PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID THE LINCOLN ECHO Fort Smith, AR PERMIT#240 TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE We Report the NEWS. You Interpret It. Website www.thelincolnecho.com AUGUST 2014

Volume 23 Issue 6 P.O. BOX 771 Fort Smith, Arkansas 72902 50 CENTS

MRS WINTON RECEIVES AWARD McDONALD BENCH DEDICATION

L to R Mrs. Winton, Garland Bray and Sherry Toliver L to R Talicia Richardson, Carol Barger, Yvonne Keaton-Martin, Mrs. Euba Winton was honored at the Lincoln School Re- Maria McDonald McNamar, George McGill, Mayor Sanders, Euba union with the first “Living Legends Award.” Mrs Winton is a Winton The Fort Smith Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta graduate of Lincoln High School class of 1941.She is a com- Sorority, INC. dedicated a bench in honor of Physician, Civil munity leader and past president of The Lincoln High School Rights Activist Dr. Harry Pelot McDonald on July 25, 2014 at Alumni Association. Elm Grove Community Center in Martin Luther King Park. A brief program consisted of Bishop Jonathan Keaton giving the Invocation and Dedicatory Prayer, Talicia GREG ROBERTS RETIRES Richardson describing the occasion, Yvonne Keaton- Martin introducing dignitaries, remarks from Mayor Sanders, Representative McGill and the daughter of Dr. McDonald, Maria McNamar.

Regina Stewart Hampton Candidate for 2014 Arkansas State Auditor Regina Steward Hampton native of Little Rock, Arkansas is highly qualified for the position of Arkan- Pictured above s a reception for Greg Roberts at National sas State Auditor. She has been Center For Higher Education, Washington, D.C. Greg is employed within the State Auditors retiring Executive Director for American College Personnel Office beginning the years of 2001- Association after 30 years in the student affairs profession. 2008 under the administrations Greg is the brother of Terry Jennings, Joyce Mays and of the Honorable Jim Wood and Bonita Hoffer. currently serving under the admin- istration of the Honorable Charlie Daniels. Her interest in Public Service GORDON YOUTH INITAITIVE began in the 10th year of high This year’s guest speaker will be school studying Apothecary, and former University of Oklahoma All worked in that area for three years. She earned a degree American, and NFL All Pro Tight from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a major in End, Keith Jackson. As a part of Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. the annual fundraising campaign She continued with work experiences and community donations are being accepted in the services at Baptist School of Nursing for 15 years, Girl Scouts amount of $100 for a University of of America, Order of Eastern Star, Women’s Action for New Oklahoma football signed by current Directions(WAND) and Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Beta Pi University of Oklahoma Head Coach Omega Sorority, co-owner of Hampton Properties, Inc. Bob Stoops, and former OU coach Barry Switzer, as well as “If you elect me to be your next Auditor, I will set the former Oklahoma Heisman Trophy winners Steve Owens, standards for the office and work to exceed standards to Billy Sims, Jason White and Sam Bradford. The drawing will provide exceptional service to the public, state agencies, be held the night of the banquet. All proceeds from donations employees of the three branches of state government, county will be budgeted for educational scholarships to Oklahoma/ and circuit clerks, treasurers and collectors. Because of my Arkansas River Valley Youth. Donations for the football can many years employment in the Auditors office, this office is be made at the Poteau Chamber of Commerce Office 201 not knew to me. One factor is my working relationship with South Broadway-Poteau or by contacting Roy Gordon 479- each manager and each department which will cement my 650-2178. The Gordon Youth Foundation’s mission is to assist working foundation. The Auditors office does much more disadvantage youth in the Oklahoma/Arkansas River Valley than the normal requirement of being the states accountant from pre-school through college to continue their education. and balancing records. It is an office which also cares about Arkansans..I would like to prove to you, the people of TANISHA MAKES DEANS LIST Arkansas, that my years of work experience in the Auditor’s office does matter” Tanisha K. Johnson a student Regina is currently married to rev. Dr. R.J. Hampton who was at the University of Arkansas twice president of Shorter College, North Little Rock (1968- at Little Rock was named to 1970 & 1976-1980). the Deanís List for the spring NAACP MEETING semester. She is the daughter of Adria The Fort Smith Chapter of the NAACP will meet the meet the and James Johnson Jr. and the fourth Saturday of August at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church at 2 p. m. We emcourage everyone to attend. Thosr of you who have granddaughter of Mrs. Dorothy not paid your dues please do so at the upcoming meeting. J. Johnson. Congratulations Tanisha. WE are making graet strides on our projects. see you there. Page 2 THE LINCOLN ECHO NEWS YOU CAN USE AUGUST 2014

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AUGUST August 1, 1879 - Mary Eliza Mahoney graduates from the New England Hospital for Women and Children, becoming the first black professional nurse in America August 2, 1924 - James Baldwin, author of Go Tell It On The Mountain, The Fire Next Time, and Another Country, born. August 3, 1800 - Gabriel Prosser leads slave revolt in Richmond, Va. August 4, 1810 - Abolitionist Robert Purvis born. August 5, 1962 - Nelson Mandela, South African freedom fighter, imprisoned. He was not released until 1990. August 6, 1867 - Actor Ira Aldridge dies and is buried in Lodz, Poland. August 7, 1894 - Joseph Lee patents kneading machine. August 8, 1865 - Polar explorer Matthew Henson born. August 9, 1936 - Jesse Owens wins fourth gold medal at Summer Olympics in Berlin. August 10, 1989 - General Colin Powell is nominated chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, the African American to hold the post. August 11, 1921 - Alex Haley, author of Roots, born. August 12, 1977 - Steven Biko, leader of the Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa, arrested. August 13, 1981 - The Reagan Administration undertakes its review of 30 federal regulations, including rules of civil rights to prevent job discrimination. August 14, 1989 - The North Carolina Black Repertory Company hosts the first National Black Theater Festival in Winston- Salem, NC. August 15, 1888 - Granville T. Woods patents electromechanical brake. August 16, 1922 - Author Louis E. Lomax born. August 17, 1849 - Lawyer-activist Archibald Henry Grimk�, who challenged the segregation policies of President Woodrow Wilson, born. August 18, 1859 - Harriet Wilson’s Our Nig is first novel published by a black writer. August 19, 1954 - Dr. Ralph J. Bunche named undersecretary of the United Nations. August 20, 1619 - Twenty Africans arrived in Jamestown, Virginia, aboard a Dutch ship. They were the first blacks to be forcibly settled as involuntary laborers in the North American British Colonies. August 21, 1831 - Nat Turner leads slave revolt in Virginia. August 22, 1843 - Henry Highland Garnett calls for a general strike by slaves. August 23, 1926 - Carter Woodson, historian, author, inaugurated Negro History Week and later producer of the Negro History Bulletin. August 24, 1950 - Judge Edith Sampson named first black delegate to the United Nations. August 25, 1908 - National Association of Colored Nurses founded. August 26, 1920 - 19th Amendment to the Constitution ratified, giving women the right to vote. August 27, 1935 - Mary McLeod Bethune founds the National Council of Negro Women. August 28, 1888 - Granville T. Woods patents railway telegraphy. August 29, 1920 - Saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker born. August 30, 1983 - Lt. Col. Guion S. Bluford Jr. becomes the first African American astronaut in space. August 31, 1836 - Henry Blair patents cotton planter.

West African Cooking AFRICAN RECIPIES Countries of West ingredients to the New World, Africa: including black-eyed peas and NIGERIAN JOLLOP RICE Mauritania, Mali, Niger, okra. Around the time of the Chad, Senegal, The Gambia, colonial period, particularly INGREDIENTS: Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, during the Scramble for Garlic cloves Liberia, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Africa, The European settlers Dried thyme Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, defined colonial borders Chicken pieces and Burkina Faso. without regard to pre-existing Tomatoes Centuries before the borders, territories or cultural Tomato puree influence of Europeans, West differences of tribal cultures. Onions African people were trading This bisected tribes and Vegetable oil with the Arab world. Items created colonies with varying Chicken stock like rice and cinnamon were culinary styles. As a result, Dried shrimp introduced, and became it’s difficult to sharply define, Green chili pepper part of the local culinary for example, Senegalese Long grain rice traditions. Centuries later, cuisine. The local cuisine and Water the Portuguese, French and recipes of West Africa is highly British influenced the regional influenced by local customs Instructions: cuisines, but only to a limited and traditions. Although the 1 extent. However, as far as Portuguese, French, British Mix garlic and thyme together, rub the mixture on the chicken is known, it was European and other European colonists and set the chicken aside. explorers and slaves ships brought many new ingredients 2 who brought chili peppers to the African continent, they Combine tomatoes, tomato puree and onions together in an and tomatoes from the New had relatively little impact on oiled, heated saucepan and cook for 15 minutes over medium World, and both have become the way people cook in West heat. Stir the mixture while cooking, but increase the frequency ubiquitous components of Africa. Its strong culinary as the tomatoes start to thicken. West African cuisines, along tradition lives on despite the 3 with peanuts, corn, cassava, influence of colonization and Turn the heat down to low and stir in the chicken pieces, mak- and plantains. In turn, these food migration that occurred ing sure all the chicken gets completely coated by the sauce. slave ships carried African long ago. . Stir the mixture, frequently, for approximately 10 minutes. 4 JOHN PUNCH Add chicken stock, dried shrimp and sliced chili peppers to John Punch was said to be the first Chattel slave in North your chicken and sauce mixture. Mix all the ingredients togeth- America in 1640. This is not true. . er until it begins to boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about There was a Spanish colony established in 1526 in South 5 minutes. Carolina, San Miguel de Gualdape, built in today’s South Caro- 5 lina (possibly Georgia -- the exact location remains obscured) Combine long grain rice, water and some sauce in a separate by African slave labor. The colony was abandoned the follow- pan over low heat. Cover the pan and cook the rice for 20 min- ing year after a slave revolt. Another, more permanent colony utes until the rice absorbs all the liquid.** was established in Florida in 1565 -- Saint Augustine. 6 So, when the burgesses who ruled the Virginia colony sen- Remove the chicken from the mixture and place on a plate. tenced John Punch to indentured servitude in perpetuity, they Continue to cook the sauce, over low heat, until the sauce is sentenced him to a form of chattel slavery that already existed reduced by half. in the New World -- even in what would become the United 7 States. He was not the first slave in America -- merely the first Serve your Nigerian Jeloff Rice by pouring the sauce over the slave owned by the English. chicken and rice. President Obama’s mother is said to be a descendant of John Punch and his free Caucasian wife. ** Rice can be parboiled to cut down on time, starch and sticky or gummy rice. AUGUST 2014 WHAT’S GOING ON THE LINCOLN ECHO PAGE 3

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD floor of the Smith-Pendergraft Campus By Allene Stafford Center. The Indian Territory in the late Denise J. Gordon Johnson Writes: 1800s contained a hodgepodge of I am very interested in knowing just how people, including Indians who had been many Christian Women are experiencing removed from American borders and (SWS) Spiritual Widow Syndrome. One none Indians seeking to claim land and may ask what is this? It is having to go find new opportunities. In addition to the to church all alone without your spouse diversity, a small group of entrepreneurs for various reasons besides a physical also traveled to the territory: death. I’m talking about a spiritual death- photographers who set out to document dead spiritually. Many churches are filled . must be able to Follow direction under the lifestyle of Indians in the area. The with mostly women, married couples, Director display comprises the photographs singles, and “nearly weds” or “cohabitant” . must have transportati taken by those photographers and the couples that shack up. There are very . must be dependable and committed result is a collection chronicling Indian few Spiritual Widowers where the . must have strong loud voice life from 1890 to 1907 that reflects husband goes to church and the wife http://www.ggtproduction.org Elderly the familiar pride and dignity of Native stays home. SWS is not a good state to stage play ages 60-80 Americans despite the tumultuous times. be in. It’s rather depressing and makes Have a few spots for younger actors and The exhibit also contains photographs of you feel lonely because you’re the only actresses iconic characters of the period, including one going to church on a regular basis. I Pancake Breakfast a portrait of Geronimo as he prepares nd say keep on going anyway and pray for On August 2 , the Girls Shelter Board to travel with Pawnee Bill’s Wild West your spouse. Pray that your faithfulness, of Directors are sponsoring a Pancake Show. Free Exhibit hours are 8 a.m.-6 your love for God and your fellow man. Breakfast at Applebee’s $5.00 from 8-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 Your dedication and willingness to serve a.m. The Girl’s Shelter Board of Directors a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Fridays. UAFS Smith others will touch his life in such a way will be your servers. Applebee’s location: Pendergraft Campus Center. 800 North th that he too, like the prodigal son in Luke 6818 Rogers Avenue in Fort Smith. For 49 Street. Fort Smith, Arkansas 15:17, will come to himself. Pray that more information, please call 479 646 Teal Night in Tahiti th your spouse will start going to church, 0444 On Saturday, August 16 , 2014, there or get back into church as opposed to Fort Smith Symphony will be a benefit for the Arkansas Ovarian going to a funeral. In these last days, Season Tickets are now available. John Cancer Coalition. Dinner, dancing silent end-times, everybody needs to really Jeter says:”The Symphony continues to auction, jewelry, drawings and live music prepare for Christ’s Second Coming. This collaborate with the top guest artists in by Mr. Cabbage Head & The Screaming will be the most dreadful day for many, the business, and this year will include Radishes. Advance Tickets are required. but Thank you Jesus, it will be the Most jazz violinist Doug Cameron and singing $50 per person. Tickets may be Glorious Day for Plenty!!! I want to hear sensation Dee Daniels, as well as superb purchased at ARVOCC.com. Tickets & him say Well Done. I don’t want to have violin, piano, trumpet and vocal guest sponsorship are tax deductible. Contact to run. How about you? artists.From Bolero to An American in Liz Martin:[email protected] 479 883 Dog Fashion Show Paris and Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, 3379. th On August 1st, 2014 at Immaculate we hope to fulfill your greatest Sippin’ on 6 Street Bourbon Tasting Conception Church, there will be a expectations”. Season tickets: Adults Judge Clayton is having some gentlemen dog fashion show and live auction to $170 & $125. Students: $100 & 80. over for the evening. Mrs. Clayton’s support the Sebastian County Humane Individual concert tickets are available friends also are welcome , as we’ll do a Society. The fees are $50 per person, beginning September 2, 2014.For more bourbon tasting sponsored by Burford $500 to purchase a table for 10. The information : 479 452 7575 Distributing to benefit the Clayton House. time-6:30-11 p.m. Location 22 North FortSmithSymphony.org fssymphony@ There will be a firearms raffle and live 13th St. Fort Smith. For more info: fortsmithsymphony.org auction sponsored by Fort Chaffee th sebastiancountyhumanesociety.org. 15 Annual Yard Sale Outfitters. Music, hors oeuvres and the 479 783 4395. August 7-9 this annual three day yard 1880’s ambience of the Clayton House, Streetcar #224 sale event will begin on U.S highway 64 a Victorian home museum. Tickets are Streetcar #224 carries visitors on a ride beginning from Fort Smith into Conway available on line or by phone. $50. 7-10 th that recalls transportation in Fort Smith and on to Beebe, Arkansas.There will be p.m. Clayton House, 514 North 6 Street, from 1883 to 1933. Departing from the 160 miles of antiques and collectibles Fort Smith, AR 479 783 3000 Fort Smith Museum of History. May and many other interesting buys, Claytonhouse.org 1-Oct.31st: weekdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. including restaurants, motels and other Sundays 1-5 p.m. Located at 100 S. interesting sites. It is from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.- To spread the word of interesting Fourth Street; call 479 783 0205 or visit free. Call 888-568-3552 the website at www.fstm.org. Email: bargainsgaloreon64.org happenings in and around the area, Attention: Coming Soon American Indian Realism Stage play “The Sunnyvale Nursing Photography Exhibit call us at 479-783-6830 Home” Produced and directed by Thirty photographs depicting Native Cosaundra Chapple, Founder and CEO American culture from more than a FAX: 479-783-6840 GGT Production (God Given Talent} century ago will be on display at the Casting Call- 479 769 5164 University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, thru Email us at: [email protected] th Qualification Skills August 28 , 2014. The exhibit will be . must have good memorization skills located on the west end of the first PAGE 4 THE LINCOLN ECHO EDITORIALS AUGUST 2014

It TAKES THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY POE’S HAVE WE LEARNED THOUGHTS FROM OUR TEACHERS TO FIGHT VIOLENT CRIME By Napoleon Black who told us education was the By Micheal Cottman quell violence in his community Last month I wrote about key to success for the most On a recent segment of where the high school graduation growing up in Fort Smith, part had no education. But Keeping It Real with Rev. rate is reportedly just 50 percent. Arkansas. I remember a com- what they had was a vision, a Al Sharpton, a nationally- Reggie Ross, the owner of mercial on radio and later on plan to achieve that vision and syndicated radio show where I Royal Touch Barbershop in Palm television by General Electric a work ethic to sustain the serve as a co-host, a troubling Beach County, Florida is asking that said “ progress is our vision. yet complex question was his young customers to read one most important product.” That We can expand this system posed to our audience: Are of the books he offers while they statement and Dr. Kings state- because we have better tools local communities doing wait to get their haircut. He also ment of “ If I can help some- which exponentially gives us a enough to quell crime in our tells them they are welcome to body along the way, then my neighborhoods? read the books aloud to generate living will not be in vain” are The immediate answer would discussion. excellent slogans for life. be absolutely not. Last month in “I’m very selective about the One of the things that Chicago, for example, 84 people books here,” the 35-year-old characterized our community were shot within a three-day shop owner told the Times. at that time was willingness of span. Sixteen of them died. They “We emphasize culture and everybody to help each other. were all Black. broadening their horizons— No one had a great deal but Urban violence has become a books that are going to help what they had they shared. way of life for many residents in them to get ahead in life.” Every one was, to a degree, black communities across this Ross, an innovator, is taking in the same boat, whether you better chance to succeed. country. Children walk home the lead in his community, and lived in the housing project or Education is still the key from school listening to the frankly, his initiative should a private home. We all pad- but we must understand that crackling of gunfire and parents be a model for other black dled furiously to improve our education doesn’t necessarily are afraid to send their kids to barbershops –and recreation situation and if we were suc- mean college. School yes, but the corner store for milk and centers – in black communities cessful we helped someone not necessarily college. Tech bread. across the country. Kids can else improve their lot. schools, computer schools, The root causes for urban crime watch a movie or listen to music Lesson one from the past community colleges all can are many: Black boys growing up in Ross’ shop, but only if they is train a child when they are jump start your entry into pro- without fathers; single mothers can provide the definition of an young and when they grow ductive adult life. working two jobs to make ends assigned vocabulary word first. old they will not depart from One of the most profound meet without enough time for This is the kind of leadership it. If we are to have a bright lessons in the blueprint left quality parenting; educational that is critical for our future we must have morally to us is the devaluing of the disparity in struggling public communities – and it resonates sound children. word I and the promotion of schools, too few jobs and after- with me. We all know learning begins the word we. I is a voice cry- school programs for young Black When I was a boy growing up at home. We were taught to ing in the wilderness. We are men and women; too many guns in Detroit, in addition to my respect our elders no matter a mighty force to be reckoned on the streets; and a growing assigned schoolwork, my father their station in life. We were with. inner-city culture that glorifies would drop me off at the library taught to be seen and not It takes contributions from thug life. and tell me to find a book, read heard. We were encouraged all facets of the community But I’ve come to the realization it, and write a book report about to express ourselves but to to build that community. Our that, yes, local government and it just for him. I would write the understand who had the last history shows us you don’t federal government should play book report and we’d sit at the word. These are good exam- have to be a college graduate a large role in helping to curb dining room table and discuss it. ples for any generation. to be a force in organizing a crime, but ultimately this is our I’m still writing today. We have an excellent blue- national movement. Bayard problem, our responsibility and According to the South Florida print to follow. The people who Rustin, who was the chief our mess to help clean up. We’re Times, Ross started this initiative preceded us left a proven sys- organizer of the March on losing a generation of Black at his barber shop to dispel the tem. A system that taught us Washington wasn’t. A. Phikip boys to senseless early death. negative stereotype that black we could travel anywhere in a Randolph was a a man living How many more must die before men don’t read. book. A system that taught us in the bread-and-butter world, we are inspire to take real and “The barbershop is based on we are adaptable. A system Mr. Randolph knew that a lasting action? men coming together grooming where men and women in the good weekly paycheck had Last week in Chicago, 11-year- each other to become better community volunteered their to be won first. Then, after old Shamiya Goodloe was shot men, and I think books and time to keep the youth en- the children were fed, a bet- and killed by a stray bullet that education is a fundamental part gaged in wholesome activities ter fight could be waged for broke through the window of the of that,” Ross told reporters. “I without the thought of profit- dignity and self-pride. first-floor bedroom of a friend’s tell them the reason they fight is ing from the experience. Their These people showed us house. because they don’t have enough pay was the development of everyone can contribute We “A great-grandmother should words [to express themselves]. an adolescent into a produc- must depend on each other not have to bury their great- If you talk to some of these kids, tive adult who returned their for information. Then we must grandchild,” Shamiya’s great- they’re some of the brightest kids favor by volunteering when be able to utilize that informa- grandmother Lourene Miller told that ever lived. Some of them they reached the age. tion so our interests are pro- reporters. “This is some pain I are just not exposed to much.” Think about it. The people tected. AB, KB and D peace. can’t even explain; it hurts so God bless Ross. It may seem bad.” like a small thing to some, but GENERAL INFORMATION While federal officials are it’s part of the kind of community sending more agents to Chicago engagement we need to have The Lincoln Echo, USPS 240, is published each month at 115 N 10th in to help the police department with our young people. We Fort. Smith, Arkansas. Napoleon Black is the Publisher. It is entered as fight the escalating violence, a should consider following his periodic matter at the USPO in Fort Smith. SUBSCRIPTIONS PER YEAR: Florida barbershop owner, in his example. $25 per year nationwide, Single copy $.50 POSTMASTER: Send all ad- dress changes to The Lincoln Echo. Our address is P.O. Box 771, Fort own small way, is trying to effect What do you think? Smith, Arkansas, 72902. Email: [email protected] change. He’s using books to help Phone: 479-783-6830 Fax: 479-6840 Correction Policy DUTY & DUTY ATTORNEYS AT LAW The Lincoln Echo will print corrections of any errors published in the news- paper. The correction will be made ASAP after it has been brought to the attention of the Echo Staff. CELEBRATING 102ND ANNIVERSARY 2013 The Lincoln Echo Napoleon Black Allene Stafford SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY - THAT’S ALL WE DO Publisher Office Manager

Denay Burris Cecil Greene, Jr Advertising Manager Executive V,P. DAVIS DUTY - FORMER SOCIAL SECURITY JUDGE Joel Culberson Web Master JOHN DUTY - DISABILITY ADVOCATE

Allen, Kenneth & DeVaughn Black Inspiration “The Voice That Brings the Community Together” 479-785-3889 909 SOUTH 20TH STREET Established June, 1992 Toll Free 877-785-3889 Fort Smith, AR 72901

AUGUST 2014 OTHER VIEWS THE LINCOLN ECHO PAGE 5

AN EDUCATOR’S GREETINGS FROM THE MAYOR POINT OF VIEW Significant landscape work led by Beautify Fort Smith is READING STILL MATTERS underway at the 1-540 and Rogers A venue interchange. Approximately 60,000 cars are at this interchange in a 24 hour Benny L. Gooden Schools promote reading period, and it is important that this gateway area provide a Superintendent through a comprehensive positive welcome into Fort Smith. of Public Schools literacy instruction model Sam Sicard and First National Bank provided the lead Fort Smith, AR designed to teach the contribution, and helped raise the additional funds to complete Only a few decades ago, mechanics of reading, the project which includes: the separation between boring under Rogers students who lived in homes Avenue, installation of an led by parents who actively irrigation system, Bermuda promoted their childrenís sod, hardwood mulch, education and those who did planting 103 trees, 450 drift not often included statistics roses, 425 adiago grass, regarding reading in the 307 black-eyed Susans and home. The presence of books much more. Maintenance and other reading material will be done by Grant and a culture of information Bowers Landscape Design. through the printed word Other contributors include defined the educational Steve Forsgren (Gastony Directional Boring, Inc.), Frank values held by parents. Many Sharum Landscape Designs, Bennie Westphal Properties, parents sacrificed to purchase Hanna Oil & Gas, Hug Chevrolet, Zero Mountain, Weldon, a set of encyclopedias as listening, comprehension Williams and Lick, Johnny Jones Air Compressor Equipment, a home reference library and writing. These are the Alert Alarm, Williams Crawford Agency, Griffin Properties, and others actively visited tools of good communication. Arvest Bank, Sen. Jake Files, Walton Family Foundation, City public libraries. Reading These literacy skills are of Fort Smith, Chad Adams of the Arkansas Highway and and information were seen the foundation of a good Transportation Department and Kiewit Construction. as the defining components education regardless of the Thanks to everyone who has been part of this outstanding of parental support for their studentís aspirations for effort. Nancy Smreker and Beautify Fort Smith have done a childrenís education. college or careers. Many great job on this interchange and the area at Phoenix and Old In a recent recommendation local schools use a program Greenwood. These efforts show that dedicated individuals can, the American Academy of called Accelerated Reader® to and do, make a significant Pediatrics asked that parents encourage free reading while difference for our city. read aloud to their children building comprehension skills. from infancy. These medical This program is founded on experts on child development the assumption that reading MUSIC CORNER are applying their knowledge more for pleasureóand for Some folks still get them of brain development during informationówill develop the mixed up, so to get it straight the first three years of essential skills for a lifetime. from the outset, Little Johnny childrenís lives to emphasize Parents and grandparents Taylor was best known for what many parents have have an opportunity to his scorching slow blues always practiced. Listening, influence the development of smashes “Part Time Love” vocabulary and other critical young children by providing (for Bay Area-based Galaxy developmental skills of them with role models of Records in 1963) and 1971’s “Everybody Knows About early childhood form the readers, by reading to and My Good Thing” for Ronn foundation for more advanced with them at an early age, and Records in Shreveport, LA. learning throughout school by providing them with access This Johnny Taylor was experiences and adult life. to reading materials which are definitely not the suave Sam With the advent of age appropriate to foster a Cooke protégé who blitzed television, video games, love of reading. the charts with “Who’s Making computers and other The Fort Smith Public Love” for Stax in 1968; that’s Ronn imprint elicited the slow electronic means of Schools provide the Parents Johnny Taylor who added to dispensing knowledge, as Teachers program to blues smash “Everybody the confusion by covering Knows About My Good Thing” some have discounted the parents of pre-school children. “Part Time Love” for Stax. importance of reading. While This program emphasizes in 1971, and a similarly witty Another similarity between the hit follow-up, “Open House all these electronic media the role of parents as their two Taylors: both hailed from at My House,” the next year provide instant access to childrenís first and most strong gospel backgrounds. (both were covered later information and help children influential teachers. Trained Little Johnny came to Los by Z.Z. Hill for Malaco). and adults to communicate Parent Paraeducators can Angeles in 1950 and did a While at Ronn, Little Johnny and acquire more facts help provide parents with stint with The Mighty Clouds Taylor cut some duets with than ever before, each materials and support as they of Joy before going secular. yet another Taylor, this one requires skills in reading and assume this critical role. Call Influenced by Little Willie named Ted(no, they weren’t comprehension to receive 479-784-8182 for additional John he debuted as an R&B related either). Though he full benefit. Some opine that information. artist with a pair of 45s for recorded only sparingly during the infusion of electronics Whether electronic or Hunter Hancock’s Swingin’ the 1980s and 1990s, he damages student learning. on paper; whether young logo, but his career didn’t remained an active performer However, to competent or old; reading is a critical soar until he inked a pact with until his death in 2002. readers, these tools only fundamental for us all. Read Fantasy’s Galaxy subsidiary serve to enhance their ability today for a better tomorrow. in 1963 (where he benefited Active 1960s - 1990s to develop educationally. from crisp production by Cliff Goldsmith And Ray Born John Punch Shank;inîs arrangements). February 11, 1943 in John Punch, James Gregory, and a man named Victor were The gliding mid-tempo blues Memphis, TN all indentured servants contracted to Virginia planter Hugh “You’ll Need Another Favor,” Died Gwyn. These three men each performed similar tasks as firmly in a Bobby Bland mode, May 17, 2002 in Conway, AR slaves and each also felt so exploited he was willing to take was Taylprís first chart item. unimaginable risks to pursue freedom. John, James, and Vic- He followed it up with the Besides “Part Time Love”, tor ran away and were captured within days. tortured R&B chart-topper Little Johnny Taylor had a ma- Though fleeing similar circumstances, the fates of the run- “Part Time Love,” which found jor Rhythm and Blues hit titled aways differed under the court’s aegis. A judge sentenced all him testifying in gospel-fired “If you love me like you say, three to whippings. He then added four years to the indenture style over Aurthur Wrightís why you treat me like you do.” terms of James and Victor, both white Europeans. John, a biting guitar and a grinding, black man, alone he condemned to lifelong servitude. horn-leavened downbeat Little Johnny Taylor was the Sometimes, runaway slaves like John Punch joined other es- groove. The singer also did brother-in-law to Mrs. Ruth caped slaves to form colonies of their own, banding together to fairly well with “Since I Found Parish, Wife of the pastor of defend themselves and their freedom. Slaves who were mem- a New Love” in 1964 and Ninth Street baptist church bers of these communities are known as maroons. “Zig Zag Lightning” in 1966. Reverand A. J. Parish. Taylor’s tenure at Stan Lewis PAGE 6 THE LINCOLN ECHO NEWS AUGUST 2014

James Garner’s legacy: A commitment to civil rights and political activism By Soraya Nadia McDonald Garner’s involvement was part of Hollywood actor James Garner thrilled a long career of political activism. audiences in the comedy-western ABC He told people he met his wife, Lois series Maverick in the late ’50s. He later Clarke, at party for Adlai Stevenson, the starred on NBC’s The Rockford Files liberal Democratic Party presidential in the ’70s. What many may not have candidate in 1952 and 1956. (Clarke known is that Garner, a lifelong Democrat gently corrected him in an appendix to was a staunch supporter of the civil rights his memoir, “The Garner Files” — they movement. He died Saturday July 19, actually met at an earlier party, she said.) 2014 at his California home at the age of Though he believed in supporting causes openly defied J. Edgar Hoover and the 86. political and environmental, Garner was Federal Bureau of Investigation, which Actor Harry Belafonte was the one staunchly against actors holding office was keen to stop the march. In “Nobody who reportedly urged Garner to join the for the most part. In “The Garner Files,” Turn Me Around: A People’s History of march. Hollywood was inspired to take the self-identified “bleeding-heart liberal” the 1963 March on Washington,” Charles action and get involved in the March after wrote: Euchner wrote: Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke to a Too many actors have run for office. The FBI attempted to exploit fears contingent of actors and actresses at There’s one difference between me and about violence and Communist infiltration Burt Lancaster’s home. In his 2011 book, them: I know I’m not qualified. In my of the civil rights movement — fears The Garner Files: A Memoir, Garner opinion, Arnold Schwarzenegger wasn’t that were partly the result of J. Edgar refers to himself as a “bleeding heart qualified to be governor of California. Hoover’s long campaign against the liberal,” and slammed actor Charlton Ronald Reagan wasn’t qualified to be movement. FBI agents made last-minute Heston, who switched from being a governor, let alone president. I was a calls to celebrities. Do you know, the leader of the liberal Hollywood stars vice president of the Screen Actors Guild agents asked, that many of the march’s that marched in Washington in 1963 when he was its president. My duties leaders are Communists? Do you know to becoming an ardent supporter of consisted of attending meetings and that Communists and other leftists could Republican politics. voting. The only thing I remember is that create chaos at the march? Do you know When actor James Garner decided Ronnie never had an original thought and that it’s not too late to pull out of the to help organize and attend the March that we had to tell him what to say. That’s march? Stay away! on Washington in 1963, he wasn’t just no way to run a union, let along a state While celebrity presence at the March listening to his conscience. He and or a country. on Washington didn’t seem to have much other actors who attended may have Garner also wrote of how Republicans impact on actors’ box-office takes, the been embarking on Hollywood’s first approached him to run for office in fight for social justice was not always large-scale political act since the days 1962. He said they didn’t care when without consequence. As George Takei of McCarthyism and Hollywood’s anti- he informed them he was a Democrat; reminded the audience on “Real Time Communist blacklist. they thought he was a winner. Garner with Bill Maher” this weekend, when After years of viewing the government visited troops in Vietnam in 1967, was “Star Trek” dared to air an interracial kiss with suspicion, many felt emboldened a supporter of the National Support between Captain Kirk (William Shatner) to participate, joining forces with black Committee of the Native American Rights and Uhura (Nichelle Nichols) in the 1968 actors such as Harry Belafonte, Ruby Fund and a supporter of the National episode “Plato’s Stepchildren,” Southern Dee and Diahann Carroll. Garner and Museum of the American Indian. NBC affiliates blacked out of the show other celebrities in attendance, including and ratings dropped. Paul Newman and Marlon Brando, NEWS & COMMENTARY AUGUST 2014 THE LINCOLN ECHO PAGE 7 PAGE 8 THE LINCOLN ECHO LOCAL NEWS AUGUST 2014

IN MEMORIUM AUGUST BIRTHDAYS Rosalind Moore Robert Webb 1 Birdie Mingo John Crocker Kenneth Webb Dwight Fisher Kayla Flemming Leroy Arnold Mary Prudence Whitfield Michael Fisher Savannah Stroble Btrdie Lee Lofton Webb Detric Fisher William Webb Toni Webb Wilbur Reed 17 Don Brock Craig Caldwell 2 Tyecha Hawkins NEW AND RENEWED Bessie Travis Tya Hawkins Gregory Phillips SUBSCRIBERS Bobbie Smith 4 18 Christopher Chapple, Sr. Gloria Arnold Carolyn Mitchell Orlando, FL Michael W. Taylor Betty Lytch Parlin, NJ 19 Jessyca Yucas Brook Park, OH 5 Jalessia Davis Elbert D. Downs Kansas City, KS Eric Black Robin Gary Mae Weaver Adrian Huntley Erma L. Downs Kansas City, KS George Wilkins James & Sandra McIver Plummerville, AR Ashley D. Johnson Anthony Harris Erma Downs Cecil Turner Los Angeles, CA Jerome L. Bagly Charlene Warren Forrest City, AR William Henry Fuhr 20 Preola J. Briggs Milford, KS Laurette Wright Tony & Claudia Scherry Fort Smith, AR 6 Donnie Murrell Trey Broomfield Bessye M. Dreams Wichita, KS 21 Col. Ret. Levi H. Perry Lithia Springs, GA Ida Spears Kendra Flemming Eric Donaldson Hattie T. Lee Columbus, GA Col. George & Rosanna Hudgens Silver Spring, MD 7 22 Linda M. Bryant Florissant, MO Ashley Huntley Kevin Deas Willard Davis North Augusta, SC Beatrice James Cecile Flake Lee George & Arlieve Thompson Toledo, OH Thee Juana Howard Cullers Callie Driver 23 Mae Thella Tillman Detroit, MI Cameron Hill Jennie B. Gay Acccokeek, MD 8 James Few Flossmoor, IL Rodney Johnson 24 Anna Williams Fort Smith, Arkansas Danye Rouser Danny Brown Rochel M. Guinn Denton, TX Charity Flake Milo Travis Dr. Patricia W. Brown Detroit, MI Selus Brown, Jr Desiree Stroble 25 Dr. Helen W. Surrell Detroit, MI Leonard Housley, Jr. Deborah Harris Donald Webb Homewood, IL JoAnn M. Sneed 9 Homer J. West 26 Tiffany Webster Arnold Black Leroy Arnold Cecil G. Greene

10 27 Isiah Dawkins Akilah Thomas Melissa P. Mullen 11 Natasha Q. Cottrell 28 Vansassa Arnold Garcia Tina Alston Emeral Templeton 12 Cindy Hampston Jaunita Briggs Treniese R. Brown 29 Vanessa Garcia Frank J. Jamison Clara Hayes Tammy Perry Trina Swinton Mckinley Carter 30 Donna West 13 Palestine Roberts Kenneth Black, Jr. Dwayne Thomas Kay Cowan Eva H. White

14 31 Brigette Tucker Ophelia Templeton Leiba McGill Thomas Travis Rebekah Walton Sarah E. Knight Dorothy Horn 16 Birdie Lee Lofton

Before a group can enter the open society, it must first close ranks.

Stokely Carmichael AUGUST 2014 POLITICS THE LINCOLN ECHO PAGE 9

SENATOR GOVERNOR BEEBE’S BOOZMAN’S COLUMN COLUMN GETTING BACK TO OUR ROOTS This past week, I returned to meet with us over the As a child in Fort Smith, I and business leader for from what is likely to be my years. So I try to reciprocate enjoyed the opportunities to several companies before last international trade mission when I travel overseas to be involved and stay active returning to Fort Smith and as Governor of Arkansas. The represent our State. in the community. The Boys building Umarex USA with journey to three European Our final stop was Prague, a Club, church youth sports his partners in Germany. He countries showcased the full distinctly unique world capital and school activities helped could have encouraged the range of all that can be gained and an opportunity to build me foster an appreciation for business to be built anywhere, through in-person contact new relationships and meet the community, and I made but he knows that the with current and potential with companies just starting lifelong friendships from that business climate, workforce, international investors. My to consider North American community involvement. infrastructure and quality team and I met with long-time operations. It’s been 25 years One of the great of life are great in partners we hope since the Berlin qualities of Fort Fort Smith.Blalock will further expand Wall fell, and the Smith is the is a true champion their presence in Czech Republic strong sense of growing the Arkansas. We met is establishing a of community ñ local economy and with companies stronger foothold making it a great employing Arkansas we hoped to in the global place to raise a workers. attract to our economy while family. Neighbors Alexis Jennings, State, and we met it grows as an take care of a Northside High with businesses independent each other, and School graduate, just beginning nation. I met with whether times are studied at Le to consider representatives good or bad, the community of Cordon Bleu Culinary School establishing operations in of more than a dozen Czech Fort Smith is as tightly knit as in Minneapolis. Fort Smith the U.S. On all fronts, we companies from sectors that they come. residents now can share experienced good meetings included aviation, industrial While Fort Smith has in exploring her culinary that I am confident will result manufacturing and small-arms changed since the time I’ve creativity at one of the cityís in more jobs for our people. production. It was easy to tell called the north side home, newest restaurants, Jennings In London, we attended that these businesses are one thing that remains is on the Avenue. Jenningsí the Farnborough Air Show. eager to explore opportunities the encouragement and father, Jerry, has been a While there are impressive for global operations that, community support for longtime friend. I know flying demonstrations of just two decades ago, were its members. Fort Smith he appreciates having his aircraft new and old, the heart unavailable to them. residents want to see daughter so close to home of the week-long event is An official at the U.S. their neighbors succeed and sharing her craft with the business networking. More Embassy in Prague told us and celebrate their people of the community. than $200 billion in orders that he could remember accomplishments together. These are great success and commitments were only three sitting American The community is blessed stories and what every announced at this year’s governors visiting the Czech with residents who share community wants. There is show, and British Prime Republic during his 15 years a variety of talents and something to be said about Minister David Cameron working there. Arkansas is areas of expertise ñ those our community, region and was in attendance to clearly on the leading edge of of which I am excited to see state when people who once announce a new national exploring an economic future nurturing and impacting the called the area home choose defense initiative. For the with an emerging international communityís growth and to live here again and share first time ever, Arkansas partner. development. their talents. The love for had a booth at the fair to As I don’t enjoy being away Generations of Fort Arkansas and the potential showcase our role in the from Arkansas for long periods Smith residents are bringing that each one of us has to aviation sector. Other state of time, I have led fewer their skills back to the make our state shine is truly and national governments international trade missions community. During my most inspiring. I enjoy getting back were also present to pursue than some other governors. recent trip to Fort Smith, to my roots to visit with the companies considering future But when I have traveled, I had the opportunity to people who put me on the investments. I’ve seen, time and again, the visittwo residents who are path to success in school and From there, we visited Paris. irreplaceable benefit of direct, using expertise learned and athletics and helped me get to French companies have person-to-person contact in perfected elsewhere to the where I am today. had an enduring presence establishing and maintaining area to attract new business We have a lot for which in Arkansas, and we have good relationships. Whether and grown the economy of to be thankful. Fort Smith is maintained good relationships these contacts pay off quickly, their hometown. truly a unique community. with these employers during or further into the future, they I met with Adam Blalock, For those of us who grew up my administration. Leaders help bolster Arkansas’s image President & CEO of Umarex here, Fort Smith will always from companies, including and reputation around the USA and Walther Arms. welcome us back. Iím proud Dassault Falcon Jet, L’Oreal world in an increasingly global Blalock grew up in the area to see so many others feel the and Pernod Ricard, have economy. and worked as an accountant same way. repeatedly come to Arkansas American-Made Strong By Senator Mark Pryor and their solutions to grow and expand The United States today stands on the businesses in our state. brink of a manufacturing comeback. I I’ve taken these ideas back to believe that the policies being made—or Washington and will be working hard to not made—will help determine our path finalize my jobs package in the coming forward. That’s why I’ve made it my top days. I hope you’ll check it out. As priority to advance economic growth, always, if you have any suggestions or jobs, and opportunity for Arkansas concerns, I hope you’ll reach out to me families. A big part of my agenda is secured a new company to fill Whirlpool’s through my website at www.pryor.senate. creating a better environment for our place. But we were all left thinking that gov Facebook, or Twitter. I look forward companies—and their workers—who we must work harder to stop companies to sharing my plan with you and working build and buy products made right here from sending our jobs overseas together to help move Arkansas forward. in the U.S.A. and instead help those who support Sitting down with Arkansas manufacturers at Like most Arkansans, I remember all America’s workforce. my ìState of Manufacturing Summitî in Little Rock. I was joined by representatives of the too well when Whirlpool announced For several months now, I’ve been Arkansas Economic Development Commission, its closing. It was a tough blow for Fort developing a package of common-sense Smith. Hard-working Arkansans’ jobs Redman & Associates of Rogers, Alliance Rub- solutions to bring more good-paying, ber of Hot Springs, Bad Boy Mowers of Bates- were shipped to Mexico as local leaders middle-class jobs to our state. Just a ville, Remington of Lonoke, and Riceland Foods and the business community worked few days ago, I had the opportunity to of Stuttgart. double time to bring new opportunities to sit down with Arkansas manufacturers to the region. Fortunately, the city quickly hear about the challenges they’re facing

PAGE 10 THE LINCOLN ECHO HERITAGE AUGUST 2014

JAMES PETERSON PHD; HIP HOP PROFESSOR James Braxton Peterson son believes educators ought to integrate youth culture into (Duke ’93, UPENN 2003) their teaching. He has trained teachers for the greater part of is the Director of Africana a decade helping them better work with students of color by Studies and Associate adapting their social linguistics and classroom management to Professor of English at youth culture. He is currently composing a hip-hop curriculum Lehigh University. He has entitled The Fifth Element of Knowledge, which takes the four been Associate Professor elements of hip-hop culture and maps them onto the different of English at Bucknell Uni- learning styles and standards of the state of Pennsylvania. versity, a visiting lecturer and preceptor in African American Studies at Princ- LEARNING AND FUN By: Deb O’Nair and amusement by way of some eton University and the Learning and fun, since when activity. Like underwear, the Media Coordinator for the journalistic skills and his did the two become arch rivals? knowledge we acquire and the Harvard University Hip Hop ethnographic training toward Batman at odds with the Joker pleasurable activities we en- Archive. LLC, an association innovative academic inquiry. is understandable; the Joker gage in change daily, or at least of Hip Hop generational schol- Peterson has been featured wears way too much make-up. they should. Also like reversible ars dedicated to researching on/in BET and Bet.com, The Of course Kansas University underwear, if but one side is will forever be in direct con- worn outward, the other side will and developing the cultural Michael Eric Dyson Show, Hot and educational potential of flict with Kansas State.No, not fade until it is unfamiliar. Most 97’s “Street Soldiers,” The because the teams are in the importantly, without both sides Hip Hop, urban, and youth Michael Baisden Show, and same conference, but because together, the underwear loses its’ cultures. Peterson has written the award-winning PBS docu- KU slyly earned the rights to functionality, its’ desirability, and numerous scholarly articles on mentary, Beyond Beats and host the state university some its’ profitability. Hip Hop Culture, Multicultural- Rhymes. He has appeared on years back. And why wouldn’t Even more, the goals of learn- ism, African American Litera- CNN, Fox News, CBS News, the RoadRunner drop anvils on ing and fun are the same. Both, ture, Culture, and Linguistics MSNBC, ABC News, ESPN, the Coyote? It was either that or post-education expenses and as well as Urban Studies. become a main course. But the post-season tickets can cost HLN, and various local televi- contention between learning and a life savings. Both, after high He has conducted inter- sion networks as an expert on fun remains a mystery. school graduations and high views with Gil Scott Heron, popular culture, urban youth No commandment, law, rule, schoolchampionship games, Dr. Manning Marable, Sistah and politics. Peterson blogs or regulation bans their deseg- someone walks away with brag- Souljah, Snoop Dogg, Dead for the Huffington Post and he regation. Yet, often learning and ging rights. Above all, a many Prez, DJ Jazzy Jeff and gen- has published his scholarly fun meet in opposition as social have lost their lives, both in the erally applies his journalistic work in Callaloo, Criticism, media, work emails, and candy pursuit of learning and in the crush disrupt classrooms, staff name of fun. skills and his ethnographic Black Arts Quarterly, XXL, and training toward innovative meetings, and eye contact. On Let this not be taken to sug- African American Review. Es- the other hand, the benefits of gest, learning should always academic inquiry. Peterson says and other ‘public sphere’ a reciprocal relationship be- be fun and fun should always has been featured on/in BET writing have appeared on The tweenlearning and fun cannot be include learning. It is more to and Bet.com, The Michael Root.com, and SLAM online. overstated. In fact, the two are propose, with such great strides Eric Dyson Show, Hot 97’s Peterson is currently working like the different sides of revers- in technology, the two do not “Street Soldiers,” The Mi- on his first academic book, ible underwear. Just think, gener- have to be rivals. Surely, there chael Baisden Show, and the Major Figures: Critical Essays ally speaking, learning is the is a time and place BOTH learn- acquisition of knowledge in the ing and fun can effectively exist. award-winning PBS docu- on Hip Hop Music (Mississippi mentary, Beyond Beats and form of rote memorization, skill Where is that time and place? University Press). He has also building, and stimulus pairing. Rhymes. He has appeared on Hopefully, somewhere in the near been featured and/or quoted Fun is a state of joy, pleasure, CNN, Fox News, CBS News, in Vibe Magazine, Philadel- future. MSNBC, ABC News, ESPN, phia Weekly, The Miami Her- HLN, and various local televi- ald, Southern Voices and The sion networks as an expert on Wall Street Journal. popular culture, urban youth Whether composing youth- and politics. Peterson blogs oriented curricula or discuss- for the Huffington Post and he ing the latest topic du jour on has published his scholarly MSNBC or NPR, Dr. James work in Callaloo, Criticism, Braxton Peterson infuses his Black Arts Quarterly, XXL, and insights with his “hip-hop sen- African American Review. Es- sibilities,” revealing an acute says and other ‘public sphere’ understanding of our contem- writing have appeared on The porary culture and political Root.com, and SLAM online. climate as not only an expert Peterson is currently working on youth culture, but an inte- on his first academic book, gral part of it. Major Figures: Critical Essays An increasingly important on Hip Hop Music (Mississippi media presence, Dr. Peter- University Press). He has also son’s incredible breadth of been featured and/or quoted knowledge allows him to in Vibe Magazine, Philadel- discuss the intersection of phia Weekly, The Miami Her- politics and race as aptly as ald, Southern Voices and The cultural subjects ranging from Wall Street Journal. Beyoncé to the academic He is also the founder of value of African studies. As Hip Hop Scholars, LLC, an such, he regularly appears on association of Hip Hop gen- MSNBC’s Ed Show as well as erational scholars dedicated Al Jazeera English and NPR to researching and developing with Marty Moss Coane. He the cultural and educational is also an official contributor potential of Hip Hop, urban, for TheGrio.com, MSNBC’s and youth cultures. Peterson official black online presence; has written numerous schol- and blogs for The Huffington arly articles on Hip Hop Cul- Post and Black Voices. He ture, Multiculturalism, African has published scholarly work American Literature, Culture, on hip-hop culture, multicultur- and Linguistics as well as Ur- alism, African American litera- ban Studies. He has conduct- ture, culture, and linguistics in ed interviews with Gil Scott Callaloo, Criticism, Black Arts Heron, Dr. Manning Marable, Quarterly, XXL, and African Sistah Souljah, Snoop Dogg, American Review. Dead Prez, DJ Jazzy Jeff An adamant proponent of and generally applies his educational reform, Dr. Peter- AUGUST 2014 HERITAGE THE LINCOLN ECHO PAGE 11

Fighting for Respect: THE FIGHTING 369TH REGIMENT by Jami Bryan French 161st Division drive the Germans When the United States declared war from their trenches during the Aisne-Marne against Germany in April of 1917, War counter-offensive. Department planners quickly realized that From 26 September to 5 October, the the standing Army of 126,000 men would 369th participated in the Meuse-Argonne not be enough to ensure victory overseas. offensive, and continued to fight well The standard volunteer system proved to throughout the remainder of the war. The be inadequate in raising an Army, so on regiment fought in the front lines for a total 18 May 1917 Congress passed the Selec- of 191 days, five days longer than any tive Service Act requiring all male citizens other regiment in the AEF. France awarded between the ages of 21 and 31 to regis- the entire unit the Croix de Guerre, along ter for the draft. Even before the act was with presenting 171 individual awards for passed, African American males from all exceptional gallantry in action. over the country eagerly joined the war ef- Although the 369th won much of the fort. They viewed the conflict as an oppor- glory for the 93d Division, the 370th, tunity to prove their loyalty, patriotism, and American 77th Division and the French 371st, and 372d Regiments, eached worthiness for equal treatment in the United 37th Division. However, due to their lack assigned to different French divisions, States. of training with the French, shortages of also proved themselves worthy of acclaim Following the Civil War, the Army disbanded equipment, and unfamiliarity with the terrain, at the front. The 370th fought hard in volunteer colored regiments, and estab- the regiment did not successfully complete both the Meuse-Argonne and Oise-Aisne lished six Regular Army regiments of black this important assignment. The failure to campaigns. Seventy-one members of the troops with white officers. When World War accomplish this crucial mission blemished regiment received the French Croix de I broke out, there were four all-black regi- the 92dís combat record, and it was often Guerre, and another twenty-one soldiers ments: the 9th and 10th Cavalry and the 24th used by military authorities for more than received the Distinguished Service Cross and 25th Infantry. The men in these units thirty years to prove the inadequacy of (DSC). Company C, 371st Infantry, earned were considered heroes in their communi- African American soldiers in combat. the Croix de Guerre with Palm. The 371st ties. Within one week of Wilsons declaration Although American commanders were Regiment spent more than three months on of war, the War Department had to stop ac- dissatisfied with the unitís performance, the the front lines in the Verdun area, and for cepting black volunteers because the quotas French obviously had a different opinion- its extraordinary service in the Champagne for African Americans were filled. -they decorated members of the 365th offensive, the entire regiment was awarded When it came to the draft, however, there Infantry and 350th Machine Gun Battalion for the Croix de Guerre with Palm. In addition, was a reversal in usual discriminatory policy. their aggressiveness and bravery. three of the 371stís officers were awarded Draft boards were comprised entirely of As the 92d Division struggled to clear its the French Legion of Honor, 123 men won white men. Although there were no spe- reputation, the 93d Division had a much the Croix de Guerre, and twenty-six earned cific segregation provisions outlined in the more successful experience. Commanded the DSC. draft legislation, blacks were told to tear by BG Roy Hoffman, the 93d Division was The 372d Infantry also performed off one corner of their registration cards so also organized in December 1917. Unlike admirably during the American assault they could easily be identified and inducted other American infantry divisions, the 93d in Champagne, and afterwards assisted separately. Now instead of turning blacks was limited to four infantry regiments, three in the capture of Monthois. It was there away, the draft boards were doing all they of which were comprised of National Guard the regiment faced strong resistance and could to bring them into service, southern units from New York, Illinois, Ohio, Maryland, numerous counterattacks, resulting in many draft boards in particular. One Georgia Connecticut, Massachusetts, the District of instances of hand-to-hand combat. In less county exemption board discharged forty- Columbia, and Tennessee. Being made up than two weeks of front line service, the four percent of white registrants on physical of mostly draftees and National Guardsmen, 372d suffered 600 casualties. The regiment grounds and exempted only three percent of the 93d lacked any sort of consistency in earned a unit Croix de Guerre with Palm, black registrants based on the same require- its experience or composition. The unit also and in addition, forty-three officers, fourteen ments. It was fairly common for southern lacked its full number of combat units and noncommissioned officers, and 116 privates postal workers to deliberately withhold the support elements, and as a result never received either the Croix de Guerre or the registration cards of eligible black men and attained full divisional strength. Seeming to DSC. have them arrested for being draft dodgers. have odds stacked against it, the 93d fared On 11 November 1918 at 1100, the African American men who owned their own remarkably well when faced with battle. armistice between the Allies and Central farms and had families were often drafted The situation was desperate in France, Powers went into effect. Like all other before single white employees of large plant- and with exhausted and dwindling armies, American soldiers, the African American ers. Although comprising just ten percent of the French begged the United States for troops reveled in celebration and took the entire United States population, blacks men. GEN John Pershing, commander of justifiable pride the great victory they supplied thirteen percent of inductees. the American Expeditionary Force, promised helped achieve. It was not without great Although technically eligible for many them four American regiments. He decided cost: the 92d Division suffered 1,647 battle positions in the Army, very few blacks got the to give them the regiments of the 93d causualties and the 93d Division suffered opportunity to serve in combat units. Division since the French, who had used 3,534. Expecting to come home heroes, The first black troops sent overseas French colonial troops from Senegal, had black soldiers received a rude awakening belonged to service units. Because the experience in employing black soldiers in upon their return. Back home, many whites work that these units did was absolutely combat. The first African American combat feared that African Americans would return invaluable to the war effort, commanders troops to set foot on French soil belonged demanding equality and would try to attain promised special privileges in return for to the 93d Division. Armed, organized, and it by employing their military training. As the high-yield results. With such motivation, equipped as a French unit, the 93d quickly troops returned, there was an increase of the soldiers would often work for twenty- adjusted to their new assignment. Although racial tension. During the summer and fall of four hours straight unloading ships and experiencing some difficulties like language 1919, anti-black race riots erupted in twenty- transporting men and materiel to and from problems, the black soldiers were treated as six cities across America. The lynching of various bases, ports, and railroad depots. equals. blacks also increased from fifty-eight in 1918 As the war continued and soldiers took to The 369th Infantry was the first regiment to seventy-seven in 1919. At least ten of the battlefields, black labor units became of the 93d Division to reach France. They those victims were war veterans, and some responsible for digging trenches, removing arrived in the port city of Brest in December were lynched while in uniform. unexploded shells from fields, clearing 1917. On 10 March, after three months of Despite this treatment, African American disabled equipment and barbed wire, and duty with the Services of Supply, the 369th men continued to enlist in the military, burying soldiers killed in action. Despite all received orders to join the French 16th including veterans of World War I that came the hard and essential work they provided, Division in Givry en Argonne for additional home to such violence and ingratitude. African American stevedores received the training. After three weeks the regiment was They served their county in the brief period worst treatment of all black troops serving in sent to the front lines in a region just west of peace after the World War I, and many World War I. of the Argonne Forest. For nearly a month went on to fight in World War II. It was not Following some initial successes in they held their position against German until the 1948 that President Harry S Truman Lorraine in mid-August, on 20 September assaults, and after only a brief break from issued an executive order to desegregate 1918, the 92d was ordered to proceed to the the front, the 369th was placed once again the military, although it took the Korean War Argonne Forest in preparation for the Meuse- in the middle of the German offensive, this to fully integrate the Army. African Americans Argonne offensive. The division reached time at Minacourt, France. From 18 July to 6 finally began to receive the equal treatment the front lines just before the first assault. August 1918, the 369th Infantry, now proudly their predecessors had earned in combat in The 368th Infantry Regiment immediately nicknamed the ìHarlem Hellfighters, proved France during World War I, and as far back received orders to fill a gap between the their tenacity once again by helping the as the American Revolution. PAGE 12 THE LINCOLN ECHO NEWS AUGUST 2014

WHERE DO WE STAND?

Andre Good City Director Ward 2 are reinvesting back into our community. Just a quick reminder - Ward 2 which is the north side of Reminder - Upcoming Board Appointments: Building Board Fort Smith boundaries are of Adjustments and Appeals, Oak Cemetery Commission, River Front Dr to Kelley Hwy, Advertising and Promotion and the Parking Authority. I-540 to North “O” St, Old Current Employment Opportunities: FSPD - Crime and Greenwood Rd to Grand Ave, Intelligence Analyst, Electronics Technician, Environmental N. 13th St to Garrison Ave Technician, Laboratory Technician, Heavy Equipment and back to River Front Dr. Mechanic II and Water/Wastewater Line Maintenance Regardless of the boundaries, Superintendent. The City’s succession plan in the finance dept. any elected City of Fort includes hiring a deputy director of finance and an Internal Smith Board member can Auditor. All job vacancies are listed on the City website. and frequently do address I hope you find these articles beneficial and motivational. Be concerns and city-wide issues. encouraged… Good things are happening! If you have any Huge Weekend in Fort questions, concerns or suggestions, please feel free to reach Smith! The last weekend of July brought us the Lincoln High out to me - [email protected] or 479-285-4932. School Reunion and Fort Smith Homecoming 2014! Meet and Greets, VIP Mixers, Live music, food, family, friends and a Funk Administration reunion, Many thanks to the Lincoln Alumni, Brew House Entertainment and the many volunteers! The ward 3 neighborhood board meeting on July 17th was well-attended. Ward 3 Director Mike Lorenz gave an informative overview of projects currently ongoing in his ward such as street/sidewalk work, drainage, the addition of a new neighborhood park in Fianna Hills and news on the water park at Ben Geren Park. The meeting was held at the Shared Services Center Fort Smith (Community Health Systems - CHS). Director Lorenz works for CHS and announced that they are looking to fill 50 positions immediately. I apologize for not having this information out last month – On July 25th, 2014 the Dr. Harry P. McDonald was honored with a historical marker unveiling at the Elm Grove Community Center. The Fort Smith Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in partnership with the Fort Smith Historical Society arranged and hosted the event. Many of you remember Dr. McDonald as the caring physician who carried his black satchel to house calls, billed for services AFTER his visits and deferred payment when needed. We shall never forget Dr. H.P. McDonald; the Physician, the Civil Rights Activist and Community Leader. Special Election is THIS MONTH – I am in support of the millage increase. With this opportunity to vote, Fort Smith voters can approve or vote down the Fort Smith Public Library’s 1st mileage increase since 1957. I would ask that you support our library system and invest back into ourselves by voting FOR this 2-mill increase. The special election is scheduled for August 12th, 2014. Beautify Fort Smith – According to the July 16th, 2014 meeting minutes, the Great Arkansas River Clean-up is scheduled for September 6th. Paula Linder reported that she and a number of fishermen had gone before the Parks Commission in June to ask for consideration of moving up funding to enlarge the Fort Smith Parks parking lot on the city’s priority list. She added that Bill Smreker met with Forsgren Construction to get an estimate cost for the Fort Smith Park parking lot expansion. The request would make Fort Smith a destination to host highly profitable fishing tournaments. The softball field project at the corner of Martin Luther King, Jr. Park is still but a plan on paper. Fundraising is going slow. I asked the Ray Gosack, City Administrator about the city’s committed funding and he assures me that it is in place. This multi-group project was highly represented at the Parks Commission meeting. “By having their own softball field that they can put a sign up ‘Home of the Lady Bears’ and take pride in fixing it up, you know, that just means something to you,” said Jim Rowland, Athletic Director for Fort Smith Public Schools. “The people of Fort Smith have always stepped up, and I think they’ll step up again especially for the opportunity to help these ladies have a new home,” Roland continued. Mike Alsup with Fort Smith Parks said the field will get new fencing and dugouts, concession and press box, a place for pitchers to warm up and possibly a batting cage. Alsup went on to say they hope to have the new field up and running for the start of the Lady Bears’ 2015 spring season. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the project, you may send a check made out to the Fort Smith Park Partners, noted MLK Ballpark, to P.O. Box 934, Fort Smith, AR 72902. Now is the time! Let’ break ground on the Northside Lady Bears Softball Home Field! Contact Chuck Fawcett (479) 484-5588 or Mike Blaylock (479) 782-8940 for more information. The Building Safety Division issued the following noticeable commercial permits for June/July 2014 --- 7300 S. Zero St – New Water Park – Cost $9,763,852.00, 3715 Musset Rd – New Dollar General Store – Cost $568,000.00, 3609 S. Phoenix Ave – Raymond Orr School (New Roof) – Cost $559,600.00, 1001 Ballman Rd - City Pump Station Improvements – Cost $1,200,000.00 and 5401 Phoenix Ave – Sodie’s Wine and Spirits – Cost $1,000,000.00. These projects