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Vol. 22, No. 10 December 31, 2015 - January 6, 2016 50¢

Kwanzaa Get your strut on celebrations Line dance promotes health, fellowship for 2016 continue By Stephanie R. Jones Contributing Writer Unity, working col- lectively, sharing re- sponsibility with one’s fellow man were the topics Monday on the third day of Kwanzaa during the 25th seven- day celebration of the seven principles. The day after Christ- mas, the celebration of Kwanzaa began at the Medgar Evers Com- munity Center on Edwards Avenue under the theme “Standing on the Shoulders of Greatness.” On Monday, the third day of Kwanzaa, Dr. Hank Harper of Madison and Omar Baruti of Memphis were the main speakers on the principle of Ujima (collective work and responsibility) at the commem- orations, sponsored by the Jackson NAACP and Martin & Assoc. More than 100 people attended the event at the Aaron Honeysucker (right) teaches dance steps at Anderson United Methodist Church. PHOTOS BY JANICE K. NEAL-VINCENT community center, which was decorated with post- ers and banners with information on African Ameri- By Janice K. Neal-Vincent that met in a small classroom. They rades, veterans parades, dance not only stimulates persons on the can and African history. Vendors were set up selling Contributing Writer called themselves the Strutters. festivals, birthday parties, family dance floor, but it provides fellow- products related to the African and African Ameri- Line dancing has galvanized “When the class started to grow, reunions, health and rehabilitation ship and health benefits. It strength- can experiences. groups around the globe. as a result of several instructors centers, Hinds County Sheriff’s De- ens bones, lowers blood pressure, Since the 1970s in the United and the popularity of the present partment, and athletic departments. and lessens pain that comes with Kwanzaa States folks have used the cho- instructor, Aaron Honeysucker, the Additionally, they come dressed in arthritis. “Once you get older, you Continued on page 3 reographed dance that requires no name changed from Strutters to line red and black attire. can no longer go to places you once physical contact as a way to exer- dance and the original members “We get very good responses. It’s have gone. But you can fellowship cise or simply enjoy each other’s have maintained the name Strut- motivating for others within our with others in the class,” she added. company. ters,” said Rachel Owens, the class’ ages (55 – 85). I’m 82, blessed, and Dance volunteer Herticene Alli- Locally, the art form has brought founder. thankful. Our dances even encour- son mentioned that when she was State seeks federal together 80 individuals, including Not only are the Strutters mem- age young people. I’ve had a lot asked to be an instructor at Touga- senior citizens, in the gymnasium bers of the line dance class, but they of people tell me, ‘When I get to loo she declined but recommended at Tougaloo College’s Wellness line dance at sites for groups and be your age, I want to be just like Honeysucker who was teaching disaster relief after Center. When the group started in organizations at nursing homes, you,’” Owens said. 2004, there were only 20 students Christmas parties, Christmas pa- Owens asserted that line dance Line dance Continued on page 2 deadly tornado The Associated Press PEARL – Gov. Phil Bryant said Monday that Mis- sissippi is seeking a federal disaster declaration for some or all of the seven counties hit by a tornado Midwifery’s importance emphasized at forum last week. That statement came hours after another tornado By Janice K. Neal-Vincent the anthropology of midwifery and hit near Seminary in Covington County just before Contributing Writer birth; and the museum will chron- dawn. Six homes were damaged or destroyed, but no icle an African-American family’s Several individuals gathered one was injured, the Mississippi Emergency Man- path from slavery, independent sur- Dec. 19 to share ideas on educating agement Agency said. vival, and middle class attainment.” the public about the impact and his- Officials were also bracing for unusua winter “It’s all about visioning the Scott torical significance of midwifery. flooding along the Mississippi River in mid-January, Ford House Museum at 136 and The Day of Sharing event was as heavy rains filter downstream. 138 East Cohea St.,” said Dr. Alfer- held at the Smith Robertson Muse- The National Weather Service said the Monday dteen Harrison, project director and um and Cultural Center in Jackson, twister was much less powerful than last week’s president of Scott Ford House, Inc., but the focus was on the Scott Ford storm, which killed 10. The tornado, with maximum who presided over the forum. The Museum and Interpretive Center winds of 95 mph, cut a path up to 100 yards wide vision “is to be a catalyst for pre- located at 136 and 138 Cohea St. and traveled 5.6 miles. Meteorologists evaluated it as serving, interpreting and present- in Jackson. The two houses at the EF-1 on the enhanced Fujita scale. ing African-American history as a center built in 1891 and 1892 were Covington County Emergency Manager Greg dynamic tourist attraction.” In ad- used by midwives. Sanford said the damage happened near the town of dressing this vision, the mission “is Dr. James Smith, vice presi- Seminary, about 20 miles from Hattiesburg. Trees to develop the Virginia Scott Ford dent of Scott Ford House, Inc., fell across U.S. 49, blocking southbound lanes. family home as a historic house explained that it was on May 13, The scale of the destruction paled in comparison museum which will reflect and in- 1998 that the Scott Ford Museum to north Mississippi. Bryant said preliminary counts terpret 19th and 20th century Afri- Complex was designated a Missis- show 233 homes were destroyed or seriously dam- can American history.” sippi Landmark. Smith articulated aged in the Wednesday tornado, which ran from the need for a Scott Ford Museum Highlighting that midwives were Ruth Weir stands next to a photo of her grandmother, Virginia Scott Ford, Clarksdale northeast to Walnut. Another 463 homes Complex to focus on midwifery. highly respected in their own com- who was a midwife. PHOTOS BY JANICE K. NEAL-VINCENT received lighter damage. munities, Smith noted that the Mis- “It connects the historical lineage Bryant said the state is asking the Federal Emer- sissippi Board of Health and the from slavery to freedom; it pre- the artifacts used by midwives in while creating and preserving a gency Management Agency to make grants to in- serves the midwives’ contribution their practice; it provides an op- midwifery body of knowledge; it dividuals available in Benton, Coahoma, Marshall, to the medical field and African- portunity to show the difference will allow lay persons and research- Midwifery Quitman and Tippah counties. American medicine; it preserves between midwifery and obstetrics ers to conduct research and record Continued on page 2

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Line dance Midwifery Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 black community differed in their perceptions of midwives. In the mid-1980s, however, “the state-sponsored midwifery program faded away as the Mis- sissippi Department of Health stopped issuing lay midwifery permits,” Smith said. Discussants recalled diffi- cult times the black community faced. A tearful retired Touga- loo College professor, Dr. John Ruth Weir prepared this exhibit of her grandmother, midwife Virginia Garner, reminisced about the Scott Ford and her family, their business and Mary Green from circa times he addressed desegre- 1898-1928. gation and wondered how the midwives were able to “get around those great difficulties.” Dr. Robert Smith, a physician with Central Mississippi Medi- Tougaloo Strutters are (standing, from left) Rachel Owens, founder; Barbara McGee, Herticene Allison, cal Health Services, responded Christine Jones, Vera Davis, Dorris Braddy, and Ada Johnson. In front are (from left) Celestine Lindsey, that alumni who worked at pub- Barbara Moore, Marjorie Lee and Pearl Hawkins. lic institutions were not allowed to write checks. “But John Gar- a line dance class at the VFW seminars. Center; Tuesday from 6-7 p.m. ner was part of the desegrega- (Veterans of Foreign Wars). “The group is vital in that at Anderson United Method- tion process which influenced Allison explained that Honey- obesity causes many illnesses ist Church; Wednesday from health care,” Smith said. sucker not only encourages line in the black community such as 6-7 p.m. at TL Love Center and Attending the event were Dr. Helen Barnes (from left), Minta As she shared her personal Uzodinma, Dorothy Moore, recording artist; Alferdteen Harrison, dance, but he also recommends high blood pressure and diabe- Thursday from 6-7 p.m. at the experiences of Mississippi and Dr. Robert Smith. a healthy diet. “He’s the kind tes that we can control. It takes VFW. Also at the VFW, aerobics midwifery, Dr. Helen Barnes, of instructor who you need to a whole bunch of things to live is held from 7-7:15 p.m. and a professor emeritus of obstetrics Civil Rights Museum, looked encourage the public to come be with because he teaches for healthy. You must eat properly, line dance class seminar is held and gynecology at the Univer- at the center from a generation- forth and reveal their experi- mind and body,” Allison said. see your doctor, make sure you from 7:30-7:45 p.m. Every Fri- sity Mississippi Medical Cen- al perspective. “We need to re- ences would be significant. Honeysucker mentioned that have plenty of fluids in your day is normally reserved for par- ter, recalled that 15 doctors who member that a lot of this infor- “Midwives were almost as he fuses aerobics into line danc- body, get eight hours of sleep ties. Every Saturday is normally were delivering at St. Dominic mation which is second nature important as our mothers who ing for heart-health purposes. daily, have a spiritual connec- reserved for a month awareness Hospital offered a surgical ster- is new to us,” Dace said. carried us for nine months He later referred to the strong- tion, and be surrounded by posi- walk at the Jackson Medical ile procedure and let patients Projecting a festival on Co- because they caught us and hold he felt churches have had tive people,” Honeysucker said. Mall. go home the day following the hea Street was then addressed. brought us into the world,” against dancing on congrega- “To avoid procrastination have a Though Honeysucker has procedure. “They were told that Smith called for resources said Dorothy Moore, recording tions. “For a long time churches strong walking partner so when taught students who have formed they could no longer provide and people to take advantage artist and Jackson native, who thought it was sinful to do danc- you don’t feel well, that partner their own line dance classes, he that service, so they pulled out of presentations already es- attend the forum. ing. They couldn’t perceive it can push you along.” stated that, “It’s nothing unusual to give their patients permanent tablished and funded by the In bringing the event’s dis- as an exercise. They looked at The popular dance instructor for me to have 10 teachers in sterilization,” Barnes said. Margaret Walker Center. Dace cussions to closure, Dr. Rico it as a devil’s worship, but they exposes his classes to a pleth- my class. They’ll come to learn In preservation of midwives’ called for prioritizing educa- Chapman, chair of Jackson couldn’t conceive of overeating ora of line dance steps from something, then go back to teach stories, discussants envisioned tion by focusing on children State University’s History De- as sin. I talked to several minis- tunes like “Two Step,” “Elec- it and I’m okay with that.” an Interpretive Center that who are the best in science and partment, said, “It is important ters who said line dancing was tric Slide,” “Stomp,” “Wobble,” In addition to Allison, who would have major influence ev- technology. Lena Jones, Scott to connect this information to beneficial and it was healthy. “Fall in,” “Cupid Shuffle,” “So has been volunteering for nearly erywhere. Dr. Robert Luckett, Ford Board Development con- the public in terms of restora- Folks learn their unhealthy eat- Fine,” “Stay,” “Obama Shuf- 15 years and teaches steps under director of the Margaret Walker sultant, emphasized that the tion, hope, and vision. When ing habits by going to church fle,” “Ms. Jody,” “Murder She Honeysucker’s jurisdiction, are Center at Jackson State Univer- role of the granny midwife we look at our communities, because they believe God is go- Wrote,” “No Sleep,” “Grand- others including Stephanie Har- sity, defined the center’s role needed attention. “The granny a lack of vision has impacted ing to take care of them and they daddy Slide,” and more. ris (five years), Norma Denmore as “a medium to preserve their midwives would look after you them and we need to connect don’t have to do anything.” He He said he created exercise (six years), Earnestine Strange stories to be shared.” Stories and the parents would say, this the dots.” then quipped, “A lot of obese outlets “because many folks (11 years), and Jurai Byrd (sev- were recorded as he spoke. is the person who brought you To contribute stories of mid- folks are in churches.” can’t afford to go to a gym.” His en to eight years). Dr. Robert Smith said, “I into the world,” she said. An- wifery experiences, contact Dr. Maintaining his stance on teaching schedule is as follows: To become a Strutter, call Ra- would like to see the Interpre- gela Stewart, an archivist at the Alferdteen Harrison, president health, Honeysucker has a group Line dance classes are Monday chel Owens at (601) 977-7700. tive Center presented as a very Margaret Walker Center, added of Scott Ford House, Inc. Far- called Community Health Ini- from 2-3 p.m.at Tougaloo Well- To learn more about line danc- positive delivery mechanism.” that stories of children deliv- ish Street Historic District, at tiative of Obesity Fighters that ness Center; Monday from 6-7 ing, contact Aaron Honeysucker Jackie Dace, project manager ered by midwives were highly (601) 953-4060 or email alfer- conducts health workshops and p.m. at Grove Park Community at (601) 506-2540. for the upcoming Mississippi significant. Thus, continuing to [email protected]. LOCAL

www.mississippilink.com DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 6, 2016 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 3

Kwanzaa IN MEMORIAM Continued from page 1 Kwanzaa runs from Dec. 26, Baruti said. “With knowledge black businesses. Lula Bell Benton Holman through Jan. 1, 2016, and events of our culture we could get rid Baruti told of his relationship will be held at the Evers Center of a lot the things that plague us with the late Jackson mayor August 1, 1927 - December 23, 2015 each evening at 6 p.m. in America,” said Baruti, who Chokwe Lumumba. He called Kwanzaa is not a religious does prison ministry work in Mississippi “holy ground, sa- Lula Bell Benton Holman of the Heroines of Jericho for holiday, nor is it meant to re- Whitehall and Henning, Tenn. cred ground” because of pivotal was born on August 1, 1927 many years. place Christmas. It was created Baruti said things that rav- events in the state’s history and in Raymond, Miss. to the late Holman departed her earthly by Dr. Maulana “Ron” Karenga, age the black community such people such as Evers and Lu- Will and Olivia Benton. She home on Dec. 23, 2015 in the a professor of black studies, in as crime and poverty are not mumba. “When you see a leader was the older of their two chil- early morning. 1966. At this time of great so- of the culture of the African like Chokwe, you support him,” dren. Her sister, Emma Wells She leaves to mourn two cial change for African Ameri- people, explaining that it’s an he said. After telling the story preceded her in death. daughters, Barbara Warner cans, Karenga sought to design adaptation of the environment of how Lumumba took a case She attended Southern and Emma Harris of Jackson; a celebration that would honor in which they were thrown into. and got a man cleared who had Christian institute (SCI) in Ed- two sons, Melvin Holman and the values of ancient African He sees a need to change the been on death row for 19 years wards, Miss., where she lived Dwight Holman of Jackson; cultures and inspire African mindset of people in order for without asking a for a huge fee, on campus in Smith Hall. Her seven grandchildren, Courtney Americans who were working blacks to live up to their poten- he said, “That’s the kind of man dormitory counselor was the Harris of Jackson, Chandler for progress. tial in America. “We are in trou- you all had in your midst. late Jessie B. Mosley. Holman (Kim) Evans of Richmond, Kwanzaa is based on the ble and we need to get people’s “He was on time, in time, at graduated from SCI in 1950. Holman Va., Jesse (Star) Norris of year-end harvest festivals that minds pointed in the right direc- the right time for Mississippi.” She was united in holy mat- Houston, Texas, Demitri Nor- have taken place throughout Af- tion,” he said. “Dr. Hank,” as Harper prefers rimony to the late Dennis Hol- Church under the leadership of ris of Houston, Texas, Yolanda rica for thousands of years. The Baruti said the needed change to call himself, centered his dis- man Sr. They had two children, Rev. Fred Black. (Terrance) Boyd of Houston, name comes from the Swahili in the black community is un- cussion on the value of educa- Shirley Holman Norris and During her early years at Mt. Texas, Renita Gamblin and phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” likely to come until people are tion, explaining to the young Dennis Bernard Holman Jr., Nebo she was a member of the Tarsha Gamblin of Jackson; which means “first fruits of pushed into a corner as they people in the audience the con- who preceded her in death. choir. She was an usher for two sons-in-law, Reginald Har- the harvest.” Karenga chose a were during the 1950s and cept of learning to earn. She confessed her belief in over 35 years where she served ris of Jackson and Jesse Norris phrase from Swahili because 1960s in Mississippi, with the “Until you reach 21, your job Christ at an early age and unit- several terms as president of Sr. of New Orleans; extended the language is used by various deaths of Medgar Evers and is to learn,” Harper said. What ed with Shear Groove Baptist the usher board and where she family, Hattie Gamblin (Sam), peoples throughout Africa. Emmitt Till. one learns determines what one Church in Raymond, Miss. She served in a leadership position Don Lewis, Arthur Kersh, and Its seven principles are: Umo- “As long as you have a com- will earn in the future, he said. later moved to Jackson and on the social committee. Freddie Davis; and a host of ja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self- fortable existence, nothing will “If you make good grades, you united with Mt. Nebo Baptist She was an active member other relatives and friends. determination), Ujima (Collec- change,” he said. His message earn more in life. If you make tive Work and Responsibility), was about black empowerment good grades they pay you to Ujamma (Cooperative Econom- and making a way for oneself. learn more and then you earn ics and Familyhood), Nia (Pur- He touted business ownership more.” pose), Kuumba (Creativity) and over employment. He started The evening was capped off Habitat for Humanity seeks Imani (Faith). three businesses by the time he with everyone forming a circle Baruti, the vice president was 25 and encouraged young and sharing a drink of water of Memphis Kwanzaa Inter- people to do the same. and chanting the African rally- homeowner applicants national sought to drive home “Why work for someone ing cry harambe, harambe, ha- The Mississippi Link Newswire Hinds and Rankin counties. February 2016 the point of a need for African who won’t spend their money rambe. Habitat for Humanity Mis- Informational meetings have Feb. 4 – 5:30 p.m., Jack- Americans to know who they in our community; why spend Stephanie R. Jones can be sissippi Capital Area is a non- been scheduled as follows: son Medical Mall Community are and from where they yield. with someone who won’t spend reached at srjones13@gmail. profit Christian organization January 2016 Room African Americans have be- their money in our community,” com or (601) 454-0372. Reli- whose purpose is to build and Jan. 7 – 5:30 p.m., Jack- Feb. 10 – noon, HFHMCA come disconnected from their said Baruti, who said he makes gion Editor Daphne Higgins sell decent and affordable son Medical Mall Community Offices at 615 Stonewall St., heritage, history and culture, a conscience effort to patronize contributed to this story. housing to families who need Room Jackson better housing. Jan. 13 – noon, HFHMCA Feb. 20 – 10 a.m., HFHMCA GET YOUR CURRENT NEWS AND WATCH AP VIDEOS ONLINE AT: HFHMCA is currently accept- offices at 615 Stonewall St., Offices at 615 Stonewall St., ing applications for individuals Jackson Jackson and families interested in be- Jan. 23 – 10 a.m., HFHMCA For more information call www.mississippilink.com coming part of the Habitat home offices at 615 Stonewall St., (601) 353-6060 or visit www. ownership program in Madison, Jackson habitatmca.org. 4 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 6, 2016 www.mississippilink.com EDUCATION

www.mississippilink.com DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 6, 2016 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 5 Avoiding amputations: Jackson State seniors engineer product for diabetics The Mississippi Link Newswire ning or dress shoes, for example. Engineering students at Jack- It measures the number of ac- son State University have de- tual “foot strikes” and produces signed a “smart mat” that gauges more accurate counts within a foot temperature of diabetics to 90th percentile for users rather help thwart the danger of lower than current products on the extremity amputations – particu- market that calculate motion of larly in Mississippi, where the any kind. risk is greater, according to the Smart bag: This product in- CDC. volves placing a device on back- The Mississippi Department packs or other bags and is es- of Health said the Magnolia state pecially useful to students who ranked second in the nation for leave behind or misplace items prevalence of diabetes in 2012. such as laptops or iPads. With Chevan Baker (left) a senior computer engineering major from Kansas City, Accordingly, four of every 1,000 RFID (radio frequency identi- Mo., and Jann Butler, a senior computer engineering major from Pascagoula, deaths resulted from complica- fication) circuitry and pressure were among four who helped develop a senior design project called the tions of the disease. sensors, users know if an item “smart mat” to determine the foot temperature of diabetics. PHOTOS BY Standing on the prototype, Baker shows how the feet are As part of their senior design CHARLES A. SMITH/JSU positioned for reading by an Android app. is missing from a bag based project, JSU students in the Col- on weight. The device also has lege of Science, Engineering and has abnormal (high) glucose til you develop an ulceration, quite durable and can be placed bers are engaged in ongoing Bluetooth technology to alert us- Technology recently created the levels in the blood, affecting its which could possibly lead to on most surfaces, team member discussions about modifications ers leaving a room that an item temperature-measuring device. flow to the lower extremities. worsening conditions that result Chevan Baker said one issue and placing the product on the is missing. For one group member, the This causes the foot to be colder in amputation. The condition was that the original temperature market. Automated RFID atten- “smart mat” project is personal. than average. By outputting tem- could even accelerate a second sensor pads produced erroneous Their other partners are Jordan dance: This device saves time Jann Butler, a senior computer perature values, the patient can amputation that can significantly values due to moisture, such as Barber, a computer engineering and eliminates the need for pro- engineering student, said ulcers see which foot is more affected. compromise a person’s ability to wet feet. He said the group even- native from Jackson, Miss., and fessors, for example, to take roll. led to his aunt’s amputation. Then, that information can be re- move around,” Skelton said. tually switched to a more sturdy, Fred Harris, an electrical en- With a unique RFID tag, the “As a result, we wanted to layed to a physician.” “The idea behind the smart efficient, waterproof sensor gineering native from Forest, electronic classroom attendance help other diabetic patients,” he Dr. Gordon Skelton, professor mat was to realistically see if called the lily pad. Miss. The group says the mat reader can determine each stu- said. “Upon research, we real- in the Department of Electrical there was some means of collect- Another issue occurred with cost slightly less than $500 to dent’s name, when the person ized that a lot of them suffer foot and Computer Engineering and ing data for a doctor or caregiver formatting an accompanying produce. entered the room, whether the ulcers, and we uncovered an is- director of the graduate program as an early warning. Products Android app to display the data Meanwhile, Skelton said the student left class early or wheth- sue with temperature. So, we de- for CDS&E (Computational Da- such as these have real value,” that was being collected. Baker, initial prototypes of these types er the person was legitimately veloped a mat that diabetic pa- ta-Enabled Sciences and Engi- he said. a computer engineering major of products validate the concepts enrolled for a particular course. tients could stand on to register neering), said this senior project, Each senior project takes two from Kansas City, Mo., said the of each design; however, refine- Also, it alerts the professor about the temperature of their feet. If and others, aimed to find solu- semesters to complete. Senior team eventually resolved that ment and formal adjustments are the frequency of attendance. there’s a four-degree difference tions to real problems. Design I is the theoretical phase; dilemma, too. The app, which required for eventual commer- Of this year’s teams, Skelton between the two over a period “A lot of the issues related to Senior Design II is the imple- is still being fully developed for cialization. said, “This was an excellent of time, the lower one would be diabetes end up being problems mentation phase. access on other mobile devices, Among other promising prod- group of students who showed at greater risk of ulceration,” he with neuropathy and a few other Developers of the smart mat stores previous temperatures ucts in this year’s slate of senior great promise for their engi- said. things, resulting in the loss of say they encountered a few (Fahrenheit and Celsius) for fu- projects: neering careers. They will make Also, the native of Pascagoula, feeling in your feet. You don’t problems along the way. ture comparison. Wireless pedometer:This themselves and Jackson State Miss., said, “A diabetic patient really know there’s an issue un- Although the smart mat is Butler, Baker and team mem- device can be outfitted on run- University proud.” JSU receives second designation as Apple Distinguished School

The Mississippi Link Newswire Blaine, dean of Undergraduate new Digital Core.” “We are redesigning the C.F. Jackson State has earned its Studies and CyberLearning at JSU’s CyberLearning Eco- Moore Building to become a second consecutive designa- JSU. system won national acclaim as model of 21st-century learning tion as an Apple Distinguished Digital enhancements have a recipient of Campus Technol- spaces, building new systems to School, which is awarded bien- paved the way for the university ogy magazine’s Teaching and rethink how we advise students nially. to transform the institution’s Learning Innovation Award. and creating clearly articulated The honor praises the institu- learning environment with in- The HBCU also received a $1.2 degree pathways,” Blaine said. tion for incorporating technol- novative teaching methods, thus million award from the Bill and “In the spring, we will open one ogy into its curriculum. increasing students’ creativity. Melinda Gates Foundation as an of our newest spaces in the H.T. Dr. Robert Blaine, dean of Undergraduate Studies and CyberLearning “We are delighted to be recog- Blaine said, “When we re- institutional partner and a $2.9 Sampson Library, ENGAGE, at JSU, said the university is being honored for its innovation, nized again as an Apple Distin- ceived our first recognition in million award from the Depart- which will enable students leadership and education excellence. PHOTO BY CHARLES A. SMITH guished School for 2015-2017. 2013, we were designing IN- ment of Education’s First in the through technology to take the- Once again, JSU is deemed a NOVATE and CREATE and World Grant. oretical information from the dents will have access to scores a national reputation for innova- national exemplar for innova- planning our curricular rede- The expansion of technology classroom to the real world in of 3D printers, micro controllers tion, and we are excited to see tion, leadership and education signs. Now, we have completed on campus is becoming more one semester.” and equipment to build anything how we will continue to chal- excellence,” said Dr. Robert both and are implementing our ubiquitous. Moreover, Blaine said, “Stu- they can imagine. JSU has built lenge minds and change lives.”

2659 Livingston Road • Jackson MS, 39213 Subscribe TODAY 601-896-0084 • www.mississippilink.com Alcorn’s Mitchell earns Career, The Mississippi Link Name Technical Counselor’s licensure Address The Mississippi Link Newswire training modules at the Mississippi from secondary education to college City, State, Zip Alcorn State University’s Joey State University Research and Curricu- and career readiness,” said Mitchell. Phone Mitchell continues to make strides in lum Unit. “I have an applied knowledge of the his career. Mitchell believes that this new ac- changes that have taken place with e-Mail Mitchell, who is the director of Ca- complishment will allow him to be Mississippi Department of Education CHECK r 1 year r 2 year r 3 year reer Services, earned the Career and more effective in his role in Alcorn Ca- over the course of two years. These ONE Technical Counselor’s Vocational li- reer Services. changes help me understand where we $32 $64 $96 censure through the Mississippi De- “After the completion of the semi- are headed in Higher Education in rela- 1 year 2 year 3 year partment of Education. He earned the nars, I believe that I am better prepared tionship to recruitment efforts, articula- subscription subscription subscription Mitchell licensure by completing a series of to assist our students in their transition tion agreements, and dual enrollment.” Thank you for your order. Order a subscription for a friend!

The Mississippi Link [USPS 017224] is published weekly TM by The Mississippi Link, Inc. Offices located at 2659 Liv- The Mississippi Link ingston Road, Jackson, MS 39213. Mailing address is Jackson State recognized for excellence P.O. Box 11307, Jackson, MS 39283-1307 or e-mail us at: [email protected]; Please visit our website Volume 22 • Number 10 at: www.mississippilink.com. Phone: (601) 896-0084, Fax December 31 - January 6, 2016 896-0091, out of state 1-800-748-9747. Periodical Post- age Rate Paid at Jackson, MS. in reducing defaults from student loans © copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Deadline: The deadline for submitting items to be consid- The Mississippi Link Newswire ered for publication is Tuesday at 10 a.m. Funds Borrower Connect solu- Jackson State University’s repu- USA Funds senior vice presi- Publisher...... Jackie Hampton Jackson State University has tions to provide outreach and tation for high quality, preserves dent, business development. Editor...... Shanderia K. Posey Subscriptions are $32 per year; $64 for two years or $96 been awarded a certificate of counseling to student loan bor- our ability to support students “With our comprehensive suite Online Editor...... Lonnie Ross for three years. excellence from USA Funds for rowers to help more former stu- with federal aid and translates of solutions, we can support and Religion Editor...... Daphne Higgins Postmaster: Graphics...... Marcus Johnson Send all address changes to The Mississippi Link, achieving a reduction in its fed- dents successfully repay their into tangible savings to our for- significantly enhance schools’ Photographers...... Kevin Robinson & Jay Johnson P.O. Box 11307, Jackson, MS 39283-1307. eral student loan default rate. loans. mer students as well as to U.S. default prevention efforts.” Contributing Writers...... Stephanie R. Jones Advertising: For all advertising information, Rates are reported by the U.S. Janice K. Neal-Vincent Dana Brown, interim vice taxpayers who ultimately pay USA Funds is a national non- please call (601) 896-0084. Department of Education, and president for business and fi- the costs of student loan de- profit organization that provides The Mississippi Link accepts no responsibility for un- Member: Jackson State’s most recent rate nance said, “We are pleased that faults.” student loan repayment to col- solicited materials and in general does not return them to sender. Manuscripts and photographs submitted for improved to 12.7 percent from our focus on student success has “We are pleased to partner leges and universities in keeping publication are welcome by The Mississippi Link, but no 14.9 percent for the previous resulted in such positive out- with Jackson State and contrib- with its mission to enhance post- responsibility can be taken for sources considered to be authoritative, because the publication cannot guarantee period. comes for our borrowers. This ute to its default prevention suc- secondary education prepared- their accuracy. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content, is prohibited. Jackson State integrates USA lower default rate reflects on cess,” said Craig P. Anderson, ness, access and success. 6 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 6, 2016 www.mississippilink.com

NEWS FROM THE WORD Message from the Religion Editor

By Daphne Higgins Religion Editor It’s here – a Learning to Love God new year filled with new oppor- By Rev. Leon Collier of the world. When the world own heart, and yet he cheated “Peter asked Jesus, how many murder? Special to The Mississippi Link tunities. We find viciously criticizes Christians, on God when he committed times shall I forgive my broth- Simple – God knew David’s ourselves blessed Happy New they only give us more power adultery, schemed and mur- er if he does me wrong, seven heart and knew he felt guilty for with the oppor- Year, everyone. to defeat them. Sometimes God dered an innocent man. Al- times? Jesus said, seventy times his actions (Psalm 51:3). tunity to enjoy I am so happy will allow His people to face though you may be a person af- seven.” Peter thought that since I thought about how much God’s gift of life, love and salva- that we can be- some impossible circumstances ter God’s own heart, there will seven is completion that after David loved to praise God pri- tion. gin the new so that sinners will know that be times you will fail because that, he didn’t have to forgive vately and publically. We see Like many of you, I anticipate year praising He is real. you wear human flesh. Being in those who sinned against him, this in Psalm 122:1, “I was the start of the year by releasing the Lord as we By the way, if you are a love with God does not mean but Jesus implied that we are to glad because they said to me, a lot of what has taken place the continue this series of “Learn- Christian and you think you are you will never cheat on Him always forgive. we will go into the house of the previous year, be it good or bad, ing to Love God.” Let’s begin not significant, then you are a because you are human and God is a merciful God and Lord.” Then I thought about and what better place to do that by noting that complete love prime candidate that God wants prone to sin, but love won’t let His mercy never runs out. how David wanted to build a than in church. for God helps you walk in your to use so the world will know you take advantage of your hu- Psalm 107:1, “Oh, give thanks Temple in honor of God; how Watch Service is something overcomer status. He is real. David was the least manness and use it as an excuse to the LORD, for He is good! David was willing to put him- that I have attended for as long David was deeply in love likely candidate among the to stay in sin. For His mercy endures forev- self in harm’s way to fight a gi- as I can remember. Really, I think with God, so God gave him armies of Israel but because he In 2 Samuel 12:13, David er.” This is why David did not ant because Goliath had spoken that I’ve only missed one during overcomer status. 1 Samuel was in love with God, God used admitted his sin to the Prophet hesitate to repent; he knew God against God; how David loved my entire lifetime. I’ve always 17:32b, “…your servant, will that teenager to defeat an expe- Nathan. David, a man after was filled with mercy. the law of God and how David enjoyed gathering at the church go out and fight with this Phi- rienced, giant warrior so people God’s own heart, had fallen and Since David was a man of didn’t mind expressing his love to hear and tell others about the listine.” When David said he would know about the One true stayed that way until he dealt God, his sin gave a him a guilty for God openly. goodness that God has bestowed would fight, he was really say- God. with his sins. If you have not re- conscience. Psalm 51:3, “…My Finally, it occurred to me that upon His people. ing he would consume Goliath. Now, let’s talk for a moment pented from a sin, you are still sin is constantly before me.” God refused to put David to As a child I was taught that we This sounds like a conqueror to about “What loving God looks a part of that sin until you deal David wore kingly robes and death because David’s love for gathered at the church to watch me. like with our whole hearts.” with it. was therefore well adorned out- Him outweighed the two grue- the New Year come in together David had been walking in One who likes God but not David was not only a King, wardly, but inwardly, he was some sins he committed. It was and rejoice over a new beginning his overcomer status prior to in love with Him is prone to but the chief worship leader of eaten up with guilt. There may as if God said, I know David in a religious environment filled Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:36, “Your make excuses when confronted praise, as well and he had com- be some people you know, who sinned against me, but I know with testimonies and praise. And servant has killed both lion with their sin, but a person who mitted adultery, tried to cover it look good outwardly, but there he loves me more than the sins over the years, I’ve had the plea- and bear; and this uncircum- loves God dearly will quickly up and when the scheme to cov- is a raging storm within, but re- he committed and God knew if sure of seeing some wonderful cised Philistine will be like one admit and confess their sin. er it up didn’t work, he tried to pentance can calm the storm. He confronted David about his praising going on. of them, seeing he has defied John 14:6, “Jesus said to him, sweep it under the rug by mur- Psalm 51:11 reads: “Do not sins, he would quickly repent. I believe in doing my research the armies of the living God.” “I am the way and the truth…” dering the man he had sinned cast me away from Your pres- Rev. Leon Collier is the pas- to find out why certain events/tra- I want you to see something Therefore, those who love Him against. God wanted people to ence, and do not take Your Holy tor of Makarios Worship Cen- ditions continue to dominant our here. David knew that the real will eventually tell the truth. know that yes, David, a man af- Spirit from me.” This verse is ter, 464 Church Rd., Madison. lives. I found an interesting article fight was not between him and When you fall in love with ter God’s own heart committed proof that David was close to He and wife, Minister Yolanda; written by Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor Goliath, but the real fight was God, love will not let you stay adultery and murder and it was God, they were in fellowship. are the proud parents of three III, titled, “The Watch Meeting between God and Goliath and in unforgiveness, it won’t let public, but that David’s repen- I also see God’s grace in this daughters. He received de- Night Services in Black America. God took it personal; that is you hold a grudge, it won’t let tance was just as public. verse because although David grees from Criswell College The article reads: “Watch Night why David was not afraid. Je- you avoid someone you have David was confident about had sin, yet based on what Da- in Dallas; Southern Method- services in black communities sus said in Matthew 12:37, “For wronged. Loving God with all his repentance because God’s vid said, God had not left him. ist University - Perkins School can be traced back to gatherings by your words you shalt be jus- of your heart leads to the altar. mercy is abundant. We read in David didn’t lose God’s pres- of Theology; and a Masters of on Dec. 31, 1862, also known tified and by your words you Love is going to make sure you Psalm 51:1b, “According to ence, but he did lose his joy. Divinity from Memphis Theo- as ‘Freedom’s Eve’ when blacks shalt be condemned.” Goliath get right with God. Love led the multitude of your tender Psalm 51:12, “Restore to me logical Seminary. A pastor for came together in churches and defeated himself by speaking God to put on human flesh and mercies, blot out my transgres- the joy of Your salvation, And 23 years, Collier serves as a private homes to await the news against the Lord. led Him to the earth, and ulti- sions.” David knew that God uphold me by Your generous volunteer chaplain for various that the Emancipation Procla- When people speak against mately led Him all the way to had a whole lot of compassion. Spirit.” In other words, when law enforcement agencies in mation was going to become God, the church, Christians, the cross so we could get right As we learn to love God more, I repent, give me back my joy, the metro area and for the Mis- law. Black folks have gathered in or the Bible, God takes it per- with God. Love won’t let us our mercy and compassion will and hold me up by your spirit so sissippi Governor’s Mansion. churches annually on New Year’s sonal and He will use the low- stay in sin; it will lead you to increase also because love will that I won’t fall again. He may be reached by calling eve ever since, praising God for ly looked upon Christians to repentance. make us treat people like God Why didn’t God kill David 601.260.3016, 601.855.7898 or bringing us safely through anoth- shame the so called powerful David was a man after God’s treats us. In Matthew 18:21, 22, for committing adultery and e-mail [email protected]. er year. But, the Watch Night ser- vice didn’t begin in 1862; it began many years prior to that date. PASTORAL POINTS The Watch Night service re- portedly began with the Moravi- ans in Germany and was picked up by John Wesley who incor- porated the service in Method- ism. In England, Europe, and in Say Hello to 2016 America, the early methodists and other religious groups also By Rev. CJ Rhodes, M. Div. observed Watch Night services; of cowardice; but power, love know that we have been seated is a dynamic means of center- Intimate, More Powerful Re- Special to The Mississippi Link the Moravians certainly did. The and a sound mind (2 Timothy in heavenly places and created ing ourselves enough to hear lationship with God by Jen- noted homiletician, Charles H. We are on 1:7). in Christ Jesus for good works from God without interruption tezen Franklin; A Hunger for Spurgeon, a Baptist preacher, the cusp of say- There have been mountain- (Ephesians 2:1-10). Though or static. It clears our minds God by John Piper; and The preached a Watch Night sermon ing hello to the tops and valleys, as with every we are not saved by our works, of the clutter, mutes the noise, Power of Prayer and Fasting on Dec. 31, 1855 and took his text year, 2016. As year. A valley came this fall we are saved for works. There and brings us closer to the felt by Ronnie Floyd. from Lamentations 2:19. we say goodbye when I was hospitalized with is something each of us is as- presence of God, wherein we Fasting will take your In 19th Century Philadelphia, to 2015, this is stress-induced pain. That val- signed to do for God’s glory. receive both inspiration and prayer life to a new level. It Penn., the newly formed African a good time to ley, however, was just what Discovering what that is will instructions for the assign- will deepen your sense of the American Methodists continued reflect on all the lessons that I needed to soberly look for- be our first step in obediently ment ahead. divine in and around your life. the practice of watch-night ser- the year has taught us. ward to 2016 with a made up walking out our path. After we There are different fasts. It will challenge toxic habits vices on New Year’s eve wherever Reflection is the proper way mind to do some things dif- know why we are still blessed The Daniel Fast, for instance, and aid in discernment. While A.M.E. Churches were located. to prepare for the New Year, ferently for the sake of my to live, we will joyously com- is a fast where we don’t eat you’re fasting, meditate on Today, many African-American as it will hopefully assist us in spiritual, mental, and physical mit ourselves to the life-giving meat, sweets or treats; it’s a God’s word, especially the and Caucasian churches continue being wiser, stronger, and bet- well-being. It was a clarify- work we were destined to do. vegan fast for 21 days or lon- Psalms and Proverbs. Pray the to observe Watch Night.” ter in the days and months to ing moment that was akin to Therefore, 2016 should be ger. There are other kinds of scriptures, God’s word, back As the new year develops, we come. This is not magic; we a mystical experience. Since a year in which we are fully fasts where we only intake to God. Open yourself to the ask that you continue to share won’t be altogether perfect by that time God granted me alive to what God in Christ water and fresh fruit and veg- leadership of the Holy Spirit. your praises and good news with Jan. 1, just by looking back at glorious insights into my life has called us to be and do. The etable juices for a period of Expect great things from the our readers. This new year is filled 2015 with an eye toward self- and ministry that hadn’t been lessons of the old year, cou- time; or we cut out an addic- Lord. Be ready to become an with so many possibilities for all knowledge but contemplating theretofore easily discernible. pled with a lifestyle of com- tive food like bread or salt for instrument in the hand of Je- of us and that means even more lessons learned helps us jour- My story is not unique. All mitment, will surely make the several days. Then there are sus for His glory. opportunities to let others know ney with a little more sophisti- of us, if we were attentive, next twelve months wonder- fasts that cut out distractions Rev. CJ Rhodes, a graduate what God has done for us all. cation and awareness. learned valuable lessons that ful, no matter what situation like social media, television, of the University of Mississip- Remember the verse that I of- For me, 2015 has been filled should, if we allow, make us we face. games, etc., that so easily pi and Duke University, serves ten share with you – Isaiah 52:7 with wonder, gratitude, and better next year. This better- Every year, we make resolu- keep us from prayer and rela- as the director of Student Re- (NIV), which reads: “How beau- growth. The Lord opened ment shouldn’t be seen as self- tions, only to break them in a tionship building. (Make sure ligious Life at Alcorn State tiful on the mountains are the feet many doors for me, and I centered navel gazing. Rather, few weeks. Instead of making that you check with your phy- University and is the pastor of those who bring good news, walked through them more it should be the means of us resolutions, which are really sician if you elect to fast from of Mt. Helm Baptist Church in who proclaim peace, who bring prepared than I ever was be- offering ourselves wholly to all about what we can do, let foods.) Jackson. Rhodes is married to good tidings, who proclaim salva- fore. I also experienced chal- God for service to others. Said us commit ourselves to prayer A few books that may help Allison Thomas-Rhodes, and tion, who say to Zion, Your God lenges that strengthened my differently, God created each and fasting, or what God can jump start your time of fasting they are the parents of twin reigns!” resolve, reminding me that of us with a purpose. Those of do in us. are these: Fasting: Opening boys – Carroll Edward III and The Mississippi Link, a mes- God hasn’t given me a spirit us who are kingdom citizens Prayer coupled with fasting the Door to a Deeper, More Cornelius Josiah. senger for news in and around the state of Mississippi, would like to serve as your personal messenger GET YOUR CURRENT NEWS AND WATCH AP VIDEOS ONLINE AT: to share your news and the news of your places of worship. Contact Daphne M. Higgins at [email protected]. Fax 601-896-0091 or mail The www.mississippilink.com Mississippi Link, 2659 Livingston Road, Jackson, MS 39213.

www.mississippilink.com DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 6, 2016 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 7 Be content in 2016 – Happy New Year! PRESERVED By Pastor Simeon R. Green III Most wonderful Special to The Mississippi Link My friends, God will never thee, nor forsake thee.” Others enterprises, what a stay of soul leave us on account of poverty may forsake us for different rea- is here. “Let your or however low we may be sons, too many to be mentioned I know what it is to fall back time of the year conversation brought. “I will never leave thee, now, but He hath said, “I will on this promise sometimes to be without cov- nor forsake thee.” never leave thee, nor forsake keep from depression of spirit By Shewanda Riley etousness; and Sometimes, and very often, thee.” Well, then, let the rest go. and to find reviving in it.- Per I may sometimes struggle follow- Columnist be content with too, men lose all their friends If the Lord Jehovah standeth at haps you may suppose that those ing you with my cloudy eyes of such things as ye if they fall into any temporary our right hand, we can well af- of us who are always before the “It’s the most faith. But I pledge to trust you have: for He hath disgrace. They may really have ford to see the backs of all our public, and are speaking con- wonderful time and your plan for my life (as said, I will never leave thee nor done wrong; they may even have friends for we shall find friends cerning the blessed promises of of the year” are a writer.) I thank you God for forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). done right, but public opinion enough in the Triune God, God, never have any moments words from one loving me enough to plan with Is it not a wonderful and ar- may condemn the course they whom we delight to deserve. of downcasting, and never any of my favor- meticulous care every detail of resting fact that, while others do took, or slander may be propa- He that believeth in Jesus times of heartbreak; but you are ite Christmas my life. I trust you in the good leave us and forsake us, that God gated, which casts them into the shall never be so left of God as quite mistaken. We may have songs. Every and bad times and when I don’t never does? It is to each one of shade and then men suddenly to fall finally from grace. He passed through all this, perhaps, time I hear it, I think about wak- know how to take my life’s cir- His own redeemed people that grow forgetful. They do not shall never be so deserted as that we may know how to say a ing up Christmas morning, open- cumstances. I trust your hand to He says, “I will never leave know the man; how should they? to give up his God, for his God word in season to any who are ing presents with my family and guide me through the sometimes thee, nor forsake thee.” How of- He is not the same man to them will never give him up so far now passing through similar ex- listening to my father’s favor- dark, unclear areas of my life.” ten do men forsake those whom at any rate, and as the world as to let him give up his confi- periences. “If God be for you, ite singer, Johnny Mathis, sing Jeremiah 29:11-13 is a great they call their friends when gives him the cold shoulder, his dence, or his hope, or his love, who can be against you” (Ro- Christmas songs. scripture that also reminds us of those friends fall into poverty? friends serve him the same. or his trust. The Lord, even our mans 8:31)? However, this time of the year this. “I know what I’m doing. I Ah! The tragedies of some of We may be placed into a dun- God, holds us with His strong Happy New Year! isn’t just about joyous Christmas have it all planned out – plans these cruel forsakings, may we geon like Paul and Silas, but right hand, and we shall not be Rev. Simeon R. Green III is celebrations. For me, it’s also a to take care of you, not abandon never know them? Matters have God will make us sing there, moved even if we sin. “If any pastor of Joynes Road Church time where I excitedly reflect you, plans to give you the future changed altogether and friends even at midnight. We may be set man sin, we have an advocate of God, 31 Joynes Road, Hamp- on how many of my goals I met you hope for. When you call on that once were cherished are in the stocks, but even there God with the Father, Jesus Christ the ton VA 23669. He is married to and didn’t meet for the year. Did me, when you come and pray to now forgotten. In thousands of will cause us to rejoice greatly. Righteous.” Over the heads of Velma L. Green. He honorably I lose weight like I wanted to? me, I’ll listen. When you come cases, as soon as the gold has We may be cast into the fiery all our sins and iniquities, this served in the U.S. Army for 20 (Some but not enough). Did I looking for me, you’ll find me. gone, the pretended love has furnace, but He will tread the promise sounds like a sweet sil- years. Rev. Green is a member save money like I said I would? Yes, when you get serious about gone, and when the dwelling has flames with thee there. Blessed ver bell, “I will never leave thee, of the National Association of (Some but not as much as I want- finding me and want it more than been changed from the mansion be God, all the shame and spit- nor forsake thee” and, beloved, Evangelism Church of God, An- ed). anything else, I’ll make sure you to the cottage, the friendship ting that men can put upon us what a promise this is to make a derson, Ind. He serves as chair- There’s still so much I set won’t be disappointed.” which once promised to last for- can never put our God away for man confident in his God. In his man of the Southeastern Associ- out to do but haven’t done yet. One of my favorite quotes that ever has suddenly disappeared. He hath said, “I will never leave works, in his sufferings, in his ation of The Church of God, Inc. However, rather than think about also encourages me as I think what goals I didn’t meet, I am about those “goals in progress” is thankful for the goals I did meet. by Saint Francis de Sales, patron And instead of considering the saint of writers. “Have patience other goals as unmet, I still con- with all things, but chiefly have sider them goals “in progress.” patience with yourself. Do not The Top 10 Gospel Songs from the Billboard This keeps me encouraged. lose courage in considering your Even if you are not a writer, own imperfections but instantly being able to seek and trust set about remedying them. Every God’s plan might make the im- day begin the task anew.” Per- Gospel Charts for the week of December 31 portance difference in how you haps one of the best presents we see your ability to patiently and can give ourselves as we strive to persistently reach your goals. meet our “in progress” goals is Here’s a prayer about trust- the gift of patience. ing God’s plan from my book, Merry Christmas and Happy SONGS ARTISTS ALBUM “Writing to the Beat of God’s New Year! Heart: Inspirational Prayers for Shewanda Riley is a Fort 1. Wanna Be Happy? CollegeKirk Franklin Hill Missionary Baptist Church Writers:” Worth, Texas based author who “I thank you God for showing can be reached at lovehang- 2. Worth Anthony Brown & group therAPy Since 1907 B IBLE B ASED •CHRIST C ENTERED • H OLY S PIRIT L ED me your plan and your direction. [email protected]. 3. Intentional Travis GreeneSUNDAY: Worship Services 4. Worth Fighting For Brian Courtney Wilson 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. 5. Yes You Can Marvin Sapp

6. I Luh God 1600 FlorenceErica Avenue CampbellMONDAY: Featuring BigIntercessory Shizz Prayer 9:00 a.m. 7. I’m Good Jackson, MSTim 39204 Bowman Jr. Ph: 601-355-2670 WEDNESDAY: Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. 8. I’m Yours Fax: 601-355-0760Casey J Classes: Children • Youth • Adult - 7:00 p.m. 9. 123 Victory Kirk Franklin 10. You Love Me (Best Of My Love) www.collegehillchurch.orgAnita Wilson • [email protected] Shekinah Glory

To listen to snippets of these songs, please visit billboard.com/charts/gospel-song Baptist Church “Shining the Radiant Light of His Glory” Moving the Masses Toward the Mission of the Master WEEKLY ACTIVITIES NewSunday Bethel9:30 a.m.MissionaryFulfillment H ourBaptist (Sunday School)Church Pastor, Dr. F. R. Lenoir 11:00 a.m. MorningSunday Worship School Service - 9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship - 10:30 a.m. Tuesday 6:30 p.m. Prayer Time & Bible Study Live Radio Broadcast Thursday 6:30 p.m. AWOADdult Choir AM 1300 Rehearsal - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 1750 Saturday 11:00 a.m. Youth & Young Adult Choir Rehearsal SUNDAY Worship Services www.nhcms.org Bishop Ronnie C. Crudup, Sr. Please join us in any or all of these activities.Y ou are WELCOME! 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. 1770 Ellis Avenue • Jackson, MS 39204 Sunday School 9:30 a.m. OFFICE. 601-371-1427 • FAX. 601-371-8282 485 W. Northside Drive“A Church • Jackson, Preparing MS for a www.newhorizonchurchms.org 601-981-4979 • Bro. KarlHome E Not Twyner, Built by pastor Man” MONDAY New Bethel M. B. Church • 450 Culberston Ave. • Jackson, MS 39209 S U N D A Y 601-969-3481/969-3482 • Fax # 601-969-1957 • E-Mail: [email protected] Intercessory Prayer 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. - Worship Services WEDNESDAY Michael T. Williams W E D N E S D A Y HHolyoly TTempleemple M.B.M.B. ChurChurchch Pastor 7:00 p.m. - Bible Class Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. 5077 Cabaniss Circle - Jackson, MS 39209 Classes: Children • Youth • Adult - 7:00p.m. T V B R O A D C A S T (601) 922-6588; [email protected] 8:00 a.m. - Channel 14 (Comcast) Sunday School - 8 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship - 9:30 a.m. Prayer Everyday: 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday Bible Study - 6:30 p.m.

“The Church That’s on the Move for Christ for Such a Time as This” ______REV. AUDREY L. HALL, PASTOR REV. DR. AVA S. HARVEY, SR., OVERSEER OPINION

8 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 6, 2016 www.mississippilink.com

TO BE EQUAL Let’s focus on who’ll Get ready for 2016 politics select nation’s justices By Marc H. Morial discriminatory voting practic- NNPA Columnist es no longer would be required By George E. Curry reporter Serge Kovaleski, who pact. All of the GOP candidates on’s selection of Harry Black- George Curry Media Columnist “Facing the to seek preclearance with the has a chronic condition called have pledged to appoint conser- mun and Gerald Ford’s appoint- rising sun of our U.S. Justice Department or a In politics, arthrogryposis that limits the vative justices. ment of John Paul Stevens. new day begun, federal judge before making 2015 was the movement of his arms. Issues such as affirmative ac- However, it was President Let us march changes to voting laws. year of insults There are many more exam- tion, access to the ballot box, George H.W. Bush’s nomina- on till victory is Immediately following the for those seeking ples, including Trump’s bash- campaign spending, the con- tion of David Souter to the high won.” Shelby decisions, states rushed the Republican ing immigrants and Muslims as stitutionality of the Affordable court in 1990 that set the stage - James Wel- to enact voter suppression nomination for well as lying about the number Care Act, and school desegrega- for an ideological litmus test. In don Johnson, “Lift Ev’ry Voice laws targeting people of color, president. And of Syrian refugees President tion are all issues the court has Souter, conservatives felt they And Sing.” students and senior citizens. Donald Trump was the undis- Obama wants to accept into the faced in recent years and are had a safe vote on the court. The 2016 presidential elec- The bipartisan Voting Rights puted Insulter-in-Chief. Among U.S. unlikely to go away in the next Souter disappointed conserva- tion still is more than 10 Amendment Act would restore his numerous lowlights: We should usher in 2016 by decade. tives by generally voting with months off, but already it preclearance and safeguard • Trump insulted former resolving to shift the attention Despite all the lofty talk about liberals on the court. promises to serve as a refer- the rights of vulnerable citi- Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly away from Trump’s insults to judges being independent and Chanting “no more Souters,” endum on social justice and zens whose voices are being Fiorina’s appearance by saying: more substantive matters. And impartial, numerous studies conservative think tanks and the racial reconciliation, in a year silenced. “Look at that face. Would any- there is nothing more important have shown that court appoin- Federalist Society, a network of when national attitudes are Heading into 2016, the na- one vote for that? I mean, she’s a or substantive than who will tees’ rulings generally mirror the conservative students, lawyers, changing faster than ever – and tional outcry against police woman, and I’m not supposed to probably select more Supreme political ideology of the presi- professors and judges rallied to not always for the better. brutality seems to be reaping say bad things, but really, folks, Court justices than any president dent who made the appointment. create an array of true conser- Pending U.S. Supreme results, with officers in -Chi come on. Are we serious?” in recent history. One of those studies is titled, vatives who will remain faith- Court decisions and legislation cago, North Charleston, S.C., • In an apparent reference to On Inauguration Day a year “Supreme Court Justices’ Loy- ful to their cause. Too bad pro- before Congress, 2016 will Baltimore and elsewhere at Fox News moderator Megyn alty to the President” by Lee gressives have not matched or from now, four of the court’s sit- profoundly impact racial con- last facing criminal charges for Kelly’s menstrual cycle, Trump Epstein and Eric A. Posner. The exceeded the fervor of the right ting justices will be between the sideration in college admis- apparently racially-motivated said she had “blood coming out authors stated, “A statistical wing. ages of 78 and 84: Ruth Bader sions, voting rights, collective violence against people of of her eyes, coming out of her ... analysis of voting by Supreme My New Year’s wish is that Ginsburg will be 83, Antonin bargaining and criminal justice color. wherever.” Court justices from 1937-2014 liberals will wake up before the Scalia and Anthony Kennedy reform. This could be the year for a • Continuing his attack on provides evidence of a ‘loyalty 2016 election and make sure the will be 80, and Stephen Breyer The Court’s decision on full turnaround if the National women, Trump made a sexist effect’ – justices more frequent- Democratic nominee for presi- Fisher v. University of Texas, Urban League’s 10-Point Jus- reference to Hillary Clinton’s will be 78. That means they will ly vote for the government when dent will be a person who un- brought by a white woman tice Plan is adopted. Congress late return from a commercial be 82 to 88 years old when the the president who appointed apologetically appoints progres- who claimed she was denied should enact a national com- break during which she had to new president’s first term ends. them is in office than when sub- sives to the court. admission to UT because of prehensive anti-racial profiling use the bathroom. “I know where And if he or she is re-elected, sequent presidents lead the gov- Let’s ignore the inane mus- her race, could put an end to law, mandate uniform FBI re- she went - it’s disgusting,” he the justices would be 86 to 92 at ernment. This effect exists even ings of Donald Trump in 2016 efforts by educational institu- porting and audits of all lethal said. “I don’t want to talk about the end of the second term. when subsequent presidents are and focus on what matters most tions to ensure diversity among force incidents involving law it. No, it’s too disgusting. Don’t With many major decisions of the same party as the justices in the next election - control their student bodies. enforcement, and create incen- say it, it’s disgusting.” decided 5-4 by the conservative in question.” of the United States Supreme The Constitutional principle tives for police departments to • Trump refused to describe majority, the next president will Surprisingly, the “loyalty ef- Court. of “one person, one vote,” es- use body and dashboard cam- Arizona Sen. John McCain as a determine how the court will fect” applies to Democrats more George E. Curry is president tablished in 1964 in Reynolds eras, review and revise deadly war hero. “He is not a war hero,” tilt politically for generations to than Republicans. and CEO of George Curry Me- v. Simms, could be undercut by force policies and tighten hir- Trump said. “He is a war hero come. “This may be because Re- dia, LLC. He is the former edi- the court’s decision on Even- ing standards. because he was captured. I like Replacing Ginsburg and publican presidents are more tor-in-chief of Emerge magazine wel v. Abbot. In Reynolds, the Perhaps most importantly, people that weren’t captured, Breyer with another liberal ideologically committed than and the National Newspaper court determined that legisla- the economic recovery from OK?” won’t shift the court’s balance. Democratic justices are, leaving Publishers Association News tive districts, both state and the Great Recession has left • Trump re-tweeted an inac- However, replacing arch-con- less room for demonstrations of Service. He is a keynote speaker, federal, must contain roughly many urban communities be- curate post citing a non-existent servative Scalia and/or Ken- loyalty,” the authors concluded. moderator, and media coach. equal numbers of people, guar- hind. The overall black unem- San Francisco agency’s claim nedy, a conservative who some- Over the years, presidents Curry can be reached through anteeing fair representation. ployment rate remains twice that 81 percent of whites were times serves as the swing vote, have appointed Supreme Court his Web site, georgecurry.com. The plaintiff in Evenwel the rate for whites, with rates killed in 2014 by blacks. In fact, would have a profound impact justices who voted contrary to Follow him at twitter.com/cur- claims that “one person, one as high as 25 percent for young 82 percent of whites were killed on the court’s rulings. their expectations, including rygeorge, George E. Curry Fan vote” refers only to the total black men. by other whites. Replacing Ginsburg and/ Dwight D. Eisenhower’s ap- Page on Facebook, and Peri- voting population. That would Many people working even • Trump even mocked a phys- or Breyer with a conservative pointment of Earl Warren and scope. Visit http://www.george- mean that urban districts, two or three jobs can’t make ical disability of New York Times would have a monumental im- William Brennan; Richard Nix- curry.com/columns. which contain more children, ends meet because of dismally immigrants and other disen- low wages. Several presiden- franchised persons, would be tial candidates have promised, dramatically underrepresent- if elected, to pursue a national ed while suburban and rural minimum wage hike, which RushCard helps with money issues populations would be grossly would be a significant step to- overrepresented. ward reducing poverty. The rights of public-sector Tired pledges to slash taxes By Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. means more than limiting in- apply for the prepaid debit card. cently named the RushCard the NNPA Columnist unions are at risk in Friedrichs on the wealthy, which we’re volvement primarily to be only The mission of the RushCard is 4th highest rated prepaid card v. California Teachers As- hearing from many of the can- The financial customers or users of financial publicly affirmed to “Empow- used as a substitute for a bank sociation. Under current law, didates, will do nothing to cre- services industry products and services. We also er our members by providing account. unions may collect dues from ate jobs. Congress has an op- is a vast matrix need more people of color and products and services that en- Russell recently stated, “As a non-members for collective portunity to create thousands of banks, credit others to be owners and entre- able them to achieve control and thank you for sticking with us bargaining but not political ac- of jobs and revitalize the na- and debit cards preneurs in the growing finan- realize their personal hopes and and to support your cash needs tivity. tional economy by enacting a products, venture cial services industry. financial goals.” during the holiday season, Friedrichs argues that even surface transportation bill that capital and mort- Russell Simmons is a global Thirdly, the RushCard has we’ve declared a Fee Holiday collective bargaining activities, guarantees employment for gage companies, investment entrepreneur. I have personally been around longer than most Season, meaning from Nov. 1, from which non-members ben- workers in low- and moderate- firms, and other financial insti- known Russell for more than prepaid cards and has achieved 2015 to Feb. 29, 2016, you can efit, are political so non-mem- income communities and en- tutions that compete to provide three decades. He continues to over the past decade a number use your RushCard without in- bers shouldn’t have to contrib- sures access to contracts for services to 326,346,200 people have the highest possible in- of innovative first in the indus- curring any fees from our fee ute. Public-sector unions have minority businesses. in the United States and millions tegrity and commitment to help try to better serve its card users schedule. You don’t need to take been a driving force in bring- As our nation grows more more around the world. There is people improve their quality of including but not limited to the any extra steps to participate in ing African-American workers diverse year by year, the social a very old saying that posits: life. His entrance into the finan- following: this special offer. Just pull out into the middle class; Friedrich structures of the past are chal- “How you manage your money cial services industry was timely One of the first prepaid cards your RushCard and use it for all could turn back the clock on lenged. will determine how well your and providential. For over the to offer Direct Deposit. of your holiday needs.” that progress. We in the National Urban heart will beat.” past ten years the RushCard has One of the first prepaid cards Current and new RushCard Congress has an opportunity League Movement will con- For 100.4 million African steadily emerged as an invalu- to offer check-writing capabili- holders don’t have to pay any in 2016 to correct one the most tinue to be at the forefront of Americans and Latino Ameri- able money management pre- ties to its members. monthly, transaction or ATM egregious blows to voting those challenges, and we pray cans combined that spend in paid debit card for hundreds of One of the first prepaid cards fees for using the RushCard rights in the 20th century. The for guidance as we rise to meet access of $2.4 trillion annually thousands of card users across to offer cash loading at more from now until Febr. 29, 2016. Supreme Court’s 2013 deci- them in the coming year. as consumers in the U.S. mar- the nation. RushCard is owned than 35,000 MoneyGram® lo- Again, we all should strive sion in Shelby County v. Hold- Marc H. Morial, former ketplace, the daily and hourly by Simmons’ company, Uni- cations, nationwide. to get better control over how er gutted a key provision of mayor of New Orleans, is pres- financial management of our Rush, LLC. One of the first prepaid cards we manage our money. I have the Voting Rights Act of 1965. ident and CEO of the National money is an important issue. Notwithstanding recent com- to offer comprehensive money found that using the RushCard Jurisdictions with a history of Urban League The RushCard developed by puter software glitches that have management tools that make it does in fact help to manage sav- Russell Simmons is an effective now been resolved concerning easier to track balances, create ings, investments and spending. and efficient money manage- the use of the RushCard, it is my monthly budgets, and analyze Financial empowerment will ment tool potentially for mil- opinion that the RushCard today spending. be the result of proper financial For information about advertising in lions of “unbanked” and “un- will be a productive and very There are a wide variety of management. derbanked” people throughout useful prepaid debit card to use prepaid debit cards available for Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is the United States. According to for each member of your family. people to have an opportunity the president and CEO of the a 2014 FDIC report, 22 percent Why? First, because the Rush- to select for their personal and National Newspaper Publish- The Mississippi Link of unbanked households used a Card meets the Visa Clear Pre- family use. My family mem- ers Association (NNPA) and can prepaid card, compared with 13 paid standards for clearly com- bers use the RushCard because be reached for national adver- please call: 601-896-0084 percent of underbanked house- municated fees and consumer it is user friendly, but more im- tisement sales and partnership holds. protections. portantly we use the RushCard proposals at: dr.bchavis@nnpa. I have always emphasized and Secondly, if you go to www. because of Russell Simmons org; and for lectures and other or e-mail [email protected] promoted greater diversity and RushCard.com you will see a trustworthy leadership in the fi- professional consultations at: inclusion in the financial servic- very user-friendly online pro- nancial services industry. http://drbenjaminfchavisjr.wix. www.mississippilink.com es industry. But inclusivity also cess that explains how you can The Consumer Report re- com/drbfc.

Editorials and Letters to the Editor may be e-mailed to [email protected] or mailed to 2659 Livingston Road, Jackson, MS 39213. The views and opinions expressed on the Op/Ed pages are not necessarily the views and opinions of The Mississippi Link. The Mississippi Link also reserves the right to edit all material for length and accuracy. NATIONAL

www.mississippilink.com DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 6, 2016 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 9 Blacks in the San Francisco housing shortage

By Janie Har and not enough fresh produce uity in their homes for quieter best known as home of Candle- ley sold gumbo and ribs from Griffith housing project, marred Associated Press markets. lives in the suburbs. stick Park, where the Giants and a makeshift stand outside the by broken windows and boarded SAN FRANCISCO – Tired of But as modern dwellings crop City leaders say the new de- 49ers played for decades before vintage 1888 Bayview Opera up units. paying nearly $4,000 a month up, there are fears that the city’s velopment should help preserve moving to new venues. But the House. At a nearby senior cen- “We need a change,” said resi- for a one-bedroom in San Fran- dwindling population of African the city’s black community. As area has a rich history. ter, old-timers from places such dent Robin Robinson. “If people cisco’s popular South of Mar- Americans will not be able to af- evidence, they point to plans for Once called Butchertown for as Mississippi and Texas chatted are living a little bit better, may- ket district, two newlyweds last ford the neighborhood that writ- new senior and public housing, the slaughterhouses of yester- away. Blocks away, tight friends be they’ll feel a little better.” year bought a townhouse in a er James Baldwin once called as well as recent legislation re- year, Bayview-Hunters Point goofed around on a hover board Eyitejumade Sogbesan, the budding development along the “the San Francisco America pre- quiring that 40 percent of new has long served as a place of and bicycle. newcomer, said buying a home city’s rough-edged southeastern tends does not exist.” affordable units go to residents. pioneers, including Italians and “We got good people here, in one of the most expensive cit- bay-front. “I love this place. This is re- “People heard so many differ- Maltese - and after World War hard-working people,” said Al- ies in the country is good for his Friends warned Eyitejumade ally home,” said Dwight Brown, ent promises for years and now, II, thousands of blacks who left len Jordan, co-owner of Sam family, which includes an infant and Jinglin Sogbesan that the a jobs activist standing outside they literally see the manifesta- the South for jobs at the naval Jordan’s Bar and Grill, named daughter. Plus, he said, “I will be historically black Bayview- his office on Third Street, a run- tion of years of advocacy and shipyard. after his father, who was San part of a community that will be Hunters Point was a dangerous down commercial strip. “But the work and disappointment. This There was a thriving blue-col- Francisco’s first black candidate evolving into something much place. But Eyitejumade Sogbe- writing on the wall was they’re is for you,” said San Francisco lar middle class. But when the for mayor. “A lot of people have different.” san, 39, a Nigeria native and for- taking it away from us. Supervisor Malia Cohen, whose shipyard closed in 1974, work a fear of coming here, without Terrance Everette, a father of mer investment banker, ignored “You’re not going to be able great-aunts once lived in a city dried up and gangs came to rule, ever being here.” one, escaped a tumultuous life them. to live in San Francisco, unless housing project. especially in its public housing In 2008, voters approved a in Bayview-Hunters Point to A $500,000 two-bedroom you stand and fight for it.” Bayview-Hunters Point is one projects. Neighborhood ten- measure allowing the develop- find stable work and housing in with parking seemed a bargain As San Francisco’s population of the last major frontiers for sions with police remain high, ment going on today. a suburb. Yet the power com- in a city where modest homes climbed to an estimated 860,000 San Francisco development, en- especially after five officers on Lennar Urban plans to con- pany subcontractor, 41, longs to fetch $1 million. this year, the number of Afri- compassing more than a square Dec. 2 fatally shot a 26-year-old struct 12,000 housing units on return, to be part of the evolving As San Francisco rides a mas- can Americans has plummeted mile of undeveloped land in a knife-wielding suspect who was the sites of the former shipyard community where techies and sive building boom reminiscent from 100,000 in 1970 to fewer cramped city of 49 square miles. black. and now-demolished Candle- other professionals are snapping of post-World War II, fueled than half that today. Blacks, who It is sunnier than many areas, Still, daily life for many defies stick Park, nearly doubling the up homes. largely by growth in tech-based comprised a third of Bayview- with spectacular views of the Bayview-Hunters Point’s repu- population of 35,000. There “It’s a dream to stay where jobs, developers are finally wad- Hunters Point residents in 2010, San Francisco-Oakland Bay tation as a dangerous place. are plans for a luxury shopping you’re from. It’s a culture shock ing into a part of the city long are being priced out or have sold Bridge and downtown. On a recent afternoon, for- center at the old park and for re- to send you elsewhere,” he said. plagued by too much poverty their property, trading rising eq- The neighborhood is perhaps merly homeless Thomas Bai- building the dreary 1963 Alice “I’d rather be home.” Attorneys: Cops in Rice case ‘Tis the season for dreams of reacted on what they knew brokered political convention

By Mark Gillispie By Nancy Benac they insist. as likely” this time, says Mark Associated Press and John Seewer Ben Ginsberg, the lawyer Stephenson, a Republican con- Associated Press WASHINGTON – ‘Tis the who served as counsel to the sultant who handled delegate CLEVELAND – The two po- season - no, not THAT season. Mitt Romney and George W. strategy for Scott Walker’s lice officers cleared Monday of It’s that point in the presiden- Bush presidential campaigns, short-lived presidential cam- criminal charges in the Novem- tial election cycle when specu- says that because this GOP paign and worked on the Rom- ber 2014 fatal shooting of Tamir lation starts swirling that the election cycle offers three lanes ney campaign in 2008. Rice reacted based on what they primaries won’t produce a clear of candidates instead of two - Even if the field of candi- knew at the time, that a “guy” winner and one of the parties’ a “Trump” lane in addition to dates has been winnowed to was waving a gun and pointing big nominating conventions the traditional “establishment” three or four after the first four it at people, their attorneys said will dissolve in chaos. and “conservative” lanes - “it states award 130 delegates in Tuesday. This time, it’s the Republican becomes more likely that no February, the winner in the big It was not until after the shoot- side of the race that’s looking one will have a majority of del- Super Tuesday round of voting ing, with the gun on the ground, Rice Cuyahoga County prosecutor Tim particularly unsettled. egates.” on March 1 still might come up that police learned Tamir was McGinty answers questions during After a crazy year in which “The odds are still really with just 300-400 delegates of playing with a replica firearm center. a news conference in Richfield, Donald Trump’s ability to stay small,” Ginsberg continues, the 600-plus to be awarded that that shoots nonlethal plastic Garmback, a veteran officer, Ohio. AP PHOTO/TONY DEJAK, FILE on top in a supersized pack has then offers this caveat: “I did day, says Stephenson. That’s a pellets, the lawyers said. And it knew the area around the recre- repeatedly confounded the con- say on the day before the 2000 far cry from the 1,237 delegates was not until later that they real- ation center could be a danger- ventional wisdom, the what-if election that there would never needed to clinch the nomina- ized he was a 12-year-old boy, ous place where gang members The two officers are not al- chatter is wilder and louder than be another presidential re- tion. they said. gathered, his attorney said. lowed to return to patrol duties usual. count.” The idea of a brokered con- Frank Garmback, the training “It’s against this backdrop as the city conducts an inter- What if no one gets a major- This from the man who went vention harks way back to when officer who drove the cruiser that he got this call,” Maloney nal review to determine if they ity of delegates in the primaries on to play a central role in the power brokers in smoke-filled that day, and Timothy Loehm- said. should face administrative dis- and caucuses? What if Trump Florida recount at the heart of rooms could twist arms and ann, the officer who shot Tamir, On Monday, county Pros- cipline. leads the delegate count but par- the Bush v. Gore battle for the party bosses could steer their might have acted differently if ecutor Tim McGinty announced The attorney for Loehmann, ty elites want to derail his route presidency. preferred candidate toward the they’d been given that infor- that the two officers wouldn’t Henry Hilow, said critics have to the nomination? What if del- The large field of GOP can- nomination. More likely these mation, said Michael Maloney, be indicted because of “indis- created a national dialogue egates to the Cleveland conven- didates and Trump’s wildcard days, if still a longshot, is a con- Garmback’s attorney. putable” evidence that Tamir about the shooting that don’t tion deadlock on multiple votes candidacy aren’t the only fac- tested or deadlocked conven- The man who called 911 told was reaching for what the of- match the facts about what the and then try to turn to someone tors at play in speculation that tion that opens without a pre- the call-taker that a “guy” was ficers thought was a real gun officers knew. completely new, perhaps House the 2016 primaries could end in sumptive nominee. pulling a gun out of his waist- tucked in his waistband. Mc- “Police are mostly criticized Speaker Paul Ryan? uncertainty. The last time a Republican band and was pointing it at Ginty said Tamir was trying to for not responding,” Hilow said. Ridiculous, says Ryan. The GOP in recent years has convention opened without a people outside a city recreation hand the weapon over to police “When they act for the safety of Silly, says Republican Party been shifting to a more propor- clear nominee was 1976, when center. But the caller also said it or to show them it wasn’t real, the community, they’re vilified Chairman Reince Priebus. tional way of allocating del- Gerald Ford led in delegates but could be a juvenile and the gun but the officers had no way of for it.” “I don’t think that’s going to egates from each state than the lacked a majority coming into might be a fake. knowing that. Both attorneys said the of- happen,” says Trump. old winner-take-all approach. the convention. There was plen- The call-taker didn’t relay Maloney said Garmback was ficers weren’t available for in- Veteran politicos agree such And that means the momen- ty of drama as Ford beat back a that information to the dis- relieved by the grand jury’s de- terviews because of a pending scenarios are unlikely. tum Romney achieved after challenge from Ronald Reagan patcher who sent Loehmann cision, which Tamir’s family federal lawsuit filed by Tamir’s The outlook will clarify once winning a couple of big states and eked out the nomination on and Garmback to the recreation has condemned. family against them and the city. people start voting in February, in 2012 “is just not going to be the first vote. Holiday spending up 8 percent; online sales surge

Associated Press line shopping is forcing retail- rose in the double-digit per- NEW YORK – Americans ers to improve their websites, centages, indicating that people spent more on items like fur- or offer perks like faster or free are “willing and able” to spend niture during the holidays this delivery. Earlier this month, an- on big-ticket items. year, with online shopping in other report by First Data also Sales of women’s clothing particular seeing a big spike, found that online sales growth also rose double-digits, while according to a report released was outpacing sales growth at men’s apparel declined. The re- Monday. physical stores. That report was port noted that the warm weath- Overall spending rose 7.9 based on payments from Oct. er this fall pushed back sales of percent from a year ago, ac- 31 to Dec. 14. clothing, leading to some pent- cording to the MasterCard The SpendingPulse report up demand during the holiday SpendingPulse report, which does not include spending by shopping period. Retailers such tracks retail sales across cards, dollar amounts. But the Na- as Macy’s had said the unsea- cash and checks from Black tional Retail Federation, the na- sonably warm temperatures Friday to Christmas Eve. The tion’s largest retail trade group, would force it to slash prices on uptick was driven by people expects sales for November and items like coats and boots dur- sitting in the comfort of their December to rise 3.7 percent to ing the holidays. homes or at work, with online $630.5 billion from a year ago. The SpendingPulse report is shopping up 20 percent. For the traditional holiday based on sales activity on the Shopping at physical stores shopping period from Black MasterCard payments network, still accounts for the majority of Friday to Christmas Eve, the along with estimates for cash spending during the holidays. MasterCard SpendingPulse re- and check spending based on But the continuing shift to on- port found that furniture sales surveys. CLASSIFIED

10 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 6, 2016 www.mississippilink.com

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THE JACKSON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF INTENT TO RECEIVE SEALED BIDS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY LED JACKSON - PHASE 1 RURAL AREAS PROGRAM (5311) ENHANCED MOBILITY OF SENIORS & The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA) requests Sealed Bids (“Bids”) The City of Jackson is committed to efficient utilization of its resources. One INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES PROGRAM (5310) for the purchase of items identified for disposal by JMAA (“Items”). component of this commitment is reduction of energy consumption where TRANSPORTATION APPLICATIONS possible. The City owns and/or operates in excess of 200 facilities and in- JMAA will receive Bids at the offices of JMAA, Suite 300, Main Terminal Build- tends to retrofit lighting components with efficient LED (Light Emitting Diode) The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is soliciting applications ing, Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport, 100 International for energy and operational savings. Phase 1 of this initiative includes 12 for the following Federal Transit Administration (FTA) formula grant transporta- Drive, Jackson, Mississippi 39208, until 3:00 p.m. central time on January 8, facilities totaling 290,472 + SF. tion programs through the Public Transit Division: 2016 (the “Deadline”). The outside of the envelope must be marked “Bid for the Purchase of JMAA Personal Property”. Request for Proposal packets may be obtained from the Engineering Division Section 5311 Rural Areas Program of Public Works, 200 South President Street, Suite 424, Warren Hood Build- A site visit is scheduled for December 29, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. central time at ing, Jackson, MS, or call Mr. Philip Barnes at (601) 960-1132. Proposals will Eligible applicants include State and local governmental authorities, Indian the address indicated above. Any parties interested in viewing the Items for be received by the City Clerk of Jackson, Mississippi, at 219 South President Tribes, private non-profit organizations, and private operators of public trans- sale are welcome to attend. No additional times will be allotted to view the Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39201 or at Post Office Box 17, Jackson, Mis- portation services under special contractual arrangements. Although an ap- Items for sale. All sales are final and “as is”. Each Respondent must submit sissippi 39205 until 3:30 PM, local time, February 16, 2016. A Mandatory plicant’s proposal may target specific client groups, services for the general a separate amount and description for each Item they are bidding on. Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on January 20, 2016, at 10:00 AM in public must be included. Applicants are reminded that participation in a local the Andrew Jackson Conference Room of the Warren Hood Building, 200 S coordinated planning process must also be clearly documented. Consequent- All communication and computer equipment will be sold in one (1) lot (“Lot”) President St, Jackson, MS, 39201. ly, projects must be derived from an approved local Human Service Public and consists mainly of scrap parts. This Lot will not be split for any reason. Transportation Coordination Plan. The Lot will consist of thirteen (13) Apple iPhones, one (1) Apple Cinema Dis- The City of Jackson is committed to the principle of non-discrimination in pub- play, one (1) Adaptive Display System, one (1) Ultrak Monitor, four (4) Apple lic contracting. It is the policy of the City of Jackson to promote full and equal This program funds general public, job access and reverse commute and cer- Mac computers, twelve (12) Dell Optiplex computers, two (2) Dell monitors, business opportunity for all persons doing business with the City. As a pre- tain intercity bus transportation services in areas with less than 50,000 in pop- one (1) HP Deskjet 1220C, one (1) HP Deskjet 5550, one (1) HP Deskjet condition to selection, each proposer shall submit a completed and signed ulation. Approximately $14,500,000 in FTA funds are expected to be available 960C, and one (1) OKI Microline 590. The computers do not include moni- Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) Plan with the proposal submission, in for capital, operating, planning and administration expenses that may support tors, keyboards, etc. and may be missing hard drives and/or memory as well accordance with the provisions of the City of Jackson’s Equal Business Op- general public, job access and reverse commute and intercity transportation as other parts. portunity (EBO) Executive Order. Failure to comply with the City’s Executive services. These funds will be made available based upon Moving Ahead for Order shall disqualify a proposer from being awarded an eligible contract. Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) federal appropriation. MDOT will also In addition to the Lot, there are three (3) motor vehicles available for pur- For more information on the City of Jackson’s Equal Business Opportunity to the greatest extent utilize any available older 5311 Safe Affordable Flexible chase individually. They include one (1) 1998 John Deer 4x2 Gator ATV, Program, please contact the Division of Equal Business Opportunity at 601- Transportation Equity Act-A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) funds to fund one (1) 1999 Ford F150 Pickup Truck, and one (1) 2002 Ford Ranger Pickup 960-1856. Copies of the City of Jackson’s Executive Order, EBO Plan Appli- projects. Truck. cations, and a copy of the program are available at the following location: 200 South President Street, Room 223, Jackson, Mississippi; or can be accessed A job access and reverse commute project is defined as a transportation pro- JMAA will not consider any Bids received after the Deadline for any reason on City of Jackson’s Equal Business Opportunity webpage. ject that may provide planning, capital and/or operating costs of services whatsoever. Any questions regarding the sale of these Items are to be designed to transport welfare recipients and eligible low-income individuals directed to Ms. Karen Hatten, JMAA’s Procurement Specialist as follows: The City of Jackson hereby notifies all proposers that in compliance with Title to and from jobs and activities related to their employment”. This may include VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4, projects that involve trips to and from urbanized areas or rural areas to subur- Jackson Municipal Airport Authority that all proposers will be afforded full opportunity to submit proposals in re- ban employment locations. 100 International Drive, Suite 300 (39208) sponse to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds Post Office Box 98109 of race, color, national origin, or sex, in consideration for an award. Intercity transportation services may include rural and small urban areas. El- Jackson, Mississippi 39298-8109 igible intercity bus activities include planning and marketing for intercity bus Attention: Karen Hatten, Procurement Specialist The City of Jackson, Mississippi is committed to cultivating and ensuring the transportation, capital, some operating cost and coordination of rural connec- Telephone No.: (601) 939-5631, ext. 210 quality of life of its citizens, through various programs, employment, initiatives, tions between rural transit projects and intercity carriers. Facsimile No.: (601) 939-3713 and assistance. The City of Jackson encourages all persons, corporations, and/ E-Mail: [email protected] or entities doing business within the City of Jackson, as well as those who seek 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program to contract with the City of Jackson on various projects and/or conduct business (Rural, Small and Large Urban) 12/17/2015, 12/24/2015, 12/31/2015 in Jackson to assist the City of Jackson in achieving its goal by strongly consid- ering city of Jackson residents for employment opportunities. This program provides funds for private non-profit organizations to implement services that: CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Kishia L. Powell Gus McCoy 1) serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations beyond traditional Director, Department of Public Works Chief Administrative Officer public transportation service, where public transportation is insufficient, inap- Tired of renting? Try affordable homeownership through Habitat for Humanity propriate, or unavailable; 2) exceed the requirements of the Americans with Mississippi Capital Area. Learn more at an informational meeting at 5:30 p.m. Terry Williamson Disabilities Act (ADA); 3) improve access to fixed route service and decrease Jan. 7 at the Jackson Medical Mall Community Room; or call 601-353-6060 Legal Counsel reliance on complementary paratransit; and 4) are alternatives to public trans- or visit http://www.habitatmca.org/. portation. Capital and operating awards will be provided from approximate- 12/24/2015 12/31/2015, 1/7/2016 ly $1,700,000 in federal funds made available for rural (Less than 50,000 in population), small urban areas (50,000 – 199,999 in population) and a small portion to large urban areas (200,000 or more population) within the Desoto County urbanized area by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). These funds will be made available from MAP-21 funding appropriations. MDOT will also to the greatest extent utilize any available older 5310 SAFETEA-LU to Happy Holidays! fund projects. Eligible applicants include private non-profit organizations or public bodies that coordinate services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Applicants must document that they can provide the local match required for all capital and operating costs. Local match funds may be derived from state, local or certain other federal funds. Projects must be included in a locally developed coordinated plan.

Applicants wishing to apply for funding via this announcement must submit a written request for an application package. This request may be sent to us by regular mail, fax, or email. Applications for the 5311 program must be received in our office by 5:00 p.m. on March 1, 2016 and the 5310 program by March 25, 2016.

It is the policy of the MDOT and the FTA that no persons or groups shall, on the grounds of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, or disability be exclud- ed from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrim- ination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

For more information about these programs and the respective application process, please contact Shirley Wilson, Director, Public Transit Division, Mis- sissippi Department of Transportation at P. O. Box 1850, Mail Code 61-01, Jackson, MS 39215-1850 or by telephone at (601) 359-7800, by fax at (601) 359-7777, or by email at HYPERLINK “mailto:[email protected]” swil- [email protected].

The Public Transit Division has scheduled application workshops on Janu- ary 13, 2016 for 5310 perspective applicants and January 14, 2016 for 5311 perspective applicants at the JSU Mississippi E-Center located at 1230 Ray- mond Rd, Jackson, MS 39204. All attendees are requested to register for the workshop on or before January 7, 2016. The registration form is located on the MDOT website at http://mdot.ms.gov/portal/Public_Transit.aspx. Regis- tration forms may be submitted via email to HYPERLINK “mailto:devans@ mdot.ms.gov” [email protected], faxed or mailed to the above address and number. The workshops will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will include discus- sions of each formula grant program as well as the local coordinated planning requirements.

12/31/2015, 1/7/2016

Drivers: CDL-A 1 yr exp. Home nightly, Excellent Health/Supplemental Benefits, .40 cpm based on PSP and MVR. Van freight 250 mile radius around Vicksburg, MS. Eric or Victoria 256-432-3944 7am-7pm

Crossword Solution Help Wanted/Drivers Cryptogram Solution Drivers: CDL-A 1 yr exp. Home nightly, Excellent Health/Supplemental Benefits, .40 cpm based on PSP and MVR. Van freight 250 mile radius around Vicksburg, MS. Eric or Victoria 256-432-3944 7am-7pm

© Feature Exchange © Feature Exchange www.mississippilink.com DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 6, 2016 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 11

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Cavil, Sr. “Big Ben” Awards prince” of basketball’s barnstorm- dinner at the Crowne Plaza Ho- ing Harlem Globetrotters, whose tel Houston-Medical Center, in blend of hook shots and humor conjunction with the HBCU- brought joy to millions of fans Athletic Research Consortium around the world, has died. He Conference. was 83. The Ben L. Cavil Sr. “Big Lemon’s wife and daughter Ben” Award is an award present- confirmed to the team that he died ed annually to the nation’s most Sunday in Scottsdale, Arizona, outstanding HBCU Football Globetrotters spokesman Brett Player of the Year who meets Meister said Monday. Meister did the THGSBA, Inc. selection not know the cause of death. criteria and who also exhibits Though skilled enough to play In this May 17, 1959, file photo, Meadowlark Lemon, of the Harlem Ben L. Cavil Jr. and William Campbell Cavil, sons of Ben L. Cavil Sr., professionally, Lemon instead the enduring characteristics that hold The Big Ben Trophy. PHOTO BY KENYATTA CAVIL/HBCU-ARC Globetrotters, shows off his large hands on arrival in London where define Ben L. Cavil Sr., which wanted to entertain, his dream the team was to perform at the Empire Pool in Wembley for a week. are: determination, diligence, versity (SWAC) Cavil Sr. “Big Ben” Award for of playing for the Globetrotters Lemon, known as the Globetrotters’ “clown prince” of basketball, integrity, performance, familial, Callaway High School - Jack- 2015 was Johnta Hebert of Prai- hatched after watching a news- died Dec. 27, in Scottsdale, Ariz. He was 83. AP PHOTO/FILE teamwork, fraternal, and com- son, Miss., rie View A&M University. He- reel of the all-black team at a cin- munity engagement. The Ben L. • Trey Green, quarterback bert led Prairie View in rushing, ema house when he was 11. Cavil Sr. “Big Ben” Award rec- R-Junior, Prairie View A&M receptions and was tied for most Lemon ended up becoming Lemon spent 24 years with the sage of faith through basketball. ognizes a football player attend- University (SWAC) scoring TDs in SWAC. arguably the team’s most popu- Globetrotters, doing tours through He became an ordained minister ing a historically black college Ozen High School - Beau- Several other awards and rec- lar player, a showman known as the racially torn South in the in 1986 and was a motivational and university in Texas or was mont, Texas ognitions were handed out dur- much for his confetti-in-the-wa- 1950s until he left in 1979 to start speaker, touring the country to born or played high school foot- • John Gibbs, Jr., quarterback ing the evening. ter-bucket routine and slapstick his own team. meet with children at basketball ball in the Texas and/or played Senior, Alcorn State Univer- Cornelius Henderson of Jack- comedy as his half-court hook Playing against the team’s camps and youth prisons with his at a Texas-based junior college sity (SWAC) son State University and John shots and no-look, behind-the- nightly foil, the Washington Gen- Scottsdale-based Meadowlark and continued their career play- Booker T. Washington High Gibbs, Jr. of Alcorn State Uni- back passes. erals, Lemon left fans in awe with Lemon Ministries. ing for an HBCU. School - Houston, Texas versity were both battling neck- A sign of his crossover appeal, an array of hook shots, no-look “I feel if I can touch a kid in Known as the “Galloping • Johnta Hebert, all-purpose/ and-neck to become the winner Lemon was inducted into both the passes and the nifty moves he put youth prison, he won’t go to the Fullback,” Cavil helped grow RB of the online fan vote. Hender- Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on display during the Globetrot- adult prison,” Lemon said in the sport in Texas among the Senior, Prairie View A&M son was able to hold off Gibbs and the International Clown Hall ters’ famous circle while “Sweet 2003. SWAC fans and the greater Afri- University (SWAC) by securing 12,433 votes or 52 of Fame. Georgia Brown” played over the He never lost touch with his can-American community, until Glen Oaks High School - Ba- percent of the vote. Gibbs fin- “My destiny was to make peo- loudspeaker. beloved sport. Lemon said he it transcended into the fabric of ton Rouge, La., ished a close second, garnering ple happy,” Lemon said as he was He also had a knack for sending rose every day at 4 a.m. and, after the HBCU cultural identity as • Cornelius Henderson, defen- more than 10,000 votes for the inducted into the basketball hall as the fans home with a smile every prayers, headed for the gym to run part of the growing legendary sive lineman honor. a contributor to the game in 2003. night, whether it was with his run- sprints and practice shooting. sporting HBCU Diaspora. Junior, Jackson State Univer- On hand to celebrate the inau- Lemon played for the Globe- ning commentary, putting confetti “I have to keep that hook shot The finalists of the inaugural sity (SWAC) gural event were the two sons of trotters during the team’s hey- in a water bucket or pulling down working,” he said. award this year were: Duncanville High School - Cavil (Ben L. Cavil Jr. and Wil- day from the mid-1950s to the the pants of an “unsuspecting” Born in 1932, Meadow George • Corey Carter, kicker/punter Duncanville, Texas liam Campbell Cavil) and a host late-1970s, delighting fans with referee. Lemon III - he lengthened his Senior, Texas Southern Uni- The winner of The Ben L. of other family members. his skills with a ball and a joke. “We played serious games too, name after joining the Globetrot- Traveling by car, bus, train or against the Olympic teams and ters - didn’t have money for a bas- plane nearly every night, Lemon the College All-Stars,” Lemon ketball when he was young, so he covered nearly four million miles said. “But that didn’t stop us from rigged up a makeshift hoop in his to play in over 100 countries and putting the comedy in there.” backyard in Wilmington, North in front of popes and presidents, Lemon became an icon in the Carolina. Using a coat hanger kings and queens. Known as the 1970s, appearing in movies, in- and onion sack for the basket, he “Clown Prince of Basketball,” he cluding “The Fish That Saved made his first shot with an empty averaged 325 games per year dur- Pittsburgh,” numerous talk shows milk can. ing his prime, that luminous smile and even a stint in the cartoon Lemon first contacted the Glo- never dimming. “Scooby Doo,” with Scatman betrotters before his high school “Meadowlark was the most Crothers doing his voice. graduation and joined the team in sensational, awesome, incredible After leaving the Globetrot- 1954. He missed a game in 1955 basketball player I’ve ever seen,” ters, Lemon started his own team, because of a bad bowl of goulash NBA great and former Globetrot- The Bucketeers, and played on a in Germany, but that was the last ter Wilt Chamberlain said shortly variety of teams before rejoining one. What followed was a run, before his death in 1999. “People the Globetrotters for a short tour by his calculations, of more than would say it would be Dr. J or in 1994. 16,000 straight games that took even (Michael) Jordan. For me it Lemon spent the last years of him to places he never could have would be Meadowlark Lemon.” his life trying to spread a mes- imagined.

Louisville Slugger Preseason team announced Swag.org Special to The Mississippi Link BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – season after collecting his sec- and only 41 runs (36 earned). Alabama State pitcher Joseph ond consecutive SWAC Pitcher Carroll, 2015 SWAC New- Camacho and Alcorn State first of the Year award and first-team comer of the Year and second- baseman Collin Carroll were All-SWAC honor in 2015, go- team All-SWAC honoree, fin- named to the 2016 Louisville ing 12-0 with a 3.84 ERA in 13 ished the season hitting .337 for Slugger Preseason All-American starts for the Hornets, who won the Braves, collecting 70 hits, Third Team, as selected by the their second straight SWAC including a SWAC-leading 12 Collegiate Baseball Newspaper. Eastern Division crown. Cama- home runs. Carroll also tallied Camacho heads into the 2016 cho struck out 74 hitters in 83.1 50 RBI, 15 doubles, 31 walks innings pitched, allowing 93 hits last season.

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www.mississippilink.com DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 6, 2016 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 13 Mississippi Tobacco Quitline Health law reporting provides personalized services extension issued By Ricardo Alonso-ZaldiVAR sidies for premiums and to ap- Associated Press Mississippi Link Newswire huge difference for those trying ply its requirement that larger Barry Mason, a paramedic to quit smoking. “I started with WASHINGTON – The Trea- employers offer coverage. Em- for Choctaw County EMS, the quitline in 2010 and had 17 sury Department on Monday ployers and insurers are filing started using smokeless tobac- cavities when I quit tobacco. I gave employers an extension of the annual reports for the first co at age 13. Before he knew was always worried about gum critical reporting requirements, time, as required by the health it, he was hooked. He tried to disease or possibly having can- as it seeks to manage some of law. kick the habit dozens of times, cer. I was blessed not to have the most complicated parts of President Barack Obama’s but always fell short. At age 30, either,” said Mason. The quit- the federal health care law. health care overhaul joined he was determined not to reach line assigns one counselor to Employers had previously health insurance and taxes, two another milestone while still each caller, who works with faced deadlines in February and of the most complicated areas using tobacco. Now, at age 47, them until they are ready to quit March to report 2015 health in- for consumers and employers he has quit for good. tobacco for good. Individual at- surance information to their em- alike. “When I started at age 13, tention is very important and ployees, and also to the IRS. The law’s penalties for people I was just trying to fit in with vital to the success of quitting. If they need more time, em- who go without health insurance the rest of the guys. I started Mason laughs, “I still occasion- ployers can now have until are administered through the in- because of peer pressure,” said ally check the prices in the con- March 31 to get information to come tax system, as are its sub- Mason. “When my wife was venience store just to see how their workers and until June 30 sidies to people who qualify for able to quit smoking and had much money I am saving now. in certain cases to get details to assistance with their premiums. been tobacco-free for approxi- I could have been spitting a car the IRS. Penalties for larger companies mately a year, her encourage- payment on the ground every Treasury said it acted after that fail to provide coverage are ment helped me to finally quit. month.” many employers complained also assessed through taxes. I had tried on my own but it Quitting can be made easier they might not be able to get the The requirement for employ- would only last for a month or by calling the Mississippi To- information processed in time. ers with 50 or more workers to so.” The Mississippi Tobacco Quitline helped Barry Mason, 47, kick a habit bacco Quitline at 1-800-784- Companies that rely on outside offer coverage or face fines has Mason heard about the Mis- he started at age 13. 8669 (1-800-QUIT-NOW). vendors were running into a been delayed twice. It takes ef- sissippi Tobacco Quitline from The program is free. Available bottleneck. fect Jan. 1 for companies with a friend who had successfully three cans at work,” said Ma- Mason considers the counsel- from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m., callers “It’s a limited extension 50-99 employees. Companies stopped using tobacco. With son. “Ms. Pamela Luckett of ing services of the quitline to to the quitline can speak with to make the system work as with 100 or more workers faced sincere concerns about his the quitline told me I had an ad- be the most beneficial compo- health care experts about tobac- smoothly as possible,” said the requirement starting this health and the support of his diction and it would be hard but nent. “Doctors don’t provide co’s impact on health, receive Treasury senior adviser Mark year, after an initial postpone- friends and family, the quitline she would be here for me.” counseling, support and follow- advice on successful cessation Iwry. The extension also applies ment of a year. turned out to be exactly what The Mississippi Tobacco up so that you can understand and get free access to counsel- to health insurance companies Treasury officials said that Mason needed to put smoke- Quitline provides free assis- your addiction to tobacco. The ing and medications, and a little facing similar reporting require- Monday’s announcement does less tobacco down once and for tance to any Mississippian who quitline provides that just that, tough love if necessary, that can ments. not involve any more delays of all. “I could easily go through wants to break their danger- and even tough love if needed,” make quitting easier. The information is needed the law’s underlying require- roughly 70 cans of chewing to- ous habit. Callers can get help said Mason. For more information about to enforce the health law’s re- ments, and just provides addi- bacco or snuff a month with a through phone calls, online ac- Experts agree that getting tobacco cessation information, quirement that individuals carry tional time for companies to file minimum of two cans a day or cess and even text messages. professional help can make a visit www.tobaccofreems.org insurance, to administer its sub- paperwork. EPA wants toxic mine on Superfund list

By Scott Sonner Brian Sandoval this week an- State officials said they need- Associated Press nouncing its intention to place ed to review the letter and deter- RENO, Nev. – Fifteen years the mine on the list of the na- mine their next steps. after U.S. regulators started as- tion’s most polluted sites to “We’re not going to worry sessing damage and health risks “mitigate exposures that are a about turf,” said Leo Drozdoff, at an abandoned Nevada copper substantial threat to the public director of the Nevada Depart- mine, the Environmental Protec- health or welfare or the environ- ment of Conservation and Natu- tion Agency is moving to des- ment.” ral Resources. “What we want is ignate the contaminated land a “If we do not receive a written the best and quickest remedy for Superfund site, a step the state response from the state by Jan. the site.” could still oppose. 29, we will assume that Nevada Nevada has opposed past EPA Rural neighbors of the World is in agreement with EPA and proposals to list the site, fear- War II-era mine that has leaked will proceed with proposing the ing a stigma that might affect toxic chemicals for decades won site for addition to the NPL,” property values. Nevada regula- a $19.5 million settlement in Jared Blumenfeld, the agency’s tors estimated that it would cost 2013 from companies they ac- regional administrator in San $30.4 million to address only cused of covering up the con- Francisco, wrote in a Dec. 22 what the EPA considers the most tamination to drinking water letter obtained by The Associ- immediate health and safety wells near Yerington, about 65 ated Press. NPL is the acronym concerns. Under the Superfund miles southeast of Reno. for the Superfund’s National listing, the EPA would cover 90 The EPA sent a letter to Gov. Priority List. percent of the costs.

GET YOUR CURRENT NEWS AND WATCH AP VIDEOS ONLINE AT: www.mississippilink.com ENTERTAINMENT

14 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 6, 2016 www.mississippilink.com The best films of 2015 By Dwight Brown Holocaust drama based on an in- NNPA News Wire Film Critic novative creative strategy: “The Movies have become a great camera is his [Saul’s] companion; Crossword Puzzle comfort in what has been a tumul- it stays with him throughout this tuous year. They’ve entertained us. hell.” The audience witnesses a Made us laugh, feel courageous, very personal story about a man scared, romantic and educated us determined to give a dead teen- too. It’s a perfect time to reflect on ager a proper burial at Auschwitz. The claustrophobic cinematogra- the films, performances and black The movie Straight Outta Compton covers the creation of the rap artists who made 2015 special. group NWA. phy keeps you astonished. And might as well get a head start Straight Outta Compton on the high-quality movies that nious filmmaker (Ryan Coogler) son (Jacob Tremblay) have been (***1/2) This isn’t some chump will contend for Oscars and be could fathom a continuation of the locked up in a shed and held hos- change Sundance indie movie released in theaters and on DVD/ Rocky saga that is as much of a tage for years. They plot their es- about the rap group NWA and hip- VOD in weeks to come. crowd pleaser as the original. Mi- cape. A deceptively simple script hop culture. This is a full-fledged, Amy (***1/2) Amy Winehouse chael B Jordan steps up as Apollo (Emma Donoghu), directed with big-budget looking homage to burned bright like a firefly and Creed’s son Adonis, and he takes skill and restraint (Lenny Abra- the L.A. rap scene, that smartly, died just about as quickly. Her his punches with grace. Sylvester hamson), turns into an astound- emotionally and historically cap- jazzy, smooth and tortured Bil- Stallone digs deep to render his ing and heart-wrenching film that sulizes the life and times of Eazy- lie Holidayish voice haunts the best performance ever as the aged never loses its dramatic edge. E, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre and everyone soundtrack. Her infamous drug pugilist Rocky Balboa. A knock- Sicario (****) FBI Field around them who caused the big addiction and self-destructive re- out. agents Kate (Emily Blunt) and bang that popularized West Coast lationships are on view. A brilliant The Revenant (***1/2) After Reggie (Daniel Kaluuya) seek rap music. An Oscar-caliber film. and sobering documentary by di- the success of his Oscar-winning revenge when a drug cartel kills Timbuktu (****) We read rector Asif Kapadia. film Birdman, one might have their colleagues. They team up how Islamic fundamentalists are Black Panthers: Vanguard of thought filmmaker Alejandro G. with a smarmy Defense Depart- encroaching on the basic liberties ACROSS DOWN a Revolution (****) Whittling Inarritu might miss a beat. He ment “contractor” (Josh Brolin) of people in Africa and the Arab 1. Fish hook 1. Spurt down what must have been count- didn’t. His tale of a frontiersman, and a mysterious figure (Benicio world. Veteran filmmaker Abder- 5. Brand of sandwich cookie 2. Continent less hours of possibilities (archival who survives a brutal bear attack, Del Toro) to hunt the bad guys. rahmane Sissako (Bamako) ap- 9. Exploiter 3. Spore plant footage, interviews, photos) into a is left for dead then seeks revenge Imagine Zero Dark Thirty tequila proaches this complicated social 10. Heartache 4. California city thought-provoking and coherent for his son’s murder, is a violent style. Genius direction (Denis Vil- phenomena by creating a simple 11. Father 5. Globe documentary about the Black Pan- and riveting experience. Leonardo leneuve), perfect screenplay (Tay- allegorical tale about a sheepherd- 12. End 6. What a mob does thers was done expertly by direc- DiCaprio deserves the Oscar for lor Sheridan) and superb ensemble er who comes under the wrath of 13. __ cab 7. Strange tor/producer/writer Stanley Nel- Best Actor for sheer brilliance and acting. an Islamic tribunal and the results 15. Bind 8. Many times son and editor Algernon Tunsil. guts. Son of Saul (***1/2) First time are deadly. The film is as spiritual 16. TV rating 10. Boldly Few stones are left unturned. Room (****) A young woman filmmaker László Nemes has as a biblical passage. 18. Inner floral leaves of flower 14. Petroleum retailer Creed (***) Only an inge- (Brie Larson) and her vulnerable written and directed a devastating Wild Tales (****) If a past 21. Tell a tall tale 17. Cowboy’s ropes transgression has been eating your 22. Esoteric 18. Holding device soul alive, these twisted vignettes 26. Birds “thumb” 19. Oil tanker could be your remedy. Tales of re- 28. Scat! 20. Utilize Cryptogram venge, miscalculations, deceit, un- 29. Particle 23. Unfreeze A cryptogram is a puzzle where a sentence is encoded by substituting the bridled anger and jealousy beyond 30. Grain 24. Small particle actual letters of the sentence with different letters. The challenge of the anything you can fathom are doled 31. Preparation (abbr.) 25. Purchase amount puzzle is to ‘decode’ the sentence to reveal the original English sentence. out with a wicked sense of humor 32. Hit 27. Chop We have provided a few of the decoded letters to help get you started. by director Argentinean writer/di- rector Damian Szifron. Macabre Hint: Quote by Sylvester Stallone © Feature Exchange and hysterical. (For puzzle answer keys, see page 10)

© Feature Exchange COMMUNITY

www.mississippilink.com DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 6, 2016 THE MISSISSIPPI LINK • 15 NCBW mentors share lessons on caring, character with girls

French Elementary fifth-grade girls, as mentees, stand with their mentors. NCBW member Jennifer Hughes conducts the Caring - Character Counts session.

Mississippi Link Newswire The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Central MS Chapter, Inc. held its an- nual holiday celebration for the fifth-grade girls, parents, teach- ers and staff of Emma French Elementary School Mentoring Program Dec. 17, at the school. The local chapter of NCBW has been a Jackson Public School partner in Adopt-A- School Mentoring Program at Emma French for more than 20 years. The event included a session on Caring – Character Counts conducted by Jennifer Hughes, NCBW member. The students learned a lesson and jingle on six character traits – trustwor- thiness, respect, responsibili- ties, fairness, caring and citizen- Fifth-grade mentee and her mother Fifth-grade girl mentee Fifth-grade girls sharing gifts ship. The students received their Christmas presents from “Sister Along with other programmat- sponsors, advertisers and sup- Santas” as mentors, earlier in ic services, such as economic porters during the Holiday the year. empowerment, health preven- Top Hat Brunch make possible Concurrently, NCBW CMS tion and awareness, scholarship many services to continue the Chapter sponsored a session on awards, STEM initiatives and organization’s mission. Sharing Holiday Cheer for the public policy and advocacy, During this holiday season, fifth-grade boys co-sponsored many opportunities are made NCBW CMS Chapter members with T.C. Almore Masonic possible by the corporate spon- thank all of their contributors Lodge No. 242 brothers con- sorship of the following partners and community supporters for ducted by DeMarcus Hicks Tin- and supporters: Entergy Missis- giving toward these efforts. sey and T. C. Almore Masonic sippi, Penn Global Marketing, NCBW CMS recognized the Lodge No. 242 Mason mem- AT&T, Ameriprise Financial, establishment of the Rosia Wade bers. Walmart, Atmos Energy, Bank- Crisler Scholarship Award and “This has been the best oppor- Plus, Hope Credit Union, Trust- Fund and Cynthia Bagwell tunity for the NCBW Coalition mark, First Commercial Bank, Stimley Economic Empower- Sisters and our affiliate partners Merit Health Systems, Missis- ment My Sister’s Keeper Award to give back and enjoy the holi- sippi Organ Recovery Agency, this year in honor posthumously day season while serving and Pilates V Studio, Regions Bank, to these outstanding Coalition making a significant difference State Bank and Trust Company, sisters for their dedication and in the community for our chil- St. Dominic Health Services, spirited works given to the or- dren and families,” said Sharo- Toshiba Business Solutions, Le- ganization. lyn Smith, chapter president. Roy and Terryce Walker, Wes- For more information on The Mentoring Committee is thaven Funeral Home, Inc. and NCBW CMS Chapter, visit the chaired by Gaynell Tinsey and Wray Enterprises. organization’s website atwww. Bridgett Clayton, as co-chair. The proceeds from these ncbw-centralms.org.

Posthumous honoree Rosia Wade Crisler Posthumous honoree Cynthia Bagwell Stimley

Chapter President Sharolyn Smith and mentee Tamryn Mentoring Chair Gaynell Tinsey and mentee Charity Watkins Parks 16 • THE MISSISSIPPI LINK DECEMBER 31, 2015 - JANUARY 6, 2016 www.mississippilink.com

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