ1-
FINANCIALLY YOURS GET THE FACTS BEFORE YOU INCORPORATE YOUR Federally insured by NCUA. Shares and deposits in excess BUSINESS of NCUA limits are fully insured by MSIC. By Samuel N. Wilson Jr.   s#ONVENIENT,OCATIONSsWWWFREEDOMCOOP Samuel N. Wilson Jr., incorporating a business is limiting the business is incorporated. tions. Double taxation can generally Certified Public an owner’s liability. In theory, a The second advantage of oper- Accountant, owns an be avoided by electing S corporation accounting firm in stockholder in a corporation risks ating as a corporation is that it may status. Bridgeport, CT and is only his or her investment in the cor- be easier to raise capital because the an investment advisor. The corporate form does allow He can be reached at poration stock. A lawsuit against the business can do so by issuing stock for more fringe benefits that are samuel_wilson_cpa@ company generally cannot be satis- and selling bonds. A third advantage deductible by the corporation and sbcglobal.net or fied by attaching the stockholder’s is that ownership interest in a corpo- 203-368-6086. tax-free to employees, including an personal assets. In practice, most ration is easier to transfer than in a FROM BRIDGEPORT, owner-employee. small corporation stockholders must sole proprietorship. No business owner should CONNECTICUT personally guarantee bank loans for A corporation files its own tax incorporate without carefully con- f you’re a sole proprietor, you their corporations. Thus, if the cor- return and pays its own income tax. have probably wondered at poration fails, the stockholder’s per- Therein lies the major drawback to sidering the pros and cons of doing Isome point whether you’d be sonal assets are at risk. In addition, the corporate form: Business profits so. Consult a professional adviser if better off if you incorporated your where personal services are may be taxed twice ― once at the you would like more information business. Here are some facts for involved, the individual performing corporate level and again at the about the advantages and disadvan- you to consider. the services may be personally liable shareholder level when paid out as tages of incorporating your sole The single biggest benefit of for his or her actions even though dividends or liquidating distribu- proprietorship. ■ POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 11

african american point of view page eleven september 1, 2014 BUSINESS & FINANCE FINANCIAL “CENTS”

Walter D. Woodgett WHAT’S SMARTER — PAYING OFF DEBTS Gator Financial & Insurance Planning OR INVESTING? 413-455-3765 wwoodgett@ Provided by Walter D. Woodgett gatorfinancialins.com conclude that it’s a good idea to get tle away your mortgage and build as money in home equity, you may well rid of this loan as quickly as possible. much equity as possible in your home. lose some flexibility and liquidity. If t probably doesn’t happen as Still, if the loan is relatively small, But is that always a smart move? you were to fall ill or lose your job, much as you’d like, but from time and the payments aren’t really imping- Increasing your home equity is a could you get money out of your Ito time, you have some extra dis- ing on your monthly cash flow that goal of many homeowners — after home if your emergency savings fund posable income. When this happens, much, you might want to consider all, the more equity you have in your how should you use the funds? fell short? Possibly, in the form of a putting any extra money you have home, the more cash you’ll get when Assuming you have adequate emer- home equity line of credit or a second into an investment that has the poten- you sell it. Yet, if your home’s value gency savings — typically, three to six tial to offer longer-term benefits. For rises — which, admittedly, doesn’t mortgage, but if you were not bring- months’ worth of living expenses — instance, you might decide to fully always happen — you will still, in ing in any income, a bank might not should you pay off debts, or fund fund your IRA for the year before effect, be building equity without hav- even approve such a loan — no mat- your IRA or another investment ter how much equity you have in your account? tackling minor debts. (In 2014, you ing to divert funds that could be There’s no one “correct” answer can contribute up to $5,500 to a tradi- placed elsewhere, such as in an invest- house. You may more easily be able to — and the priority of these options tional or Roth IRA, or $6,500 if ment. In this situation, it’s important sell stocks, bonds or other investment may change, depending on your you’re 50 or older.) to weigh your options. Do you want vehicles to gain access to needed financial goals. However, your first When it comes to making extra to lower your mortgage debts and cash. mortgage payments, however, the pic- possibly save on cumulative interest step may be to consider what type of Getting some extra money once ture is more complicated. In the first expenses? Or would you be better debt you’re thinking of paying down in a while is a nice problem to have. with your extra money. For example, place, mortgage interest is typically served to invest that money for Still, you won’t want to waste the if you have a consumer loan that tax deductible, which makes your loan potential growth or interest pay- charges a high rate of interest — and less “expensive.” Even beyond the ments? opportunity — so, when choosing to you can’t deduct the interest pay- issue of deductibility, you may Here’s an additional considera- pay down debts or put the money into ments from your taxes — you might instinctively feel that it’s best to whit- tion: If you tied up most of your investments, think carefully. ■ HEALTH HEALTH MATTERS TOGETHER WE’RE READY: SPRINGFIELD PREPARED

Be Informed • Make A Plan • Build A Kit • Get Involved • Check On Your Neighbor eptember is Emergency Preparedness Month! Disaster preparedness can prevent a bad situation from becom- Sing worse. First, know your risks, be informed, make a plan, build a kit and get involved for disasters that may occur in your area. Use our all hazards approach. Residents should know the community’s warning system and emergency alerts. When preparing for your family’s needs, consider everyone’s needs, the young, elderly, those with spe- cial needs and pets. You should have a plan in place of where and how to reunite if separated from each other. You should be ready to be self-sufficient for at least three days. Disaster preparedness supplies that should be on hand comes you may have to help yourself and your family be prepared. According are: water―one gallon per day per person, non-perishable food, flashlight, radio to Helen Caulton-Harris, Springfield Commissioner of Public Health, “Each of and extra batteries, manual can opener, blankets, clothing, cash and first aid sup- us needs to take actionable steps to help ourselves and our community to sur- plies. Our pets are like family members. Have a pet kit ready to go with your pet’s picture, food, water dish, leash and medical records. Consider having a mobile vive.” kit for the car, keeping your gas tank full and your mobile phones charged. For more information contact: www.mass.gov/dph/ready, Lastly, once you have plans in place, review them regularly so you’ll know www.fema.gov, www.dhs.gov or please call Bettye Anderson Frederic at 413- what to do if disaster should strike. No matter what type of disaster, it’s impor- 787-6761 or [email protected]. tant to be prepared. With the right knowledge and materials, when the day KNOW — PLAN — PREPARE POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 12

african american point of view page twelve september 1, 2014 HEALTH HEALTH MATTERS Doris Harris, Editor MEET CARING HEALTH CENTER’S Prevention Specialist Caring Health DR. BABATUNDE THOMAS Center, Inc. Doris can be contacted at dorhar- [email protected]

practiced in various areas as a General Practitioner doing the full scope of primary care from newborns, to ado- r. Babatunde Thomas, MD lescent medicine, adult medicine, pre- feels his understanding of patients helping to open and will be the first was born in Cincinnati, OH natal care/obstetrics and geriatric care. from diverse populations, different provider of a new Caring Health Dand moved to Birmingham, He has also had much experience socioeconomic groups and having Center site that opened at 860 Boston AL at age 8 where he finished high in rural emergency medicine and still worked in various backgrounds will Road in August, which is accepting school. He attended Brown University does jobs occasionally in this area, usu- help him in this position. He also feels new patients. In his free time Dr. as a National Scholar earning a ally in rural Minnesota. He is licensed his personal experiences as a patient Thomas enjoys spending time with Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology in and has experience helping patients help him to help and understand oth- family, gardening, fishing, and playing 1994. He graduated from Tufts with opiate dependence as well. He ers, having had a successful kidney music. He plays saxophone, sings and University School of Medicine earning has spent at least nine years of his transplant in 2010 at UMass Medical leads bands on the side, doing any- a M.D in 2000. He completed a Family medical practice helping people in Center in Worcester, MA. thing from friendly get-togethers to Practice Residency in 2004 at community health centers and joins us Dr. Thomas joined Caring Health playing in restaurants. He has played Hennepin County Medical Center in at Caring Health Center to bring these Center in February 2014 and serves as for several weddings and even per- Minneapolis, MN. Dr. Thomas has skills to the health center. Dr. Thomas Associate Medical Director. He is formed recently in Springfield. ■ SUPERFOODS include Gala, red Delicious, Granny heart and brain health. Specific nutri- Smith and Fuji. Did you know it ents include omega 3 fatty acids, iron, By Dr. Anika C. Thrower would take almost a lifetime to eat the vitamin D and, of course, protein. Dr. Anika Thrower, excessive amounts can potentially different varieties of apples? There Tuna is an excellent source of protein. MPH, CLC have adverse effects on the body. The are over 7,000 different kinds, with It’s a great alternative to beef and WIC Program following foods are considered high many grown in the state of pork without the cholesterol. Manager/Cornell Scott Hill Health Center quality and can be added to your gro- Washington. Apples have many health Pregnant women should consume no New Haven Food cery list: benefits. First, they are a simple car- more than two servings of tuna per Policy Council bohydrate (healthy carbohydrate), week. Tuna can complement a salad Almonds — Do you need more pro- -Your Health which means they break down quickly and other foods. Consider tuna Is My Wealth- tein in your diet and are trying to to give you immediate fuel. An apple packed in water rather than oil. n my July 1st article, I covered avoid too much meat? Why not con- eaten in its natural form is rich in some foods considered super- sider almonds? Women and men need fiber, has the ability to regulate blood Dear Robust Reader Ifoods. Superfoods are high-quali- about 45-55 grams of protein a day. sugar levels, and is high in antioxi- ating healthier does not always ty foods packed with nutrients needed Just a serving of almonds, which is dants. Like almonds, apples can com- happen overnight. Consuming by our body to perform efficiently. about a handful, has approximately 13 plement both a fruit or vegetable Efoods that we are not used to These foods also have the ability to grams of protein. Besides protein, salad. Apples are in season during the eating is a process. Caring for your body heal and potentially ward off illnesses. almonds are rich in B vitamins, fiber fall months. allows your body to take care of you. Try Food is a necessity to keep us alive (which keeps us fuller longer) and cal- new high-quality foods slowly and reap and well. But based on research, over cium. Slivered pieces of almonds can Tuna — On a budget but still enjoy the benefits today. time poor diets that contain low-nutri- complement both a fruit or vegetable eating fish? Though tuna steaks can Next month we will be discussing ent foods have an effect on overall salad. A small amount of almonds be tasty, canned tuna can be just as more superfoods. Please forward your health status. Why not eat the best? mixed with dry fruit can also be a beneficial. Just one can contains about thoughts, comments and ideas, as they As I mentioned, some super- quick and healthy snack. 70 calories with about 15 grams of foods include spinach, oatmeal, protein. Tuna is packed with many are important to me to: salmon and walnuts. It should be Apples — Love apples? Apples that health benefits that include reducing [email protected], noted that any food consumed in we commonly find in local stores the risk of strokes and promoting attention: Anika. POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 13

african american point of view page thirteen september 1, 2014

WHEN IT COMES TO WOMEN WE OFFER A BIG BUNDLE OF SERVICES.

With three ob/gyn practices in our new outpatient center at 325B King Street in Northampton, you can choose the provider – and birth experience – right for you.

Susan Krause, CNM, Jain Lattes, CNM, and Tonja Santos, CNM Cate Kokonowski, CNM, and Holly Christensen, CNM Dr. Katherine Hicks, Dr. Kristin Dardano, and Dr. Maura Keene

Baystate Midwifery & Women’s Health Baystate Medical Practices - Baystate Medical Practices - Our three certified nurse-midwives deliver Pioneer Women’s Health Northampton Ob/Gyn babies at the Wesson Women & Infants’ Unit Our two certified nurse-midwives deliver Board certified obstetrician/gynecologists at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. babies at The BirthPlace at Baystate Franklin Drs. Dardano and Keene deliver babies For an appointment, call 413-923-5500. Medical Center in Greenfield. at the Wesson Women & Infants’ Unit at For an appointment, call 413-773-2200. Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Dr. Hicks sees gynecology patients only. For an appointment, call 413-586-2496. All Under One Roof All three practices are welcoming new patients of all ages for gynecological care, family planning, and obstetrical care. For your convenience, a variety of other women’s health providers are also available at our King Street location, including breast surgeons, gynecologic oncologists, and reproductive medicine specialists, as well as mammography, laboratory, imaging, and urgent care services.

Baystate Outpatient Center - Northampton | 325B King Street

Learn more about our birthing centers at baystatehealth.org/birthing CS147252 3/14 POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 14

african american point of view page fourteen september 1, 2014 FOOD TALK URBAN GARDENING ASSESS AND CRITIQUE By Zaida Govan Zaida is a native of that I should not plant my cucumber Springfield via Puerto plants so close to my tomato plants. Rico with a passion for The cucumber plants are like vines and improving the community they like to attach themselves to any- she serves. She can be thing that is close. And, yes, some of reached at 413.301.2533 or my tomato plants had cucumber vines [email protected] attached to them! I also learned in my home garden that I need to use bigger ummer is almost over and plots; although I thought the ones I school is back in session. had were big enough, I didn’t take into Your community radio station, Everyone is settling back into S account the cucumbers. In spite of broadcasting from the campus of the routine of work and school. Even this, I harvested a lot of cucumbers     
  those of us who work through the and tomatoes and I was able to share summer have to settle into the “nor- them with my friends and family. I had mal” routine after the summer. This is many cucumber and tomato salads WTCC is your source for music - a time when gardeners begin to assess this summer. They were truly deli- from jazz to R&R oldies, gospel to salsa, R&B to bluegrass, their harvest and critique their garden- cious. Motown and more, as well as Caribbean, ing techniques of the season. Master In the community garden we had Portuguese, Latino, Polish, Greek, Native American, gardeners say that you should be keep- this season, we were a little tight. We and Italian programming - ing track of these assessments and cri- were allowed a small plot on Acorn plus talk shows with local hosts discussing local issues. tiques which will help you in the Street and only three of us were able upcoming seasons to gather even to plant there; however, the harvest more benefits from your efforts. They was great. We planted and harvested www.wtccfm.org encourage you to keep a gardening tomatoes, peppers, onions and egg- diary of your efforts, successes and plant. Next year we are going to be failures. In gardening you will have looking for a plot of land from the city failures and successes. Gardening is as I said last month. We will be going like a science experiment. So just like a to the city to ensure that we have a good scientist, you should keep track good plot of land to plant for at least of the outcomes of your experiments. five years as the Community In my assessment, I’ve learned Gardening Ordinance says we could have. We are really excit- ed about this because we want to beautify a vacant lot and make it fruitful and inviting to the com- munity. We look forward to meeting neighbors and getting to know them. If you have an empty lot next to you that you would like to see turned into a community garden, let us know. We are a group of people looking The country you come from means a great deal to you. to grow community gar-

It shouldn't mean anything to your bank. dens. We believe there should be a community REPORT LENDING garden in every neighbor- DISCRIMINATION hood. The documented if you think you have been a benefits of community victim of discrimination when trying to get a mortgage or gardens have been estab- a loan modification, call Community Legal Aid lished and have proven to toll-free: 855-CLA-LEGAL benefit the entire city. Let’s grow more The work that provided the basis for this publication was supported by funding under a grant with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The substance and findings of the work are dedicated to the public. community gardens! ■ The author and publisher are solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and interpretations contained in this publication. Such interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of the Federal Government. POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 15

african american point of view page fifteen september 1, 2014 COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PIONEER VALLEY CALL TO THE CAUSE LEADERSHIP LESSONS DESPERATION TRANSCENDS AGENDAS AND UNIFIES CAUSES By Makalah Moore, Leadership Pioneer Valley Intern By Kirk Smith As Director of Throughout the greater Leadership Pioneer Kirk Smith is Springfield region, we are surrounded Valley, Lora is President & CEO, passionate about strength- YMCA of Greater by desperation. We are desperate to ening the Pioneer Valley. Springfield improve – socially, academically and Contact her at 413-737-3876 or 413-739-6951 economically – so that we can build a www.leadershippv.org www.springfieldy.org brighter future for the families who “It is better to lead from behind and to put live and work here now and for gen- others in front, especially when you cele- hy is it that when we hear erations to come. Through this rea- brate victory when nice things occur. You someone refer to another take the front line when there is danger. Makalah Moore person’s “agenda,” our sonable longing for things to change Then people will appreciate your leader- for making changes as a leader, which W minds automatically turn to some- and improve, we need to create ship.” —Nelson Mandela is why doing so is vital. thing negative? It’s almost as if the healthy, productive, collective agendas, Many current leaders may not term is now synonymous with “ulteri- so that we can truly effect positive here are certain lessons you think of themselves a as a leader, but or motive.” Regardless of the genesis change. While we may never agree can learn on the job, and there and the purity of the place where an taking on a new challenge and being a 100 percent with every person’s ideas Tothers you have to learn agenda was born, some agendas can leader doesn’t necessarily mean public through experience. Emotional sensi- manifest into something self-serving, on how to impact our community in speaking in front of large crowds. As tivity, and the value of diverse schools which then leads to adversity and dys- a positive way, we must come togeth- of thought can’t be taught in job an introvert, I had to learn that a lead- function. er to respond to our desperation for training, but have to be absorbed er isn’t always the person who’s Unfortunately, many agendas are the common good. through experiences. Without a con- shouting the loudest or seen the contrived or created out of pretense scious effort to learn, it can be diffi- Answer the call to the cause: most. Participating in theater has to win votes for a political race or cult to gain these insights at all. It’s Don’t get so bogged down in agendas support for a cause, for example. easy to fall out of the habit of learn- taught me this. Most people can agree They come from an impure place that we forget about our collective ing. Often our day-to-day focus is just that the director is the leader of a play designed to cause painful conse- responsibility to do what’s right for getting things done, but joining a pro- or musical. They are the one with the quences. others. As community leaders, we gram like Leadership Pioneer Valley vision, they’re at every rehearsal and, But the fact of the matter is that (LPV) and trying a new experience have a responsibility to unify based yet, the audience never sees them. agendas should not always invoke can be a reminder of how important on the issues we are all desperate Their leadership is vital but when the negative connotations. Agendas are it is to continue to learn and challenge simply what an individual or a group about. Agendas are often the off- ourselves. result is revealed, the director can is committed to. Agendas are really a spring of desperation. Whether your In my short time as an intern at often be seen sitting back and watch- set of goals that can be applied to our passion is crime prevention, eliminat- LPV this past summer, I’ve learned ing. That is the mark of a true leader, personal and professional lives. They an incredible amount about the ing hunger and poverty, immigration one whose hard work speaks for can help us to address important opportunities and organizations avail- or substance abuse (to name just a itself. issues surrounding social justice, edu- able in the Pioneer Valley. Despite few), help set the right agendas to For those quiet leaders who cation, health, environmental wellbe- being a native of the region, I found ing, and many other important mat- bring a positive light to our region out I had a lot to learn about the area work behind the scenes, it’s important ters facing our society today. and build a better future for all. I’ve lived in all my life. Participants in not to feel discouraged. People may In short, having an agenda can Leadership Pioneer Valley get that not always notice you, but they notice To view this editorial and be and should be a good thing. It same experience over a longer period Smith’s past articles, visit what you’re doing and the result of means you have passion and concern of time. Participants from small your efforts. And for those who want for something that’s important to www.springfieldy.org/catego- towns may avoid the traffic in to become leaders, leadership begins you. It means you are committed and ry/news/president-ceo- Springfield; city residents may not with knowing the people and the area driven towards achieving a goal. editorials. ■ visit the more sparsely populated areas, thinking there is nothing to see you want to improve. Don’t be intim- and nothing to do. At LPV, program idated by taking on the role of a lead- 413-273-4022 participants are encouraged to step er; once you’ve gotten to know your out and learn more about their sur- community, it won’t be hard to look roundings as well as each other. They around and see the countless changes are forced to challenge stereotypes you can make. I take these lessons and consider diverse points of view. Getting to know your surroundings and many more back to my campus Specializing in Siding, Repairs on siding, Insulation, Windows, and its diverse inhabitants can drasti- this fall as I complete my time with Roofing, Drywall, Flooring, Painting and much more! cally change an approach or strategy Leadership Pioneer Valley. ■ POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 16

african american point of view page sixteen september 1, 2014 Professional Services COMMUNITY INFORMATION EMPLOYMENT LEWINS BOUTIQUE Scitico Plaza Enfield, Ct 585 HAZARD AVE. (Rt. 190) Exit 47E off I-91, 3.25 miles from the first McDonalds www.lewinsboutique.com PRODUCTS: 860*749*2877  Mother of Bride and Groom gowns  Bridesmaid-orders of 5 or more, hems are free!  Prom gowns  Homecomings  Pageants  Quinceñeras  Sweet sixteens  Eastern Star  Social occasions SERVICES:  Dress making  Expert Alterations available  Shoe dying  Professional Bra fittings  Tuxedo Rental We specialize in Plus and Petite sizes "Personal service is our style" Always a sale on in stock samples

EMPLOYMENT POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 17

african american point of view page seventeen september 1, 2014 COMMUNITY LATIN@ GROOVE BOOK REVIEW UNSPEAKABLE COURAGE SHAMELESS WOMAN By Magdalena Gómez Written by Magdalena Gómez and Reviewed by Marjorie J. Hurst Magdalena Gómez is the families they leave behind. These chil- Cover photograph and design by Kayla Creamer Co-founder and Artistic dren are heroic. Aren’t these the same Publisher: www.redsugarcanepress.com Director of Springfield’s qualities we laud and hope for in our first and only o be asked to write a Latin@theater, own children, our leaders and our citi- review of a newly pub- Teatro V!da. zenry? lished book is an honor. Ms. Gómez has been Perhaps it would be in our own T To be asked to write a review of a teaching artist for interest to learn from these children over 35 years. a first book of poems compiled and find out how they have developed s thousands of children seek by Magdalena Gómez is the character, will and principles that formidable! Just being around refuge in the U.S. from horrif- have compelled them to survive ic conditions in Mexico and Magdalena evokes feelings of A despite incomprehensible odds. We timidity in my generally unas- Central America, which the U.S. Military Industrial sailable confident self. I mean, Complex has been com- do you read her articles in Point plicit in creating, responses of View? The woman is bril- to their influx elicit a full liant, passionate, and writes spectrum of human emo- from a depth of her soul that is tions that range from enviable. unbridled hatred or apathy So what I really wanted to to compassion. say when she asked was, “No!” I refuse the term “ille- How could I review a book of gals” as it is beyond me to poetry by this amazingly talent- classify another human ed woman? I likened myself to being as an outlaw for how I imagine Oprah felt in the wanting to stay alive. The “Their afraid of us, because we are not afraid” presence of Maya Angelou. But, because she is indeed children who are coming into the see them from the distance of our rel- Liberation my dear sister friend, who I treasure United States are part of a forced atively comfortable lives. They are a and adore, here goes. I admit, though, I no longer feel migration due to bulldozer poverty mob in our collective consciousness, as soon as I read the title of this book, the need courtesy of an invasion and corporate streaming into our backyards, faceless, “Shameless Woman,” I knew I would to help those afflicted exploitation that began long before nameless; another inconvenience; a love it because I knew Magdalena with whiteness, the establishment of NAFTA. taxpayer’s burden. For the kinder would capture all of our insecurities, toothy grin liberalism, Children of flight become among us, we are glad to know they battles, conflicts and turn them upside late stage besaculismo exploited commodities when drug car- will potentially be housed in barracks down (where they belong) and we or other chronic conditions tels, gangsters and corporate thugs until they can stand in front of a judge would emerge stronger, wiser, more feel comfortable collude with governments. Children who will decide their ultimate fate. Do beautiful than ever. And that’s exactly after they insult me making their way from Honduras, El we stop thinking beyond that point? I what she did. From her first poem, by accident Salvador and Guatemala to the can’t. I imagine the disturbing dream- the book’s namesake, “Shameless amazed and impressed Mexican border crossing into the Rio world of a thirteen year old laying on Woman,” you know you are in for an by my lack of an accent Grande Valley in Texas, are not immi- a cot in a strange, institutional envi- irreverent, yet thoroughly thought- and the awesomeness grants, they are refugees. Most of ronment, where he doesn’t speak the provoking, ride. With each poem I of my intelligence these children have not seen the inside language, has witnessed a murder and of a classroom, have witnessed horrif- there is no one to hold and comfort read, I would say, “This is my Obviously, I could go on and on ic acts of violence, have been threat- him. I imagine what will happen to the favorite,” and then there was the next but I want to end by quoting from the ened and have suffered unthinkable dehydrated twelve year old girl who one! I even loved the ones that were Foreword that was written by Roger harm including sexual abuse. sold her body to predators for a bottle all in Spanish and I couldn’t under- N. Buckley since he expertly gets to These children have unfath- of water and in a couple of months stand a word! If I have to select a the essence of what this book is. He omable courage and perseverance. will discover she is pregnant. How will favorite then it would be “Something writes, “Talk about shedding new Can we even begin to imagine what the judge rule? What will she have for for the Girls.” It spoke to me. And light, “Shameless Woman,” is a long mastery of intellectual and intuitive food today? there was “A River of Recuerdos” and awaited volume that poetically skills a child must have to make it to We must ask ourselves, would our “AmaXonica: Howls from the Left explores the cultural topography of U.S. soil from a village in the depths of U.S. born and raised children show Side of My Body” and “Lines.” And Gómez’s life. We follow her as she tilts Honduras? What levels of sacrifice, such courage if living in similar cir- there are many that tear at one’s soul the windmills on those insistent what horrors experienced, what trau- cumstances? Could they make the like “Hidden Résumé,” The Waiting themes of sexuality, justice, equality, ma overcome by sheer force of will to journey? And if they did, how would Room,” and “Another Artist exploitation, war, tradition, revolution, find a way to bread and freedom? we want them to be treated? That Groomed for Jail.” And as far as I am religion, spiritualism, conflict, love, Many of these children are not think- child at the border is mine. concerned “Liberation” could have innocence, history, youth, even death.” ing only of themselves, but of the (First published with the Progressive Media Project) been dedicated to my husband. And she does it like no other! ■ POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 18

african american point of view page eighteen september 1, 2014 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY FOCUS 23rd Annual JERALD “JAY” GRIFFIN TO BE HONORED AT ANNUAL Ceremony & UBORA AWARD Reception Department, Jay is now retired from his final post as an administrator for Saturday,Saturdayy,, September 20 an HIV/AIDS counseling and testing 6-8:30 pm program. Jay has a long history of commu- Recognizing excellence in nity service dating back to 1969 as one community service, science, of the founders of “Harambee,” education, humanities and the arartsts which became a major African- American festival in the City of Homes. He is also co-founder of the HONORINGHONORING Stone Soul Festival and has served as Program Chairman since its begin- MrMr.. Jerald Jay Griffin nings twenty-five years ago. In addi- tion, Jay currently serves on the SPRINGFIELD – The African Hall Mason Square Health Task Force in Subcommittee of the Springfield collaboration with Healthy Tickets:Tickets: $15 adults, $10 children under 12 Museums will present the 23rd annual Community Collaborative. He is also a Reservations: 413.263.6800, ext. 325 Ubora Award to Jerald Jay Griffin at a Board member of the Old Hill ceremony on Saturday, September Neighborhood Council, the 20, at 6 p.m., at the Michele & Springfield Symphony Orchestra, and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine a Commissioner on the Springfield Arts at the Quadrangle. The Ubora Building Parks and Recreation Board. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA 01103 t springfieldmuseums.org t Award, which means excellence in Other noteworthy volunteer Swahili, is presented to an African- efforts include organizing the Safe and About The Springfield Museums American who has made a significant Sane Halloween Party for youth in contribution to the greater Springfield Mason Square, Toys for Tots – Old The Springfield Museums are located on the Quadrangle at 21 Edwards Street in down- area. Hill Neighborhood Council, and the town Springfield. For more information about programming and special events, please visit Jerald Jay Griffin, or Jay as he is Charlie Rawls BBQ in collaboration springfieldmuseums.org or call 413-263-6800. more commonly known, was born in with Mason Square Health Task Hawkins” among the Living History the Springfield Science Museum Springfield, MA and attended local Force. Jay is a member of St. John’s re-enactors of the Peter Brace Brigade across the Quadrangle. Admission to public schools. After a long career Congregational Church. of the 54th Mass Colored Troops the event is $15 for adults and $10 for working as a consultant to the Illinois A dedicated advocate for the his- Company. children under 12. For information Federal Bureau of Prisons and the torical accomplishments of African- The Ubora Award presenta- or advance reservations, call 413- Hampden County Sheriff Americans, Jay is known as “Scallywag tion will be followed by a reception at 263-6800, ext. 325. ■ CONGRATULATIONS CORNER

ongratulations to Jose Delgado who has joined the University Without Walls at the CUniversity of Massachusetts as a recruit- ment coordinator. Jose has served as Mayoral Aide to Mayor Domenic J. Sarno for the past four years. The Republican photo by Mark M. Murray

ongratulations to Minnie Marrero who is joining Mayor Domenic J. Sarno’s staff as a new Mayoral Aide. She previously served The Stone Soul Committee under the watchful eye of C as a district legislative aide to former State Program Chairman Jay Griffin (back row 2nd from right) Representative Cheryl Coakley-Rivera and is a for- met in Blunt Park to continue planning this year’s mer clerical coordinator for the New North Stone Soul festival and parade Citizens’ Council. POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 19

african american point of view page nineteen september 1, 2014

THROUGH 10th ANNUAL CONFERENCE

“GIRLS CAN!” Thursday, October 23, 2014 HER Dr. Tom Lachiusa candidate for the state senate in the First Hampden & MassMutual Center | Springfield, MA Hampshire district is the only candidate who worked for several years in Mason Hosted by $#"! $   !! !!! "  !           !!  
!     ! "  EYES On September 9th please vote for Tom Lachiusa the only candidate who has In partnership with any experience working in the African American community and the only one

Tom Lachiusa with State Rep. Ben Swan at the Springfield Library currently working in a multicultural setting helping men improve their lives.

Keynote Speaker: M. C. LYTE Boogie wwithith Lyricist, hip-hop pioneer, entrepreneur, social activist and an example for people everywhere best buddies! that Girls Can! Workshops will focus on current methods and best practices to help today’s girls grow into tomorrow’s strong women.

For more details, please visit www.chd.org/throughhereyes

TM/©2014TM/©20 Sesame Workshop. All Rights Reserved. 66680 8/14 becomebecome a favoritefavorite friend at sesamestsesamestreetlive.comreetlive.com S30ept. 30

MassMutual Center Box Office • ticketmaster.com • 800.745.3000

George Philip Malone is surrounded by proud family members as he celebrates his retirement from the Springfield Police Department after 39-1/2 years of service. Photo by Leonard Underwood

“ After working for President Obama, Eric Lesser has come home to serve our community. That’s why we support Eric for State Senate.” — Justin and Denise Hurst POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 20

african american point of view page twenty september 1, 2014 Around Town & . . .

Family members, friends and supporters of Domestic Violence victim Staff and members of the DunbarY Family and Community Center Jessica Rojas and others marched to Springfield City Hall and rallied participate in the annual Caribbean Parade. for an end to domestic violence.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity recently held their annual Sen. Edward R. The United Way of Pioneer Valley in cooperation with Peter Pan Bus Brooke, III Oratorical Scholarship Awards Reception. From left: Lines distribute back packs to local school systems as part of their Fraternity members Arthur Cash and Arthur Shurn; scholarship recipi- annual “Stuff the Bus” campaign. ents Tynayko Melendez (3rd place winner), Hector Toledo Jr. (1st place winner), Raekwon Wheeler (2nd place winner); fraternity member Ronn Johnson, Scholarship Oratorical Chair; and Eddie Lee, Chapter President.

The youth have lots of fun rowing in a Dragon Boat at the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club on the Connecticut River. Youth participants and staff pose for a photo during the Dubois Academy 2014 Summer Experience. POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 21

african american point of view page twenty-one september 1, 2014 . . .In The Community

Basketball Hall of Famer, former Globetrotter, and Evangelist He also took time to pose with church member Barbara Muckle and Meadowlark Lemon ministered to youth at Alden Baptist Church, J. her goddaughter, Alexus Porter. Willard Cofield, Jr. pastor, during the Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement weekend.

Gary and Diane Swanson celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.

John and Adrienne Osborn were recognized at the Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival for their many years of keeping Jazz alive through the establishment of the Hoop City Jazz & Art Festival, which began in Mason Square in 2001, and grew into a premiere event attracting hundreds to downtown Springfield.

Members of the Mayor’s Citywide Violence Prevention Task Force, The Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Class of 2014 meets members friends and neighbors of Brookings Elementary School participate in the of the press at the Induction press conference. 4th Annual Springfield Unites, promoting peace and neighborliness. POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 22

african american point of view page twenty-two september 1, 2014 ELECT WARREN TOLMAN ATTORNEY GENERAL We believe and trust Warren Tolman. He is the right choice to be our next Attorney General. “Join the Tolman team.” Please Vote September 9th Warren Tolman Attorney General Paid for by the Committee to Elect Warren Tolman downtown

YO Drop in to see us at Tower Square, 1500 Main Street, Springfield UMass in Springfield? YOU BET! The UMass System, in partnership with local community colleges, has established the or call us at 413.788.6277, Monday through Friday, 10:00am to 6:00pm. UMass Center at Springfield—dedicated downtown classrooms, labs and simulation rooms to deliver quality, life-improving educational programs. You can also review the course schedule online at Take bachelor’s and master’s degree classes. UMassCenterAtSpringfield.org. Complete your bachelor’s degree on-site or online. Obtain professional certifications. Gain valuable workforce training. Explore joint degree programs with several area colleges. POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 23

african american point of view page twenty-three september 1, 2014 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY FOCUS SUMMER OF WORK & LEARNING

he Summer of Work & Within the work component of Learning program (SOWL) is SOWL, students have paid intern- Ta summer program for ships in the afternoons. Internships Springfield high school students. The are subsidized by New England Farm program consists of both an academ- Worker’s. This year we had two sites: ic and a work component. Students Dunbar-Y Family and Community are recruited and selected by program staff. Eligibility for the SOWL pro- Center and City Hall. The Dunbar-Y gram is based on MCAS scores and students worked as camp counselors teacher recommendations. The aca- either at Dunbar or at Camp Weber in demic component focuses on math, West Springfield. City Hall students science, and ELA enrichment worked in the offices at City Hall or at designed to help improve MCAS per- other sites throughout the city. formance. SOWL also focuses on SOWL students this year were Arts at Westfield career development through resume from Sci-Tech, Central, Commerce, writing, writing cover letters, mock and Renaissance High Schools. OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 22 interviews, and other “real-world” RECEPTION: lessons. The highlight of the academ- SOWL is run through the School & ic piece is a Capstone Project which Community Partnerships department OCTOBER 23, 6 – 8 P.M. both sites complete and present at the (PACE). The program director is Mr. Return to the Valley end of the program. This year the Jeffrey Welch. Jennifer Teehan- Paintings by Heidi Coutu project was centered around environ- Sanford served as Community Guest Sculptor mental awareness with the focus on Partnership Program Coordinator. James Rosenthal littering and recycling. The City Hall The program coordinator is Mr. Paul Westfield State University group created an anti-littering cam- Scoville who is also a teacher/career paign while the Dunbar group Downtown Art Gallery development specialist at Sci-Tech. designed a plan to improve recycling 105 Elm Street, Westfield, MA in the city schools as well as installing Other staff were: recycling stations outside of our Dunbar – Chris Madsen (Teacher and Dean of Students at schools as well. OCTOBER 24 – DECEMBER 10 On August 7th, both SOWL Sci-Tech HS), Hector Rodriguez RECEPTION: NOVEMBER 6 · 5:30 – 8 P.M. groups presented their Capstone pro- (Teacher’s Assistant) – recent “Emilee’s Art Dream: In Her Honor, jects to the public at the Council graduate of Sci-Tech HS. He was Chambers at City Hall. Families, class salutatorian 2014 and will be an Exhibition for MS Awareness” members of the public, and support- attending Becker College. Works by Emilee Dawn Gagnon, ers of the program were in atten- City Hall – William Clark faculty and artists affected by dance. The SOWL students were def- (Teacher at Bowles Elementary), initely eager to show off their pro- multiple sclerosis posals as well as all of their hard Melvin Tejada (Teacher’s Assistant) – Arno Maris Gallery work. It was definitely a day where recent graduate of Central HS and the future leaders of Springfield were will be attending Sage College of able to shine. Albany in the fall.     
 POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 24

african american point of view page twenty-four september 1, 2014 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY FOCUS STCC GATEWAY TO COLLEGE PROGRAM PROVIDES SECOND CHANCE AT ACADEMIC SUCCESS “This whole experience with the Gateway to College program has made it easier to be back in school, be myself, and go to class,” said 19-year-old Nichols who has successfully completed his junior year. “I’ve learned about time management, self-respect, and discipline. At Gateway, it’s on you—to be on time, to do the work.” The Gateway to College pro- gram, while located on the STCC campus, is a partnership with the Springfield Public School system. In its first year of operation, the program served 44 students with STCC Gateway to College Academic Advisor Anita Gallers meets with four successfully completing the Parris Nichols to discuss his class schedule for the fall. program and graduating this option for them. We help them focus academic coach. Counselors help Parris Nichols May—all of whom plan to con- on positive academic accomplish- guide students through challenges that Springfield, Mass. — Looking back tinue their education at STCC this ments, learning self-worth, and taking might come their way—both in and on the past year, Parris Nichols, 19, of fall. According to STCC Gateway to pride in what they’ve done.” out of the classroom—and connect Springfield, reflects on the positive College Director Rachel Jones, she The Gateway to College program them to the campus and community changes that have happened in his life expects enrollment numbers to is open to Springfield high school stu- resources they need in order to be suc- due to his enrollment in the Gateway increase this year to 60 students as dents between the ages of 16 and 20 in cessful students. to College program at Springfield word has spread about the program grades nine through 12 who have Nichols will begin his classes Technical Community College and its supportive environment. dropped out, or are at high risk of again this fall and is looking forward to (STCC)—a program he believes gave “Our students are resilient and we dropping-out, of high school. It pro- another year of learning; bringing him him a second chance to succeed. help refocus that resilience in a posi- vides students who may struggle with one step closer to the diploma he Going to school wasn’t always tive direction—for their education, their academic studies in a traditional thought may not have been achievable. easy for Nichols. He found it difficult their future, their careers,” said Jones. academic setting with an opportunity “Don’t be afraid—things change to stay focused in the classroom. He “Many of these students have spent to achieve their educational goals and and people move on. That will never felt disconnected. After spending 11 more than half of their academic life graduate from high school. Through end. You’ve got to center yourself in years in one school, he switched looking at it as a ‘failure’ and feeling as their journey, students are supported the middle of the drama and just pick schools only to feel more disconnect- if they have ‘failed.’ For many, taking by their academic counselors who a direction and go with it. Plant your ed. Constantly struggling to adjust, he the step to join the Gateway program meet with them on a weekly or seed and work on one plant at a time, fell behind. He lost interest. He goofed is a risk—college is something they biweekly basis and serve as a college not the whole greenhouse,” said around. His grades suffered. may have been told would never be an counselor and, essentially, a life and Nichols. ■ COMMUNITY INFORMATION FREEDOM CREDIT UNION ANNOUNCES DOWNTOWN EXPANSION August 12, 2014, Springfield, MA ― Freedom Credit Union today announced years,” said Barry F. Crosby, CEO and President of Freedom Credit Union. a $2.2 million expansion in downtown Springfield in a move that will help grow “Our Board of Directors is committed to ensuring that the headquarters of the the company’s city headquarters. credit union remain in Springfield. With this expansion, we will continue to be a “Freedom’s roots in our community go back almost a century; I would like part of the Springfield community as well as all the local communities we serve.” to thank Freedom Credit Union for their continuing belief and investment here The credit union’s tenth branch will open this fall at the Roger L. in the City of Springfield.” Mayor Domenic J. Sarno went on to say, “We con- Putnam Vocational Technical Academy. In this new branch, Freedom will tinue to see a great deal of private investment in the city and to have one of our employ nine high school students, train them in the field of financial ser- notable lending institutions reinvest and grow here in the downtown area is con- vices, and offer financial and savings guidance to the general high school tinuing proof of the Springfield renaissance.” population and Springfield as a whole. The credit union, headquartered at 1976 Main Street, has acquired a nearly 12,000 square foot adjacent building at 77 Boylston Street for $1,350,000 and it About Freedom Credit Union plans to spend $850,000 on renovations. Freedom will relocate 26 Springfield Freedom Credit Union was originally chartered in 1922 as the Western Massachusetts Telephone Workers Credit Union. From a small office in the telephone company building on Worthington Street, the credit union employees to that location, 16 employees from Feeding Hills, and hire an addi- grew until it moved to Main Street in 1978. In addition to its Main Street and Putnam branches, Freedom tional 13 new employees to fully staff the new facility. Credit Union has locations in Sixteen Acres, Feeding Hills, Ludlow, Chicopee, Northampton, “Freedom Credit Union has a history in Springfield that dates back over 90 Easthampton, Greenfield, and Turners Falls. POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 25

african american point of view page twenty-five september 1, 2014 POLITICAL HAPPENINGS - NEW HAVEN DENISE NAPPIER, SEEKS RE-ELECTION

continued from page 1 of New Haven who showed Denise Nappier the slowed down to enter the State Treasurer Denise Nappier declared that way. Mr. Parker set the high standards and famous ‘Clark’s Dairy’, the she is running on her record of “Leadership, quality tone for State Treasurer Nappier to follow. place where New Haven’s Responsibility, Innovation and Results.” When Both he and his politically astute wife, the finest politicians would announcing her candidacy for re-election, Nappier popular Jan Parker, who served in the State frequently gather. People noted, “I am proudly seeking re-election as your Legislature, were most influential and opened the began cheering and Treasurer because these very challenging economic door for Nappier’s first run. Being the loyal friends applauding. She began times demand seasoned and steady leadership.” that they are, the former State Treasurer. and Mrs. smiling widely. The lady of Arlene Davis-Rudd Denise Nappier was the first African American Parker have both stood by her side ever since. firsts began making the Nappier is proud of her record. Remarked the rounds at each one of the tables, greeting everyone, woman to serve as a State Treasurer in the nation, Treasurer, “Over the past four years, we witnessed “Hello, I’m Denise Nappier, your State Treasurer, and the first African American woman elected to a some of the most difficult fiscal changes in the his- I’m running for re-election and I hope you’ll give statewide office in the state of Connecticut. She tory of our state: the aftermath of the deepest me your vote,” she would say to them. was elected for the first time in 1998, re-elected recession since the Great Depression, high unem- It is twelve years later and State Treasurer in 2002, 2006 and 2010. Now, in 2014, she is once ployment, falling wages for the middle class, record Denise Nappier is, once again, running for re-elec- again well prepared for another victory. housing foreclosures and severe budget deficits. tion. She has continued to do an extraordinary job According to a press release from the Office of Despite all of this, Connecticut’s economy is on the and hopes that you will give her your vote. We urge the State Treasurer, “As Treasurer, Nappier, over- mend. I’ve worked hard to put the State’s financial all registered voters on Election Day, Tuesday, sees $52 billion in state funds, including the $27 bil- house in order and to make sure we keep our com- November 4th. For information on how and lion Connecticut Retirement Plans and Trust Funds, mitments―including funding of the State’s Pension where to register to vote, call the NH Registrar and a $19 billion debt portfolio. Her high standards Fund.” of Voters office at 203/946-8035. ■ and financial expertise have brought integrity back Back in the summer of 2002, this writer to the Treasurer’s office and professionalism to the remembers that it was a very hot and humid day, management of state resources. The Treasury’s with temperatures in the 90s. Treasurer Nappier Short Term Investment Fund has been rated as one was campaigning in New Haven. A team of of the nation’s best government investment reporters were also traveling with her down one of pools.” New Haven’s familiar streets, Whitney Ave. As we It was the former prominent State Treasurer, walked along, she was recognized immediately. the distinguished gentleman, Mr. Henry E. Parker Many stopped to say hello, as it was lunch time. We COMMUNITY INFORMATION - CONNECTICUT X-BANKERS, Inc. Bridgeport, CT Locations Other CT Locations EXPANDED RENTERS’ REBATE PROGRAM TO 875 East Main Street 31 Church Street, New Haven 966 Main Street 60 S Main Street Waterbury 1245 Main Street 135 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk HELP MORE SENIORS STAY IN THEIR HOMES 1358 Boston Avenue HARTFORD, CT – Bridgeport State tained their commitment to and independence.” and $50 to $700 for qualifying single Senators Andres Ayala and Anthony Connecticut’s seniors.” The Elderly Renters’ Rebate persons. The rebate amount is based Musto joined Governor Dannel P. “As Connecticut’s senior popula- Program, established in 1974, benefits on a graduated income scale and the Malloy in encouraging participation in tion grows in the coming years, it is around 40,000 residents annually by amount of rent and utility payments Connecticut’s Elderly Renters’ Rebate critical that we remain committed to providing direct, partial reimburse- (excluding telephone) made in the cal- Program for low-income and disabled meeting the demand for important ser- ment to lower-income elderly or 100 endar year prior to the year in which residents. The General Assembly vices like the Rental Rebate Program,” percent disabled renters to offset a the renter applies. In order to qualify, voted this year to approve an increase said Senator Anthony Musto. “I am portion of their rent and utility of more than $6.5 million to expand glad that we are expanding this pro- expenses. Under the expansion, an married persons must have an annual the Program and help thousands of gram so that more of Connecticut’s additional 12,700 recipients — an income not greater than $41,600, and additional senior citizens stay in their seniors and disabled residents can have increase of over 30 percent — will be single persons must have an annual own homes. housing security and live their lives able to qualify for assistance. income not greater than $34,100. “Thousands of seniors across with dignity and independence.” “Our seniors are integral to the The program is an on-going Connecticut live on fixed incomes, and “With our elderly population con- fabric of our communities, ensuring application process. Eligible persons the Renters Rebate program helps tinuing to grow, it is critical for us to they can safely stay in their homes for may apply between April 1 and them enjoy their golden years in their take the necessary steps now to meet as long as possible is a priority,” said October 1 each year at either their own homes,” said Senator Andres the needs of Connecticut’s seniors,” Lt. Governor Wyman. “With this town Assessor’s Office or social ser- Ayala, Senate Chair of the Aging said Governor Malloy. “This includes expansion, Governor Malloy has vice agency, depending on the town. Committee. “As Connecticut’s aging providing senior citizens with the right improved access to the programs and To date, OPM has received more than population continues to grow, we need amount of support to give them access services vital to our aging population, 27,000 applications from 164 cities and to take steps to ensure that they can to a living situation that is safe, decent and has improved the lives of seniors continue living healthy, independent and affordable. This initiative will help across the state.” towns. lives in our communities by increasing make it possible for thousands of Administered by the Office of Questions about the program and access to assistive programs like this senior citizens and residents with dis- Policy and Management, the program payments should be directed to the one. I am glad that Governor Malloy abilities to afford to stay in their com- provides payments ranging from $50 Renter’s Rebate Hotline at 860-418- and his administration have main- munities and live with dignity, security, to $900 for qualifying married persons, 6377. ■ POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 26

african american point of view page twenty-six september 1, 2014 EDITORIAL FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK VOTE! OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR COMPLAINTS

OF VIEW F r eder ick A . Hur st MY POINT District Attorney Mastroianni (now a Hampshire District, State lower. Unfortunately, the African- District Court Judge) and his youth Representatives for the 9th, 10th and American primary turnout is histori- continued from page 1 and Brett Vottero’s vast and varied 11th Hampden Districts and cally much lower than the average. We November election and expressed an experience on both the prosecution Hampden County Registrar of interest in Charlie Baker. As you will and defense sides. We became a little Probate. need to vote simply because we should read on this page we found a reason- unsettled as the lineup of support Our meetings with Lieutenant and because many of the races will be able resolution to our disagreements unfolded for Gulluni. It was uncom- Governor candidates were last minute. determined by the primary because which, by the way, were not limited to fortably old school. But we also had We preferred Leland Cheung, especial- the governor’s race. some uncomfortable older memories ly since he was the only one we knew, candidates have no opposition in The District Attorney’s race also of Vottero’s prosecutorial days. But we until Steve Kerrigan sat down with us November. We like our picks and we posed a difficult choice. Hal Etkin was made a selection, which you can find and weathered my unusually intense hope you like them too. But whether an early consideration who faded in on the editorial page, (hopefully, after scrutiny with poise. He made us the stretch. We felt that the controver- you read the political pull-out section) rethink the matter before we finally or not you agree with our choices, sy swirling around Shawn Allyn raised where we have also endorsed candi- made a selection. what is most important is that you enough questions to give pause to an dates for Lieutenant Governor, Vote on September 9th! Primary get to the polls and vote for the endorsement. We liked Anthony Treasurer, Attorney General, State turnout is usually very low and this Gulluni’s experience under former Senator for the 1st Hampden & time the pundits expect it to be even candidates of your choice. ■ POINT OF VIEW PRIMARY ENDORSEMENTS (As a point of information, the choices below represent Point of View’s opinion although the editor and publisher were often joined in meetings with candidates by City Councilor Justin Hurst and School Committee Vice Chairman Denise Hurst both of whom offered substantial and valuable input during and after the meetings.)

GOVERNOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE VOTE MARTHA COAKLEY FOR GOVERNOR 9TH HAMPDEN DISTRICT We think Martha Coakley was an excellent Attorney General who would make a great VOTE PETER MURPHY FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE governor. If, as many said, she was aloof and distant in the Senatorial race she lost to Peter Murphy has served well on the Springfield School Committee. His legal ability Scott Brown, she has mended her ways and has enthusiastically reached out to a broad and sensitivity to diversity are assets and we believe he will serve well as a State cross section of voters and delivered a solid and diverse message. Representative. LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR 10TH HAMPDEN DISTRICT VOTE STEVEN KERRIGAN FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR VOTE MELVIN EDWARDS FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE The fact that we don’t know that much about him gives us pause. But he met with us We know Melvin Edwards well both as family and as a hard working, conscientious and impressed us with his experience, broad reach and knowledge of the issues. Springfield City Councilor who bases his Council decisions on facts and the needs of TREASURER his constituents. He will serve the community well as its State Representative. VOTE DEB GOLDBERG FOR TREASURER 11TH HAMPDEN DISTRICT If you meet Deb Goldberg once, you will like her forever. She is smart, sincere, has VOTE BENJAMIN SWAN AS STATE REPRESENTATIVE extensive experience in the public and private sector and she works hard at campaign- State Representative Ben Swan has earned re-election. He has worked tirelessly and ing. And she understands the importance of economic opportunity and inclusion. with uncommon integrity for his constituents since even before he became a State ATTORNEY GENERAL Representative. And no acceptable alternative has stepped forward. VOTE WARREN TOLMAN FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY We like Warren Tolman’s position on guns. Smart gun technology that prevents every- one but the legal owner from firing a gun makes sense as do so many other things he VOTE ANTHONY GULLUNI/BRETT VOTTERO FOR DISTRICT has to say. ATTORNEY We think Anthony Gulluni and Brett Vottero would both serve equally as well as STATE SENATE Hampden County District Attorney. Both are very good attorneys. Gulluni is younger, VOTE ERIC LESSER STATE SENATOR 1ST HAMPDEN & HAMPSHIRE Vottero has more experience; Gulluni, through his father, was exposed early on to the DISTRICT importance of diversity and Vottero’s recent years as defense attorney has served him This is Eric Lesser’s first try at political office but he is not new to politics since he well in that regard. Both work hard and understand the need for the District Attorney’s spent several years working in Washington, D.C. for the Obama administration. He is office to reach out to the community. Neither has luster of the last two District a bright, likeable young man with the support of a great team. He is running against Attorneys but they both outshine the competition. strong competitors such as the very active Chip Harrington, who would also make a good Senator. But we think Lesser is better. REGISTRAR OF PROBATE VOTE GALE CANDARAS AS HAMPDEN COUNTY REGISTRAR OF PROBATE It’s a no brainer! POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 27

african american point of view page twenty-seven september 1, 2014 OP – ED JUSTIN AND DENISE HURST ENDORSE NICK COCCHI, “NOW”, FOR HAMPDEN COUNTY SHERIFF IN 2016 Sheriff is and the incredible impact it Springfield City Councilor and has on so many lives in Springfield and School Committee Member believe throughout the County. We have been Cocchi has the skills needed to best discussing these issues at length with serve Springfield, County residents Nick Cocchi ― from crime prevention and children. to inmate rehabilitation. We know we (Springfield, MA) Springfield City need Nick Cocchi as our next Sheriff,” Councilor Justin Hurst and Springfield said Justin Hurst. School Committee Member Denise “I especially appreciate Nick’s Denise and Justin Hurst endorse 2016 Hampden County Sheriff Hurst have endorsed Nick Cocchi, concern for children. He knows that candidate Nick Cochi Deputy Chief of Security for The too often they are the most innocent “Justin and Denise’s endorsement Cocchi. Hampden County Sheriff ’s and injured victims of crime. In his means so much to me. They and their “We intensely discussed and ques- Department for Hampden County work now, he is thinking about how we family are an amazing example of pub- tioned Nick about his priorities and Sheriff in 2016. Sheriff Michael J. can work together to help educate lic service. Their family’s ideas and pas- plans. He has new ideas for the future Ashe, Jr. has announced his intentions them early, in-time, about the danger of sion for public service above politics is and an understanding of how to pre- not to seek reelection. drugs and gangs. He has a sincere com- legendary. They are great forces of serve all that has been working well at “Denise and I have been thinking passion for children affected by crime good in our community. To know that The Hampden County Sheriff ’s about the future of our city and chil- and for children who know the pain of I can call upon Justin and Denise now Department. He gets it, now and for dren. We have been talking with others a loved one who has been incarcerat- and work with them in the future as the future,” said Denise and Justin about how important the office of ed,” said Denise Hurst. Sheriff is a great asset to me,” said Hurst. ■ OP – ED THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME By Orlando Ramos, Springfield City Councilor e’ve all seen it— thus, more and more criminal activity is attracted. Ordinance (RPO). Similar to Boston’s RPO, this particularly those Subsequently, economic development is deterred— piece of legislation would require landlords to regis- Wwho live in inner because it is difficult to attract investors and busi- ter with the city for a small fee and have their prop- cities; they walk or drive by nesses into areas with higher crime rates. Some stud- erties inspected by a city inspector every four (4) it almost on a daily basis. ies have even suggested the idea that there is a corre- years. Additionally, there is language in my proposal Some live next to it or lation between some mental disorders and life with- that would create a process for the city to identify amongst it without even in the confines of urban blight. chronic offenders and “problem properties.” In a Orlando Ramos realizing it. Most people just Many of the blighted properties are owned by nut-shell, a chronic offender is defined as a property ignore it, especially if they are not from the area. Or out-of-town investors. Some so-called investors actual- owner who is in constant violation of city ordi- they point their fingers and respond with laughter, ly thrive on acquiring properties in lower income nances and/or the state sanitary code (105 CMR 400 happy that they are not the ones that have to live neighborhoods because of the reduced price tag. In & 401). A “problem property” designation would be next to it. Businesses avoid it as if it was the plague, many instances, the initial purchase is the only finan- given to a property in which the Police Department, and the truth is, in many ways, it is. cial investment made in the property. Sadly there is Code Enforcement, or Health Department have It’s called urban blight—otherwise known as not much interest in the maintenance and/or received a high volume of valid complaints. Under urban decay. The original term “blight” refers to a improvement of the property—furthermore, the ordinance, each of these designations would be specific symptom affecting plants in response to because the owner does not reside in the area it is subject to fines from the city of Springfield. infection—a fungus, slowly decaying it and spread- unlikely they would be familiar with the extent of The purpose of this ordinance is to implement ing to its surroundings. That is exactly what blight any improvements needed. Oftentimes there is no does to cities! But where does it begin? What are the interaction or communication between the tenants a proactive rental inspection program that maxi- contributing factors, and what can be done about it? of the properties and the owner of the structures mizes the effectiveness of city resources in rental Some of the questions are much more complex than (whether residential or commercial). property code enforcement. It identifies all rental a single answer can provide, but one thing is for cer- So what can we—as legislators—do to help find units in the city and their owners on a continuous tain—the longer it goes untreated, the further it a solution for the issue? As I mentioned previously and reoccurring basis in order to accommodate the spreads. there is no one answer; however, there are a series of transient nature of the rental market, and it priori- In any large- to mid-size city, urban blight is an things that we can do to help. My colleague, tizes notorious problem properties in order to eco- issue that every municipality constantly grapples Councilor Hurst, understands the benefits of having nomically target city resources toward chronic and with. It is not just an unsightly inconvenience; it is a an aesthetically-pleasing city which is why he avidly priority offenders. It also provides an inspection pro- real issue that affects many other aspects of daily liv- advocated for more funding to go towards the main- cess aimed at maintaining uniform minimum stan- ing. It is not only an economic issue, but a public tenance of city-owned terraces—a measure that I dards for conditions exhibited by rental properties in safety issue as well. The perception is that negative wholeheartedly supported. the city of Springfield in the interest of public health activity is tolerated more in areas that look rundown; In addition, I am proposing a Rental Property and public safety. ■ POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:17 PM Page 28

african american point of view page twenty-eight september 1, 2014 RELIGION RELIGIOUS POINT OF VIEW Dr. Atu White, Editor, Pastors, Ministers, Professors and Theologians, please submit your serves as Pastor of the articles for this page to Rev. Dr. Atu White at [email protected] Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 368 Bay Street, Springfield, MA and as Second Vice President of the United Baptist Convention of SHAMELESS PERSISTENCE Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. By Rev. Dr. Atu White [email protected] Luke 11:8-10 NLT Alas, this illustrative story is multi-layered and com- teenagers, vigilantes and bystanders capture the plex-filled. With commanding authority, Jesus gives violence, rape, and police brutality on cell phone [8] But I tell you this-though he won’t do it for friend- three imperatives: cameras, we must keep asking God to intercede for ship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will the innocent, the hurting, and the lost. get up and give you whatever you need because of KEEP ASKING your shameless persistence. [9] “And so I tell you, People of faith should sincerely ask and advo- KEEP SEEKING keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. cate on behalf of weary travelers in need of food During prayer, God reveals His genius. The Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and resources. We believe prayer is powerful, pur- answer is not as important as the process. We must and the door will be opened to you. [10] For everyone poseful, and it is our privilege. We approach God find comfort in God’s ‘yes’ and His ‘no.’ When God who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to not just for our immediate needs and for our self- says ‘yes,’ we say thank you God for answering our everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. prayer. When God says ‘no,’ we say thank you God serving desires but on behalf of the weary. We for saying ‘no,’ because your ‘no’ forever guides us believe God answers prayers. The Church must n earnest, this narrative begins with Jesus’ dis- toward the path to your ‘yes.’ ciples observing Him as He is praying. continue to ask God to intervene in human affairs IEnamored by what they see and hear, they run and soften the hearts of His creation. As we con- KEEP KNOCKING to Him and ask Him to teach them how to pray. sider the nearly 100,000 children whose parents It is essential that the actions of the Church Jesus gives His famous prayer aptly named, The sent them by rickety boats to land on the shores of are ones of vigilantly asking, seeking, and knocking, Lord’s Prayer. Still, within the souls of these earnest opportunity, we must ask our God for help. With and the door will swing open. It is also essential disciples there was a lack of maturity that created a one plane vanishing without a trace and enemy that each Christian engage in fervent prayer. spiritual chasm. Knowing the needs of His disci- combatants shooting down another plane, we must Through this powerful combination, we will wit- ples, Jesus begins to tell what many consider to be ask God for help. With nations experiencing civil ness God’s might. Our shameless persistence will on the face of it an unadorned, humorous story. wars, we must keep asking God for help. While always open the doors of heaven. ■ BITTERSWEET MEMORIES OF TWO DOROTHY’S By Marjorie J. Hurst DOROTHY L. HAMER DENNISTON She tried to convince me to go and I was too scared and thus missed out on She was a childhood friend who led the way in being a part of history. But not Dottie. Her courage was a part of her that intellect, devotion, courage and laughter. From made her so special. the first time we met, somewhere around junior But the laughter. Her smile tells you everything! Whenever you were high school, it was obvious that “Dottie,” as we around Dottie, you knew you would have fun. Dottie was a person who lived all called her, was special. She was smart, really life to the fullest and enjoyed every minute of it. Hers was a life well lived and smart and determined and knew what she want- she will be missed. ed to do with her life. I remember the thought DOROTHY JEAN MIX 8/10/1944 - 8/2/2014 process that went into her decision to attend Dorothy Jean (sometimes we simply called her Northeastern University in Boston after her graduation from Classical High Jean) had a special way of enveloping you into School, despite the fact that she had been accepted into (in my youthful esti- her family. It really didn’t matter who you were, mation) far more prestigious colleges. She told me she knew she would need if you were a friend of a family member, you to work in order to afford college and Northeastern had a five-year became family and she treated you the same as school/work program that catered to that need. She went on to acquire three she did her actual kin folks. She wanted to know degrees and become the respected and renown, Dr. Dorothy L. Denniston, all about you―what you were doing, how your Associate Professor Emerita of English and Africana Studies at Brown 7/29/1928 - 8/21/2014 family was doing, and she remembered every- University, where she impacted countless lives and authored numerous schol- thing you told her so that the next time you saw her she could begin right arly tomes. where the conversation had left off. You knew that she genuinely cared about And then there was the devotion. Whether it was devotion to her father’s you. It didn’t matter how long it had been since you last visited her, she was church, Faith Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher and happy to see you and never made you feel guilty about your absence. pianist/director of several choirs when we were kids or her unwavering devo- I was describing her to someone who didn’t know her and I simply said tion to her family, friends, students and colleagues, she was always there, ready she was devoted to her family and they were devoted to her. She loved us, to lend a helping hand. believed in us, encouraged us but didn’t hold back the truth from us when it The courage she displayed throughout her life in many difficult situations needed to be told. She was a remarkably caring person and we are glad she was was admirable. Most of us know about her decision as a teenager to board that a part of our lives. bus from Springfield to Washington, D.C. to attend the March on Washington. POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:18 PM Page 29

african american point of view page twenty-nine september 1, 2014 RELIGIOUS DIRECTORY g{|Üw UtÑà|áà V{âÜv{ Solid Rock Community Baptist Church 149 Walnut Street 821 Liberty Street, Springfield, MA 01104 P.O. Box 91166 Springfield, MA 01139 Telephone (413) 734-5441 413-734-4143 Fax (413) 734-5438 Join us for our Worship Services Transportation (413) 575-4035 Sunday School Sunday Worship Service 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am Reverend Nathaniel Smith, Prayer Meeting & Bible Study Weekly Bible Study/Prayer Service Tuesday 7:00 pm Sr., Pastor Thursday 6:00 p.m. Âg{x YÜ|xÇwÄç V{âÜv{Ê f|Çvx DKIL Bishop Curtis L. Shaird, Pastor Where all who enter may be blessed Reverend Harold P. Dixson, Assistant Pastor PROGRESSIVE Canaan Baptist COMMUNITY BAPTIST Church of Christ CHURCH 1430 Carew Street 599 State Street Springfield, MA 01104 Springfield, Massachusetts 413-739-5053 (413) 736-8844 Rev. Dr. W. C. Sundays “A Church Determined To Follow Christ” Sunday School (all ages) ------9:15 a.m. Watson, Jr., Pastor Morning Worship Service ----10:45 a.m. Church Life Wednesdays Worship, Prayer, Mid-day Prayer & Praise- 12:00-1:00 p.m. Praise & Study Bible Study ------7:00 p.m. Wesley United Methodist Church “Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.” Rev. Joe C. Long Jr., Pastor 741 State Street Sunday Worship - 10:00 a.m. Springfield, MA 01109 413-734-3233 Sunday Bible School - 9:00 a.m. Office & Fax Bible Study - Wednesday - 6:30 p.m. : catharine.cummings : PastorCatharine Shiloh Seventh-Day Sundays ÂT W|äxÜáx cxÉÑÄx ã{É tÜx Pastor Rev. Adventist Church Sunday School (all ages) 9:30 a.m. bÇx ÉÇ fÉÄÉÅÉÇËá cÉÜà|vÉÊ Catharine A. Acts 5:12b Cummings Morning Worship Service 10:45 a.m. 797 State St., Springfield, MA 413-734-0103 COMMUNITY [email protected] Sabbath School BAPTIST CHURCH 9:00a.m. "A People being transformed by God to shine Sabbath Services: Sunday Worship— 10:45 AM (Saturdays) God's Light of Love, Justice, and Hope" Sunday School— 9:00 AM Divine Worship 143 Shelton Avenue Tuesday— Book Club — 7:00PM 11:00a.m. Wednesday—“Noonday Hour of Power” New Haven, CT 06511 Adventist Youth With Lunch Services — 6:00pm (203) 562-7060 Thursday— Live Bible Study — 7:00PM Dr. Walton H. Adventist Worship Service: Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper Rose, Pastor Community Service Sundays at 9:30 a.m. First Sunday— 4:00PM Mondays & Tuesdays Senior Pastor Rev. Bible Study Wednesdays: 17 John Street, Springfield, MA 01104 The Church 10:00a.m. — 1:00p.m. Prayer Meeting Timothy L. Jones 12:00 noon and 6:30 p.m. (413) 737-9583 In The Wednesdays Dr. Mark E. Flowers, Senior Pastor Heart of 7:00p.m. JESUS CHRIST ENLIGHTENED Church School (SSAJA) Mountcalvarybaptistchurchspringfield.org The City CHRISTIAN BIBLE SEMINARY Monday — Friday ACCREDITED BETHEL AFRICAN P.O. Box 90294 Alden Baptist Church New Life Calvary METHODIST EPISCOPAL 649 State Street Springfield, MA 01139 CHURCH Springfield, MA 01109 Baptist Church 27 Pendleton Avenue 413-788-9910 Fridays 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Springfield, MA 01109 A NEW Sunday School Saturdays 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. (413) 734-7611 9:00 a.m. BEGINNING Rev. Angelo S. Contact Bishop Emanuel Brown, President Dawson, Pastor Sunday Morning Worship Service Sunday School Rev. Donald A. 10:00 a.m. Thomas, Associate 9:00 AM Minister Prayer Service Monday Morning Worship Rev. Amelia Eddy, 6:00 p.m. Service Associate Minister Rev. Jesse E. 10:00 AM Rev. J. Willard Wednesday Sunday School — 9:00AM James D. Bullock, Cofield, Jr., Pastor Noon & Williams Sr., Prayer/Bible Study Minister of Music Sunday Service — 11:00AM 6:00 p.m. Pastor/Teacher Wednesday Pastor’s Bible Sunday Morning Rev. Karen Rucks, 6:00 & 7:00 PM Monday—Thursday Associate Minister Bible Study (Noon Day Prayer) Study Divine Worship Monday & Sunday 8:50 am 10:00 am “We believe God has Wednesday Tuesday Bible Study called us to be a vital sign of faith at work 7:00 p.m. 981 Wilbraham Road Pastor Ricky E. Bowens / Co-Pastor Linda Bowens 7:00PM Church School Bible Study/Prayer in the community. This Youth Ministry Springfield, MA 01109 Friday Night Service Saturday 11:00 am & Class Meeting vision is actualized 413-426-2825 / 413-285-4631 through our Friday 7:00PM Wednesday 7:00 pm Ministries.” 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. (413) 796-1600 God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son; John 3:16 POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:18 PM Page 30

african american point of view page thirty september 1, 2014 THE ARTS CHILDREN’S BOOK CORNER PEN & INK

“ENDANGERED” BRENDA’S CHILD has made it her life’s mission to inspire By Jean Love Cush people through poetry and stories and through leading by c.2014, Amistad $24.99 / $31.00 Canada 261 pages example with courage, confidence, and integrity. In April 2007, she self-published her first book of poetry, “A Piece Reviewed by Terri Schlichenmeyer of My Mind...Poetic Confessions of a Self-Proclaimed The Bookworm is Terri Diva.” Since then she has published four more titles. For Schlichenmeyer. Terri has more information, email: [email protected] been reading since she was 3 years old and she never A WOMAN’S PREROGATIVE goes anywhere without a book. She lives on a hill By Brenda’s Child in Wisconsin with two dogs and 11,000 books. I will not apologize for chasing dreams for wanting to be a woman who feels…complete. There is more to me than my biology and physiology. I am not strictly obligated to my adult responsibilities, “womanly duties.” Jean Love Cush I have every right to do something for me. Photo by Charles Cush I will not apologize Still, he was in jail and the court because you are bogged down and brainwashed system was a maze that Janae couldn’t by chauvinistic, sexist and quite frankly quite figure out. She wanted Malik UNREALISTIC IDEOLOGIES home, no matter what – even if it ABOUT WHAT DEFINES FEMININITY, took putting her trust in an unusual I ‘M GONNA DO ME. source who claimed he could help her And I will not apologize son. that I can bring home the bacon, cook it, When Calvin Moore left the and do the dishes, kiss booboos, ‘hood, he closed the door. He’d always massage overworked backs, tuck the kids in, had his sights on law school, power, and when I’m finished, money, a good life. He’d been at a big I can pursue my passions. Philadelphia law firm for several years Save the whales! I can take “me time” and was on track to make partner or spend an evening on the weekend ou’ve read a lot of signs like soon – so when his boss asked his with good friends. that in your life, online and assistance with a pro bono case for a I can be an activist… real-time. Save the whales or non-profit, Calvin was reluctant. The whatever I please, Y Center for the Protection of Human the environment, penguins or tigers, and permission or approval from society fish, trees, or grasses, there’s always Rights didn’t want his experience; of is not necessary. something about to disappear, and that, he was sure. All they wanted was Because when Mom or Wife is Happy… you know that when it’s gone, it’s his black face to represent. so is everybody! gone. Known for around-the-globe and when a woman feels complete, But what about people? Aren’t humanitarian work, Roger Whitford she has more energy they in trouble, too? In the new book always wanted to make a difference, to love, to give, to meet family demands and “Endangered” by Jean Love Cush, and his organization was poised to do fulfill everyone’s needs. who’s going to save young black men? it. They just needed a case that was So there will be no apologies Janae Williams had always told right, one he could defend in court in for chasing dreams. her son, Malik, not to run when the a way that would force nation-wide I am a woman, cops came. It was worse if you did, revisions for Black boys within the And I have every right she said. So while he was hanging out justice system. to do something for me. on a Philadelphia street corner with Roger had an audacious plan, and the case against Malik Williams was his friends and sirens came their way, And yet, this drama isn’t all just even further in. All I can say is perfect… Malik stood still – and was arrested courtroom-based. Cush’s characters Talk about good timing. “wow.” for the murder of a boy he knew. are created with razor-sharpness and With its focus on justice and its The cover of this book looks like But, of course, Malik didn’t do it. put in gut-wrenching situations. She characters’ shouts for legal change, it might be for middle-schoolers, but Janae knew that her son was inno- then offers statistics (real ones!) to “Endangered” may be the most rele- that’s incorrect; its audience is definite- cent. He was just 15 years old, a support her story – shocking stats vant book you’ll read this year. Be ly good-enough student, her baby. She’d about African American education, 16-and-up. If that’s you, and you’re aware, though: author Jean Love raised him right – his father certainly crime, society, and justice that move open to one impressive thought-pro- Cush, who has a background in law, had no hand in it – and Malik wasn’t the story along, enhance its most voker, “Endangered” is a book to loads controversy inside her story. capable of killing. memorable parts, and pull readers save time for. ■ POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:18 PM Page 31

african american point of view page thirty-one september 1, 2014 THE ARTS LIVING PEN & INK LIFE’S CHALLENGES JUA NITA TORRENCE-THOMPSON: Pushcart nominee. Published fiction, children’s stories, feature articles, hundreds of her award-win- REBELLION VS. ning poems in dozens of U.S. and international journals, 12 anthologies, 7 books including her Talking With Stanley Kunitz (2012). Writes print & STUBBORNNESS online newspaper poetry columns; produces poetry salons and reads internation- ally. Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of acclaimed 30-year-old Mobius, The By Dr. Sweets H. Wilson Poetry Magazine. Her poetry is translated into 15 foreign languages. Talking With Stanley Kunitz and New York and African Tapestries were best pick by Dr. Sweets S. Wilson is itive and in the person’s best interest. Small Press Review. Mobius, The Poetry Magazine, best pick 2007 thru a Christian life purpose If your life is a mess, there is a 2012 www.poetrytown.com coach, motivational good chance you have not been doing speaker and CEO of what God’s been telling you to do. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 Inspire ME, LLC. However, if you will start making wilson.sweets@ By Juanita Torrence-Thompson gmail.com or right choices, God will give you the 860-869-8067 ability to get through it and things will got up early today because I was what was happening only a few turn around for you. But be prepared, far behind in everything and blocks away because of the tall build- FROM HARTFORD, because when you start making an Ineeded to accomplish a lot. I ings that blocked his view, but there CONNECTICUT effort to be submissive, your flesh is walked into my home office at 9 a.m. was crud in the air. I began worrying e need to know what rebel- going to have a screaming fit and you intending to check out my email mes- when I suddenly could not reach him lion is to really understand will need to spend a lot of time on sages and then write an important by telephone. Our son also addressed why it is so dangerous. your knees. piece. I reached over nonchalantly W his concern. Finally I called the Topps Rebellion is not just outward behav- You may be wondering if it is so and switched on my radio to WQXR. ior but it’s an attitude problem and a hard to do, why I should The 9 o’clock news was on. I was a bit operator, where Hugh worked, and heart issue. According to Webster’s care. Because God withholds bless- foggy so I missed the first couple asked for the number of the comput- dictionary, “rebellion is an act of vio- ings from the rebellious for their own words but my ears perked up when I er room thinking he might be there. lent or open resistance to an estab- good; if He blesses disobedience, it heard something about the World She rang his desk first and this time lished government or ruler.” will breed more disobedience. I can Trade Center and the sketchy news he answered. “I just stepped away for Stubbornness is the tendency to honestly tell you that if I had not sur- about a possible small plane hitting a minute,” he said. resist any form of change. It is rendered my rebellious heart to God, one of the Twin Towers. I watched the television in hor- defined as: “refusing to move or my relationship with God would have I quickly called my husband who ror as the female commentator shout- change one’s opinion; the trait of suffered, and my ministry would not worked only 3/4 of a mile away from ed, “The second tower is coming being difficult to handle or overcome; have grown. You see, rebellion, and there. I thought it would affect him, down. This is live! This is live!” I sat resolute adherence to your own ideas although I didn’t know to what extent the disobedience it causes, keeps us gripping the plush arms of my reclin- or desires.” Stubbornness is one of from having the power of God that is because they weren’t sure what had the dark personality traits. We all have happened. Hugh had heard about it er chair, my mouth a wide canyon, available to us as Christians. I do not eyes staring incredulously. My breath the potential for stubborn tendencies, think there is anyone who would say but knew no more than I. We didn’t but in people with a strong fear of was short and shallow. A wave of ter- they do not want or need more of think too much of it at the time change, stubbornness can become a because the news was so nebulous. ror gripped me. I grabbed the phone God’s power in their life. dominant pattern. But the good news is we do not I hung up and listened to the and told Hugh and Derek. We talked Stubbornness is essentially an soothing classical music on the radio for an eternity. My ear was falling off. have to live this way. I am a living entrenched resistance to change. And proof that God can heal and change and proceeded to try to accomplish I was weak. Breakfast forgotten. Who given that life is all about change, your heart to be submissive to His something. I vowed to eat breakfast could eat now? stubbornness is effectively a resis- authority, as well as the people in soon too as I was quite hungry. After The phone rang again. It was tance to life itself. The person with authority over you that He puts in the end of the piece WQXR broke in stubbornness is driven by a funda- Hugh saying that his office was clos- your life. While there may be several with more news. This time they had mental resistance to being forced to ing and he’d be home as soon as he things you can do to defeat rebellion more details. It was far more serious do anything or experience anything could. I told him if he was near a tele- in your life, one of the best strategies than anyone imagined. I shut off my against his will. The basic stance is, phone enroute to changing trans- is planned responses. By having a computer and radio, turned on my “No, I will not, and you can’t make portation then he should call me. I planned response, you may be less TV and watched intently as I dialed me.” continued watching television and likely to engage in stubborn behaviors our son at 9:30 to tell him about it The personality with stubborn- and will instead promote positive and to also tell him he couldn’t get to talking to Derek who was alone in his ness is overly sensitive to the possibil- work from where he lived because the new neighborhood. This was the next ity of having sudden or progress and relationships. ■ subways weren’t running. best thing to his being here. unwanted change Advertising, Brochures, Construction, Weddings, As the news became more grim, I was worried because Hugh imposed upon it, and sees Portraits, Products, Digital Photography, ect... I parked myself in front of our big hadn’t arrived home yet. After nearly the threat of it every- TV. I sat hour after hour glued to the three hours, he walked in looking very where. Anything new or Ed Cohen screen. My husband, son and I kept in tired and spent and covered from different or involving contact with each other about every change is perceived (sub- Photography hour with an update. Hugh said that head to toe with ash. In his limp hand he carried a mask. His vacant eyes consciously at least) as a no one was allowed in or out of his direct threat―even if the 413-244-1344 building for a while. He reassured me spoke reams. “I can’t wait to take a change in question is pos- [email protected] that he was fine but couldn’t even see shower,” he said. ■ POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:18 PM Page 32

african american point of view page thirty-two september 1, 2014 BLACK SPORTS BLACK SPORTS INTERNATIONAL 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class ennessee State University Tiger great Claude Hall of Fame, the Georgia Hall of Fame, the Atlanta On October 23, 2006, with a sack of Drew Humphrey was selected to the Pro Football Sports Hall of Fame, the Tennessee Hall of Fame, the Bledsoe in a Monday night game against the Dallas THall of Fame. Humphrey, along with Ray Guy, Atlanta Falcons Hall of Fame, and his high school’s Cowboys, Strahan tied Lawrence Taylor for the Giants received the 80 percent positive votes to earn election. Hall of Fame. His college and high school both franchise record for most career sacks with 132½. It Humphrey and Guy are joined by Derrick Brooks, retired his jersey. was the last sack he would get that season, as two Walter Jones, Andre Reed, Michael Strahan and weeks later he suffered a Lisfranc fracture against the Aeneas Williams as the Class of 2014. The Michael Strahan Houston Texans, and would miss the remainder of Enshrinement Ceremony took place on Saturday, Aug. ichael Anthony the season and the playoffs. 2nd, at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio. MStrahan was a His 15th and final season proved to be the defensive end who Giants’ best season since 1990. On September 30, Claude Humphrey spent his entire 15-year 2007, he sacked Donovan McNabb from the umphrey was an career playing for the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football, HAll-American New York Giants of increasing his career total to 133.5, setting a new fran- defensive tackle at the NFL. During his chise record. This total does not include 9½ sacks Tennessee State tenure with the Giants, accrued by Taylor in his rookie season of 1981, the University (TSU), who he set a record for the year before sacks became an official NFL statistic. On went on to be one of most sacks in a single Sunday February 3, 2008, at the University of Phoenix the greatest passes rush- season in 2001, and Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, he had 2 tackles and 1 ers in the National won a Super Bowl in his sack in Super Bowl XLII, in what is considered one of Football League (NFL). final season in 2007. the biggest upsets in NFL history. Bolstered by a Humphrey played for Strahan followed in the footsteps of his uncle strong defense and unrelenting pass rush, the Giants the Tigers from 1964 to Art, who also played defensive end at Texas Southern went on to win the game 17-14, over the then-unde- 1967. He was initially an University (TSU). Strahan was so dominant, he drew feated 18-0 New England Patriots, giving Strahan his offensive tackle, but was double teams, and TSU coaches dubbed his double first Super Bowl win as an NFL starter. switched to defensive end in his freshman year, where teaming “Strahan rules.” By his junior season, he On June 9, 2008, Strahan retired from the NFL. he became a three-time All-American. began to turn himself into an NFL prospect. As a He retired with a 2008 Super Bowl Title (his last During his senior season, Humphrey played in senior at Texas Southern, he was selected All-America game), 141.5 career sacks, 854 career tackles, 4 career four college all-star games: the Senior Bowl, the Blue- First-Team by The Poor Man’s Guide to the NFL interceptions, 24 forced fumbles and 3 career touch- Gray Game, the Coaches All-American Game and the Draft, The Sheridan Network, Edd Hayes Black downs in 200 games over a 15 year career. He was also College All-Star game. College Sports Report and the Associated Press. He named to the Pro Bowl roster seven times. He ended his collegiate career as the all-time recorded 62 tackles with a school-record 19 quarter- leader in sacks at TSU with 39. Currently, he is tied for back sacks and 32 tackles totaling 142 yards in losses. Aeneas Williams second behind Lamar Carter, along with fellow TSU He was also selected Division I-AA Defensive Player eneas Demetrius legend and NFL Hall of Famer Richard Dent. of the Year by The Poor Man’s Guide and Edd Hayes AWilliams was a cor- Humphrey was drafted out of TSU in the first Black College Sports Report. In 1992, he was named nerback and free safety, round of the 1968 NFL Draft with the third overall 1st-Team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference who played with the choice by the Atlanta Falcons. During his rookie sea- (SWAC) and the SWAC’s Player of the Year for the Arizona Cardinals and son in Atlanta, he was name AP Defensive Rookie of 2nd consecutive season. He was also named Black St. Louis Rams of the the Year. College Defensive Player of the Year. As a junior in NFL. He played college He played 13 seasons in the NFL with the 1991, Strahan led the SWAC with 14.5 quarterback football for Southern Falcons (1968-74, 76-77) and the Philadelphia Eagles sacks. His 41.5 career sacks is a Texas Southern University and was (1979-81). record. drafted in the third Humphrey’s stellar career included being named Strahan was drafted in 1993. After a few unre- round (59th overall) of First-Team All-Pro five times (1971-’74, and 1977), markable seasons, he had a breakout year in 1997, the 1991 NFL Draft. Second-Team All-Pro three times (1969, 1970, 1976), recording 14 sacks. He was voted into his first Pro Williams attended and All-National Football Conference (NFC) six Bowl, and was also named First-Team All-Pro by the Southern University, the same school his brother times (1970-’74, 1977). He was Second-Team All- Associated Press. In 1998, Strahan continued his suc- Achilles attended. At Southern, he concentrated on NFC in 1976, when he unofficially recorded a career cess, racking up 15 sacks and being voted into his sec- his academics, not playing football until his junior high 15 quarterback sacks. In addition, Humphrey was ond Pro-Bowl and All-Pro Team. year, as a graduate student. That year, he tied the named to the Pro Bowl six times over the span of his Few defensive ends in the NFL were more dom- NCAA Division I-AA record for most interceptions. career (1970-’74 & 1977). inant than Strahan from 1997 to 2005. He was named Despite playing only one year in college, He finished out his career with the Philadelphia the 2001 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and was Williams’ numbers impressed the then-Phoenix Eagles, from 1979-’81. In 1980, Humphrey enjoyed a a two-time NFC Defensive Player of the Year (in 2001 Cardinals enough that they selected him in the third stellar season as a designated pass rusher, recording a and 2003). Throughout the greater part of the 2004 round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He quickly established team high 14½ sacks, helping the Eagles become season, he was injured with a torn pectoral muscle, himself with an exceptional rookie season, tying the NFC Champions and earn a ticket to Super Bowl XV. which limited him to only 4 sacks. He rebounded in NFL lead for interceptions. In 1994 he led the NFL in He finished his career with 126½ career sacks with the 2005, returning to the Pro Bowl, with his protégé, Osi interceptions with 9. By 1997, Williams had already Falcons and Eagles. Umenyiora, as the two combined for 26 sacks, while notched four Pro Bowl appearances, and had estab- Humphrey is in the Tennessee State University anchoring the Giants’ defense. continues to page 33 POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:18 PM Page 33

african american point of view page thirty-three september 1, 2014 BLACK SPORTS BLACK SPORTS INTERNATIONAL 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class continued from page 32 ing punts that stayed in the air for so long that by the time the punt returner was lished himself as the Cardinals’ top cornerback, routinely covering the opponents’ able to field it, the Raiders’ coverage unit had the field covered so well that a return lead receivers. In the 1998 season, he helped the Cardinals win their first playoff was not possible. Guy’s punts often left opposing offenses pinned in their own end game since 1947, by intercepting two passes from Troy Aikman in a 20-7 win over of the field. The statistic for hang time was instituted in the NFL during his career, the Dallas Cowboys, and added another interception in the Cardinals 41-21 loss in reportedly because of him. Joe Horrigan, the historian of the Pro Football Hall of the divisional round. Despite playing mostly for bad teams (1998 was the only time Fame once said: “He’s the first punter you could look at and say: ‘He won games.’” he played on a winning team during his 10 years in Arizona), Williams was recog- Guy has been inducted into both the Mississippi and Georgia Sports Halls of nized as one of the best cornerbacks in the league, making six Pro Bowls in all as Fame, the National High School Sports Hall of Fame, the College Football Hall of a Cardinal. He is regarded as one of the best defenders and players in Cardinals Fame and the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame. history, as well as one of the greatest shutdown corners of all time. In 2000, he At the 1976 Pro Bowl, Guy became the first punter to hit the Louisiana tied an NFL record by returning a fumble 104 yards for a touchdown in a game Superdome video screen. Officials raised the screen from 90 feet to 200 feet. The against the Washington Redskins. NFC team pulled the ball and had it tested for helium; it was filled with regular air. In 2001, Williams was traded to the St. Louis Rams on draft day in exchange Derrick Brooks for picks in the second and fourth rounds. Due to roster concerns, he switched to errick Dewan Brooks was a linebacker in the free safety. As one of the leaders of a much-improved defense, he got a chance to NFL for fourteen seasons. He played college play in the postseason for only the second time in his career. In the Rams division- D football for Florida State University, and was twice al playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, prior to the Super Bowl, Williams recognized as a consensus All-American. He was returned two interceptions from Packers quarterback Brett Favre for touchdowns drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first and recovered a fumble. Then in the NFC title game, he intercepted a pass from round of the 1995 NFL Draft, and he played his Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb with 2 minutes left in regula- entire professional career for the Buccaneers. An tion, clinching the game and ensuring the Rams’ berth in Super Bowl XXXVI. eleven-time Pro Bowl selection and nine-time All- However, the Rams lost that game to the New England Patriots. Pro, Brooks was named AP NFL Defensive Player of After a lackluster season, in which he ended on the injured reserve list, the Year in 2002, and earned a Super Bowl ring with Williams quietly retired during the 2005 offseason. Over his career, he accumulat- the Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII. He is cur- ed a staggering 12 defensive touchdowns (9 interceptions returned for a touch- rently a co-owner and president for the Tampa Bay down, and 3 fumbles recovered for touchdowns), and 55 career interceptions, Storm of the Arena Football League. cementing his place as one of the most dominating defensive backs of his era. He Brooks is widely considered one of the best (if not the best) players in also recovered 23 fumbles and gained 1,075 total defensive return yards (807 from Buccaneers’ franchise history and one of the best linebackers in NFL history. interceptions and 268 from fumbles). He was also a 4-time All-Pro selection. His From 1995 to 2008, he started 221 of 224 games, recording 1,698 tackles, 13.5 268 fumble return yards are an NFL record. Though the teams he played on rarely made the playoffs (Williams had just 3 sacks, 25 interceptions, and six touchdowns (tied for the most in NFL history by playoff seasons in his 14 years), Williams made the most of his postseason oppor- a linebacker with Bobby Bell). He was selected to the Pro Bowl 11 times, includ- tunities when they occurred, intercepting 6 passes and recovering one fumble in ing 10 straight from 1997 to 2006. his first four playoff games. As a rookie in 1995, Brooks started 13 of 16 games. He finished the season with 78 tackles with a sack and earned first team all-rookie honors from Pro Football Ray Guy Weekly and Pro Football Writers Association. illiam Ray Guy was a punter for the In 2000, Brooks, along with Jim Flanigan of the Chicago Bears, was the win- WOakland/Los Angeles Raiders. Guy was a ner of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, given to a National Football unanimous All-American selection in 1972, as a League player for his community service activities, as well as his excellence on the senior at the University of Southern Mississippi. He field. was the first pure punter ever to be drafted in the first Brooks’ best season came in 2002. He became one of only six players in NFL round of the NFL Draft, when the Oakland Raiders history to make the Pro Bowl, be named Defensive Player of the Year and win a selected him with the 23rd overall pick in 1973. Super Bowl or NFL title. The others are Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, Lawrence A 6-time NFL All-Pro, Guy is widely considered Taylor, Ray Lewis, Reggie White and his teammate for nine years, Warren Sapp. to be one of the greatest punters of all-time. He has In Brooks’ 10th consecutive Pro Bowl in 2006, he was named the MVP after been a 7-times finalist as a modern era candidate for returning a Trent Green interception 59 yards for a touchdown to secure the vic- the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was selected by tory for the NFC. In his last year with the Buccaneers in 2008, he recorded 73 tack- the Seniors Committee as a finalist for election to the les and an interception, and was selected to his 11th Pro Bowl. The 11 Pro Bowls Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2014, becoming are tied for second most by a linebacker in NFL history. only the second kicker (after Jan Stenerud) and the first pure punter so honored. On January 10th, 2014, Brooks was named among the 15 modern-era Pro He played in 207 consecutive games; punted 1,049 times for 44,493 yards, Football Hall of Fame finalists. He was joined by other former Buccaneers, as safe- averaging 42.4 yards per punt, with a 33.8 net yards average; had 210 punts inside ty John Lynch (who was Brooks’ teammate from 1995 to 2004) and head coach the 20-yard line (not counting his first 3 seasons, when the NFL did not keep track Tony Dungy (who coached Brooks from 1996 to 2001) were also finalists. On of this stat), with just 128 touchbacks; led the NFL in punting three times; had a February 1, Brooks was elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. streak of 619 consecutive punts before having one blocked; has a record of 111 He is the third Hall of Famer to have earned his credentials primarily as a Buc, the career punts in post season games; and had five punts of over 60 yards during the others being Lee Roy Selmon and Warren Sapp (Brooks’ teammate from 1995 to 1981 season 2003). Ray Guy was selected to seven AFC Pro Bowl teams, and in 1994, he was named the punter on the NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team. His trademark was kick- continues to page 34 POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:18 PM Page 34

african american point of view page thirty-four september 1, 2014 BLACK SPORTS BLACK SPORTS INTERNATIONAL 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class continued from page 33 In 2000, Reed signed a two year contract with the Denver Broncos in June, but Walter Jones was buried on the depth chart behind Rod Smith, Ed McCaffrey, Robert Brooks alter Jones, Jr., was an offensive tackle who and Travis McGriff. He eventually asked for his release from the Broncos after then Wplayed in the NFL for thirteen seasons. He Head Coach Mike Shanahan informed him that he would be inactive for their 2000 played college football at Florida State University. season opener. He wanted to make a more immediate contribution. He eventually Jones played his entire professional career with the joined the Washington Redskins, and retired after the 2000 season. Seattle Seahawks, where he was a seven-time All-Pro Reed ranks near the top in nearly all NFL career statistical receiving categories. selection and eventual NFL 2000s All-Decade Team He went over 1,000 yards four times in a 16 year career, is tenth in NFL history in honoree. Starting in each of his 180 games in Seattle, total career receptions with 951 (behind only Jerry Rice, Cris Carter, Tim Brown, the Seahawks attempted more than 5,500 passes with Isaac Bruce, Hines Ward, Randy Moss, Tony Gonzalez, Terrell Owens, and Marvin Jones on the field, while Jones gave up a total of only Harrison), ninth in NFL history in total career receiving yards with 13,198. He is 23 quarterback sacks, and was penalized for holding also eleventh in NFL history in total career touchdown receptions with 87. just nine times. Reed also rushed for 500 yards and a touchdown on 75 carries. With the Bills, Jones was selected to the Pro Football Hall of he was selected to the Pro Bowl in seven consecutive seasons (1988–1994). Fame in his first year of eligibility. He set season career highs with 90 receptions in 1994, ten touchdowns in Jones was drafted by the Seahawks in the first round and sixth overall in the 1991, and 1,312 receiving yards in 1989. 1997 NFL Draft. He started every game in which he played, beginning with his A tribute to his incredible physical durability, Reed played in 234 NFL games rookie season. He was a member of the 2005 Seahawks team that lost Super Bowl between 1985 and 2000, the 59th most games played by any player in NFL history, XL to the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2006, he topped the list of the 101 best NFL play- including players in less physically demanding positions, such as kickers and pun- ers by the Sporting News. ters. Jones was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection. He was perhaps the best at his posi- In his four Super Bowls, Reed recorded 27 receptions, the second most total tion in the NFL during the early part of the decade, exemplified by being voted to career Super Bowl receptions in NFL history (behind Rice’s 33). His 323 total Super the NFL’s 2000s All Decade Team. From 1998 through 2000, he helped Ricky Bowl receiving yards are the third most in Super Bowl history (behind only Rice’s Watters achieve three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons for the Seahawks and, later, 604 yards and Lynn Swann’s 364). Re-print permission and photo courtesy of www.blacksportsthemagazine.com. ■ paved the way for Shaun Alexander’s NFL record-setting success. He was recognized by John Madden as the best player in the NFL in 2004 in FOR MORE SPORTS GO TO: a broadcast. Madden recognized Jones in numerous broadcasts as the best left tack- www.blacksportsthemagazine.com le in the NFL and possibly one of the best of all time. Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren called him the best offensive player he had ever coached. Holmgren had previously coached superstars, including Joe Montana, CLASSIFIEDS Steve Young and Brett Favre. On Thanksgiving 2008, Walter succumbed to a knee injury playing against the BUY NEW ENGLAND CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK Cowboys in his 180th and final game. The injury required micro-fracture surgery to ROMOTE YOUR PRODUCT, SERVICE OR BUSINESS TO 1.8 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS THROUGH- OUT NEW ENGLAND. REACH 4 MILLION POTENTIAL READERS QUICKLY AND INEXPENSIVELY repair and immediately ended his season. Jones tried to play again in 2009, but was PWITH GREAT RESULTS. USE THE BUY NEW ENGLAND CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK BY CALLING unsuccessful. On October 28, 2009, he was placed on injured reserve by the 413-796-1500. DO THEY WORK? YOU ARE READING ONE OF OUR ADS NOW!! VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO Seahawks. In a press conference the same day, Jones stated his intention to play in SEE WHERE YOUR ADS RUN FREE COMMUNITY PAPERS OF NEW ENGLAND WWW.FCPNE.COM 2010. On April 29, 2010, he announced on his Twitter account that he would retire. AUTOS WANTED DISH TV Starting at $19.99/month (for Cash For Cars: Any Make, Model or Governor Christine Gregoire declared April 30th to be “Walter Jones Day” in 12 mos.)SAVE! Regular Price $32.99. Year. We Pay MORE! Running or Not, the state of Washington. Call Today and Ask About FREE SAME Sell your Car or Truck TODAY. Free On December 5, 2010, in a game versus the Carolina Panthers, in front of a DAY Installation! CALL Now! 877-300- Towing! Instant Offer: 1-800-871-0654 crowd of over 66,000, the Seahawks honored the career of Jones by retiring his 9742 #71 jersey. This was only the third player’s number to be retired by the Seahawks. EDUCATION EMPLOYERS NEED WORK-AT-HOME FOR RENT MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTIONISTS! Get the Andre Reed Warm Weather Is Year Round In Aruba. ndre Darnell Reed played wide receiver in the online training you need to fill these The water is safe, and the dining is fan- NFL for 16 seasons, 15 with the Buffalo Bills positions with Career Step’s employer- A trusted program. Train at home to work tastic. Walk out to the beach. 3- (1985–1999) and one with the Washington Redskins at home! Visit CareerStep.com/ Bedroom weeks available. Sleeps 8. (2000). He ranks tenth in NFL history in total career NewEngland to start training for your $3500. Email: [email protected] for receptions with 951. In 2009, Reed was elected to the work-at-home career today. Buffalo Bills 50th Season All-Time Team. more information. Reed began his football career as a quarterback in MISCELLANEOUS high school. He attended Kutztown University of LAND FOR$ Pennsylvania, where he moved to the wide receiver REACH 499 LAND FOR SALE IN RUMNEY,NH 79 position and quickly drew the attention of the NFL (That’s Cheap!) commercial and residential acres, tim- for his speed and durability at the receiver position. Run this size ad for one week 700,000+ and your ad will reach ber, with 1,050ft. of double road access In the 1985 NFL Draft, he was drafted by the 700,000+ homes throughout primary highway frontage. Lakes and Buffalo Bills in the fourth round with the 86th over- HOMES New England for only $499 Call June (NOW!) at mountain skiing near by. $296,000 all selection. During his career with the Bills, he played in four Super Bowls. (That’s a Lot!) Community Papers of New England PLUS, GET A FREE CLASSIFIED! 877-423-6399 Telephone 603-726-3552 POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:18 PM Page 35

african american point of view page thirty-five september 1, 2014 PRIMARY ELECTION CANDIDATE PULLOUT PAGES 5-6 & 35-36 CANDIDATES FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE 9th HAMPDEN DISTRICT

Edward W. Collins, Jr. (Democrat) ― International Peter Murphy (Democrat) ― Attorney, Springfield Representative for the International Brotherhood of School Committee Member, former Assistant District Electrical Workers for the 2nd District. “Community Attorney. “I have been an assistant district attorney, a city service and public policy have been my life’s work. Over official, a small business owner, an elected representative the years I have served on the Boards of the United Way, and the parent of three beautiful children. I am confident Goodwill Industries, Child and Family Service, The that this experience will make me an effective legislator. I Regional Employment Board, The Massachusetts Coalition have the life experience and the know-how to unite our for Occupational Safety and Health Westfield State College community. (My) legislative priorities would be supporting and the University of Massachusetts and the University of universal pre-school, which (I) view as a critical issue. (I) Massachusetts Building Authority. My professional life has also would work on continued justice reform. . . . (S)ome included 16 years as Business Manager and Financial of the sentencing schemes are not cost effective and are Edward E. Collins Secretary of International Brotherhood of Electrical Peter Murphy not keeping the public as safe as they should be. We need Workers (IBEW) and 25 years as an International Representative of IBEW. During to create more jobs and provide more opportunities for our citizens. We must make that time I also served as President of the Pioneer Valley Central Labor Council and sure all of our young people have access to a quality education and our seniors have Executive Vice President of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO. The common thread that affordable health care that allows them to live in dignity. For too long, we have let dif- has run through these experiences has been my commitment to help people to cre- ferences divide us and hold us back. It’s time for a new day.” ate economic opportunity and to build stronger communities. I have also seen first- hand what state government can do, or fail to do, in strengthening our communities.”

Jose F. Tosado (Democrat) ― Director of Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, former Springfield City Councilor, former School Committee Member. “(I) have dedicated (my) life to public service, including more than 25 years working for the state, currently as Springfield director of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health . . . (and) been responsible for the oversight of millions of taxpayer dol- lars earmarked for human services. I have the experience, knowledge and commitment required to most effectively represent the 9th Hampden District. I have a proven track record of effective, yet compassionate leadership in high levels of government. I believe that my extensive and effective leadership experience provides me with the qualities that would best serve the 9th Hampden District. I am known for being methodi- cal and doing my homework on the issues. I will work hard to bring resources to address citywide issues that affect our district such as public safety, education, economic development, and I am particularly invested in bringing resources to meet the needs of our growing senior citizen community.”

Jose F. Tosado

CANDIDATE FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE 10th HAMPDEN DISTRICT

Melvin A. Edwards (Democrat) ― Springfield Ward 3 City Councilor, Retired, Community Volunteer. “I have had the privilege to serve the public in the non-profit sector for over a decade. I am the president of the Maple High/Six Corners Neighborhood Council, president of Keep Springfield Beautiful, and president of the Springfield Armory Alliance. My experience as a Springfield City Councilor has taught me the impor- tance of strong representation for our city in the State Legislature. I appreciate the need to build relationships, to collaborate, and never to be too arrogant to learn something new. Budget decisions made there can affect how many streets get paved, how many schools get built or renovated, the number of police officers patrolling our streets and where the new business development and job training programs are implemented. Our abil- ity to address the opiate crisis, to create after school programs, improve our graduation rate, and to stop the murder of our children requires we admit our failures and begin to change the way we do what we do. It is very important for me to serve everyone in our community, regardless of their background, their zip code, or their economic status.” (See August issue, pg. 25) Melvin Edwards continues to page 36 Don’t Trade Ben’s Real Record of Legislative Accomplishment for Campaign Promises . . . VOTE FOR INTEGRITY, WISDOM, VISION AND DEDICATION

PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO REELECT BEN SWAN STATE REPRESENTATIVE, 815 STATE STREET, SPRINGFIELD, MA BEN SWAN REELECT 䣣ä™ÊUÊ 
 Ê-7
]Ê,°Ê/,
-1, ,ÊUÊ",Ê ", Ê ",
/" Ê6-/Ê1-Ê" Ê"1,Ê7 -/ Ê
/\ÊÜÜÜ°Ài«ÃÜ>˜°œÀ} STATE REPRESENTATIVE POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:18 PM Page 36

african american point of view page thirty-six september 1, 2014 PRIMARY ELECTION CANDIDATE PULLOUT PAGES 5-6 & 35-36 CANDIDATE FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE 11th HAMPDEN POINT OF VIEW PRIMARY DISTRICT ENDORSEMENTS for: Benjamin Swan, Sr. ― State Representative 11th Hampden District. “Benjamin Swan, Sr. is a member of the Massachusetts Black & Latino Caucus, Vice-Chairman GOVERNOR of the House Post Audit & Oversight Committee, member of the Joint Committees on Elderly Affairs and Public LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Service. Prior to his election to the Great and General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Rep. Swan TREASURER had experienced a long career in partisan and non-partisan politics, civil and human rights, and numerous grassroots ATTORNEY GENERAL movements. During the 60’s he was the youngest board STATE SENATE member of the Springfield NAACP branch, he served on Benjamin Swan the Region and National Action Council of the Congress STATE REPRESENTATIVES of Racial Equality (CORE), and as the Western Massachusetts Coordinator for the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Rep. Swan is proud to list among DISTRICT ATTORNEY his legislative priorities such issues as youth development, economic development, housing, health-care, elderly services, education, police-community relations and con- REGISTRAR OF PROBATE cern for Massachusetts prison inmates. His legislation created a youth development are on page 26 center in Springfield, which provided a vehicle to lessen youth involvement with the criminal justice system, and to enhance productive citizenship.” CANDIDATES FOR HAMPDEN COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY Shawn P. Allyn ― Attorney, Private Practice. “I have Hal Etkin ― Attorney, Private Practice. “I have been a spent my entire adult career working on behalf of those lawyer for 30 years. I have represented clients in all courts who needed an advocate and ensuring social justice for oth- involving all legal matters. Previously, I worked in the DA ers. I believe that this work has molded me into the profes- office for ten years. While there, I prosecuted cases from sional I have become and has also prepared me to be your drugs, domestic violence to murder. More importantly, I next District Attorney. I also believe that I will bring with ran special programs like speaking to school students about me an unmatched and diverse range of experience into the drug and alcohol abuse and sponsoring the use of video District Attorney’s office along with a new and bold vision taping to convict drunk drivers. I was also chief prosecutor for Hampden County. As an Attorney, I have practiced law of the child abuse unit, which was recognized as a nation- for the last 15 years, where I have fought tirelessly for the al model throughout the United States. I also was academy poor and worked to secure justice for those most in need director at the police academy for seven years. I am running Shawn P. Allyn of legal service. I have appeared in over 1,000 criminal Hal Etkin for District Attorney because I want to change how we cases and handled over 250 indicted cases in Superior Court. I have taken on the very prosecute crime. I believe in providing more programs for youth to keep them off difficult cases, including Civil Rights cases which involved severe police brutality. I the streets and out of trouble. I proposed an “Everyday Gun Buyback” program to will bring my two decades of experience and focus all of my energies towards reduce gun violence. I offer diversion to non-violent first time offenders. I believe improving public safety for all the residents and families of Hampden County.” that the DA Office belongs to the people and together we can reduce crime, help vic- (See July issue, pg. 25) tims and improve our community.” (See June issue, pg. 25)

Anthony D. Gulluni ― Attorney, Assistant District Brett J. Vottero ― Attorney, Private Practice. “In 1985, Attorney. “Growing up in Springfield I spent a lot of time I began work as a prosecutor handling criminal appeals and with my father, Frank D. Gulluni, at his workplace, the then criminal trials. I quickly found working for justice for Massachusetts Career Development Institute (MCDI). I crime victims, police officers and the public to be tremen- saw public service in action. Campaigning for Hampden dously rewarding, and most of my career since that time County District Attorney, I often recall lessons I learned has been spent investigating and prosecuting serious vio- from my father’s example. I think about how I can work to lent crime. I tried many high-profile cases, including the serve the greater good. In this regard, it is my belief that murder of Rev. Theodore N. Brown, a family outreach the work of the district attorney should not only be inside counselor who was stabbed to death in front of a class at courtrooms to ensure public safety, but also outside the Springfield High School in 2001. As Chief of the courthouse to prevent crime and its causes. Most of my Homicide Unit under District Attorney Bennett, I prose- Anthony Gulluni career as a lawyer has been as a prosecutor. I know that Brett Vottero cuted and supervised scores of murder cases from swift and aggressive prosecution of violent and repeat offenders is sometimes the throughout Hampden County. Since 2008, I have been in private practice and cur- only way to protect the law-abiding citizens of Hampden County. I also know too rently live and work in downtown Springfield. I handle criminal defense and civil lit- well that illegal guns and gang violence are the scourge of urban communities across igation, including medical malpractice and personal injury cases. Our next Hampden the county. I believe that with the help of community leaders and the public, the dis- County District Attorney should have substantial experience, strong legal ability and trict attorney’s office can be a force for positive change and progress in our commu- unquestioned professional integrity. I believe that I have these qualities and I am nities.” (See June issue, pg. 25) deeply committed to promoting justice in our community while protecting public safety.” (See August issue, pg. 25) POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:18 PM Page 37

african american point of view page thirty-seven september 1, 2014 SEPTEMBER 2014 EVENTS For more events, go to: www.afampointofview.com/events.htm TUESDAY―2 THRU SATURDAY―6 When: 8―8:45am Registration; Northampton’s Fourth Annual Jazz Festival 9am Walk/Run When: Sat. 11am―10pm Where: Forest Park, Springfield, MA Where: Downtown Northampton Street, Info: 413.219.3118; behind Thornes Marketplace, [email protected]; District #4—281 Franklin St.; African Hall Subcommittee of the Northampton, MA carljoseph.org; See Ad on page 39 10am―4pm Springfield Museums presents 23rd Annual Info: FREE and Open to the Public; go to www.northamptonjazzfestival.org St. Peter’s Church is sponsoring trip to Lake District #6—1188-1/2 Parker St.; Ubora Award Celebration & Reception specific daily events George Jazz Festival 10am―2pm When: 6―8:30pm When: 8am―5pm Where: Or you may vote at 721 State St., Where: Springfield Museums FRIDAY―5 Where: St. Peter’s Church, 2nd floor, Springfield, MA; 21 Edwards St., Springfield, MA 8am―6pm Info: $15 adults; $10 children under 12; United Way of Pioneer Valley “Day of Caring 45 Buckingham St., Springfield, MA Info: 413.263.6500 413.63.6800 ext. 325; 2014” Info: $45 bus; $36 Champagne Brunch See Article & Ad on page 18 Info: Go to [email protected] or call Cruise; 413.736.8567; LaTonia Naylor at 413.693.0215 to 413.726.9006 FRIDAY―19 get involved Sweetport Jazz & Blues Festival FRIDAY―26 SUNDAY―14 When: 6pm Springfield Partners for Community Action THURSDAY―11 BBQ at Holyoke Canoe Club to Benefit Where: McLevy Park, Downtown 50th Anniversary Celebration Painting with a Purpose―50% of Proceeds Holyoke Organizations Bridgeport, CT When: 6―11pm to Benefit Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover When: 1―5:30pm Info: FREE and Open to the Public; Where: Springfield Marriot Foundation Where: Holyoke Canoe Club, off Route 5, 203.576.8473; See Ad on page 23 2 Boland Way, Springfield, MA When: 6:30―8:30pm Holyoke, MA Info: $75; 413.263.6500; Where: 448A North Main Street Info: $40; WEDNESDAY―20 www.springfieldpartnersinc.com East Longmeadow, MA [email protected] Boys & Girls Club Family Center presents Info: $35; PaintingwithaTwist.com/ 413.244.6766 “A Day for Kids” Festival SATURDAY―27 East-Longmeadow; 413.525.2041 When: 11am―3pm Home Owner’s Expo: Weatherization WEDNESDAY―17 Where: 100 Acorn St., Springfield, MA When: 3―6pm SATURDAY―13 Springfield Partners for Community Action Info: [email protected]; Where: Dunbar Y Community Center, Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover 5th Anniversary Board of Directors Election 413.739.4743 33 Oak St., Springfield, MA Celebration Anti-Bullying Back-to-School When: District #2—74 Walnut St.; Info: FREE and Open to the Public; 5k/2k 10am―4pm [email protected]

Interested in starting or finishing your college degree? Attend STCC’s Evening Information Session.

Thursday, October 16

5:30pm–8:00pm  
P by RSV at: ober 9 3CIBELLI(ALLTH&LOOR ay, Oct Thursd /101614 tcc.edu www.s Learn more about: s !SSOCIATE$EGREE#ERTIlCATE0ROGRAMS s &INANCIAL!ID s .ON CREDITTRAININGCERTIlCATIONS s /NLINE,EARNING www.stcc.edu

Scan to take a virtual (413) 755-3333 campus tour! Springfield Technical Community College POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:18 PM Page 38

african american point of view page thirty-eight september 1, 2014

Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at their 10th Annual Hat’s Off Celebration. Photo by Leonard Underwood

Top left: Mrs. Williams witnessed this event for the first time, proudly seeing her granddaughter receive a scholarship and acco- lades for her high achievements in the cosmetology program at Putnam Vocational Academy where her mother, Joyce Calhoun, is the Instructor.

Bottom left: The Big Will Express AC (Athletic Club) held its 14th annual Scholarship event. Seven graduating seniors were given scholarships and three special recognition awards were given to members of the community. This event is carried on by Joyce Calhoun, daughter of the late George “Big Will” Williams. Photos by Denise Stewart, Dom Dee Photography POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:18 PM Page 39

african american point of view page thirty-nine september 1, 2014 POV_September_1_2014_POV_September_1_2014.qxd 8/27/2014 12:18 PM Page 40

african american point of view september 1, 2014

A TreasurerTreasurer wwhoho willwill ininvestvest inin PeopPeople.le.

ExtendingExtending ththee ccommunityommunity babankingnking partnershippartnership thatthat providesprovides moneymoney for investmentinvestment inin locallocal smallsmall businesses.businesses.

%$#$"!#"%$#$"!#" $$ $$ $$ ! !  $#$# $#$# and trustrustworthiness.tworthiness.

LeadingLeading inin institutinginstituting wagewage equalityequality fromfrom thethe veryverryy bebeginningginning of mmyy admiadministration.nistration.

EstablishingEstablishing a comprehensivecomprehensive financialfinancial literacyliteracy programprogram to rreacheach thosethose mostmost ssusceptibleusceptible to predatorypredatorryy practices.practices. IncludingIncluding freefree tax preparationpreparation to prprotectotect llow-incomeow -incom e familiesfamilies fromfrom llosingosing a portionportion of theirtheir harhardd earnedearned refunds.refunds.

 !!!#" !!!#"   $"$"    $  $  !!   fifightght for moremore women,women, mmoreore minoritiesminorities and truetrue didiversityversity on ccorporateorporate boards;boards; investinginvesting inin companiescompanies thatthat willwill iinvestnvest iinn MMassachusetts.assachusetts.

CreatingCreating a collegecollege savingssavings plan for kindergartenerskindergartenerrss at no ccostost to taxpayers.taxpayers.

! ! ! ! BayBay StateState StonewallStonewall DemocratsDemocrats TheThe RainbowRainbow TTimesimes MassNOWMassNOW MassRetireesMassRetirees %$ %$  # # ! !$! !$ $  $   AFSCMEAFSCME CouncilCouncil #93#93 AFTAFT MassachusettsMassachusetts BostonBoston TTeacherseachers UnionUnion  # # $ #$ # #!##!# 

IIBEWBEW LocalLocal 103 IIBEWBEW LocalLocal 2222 IIronworkersronworkers LLocalocal 7 MMassass CC.O.P..O.P. MAMA LaborersLaborers DiDistrictstrict CCouncilouncil FromFrom leleftftt ttoo rright,ight, BBackack RRow:ow: CityCity CounCouncilorcilor JustinJustin Hurst,Hurst, FormerFormer CityCity CouncilorCouncilor BillBill PaintersPainters andand AlliedAllied TradesTrades DC #35#35 Foley,Foley, CityCity CouncilorCouncilor BudBud Williams,Williams, JeffJeff Williams.Williams. ProfessionalProfessional Fire FFightersighters ofof MAMA

FrontFront row:row: State CommiteewomanCommiteewoman MarygailMarryygail CoCokkkinias,kinias, State CommitteewomanCommitteewoman TeamstersTeamsters LLocalocal 25 CandyCandy Glazer,Glazer, CandidateCandidate for TreasurerTreasurer DebDeb Goldberg,Goldberg, SchoolSchool CommitteeCommittee UFCWUFCW MemberMember DeniseDenise Hurst,Hurst, and SchoolSchool Committeemittee MMemberember BaBarbararbara GrGreshamesham UniteUnite HHEREERE LocalLocal 26 UtilityUtility WorkersWorkers LocalLocal 369

DebGDebGoldberg.comoldberg.com