Volume 12, No. 6 June 06, 2007
In This Issue
The Truth Editorial Page 2
My View Page 3
School Board Shenanigans Page 4 and 5
Mosley Declares Page 6
2007 Cotillion Page 7-8
Zeta Alpha Omega Honor- ees Page 9
Cover Story: Terry Awls Page 10
Riverdance Returns Page 11
The Lima Truth Page 12
Minister’s Summer Reel Review Page 13
BlackMarketPlace TerryTerry AwlsAwls Page 14 General Manager, Sylvania Country Club Classifieds General Manager, Sylvania Country Club Page 15
“I wasn’t hired here as a black male. It goes beyond color. I do the job. And I’m very blessed. I love being in a service business and knowing about every aspect from A to Z. One thing about me is that I am not about to accept the status quo.” Page 2 The Sojourner’s Truth June 06, 2007 This Strikes Us … Community Calendar A Sojourner’s Truth Editorial *June 8 Back in November the State of Ohio had two issues on the ballot for voters to consider. Fashion show: Diva Restaurant; Featuring Evan McKinney’s Fall/winter collection; Issue # 4 (Smoke Less Ohio) was a proposal crafted by the big tobacco companies that 10 pm to 1 am would have ostensibly prohibited smoking indoors. Unfortunately this issue would have Economic Empowerment Conference: Noon to 1:30 pm; Café in the Park, Park Lane: permitted so many exceptions that it was not even worthy of the name “Smoke Less.” 419-255-4174 Issue # 4, in fact, would have trumped local ordinances – such as Toledos – that would Center of Hope: 10 Anniversary Celebration for Pastor D.L. Perryman and First Lady have been a lot more restrictive because it was a proposed constitutional amendment. Willetta Perryman; 7 pm; Clarion Westgate: Voters saw through that little subterfuge and voted down that measure while voting for 50 Men & Women: Annual Scholarship Banquet; Stranahan Theater; 7 pm a truly restrictive measure – Issue # 5. The vote total for Issue # 5, in fact, was as decisive as was the vote against Issue # 4. We had anticipated confusion, but the voters saw the *June 9 Home School Information Session: Main Library – McMaster Center; 9:30 am: 419- issues very clearly. 259-5388 The voters have decided, but that decision has not been enough for those who are now Spring Blessings: Women’s fashion show luncheon; Sponsored by Women Bless- complaining, for a variety of reasons, that Ohio’s restriction on smoking in indoor, public ing Women; Lourdes College Gym; 11 am to 1 pm: 419-241-9789 places is all wrong. It’s unfair, we hear. It’s unconstitutional, it’s un-American, it flies in the face of a free *June 10 society. Turning Over a New Leaf Ministries: “Friend & Family Day;” 1:30 pm; Guest speaker Bar owners, bowling alley operators, among others, are lined up to take another stab at Minister Rowena Lee: 419-590-6902 the ordinance and place an alternative measure on the ballot this upcoming November. And just when we thought the issue was settled and folks had accepted the fact that *June 11-15 blowing smoke in other peoples’ faces and into their lungs was neither a right nor an St. Paul MBC: Vacation Bible School; 9 am to 1 pm: 419-246-2886 acceptable social grace as our views of public behavior – as they always do – shift. But that is certainly one of the arguments opponents of smoking ordinances use – that *June 15 Fish Fry: Amazon Lodge No. 4; 11 am to 5 pm: 419-531-7079 in a free society, people should be allowed to conduct their businesses as they wish, they Jazz Loop: Pre Art Tatum Jazz Festival Downtown celebration should be allowed to permit their patrons to smoke and those who do not wish to inhale such smoke are free to eat or drink elsewhere. *June 16 You have to love the way such arbitrary lines are drawn when society takes it upon itself Coalition for Youth Enrichment: 5th Annual Family Fun Day; Noon to 3:30 pm; Toledo/ to enforce public safety. Whether we are talking about seat belts, motorcycle helmets or Lucas County Main Branch Library: 419-866-3611 smoking indoors, the debate rages endlessly over the issue of freedom vs. safety. And it Fashion show on Monroe: 7 to 9 pm; Featuring Ebony’s Angels; In front of the happens every time we tack on some new protective measure. Peacock Café contact Marisha @ 419.514.3378 for more info Yet, protective laws, particularly in the liquor/bar industry are as old as the industry Summer Fun Basketball League: Open Registration/no charge; Smith Park; 8 am to itself. We have always recognized that the common good often trumps personal, individual Noon; Ages seven – 13: 419-255-3756 freedom. That is the only way we can exist as a society that often threatens to split at the Praise Fest: Mt. Pilgrim Church; 6:30 pm; Featuring Mark Williams, Dr. Rance Allen, seams – to balance individual freedoms with the common good. Kim Burrell, First Creation and the Praise Fest Choir: 419-810-2483 Individuals, for example, are not free to make and sell their own liquor. Stills are not legal *June 17 in this country and have not been for a while. Turning Over a New Leaf Ministries: “Special Fathers’ Day;” 1:30 pm; Guest speaker The states take it upon themselves – either by control or by monopoly – to determine Minister Charles Peter Wilson: 419-490-6902 the quality and the quantity of the liquor sold in that state. St. Paul MBC: Guest singers from area churches present a concert; “The Greatest We cannot drink in our cars these days. Somehow or another it was determined in Sacrifice;” 6 pm: 419-246-2886 bygone days that drinking and driving do not mix. We seem to have accepted that fact and have moved on. *June 18-22 We cannot go into a bar at any and every hour of the day – they have closing times that 5th Annual Carnel Smith Summer Youth Football Camp: Scott HS; Non-contact camp are set by the state. for boys grades 3-8; Free: 419-917-3547 These behaviors and others are regulated for the common good because, quite frankly, sometimes individuals do not always act of their own accord with the good of their brethren *June 18-August 4 in mind. So society has to say to those who would not recognize exactly what might be Summer Reading Pals: Sanger and Oregon branches; Free seven-week summer unacceptable – this is now illegal. No, you cannot drive 90 miles an hour, even on a deserted program for youth who need reading practice: 419-259-5276 highway because you might kill yourself and we are here to stop you from killing yourself. *July13-15 So it is with smoking in public places. Annual African American Festival: Nelson Grace Park: 419-255-8876 Once again, the majority of citizens have determined that they should not be subjected to second-hand smoke just as they should not be subjected to someone who is trying to *July 20 polish off a six-pack of Budweiser between work and home while at the wheel of a car. Harry Potter’s Midnight Magic Party: Main Library; 10 pm: 419-259-5231 You are still free to smoke tobacco – just don’t do it here in this spot. Now here’s the kicker, folks. And we say this to all of you who are griping about the *August 11 limitations on tobacco even while you fully understand the restrictions that an otherwise A Midsummer Night – Up on the Roof: Main Branch Library; 8 pm open society has placed on such individual pleasures such as smoking marijuana and crack. One of these days, this society may well determine that tobacco poses an unacceptable risk under any circumstances. We’re not advocating that, we are just saying it could happen. It wouldn’t be the first time. The Sojourner’s Truth Toledo’s Truthful African-American Owned and Operated Newspaper Kevin McQueen Publisher Fletcher Word Publisher and Editor The Sojourner’s Truth Becky McQueen Business Manager Alan Abrams Reporter 6161/2 Adams Street, Toledo, Ohio 43604 Geneva J. Chapman Reporter Tamir A. Shaw Reporter Phone 419-243-0007 • Fax 419-255-7700 Artisha Lawson Reporter Published weekly on Wednesday Ashlee Austin Reporter Jack Ford Political Columnist Printed by Webco Graphics Carol Chehade Columnist Michael J. Hayes Entertainment Critic Jason L. Lee Sr. Layout Designer Subscribe to The Truth Today! Jennifer Retholtz Webmaster Aida Maxsam Sales Representative Pamela Anderson Sales Representative 26 Weeks - Only $40.00 52 Weeks - only $70.00 Kathy Sweeny Ad Creation Name: ______Phone # (_____) _____-______A Certified MBE, 2007 Address: ______City ______State ____ Zip ______The Sojourner’s Truth, 6161/2 Adams Street, Toledo, Ohio 43604 Phone 419-243-0007 • Fax 419-255-7700 Send your check or money order to: [email protected] The Sojourner’s Truth, www.thetruthtoledo.com June 06, 2007 The Sojourner’s Truth Page 3 My View By Jack Ford The Truth’s Political Columnist
Council for the strong mayor ballot. I remember hustling to people. But, Wilkowski, they to limit the spread of charter new presiding officer of the proposal. get signatures for the curfew are not fools. schools; Church of God in Christ Beasley wanted a high when almost no one (The Speaking of fools, who are · Worked, as minor- (COGIC) to be a senior staff number for the recall petition Blade, The Journal, NAACP, the nut brains who called ity leader, with the GOP and member. so that the new strong mayor ACLU and others) was WSPD and said that I should the Dems to get money for Blake was recently touted could not be easily tossed against it. Remember that not be appointed to the TPS. as the most powerful church out of office once he or she fight? But we won, in an ef- school board because I knew Why wouldn’t you as leader in the U.S. by the con- did something unpopular fort led by John Rust (the too many folks in Columbus voters want someone with servative paper, The Stan- with the voters. I remember bulldog!), Bill Baker, Tim Rust, and just had too much expe- that background? dard Monitor. In Newsweek arguing for a lower number Finkbeiner and myself. rience to be effective? And I spoke of my plans two weeks ago, Blake was for recall, such as 15 percent So it can be done with a In my presentation to the to go forward in the follow- named as the “go to” guy in of the last mayoralty election whole lot of sustained en- board I pointed out the fol- ing areas: black America for the presi- total but we compromised at ergy. lowing actions I had taken to · A focus on math and dential candidates, including Jack Ford 25 percent – down from 30 Keith Wilkowski and help Toledo Public Schools science; some one-on-one wooing by percent which would be es- Wade Kapszukiewicz have over the years: · Student and teacher Bill Clinton himself. Mayor Carty Finkbeiner sentially a recall-proof thresh- teamed to help place Barack · Raised funds for a safety; And now Eric Slack is a bought to send a dozen roses old. Obama in the presidency. new library at Nathan Hale · Closer linkage with major player in this worldwide to Mike Beasley ... or maybe I saved my firepower for Wilkowski has also put a School; the business community; organization. Go Eric! a check for $136,000 which is the argument regarding six yeoman’s effort into speak- · Adopted a school · Visits to parent the salary that the mayor of districts which almost no one ing out against the prolifera- class; teacher organization meet- Contact Jack Ford at Toledo receives as compen- wanted because it was tion of convenience stores in · Raised thousands ings; [email protected] sation. thought that would inner city neighborhoods. of dollars worth of supplies · Civility; Finkbeiner owes Beasley “balkanize” the city into six Good for both of them but the so teachers would not have · Serious discus- big time now because it was little fiefdoms. cynic in me asks if Wilkowski to go so far into their own sions rather than animosity. Beasley who put in the high At one point, The Blade is also doing a little good will pockets; Again, I salute the coura- number for a successful re- did not want any district rep- banking in case there is any · Used the mayor’s geous stand Lloyd Mahaffey call petition in the strong resentation. I said I would lingering resentment by office to turn out the vote on took in calling for more sup- See an article in The Truth you want mayor proposal some 16 pull back as a sponsor if there some folks in black Toledo the rebuilding levy which port for minority candidates years ago. was no district reps, and we over his “knife in the back” amounts to $600 million in by both political parties. voice your opinion on? Finkbeiner, Beasley and I moved on. against me in 2005. Ohio School Facilities money; Mahaffey is simply a great Then write a Letter to the drafted the strong mayor or- So now Finkbeiner has to Some will always remem- · Released up to 100 labor leader with a clear vi- Editor! dinance, believe it or not, in sweat this new effort to recall ber but most will not. Some city workers to help TPS stu- sion. Finkbeiner’s kitchen at a small him. Will it work? Probably probably enjoyed what he did dents get ready for profi- Finally, when you see Eric E-mail the Editor today at: dinette table in an apartment not. and support him for that ciency tests; Slack on the streets, con- thetruthreporter@buckeye- on Byrne Road. Larry Kaczala It is tough to get enough alone. On the whole, black · Led, as minority gratulate him. Slack has been access.com was the third sponsor on City good signatures to get on the folks tend to be forgiving leader in 1998, the first charge tapped by Bishop Blake, the To Be a True Dreamer By Jan Scotland Guest Columnist I once wrote a poem called him, Polio, a crippling and tice they put in to showing no “The Dreamers.” In this poem deadly disease, left him to- strain in the face as they lum- I warned of the tendency to tally paralyzed from the waist bered along. mix up true dreamers with down. Even today the ability They never thought it was fantasizers or, even worse, of a wheel chair presidential strange that the majority of the man described In the candidate to win would be his appearances and press Beatles song as “the fool on greatly hampered. conferences were from a the hill.” Imagine the impossible seated position. He is still one There is a difference be- prospect of that happening of the most loved and revered tween a man who believes in the 1930’s and 40’s. The presidents in our history. men can fly and jumps off a macho image of the time I tell this story to point out building flapping his arms as would not even consider a the enormous potential of he falls to his death and a true president who was impaired human spirit, to point out that dreamer who studies the aero- to that extent. His dream was dreaming is more than dynamics of flight and builds dead. thought. It is a plan to make an apparatus that allows men Now all of us know that he that thought reality. It is a to fly. became the longest-tenured determination to face even the True dreamers recognize president in our nation’s his- largest obstructions to our Dear Editor: what it takes to achieve their tory. And we recognize that dreams and take them down objectives and commit to the he is credited with success- piece by piece if necessary I find it interesting that David Ball and Jimmy Jackson continue to plead efforts it takes to get there. fully taking this nation until they are only minor their case for delays in commencing the steam plant project in the weekly Obstacles are just additional through the Depression and bumps in the road. difficulties that need to be World War II. Whether it is race, religion, papers as opposed to talking with their partner, the City of Toledo. The simple worked on and planned for, As amazing as it sounds money, politics or health. A truth is that Mr. Jackson and Mr. Ball signed an agreement with the City of not reasons to justify failure. most Americans then, and true dreamer finds a way to Toledo. One of the most amazing now, did not realize that he their goals in life. presidents in our history was could not walk. Prior to finalizing the agreement, I assume, Mr. Jackson and Mr. Ball To the classes of 2007 – Franklin Delano Roosevelt. How did he fool a nation? high school, college, gradu- performed the necessary due diligence for a project of this size and risk. As He decided at a young age Well Roosevelt helped de- ate school, doctoral degrees, a result, the agreement is not contingent upon the degree of difficulty of the that he wanted to be presi- sign a brace that allowed him or even grade school. Take a dent of the United States just project. The agreement is not contingent upon the structural integrity of the to stand upright and devel- lesson from the true dream- like his uncle Theodore oped the muscles around his ers’ spirit of Franklin D. back wall. The agreement is not contingent on the availability of state tax Roosevelt. He became a hips so by shifting back and Roosevelt. Life does not prom- credits. Yet these items are very important to the developers now. Democrat because he felt forth it gave the appearance ise you a clear and level road. The City of Toledo wants Mr. Ball and Mr. Jackson to move forward there were too many of walking. Using a cane in Most overnight successes Roosevelts on the Republi- one hand and leaning heavily with the project as agreed. have long stories of trials and can side. He overcame family on his son’s arm with the tribulations that went into that and political obstacles over other he appeared to be walk- success. Luck often goes to Yours from Toledo, a City of the Future! * and over again to put himself ing with minor assistance. the ones who have prepared in position to be considered The public did not know for the opportunity and true as the democratic front run- that both he and his son de- dreamers won’t let anything Andy Ferrara ner. veloped tremendous arm block the path to their star. Manager As fate would have it, this strength to appear to effort- is when the biggest obstacle lessly walk where he had to. Contact Jan Scotland at of his life smashed down on They did not know the prac- [email protected] Page 4 The Sojourner’s Truth June 06, 2007 Teresa Quinn: A Breath of Fresh Joint Birthday Air at Lincoln Academy for Boys Celebration Brings By Alexis Randles Together Family and Sojourner’s Truth Reporter Amidst the usual turmoil Friends. of a Toledo Board of Educa- tion meeting, coupled with Sojourner’s Truth Staff the added element of more than 500 Toledo Public Schools teachers and union employees picketing the TPS administration building, the June 29 end-of-the-school year board meeting also brought in new appointments for several minority partici- pants. Teresa Quinn was named Texanna Lucas Odessa Lucas principal of Lincoln Academy McFarland Phillips for Boys; Emilio Ramirez was named principal of Wood- More than 75 family mem- ward High School and school bers and congregants of board member Robert Torres Braden United Methodist was elected vice president of Church came together on the school board. Saturday afternoon at the Patiently standing in the Waterford Senior Commu- Emilio Ramirez and Theresa Quinn nity Center to celebrate the crowded Toledo Board of birthdays of church members Education auditorium filled sion. She has left an impres- mits it confidently. Early on weekends or during breaks, Odessa Phillips and Texanna with eager students, parents sion on students from nearly she realized that there was a but I really relied on prayer McFarland. and community activists, every grade level through her demand for positive role mod- because I know that I am good The sisters, originally Quinn, the newly appointed experience on the elementary, els within the school system student,” emphasized Mor- from Mississippi but long- Nina Lucas Couch principal of Lincoln, proved junior high and high school and hopes that she can lead ris. “I passed but it was not time residents of Toledo and As a special treat, the la- to be a breath of fresh air. lifetime members of Braden levels. by example. “I was very any help to the OGT packet United Methodist, were also dies, who were part of a fam- In anticipation of an un- “I want to ensure the par- drawn to this position and because there is no compari- acclaimed in proclamations ily of nine siblings, were usually contentious meeting, ents and the community, that realized too that students son between that and the real from the mayor of Toledo, joined by their sister Nina the rest of the room, in con- I am a highly qualified educa- need a true model in terms of test.” Toledo City Council and the Couch from Chicago. Couch, trary, was overwhelmingly tor and that I value and sup- someone growing up in the Contact Ohio General Assembly. the baby of the group, will jam-packed with a limited port cultural backgrounds,” city,” said Quinn. Alexis Randles at Phillips just turned 100 and turn 88 in June. amount of standing room. said Quinn in a later interview Ramirez, a native of [email protected] McFarland 95. The expressions on the faces with this reporter. Toledo and graduate of Waite that filled the room were a far She certainly thrives off High School, earned his cry from content. They were of challenge. When asked bachelor’s degree from The marked with concern and dis- how she would maintain the Ohio State University in spe- may. Lincoln Academy’s remark- cial education and earned a Alongside an agenda of able State Proficiency Test master’s degree in adminis- rather controversial issues, score recovery in 2005-2006, tration and supervision from THINKING such as the Ohio Graduation she responded “I believe UT. He is director of pupil Test (OGT), a much debated there is no where else to go placement at Woodward. HOME TPS building fund, the never- but in the path of success.” IMPROVEMENTS? ending TPS construction, a Although no tactical plan is Quinn and Ramirez will HERE’S that budget deficit that may ex- in effect, Quinn did reveal have no shortage of chal- ceed $18 million for the 2008- that she plans to work with lenges awaiting them consid- FINANCING 2009 school year and board her group of well-qualified ering the issues that reso- CAN OPEN DOORS. election/appointment issues, staff as a team. nated throughout the meet- Quinn managed to accept her This staff is one of the ing. High school and junior position while flashing a major factors that attracted high school students ques- smile. She took the opportu- her to this position. She tioned why their teachers are Use the FIXERUPPER® Home nity to thank her mother who knows them well from her so unprepared and unaware Improvement Loan to repaint your siding, she gives credit to for being previous her previous stint of the curriculum that is be- repair your roof or replace your windows. You a constant supporter as assistant principal. “I re- ing taught. Disgruntled par- have big plans for improving your home. We can throughout her journey as ally like the idea of how the ents, particularly those whose help. Ask about the FIXERUPPER® Home well as a room full of friends school had a lot of dedicated children have failed to gradu- Improvement Loan. who continue to encourage people there,” raved Quinn. ate, questioned what TPS has her. “The staff as well as the teach- to offer their children already • Reduced income requirements Although Quinn is not a ers really had an interest, and enrolled and their children • Lower monthly payments product of the TPS, as she still do, in the students and who are preparing to enroll • Flexible repayment terms carefully revealed, she the success of those stu- within the school systems. • Offer ends July 31, 2007 pointed out that she is an dents.” “We have honor roll stu- advocate for excellence in Throughout her tenure in dents failing the [OGT] test Stop by any branch, visit NationalCity.com education and that is what is the education field, her reper- and having their diplomas, or call 1-800-347-5626. most important. “I grew up in toire includes the positions withheld,” shouted a parent the city of Toledo, it is my of dean of students that has at the Board of Education Borrow $8,000 for as low as home and I wanted to defi- spanned over a period of four members during the meeting. nitely give something back years in the TPS system at “I’d like to see you take the $ per month* that will have a relevant en- Waite High School and test and pass it. I’m not blam- 95 hancement to the TPS cur- Deveaux Junior High School. ing the teachers but I am blam- riculum and students,” said In addition, since 1993, Quinn ing you [the Board of Educa- Quinn. has been in “acting” adminis- tion] because you failed to Quinn’s long affiliation tration positions as well. She properly prepare them,” with TPS has resulted in a was the acting assistant prin- A Rogers High School Personal Banking • Business Banking • Investments • Mortgage Loans reputation that proceeds it- cipal at Longfellow Elemen- senior Rashida Morris, who *Fixed rate of 7.35% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) available for new FIXERUPPER® loans of $5,000 or self. She has been active in tary and in August 2006 to also rallied for her classmates more with terms up to 120 months and with a preauthorized transfer from a National City checking the academic arena since the December 2006 acting assis- who are being held back, in- account. For example, if you borrow $8,000 for 120 months at 7.35% APR, the monthly payment is $94.63 for principal, interest and prepaid finance charge. APR may differ depending on your credit qualifications. early 1990s and in 1998, re- tant principal at Elmhurst El- sisted that it was prayer that Property, title and/or flood insurance, if applicable, is required. Subject to credit qualifications. Consult your tax advisor about the deductibility of interest. Available from National City Bank, Cleveland, OH. ceived her master’s degree at ementary. helped her to past the OGT Applications must be received by July 31, 2007. Loan documents must be signed by August 15, 2007. the University of Toledo in Quinn is not a novice to test. “I took every class that Mortgage loans are products of National City Mortgage, a division of National City Bank. NationalCity.com • Member FDIC • ©2007, National City Corporation® administration and supervi- the education field and ad- was offered, whether on the June 06, 2007 The Sojourner’s Truth Page 5 Toledo Board of Education Scurries to Fill Opening By Alexis Randles Sojourner’s Truth Reporter In spite of the angst over so as to weigh each and holds the position as stead simply an advocate for school closings and stu- candidate’s strengths and chairman of the Ottawa education. “My wife and I dents’ failure to pass the Ohio weaknesses for themselves. River’s district Parent Con- own a business we have a Graduation Test (OGT), there The four candi- gress. child developmental center remained the business last dates who remain in the com- Dumbuya, is the and we do serve youths at 25 week of finding a volunteer petition for Deborah owner of Personnel, Achieve- of the TPS schools and we go to replace departing Toledo Barnett’s recently resigned ment, and Professional De- to those schools,” empha- Board of Education member position on the board were velopment at LLC, which is a sized Dumbaya. “I am not a Deborah Barnett. Jack Ford, Francis Dumbuya, company educational devel- politician; quite frankly I be- As promised, by Steven Lisa Sobecki and Richard opment management com- lieve problems that the Steel, Ph.D., president of the Brown III. Whichever candi- pany. Brown, an auditor for school board faces can best Richard Brown and State board, all interviews for the date is selected for the posi- Toledo City Council, over- be solved with sound educa- Representative Edna Brown position were held open to tion will serve the remainder sees the city’s sewer over- tion strategies rather than a the public. Interviews com- of Barnett’s term, which ends haul project. political approach.” public on issues that the fail. The kids will not fail when menced this past Friday at 8 December 31, 2007. Once the interviews Ford and Brown relied on board is divided on so that we teach material close to the a.m. at the Toledo Public Ford was Toledo’s mayor began, the candidates were their experience, drawing at- they can talk through the is- OGT,” said Dumbuya. School administration build- from January, 2002 to Janu- each given two minutes to tention to their achievements sues and reach an agreement. Brown believed that ing on Manhattan Avenue. ary 2006. Sobecki is president introduce themselves to the thus far within the city aside “I would say go behind the perception of the TPS was Five were scheduled to com- of the Ottawa River Elemen- board and the public by high- from TPS. “My desire to closed doors, leave the me- the greatest issue. “The per- pete for the position, how- tary Parent-Teacher Organi- lighting any key achieve- serve extends from my work dia, leave the public out and ception of the community ever Patricia Henry, president zation, a member of the Point ments or strengths that with young people for the talk through the issues,” sug- about TPS is what we need to of the City of Toledo Civil Place Educational Task Force qualify them for the position. past decade; I have had the gested Brown. “Leave those restore and their credibility Service Commission, with- Afterwards each were asked opportunity to work with personal differences in the as board members,” insisted drew her name early Friday one question by each board youth as a mentor, as a family room and realize that when Brown. “I think we need to morning before the interview- member, which consisted of conflict mediator and as a you‘re in here (board meet- talk more, discussing and ing process began. Steel, Darlene Fisher, Larry youth minister,” said Brown. ings), you are here to do the engaging the community and Despite the highly- Sykes, and Robert Torres. Board member Fisher work for the kids, for the stu- then I believe they will fell debated issue on whether to During introduc- started the rounds of ques- dents, for the staff, for the more connected as opposed have the interviews open to tions, Dumbuya and Sobecki tioning with a two-part ques- administrator’s, for the teach- to feeling left out.” the public or in executive ses- emphasized their involvement tion: firstly asking what each ers because they are expect- Sobecki felt that the sion – which would consist directly with the TPS and in candidates approach would ing the board members to do greatest issue facing TPS of all interviews being held the education arena. “As a be towards introducing a levy what they were elected to do would be the transitioning of behind closed doors – the parent leader in the district I for TPS and secondly how and not have personal bick- schools. “That’s one of the audience turnout was low. can make a commitment,” said would they go about resolv- ering.” biggest concerns right now Less than half of the audito- Sobecki. ing issues of discord on the Sobecki responded that I hear from the commu- rium was filled but those who Jack Ford Dumbuya pointed out that board. by saying “I think that as nity is how this (the were there listened intently he is not a politician but in- Dumbuya tackled Fisher’s board members we all need to transitioning) is going to take question about handling a come together and work to- place,” emphasized Sobecki divided board optimistically gether.” She spoke about losing chil- by insisting that each person Sykes continued dren within the district to GREATER TOLEDO URBAN brings different ideas that can after Fisher by posing the schools outside of the TPS if improve TPS. “I truly think question of what is the great- it is not handled correctly. LEAGUE, INC. what we need to do in terms est issue facing the TPS. She pointed out alternative of that is to really learn to Dumbuya had a methods they could put into accept change and be flex- simple and straightforward action that would allow them ible, to be open minded, to answer: “academics!” to gain children. “As a board NOTICE understand that each of us After his interview with member we need to go side brings a set of ideas that can the board, Dumbuya spoke by side with people in the make this school system bet- more passionately about re- district and to go door to door ter,” said Dumbuya solving such an issue as aca- to the families,” said Sobecki. Ford insisted that he demics. “We need to take a Annual Membership & Board of would not pick sides if that close look at the OGT curricu- should happen. Brown took lum and see how we can align Contact Directors Meeting a more radical approach; he ours with theirs. And if we Alexis Randles at suggested eliminating the can do that the kids can not [email protected] For the election of Board Members and Officers for the fiscal year ending 2007 WHEN: Thursday, June 28, 2007
WHERE: Main Library (Downtown) 325 Michigan St.Toledo, OH (Enter through main doors) Excellence in On-line Education
TIME: 5:30 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. • Grades 7-12 AGENDA Revised By-laws, Board • Smaller, less competitive neighborhood settings ITEMS: Appointments/Elections • Flexible scheduling – students may work at home • Students work at their own pace OTHER: One hour courtesy parking is • NovaNET cyber curriculum available 24/7 available in the Library’s parkade. • Students guided and supported by certified teachers Refreshments will be served Please R.S.V.P. your attendance to Gilda Mitchell at 419-243-3343 2238 Jefferson Ave. • Toledo, Ohio 43604 608 Madison Avenue, Suite 1525, Toledo, OH 43604 419-720-4500 • www.phoenixtoledo.org www.gtul.org [email protected] Page 6 The Sojourner’s Truth June 06, 2007 TPD Detective Harold “STEP UP” And Make A Mosley Opens Campaign for Difference By Creating School Board Summer Job Opportunities Sojourner’s Truth Staff Special to The Truth
United Way of Greater Toledo, Lucas County, The City of Toledo and The Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce, have partnered to create STEP, the Summer Teen Employ- ment Program aimed at providing young people, ages 16-21, with summer employment and valuable work experience. Currently, The SOURCE has a waiting list of approximately 400 eager young people looking for summer jobs. However, the help of area businesses is needed in order to place these young people in jobs. In late April, United Way mailed letters, signed by all of the partners, to more than 4,000 area businesses asking for their assistance. The letters, along with other efforts by the partnership, have yielded more than 30 summer jobs and approximately $20,000. The STEP partnership is extremely grateful for the companies who have stepped up to help, however additional companies are still needed. Companies can contribute by creating at least one job or donating up to $2,000, which will be matched by United Way, and used to sponsor a youth through the YMCA’s youth employment program. According to Bill Kitson, president and CEO of United Way, “Our goal of matching 200 Harold Mosely with student supporters young people with 200 jobs is critical to our community’s competitiveness. United Way’s match and gifts from businesses in our community will only get us a part of the way there. Everyone needs to step up.” Detective Harold Mosley, a 27-year veteran of the Toledo Police Department, has thrown his hat in the ring for one of the two Toledo Board of Education seats that will be open this Companies interested making a financial contribution should contact Traci Jadlos at November. United Way by calling 419-254-4682. Companies interested in creating a summer job position Speaking in front of a crowd of youngsters at Robinson Middle School, Mosley, a first- or hiring a young person for an already existing summer position should contact Martha time candidate for elective office promised to “make a difference.” Fisher at The Source by calling 419-213-6289. He spoke of a two-pronged platform – security and academic performance. “With our resources at The SOURCE, we want our local businesses to know that we are “I will scrutinize security protocols to make sure our schools are safe and I support those ready to assist them as they look at summer youth employment opportunities this year,” said initiatives to enhance academic performance,” said Mosley who was introduced at the Tina Skeldon Wozniak, president of the Board of Lucas County Commissioners. announcement by his campaign manager Art Jones, a former Toledo City Councilman. With the help of the community, STEP will provide the next generation the “I have had the privilege of serving the city for 27 years,” said Mosley, who asked voters opportunity to develop their skills and be ready for graduation, college and beyond. to bestow on him the honor of serving the city in yet another capacity. Mosley did not seek the endorsement of a political party for this campaign, but he said the lack of an endorsement will not be an obstacle to his chances for success. “People will judge me on my past history,” he said. “I have been advocating for children since the mid-1980’s.” Mosley is one of four declared candidates for the seats held by former board president Deborah Barnett, who resigned effective May 25, and current board member Larry Sykes, who has not yet announced if he will be a candidate for re-election. The other declared candidates "UTTERm IES are Richard Brown III, Lisa Sobecki and Chris Myers. Several others have pulled petitions from the Lucas County Board of Elections but have not yet announced whether or not they will run for election. Brown and Sobecki have been endorsed by the Lucas County Democratic Party. Myers, who ran unsuccessfully for the school board in 2005, will be attempting to obtain the endorsement of the Lucas County Republican Party. Mosley announced his intention to run just moments before the Board of Education took up the matter of appointing someone to complete Barnett’s term. Ten people had applied for TAKES FLIGHT the post and five finalists were selected from that list. Mosley did not seek appointment to finish out Barnett’s term. Brown and Sobecki did and were finalists for the position, along with former Mayor Jack Ford, Francis Dumbuya, Ph.D., and Patricia Henry. 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