The Epic Crusade for Equality KING: See Stories & Fresno King March & Events Schedule: Pages 9 - 16

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID FRESNO, CA Volume 45 No. 2 ~ January 14, 2011 PERMIT NO.35 50 The California CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED cents DVOCATE AATHED CALIFORNIAV ADVOCATE • OP.O. BOX 11826 C• FRESNO, CALIFORNIAA 93775TE Fresno’s African American Community Newspaper SUMMONING THE SOUL OF A NATION Obama tells polarized nation: ‘We can be better’ Obama ‘Nation Needs Healing’ BIGGIEBIGGIE

BY JULIE PAVE & BEN FELLER ARIZONA (AP) Ð Investigation Into Death Of Summoning the soul of a nation, Presi- dent Barack Obama on Wednesday im- plored Americans to honor those slain and injured in the Arizona shootings by becom- ing better people, telling a polarized citi- Notorious B.I.G. Heats Up zenry that it is time to talk with each other “in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds.” Following a hospital bedside vis- Above: Brooklyn BY TED ROWLANDS tion. Attorney’s Office and the it with Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, the target Rapper Jamal According to one law en- FBI. of the assassination, he said: “She knows ‘Gravy’ Woolard LOS ANGELES (CNN) Ð forcement source, the in- On March 9, 1997, Wal- A task force made up of vestigation into the 13- lace, 24, was shot and we’re here, and she knows we love her.” potrays Wallace in In a memorably dramatic moment, the local and federal law en- year-old unsolved case was killed while riding in a Sub- the 2009 hit movie forcement agencies is ac- “reinvigorated” months ago urban that was driving president said that Giffords, who on Satur- ‘Notorius” day was shot point-blank in the head, had tively pursuing leads into as a result of new informa- away from a music industry opened her eyes for the first time shortly the 1997 slaying of hip hop tion, but the source would party at the Petersen Auto- Right: Christopher artist Christopher Wallace, not elaborate further be- motive Museum in Los An- after his hospital visit. First lady Michelle Wallace, AKA Obama held hands with Giffords’ husband, better known as Biggie cause of the ongoing inves- geles. Mark Kelly, as the news brought soaring Biggie Smalls, AKA Smalls or Notorious B.I.G., tigation that includes the Los Angeles police said a Notorious B.I.G according to two sources Los Angeles Police Depart- lone gunman in a Chevy cheers throughout the arena. U Speaking at a memorial at the Universi- familiar with the investiga- ment, L.A. County District Continued on Page 6 ty of Arizona, Obama bluntly conceded Continued on Page 6 U T HE D AY B IGGIE WAS M URDERED Below is the original L.A. Times newspaper article printed March 7, 1997 Jailed Sisters Gangsta Rap Performer Notorious B.I.G. Slain Freed: Eager To LOS ANGELES Ð shot to death along Museum Row in Los tive Museum about 12:30 a.m. when po- Star is shot to death in vehicle after Angeles’ Mid-Wilshire district early Sun- lice believe someone in a dark car pulled Start New Life leaving music industry party in the Mid- day as he left a music industry party, a up alongside the passenger side of the Wilshire district. CALIFORNIAbrazen ADVOCATE attack that marked the second GMC Suburban in which he was riding By Eric Lichtblau, Chuck Philips and drive-by murder of a gangsta rap celebrity and fired several shots inside. Cheo Hodari Coker Los Angeles“Your Times Local inNews the Source”last six months. The 24-year-old rapper, who had earned Staff Writers B.I.G., born Christopher Wallace, was rave reviews and big sales in giving voice Call 268-0941 To Subscribe! Rap music star Notorious B.I.G. was leaving the party at the Petersen Automo- Continued on Page 6 U Paper Names Ex-Klansman in Civil Rights Murder BY RICHARD ALLEN GREENE hospital afterward said the Robert Lee Jr., now 96. and told him: “Get back in African-American businessman Morris survived for four days there, nigger.” Gladys and Jamie Scott CNN Ð Early on the morning was so badly burned they didn’t before dying Ð long enough to Locals in Ferriday, the small of December 10, 1964, Frank recognize him. tell the FBI that two men had Louisiana town where Morris Prison sentences suspended on Morris ran out of his shoe store, “Only the bottom of his feet broken into his store while he lived and died, remember him condition that one donates organ his clothes and skin on fire. weren’t burned. He was horri- slept, smashed windows, as having both white and black to the other People who saw him in the ble to look at,” said the Rev. doused the place in gasoline Continued on Page 6 U

MISSISSIPPI Ð Sisters Jamie and Gladys Scott left prison on Friday for the first time in 16 Banks Repossessed 1M Homes in 2010: 2011 Will Be Worse years, yelling, “We’re free!” and “God First quarter of the New York Ð two months behind on president at foreclosure marked the highest annu- bless y’all!” as they pulled away in a silver year will likely show The bleakest year in their mortgages and tracker RealtyTrac Inc. al tally of properties lost sport utility vehicle. That freedom, though, a rebound in foreclosure crisis has on- more will miss payments The firm predicts 1.2 to foreclosure on records comes with an unusual condition: Gladys ly just begun. as they struggle with job million homes will be re- dating back to 2005. Continued on Page 6 U foreclosure activity Lenders are poised to losses and loans worth possessed this year by One in 45 U.S. house- take back more homes more than their home’s lenders. holds received a foreclo- this year than any other value, industry analysts The outlook comes af- sure filing last year, or a CALIFORNIA ADVOCATE since the U.S. housing forecast. ter banks repossessed record high of 2.9 mil- “Your Local News Source” meltdown began in “2011 is going to be more than 1 million lion homes. That’s up Call 268-0941 To Subscribe! 2006. About 5 million the peak,” said Rick homes in 2010, Realty- 1.67 percent from 2009. borrowers are at least Sharga, a senior vice Trac said Thursday. That Continued on Page 6 U Page 2 The California Advocate January 14, 2011 Kamala D. Harris Takes Oath as 1st Black Cal. Attorney General

SACRAMENTO Ð Kamala D. Harris was sworn in as California Attorney General this afternoon in Sacramento, vowing in her re- marks to ensure that state law is on the side of the people. “I am deeply humbled by the trust you have placed in me and I will never forget it is you, the People of California, whom I serve,” Harris said. The oath was administered by Chief Jus- tice of California Tani Cantil-Sakauye at the California Museum for History, Women and the Arts. The inauguration ceremony includ- ed an invocation by Bishop T. Larry Kirk- land, Sr. of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a performance by classical Indi- an dancer Vidya Sundaram. Sergeant Gerald D’Arcy of the San Francisco Police Depart- ment sang the national anthem and the Pre- sentation of Colors was given by the Depart- ment of Justice Color Guard and the Sacra- mento Area Firefighters. Attorney General Harris stressed in her in- augural address that she will seek innovative new approaches in tackling the state’s tough- est problems. “It is often said that a good prosecutor wins convictions. But a great prosecutor has convictions. In the coming four years, and in the continuing work of the Attorney Gener- al’s Office, we are going to do whatever it takes in the cause of protecting and defend- ing the lives and livelihoods of all Californi- ans, by moving beyond the status quo,” Har- ris said. “To do this, we are going to need to get smart on crime ˆ tougher and smarter ˆ about making California the undisputed na- tional leader in innovation in crime fight- Kamala D. Harris ing.” As chief law enforcement officer for the Attorney General Harris served two terms state, Harris plans to focus on reducing re- as District Attorney in San Francisco. First cidivism and on reforming the state’s revolv- elected in 2003, Harris drew on nearly 20 ing door prison system. A major priority of years of experience as a courtroom prosecu- her office will be to lead a renewed collabo- tor to fight violent crime. During her tenure, rative effort against transnational gangs and the city increased conviction rates for serious organized crime. and violent offenses, expanded services to In her role representing the interests of the victims of crime and their families, created people of California, Harris is deeply com- new prosecution divisions focused on child mitted to protecting consumers from mort- assault, public integrity and environmental gage fraud and other scams, as well as to pre- crimes, and launched effective programs to serving the state’s natural resources. keep parolees from re-offending. To combat Harris is the first woman, and the first one of San Francisco’s biggest challenges, African American and the first South Asian gun violence, she created a gun specialist American, to hold the office of Attorney team and implemented tough gun charging General in the history of California. policies. Calif. Highway Patrol Officer Held in Husband’s Slaying

Nearly two years ago, Offi- of Johnson’s story, describing before the shooting. At some cer Tomiekia Johnson said Lemons as a peaceful man point, the couple stopped the she killed her husband, Mar- who would never hit his wife. car. cus Lemons, in self-defense. But detectives had little to go Law enforcement sources The L.A. County district at- on, and the case quickly fad- told The Times that Johnson torney’s office has filed mur- ed from the headlines. was outside the car when she der charges against her. Then on Tuesday, homi- fired the shot. By Richard Winton and cide detectives from the Los The sources, who spoke Andrew Blankstein, Los An- Angeles County Sheriff’s on the condition that they geles Times Department went to a CHP not be named because the On a Saturday night nearly office in Los Angeles and ar- case was ongoing, said John- two years ago, California rested Johnson at the desk son later told detective Highway Patrol Officer where she had been assigned Lemons had physically Because drive a taxi, Tomiekia Johnson pulled out since the slaying. The same abused her in the car. The not a car. a handgun and fatally shot morning, prosecutors sources, however, said de- her husband in the head on an charged Johnson with tectives allege that forensic offramp of the 91 Freeway in Lemons’ slaying. information gathered at the Compton. Deputy Dist. Atty. Natalie scene contradicts some parts She then drove less than a Adomian said Johnson “in- of her account. mile to the home of her par- tentionally shot her hus- Marcus Lemons’ brother, ents, who called authorities to band,” and the killing had Alonzo Lemons, said he was report the killing. Johnson nothing to do with self-de- surprised but grateful when Get 3% Cash Back told detectives she acted in fense. detectives told him that John- self-defense after her hus- “She didn’t call 911, her son had been arrested. on everyday purchases band, barber Marcus parents did,” Adomian “I was kind of in shock. It Lemons, physically abused added. has been almost two years Open a new Union Bank checking account by January 31, 2011 her during a heated argu- For more than a year, sher- now,” he said. “It won’t bring and start getting rewarded for doing the things that keep your ment. iff’s investigators recon- him back. It was sad anyway Lemons’ family and col- structed the events that led to it goes. They have a child to- family moving. Just use your Union Bank Debit MasterCard® for leagues at the Compton bar- 31-year-old Lemons’ killing. gether. Now that child is eligible debit card purchases, and you’ll earn 3% Cash Back on bershop where he worked The couple had left a T.G.I. without a mother and a fa- your day-to-day expenses, like gas, food and groceries.1 were immediately skeptical Friday’s in Compton shortly ther.” Stop by a branch today, call 800-818-6060 or log on to THE CALIFORNIA ADVOCATE unionbank.com/earnnow to learn more. THE AFRICAN AMERICAN NEWSPAPER OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA W.C.B.P.A. (West Coast Black Publishers Association) N.N.P.A. (National Newspaper Publishers Association) Mark Kimber ¥ Publisher Zoila Robledo ¥ Editor (1) Open a consumer checking account (minimum $100 opening deposit) with a Union Bank Debit MasterCard® by January 31, 2011 and earn 3% Cash Lesly H. Kimber ¥ Founder Ken McCoy ¥ Photojournalist Back on eligible debit card purchases made with your new Union Bank Debit MasterCard. Cash Back maximum $500. Eligible purchases for Cash Back must be made with your debit card between account open date and April 30, 2011. Purchases returned do not qualify. The following count as “eligible debit card Pauline Kimber ¥ Founder Ellington Jordan ¥ Sales purchases:” purchases you sign for, PayPass™ tap purchases, purchases made on the Internet, by phone, or by mail-order, and small-dollar purchases that do not require a signature. Determination of eligible purchases is at the sole discretion of Union Bank. Cash Back will be deposited into the cardholder’s Kathi Hernandez ¥ Office Manager Marlise Moore ¥ Reporter primary linked checking account by May 31, 2011, which must be active and in good standing. Cannot be combined with other checking offers. Current Union Bank checking customers are ineligible. Cash Back may require a Form 1099-MISC be sent for tax purposes. Visit your local branch or unionbank. com/earnnow for details. See terms & conditions for account details.

1555 “E” Street • Fresno, CA 93706 (559) 268-0941 • Fax (559) 268-0943 Visit us at unionbank.com/earnnow ©2011 Union Bank, N.A. www.caladvocate.com Email: [email protected] January 14, 2011 The California Advocate Page 3

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6120099B.indd 1 1/4/11 12:51:13 PM Page 4 The California Advocate January 14, 2011 Rykeem Yates To Attend The University of Reno Nevada Rykeem Yates, a former Edison High School football stand- out, will attend The University of Reno Nevada this Fall. While attending high school, he held a cumulative grade point average of 3.0. At that time he played under the leadership of Tim McDonald, was captain of the team, and says he will nev- er forget winning the Valley Championship as a Tiger. At the University of Reno Nevada Rykeem will start as a “grey shirt” Freshman. He is expected to come in and start. He is the son Tiger Youth Basketball League Penny Walters and the nephew of Michael King. “I am per- JAN/FEB Tiger Youth Basketball league will sonally very proud of him,” says King. “I feel as if anyone who be held every Saturday from Jan- has something great going for them like Rykee needs support uary to February at Edison High from the family and the community”. ‘11 School. Boys and Girls between the grades of K - 8 are welcome to at- tend. Parents interested can register at Edison High School in the front office or contact Coach Wilkins at (559)284-2335 or email A Taste of Harlem in Fresno [email protected]. Annual Quilt Show: “Quilts from the Mother Land” FEB We are planning our Annual Quilt Show, “Quilts from the Mother Land” at St. Community Church of 5 God in Christ for Black History Month in February. If you are inter- ested in displaying your quilt, please join us. The quilt show will be held February 5th, 2011. about Harlem Wing heart because I don’t There is a $10 entry fee per quilt (a maximum of and Waffles. think that you can taste 2 quilts). General admission is $5 in advance the flavor anywhere else Can you give us a little histo- because I made the favor for and $7 at the door. Quilts will be on sale by dif- ry about your self personally, and scratch. ferent quilters. For more information or to re- your cooking history? ceive an application, email wjcjean49@ya- I am Jamaican, I’ve been in the What about this area River Park, hoo.com or call (559) 289-2226. United States for 3 years. This concept why is opening up about this area Chicken and Waffles is not new; how- is so significant to you? ever, it is new to the people of Fresno. Convenience. I live next door. This The African-American Museum I did go to culinary school here, The is the best place for family entertain- FEB The African American Historical Institute of Technology. I’ve always ment. I don’t serve alcoholic bever- and Cultural Museum of San been a cook but I wanted the formal ages and on the weekends there are a Camalah Kopacz training. A lot of people say you must lot of kids out here. This is the prime Joaquin Valley presents their Black be crazy! Starting a business like this, location her in Fresno.The Theater is 12 History Month Celebration Ban- Harlem Wing and Waffles has fi- in this economy, but you know what? so popular. They have welcomed me quet held on February 12th, 2011, nally opened in Fresno’s River Park, What’s life with out a dream? If we all and they are very open to my business at the Holiday Inn Hotel. The reception will start giving the area an ethnic vibe and stop dreaming and we all stop trying, here. at 6pm followed by a dinner at 7pm For more in- bringing customers from all over what’s going to happen? I would just town to try. like to encourage local people to sup- How long had you wanted to open formation, contact (559) 268-7102. From 13 different flavors of chick- port local business people. So far ev- Harlem Wings and Waffles? en including Jamaica Jerk, Spicy eryone who has tried my food likes it. To be honest, I wanted to open a Bethel Temple Fashion Show BBQ, Garlic Parmesan wings to waf- As soon as the weather rolls over I will Caribbean restaurant but since the JAN Fashion Show! Auction! Lunch fles, waffle fries, potato salad, baked receive more support. economy is the way that it is I felt that Buffet! The Bethel Temple invites beans, onion rings, to veggie sticks I would have to make more of an ef- with a specially made dips. Harlem Is there a history of cooks in your fort in selling that than wings and you to our 6th Annual Fashion Wings and Waffles have impressed family? waffles. All of the spices are mine and 29 Show and Auction on Saturday, many of its customers whom for the My aunt, she is an exceptional all of the recipes are mine as well. I January 29th, 11:30, at the EOC first time had a chance to taste the tra- cook. We like spicy foods back home. created them myself. We marinate Nielson Conference Center. Tickets are $20 ditional black cultural foods. I have a lot of request to put rice and and spice our wings as oppose to fry and can be purchased by calling (559) 442- Camalah Kopacz, owner operator beans on the menu so I’m going to put our wings. of Harlem Wings and Waffles, says it on there. I’ve been getting a lot of 1463. she put her heart into her creation. love with the jerk chicken. What are your ideas to bring cus- She wants to make sure that she tomers to experience your restau- brought a taste of Harlem here to What menu items would you say rant? Fresno. The California Advocate had are your specialty? Not all of the flavors are fried, we a great opportunity to interview Mrs. All of the flavors are so good but I have baked options, teriyaki baked, Kopaz and here is what she had to say hold the Chilli Garlic close to my Jamaican jerked baked West Fresno Health Care Coalition Brings... PLAY LIKE THE PROS BASEBALL CAMP In Collaboration with Patrick Moultrie

For Ages 8-18 2-Day Baseball Camp January 22-23, 2011
9:00am – 2:00pm (Registration at 8:30am) Fig Garden Loop Park 4625 W. Figarden Dr., Fresno CA 93722 In case of rain, camp will be held at World of Baseball 5091 N. Fresno St. #140, Fresno CA 93710 (559-225-1421)

Cost of 2-Day Camp is $100 Per Person for Ages 8-18 The camp will be staffed by professionals such as Shannon Stewart of the Oakland A’s, Thomari Story-Harden, who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Ryan Braun who currently plays for the Chicago White Sox.

For more information contact Patrick Moultie at 559-495-8739 or by email at [email protected] January 14, 2011 The California Advocate Page 5 Page 6 The California Advocate January 14, 2011 Summoning the Soul of the Nation... Paper Names Ex- U Continued from Page 1 have no merit. was singled out for praise. today.” that there is no way to know “At a time when our dis- Memories of the six peo- Obama hit an emotional what triggered the shooting course has become so ple killed dominated much of high point when he told of Klansman in Civil rampage that left six people sharply polarized - at a time Obama’s speech. The presi- Giffords opening her eyes dead, 13 others wounded and when we are far too eager to dent, for example, recalled for the first time not long af- Rights Murder... the nation shaken. He tried lay the blame for all that ails how federal Judge John Roll ter his visit to her bedside. instead to leave indelible the world at the feet of those was on his way from attend- “Gabby opened her eyes, U Continued from Page 1 sot told her that he and memories of the people who who think differently than ing Mass when he stopped to so I can tell you: She knows customers, which was rare Spencer were on the were gunned down and to we do - it’s important for us say hello to Giffords and was we are here, she knows we for black businesses in the wrecking crew that burned rally the country to use the to pause for a moment and gunned down; Dorothy Mor- love her, and she knows that segregated South in the Morris’s store. moment as a reflection on make sure that we are talking ris, shielded by her husband, we are rooting for her days before civil rights. He “It came at a time of the nation’s behavior and with each other in a way that but killed nonetheless; and through what is undoubtedly would come out of his great lawlessness in this compassion. heals, not a way that Phyllis Schneck, a Republi- going to be a difficult jour- store onto the sidewalk so parish, when the Klan was “I believe we can be bet- wounds,” the president said. can who took a shine to Gif- ney,” Obama said. The an- white female customers in control of this parish Ð ter,” Obama said to a capaci- The shooting happened as fords, a Democrat, and want- nouncement drew wild wouldn’t have to go inside or if not in control, a great ty crowd in the university’s Giffords, a three-term Demo- ed to know her better. He cheers from the crowd. alone. influence,” said Sentinel basketball arena - and to crat who represents southern spoke at length of 9-year-old As finger-pointing No one has ever been editor Stanley Nelson, us- countless others watching Arizona, was holding a com- Christina Taylor Green, the emerged in Washington and charged with killing him. ing the Louisiana term for around the country. munity outreach event in a only girl on her Little League beyond over whether harsh But Wednesday, more county. “Those who died here, Tucson shopping center team, who often said she political rhetoric played a than 46 years after his The newspaper’s those who saved lives here - parking lot Saturday. A gun- wanted to be the first woman role in creating motivation death at age 51, a local sources all indicated that they help me believe,” the man shot her in the head and to play in the major leagues. for the attack, Obama sought newspaper has named two the Klan wrecking crew president said. “We may not worked his way down the She had just been elected to to calm the rhetoric. men it believes were part didn’t necessarily expect be able to stop all evil in the line of people waiting to talk the student council at her el- “Bad things happen,” he of a Ku Klux Klan Morris to be in the store world, but I know that how with her, law enforcement ementary school and had an said, “and we must guard “wrecking crew” that when they burned it. we treat one another is en- officials said. The attack end- emerging interest in public against simple explanations torched his store and mur- Spencer’s former broth- tirely up to us.” ed when bystanders tackled service. in the aftermath.” dered him. er-in-law, Bill Frasier, said In crafting his comments, the man, Jared Lee Loughn- “I want us to live up to her He spoke of decency and One, Arthur Spencer, is he’d once asked Spencer if Obama clearly sought a turn- er, 22, who is in custody. expectations. I want our goodness, declaring: “The still alive. The second, he ever killed anyone. ing point in the raw debate Obama’s speech, by turns democracy to be as good as forces that divide us are not O.C. “Coonie” Poissot, “We did accidentally that has defined national pol- somber and hopeful, at times she imagined it,” Obama as strong as those that unite died in 1992. one time,” Spencer said, itics. After offering personal took on the tone of an exu- said. The little girl was born us.” The Concordia Sentinel, according to Frasier. accounts of every person berant pep rally as he herald- on Sept. 11, 2001, and had Obama spoke to a crowd based in Ferriday, reports Sentinel editor Nelson who died, he challenged any- ed the men who wrestled the been featured in a book of more than 13,000 in the Spencer’s son and the said many racially moti- one listening to think of how gunman to the ground, the about 50 babies born that arena and thousands more brother of his ex-wife both vated killings in that era to honor their memories, and woman who grabbed the day. The inscriptions near listened on from an overflow say Spencer told them he were done by people who he was not shy about offering shooter’s ammunition, the her photo spoke of wishes area in the football stadium. was involved in the might not have planned to direction. He admonished doctors and nurses who treat- for a happy child’s life, in- About a mile away, at Uni- killing. commit murder Ð but against any instinct to point ed the injured, the intern who cluding splashing in puddles. versity Medical Center, Gif- Spencer’s ex-wife, should have known what blame or to drift into political rushed to Giffords’ aid. The Said Obama: “If there are fords lay fighting for her life. Brenda Rhodes, says Pois- they were doing. pettiness or to latch onto sim- crowd erupted in multiple rain puddles in heaven, Other victims also remained ple explanations that may standing ovations as each Christina is jumping in them there hospitalized. Banks Repossessed Investigation Into Death Of Notorious B.I.G... 1M Homes... U Continued from Page 1 solved also. he believes it was arranged Scandal, who was sent to Impala pulled alongside the “East Coast was Biggie, by Reggie Wright Jr., who prison for robbing a bank in U Continued from Page 1 However, most banks Suburban and opened fire West Coast was Tupac,” headed security for Death 1997, the same year Wallace For December, 257,747 have since resumed their on Wallace, who was in the Wallace’s mother Voletta Row Records. was killed. U.S. homes received at eviction processes, and the passenger seat. Witnesses Wallace told a filmmaker in Reggie Wright Jr. told Poole said Mack owned least one foreclosure-relat- first quarter will likely described the suspect as be- the 2002 documentary “Big- CNN he had nothing to do the same type of car driven ed notice. That was the show a rebound in foreclo- ing an African-American gie and Tupac.” with the murder, and Knight by the gunman who shot lowest monthly total in 30 sure activity, Sharga said. man wearing a suit and bow “Come on now, you’re has repeatedly said he had Wallace, and Poole said a months. The number of no- Foreclosures are expect- tie. messing with lives here and nothing to do with the friend of Mack’s resembles tices fell 1.8 percent from ed to remain elevated The main theory behind that’s exactly what hap- crime. Poole said he retired a police sketch of the shoot- November and 26.3 per- through the year as home- shooting was payback in a pened. Two lives were lost early from the LAPD, in er. cent from December 2009, owners contend with stub- so-called rap war between as a result of what? Stupidi- part, because he was thwart- CNN was unable to reach RealtyTrac said. bornly high unemploy- East and West Coast hip hop ty?” Voletta Wallace told the ed in following leads in the Mack for comment, but The pace slowed in the ment, tougher credit stan- artists and their record com- filmmaker. Wallace case involving po- when allegations of his in- final two months of 2010 dards for refinancing and panies Ð Bad Boy Entertain- Retired Los Angeles Po- lice officers, some of whom volvement in Wallace’ slay- as banks reviewed their falling home values. Shar- ment in New York, which lice Detective Russell worked off-duty for Death ing originally surfaced more foreclosure processes after ga said he expects prices to represented Wallace, and Poole, who worked on the Row Records. than a decade ago, his crim- allegations surfaced in dip another 5 percent na- Death Row Records, headed Wallace case, told CNN that “I think I was getting too inal defense attorney Don- September that evictions tionally before finally bot- by Marion “Suge” Knight, he believes Knight was be- close to the truth,” Poole ald Re called the claims were handled improperly. toming out. The decline in Los Angeles. hind the murder, even said. “I think they feared ridiculous. Under increased scrutiny will push more borrowers Six months earlier in Las though the Death Row that the truth would be a Poole also assisted Wal- by the government, lenders underwater on their mort- Vegas, a gunman opened Records’ boss was serving scandal.” lace’s family in their wrong- temporarily halted taking gages. Already, about one fire on a car driven by time on a probation viola- One of the officers Poole ful death lawsuit against the actions against borrowers in five homeowners with a Knight, killing one of his tion at the time. said was involved is David Los Angeles Police Depart- severely behind on their mortgage owe more than top artists Tupac Shakur. “Suge Knight ordered the Mack, a rogue policeman ment alleging a cover-up in payments. their home is worth. That murder remains un- hit,” Poole said, adding that tied to the LAPD Rampart the investigation. Rap Performer Notorious B.I.G. Slain... Sisters Freed: Eager U Continued from Page 1 Los Angeles Police De- late him from its volatility. per Tupac Shakur and was To Start New Life... to the violent edge of the partment spokesman Jason “There’s nothing that pro- with him the night he was streets, was declared dead at Lee said: “We’re not ruling tects you from the inevitable. gunned down, attended the U Continued from Page 1 to $200. The Scott sisters’ Cedars-Sinai Medical Center out anything at this time ... It If it’s going to happen, it’s party Saturday. has one year to donate a attorney and advocacy at 1:15 a.m. His body was could be anything. It could be going to happen, no matter Selwyn Seyfu Hinds, edi- kidney to her ailing sister. groups have long argued identified Sunday afternoon a gang, it could be ties to what you do,” he said. “It tor-in-chief of The Source Now, with their life sen- that the life sentences they at the Los Angeles coroner’s something, it could be a ran- doesn’t matter if you clean up Magazine, the rap industry’s tences for armed robbery both received were exces- office by his ex-wife, singer dom shooting. We don’t your life and present yourself leading publication, talked suspended, their future is sive given the amount tak- Faith Evans, and his mother, know.” differently, what goes around with Wallace for a few min- uncertain. Their children en. who flew in from New York, LAPD Det. Raymond Fu- comes around, man. It’s utes at the party. “We just did have grown up. Their fami- An afternoon news con- officials said. tami said he suspects that crazy for me to even think . . a cover article on him and he ly moved to Florida. They ference for the sisters in Although more than 1,000 witnesses in the Wallace case . that a rapper can’t get killed wasn’t crazy about the cov- are using technology like Jackson was attended by people were said to be at the are afraid to talk. just because he raps. I’m er,” he said. cell phones for the first dozens of supporters. party, police said they had “It’s frustrating,” said Fu- stupid for even thinking that Hinds said he and others time. And questions Many cheered. Some sang. few eyewitnesses and even tami, one of nearly a dozen it couldn’t.” from his magazine left the abound: Who will pay for A few cried. fewer solid leads to the detectives on the case. “I An ex-crack dealer from party and were just outside their medical care? Would The sisters Ð Jamie wear- shooting at the intersection of think there’s a lot of people Brooklyn who had several the museum at a red light at Gladys’ conditional release ing pink, Gladys wearing Fairfax Avenue and Wilshire who are not coming forward. brushes with the law, Wallace Wilshire and FairfaxÐthe in- hold up in court? And per- purple Ð sat smiling at a Boulevard. I’m sure there’s a little bit of often found himself at the tersection where police said haps the biggest mystery table, their hands clasped At the time of the shooting, an intimidation factor . . . be- center of speculation about a the shooting took ahead: Are they a compati- before them as their attor- hundreds of industry execu- cause of the reputation of cross-continent feud between placeÐwhen he heard a series ble match for the kidney ney, Chokwe Lumumba, tives and musicians were some of the people who are himself and West Coast rap of shots. transplant? thanked a list of advocacy pouring out of the Petersen involved in this case.” players such as Shakur and “It sounded like it was at Mississippi Gov. Haley groups who worked for museum after organizers de- Wallace, a 6-foot-3 man industry mogul Marion least 10,” he said. “When we Barbour agreed to release their release. cided to shut the party down, who weighed 380 pounds “Suge” Knight. Last year at heard the shots, we looked up Jamie Scott because of her “We just totally blessed. apparently because of the and also went by the name the awards show, Wallace’s and saw what looked like a medical condition, but 36- We totally blessed,” Gladys overflow crowd, according to Biggie Smalls, lived in New bodyguard brandished a big black Jeep. The doors year-old Gladys Scott must Scott said. “It’s been a police. Many of the guests Jersey and was in Los Ange- weapon and got into a scuffle started popping open on the donate the kidney within long, hard road, but we fled in panic as the shots rang les to record music and to at- with an armed member of Jeep and it became bedlam, a one year as a condition of made it.” out. tend Friday night’s Soul Shakur’s entourage outside frantic circle of activity. I saw her release. The women Gladys said she learned Some detectives are wor- Train Music Awards and re- Shrine Auditorium. a guy holding his hands to his weren’t eligible for parole about her release on televi- ried about a repeat of the lated festivities. His next al- Capping off this week’s ac- face. I couldn’t see if the guys until 2014. The supporters sion. stalled investigation into the bum was scheduled to come tivities was the Saturday around the car had just rolled who fought for the sisters’ “I just started screaming murder of Tupac Shakur. out in two weeks. Its title night party at the Petersen for on the Jeep or they were from release insisted that Jamie and hollering. I’m still That rap starÐa rival to Wal- now seems grimly ironic: artists and music executives, inside the car.” Scott may not live that long screaming and hollering,” laceÐwas fatally shot on the “Life After Death . . . ‘Til including many from the rap Not knowing if the shots without a new kidney. she said. busy Las Vegas Strip in Death Do Us Part.” and R&B set who had attend- would continue, Hinds said The sisters Ð who are Jamie said she looked September, but police there Wallace had said in an in- ed the awards show. The par- he sped off, thinking little of black Ð and their case have forward to moving on with have complained that wit- terview with The Times last ty was thrown by Vibe Mag- the incident until hours later. been a cause celebre for her life and doubted at nesses refused to cooperate. week that his injuries in a car azine and Qwest Early Sunday morning, his civil rights advocacy times she’d ever be free, The Shakur case remains un- accident a few months ago RecordsÐboth founded and pager began going off and he groups. but she leaned on her faith. solved. had convinced him to “slow operated by Quincy learned of the shooting. “I The Scotts were convict- “My sister been saying Detectives said they are in- down . . . and think about JonesÐand by Tanqueray Gin, was stunned and shocked,” ed in 1994 of an armed all day, ‘You don’t look vestigating whether Wal- what you’re gonna do with police said. he said. It “seemed like Big- robbery in central Missis- well,’” she said. “I haven’t lace’s death is linked to bi- the rest of your life.” But he Jones, a 40-year entertain- gie was in such a good mood sippi on Christmas Eve the woke up. It’s like a dream.” coastal tensions within the remained stoic about his fu- ment industry veteran, could when I saw him. The whole year before, according to Jamie said the reality of rap world, but had nothing ture, saying he had stopped not be reached for comment vibe this weekend after the court records. The robbery the situation will probably solid to go on. Other theories believing that his stature in Sunday. His daughter Kida- Soul Train Awards was so didn’t net much; amounts sink in when she sees her are being pursued as well. the rap industry could insu- da, who was engaged to rap- peaceful.” cited have ranged from $11 grown children. January 14, 2011 The California Advocate Page 7 Let Freedom Ring for Love “Let My People Go” ALITANY OF COMMEMORATION OF THE REVEREND MARTIN LUTHER (Let Our Violence End) KING, JR. JANUARY 15, 1929 Ð APRIL 4, 1968 Leader: In the wand order of the universe, our ham, to defeat the sickness of separating human Lord God wisely has chosen men and women to life; to Selma, to ensure the equality of people in In Honor of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. serve Him in each era. Such a servant of our human affairs; to a hundred nameless communi- 25th Annual All Faiths and Music Service Lord God was Martin Luther King, Jr., whose ties, to remove painful shackles of oppression birth we now commemorate. We are thankful for and light joyous torches of liberty. Saturday, January 15, 2011, 4:00 pm Ð 6:00 pm the life of this 20th Century prophet of freedom, Congregation: In the name of this journey to- who joined the prophets of history in the cry: ward freedom, let my people go. Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church Congregation: In the name of freedom, let my Leader: When war was encountered, the leader 207 E. San JoaquinPROGRAM Street, Fresno, CA. people go. of this journey sang with the people: “Ain’t Leader: Martin Luther King, Jr., envisioned the gonna study war no more.” When violence was ultimate freedom; the freedom achieved in strug- met, he spurned it and said; “Hate is too great a Prelude gle; the freedom reached in brotherhood; the burden to bear.” freedom fired by the dream of a man; the free- Congregation: In the name of peace and love, Welcome & Invocation Rev. Alvin Dickson dom inspired by the lot of a people; the freedom let my people go. Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church free of hate: the freedom full of love. Leader: And even when death was confronted, Congregation: In the name of this freedom of as the journey reached Memphis, he could say in Master of Ceremony John Sturdivant love, let my people go. final triumph, that in life he had found something Second Baptist Church Leader: He came into our lives when the yearn- worth dying for, something worth life itself-the ing of people to be free had turned their attention Promised Land, a land of freedom with justice. Choir of Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church Latonya Haynes and to justice. For justice, and only justice, we shall Congregation: In the name of the Promised follow, that we may live and inherit the land Land, let my people go. Sarah Thompson, Directors which the Lord our God gives us. Leader: So we are thankful that the Spirit of the (Rev. Alvin Dickson, Pastor) Congregation: In the name of justice, let my Lord anointed a man who preached good news to people go. the poor, who rejected Litany Rev. Bruce McAlister Leader: He reminded us that the spirit of man segregation and embraced liberation, who proph- Saints Community Church of God in Christ soars from depths of despair with the strength esied the greatness of his people in struggle for and belief in the promise of the Creater of the the deliverance of all people. Choir of Unitarian Universalist Church Lorenzo Bassman, Director universe. We know and we testify: The Lord Congregation: In the name of the Spirit of the (Rev. Bryan Jessup, Pastor) Song: I have seen “Freedom” by SI Kahn loves justice; He will not forsake his saints. Lord, let my people go. Congregation: In the name of the Lord, let my Leader: We praise the Lord God for sending us Jewish Peace Prayer Susan Orovitz, PhD. people go. a man of peace who resisted tyranny, a man of Leader: And so he set off with us on a journey nonviolence who fought for liberty, a man of for justice. It was a journey proclaiming the God who worked for people. Thank you, Lord, Choir of Second Baptist Church Bettye Marshall, Director words of the ancient prophet, Amos: “Let justice for Martin Luther King, Jr., who inspired us with roll down like waters, and righteousness like a his dream, who walked into our lives and our The Holy Recitation (SHABAD) Sikh Temple of Kerman and mighty stream.” It was a journey calling forth the hearts with his marches for justice, who de- Sikh Council of Central California modern religious teachings of all Faiths-to feed manded freedom with great courage in the face (Mohinder Singh Grewal, Spiritual Leader) the hungry, to clothe the naked, to set at liberty of grave danger, and who has now passed on in- those who are oppressed. to your Promised Land. Thank you for his noble Worship Dance Laotian “CHAMPA” Dancers Congregation: In the name of the prophet, legacy to continue the journey to that land here FIRM University Presbyterian Church Amos, and in the name of suffering people, let on earth, in life for all people. Thank you, God; Led by Tout Tou Bounthapanya my people go. You have sent us one who now causes us to say: Leader: The journey went to Montgomery, to ALL: In the name of God and Martin Luther (Rev. Sharon Stanley, Spiritual Leader) affirm human dignity and courage; to Birming- King, Jr., let my people go. Peace Message Reza Nekumanesh Islamic Cultural Center, Fresno Blue Ribbon Homes and Investments Keynote Speaker Rev. Walt Parry A Real Estate Company
DRE Lic. #01096425 Choir of Saints Community Church of God in Christ Michael Walker, Director www.BluRibHomes.com Reedley Peace Center Choir Ruth and Paul Buxman, Directors E-mail: [email protected] Acknowledgment Harriet P. Thibeaux New Thought Community House Band Led by Rev. Lilly D. Murray Broker / Realtoror Benediction/Blessing “We Shall Overcome” “When I speak of love I am not speaking of some sentimental and weak re- 559-978-5958 Fresno Area sponse. I am speaking of that force which all of the great religions have seen as 510-917-1778 East Bay Area the supreme unifying principle of life. Love is somehow the key that unlocks the door which leads to ultimate reality.” Ð Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 1-888-884-8864 Toll Free Fax Coordinators: 559-271-7767 Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor, Rev. Bruce McAlister and John Sturdivant, All Faiths & Music Service Committee 6381 N. Forestiere Ave.
Fresno, CA 93722 The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Unity Committee, City of Fresno Page 8 The California Advocate January 14, 2011 Secondhand Smoke Tied to High Blood Pressure in Kids

BY ALAN MOZES Germany, and his col- which corresponds to heart Clean Air. HEALTHDAY leagues report their find- contractions) register at ings in the Jan. 10 online levels among the highest Young kids who live with edition of Circulation. 15% of the population. More Jobs. a parent who smokes face The researchers noted Mothers who smoked ap- an increased risk for devel- that high blood pressure is peared to confer a worse oping high blood pressure the prime risk factor for impact on their child’s while still children, a new heart disease. And accord- blood pressure levels than study has found. ing to the American Cancer smoking fathers, although Warning that children Society, about 46,000 non- the researchers said that with high blood pressure smoking Americans die likely reflected maternal often become adults with from heart disease each lifestyle and the generally the same problem, the re- year as a result of living greater amount of time the searchers suggested that with smokers and the sec- mothers spent in the home. secondhand smoke poses a ondhand smoke they pro- Dr. Gregg C. Fonarow, a substantial and long-term duce. cardiology professor at the risk to the cardiovascular To gauge the impact of University of California, welfare of young children. secondhand smoke on Los Angeles, expressed lit- “The prevention of adult young children, the re- tle surprise at the findings. diseases like stroke or heart search team examined data “We certainly know that attack begins during child- on 4,236 healthy boys and secondhand smoke is dan- hood,” said the study’s lead girls, 5 to 6 years old, who gerous and associated with author, Dr. Giacomo D. Si- lived in southwestern Ger- adverse consequences,” he monetti, an assistant profes- many. Nearly 29% of the noted. “In adults, there’s sor of pediatrics at the Chil- children’s fathers and al- certainly higher heart attack dren’s Hospital at the Uni- most 21% of their mothers and stroke risk, as well as “California’s clean air and clean energy law versity of Bern, in Switzer- were smokers. For about lung disease. And it’s previ- isn’t killing the economy, in fact it’s doing land. “Removing any 12% of the children, both ously been known that sec- avoidable risk factors as parents smoked. ondhand smoke can be dan- just the opposite.” soon as possible will help Even after accounting for gerous to children’s lungs,” Utuma Belfrey, Renewable energy electrician: Bayview, Hunter’s Point reduce the risk for heart dis- other heart disease risk fac- he added. ease later on and improve tors Ð such as low weight at “This look at its impact With the economy being where it is right now, workers need the long-term health of birth, premature birth, high on blood pressure just rein- new opportunities. In San Francisco, there is only so much new children.” body mass index and par- forces the notion that building we can do. But there are so many buildings and homes And, he added, “Passive ents with high blood pres- there’s no acceptable expo- smoking is a risk factor. sure Ð parental smoking ap- sure to secondhand smoke that need to be retrofitted, made energy efficient, weatherized, And an avoidable risk fac- peared to be an independent when it comes to infants and need solar to reduce the electricity usage. My own son is in tor. So do not smoke be- risk factor for high blood and young children,” a solar panel electrician program right now. cause it is not healthy for pressure among the chil- Fonarow said. “And it’s yet you and for your children. dren, the study found. another reason why we For information about the Global Warming Solutions Act go to: Smoking increases your Ð In fact, children exposed need to protect them from CleanAirMakesWork.org and your children’s Ð blood to parental secondhand exposure because it dam- pressure.” smoke were 21% more like- ages their lungs and blood SUPPORT PROVIDED BY: Simonetti, who worked ly to have the upper number vessels and can already on the study while at the of their blood pressure manifest in harm to their University of Heidelberg in reading (the systolic figure, blood pressure.” Race me. Chase me. Keep pace with me.

The more they exercise now, the less chance they’ll develop serious health problems, like obesity, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

First5California.com/parents January 14, 2011 The California Advocate Page 9 2011 Martin Luther King Special Section Pages 9 - 16 MLK M ARTIN L UTHER K ING, JR . The Epic Crusade For Equality

JAN. 15, 1929 TO APRIL 4, 1968

“Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. It was Dr. King who dramatized the Montgomery bus Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about boycott with his decision to make it the testing that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s al- ground, before the eyes of the nation, of his belief in lowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked the civil disobedience teachings of Thoreau and Gand- over. And I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get hi. there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that In the summer of 1963, Dr. King led the March on we, as a people, will get to the promised land!” Washington, stirring the emotions of millions with the With these words, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. built a words “I have a dream.” On Dec. 10, 1964, he won crescendo to his final speech on April 3, 1968. The the Nobel Peace Prize. next day, the civil rights leader was shot and killed on His strong beliefs in civil rights and non-violence a balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn. made him one of the leading opponents to American At the roots Dr. King’s civil rights convictions was participation in the war in Vietnam. an even more profound faith in the basic goodness of At the time he was assassinated in Memphis, Dr. man and the great potential of American democracy. King was involved in one of his greatest plans to dra- These beliefs gave to his speeches a fervor that could matize the plight of the poor and stir Congress to help not be stilled by criticism. blacks. He called his venture the “Poor People’s Cam- He rose in 1955 from a newly arrived minister in paign.” Montgomery, Ala. to a figure of national prominence. Ð Adapted from the New York Times’ Obituary. April 5, 1968. The Theologian Who Inspired Martin Luther King Jr.

By Vern Barnet Exactly 100 years ago, Wieman began Special to The Star his first pastorate, at Brookdale Presbyteri- an Church in St. Joseph. What is religion? What Travel, more study and teaching led him is God’s nature? How to the University of Chicago. After retire- should I live my life? ment, he returned there in 1967 to teach Martin Luther King Jr. one course, and I was able to study with explored such questions him. That same year, I met Martin Luther in his 1955 doctoral dis- King Jr. in Washington, D.C. sertation. (Some pas- For Wieman, God is that power that can sages may have been pla- transform us as we cannot transform our- giarized, but the viewpoint selves, to save us from evil and leading is always King’s own.) (us) to the best that human life can ever Brilliantly, King compared and reach. criticized two 20th-century the- In Wieman’s best-known phrase, God is ologians who rejected the tradi- ‘creative interchange’, when people inter- tional idea of God as a person. One act with one another in such a way that was German-born Paul Tillich, for new realities are created, leading to en- whom religion involved an ‘ultimate hanced life for everyone. concern’. He thought of God, not as a be- King sometimes played on Wieman’s ing, supreme or otherwise, but as the phrase. In accepting the 1964 Nobel Peace ‘ground of being’ itself. Prize, King spoke of ‘creative turmoil’. In King compared Tillich with Henry Nel- another speech, King praised ‘creative son Wieman, who said religion was not so maladjustment’ to evils like discrimination, much about an ‘ultimate concern’ as an religious bigotry and taking necessities ‘ultimate commitment’. For Wieman, God from the many to give luxuries to the few. was neither a being, nor the ground of be- Here in practice, if not in theory, is ing, but a process; a creative event. where Wieman and King are aligned, for Wieman was born in Rich Hill, Mo., as in the civil rights struggle, King be- south of Kansas City. He graduated from lieved that bringing people together, even what was then Park College. in disagreement and at some cost, could ul- He later wrote that there, one evening, timately lead to a transformation from evil “looking at the sunset over the Missouri that would not occur otherwise. River,” he had the most ecstatic experience Of the many books Wieman wrote, the of his life. He could not sleep all night, title of one is especially poignant as I think “walked in that ecstasy for days” and de- about King’s own decision about how to cided to devote his life to the problems of live his life: ‘Man’s Ultimate Commit- religious inquiry. ment’. Page 10 The California Advocate January 14, 2011 ‘The Day They Marched’ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have Dream” Speech [Delivered on the steps at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. on August 28, 1963 during the historic March On Washington.]

am happy to join with you to- continue to shake the foundations of mobility is from a smaller ghetto to former slaves and the sons of for- I day in what will go down in his- our nation until the bright day of a larger one. We can never be satis- mer slaveowners will be able to sit tory as the greatest demonstration justice emerges. But there is some- fied as long as a Negro in Missis- down together at a table of brother- for freedom in the history of our na- thing that I must say to my people sippi cannot vote and a Negro in hood. tion. who stand on the warm threshold New York believes he has nothing I have a dream that one day Five score years ago, a great which leads into the palace of jus- for which to vote. No, no, we are even the state of Mississippi, a American, in whose symbolic shad- tice. In the process of gaining our not satisfied, and we will not be sat- desert state, sweltering with the heat ow we stand signed the Emancipa- rightful place we must not be guilty isfied until justice rolls down like of injustice and oppression, will be tion Proclamation. This momentous of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek waters and righteousness like a transformed into an oasis of free- decree came as a great beacon light to satisfy our thirst for freedom by mighty stream. dom and justice. of hope to millions of Negro slaves drinking from the cup of bitterness I am not unmindful that some of I have a dream that my four who had been seared in the flames and hatred. you have come here out of great tri- children will one day live in a na- of withering injustice. It came as a We must forever conduct our als and tribulations. Some of you tion where they will not be judged joyous daybreak to end the long struggle on the high plane of digni- have come fresh from narrow cells. by the color of their skin but by the night of captivity. But one hundred ty and discipline. We must not al- Some of you have come from areas content of their character. years later, we must face the tragic low our creative protest to degener- where your quest for freedom left I have a dream today. fact that the Negro is still not free. ate into physical violence. Again you battered by the storms of perse- I have a dream that one day the One hundred years later, the life and again we must rise to the ma- cution and staggered by the winds state of Alabama, whose governor’s of the Negro is still sadly crippled lips are presently dripping with the by the manacles of segregation and words of interposition and nullifica- the chains of discrimination. One tion, will be transformed into a situ- hundred years later, the Negro lives ation where little black boys and on a lonely island of poverty in the black girls will be able to join hands midst of a vast ocean of material with little white boys and white prosperity. One hundred years later, girls and walk together as sisters the Negro is still languishing in the and brothers. I have a dream today. corners of American society and I have a dream that one day ev- finds himself an exile in his own ery valley shall be exalted, every land. hill and mountain shall be made So we have come here today to low, the rough places will be made dramatize an appalling condition. In plain, and the crooked places will a sense we have come to our na- be made straight, and the glory of tion’s capital to cash a check. When the Lord shall be revealed, and all the architects of our republic wrote flesh shall see it together. the magnificent words of the Con- This is our hope. This is the faith stitution and the Declaration of In- with which I return to the South. dependence, they were signing a With this faith we will be able to promissory note to which every hew out of the mountain of despair American was to fall heir. a stone of hope. With this faith we This note was a promise that all will be able to transform the jan- men would be guaranteed the in- gling discords of our nation into a alienable rights of life, liberty, and beautiful symphony of brotherhood. the pursuit of happiness. It is obvi- With this faith we will be able to ous today that America has default- work together, to pray together, to ed on this promissory note insofar struggle together, to go to jail to- as her citizens of color are con- gether, to stand up for freedom to- cerned. Instead of honoring this sa- gether, knowing that we will be free cred obligation, America has given one day. the Negro people a bad check which This will be the day when all of has come back marked “insufficient God’s children will be able to sing funds.” But we refuse to believe with a new meaning, “My country, that the bank of justice is bankrupt. ‘tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of We refuse to believe that there are thee I sing. Land where my fathers insufficient funds in the great vaults died, land of the pilgrim’s pride, of opportunity of this nation. from every mountainside, let free- So we have come to cash this dom ring.” And if America is to be check Ð a check that will give us up- a great nation, this must become on demand the riches of freedom true. and the security of justice. We have So let freedom ring from the also come to this hallowed spot to prodigious hilltops of New Hamp- remind America of the fierce urgen- shire. cy of now. This is no time to engage Let freedom ring from the mighty in the luxury of cooling off or to mountains of New York. take the tranquilizing drug of grad- Let freedom ring from the height- ualism. Now is the time to rise from ening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania! the dark and desolate valley of seg- Let freedom ring from the snow- regation to the sunlit path of racial capped Rockies of Colorado! justice. Now is the time to open the jestic heights of meeting physical of police brutality. You have been Let freedom ring from the curva- doors of opportunity to all of God’s force with soul force. the veterans of creative suffering. ceous peaks of California! children. Now is the time to lift our The marvelous new militancy Continue to work with the faith that But not only that; let freedom ring nation from the quicksands of racial which has engulfed the Negro com- unearned suffering is redemptive. from Stone Mountain of Georgia! injustice to the solid rock of broth- munity must not lead us to distrust Go back to Mississippi, go back Let freedom ring from Lookout erhood. of all white people, for many of our to Alabama, go back to Georgia, go Mountain of Tennessee! It would be fatal for the nation to white brothers, as evidenced by back to Louisiana, go back to the Let freedom ring from every hill overlook the urgency of the mo- their presence here today, have slums and ghettos of our northern and every molehill of Mississippi. ment and to underestimate the de- come to realize that their destiny is cities, knowing that somehow this From every mountainside, let free- termination of the Negro. This tied up with our destiny and their situation can and will be changed. dom ring. sweltering summer of the Negro’s freedom is inextricably bound to Let us not wallow in the valley of When we let freedom ring, when legitimate discontent will not pass our freedom. despair. I say to you today, my we let it ring from every village and until there is an invigorating au- We cannot walk alone. And as we friends, that in spite of the difficul- every hamlet, from every state and tumn of freedom and equality. walk, we must make the pledge that ties and frustrations of the moment, every city, we will be able to speed Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, we shall march ahead. We cannot I still have a dream. It is a dream up that day when all of God’s chil- but a beginning. Those who hope turn back. There are those who are deeply rooted in the American dren, black men and white men, that the Negro needed to blow off asking the devotees of civil rights, dream. Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and steam and will now be content will “When will you be satisfied?” We I have a dream that one day this Catholics, will be able to join hands have a rude awakening if the nation can never be satisfied as long as our nation will rise up and live out the and sing in the words of the old Ne- returns to business as usual. There bodies, heavy with the fatigue of true meaning of its creed: “We gro spiritual, will be neither rest nor tranquility in travel, cannot gain lodging in the hold these truths to be self-evident: America until the Negro is granted motels of the highways and the ho- that all men are created equal. his citizenship rights. tels of the cities. We cannot be sat- “I have a dream that one day on “Free at last! free at last! thank The whirlwinds of revolt will isfied as long as the Negro’s basic the red hills of Georgia the sons of God Almighty, we are free at last!” January 14, 2011 The California Advocate Page 11

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE 2011 REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION IN THE GREATER FRESNO AREA... Greater Fresno 2011 Martin Luther King, Jr. Events We would like to give a special thank you to the local black Greek fraternities and sororities for heading this year’s food drive. We would also like to send out our deepest gratitude to Feed My Sheep Ministries, Clovis Salvation Army & AARP who will take all collected items to give to those in need.

Garlanding Ceremony Candlelight Vigil Friday, January 14, 2011 (12:00pm - 1:00pm). Fresno Sunday, January 16, 2011 (5:00-5:45pm). Location County Courthouse Park (at MLK Bust), 1100 Van Ness Center for Spiritual Living. Fresno, 723 W. Clinton Ave., Ave. Opening Ceremony. Please bring flowers. Fresno. Please bring canned food donations. Event Coordinators: Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor or Gail Gaston Event Coordinator: Julia Dudley Najieb ([email protected]) ([email protected]) Award Reception March Friday, January 14, 2011 (6:00-7:30pm). Program be- Monday, January 17, 2011 (9 am-10:30am). Assemble at St. John’s Cathedral at 9 AM. March begins at 10 AM. gins at 6:30PM. African American Museum, 1857 Fulton Event Coordinators: James Lett III, Enrique Reade Ave. Reception to honor awardees for outstanding ser- & Pastor Bruce Hood ([email protected]) vice to the community in five categories: 1) Business 2) Organization 3) Youth 4) Female 5) Male. Event Coordinator: Tate Hill ([email protected]) Commemoration Program Monday, January 17, 2011 (10:30am). Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 2426 Fresno St. Celebration of Program community diversity and culture. Saturday, January 15, 2011 (Breakfast served at Event Coordinators: Pastor Leonard Adams 9:00am) . Program starts at 9:45. Community Breakfast - & Julia Dudley-Najieb ([email protected]) Clovis Veterans Memorial Building, 453 Hughes Ave., Clovis (Hughes & 5th St.) Tickets: $5.00 & canned food donation. Tables of 8 available with reservation. Speech Competition Event Coordinator: Caroline Carlson (559-324-2416 Thursday, January 27, 2011 (1:00pm). Fresno County /[email protected]) or Gail Gaston Office of Education, Room 270. Event Coordinator: Shirley Hargis: (559) 265-3060 All Faith Service Email: [email protected] Saturday, January 15, 2011 (4:00-6:00pm). Enjoy var- ious beloved spiritual leaders, musical talent and speak- Art Exhibition & Reception er. Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, 207 E. Thursday, February 10, 2011 (4:30-6:00pm). Fresno San Joaquin St., Fresno, CA, 93724. County Office of Education. Event Coordinators: Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor or Rev. Bruce Event Coordinator: Shirley Hargis: (559) 265-3060 McAlister ([email protected]) Email: [email protected]

MARCH ROUTE 9:15am Line-up at St. John’s Cathedral March Begins at at 10:00am. Stops at Fresno City Hall for Speakers. Ends at Veterans Memorial Auditorium for Commemoration Program (10:45am)

BECOME A VOLUNTEER OR MLK UNITY COMMITTEE MEMBER; Sign up at our website: www.mlkfresno.com Or find out about the MLK events in the Greater Fresno area on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fresno-Martin-Luther-King-Unity-Committee/143005182419076 Page 12 The California Advocate January 14, 2011

IMPORTANT TIME PERIODS IN THE LIFE OF Martin Luther King Jr.

titled, “Give Us The Ballot,” is giv- 1929 en at the Lincoln Memorial in January 15: Martin Luther King, Washington, D.C. 1960 Jr. is born to Rev. and Mrs. Martin January 24: The King family Luther King, Sr. (former Alberta June 13: Dr. King meets with the moves to Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Christine Williams) in Atlanta, Vice President of the United King becomes co-pastor, with his Georgia. States, Richard M. Nixon. father, of the Ebenezer Baptist Church. 1935: 1944 September: President Dwight D. Dr. King attends David T. Howard Eisenhower federalizes the February 1: The first lunch Elementary School, Atlanta Uni- Arkansas National Guard to escort counter sit-in to desegregate eat- versity Laboratory School, and nine Negro students to an all-white ing facilities is held by students in Booker T. Washington High high school in Little Rock, Greensboro, North Carolina. School. He passes the entrance Arkansas. examination to Morehouse College February 17: A warrant is issued in Atlanta, Georgia without gradu- September 9: The first Civil Rights for Dr. King’s arrest on charges ating from high school. Act since Reconstruction is that he had falsified his 1956 and passed by Congress, creating the 1958 Alabama state income tax re- turns. 1947 Civil Rights Commission and the Civil Rights Division of the Depart- 1961 Dr. King is licensed to preach. ment of Justice. April 15: The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) January 30: A third child, Dexter is founded to coordinate student Scott, is born to Dr. and Mrs. King 1948 October 23: A second child, Mar- in Atlanta, Georgia. February 25: Dr. King is ordained tin Luther III, is born to Dr. and protests at Shaw University in December 5: The first day of the Mrs. King. Raleigh, North Carolina on a tem- to the Baptist ministry and ap- porary basis. (It is to become a May 4: The first group of Freedom pointed associate pastor at Montgomery bus boycott and the Riders, with the intent of integrat- trial date of Mrs. Parks. A meeting permanent organization in October Ebenezer. 1960.) Dr. King and James Law- ing interstate buses, leaves Wash- of movement leaders is held. Dr. 1958 ington, D.C. by Greyhound bus. King is unanimously elected presi- son are the keynote speakers at June 8: Dr. King graduates from June 23: Dr. King, along with Roy the Shaw University founding. The group, organized by the Morehouse College with a BA de- dent of the Montgomery Improve- Wilkins of the NAACP, A. Philip Congress for Racial Equality ment Association. gree in Sociology. Randolph, and Lester Granger May 28: Dr. King is acquitted of (CORE), leaves shortly after the meet with President Dwight Eisen- Supreme Court has outlawed seg- December 10: The Montgomery the tax evasion charge by an all September: Dr. King enters Crozer hower. white jury in Alabama. regation in interstate transporta- Theological Seminary in Chester, Bus Company suspends service in September 3: Dr. King is arrested tion terminals. The bus is burned black neighborhoods. Pennsylvania. After hearing Dr. A. on a charge of loitering (later June 10: Dr. King and A. Philip outside of Anniston, Alabama on J. Muste and Dr. Mordecai W. changed to “failure to obey an offi- Randolph announce plans for May 14. A mob beats the Freedom Johnson preach on the life and 1956 cer”) in the vicinity of the Mont- picketing both the Republican and Riders upon their arrival in Birm- teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, he January 26: Dr. King is arrested gomery Recorder’s Court. He is re- Democratic National Conventions. ingham, Alabama. The Freedom begins to study Gandhi seriously. on a charge of traveling thirty leased on $100.00 bond. Riders are arrested in Jackson, miles per hour in a twenty-five Mississippi, and spend forty to miles per hour zone in Mont- sixty days in Parchman Peniten- 1951 gomery. He is released on his own tiary. May 6-8: Dr. King graduates from recognizance. Crozer with a Bachelor of Divinity December 15: Dr. King arrives in degree. January 30: A bomb is thrown on- Albany, Georgia in response to a to the porch of Dr. King’s Mont- call from Dr. W. G. Anderson, the gomery home. Mrs. King and Mrs. leader of the Albany Movement to 1953 Roscoe Williams, wife of a church desegregate public facilities, June 18: Dr. King marries Coretta member, are in the house with ba- which began in January 1961. Scott in Marion, Alabama. by Yolanda Denise. No one is in- jured. December 16: Dr. King is arrested at an Albany, Georgia demonstra- February 2: A suit is filed in Feder- tion. He is charged with obstruct- al District Court asking that Mont- ing the sidewalk and parading gomery’s travel segregation laws without a permit. be declared unconstitutional. 1962 February 21: Dr. King is indicted February 27: Dr. King is tried and with other figures in the Mont- convicted for leading the Decem- gomery bus boycott on the charge ber march in Albany, Georgia. of being party to a conspiracy to hinder and prevent the operation September 4: Dr. King is convict- June 24: Dr. King meets with John ed after pleading “Not Guilty” on F. Kennedy (candidate for Presi- May 2: Dr. King is invited to join of business without “just or legal the protests in Birmingham, Al- cause.” the charge of failure to obey an of- dent of the United States) about ficer. The fine is paid almost im- racial matters. abama. mediately, over Dr. King’s objec- June 4: A United States District July 27: Dr. King is arrested at a Court rules that racial segregation tion, by Montgomery Police Com- October 19: Dr. King is arrested at missioner Clyde C. Sellers. an Atlanta sit-in and is jailed on a Georgia city hall prayer vigil and on city bus lines is unconstitution- jailed on charges of failure to obey al. charge of violating the state’s tres- September 17: Dr. King’s book, passing law. a police officer, obstructing the sidewalk and disorderly conduct. August 10: Dr. King is a speaker Stride Toward Freedom: The before the platform committee of Montgomery Story, is published 1954 the Democratic Party in Chicago, by Harper & Row. May 17: The Supreme Court of the Illinois. United States rules unanimously in Brown vs. Board of Education October 30: Mayor Gayle of Mont- that racial segregation in public gomery, Alabama instructs the schools is unconstitutional. city’s legal department “to file such proceedings as it may deem October 31: Rev. Martin Luther proper to stop the operation of car King, Sr. appoints Dr. King as the pools and transportation systems twentieth pastor of the Dexter Av- growing out of the boycott.” enue Baptist Church in Mont- gomery, Alabama. November 13: The United States Supreme Court affirms the deci- sion of the three-judge district court in declaring Alabama’s state and local laws requiring segrega- tion on buses unconstitutional. December 20: Federal injunctions prohibiting segregation on buses are served on city and bus compa- ny officials in Montgomery, Alaba- ma. Injunctions are also served on state officials. September 20: Dr. King is stabbed in the chest by Mrs. Izola Curry, Montgomery buses are integrated. who is subsequently alleged to be mentally deranged. The stabbing occurs in Harlem, New York while 1957 Dr. King is autographing his re- January 27: An unexploded bomb cently published book. His condi- is discovered on the front porch of tion was said to be serious but not 1955 the King’s house. critical. June 5: Dr. King receives a Ph.D. September 20: James Meredith degree in Systematic Theology February 14: The Southern Chris- from Boston University. October 22-27: The trespassing makes his first attempt to enroll at tian Leadership Conference 1959 charges are dropped. All jailed the University of Mississippi. He is (SCLC) is founded. January 30: Dr. King meets with November 17: The Kings’ first demonstrators are released except actually enrolled by Supreme Walter Reuther, President of the Dr. King, who is held on a charge Court order and is escorted onto child, Yolanda Denise, is born in February 18: Dr. King is featured United Auto Workers Union, in De- Montgomery, Alabama. of violating a probated sentence in the Oxford, Mississippi campus by on the cover of Time magazine. troit, Michigan. a traffic arrest case. He is trans- U.S. Marshals on October 1, 1962. December 1: Mrs. Rosa Parks, a ferred to the Dekalb County Jail in May 17: Dr. King delivers a speech February 2-10: Dr. and Mrs. King Decatur, Georgia, and is then October 16: Dr. King meets with forty-two year old Montgomery for the Prayer Pilgrimage for Free- spend a month in India studying seamstress, refuses to relinquish transferred to the Reidsville State President John F. Kennedy at the dom celebrating the third anniver- Gandhi’s March techniques of Prison. He is released from the White House for a one-hour con- her bus seat to a white man and is sary of the Supreme Court’s de- nonviolence as guests of Prime arrested. Reidsville State Prison on a ference. segregation decision. The speech, Minister Jawaharal Nehru. $2,000.00 bond. January 14, 2011 The California Advocate Page 13

IMPORTANT TIME PERIODS IN THE LIFE OF Martin Luther King Jr.

Williams are beaten when cross- by its owner. May 10-11: One black student is ing the Edmund Pettus Bridge on killed in a riot on the campus of all their planned march to Mont- March 25: The Supreme Court of Negro Jackson State College in gomery, Alabama, from Selma, Al- the United States rules all poll tax Jackson, Mississippi. abama. Their attackers were state unconstitutional. highway patrolmen under the di- July 6: The Justice Department re- rection of Al Lingo and sheriff’s ports that more than 50 percent of deputies under the leadership of all eligible black voters are regis- Jim Clark. An order by Governor tered in Mississippi, Georgia, Al- Wallace had prohibited the march. abama, Louisiana and South Car- olina. March 9: Unitarian minister, James Reeb, is beaten by four July 12-17: Twenty-three people white segregationists in Selma. He die and 725 are injured in riots in dies two days later. Newark, New Jersey. March 15: President Johnson ad- July 23-30: Forty-three die and dresses the nation and Congress. 324 are injured in the Detroit riots He describes the voting rights bill – the worst of the century. he will submit to Congress in two days and uses the slogan of the July 26: Black leaders, Martin Civil Rights Movement, “We Shall Spring: Dr. King tours Alabama to Luther King, Jr., A. Philip Ran- Overcome.” help elect black candidates. The dolph, Roy Wilkins and Whitney Alabama Primary is held, and for Young appeal for an end to the ri- the first time since Reconstruc- ots, “which have proved ineffec- tion, blacks vote in significant tive and damaging to the civil numbers. rights cause and the entire na- tion.” May 16: An antiwar statement by Dr. King is read at a large Wash- October 30: The Supreme Court ington rally to protest the war in upholds the contempt-of-court 1963 troopers to stop the court ordered Vietnam. Dr. King agrees to serve convictions of Dr. King and seven integration of Alabama’s elemen- as a co-chairman of Clergy and other black leaders who led the March 28: The King’s fourth child, tary and high schools until he is Bernice Albertine, is born. Laymen Concerned About Viet- 1963 marches in Birmingham, Al- enjoined by court injunction from nam. abama. Dr. King and his aides en- doing so. By September 10 specif- March-April: Sit-in demonstra- ter jail to serve four-day sen- ic schools are actually integrated June: Stokely Carmichael and tences. tions are held in Birmingham, Al- by court order. abama to protest segregation of Willie Ricks (SNCC) use the slo- gan “Black Power” in public for November 27: Dr. King an- eating facilities. Dr. King is arrest- September 15: Four young girls ed during a demonstration. the first time before reporters in nounces the formation by SCLC of are killed in a Birmingham, Alaba- Greenwood, Mississippi. a Poor People’s Campaign, with ma church bombing. the aim of representing the prob- June 6: James Meredith is shot lems of poor blacks and whites. November 22: President Kennedy soon after beginning his 220-mile is assassinated in Dallas, Texas. “March Against Fear” from Mem- March 16: Sheriff’s deputies and phis, Tennessee to Jackson, Mis- 1968 sissippi. February 12: Sanitation workers 1964 police on horseback in Mont- strike in Memphis, Tennessee. Summer: COFO (Council of Feder- gomery, Alabama beat black and July 10: Dr. King launches a drive ated Organizations) initiates the white demonstrators. March 28: Dr. King leads six thou- Mississippi Summer Project, a to make Chicago an “open city” regarding housing. sand protesters on a march voter registration drive organized March 21-25: Over three thou- through downtown Memphis in and run by black and white stu- sand protest marchers leave Sel- support of striking sanitation dents. ma for a march to Montgomery, August 5: Dr. King is stoned in Chicago as he leads a march workers. Disorder breaks out dur- Alabama protected by federal ing which black youths loot May-June: Dr. King joins other troops. They are joined along the through crowds of angry whites in the Gage Park section of Chicago’s stores. One sixteen-year-old is SCLC workers in a demonstration way by a total of twenty-five thou- killed and fifty people are injured. for the integration of public ac- sand marchers. Upon reaching the southwest side. commodations in St. Augustine, capitol, they hear an address by April 3: Dr. King’s last speech ti- Florida. He is jailed. Dr. King. September: SCLC launches a pro- ject with the aim of integrating tled “I’ve Been to the Mountain schools in Grenada, Mississippi. Top” is delivered at Mason Temple June: Dr. King’s book, “Why We March 25: Mrs. Viola Liuzzo, wife in Memphis, Tennessee. April 16: Dr. King writes the “Let- Can’t Wait,” is published by Harp- of a Detroit Teamsters Union busi- Fall: SCLC initiates the Alabama ter From A Birmingham Jail” while er & Row. ness agent, is shot and killed while April 4: Dr. King is assassinated imprisoned for demonstrating. driving a carload of marchers back Citizen Education Project in Wilcox County. as he stands talking on the bal- June 21: Three civil rights work- to Selma. cony of his second-floor room at May 3-5: Eugene “Bull” Connor, ers, James Chaney (black), An- the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. Director of Public Safety of Birm- drew Goodman and Michael July: Dr. King visits Chicago, Illi- 1967 He dies in St. Joseph’s Hospital ingham, Alabama, orders the use Schwerner (both white), are re- nois. SCLC joins with the Coordi- January: Dr. King writes his book from a gunshot wound in the of police dogs and fire hoses ported missing after a short trip to nating Council of Community Or- Where Do We Go From Here: neck. against the marching protesters, Philadelphia, Mississippi. ganizations (CCCO), led by Al Ra- Chaos or Community? while in Ja- including young adults and chil- by, in the Chicago Project. maica. April 9: Dr. King is buried in At- dren. July 2: Dr. King attends the sign- lanta, Georgia. ing of the Public Accommodations May 20: The Supreme Court of the Bill, (Part of the Civil Rights Act of June 5: Presidential candidate United States rules Birmingham, 1964) by President Lyndon B. Senator Robert Kennedy is shot in Alabama’s segregation ordinances Johnson in the White House. Los Angeles and dies the next day. unconstitutional. July 18-23: Riots occur in Harlem, June: Dr. King’s book, “Strength New York. One black man is killed. 1986 To Love,” is published by Harper January 18: Following passage of & Row. August: Riots occur in New Jer- Public Law 98-144, President sey, Illinois and Pennsylvania. Ronald Reagan signs a proclama- June 11: Governor George C. Wal- tion declaring the third Monday in lace tries to stop the court ordered August 4: The bodies of civil January of each year a public hol- integration of the University of Al- rights workers James Chaney, An- iday in honor of the birthday of abama by “standing in the school- drew Goodman, and Michael Martin Luther King, Jr. house door” and personally refus- Schwerner are discovered by FBI ing entrance to black students and Agents buried near the town of 1999 Justice Department officials. Pres- Philadelphia, Mississippi. Nesho- December 8: A jury of twelve citi- ident John F. Kennedy then feder- ba County Sheriff Rainey and his August-December: In Alabama, March 12: Alabama is ordered to zens of Memphis, Shelby County, alizes the Alabama National deputy, Cecil Price, are allegedly SCLC spearheads voter registra- desegregate all public schools. TN concluded in Coretta Scott Guard, and Governor Wallace re- implicated in the murders. tion campaigns in Green and King, Martin Luther King, III, Ber- moves himself from blocking the Wilcox counties, and in the cities March 25: Dr. King attacks the nice King, Dexter Scott King and entrance of the Negro students. September: Dr. King and Rev. of Montgomery, Birmingham, and government’s Vietnam policy in a Yolanda King Vs. Loyd Jowers and Ralph Abernathy visit West Berlin Eutaw, Alabama. speech at the Chicago Coliseum. Other Unknown Conspirators that June 12: Medgar Evers, NAACP at the invitation of Mayor Willy Loyd Jowers and governmental leader in Jackson, Mississippi, is Brandt. August 6: The 1965 Voting Rights April 4: Dr. King makes a state- agencies including the City of assassinated at his home in the Act is signed by President John- ment about the war in Vietnam, Memphis, the State of Tennessee, early morning darkness. His September 18: Dr. King has an son. “Beyond Vietnam,” at the River- and the federal government were memorial service is held in Jack- audience with Pope Paul VI at the side Church in New York City. party to the conspiracy to assassi- son on June 15. He is buried in Ar- Vatican. August 11-16: In Watts, the black nate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. lington National Cemetery, Wash- ghetto of Los Angeles, riots leave ington D.C. on June 19. December 10: Dr. King receives a total of thirty-five dead. Twenty- the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, eight are black. August 28: The March on Wash- Norway. ington, the first large-scale inte- grated protest march, is held in 1966 Washington, D.C. Dr. King delivers 1965 February: Dr. King rents an apart- his “I Have A Dream” speech on February 21: Malcolm X, leader of ment in the black ghetto of Chica- the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. the Organization of Afro-American go, Illinois. Afterwards he and other Civil Unity and former Black Muslim Rights leaders meet with Presi- leader, is murdered in New York February 23: Dr. King meets with dent John F. Kennedy in the White City. Elijah Muhammad, leader of the House. Black Muslims, in Chicago. March 7: A group of marching September 2-10: Governor Wal- demonstrators (from SNCC and March: Dr. King takes over a lace orders the Alabama state SCLC) led by SCLC’s Hosea Chicago slum building and is sued Page 14 The California Advocate January 14, 2011 Biographical Outline of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave served as co-pastor. black and poor people hope and a On Sunday, June 30, 1974, Mrs. Alberta Williams King, the mother of Dr. Martin sense of dignity. His philosophy of Luther King, Jr., was shot and killed as she nonviolent direct action, and his sat at the organ in the Ebenezer Baptist strategies for rational and non-de- Church in Atlanta. Again, through an act of structive social change, galvanized violence, there ended a life that was totally the conscience of this nation and nonviolent, a life that was thoroughly Christian, a life that reflected love for all reordered its priorities. His wis- persons and unselfish service to hu- dom, his words, his actions, his mankind. Again, the indomitable faith of commitment, and his dream for a the King family was put to the test, and new way of life are intertwined again love prevailed amid the greatest sad- with the American experience. ness. The Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr., bereft by the violent deaths of his two sons and now by the equally tragic death of his BIRTH AND FAMILY devoted wife, could still say Ð and did say Martin Luther King, Jr. was born at noon – at her funeral service on July 3, “I cannot on Tuesday, January 15, 1929 at the family hate any man.” home, 501 Auburn Avenue, N.E., Atlanta, In 1975, the year following his wife’s Georgia. Dr. Charles Johnson was the at- death, the Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr. re- tending physician. Martin Luther King, Jr. signed his forty-four year pastorate at was the first son and second child born to Ebenezer, passing on the active leadership the Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr. and of the church to the young and inspired Dr. Alberta Williams King. Also born to the Joseph L. Roberts, Jr. At his retirement Kings were Christine, now Mrs. Isaac Far- banquet on August 1, 1975, however, ris, Sr., and the Reverend Alfred Daniel “Daddy King” made it clear – as if anyone Williams King. The Reverend A.D. King is ¥ Doctor of Letters, Keuka College The Southern Christian Leadership Con- could have thought otherwise Ð that his res- now deceased. ¥ Doctor of Divinity, Wesleyan College ference, posthumously, 1968. ignation did not mean his retirement from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s maternal ¥ Doctor of Laws, Jewish Theological ¥ The Aims Field-Wolf Award for his book, the full and active life that has described his grandparents were the Reverend Adam Seminary Stride Toward Freedom. long career. This “Giant of a Man,” as he Daniel Williams, second pastor of Ebenez- ¥ Doctor of Laws, Yale University was acclaimed on that memorable evening, er Baptist Church, and Jenny Parks ¥ Doctor of Divinity, Springfield College The above awards and others, along with continued to work and to speak and to use Williams. His paternal grandparents were ¥ Doctor of Laws, Hofstra University numerous citations, are in the Archives of the gifts with which the Lord had endowed James Albert and Delia King, sharecrop- ¥ Doctor of Humane Letters, Oberlin Col- The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for him in the loving service of others. Among pers on a farm in Stockbridge, Georgia. lege Nonviolent Social Change, Inc. in Atlanta, the Rev. King, Sr.’s many accomplishments He married Coretta Scott, the younger ¥ Doctor of Social Science, Amsterdam Georgia. is the completion of his one luxury, the daughter of Obadiah and Bernice McMur- Free University publication of his autobiography, Daddy ry Scott of Marion, Alabama, on June 18, ¥ Doctor of Divinity, St. Peter’s College King. Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr. died on 1953. The marriage ceremony took place ¥ Doctor of Civil Law, University of New PUBLICATIONS November 11, 1984 of a heart attack at on the lawn of the Scott’s home in Marion, Castle, Upon Tyne Although extremely involved with his Crawford W. Long Memorial Hospital in Alabama. The Rev. King, Sr. performed the ¥ Doctor of Laws, Grinnell College family, his church, the Southern Christian Atlanta. He was 84 years of age. Funeral service, with Mrs. Edythe Bagley, the sister Leadership Conference, activities for peace services were held on November 14, 1984. of Coretta Scott King as maid of honor, and CAREER and justice, his world travels, and his many the Rev. A.D. King, the brother of Martin Martin Luther King, Jr. entered the speaking engagements, Dr. King wrote six SPEECHES Luther King, Jr., as best man. Christian ministry and was ordained in books and numerous articles. His volumes Dr. King’s speech at the March on Wash- Four children were born to Dr. and Mrs. February 1948 at the age of nineteen at include: ington in 1963, along with his acceptance King: Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia. speech of the Nobel Peace Prize, and his fi- Following his ordination, he became Assis- ¥ Stride Toward Freedom, (New York: nal sermon in Memphis are among his most ¥ Yolanda Denise (November 17, 1955, tant Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church. Harper & Row, 1958). The story of the famous utterances. The following excerpts Montgomery, Alabama) Upon completion of his studies at Boston Montgomery Bus Boycott. reveal the cogency, conviction and persua- ¥ Martin Luther III (October 23, 1957, University, he accepted the call of Dexter ¥ The Measure of a Man, (Philadelphia: sion of his powerful speaking style. Montgomery, Alabama) Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Pilgrim Press, 1959). A selection of ser- ¥ Dexter Scott (January 30, 1961, Atlanta, Alabama. He was the pastor of Dexter Av- mons. From the speech “March on Washington” Georgia) enue from September 1954 to November ¥ Why We Can’t Wait, (New York: Harper “I say to you today, my friends, so even ¥ Bernice Albertine (March 28, 1963, At- 1959, when he resigned to move to Atlanta & Row, 1963). The story of the Birming- though we face the difficulties of today and lanta, Georgia) to direct the activities of the Southern ham Campaign. tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream Christian Leadership Conference. From ¥ Strength to Love, (New York: Harper & deeply rooted in the American dream. I EDUCATION 1960 until his death in 1968, he was co- Row, 1963). A selection of sermons. have a dream that one day this nation will At the age of five, Martin Luther King, pastor with his father at Ebenezer Baptist ¥ Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or rise up and live out the true meaning of its Jr. began school, before reaching the legal Church. Community? (New York: Harper & Row, creed; ‘We hold these truths to be self-evi- age of six, at the Yonge Street Elementary Dr. King was a pivotal figure in the Civ- 1967). Reflections on the problems of to- dent, that all men are created equal.’ I have School in Atlanta. When his age was dis- il Rights Movement. He was elected Presi- day’s world, the nuclear arms race, etc. a dream that one day on the red hills of covered, he was not permitted to continue dent of the Montgomery Improvement As- ¥ The Trumpet of Conscience, (New York: Georgia, sons of former slaves and the sons in school and did not resume his education sociation, the organization that was respon- Harper & Row, 1968). The Massey Lec- of former slave-owners will be able to sit until he was six. Following Yonge School, sible for the successful Montgomery Bus tures. Sponsored by the Canadian Broad- down together at the table of brotherhood. I he was enrolled in David T. Howard Ele- Boycott from 1955 to 1956 (381 days). He casting Corporation. (Posthumously). have a dream that one day, even the state of mentary School. He also attended the At- was arrested thirty times for his participa- Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat lanta University Laboratory School and tion in civil rights activities. He was a of injustice, sweltering with the heat of op- Booker T. Washington High School. Be- founder and president of the Southern DEATH pression, will be transformed into an oasis cause of his high scores on the college en- Christian Leadership Conference from Dr. King was shot while standing on the of freedom and justice.” trance examinations in his junior year of 1957 to 1968. He was also Vice President balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, “I have a dream that my four children high school, he advanced to Morehouse of the National Sunday School and Baptist Tennessee on April 4, 1968. Dr. King was will one day live in a nation where they will College without formal graduation from Teaching Union Congress of the National in Memphis to help lead sanitation workers not be judged by the color of their skin, but Booker T. Washington. Having skipped Baptist Convention. He was a member of in a protest against low wages and intoler- by the content of their character. I have a both the ninth and twelfth grades, Dr. King several national and local boards of direc- able working conditions. James Earl Ray dream today Ð I have a dream that one day entered Morehouse at the age of fifteen. tors and served on the boards of trustees of was arrested in London, England on June 8, down in Alabama with its vicious racists, In 1948, he graduated from Morehouse numerous institutions and agencies. Dr. 1968, and returned to Memphis, Tennessee with its governor having his lips dripping College with a B.A. degree in Sociology. King was elected to membership in several on July 19, 1969 to stand trial for the as- with the words of interposition and nullifi- That fall he enrolled in Crozer Theological learned societies including the prestigious sassination of Dr. King. On March 9, 1969, cation, one day right there in Alabama, lit- Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania. While American Academy of Arts and Sciences. before coming to trial, he entered a guilty tle black boys and black girls will be able to attending Crozer, he also studied at the plea and was sentenced to ninety-nine join hands with the little white boys and University of Pennsylvania. He was elected years in the Tennessee State Penitentiary. white girls as sisters and brothers. I have a President of the Senior Class and delivered AWARDS On December 8, 1999, a jury of twelve dream today.” the valedictory address. He won the Peral Dr. King received numerous awards for citizens of Memphis, Shelby County, TN “This hope is our hope. This is the faith Plafkner Award as the most outstanding his leadership in the Civil Rights Move- concluded in Coretta Scott King, Martin that I go back to the south with. And with student, and he received the J. Lewis Croz- ment. Among them were the following: Luther King, III, Bernice King, Dexter this faith, we will be able to hew out of the er Fellowship for graduate study at a uni- Scott King and Yolanda King Vs. Loyd mountain of despair a stone of hope. With versity of his choice. He was awarded a ¥ Selected as one of the ten most outstand- Jowers and Other Unknown Conspirators this faith we will be able to work together, Bachelor of Divinity degree from Crozer in ing personalities of the year by Time that Loyd Jowers and governmental agen- to pray together, to struggle together, to 1951. Magazine, 1957. cies including the City of Memphis, the stand up for freedom together, knowing In September of 1951, Martin Luther ¥ Listed in Who’s Who in America, 1957. State of Tennessee, and the federal govern- that we will be free one day.” King, Jr. began doctoral studies in System- ¥ The Spingarn Medal from the NAACP, ment were party to the conspiracy to assas- “...And so let freedom ring, from the atic Theology at Boston University. He al- 1957. sinate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. so studied at Harvard University. His dis- ¥ The Russwurm Award from the National Dr. King’s funeral services were held on Let freedom ring from the mighty moun- sertation, “A Comparison of the Concep- Newspaper Publishers, 1957. April 9, 1968 at Ebenezer Baptist Church tains of New York. Let freedom ring from tions of God in the Thinking of Paul Tillich ¥ The Second Annual Achievement Award and on the campus of Morehouse College, the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsyl- and Henry Nelson Wieman,” was complet- from The Guardian Association of the Po- with the President of the United State pro- vania. Let freedom ring from the snow- ed in 1955, and the Ph.D. degree was lice Department of New York, 1958. claiming a day of mourning and flags being capped Rockies of Colorado. Let freedom awarded on June 5, 1955. ¥ Selected as one of the sixteen world lead- flown at half-staff. The area where Dr. ring from the curvaceous slopes of Cali- ers who had contributed most to the ad- King is entombed is located on Freedom fornia. But not only that. Let freedom ring vancement of freedom during 1959 by Plaza and is surrounded by the Freedom from Stone Mountain of Georgia. Let HONORARY DEGREES Ling Magazine of New Delhi, India. Hall Complex of the Martin Luther King, freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Dr. King was awarded honorary degrees ¥ Named “Man of the Year, “ by Time Mag- Jr. Historic Site. The site is a 23-acre area Tennessee. Let freedom ring from every from various colleges and universities in azine, 1963. was listed as a National Historic Landmark hill and molehill of Mississippi. From ev- the United States and several foreign coun- ¥ Named “American of the Decade,” by the on May 5, 1977 and was made a National ery mountainside, let freedom ringÐAnd tries. They include: Laundry, Dry Cleaning, and Die Workers, Historic Site on October 10, 1980 by the when we allow freedom to ring Ð when International Union, 1963. U.S. Department of the Interior. we let it ring from every village and every ¥ Doctor of Humane Letters, Morehouse ¥ The John Dewey Award, from the United In recent years, events in the lives of the hamlet, from every state and every city, College Federation of Teachers, 1964. King family have continued to reflect the we will be able to speed up that day when ¥ Doctor of Laws, Howard University ¥ The John F. Kennedy Award, from the tragedy and the triumph so uniquely com- all of God’s children, black men and ¥ Doctor of Divinity, Chicago Theological Catholic Interracial Council of Chicago, bined in Dr. King’s own life and is intrinsic, white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants Seminary 1964. perhaps, in the lives of all dedicated per- and Catholics, will be able to join hands ¥ Doctor of Laws, Morgan State University ¥ The Nobel Peace Prize, at age 35, the sons the world over. and sing in the words of the old Negro ¥ Doctor of Humanities, Central State Uni- youngest man, second American, and the Just a little more than a year after Martin spiritual: Free at last, free atlast. Thank versity third black man to be so honored, 1964. Luther King, Jr. was killed, his younger God almighty, we are free at last.” ¥ Doctor of Divinity, Boston University ¥ The Marcus Garvey Prize for Human brother, Alfred Daniel, died in a tragic ac- ¥ Doctor of Laws, Lincoln University Rights, presented by the Jamaican Gov- cident at his home in Atlanta. Funeral ser- From the Acceptance Speech, The Nobel ¥ Doctor of Laws, University of Bridgeport ernment, posthumously, 1968. vices were held at Ebenezer Baptist Church Peace Prize, 1964 ¥ Doctor of Civil Laws, Bard College ¥ The Rosa L. Parks award, presented by on July 24, 1969, where Alfred Daniel had January 14, 2011 The California Advocate Page 15 In MLK’s Honor, Let’s Strive for Dialogue That’s Passionate But Not Poisonous BY AL SHARPTON The senseless violence in Arizona this To be clear, I am not seeking credit for a past weekend left all of us stunned, but this noble act. Nor do I claim to be above feel- devastating act hit home for me more than ing anger or understanding the frustrations most. I have been a victim of violence that that can stem from issues of race. Indeed, a could have cost my life, and I have been in- few years later, a controversy erupted in volved in controversies that led to violence Harlem over a white businessman’s efforts in which my words were distorted and mis- to evict the longtime owner of the first used. As we try to understand the steps that black-owned business on 125th Street. I de- led to the horrors in Tucson, it is not lost on cided to support the protesters because I be- me that the anniversary of Dr. Martin lieved that the eviction disregarded the cul- Luther King Jr.’s birth is fast approaching. I ture and history of the neighborhood. hope that we can heal in this moment rather The morning that I was to lead a peaceful than just take sides and assign blame. Al- march, I gave a speech during a weekly ra- though his house was bombed, he was dio broadcast in which I said that we need stabbed, and he lived under constant to deal with a “white interloper” who was threats, Dr. King never pointed his finger at trying to alter the landscape of Harlem. My others. He sought to be a healer rather than clear intent was to lead a peaceful protest. I exacerbate tensions. did so that day, but I was wrong to refer to As a first step, we must reflect on the cli- this man’s race, and I was not careful in mate in our public discourse and our per- making distinctly clear that we were solely sonal responsibility. calling for nonviolent opposition. The issues here are larger than the facts Two and half months later, a disturbed that six lives were senselessly ended and and troubled man went to a neighboring many other people were wounded simply store and set a fire. He killed several of the for attending a political event. Those in pol- store’s employees and then himself. My itics and any other aspect of public life must words were immediately raised in the me- be more conscious of how their words and dia. My initial response was to defend the actions can trigger anyone, not just those fact that I had never condoned such vio- followers they expect might be listening. I lence, and never would. But the fact is, if I raise the dangers of inflammatory rhetoric in any way contributed to the climate - as a public figure who has been on both which was clearly more volatile than I had sides. thought Ð I had to be more careful and de- In 1991, weeks of protests followed the liberate in my public language rather than racially motivated killing of a black 16- sharpen my defenses. year-old in New York. There were inci- As we sort out what happened in Tucson, dents of taunts, people throwing watermel- we must resist the temptation to merely cast ons and open threats. I was leading a blame, and we all must be more aware of peaceful march in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, the weakness of the idea that we do not when I was stabbed. I look at that stab somehow contribute to the vitriolic atmo- wound every morning. It reminds me of sphere. Everyone must be alert. Much as I how close I came to leaving my children went over the line years ago, those with fatherless - all because of the intense polit- public voices must ensure that their mes- ical climate of the day. I wrestled for sages cannot be misconstrued as calling for months with how to address that climate a heinous act. Every morning, I think about and the race-based attack. Even though this how wounds are very real Ð psychological- was an effort to kill me, I asked the court ly and physically. for leniency toward my assailant. In the I hope that as we celebrate the birthday of spirit of King’s teachings, my focus was to Dr. King this weekend, we can think as he set a tone of forgiveness and reconciliation. did about how we can be passionate toward Despite my efforts, the judge sentenced what we believe in without also being poi- this man to nine years. sonous. It’s time for all of us to strive to- I decided to visit my attacker in jail. This ward a place where intelligent conversation was by far the most difficult thing I had to supersedes nonsensical violence. do Ð to look directly in the face of a man who tried to kill me. I told him I did it for (The writer is president of National Action me, not for him. Network, a civil rights organization) Page 16 The California Advocate January 14, 2011 THE CALIFORNIA ADVOCATE’S REPORTER ON THE STREET If Martin Luther King were alive today, what would he think about today’s political climate and the hate speech by some people in the media?

Paulette Johnson Eric Dunkins Kemari Yanci Catherine Wallace Kevin Kelly Robin Garrett

With all of the things that King has done, he would see improve- ment, but on the other end, he He would probably start another He would have a negative feel- He would be upset but you can’t He would deal with it the way he He would try to change it. He would see that people still har- march. The media is mainly ing towards the situation but he change people that don’t want to dealt with it in the past Ð by pro- would try to make a major dif- bor prejudice feelings. King negative against the less fortu- would want a positive outcome. change. moting “Equal opportunity, not ference and that’s special be- would fight for all people, not nate and minorities. segregation.” cause some people don’t make just for one race, similar to what differences. our president is doing now.

Shirley Kelly Brandon Cannon Dennis Murry Norman Wells Lee Fane ARTICLE BY Marlise Moore California Advocate

PHOTOS BY Ken McCoy Advocate

He would be surprised at the fact He would be happy to see an Hatred was what he would not He would get his people togeth- I think he would deal with it by Photo that this country is going back- African American president, but try to promote. He was able to er and try to change it. speaking on uniting people in- wards now that a Black Presi- disappointed by the non-pro- speak about being perfect and stead of separating them. There Journalist dent is in office. gression of the people in this non-violent. The media being is no unity amongst people. country when it comes to hate. negative is out place and it’s not helping any causes. An Evening with Terry McMillan

Best-Selling author of Waiting to Exhale temporary African-American women. With and How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Terry several of her bestsellers, including Waiting McMillan will speak in depth on her latest to Exhale, How Stella Got Her Groove novel, Getting to Happy. McMillan is the Back, and Disappearing Acts, made into hit winner of both an NAACP Image Award and movies, she has made her mark on both the an Essence Award . The Martin Luther King literary world as well as in Hollywood. Visiting Scholars committee selected McMil- In 2002, McMillan won an NAACP Image lan to speak with funding support from IRA. Award and an Essence Award. She released Since her breakout novel Waiting to her first non-fiction effort in 2006 under the Exhale surged onto The New York Times title, Its Okay if You’re Clueless, and 23 bestseller list, critics and readers alike have More Tips for the College Bound. McMil- been captivated by her irreverent, often- lan is currently at work on a signature hilarious take on the issues faced by con- household line.

Saturday, February 12, 2011 7:00 p.m. California State University, Fresno Satellite Student Union This event is free and open to the public

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