National
Renowned Washington Post columnist and Pulitzer Prize winner William J. Raspberry, 76, was remembered for his generous spirit and strong journalistic voice during his funeral service at the National Cathedral in Northwest on July 26.
During the two-hour service, which was attended by thousands, Washington Post chairman Donald Graham, Vernon Jordan, a close friend of Raspberry, Dorothy Gilliam who worked alongside him at The Washington Post, and his children described the pioneering journalist as a family man who loved his city and his profession.
"Generosity was at the heart of Bill Raspberry," said Graham, who noted that his colleague had won his Pulitzer 25 years later than he should have.
"But that was one of the least important [accomplishments] for him," Graham said. "He had a strong voice at The Washington Post ... He believed journalists should root for the success of their city. No one ever told him what to say, and he never modified an opinion to please his boss."
Further alluding to Raspberry's passion for reporting racial injustices that frequently took place in the South where he was born and raised, Graham added that, "He walked into the gigantic story of civil rights in the 1960s, and for 40 years told that story [with stark accuracy]."
Graham went on to say that Raspberry was a "scathing critic" of his profession and that through him, many of his Post colleagues "learned how to think, write and listen."
Jordan, who serves as senior counsel for the Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Field law group in Northwest, remembered his friend for his quiet, moral leadership and fierce commitment to educating people – young and old.
"Education was very important to Bill. He was a brave and intrepid pioneer," said Jordan. "He had a gift for the subtle sermon. His writings were always provocative but seldom predictable," he said. "[His wife] Sondra loved him and he had the good sense to love her back."
Gilliam reflected on Raspberry's knack for loosening things up in the newsroom.
"He was cool, relaxed and accessible to everyone," said Gilliam, director of Prime Movers Media at George Washington University. "He had a big influence on people in the newsroom [where] he was dedicated to improving quality," Gilliam said, adding that she was impressed by both Raspberry's prowess as a writer and prowess in the newsroom.
Raspberry's four grown children recalled the lessons he'd taught them.
While Patricia, his oldest daughter, described her father as a "magician" who could make the moon change to any color she wanted, and that he instilled in her that "being smart was a pretty special thing."
His youngest son Mark, recalled countless conversations with his dad at home, "down in the man-cave." Mark described him as "beautiful, wise and inspirational."
Angela, hailed her father as a "remarkable and phenomenal" man who got one of his best ideas for a column from her. It involved a story she told him about elephants in South Africa that he later paralleled with inner-city black males, she said.
"It was one of his most powerful pieces and he never gave me the credit," Angela joked, triggering a hearty round of laughter in the sanctuary.
Oldest son Reggie, who said Raspberry was "a great proponent of education," credited him with helping to turn his life around after he veered off course during his younger days, by returning to college.
"I was like the prodigal son," he said, adding that at both parents' urging, he had to take "baby steps" to get back on track.
"I'll always love you for that," Reggie said, looking directly at his father's closed coffin.
In an exclusive interview State Senator Jim Summerville told the Tribune that the scope of the grade changing investigation by the Senate Higher Education Sub Committee which he chairs is nearly three-times what has been reported previously.
"It (the hearing) is narrowly limited to the question of whether, why, and by whom the grades of some 270 students, enrolled in first-year, academically supported math courses, were changed from "Incomplete" to a passing letter grade," Summerville wrote.
Meanwhile TSU administrators continue to deny the allegations that the grades were changed outside of TBR and TSU protocol. TSU spokesperson Richard DelaHaya categorized the charges as "unfounded allegations" in a brief statement to the paper. He also went on to say the hearings will give the school administration an opportunity to set the record straight once and for all. "We look forward to providing accurate information to the legislators at our upcoming hearing and completing our internal investigation as soon as possible."
However, Summerville said that TSU interim President Shields requested and was granted a delay in the hearing due to prior travel dates on her schedule which conflicted with the previous date set by the committee. The Dixon County Republican also said that there are many questions his staff is currently looking into at this time. "The facts will and can only be developed from our research. At the moment a good many "facts" are in dispute. Our subcommittee will, as soon as the job is complete, present all that we learn and understand, backed by thorough, referenced documentation.
"The claims about "grade changes" came from credible sources but were disputed by highest ranking TSU administrators and Board of Regents executives. It is the duty of the General Assembly to oversee the laws it has enacted that apply to all public colleges and universities, since we representatives of the people appropriate their tax dollars to run this vast enterprise. The questions in this controversy go to the heart of the integrity of one of our oldest and proudest universities, and they must be investigated and resolved." There is no question that grades were changed. The controversy erupted when faculty members of the Mathematics department at TSU protested that the changes were made without following proper procedures. This week Dr. Jane Davis, president of the TSU Faculty Senate said an unnamed professor in the department contacted her to complain about what can only be described as pressure from the independent auditor at TSU who is conducting an in-house investigation.
"A very highly respected TSU Professor has informed me that the man conducting the Internal Audit of the Math grade, Mike Batson, contacted a member of Faculty Senate and attempted to get her to change her opinions about the grade change so that they would be supportive of the Administration," Davis wrote in an email obtained by the Tribune. "...It is clear that the validity of the Internal Audit is nonexistent if coercion is involved." When contacted by the Tribune Batson, the director of Internal Audit at TSU referred all inquiries to the school's media relations department. For her part Shields says the controversy is a result of "confusion."
"Tennessee State University welcomes the opportunity to clearly and factually address the unsupported and unfounded allegations raised about how grades were assigned to students who successfully completed the academic requirements of the math courses in question," Shields told the Tribune in statement to the Tribune. "It is unfortunate that confusion arose from the learning support, non-credit portion of the courses, which should not have influenced the course grade. The faculty members who taught the classes did what was right on behalf of the students who earned their grades. TSU stands ready and eager to address any misunderstanding for Senator Summerville and any member of the subcommittee." Davis however insists that the onus for the tumult falls squarely on the shoulders of TSU administration.
"...Much of the controversy over grade changed could have been resolved if Administration could produce the university grade change forms with required signatures with evidence that they were signed at the time of the grade change," wrote Davis. "The fact that this has not happened, together with the actions of the Provost in attempting to retaliate against me, and the actions of the Internal Auditor, make clear that it will be very difficult to get to the truth if TSU is only investigated from within." Summerville says that the hearing which is open to the public should take one day and he will call several witnesses. "...We expect to invite TSU President Portia Shields, Faculty Senate President Dr. Jane Davis, senior management from TBR, and others who can shed light into some of these shadows," Summerville said. "They (the hearings) are set for 1-3 p.m., August 13, Room 12 Legislative Plaza. I'm going to do my very best as chairman to conclude the hearings at that sitting, but we'll just have to see where we are." In an op-ed piece that ran in the Tennessean Shields denied any wrong doing by her administration.
"Let me be crystal clear...The TSU administration did not change or seek to change any students' grades in mathematics courses involved or any other courses." Davis however has a different take on the issue. "I did not initiate the grade change controversy but was told of the problem by a professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences as a result of what department members were told at a faculty meeting regarding the Dept. Chair's concern over unauthorized grade changes."
The matter will be fully vetted in August.
New Florida Voting Laws Attract Lawsuit. "There is absolutely no explanation for restricting early voting other than intentional voter suppression, said Rep. Corrine Brown (D-FL). Brown has filed a federal lawsuit to stop changes is Florida's early voting law.
In the 2008 elections, African Americans cast 22% percent of the total early vote, even though Blacks are just 13% of Florida's registered voters. More Blacks vote during the early voting period than on election-day or via absentee ballot combined according to University of Florida Political Science Professor Dr. Daniel Smith.
In 2008, President Obama won Florida over Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) by a very slim 2.8% margin: 50.9 – 48.1%.
Blacks accounted for roughly 34% of votes cast on the Sunday before the election in 2008. The Republican controlled legislature in Florida shortened the number of early voting days from from 15 to 10 and and eliminated Sunday voting before the election. They also granted power to county supervisors to control the number of hours the polls are open.
"It seems that Governor Scott simply does not want people to vote. We should be making it easier for people to get to the polls, not harder," Brown said.
"Early voting has worked extremely well for all Floridians and especially for African American voters," said Brown adding, "More than any other racial or ethnic group, African Americans have come to rely on early voting," she added.
Brown said changes to the law, "violate the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution, Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, 42 U.S.C. and 1973 (a) and the Florida constitution... Early voting was instituted after the debacle of the 2000 elections when thousands were turned away from overcrowded polls. Since 2004, Floridians have had access to the polls for eight hours a day, for fifteen days right up until the last Sunday before election-day."
WASHINGTON (TriceEdneyWire.com) - Ron Busby appeared reflective as he sat at the mahogany board room table at Industrial Bank, a Black-owned establishment, based in North West Washington, D.C. Busby, the president/CEO of the U. S. Black Chamber Inc. (USBC) then summed up his thoughts in one sentence:
"This is a game changer," he declared.
Amidst an economic downturn that has pulverized segments of the Black community with record unemployment and loss of wealth across the nation, Busby had just opened a U. S. Black Chamber account with Industrial. The deposit was a calculated move to start a new relationship that he hopes will spread into a national movement that will strengthen Black financial institutions and ultimately uplift the community at large.
"I believe that Industrial has a success story that is unequaled," he continued in the interview. "And if you really look at the statistics in reference to not only Industrial, but other minority and Black-owned banks, you'll see that they are in our communities; they lend money to our businesses as well as our local communities. And so, for the average reader across the country that's going to pick this up, I think it is game changing because now you have a national organization that's not just talking about a solution but is actually actively participating in the solution."
The USBC deposit was in fact another significant stride in the history of the 75-year-old Industrial. The bank started with six employees and $192,000 in assets in 1934 and now has 150 employees and more than $333 million in assets. With Industrial Bank pioneers Jesse H. Mitchell, founder, and B. Doyle Mitchell Sr., president, adorning the board room wall in portraits; Busby underscored the significance of the new business partnership.
"This will be our primary bank," Busby said. "We will probably do about a half million dollars of business a year that will run through this particular bank."
The 4-year-old Black Chamber, Inc. boasts about 108 chambers in 22 states and 240,000 members - mostly Black-owned businesses. The ultimate strategy, if it works as outlined by Industrial President/CEO B. Doyle Mitchell Jr., would benefit the community.
"The more deposits we have, the more we're able to lend out," Mitchell says. "In order to grow, you've got to have deposits."
Mitchell, also chairman of the National Bankers Association (NBA), envisions a spread of the movement. "I do see it as a partnership, but I also see it as an encouragement to other Black national organizations and Black companies to do more business with each other because I think we trail everybody in trying to do business with each other and keeping money in our own communities. I think with the U. S. Black Chamber being the top notch organization that they are, I think it's a big leadership step for them and for Ron to take that initiative."
Mitchell and Busby both serve on the Small Business Administration's Council on Underserved Communities, where they first began this conversation. They have concluded that - in addition to government initiatives - the African-American community must step up its activities to revitalize itself. To make that happen, Mitchell and Busby are strategizing with Michael Grant, president of NBA, which has a membership of 37 mostly Black-owned banks.
"This can be the catalyst to get other national organizations to see how important it is that we harmonize; synergize, and energize our efforts," says Grant as he listed several major Black organizations. "At the end of the day, all of these organizations have constituencies that go all over America, all of these organizations handle money and their members handle money... You start with the leadership of these organizations and you say 'Listen, we need to do a better job at harvesting our own wealth. Yes, we want to look to politicians to do things and yes we may ask the corporations to be more fair about their hiring and their contracting and so forth, but what are we supposed to do?'"
Grant continued, "To me, I don't think that we should keep asking others and passively sitting back and waiting for others to deliver for us. We should be proactive and aggressive about making sure that economic opportunity exists in the Black community. So, all of us are national organizations; we've already got people; we've already got constituents, right? We've already got resources. So, let's set the example."
A "national action plan" in this regard will be announced July 27 during the USBC's School of Chamber Management conference at Georgetown University in D.C., Busby says.
In a nutshell, the plan is described as a strategic national movement in which Black chambers - and ultimately Black businesses and Black organizations - will be encouraged to open accounts in Black banks. Among the initial cities are Phoenix, Ariz.; Austin, Texas; Atlanta, New York City, and Detroit, Busby said.
"And so we're going into those six cities and saying, 'Okay, here's your local Black bank. We need to make sure that they're successful as well. We need to move as many of our loans, our bank accounts, our savings accounts into Black-owned banks.'"
Busby points out that the strategy is actually a part of the USBC's "solution-oriented" mission statement, which deals with supporting African-American businesses and banks based on five pillars:
*Advocacy: Fighting for legislation, programs and policies that promote small business growth.
*Access to capital: Creating avenues "by which Black businesses can gain greater access to credit, capital and other financial instruments."
*Contracting: Helping members "gain access to business opportunities" in private and public sectors.
*Entrepreneurial training: Assisting Black business leaders in achieving "stellar performance and growth through entrepreneur and business management training."
*Chamber development: The growth and expansion of new chambers around the nation.
The new strategy will focus mainly on three of the pillars. They are access to capital, contracting and entrepreneurial training, Busby said.
Throughout history, Black leaders have attempted various economic strategies to strengthen the Black community as whole, most of which have failed. Grant explains that the greatest hurdle to this movement will be galvanizing the masses in the same direction and convincing people to think about community rather than just about their own organizations or households.
"The civil rights movement was the last time that over time we came together and we all got some kind of agreement - if you will - on one accord about what we wanted. The civil rights movement ended up changing a lot of people's minds and attitudes because the reward was so close in front of them," Grant said. "If you want to change behavior, you have to use positive reinforcement so that rewards for the new behavior are strong enough."
Economist Julianne Malveaux lauds the plan but says prospective participants must ask hard questions in order to hold the banks accountable.
"This is a very welcome move because only one in 10 Black dollars goes into Black entrepreneurs and Banks. So, whereas a dollar may turn over seven or eight times in other communities that invest in themselves the African-American community's dollar may turn over only once; then go right out. So, the Black Chamber is modeling what Black folks supporting Black folks should be," Malveaux said.
However, the success of the movement will be contingent upon whether Black banks are serious about spreading the wealth in Black communities.
"There are a series of questions that people who are changing accounts will have to ask. And those are questions that minority banks will have to answer. Like, for this support, what are you offering? Is this support simply rhetorical or does this mean more lending in the Black community? Does it mean more opportunity for our young people? Does it mean more employment for our young people?"
Grant concludes, "The burden is on all organizations; including the Black bankers too...It's a two-way street. When you think about all the things our banks could do in their communities to help strengthen those communities, that burden is on us as it is on everybody else. What can we do to grow wealth in our community? All of us have a responsibility. Nobody's exempt."
Promising Student Sustained Massive Injuries Saving Relatives’ Lives
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation (EAF) has contributed $10,000 toward the college education of a promising young man who risked his life to save his relatives in a tragic hit-and-run accident.
Matthew Brown, from Chicago Heights, Illinois who sustained massive injuries that resulted in his left leg being amputated, was officially presented the check by Alpha Kappa Alpha’s international president Carolyn House Stewart during EAF’s luncheon that was held during the Sorority’s biennial meeting in San Francisco. The check is a “President’s Scholarship” that Stewart presents to those whose heroism and achievements are extraordinarily remarkable.
The scholarship is being set aside for his college education and will be used to pay Matthew’s expenses at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, where he plans to major in criminal justice.
In making the announcement, Stewart applauded Brown for his rare courage and will to continue to excel despite the massive injuries he sustained.
The tragedy that led to Brown’s hospitalization took place on March 17 when a driver came barreling down a Chicago street. Seeing that his relatives were in danger, Matthew pushed them out of harm’s way. In committing this act of bravery and love, he took the full force of the impact. In the aftermath of this tragedy, his right leg was amputated.
The tragedy was heightened because the driver never stopped and remains at large.
Matthew underwent several operations and will continue to endure months of rehabilitation. However, in a show of determination and indomitable courage, he worked, pushed and endured pain and grueling physical rehabilitation so he could achieve his ultimate goal: to attend his high school graduation from Bloom Township High School just eleven weeks after his -accident. As he mounted the stage in his wheelchair to receive his diploma, the audience erupted in applause.
When AKA’s international president learned of the tragedy, she directed Barbara Sutton, EAF’s executive director, to explore ways the Sorority could help ease his hardships and help him realize his dreams.
After talking to Brown and his mother, the pair indicated that he wanted to realize his dream to attend Prairie State College to pursue an associate’s degree in criminal justice and to later earn a bachelor’s degree. His ultimate dream is to become a crime scene investigator.
When they learned of his wishes, President Stewart and Sutton put plans in motion to grant the scholarship. As a show of love, they visited with Matthew at Hope Children’s Hospital in Chicago to announce the award and to wish him good cheer. They were heartened that he was in good spirits and that he was grateful for the scholarship that will substantially help in underwriting his college expenses.
The formal announcement of the scholarship was made at the Luncheon that 1,000 members of the Sorority attended.
Because of his injuries, neither Brown nor family members attended the luncheon. However, they expressed their appreciation through a pre-recorded video.
“Matthew Brown is the very embodiment of the word ‘hero’”, declared Stewart. “His singular act of courage has earned the admiration of all who have heard his story. By establishing this Scholarship Fund, Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation, Inc. is helping to assure that he receives the assistance to attend college. Alpha Kappa Alpha will continue to follow his progress and will continue to be a source of uplift and support as he continues his journey to recovery.”
Nation-Built $5 Million Restaurant Re-open
The jewel of 79th street is returning with the early July reopening of the Nation of Islam built Salaam restaurant. Calvin Hollins, the new executive director, said the $5 million Salaam restaurant will officially reopen for business July 6 and July 7. The reborn Salaam includes three restaurants under one roof: A bakery, the Crescent Café and Fine Dining. That means a choice of coffee and pastries, casual dining, or a special night on the town in the upstairs dining room.
"I think anyone off the street who comes into this facility will find something palatable to their needs and their likes," said Mr. Hollins.
The facility is for everyone but springs from the mission of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and Nation of Islam and is rooted in the hallmarks of healthy eating, economic self-sufficiency and community building, said Mr. Hollins and executive assistant Carla X. "We are continuing to fulfill what the Hon. Elijah Muhammad established for us," said Carla X, a Muslim in the Nation of Islam. "It's not just a restaurant; it's us doing for self."
Many of the products offered will be from farms owned by the Nation and from Black farmers around the country, explained Mr. Hollins. The menu will include longtime favorites such as Bean Pie and bean soup to go alongside special choices for vegetarians and lovers of fine cuisine.
Min. Farrakhan could have placed the multi-million dollar facility anywhere but chose to build and keep it in the Englewood and Auburn-Gresham neighborhood, said Mr. Hollins. That shows a commitment that should be respected and applauded, he added.
In a neighborhood with challenges, the Salaam will serve as a light, a meeting place and an example of Black pride and possibility.
"I believe the restaurant is a reflection of who we are in this community and its struggle. Seeing what it has been during the construction until now, it's a change in us as well as in our community. When they see that the restaurant is opening again, they know there is always more to expect. We open the doors and we just bring everyone in," said Sis. Carla X.
People come in everyday to inquire about the restaurant and share memories from its original opening in the mid-1990s, she added. The restaurant was closed for a over a decade but its reopening was always in the hearts of Muslims and Blacks in Chicago and other parts of the country.
Mr. Hollins has opened over 17 restaurants in recent years, including Jermaine Dupri's restaurant in Atlanta, Charles Oakley's restaurant in Cleveland and Andre Dawson's restaurant in Milwaukee.
An experienced restaurateur, Mr. Hollins has made somewhat of a comeback. Last year an appeals court threw out convictions against him and a business partner related to a 2003 tragedy at their E2 night club. Twenty-one people died after a fight, stampede and ensuing panic involving pepper spray and screams of a terror attack. A defense attorney said the two men were scapegoated as police and fire recues failed.
"I think this facility will end up being landmark in Chicago. This is a fun-filled restaurant that is owned by the Nation," said Mr. Hollins.
He is proud of the experienced cooking staff and happy to showcase quality food and high quality service.
"There is no facility like this in our community," Mr. Hollins noted. The upstairs has a soft, exotic feel and is breathtaking, he said. The downstairs bakery and café are bright and airy, while the first floor atrium is tastefully appointed with linen napkins, table cloths and place settings.
Chicago has restaurants but some historic establishments, including Army and Lou's, Izola's, Gladys' have gone out of business, Mr. Hollins said. "Our facility gives us that ability once again on the family aspects and as well as the business aspects of Chicago. We have a facility here that can rival anyone, we can have business meetings here, we have weddings here, we have baby showers here, the list is endless," he said. "People can come to our facility and see that it's not just for the Nation but for all people of all walks of life in Chicago. I am looking to reach out from Evanston to Schaumburg to anywhere they would chose to have a nice place to dine and enjoy," he added.
Future plans calls for a Sunday gospel brunch and monthly dinner shows with top talent.
The new Salaam includes photos and murals with pictures of historic figures and events, including the 1995 Million Man March, convened by Min. Farrakhan and the largest public gathering in U.S. history. The décor, the food and service add up to one thing: "Welcome, welcome, welcome to all," said Mr. Hollins with a smile.
Education Secretary Arne Duncan, along with officials from White House and the Smithsonian Institution will join high-school student leaders from New York and Washington D.C., today for a series of events celebrating the 48th anniversary of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Joining the students and Secretary Duncan will be Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Russlynn Ali, Special Assistant to the President for Education Roberto Rodriguez, and leaders from the White House Initiatives on American Indian and Alaska Native Education, Asian American and Pacific Islanders, Education Excellence for Hispanics, and Historically Black Colleges.
Students will also hear from curators of the Smithsonian's National Museums of African American History and Culture and American History, and will delve further into civil rights history through discussions with senior administration officials about the struggle to achieve legislation prohibiting discrimination based on race in our nation's schools. They will also discuss current issues and perspectives on Title VI and develop their own visions for advancing equality. Youth involvement played a significant role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act, and youth continue to play a major role in sustaining its principles.
In addition, the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) will release "Title VI: Enforcement Highlights," published to commemorate the 48th anniversary of Title VI, and reviewing OCR's work over the last three years to enforce this important civil rights statue.
"Even as we celebrate today, we must also honor the legacy of Title VI by understanding its enduring relevance and continuing to vigorously enforce its protections for students of all races and national origins," said Russlynn Ali, the Department's assistant secretary for Civil Rights.
"Title VI: Enforcement Highlights" describes how OCR has fought civil rights violations such as discriminatory discipline, racial harassment, and barriers to education for English learners. OCR received nearly 5500 Title VI-related complaints in the last three years – a record -- and launched over 55 systemic, proactive investigations. The document also covers OCR's ground-breaking policy guidance in areas such as how school districts and colleges can voluntarily choose to promote diversity in their student bodies within the Constitution.
The document also reports on data culled from the Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC), released by OCR in March of this year. The CRDC surveyed 72,000 schools teaching 85 percent of America's students, and data show that racial inequities remain a reality in many of America's schools. For example, African-American students are over 3 ½ times more likely than their white peers to be suspended or expelled. And Hispanic students represent 21 percent of the enrollment in high school but only 13 percent of students passing at least one Advanced Placement exam.
Title VI states, "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance." Title VI applies to all levels of educational institutions – public or private – that receive federal financial assistance. The statute extends to all programs and activities and prohibits denial of equal access to college- and career-preparatory courses, programs for English learners, and discriminatory discipline and harassment—all of which are fundamental barriers to equal education.
Among the young people expected to attend today's events are students from the New York Mayor's Youth Leadership Council, New York Urban Ambassadors, the Close Up program, the Washington, D.C., Schools Without Walls, as well as winners of the Princeton Prize on Race Relations.
Following their time at the Department, the students and their chaperones will take part in tours through the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
On Wednesday, June 27, the first African Americans inducted into the Marines Corps received the Congressional Gold Medal. The group is generally known as the "Montford Marines" because they were trained at Camp Montford Point in Jacksonville, North Carolina, which was segregated. From 1942-1949 over 20,000 men were trained at Montford Point. The Marines were the last branch of the military to integrate.
The Congressional Gold Medal ceremony took place in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. The Tuskegee Airmen, African-American pilots who fought during World War II, were honored with the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007. The legislation to honor the Montford Marines was introduced by Rep. Corrine Brown (D-FL) in the House last July. Sen. Kay Hagan (D-NC) pushed Brown's legislation through Senate and President Obama signed the bill honoring the Marines in November 2011.
The Montford Point Marine Association says there are 400 Montford Marines still living. About 100 are expected to attend the ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.
In July 1948, President Truman signed Executive Order 9981, requiring the desegregation of the military. In 1949, Montford Point was closed and new Black recruits went to Parris Island and Camp Pendleton.
In his first television interview, George Zimmerman told Fox News’ Sean Hannity he had no regrets about killing Trayvon Martin..,“I feel that it was all God’s plan, and for me to second guess it or judge it…” Zimmerman said trailing off at the end
“No, sir,” Zimmerman answered. Later in the interview Zimmerman says, “I’m sorry this happened” but that he didn’t regret having a gun that day, getting out of his vehicle or following Martin. Zimmerman shot Martin to death on February 26.
“We must worship a different God,” Martin’s father, Tracy Martin told Associated Press reacting to Zimmerman’s interview with Hannity.
Martin family attorney Daryl Parks said there was no way Trayvon Martin could have known who Zimmerman was the night Zimmerman shot Martin. Parks said, “If you’re a teenager and someone is following you in a car …. you should be scared — common sense tells us that.”
Parks also said that Zimmerman’s attorney’s gave the prosecution “a gift” by contradicting what he told the police dispatcher on February 26 with what he said to Hannity during the interview.
Pulitzer Prize-winner William Raspberry, who served 40 years as a columnist for The Washington Post died Tuesday at his home in Washington, D.C. He was 76. His wife, Sondra Raspberry, said he had prostate cancer.
Noted for his fierce independent views on education, poverty, crime and race, Raspberry was one of the first black journalists -- the other was Carl Rowan-- to gain a wide following in the mainstream press.
Raspberry, who wrote a provocative opinion column for The Post that was also carried as a syndicated item in more than 200 newspapers across the country, retired in 2005.
As a depiction of his upbringing in the segregated South, Raspberry's columns would often focus on integration while opposing busing students in order to achieve racial balance.
"From the day Bill Raspberry wrote his first Post column, his advice was as wise and his voice as clear as anyone's in Washington," Donald Graham, chairman of the Washington Post Co., said in an interview. "To the city, Bill's columns brought 40 years of smart, independent judgment."
Raspberry won the Pulitzer in 1994, making him the second black columnist to achieve the honor. The Mississippi native began his career at The Post in 1962 as a teletype operator and within months began working as a reporter.
Raspberry covered the riots in 1965 in the Watts section of Los Angeles, and a year later began writing a column on local matters.
For more 10 years Raspberry, the son of two preachers, taught journalism at Duke University. Born in 1935 in the northeastern Mississippi town of Okolona, he graduated from Indiana Central College, now the University of Indianapolis.
Washington, DC - Delegates to the 40th International Convention of the
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO
(AFSCME), elected Lee A. Saunders to be president and Laura Reyes to be
secretary-treasurer of the union representing 1.6 million public service
workers.
Lee A. Saunders received 683,628 votes to 582,358 for Danny Donohue. In the
race for secretary-treasurer, the union's second highest ranking officer,
Laura Reyes received 661,413 votes to 603,624 for Alice Goff. The election
was administered by the American Arbitration Association.
"Both Laura and I are committed to our members and cherish this union," said
AFSCME President Elect Lee A. Saunders. "We had a vigorous and energetic
campaign, but now the union will pull together to win victories for working
families and our members all across this great country. We know that Wall
Street and their allies are engaged in an all-out assault against our
members and the services we provide. They know that AFSCME stands in the way
of their efforts to destroy the middle class. We are united in our
commitment to stand up for the men and women who care for America's
children, nurse the sick, plow our streets, collect the household trash and
guard our prisons. Our members are a cross-section of America, not some
elite group as our opponents try to claim. We are energized and ready for
the battles ahead."
Pres. Gerald W. McEntee, who retired after 31 years as AFSCME president,
said the delegates' decision to elect Lee and Laura "strengthens our
leadership and will enhance our ability to face the challenges that await us
around the country."
Saunders will be the fourth president of AFSCME since the union's formation
75 years ago in Madison, Wis. Arnold Zander served as AFSCME's first
president from 1936, when the union was first chartered by the American
Federation of Labor (AFL), until 1964. The union's second president, Jerry
Wurf, was elected at the 1964 AFSCME Convention. McEntee ascended to the
union's presidency following Wurf's death in 1981.
Lee A. Saunders also becomes AFSCME's first African American President,
while Laura Reyes becomes the first woman Secretary-Treasurer.
As he has read and listened to televised accounts of the abuses the disgraced former Penn State University defensive coordinator visited on defenseless young victims, Del McFadden said he has one recurring question: How could this have gone on so long without Jerry Sandusky being detected?
That is just one of a number of questions the public is left to ask following a high-profile trial after which Sandusky was found guilty in 45 of 48 counts of sexually abusing 10 boys over the course of 15 years. The 68-year-old convicted pedophile could spend the rest of his life in prison if his appeals are rebuffed.
"It appears that there is an overwhelming amount of evidence against him but when I last heard, he was still claiming innocence," said McFadden, outreach coordinator with the Columbia Heights/Shaw Family Support Collaborative in Northwest. "The thing that's shocked me was the period of time – 15 years. What's wild is that someone had to know something. My question is why?"
Jurors took more than 20 hours to deliberate and return with a verdict.
Lead prosecutor Joseph McGettigan's comments to jurors shortly before they began deliberations crystallized what the trial represented.
"I have 10 souls in my pocket – childhoods ravaged, memories destroyed by this man. You can't give back the pieces of their souls that he took," McGettigan said on the final day.
Linda Kelly, Pennsylvania's Attorney General, declared in remarks following the trial that justice for those 10 boys had finally been served.
"This defendant, a serial child predator who committed horrific acts upon his victims, causing lifelong and life changing consequences for all of them, has been held accountable for his crimes," Kelly said.
For Houston, Texas homemaker Sheila Price, the stories each victim revealed on the witness stand about their exploitation fueled her sorrow.
"It's just really sad, sad for him and his family and sad for the children,"said Price, 54. "It's also a sad state of affairs that it went on for so long and has now come to light. To me, he's guilty. He's a grown man and even if he wasn't doing anything, as an adult there are certain boundaries he should not have crossed. There are some boundaries adults must maintain."
D.C. educator Marva Shand McIntosh said she was pleased with the verdict but worried that Sandusky's actions have tarnished the good work non-profits do.
"The saddest part of the story for me was that he was able to reach these boys under the guise of a charitable organization," said McIntosh, who works with the District of Columbia Public Schools. "He reached out to these kids and victimized them with what they were running from. It is so sad. Essentially, he was a homosexual and a pedophile who adopted a kid and then abused him."
McIntosh was referring to the bombshell announcement by one of Sandusky's adopted children, Matt, that he was abused by his adopted father.
Sandusky's lawyer Joe Amendola said in a CBS News interview that Sandusky "was absolutely going to testify in his own defense right up until" ... the news broke that Matt Sandusky, 33, the family's youngest adopted son, had informed the prosecution that Sandusky had abused him as a young boy and was available to the prosecution as a final rebuttal witness. Matt Sandusky had previously defended his father when the elder Sandusky was arrested last November but he recounted his story of the alleged abuses against him to police during his father's trial.
The savagery of Sandusky's actions, the length of time he preyed on his victims, and the long-term harm he has brought into the lives of innocents makes his punishment appropriate, said McIntosh.
"I am pleased about the verdict," she said. "He represented Penn State for a long time. Just as how he represented them when he was good, he represents them now he's evil. This is a sad day for disadvantaged youth. Sandusky has compounded the disadvantages these young men had in life."
McIntosh said Sandusky betrayed their trust.
"He was a devious man. Who would think of setting up an organization to have these kids at his disposal? Other pedophiles do it more by happenstance; he did it by design. It's horrible. There's no room for any remorse. He's not even sorry he got caught. ... Why would 10 different boys from different settings lie about you? All had the same story, even the one he adopted."
Kelly made it clear at the trial's conclusion that Penn State bears responsibility for what happened.
"It's hard to overlook the fact that Penn State, the campus of Penn State, the physical campus of Penn State was the area where some of these assaults took place," she said.
During the trial, witnesses testified seeing Sandusky in the showers with young boys on campus, he was given access to the facilities by university officials because of his position and status on campus. And as the fallout of the case spread, former Penn State Football Coach Joe Paterno, University President Graham Spanier and two other school officials were either fired or forced to resign when it became clear that they turned a blind eye to what Sandusky was doing.
In the weeks since the verdict, more information is being revealed of the depth of complicity by university officials.
Sandusky's crimes occurred at the nexus of a juggernaut football program, money, and powerful university interests. In many ways, those who were interviewed said, the young boys never had a chance. They were sacrificed on the altar of big-time college sports.
"I'm interested in why these things are allowed to fester," said the 38-year-old McFadden. "I guess because he was a beneficial, high-powered individual and maybe they didn't want that success and winning streak to be affected."
There is, and has been, widespread outrage against Penn State for officials who engaged in a cover-up designed to protect the school's name and football legacy at the expense of vulnerable, innocent children.University officials have expressed a desire to settle any victim lawsuits and turn the page on a chapter that has sullied the institution's once pristine reputation.
"I put 70 percent of the blame on the university because they failed to address the situation," Price said. "That's unfortunate if they knew what was going on and did nothing. I know that sometimes you hear rumors and blow it off but if they got wind of this and did nothing, they're culpable."
McFadden said Sandusky's behavior isn't uncommon and he said he is diligent in instructing his nieces and other young people about ways to safeguard themselves because it could be a matter of life and death.
He recalled the time he supervised a 10-bed girl's facility in Rockville, Md.
"Fifty or 60 percent of the girls had been molested," he said. "The abuse would always come up in therapy. I was blown away by the assaults and the closeness of those who committed those crimes. It was uncles, fathers, and relatives."
"This will affect them for the rest of their lives. It will affect their relationships, marriages and just the way they see the world. I am concerned about the lives of these young people. They will be forever haunted by what happened to them."
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