The Voice of African in Colorado

Living is worthless for one without a home - African Proverb

FEBRUARY 2012 CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PUBLISHING FREE Leader Responds Black History Month to President Obama Reclaim Their Ancestral Roots in

Ed Perlmutter's Statement in Response to the State of the Union: Calls for Democrats and Photo by Willis Evans Photo by Leslie K. Brown Republicans to work together Willis Evans Leslie K. Brown in a bipartisan way to move By Frederick H. Lowe made centuries ago to America Brown said her trip paid homage to toward an economy built to last. as slaves. her maternal ancestor. Washington, DC – January 24, Willis Evans and Leslie K. Brown, “I returned as a free man to the port “I honored my ancestor by returning 2012, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO- two African Americans, recently where my great, great grandfather to her homeland of Cameroon,” 07) released the following statement traveled to the Republic of Cameroon, left in shackles as a slave,” Evans Brown said. “She was taken from supporting President Obama’s blueprint a country in West Central Africa. It said. “It brought me closer to a lot of her land, enslaved, and survived to move our country forward with an wasn’t a vacation. They were closing issues in life. I can say I can face life a horrible and brutal voyage [to economy built to last. the circle on a trip their ancestors better today than yesterday.” Continued on page 6 “While our businesses in our country added over three million new jobs over the past 22 months, there is Appeal Delays Resolution for Funding still work to do. We need to continue building good jobs here in Colorado and our country and not outsourcing them overseas. We need to continue rebuilding confidence in our economy, and we need to be able to plan for our lives, our businesses and our future. Specifically, I support the President’s plan for our new energy future utilizing our traditional energy and natural gas resources while at the same time pushing forward on investing in private partnerships to develop alternative energy sources Photos, Relections by Tatjana Photo from www.colorado.gov which have created thousands of Taylor Lobato Attorney Kathy Gebheart Governor John Hickenlooper American jobs in our nation. These The state’s formal notice of appeal finance system, plaintiff’s attorneys attorneys on behalf of Lobato. “The partnerships and work are already in Lobato v. State of Colorado and supporters said. state is failing to meet constitutional happening in Colorado’s 7th CD at is an anticipated but unfortunate “The judge’s decision in December requirements that it maintain a places like NREL, GE, Vestas and step in the prolonged lawsuit to fix was firm and resounding,” said thorough and uniform school our research universities. It will lead Colorado’s broken public school Kathy Gebhardt, one of the lead Continued on page 15 the way in transforming how we power our nation, create new jobs of Obama’s America: More Warren Buffett’s Secretary, than Warren Buffett the future, and enhance our economic By Sandip Roy In 2009 in his first State of the This year in his State of the Union, stability and national security. Union, President Barack Obama said Obama, still struggling with a far Through innovation, education (NAM) - “America is back,” President “We will rebuild, we will recover, from recovered economy, laid out a and collaboration, Democrats and Barack Obama said in his 2012 State and the of America rather different vision. Republicans in Congress must work of the Union address. That sounds will emerge stronger than before … “But America remains the one together in a bipartisan way, like muscular, very Schwarzenegger- It is time for America to lead again.” indispensable nation in world affairs we often do in Colorado, to move sque. But America’s new avatar is a What a difference one term in – and as long as I’m President, I toward an economy built to last.” little different from old Uncle Sam. office makes. Continued on page 14 The Black Press is the Power and the Voice of Black People. February 2012 www.africanamericanvoice.net ELECTION 2012 Black Fraternities Form Obama Super PAC By Cynthia Gordy

(NAM) Another factor making 2012 politically historic? It marks the first presidential election with super PACs. Given free rein by a 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision, super PACs are independent committees allowed to raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to support, or skewer, a political candidate. They’re already shaping the election. After a pro-Romney super PAC, Restore Our Future, spent nearly $3 million on attack ads in Iowa targeting Newt Gingrich, his lead in the state swiftly plummeted. But a new pro-Obama super PAC, 1911 United, has a different strategy in mind: to mobilize an “army of Obama supporters.” Backed by members of Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi, Photo from New America Media, The Root historically black fraternities that plans to organize and deploy to dominate the political process. But context, I think it’s a good thing.” both celebrated their centennials 10,000 volunteers to register at he’s unapologetic about forming one. Another critical aspect of 1911 last year, 1911 United aims to least 100 voters each and activate “I am conscious of how money United’s approach is organizing raise $1.5 million toward training them to hit the polls. The PAC is impacts campaigns, and how it’s early, instead of the typical model and organizing African-American focusing its efforts in Florida, North used to control and strangle the of rushing a last-minute push in the voters in key battleground states Carolina, , , process. That being said, we want fall. Starting now will be especially to re-elect President Obama. , Indiana and Colorado. to make sure that every resource important in combating possible Members of the two fraternities “When it comes to putting down available is being used to empower disenfranchisement of black voters joined forces last year, officially dollars, energy and effort, these are our people go out and vote,” he said. in the form of photo-ID laws, cuts to forming the committee in December, the critical battleground states,” said And yes, that possibly includes the early voting and other rule changes after seeing that both organizations Skinner, 42. “We also chose states attack ads for which super PACs are in the 2012 election. were running their own campaign where the black electorate represents so notorious. “Some of this is about our people volunteer-recruitment efforts at a percentage of the population “We’re going to be able to have maturing in the electoral process,” college homecoming events. that will make a difference in the advertisements that support Obama, said Skinner, who added that too “We were thinking about how we election’s outcome if we don’t come and some might consider them attack often, African Americans mistakenly could really honor the legacy of out. We’re not fighting Republicans; ads. But I think it’s about time black view elections as a one-day event. those brothers who got together 100 we’re fighting apathy.” folks had their own attack ads,” said “The issue of voter suppression years ago, and we thought perhaps Skinner, a mechanical engineer Skinner. “We’ve borne the brunt of is not new to us as a people. But the best thing we could do is help who served as field director for most of them whenever someone’s getting involved in the process re-elect our president,” Sinclair former D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty’s running for office, from the time of in January will ensure that we’re Skinner, committee treasurer, told first mayoral campaign, says that he Willie Horton. If this vehicle gives more prepared come November for The Root. understands criticism of super PACs us a voice and an opportunity to whatever they try to throw at us. That To achieve this goal, 1911 United in general, for allowing corporations put forth our agenda, then, in that Continued on page 14 The Black Vote is Still the President’s Trump Card By Earl Ofari Hutchinson turn out that will again ease the for Obama, and if Obama had GOP dominates the state legislatures President’s path back to the White not, openly in the South Carolina in North Carolina, Virginia, Florida (NAM) That black voters will House or, make that path rocky. The primary and subtly in primaries and Virginia. Four of these five states again give President Obama a sky- 2008 election decisively proved that thereafter, stoked the black have GOP governors, and there’s high percentage of their vote in the presidential re-election bid is a vote, he could easily have been warfare between the GOP and the 2012 was never in doubt. What is pure numbers game. just another failed Democratic Democrats over GOP concocted in doubt is how many will make up If black voters had not turned presidential candidate. Through remapping plans in Florida and Ohio that percentage. It is the number, the 2008 Democratic presidential its voter education, awareness and and other states. The plans would not percentage of black voters that primaries into a virtual holy crusade mobilization campaigns, the NAACP virtually insure a spate of redrawn played a huge role in galvanizing GOP friendly voting districts in the and boosting the numbers of black 2012 presidential election. The GOP voters, nearly all votes for Obama. aim is to gain greater dominance in It was part race, part pride, and all the House and win majority control sense of history in the making, as in the Senate. well as being a part of Obama’s But the biggest prize is the White epic win. House, and the more GOP controlled The mass rush by blacks to the districts in the states that Obama polls was the single biggest reason won in 2008, the greater the odds are that Obama carried the traditional of rolling those states back into the must-win states of Pennsylvania, GOP win column. GOP strategists Ohio, Florida, and broke the GOP almost certainly will spend massive presidential grip on North Carolina sums and mount a relentless, and Virginia. There’s no certainty that intensive blitz in these states to will be the case this time around. The Continued on page 14 2 www.africanamericanvoice.net February 2012 COMMUNITY Joe Turner at THEATREWORKS Clinton Turner Davis, director is a generation or less removed characters is Bynum, who has a song the polyrhythms pulsating in healing of Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, from emancipation. However, the for every occasion. In addition to drumming circles. My song grounds sat down with THEATREWORKS conflicts and tensions of racism and humming and singing throughout me and allows me to take wing artistic director Murray Ross to discrimination remain prevalent. As the play, Bynum facilitates others and soar. discuss the play. critic David Rush succinctly states, finding their song—that “song of Pulitzer Prize winning playwright JTCG is “a serious play in which self-sufficiency, fully resurrected, August Wilson is one of the most the universe is reduced in size.” cleansed, and given breath, free Joe Turner plays Thurs-Sunday thru influential writers in American With this reduction, expansive vistas from any encumbrance other than February 19 at THEATREWORKS. theater. He is best known for his are introduced that encompass a the workings of [one’s] heart and the unprecedented cycle of 10 plays, multitude of potential entrees into the bonds of the flesh . . .” THEATREWORKS is a often called the Cycle. amazing and rapidly changing world Yes, I have found my song. Its professional theatre company This series of plays chronicle the the characters in the play inhabit and melody is as simple as a heartbeat located on the UCCS campus tragedies and aspirations of African with which they must come to terms and full of complexities like the in Colorado Springs. www. Americans during each decade of the in order to survive. contrapuntal motion and counterpoint theatreworksCS.org 20th century. Wilson employs metaphors that found in great musical works, and Box Office: 255-3232 Clinton Turner Davis is a professor are beautifully realized and at Colorado College, a leading director, pointedly weighted, yet allow the dramaturge, and arts consultant on themes he circumscribes to have the American theatre scene. His greater relevance. The search for presents work has been produced by theatres identity that will contribute to throughout the country. forming one’s essential self is an MR:You told me Joe Turner is on-going journey. The hostility of your very favorite play, why? the environments all the characters CTD: Wilson writes about the navigate is transformative and African American experience, but ultimately becomes a contextual his works also reflect and refract the equivalent for the Middle Passage, American experience by allowing the shipping of slaves from audiences and readers to better Africa to the New World. Wilson understand who they are individually actually resurrects the horrors of the by August Wilson and collectively as a people, a nation. Middle Passage in one of the most His works have resonances that compelling and revelatory scenes in NOW - Feb. 19 transcend gender, race, religion, and American theatre. Tickets: $30 nationalities. MR: What does it mean to find Box of ce: 719-255-3232 The characters in JTCG are your song? Have you found yours? theatreworksCS.org all beautifully realized. Each one CTD: One of the play’s central Colorado Association of the Deaf and others Join Lawsuit Against Adams County Sheriffs On January 26, 2012, the Colorado people and never ask if an interpreter passage of the ADA, Sheriffs and or communicate should be a crime.” Association of the Deaf and two is needed.” police have no policies or procedures CCDC, the other organizational other plaintiffs joined the lawsuit The federal Americans with for providing sign language plaintiff, is a non-profit statewide filed in November against Douglas Disabilities Act (“ADA”) prohibits interpreters for deaf persons. They disability rights membership advocacy Darr, the Sheriff of Adams County, discrimination against people with wait to get sued, and then they organization that has been serving Colorado. The Colorado Association disabilities. The ADA requires that start thinking about the ADA. its members in Colorado since 1990. of the Deaf (CAD) is a nonprofit See www.ccdconline.org for more organization dedicated to protect the “Throughout Colorado, Sheriffs are information. As a result of these rights of the deaf individuals and cases, CCDC has now sent Open their families to accessible services; breaking the law,” said Kevin Williams, Records Act requests to all Colorado to empower deaf individuals to County Sheriffs requesting copies exercise self-determination and CCDC’s Legal Program Director." of their policies and procedures for independence; to advocate for equal providing interpreters and effective opportunities in social, educational, the Sheriff provide appropriate aids Arresting people, handcuffing them communication to deaf individuals. and employment opportunities in and services such as sign language when their hands are their means of the State of Colorado. (http://www. interpreters to ensure “effective communication, and throwing them cadeaf.org/) communication” with individuals in jail when they cannot understand Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition Michaelee Owen, a deaf individual, who are deaf. e African American Voice is along with his guardian, Jeanine CCDC’s Legal Program, the published monthly by e African Roybal, joined Plaintiffs Timothy lawyers representing the Plaintiffs, American Voice Newspaper, Inc. Siaki, Kimberlee Moore and recently settled a similar case against e contents of this publication are copyrighted by e African American Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition the Lakewood Police Department Voice Newspaper, Inc. Reproductions (“CCDC”). Like Timothy Siaki, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s African American Voice or use of content in any manner is jailed for 25 days, Michaelee Owen Office. The settlements require very P.O. Box 25340 prohibited without prior written consent. was booked and held in Adams specific policies for compliance with Colorado Springs, CO 80936 County Detention Facility without the ADA to ensure deaf individuals The Black Press Creed any access to communication. See can communicate with police officers James Tucker The Black Press believes that Amer- http://www.ccdconline.org/case/1434. and detention center deputies. For Publisher ica can best lead the world away from Phone: 719.528.1954 racial and national antagonism when “All government entities have to details, go to http://www.ccdconline. E-mail: [email protected] it affords to all people – regardless of ensure access to equal and effective org/case/854. race, color or creed – their human communication for individuals “Throughout Colorado, Sheriffs Undray Tucker and legal rights. Hating no person who are deaf," said CAD President are breaking the law,” said Kevin Associate Publisher and fearing no person, the Black Raymond Kilthau. “This is even Williams, CCDC’s Legal Program Press strives to help every person in Howard Smith (Independent Contractor) the firm belief that all are hurt as long more important with police and Director. “These cases are very Layout and Graphic Artist as anyone is held back. jailers, because they handcuff deaf similar. More than 20 years after the February 2012 www.africanamericanvoice.net 3 HEALTH February is American Heart Month Focus on Heart Health: healthy heart habits, get a Quit Smoking – the nicotine in meditation. American Heart Month cardiovascular screening, and learn tobacco products decreases oxygen Eat Right – diets rich in leafy The Center for Disease control has how to minimize your risks. Tie it to the heart, increases blood pressure greens, fresh fruits, and lean meats designated February as American in with Valentine’s Day – romantic and heart rate, and damages the cells with little salt and fat tend to improve Heart Month. During this month things like red wine and chocolate in your coronary arteries. heart health. Antioxidant-rich foods many health programs focus on are heart-healthy in moderation! Healthy Cholesterol – a heart- also help! preventing heart disease and promoting 5 Ways to Reduce Your healthy cholesterol total should be Manage Other Conditions – many cardiovascular improvement. Risk Of Heart Disease 200 mg/dl or lower with at least 40 other medical conditions like high Women are especially often The focus seems to be on your mg/dl of HDL (good) cholesterol for blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity overlooked when it comes to the heart for February. Not only is this men and 50 mg/dl for women. can lead to heart damage. dangers of heart disease, which is month when Valentine's Day occurs Manage Stress – stress can why February 4 is “National Wear and you may “give your heart” to impact many of your body systems, Red Day” to raise awareness of another, but it’s also American Heart especially your heart. You can reduce LaVan & NEIDENBERG, P.A. women’s heart health. Month. Here are 5 ways to potentially stress and improve your health at www.DisabilityLawClaims.com Take this month to learn some reduce your risk of heart disease: the same time with exercise and 1-888-234-5758

Exercise When You Travel routine. Changing up from the norm Granted, they may not have the most creates workshops and exercise is sometimes just what your body up to date equipment, but they still classes for guests. needs to get out of the dull routine serve the purpose of keeping your 4. Stuck at the airport? Delayed you are used to, and you might find body on track with exercise, right? flights are opportunities! Take this something new that captures your Even if the treadmill doesn’t have all time to take a brisk walk through interest enough to try it at home. the bells and whistles you are used the terminal. Wearing comfortable Here are a few tips to help you stay to and even if the elliptical machine shoes will help you on your walk and on track when you are on the road: doesn’t have programmable options, prevent any ankle or knee problems. 1. Take your equipment with you. you can still get your workout on. Most major terminals have plenty of Obviously not your treadmill, but Don’t complain, just burn calories! long hallways, so no time to waste, exercise bands, a mat and a jump rope 3. Check out the options available start walking! can fit very well into your suitcase on the tube. Most hotels have cable Thanks for reading! and won’t add much weight. You and most cable companies offer Have a healthy week! can do pushups, sit ups, core moves some sort of fitness channel(s). Kim Farmer Kim Farmer and stretches on your mat and get Obviously you won’t have tons of Mile High Fitness some cardio in with your jump rope. space to work with since the bed and [email protected] If you have a job that requires you The exercise bands are good for the bathroom are just a few feet from to be on the road a lot, you may find strength training every major muscle the coffee maker, but nevertheless, it a bit challenging to find time to fit group in your body and are good for you can still get it done. your normal workout in amidst the any fitness level. No excuses! Some hotels provide “fitness kits” meetings, conferences, or extra long 2. Book your accommodations at a for yoga, strength training, or Pilates. days at a client site. Or if you plan hotel with a gym. It is rather unusual At Westin hotels, you can tune the to travel for the holidays, there really for even your run of the mill hotel to TV to a yoga channel. Some hotels, is no reason NOT to exercise, but not have a gym now-a-days, so there like Don Shula’s Hotel in Florida, Volunteer Victim there is every reason to change your really is no reason to go without one. even have a fitness concierge who Advocate SOCIAL SECURITY The El Paso County Sher- iff’s Office Victim As- Earn and Keep More Money sistance Program is cur- more good news. In addition to will obtain full retirement age in rently seeking volunteer receiving a little more each month, 2012, the annual exempt amount is victim advocates to assist you may now earn more income $38,880 and we will withhold $1 victims of violent crime without offsetting your benefits for every $3 you earn over the limit and family survivors of because the “earnings test” numbers from your monthly benefits. also have gone up. You can learn more about the sudden death. Training is If you have reached your full earnings test and how benefits scheduled to begin April retirement age (age 66 for anyone may be reduced by visiting our 16, 2012, and will consist born between 1943 and 1954), the website, www.socialsecurity.gov, and of meeting 2 evenings earnings test does not apply and you searching on the topic “earnings test.” per week for 12 weeks. By Rose Fortune may earn as much money as you can Find out what your full retirement without any effect on your benefits. age is at our Retirement Age For additional informa- You probably already know that However, if you are younger than page, www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/ tion or to request an there was an increase in Social full retirement age, collecting ageincrease.htm. application, please call, Security and Supplemental Security benefits and still working, we do You also may want to read our 520-7237. Deadline for Income (SSI) monthly payments offset some of your benefit amount publication, How Work Affects Your submission of applica- at the beginning of the year. If you after a certain earnings limit is met. Benefits. It’s available at www. receive monthly Social Security or For people under full retirement age socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10069.html. tions is March 16, 2012. SSI payments, you received a 3.6 in 2012, the annual exempt amount percent cost-of-living adjustment is $14,640, and if you do reach that beginning with your payment for the limit, we withhold $1 for every $2 Rose Fortune month of January 2012. above that limit from your monthly Public Affairs Specialist For people who receive Social benefit amount. For people who Social Security Administration Security retirement benefits, there’s retired early, continue working and [email protected] 4 www.africanamericanvoice.net February 2012 EDUCATION A Call to Action from R.C. Glymph exists between European-American students and African-American in each grade and subject studied. It further states that, in the case of the sample of African-American students, the concern carries added emphasis. Their rate of change over the two-year projection was the lowest of all groups. As a Black educator it is my responsibility to rally the forces, ring the bell, and shout from the highest mountains that “if black and brown inner-city children are going to have any kind of a chance to avoid being made into what our country calls failures”, we the elders, along with our churches and concerned community organizations must step up to the plate. Mathematics is the critical filter for employment and full participation in our society. Concerned educators along with the faith based church and The social Injustices of public and of course D and F students. have an advantage in academics and community leaders must take on this education practices can no longer Instructional methods limit access in the job market. Our children are responsibility and make sure that our be tolerated. It has become apparent to course content, especially in being cheated and left behind to fill children are prepared to compete for that public education has not evolved mathematics. Students from diverse the jails. They are blamed for their the best in everything. in pursuit of equality or in a quest for backgrounds come to school with own failure. According to the most We must prepare them to compete. maximum academic achievement for different needs. All students receive current research from the Northwest Respectfully, all students, but is responding to the the same type instruction in an Evaluation Association, November R.C. Glymph developing needs of capitalism and environment of competition. 2010, new data shows that nearly Special Education Teacher the market place. It is common knowledge that eight years into the No Child Left Math Maze Game System © As the importance of a skilled and cooperation promotes and maximizes Behind law, the inability to bridge educated work force grew within learning. Additionally, students the “achievement gap” still exists. For additional information capitalism, so did the importance of in cooperative conditions have I wonder why? The study goes on regarding ways to help: www. maintaining educational inequality in less disagreement and conflict, to say that an achievement gap mathmaze.us or kidscardgames.org order to reproduce the class structure. greater personal acceptance, support From the 1920s to 2008, the class from peers and more help and structure has been supported by collaboration among group members. America’s public education system. Black and brown students working The class structure in schools shows in cooperative conditions develop no signs of change. The inequality better self-esteem and become in education has its roots in the class positive academically. structure it serves to legitimize and Today in the United States, reproduce. Instructional practices in mastering mathematics has become this country are designed to produce more important than ever. Students A students, B students, C students with a strong grasp of mathematics African American Voice Scholarship The Colorado Springs Campus of apply through and be selected by the Colorado Technical University has African American Voice publishers established the African American at www.africanamericanvoice.net. Voice Scholarship to assist eligible Scholarships are awarded based on students with the opportunity to the availability of funding. attend an undergraduate degree •The grant is not available for program at Colorado Technical the ADN Nursing and Surgical University. The scholarship will not Tech programs. exceed 50% of the student’s tuition • Refer to the CTU General for the cost of the degree program. To Scholarship & Grant Conditions. be eligible for the African American Voice Scholarship, a candidate must For More Information Call: 719.528.1954

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February 2012 www.africanamericanvoice.net 5 NATIONAL

African Americans Reclaim Their Ancestral Brown nor Evans, who is his Roots in Cameroon family’s historian, were sure Continued from page 1 how to take advantage of their the United States], which was a newfound knowledge until they testament to her incredible strength. received an e-mail in May 2010 The trip helped me find my anchor.” from Acts of Random Kindness or Evans and Brown learned they ARK Jammers, which operates the were members of specific tribes. Ancestry Reconnection Program They also realized that they (ARP). The e-mail invited them to resembled Cameroon natives as seen visit Cameroon. Jammers refer to a in the shape of their faces and their group of musicians and music lovers eyes. Evans posed for photographs who believe in changing the world with one Cameroonian he had never through the power of music. ARK met to document the resemblances. Jammers was founded in 2008 in Evans, an Air Force retiree, and Baltimore, and the company has an Brown, a documentary filmmaker office in Cameroon. and nonprofit business consultant, “The ARP is a program of the traveled to Cameroon after taking ARK Jammers, which grew out Willis Evans stands on his five acres of land shortly after he received it at the Africa Land Gift Ceremony. DNA tests administered by African of the recognition that there is a Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and big almond-shaped eyes and round Ancestry Inc., a Washington, D.C.- growing number of DNA-certified the Republic of the Congo to the faces like me,” she added. based company co-founded in 2002 Americans of Cameroonian origin— south. The country’s population Evans is a member of the Ewondo by Gina Paige and Rick Kittles, Camericans,” said Eric Chinje, in June 2009 was 19.1 million. People, who are centered on Ph.D. Kittles is scientific director of advisor to Avline Ava, ARK French and English are the country’s Yaoundé, which was named for African Ancestry and an associate Jammers president. official languages. them. They also populate the eastern professor in the Department ARK Jammers began working with Individuals pay roundtrip airfare, Mefou division and the Mfoundi, of Medicine, Epidemiology, and Paige, president of African Ancestry, which ranges from $1,500 to more Nyong and So divisions in the Biostatistics, and the director of to identify the DNA origins of than $2,000, said Chinje. The Centre Province. The remainder of human genetics at the University of African Americans. Cameroon government picked up their territory lies in the northern at . “The trips are designed as an the tab for the hotel rooms, food portions of the Ocean division in the African Ancestry enables people opportunity to welcome home our and ground transportation. ARK South Province. Their language (or to trace their African ancestry by long-lost brothers and sisters and Jammers is now planning to offer Beti dialect), also called Ewondo, is analyzing their DNA and comparing give them a chance to reconnect Ancestry Reconnection Programs the most widely spoken of the Beti it to the DNA of peoples and tribes with the land of their ancestors,” to other African countries in languages in Cameroon, with an from the continent. Chinje said. the . estimated 577,700 speakers in 1982. The role of DNA in the lives of ARK Jammers has sponsored two “Traveling to Africa was on my One of the most emotional trips African Americans has become Ancestry Reconnection Programs to bucket list,” Brown said, “but I for the group was to Bimbia, an very important. DNA evidence has Cameroon. The first one lasted 10 didn’t really know what to expect.” independent state of the Isubu people opened prison doors for wrongfully days, and it began on December 27, Philémon Yang, Cameroon prime of Cameroon. Bimbia became known convicted black men, and now it 2010, and ended on January 5, 2011. minister, welcomed the travelers for slave trading. Ambassador is opening the door for people to Evans was among more than 50 “back home” when they arrived in Jackson said discussions are underway reconnect to their African heritage. African Americans who participated. Yaoundé, the country’s capital. At to certify Bimbia as a World Heritage African Ancestry provides a kit “It was a real release for me,” that point, Brown said she began to site and for the establishment of that enables individuals to trace said Evans, who, like the others, feel very special. an Institute for Slave Trades and either their maternal or paternal received a deed written in French for Before her trip to Cameroon, Diaspora Studies at one of the lineage or both. The test kit contains five acres of land in a subdivision Brown learned that she was a member institutions of higher learning three collection swabs, one bar- undergoing development. of the , who originated in Cameroon. coded envelope, an instruction sheet, “My name was on the land,” he said. in present-day Sudan. They were The Bimbia Purification Ceremony, a specimen-information form and a The organization launched ARK artists, musicians, iron-makers/ a one-time only event conducted pre-paid mailer. Jammers Connection Cameroon blacksmiths, carpenters, and were by traditional elders, is held there. Each test kit has an identification 2011 on June 23, 2011. Robert P. considered economically savvy, in It marks the completion of that number that is unique to the DNA Jackson, the U.S. Ambassador to the Meroe Kingdom. historical loop: a reconnection of the applicant to guarantee proper Cameroon, spoke in support of The Tikar People arrived in the two halves of a once broken people. tracking and confidentiality, African the role of cultural heritage and Sudan from Egypt and Ethiopia. Esebou Mokate Samuel, Lord Ancestry officials said. Individuals the Diaspora in fostering mutual They were cattle and goat herders Mayor of Limbe III Council, a seaside swab inside of their mouths along understanding between Americans who moved west to Lake Chad to city in the South-West Region of the jaw and let the swab dry inside and Cameroonians. present-day Cameroon, Niger, and Cameroon, welcomed Camericans its paper package. Once the swabs The second trip began on December before traveling across to Bimbia with an emotional speech. dry, the individual places them into 26, 2011, and ended on January 4, West Africa. It is believed that when “My brothers and sisters, what does a prepaid envelope and returns them 2012. Evans went along for a return the ancestors of the Tikar were in this represent to you, many of you to African Ancestry. The company trip, and Brown made her first visit the Sudan, they lived along the have asked,” Lord Mayor Samuel processes the test results in about along with 85 others to Cameroon. Nile River. said. “Why have you chosen to come six weeks. The DNA test does not None of the Camericans knew “It certainly blew away all of the back home? I said it during your first involve drawing blood, African each other before traveling to stereotypes to learn my ancestors visit to Bimbia, and I will repeat it Ancestry officials emphasize. Cameroon, which is called “Africa settled along the Nile and ruled today; there is no place like home! Brown, who lives in Montclair, in miniature” for its geological and Cameroon for three centuries,” Home is home. You are entitled to NJ, took the DNA test in 2006 to cultural diversity. Natural features Brown said. “We have been told that know the history of your people. determine her maternal lineage. include beaches, deserts, mountains, Africa was “saved” by colonization. You are entitled to walk on land your Evans, a resident of Hampton, rainforests, and savannas. The Well, we were a thriving, and ancestors walked. Your are entitled VA, took the DNA test in 2009 highest point is on Mount Cameroon, powerful kingdom. Enslavement to build your own opinion of the land to determine his paternal and his which is 10,157 feet high. and colonization severely weakened of your forefathers in order to erase maternal lineage. His paternal lineage Cameroon is home to over 200 our infrastructure.” the stereotypes and stigmatization of is from Cameroon and his maternal different linguistic groups. It is Brown also was told by a our people.” lineage is from somewhere in lower bordered by Nigeria to the west; Cameroonian that she strongly Frederick H. Lowe is founder and Europe. (He wasn’t specific.) Chad to the northeast; the Central resembled the Tikar People, who editor of The NorthStar News & After getting test results, neither African Republic to the east; and live in the Northwest. “They have Analysis www.thenorthstarnews.com 6 www.africanamericanvoice.net February 2012 YOUTH PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

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February 2012 www.africanamericanvoice.net 7 CALENDAR

Rhonda Fields - State Representative, HD-42 Office: 303-866-3911 District: 303-246-8280 [email protected]

Advertise in the African American Voice! Auto For more information call: 719.528.1954 Honda 1988 GL1500 motorbike for free, if interested contact: [email protected]

8 www.africanamericanvoice.net February 2012 FEBRUARY 2012 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT Black Women in American Culture and History

PJ Gage Rhonda Fields Kim Farmer Johnnie Fant Annette Sills-Brown Carrie Barnhill Youth Organizer, State Representative HD-42 Personal Trainer, Entrepreneur President of Veteran, Small Business Owner, Community Outreach Director Business Owner Colorado Black Educators Publisher of Pikes Peak Prep From the American Revolution patriot during the Revolutionary which African American women stereotypes about their sexuality, to the present, African American War, to , the leader play a singular role. The labors, morality, spirituality, and intellect, women have played a myriad of of the struggles, organization, and sacrifices African American women have critical roles in the making of our from slavery, to Ida B. Wells, the of common women have made never succumbed to victimhood nation. Their labor and leadership, unyielding opponent of lynching, possible the prominence of heralded and have pressed forward to uplift their motherhood and patriotism, and to Rosa Parks, the mother of the individuals. In churches, community themselves, their families, and their intellect and artistic expression modern Civil Rights Movement, groups, literary societies, sororities, their community. have all enriched both the African black women have been notable for and advocacy organizations, African To gain an understanding of the American community and the nation standing against oppression. From American women have been the core history of African American women at large. In slavery and freedom, Gwendolyn Brooks to Toni Morrison of organized black life, but here their is to broaden our understanding of their struggles have been at the heart to Rita Dove, they have distinguished strivings have often escaped the gaze a people and the American nation. of the human experience, and their themselves in American letters, of the public and hence their history The Association for the Study triumphs over racism and sexism and in recent years they have been is too little known. of African American Life and are a testimonial to our common recognized as actors and recording Their story is unique in the annals History dedicates the 2012 Annual human spirit. artists with Academy Awards of American history. Black women Black History Theme to exploring In American culture today, many and Grammys. were held as slaves and middle- African American women’s roles know of the accomplishments of a The accomplishments of these class black women labored while in and contributions to the making few prominent figures. From Phillis exceptional women are the their counterparts were housewives. of America. Wheatley, the unlikely American expressions of a vibrant culture in Subjected to a long history of Black History Month The Other Side of the Story: Message to Mike Miles and Harrison School District 2 Board of Education "As another has well said, to handicap a student by teaching him that his black face is a curse and that his struggle to change his condition is hopeless is the worst sort of lynching." - Dr. Carter G. Woodson More Quotes from Dr. Carter G. Woodson Inside the Special Supplement

For more information Know Your Heritage on Black History Month visit: Did You Know? www.asalh.org They don't promote Black History. Deborah Hendrix Richard L. Price Mike Miles Harrison School District 2 Harrison School District 2 Harrison School District 2 The message is: Your history is Board of Education President Board of Education Vice President Superintendent worth nothing to this system.

“The large majority of the Negroes who have put on the finishing touches of our best colleges are all but worthless in the development of their people.” - Dr. Carter G. Woodson

February 2012 www.africanamericanvoice.net S1 PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT

Honoring Black History at Ruth Holley Library in February Colorado Springs, CO – Ruth Holley Library is celebrating Black History Month in February with a very special Family Fun event. The Honoring Black History Celebration will take place from 2 - 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 25 and feature activities for the entire family. Bring the family and come enjoy ethnic food, vendors, African Drummers, a free caricature artist, entertainment, and crafts for kids. Entertainment will include: • James Duckery on the Sax • Shivers Multicultural Ensemble • Cedric the caricature artist • Storyteller Connie Black • Bob Hall’s African Drums Honoring Black History Essay Contest Winners in Ruth Holley Library’s annual Honoring Black History Essay Contest will read their work as part of this special celebration as well. Middle and high school students are invited to submit an essay titled, “African Americans and the Civil War.” The piece should be historical fiction and combine Civil War research and imagination of character development to create a character and story that takes place during the Civil War period, written in 350 words or less. Examples: Your character knew Harriet Tubman and assisted her with the Underground Railroad. Your character fought at the Battle of New Market Heights, Virginia, and as a result was one of 14 African Ameri- cans to be awarded the . Entries should be emailed to [email protected], mailed or delivered to Cindy Shields at Ruth Holley Library, 685 N. Murray Blvd. Entries must be received by February 11. Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place winners. Friends, family, and community members are invited to celebrate with our student authors when they read their prize-winning essays at the Awards Ceremony from 3:30 - 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 25.

“I am ready to act, if I can find brave men to help me.” - Dr. Carter G. Woodson

S2 www.africanamericanvoice.net February 2012 BLACK HISTORY MONTH Black Student Union Presents Fun and Educational Events for Students & Local Community

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO— of the events will be held on the University Center near the mountain “Barber of Birmingham,” will be In honor of Black History Month UCCS campus [1420 Austin Bluffs lion statue and proceeds to the Upper held in Centennial Hall Auditorium during February, UCCS’ Black Parkway], with free parking on Lodge where the Gospel Explosion on Feb. 17 from 6-9pm. Student Union hosts several free Fridays, and have door prizes for the commences around 6:15 p.m. All events are sponsored by the events kicking off with a keynote attendees to try and win.” TheatreWorks sponsors BSU Office of Student Activities and the discussion, “It’s Bigger Than Hip The keynote event spotlights the Night on Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. during Student Government Association. Hop”, the following weeks featuring relevance of Africana/Black and its production of “Joe Turner’s Come The Celebration of Black Art is the “Remembrance Walk and hip-hop studies in academia. UCCS and Gone” by August Wilson with co-sponsored by the Phi Sigma Gospel Explosion”, BSU Night at professor Stephany Spaulding, a discussion led by BSU following Sigma Sorority and also *CODE TheatreWorks, the “Black Love and Ph.D., and Colorado College’s Heidi the show. It is free for students and RED. the Lack Thereof Part II” forum, and Lewis, Ph.D., join visiting speakers $ 30/15 for the general public/under culminating with the “Celebration of Dawn-Elissa Fischer, Ph.D., and 16. Another student led discussion For more information, please Black Art.” Julius Bailey, Ph.D., on Friday, Feb. on Black Love and the Lack Thereof contact Whitley Hadley (whadley@ “We are looking forward to Black 3, from 7-9 p.m. in the University commences in the University Center, uccs.edu) or Assistant Professor History Month and providing Center, room 302. room 116, on Feb. 13, from 7-9 p.m. Dr. Stephany Spaulding (sspauldi@ exciting events for both students On Feb. 10 from 5:30-8 p.m., the BSU’s grand finale for its uccs.edu). Please visit the Black and the community,” said BSU Club Remembrance Walk and Gospel Black History Month festivities, Student Union on Facebook President, Whitley Hadley. “All Explosion starts outside of the Celebration of Black Art and the film (BSU@UCCS).

Reaching higher

to make a better life for myself I grew up here so I thought going away for college“ would be a good idea. But I missed the mountains and realized UCCS is the perfect fit. The College of Business has great professors and the small class sizes mean I get more personal attention. When you take 18 to 20 hours a semester like I do that makes a big difference. I know I’m getting the University of Colorado education I’ll need to be successful in business. Colorado Springs

“ — Joyce, Sophomore, Business major www.uccs.edu | 800-990-UCCS (8227)

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“If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.” - Dr. Carter G. Woodson

February 2012 www.africanamericanvoice.net S3 BACK TO AFRICA Tracing One's Roots

Pontianus Lawong

By Pontianus Lawong

Photos by Callie Riser Eighty-seven Afro-Americans whose James Tucker traces his roots back to Cameroon and connects with his extended family members, the Massa Tribe and Fulani people. ancestral origin has been traced to Cameroon recently visited the the healthiest and most disciplined items from the wardrope of previous list of heritages under the protection country within the framework of the in the land, the noble–class opened rulers etc, some of them dating as far of UNESCO, the Lagdo Hydro- Reconnection Programme of the Acts the show, followed by the warriors back as the year 1700. Electricity Dam etc. But officials of Random Kindness, Ark-Jammers. and then the youth wing of the The most outstanding was the age- from the North Regional Delegation Among the towns visited was the Lamido’s army among others, with old Holy Book, the Koran used by the of Tourism chose the Kola Gorges, North Regional capital, Garoua, each group paying allegiance to their founders of Garoua and upon which located some 110km North of that today hosts the seat of a great king by raising high their swords and individuals involved in conflicts Garoua to take the Carmericans Northern Cameroonian Kingdom shouting at the top of their voices. or royal court cases today swear to on an excursion. founded in the year 1810 by Lamido Alim Garga Hayatou prove themselves not guilty. A great tourist attraction which, Ardo Tahirou. exceptionally authorized his guests The Historic Wedding according to Dr. Lekelia Jenkins The Cameroonian–Americans to have a horse-back experience, The noble class of Garoua will should like many other sites, be (Camericans) were given a warm an opportunity that was seized live to remember the day Carl exposed to the tourism world through welcome by the people of Garoua by close to a dozen of the Afro- McNair, Brother to Ron McNair, good road infrastructure. and their fourteenth and present Americans including, Chelsea White, the first Black Astronaut into space A Trip Never to Forget traditional Ruler, Lamido Alim Lafayette Barnes, Charlene Smith and was traditionally married to his To say the least, the 87 Camericans Garga Hayatou. Dadté Parker. spouse Mary. spent a nice time in the Lamidat Their hospitality was demonstrated The fantasia event was spiced The marriage rites were performed of Garoua. Their spokesperson, upon the arrival of the Camericans by a display of traditional dances by Lamido Alim Hayatou with the Senator Vincent Ralph of the at the Garoua International Airport representing the various ethnic help of his close collaborators with State of Pennsylvania, thanked the where a huge crowd turned out with groups that have so far settled in the every step in the procedure explained Lamido of Garoua and his people traditional dances to welcome their Peul–dominated kingdom of Garoua. to the Camericans. The sharing of for the hospitality shown them and visiting brothers and sisters. History of Garoua Showcased Kala-nuts and Gnakia (brownish promised that they will be back A Display of Culture The traditional ruler of Garoua cake made out of flour and honey) one day. Garoua nowadays has a population Alim Hayatou intends to create a to all present in the courtyard of the Lamido Hayatou in turn expressed of about seven hundred thousand museum at the entrance to the Garoua Lamido signified that the marriage his wish to freely donate land to inhabitants that attach a lot of International Airport which will was successful. the “new Garoua" inhabitants importance to their culture. enable visitors to have an illustration Exploring Tourism Potential should they decide to settle in his Lamido Alim Garga Hayatou seized of the history of his Lamidat. The North Region counts close kingdom oneday. the opportunity of the Camericans’ Samples of articles to be exhibited to a dozen renowned tourism sites, The ARK Jammers Connection, Inc. visit to showcase aspects of this rich in the museum were presented to the among them three National parks P.O Box 10495 sahelian culture to his guests. Camericans in a special corner at the (Bouba Ndjidda, Benoue and Faro), Baltimore The Lamidat (kingdom of Garoua) Garoua palace. The articles included the historic palace of the Lamido of MD 21209 is known for the importance it kitchen utensils, war arms, a throne, Rey Bouba, recently included on the [email protected] attaches to the horse as a symbol of might. In fact, a young man is not considered mature until he owns a horse. It is on horse-back that ancient warriors of the land went to war against their enemies either to defend the kingdom or conquer more territory. In the absence of wars, the people of Garoua still preserve the horse- culture and today, horse races and displays better known as the “fantasia” are organized to mark a great event in the Lamidat. This justifies the choice of the fantasia to entertain the at the foregrounds of the Lamido’s palace in Garoua. Photo by Leslie K. Brown On beautifully dressed horses, Group photo of some of the “Camerican” Tikar tribe members at the Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport in France.

“Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.” - Dr. Carter G. Woodson

S4 www.africanamericanvoice.net February 2012 BACK TO AFRICA

Photos by Callie Riser "The noble class of Garoua will live to remember the day Carl McNair, Brother to Ron McNair, James Tucker explores his heritage in Garoua, Cameroon. the first Black Astronaut into space was traditionally married to his spouse Mary." Mora

Maroua

Garoua

Kumbo Bamenda Bafoussam Mumba CAMEROON Bertoua Douala Yaoundé Kribi Ambam

The Flag of Cameroon. www.africanancestry.com

Shed my blood Did not include you nor me For I know you will Just cause I rise up Freedom . . . freedom . . . Freedom To fight for what was born upon me Who would have thought such a My right to be black, proud and free word Freedom . . . lay it on me Would be a pervader to so many Lynchings, lashings, mutilations, Napoleon couldn’t Nigger calling and killings Although he tried Of the billions of beautiful souls To overtake one San Domino Simply for expressing, A claim Haiti as his prize Believing in such a thing as freedom Freedom . . . lay it on me Freedom . . . lay it on me

As for America, Richard Allen, Gabriel, It is only a matter of time Denmark Vassy, Nat Turner, Before freedom rings for all Dangerfield Newby, Malcolm X, The past Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Brought forth a lesson learned; Barack Obama, New years day, the year 1808 Twas on this day Could all taste freedoms Our LORD placed my fathers Sweetness upon their lips Father’s father Each ,one by one Upon the first soap box Breaking, hammering, chiseling Towards freedom away By abolishing “The Foreign Slave Trade.” At the word ‘Slavery’ Planting the ever growing seeds *The sale of the slaves from Butler Island, The Declaration of Independence Of freedom Afterwards was known as The Weeping Times Did nothing to little To alter slavery’s course Just as the words The Weeping Times* “We the People” EJ Stewart “If the white man wants to hold on to it, let him do so; but the Negro, so far as he is able, should develop and carry out a program of his own.” - Dr. Carter G. Woodson

February 2012 www.africanamericanvoice.net S5 WORRILL'S CORNER Dr. Woodson and African American History Month

African Centered thought is, Curriculum Movement is battling courses in Black Studies that lead “the intellectual and philosophical against today— 79 years later. the famous strike at San Francisco foundations upon which African Dr. Woodson explained that, “Of State University. people should create their own the hundreds of Negro high schools After a long battle with the scientific criterion for authenticating recently examined (1933) by an administration at the university, human reality.” expert in the United States Bureau the students finally won a victory Through the African Centered of Education only eighteen offer a for the first Black Studies Program Education Movement, African course taking up the history of the to be established at an American American History Month has now Negro, and in most of the Negro college or university. As a result, a become the catalyst for the intense colleges and universities where movement for Black Studies erupted study of Africa and the history the Negro is thought of, the race all over America and stimulated at Dr. Conrad Worrill of African people throughout is studied only as a problem or the elementary and secondary levels the world 365 days a year. We dismissed as of little consequence.” demands from courses dealing with The African Centered Education must pay particular attention in Continuing on, Dr. Woodson Black History. Movement has brought a new our studies to the history of the gave an example of, “an officer of As we have come full circle meaning to the annual African Reparations Movement. a Negro university, thinking that today in our general acceptance American History Month celebrations Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who founded an additional course on the Negro of being African People, whose that have become so popular. That in February of 1926 what at that time should be given there, called upon ancestral homeland is Africa, we new meaning of African Centered was called “Negro History Week,” a Negro Doctor of Philosophy on are also beginning to recognize thought, as defined by Dr. Wade would indeed be inspired by the the faculty to offer such work. He that African American History Nobles, “is nothing more than a term continuing discussion and debate promptly informed the officer that he Month celebrations and activities categorizing a quality of thought over the infusion of the contributions knew nothing about the Negro. He are great, but the contributions of and practice which is rooted in of African people in all subjects. Dr. did not go to school to waste his time African people must be emphasized the cultural image and interest of Woodson was deeply concerned that that way. He went to be educated in throughout the year. African people and which represents the contributions of African people a system which dismissed the Negro There is no question that the and reflects the life experiences, to this society and the world were as a nonentity.” setting aside of the month of history and traditions of African not given their proper recognition. Obviously, since the writing of this February, as an extension of Dr. people as the center of analyses.” Dr. Woodson’s great book The great book, we have come a long way Woodson’s original idea of “Negro With this definition it is clear that Miseducation of the Negro, written in our battle against challenging the History Week” is something that we must study the liberation of in 1933, described in the first chapter white supremacy foundation of the we need to continue to support and African people. titled, “The Seat of the Trouble,” the American public school curriculum. institutionalize vigorously. Dr. Nobles further states that essence of what the African Centered However, we still have a long way However, we are quite clear that the to go! real meaning of African American The Black Movement of the 1960s History Month in this era, is to take gave us an impetus to reexamine our the spirit from all the celebrations, history and its impact on this country great speeches, great entertainment and the world. This movement and festive events to establish as a brought on renewed interest, on major agenda item in our movement, the part of our people, to study the serious study of the contributions our history. of African people 365 days a year. We moved from the use of the term The basis of the current African “Negro” in referring to ourselves and Centered Education Movement, began to use “Black” as the more whose objective is to take control of appropriate way to describe who we the education of African people in are. We went from Black History America as we struggle to insure that Week to Black History Month. In the truth is taught in all institutions, fact, some of us began to refer to in our communities and particularly the month of February as Black in our schools. Liberation Month. We must take the spirit of African It was through the movement of the American History Month to another 1960s, particularly the Black Power level. Our history must be studied Phase that we began to re-identify throughout the year! with our homeland— Africa, and the interconnection of African people Dr. Conrad Worrill throughout the world. National Chairman Emeritus The Black student movement National Black United Front of the 1960s sparked demands for www.nbufront.org

“The mere imparting of information is not education.” - Dr. Carter G. Woodson

S6 www.africanamericanvoice.net February 2012 BLACK HISTORY Leader Responds to President Obama Colorado Springs Resident Earns sense solutions and on the things that matter most – job creation, Doctorate from Walden University workforce development and housing years, addressed the graduates as the – we can set the course of our nation keynote speaker. right once more. Dr Chuks Nweke’s Dissertation “I stand with the President in Topic: A Case Study Investigating the calling for Congress to put aside Interpretation and Implementation the partisan gridlock and do what’s of the Transformative Mediation right for the American people. As Technique. the President said, this is the time to Dr. Chuks Nweke is the President rebuild an America where everybody of Colorado Mediation & Training gets a fair shot, everyone does their Services Inc. The organization fair share and everybody plays by provides various Mediation Services the same set of rules. That’s the Dr.Chuks Petrus Nweke especially, Divorce mediation, American way, and it’s the only way Minneapolis - January, 23, 2012 Mentoring, Relationship Building, Mayor Hancock's Statement to create an economy that works for Dr.Chuks Petrus Nweke of Colorado Employment Coaching, Customer on the State of the Union: everyone and is built to last. Springs, Colorado, recently earned Service Training, Workshops on DENVER - January 24, 2012, “I also want to congratulate a Doctorate on November 27, Mediation & Conflict Management, Mayor Michael B. Hancock released Ms. Mahala Greer, a University 2011 in Applied Management & please visit www.cmtsgroup.org or the following statement in response of Colorado Denver student and Decision Sciences: Specializing in call (719) 237-8708. to President Obama’s State of the Bilingual Education Corp Member Mediation & Conflict Management Union address: in Teach for America, for her honor from Walden University. Walden Walden offers bachelors, masters “What President Obama presented of being a guest of First Lady celebrated degrees earned by nearly and doctoral degree programs that to the American people tonight was Michelle Obama at the address. 5,000 graduates from all 50 states and are designed to meet the needs of a blueprint for moving our country Mahala embodies that Denver spirit, 38 countries, including Dr. Chuks working professionals. Most students forward at this critical moment. By and the whole city is very proud of Nweke, at its 47th Commencement work full time while completing their focusing on innovation, on common her accomplishments.” ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 21, in online degree programs. To learn Miami. Paula R. Singer, a leader in more about Walden University, President Obama Visits Aurora higher education for more than 25 please visit www.WaldenU.edu. Last week, I had the privilege to major theme in the President’s State meet and talk with President Obama of the Union address. I encourage Dr. Carter G. Woodson - Father of Black History when he visited Buckley Air Force you to check out the Broadcast Link base here in Aurora. We discussed of the State of the Union: http:// Woodson organized the first Negro his State of the Union Address and www.whitehouse.gov/state-of-the- History Week and founded the the importance of reducing our union-2012. President Obama is Association for the Study of African dependency on foreign oil. President securing is a cleaner energy future! American Life and History. Teaching Obama applauded Buckely’s work himself to read, Woodson financed his formal education between back to embrace clean energy. This type Rhonda Fields of investment was highlighted as a State Representative HD-42 breaking field work and toiling in coal mines. He admonished Blacks that “If a race has no history, if it has Dear Civil Rights Leaders, no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of It’s time to be an active supporter of Dr. Martin Luther Photo from www.asalh.org the world, and it stands in danger of King’s dream. being exterminated.” Dr. Carter G. Woodson, “Father of As publisher, I challenge each of you to stop talking and Woodson died on April 3, 1950, at take action. You can take action by doing the following: Black History,” was born December 18, 1875 to two former slaves. the age of 74. • Monitor and ensure that Federal Civil Rights laws are enforced • Push the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the State of Colorado to actively protect citizen's civil and human rights • Promote anti-discrimination ordinances • Combat anti-civil rights initiatives • Develop strategies that shape policy and legislation

In closing, I want to remind you that Dr. King's concern was for the common man. He died in service to the sanita- tion workers in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. King didn’t take action for personal gains and benefits. James Tucker Civil Rights Activist

Visit www.africanamericanvoice.net for a list of Title VI Civil Rights Violators

Did you know the first black newspaper was founded in 1827? “This crusade is much more important than the anti- lynching movement, because there would be no lynching if it did not start in the schoolroom.” - Dr. Carter G. Woodson

February 2012 www.africanamericanvoice.net S7 JUNETEENTH Alabama 40th State to Recognize Juneteenth as a State Holiday Juneteenth” in America. healing to America from the legacy Thousands of petitions have been of enslavement,” states Rev., Dr. forwarded to the White House urging Myers, also Founder & Chairman President Obama to make Juneteenth of the National Juneteenth Christian a national day of observance and to Leadership Council (NJCLC) and establish a Presidential National the National Day of Reconciliation Juneteenth Commission. & Healing From the Legacy of “The White House and the U.S. Enslavement during the annual Capitol were built by Americans of WASHINGTON JUNETEENTH African descent during the tyranny of National Holiday Observance. enslavement.” states Dr. Myers. “We “We all share the common bond of continue to petition President Obama freedom in America. The celebration to issue a Juneteenth Proclamation of Juneteenth gives all Americans and to personally host a White House the opportunity to come together Juneteenth Celebration to honor the to acknowledge the dark history of (Montgomery, Alabama) - Campaign and the National enslaved who built it.” enslavement and to move forward Alabama has become the 40th Juneteenth Observance Foundation Dr. Myers hopes that the passage of as a unified nation, determined to state to recognize Juneteenth (NJOF). “There are only 10 states left the Alabama Juneteenth legislation keep the light of freedom bright for through the passage of legislation to officially recognize Juneteenth. will encourage President Obama and future generations.” sponsored by State Senator Hank We hope that congress and President the U.S. Congress to finally establish Sanders. The RECOGNIZING THE Obama will finally make Juneteenth Juneteenth Independence Day as a CELEBRATION OF JUNETEENTH Independence Day a National Day of National Day of Observance, like For information on the National DAY (ACT No. 2011-398, SJR- Observance, like Flag Day or Patriot Flag Day or Patriot Day. Myers Juneteenth Holiday Campaign, the 157) legislation makes Alabama the Day in America.” knows that official recognition National Day of Reconciliation last southern state to pass similar Juneteenth, or the “19th of June”, of Juneteenth will be bring all & Healing From the Legacy of legislation recognizing “the historical was first recognized by the Congress Americans together to celebrate Enslavement or the WASHINGTON significance and importance of June of the United States as Juneteenth freedom and promote healing from JUNETEENTH National Holiday 19, 1865” throughout the nation. Independence Day through the the deep scars of America’s dark past Observance, contact Sharon Pierce- “We truly appreciate the support of passage of S.J.R. 11 and H.J.R. 56 in of enslavement. Perrault at 334-774-1385; e-mail: Sen. Sanders in making Juneteenth 1997. Most recently, the U.S. Senate “The official recognition of [email protected] officially recognized in Alabama.” passed S. Res. 211 and the U.S. Juneteenth Independence Day and or Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., M.D. states Rev. Ronald V. Myers, Sr., House of Representatives passed H. the end of enslavement by state at 662-392-2016, 662-247-1471 or M.D., Founder & Chairman of Con. Res. 323 in 2011, “recognizing governments and congress are e-mail: [email protected] or the National Juneteenth Holiday the historical significance of very significant steps in bringing web site: www.NationalJuneteenth.com. success

This is PPcc. We’re invested in your success. Every year, thousands of our students get the classes they need and move to a four-year university, or right into their career. So regardless of your path, we’ll help you succeed. 719.502.2000 | ppcc.edu

“When you control a man’s thinking you do not have to worry about his actions.” - Dr. Carter G. Woodson

S8 www.africanamericanvoice.net February 2012 BEYOND THE RHETORIC Foreign Aid is Evil and industrial progress available extortion, sex and murder. They noble and vital acts of passing their for the improvement and growth of play a game as old as empire, blessings onto others in need. underdeveloped areas. More than but one that has taken on new We should also remember an ancient half the people of the world are living and terrifying dimensions during Chinese proverb: “Give a man a fish in conditions approaching misery. this time of globalization.” Now, and he eats for a day. Teach that man Their food is inadequate. They are that is starting to hit the “nail” to fish and he will eat forever.” This victims of disease. Their economic on the head. is so true today. Instead of “feeding life is primitive and stagnant. Their How do we escape from this the hungry” we should be promoting poverty is a handicap and a threat predicament? Perhaps the first agri-business and full processing of both to them and to more prosperous thing we do is encourage fledgling natural resources instead of letting areas. For the first time in history, nations to become self sufficient some other entity provide such. humanity possesses the knowledge through other means. Government God will bless the “child” who Harry C. Alford and skill to relieve the suffering of should not be in the Foreign Aid has his own. these people.” Oh, he makes it seem business whatsoever. How dare Finally, our entrepreneurs who In early history, nations or empires so noble and altruistic. It basically we spend billions upon billions have been successful should strongly that wanted to expand would just was a new approach to an old tradition of dollars annually in the name of consider opening subsidiaries invade unsuspecting people and – exploitation, economic slavery and influence? What needs to happen somewhere on the African Continent. take what they wanted. It might theft of natural resources. on a worldwide basis is for a big Prudently, they should pick venues have been just the land or crops How a lot of this works is brilliantly increase in philanthropy. The where good government exists or precious metals or women. explained in an autobiography by religious community can replace and will allow them room to be Whatever it was, they would just take John Perkins entitled, “Confessions the government run efforts through successful. As those ventures grow, it and kill anyone who got in their of an Economic Hit Man”. I read God driven missions that are sincere they will provide a countless number way. Seizing property from others this book a few years ago and I still in helping mankind and promoting of new jobs and provide a positive was a quick way to increase your get chills from his explanation of peace. Churches have proven to be growth in nations’ Gross Domestic wealth and, most of all, influence. how we exploit innocent nations sincere in their generosity and caring Product (GDP). The year, 2012, will The British Empire was the most for the sake of control and greed. for the needy. be the beginning of an organized successful of these aggressors and Even Osama Bin Laden referred to Another vehicle is to promote the effort in promoting this movement. much of what they influenced still it in one of his verbal condemnations rich and famous to give something Of course, some sinister nations and has implications today. As time went of the Western world. Reading it back. Two great living examples of quasi government/corporate entities on, it became immoral for a nation to will give you an understanding of this are: 1. Alicia Keys, recording will be threatened. They will act but take what it wanted. Eventually, at the seemingly senseless hatred the artist, who personally built a we must stand tall and prevail. God the end of World War II, aggression leaders of Iran have towards western rural hospital in Kenya serving is on our side and that is all it takes. and theft was replaced with a thing nations. Here is an example of Mr. residents who before had no access For those of you who are afraid and called “Aid”. Foreign Aid became Perkins’ explanation: “Economic to healthcare. 2. Rap star 50 Cent don’t know it – GOD IS GREAT! the vehicle to influence and inject hit men (EHMs) are highly-paid who made over $200 million in a We can win this. wealth, someone else’s wealth, into professionals who cheat countries promotional deal with Coca Cola. These are exciting times. We are an aggressive nation. around the globe out of trillions of He used that money towards 1 evolving into taking things into It was noted, by our President Harry dollars. They funnel money from billion meals to be distributed to our own hands and settling only Truman, that we would lead the way the World Bank, the U.S. Agency poverty stricken children throughout for success. Africa will not only in this new vehicle for influence and for International Development the continent of Sub-Saharan Africa. survive; it will prosper. wealth: “In addition, we will provide (USAID), and other foreign “aid” They are indeed angels. May this Foreign Aid – Get Gone! military advice and equipment to free organizations into the coffers of become a living example of what nations which will cooperate with huge corporations and the pockets of many of us can do when we have been us in the maintenance of peace and a few wealthy families who control blessed – “Pass it on”. The National Harry C. Alford security. Fourth, we must embark on the planet’s natural resources. Their Black Chamber of Commerce will Co-founder, President / CEO a bold new program for making the tools included fraudulent financial be starting a “Giving Back Hall of National Black Chamber of Commerce benefits of our scientific advances reports, rigged elections, payoffs, Fame” to recognize those who do [email protected] How Mistrust Becomes a Life Style: The Racial Wealth Gap is a Trust Gap . . .one in three white households will receive a substantial inheritance. . .compared to only one in ten black households.

three white households will receive Between 1865 and 1874, there was a substantial inheritance during their never a more eager group of savers lifetime compared to only one in ten (wealth builders) than we were. We black households. went singing with lip-smacking Sadly, there is no way to measure boastfulness down to put our savings how much mistrust has been passed in the federally chartered Freedman’s down from generation to generation Bank; but when our money went in black American families compared missing, the government did not to white ones. Since the recent make it good. targeting of African Americans for subprime mortgage, I can feel all George Davis is the creator By George Davis all the reasons that the wealth gap is around me the mistrust has grown. of the 5-book, world-sourced, actually a trust gap. From the beginning of Emancipation, digital series, Barack Obama, As the New Year begins, the wealth Many studies give statistics on banks provided the best example America and the World. For more gap between African Americans and passing down wealth in families. of untrustworthy institutions that information email: whites continues to grow, I think of Recent studies show that one in other Americans can usually trust. [email protected] February 2012 www.africanamericanvoice.net 9 BLACKONOMICS Cash Flow Projections on average. And many of us have those businesses to the point of Shuman noted in his book, Going a negative net worth, which means being able to employ our people – Local (2000), “Being [classified even after we die, someone will have our children. According to the last as] poor doesn’t always mean being to continue to pay our bills. economic census, of the 1.9 million without resources. Anacostia is In business, cash is king; Black owned businesses in the U.S., one of the poorest neighborhoods unfortunately, that saying is not only 106,500 have employees. And in Washington, D.C., yet the total being applied in our neighborhoods to add insult to injury, the number income of all its households is and households, as we continue of those employees is a meager and $370 million per year. Most of this to outspend everyone else in this embarrassing 909,000, all of whom money quickly departs in the hands country, handing over our cash are not Black. of landlords, business owners, and to any and every business we can If the vast majority of Black bankers who live in more upscale find to support – that is, except businesses continues to be sole parts of town…The principal James Clingman our own. Cash is the life-blood of proprietorships, our cash flow will affliction of poor communities in the any community; if it flows through stay on the negative side and our net United States is not the absence of With all the talk about the a community, via locally owned worth will continue to be 20 times money, but its systematic exit.” economy relative to the rich and businesses, rather than out of a less than that of whites. If all we Stronger and larger local businesses, the poor, tax inequity, disparities in community, via businesses whose do is complain about being on the hiring local residents and family employment, and high prices for the owners live in another community, bottom, without kicking, scratching, members, play a major role in necessities of life, one very important the result is good economic health and doing everything we can to economic empowerment. So too does consideration for Black people in the for the community. move up economically as Malcolm, owning the houses and apartment U.S. is cash flow – both individual It is unfortunate that, for the Garvey, Tony Brown, and many buildings in our neighborhoods, and collective. Simply put, cash flow most part, Black folks only talk others have admonished us over and many of which are on the market projections tell us how much cash is about “recycling” dollars while over, then we certainly deserve the at very low prices. These basic coming in and how much is going failing to actually implement the negative result. economic solutions go a long way out. Good projections also allow principle. But all is not gloom and In order for Black cash flow to be toward keeping our cash flow us to get in front of an impending doom; we still have time to change, positive, it must change its direction. positive and making our self-reliance problem rather than having to react and we do have a great deal of Our dollars must start making a reality rather than some nebulous to it when it’s too late. “disposable” income. Instead of more sense. Entrepreneurship is feel-good term we like to use once Businesses suffer when cash flow “disposing” our nearly $1 trillion a major component of economic or twice a year. projections are improperly planned annual income among everyone empowerment, thus, we must place Economics is local. If we teach and “red flags” are not dealt with else’s businesses, we must find ways more emphasis on it in our homes, entrepreneurship, start businesses, in a timely manner. Black folks are to keep more of it among ourselves our schools, our churches, and in our grow our businesses through suffering because our cash flow is for a longer period of time. How neighborhood circles. support and mutually beneficial jacked–up, which means it continues can we accomplish that? Business Currently, Black cash flow relationships, and own the real estate, in a negative mode rather than a development and business growth. projections are not looking positive our neighborhoods will become positive one. We have much more Entrepreneurship is the way out at all. Our neighborhoods are in genuine communities once again. going out than coming in, and that of our negative economic situation. economic distress despite having James Clingman has resulted in our individual family Yes, we need to establish more significant cash on hand from week Writer on Economic Empowerment net worth being less than $6,000 businesses, but we must also grow to week. However, as Michael www.blackonomics.com PRIVATE PRISON INDUSTRY Private Prisons Profit on the People or private institution. Our latest tally correctional institute. public. Even more unnerving, such of 2 million equates to 25% of the Though depicted as cost-saving misguided control sounds eerily globe’s incarcerated population. efficient operations, independent similar to the Black Belt’s Convict This massive waste of human life studies suggest the contrary. A Lease System of the late 1800s, a is commonly known as the Prison lack of regulation enables smaller state-run practice throughout the Industrial Complex, an oppressive staff and inadequate training, in south that forcibly extracted free current now being led from the top turn, producing more violence and labor from newly emancipated slaves down by the highly profitable Prison consistently unstable conditions deemed “criminal.” Privatization Movement. Its roots among those who seek to “serve time” Just as then, the same companies can be traced back to the 1980s of responsibly. Sustainable medical grossing billions from the capture and Ronald Reagan, his “War on Drugs” care has also come into question. incarceration of American citizens and tougher sentencing platform. Private prisons like the George W. (mostly poor, Black and Latino) are Lamont Lilly Due to policy makers’ concerns of Hill Center, Walnut Grove Youth the same brokers who donate millions Here in America, our great “land prison overcrowding at the time, in Facility and New Castle Correctional to state senators, school boards, of the free,” there are approximately 1984 the Corrections Corporation Institute have garnered a barrage of mayors and police chiefs. It’s no 130,000 inmates now housed in of America was contracted to recent scrutiny over the deaths of secret that private firms such as The privately owned prisons. It‘s a foul oversee its first facility in Hamilton dozens of inmates. And though touted GEO Group possess direct appeal stench within a justice system that County, Tennessee. Such transition as inexpensively designed, private to federal legislation like “Three leads the world in number of persons marked a new federal precedent prisons have proven just as costly to Strikes” and Mandatory Minimum incarcerated within a state, federal of complete private control of a construct as those categorized as Continued on page 12 Register to Vote!! Colorado Democratic Caucus - March 6, 2012 Colorado Republican Caucus - February 7, 2012 For more information contact your political party. Colorado Democratic Party: Colorado Republican Party: www.coloradodems.org | (303) 623-4762 www.cologop.org | (303) 758-3333

10 www.africanamericanvoice.net February 2012 A DIFFERENT VIEW Who Gets Food Stamps?

food stamps. By 2011 the number waving) don’t need much fuel to blame the poor for their situation, had spiked to more than 45 million turn to fire. He got a standing O but the economy that President people. This has been the result of by pandering to racial stereotypes. Obama inherited is an economy that the Great Recession that has left at And that pandering may well have has thrust people into despair. Food least 13 million people officially propelled him into victory. stamps are a lifeline for many. How unemployed for an average of Newt has managed to paint food dare candidate Gringrich attack 40 weeks. Those are the official stamps as a black program, partly by President Obama for providing relief numbers, but they may be twice as describing our president as a “food to 45 million Americans! high when we consider the people stamps” president, and partly by Most food stamp recipients are who have part time work and want putting food stamps in context with people who used to work, and they full time work and those who have the NAACP. But Mr. Gingrich, often would, frankly, rather be working Dr. Julianne Malveaux dropped out of the labor market touted for his intelligence, must be than receiving assistance. But they because it costs too much to look bright enough to know that most have downsized their lifestyles, for work. President Obama is not food stamp recipients are not African their dreams, and their expectations. Newt Gingrich is playing racial a food stamps president; he is a American. Indeed, according to the They are waiting for the job market politics and he is playing to win. president who inherited an economic Associated Press, 49 percent of to roar back. Half of the 45 million First he says that black children crisis. Newt is being extremely food stamp recipients are white, 26 are white, and some of them stood should get jobs as janitors (why not disingenuous and extraordinarily percent are African American, and to applaud Gingrich. Do they really suggest they get the same consulting racist in his food stamps rap. 20 percent are Hispanic. Indeed, think that a man who disdains contract he did at Freddie Mac - I’m While about 14 percent of all of us some of the folks who gave Newt a the poor will provide them with a with Mitt Romney here, what did - one in seven - gets food stamps, in standing O are food stamp recipients, lifeline? Do they really believe that Gingrich tell Freddie Mac that was some states the number is as high as but they chose to bond with Newt’s a man who is selling wolf tickets to worth more than a million dollars). one in five. In South Carolina, for racially coded messages instead of the NAACP is really concerned with Then he says that he wants to tell example, poverty is greater than it their own economic reality. the well being of the least and the the NAACP that we should demand is in the nation and 18.2 percent of Poverty has a different face than left out. The poverty that too many jobs, not food stamps. He so bristles South Carolinians get food stamps. it has ever had before. People who Americans experience is repugnant. at Fox commentator Juan Williams The number in Maine is 18.6 used to have big jobs and fancy cars The extent to which politicians that he gets a standing O in South percent, in Louisiana 19.2 percent, are now struggling to make ends trivialize such poverty is character Carolina. And he has repeatedly in Michigan 19.7 percent, in Oregon meet. People who always struggled revealing. Who will put American described President Barack Obama 20.1 percent, and in Mississippi 20.7 are now strangling. More than 2 back to work? Who will alleviate as a “food stamp” President. It’s percent. Given the racial dynamics million families have doubled up in poverty? race baiting, pure and simple, and in South Carolina, did Newt decide the past year because they needed a few have called him on it. to show out in a state where there family lifeline to save their lives and The true food stamp story goes is more poverty than elsewhere, their worlds. More than 40 percent Dr. Julianne Malveaux something like this. In 2006 just and when the racial resentments of African American children live Founder of Last Word Productions 26.5 million Americans received (remember I said Confederate flag in poverty. Newt Gingrich would [email protected]

Nigerian Troops Occupy Capital Following General Strike

By Abayomi Azikiwe like many others, have strongly government attempting to justify the Articles copyright 1995-2012 condemned the use of soldiers cancellation of subsidies, or the half Workers World. Verbatim copying and In the aftermath of the general against the civilian population. measures enacted, in an attempt to distribution of this entire article is permitted in any medium without royalty strike, the government of President In response to the ongoing quell unrest in the country? provided this notice is preserved. Goodluck Jonathan has deployed discontent, Inspector General of Of course, the not-so-hidden hand troops to the country’s commercial Police Hafiz Ringim said that anyone of the International Monetary Fund Workers World capital of Lagos. The leadership of demonstrating in the country could and the World Bank are present in 55 W. 17 St., NY, NY 10011 the Nigerian Labor Congress and the be charged with treason. (allAfrica. the economic policy shifts that are Email: [email protected] Subscribe wwnews-subscribe@ Trade Union Congress declared the com, Jan. 18) going on now in West and Central workersworld.net strike over on the evening of Jan. 15 Leaders of the NLC and TUC Africa’s oil- exporting states. Nigeria Support independent news DONATE after the administration reduced the pointed out that they did not agree is the largest oil exporter on the amount of fuel cost increases that with the unilateral decision by the continent, and the U.S. is becoming Abayomi Azikiwe prompted the nationwide strike and Jonathan government to reduce the more reliant on crude from Editor other actions — but still kept the price of fuel by only 50 percent, that country. Pan-African News Wire increase at 50 percent. after the cancellation of subsidies Members of the Civil Society had raised the cost to consumers Organizations and other forces by over 100 percent. Nonetheless, within the labor movement expressed the labor leaders said they decided dissatisfaction over the decision to to end the strike in order to prevent end the strike. Demonstrations have greater unrest in the oil-producing continued for several days in Ogun state, Africa’s most populous. State and Kaduna. Corruption Investigation Begins In Lagos on Jan. 18, when several There are reports of massive people attempted to march in protest corruption within the fuel distribution against the troop deployments, police system that have resulted from the attacked using tear gas and broke subsidies program. However, many up the demonstration. The protest Nigerians are asking: Why are these action was led by Tunji Braithwaite, issues coming up now? Are the a 1999 presidential candidate who, National Assembly and the federal

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February 2012 www.africanamericanvoice.net 11 NATIONAL Dr. King’s Voting Rights Legacy Under Attack this outpouring of praise, there is a the casting of ballots by people who struck down a voter ID law in South sinister movement afoot to undo one are not legally eligible to vote. But Carolina and Holder promises to of Dr. King’s hardest fought victories both the Bush and Obama Justice continue to monitor these attempts – the removal of discriminatory Departments have looked and not and stop them when they violate barriers to voting and the passage found significant voter fraud in the law. But beating back these of the Voting Rights Act signed into American elections. So let’s be efforts will require citizen vigilance law by President Lyndon Johnson clear – the real reason behind this and action. in 1965. spate of new laws is to suppress the In a recent speech at the LBJ In Dr. King’s day, billy clubs, votes of people likely to support Library and Museum in Austin, cattle prods and guns kept African progressive candidates and issues – Texas, Holder urged Americans to Americans away from the polls. African Americans, Latinos, young “Speak out. Raise awareness about Today, new voter restriction laws on people, the elderly and people with what’s at stake. Call on our political the books or in the works in at least disabilities. This is unconscionable. parties to resist the temptation to Marc H. Morial 34 states could deny the right to vote It is un-American. And it dishonors suppress certain votes in the hope “No nation can long continue to to more than 5 million Americans this the sacrifices of generations of of attaining electoral success and… flourish or to find its way to a better year. These laws include new photo Americans who have fought and urge policymakers at every level society while it allows any one of its ID requirements, elimination of early died to extend the right to vote to to reevaluate our election systems citizens…to be denied the right to voting, bans on voting by out-of- every citizen. - and to reform them in ways that participate in the most fundamental state college students, and rollbacks Fortunately, a growing number of encourage, not limit, participation.” of all privileges of democracy – the of voting rights for ex-felons who Americans are fighting back. On We agree. We must not let the right to vote.” Dr. Martin Luther have paid their debts to society. December 10th, the National Urban hard-won voting rights secured by King, Jr. Florida has even eliminated voting League joined the NAACP and a Dr. King, John Lewis, LBJ and so On Monday, January 16th, America on the Sunday before Election Day coalition of civil rights groups at many others slip away. will celebrate what would have been which has traditionally been a day a “Stand for Freedom” march and the 83rd birthday of Dr. Martin when African American churches rally at the United Nations to protest Luther King, Jr. The day will be organized “souls to the polls” drives this blatant attack on voting rights. marked from coast-to-coast with for their congregations. Attorney General Eric Holder has Marc H. Morial parades, speeches, and pilgrimages The mostly conservative proponents also expressed concern about the President and CEO to the new King Memorial on the of these new laws claim they are legality of some of these new laws. National Urban League National Mall. But in the midst of meant to prevent widespread fraud – Recently, the Justice Department www.nul.org

Private Prisons Profit on the People way, such structural manipulation prison sector. No wonder we can’t editor with the Triangle Free Press,

Continued from page 10 is almost worse than chattel slavery, find jobs; our furniture and home who recently served as an organizer considering America’s global claim appliances are being produced by with Cynthia McKinney’s, “Report Sentencing. Common sense says to moral Democracy at its highest rent-a-slaves, now. I hope this isn’t from Libya Tour.” He is also a such merging complexities spell order—an order not far removed, what Big Business means by “Made Human Rights Delegate with Witness corruption—political dividends too it seems, from Nazi Germany’s in America.” If so, I don’t want any for Peace. close for public comfort. Meanwhile, concentration camps at Warsaw and part of it. Lamont Lilly predatory investors like Wells Fargo, Auschwitz. We’re talking “Third Lamont Lilly is a contributing Triangle Free Press American Express and Merrill World” sweatshops disguised as Lynch reap robust returns on private rehab programs, possibly in your bond purchasing—the same greed- home state! driven giants literally “banking” on The Human Rights infringement of the results of Black boys and their privatization isn’t punishing someone 4th grade EOG’s. (The Children’s who does wrong; it’s profiting Defense Fund details this association from the pain of that punishment, through its Cradle to Prison Pipeline exploiting the limited freedoms of Campaign). As far as the diversity of inhumane confinement, maximizing stock in such regressive investments, such restrictive conditions for capital additional stakeholders include a slew gain—the same profits that merely of corporate sponsors: Nordstrom’s, perpetuate the incarceration of more Microsoft, IBM, Revlon, Target, citizens for longer periods of time. Dell, Hewlett-Packard and even I won’t even mention the effects AT&T, a smorgasbord of some of of exploited prison labor on the your favorite brands. working class. While poverty in the Fact is, we as Americans aren’t U.S. continues to plague the general committing more crime; we’re doing public, highly-skilled positions are more time because it pays. In a going for $1 an hour in the private

12 www.africanamericanvoice.net February 2012 GEORGE CURRY A Diverse U.S. Population Will Not Guarantee Parity Examples of racial and ethnic and selective prosecutions that are and economic imperative that we inequality in the U.S. include: part of the war on drugs. Blacks are address the racial economic divide In 2010, the median family income six times more likely to be in prison now. If we are to chart a path to of Black and Latino families was than Whites. Roughly 65 percent a more promising future, one in 57 cents to every dollar of White of Black men born since the mid- which the racial economic divide median family income. By 2042, 1970s have prison records. The is significantly narrowed and the median Black family will earn report observes, “If current trends prosperity is more broadly shared, approximately 61 cents for every continue to 2042, the percentage then we must take immediate action dollar of income earned by Whites. of people of color who have to ensure that the coming majority is Latino families are projected to earn experienced jail time will dwarf even not further burdened by the legacy of only 45 cents in 2042 on every dollar that number.” racism and White supremacy in the of White median family income. To reduce what it calls the United States.” The wealth gap is particularly “perverse concentration of wealth George E. Curry disturbing. In 2007, at the height and power in the U.S.,” the report George E. Curry, former editor-in- of the housing bubble, the average declares, “We need nothing less than chief of Emerge magazine and the The United States’ population is White family net worth was five a diverse, powerful social movement NNPA News Service, is a keynote growing increasingly diverse, but the times greater than the average dedicated to advancing meaningful speaker, moderator, and media sharp demographic shift is unlikely Black net worth and more than policy solutions on many fronts to coach. He can be reached through to close the huge economic gap 3.5 times the average Latino net reduce the racial divide.” his Web site, www.georgecurry.com. between Whites and people of color, worth. If current trends continue, It will take a powerful movement You can also follow him at www. according to an annual report issued the report states, Black families to counter to corrupting influence twitter.com/currygeorge. by United For a Fair Economy, a will by 2042 accumulate 19 cents that money has on politics. nonpartisan think tank that studies for each dollar of White net worth. “To gain political power necessary George E. Curry wealth and power in the U.S. Latinos will have 25 cents per to make significant progress toward NNPA Columnist Each year the -based dollar. That means the wealth gap racial economic equality, the www.georgecurry.com organization issues its “State of between Whites and people of color influence of money in politics must the Dream” report near Dr. Martin in 2042 will be even larger than be reduced and voting rights for all Luther King, Jr.’s, birthday. it is today. Americans must be restored and Citing Census Bureau figures, the Education is the most important protected,” the reports observes. report notes that Whites constituted tool we have to expand social “Eliminating racial inequality will 80 percent of the U.S. population mobility Thanks to civil rights gains, require a powerful and sustained in 1980. By 2010, that figure had affirmative action and other progress, political movement, aligned not just slipped to 65 percent. And by 2042, Black adults are 60 percent as likely along the lines of race, but also by Whites will become a minority for to have a college degree as White economic interests.” the first time since the Colonial days. adults; Latinos are only 42 percent Authors of the report noted that the “If the trends in racial economic as likely. If current trends continue, Occupy Wall Street movement and inequality continue at the rate that by 2042, African-Americans will similar efforts around the country they have since 1980, the changing continue to make progress in closing are steps in the right direction toward demographics of the country will the education gap. However, the gap building a broad coalition. produce a vast racialized underclass will be even larger for Latinos. In the aftermath of King Day that will persist even after the People of color represent more than celebrations, it is important to majority of the country is non- 65 percent of the prison population, remember that Dr. King was White,” the report concluded. largely because of harsh drug laws organizing a Poor People’s Campaign at the time of his assassination. Encouraged by the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1968, he was creating a movement to address economic injustice. In his last speech on the eve of his assassination, referred to as the “Mountain Top” speech, Dr. King talked about the need to support Black business. He said, “We begin the process of building a greater economic base.” Picking up where King left off, the report stated, “It is a moral

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February 2012 www.africanamericanvoice.net 13 ELECTION 2012

Black Fraternities Form Obama Super PAC Despite 1911 United’s emphasis the primaries. president gets re-elected.”

Continued from page 2 on racially diverse swing states, “In every place we can be, we’re Cynthia Gordy is The Root’s the organization intends to work going to do our best to battle for Washington reporter. involvement means making sure that in as many areas as possible. For our president,” said Skinner. “We’re people are aware of all the laws, example, the committee will send a not struggling. We’re a powerful Cynthia Gordy all the rules, and in a position to delegation to New Hampshire next people. We can do anything. And The Root address them.” week to campaign for Obama during we’re going to fight to make sure our www.theroot.com The Black Vote is Still the President’s Trump Card factor in getting numbers of voters to

Continued from page 2 show up at the polls on Election Day. Obama has done two things to paint Obama and the Democrats as keep the enthusiasm level high. the cause of the economic woes of In November, he held a black the middle-class, with the always leadership conference and unveiled subtle undertone of soft pitch racial what is as close yet to a white code language to prick the lingering paper the White House has issued unease of many conservative on race. It ticked off a checklist of white voters toward Obama and initiatives from health care, job the Democrats. stimulus and small business aid that This political ploy is even more have benefited blacks. The position worrisome. Obama’s centrist appeal paper was an obvious counter to the to independents played a significant shouts from some black activists, role in getting many of them to and on occasion the Congressional punch the Democratic ticket and Black Caucus, that he hasn’t said augment the huge black vote he got or done enough about the chronic in 2008. But a repeat of that in 2012 high unemployment, failing public Photo from New America Media is questionable. Polls consistently schools, high incarceration rates and the constant hectoring of them as Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author show that a majority of independents worries about home foreclosures, weak and ineffectual at this stage and political analyst. He is a weekly are disappointed, dismayed, or and the poverty crisis facing of the election game should not be co-host of the Al Sharpton Show on hostile to Obama’s handling of the black communities. cause for the Democrats to uncork American Urban Radio Network. economy, always the Achilles Heel Obama strategists recognize that the champagne and declare the 2012 He is the author of How Obama for any incumbent who wants to the novelty of his history-making election a cakewalk for Obama. Governed: The Year of Crisis and keep his presidential job. election has worn off with many Despite fielding arguably one of Challenge. He is an associate editor The good news is that polls are blacks. This realization and in some the weakest GOP presidential tickets of New America Media. He is host showing the enthusiasm level for cases, frustration and impatience, in recent history, in 2008, the GOP of the weekly Hutchinson Report Obama is still as high as it was in 2008 set in among many blacks, caused contenders still got the bulk of the Newsmaker Hour on KTYM Radio among a majority of black voters. far more second guessing about white vote. There’s no guarantee that streamed on ktym.com Polls also show that blacks are the Obama’s priorities than the White this can’t happen again. The GOP podcast on blogtalkradio.com and most optimistic that the country is House found comfortable. will rally its fractious base when the on thehutchinsonreportnews.com heading in the right direction. That’s The backstabbing, infighting, election chips are down. The black Earl Ofari Hutchinson due almost exclusively to their and clownish antics of the pack of vote is still Obama’s trump card, but New America Media backing of Obama. This is the key GOP presidential contenders and only if the numbers are there. www.newamericamedia.org

Obama's America stands as one,” he said. that Arab Springs will not affect his

Continued from page 1 It is tempting to read this as the campaign but a Detroit winter will. sign of the setting of America’s sun And he’s making a virtue out of intend to keep it that way.” on the world stage. It is tempting to necessity. “An indispensable nation in world switch back to the political pundit’s “Right now, it’s getting more affairs” does not quite have the ring favourite reality show – Who Wants expensive to do business in places of a “leader.” It sounds more like a to be the Next Superpower? Will it like China,” Obama told his trusted executive assistant – Warren be China or India or BRIC? But it audience. “Meanwhile America is Buffett’s secretary instead of Warren would be wrong to read this speech more productive. A few weeks ago, Buffett. Whether Obama intended as an abdication of America’s role the CEO of Master Lock told me that it or not, it is a shift in the United Photo from New America Media on the world stage. It is instead a it now makes business sense for him States’ vision of itself, not so much visionary, anything leader-like. He more realistic recalibration. Even to bring jobs back home.” the leader of the free world, rather instead ran through a checklist of in a multipolar world, America will Read it another way and you could its very efficient secretary. It is not accomplishments and promised remain “indispensable” says its say the President was saying the James Bond. It is not M. America more of the same. Alliances with president. So don’t write it off yet. situation has hit rock bottom. China might be back but it wants to be Miss Europe and Asia are stronger than Bill Emmett, author of Rivals: How is up. America is down. It’s actually Moneypenny now. ever. Ties to the are the Power Struggle Between China, starting to make economic sense to Obama is launching a fight for deeper. Stronger. Better. Deeper. India and Japan Will Shape our Next bring jobs back to America. America his second term. This speech was in These are not visionary words. Decade, had foreshadowed this a is affordable again just as foreclosed many ways his first important salvo These are about preserving a status few years ago when he had said that houses are a good buy. in his reelection campaign. It was a quo, at best making good a little even if the future is about an “Asian The President had his usual feel- strong speech and no surprise it was better. Obama pretty much indicated century” America will still be the good cheerleading lines. “When about the economy. The references he was going to hold on to the status “single most important country in we act together, there is nothing to America’s leadership abroad were quo when it came to America’s the world in that century but not the the United States of America more in a Mission Accomplished international standing. dominant one.” can’t achieve.” But the innate vein. No Americans are fighting in “As long as I’m President, I intend Obama’s critics have often America sense of exceptionalism Iraq. Osama bin Laden is not a threat to keep it that way.” complained that he wants to be was more muted. That’s not such a anymore. The troops in Afghanistan Even on Iran, while he took no President of the world, rather than bad thing. Superpowers come and have begun to come home. Check. options off the table, he signaled a the President of the United States. go, but everyone always needs a Check. Check. job well (or at least moderately well) His premature Nobel Peace Prize good Moneypenny. When it comes to the world Obama done. A B+ if you will. “A world that just heightened that feeling. Now Sandip Roy was signaling that America was not was once divided about how to deal he’s buckling down to the job he First Post interested in anything new, anything with Iran’s nuclear program now was actually elected for. He knows www.firstpost.com 14 www.africanamericanvoice.net February 2012 STATE

Appeal to Delay Resolution of Colorado’s access to a high quality public School Funding Problems education for all school-age children Continued from page 1 “All of the state’s bases for appeal are in Colorado. The Mexican American system. The evidence from the trial technical arguments that do not speak Legal Defense Fund (MALDEF) was overwhelming. The judge found entered the case as plaintiff the system to be irrational, arbitrary to whether students are getting a interveners on behalf of parents in and underfunded. It’s unfortunate four districts. the state will further delay a constitutionally adequate education..." The lawsuit led to a five-week constitutionally required education trial in August 2011. On Dec. 9, for the children of Colorado, but “made an unworkable situation but their needs to be a correction of 2011, the court ordered that the state we will defend the district court unconscionable,” Rappaport wrote, some magnitude when there is such must design, fund, and implement decision and, for the sake of the but the “irrational and inadequate a disparity. Our students must be a system of public school finance state’s students, hope that we can school funding” system is over two given a chance to be competitive that enables all students in the state move forward with all deliberate decades old. in this global economy. We must to graduate with the knowledge speed.” Bringing the case to trial was The appeal, said Gebhardt, signal to all that this state values its and skills necessary for citizenship, a six-year process, she noted. prolongs repairs and short-changes students and their future so it benefits post-secondary education, and “It is clear that the state has no students: “The state is fully aware that all citizens.” participation in the workforce. basis on which to defend the current too few students are graduating, that In 2008-09 (before the recession), In a 183-page decision, Denver school, finance system,” she added. student achievement has remained Colorado spent $1,809 less per District Judge Sheila Rappaport “All of the state’s bases for appeal are flat for years and that achievement pupil than the national average. found that Colorado’s public schools technical arguments that do not speak gaps based on race and income are K-12 spending on school finance are so underfunded that children to whether students are getting a among the largest in the nation,” in Colorado is an estimated throughout the state are being denied constitutionally adequate education. she said. “None of this will change $774 million below the minimal an adequate education, in violation In addition, the state’s appeal does while state lawyers roll the dice on increase required by Amendment of the state constitutional mandate not seek guidance on how to solve this appeal and delay the discussion 23. Colorado ranks at or near the of a “thorough and uniform” system the revenue implications of the that’s required.” bottom of states when it comes to of public education. The court district court’s decision, which was Added Aurora Public Schools funding special education and too recognized that school districts its stated justification for the costly Superintendent John Barry: “Analyses many children are attending schools across the state are unable to and time consuming appeal.” show what many of us in education that are crumbling and unsafe. A provide the educational programs, The appeal is in response to Denver know--Colorado is fast sinking to the recent independent statewide survey services, instructional materials, District Judge Sheila Rappaport’s bottom of the barrel when it comes uncovered a $17.9 billion backlog in equipment, technology, and facilities 189-ruling, issued in December, to investing in our students and their school capital needs. necessary to assure all children an that represented a sweeping legal future. Colorado is near the top five The Lobato lawsuit represented education that meets the mandates victory for the parents and school states in per capita income of the 50 specific parents, students and 21 of the Constitution and the state’s districts that brought the case. In states but in the bottom five states school districts. The majority of the standards-based education system. her ruling, Rappaport cautioned that in the nation for per pupil revenue. state’s 178 school districts endorsed the state shouldn’t blame “current I am conservative by nature and Lobato. The lawsuit was filed by economic conditions” for the not an advocate for tax adjustments Children’s Voices, a non-profit law More info: http://lobatocase.org school finance crisis. The recession without very strong justifications firm dedicated to achieving equal Follow on Twitter: @TheLobatoCase

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John Metcalfe Park 2012 750 East Ohio Avenue 3rd Weekend in June 2012 Fountain, Colorado 80817 June 15 16 17 *Reservations required for Friday June 15, Call to RSVP: 719.528.1954 A Historical Event Juneteenth Caribbean Heritage Festival Africa Central America South America Theme: Remember the Ancestors Schedule of Events: Friday, June 15, 2012 Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Freedom Awards Dinner Awards Dinner Entertainment Networking Saturday, June 16, 2012 Time: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm 10:00 am - Opening Ceremony City Hall 116 South Main Street Fountain, Colorado 80817 Prayer National Anthems Reading of General Order #3 City Proclamation Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony Parade Cook-out in the Park Entertainment Vendors and much more Sunday, June 17, 2012 Time: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm Church service Gospel Music Cook-out in the Park Vendors and much more

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