Volume 27, No. 7 “And Ye Shall Know The Truth...” April 23, 2014 Frederick Douglass Community Association’s 95th Anniversary
In This Issue... Perryman TECHS Page 2 Page 9
Tolliver Lucas Page 3 County Empowerment FitzGerald Page 10 Chat Page 4 Enjoying Pies Toledo CDC Page 12 DEEP Page 5 Book Review Cover Page 13 Story: FDCA BlackMarket- 95th Place Page 6 Page 14
WGTE and Classifieds AOoA Page 15 Senior Citizen Jack & Program Jill Page 8 Page 16 Pastor Robert Culp, Sonya Harper-Williams with Dr. Romules Durant Page 2 The Sojourner’s Truth April 23, 2014 Oh Mary Don’t You Weep By Rev. Donald L. Perryman, D.Min. The Truth Contributor
... A man without ambition is dead. A man with ambition but no love is dead. A man with ambition and love for his blessings here on earth is ever so alive. - Pearl Bailey
Easter Sunday is the black The community needs a resur- Secondly, in the biblical miracle, tion.” We are also called upon to church’s highest and most holy rection, definitely. the surrounding community mem- repair the damage inflicted by the day. Frilly-dressed little girls and bers are all active actors and agents process of social and economic dapper young boys along with Perhaps, the resurrection that in the young man’s resurrection. death to the identity and sense of their fashion-forward parents, we need most, however, is not After Lazarus departs from the self of the newly liberated. friends and relatives pack into merely an eschatological or end culture of his burial cave, the oth- overflowing church auditoriums of the world phenomenon but a ers present were instructed to par- Finally, and perhaps most im- and sanctuaries that buzz with resurrection that is a “right now” ticipate in his resurrection by loos- portantly, before even beginning excitement and anticipation. The experience. ing and removing his restrictive the process to empower Lazarus visible pomp and pageantry of burial clothing. It is, therefore, the to stand on his own feet and re- the day exposes the community’s responsibility of the community The resurrection story of the turn to life, the stone had to be unslakable need to hear the old, to facilitate successful reintegra- biblical figure Lazarus is relevant rolled away. old story – “He is risen.” tion into society those who have for today’s less than perfect in- emerged from a “terminal situa- dividuals who don’t fit society’s ... continued on page 8 WHO is risen? traditional molds and have had the books closed on their lives or A young, ethnic minority, bare- told that they are too far gone to ly 33 years old, and who didn’t have a meaningful existence. Community Calendar “stay in his place,” was executed purportedly for disturbing the I offer a methodology to those April 26 peace. He died on Friday but interested in reversing this plague Casting Call for “F.A.C.E.S.:” Noon; 2727 Kenwood Blvd; All ages – male arose early Sunday morning, of young, black death and who and female; Bring headshot and wear black shirt for video: 419-450-2022 or claiming victory over death and hope to make the joy of Easter the grave. [email protected] Sunday sustainable. Toledo 20th Annual Take Back the Night: 7 pm; Scott Park Campus; Com- munity rally featuring speakers address violence against women; Women’s Perhaps Easter Sunday’s ex- First, the church operates under March, A Women’s Survivor SpeakOut, Men’s Program: 419-322-5205 and pectant crowds inherently recog- the firm conviction that the mir- 419-464-8058 nized that what the black com- acle of new life is possible, even munity needs more than anything for society’s most marginalized. else is a resurrection. April 28 Annual Nehemiah Action Rally: Sponsored by TUSA; Friendship Baptist In the biblical account, La- Church; 7 pm The forces of death certain- zarus’ name is called and he is ly appear to have the last word told to come forth. When La- as the number of funerals for May 2-3 zarus responds to the command Pilgrim Church Flea Market/Rummage Sale: 9-5 on Friday; 9-3 on Satur- young, black, male victims of he transitions from death to life. day: 419-478-6012 violence continues to spiral and The transformation of the one is at epidemic levels. In addi- “who died before his/her time” Phillips Temple CME Fish and Chicken Dinners: Pre-Women’s Day Event; tion, persistent drug abuse and requires divine, rather than hu- 10 am to 5 pm: 419-242-7906 domestic violence wreak devas- man, intervention and does not tation upon families and leave happen without Lazarus’ willing- May 3 children scarred or emotionally ness to exit the environment of Casting Call for “F.A.C.E.S.:” Noon; 2727 Kenwood Blvd; All ages – male destroyed. death. and female; Bring headshot and wear black shirt for video: 419-450-2022 or [email protected] National Train Day Toledo: 9:30 am to 4 pm; Toledo Amtrak Station and Dr. MLK Jr. Plaza; All day, family friendly; Display, exhibits, food, music, The Sojourner’s Truth vendors: 419-241-9155 ext 106 Toledo’s Truthful African American Owned and Operated Newspaper May 4 Cass Road Baptist Church Pastor Installation: Rev. Ruby Radford; 4 pm: Fletcher Word – Publisher and Editor 419-893-2008 Folasade Oladokun – Office Manager
Artisha Lawson – Reporter May 9 Carla Leonard – Social Editor The Movement Church “Hope for Moms:” 7 to 8 pm; For mothers who have Michael Hayes – Entertainment Critic lost children to connect with each other; “Angela’s Angels” support group Rev. D.L. Perryman – Columnist for mothers will attend: 419-508-2636
Jennifer Retholtz – Webmaster May 10 Kathy Sweeny – Graphic Designer Jessica Crans - Layout St. Stephen’s COGIC Annual Mother Daughter Luncheon and Style Show: Noon; Speaker Evang. Belinda Brown A Certified MBE The Sojourner’s Truth, 1811 Adams Street, Toledo, OH 43604 May 14 Phone 419-243-0007 * Fax 419-255-7700 Engaging Men Forum: 9 to 11:30 am; Discussion about the issue of domes- [email protected] tic violence; Educational Service Center; Guest speaker Gus Funk: 419- www.thetruthtoledo.com 244-3053 ext 221 or [email protected] April 23, 2014 The Sojourner’s Truth Page 3 Help Is on the Way … By Lafe Tolliver, Esq Guest Column
If you were to gauge the re- authorities of just what society in this society? that we need to fix up so that action to my recent article en- these young black kids are be- (4) Will it provide a pass from we can introduce our kids into titled Cotton Comes to Toledo ing introduced into. police harassment? it? on the contents of its response There is so much yammering (5) Will it diminish the chanc- (4) where do you see any published by Deborah Carl- about these kids being brought es of being a victim of black- white parents trying to imitate isle, I believe that the follow- to a decorated ballroom under on-black crime? any black social activities for ing should be immediately im- the pretense that when they are (6) Will it decrease the chanc- their kids so those white kids plemented with a minimum of “introduced” into society, that es of becoming a teenage moth- can be introduced into “black fanfare and should be viewed doors will open for them and er? society”? Or..is “their” society as an emergency to the black that life will become a bowl of (7) Who runs this society? regarded as first class and any community: Cajun fried shrimp and a bottle “black” society regarded as (8) Where are its headquar- I propose: That we desig- of cold orange soda. questionable? ters? nate six to eight secret safe We need to know if the society (9) If one’s name is Do’naquata (5) if white folks went out houses in the City of Toledo that they are being “introduced” or Tywane, is that Ok? and organized a huge gala party so that the participants in the into is friend or foe and where with German marching songs (10) What happens if this so- Cotillion Ball can find a safe it is located and who rules in it and kielbasa and the polka, ciety rejects my child? haven, lodging, food and the and what are the benefits. would we have our kids follow best in sympathetic educators Surely, as a responsible par- Now, those are just some suit thinking that such was the who can swiftly deprogram ent you would not allow your starter questions and I am sure standard of civility? those infected with the Cotil- that you may impressionable child to be in- I know…I know…the hid- lion Ball Bug (aka: CBB). troduced into a “society” that have plenty of others to ask den presumption of the Cotil- The “CBB” has no known an- you know practically little including the following…as lion is supposed to be that our tidote except a copious read- examples: about or a society that for the kids need refinement and some ing of black history books so most part has not been kind to (1) why are we always follow- of the rough edges knocked off the ball participant can re- your “kind.” ing after white folks and their of them and a good dosage of group and gain their proper social functions and we do not Eurocentric waltzes and white bearings. If, as a parent you are unsure create our own without waltz- ballroom gowns and rented I propose: That all area of what questions to ask about es and tuxes and white formal tuxes and bowing to each other churches commit a time of ear- this “society”, here are some gowns? should be just the ticket but…. nest and intense prayer at their starter questions: (2) why are the waltz and really? Sunday morning gatherings to (1) Are their dues to enter into white gowns and tuxes viewed If the Cotillion organizers pray for those who are still in this society and to stay in it? as the penultimate of awe and enthralled with the were so adamant about black (2) Can one leave at their own refinement and acculturation youths becoming a walking en- mystique of the Cotillion and freewill? by the Cotillion organizers? its purported transformative (3) Will it guarantee me a job (3) don’t “we” have a society ... continued on page 12 powers. Sometimes, you must invoke the su- pernatural in order to free people from ancient symbols of perceived wealth, privilege and status that the Cotillion Ball attempts to in- culcate in its fol- lowers. I propose: That funds be raised and spent to place bill- ! " boards and TV ads in the black com- #$$ % munity warning any future Cotillion Ball ! ' followers of the mental and emotion- al dangers of falling for any sappy non- sense of they being &! () introduced into “so- ciety.” (This is in- * + , $ $! troduction is one of the highlights of the Ball!). ---.. ! . I propose: That a thorough inves- 0 44 0$ !. 1 / !0 + , . tigation is made 1(22 $3 % ! ! !. by local, state and 0 * 0) 4!! , ' federal (since some participants may cross state lines to attend the Cotillion) Page 4 The Sojourner’s Truth April 23, 2014 Ed FitzGerald: Dem Candidate Expects to Overcome GOP Financial Advantage By Fletcher Word Sojourner’s Truth Editor
“We’re going to be competitive,” says General Assembly. of statewide ap- Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGer- Typically, a in a non-presidential election peal, necessarily, ald, Democratic Party candidate for gover- year, Democratic core constituency groups but this is a tal- nor of Ohio as he projects what will hap- – particularly the poor, minorities and the ented, energetic, pen this November. “The Republicans will young – stay home in greater numbers than motivated young certainly have a [monetary] advantage but does the general population. FitzGerald group of cam- their attacks will not go unanswered.” thinks that this year might well prove an paigners. We’re all In a conversation with The Truth last exception to that norm based upon the pros- on the same page. week, FitzGerald spoke at length about pect of a backlash at Republican efforts to I’ve seen times the upcoming race and how the statewide tamp down the vote among those constitu- when Democrats Democratic slate of candidates will over- encies. “I believe that people sometimes have had to recruit come the outside money that the Republi- exercise their rights more when people statewide candi- cans will pour into the race, the tradition- threaten those rights.” dates.” al lack of turnout by the Democratic core FitzGerald’s optimism that his party can Of course the main challenge for constituency groups and the statewide ef- turn tradition on its head is rooted partly Ohio’s Democrats forts at voter suppression that the GOP has in the results of last year’s statewide elec- undertaken. tions in Virginia, in which Democratic can- in getting the mes- Ed FitzGerald First, said FitzGerald, the campaign will didates for governor, lieutenant governor sage across early and often to voters is their focus on putting resources into a grassroots and attorney general all prevailed led by effort to match the dollars from outside campaign that will start in May, rather than Terry McAullife at the top of the ticket. the state that will end up in GOP coffers. waiting for the traditional late summer/ “Democratic groups voted in the same per- early fall launch. “We will invest in a grass centages as in presidential elections,” said Needless to say, Ohio is prime battleground roots campaign, we will identify our voters FitzGerald as he praised the very effective among swing states and Republican donors and we will contact them repeatedly,” he get-out-the-vote effort of that campaign. will be pouring money into this race led by said. Anticipating that there might be much to the Koch brothers. Secondly, “we will articulate a message learn from Virginia, FitzGerald dispatched On the other hand, while the Democrats that motivates them to vote” focusing on his chief campaign staff to Virginia to ob- may fall a bit short to the Republicans in economic issues and civil rights issues, he serve. After that election some of the Vir- out-of-state financial resources, they will pointed out. ginia staffers headed to the Buckeye State have a clear advantage in outside star In this climate of repeated Republican at- to lend a hand including the director of co- power. Topping the list of stars will be the tempts, in both the legislative and the ex- ordinated campaigns, said FitzGerald. Obamas and the Clintons. President Obama ecutive branches, to push for voter ID’s, The November election features candi- was more than a bit reluctant in the 2010 shrink the access by absentee voters to dates for all of the statewide offices. The elections to put his prestige on the line in ballot and decrease the time that polls are Democrats are Nina Turner for secretary of races around the nation but that shouldn’t open, FitzGerald noted that he has, by con- state, Connie Pillich for treasurer, David be a problem this time around. The presi- trast, always “been very supportive of vot- Pepper for attorney general and John Pat- dent has run his last race and the feeling ers’ rights all my career.” rick Carney for auditor. Fitzgerald is en- in the FitzGerald camp is that he will be “We have a legislature that is shameless thusiastic about the rest of the ticket. giving his all for national Democratic can- in its efforts to take away those rights,” “We have the strongest slate we might didates. he said of the Republican-dominated Ohio have ever fielded,” he said. “Not because And just try to keep President Clinton, a serial campaigner, off the trail. Hil- !%& T Gvtur Shq lary Clinton will be Q 8yv PC #"#$! curious to test the campaign waters as & she decides wheth- er or not to run in '$! !%% 2016 and Michelle Obama may well be the most popular of this group of four. “They can balance out other national interference,” says FitzGerald. So far, the polls
4/14 Some animals exhibited in pens show an even race at the top of the Democratic ticket, an encouraging sign in FitzGerald’s race against the incum- bent, Governor Ka- sich. & “If people hear both sides of the story, we win,” said FitzGerald. April 23, 2014 The Sojourner’s Truth Page 5 Celebration of the Pilot Program: Deep in the Heart of the City Re-Entry Retrofit Technician Training Program Special to The Truth
Toledo Community Develop- those who are hard to employee come levels are between 80 per- for the hard-to-employee and re- ment Corporation (Toledo CDC), and who needs an opportunity cent up to 120 percent Area Me- entry population. The DEEP pro- Owens Community College and to become self- sufficient. The dian Income (AMI) obtain a low gram serves a dual purpose: 1). its partners will celebrate the partners of this program are: interest loan up to $5,000 for the Preservation of existing housing completion of a workforce train- Owens Community College, The purpose of retrofitting their home stock and owner occupied homes ing program called the Detroit Frederick Douglass Community to make it more energy efficient. through retrofits for energy effi- Ave. Energy Efficiency Program Association, Parker Energy So- ciency and 2). Green jobs train- (DEEP) in the Heart of the City lutions, the Toledo-Lucas Coun- Toledo CDC’s mission is “… to ing/workforce development. Green Jobs Training Program! ty Port Authority, the City of To- foster a healthy, vibrant commu- Everyone is welcome to honor the ledo, Dept. of Neighborhoods, nity through affordable housing, Toledo CDC was awarded a to- students who have completed the the University of Toledo- Dept. job creation and economic de- tal of $145,000 from the Toledo Green Jobs Training Program as of Sociology & Anthropology, velopment and by utilizing green –Lucas County Port Authority Retrofit Technicians and Install- Assets Toledo, The NW Ohio and sustainable practices.” The and the Community Development ers. The ceremony will be at the Reentry Coalition and The Ridge DEEP workforce and housing Block Grant (CDBG) through Frederick Douglass Community Project. The goal is to provide program is a component of a stra- the Dept. of Neighborhoods for Association, located at 1001 In- workforce training as Retrofit tegic initiative to bring stability both components of the DEEP diana Ave. on Friday, April 25, at Installer Technician. and sustainability to the central program with the intent to create 3:00 pm. This is the first of its kind city of Toledo. The reentry popu- a community development mod- workforce development program The DEEP Central City Green lation have a strong presence in el in the heart of the city to be in the heart of the city. Jobs Training Program is de- the community served by Toledo duplicated throughout Toledo. signed to complement the DEEP Community Development Corpo- DEEP in the Heart of the City Revolving Loan Fund, which is ration (Toledo CDC) and Toledo For more information please (Central City) Green Jobs Training a housing preservation program CDC believes that providing rel- contact Toledo Community De- Program is for reentry citizens or designed for residents whose in- evant workforce training through velopment Corporation at 419- Owens Community College is a 255-7500 or email at e.mickens@ Ohio Rep. Alicia way to meet an immediate need toledocdc.org. Reece Named Public
Official of the Year by National Association ! $ of Social Workers Honored for leadership in advancing policies beneficial to civil rights, vulnerable populations State Rep. Alicia Re- cia Reece. “The daily ece (D-Cincinnati) was contributions of social excited to receive the workers makes our ! " " # " news that she will be state a brighter place, honored as the 2014 and I am pleased to Public Official of the further their impor- Year by the National tant work whenever Association of Social possible at the State- Workers (NASW). house.” Rep. Reece will be pre- According to the sented with the award NASW, candidates at the NASW Ohio for the award made Alicia Reece Chapter - Region 6 - significant contribu- Annual Awards Ban- tions to public service “I nominated her as quet on May 1st at the while in office, dem- I think she exempli- Cincinnati Museum onstrated leadership fies everything in our Center, 1301 Western in advancing public profession that we Ave, Cincinnati, OH policy in the area of hold dear in terms of 45203. vulnerable popula- values and advocacy “I am honored and tions, civil and human work for vulnerable humbled to receive rights, or social wel- people,” said Jean Se- such special recog- fare, and exemplified pate, Chief Operating nition,” said State social work values Officer of Lighthouse Representative Ali- and ethics. Youth Services. Page 6 The Sojourner’s Truth April 23, 2014 Frederick Douglas Community Association’s 95th Anniversary Celebration Special to The Truth
The Frederick Douglass Community As- sociation (FDCA), located at 1001 Indi- ana Ave., Toledo was host to nearly 300 guests on March 27, 2014 at the Premier Banquet complex in celebration of the or- ganizations 95th anniversary. The event was also an opportunity to say “Thank You” to individuals, businesses and other organizations that have made significant contributions to the FDCA. Master of Ceremonies WTOL Channel 11 morning anchor Brandon Jones and Hon- orary event Chairman Dennis Hopson wel- comed honorees Attorney Eddie M. Cole, Councilwoman Theresa M. Gabriel, Pas- tor John E. Roberts, corporate sponsors American Flooring Installers and General Motors and community partners Toledo CDC, Toledo-Lucas County Rain garden Initiative and Romules Durant, Ed.D, of Toledo Public Schools along with Pickett Academy administrators Martha Jude and Ward Barnett, Ed.D. Cole, who earned both his undergradu- ate and law degrees from The University of Toledo worked for many years as an Pastor Robert Culp, Sonya Harper-Williams with Dr. Romules Durant attorney both in public and private prac- tice. He has been active in the community FDCA. seat on Toledo City Council this past No- for decades and is a past president of the Gabriel, who won election to an at-large ... continued on page 7 April 23, 2014 The Sojourner’s Truth Page 7
2014 Honorees Douglas... continued from page 6 vember, has a long record of service with the City of Toledo and with a variety of service organizations. She is a past president of the NAACP. Roberts will be celebrating his 50th anniversary as pastor of Indiana Avenue Mission- ary Baptist Church next year. During the past five decades, the flock has grown from 60 into the thousands, the church building has been re-designed, remodeled and expanded. Rob- erts has been involved with many community organiza- tions including the FDCA. American Flooring Installers Sonya Williams-Harper, Mayor D. Michael Collins, with Twyla Wheaton and David and Michelle Fleetwood donated and delivered new car- pet to the FDCA in the amount in recognition of FDCA pro- &'()*+,-/0)123467)8);244/2<<);=>2/?<)@26,236 of almost 3,000 square feet. grams, services and in tribute B@JKL)KQTTU)KLL@V The FDCA initiated an Alter- to the 2014 honorees. !"#$% native Suspension program in Executive Director Sonya partnership with Toledo Pub- Harper Williams and all FDCA ! &'(( " )*) '+, - " lic Schools’ Pickett Academy. Board Members extended sin- ( .* / . " "0 1. 1 Suspended students can be re- cere thanks to the community " 2 0 ferred to the center to spend K72,X4))LZ[3,Z<\K3//=/V) for overwhelming support of " . " " the school day. the anniversary event and for The FDCA is the host facili- the FDCA vision to provide 3 (" " / ) " "4" K]LJ@) ty for the Toledo CDC’s DEEP quality programs and support ^J1)K1QKL*V)]]KV)))* 0* . " " * " pilot program – a unique train- services to Toledo residents. * 0" .* * 0 ing program offered in-class “On behalf of the Board of 3 (" " / " 5* * *"0 * " .(" * instruction by Owens Commu- Directors and staff, I am just so 3*0 6 . "3 3 0 0 nity College as well as hands grateful for the overwhelming - 0 on training with construction support of our elected officials, and trades professionals. event sponsors and community $ 0 " Elected officials Mayor D. in recognition of the Frederick )/ "788 Michael Collins, City Council Douglass Community Associa- # * "T3,-3/)_,3//=/ 0 0& " tion and this historic anniver- President Paula Hicks-Hudson 4 * .&. *9T-/-?->37)B3,,266 *+ * sary,” said Williams. “We are with fellow councilpersons " *4 * .+*: *, 0 93/Z))L`)L43-/2) honored to continue this rich Matt Cherry, Jack Ford, Ty- ^302(;* * < * . = * rone Riley and Larry Sykes legacy of service.” joined Lucas County Recorder The community is invited to @20-<62,)[-67)j,`)J/-63)T`)]2[-<\*2[244)T`j` Phil Copeland, Lucas County visit the center or the website _X)^1QLq)('w\{|}\||{')=,)LTJ]q)3>4<2[244~0>3-4`=> Auditor Anita Lopez and Lucas at www.fdcatoledo.org or con- ! > 3 .$3 "). County Commissioners Carol tact the FDCA 419.244.6722 1L) Contrada and Tina Skeldon- ]B11Q*L)@QJjq)) ! " "#$%&