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Emancipation Proclamation Volume 31 No. 13 Jacksonville, Florida February 15 - 21, 2017 on Display at Smithsonian Original copies of two historical documents of crucial importance to Access to Safe, Decent and Affordable Housing at Stake the lives of African Americans are now on display at the Smithsonian by Charlene Crowell On February 2, a leaked Senate goals. bipartisan legislation provided National Museum of African American History and Culture in In recent days, threats to the proposal to overhaul the secondary The proposal from U.S. Senators strong regulatory oversight of the Washington, D.C. The Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th nation’s housing finance system mortgage market’s government- Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Mark housing finance system and brought Amendment to the U.S. Constitution are on display as part of the have emerged. At the center of the sponsored enterprises (GSEs), Warner (D- Va.) was quickly and forward important affordable hous- “Slavery and Freedom” exhibition in Concourse One of the museum. controversy are two key issues: the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, unanimously rejected by a broad ing goals to ensure that hard-work- The documents are among the most important documents in the histo- obligation of mortgage lenders to would drop important access and coalition of civil rights and housing ing families would be able to access ry of the United States. President Abraham Lincoln issued The ensure broad mortgage credit for all affordability provisions that now advocates that included several mortgage loans. But with the hous- Emancipation Proclamation, which took effect on January 1, 1863, free- credit-worthy borrowers, and sec- govern the system. For example, leading groups and agencies. ing market’s lengthy path to recov- ing slaves in 10 rebellious states during the Civil War. ondly, whether the nation will the GSEs now are required to As early as 2008, Congress ery, many have renewed calls for The 13th Amendment, which passed Congress on December 6, 1865, enforce its own laws banning always serve all markets, as well as moved swiftly to enact the Housing legislative reform of Fannie and made slavery illegal in the United States. unlawful discrimination. have in place affordable housing and Economic Recovery Act. This Freddie. Continued on page 3 They are on loan are to the museum from philanthropist David M. Rubenstein, Smithsonian Regent and co-founder and co-executive chairman of The Carlyle Group, an investment firm with $178 billion in assets. Legacy of Brewster Hospital Honored Program participants included School Changes Name from Andrew Brewser staff and graduates Helen Bargeron, (1947-1950), Wilma Jackson to Hidden Figures Muse Lauray, (1954-1962), administrator An elementary school in Utah has traded one Jackson for another in a Marcus Drewa, and physician Dr. change that many say was a long time coming. Tom Peters. Jackson Elementary School in Salt Lake City will no longer be named Many of the students in atten- for Andrew Jackson, the seventh U.S. president, whose slave ownership dance from nursing and other health and treatment of Native Americans are often cited in the debate over related programs weren’t aware of memorializing historical figures associated with racism. the significance of Brewster in the Instead, the school will honor Mary Jackson, the first black female Jacksonville community. engineer at nasa whose story, and the stories of others like her at the The highlight of the event was the space agency, was chronicled in Hidden Figures, a 2016 film based on presentation of $2 bills from a book of the same name by Margot Lee Shetterly. Marcus Drewa who served as an School employees and parents have discussed changing the elemen- administrator for both Brewster and tary’s school name “for years,” Alberty reported, and last year started Methodist Hospitals. “Mr. Drewa polling and meeting with parents, alumni, and others. More than 70 per- always carried around $2 bills to cent supported the change. Of the school’s 440 students, 85 percent are give to the nurses and he was students of color,according to the Salt Lake City School District. instrumental in helping the black Mary Jackson, a native of Hampton, Virginia, worked as a math community with donations and teacher, a receptionist, and an Army secretary before she arrived at fought for nurses rights,” said NASA’s Langley Research Center in 1951 as a member of the West Area FCBNA organizer Jackie Lee. Computing unit, a segregated division where African American women The passage of the 1964 Civil spent hours doing calculations with pencil and paper, including for the Rights Act doomed Brewster trajectories of the country’s earliest space missions. Hospital. The legislation opened the city’s other health care facilities to African Americans. This resulted in Minority HIV Rates Remain High a substantial drop in revenue for Although HIV infections and HIV deaths have declined in recent Shown above in attendance with their commemorative $2 bills are (L-R) Wilma Lauray, Brewster. The institution shut its years, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1.1 million Gwen Mathis, Vathrice Hartwell, Marcus Drewa, Dr. Carol Neil and Jacquelyn Lee. doors in 1966. The city relocated people are currently living with HIV in the U.S. and 470,000 are African the structure from its former loca- American. This number includes 74,100 individuals who don’t know Local nursing students received ment at FSCJ. Brewster Hospital, Jacksonville, but also in the U.S., tion to the northeast corner of they are infected and are at higher risk of transmitting the virus. firsthand insight into the lives of the which stood at 7th & Jefferson operating from 1901 to 1966. The Monroe and Davis Streets in The disease has continued to cut a deadly swath through the black city’s Black nurses during segrega- streets in Springfield. UF Health program provided a historical per- September 2005. In 2007, the City community since 1981 when it was first discovered. By U.S. region, the tion at a program sponsored by the Jacksonville is the current occupant spective of the triumphs and chal- of Jacksonville began extensive South has the highest rate of recent HIV infections, accounting for the First Coast Black Nurses’ of the site. It was not only the first lenges of Brewster nurses as well as restorations. majority of newly diagnosed with the disease, which was 63% in 2016. Association and the Nursing depart- African American hospital in nurses throughout Duval County. HIV/AIDS was the sixth-leading cause of death among black men 20 to 44 years old and the fourth leading cause of death among black women 35 to 44 in 2015. There are many reasons why this plague con- tinues to spread almost unabated and almost unnoticed throughout the [tÄÄ @ j|ÄÄ|tÅá aâÑà|tÄá black community, but a significant reason is that the disease is not talked about as much as it was years ago. This relative lack of ongoing public discourse about HIV/ AIDS may have given rise to a false sense of safe- ty in the black community. Major reasons for the high rate of HIV infection include poverty, lack of access to health care, higher rates of some other sexually transmitted infections, lack of awareness of HIV status and stigma, stated the Kaiser Family Foundation in its report “Black Americans and HIV/AIDS: The Basics,” published this month. America’s Students Aren’t Learning the Truth About Slavery American students are being taught an inadequate and often sanitized version of history when it comes to slavery, according to a new report. The report, from the Southern Poverty Law Center, looks at how slav- ery is presented in K-12 classrooms and found that students are often Shown are Vagabond member Lawrence Dennis, Seaborn Dixon and taught a deeply incomplete version of events. Students learn Rick Blackston announcing the scholarship to guests. inspirational stories ― about figures like Harriet Tubman and good Samaritans who helped slaves reach freedom in the underground Vagabonds Celebrate Scholarship, railroad ― before they learn about the horrors of enslavement. When Honor Sweethearts at Annual Soiree they learn about slavery, it is often presented as an isolated, albeit unfor- tunate phenomenon, disconnected from white supremacist ideologies Hundreds of couples adorned in their formal attire attended the Royal that abetted it and the racism that continues as a pervasive part of Vagabonds Annual Sweetheart Dance last weekend to pay tribute sweet- Latosha Hall and Johnny Williams originally met in 2005, drifted apart American life today. hearts and raise funds for needy high school students. This year, the 90 for over a decade and reconnected in May 2017. The couple crossed paths Only 8 percent of high school seniors surveyed by an independent year old organization raised $4,000 to provide four $1,000 scholarships to again thanks to the groom’s cousin and instantly became intertwined as a polling firm for the study identified slavery as the primary reason for the eligible graduating seniors. The Royal Vagabond Club was formed in 1928 couple. By September of 2017, the groom was smitten and had asked for Civil War. Almost half identified tax protests as the main cause. and incorporated in 1948, as a social and civic organization. The club was Latosha’s hand in marriage. The ceremony, witnessed by family and Fixing the way slavery is taught in schools has organized during the Jim Crow era by professional men in the community friends, was officiated by Rev. Columbus Burns and Rev. Gary Williams. a specific urgency at this moment in history, with the desire to have a positive presence in the during the years of seg- The Groom is a retired naval officer who worked as the head chief of amid a surge in white nationalism, the report regation. Over the years, the club thrived despite declining membership maintenance personnel of the Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron says. Understanding and facing the history is an and remains a positive influence in the Jacksonville community. With a and now works part-time at NAS Jax as an aircraft mechanic. Before mov- essential first step of alleviating the indelible upcoming golf tournament on the calendar, the Vagabonds have vowed to ing to Jacksonville to become Mrs. Williams, bride Latosha Hall worked stain slavery has left on the country. continue to make a difference in the community and the lives of people of as a resort manager in Hilton Head, SC. With a blended family of three color. - Lynn Jones children, the couple will reside in Jacksonville. Page 2 - Ms. Perry’s Free Press February 15 - 21, 2018 Never Too Late to Estate Corruption at the Core of the Attempt to Remove South Africa’s President Plan for Your Digital Assets Top leaders in South Africa’s rul- ing African National Congress In just the two-year period from (ANC) Party want to remove the 2012 to 2014, humans produced country’s corrupt president, a move more data than in all of human civi- that would restore the reputation of lization before that – and the pace is Nelson Mandela’s party. only accelerating. The downfall of South Africa It’s not clear what people’s digital President Jacob Zuma has been presences will look like in years to painful to watch. Zuma, a hero in come, but it’s sure that an increasing the battle against Apartheid, was im- number of people will be creating prisoned on Robben Island in 1963 and accumulating growing reams of with Mandela. This attempt to oust data until the day they die. But then Zuma, 75, comes as he faces multi- what? ple corruption charges that tarnishes The law is very clear about han- a political party that was a beacon of dling paper documents and other hope in Africa among the conti- physical property when someone nent’s corrupt governments. dies. But as a law professor at Drake With Zuma at the helm, the coun- Law School who has been studying try is often seen—at best—as one of Massive protests have taken over the streets calling for Zuma to go. property transfers for years, I’ve seen the least corrupt countries in Africa. ate departure after an extensive upgrade his private estate. that laws, regulations and court rul- A survey put Nigeria, the conti- party leadership meeting that ended Politically, Zuma’s scandals are ings are only recently trying to figure nent’s most populous country, at the early Tuesday. dragging down the ANC’s popular- out how to handle the ever-changing top of the list of governments world- This standoff was expected after ity, adding to the disappointment realm of digital technology. So far, in wide that are perceived as corrupt. the ANC’s secretary-general, Ace many Black South Africans feel to- most cases the information is con- Ghana, Angola and Kenya also Magashule, announced on Tuesday ward the ANC’s failure to improve trolled by the companies that store it placed in the top 10. include digital assets in their estate planning, you can protect your pri- that Zuma rejected the National Ex- their lives. South Africans have – regardless of what users want or di- Zuma defied an order on Wednes- planning and encourage their loved vacy as well as ease the management ecutive Committee’s authority to re- protested not only to demand jobs rect to happen after their death. day from party officials to resign ones to do the same. of your estate after your death. Plan move him, according to the BBC. but also to protest government Law catching up with technology from office, triggering a political Access to the email of a person who for your digital assets in the same The list of charges against Zuma under Zuma’s regime. Still, Zuma Many people have had email and crisis. Under pressure from party has died may be the most important way you would any other valuable includes fraud, racketeering and has supporters who want the party other digital accounts for decades, leaders, he agreed to resign—but to unlock: Messages and images are tangible or intangible asset. After all, money laundering from a multi-bil- to allow him to complete his term in some stretching back to the early pi- under his own timetable. However, likely to be emotionally important. In digital assets are today’s shoeboxes lion dollar arms deal in 1999. More office. The two factions have oneers in the 1960s. But large num- the officials, including the presump- addition, banking, utilities and other of photos, letters and other memen- recently, the country’s highest court squared off in the streets against bers of average people really only tive new president Cyril accounts are often linked to an email tos. Planning can preserve your ruled that he breached his oath of of- each other. began creating significant digital Ramaphosa, demanded his immedi- address; gaining online access to legacy in its digital form. fice by using government money to footprints in the early part of the 21st those can help administer a person’s century. Facebook and Gmail began estate. operations in 2004; YouTube started Of course, it’s important to protect in 2005; Twitter launched in 2006; the privacy of a person who has died Stand Your Ground Laws are Back in the National Spotlight the iPhone came out in 2007. – despite the general legal assump- Almost a decade later, a group of A case involving a White neigh- said that Copley is “George Zimmer- home and acted in self-defense by warning shot and we got somebody tion that a dead person no longer has lawyers from around the country de- borhood watchman who fatally shot man 2.0.” killing Thomas. He told 911 that he that got hit." privacy that needs protecting. The veloped a draft uniform law they en- a Black man in North Carolina is Bamberg, a high-profile civil rights was shooting at “hoodlums”. North Carolina’s Stand Your uniform state law does this by requir- couraged all 50 states to adopt, which raising eyebrows around the country. attorney who represented the families Copley called 911 that fateful Ground law allows someone “the ing a person to have left specific would allow people to specify in Chad Copley, 40, recently began of Alton Sterling and Walter Scott, morning to report "hoodlums" on his right to use deadly force to defend his written permission for an executor to their wills that the executor of their his trial for killing Kouren-Rodney said justice may prevail in this case. street and says he fired a warning or her home, vehicle or workplace” access an email account. estate can access their email and so- Thomas, 20, after having fired shots “There are similarities, but I have a shot. In the 911 call, he told the dis- if there’s “a reasonable fear of immi- Making plans for yourself cial media profiles. So far, 39 state from his home garage in Raleigh, feeling there will be a different out- patcher, "We have a lot of people out- nent death or serious bodily harm.” To prepare yourself for a digital af- legislatures have adopted it and North Carolina on August 7, 2016. come,” he said following the deadly side of our house yelling and Other cases involving Stand Your terlife, the first task is to state, in seven more are considering it this This case is reminisce of Trayvon shooting. shouting profanities. I yelled at them, Ground laws haver been taking place writing, what you want to happen to year. Martin, with Justin Bamberg, attor- Copley claimed that he was being 'please leave the premises.' They in a handful of states, including Mis- your digital assets. Create a list of the The uniform law doesn’t specify – ney for the Thomas family, having targeted by gang members at his were showing a firearm, so I fired a souri and of course, Florida. accounts in your name, and deter- and courts have not yet been asked to mine which ones you want your ex- rule on – exactly how that access ecutor to access – and which should should happen. So for the moment, a be deleted. dead person’s executor must contact Crucially, do not list usernames or the company behind each digital plat- passwords in your will, because a ATTENTION form to determine how to get into the person’s will becomes a public doc- person’s accounts. ument upon their death. Instead, con- If you worked for In states that haven’t passed this sider recording access information Eichenlaub Painting law, companies themselves can de- for these accounts in a safe place – cide whether to allow loved ones ac- like password management software Contractors, cess to a late relative’s digital assets. – and leave instructions for your ex- D. Purvis Yahoo, for example, is notorious for ecutor to find them. terminating an account upon a user’s It’s not yet clear whether credits Construction Co. death and forbidding access after- and purchases with digital media ac- or Lockhart ward. counts (like the Google Play Store or The company’s refusal to grant ac- iTunes) or online reward account Construction cess to surviving family members is points can be transferred when their Builders in the being challenged in Massachusetts, a holder dies. The only solution for state that has not adopted the uniform now may be to leave your executor 1960s and 1970s in digital assets law. In October 2017, with instructions on how to access Jacksonville, FL, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial the value stored in those accounts – Court ruled that an executor could and back up the media on external please contact consent to the disclosure of emails on hard drives stored in a safe place. Asbestos behalf of the dead person whose es- Finally, check with the companies tate was being managed. The case is whose online services you use to see Investigator back before a lower court to decide if they provide their own method to Sherry Day at on other issues, including whether transfer assets at death. For example, the estate will be able to access the Google has pioneered a method for (734) 878-5236 or account despite Yahoo’s terms of its users to indicate what they want email Sherry@SLD- service agreement. to have happen to their account if The role of privacy they don’t access it for several investigations.com. With so many legal issues yet to be months. We are looking for people that decided, people should be sure they By engaging in some simple estate may have worked with our client. February 15 - 21, 2018 Ms. Perry’s Free Press - Page 3 Gamma Rho Omega Goes Red for Heart Health

Shown is FAMU representatives Joyce Couch and Valencia Steward. Shown are Chapter Members with the mascot “Thimper” (L-R) : 7th Graders Attend College Fair Author Pens Book Sharing Experience Patricia Gill, Danette McQueen, Lequista Smith, Phillis Varnado, Alicia Fason, Jacquelyn Lee, and Shelly Thompson Embarking on 7 Year Success Journey of Discrimination in the Military Nearly 250 people attended a action for this very reason. This By Carla Meche Reuben Keith Green began his military career in May, 1985 serving on morning of heart education when year’s activities included a mini Over one hundred children and their parents got in the college spirit with the USS Voge at Mayport Naval Station. His last tour of duty was at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., heart walk, hands-only CPR, Heart the I’m A Star Foundation's Family Empowerment Forum and College Fair Jacksonville Naval Air Station where he retired in 1996 unhappy, feeling Gamma Rho Omega Chapter held Healthy facts presentation, testimo- . The event was held inside the gym at Ribault High School for 7th graders he received unfair and biased treatment throughout his military career. His their annual ‘Pink Goes Red” event nials, a healthy food demonstration, in the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate 21 years of service led him to pen his autobiography, Black Officer, White with The Bethel Church Healthy wheel of exercise game and cardio Programs (GEAR UP) federal grant program. Edward Waters College's Navy: Thriving While Black, and Sailing Second Class, in the Post Bethel ministry. The event was in line dancing. Blood pressure and Marching Band kicked off the festivities where the youth had the opportu- Zumwalt Navy. He states his motivation was to, “provide guidance and celebration of the American Heart cardiovascular screenings were per- nity to preview eleven colleges and universities. experiences to African American males wanting to enlist in the Navy.” The Association’s Go Red for Women formed along with distribution of I’m A Star will follow this group of 7th graders and will mentor the book recants Green’s tour in the Navy and the pressure of a white Navy on Movement. heart health information. cohort once every two weeks in addition to providing parenting empower- Black officers. In honor of Black History Month, Mr. Green gifted African Heart disease is the number one The chapter presented a gift of ment forums twice a month through their first year of college. GEAR UP American men who were either in the military or had family in the mili- killer of women causing one in $500 to the American Heart is designed to increase the number of low-income students who are pre- tary with a copy of his book at the offices of the Free Press. Shown receiv- three deaths each year. The Association to support ongoing pared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. The program will ing their signed copy l-r is R. Luis Negron, Naval Officer James Andrews, American Heart Association advo- research. last seven years, in an effort to ensure students academic success and col- author Reuben Keith Green and Eddie Diamond. cates for more research and swifter lege readiness. Access to Safe, Decent and Affordable Housing at Stake Continued from page 1 Days later, on February 5, Mick to the CFPB’s Director’s office, to walking a new patrol. lenders are serving the credit needs King, Jr.’s assassination, we must And just as the GSEs are now Mulvaney, the White House hand- focus instead on consumer educa- Since assuming unlawful leader- of communities in which they are remain vigilant in the fight for pledged to serve the entire market, picked Acting Director for the tion and coordination, there are real ship at CFPB, Mulvaney has also located. The annual HMDA report access to safe and affordable mort- some want to take way to take away Consumer Financial Protection concerns that the OFLEO will be dropped a lawsuit against predatory is the only comprehensive one that gage loans – for many consumers, the system’s access and affordabili- Bureau (CFPB) announced he unable to perform its enforcement payday lenders, supported repeal of enables a comparison of private the single, largest investment of ty requirements. That kind of would move the Bureau’s staff for and oversight mission. the Bureau’s auto lending guidance mortgage lending compared to that their lifetimes. change would harm Black families its Office of Fair Lending and Equal “This action could open up the that took direct aim at pervasive and of government-backed mortgages With hard-fought anti-discrimi- and communities, as well as other Opportunity (OFLEO) directly floodgates on lending discrimina- discriminatory practices. He has like FHA, VA and USDA. This nation laws now under assault, this low-wealth families. under his control. tion, which would damage the abil- also made clear his plans to reopen report is also unique for its tracking generation has a duty to protect and “The big-ticket items that we are The Dodd-Frank Act mandates ity for people of color to build rulemaking under the Home of mortgage lending and denials by defend all civil rights laws. Failure looking for is the national duty-to- that OFLEO perform “oversight wealth,” noted Debbie Goldstein, Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA). race and ethnicity. This unique fea- to do so would be to forget that the serve and affordable housing goals and enforcement of federal laws to CRL’s Executive Vice President. HMDA is a federal law that ture enables policymakers to dis- nation enacted the 1968 Fair that have a regulator able to enforce ensure the fair, equitable, and Mulvaney’s personnel shift is yet requires most financial institutions cern discriminatory trends. Housing Act for this very purpose. those,” said Scott Astrada, CRL’s nondiscriminatory access to credit” another consistent sign that the to provide mortgage data to the As 2018 commemorates the 50th Director of Federal Advocacy. By moving fair lending experts nation’s financial cop-on-the-beat is public. It ensures that mortgage anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther

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ƃCNQVVGT[EQO^/WUVDGQTQNFGTVQRNC[2NC[TGURQPUKDN[        (NQTKFC.QVVGT[   Page 4 - Ms. Perry’s Free Press February 15 - 21, 2018 EDITORIAL City Chronicles Tax Cut Will Widen the Racial Divide Diatribes on life in the African-American Diaspora by Reggie Fullwood by Rev. Jesse Jackson President Donald Trump keeps boasting Last month Walmart about the low black unemployment rate, announced that they would although African Americans still suffer nearly be increasing starting wage Raising Wages Helps Companies, twice the unemployment rate as whites do. rates for hourly employees in What Trump never mentions is the growing the U.S. to $11 per hour after racial wealth gap: the economic disparity passage of the Republican tax Workers and the Economy between whites and people of color that law. plagues this country. The statistics from the Great news to the company’s be shocked. that should be paying employees a will have a ripple effect and cause Federal Reserve are clear. Median black thousands of employees because America is the land of opportu- minimum wage. It’s absolutely public and private sector compa- household net worth — what assets the black households in the middle they also announced the expansion nity and a land that any man can ludicrous that there are people nies to adjust their low wage have after subtracting debts — is $17,600. of maternity and parental leave achieve greatly through hard work being paid such a low hourly rate. salaries accordingly. That of the typical white household is nearly 10 times greater at benefits, and that megastore would and persistence. But even in our I don’t care if you work in the And for those who think that $171,000. The reason for this shocking disparity is clear. As an economic be providing a one-time cash great country, the income gap fast food industry, janitorial servic- raising the minimum wage is bad letter from authors of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco notes, bonus for eligible employees of as between the rich and poor is excep- es, digging ditches or watching for the economy – that’s nonsense. “For the past several decades, black workers have fared worse than white much as $1,000. tionally large and is growing. paint dry – surely our American A number of researchers have workers in the U.S. labor market. Despite government policies designed to Sounds great right? Well, think One way to deal with that corporations and small businesses found that modestly higher mini- reduce or eliminate racial disparities, black workers continue to experience about it from the perspective of a inequality is to focus on increasing can afford to pay their employees a mum wages can raise incomes for lower wages and higher unemployment rates than whites. Black workers single mom with two kids. That wages for lower tier workers or true “living wage.” low-wage workers without reduc- still earn less than their white counterparts even after accounting for dif- same $11 an hour before taxes is essentially raising the minimum Former Federal Chief Alan ing the number of jobs in the area. ferences in age, education, job type, and geography.” $440 a week and $1,760 a month. wage. And while my conservative Greenspan once said, “I consider "A minimum wage increase Trump is trumpeting rising wages but in the first year of the Trump Throw in taxes and let’s just say friends will want to chop my head income inequality the most danger- makes straightforward economic administration, the median weekly earnings of African-Americans went that this person is making $1,400 a off – my moderate to sensible ous part of what’s going on in the sense. It means more money in the down, not up, when adjusted for inflation. Forty-five percent of black fam- month. Realistically, who can live friends will at least hear me out. United States.” hands of people who are going to ilies own homes, compared with 73 percent of white families. African comfortably off of that amount Back to Walmart. Let’s not We live in the greatest country in spend it. Low minimum wages do Americans were the hardest hit by the financial collapse, in part because once you consider housing, trans- underrate the fact that one of the the world – a job should be a NOT help small business,” said banks targeted the worst liar’s loans to African-American and Latino fam- portation, food, childcare, etc.? largest corporations in America bridge out of poverty, an opportu- Lew Prince, Managing Partner, ilies, assuring them that they could refinance when the value of their What is your point Fullwood? was still paying a starting salary of nity to a make a living from the Vintage Vinyl, St. Louis, MO. homes rose. When the bottom fell out, the families found themselves My point is that I am not impressed $9 an hour up until last month. work or services you provide. But He adds, “Small business owners underwater, and bankers made big bucks foreclosing on the victims. with Walmart’s announcement Some 25 years ago while in high for minimum wage workers, espe- know that keeping workers is easi- The measure of this, as the report Foreclosed details, can be seen in the because when you consider the bil- school, I was a bag boy at the local cially those with families, it is not. er and cheaper than finding and fact that the wealth of African-American families had recovered to its pre- lions of dollars that the megastore Winn Dixie. My best friend and I With the federal minimum wage training new workers. And small crash level by 2016 — not counting the value of their homes. But the aver- giant makes annually, the company were happy to make $5.50 an hour. being so low, more and more states business owners know that the age home equity for African Americans was still $16,700 less. The very should be ashamed that their wages We still lived with our parents, and have opted to implement their longer an employee stays with you working and middle class families that reached to buy a home were still were so low. basically needed money for own, higher rates that local -- the more they know about your struggling to get back to where they were in 2007. Over the same period And while I have the floor, what clothes, shoes, an occasional date employers must observe. business and your customers, and — from 2007 to 2016, the average wealth of the top 1 percent increased I’m even more bothered by is the and other miscellaneous things. This is just Reggie’s opinion, but the higher their productivity." by a mere $4.9 million. lack emphasis and strong corporate That is why it’s so amazing when I think that minimum wage should By increasing minimum wage, The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) is far from a perfect health care culture related to customer service. you think about the fact that the be at least $10 to $11 an hour. And we could put additional money into plan, but it did allow African Americans to lower the number of uninsured But Walmart is just the tip of the federal minimum wage is still only don’t be mistaken, I am not some the hands of an estimated 10-12 among the non-elderly by 1.8 million. Trump and Republican efforts to iceberg – how many of you know $7.25 an hour, and it has been that crazy liberal – I am a small busi- million low-wage workers, which repeal Obamacare and to throw millions off Medicaid will disproportion- what the minimum wage is in your amount since 2009. Again, I was ness owner/proponent so I fully would give the economy a real ately hurt African Americans and Latinos. Inequality is still getting worse. state or even our country? For making $5.50 over 20 years ago – understand the value of having to boost. And there will be some As the Pew Research Center reports, the typical wealth of upper-income those who are unaware, hold on to so clearly that’s not much progress. make payroll. My hope is that by states that “opt out” and decide that families was seven times that of middle income families in 2016, a gap your seats because you are about to I cannot think of one single job changing the minimum wage bar it having a minimum wage is not that has doubled since 1983. Similarly, upper-income families have 75 good policy, I am no economist, times the wealth of lower-income families in 2016, compared with 28 but I can assure you that good times the wealth in 1983. And African-American and Latino families are Let Them Eat Cake: Trump Wants to companies don’t mind paying good disproportionately more likely to be among the low-income families. decent wages. Trump is not to blame for this disparity, just as he is not the reason for Replace Food Stamps With Food Boxes In fact, Jim Sinegal, the CEO of current low unemployment rates. The question is what will the adminis- Costco said, "Paying your employ- tration do going forward? With federal guarantees, real investment could By Parker Riley ment with selecting food? Not everyone can eat the ees well is not only the right thing rebuild neighborhoods, seed small businesses, build affordable housing Trump is the Marie Antoinette of 2018. Never heard same food or eat the same portions. More people will to do but it makes for good busi- and create jobs. With the tax cut projected to add more than $1 trillion to of her? She was the last Queen of France before the go hungry on this horrible plan. As far as the budget, ness." By the way, the new Costco the deficit over a decade, the Republican-led Congress is looking to slash, French Revolution and allegedly said “Let them eat why not end the fight for a $20 billion wall that is point- opening up on Jacksonville’s not expand, federal support for working and poor people and impoverished cake until they all starve!” as the people of France were less — considering most illegals are here from over- Westside on Collins Road is pay- rural and urban communities. With federal guarantees and more independ- starving. Marie even wore flour on her wigs while stayed visas. ing a starting salary of $13 an hour. ent pension fund management, new capital for vital investments might be many French people went without bread. In addition, America’s Harvest Box is coded language for Trump Case closed. freed up. If Trump were serious about dealing with the wealth gap, he her spending, which reportedly emptied France’s treas- and the Republicans to completely end social services, Signing off from Costco, would be leading this discussion, not ignoring it. ury, helped to spark the French Revolution. Well, with which he repeatedly promised he wouldn’t do. Again, Reggie Fullwood Trump’s latest stunt, he is basically telling the poor peo- let them eat cake until they all starve. ple of America to eat cake while he dons that cheap wig. Trump and Antoinette are two peas in a privileged pod. According to Yahoo News, Trump Trump’s Parade Plan a Waste of Money wants to end food stamps and replace it cost $14 million ($21 million in victory, nothing to celebrate, has the world’s “greatest” military. labeled “treasonous” by 45, since with “non-perishable food items selected today’s dollars), and drew 800,000 except 45’s already-inflated ego. So, why do we need to show off? anyone who disagrees with him, or by the government.” The White House people. Given 45’s propensity for France’s Bastille Day parade is a Because 45 is a show-off, a fails to clap (or bow) when he budget director Mick Mulvaney com- wanting the biggest and “the huuu- response to the fact that France blowhard, and an Electoral speaks is obviously a traitor. He is pared the food boxes to the start-up meal ugest,” he’d probably want to had been invaded twice, most dev- College-selected buffoon. behaving like a despot like his delivery company Blue Apron, which spend twice what George H.W. astatingly by the Germans in Meanwhile, consider the impact rival, North Korea’s “Supreme delivers food to people’s house and has Bush spent in 1991. That $42 mil- World War II. Their parade is as a parade might have on the District Leader” Kim Jong-un. reportedly been a disaster. The lion represents less than a mil- much a show of military might as of Columbia, the used-to-be While 45 finds it convenient to Department of Agriculture is calling the lionth of one percent of the nearly it is of European unity. These days, majority Black city that is mostly idolize the military and insist that program “America’s Harvest Box,” by Dr. Julianne Mlveaux $500 billion federal budget troops from several countries, occupied by Democrats. How will the rest of us do so, as well, he did- which would be made up of “100 percent Now “45” wants a parade. He increase that the Senate proposed including Germany and the United the streets survive huge tanks n’t find it convenient to serve in U.S. grown and produced food” and wants it in November, probably in bipartisan legislation on States, participate in the parade. rolling down Pennsylvania the military. He was excused from would include items like shelf-stable before the mid-term elections. February 7. I am among the many Some carry the flag of the Avenue, and who will pay for military service during the milk, peanut butter, canned fruits, meats Some see it as move to mobilize who will look askance at the possi- European Union, even though the repairs? How extensive will this Vietnam era, because he had flat and cereal. The Trump administration his base and stroke his own ego; ble cost of a parade. There are lots EU has no military. Would 45’s parade be, and will it happen on feet or bone spurs or something claims America’s Harvest Box will save others actually believe that he of things we could do with $42 parade include other countries, or the weekend or a weekday? What like that. More than likely, he was the country 129 billion over 10 years. wants to celebrate and honor mem- million, like job creation, small is this exhibition just about “us”? will it mean for workers, trans- excused from military service, here are countless issues with this bers of the military. It’s been Pell grant increases, or even more Instead of the show of unity that portation, and the District’s infra- because his family had money. America’s Harvest Box. How would reported that he wants the parade, amenities for our armed forces. Bastille Day parade represents, structure? The president could care The president wants a parade to these boxes be delivered? Is the govern- because he saw a parade in Paris But in the scheme of things, some 45’s parade will likely be a reflec- less about any of it. He passed the celebrate the military and glorify ment really going to deliver harvest on Bastille Day. If he went to the will argue that $42 million is not tion of his braggadocio. His button hot potato of the parade to the our country’s military might. Next boxes to everyone on food stamps? If zoo, would he want zebras and that much money; they might sug- is bigger, so is his parade, and so is Secretary of Defense, and now he will want to have someone there is some type of pick up location tigers roaming the lawn at 1600 gest that a parade is more about the U.S. military. The president’s General Jim Mattis and his team crown him king. Yes, it is a good then it is nothing like Blue Apron or Pennsylvania Avenue next? symbolism than anything else. parade sounds like a show of mus- are stuck with the task. Both thing he doesn’t go to the zoo, other meal-kit services. How far away The last parade we had in What does a show of military cle, but to what end? Even the Democrats and Republicans have because we might end up with a will the pick up location be, what if some Washington was in 1991, when we might signal in these times? There inhabitant of the world’s smallest verbalized opposition to the menagerie in the backyard at 1600 people do not have access, especially the “won” the Gulf War. That parade has been no significant military country must know that the U.S. parade, and they are likely to be Pennsylvania Avenue. disabled? Do we really trust the govern- DISCLAIMER SUBSCRIBE TODAY The United State provides oppor- Yes, I’d like to tunities for free expression of ideas. The Jacksonville Free Press has its subscribe to the view, but others may differ. Therefore, the Free Press ownership Jacksonville Free Press! reserves the right to publish views and opinions by syndicated and Enclosed is my local columnist, professional writers and other writers’ which are solely PHYSICAL ADDRESS TELEPHONE check __ money order __ MAILING ADDRESS their own. Those views do not neces- for $40.50 to cover my P.O. Box 43580 1122 W. Edgewood Ave. (904) 634-1993 sarily reflect the policies and posi- Jacksonville, FL 32208 tions of the staff and management of one year subscription. Jacksonville, FL 32203 Fax (904) 765-8611 the Jacksonville Free Press. Email: [email protected] Readers, are encouraged to write letters to the editor commenting on NAME ______Sylvia Perry Rita Perry current events as well as what they wouldlike to see included in the ADDRESS______PUBLISHER Publisher Emeritus paper. All letters must be type writ- ten and signed and include a tele- phone number and address. Please CITY ______STATE____ ZIP______CONTRIBUTORS: Lynn Jones, Charles Griggs, Camilla Thompson, Reginald Fullwood, address letters to the Editor, c/o E.O.Huthchinson, William Reed, Andre X, Brenda Burwell, Marsha Oliver, Marretta JFP, P.O. Box 43580 Jacksonville, MAIL TO: JACKSONVILLE FREE PRESS Latimer, Phyllis Mack, Tonya Austin, Carlottra Guyton, Brenda Burwell, Rhonda Silver, Vickie Brown, Rahman Johnson, Headshots, William Jackson. FL 32203. (No CALLS PLEASE) P.O. BOX 43580, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32203 February 15 - 21, 2018 Ms. Perry’s Free Press - Page 5

FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 13 - 19, 2018 M E N ' S 2 0 1 7 - 1 8 B L A C K C O L L E G E B A S K E T B A L L (Standings and Top Players)

ENTRAL INTERCOLLEGIATE C MID EASTERN SOUTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE SOUTHWESTERN CIAA ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION ATHLETIC CONFERENCE MEAC SIAC ATHLETIC CONFERENCE SWAC ATHLETIC CONFERENCE INDEPENDENTS DIV CONF ALL CONF ALL CONF ALL DIV ALL NORTH DIVISION W L W L W L W L W L EAST DIVISION W L W L W L Virginia State 6 1 10 3 20 3 Savannah State 10 1 13 13 Morehouse 15 1 20 1 W L W L W. Va. State 12 11 Bowie State 5 2 7 6 12 12 North Carolina A&T 8 3 15 11 Clark Atlanta 14 2 20 3 Grambling State 10 3 14 12 Lincoln (Mo.) 13 11 Virginia Union 3 4 7 6 12 13 Bethune-Cookman 8 3 14 12 &ODÀLQ     Arkansas-Pine Bluff 9 4 9 18 Tennessee State 14 11 Lincoln 3 4 6 7 11 12 Benedict 11 6 18 7 Hampton 8 4 13 14 Southern 8 5 12 14 UDC 6 18 ™ Chowan 2 5 4 9 9 13 Norfolk State 7 4 9 17 Fort Valley State 9 8 12 13 Prairie View A&M 7 5 10 16 Cheyney 2 20 Elizabeth City State 2 5 3 9 10 12 North Carolina Central 6 5 12 13 Albany State 6 10 6 18 Texas Southern 7 5 7 18 SOUTH DIVISION Paine 3 13 5 19 Morgan State 6 6 10 15 Jackson State 7 6 10 16 Johnson C. Smith 7 0 10 2 17 8 SC State 5 6 9 17 WEST DIVISION PLAYERS OF THE WEEK Shaw 5 2 9 4 16 8 Howard 5 6 8 19 Lane 10 7 12 10 Alabama State 6 6 6 18 PLAYER Saint Augustine’s 4 3 9 4 12 12 Coppin State 5 7 5 22 Central State 9 8 11 14 Alcorn State 5 8 9 17 Amariontez Ivory, 6-3, Jr., G, LINCOLN (MO) - Led Fayetteville State 3 4 4 8 7 16 Florida A&M 4 8 5 23 Spring Hill 7 9 10 15 Alabama A&M 2 10 2 23 Tigers with 20 points with 2 assists and 4 rebounds Livingstone 2 5 6 7 8 11 Md. E. Shore 2 10 6 21 Kentucky State 6 11 7 17 Miss. Valley State 2 11 2 24 LQZLQRYHU/LQGHQZRRG6KRWRIIURPWKH¿HOG Winston-Salem State 0 7 2 11 4 18 Delaware State 0 11 2 24 Miles 5 11 6 17 2 of 9 from 3-point range. LeMoyne-Owen 5 12 9 15 BCSP PLAYERS OF THE WEEK NEWCOMER Grambling Sports Photo CIAA PLAYERS OF THE WEEK BCSP PLAYERS OF THE WEEK Tuskegee 3 12 5 19 PLAYERS NA PLAYER PLAYER - Alante Fenner, 6-5, Sr., G, SSU - Aver- Ivy Smith Jr., 6-0, So., G, GSU - Averaged 25.0 SURGING: New coach Robert Davis, Sr., G, JCSU - In three wins, averaged aged 31.5 ppg. in two big wins getting game-high BCSP PLAYERS OF THE WEEK poings 6.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists in two wins that Donte' Jackson has 18.3 ppg., 6.7 rebounds. Had 25 points vs. ECSU, 46 points in win over Morgan State, 17 in win over PLAYER SURSHOOHG 7LJHUV WR ¿UVW SODFH +DG  SRLQWV  10 vs. FSU and 20 vs. SAU. NC A&T. Made 24 of 27 FTs in the two games. Tyrius Walker, 6-1, Sr., G, MOREHOUSE - Scored rebounds, 3 assists in win over Texas Southern, DOWN THE led Grambling's men ROOKIE NEWCOMER - Isaiah Bailey, 6-6, Jr., G, B-CU - team-high 27 points including two FTs to clinch win 28 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 5 steals in win to ten straight wins and Deaquan Williams, Fr., F, LINCOLN - In two games, Averaged 23 points in two wins getting 22 points, in third overtime in win over Clark Atlanta. over Prairie View. STRETCH averaged 10 pts., 9 rebs. and 4 blocks and shot 53.3% 8 assists and 5 rebounds in win over NCCU, team- NEWCOMER A. J. Mosby, 6-3, Sr., G, ALCORN STATE - Tallied to the top of the SWAC IURPWKH¿HOG+DGEORFNVYV%68 high 24 points, 7 assists, 4 steals and 6 boards in NA 22 points on 9 of 11 shooting, 4 of 5 from behind hoops race. NEWCOMER win over UMES. the arc in win over UAPB. Also had 22 in win over THEY COME Savon Goodman, Sr., F, SHAW - Averaged 22.5 DEFENSIVE - Shawntrez Davis 6-8, Jr., F, B-CU - 19 MVSU with 7 rebounds, shooting 5 of 9, 3 of 4 on points in two games, getting 22 vs. Liv., 23 vs. WSSU. points, 11 rebounds, 1 block in win over UMES,18 3s and 9 of 9 FTs. COACH pts., 7 rebounds, 4 blocks in win over NCCU. NEWCOMER FINAL JOCKEYING AS HOOPS SEASON ENTERS FI- Stephen Joyner, JCSU - Guided Bulls to 3-0 mark ROOKIE - R. J. Cole, 6-0, Fr., G, HOW - 27 points, Martaveous McKnight, 6-6, Jr., G, UAPB - 29 points NAL WEEKS; BOWIE STATE'S HALL WINS POY AWARD pushing win streak to school-record 9 games. 6 assists in loss to Hampton, 18 points, 6 assists, 9 (5 of 12 on 3-pointers) vs. Alcorn State, 23 points rebounds in win over UMES. vs Southern. Leads SWAC in scoring at 19.8 ppg.

HOOPS SCHEDULE Alcorn State @ Alabama A&M Texas Southern @ Arkansas-Pine Bluff SAT., FEB. 17 Prairie View @ Arkansas-Pine Bluff INDEPENDENTS CIAA INDEPENDENTS E. Stroudsburg @ Cheyney Lincoln @ Virginia Union Kutztown @ Cheyney TUES., FEB. 20 Bowie State @ Chowan W. Va. State @ Fairmont State E. Kentucky @ Tennessee State SIAC Teams primed for season-ending stretch run St. Augustine's @ Shaw J. C. Smith @ Livingstone UDC @ NYIT Tuskegee @ Paine VIrginia State @ Elizabeth City State Livingstone @ Morehouse MON., FEB. 19 Winston-Salem State @ Fayetteville State Benedict @ Point MEAC MEAC INDEPENDENTS LUT WILLIAMS Div. race. Central State (12-3) and Spring Hill Florida A&M @ Delaware State Savannah State @ Hampton Lindenwood @ Lincoln BCSP Editor (11-3) top the women's West. Md.-E. Shore @ NC Central Md.-E. Shore @ NC A&T WED., FEB. 21 Howard @ NC A&T Coppin State @ Delaware State CIAA There are just two weekends of regular sea- MEAC Bethune-Cookman @ Coppin State Bethune-Cookman @ Morgan State SC State @ Hampton Howard @ NC Central Livingstone @ St. Augustine's son basketball left in the CIAA and SIAC, three High-scoring Savannah State has surged Savannah State @ Norfolk State SC State @ Norfolk State Winston-Salem State @ J. C. Smith SIAC SIAC Lincoln @ Chowan weekends for the MEAC and SWAC (see BAS- to a two-game lead in the MEAC's men's race Kentucky State @ Miles Fort Valley State @ Morehouse Virginia Union @ Elizabeth City State Albany State @ Morehouse Central State @ Miles Virginia State @ Bowie State KETBALL TOURNAMENT DATES). off its current nine-game winning streak. The Ti- Central State @ Tuskegee &ODÀLQ#3DLQH Fayetteville State @ Shaw SIAC %HQHGLFW#&ODÀLQ Spring Hill @ LeMoyne-Owen Here's how the men's and women's races gers, under head coach Horace Broadnax, have Fort Valley State @ Clark Atlanta Kentucky State @ Tuskegee Central State @ Salem International Lane @ LeMoyne-Owen Albany State @ Clark Atlanta Concordia @ Benedict shape up as the season heads down the stretch. SWAC SWAC Lane @ Spring HIll scored over 100 points in six of their last seven INDEPENDENTS Texas Southern @ Miss. Valley State Alcorn State @ Alabama State CIAA games and now lead North Carolina A&T and Southern @ Alabama State Southern @ Alabama A&M W. Va. State @ Fairmont State Broadnax Blair-Lewis Jackson State @ Grambling State Prairie View @ Miss. Valley State Lock Haven @ Cheyney On the men's side, Virginia State (20-3, Bethune-Cookman, who are both second at 8-3. 10-3 CIAA, 6-1 N) has a slim one-game lead SSU travels to Norfolk State (Sat.) and over Bowie State (7-6, 5-2 N) in the North. FSU hosts WSSU Saturday, plays at Shaw Hampton (Monday). A&T is hosting Howard Johnson C. Smith (17-8, 10-2, 7-0 S) has a two- on Wednesday and closes at home vs. St. Au- (Sat.) and UMES (Mon.) while B-CU plays at UNDER THE BANNER game lead over Shaw (9-4, 5-2) in the South. gustine's on Saturday (2/24). Coppin State and Morgan State. After games early this week, teams have SIAC The women of Bethune-Cookman under WHAT'S GOING ON IN AND AROUND BLACK COLLEGE SPORTS just three more games left on the regular sea- The battle for men's SIAC East Divi- head coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis are undefeat- son conference schedule – Saturday (2/17), next sion supremacy between nationally-ranked ri- ed in MEAC play (11-0) and hold a one-game CIAA TOURNEY UNVEILS NEW FORMAT: Wednesday (2/21) and next Saturday (2/24). vals Morehouse and Clark Atlanta went the lead over A&T (10-1). The Lady Wildcats join The CIAA released a new bracket format last week VSU has games at Elizabeth City State Maroon Tigers' way last Thursday in a 97-96 the B-CU men on the Baltimore swing this week for its men's and women's (2/17) and hosting Lincoln (2/24) sandwiched 3-overtime classic thriller at Epps Gymnasium while A&T hosts the aforementioned Howard basketball tournaments in around a rematch at Bowie State on Feb. 17. on the CAU campus. and UMES. B-CU's men and women will host Charlotte from Feb. 27 thru BSU handed VSU its only loss in divisional But Morehouse (85-72) and CAU (85-80) A&T on Feb. 26. March 3. play, 65-56 on the Trojans home court on Jan. were both knocked off by &ODÁLQin the same SWAC This year, the No. 1 27. VSU dropped to 18th in last week's NABC week. And then Benedict IHOOHG&ODÁLQ6DWXU- There's a new men's leader in the SWAC seeds from the North and national Div. II Top 25. day. men's race as Grambling XQGHUÀUVW\HDUKHDG the South on the men's side JCSU, undefeated in the South (7-0), is Morehouse (20-1), 11th in last week's coach Donte' Jackson has surged to the front will play on Wednesday evening (Feb. 28, 6:40 p.m. and two games ahead of Shaw (5-2). JCSU closes NABC poll, is the E. Div. leader at 14-1 while coming off wins over Texas Southern (78-55)  SP  LQ WKH TXDUWHUÀQDO URXQG DW %RMDQJOHV$UHQD with dates Saturday (2/17) at Livingstone before CAU (20-3), 16th in the national poll, is second and Prairie View (90-85) this week. after receiving byes thru the Tuesday (Feb. 27) opening coming home to face WSSU on Wednesday and LQWKH(DVWDW&ODÁLQ  LVDWLQ  $IWHUORVLQJWKHLUÀUVWWKUHH6:$&JDPHV round. Shaw on Saturday (2/24). One win in those three third place. the G-Men have won 10 straight games and are The opening round will feature two games set for 6:40 contests would clinch the division crown for the Morehouse closes with three home games now 10-3, one game ahead of former top dog and 8:50 p.m. involving No. 4 and 5 seeds from both divi- Golden Bulls. hosting Albany State Saturday, Fort Valley Arkansas-Pine Bluff (9-4) who has dropped sions. The winners of those opening round games will play Virginia Union (22-2, 12-1, 6-1) leads the State Monday and closing next Thursday with four of its last six games after a seven-game con- the top seeds on Wednesday. women's North with Chowan (18-5, 10-3, 5-2) the rematch vs. Clark Atlanta. CAU has the ference win streak. Wednesday opens with 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. games just behind the Lady Panthers in second. Fay- same two opponents prior to its season ending GSU hosts Jackson State Saturday. UAPB between seeds No. 3 and 6 from each division at Bojan- etteville State is undefeated in the South (7-0) meeting with Morehouse, hosting FVSU on Sat- tries to right the ship hosting Prairie View Satur- gles. The winners of those games will face the No. 2 seeds with WSSU (6-1) just a game behind. urday and Albany State Monday. day and Texas Southern Monday. LQ TXDUWHUÀQDO JDPHV RQ7KXUVGD\ HYHQLQJ 0DUFK   VUU plays at home vs Lincoln Saturday, Lane (10-7) tops the West Division fol- Southern (11-2) KDVWDNHQRYHUÀUVWSODFH DQGSP LQTXDUWHUÀQDOJDPHVDWWKHGRZQWRZQ6SHF- hosts ECSU on Wednesday and closes out the lowed by Central State (9-8) and Spring Hill in the women's race with TSU in second at 9-3. trum Centre. season at home Saturday vs. Chowan, the only (7-9). Southern is at Alabama A&M Saturday and  0HQ VVHPLÀQDOJDPHVDUHVHWIRUDQGSPRQ)UL- conference team to deal VUU a loss this season Clark Atlanta (13-2) has a three-game lead Alabama State Monday while TSU is at Miss. day, March 2 at the Spectrum Centre with the men's cham- (85-79 on Feb. 3). over Albany State (11-5) in the women's East Valley (Sat) and UAPB Monday. pionship game at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 3. For the women, four games (10 a.m. 12:10 p.m, 2:20 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.) pitting No. 3 and No. 6 seeds and No. 4 and 5 seeds will open the tournament on Tuesday at Bo- BCSP Notes jangles. and surpassed 400 yards twice. Perhaps most impressively, he accounted The top women's seeds from each division will take Bowie State QB Amir Hall wins for 294 points between passing and rushing touchdowns. WKHFRXUW:HGQHVGD\LQWKHRSHQLQJTXDUWHUÀQDOVDW%R- BCFHOF Player of the Year award In just two years as the Bulldogs starting quarterback, Hall is already jangles to face winners of the 4 vs. 5 matchups at 2:20 and Atlanta, GA – Bowie State junior quarterback Amir Hall has been the all-time school leader in passing yards, touchdowns and passing ef- 4:30 p.m. The No. 2 seeds will see action Thursday at the selected as the 2017 recipient of the Black Doug Williams Offensive Spectrum Centre against the 3 vs. 6 winners at 1 and 3 p.m. ÀFLHQF\$GGLWLRQDOO\ KH ZDV WKH  6%1 College Football Player of the Year Award as Player of the Year, which was also awarded Saturday night. Women's semis will go off Friday at 1 and 3 p.m. at given by the Black College Football Hall of the Spectrum Centre with the championship game set for  7KLVZDVDQRXWVWDQGLQJJURXSRIÀQDOLVWVWKLV\HDUVDLG+DUULVRI Fame. a list that included Grambling senior quarterback and SWAC Offensive Saturday at 1 p.m. The award recognizes the most out- Player of the Year Devante Kincade, North Carolina A&T junior quar- standing football player from a Historically terback and MEAC Offensive Player of the Year Lamar Raynard and Black College & University (HBCU) that Virginia State senior running back and CIAA Offensive Player of the BASKETBALL embodies the rich tradition of athletic excel- Year Trenton Cannon. Cannon narrowly beat out Hall for the CIAA's TOURNAMENT DATES lence and integrity associated with HBCUs. award. Hall was presented with the Deacon  7KH 3OD\HU RI WKH

dogs to a 9-2 regular season record and a Hall is just the second recipient of the Deacon Jones Trophy. The CIAA SWAC berth in the NCAA Division II playoffs. He threw for 3,519 yards and 41 inaugural winner, Tarik Cohen (North Carolina A&T State), was selected Feb. 27 - March 3 March 6 - 10 touchdowns in 11 games. He completed 65 percent of his passes while Bojangles Arena (Feb. 27 & 28) 0DUFK4XDUWHU¿QDOVRQ in the 3rd Round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, where he Spectrum Centre (March 1-3) KLJKHVWVHHGKRPHÀRRU throwing just four interceptions in 381 attempts, leading the nation's top recently completed a standout rookie campaign. Charlotte, NC March 9-10 Division II offense. Hall threw for at least 300 yards in a game seven times 6HPL¿QDOV )LQDOV Toyota Center Houston, TX W O M E N ' S 2 0 1 7 - 1 8 B L A C K C O L L E G E B A S K E T B A L L (Standings and Top Players)

ENTRAL INTERCOLLEGIATE C MID EASTERN SOUTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE SOUTHWESTERN CIAA ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION ATHLETIC CONFERENCE MEAC SIAC ATHLETIC CONFERENCE SWAC ATHLETIC CONFERENCE INDEPENDENTS SCORES DIV CONF ALL CONF ALL CONF ALL DIV ALL MON., FEB. 12 Lane 74, LeMoyne Owen 72 Prairie View A&M 85, Jackson State 73 NORTH DIVISION W L W L W L W L W L EAST DIVISION W L W L W L CIAA Paine 87, Morris 76 INDEPENDENTS Virginia Union 6 1 12 1 22 2 Bethune-Cookman 11 0 19 4 Clark Atlanta 13 2 15 7 W L W L W. Va. State 10 14 Chowan 92, Johnson C. Smith 81 Tuskegee 67, Miles 66 E. Stroudsburg 58, Cheyney 47 Chowan 5 2 10 3 18 5 North Carolina A&T 10 1 15 8 Albany State 11 5 15 11 Southern 11 2 12 10 Cheyney 5 19 MEAC Central State 97, Kentucky State 95 Virginia State 4 3 10 3 20 3 Texas Southern 9 3 14 9 Norfolk State 93, Delaware State 58 Albany State 76, Fort Valley State 68 SAT., FEB. 10 Hampton 8 4 12 13 &ODÀLQ     Tennessee State 5 18 CIAA Lincoln 4 3 9 4 15 7 Benedict 8 7 8 15 Bethune-Cookman 99, NC Central 81 SWAC Norfolk State 7 4 14 9 Grambling State 9 4 12 12 Lincoln (Mo.) 3 20 Hampton 82, Coppin State 79 Alabama State 69, Alabama A&M 50 Fayetteville State 91, Livingstone 59 Bowie State 2 5 7 6 14 8 Howard 6 4 10 14 Fort Valley State 4 12 4 21 Prairie View A&M 7 5 9 14 UDC 4 21 Howard 84, Md-E. Shore 56 Grambling 90, Prairie View A&M 85 Lincoln 82, Elizabeth City State 70 Elizabeth City State 0 7 2 10 9 15 Morgan State 7 5 14 11 Paine 0 14 1 20 Jackson State 7 6 12 10 Morgan State 74, Florida A&M 48 Alcorn State 94, Miss. Valley State 90 J. C. Smith 82, Saint Augustine's 65 SOUTH DIVISION Coppin State 5 7 6 18 WEST DIVISION Winston-Salem State 81, Shaw 73 Alcorn State 6 7 10 14 Savannah State 108, NC A&T 106 Southern 70, Ark.-Pine Bluff 62 Fayetteville State 7 0 7 5 12 9 SC State 4 7 9 14 Central State 13 3 19 6 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK SIAC Texas Southern 86, Jackson State 75 Virginia Union 67, Bowie State 52 Alabama State 5 7 7 16 INDEPENDENTS Winston-Salem State 6 1 7 6 12 10 Md. E. Shore 4 7 8 16 Spring Hill 12 3 19 6 PLAYER Albany State 72, Miles 57 VIrginia State 72, Chowan 68 Alabama A&M 4 8 9 14 Spring Hill 86, Paine 62 West Chester 107, Cheyney 65 MEAC Johnson C. Smith 4 3 7 6 15 9 North Carolina Central 4 7 6 18 LeMoyne-Owen 10 6 13 9 Aurreshae Hines, 5-6, Sr., G, W. VA. STATE - Had SWAC Wheeling Jesuit 81, W. Va. State 73 Bethune-Cookman 73, Md.-E. Shore 61 Saint Augustine’s 2 5 3 10 6 16 Delaware State 3 8 4 20 Kentucky State 6 10 7 17 Arkansas-Pine Bluff 3 10 5 18 team-highs of 17 points and 7 assists and added 7 Alcorn State 84, Ark.-Pine Bluff 52 Tennessee State 65, Jacksonville St. 47 NC A&T 74, SC State 54 Shaw 1 6 2 11 5 20 Florida A&M 3 9 5 20 Miles 5 10 8 15 Mississippi Valley State 2 11 2 23 rebounds in win over Wheeling Jesuit. Grambling 78, Texas Southern 55 Lincoln 67, Lindenwood 64 Florida A&M 84, NC Central 81 Livingstone 1 6 1 12 6 17 Lane 5 11 5 19 Morgan State 70, Savannah State 41 Savannah State 1 10 4 19 Southern 55, Miss. Valley State 51 UDC 83, Mercy 81 Tuskegee 4 11 5 18 PLAYERS OF THE WEEK Prairie View A&M 63, Jackson State 58 Norfolk State 63, Hampton 48 CIAA PLAYERS OF THE WEEK INDEPENDENTS SIAC MEAC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK PLAYER PLAYER E. Stroudsburg 95, Cheyney 74 WOMEN %HQHGLFW&ODÀLQ PLAYER BCSP PLAYERS OF THE WEEK Joyce Kennerson, 5-7, Jr., G, TSU - SWAC and MON., FEB. 12 Alexis Johnson, Sr., F, VUU - Averaged 18.5 points LeMoyne Owen 62, Lane 46 Angel Golden, 5-8, Jr., G, B-CU - Averaged 24.5 PLAYER Div. I scoring leader averaged 25.5 points in two wins SAT., FEB. 10 CIAA Paine 79, Morris 76 in two wins, getting 13 vs. VSU, 24 vs. BSU. Elise Reilly, 5-7, So., G, SPRING HILL - Tallied 22 getting 26 points in win over JSU (with 11 TOs), 5 and CIAA points in two wins. Had 20 points, 8 rebounds and Chowan 68, Johnson C. Smith 54 Miles 62, Tuskegee 57 NEWCOMER points hitting on 6 of 11 3-pointers in win over Paine. 5 assists, 25 points with just 2 turnovers, 5 rebounds Fayetteville State 78, Livingstone 73 MEAC Central State 62, Kentucky State 53 4 steals in win over NCCU, 29 points, 6 rebounds Michelle Fitzgerald, Sr., F, LINCOLN - Averaged and 3 assists in win over Grambling. Lincoln 69, Elizabeth City State 54 Norfolk State 72, Delaware State 50 Albany State 82, Fort Valley State 55 and 5 steals in win over UMES. NEWCOMER 19 points and 14 rebounds in 2-0 week. Had NEWCOMER J. C. Smith 72, Saint Augustine's 61 Bethune-Cookman 57, NC Central 47 SWAC ROOKIE Tiffany Valentine, 6-1, R-So., F, SPRING HILL Hampton 83, Coppin State 48 career-high 17 boards, 13 points vs. BSU, 25 pts., NA Shaw 79, Winston-Salem State 69 Alabama State 55, Alabama A&M 44 De'Ayra Davis, 5-9, Fr., G, FAMU - 13 points, 4 - Had game-high 23 points in win over Paine. Virginia Union 74, Bowie State 52 Md-E. Shore 83, Howard 79 Grambling 75, Prairie View A&M 68 11 rebs., vs. ECSU. VIrginia State 70, Chowan 61 Morgan State 59, Florida A&M 44 Miss. Valley State 62, Alcorn State 61 ROOKIE rebounds, 3 blocks in OT win vs. NCCU. Clinched MEAC NC A&T 69, Savannah State 44 Southern 59, Ark.-Pine Bluff 46 LaZarea Bowens, Fr., F, JCSU - Averaged 11.3 ppg. win with two FTs with 23 seconds left in extra session. SIAC Bethune-Cookman 87, Md.-E. Shore 67 Texas Southern 71, Jackson State 66 getting 19 vs. ECSU, 10 vs. FSU. Had 3 steals vs. MSU. SC State 90, NC A&T 85 Albany State 71, Miles 65 INDEPENDENTS DEFENSIVE Spring Hill 105, Paine 71 COACH Florida A&M 65, NC Central 56 West Chester 98, Cheyney 63 Lyndsey Edwards, Sr. B-CU - 9 rebounds, 2 blocks Savannah State 97, Morgan State 94 SWAC W. Va. State 83, Wheeling Jesuit 73 AnnMarie Gilbert, VUU - Won two games to improve Hampton 82, Norfolk State 52 Alcorn State 76, Ark.-Pine Bluff 58 Jacksonville St. 62, Tennessee State 61 to 22-2 on the season. vs. UMES. 6 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 steals vs. NCCU. SIAC Texas Southern 66, Grambling 56 Lindenwood 83, Lincoln 73 Khadedra Croker, R-Jr., NSU - 4 blocks vs. Hamp- %HQHGLFW&ODÀLQ Southern 66, Miss. Valley State 58 UDC 76, Mercy 72 ton, 13 rebounds, 2 steals vs. DSU. Page 6 - Ms. Perry’s Free Press February 15 - 21, 2018

Greater Macedonia Celebrates - - - SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING - - - Pastor’s 42nd Anniversary - - - SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING - - - The Greater Macedonia Baptist Church of the Northside located at 1880 West Edgewood Avenue are celebrating the church and pastor’s anniversary When God Calls, Refusal is Not an Option this month. The church was established in 1914. Dr. William’s pastorate commenced in 1976 to the present. The remaining celebration date will be carry out His plans in spite of what God. Neither economic status, aca- hold you accountable for his February 18th at 4 p.m. with guest churches: St. Paul Missionary Baptist we think we’re capable of or what demic achievement or social stand- blood.” (Ezekiel 3:18). Church (Bishop John Guns), First Missionary Baptist Church, Jax Beach we think we’re worthy of. I mean, ing means anything if God says I now believe that the measure of (Dr. Marvin McQueen, Sr.), Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church most of the prophets were reluctant “tag,” it’s your turn to do His bid- your life and mine is how we (Reverend Brian Campbell). For more info call (904) 764-9257. participants at best as implementers ding, carry His message or simply respond to God’s call and not how and vehicles for God’s message to let others see Him in you. hard we work on something else of His people and those around them. One thing is for certain. You can- our choosing, even if we judge that Tru-Way Church of the Risen Christ As a matter of fact, most wanted not refuse to hear Him, when God work as beneficial to others. The nothing to do with their assign- comes knocking. Just ask Moses, question then is how do we know Presents a Musical Extravaganza ments because they didn’t think Ezekiel, Isaiah or Jeremiah. More when God is the one doing the talk- The “Help/Hope/Live” Ministry of the Tru-Way Church of the Risen anyone would listen. If left to them, importantly, ask yourself as I have ing? Christ, under the leadership of Pastor Elwyn W. Jenkins will present a they weren’t worthy and someone lately, what are you reluctant to do I believe God doesn’t confuse us. Spiritual Musical Extravaganza in honor of Evangelist Barbara Williams else was better suited for the chal- in the name of God? Only you I also believe He’s talking all the and to help the church petition God for a successful kidney transplant for lenge. know if you’re in denial. Only you time. The key for us is to make a our dear sister. The event will be held Saturday, February 17th at 6 p.m. by James Washington Whatever the reasons, we should know if you’re trying to convince conscious and deliberate effort to The Church is located at 2297 Edison Ave. The public is cordially invited The Bible suggests that God has a all be mindful that the hand of God God to choose someone else. The listen and hear Him. That requires to join us in a worship experience that will long be remembered! For more history of using people in the is at work where He deems it will question is how long will it take you persistence and prayer. As a conse- info email: [email protected]. strangest ways. My take on it is He do the most good, regardless of to realize that eventually, as have so quence, listening then becomes uses the strangest people to carry what we think. many others, you’re going to do habitual. St. Paul AME Church Kicks Off out His divine will. After all, does- Anyone and everyone is a candi- what God is telling you to do. All I’m trying to say is I’m trying n’t the Bible let us know that those date for greatness in the eyes of the I think you might want to get to each and every day to hear God. In Zanders for Bishop Campaign who feel quite strange about it are Almighty, including you and, yes, that conclusion before God stops doing so, I’m obligated to share chosen by God to carry out heaven- including even me. I used to think asking and starts telling. God is apt with you that maybe my calling and St. Paul AME Church will welcome Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, ly tasks here on earth? that only those called to preach had to stop asking and abandon you my job is to accept as a blessing this guest preacher for the “Zanders For Bishop 2020” kick-off event scheduled Moses was a murderer. Paul the gift of ministry. Try telling that altogether and accept your no as a platform, use it as but another won- for Sunday, February18th, at 4 p.m. This special event will take place at St. (Saul) killed a few Jesus lovers in to anyone who has accepted Christ final answer. The prospect of that derful conduit for God’s will and Paul AME Church located at 6910 New Kings Road. Friends, sister church- his time. Rahab was a ho and Jacob as their personal Lord and Savior gives a whole new meaning to, continue to say loudly and publicly es and the public are extended a warm welcome to share in this memorable, was, well, y’all know all about and watch how quickly they get “When I say to a wicked man, ‘You that Jesus is Lord. And if you also spirit filled service. For more info call (904) 764-2755. Jacob’s shortcomings. And David, I corrected. I know I did. will surely die,’ and you do not believe this, then you probably bet- ain’t gone even talk about this guy. Slowly and reluctantly, I’ve warn him from his evil ways in ter tell somebody. Warriors on Fire of The point is that God uses the accepted we all have a ministry order to save his life, that wicked May God bless and keep you Deliverance Church Revival least of us (by our definition) to according to the gifts given to us by man will die for his sins and I will always. The Warriors on Fire of Deliverance Church where Chief Apostle Earl Thomas is the Pastor has scheduled “Revival, Revival, ” on February 21 - 23rd, 7:30 p.m. nightly. Come get the healing, prophecy, the Holy Ghost Megachurch Pastor William Curtis Draws and you’ll never be the same! Guest speakers are Pastor Horace Scott and Prophet John Lawson. For more info call (904) 330-0673. Criticism Over $230K Bentley Bentayga First Corinth Black History Leader of the 10,000-member reactions to the vehicle as well but Mount Ararat Baptist Church in would not confirm the sources of Month Prayer Breakfast Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, William the criticism. The First Corinth Missionary Baptist Church will present a Black History H. Curtis, has sparked a vigorous According to his bio on the Month “Prayer Breakfast’ scheduled for Saturday, February 24th at 8 a.m. debate online after his $230,000 church's website, Curtis started his in the Fellowship Annex located at 6119 Bagley Rd. Guest speaker is Bentley Bentayga, which costs ministry at the age of 17 and has Reverend Darien K. Bolden Sr. of First Missionary Baptist Church, nearly twice as much as the median served as the senior pastor at Mount Fernandina Beach. First Corinth Missionary Baptist Church is under the home in the church's Larimer neigh- Ararat Baptist Church since 1997. leadership of Pastor Christopher Gage, Sr. For tickets call (904) 699-5822. borhood, was photographed outside He is also an instructor at the United the church. Theological Seminary in Ohio and St. Simons of Orange Park Celebrates The photograph of the pastor's is co-owner of The Church Online, a Bentayga, which Bentley boasts is technology and full-service market- Pastors and Church Anniversary the fastest SUV in the world with a ing firm. top speed of 187 mph, was posted to Under his guidance, the church This past Sunday, members of St. Simon Baptist Church located in Facebook Monday by Jarrell Taylor has implemented programs such as Theological Seminary in New York urge priests and other Catholic Orange Park, where Rev. William H. Randall is the founding Pastor, cele- who criticized the pastor's opulent a Community Tithe Program, which City, said that "the Gospel was good Church leaders to focus more on brated their church and Pastor’s 27th Anniversary during the morning and display. returns more than 10 percent of the news to the poor and I don't know helping the poor, the pope asked evening worship services. The anniversary theme and scripture was "If ya pastor driving a Bentley congregation's weekly offerings to how owning a Bentley that's worth them to avoid flashy cars and “Giving GOD the Glory,” taken from Philippians 2:11. The theme song truck ... he's sucking ur community small churches, para-church min- $230,000 contributes in any way to choose more "humble" ones. was “Glory to His Name”. The morning service included a Black History dry with hope and tithes," Taylor istries and nonprofit organizations. the furtherance of the Kingdom and "It hurts me when I see a priest or month celebration and spoken word was by the Rev. Leroy George. wrote. Curtis' decision to travel in the also how that could be justified." a nun with the latest model car, you During the afternoon ministers and pastors from Clay County and the The Christian Post reached out to expensive Bentley Bentayga, which He continued: "To own a car that can't do this,' said Francis, who surrounding communities were present to honor Rev. Randall including Curtis for comment about his choice is also popular among rappers, does- expensive you have to be among the moves around the Vatican City in a Rev. Pernell Raggins, and Rev. Alvin Britt. Each Sunday, throughout the of transportation and his assistant n't sit well with many onlookers top 10 percent of income earners or compact Ford Focus. "A car is nec- month of February, the church will celebrate Black History. The communi- said she did not believe he would who believe, like Pope Francis, that even higher of these United States essary to do a lot of work. But ty is welcome to join in the celebration by wearing African heritage attire. respond to questions about his car religious leaders should reflect a of America, and I can't consider how please, choose a more humble one. Additionally, the Men of St. Simon with present “Historical Men of the but promised to deliver our message more humble lifestyle. preaching could lead someone to so If you like the fancy one, just think Bible from Africa” on Friday evening, February 23, at 7 .pm. The Church to him. She also acknowledged that Samuel Cruz, associate professor much wealth." about how many children are dying is located at 1331 Miller St., Orange Park, FL 32073. the church had been getting direct of Religion & Society at the Union In 2013, as part of his drive to of hunger in the world." Greater Macedonia Bethel Baptist Institutional Church Baptist Church 215 Bethel Baptist Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 (904) 354-1464 1880 West Edgewood Avenue Weekly Services Sunday Morning Worship Midweek Seeking the lost for Christ 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. - Matthew 28:19 - 20 Church school Services 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Noon Service “Miracle at Midday” Bible Study Bishop Rudolph 12 noon - 1:00 p.m. Bishop Rudolph 8:00 A.M. Early Morning Worship McKissick, Jr. 6:45 p.m. McKissick, Sr.. Senior Pastor 9:30 a.m. Sunday School Pastor Emeritus Come share in Holy Communion on 1st Sunday at 7:40 and 10:40 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship Tuesday Evening - 7 p.m. Prayer Service Wednesday - Bible Study 6:30 - 7 p.m. Worship with Mid-Week Worship 7 p.m. us LIVE on Radio Weekly Broadcast - WCGL 1360 AM the web visit Sunday 2 PM - 3 PM www.truth2powerministries.org **FREE TUTORING FOR YOUTH IN ENGLISH, SCIENCE, Dr. Landon Williams HISTORY AND MATH EVERY TUESDAY 6:30 - 8 P.M.

The doors of Macedonia are always open to you and your family. If we may be of any assistance Grace and Peace to you in your spiritual walk, please contact us at 764-9257 or via email at [email protected]. visit www.Bethelite.org February 15 - 21, 2018 Ms. Perry’s Free Press - Page 7 Facebook Group Aims to Change the Narrative About Fatherhood A Facebook group is looking to were no black men who looked like change negative perceptions sur- me,” said Prestbury, according to rounding Black fathers, Black the news outlet. “Even if I did find Enterprise reported. any, they were almost never shown The group—which was founded in a positive light. I thought, ‘I can by Matt Prestbury—was designed either sit and complain or I could do as an avenue to connect and uplift something to shift the perceptions Black dads, the news outlet writes. about who we are and to understand Prestbury—who has four chil- our own values.” dren—was inspired to start the Black Fathers, which was group, dubbed Black Fathers, after launched nine years ago, now has going through his own experiences over 30,000 members. Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederate States of America, with fatherhood. Nearly 10 years There are several Black men who with his wife and First Lady Varina Howell, who many believe was ago he was in the midst of a divorce have been dedicated to changing African American. This photo was taken on the couple’s wedding day and had no one to turn to or seek the narrative about Black father- in 1845. advice and support from other than hood. Last year, a short film titled his family. He wanted to create a Hair Love was created to inspire Was the First Lady of group where Black fathers could children to take pride in their natu- openly express how they feel about ral hair and show that despite the the Confederacy Black? the situations that they endure. stereotypes Black fathers are active “I started the group because I in their children’s lives. By Frederick H. Lowe Howell was born in 1826 on the wanted to have a connection with their children’s lives.” Black Prestbury believes there needs to Jefferson Davis, president of Briers, a family plantation near other fathers who were in the same Fathers doesn’t only serve as a be a more positive representation of Bill Gates Agrees Confederate States of America, was Natchez, Mississippi. She met boat,” Prestbury told Black forum for individuals to engage in Black fathers in the media and married during the Civil War to Davis when she was 17 while visit- Enterprise. “Black men from all conversation, it provides resources hopes that he can change the narra- to Pay Off Varina Howell Davis, a mulatto or ing the Hurricane, a plantation walks of life who are fathers, hus- for men who are in the middle of tive through his platform. “I looked black woman. Several historians owned by Joseph Emory Davis, bands, married, divorced, raising legal battles to gain custody or visi- in magazines and commercials and Nigeria’s $76M who have studied her and her life Jefferson Davis’s older brother. children alone or fighting to be in tation rights for their children. in the mainstream media and there have speculated that she was indeed Jefferson Davis and Varina Debt in the Fight a woman of color but there is no Howell married on February 26, conclusive answer. 1845. Her father, Colonel Joseph to Eradicate Polio Varina Howell was Davis’s sec- Kemp, was a Scots-Irish immigrant Yale Medical School Finds Bill Gates has agreed to pay off ond wife and the couple met at a from Northern Ireland and her the $76 million that Nigeria bor- Christmas Party in 1843. They mother, Margaret Graham, was rowed from Japan to fight polio. quickly fell in love and married. born in the Prince William County. Promising Treatment for Vitiligo Gates and his wife, Melinda, Davis was 35 and a wealthy planta- The family claims they are 100 per- announced that they will pay off tion owner. Howell was 17. They cent European, although Varina’s the debt through the Bill and would have six children, but only photograph tells a different story. Melinda Gates Foundation over the one would survive. On April 2nd and 3rd, Jefferson course of 20 years. Eleven Southern states seceded Davis fled Richmond to escape Nigeria, which is currently recov- from the Union beginning on from the advancing Union Army. ering from its worst recession in 25 December 20, 1860, sparking the He was captured on May 22, 1865, years, originally took the loan in Civil War. Jefferson Davis, who and sentenced to prison. He 2014 as part of Overseas resigned as a U.S. Senator from remained in prison until May 13, Development Assistance (ODA) Mississippi, was appointed 1867, when Horace Greeley, an provided by the Japanese govern- Confederate president in 1861. abolitionist, contributed to posting ment for increased polio eradica- Howell was called the “First Lady his bail. tion efforts. The Gates Foundation of Confederacy.” Varina Davis and her daughter agreed to absorb the loan on Howell did not have a smooth Varina Anne Davis moved to New Nigeria’s behalf after the country time as the Confederacy’s first lady York City from Mississippi. Varina “achiev[ed] more than 80% vacci- because some wealthy white Davis supported herself writing for nation coverage in at least one Richmond residents considered her Joseph Pulitzer’s newspaper, New round each year in very high-risk olive complexion unattractive. York World. She also wrote the areas across 80% of the country’s Some referred to her as mulatto or book “Jefferson Davis, A Memoir.” local government areas,” reports an Indian “squaw,” according to the She died on October 16, 1906, of By Frederick H. Lowe dermatologist at the University of Individuals should ask their per- Quartz. Fortunately, there were no Encyclopedia of Virginia. People pneumonia, in her apartment, A team of dermatologists has suc- Massachusetts Worchester, had sonal physicians about this treat- reported polio cases in the African who have seen her photograph, which overlooked Central Park. cessfully restored the skin color of shown that tofacitinib, or Xeljanz, a ment. nation in 2017. however, said she was black. men and women suffering from drug already approved for treatment vitiligo, a chronic autoimmune dis- of rheumatoid arthritis, dampens ease that destroys skin pigment, the body’s immune response. It was leaving white splotches where there first reported in 2015 that Xeljanz had been color, Yale University successfully treated vitiligo. News reported in its January 31 Xeljanz keeps the immune sys- issue. tem from attacking the skin cells Dr. Brett King, an associate pro- that manufacture melanin pigment fessor of dermatology Yale Medical (color), and light stimulates pig- School, and his colleagues worked ment-making cells to restore color with two patients with significant to the skin. Xeljanz is not approved loss of skin color from vitiligo. to treat vitiligo and it costs $2000 a Standard treatments that included month. steroid medication and light treat- After a few months, one patient ment failed to restore the patients’ saw near total restoration of skin pigmentation. color on her face, neck, chest, fore- The medical team then combined arms and shins, Yale Health News History isn’t just tofacitinib, a medication, with a reported. The other patient reported narrow band of ultraviolent B light similar success. King said more therapy, according to an article research is needed in the future to something you read about, titled “Yale dermatologists success- treat vitiligo and other stigmatizing fully restore skin color in vitiligo skin conditions. So far the treat- patients.” ment has only been tried on two Dr. King and Dr. John Harris, a patients. it’s something you DARRYL R. JACKSON, C.P.A., P.A. make every day. Offering you a full range of quality services that includes a full range of accounting services (audits, reviews, compilations, and nontraditional engagements) for small businesses and tax This Black History Month and 365 days a year, McDonald’s® celebrates all those who lead our community services for individuals, by taking chances, stepping up, making a difference and corporations, partnerships, creating greatness throughout the world. estates and trusts. Darryl Jackson, CPA provides extensive professional experience with a wide variety of industries and clients

Enterprise Center 101 East Union Street, Suite 400 Deeply rooted in the community® Jacksonville, FL 32202 ©2018 McDonald’s 904-633-8099 www.drj-cpa.com Page 8 - Ms. Perry’s Free Press February 15 - 21, 2018 AROUNDAROUND TOWNTOWN

What to do from social, volunteer, political and sports activities to self enrichment and the civic scene

Valentines Love Jam February 17th, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Barry Manilow 19th at 10 a.m. The marker com- themed rail car and the railgaiting Blood Pressure The Valentines Love Jam featur- the Jacksonville landing, 2 W. in Concert memorates when Orange Park’s community, Wednesday, February Info Session ing R&B artists: Tyrese, Joe, Avant, Independent Drive. Enjoy freebies, Normal School opened October 7, 21st, at 10:30 a.m. Location is the raffle, mini massages, health Barry Manilow will be in concert 1891 and it was the only place Adams Street station at 1738 Do you want to learn more about Next, Donnell Jones and Silk, Sunday, February 18th at 7 p.m. at high blood pressure and the effects Friday, February 16th, 7 p.m. at screenings, vendor exhibits and where both white and black stu- Adams St. For more info visit Corvette car show. For more info the Times-Union Center for the dents could learn together under the www.adamstreetstation.com. on your health? Join Florida Blue Veterans Memorial Stadium located Performing Arts, 300 Water St. for a free interactive session with a at 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd. For contact Michael Cobb (904) 625- same roof in Florida. For more info 7937. Public can trade a new or gently visit www.townoforangepark.com. Jax Chamber Mayo Clinic physician, Saturday, tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com. used musical instrument for a free February 24th, 9:30 a.m. to 12 Community Suppers 20th Annual Kingsley ticket! For tickets and more info Legendary George p.m. at the New Town Success Black Coaches to visit www.manilowmusicproject.org. OneJax at the University of North Zone at Edward Waters College, Hold Annual Banquet Heritage Celebration Benson in Concert Florida and the JAX Chamber 1658 Kings Road. To register visit Jazz/Soul legend and guitar virtu- The African American Coaches, The National Park Service is Hidden Secrets wants citizens to learn more about www.ccctracker.com/aha/florid- oso for over five decades it’s Game Officials and Athletic excited to invite the public to the the communities they serve and ablue. Stage Play George Benson at the Thrasher- Association will honor twenty (20) 20th Annual Kingsley Heritage encourage productive discussions Attend the stage production of the Horne Center located at 283 outstanding coaches, game officials Celebration on Saturday, February about inclusion and diversity. The Monster Jam is Back! play "Hidden Secrets” a live show College Drive, Orange Park, and athletes at its annual awards 17th, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Kingsley next supper will be hosted by a Saturday, February 24th, at 7 p.m. featuring three women and the February 19th at 7 p.m. For tickets banquet to be held Friday, Plantation located at 11676 community leader at a local restau- its Monster Jam featuring jaw drop- revealing of their secrets. Get ready visit www.thcenter.org. February 16th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Palmetto Ave. Crocodile River rant, Thursday, February 22nd, 6 - ping gravity defying feats and some Music showcases musicians from to be inspired, empowered and set 8 p.m. Space is limited. For loca- Legends Center located, 5054 free, Sunday, February 18th, 5:30 of the most recognizable trucks in Soutel Dr. For tickets contact Bill West Africa will entertain and edu- Alvin Ailey tion, questions and more info con- the world at Everbank Field. For cate children and adults about tradi- - 8:30 pm. at the University of tact Jacey Willbach at onejax.will- Hines at (904) 765-3728. North Florida (UNF) Student Union Dance Theater tickets and more info visit tional African music with a special [email protected]. www.ticketmaster.com. Kid's Corner featuring crafts and hall located at 1 UNF Dr. For tick- The Alvin Ailey American Dance Jazz & Soul ets and more info contact LaRonda Theater will take the stage Tuesday, activities. For more info visit Deerwood Rotary Dinner Party www.nps.gov/timu. Howard at (904) 803-2229. February 20th at 7:30 p.m. at the JCC MLK Concert Times Union Moran Theater locat- Fundraiser On Friday, February 16th, 7 - 11 Jacksonville Children's Chorus ed at 300 Water St. Engage your p.m. at River City Brewing located OP Farmers The Deerwood Rotary Fundraiser presents the 9th annual Martin FLA JAX Sweetheart emotions with contemporary works at 835 Museum Circle Dr. its Akia is Friday, February 23rd at 6 p.m. Luther King "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Dinner Dance & Art Market that touch on timely topics and the Uwanda and Friends, “Jazz & Soul” at the Deerwood Country Club Sing" Concert scheduled for Farmer’s & Art Market will take beloved classic revelations and dinner party! Come live, laugh and The FLA JAX Club’s Valentine's located at 10239 Golf Club Dr. Saturday, February 24th at 2 p.m. place at the Orange Park Town Hall dance masterpieces that fervently love with friends! For tickets call Sweetheart Dinner Dance will Theme for this year’s party is “Back at Hendricks Avenues Baptist located 2042 Park Ave, Sunday, explores the places of deepest grief Akia Uwanda at (904) 469-7511. beheld on Saturday, February 17th to the 80s” so break out your best church, 4001 Hendricks Ave. For at 8 p.m. at The DoubleTree By February 18th, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and holiest joy in the soul. For more Miami Vice white suits and teased tickets call (904) 353-1636. Hilton Hotel, 1201 Riverplace With over 100 vendors selling info visit www.ticketmaster.com. hair! For tickets and more info visit Alpha Phi Alpha fresh, local produce and homemade Blvd. For tickets and more info www.deerwoodrotary.org. “Never Enough Until” MLK Competition contact FLA Jax President James crafts, live music and great food, How Automation Andrew at (904) 868-9150. it’s sure to be fun for the entire fam- Entrepreneur Seminar The Upsilon Lambda Chapter of ily! Join Orange Park every first Moves Cities Workshop Mindi Abair Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. The “Never Enough Until” free and third Sunday of each month. 'How Automation Moves Cities’ American Grammy Award nomi- presents their 10th Annual Martin entrepreneur seminar discussing DCDBC Flapjack For more info visit www.townofor- new event date is Tuesday, nated saxophonist, vocalist and Luther King Oratorical competition business mindset, marketing and Fundraiser angepark.com. February 20th, 8:30 — 11:30 a.m. author Mindi Abair in concert with $3,000 in scholarships on management will take place at the University of North Florida, Friday, February 23, at 8 p.m. at Saturday, February 17th at 9:06 The Duval Democrats Black Saturday, February 24th at 9 a.m. located at Adam W. Herbert Ritz Theatre and Museum located at a.m. at Westside High School. For Caucus Flapjack Fundraiser OP Normal and Location address is 3130 Hartley University Center at 12000 Alumni 829 N Davis St. For more info visit more info email 1906upsilonlamb- Breakfast will flip the grill Rd. For tickets and more info con- Industrial School Dr. To register and for more details www.ticketmaster.com. [email protected] Saturday, February 17th, from 8 - tact Adrian Gentry at (678) 920- 10 a.m. at the Town Center Historical Marker visit www.myjaxchamber.com. 9791. Music, Moscato Family Fitness, Health Applebees, 4507 Town Center There will be a historical marker Pkwy. Make it a club/caucus/group presentation at the Orange Park UGA Rail Car Exhibit and Seafood Come Paint With and Beauty Expo social and come out and support! Normal and Industrial School at the Adams Street Station has another Attend the Friday night “Music, Fresh Ministries Attend the ‘Family Fitness, Health All are welcome! For tickets, email: Orange Park Town Hall, 2042 Park must see rail car! Experience the Moscato and Seafood” event sched- Help Fresh Ministries raise money and Beauty Expo,” Saturday, [email protected]. Avenue, on Monday, February ‘University of Georgia BullDog’ uled for Friday, February 23rd at 7 for the Fresh Future Youth p.m. Location is the Trinity Center Program, LifePoint Career Institute located at 5808 Normandy Blvd. and Native Fresh Aquaponics at SUBSCRIBE TODAY FOR ONLY $40.50 #17. For tickets and more info call “Painting with a Twist” location in (904) 866-4484. San Marco Studio, located at 1525 San Marco Blvd, Saturday, JUL 70th February 24th, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Anniversary Gala Invite your friends and come to Attend the Jacksonville Urban have fun! For more info call the League 70th Anniversary Gala, bookstore at (904) 515-5393. scheduled for Saturday, February 24th, 7 pm – 11 p.m., at the BRASS Wines Jacksonville Public Main Library for Music located at 303 North Laura St. The Beaches Residents Actively black-tie event will feature R&B Supporting the Symphony singer Regina Belle, the JUL Equal (BRASS) ‘Wines for Music’ event Opportunity Awards and celebrate is scheduled for Sunday, February 70 years of service to the 25th, 6 - 9 p.m. at the Marsh Jacksonville community. For tickets Landing Country Club located at and more info visit: http://ul-jack- 25655 Marsh Landing Pkwy, Ponte sonville.iamempowered.com// Vedra Beach, Florida. For tickets and more info visit www.jaxsym- Augusta Savage phony.org/event/brass-wines-for- Cultural Arts Festival music. On Saturday, February 24th, from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. attend the JAXUSA Partnership Augusta Savage Cultural Arts Luncheon Festival in Spring Park, located at Join JAXUSA Partnership to cele- 106 St John’s Ave, Green Cove brate three esteemed presidents of Springs, FL Augusta Savage higher education. Outgoing college Festival presents an impressive ros- presidents, University of North ter of arts, humanities, and cultural Florida's John Delaney, former programming and activities. Come Edward Waters College's Nat engage the Buffalo Soldiers, Glover and Florida State College at demonstration by the Fort Mose Jacksonville's Dr. Cynthia Bioteau. SUBSCRIPTION RATES Militia, African fashion, and the It will be held on Monday, musical styling of the Kenny February 26th, 11:30 a.m. Hyatt Enclosed is my __ check __ money order for $40.50$38.50 (within city limits) __$45.00__$43.00 (outside of Jacksonville) Seabrook Jazz Quartet. For more Regency Riverfront Hotel For tick- info visit www.greencovesprings.com. ets call (904) 366-6600 x 7788.

NAME ______Do You Have an Event ADDRESS ______for Around Town? CITY ______STATE______ZIP______The Jacksonville Free Press is pleased to print your pub- lic service announcements and coming events free of If this is a gift subscription it is provided by (so gift notification card can be sent) charge. news deadline is Monday at 6 p.m. by the week you would like your information to be printed. Information can ______be sent via email, fax, brought into our office or mailed in. Please be sure to include the 5W’s - who, what, when, where, why and you must include a contact number. Please send check or money order to: Jacksonville Free Press P.O. Box 43580, Jacksonville, FL 32203 Email - [email protected] Fax (904) 765-8611 Mail: Coming Events Jacksonville Free Press If you would like to pay by Visa or Mastercard, give us a call at (904) 634-1993 1122 W. Edgewood Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32203 Page 9 - Mrs. Perry’s Free Press February 15 - 21, 2018 Jay-Z Speaks at Miami Trayvon Martin Rally

Jay-Z continues to support the Matter movement. family of Trayvon Martin, who was The Peace Walk & Peace Talk harassed and killed by a former event sees demonstrators gather Florida security guard in 2012. annually to protest against racial During the Peace Walk and Peace injustice and gun violence. Talk rally held in Miami, which Jay-Z recently produced a six- honored the late teen, the rapper part miniseries on Martin’s life, lent his voice to advocate for social called Rest in Power: The Trayvon justice reports Rolling Stone. Martin Story. The series — origi- “We want to make sure that we nally set up at The Weinstein Co. — stand and support and never forget is based on the books Suspicion that Trayvon serves as a beacon of Nation, by attorney Lisa Bloom, light to the people out here,” the and Rest in Power: The Enduring “4:44” artist said. “So you guys will Life of Trayvon Martin, by Martin’s never have to go through the pain parents Sybrina Fulton and Tracy The late Richard Pryor and Marlon Brando and hurt that these guys went Martin. through.” The series is set to air on the Were the Godfather and “And his name will sit alongside Paramount Network later this year. the greats whom lost their lives to Martin would have turned 23 Richard Pryor an Item? push our culture forward — the years old on Feb. 5. Quincy Jones said in an interview with “Vulture” that Academy Martin Luther Kings, the Gandhis. Brenda Martin Providence, a Shown at the rally is Trayvon Martin’s mother Award-winning actor Marlon Brando had an affair with acclaimed That’s the intention that we set, that friend of Trayvon’s mother, volun- Sabrina Fulton, rapper Jay-Z, and father Tracy Martin. standup comedian Richard Pryor. It’s not clear if this was a one night his name serves as a beacon of light teered at the Peace Walk. She didn’t Martin was a 17-year-old teenag- unteer George Zimmerman. stand or a relationship that was conducted over a span of months or and hope to push us in a better expect to see the high-profile rapper er in Sanford, Florida when he was Zimmerman was later acquitted years. direction, so thank you guys for whose appearance hadn’t been pub- shot and killed in February 2012 under Florida’s Stand Your Ground Jennifer Lee, Pryor’s widow, said the story was true and that he wrote your support. Thank you for being licized. after getting into a physical alterca- law, and Martin’s death became an about his romances with other men. Rainn Pryor, one of his daughters, here.” “It means a lot to the community tion with neighborhood watch vol- early impetus for the Black Lives poured water on the story. when you see people like Jay-Z She agreed her father was bisexual, but she denied he had any rela- who come out to support your tionship with Brando, considered by many to be one of the world’s Police Investigating Widow of Dennis Edwards, cause,” Providence said. “With greatest actor. Rainn did say her father had a sexual relationship with everything going on, we all need to a transwoman during the 1970s. support the cause because our youth former Temptations Singer for Abuse Brando had always been open about being bisexual. He starred in the are dying in the streets. A lot of 1972 movie classic “The Godfather,” as Vito Corleone, head of an abuse caused or contributed to his Healthcare Consortium of Illinois, mothers are missing their children. organized Mafia family. death, Chicago police tell CBS which is based in Dolton, Illinois. We all need to come out and show Jones, a music producer and a multiple Grammy Award winner, knew Chicago. Dennis Edwards was removed our support and walk for the com- Pryor and Brando, who are both dead. Dennis Edwards and his wife from his home for medical reasons. munity.” Brenda moved from St. Louis, His wife of nearly 20 years was where he lived for 30 years to be barred from having contact with near his mother, to Chicago to him, according to the Post O.J. Simpson’s First Film Role in Years Causes Outrage receive better medical care. He died Dispatch. by Jessica Bennett families of Brown and Goldman. it entertain- of complications caused by menin- Brenda Edwards denied the abuse O.J. Simpson has just landed his “Paying money, cash no less, in ment.” gitis. allegations. first job since being released from secret to O.J. Simpson is 100 per- Simpson Police are investigating allega- Dennis Edwards joined the prison last October, and his first cent unadulterated sleaze,” said a was acquit- tions Brenda Edwards physically Temptations in 1968, replacing feature film role since he was found lawyer for Goldman’s father. “This ted of the abused her 74-year-old husband. David Ruffin. Edwards sang lead not guilty of murdering Nicole is nuts. O.J. is eternally beyond 1994 mur- She allegedly attempted to suffo- on the group’s hits, including “Ball Brown-Simpson and Ron Goldman. redemption or forgiveness, but put- ders of his cate her husband with a pillow by of Confusion (That’s What the The former NFL baller has land- ting money in the hands of another ex-wife and holding his face down on a bed, World Is Today),” “I Can’t Get ed a small part in a new movie by is penance by other means. If friend, according to documents obtained Next to You,” and the Grammy- Dennis Edwards British comedian Sacha Baron [Cohen’s] movie is O.J.’s pot of Goldman. by the St. Louis Post Dispatch. winning tracks “Papa Was a Rollin’ By Frederick H. Lowe Cohen, best known for playing the gold, send us the check.” He later Simpson In addition, she reportedly took Stone” and “Cloud Nine.” The widow of Dennis Edwards, irreverent fictional character, Borat. Brown’s sister Tanya Brown also served nine years in a Nevada away his hearing aids away while The Temptations, one of the former Temptations’ lead singer Fox News reports Simpson will be shared her disgust, telling the Daily prison following armed robbery and he was bed bound and immobile, greatest groups ever, were inducted who died Thursday, is being inves- paid more than $20,000 for the Mail, “Nicole and Ron are two assault convictions. His last fea- according to a protection request into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame tigated for physically abusing him, appearance, much to the disap- human beings who were brutally ture-length film role was in Naked filed by an investigator with in 1989. but it is not clear if the alleged pointment of social media and the murdered. This is not a joke, nor is Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult.

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Local Teen Philanthropist Taylor Richardson Raises Funds for Youth Film Viewing After several celebrities and other can take pride in who they are and local community heroes have know that they are more than capa- stepped up and raised funds for ble of being anything they put their youngsters across the country to see minds to.” Marvel’s highly-anticipated Black This isn’t the first time that Panther film, a local teen has raised Richardson has raised money for thousands of dollars to do the same girls to see films that matter. In for young girls to see the movie A 2017, she launched a fundraiser that Wrinkle in Time. gave 100 girls the opportunity to Jacksonville’s teen phenom, sev- see Hidden Figures. enteen year old Taylor Richardson, Over the past few months, sever- has surpassed her goal of $15,000 al notable people have used their and garnered over $17,000 to send power to help youngsters see Black 1,000 girls to see the film that stars Panther. Amongst those were Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling, and actress Octavia Spencer who Reese Witherspoon. Richardson is bought out a theater in Mississippi, an aspiring astronaut and believes Taylor Richardson sports journalist Jemele Hill who that the film—which is centered know that not only can they touch partnered with the Detroit Free around the space adventure of a the stars they already are ones!” Press and others to treat 200 stu- young African-American girl who Richardson wrote on her dents who have perfect school Former first couple Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama pose with Artists Kehinde Wiley and goes to rescue her dad from another GoFundMe page. “Supporting this attendance this year to see the film, Amy Sherald during the unveiling of their official portraits at the National Portrait Gallery this week. planet—will help inspire Black project means you support not only and WWE star Thaddeus “Titus girls to pursue careers in STEM. diversity but gender equality in O’Neil” Bullard who plans on giv- Obama’s Official Portraits Unveiled “I want girls — especially those STEM and our films. KIDS NEED ing 500 kids in Tampa, Florida the of color — to see this movie and REPRESENTATION so that they chance to see the movie. The official portraits of former I can work together'.” traits would emphasize that there’s President Barack Obama and first As they continued talking, a place for people of color. Why Mardis Gras is Important to the Black Diaspora lady Michelle Obama, recently “Barack kind of faded into the “What I was always struck by unveiled at the National Portrait woodwork,” Obama joked. whenever I saw [Wiley’s] portraits People of color have always it.” tribes. The Mardi Gras Indians are Gallery , break with tradition just as And in the end, the former presi- was the degree to which they chal- loved Mardi Gras! For many peo- Aside from the popular Zulu known to be secretive, intentionally the Obama presidency did. dent had nothing but praise for lenge our conventional views of ple, the New Orleans celebration is coconuts, the community also not announcing their parade times The artists, both in their 40s, are Sherald and her work. power and privilege … recognizing a magical place where they can began balls or dances for those or routes publicly in advance, the first African Americans to paint “Amy, I want to thank you for so the beauty and the grace and the have fun, let their hair down and be attending the celebration. They official portraits for the museum spectacularly capturing the grace, dignity of people who are so often themselves. also lend a helping hand behind and both have dedicated their beauty, intelligence, charm and hot- invisible in our lives,” Barack The parades, however, are not the scenes each year to Mardi careers to showcasing people of ness of the woman I love,” he said Obama said. just a time for celebration, especial- Gras. color in unique ways. to laughter from the crowd. “Kehinde lifted them up and gave ly at this year’s festivities, which Another central component Amy Sherald, an artist from Kehinde Wiley, an artist from them a platform and said they started last Friday and ended to the celebration are Mardi Baltimore, painted Michelle South Central Los Angeles, was belong in the center of American Tuesday. There are plenty of Gras Indians, made up, in large Obama’s portrait. She’s known for selected to paint the former presi- life and that was something that moments for folks to reflect on the part, of the African-American painting skin tones in grayscale — dent’s portrait. He’s famous for his moved me deeply,” Obama said. history involving Black and Brown- communities of New Orleans’ a way to “subversively” comment depictions of African American “In my small way, that's part of skinned people in the “Fat Tuesday” inner city. The group named on race, she says — and incorpo- men replacing famous figures in what I believe politics should be festivities, which happen on the last themselves after Native rates color in clothing and back- scenes out of Western art, such as about — not simply celebrating the day of the Carnival season and the Americans to “pay them grounds. Napoleon crossing the Alps on high and the mighty, expecting that day before Ash Wednesday, the first respect for their assistance in escap- according to Mardi Gras New Michelle Obama said she knew horseback, to point out how people the country unfolds from the top day of Lent. ing the tyranny of slavery.” Orleans. she was going to select Sherald just of color have been missing in his- down - but rather it comes from the The Zulu community has been a Nearly 50 tribes have members It also important to note that slav- a few sentences into their first con- torical portraiture. bottom up.” viable force behind the traditions of who create extravagant hand-bead- ery and racism drove Black folks to versation. “We had an immediate connec- Wiley’s portrait of Obama is dif- Mardi Gras. ed and feathered suits for marches form their cultural styles for cele- “She came in and she looked at tion with the two artists who are sit- ferent from his other works, howev- “It [Zulu] symbolizes Mardi Gras on Mardi Gras Day and Super brating Mardi Gras. Those in the Barack and she said, ‘Mr. President, ting here today,” the former presi- er. It doesn’t elevate the subject, for the African American communi- Sunday, which is the Sunday closest city’s poorer neighborhoods didn’t I’m really excited to meet you and I dent said. mount him on horseback or com- ty across the world,” Zulu President to St. Joseph’s Day on March 19. feel as if they could celebrate in the know I’m being considered for both And the message, from the artist pare him to Napoleon. The subject, Naaman Stewart told WGNO. This is a less-recognized tradition mainstream New Orleans parade. portraits’,” Obama recounted. But to the presidential subjects, was the first African American presi- “Everybody that comes to Mardi that is believed to date to the ante- Their celebrations during Mardi then Sherald turned to face her, say- clear: Among the 1,600 presidential dent, made history on his own. Gras wants a Zulu coconut, and bellum period when escaped slaves Gras have come out of a place of ing,“'I’m really hoping that you and portraits in the museum, these por- they’ll do just about anything to get found shelter with Native American resistance and resilience.

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