Week 35

New York’s

Beacon website: NewYorkBeacon.net

Vol. 19 No. 35

Showing the Way to Truth and Justice

August 30, 2012 - September 5, 2012

E-Mail [email protected]

75 Cents

EMPIRE STATE SHOOTING Police gunfire wounded 9 bystanders, says Kelly

GUNMAN SLAIN — Police officers examine the body of gunman Jeffrey Johnson who was killed in a hail of gunfire by police

(See Story On Page 3)

White supremacy is on the rise in the U.S.

(See Story On Page 3)

BEACON, August 30, 2012 - September 5, 2012 newyorkbeacon.net

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Manhattan attorney indicted for scheme to defraud clients Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., has announced the indictment of John Ioannou, 57, an attorney, for embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from his clients since at least 2007 and attempting to coerce others to drop complaints they had filed against him with the Departmental Disciplinary Committee of the Appellate Division, First Department (“DDC”). The defendant has been indicted in New York State Supreme Court on charges of grand larceny in the second and third degrees, forgery in the second degree, criminal possession of a forged instrument in second degree, falsifying business records, and related charges. Ioannou is charged with scheming to embezzle money from three personal injury clients beginning in March 2010. According to the charges, after settling their cases, the defendant took the settlement money for his own use and subsequently refused contact with his clients.

When they grew frustrated at not being able to obtain their settlement money in a timely manner, some of Ioannou’s clients filed complaints about him with the DDC. These complaints occasionally prompted the defendant to re-pay his clients, though often on the unlawful condition that they withdraw any pending complaint with the DDC. The defendant is further charged with sending letters to the DDC purporting to be from his clients requesting that the complaints against him be withdrawn. In December 2011, the Ioannou was suspended from the practice of law by the Appellate Division, First Department. He had been previously censured in 2007 and admonished for earlier misconduct in 2003 and 2004. Assistant District Attorney Leah Among outstanding citizens at the award ceremony are Attorney Amina Akbar, Immam Al Hajj Talib Abdul Keith of the Special Prosecutions Rashid, State Senator Bill Perkins, Dr. Maisha Sobaihi, and Shaykh Youssouf Bamba. Bureau is handling the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Judy Salwen and Archana Rao, Deputy Chiefs of the Special Pros(CONTINUED ON PAGE 15)

Bklyn boro prez Markowitz endorses Mosley for assembly Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz announced his endorsement of Walter T. Mosley for the 57th Assembly district. “Walter has the energy that it takes to tackle the big problems in Albany.” said Borough President Markowitz. “He is a smart and passionate public servant who understands that coalition building is key to getting things done in a borough as diverse as Brooklyn. I am thrilled to support him for Assembly in the 57th district.” “Our borough president has been a committed and reliable advocate for Brooklyn’s working families,” said Walter. “He understands the growing needs of our

borough and has truly made Brooklyn a better place to live. I am proud to have his endorsement and I know he will be an important partner in protecting hard working Brooklynites.” Combined with recent endorsements by Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio and Council Member Letitia James, Walter is building a coalition to work on the local, state, and federal level to secure resources and fight for policies that most benefit the residents of central Brooklyn. Walter T. Mosley currently serves as the New York State Committeeman and District Leader of (CONTINUED ON PAGE 15)

Scott Stringer sponsors Ramadan fast break dinner for local Muslims By Yusef Salaam Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer recently sponsored an Ifta (Ramadan Fast break) dinner at the Manhattanbased Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Education Center. Muslims around the world celebrated Ramadan, 30 days of fasting (no water or drink) from sun up to sun down. The event also served as an occasion to honor Attorney Amna Akbar, Imam AL-Hajj Talib AbdurRashid, the Muslim American Civil Liberties Coalition, and New York State Senator Bill Perkins. Dr. Maisah Sobaihi, of King Abdul- Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was the Mistress of Ceremony. She welcomed the 200 guests. Shaykh Youssouf Bamba of the Harlem-based Masjid (mosque) Aqsa offered a

recitation of the Holy Qur’an, which gave solace to the hearts of the faithful. A representative of the Council on American Islamic Relations – NY, Ryan Mahoney, reflected on his experiences with Ramadan, past and present. He related that when he accepted Islam, his mother was seriously concerned about his well being regarding fasting. “She encouraged me to eat at least one protein bar a day and nobody would know.” Mahoney said that Ramadan was a time to hit the “reset button” and de-zombie regarding repulsive habits. “Ramadan is the vehicle that takes me to greater heights in obeying God,” he testified. He declared that during the pre-Ramadan months, he was so busy earning money that he neglected his family. “Ramadan helped me to slow down and be with my family and

my son Yasin. I believe Ramadan also saved my marriage.” There was a presentation about the work Islamic Relief-USA, a charity organization that provides food, clothing and charity to people devastated by tornadoes, hurricanes, and fires. IRUSA also educates people how to obtain an education, create a business, and homeownership skills. IRUSA’s helping hands reach across America, Asia, and Africa, with successful community development and health projects. The Ahdan (call to worship) for Magrib (sun down prayer) beckoned the believers to revered prostration after they ended the fast with dates and water. After congregational prayer in the lobby, they returned to their tables and enjoyed a scrumptious meal. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 15)

E. Ramapo students demand action to protect district’s public schools More than 100 students who attend East Ramapo district schools and graduates of those schools rallied Thursday to protest the actions of the East Ramapo Central School District’s (“ERCSD”) School Board and to demand the removal or resignation of five Board members. The demonstration and press conference took place in front of the administrative offices of the ERCSD in Spring Valley, New York. The students — members of the newly-formed Save Our Schools Coalition – East Ramapo (“SOSC”) — were joined by parents and community members who share their concerns. Students performed “The Star Spangled Banner” and other songs and chants during the press conference. “We have suffered enough,” declared organizer and ERCSD alumnus Carlos Ortiz. “We will not allow our public schools and

our futures to be sabotaged by private interests!” Mr. Ortiz, a graduate of Ramapo High School now attending Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, launched the press conference with a condemnation of budget cuts that have taken place during recent years and linked them, in part, to the inappropriate shifting of public dollars by the School Board from the District schools to private religious schools populated exclusively by Orthodox and Hasidic Jewish students. “We demand that the School Board operate transparently and in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws, and we demand that those board members involved with questionable, unethical or illegal acts in the past immediately resign their positions or be removed from office by the New York State Education Department,” said Ortiz. Members of SOSC and others

have filed a federal lawsuit against nine current or former Board members, as well two district administrators and the district’s lawyer. In addition, parents have petitioned the New York State Commissioner of Education for the removal of five current board members – each of whom is either Orthodox or Hasidic — based on repeated violations of New York State laws and regulations and their ignoring direct instructions from the commissioner. Additional legal and policy remedies are also being pursued. Both cases are being handled by Advocates for Justice, a non-profit, public interest law firm based in New York City and Washington, DC. “There is no question that something is wrong here in East Ramapo,” said Seethal Thomas, 19, a graduate of East Ramapo schools who now attends Hunter College, City University of New

York. “The State Education Department has investigated and criticized the district, the State Comptroller has investigated the district, the State Attorney General is currently investigating the district, and the U.S. Department of Education is looking at the district. We need some changes right now!” “We support all of the legal action taking place on behalf of public school students and their families here in East Ramapo,” said Calvin Fontanilla, 16, who currently attends Ramapo High School. “Our school district is now one of the lowest-performing districts in New York State and certainly performing below the districts that surround us.“ “At my school, we lost the ER Band program and it’s not fair,” said Evelyn Greaux,15, from Ramapo High School. “This program was loved by students and made school worthwhile for many

of us. What kind of school district cuts one of its most successful programs?” “Just two days ago, the school district told some staff that every technology program in the district is going to be cut,” said Ciyana Dennis, 16, who also attends Ramapo High School. “They’re about to announce it publicly. How crazy is that?” The demonstration and press conference come after a tense school board meeting on Tuesday evening (August 21), where Board members summoned local police and threatened a community resident with arrest for videotaping the meeting – an act protected under State law. Controversial items pertaining to the school budget and to the legal cases were part of the meeting agenda. “We are being taught a terrible civics lesson,” said 17-year-old Katie Orelien,, from Ramapo High School.“Our elected officials are do(CONTINUED ON PAGE 15)

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LeBron's $300 shoe

For some, $300 for King James’ shoe is step too far By Kelvin Cowans producing very positive outSpecial to the NNPA from the New comes in their personal and proTri-State Defender fessional lives. Those people wouldn’t even We have finally reached the spend $300 on that “King James point of no return. The fact that Version,” so LeBron is comNBA mega-star LeBron James and pletely out of luck with them. Nike have even proposed that we Equivalent – I’d say – to how he spend $300 on a pair of tennis felt about winning an NBA Chamshoes has revealed that much. pionship with the Cleveland It’s as if there is a conversation Cavaliers. going on behind closed doors that Pastor Steven Hardrick of Life has nothing to do with the reality Change -N- Ministry said it’s riof our world. Or, does it? diculous that anybody is trying Can we truly blame James – the to charge somebody $300 for a larger than life superstar of the pair of tennis shoes that will probNBA Champions Miami Heat – for ably go out of style next month. trying to capitalize on our lack of “As a pastor, I wonder does he financial education? After all, realize that kids that love him many of us do pray that he wins probably can’t afford these his basketball games. So if we pray shoes. Could he afford those for that, then shouldn’t we want shoes when he was a child? How him to be as well equipped as he soon we forget where we come can on the basketball court to win. from,” said Hardrick. He’s simply saying that he needs “ My six-year -son plays in a to wear shoes that cost $300 to do basketball league and he’s goso and that you should wear them ing to be just fine without those as well to do your best. shoes. He already has a pretty On the other hand, if you don’t nice jump shot by the way. I wonbuy into the hype of LeBron and der does LeBron understand the Nike’s latest get-richer scheme, violence that he is creating in the then there may be hope for our community for the unprivileged collective financial literacy. kids who can’t afford that shoe Wisdom says to most people but will seek to get them by any that there is no way that some of means necessary?” us will pay $300 for a pair of tennis Cliff Stockton Jr., who is inshoes by “King James.” Why? For volved with outreach ministry one, that kind of money can be Life Change -N- Ministry, said, spent on at least ten pairs of shoes “We could stretch out $300 over at the right place. some month’s on food that we Number two, there is a Bible out serve.” there that actually helps some Amanda Nicholson, a Nashchange the thought patterns that directly affect their life ventures, (CONTINUED ON PAGE 15)

New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said this week all nine bystanders wounded in Friday’s Empire State Building shooting had been hit with police gunfire, CNN reported Saturday morning. According to Kelly, of the nine wounded, three suffered gunshot wounds and six were hit by fragments. Gunfire broke out shortly after 9 a.m. on Friday when a gunman identified as 58-year old Jeffrey Johnson shot and killed former coworker Steve Ercolino near the Empire State Building. Johnson attempted to flee the scene, but was thwarted after a construction worker who followed him tipped off police officers. Police approached Johnson who aimed his gun at the officers before police opened fire, killing him on the spot. The NYPD said officers fired 16 rounds with one officer shooting nine and another seven. During a press conference held on Friday, Mayor Bloomberg had said some individuals may have been shot at by NYPD. Less than two weeks prior to Friday’s shooting, NYPD shot and killed a knife-wielding man in Times Square. The bizarre incident caused many to question if the NYPD had overreacted. Since the chaotic incident, de-

HELP FOR THE WOUNDED —Woman kneels by a wounded man caught in a gunfire. tails have emerged describing a lice officers. Although he did not get hostile relationship between off any shots, officers fired 16 Johnson and Ercolino, who both shots, killing Johnson, and woundworked at Hazan Imports together ing nine bystanders. until Johnson was laid off nearly Witnesses told ABC News that two years ago. police shouted to Johnson to stop A search of the apartment of the before the shooting began. gunman killed by police showed Despite initial reports on social the shooter apparently had no in- media of a mass shooting spree, all tention of returning home after nine bystanders were hit by police shooting his former co-worker. gunfire. Police found an envelope with None of the bystanders, who his keys left behind for his land- were hit by bullets or shrapnel, were lord, leading investigators to be- seriously injured. It isn’t that unlieve he did not expect to be back. usual for bystanders to get caught Jeffrey Johnson was killed by in crossfire between police and a police Friday in midtown Manhat- suspect. tan, after killing a former co-worker Even on a crowded street, like the on the street and raising his .45calibre semi-automatic gun at po(CONTINUED ON PAGE 15)

West Indian Day Parade to salute Jamaica, Trinidad independence days By J. Zamgba Browne Special to NY Beacon This year’s West Indian American Labor Day extravaganza in Brooklyn will honor the 50th independence anniversary of two Caribbean nations, the Islands of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The three-day annual celebration kicks off on Thursday, Aug. 30, with mass competitions, featuring kings and queens of the bands, and showcasing a number of leading calypso artists from the Caribbean and the U.S. On Aug. 31, top Soca and Reggae artists will headline a popular Brass Fest including Trinidad’s premier Soca Maestro,

Michael Montano and Reggae superstar, Vegas along with a cast of top notch performers direct from the Caribbean. A special daytime Youth Stay In School program will be held on Friday, Aug. 30. Followed on Aug. 31, with a Youth Stay in School program. A Steel band Pan aroma Competition and a Daytime Junior Carnival Competition are slated for Saturday, Sept. 1. This will be followed on Sunday, Sept. 2, by Dimanche Gras, featuring an allstar lineup including Calypso Rose, Shadow, King Ajamu, and Black Stalin as the winners of all competitions. Other highlights for the Dimanche Gras include perfor-

mance by Something Positive Dance Troupe, and direct from Trinidad and Tobago, traditional characters and “pan around the neck” Steel band. The three-day festivities culminates on Sept. 3, with a giant Labor Day Parade up Eastern Parkway led by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and grand marshals from the Caribbean Islands of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago as well as a host of politicians and community leaders. The annual parade which usually attracts over two million spectators will feature thousands of colorful costumed revelers, beautifully decorated floats, and music.

White supremacy rising: Celebrating racism, terrorism By Jean Damu What do you suppose would happen if a group of American Muslims gathered and began to construct a monument to Osama bin Laden? That’s right. There’d be hell to pay. No one is attempting to build a statue to Osama. But in Selma, Alabama no less, scene of historic battles for black civil rights, white supremacy advocates are re-building a monument to an early American terrorist, war criminal and widely acknowledged founder of the Ku Klux Klan, Nathan Bedford Forrest. Selma activist Malika Sanders is angry and she’s fighting back. One of her tactics has been to start an on-line petition campaign urging

the city council to step in and stop the racial abuse against the black citizens of Selma. The efforts to rebuild the Forrest statue are being promoted by The Friends of Forrest and the Daughters of the Confederacy. An earlier stature existed but someone stole the head. Now white supremacists want to build a bigger and better one. Sanders is concerned that to date the nine-member Selma City Council (five black members, four white) have taken no action. Telephone calls were placed to Dr. Cecil Williamson, president of the council and to several other council members to ask if they plan to respond to the building of a statue to hate, but as of this

Malika Sanders

writing there have been no call backs. Interviewed by Roland Martin on the Tom Joyner Morning Show Sanders explained that there’s been an on–going battle between black and white Selma citizens over a number of racial issues. One for instance was the placing of African-Americans in public housing units and naming the complex after Forrest. “We fought that,” she said.Martin suggested that some southern whites just can’t wrap their heads around the fact they lost the Civil War. Sanders quickly informed Martin the situation was far more serious than that. “No. It’s been a cold war.” At every juncture whites have attempted to take back what we’ve fought for, she said.

She explained, “Hate groups across America are looking to Selma as a model for ways for minorities to control majorities.” Selma is a majority black city. Undoubtedly Forrest is one of the most, if not the most controversial figure from the Civil War. It’s bad enough he founded the KKK but what he did as a Confederate Calvary general should be taught to everyone and not forgotten. Here is an account from Harper’s Weekly of April 30, 1864 of what took place. On the 12th April, the rebel General Forrest appeared before Fort Pillow, near Columbus, Kentucky, attacking it with considerable vehemence. This was followed up by (CONTINUED ON PAGE 15)

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9 bystanders wounded in Empire State shooting were hit by police gunfire

Rev. Jesse Jackson and Cochran firm seek truth in mysterious death of Chavis Carter


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Artur Davis

Artur Davis DNC ad slaps ex-Obama ally turned GOP By Gene Demby Huffington Post The Democratic National Committee has released a new video touting President Barack Obama’s accomplishments and needling Artur Davis, a one-time Obama surrogate-turned-Republican, by using Davis’ own words against him. Davis, a former Democratic congressman from Alabama, was a co-chair of Obama’s last presidential campaign. But earlier this year, he switched parties, and now Davis is set to speak at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Monday night. In the campaign spot, Davis is seen delivering the nominating speech at the 2008 Democratic convention, outlining the ambitions of an Obama presidency. As he speaks, statements appear, a la Pop Up Video, describing how President Obama has kept various pledges. “Artur Davis’ speech at the GOP convention isn’t about

Barack Obama ... It’s about Artur Davis,” the ad concludes. Davis took the ad in stride. “My old Democratic friends are reminding me of an old rule: In politics, if you fear someone is getting through and people are listening, attack them as fast as you can,” he said. “I do wish they had not reminded me that I have gained weight in four years.” Davis broke with Obama when he voted against the president’s signature health care law in 2010, the only member of the Congressional Black Caucus who did so. At the time, he was running, unsuccessfully, for governor of Alabama. He has also written columns advocating for voter ID laws to prevent voter fraud, which studies show barely exists. Voting rights advocates say such laws serve to disenfranchise people of color and the poor, who may lack the needed ID. And earlier this year, Davis said he was mulling a run for Congress as a Republican in Virginia.

The Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., founder and president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition joined The Cochran Firm Managing Partner Benjamin Irwin and the family of Chavis Carter at a press conference last week in Memphis, as Carter’s mysterious death remains unresolved and conflicting police and witness testimonies remain the basis of rushed police investigative conclusions. Addressing a crowd of citizens and media at the Monumental Baptist Church in Memphis, Rev. Jackson called for justice. “We appeal to the Department of Justice and the FBI to engage in a thorough investigation and leave no stone unturned until justice is realized,” Rev. Jackson said. “The good news in this tragedy is that there is a credible, able law firm, the Cochran Law Firm, making the case for the Carter family. Chavis is dead and cannot speak for himself.” Questions still surround the case, and Carter family representatives have launched an investigation to determine how and why the 21-year-old Carter died of a gunshot wound to the temple and was pronounced dead while in the custody of Jonesboro Arkansas Police on July 28, 2012. Many details of the incident remain in dispute. Jackson and Irwin called for Jonesboro Police to provide full access to information. While police have agreed to cooperate in The Cochran Firm’s investigation, many things remain behind closed doors. Rev. Jackson called attention to missing sections of an edited police dashboard camera video from the night of the shooting released by the Jonesboro Police Department. “While this case is surrounded in mystery, there are certain things we do know,” Rev. Jackson said. “He was alive when they stopped him. Alive in police custody. They frisked him twice and found no weapon. The second time he was handcuffed. Then we get this mysterious information that

Rev. Jesse Jackson he did a Houdini act somehow. He then, handcuffed with no weapon in site, used his left hand to shoot himself in the right temple. That is hard to believe. Moreover, at that point there is a gap in the (video) tape. We need not only the tape be released, but the tape they have not released. They make the position that there is no more information in the gap because of technical difficulty. This seems to be a convenient explanation but not an acceptable one.” Irwin stated that the basis for conclusions derived by the police investigation and the autopsy are unclear. Many of the questions regarding the origins of the gun and how Carter could die while in police custody after being searched twice remain unanswered. While his concerns with the investigation are many, Irwin describes a rush to conclusions as the overarching problem. “Too many assumptions and opinions have been adopted as facts in this case, and that can only slow down our search for the truth,” Irwin said. “An investigation should never begin

with a conclusion and be followed by a search for facts that support the previously stated, premature conclusion. When that happens, relevant evidence is not gathered and possible contradicting conclusions are ignored. That is exactly what is happening here. Uncovering the truth should be the top priority.” “How do police officers who did not find a gun on Chavis in two searches, and allege they did not see the shooting, determine so quickly that Chavis shot himself,” Irwin continued. “Ever since that snap judgment without the benefit of evidence like gun powder residue tests, police have been too busy trying to prove their conclusion to consider any other possible scenarios. New information is not being gathered, and unsupportive evidence is ignored. We still do not know where the gun came from, how the gun ended up in the car or who shot the gun. Police say Chavis hid the gun in the car when placed in custody. Where is the evidence to prove this allegation? Just because someone says it, does not make it true.” Ultimately, how and by whom the trigger was pulled does not make a difference regarding the matter of responsibility. “Chavis died while in police custody, a time when he should have been safe,” Irwin said. “Even if some aspects of this c a s e r e m a i n a m y s t e r y, t h e Jonesboro Police Department showed great negligence in not protecting him from this tragic death. This issue is important to not only the family, but to all people. Everyone needs to know that they can feel safe when taken into police custody.” According to Irwin, the family is prepared to accept whatever outcome is presented by the facts, but conclusions based upon a rush judgment and opinions with few supporting facts continue to fuel the investigation. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact The Cochran Firm Managing Partner Benjamin Irwin at (901) 523-1222 or (800) THEFIRM.

Sen Gillibrand, Hakeem Jeffries urge raising the minimum wage to $9.80 By J. Zamgba Browne Special to NY Beacon Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries were joined at Tiny Cup café in Bedford-Stuyvesant on Monday by Brooklyn small business owner Daicha Perkins in calling for an increase in the federal minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $9.80 over the next three years. According to Fiscal Policy Institute, the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2012, co-sponsored by Sen. Gellibrand, would boost the incomes of an estimated 651,000 New York City workers, including approximately 195,000 Brooklyn residents. The Wage Act could also generate an estimated $618 million of new consumer spending

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

at New York City businesses according to the Economic Policy Institute. Raising the minimum wage is one of the simplest and most effective policies for helping working families, and it is also a tool for economic growth, Sen. Gellibrand said. “When lowwage workers get a raise, they immediately spend it in their local communities, spending which ripples through the local economy,” she added. The Senator said that working poor New Yorkers who go to work every day at minimum wage jobs aren’t even keeping pace with the rate of inflation. “Not only does the current minimum wage often keep these working families below the poverty line, it keeps needed spending power Assemblyman Haakeem Jeffries out of our local economy,”

Gellibrand said. She said that increasing the minimum wage is a common sense solution for working poor families who are deciding which bill they can afford to pay this month and for local Brooklyn businesses that will profit from additional consumer spending. “Throughout Brooklyn, many working families are struggling to survive and make ends meet,” said Assemblyman Jeffries. “These are difficult times, and American workers deserve a decent wage for a hard day’s work as the cost of living continues to skyrocket,” said Jeffries. He noted that passage of the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2012 will address the rising cost of basic necessities like food, gas, and hous(CONTINUED ON PAGE 15)

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Editorial Obama’s mixed record on appointing judges

Beacon Walter Smith: Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Miatta Haj Smith: Co-Publisher & Executive Editor William Egyir: Managing Editor

Sizing up the U.S. presidents By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist When I was 16 years old, I went to get a passport. Why? Richard Nixon had been elected president, and I was sure that he would impose such oppression that I might need to get out of the country. Never mind that I didn’t have two quarters to rub together and was under such parental supervision that I might not have made it to the corner without being hit upside the head. I used my own little babysitting money to obtain that passport because I felt that our nation was changing. In retrospect, Nixon wasn’t that bad. He actually did a few things to jump start minority business development, including signing an executive order that spoke to economic justice. I appreciated President Jimmy Carter, but he was torpedoed by Iran. I actually spent a minute as a junior staffer in Carter’s Council of Economic Advisors while a graduate student at MIT. I was disappointed that Carter did not win in 1980, and was again apprehensive when Ronald Reagan became our president. The ways that he described people who received public assistance, combined with his miserable record as governor of California suggested that he would not be kind to the least and the left out. Indeed, overall unemployment exceeded 10 percent under Reagan’s leadership, but he was very popular for his ability to influence public opinion. His terms were marred by the Iran-contra

scandal, and in the name of deregulation, he implicitly dismantled or weakened several federal agencies. Yet, some will point to his support of HBCUs, his uncomfortable visits to Howard and Hampton universities, where he expected protests, but showed up, anyway. With that, in retrospect, Reagan might have had minor redeeming social value to the African American community, but from my perch he was repressive. Then, there was George Herbert Walker Bush, the president whose aching unfamiliarity with the lives or ordinary people bit him in his hind parts in the 1992 election. Bush wasn’t awful to African American people. I think the worst thing he did was appoint Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court, describing an ordinary jurist as the best he could find, and raising issues of race, gender, and cultural loyalty at the same time. Lots of prominent African Americans supported Thomas because he was Black, only to learn that this damaged man thought that a prison guard who broke a prisoner’s dental plate in his mouth did not inflict cruel and unusual punishment. President William Jefferson Clinton was amazingly effective. African American unemployment rates dropped to 7 percent or so. The economy grew. African Americans thought they had a friend, even though Clinton’s welfare deform was controversial and, from my perspective, marred his legacy. Whatever you say about Bill Clinton, he left our country better than he found it. He made brilliant

appointments of African American leaders, including naming Hazel O’Leary Secretary of Energy and Mike Espy Secretary of Agriculture, not your usual Cabinet positions for Africa Americans. While flawed in many ways, the Clinton years are years to be celebrated. But not the years of man the man the late Molly Ivins called Shrub, as in Baby Bush. This man stole an election and then mumbled and stumbled his way though his first term, suggesting that consumerism would save us from the economic draught engendered by September 11. Give me a break! Still, Baby Bush won a second term, and continued to wreak havoc on our economy, cutting taxes on the wealthy, burdening the poor and the middle class. Bush also decided to give bankers a break and a bailout. He presided over the greatest giveaway from our nation’s poorest people to the wealthy when he decided that banks that ripped us off should get a break. Why this walk down memory lane? Because President Obama’s work is being questioned and his achievements of four years put on the line. This president deserves re-election, and every able bodied progressive should set out to dedicate themselves to making that happen. No, he hasn’t done everything we’d like, but he has done more that John McCain would have done, more than we can ever expect Mitt Romney to do. The polls are saying this thing is neck in neck, and conservative (CONTINUED ON PAGE 16)

Romney’s agenda: Class warfare By Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Raise taxes on the rich? “Class warfare” the Republicans rail. Any discussion of inequality, says Mitt Romney, should be held privately “in quiet rooms.” Yet the Romney agenda for the country opens a new offensive in class warfare — only on the side of the few, not the many. America’s inequality has already reached extremes not seen since 1929 before the Great Depression. In 2010, the richest 1 percent captured an obscene 93 percent of the nation’s income growth. The top 1 percent now has as much wealth as 90 percent of Americans. As Warren Buffett, one of

America’s richest men, told New York Times columnist Ben Stein: “There’s class warfare, all right, but it’s my class, the rich class, that’s making war, and we’re winning.” Romney and Republicans demand extension of the extra Bush tax cuts that go to those earning more than $250,000 a year. In addition, Romney calls for slashing individual tax rates across the board by 20 percent, eliminating the estate tax that applies only to the multimillionaires and sustaining the concessionary 15 percent tax rate on capital gains income overwhelmingly pocketed by the wealthiest Americans. He promises to pay for these tax cuts by closing “loopholes,”

but refuses to identify them. But even with the most generous assumptions, the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center — a joint venture of the Urban Institute and Brookings Institution — found that the rich don’t collect enough in loopholes to pay for the proposed tax cuts. Romney’s tax plan would end with the richest Americans getting a tax cut while most Americans end up paying more. Class warfare straight up. On spending, Romney claims that he can cut federal spending while increasing spending on the military and putting off his (poisonous) plans for Medicare and Social Security for a decade (so (CONTINUED ON PAGE 16)

By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist Many speakers at this week’s Republican convention in Tampa have focused on the economy and unemployment as they sought to contrast the Mitt Romney-Paul Ryan GOP ticket with the record of President Barack Obama. But there is another battle underway that is receiving less attention but is at least equally import – the fight to appoint federal judges. For several decades, Republicans have made judicial appointments a top priority. It is still a priority for the GOP and should be one for Democrats, especially because the 5-4 Supreme Court conservative majority could be widened or shifted in the other direction with the possible appointment of two justices over the next four years. Both President Obama and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney have made it clear they would appoint a different kind of judge to the federal bench. So far, the Obama record on appointing judges is like his race – mixed. Obama has appointed two Supreme Court justices – the same number as Bill Clinton and George W. Bush appointed over eight years. He appointed 30 appeals court judges, roughly the same number that Clinton and Bush averaged over a term. The real difference was at the district court level, where most cases are decided. Obama has appointed only 125 district judges, compared to 170 for Clinton and 162 for Bush at this point of their presidency. Part of the problem was that Obama made judicial appointments a low priority as he tried to push his health reform initiative through Congress. Although he fell far behind Bush’s pace in his first year, he later accelerated the process but not fast enough to equal Bush. A second problem was GOP opposition to Obama’s nominees. Even so, Obama did make significant changes. The number of appeals court judges appointed by Democrats is now 49 percent, a 10 percent increase over when Bush left office. When Obama took office, judges appointed by Democrats dominated only one federal appeals circuit. Now, six of the 13 circuits are dominated by judges appointed by Democrats. An Aug. 17 New York Times article on Obama’s judicial record observed: “…Mr. Obama has also largely shied away from nominating assertive liberals who might stand as ideological counterpoints to some of the assertive conservatives Mr. Bush named. Instead of prominent liberal academics whose scholarly writings and videotaped panel discussions would provide ammunition to conservatives, Mr. Obama gravitated toward litigators, prosecutors and sitting district judges and state judges, especially those who would diver-

sify the bench.” Many of those were met with Republican obstruction. “The Republicans’ goal has been clear from the start – to keep as many seats as possible vacant for a future Republican president to fill with ultraconservative judges,” noted the Alliance for Justice, an association of more than 100 progressive organizations. Obama’s goal of diversifying the federal bench has been complicated by the American Bar Association, a group of judicial professionals that vets candidates for federal judgeships. The New York Times article stated, “Awkwardly, the American Bar Association’s judicial vetting committee later scuttled at least 14 finalists for nominations – nearly all women and minorities –by declaring them ‘not qualified.’” In 2001, the George W. Bush administration announced that it would cease cooperating with the ABA in advance of judicial nominations, preferring to go with judges favored by the conservative Federalist Society. However, Obama has been unwilling to appoint judges not approved by the ABA. There is a down side to making safe judicial appointments, especially when conservatives are unabashed in their quest to remake the courts. In a report on the last term of the Supreme Court titled, “The One-Percent Court,” the Alliance for Justice observed that in the landmark decision upholding the Affordable Care Act, Justices Elena Kagan, appointed by President Obama and Stephen Breyer, appointed by Bill Clinton, joined the five staunch conservatives on the court in holding that limits can be placed on Congress’ ability to address some national issues, including civil rights, under the commerce clause of the U.S. constitution. Obama’s only bold move in this area was the nomination of Goodwin Liu, a liberal University of CaliforniaBerkeley law professor, to the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco. Senate Republicans blocked his appointment with a filibuster. He briefly considered nominating another liberal, Pamela Karlan of Stanford University, but stayed with candidates that he believed would be more acceptable to Republicans. The Times article stated, “While she said she was not disappointed, Ms. Karlan expressed worries that if Republicans nominated outspoken conservatives but Democrats did not nominate equally liberal ones, the center of mainstream legal debate would shift to the right.” And that’s exactly what has happened. George E. Curry, former editor-inchief of Emerge magazine, is editorin-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA) and editorial director of Heart & Soul magazine. He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. Curry can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com. You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/currygeorge.

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The plus in Romney’s 0 percent Black vote support BY Earl Ofari Hutchinson The recent NBC/Wall Street Journal poll registered what had to be a first ever for any candidate in any presidential election in modern times. The poll put GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s share of the black vote at 0 percent. At first glance that seems about right. Romney and his VP running mate Paul Ryan have singlehandedly done what few GOP presidential tickets have done and that’s actively alienate black voters. Their plans to hack up Medicare, and Medicaid, downsize Social Security, gut the threadbare corporate and financial regulations, environmental protections, and their full throated assault on abortion rights will wreak untold misery among AfricanAmericans. Their naked anti-government spending campaign stump broadsides to largely white suburban, rural and strongly male crowds further drive the point home that blacks are not even an afterthought in their drive to snare the White House. Their campaign approach would be enough to insure the lowest of single digit support from blacks even if their opponent isn’t a popular, and history

making African-American president. One would have to hark back to Ronald Reagan in his reelection bid in 1984 to find a GOP president that has ticked off African-Americans to the extent Romney-Ryan have. Even Reagan, despite the low intensity warfare he waged against civil rights organizations and black Democrats, still managed to get three percent of the black vote. But there’s more to the picture than the goose egg number that pollsters say RomneyRyan will get. The black vote in several ways is very much a part of the GOP’s strategy and tactics to win the White House. GOP presidents and presidential contenders Nixon, Reagan, Bush Sr. and especially W. Bush took great pains to give the appearance that they were not overt racists, and that naked racism was not part of their appeal. This included highly orchestrated, stage managed, photoops with black celebrities and sports figures, a handful of key black pitch men and women on the campaign trail with them, and in the case of Bush loading up the Republican convention with a pack of show piece, African-Americans to provide entertainment and perfunctory speeches. This time it’s is no

different. The GOP convention in Tampa will feature former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, former Democratic congressman Arthur Davis, and Mia Love, Mayor of Saratoga Springs, Utah as prime time key note convention speakers. The next tact is to refine the ploy of voter suppression tactics that the GOP has traditionally employed, in times past, from felon bans to blatant intimidation of black and Hispanic voters at polling places. GOP governors and GOP controlled state legislators did that by drumming up a maze of rules and regulations from ending weekend voting to the rash of voter ID requirements. The aim is the same and that’s to damp down the black vote total all under the guise of combating voter fraud. In an honest moment, GOP officials in Florida and Ohio flatly said that the goal was to whittle away the number of black voters. Then there’s the subtle racial pander. This is the GOP’s standard use of code words and attack points such as tax and spend Democrats, out of control, wasteful government, and welfare freeloaders. This embeds the notion that minorities, and especially blacks, unfairly scam the system with the ac-

tive connivance of Democrats and at the expense of hard working, overtaxed blue collar and middle class whites. The flip side of this is to continually finger point civil rights leaders and Democrats as the perpetual players of the race card whenever they voice criticism of the racist digs, taunts, and hectoring of President Obama from many Tea Party leaders and followers. Another insidious GOP ploy with its eye on black voters is to bankroll and promote a handful of visible and vocal black conservatives to recite all the stock criticisms of Obama, civil rights leaders, and Democrats. This creates the deliberate and false impression that a substantial number of blacks don’t support the Democratic Party despite the polls. Davis, for instance, plays that role well. In highly touted interviews and appearances, Davis pounds on the tired theme that the Democratic Party has betrayed blacks and that it practices a modern version of plantationism; that is perennially taking the black vote for granted, while offering no tangible programs for the black poor. His tout of Romney and Ryan’s emphasis on private sector growth, school choice, and further shredding welfare,

is supposedly the path to economic well-being and uplift for blacks. This line will be repeated incessantly by black GOP pitchmen and women in the run up to November 6. The GOP’s aim is not to add a digit or two to the goose egg that polls show Romney will get from black voters. It’s to sow seeds of doubt, confusion, and even some hostility toward Obama among just enough blacks to keep them from the polls in the must win battle ground states, present the façade of a color blind party, and sprinkle it all with racially loaded code terms to further inflame conservative white voters. This is the plus GOP banks on among blacks despite Romney’s 0 percent black voter support. Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. He is a frequent political commentator on MSNBC and a weekly co-host of the Al Sharpton Show on American Urban Radio Network. He is the author of How Obama Governed: The Year of Crisis and Challenge. He is an associate editor of New America Media. He is the host of the weekly Hutchinson Report on KPFK-Radio and the Pacifica Network. Follow Earl Ofari Hutchinson on Tw i t t e r : h t t p : / / t w i t t e r. c o m / earlhutchinson

Without a gun how many lives would have been saved? By Marian Wright Edelman Child Watch When news broke of the murders at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin on August 5, people of all faiths and backgrounds and the first responders who came to the scene to help were horrified by the ambush on men and women as they prepared for worship services. Leaders across the country quickly denounced the hate crime and the FBI immediately began investigating the attack as a possible case of domestic terrorism. But as easy as it was for all of us to be outraged by another senseless attack and heartbroken by the congregation’s stories, it was difficult to be surprised by how it took place again in a nation unwilling to curb guns designed just to kill lots of people in the hands of lawless people. Would this have happened without a semi-automatic gun and high-capacity clips of bullets? The shootings at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin came only two weeks after James Holmes killed 12 people and injured 58 others at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, in one of the worst mass shootings in American history. Would this have happened without an AR-15 assault rifle, a Remington 870 12-gauge shot gun, and a semi-automatic handgun with high-capacity clips of

bullets? After the Aurora massacre, the Denver Post published an interactive timeline listing some of the others: August 1966, University of Texas at Austin, Texas: 16 people killed, 31 hurt. July 1985, a McDonald’s restaurant in San Ysidro, California: 21 people killed, 19 hurt. October 1991, a Luby’s Cafeteria in Killeen, Texas: 23 people killed, 22 hurt. May 1998, the community of Springfield, Oregon: four people killed, 21 hurt. April 1999, Columbine High School, Colorado: 13 people killed, 26 hurt. April 2007, Virginia Tech University, Virginia: 32 people killed, 27 hurt. February 2008, Northern Illinois University, Illinois: five people killed, 16 hurt. March 2009, Coffee and Geneva counties in Alabama: 10 people killed, six hurt. April 2009, a community center in Binghamton, New York: 13 people killed, four hurt. November 2009, Fort Hood, Texas: 13 people killed, 24 hurt. Other shootings, like the January 2011 shooting in Tucson, Arizona that killed six people and injured 13, including U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords, could be added to this list. Would any of this devastation have happened without semi-automatic guns and high capacity clips of bullets? Every time another mass shooting happens in the United States, the debate over gun control comes fleetingly to the forefront—until political fear paralyzes courage and

action. Inevitably, some people repeat the argument that the solution to preventing mass shootings is not better gun control laws— even control of assault weapons which have no place in nonmilitary hands—but getting even more Americans armed. The apparent fantasy result would be something straight out of Hollywood where every single time a bad person stands up with a gun a good person with their own gun would quickly rise up out of the crowd, shoot the bad person, and save the day. But arguments like this ignore both common sense and scientific evidence about the connection

between the ready availability of guns— including assault weapons and guns with large ammunition capacity—and the epidemic of gun violence in America. Daniel W. Webster, professor and co-director of the Center for Gun Policy and Research at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and a panelist at the Children’s Defense Fund’s recent conference, wrote after the Aurora shootings: “We should not brush aside discussions of gun policy as too politically difficult to expect meaningful change, or ‘the price for our freedoms.’ Instead, we should reflect on why the U.S. has a murder rate that is nearly seven

times higher than the average murder rate in other high-income countries and a nearly 20 times higher murder rate with guns. And we should consider how flaws in current gun policies contribute to this disparity . . . Following mass shootings, gun control opponents have not been bashful about pushing for laws to remove restrictions on carrying guns in schools, bars and churches. Indeed, calls for removing restrictions on carrying concealed firearms will not stop mass shootings. Research indicates that so-called rightto-carry laws don’t reduce violence, (CONTINUED ON PAGE 16)

A campaign to discredit Rev. Leon Sullivan By Harry C. Alford Beyond the Rhetoric Rev. Leon Sullivan was a great American, one noted for his ability to put his vision into reality. A Baptist preacher from a coal town in West Virginia, he evolved into a producer of national job training programs to the Board of Directors for General Motors and the establishment of the Leon Sullivan Foundation. It was through his “Sullivan Principles” that he encouraged major corporations to invest in Africa and ensure their positive “corporate responsibility.” He led the great ef-

fort to end apartheid in South Africa. He and other giants such as Randall Robinson were victorious. Africa is further down the road through the efforts of Leon Sullivan. His serious focus on the economic and social development of Africa evolved into the AfricanAfrican American Summit in 1991, later renamed the Leon H. Sullivan Summit. Rev. Sullivan would bring a large delegation from the United States and other nations to assemble in a designated African nation and discuss and propose beneficial initiatives for the sake of Africa’s well being. The summits

rotate from nation to nation. Many thousands of people would attend these summits. Business leaders, entertainers, elected officials – especially members of the Congressional Black Caucus – would attend and participate in these events. A Leon Sullivan Summit event is a period of great Pan African pride and resolve. Eventually, a new tradition started beginning with the Clinton administration. The sitting U.S. president would attend and keynote the current Summit. President Clinton attended and brought a good portion (CONTINUED ON PAGE 16)


Opinion

Gov. announces applications open for Connect NY broadband grants


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Hank and Billye Aaron present a check for $104,000 to Atlanta Technical College President Alvetta Peterman Thomas. (Special Photo)

Hank Aaron donates $104,000 to Atlanta Technical College Special to the NNPA from the Atlanta Daily World The Atlanta Technical College Foundation announced recently that the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation has made a generous donation in the amount of $104,000 to establish the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation 4 for 4 Endowed Scholarship at Atlanta Technical College. The scholarship is in memory of Dr. Brenda Watts Jones, former president of Atlanta Technical College. Dr. Jones lost her battle with breast cancer in 2007 and was the first female African-American technical college president in the state of Georgia. “We are thrilled that The Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation has chosen Atlanta Technical College as one of their scholarship institutions. This endowed scholarship will benefit so many of our students who truly are fulfilling their dreams,” said Atlanta Technical College President Dr. Alvetta Peterman Thomas. “Billye and Hank Aaron have shown a longstanding commitment to technical education and we are honored to count them as friends of the College.” The Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream 4 for 4 Endowed Scholarship at Atlanta Technical College marks the 14th scholarship established by the Chasing the Dream Foundation and the first scholarship given to a technical college. The endowed scholarship represents the latest installment in the

17-year-old Foundation which the Aarons started to give back to the children they believed deserved to be able to chase their dreams. After achieving the original goal of assisting 755 children (to coincide with the number of Hank Aaron’s lifetime home runs), Major League Baseball and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America joined the Foundation’s efforts and created the “44 Forever” program (to coincide with Hank Aaron’s jersey number) which was funded by Major League Baseball and administered by the Boys and Girls Clubs to support 44 children each year, in perpetuity. Following those initiatives, the “4 for 4 scholarship” program, was according to Billye Aaron, “a natural choice to extend our support to dream chasers new and old, as they enter the next stage of their lives.” This scholarship reflects the desire of The Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation to encourage and reward academic achievement, in areas of study leading to public service careers as well as in other professions. Funds at the College will be used to assist at least two students per term at Atlanta Technical College. The first scholarships will be awarded this fall semester. Aaron has been a longtime supporter of the college and previously served on the Local Board of Directors. He was a recipient of the Atlanta Technical College Foundation’s Bridge Builder Award in 2002.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that the state has started accepting applications for the $25 million “Connect NY” program to promote and expand broadband Internet access. The program, along with the more than $2 million awarded through the Regional Council initiative, represents the single largest direct investment of state funding into expanding broadband access in the United States. Grants are made available through the Regional Economic Development Councils and Empire State Development and will help expand high speed Internet access in unserved and underserved rural upstate and urban areas of New York. “This investment in highspeed Internet access will ensure that the information superhighway will be open to all New York businesses,” Governor Cuomo said. “By expanding the availability of high-quality broadband services, Connect NY makes our state a national leader in the digital economy and gives our businesses the tools they need to

Gov. Andrew Cuomo compete and prosper in the global economy.” With over 700,000 New Yorkers unable to access broadband, and another six million citizens facing significant obstacles to Internet connectivity, expanding highspeed Internet was identified last year by the Regional Councils as a key priority to stimulate local business growth. Broadband Internet grants, such as Connect NY, both spur investment by service providers in communities and help boost

economic development in each region by expanding the ability of local businesses to reach consumers globally. The grants will be awarded in the regions to Internet service companies and in partnership with local governments and economic development organizations. The “Connect NY” Broadband Applications will be accepted through Oct. 5, 2012 and can be accessed by visiting http://www.nysbroadband.ny.gov/ ConnectNY2012. Once submitted, the applications will be reviewed and scored by the Regional Councils and Empire State Development based on the following metrics: · Priority Areas and Demonstrated Need: Providing new service to areas with little or no Internet service. Additional weight will be given for plans that provide more Internet access to the local public through libraries, parks, and other community areas, help local health centers provide new online access to health records and services, and expand Internet service in economically dis(CONTINUED ON PAGE 16)

Bklyn Navy Sailor cited for duty beyond the call Brooklyn native Lieutenant Dalone Jenkins is one of six United States Navy Sailors being featured in the U.S. Navy campaign Honoring Navy Achievement. Honoring Navy Achievement recognizes Navy personnel both past and present who have gone “Beyond the Call” of duty and service to have a positive impact in the communities where they serve. Lt. Jenkins is a staff engineer at the Naval Special Warfare Group ONE in San Diego. Married and the father of two, Jenkins joined the Navy in 2005. Jenkins has worked for humanitarian missions as well as on construction at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and in Al Anbar Province in Iraq. Jenkins also gives back to the community through

his participation with Habitat for Humanity and involvement in organizations such as the National Naval Officers Associations (NNOA) and church outreach programs. He also volunteers with the Beyer Elementary Physical Fitness Program in San Diego.Jenkins stated, “Joining the Navy gave me a heightened sense of responsibility, accountability, discipline and leadership… I love the Navy. It is my life.” Commander Horacio Fernandez, diversity director at Navy Recruitment Command states, “‘Beyond The Call’ is just one way the U.S. Navy has of honoring Sailors of diverse backgrounds and experiences who truly go beyond the call of duty by helping make the communities in which they live and work a little better for everyone.

Lt. Dalone Jenkins These Sailors are just the tip of the iceberg of those we wish to honor, and we ask our visitors to share their own stories of their Navy Achievers.” Lt. Jenkins is an exemplary naval officer

Dr. Krystal Banfield appointed dean of Berklee City Music Dr. Krystal Banfield has been appointed dean of Berklee City Music. In this role, she becomes the first African-American female on the college’s executive leadership team. Banfield previously served as senior director for the department. She is now the chief academic officer and operational leader for City Music programs in Boston and at 38 Berklee City Network sites across the United States, including the Boys & Girls Harbor in Harlem, the Castila Maria Center for Arts and Education in the Bronx, and the Urban Assembly School of Art and Music in Brooklyn. She’s responsible for establishing and upholding academic standards for education and broadly guiding faculty development, research, assessment, and program-

ming for all locations. Berklee City Music is a nonprofit program that provides music education to 4th thru 12th graders from underserved communities in 20 states and Puerto Rico. “Within a short time after her arrival, Banfield raised the academic standards for the Berklee City Music Boston program, creating a richer experience for students through collaborations with the Music Education, Liberal Arts, Africana Studies, and Professional Performance, Departments,” said Dr. Krystal Banfield Berklee College of Music President Roger Brown. Director of Education for the American Composers Forum, and “In her new role as Dean, she was responsible for developing will broaden her oversight to give national curricular products insimilar direction on a national cluding BandQuest and the Comlevel.” posers Suitcase. She also served Banfield came to Berklee in 2006. as an adjunct voice professor and Previous to that, she served as music lecturer at University of St.

Thomas, and taught voice at the Saint Paul Conservatory of Music. Banfield has performed as a soloist and chorister in such venues as the Kennedy Center, in Washington D.C., Orchestra Hall, in Minneapolis, and the Five Flags Center, in Dubuque. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Howard University, a Masters of Music from Indiana University-Bloomington, and a Doctorate in Education with concentrations in curriculum development, critical pedagogy and educational leadership from the University of St. Thomas-Minneapolis. Currently, she serves as a board member at-large for Orchard Gardens K-8 Boston Pilot School, and on the board for the Boston Children’s Chorus. With year-round instruction, ex-

pert faculty, individualized mentoring, and a comprehensive curriculum, Berklee City Music combines the breadth of Berklee resources, facilities, and available scholarships with an environment of attention and encouragement. Kids get the tools and support they need to flourish as students, musicians, and - perhaps most importantly - to become confident and well-rounded individuals who are ready to shape their world. The music education goals are achieved using the Berklee PULSE music method, a collection of lessons and materials delivered online which support classroom instruction. PULSE focuses on musical styles that originate in American popular culture, and emphasizes the study of instrumental technique, theoretical understanding and an awareness of historical context.

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AUDREY'S SOCIETY WHIRL

Ford returns as exclusive automotive partner at Essence Music Festival Ford top executives Felicia Fields, Pamela Alexander

By Audrey J. Bernard Lifestyles & Society Editor For the fourth consecutive year, Ford served as the exclusive automotive partner of the 2012 Essence Music Festival (EMF), the largest African American music and culture event in the U.S. that attracted over a quarter-million attendees. In its power-driven role Ford continued to enhance its activities in order to bring additional excitement to attendees of this annual music and empowerment festival. “The Essence Music Festival continues to provide a tremendous opportunity to generate awareness of Ford products within the African American market, particularly when it comes to African American women,” said Shawn Lollie, manager, Ford Multicultural Marketing. “For four years, we have been able to consistently connect with potential customers during the festival and introduce them to our latest portfolio of vehicles through the use of interactive and experiential activities.” “This connection will continue this weekend as we give festivalgoers the opportunity to learn more about the all-new 2013 Ford Escape and the all-new Ford Fusion, in addition to engaging consumers about the importance of early detection as it relates to breast cancer,” Lollie added. As a proud and active partner of the festival, Ford created a number of “vehicle engagement experiences” for festival attendees, including the chance for one consumer to win the keys to an all-new 2013 Ford Escape as part of the “Ford Escape Showdown”;

Ford executives (seated-left to right) Pamela Alexander and Felicia Fields surrounded by members of the 2012 Essence Music Festival press junket

(seated) Hillary Crosley, Sekou Writes (standing) Carolyn Githieya, Christen Rochon, Melanie Williams (Uniworld)

Sean Gary, guest, Sheila Eldridge, Jalila Larsuel, Angelique Perrin, guest

Diane Larche, Dee Dee Faison, Andrea Walker, Lekole Purdue

Pamela Alexander (Ford), Brittney Walker, Lamar Valen- MTV crew members with Ford executine, Zondra Hughes, Julee Wilson tives an exclusive broadcast with “The nership with Sirius XM — who dinner with Sirius XM held at the Steve Harvey Morning Show”; ce- conducted live interviews from the swanky Mr. B’s Bistro in the lebrity autographs at the Ford Ford booth with artists that in- French Quarter for members of booth inside the convention cen- cluded Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, the 2012 EMF press junket, ter on Friday and Saturday cour- Tamia, Trey Songz, Charlie Wilson Uniworld’s Melanie Williams intesy of Ford partner Sirius XM; and Kenny Latimore — the brand troduced Monique Nelson, CEO, and the chance for attendees to gave away wonderful prizes to Uniworld Group, Inc., Felicia take a drive in some of Ford’s new- lucky winners and afforded attend- Fields, Ford group vice president, est products like the 2013 Ford ees chances at securing auto- human resources & corporate Escape, 2013 Ford Explorer and graphs from top acts. services, and Pamela Alexander, Ford media meet & greet dinner 2013 Ford Taurus. On Thursday, July 5, at a very director of community developheld at Mr. B's Bistro, a New As part of Ford’s continued part- special Ford celebrity meet & greet ment, Ford Motor Company Orleans landmark restaurant

Fund. Ford’s execs spoke about the many cool events Ford had in store for EMF attendees as the media dined luxuriously on fine Creole cuisine with a focus on fresh regional products at this charming New Orleans landmark. In an effort to raise awareness around breast cancer and the importance of early detection, on Friday, July 6, the Ford booth went pink! As part of Ford’s involvement in this year’s event, the brand activated “Pink Friday” involving Ford Warriors who donated $50 for each of the first 200 test drives to the Young Survival Coalition to help directly improve the lives of thousands of young breast cancer survivors. “Warriors in Pink is thrilled to be at the Essence Music Festival to help raise awareness and bring the important message of early detection to the festival-goers,” said Tracy Magee, Ford’s primary brand experiential manager. “We also will be introducing Cheryl Perkins, one of our Models of Courage, at the event. We hope Cheryl’s personal story and experiences with breast cancer will serve to inspire those on the front lines battling breast cancer.” Attendees were encouraged to purchase Warriors in Pink wear and gear with 100% of the net proceeds benefiting young breast cancer survivors through the Young Survival Coalition. 2012 marks Ford’s 18th year of support in the fight against breast cancer. To date, Ford has donated more than $115 million to the breast cancer cause. The Ford Warriors in Pink line of apparel and accessories is available exclusively on www.fordcares.com. In partnership with Essence, Ford joined the magazine to launch “Escape to New Orleans,” a four-part weekly travelogue that provided viewers access to some of the people, places and passions that help make the city of New Orleans the perfect escape hosted by lifestyle bloggers Nate Fluellen and Christen Rochon . The all-new 2013 Ford Escape will star in the travelogue alongside the webisode hosts. Ford’s commitment to the festival could be felt throughout New Orleans from the moment travelers arrived at Louis Armstrong airport, where one of the latest 2013 Ford Escape commercials aired around the baggage claim carousels. Attendees also felt Ford’s goals to Go Further upon arrival at the Ford booth, which increased in size from previous years and now included the ability for consumers to charge up while hanging out in the Ford area via cell phone and iPad charging stations. “Ford has a lot planned for this year’s festival and we are excited for all the weekend has to offer,” said Lollie. “We hope attendees walk away with not only more information on our latest products, but also our continued commitment to Go Further when it comes to the community.” (Photos by Chris Mitchell) #BrandNewFord

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Dickey and Harvey give Mets fans reasons to be excited By Derrel Johnson Despite a season that fell apart shortly after the All-Star Break, (which will lead to the New York Mets not making the playoffs for the sixth-straight year,

the fourth-straight without the team in contention), Mets fans have plenty to watch down the stretch. In R.A. Dickey, New York Mets fans have a potential 20game winner who is also a candidate for the National League

The black course is the winner By Ira Warheit The PGA Tour stopped at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale Long Island last weekend to kickoff the FedEx Cup Playoffs at the famous Black Course, which was the site of the 2002 and 2009 U.S. Opens. The Barclays welcomed the top one hundred and twentyfive players in the FedEx standings. Included in the world-class field was Tiger Woods , the 2002 U.S Open winner here at the course that is nicknamed The Peoples Course. Tiger was the runner-up in 2002 and 2009, to the fan favorite Phil Mickelson. What quietly passed on Sunday was the end of an era at Bethpage Black, the era of Woods and Mickelson as the kings of the People’s Course. Nick Watney, who had been in a two year slump survived the course to become The Barclays champion, outlasting Brandt Snedeker by three

strokes and Sergio Garcia, who he was paired with on Saturday a n d S u n d a y b y f o u r. B o t h Watney and Garcia were the final pairing after being tied at - 7 strokes after play on Friday. Woods, who looked like he would make a serious run at the leaders on Saturday after dropping to -6, faded on Sunday shooting a 6-over 76, including a 40 on the back nine after he realized he could no longer win the tournament. Mickelson who was one stroke better than Tiger going into Sunday also faded stumbling to a 5-over round of 76. Woods who hit only six of eighteen greens in regulation had six bogeys and one double bogey on his scorecard for the day, as Phil finished with seven bogeys for his day’s work... Wo o d s w i l l b e 4 0 a n d Mickelson 46 when The Barclays returns to Bethpage Black in 2016. At that point, who knows how much they will have left as the years have taken their physical toll on both great players.

Preseason shows importance of ‘Three’ for the Giants By Jason Clinkscales Three is the number for the Super Bowl champion New York Giants. Throughout the preseason, they’ve been trying to find the right number three in three key positions; running back, wide receiver and cornerback. While the third player may not be a starter, he is important in terms of position depth and playcalling options. At running back, it seems as if rookie David Wilson has jumped out of that third spot to likely become Ahmad Bradshaw’s primary backup. Against Chicago on Friday, he had five carries for 49 yards; breaking off 20- and 15-yard runs that displayed the burst of speed that made him a 1 st round pick out of Virginia Tech. Now, D.J. Ware, whose has solid preseasons before, may be bumped back on the depth chart along with Da’Rel Scott. At wide receiver, Ramses Barden may have saved his Giants career on Friday. The six-

foot-six California product was drafted along with Hakeem Nicks to be part of the Plaxico Burress replacement project. It hasn’t worked out that way in his first three seasons, but his strong showing against the Bears (three catches, 46 yards and a touchdown) may have provided insurance in case the returning Domenik Hixon isn’t the speedster he was in 2010. At corner, however, it’s a different story thanks to Prince Amukamara, who’s trying to notch the starting job opposite of Corey Webster. The secondyear defender suffered a high ankle sprain on Friday, and with the team already short on corners - notably Terrell Thomas because of an injured knee – trying to get healthy bodies is as important as getting effective ones. Losing a dozen regular contributors from a year ago have created this emphasis on ‘three’. And it’s a most appropriate number since it’ll take those trios for the team to win their third Super Bowl title in this era.

Cy Young Award. If Dickey reaches 20 wins, he would be the first Met to accomplish that feat in 22 years, when Frank Viola won 20 games in the 1990 season. If he wins the Cy Young Award, he would be the first Met to do so in 27 years, when Dwight Gooden won it in 1985. He would also join Gooden and Tom Seaver as the only New York Mets Cy Young Award winners. Dickey won his last start on Saturday to improve his record to 16-4. Along with Clayton Kershaw,

he leads all National League pitchers with 183 strikeouts, and is tied for the major league lead with 16 wins. If Dickey can recapture some of his magic from the first half of the season, he will have a legitimate shot at winning the Cy Young Award. Pitcher Matt Harvey made his Major League Debut on T h u r s d a y, J u l y 2 6 , 2 0 1 2 , against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He pitched into the sixth inning without allowing a run, while striking out 11 in earning his first Major League win. In his six Major League

starts, Harvey has allowed two runs or less in five of his six starts, and has a very respectable ERA of 2.75. He has also struck out a total of 43 batters in 36 innings. Every five days, Harvey offers Mets fans hope of having a starting pitcher that can be a fixture for years to come. The New York Mets may not be in a pennant race in the 2012 season, but there are at least two reasons for Mets fans to continue to show up at CitiField. Dickey’s quest for 20 wins and a Cy Young Award should be exciting down the stretch, and the growth of a young pitcher in Matt Harvey.


Sports Extra


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Beacon On Apollo In The Hamptons: A Night Of Legends . . .

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(Photo Credit: Shahar Azran / WireImages)

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1. Apollo Theater board members (Left to Right) chef/restaurateur, Red Rooster Marcus Samuelsson, Apollo Chairman Richard Parsons, Managing Director of Deutsche Bank Securities Troy Dixon, Senior Managing Director and Chief Strategy Officer at Stone Tower Anthony Edson, entrepreneur Yolanda FerrellBrown, president and CEO Jonelle Procope, Chief Investment Officer of Advent Capital Management Tracy Maitland and Vaughn Williams, partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.

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2. Singer/actress Jennifer Hudson and Epic Records chairman and CEO, LA Reid. 6. Apollo president and CEO, Jonelle Procope with MacAndrews & Forbes CEO and Apollo Theater board member Ronald Perelman and musician Jon Bon Jovi. 7. Warner Music Group owner, Len Blavatnik and wife Emily. 7

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13. Chef/Restaurateur, Red Rooster Restaurant, Marcus Sameulsson. 15. Clear Channel Entertainment Enterprises president John Sykes, producer Rico Love, singer Usher and rapper/producer Pharrell Williams. 18. Ronald and Ernie Isley of the Isley Brothers.

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19. Music mogul Russell Simmons. 20. Singer-songwriter Barry Manilow, singer Roberta Flack and actress/singer Lorna Luft.

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21. Music executive, co-owner of Casablanca Records Tommy Mottola and his wife singer/actress Thalia. 22. Actor Peter Hermann and his wife actress Mariska Hargitay with Project Runway executive producer Desiree Gruber and husband actor Kyle MacLachlan. 23. CEO of Mirage Entertainment and Sports Sandy Gallin, creator and designer of Donna Karan New York and DKNY Donna Karan and singer Jimmy Buffet.

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24. Musician Ray Chew with his wife Vivian. 26. Singer Jennifer Hudson and singer Roberta Flack. 29. Laverne Perry Kennedy, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly & wife Veronica Kelly, Audrey J. Bernard. (See page 14 for story and more photos)

In the Village of Harlem

Hundreds turns out for ‘Stop the Violence’ and 5K Walk & Rally… Hundreds of Harlem residents were joined by union members, block associations and media for the “Stop the Violence” and 5K Walk and Rally, which began at St. Nicholas Avenue and West 135 th Street in the Village of Harlem, on Saturday, August 25, 2012. The solidarity effort is a collective outcry to bring awareness to and combat gun violence , bullying and domestic violence while encouraging unity and peace in our communities.

Honorable community activist Jackie Rowe-Adams (President of Harlem Mothers S. A. V. E.) addressed the concerns regarding gun violence, bullying and domestic violence. (Photos: Louis Boone)

Congressman Charles. B. Rangel introduced New York City Police Reporter Antwan Lewis (at mic) of FOX 5, served as host. (L-R) WBLS’ Dr. Bob Lee, Commissioner Commissioner Raymond Kelly, who spoke and spent a lot of time takRaymond Kelly, Congressman Charles B. Rangel and Tina McRae, founder Children’s Festival listens ing photos with residents. The community was very receptive to him as Lewis greets community. coming together in solidarity.


The Scene

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APOLLO IN THE HAMPTONS


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3rd annual Apollo in the Hamptons event raises more than $2 million The Apollo Theater Marquee By Audrey J. Bernard Lifestyles & Society Editor The 3 rd annual Apollo in the Hamptons that took place on Saturday, August 11, 2012 was a big success having raised a whopping $2 million plus — making it one of the A p o l l o T h e a t e r ’s l a rg e s t fundraisers of the year according to the legendary theater’s president and CEO Jonelle Procope. The rainy evening did not deter guests who anteed up as much as $5,000 individually to attend the glamorous event at Apollo Jam session participants included Usher, Ronald Isley, Paul McCartney and Jon Bon Jovi Theater board member Ronald Perelman’s East Hampton estate named “The Creeks.” Some 260 very rich guests dined on a menu especially prepared under the watchful eye of Apollo board member and Red Rooster’s chef/restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson. This year’s event was directed by rapper, producer and entrepreneur Pharrell Williams and featured iconic singers who jammed to soul music under the direction of ace musical director Ray Chew and his soulful band. This year ’s Night of Legends roster included the Isley Brothers, Jon

Jennifer Hudson

Bon Jovi with Richie Sambora, Usher, Paul McCarthy & Jen-

nifer Hudson who had everyone up on their feet and dancing to a medley of Whitney Houston’s music. Hudson’s stellar showmanship was contagious as she left the stage and winded through the crowd dancing with lots of rich “somebodies.” She claimed the evening! Newcomer Leah Labelle held her own which was no easy task having to come behind such notable legends. The Apollo Theater is a not-for-profit organization and proceeds from this event benefit the Apollo’s education, community and artistic programs. Apollo chairman Richard “Dick” Parsons along with Perelman thanked everyone for their unwavering support and recognized Procope for the exemplary job she’s doing at the historic venue. During the event, guests sang happy 95th birthday to Perelman’s father Raymond Perelman. Guests left with swag bags filled with Revlon products and a T-Shirt commemorating another fabulous Apollo production which swept guests off their feet (Photos by Shahar Azran / WireImages) (See Beacon On The Scene, Page 12 for additional photos)

Jennifer Hudson

Usher

MacAndrews & Forbes CEO and Apollo Theater board member Ronald Perelman and Richard Parsons, Apollo Theater Board Chairman

Bon Jovi’s Richie Sambora and Jon Bon Jovi The Isley Brothers

Ronald Isley

Bon Jovi’s Richie Sambora, singer Usher, MacAndrews & Forbes CEO and Apollo singer Ronald Isley, musician Paul McCartney Theater board member Ronald Perelman and musician Jon Bon Jovi during jam session with rapper/producer Pharrell Williams

(from Page 3) frequent demands for its surrender, which were refused by Major Booth, who commanded the fort. The fight was then continued up until 3 p.m., when Major Booth was killed, and the rebels, in large numbers, swarmed over the intrenchments. Up to that time comparatively few of our men had been killed; but immediately upon occupying the place the rebels commenced an indiscriminate butchery of the whites and blacks, including the wounded. Both white and black were bayoneted, shot, or sabred; even dead bodies were horribly mutilated, and children of seven and eight years, and several negro women killed in cold blood. Soldiers unable to speak from wounds were shot dead, and their bodies rolled down the

banks into the river. The dead and wounded negroes were piled in heaps and burned, and several citizens, who had joined our forces for protection, were killed or wounded. Out of the garrison of six hundred only two hundred remained alive. Three hundred of those massacred were negroes; five were buried alive. Six guns were captured by the rebels, and carried off, including tow 10-pound Parrotts, and two 12-pound howitzers. A large amount of stores was destroyed or carried away.Almost a year later on April 18 Harper’s weekly editorialized There is no evidence from Richmond, and there will be none, that Forrest’s murders differ from those of Quantrell. On the other hand, we must not forget that the same papers which brought the President’s speech promising retaliation brought us also the re-

turn of the rebel General in Florida, containing, for the relief of friends at home, the names and injuries of our wounded men in his hands, and the list included the colored soldiers of the Fiftyfourth and Fifty-fifth Massachusetts regiments. But if public opinion has justified a stronger policy from the beginning - if the criminally stupid promises of M’Clellan and Halleck to protect slavery and to repel the negroes coming to our lines had never been made, we should not now be confronted with this question, because the rebels would never have dared to massacre our soldiers after surrender. But yet to be deterred from retaliation from fear of still further crimes upon the part of the rebels is simple inhumanity. Let us either at once release every colored soldier and the of-

Sen Gillibrand, Hakeem Jeffries urge raising the minimum wage to $9.80 (from Page 4) ing, and grow our economy in a sustainable way that will also benefit local businesses. “I know what minimum wage looks like when I struggled to keep my head above water as a dishwasher,” said Daicha Perkins, Owner of Tiny Cup. “The cost for not providing a livable standard is more than

just dollars and cents. Now as a proud small business owner in Brooklyn, I know firsthand that raising the minimum wage is good for business. It will boost morale among employees, which makes them work more efficiently and more reliably. I support a higher federal minimum wage for all working New Yorkers,” he added, A majority of the lowest wage earners in New York, or 84 per-

cent, are adult workers, not teenagers in after-school and seasonal jobs. More than half of low-wage workers are women, many with children, and more than 40 percent are minorities, including an estimated 249,200 Hispanic residents in New York City and an estimated 181,700 African American residents who would benefit from a pay increase.

For some, $300 for ‘King’ James’ shoe is step too far (from Page 3) ville mother of four adult children, said $300 is far too much for a pair of shoes. “I hope for the parents of today that they are able to make the right decision on this matter,” said

Nicholson. “For me, when I was raising my kids, I never would’ve considered that at all. He’s putting far too much pressure on the parents.” Last week, National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial asked Nike to abandon

plans to release the $300 basketball shoe and implored parents not to spend scarce resources on an empty status symbol. A Nike spokesman said the reported price is “inaccurate” and that the main version of the shoe would be significantly lower.

Scott Stringer sponsors Ramadan fast break dinner for local Muslims (from Page 2) An exuberant Stringer said, “Islam is a great religion.” Observing the various ethnicities at the tables, he added, “Diversity is our greatest strength.” He criticized NYPD draconian practice of racially profiling (stop-and-frisk procedure) young African American males and Spanish-speaking males of color. Amna Akbar was not present to receive her award. It was noted that the City College Professor of Law and activist “is a woman of conscience…who through legislative, legal, media, and other forms of advocacy” endeavors to determinedly encourage government and law enforcement agencies to respect thihi,e rights of Muslims denizens. After the Muslim American Civil Liberties Coalition was honored, Senator Perkins approached

the dais and held his award up for everyone to see. He noted that the accolade was not his alone. He said that his staff was more deserving of it than he was. So, he summoned Chief of Staff Cordell Cleare, to stand at the podium to share the honor. Attorney Omar T. Mohammad, of the Muslim American Lawyers, warned that the power brokers in America are not just undermining Muslim rights. Mohammad, who was one of the attorneys for the family of Amadou Diallo (the African immigrant who was slaughtered by cops in the Bronx, February 4, 1999), asserted, “They are undermining the United States Constitution.” Imam Abdur-Rashid, of the Harlem-based Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood and pioneer advocate of interfaith dialogue, insisted “Our standard should be to struggle for what we and demand it of our leaders.” Quoting Prophet Muhammad,

he reminded, “’He who is not grateful to the people is not grateful to Allah.’”The head of the Islamic Leadership Council of Greater New York said he was not upset with Muslim leaders who accepted the Mayor Michael Bloomberg invitation to a coffee and bagel breakfast in the face of the NYPD spying on and profiling Muslims.“Pray for them. Frederick Douglass, Doctor. Martin Luther King, Jr., Medgar Evers, and Al-Hajj Malik Shabazz had their distractors during their struggles.” He emphasized that there were many sincere but misguided people who did not support the Montgomery Bus Boycott (12/1/1955-12/20/1956) that was led by Dr. King and sparked by the integrity of Rosa Parks. He advised that the Muslims community to not give its loyalty to leaders who do not have their collective interest at heart.

ficer of their regiments from duty, or make the enemy feel that they are our soldiers. It is very sad that rebel prisoners of war should be shot for the crimes of Forrest. But it is very sad, no less, that soldiers fighting for our flag have been buried alive after surrendering, and it is still sadder that such barbarities should be encouraged by refraining from retaliation. Do we mean to allow Mr. Jefferson Davis, or this man Forrest, or Quantrell, to dictate who shall, and who shall not, fight for the American flag? The massacre at Fort Pillow is a direct challenge to our Government to prove whether it is in earnest or not in emancipating slaves and employing colored troops.

There should be no possibility of mistake in the reply. Let the action of the Government be as prompt and terrible as it will be final. Then the battles of this campaign will begin with the clear conviction upon the part of the rebels that we mean what we say; and that the flag will protect to the last, and by every means of war, including retaliation of blood, every soldier who fights for us beneath it. To build a monument and celebrate Nathan Bedford Forrest, an ideological ancestor of Heinrich Himmler, Reichsfuhrer of the SS (Schutzstaffel) is an act of racial abuse of outrageous proportions. Except for the passage of time it equates to building a statue to Hitler in Tel Aviv.

9 bystanders wounded in Empire State Building shooting hit by police gunfire (from Page 3) one outside the Empire State Building, police officers are trained to shoot if they have a clear shot at somebody they consider to be a threat. Steve Kardian, a former Westchester police officer, told ABC News it’s a matter of public safety. “If he has to be neutralized in a crowd, it is better to take him out than to risk him shooting the officers and shooting other people

in the vicinity,” Kardian said. In cases such as this, where bystanders were injured by police bullets, the victims often sue the police department or the city. Some win large settlements, but if the police can show the suspect they shot posed a threat, courts may rule in favor of the police and grant them immunity for liability. In this case, police could argue that a man pointing a loaded gun at police, as surveillance video shows Johnson did, is certainly such a threat.

E. Ramapo students demand action to protect district’s public schools (from Page 2) ing the wrong thing and when we try to speak out, they try to shut us down. Well, it won’t work!” “I am going to be a freshman at Spring Valley High School and I was really looking forward to going to High School with my friends.” said Brendan Hatton, 14. “Many of my friends are not going to Spring Valley High School next month because their parents pulled them out to send them to

other schools where they would get a better education. That is just not right; we all deserve a good education.” SOSC includes ERCSD students and alumni, their parents, community residents and local organizations who have come together to support a thriving public education system within the school district and to hold public officials accountable for their actions. Information updates will be posted at: www.saveeastramaposchools.com.

Bklyn boro prez Markowitz Endorses Mosley for assembly (from Page 2) the 57th district, representing Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, and parts of Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant. Through his work with literacy programs, housing advocacy

groups, and mentoring and youth organizations, Walter has sought to help working families move forward through these tough financial times. For more information on Walter ’s candidacy, visit www.mosley2012.com. The state primary election is set for Sept. 13, 2012.

Manhattan attorney indicted for scheme to defraud clients (from Page 2) ecutions Bureau, and Thomas Wornom, Chief of the Special Prosecutions Bureau. Investigator Greg Dunlavey and Forensic Accounting and Financial Investigator Peter Chicola, and Trial Preparation Assistant Michelle

Hershkowitz also assisted with the investigation. District Attorney Vance thanked theDepartmental Disciplinary Committee of the Appellate Division, First Department, especially Principal Attorney Kevin O’Sullivan and Special Trial Counsel Jeremy Garber.

15 BEACON, August 30, 2012 - September 5, 2012 newyorkbeacon.net

White supremacy rising: Celebrating racism, terrorism


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A campaign to discredit Rev. Leon Sullivan (from Page 7) of his administration with him. President George W. Bush attended and gave a brilliant keynote address. He followed that up with an increase of 400 percent in foreign aid and healthcare relief such as the eradication of much of the malaria problem on the continent. So it was reasonably assumed that our half-African president, Barack Obama, would be attending the Sullivan Foundation IX Summit in Equatorial Guinea. This was a big miscalculation. Apparently, and for some strange reason, our current president was adamant that he was not going to attend. As president, he has only been to Africa once and that was a very brief trip where he was a bit condescending to our brothers and sisters in Ghana. He wasn’t going to attend and address the participants. Of course, that was going to be a glaring insult to the legacy of Rev. Sullivan and an embarrassment

for our nation. This was a quandary that needed special finesse. However, the Obama administration did not choose finesse. Instead they decided to go their typical “divide and conquer” route. A massive campaign of lies and distortions directed at the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation and the sovereign African nation of Equatorial Guinea was unleashed. Oh, they weren’t looking for a manufactured excuse to not attend. They were determined to destroy the Sullivan Foundation, now headed by Hope Sullivan Masters, the daughter of the late founder. They ordered their contacts to begin a campaign of disinformation, smear and downright falsehoods to tarnish the image of the foundation. Also, they began, with the same evil fervor, to attack the nation of Equatorial Guinea. They accused this thriving and lovely nation as a human rights disaster. It is a lie! The attack was relentless replete with tweets that would reach a large

populace and encourage people not to participate. Democratic elected officials were put on lockdown and could not participate as they usually do. Celebrities associated with the Democratic National Committee were also warned not to attend. Like cowards or frightened slaves, they all obeyed. The dirty press operatives began announcing whenever a known official or celebrity would denounced the foundation and the nation of Equatorial Guinea. A written report even claimed that Honorary Chair John Kufuor (reputable former president of Ghana) resigned his chair and would not be coming. Kufuor was there and he was brilliant in his presentations. It was propaganda at its best. In the conspiracy world this is known as “Raising a False Flag.” All this was an attempt to destroy a great Black legacy and dedicated foundation so that the president’s absence would not look conspicuous. It did not work. They delivered a lot of damage and hurt the atten-

Gov. announces applications open for Connect NY broadband grants (from Page 8) tressed areas · Impact and Adoption: Creating a plan for educating local businesses and residents on how to use broadband to increase economic development and enhance quality of life. · Leveraging Existing Infrastructure and Funding Sources: Building off existing Internet networks to more efficiently increase high speed Internet service in communities that have broadband in only some areas but not throughout the area · Regional Economic Development Council Endorsement: The integration broadband into regional economic development strategies is a critical success factor for the sustainability and enhancement of New York’s Digital Economy. Up to 20% of the evaluation criteria will be based on the degree to which the project meets and advances the goals and objectives stated in the Regional Council Strategic Plan · Collaboration and Community Support: A critical success factor for broadband deployment projects is strong community support for the project and a community vested in the suc-

cessful outcome of the project. Additional weight will be given for projects that demonstrate a commitment from local governments or broadband service provides, including public/private partnerships. “Broadband is a powerful tool for economic development that will make our businesses stronger and New York more competitive in the national and international markets,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams. “Expanding broadband will result in more economic opportunity for business and more jobs for New Yorkers.” New York State has been working to further expand broadband access, adoption and use throughout New York’s borders by identify unserved and underserved areas of New York State. In 2010, New York introduced a comprehensive broadband mapping initiative to identify areas of the State where broadband is not available. Many of New York’s gaps in broadband service exist because of the high costs of building networks in areas where population is sparse. With the data gathered, New York is analyzing broadband availability gaps to address challenges and ensure all communities are connected.

In May 2011, New York Published the State’s first and only examination of New Yorker’s use of high-speed Internet services. New York’s first state broadband adoption study indicates that the State broadband adoption rate is approximately 70%, slightly above the national average of 65%, but substantial disparities exist for economically and socially disadvantaged New Yorkers. Approximately 6.4 million New Yorkers are unable to subscribe to broadband because they cannot afford it or do not see the value in using broadband to access the Internet. This investment in New York will fund projects to expand lastmile services to unserved and underserved areas using existing networks and deploying new infrastructure. In addition, it will encourage programs to increase broadband adoption rates. For more information on New York State’s efforts to expand broadband access and current availability near you, please visit: · New York State Broadband Map · 2011-12 New York State Broadband Annual Report on Broadband in New York · New York State Broadband Adoption Rate Study · New York State Broadband

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dance but still the Sullivan Foundation IX Summit was a success. I am writing this article from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. I am a proud delegate of the Summit and can attest that it is one of the best trips of my life. This nation is beautiful. Cranes and construction projects are everywhere. The people are happy and unemployment is very low as compared to our nation. Access to government officials is very impressive and their Chamber of Commerce has embraced the

NBCC members attending. Deals are being made. “That which does not kill us; makes us stronger.” That is certainly the case here. History will show that the Sullivan Foundation IX Summit was a success and the half-African U.S. President Barack Obama refused to attend. Evil cannot trump God’s work. Harry Alford is the co-founder, president/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce®. Website: www.nationalbcc.org. Email: [email protected].

Without a gun how many lives would have been saved? (from Page 7) and may increase aggravated assaults. But studies I have conducted indicate that stricter regulations of gun sales, whether by retail dealers or by private sellers, are associated with fewer guns diverted to criminals. Moreover, national surveys show that a large majority of citizens favor these reforms to our gun laws, including most gun owners.” It is way past time for commonsense gun law reform in America. Many of the victims of mass shootings have been strangers—sometimes children—who were personally unknown to the shooters but were simply in “the

wrong place at the wrong time,” even if the “wrong place” turned out to be going to class, attending a worship service on a Sunday morning, or going to the local movie theater on a summer evening. In other words, they could have been any one of us. What will it take for us to do something about it? Marian Wright Edelman is president of the Children’s Defense Fund whose Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. For more information go to www.childrensdefense.org.

Romney’s agenda: Class warfare (from Page 6) that those 55 and over won’t vote against him). But neither Romney nor running mate Paul Ryan will reveal what they would cut. Ryan’s budget calls for devastating cuts in Medicaid and food stamps. The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that more than three-fifths of the Ryan cuts in the first decade come from programs for the poor. Class warfare again. Add to this the Romney “Bain Capital” economic policy. Romney criticizes Obama for not signing more corporate trade treaties, despite the fact that our trade policies not only ship jobs abroad but rack up more than $1 billion a day in trade deficits, more than half to China. (To be fair, Romney pledges to certify China as a currency violator, but every candidate promises to get tough with China, then folds once in office).

Romney also wants to repeal even the modest reforms of Wall Street that Obama got through Congress. He opposes raising the minimum wage and echoes Republican scorn of worker rights and unions. But the decline of unions has contributed to an economy in which workers no longer gain a fair share of the increased productivity and profits that they help to create. Once more, class warfare on the side of the CEOs and against working families. Increasingly a Southern-based “whites only” dominated party, Republicans wrap their class warfare into scorn for “those people”: poor people of color. Can they consolidate support among white blue-collar workers, even as their policies attack those workers? Divide and conquer is an ancient strategy in warfare and in politics. Will it work for Mitt Romney, so clearly a man of, by and for the 1 percent? We’ll know in November.

Sizing up the U.S. presidents (from Page 6) commentators are saying that Obama must go. Rather than sing “We Shall Overcome” the day after this election, we ought to sing “I Shall Not Be Moved” before it. But here is the bottom line: We are singing the same old song. We African Americans never get everything we need from elected officials. Let’s reelect President

Obama, but lets also decide to get our acts together to work independently from elective politics to attain social and economic justice. Otherwise, we are in the same old space, with a different meaning whatever we face. We have survived and, we will thrive, if we take our destiny into our own hands. Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer. She is President Emerita of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C.

By Victoria Horsford ELECTION 2012 The GOP Tampa Convention was trumped by natural phenomenon, Hurricane Isaac….not Hurricane Obama. Alas, much of GOP Convention entertainment - bitter invective and Obama bashing – which was planned for tv audiences were washed away by a storm. It seems like the Convention loses a second day, owing to Isaac’s devastation. Is this an omen? NY NOTES Two downstate Democrats are in trouble. NYS Attorney General Schneiderman and Comptroller DiNapoli announced criminal indictment of Senator Shirley Huntley for covering up member item scam. She faces two primary challengers on next month. Vito Lopez powerful NYS Assemblyman, Brooklyn Democrats boss was censured for sexual harassment and stripped of his housing committee chairmanship last week. Democratic brass from Governor Cuomo on down are calling for his resignation. The David Dinkins Tennis Club at the Jungle in Harlem hosts a marathon tennis party and school supply drive, on 9/ 1, from 12 to 7 pm at its headquarters the Fred Johnson Park, the Jungle in Harlem, on Seventh Avenue at West 150 Street. Bring a dish, burgers and franks for BBQ grill. Tennis games and competition. Bring all types of school supplies for needy children. Cash donations are accepted. Contact Sam Penceal at 917.687.2576 or email [email protected]. FALLARTS/ CULTURE PREVIEW September 22, 2012 is the 150th Anniversary of President Lincoln’s executive order ending slavery. And the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture Schomburg will host “The First Step To Freedom,” an exhibit featuring the original handwritten draft by President Lincoln as well as the final document, from September 21/24. The Schomburg Center is located at 515 Malcolm X Boulevard, Harlem. MUSIC: When Uptown goes Downtown, what do you get? The “Sing Harlem Sing, the new Gospel and R&B Revue and brunch at 54 Below, the new downtown cellar cabaret, the new “it club” located at 254 West 54 Street, home to Studio 54. Created by Vy Higginsen and Ken Wydrow, the same creative team who wrote and produced the music classic ” Mama, I Want To Sing.“ The brunch/ show celebrates African- Ameri-

can music, urban radio and Harlem, world renown culture destination. The Saturday Playdates September 8, 15 and 22 at 1 pm. For discounted $20 cover charge with a $25 food and beverage minimum, call 646.476.3551 and use code Harlem20. Visit www.mamafoundation.org. Jazz At Abyssinian presents a special Vesper Concert toplined by Marcus PrintupWalter Blanding Jr. Ensemble,Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra members and pianist Onaje Allan Gumbs at Abyssinian Baptist Church, 132 West 138 Street, on 9/9 at 4 pm. For more info, call 212.862.7474, Ext. 0. Brooklyn native son, HIPHOP mogul , J-Zee, performs in concert “JAY-Z Brooklyn” at the much hyped Barclay’s Center, on 9/28, 9/29 and 9/30., 10/3, 10/4. Ticket price points are $77 to $8970. The J-Zee concert series is official launch of the Barclay’s Center, a sports and entertainment complex and the new home of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets FILM: ImageNation Cinema Foundation presents NY premiere of Byron Hurt’s documentary SOUL FOOD JUNKIES at Lincoln Center on 8/30 at 7pm. A soul food reception follows the screening. Tickets are $25-30. Visit www.imagenation.us. Yvonne Stafford’S Natural Institute hosts the HEALTH IS WEALTH Film Festival at Maysles, located at 343 Lenox Avenue (127 Street) from 9/6 to 9/9. A documentary film festival which includes titles like “Hungry For Change;” “Simply Raw, Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days;” “Stress: Portrait of a Killer;” and “Healing Cancer from Inside Out;” Stafford wrote the book FROM FAST FOODS TO SLOW FOODS, HOW TO WAKE UP LAUGHING. For Festival schedule, visit mayslesinstitute.org/ cinema/calendar.html. Feature Film calendar: Denzel Washington in FLIGHT which opens 11/2. Viola Davis in WON’T BACK DOWN, which opens 9/28. Tyler Perry stars in ALEX CROSS, a psychological thriller, a non TP film which opens on 10/19. ALEX CROSS is the name of the Morgan Freeman character in “Kiss The Girls.”…..Halle Berry and Tom Hanks in CLOUD ATLAS opens 10/26. FINE ART: The Kentler International Drawing Space hosts TO BE YOUNG GIFTED AND BLACK IN THE AGE OF OBAMA, an exhibit from 9/7 to 10/21. Exhibit will showcase the works of visual artists Alonzo Edward, Duron Jackson, Yashua Klos, Jasmine Murrell, James Richmond-Edwards, Senghor Reid, Alexandria Smith and Matthew Thomas. Curated by Camille Ann Brewer, the Exhibit will be held at the Kentler Space located at 353 Van Brunt Street, RED HOOK, Brooklyn. For more info about exhibit and curator’s talk, email [email protected] or visit kentlergallery.org RADIO: Teens, parents, educators are invited to tune into the new BlakeRadio show

“Teensaytion,” which is hosted by Starr Foster, along with a diverse panel of teenagers who address current local, national and world events and issues as they affect their lives. The show, under the umbrella of Rainbow Soul, airs every other Thursday at 8 pm; the next broadcast is 8/29. Founded by Neil Blake, Blakeradio.com is an African-American owned internet radio station which aims at info that empowers and informs. NEWSMAKERS

Calvin Copeland

Beyonce

Jay-Z

RIP. Lynnette Velasco, 61, a renaissance woman, a local treasure, and chief of staff to Councilwoman’s Inez Dickens, died. A Hampton University graduate, Ms. Velasco was a poet, author/ journalist. A behind-the-scenes politico, she worked with NYS Assembly members Geraldine Daniels and Cynthia Jenkins and with NYC Councilmembers Juanita Watkins and James Sanders. Harlem residents know her as the “go-to” person in Councilwoman Inez Dickens’ office. Widely published, one of her best known works is her children’s book “Zinzi” is about family values. She was the President of Black Americans in Publishing and a NY Association of Black Journalist member. In announcing Lynette’s death, Councilwoman Dickens references Lynette as “ my chief of staff, confidant and friend .” RIP: Calvin Copeland, 87, Harlem entrepreneur/icon, originally from Virginia, died. He founded Copeland’s Restaurant in 1958 which was eventually headquartered at 547 West 145 Street. The upscale soul food restaurant also had a sibling next door, Reliable the name of its budget conscious food line and its catering service. Copeland’s Restaurant closed in 2007. AUG/SEPT TIME OUT

LynetteVelasco

Tyler Perry

Get ready for Carnival on 9/3 at Brooklyn’s big pageant, the West Indian Day Parade 2012! Marva Allen’s website: HueManBookstore.com hosts a book signing and media event for Miami Heat guard Dwayne Wade for his new memoir, “A FATHER’S FIRST: How My Life Became Bigger Than Basketball” at MIST Harlem, located at 46 West 116 Street, Harlem on 9/ 5 at 7 pm. Admission is $35 which must be paid in advance. Visit: www.charged.fm/dwade. Virgo the Virgins: Linda Bailey Walker, Sheron Barnes, Beyonce, Kobe Bryant, Dr. Ben Carson, Dave Chappell, Ed Dessisso, Guy Faubert, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jennifer Hudson, James Harris Linda Haynes, Jennifer Hudson, Ruth Hunt, Leo Jones, Moikgantsi Kgama, Fern Khan, BB King Jill Marie Lawrence, Branford Marsalis, Kanya McGhee, Jessye Norman, Tyler Perry, Wayne Shorter, Jada Pinkett Smith, Shirley Scott, Oz Scott, Charles Springfield, Torie Stewart, Barbara Summers , Nancy Taylor and Reverend Jeremiah Wright, A management consultant, Victoria Horsford is a NY based journalist and pop culture historian… [email protected]


WHAT’S GOING ON

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NNPA Award Winner

Enter tainment

By Don Thomas

In the Bronx

Two community actors saluted by Coalition of Theatres of Color Compiled By Don Thomas Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center and the Coalition of Theatres of Color (CTC) recently saluted actors Alimi (Ali-me) Ballard and Gilbert Glenn Brown as “Outstanding Alumnus of Mind-Builders” for their remarkable theatre, television and film work in creating positive images for African American youth at the Pregones Theatre in the Bronx. As actors in the early 1990s, the childhood friends toured New York City schools, libraries and theaters with the Bronxbased Mind-Builders Positive Youth Troupe (PYT). Today, Brown, an award-winning stage actor, is director of PYT and Ballard is a television and film action star. “Mind-Builders was the safest environment that I knew outside of my home,” said Ballard, who joined Mind-Builders at age 16. “The life that I have right now is a direct result of spending my formative years in the healing and nurturing embrace of MindBuilders.” Ballard has made a dramatic mark as an action star. He recently co-starred as (Fusco) alongside Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Vin Diesel in the movie “Fast Five.” He has a recurring role as (Gayne Levin) on television’s “NCIS.” Comics fans know him as (Falcon) in the Marvel animated series and video game “Super Hero Squad.” Audiences remember Ballard’s portrayal of Special Agent David Sinclair for six seasons on the CBS crime drama “Numb3rs.” His early theatre roles included acting at the National Black Theatre. “I have a lifelong connection to Mind-Builders,” explained Brown. “I tell the young people in PYT that there are a lot of avenues that we can walk down. It can’t be all about you. It has to be about service. Somebody is helping you.” Brown’s work in theatre has earned him three NAACP Theatre Award nominations and a Drama Critic Award. He’s appeared as (Martin Luther King Jr.) in Negro Ensemble Company’s production of “Martin: An American Musical,” co-starred opposite Anika Noni Rose in the Broadway bound tour of “The Mountaintop” and “TOPDOG/ UNDERDOG” at Mark Taper Forum. His extensive television and film credits include: “Dreamgirls,” “E.R.,” “Shark,” “The O.C.,” “CSI Miami,” and “Cold Case.” “Both men grew up in New York’s historic Black theatres,

working with Coalition of Theatres of Color members Mind-Builders, National Black Theatre and Negro Ensemble Company,” said Woodie King, chairman of the Coalition of Theatres of Color and founder and producing director of the New Federal Theatre. “They are a reflection of the talented actors of his generation that have come out of New York’s historic Black theatres. Alimi Ballard and Gilbert Glenn Brown are role models to the youth in the Bronx, especially young people in MindBuilders. They portray characters that are dynamic and show courage and dignity. Both have inspired youth in our program with their theatre, television and film work,” said Madaha Kinsey-Lamb, executive director and founder of Mind-Builders. Official proclamations were presented by Bronx Council Member Larry Seabrook and Council Member Oliver Koppell’s office. There was a performance of the original musical “H.O.M.E.” by Mind-Builder’s Positive Youth Troupe (PYT), about teens in foster care. It was developed by PYT members in collaboration with music director John Samuels, choreographer Jocelyn Rivera and Brown. Mind-Builders was founded in 1978 in the Northeast Bronx and has more than 400 students attending classes in theater, music, (L-R) Woodie King Jr., Gilbert Glenn Brown, Madaha Kinsey-Lamb and Alimi Ballard dance, martial arts and community (Photo: Mel Wright) folk culture programs each week.

On Stage

The Urban Theatrical Players The Kappa Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc in association with the Order of Feather Fraternity-bonnet Lodge and the New York City Mission Society presented, a two days performances, August 17 th& 18 th, (for the first time ever on stage in Harlem), a production of the classic movie “Imitation of Life” performed by the Urban Theatrical Players, at the Minisink Townhouse Theatre during the “Harlem Week Festivities.” Ronald McCain, President (Basileus) of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. said, “This event enhance the community’s cultural exposure in the arts and a portion of the proceeds will assist with the 55 th annual Talent Hunt Program for High Ronald McCain, President (Basileus ) Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (seated center) with Fraternity School contestants held at Comembers and casts of “Imitation of Life” (Photo: Gideon Manasseh) lumbia University.”

KICKIN’ IT with Lifestyles & Society Editor Audrey J. Bernard

Ingrid Saunders Jones (Coca-Cola), Michelle Ebanks (Essence), Constance C.R. White (Essence) Now in its seventeenth year as the proud presenting sponsor of The Essence Music Festival (EMF), The Coca-Cola Company once again enjoyed being the number one beverage draw at this year’s festival in New Orleans, LA from July 5-8, 2012 proving the saying true that things do go better with Coke! As the lead returning sponsor, the world’s largest beverage company encouraged thousands of festival goers who stopped by the company’s booth at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to get down with their theme and “Move, Groove, and Enjoy.” With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, consumers were introduced to the company’s newest initiative designed to save planet earth with the introduction of the Recycling Educational Vehicle (REV) elevating the company’s recycling initiatives to a new level. Coca-Cola makes recycling interactive and fun with The Recycling Educational Vehicle. Another important initiative was the company’s support for two youth development programs which encourages New Orleans youth to stay fit and healthy. In support of this health-related initiative the beverage giant partnered with the City of New Orleans through its Fit NOLA initiative — an effort to improve the health of its residents by 2018 – and awarded $45,000 to double the size of two New Orleans youth development running programs. Through Fit Nola, Coca-Cola awarded $20,000 to Girls on the Run New Orleans, and $20,000 to Youth Run New Orleans, in addition to a $5,000 donation of hydration beverages, including Dasani, smartwater and Powerade. Both youth organizations are after-school youth development programs combining positive lifestyle education with running programs; and with the company’s support will be able to double their progress. Today, more than 300 youth participate in these programs. “We want to encourage our youth to participate in sports and exercise programs so they will grow up healthier and with the confidence to pursue their dreams,” said Ingrid Saunders Jones, senior vice president of Global Community Connections for The Coca-Cola Company and chair of the company’s global philanthropic arm, The Coca-Cola Foundation. “These programs are making a

Coca-Cola Booth at Ernest N. Memorial Convention Center

Kimberly Paige (Coca-Cola), Joy Collins (Essence), Ingrid Saunders Jones (Coca-Cola), Lori George Billingsley (Coca-Cola)

Youth Empowerment Concert-Kevin Styles Saks 5th Ave-June Ambrose with Coca-Cola's Style performs at Youth Empowerment Concert Refresh Winners

Lunch: Chef G. Garvin unique difference in the New Orleans community, and we share the city’s vision of creating a ‘fit community.’” The Coca-Cola Company and The Coca-Cola Foundation invested more than $8.9 million in 2011 to support active, healthy living programs worldwide. Recently, the brand announced a $5 million commitment to support the National Foundation for Governor’s Fitness Councils and the American College of Sports Medicine to provide 100 communities with new fitness centers for schools over the next five years. In addition, the foundation has awarded $3.4 million in grant awards to support fitness and nutrition programs in the U.S. and around the world. Over the past 17 years, Coca-Cola has invested more than $500,000 in community programs which to support the New Orleans community during EMF. Other refreshing Coca-Cola

Swelter Stopper-Festival goers stopping by CocaCola's Swelter Stopper Center to freshen up activities designed to make festival goers “Move… Groove… and Enjoy”… included: The Swelter Stopper that quenched the thirst of festival goers with blasts of frosty air and “snowflakes” swirling throughout an ice bar, offering a “Perfect Serve” tasting experience of Coca-Cola beverages to keep attendees cool the entire weekend while listening to soul driven music spun by a DJ that kept the energy high. Celebrity chef and author G. Garvin turned the heat up with his “Cooking with Coca-Cola and Chef G. Garvin” segment in front of a live audience at The Coca-Cola Red Lounge booth where consumers watched Garvin prepare a delicious, healthy meal they could easily make at home while having a chance to win a VIP Lunch with him through text-to-win at the booth.

Prior to that ultimate cooking segment, Garvin shared healthy eating secrets at a special media luncheon. “I can’t force anybody to eat healthy,” he remarked. “I can only provide ideas.” He went on to say that eating healthy is a choice you make and that one should eat healthy as much as possible. For those who like to indulge in bad selections from time to time, he stopped short of saying “just say no.” Instead he extolled the role of First Lady Michelle Obama in getting the country eating healthy warning that if you eat bad food, “eat it in moderation.” He also suggested that shoppers should make a list before food shopping to cut down on making unnecessary food purchases; as well as to buy only what you need. Coca-Cola not only wants you to feel good from the inside out, but also from the outside in. As a result they engaged celebrity styl-

Gospel Tribute: Mary Mary ist June Ambrose to give a “Style Refresh” to two lucky festival attendees during the “Mainstage Moments with celebrity stylist June Ambrose.” Ambrose shared wardrobe advice and the importance of having the right wardrobe before meeting the “Style Refresh” contest winners who received a shopping and styling experience with Ambrose at Saks Fifth Avenue. The Coca-Cola experience culminated in an All-Star Gospel Salute on Sunday, July 8, 2012. The “Power of Our Spirit” All-Star Gospel Salute to Mary Mary and Fred Hammond, hosted by NY1 newscaster Cheryl Wills, featured gospel icons: Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, Israel Houghton, Tramaine Hawkins, Kim Burrell, Melvin Williams, VaShawn Mitchell, Pastor Marvin Winans, Bishop Lester Love, Maurette Brown Clark, Byron Cage, Tyrone Foster & The Arc Singers, and many more. (Photos by Margot Jordan) #EnjoyCoke


The Coca-Cola Company celebrates 17 years as presenting sponsor of Essence Music Festival

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Flick Chat


Whitney Houston’s lines in ‘Sparkle’ induce goose bumps By Kam Williams Movie Critic Emma Anderson (Whitney Houston) didn’t want her daughters to follow in her footsteps by having babies as teenagers while squandering their future in the futile pursuit of celebrity and bad boys who wouldn’t treat them like ladies. That’s why the overprotective single-mom feels fortunate to be able to raise them in a middle-class suburb of Detroit where she keeps them on the straight and narrow path via a steady diet of Christianity and high expectations. All three siblings have inherited the ability to sing from their mother, a blessing they put to good use for the Lord in the church choir every Sunday. However, each girl also has her own distinctive personality yearning to express itself. Brainy Dolores (Tika Sumpter) has her mind set on attending Meharry School of Medicine. Self-effacing Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) is a gifted composer who’s too shy to perform any of her heartfelt ballads in public. But seductive Sister (Carmen Ejogo) is just the opposite, being a confident extrovert who craves the limelight and the attention of men. Consequently, it’s no surprise that Sister might rebel and run away from home, rather than abide by her mother’s restrictive house rules. She’s only been back in town for two months, but already has a couple of suitors competing for her hand, Levi (Omari Hardwick), a penniless, perfect gentleman, and Satin (Mike Epps), a flashy, silky smooth operator. Given Sister’s materialistic nature, it’s easy to guess that that she would opt to entertain the overtures of the latter, a misogynist with a dark side yet to reveal itself. Meanwhile, Sparkle starts dating Stix (Derek Luke) who encourages the talented sisters to form a trio and take a shot at superstardom. So unfolds “Sparkle,” a modern morality play with a sobering message made all the more telling by serving as Whitney Houston’s cinematic farewell. Several of the late pop diva’s lines in the movie induce goose bumps, such as when she matter of factly asks, “Was my life not enough of a cautionary tale for you?” The film features standout performances by Whitney and Carmen Ejogo, with Derek Luke and Mike Epps appearing at their best as well. Jordin Sparks certainly holds her own when called upon to sing, but she comes across in this big screen debut as not quite ready to handle a title role, at least acting-wise. Written and directed by the husband-wife team of Mara

Whitney Houston plays Emma Anderson in “Sparkle” Brock Akil and Salim Akil, respectively, “Sparkle” is very loosely based on the 1976 musical of the same name, with the point of departure, the timeline, plot developments, and the score being tweaked for the overhaul, and all for the better. A must-see, between Whitney’s sentimental Swan Song and Carmen’s coming out party. Excellent (3.5 stars). Rated PG-13 for violence, profanity, drug use, smoking, mature themes and domestic abuse. Running time: 116 minutes. Distributor: Sony Pictures.

coming in blue and green colors designed to improve his mental and physical abilities, respectively. However, when he watches a

guided missile fired by an American drone blow up the cabin where he’s been training, the sage spy instantly realizes that the Agency inexplicably now wants him dead,

and he’s almost out of the drugs he’s become utterly dependent upon. This sets in motion the sort of frenetic, high body-count race against time we’ve come to expect of every ‘Bourne’ episode. The adrenaline-fueled adventure first brings our peripatetic hero in from the cold for a fix as well as for some answers. But he’s only frustrated back at headquarters where he determines that a yellow pill recently added to his regimen has already killed his other colleagues in the top secret Blackbriar Program. After convincing the gorgeous medical researcher (Rachel Weisz) monitoring his vital signs that she’s on the hit list, too, the pair escape to the Philippines by way of Canada for a spectacular motorcycle chase scene replete with a hired hit man (Louis Ozawa Changchien), frightened pedestrians and a sacrificial fruit stand. Don’t be surprised to find the episode end in a way which sets the table for ‘Bourne 5’ as much as it closes the curtain on this actionpacked roller coaster ride. A primer on how to make a successful sequel sans a hit franchise’s title character, star or source material from the series’ creator. Very Good (3 stars). Rated PG13 for violence and intense action sequences. Running time: 135 minutes. Distributor: Universal Pictures.

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“Bourne’ Reboot A Pill-Popping Potboiler The prior three installments in the Bourne franchise, “The Bourne Identity,” “The Bourne Supremacy” and “The Bourne Ultimatum,” were all adapted from best-sellers by Robert Ludlum and starred Matt Damon as espionage agent extraordinaire Jason Bourne. “The Bourne Legacy” represents a major departure in that it’s based on a book by Eric Van Lustbader and only makes slight references to the title character. In place of ‘Bourne,’ this reboot revolves around Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner), a pill-popping protagonist being turned into a killing machine by way of an experimental CIA program. At the point of departure, we find the unassuming spy on assignment in the Alaskan wilderness where he is very dependent on government issued medication -

PEOPLE, PLACES, POLITICS & PARTIES by Audrey J. Bernard

Brunch at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant According to statistics, domestic violence touches all of us. Nearly one in four women, one in nine men, and over 3 million children have been affected by domestic violence. Communication is important in helping victims combat this horrific problem. Verizon Wireless has answered the call to minister help and empower domestic violence victims and survivors through its HopeLine program. HopeLine from Verizon is helping thousands in their fight against this crisis by turning nolonger used cell phones into support for domestic violence victims and survivors. Wireless phones and technology can serve as a vital link to emergency or support services in a time of crisis or as a reliable, safe connection to employers, family and friends as survivors rebuild their lives. At the 18th annual Essence Music Festival (EMF) in New Orleans, July 5-8, 2012, the nation’s most reliable network to the community partnered with Essence and 10-time Grammy Award-winning singer Chaka Khan, to pay tribute to 33 women of the greater New Orleans community who participated in The Super Life Transformation Graduation ceremony. This special event was held from 9:00-10:30am, Saturday, July 7, 2012, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Essence invited over 5,000 to witness this remarkable achievement and extend their heartfelt congratulations to the graduates. Attendees were encouraged to bring their no-longer-used wireless phones to donate to Verizon’s HopeLine. During the graduation ceremony, the proud graduates were cited for their amazing life changing achievements. “These incredibly courageous women embraced the notion that resiliency comes from within, and hence tapped into their own capacity to heal and transform. I applaud their noble resolve!” stated Dr. Denese Shervington, co-founder and president, The Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies. Khan delivered a heartwarming commencement speech in celebration of the graduates evolution and passage into their new lives. And after handing out each gradu ation certificate with Dr.

At Dooky Chase Restaurant: Verizon executives and VIP guests with Members of 2012 Essence Music Festival Press Junket

And you get a bag. . . And you get a At Dooky Chase Restaurant: Actor Laz Alonzo, Krista Bourne, Marquett Smith, Vicky L. Boston, bag —Vicky L. Boston, Cameka Pastor Marvin Sapp Crawford gives out gift bags to Members of 2012 Essence Music Festival Press Junket

At The Super Life Transformation Graduation (seated left to right) Constance C.R. White (Essence), Chaka Khan performs at the Chaka Khan, Dr. Denese Shrevington, Michelle Ebanks (essence) with graduates Verizon Graduation Shervington and posing for individual pictures, a svelte-looking, 60 pounds lighter Khan proved that she’s every woman in a stellar performance that had everyone dancing. On hand to congratulate the Class of 2012 was Marquett Smith, vice president, Verizon Wireless corporate communications who was the proud sponsor of this event; Verizon; Michelle Ebanks, president, Essence Communications, Inc.; and Constance C.R. White, editor-inchief, Essence. One year ago, Chaka Khan’s The Chaka Khan Foundation in conjunction with the Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies and Es-

sence partnered on the Super Life Transformation Program, an indepth life and community-altering transformation process for deserving women who wished to accomplish their lifelong goals. To launch the program, these women first gathered at the 17th annual Essence Music Festival and met with the multi-talented singer Khan and author/inspirational speaker Iyanla Vanzant before embarking on an extraordinary journey of personal and community improvement. With the help of community partners, agencies, and mentors, these selected women ages 18-35 realized their dreams from starting their own business to finishing

school to reclaiming their health in a structured one-year program. Now one year later, each of these women return to where their journey began — on the Essence Empowerment Experience stage at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center — to be commemorated in a spectacular graduation ceremony. “The SuperLife Transformation program has been an oasis of optimism as these women whom we celebrate are likely to become the entrepreneurs and leaders that this country needs,” stated Khan, founder of The Chaka Khan Foundation. “After witnessing their transformations in the past year then to

come full circle and commemorate their triumphs in this wonderful and memorable occasion will be one of my fondest days to remember.” “Our collaboration with the Chaka Khan Foundation and the Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies in this life changing program truly exemplifies Essence’s mission of ‘empowerment in action,’” remarked Ebanks. “Essence’s commitment to improving the lives of mothers and daughters and our work with the Louisiana community remains undiminished. Saluting these extraordinary women who have inspired us to live without limits gives them and the city of New Orleans the moment they deserve. (Photos by Chris Mitchell)

Verizon Wireless returned as one of the major sponsors of the EMF. Each year, the global communication giant hosts a fabulous lunch for media members and special VIP guest celebrities attending the festival. This year’s memorable lunch was held at New Orleans’s very own Dooky Chase Restaurant led by world famous chef Leah Chase, and her grandson Edgar “Dook” Chase IV. This famous family restaurant serves up an incredible array of Creole and soul food in a restaurant atmosphere full of eclectic local art. Guests rolled up their sleeves and enjoyed scrumptious helpings of soul food during speeches by actor Laz Alonso and Pastor Marvin Sapp, recent honorees of Verizon’s “Celebrating Your Story: Powering Your Network” program held during the 2012 Black History Month of influential African American leaders. “‘Celebrating Your Story: Powering Your Network’ provides a platform for the community to learn about these inspiring leaders who have made significant contributions to our society and culture,” said Marquett Smith, vice president of corporate communications for Verizon Wireless. “We are honored to be able to share their stories with the public.” At the end of the lunch, Smith was joined by fellow Verizon colleagues Krista Bourne, president, Houston/Gulf Coast Region; Vicky L. Boston, director, retail sales, Washington/Baltimore/Virginia; and Cameka Crawford, manager, multicultural communications and community relations who presented guests with the newest version of the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE phones. Everyone left with double smiles on their faces – from great food and from their amazing swag gift. (Photos by Chris Mitchell)


Verizon Wireless throws HopeLine to special graduates at Essence Music Festival

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SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK – COUNTY OF NEW YORK –Index No. 305132/2012 - - Date Purchased: April 10, 2012– SUMMONS WITH NOTICE – Plaintiff designates New York County as the place of trial – Basis of Venue: CPLR Sec. 509 –Ludovic Daverne, Plaintiff, - against – Doris May Daverne, Defendant. - - ACTION FOR DIVORCE – To the abovenamed Defendant. YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to serve a notice of appearance on Plaintiff’s attorney within thirty (30) days after the service of this summons is complete and in case of your failure to appear, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the notice set forth below. Dated: August 10, 2012 New York, Law offices of Howard M. Rosengarten, P.C., Plaintiff’s attorney, with offices at 363 Seventh Avenue, 7th Fl., New York, NY 10001; (212) 5332606. NOTICE: The nature of this action is to dissolve the marriage between the parties on the grounds of (i) the abandonment of the Plaintiff by the Defendant for a period of more than one year pursuant to DRL Section 170(2). The relief sought is a judgment of absolute divorce in favor of the Plaintiff dissolving the marriage between the parties in this action. NOTICE OF AUTOMATIC ORDERS. Pursuant to domestic relations law section 236, part b, sec. 2, the parties are bound by certain automatic orders which shall remain in full force and effect during the pendency of the action. For further details you should contact the clerk of the matrimonial party, Supreme Court, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007; Telephone: (646) 386-3010. DRL Section 255 Notice. Please be advised that once the judgment of divorce is signed in this action, both parties must be aware that he or she will no longer be covered by the other party’s health insurance plan and that each party shall be responsible for his or her own health insurance coverage, and may be entitled to purchase health insurance on his or her own through a COBRA option, if available.

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BEACON

Marc Rasbury

SPORTS

Jordin Sparks overwhelmed the crowd with her voice In their opening match, Roger Federer overwhelmed Donald Serena Williams is the clear cut favorite to win it all in Young (Photos by Marc Rasbury) the women’s draw and outfit

Gethsemame Baptist Church Contingent in Front of Althea Gibson’s Monument

Victoria Duval, Remember the name

2012 US Open gets underway with a Spark By Derrel “Jazz” Johnson The 17th Annual Arthur Ashe Kids Day took place on Saturday, which was attended by thousands and featured some of the most popular music acts and tennis players. Carly Rae Jepsen performed her ubiquitous hit “Call Me Maybe” to the delight of children and adults alike, and The Wanted performed their single “Glad You Came.” In addition, former US Open champions Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, Roger

Federer, and more participated in the event, which took place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. There were many families, friends, and groups that attended the event. One group I spoke to was from Gethsemame Baptist Church, which is located in West New York, New Jersey. This is the fifth year the church has organized a group of children to take to Arthur Ashe Kids Day, which was inspired by one of the members of the church. “The executive director of the

Althea Gibson Foundation started attending our church. She wanted to get young people involved. She has been actively keeping information about Althea Gibson alive,” said Evangelist Geraldine Clark. Frances Gray is the member of the church who is the director of the Althea Gibson Foundation. When I asked Evagelist Clark about the experience the kids had the next day, she said “it was wonderful. Two of the kids made a comment about

being forced to come, but they were so happy they were because they had a great time.” I am sure they are hundreds, if not thousands of kids who attend Arthur Ashe Kids Day and felt the same way. The US Open itself kicked off on Monday and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was on hand to speak with the crowd. Jordin Sparks, who looked amazing in a form-fitting white dress, also was on hand, performing her single “Celebrate” before a fantastic version of the National Anthem.

On the court itself, At 16-years old, Haitian-American Victoria Duval, the youngest competitor in the 2012 US Open after winning the USTA Girls’ 18 National Championships and earning an automatic bid, excited the crowd in her 3-6, 1-6 loss to veteran Kim Clijsters. In the second match at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday night, Donald Young was defeated by Roger Federer in straight sets, 3-6, 2-6, 4-6. The US Open continues through Sunday, September 9 and there are still tickets available for select sessions.