January 5, 2013 - January 5, 2013, The Afro-American A1

he said. “It’s time to create a new legacy.”

Lewis, 37, hasn’t played a game in more than two months after tearing his triceps during week 6 of the 2012 regular season. He’s expected to play for the first time on Jan. 6 when the

Ravens host the Indianapolis Colts in a wild-card playoff game in Baltimore. It may end up being his last game played in Baltimore.

Ravens’ star running back Ray Rice told reporters he’s already sad to see him go.

By Stephen D. Riley and Perry GreenAFRO Sports Desk

It is rare for both the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Redskins to make the playoffs and win their divisions in the same season. The DMV’s north and south football teams

not only finished the year with the same record at 10-6 but they also squared off along the way with Washington beating Baltimore, 31-28 on Dec. 9. Both teams have used power running games and efficient quarterback play to qualify for the 2012 postseason. Winning football is back in the District thanks to rookie

By AFRO Staff

The Department of Defense is looking into the personnel and hiring practices at military facility-based child-care centers around the world after questions surfaced about the suitability of some employees at a center at Fort Myer in Arlington, officials said.

The investigation was ordered in connection with the arrest of two employees who worked at the Child Development Center at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, which services children of personnel who work at the Pentagon and other Washington-area military facilities. The two employees, who were arrested Sept. 26, are accused of assaulting two 2-year-

olds. The alleged abuse was initially reported by a suspecting parent. The two employees appeared in federal court in Alexandria last month on assault charges, officials said.

The investigation into that

case disclosed that as many as 31 employees at the facility may have backgrounds that make them unsuitable to work with children, including drug use and prior allegations that they abused children, officials said. As a result,

the employees were suspended and Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta ordered that hiring practices and personnel backgrounds be checked at military day-care facilities around the world.

“Military children are precious members of our Defense Department family,” Panetta said in a statement. “As a department, protecting our service members and their families is paramount. That includes doing everything we can to provide for the

safety of children attending CDCs throughout the department, and ensuring they are provided with the highest-quality care by dedicated professionals.”

Army officials replaced the Fort Myer facility’s managers in October, a few weeks after the arrests. The center was temporarily closed and the children were relocated to another Fort Myer center.

The Fort Myer Child Development Center, one of many on foreign and domestic military installations charged with caring for children of military personnel, is the largest among those operated by the Department of Defense. The center measures about 51,000 square-feet and was conceived

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Continued on A5Continued on A3

INSIDE

A4America’s

InaugurationsThe AFRO Coverage

Hoover ‘Snaps’ at

Mary McLeod Bethune

B5 AFRO Coverage

Emancipation ProclamationCelebrations

Defense Department Investigating Military Child-care Centers

By Cash MichaelsSpecial to the NNPA from The Wilmington Journal

RALEIGH, N.C. – In what civil rights leaders across the nation are calling a significant moment in the civil rights movement, North Carolina

Gov. Beverly Perdue has granted individual pardons of actual innocence to all members of the Wilmington Ten.

“I have decided to grant these pardons because the more facts I have learned about the Wilmington Ten, the more appalled I have become about

Continued on A3

Governor Cites ‘Naked Racism’

Wilmington 10 Pardoned

By AFRO Staff

Members of Delta Sigma Theta sorority are celebrating their 100th anniversary with a series of events, including a Founders’ Day weekend scheduled for Jan. 11-13 in Washington D.C.

The centennial celebration touched off New Year’s Day when the sorority, which was founded in 1913 on the campus of Howard University, presented a float in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., the parade that coincides with the Rose Bowl. Organizers said the Delta float was the first ever by a Black Greek organization to participate in the parade.

The theme of the sorority’s float was “Transforming Communities through Sisterhood & Service.” It featured a golden globe sitting atop flowers and olive branches and a floating hexagon representing the sorority’s “Five-Point Programmatic Thrust,” which was established in 1955 depicting the organization’s outreach goals: economic development,

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Celebrates its Centennial

Delta float

Continued on A3

Rollingout.com

Wikimedia CommonsRay Lewis

Debate in the DMV: Are the Redskins Now Better than the Ravens?

Photo by John Moore#10 Quarterbac k Robert Griffin III stands in the pocket against the Ravens defense.

“Military children are precious members of our Defense Department family.”

– Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta

By Perry GreenAFRO Sports Editor

Baltimore Ravens star linebacker Ray Lewis told reporters during a team practice on Jan. 2 that he plans on ending his 17-year career following the end of the playoffs.

“This will be my last ride,”

Ray Lewis Ready to Retire Following Playoffs

A2 The Afro-American, January 5, 2012 - January 11, 2013

Serena Williams Speaks Out on Fellow Competitor’s Imitation

Serena Williams has spoken out about fellow tennis player Caroline Wozniacki’s irreverent parody of Williams’ curves, saying she was not bothered by the joke.

Wozniacki, a former no. 1-ranked player from Denmark, set off a firestorm when she poked fun at Williams’ impressive physical assets by stuffing her shirt and skirt during an exhibition match against Maria Sharapova in Brazil.

The video footage went viral, igniting swift, sometimes vicious commentary on social media and in online forums. Women of color were especially outraged by what seemed like a racist denigration of the Black female form.

But Williams recently told USA Today that she was not bothered by the imitation.

“I know Caro and I would call her my friend and I don’t think she (meant) anything racist by it,” Williams, a 15-time major winner, told the newspaper in an e-mail.

Williams pointed out that others, such as Andy Roddick and Novak Djokovic, have performed similar imitations of fellow players which were not labeled as racist.

However, she added, since so many others seemed disturbed by the parody, Wozniacki should probably think twice before doing another imitation.

“I must add if people feel this way she should take reason and do something different next time,” Williams wrote, punctuating her sentence with a smiley emoticon.

The reigning U.S. Open and Wimbledon champ said she has

not seen the video and preferred to stay out of the controversy.“At the end of the day I spend my time focused on things to

become better and not bring me down,” she continued, writing from the island of Mauritius off the coast of Africa, where she is training for the Australian Open.

Congress Passes Private Bill for African Student, Grants Permanent Residency

It’s been a long road for Sopuruchi Victor Chukwueke. Abandoned at a Nigerian orphanage because of the large

tumors taking over the front and right sides of his face, ridicule followed him everywhere he went as he became an outcast.

But his first break came on Aug. 21, 2001 when, according to biographical information released by his attorney, orphanage nuns helped the 15-year-old Chukwueke travel to America for major surgery to be completed pro-bono.

More than a decade and seven surgeries later, Chukwueke is an aspiring doctor who recently moved one step closer to seeing his dream realized.

In an act of compassion, Congress passed a bill in mid-December granting the young man, now 26, permanent

residency after denying the Nigerian native the privilege on two previous occasions.

“Victor’s amazing courage and determination exemplify much of what is so great about our country,” Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) said in a statement. “Already, his example has enriched Michigan and our nation, but I know that his contributions to our country are only beginning.”

Levin first introduced the private bill, an unusual piece of legislation which applies to only one individual, in February 2011. According to CNN, Levin’s measure was the first private bill to pass Congress in two years.

The bill, if signed by President Obama, will act as a tailored version of the DREAM Act for Chukwueke—but instead of granting temporary residency, his citizenship status will be permanent.

Chukwueke has already earned his bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University. Levin praised Chukwueke for his biochemistry and chemical biology degrees, completed with a 3.82 grade-point average while he was battling medical challenges and fighting to change his status as an illegal immigrant.

With his permanent resident status, Chukwueke will now be able to officially attend the University of Toledo’s College of Medicine, which required that he be a permanent resident before making his acceptance into the institution official.

According to his lawyers, Chukwueke plans to use his medical degree to perform for others the same life-saving surgeries he received.

Chicago Neighborhood Campaigning to Become Home of Obama Presidential Library

Bronzeville, the renowned African-American enclave on Chicago’s South Side, is rich in the histories of Black writers and entertainers such as Richard Wright, Louis Armstrong, Lorraine Hansberry and Muddy Waters.

Now, the community wants to be known as the home of the Barack Obama presidential library.

The president has not publicly commented on his plans for a library, and the project is unlikely to reach fruition before the end of the decade. But several contenders from Illinois to Hawaii, including Bronzeville, are vying for the prestige and economic vitality that the tourist site could bring.

Because of Obama’s unique role as the first African-American president, his library—replete with documents, videos, photos and other memorabilia from his White House years—could be even more of a draw for researchers and tourists alike.

“In many areas, you have a library reaching 200,000 to 300,000 visitors a year,” Susan Donius, director of the National Archives’ Office of Presidential Libraries, said of the economic potential of an Obama library in an interview with the Chicago Tribune. “That means people are coming into the city and spending travel and tourism dollars.”

Traditionally, presidential libraries are built in the leader’s home state, which narrows the race down to Chicago, where he most recently lived, and Honolulu, where he was born.

The University of Hawaii, the alma mater of the president’s parents, has already mounted a campaign to lure the library to its campus. And the legislature has put together a group of leaders to lobby for the edifice.

But Jerry Roper, president of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, said Chicago is a better geographical choice for the library.

“To be successful, it means people get an opportunity to view it,” Roper told the Tribune. “Flying all the way to Hawaii is costly and you’d have to tie it to a vacation. Here you can drive to the library and visit because you’re already in the city for a meeting or convention or the lights festival.”

Chicago has several possible sites for the library, including a proposed 125-acre mixed-use property on the site of the former U.S. Steel South Works and the frontrunner, the University of Chicago, where Obama taught law for 12 years. But Bronzeville supporters say the facility would be a great boon to the community.

“Why does the university feel they have a right to it?” said Leonard McGee, president of the Bronzeville Alliance, a group of residents and organizations seeking to revitalize Bronzeville. “I’m not saying it’s owed to Bronzeville, either, but why not provide an economic boon to a community that is deprived?”

“If the university gets it, it’s the same old game as usual. Where money flows, things go,” he said.

The community, already rich in Black history, is a natural fit for the library, added Harold Lucas, president of the Black Metropolis Convention & Tourism Council in Bronzeville.

“This area tells the story of Chess Records, gospel music, blues and jazz, electrified by Willie Dixon, Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters,” he said. “When people come to Chicago, that’s what they want to see. They want to see the birthplace of Mr. Obama’s political career.”

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A2 The Afro-American, January 5, 2013 - January 5, 2013

Defense DepartmentContinued from A1

Wilmington TenContinued from A1

Ray LewisContinued from A1

By Alan KingAFRO Staff Writer

Jennifer Hudson and otherrelatives positively identified

the body of her 7-year-oldnephew Monday, just hoursafter his body was found in a

sport-utility vehicle sought inconnection with the murder ofHudson’s mother and brother.

The white, 1994 ChevroletSuburban with Illinois license

plate X584859 was found onChicago’s West Side afterpolice received a 7 a.m. call

from a neighbor about a suspi-cious vehicle. The man noticedthe vehicle while walking hisdog. According to the ChicagoTribune, the boy had been shotmultiple times in the back seatof the vehicle. The SUV, regis-tered to Hudson’s murderedbrother, was towed with theboy’s body inside and is beingprocessed by evidence techni-cians and workers. The bodywas later removed and taken tothe Cook County MedicalExaminer’s office.

Hudson and other familymembers arrived at the MedicalExaminer’s office mid-after-noon to identify the body.Given the choice between look-ing directly at the body orviewing it on a wall-mounted

video screen, the family chosethe latter. According to theTribune, Hudson said, “Yes,that’s him.”

A spokesman for the officetold the newspaper that Hudson

“remained strong for her fami-ly” and was clearly its leader.“She held hands with her fami-ly,” the spokesman said. “Itwas obviously a very emotionalmoment.”

The boy – the son of JuliaHudson, Jennifer’s sister – hadbeen missing since Friday,when a relative found Julian’sgrandmother, DarnellDonerson, 57, and his uncle,Jason Hudson, 29, shot to deathin his grandmother’s home inthe 7000 block of South YaleAvenue.

An Amber Alert – a desig-nation for high-risk missingchildren – was issued Fridayafter Julian was discoveredmissing after the murders.Police arrested WilliamBalfour, the missing boy’s step-father and estranged husbandof Julia, at his girlfriend’sSouthside apartment severalhours after the murders.Balfour’s mother, Michele, hastold reporters that her son hadnothing to do with the slayings.

Balfour remains a suspect in

the murders but is being held injail for parole violation after

being convicted of attemptedmurder and vehicular hijack-ing. Cook County records showthat he pleaded guilty to bothcharges in 1999. He was alsoconvicted in 1998 for posses-sion of a stolen motor vehicle.He was released from prison in2006 after serving seven yearsfor the attempted murder andcar hijacking charges.

The boy remained missingthrough a long weekend inwhich police and volunteers

posted fliers bearing his photo-graph around the city. OnSunday, Jennifer Hudson askedfor the public’s help in findingher nephew. In her MySpaceblog, she thanked fans and sup-porters for their prayers andoffered a $100,000 reward toanyone who returned the boyalive.

Since the investigation,Hudson – who gained stardomafter appearing on “AmericanIdol,” and then won anAcademy Award for her role inthe movie Dreamgirls – hasstayed out of the public eye.

The Chicago Tribune report-ed that a parade of cars movedslowly past her family’s homeMonday morning, past thenews vans, reporters and curi-

ous onlookers.Neighbors stoodquietly andreflected on the

violence. In front of the Hudson’s

home, men in heavy jacketsand hooded sweatshirts came tokiss the twin white crosses bar-ing the names of Donerson andJason.

“Everybody is sick of goingthrough stuff like this,” ArtishaWest, a former resident of thearea told the Tribune. “We allhave to stick together. All theseyoung children are dying, andfor what?”

By Alan KingAFRO Staff Writer

Presidential candidate JohnMcCain’s attack on ACORN –Associated CommunityOrganization for Reform Now –confirms the success of theorganization, the head of thegroup says.

“This is testimony to the workwe’ve done and success we’vehad,” Maude Hurd, president ofACORN, said in an interviewwith the AFRO.

“When this attack started, wehad just announced that we hadregistered 1.3 million new vot-ers,” she said. “That’s just to saythat someone’s running scaredbecause of ACORN’s success.”

McCain, who is running forpresident on the Republican tick-et, lashed out at ACORN in thefinal debate against BarackObama, contending the group “ison the verge of maybe perpetrat-ing one of the greatest frauds invoter history in this country,maybe destroying the fabric ofdemocracy.”

Factcheck.org, a non-partisanWeb site, found those claims tobe “exaggerated,” with “no evi-dence of any such democracy-destroying fraud.”

Hurd believes the McCaincharges were politically motivat-ed.

She said, “Because it’s low-and moderate-income people,and people of color, I believe theMcCain campaign thinks thosevoters are going to voteDemocratic, which is not neces-sarily true.”

ACORN is no stranger tocontroversy.

For 38 years, the non-partisanorganization has fought for socialand economic justice for low-and moderate-incomeAmericans. With 400,000 mem-ber families organized into morethan 1,200 neighborhood chap-ters in 110 cities nationwide,ACORN has over the years seenits share of criticism while advo-cating for affordable housing,living wages, healthcare for theunderserved— and while organ-izing voter registration drives.But none has been as witheringand baseless as this one.

With the presidential electionless than two weeks away,ACORN’s detractors allege theorganization has engaged in mas-sive voter registration fraud afterthe reported discovery of bogusnames, such as Mickey Mouse

and Dallas Cowboys playersTony Romo and Terrell Owens,among the names submitted toelection officials.

Hurd said those workers, whowere doing those things withoutACORN’s knowledge or permis-sion, were fired.

“The evidence that has sur-faced so far shows they fakedforms to get paid for work theydidn’t do, not to stuff ballotboxes.” ACORN, she said, is thevictim of fraud, not the perpetra-tor of it.

Hurd said the only thingsbogus are the charges them-selves. And factcheck. orgagrees.

It concluded, “NeitherACORN nor its employees havebeen found guilty of, or evencharged with, casting fraudulentvotes.”

The problem came about pri-marily because of the wayACORN operates. Rather thanrely on volunteers, it pays peo-ple, many of them poor or unem-ployed, to sign up new voters.The idea was to help both thosebeing registered and those doingthe registration.

Maud explained, “We have azero tolerance policy for deliber-ate falsification of registration.”

Most news account neglect topoint out that ACORN isrequired by law to turn in all reg-istration forms. And they also failto note that it was the organiza-tion, in many instances, that firstbrought the phony registrationsto the attention of authorities.

The McCain camp apparentlyisn’t interested in those finepoints, preferring to air mislead-ing ads that seek to link Obamato ACORN, thereby undercuttinghis political support.

McCain: I’m John McCainand I approve this message.

Announcer: Who is BarackObama? A man with “a politicalbaptism performed at warpspeed.” Vast ambition. After col-lege, he moved to Chicago.Became a community organizer.There, Obama met MadeleineTalbot, part of the Chicagobranch of ACORN. He was soimpressive that he was asked totrain the ACORN staff.

What did ACORN in Chicagoengage in? Bullying banks.Intimidation tactics. Disruptionof business. ACORN forcedbanks to issue risky home loans.The same types of loans thatcaused the financial crisis we’rein today.

No wonder Obama’s campaign istrying to distance him from thegroup, saying, “Barack ObamaNever Organized with ACORN.”But Obama’s ties to ACORN runlong and deep. He taught classesfor ACORN. They even endorsedhim for President.But now ACORN is in trouble.

Reporter: There are at least11 investigations across thecountry involving thousands ofpotentially fraudulent ACORNforms.

Announcer: Massive voterfraud. And the Obama campaignpaid more than $800,000 to anACORN front for get out the voteefforts.Pressuring banks to issue riskyloans. Nationwide voter fraud.Barack Obama. Bad judgment.Blind ambition. Too risky forAmerica.

Since McCain’s comments,ACORN’s 87 offices have beenbombarded with threats andracist mail.

The day after the presidentialdebate, vandals broke into theorganization’s Boston and Seattleoffices and stole computers.After a Cleveland representativeappeared on TV, an e-mail wassent to the local office saying she“is going to have her life ended.”A worker in Providence, R.I.,received a threatening call say-ing, “We know you get off workat 9” and uttered racial epithets.

A caller to one office left amessage on the answeringmachine, saying: “Hi, I was justcalling to let you know thatBarack Obama needs to gethung. He’s a (expletive deleted)nigger, and he’s a piece of(expletive deleted). You guys arefraudulent, and you need to go tohell. All the niggers on oak trees.They’re gonna get all hung hon-eys, they’re going to get assassi-nated, they’re gonna get killed.”

Another message said, “Youliberal idiots. Dumb (expletivedeleted). Welfare bums. Youguys just (expletive deleted)come to our country, consumeevery natural resource there is,and make a lot of babies. That’sall you guys do. And then suckup the welfare and expect every-one else to pay for your hospitalbills for your kids. I jus’ say letyour kids die. That’s the bestmove. Just let your children die.Forget about paying for hospitalbills for them. I’m not gonna doit. You guys are lowlifes. And Ihope you all die.”

Hurd thinks the hate calls willcease soon.

“In two weeks, I think theseattacks will be over. But I think itwill be harder for us to get ourname back on good gracesbecause they really trashed us inthe last few weeks.”

But ACORN will not bedeterred.

“We’ve been fighting for along time, for over 30 years, forthe rights of low- and moderate-income people all across thecountry,” Hurd said. “We’regoing to continue to fight foreconomic justice in our commu-nities.”

November 1, 2008 - November 7, 2008, The Washington Afro-American A3

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Jennifer Hudson and Relatives Identify Body of Her Slain Nephew

“She held hands with her family. It was obviously a very emotional moment.” Courtesy Photos

Jennifer Hudson and her mom, Darnell Donerson whowas killed, as well as her brother, Jason.

Jason Hudson

Julian King, Jennnifer Hudson’s nephew.

ACORN Fights BackLeader Calls Voter Registration Fraud Charges ‘Bogus’

the manner in which their convictions were obtained,” Perdue, a Democrat who leaves office on Jan. 5, said Dec. 31.

“Justice demands that this stain finally be removed. The process in which this case was tried was fundamentally flawed. Therefore, as governor, I am issuing these pardons of innocence to right this longstanding wrong.”

The Wilmington Ten – nine Black males and one White female – were activists who, along with hundreds of Black students in the New Hanover County Public School System, protested rampant racial discrimination in 1971.

In February of that year, after the arrival of Rev. Benjamin Chavis to help lead the protests, racial violence erupted, with White supremacists driving through Wilmington’s Black community, fatally shooting innocent people and committing arson.

A White-owned grocery store in the Black community was firebombed, and firemen came under sniper fire. It wasn’t until a year later that Chavis and the others were arrested and charged with conspiracy in connection with the firebombing and shootings. The 10 were convicted, and sentenced to 282 years in prison, some of which they each served.

It wouldn’t be until 1977, after years of unsuccessful appeals in North Carolina courts, that three state’s witnesses recanted their testimonies, admitting that they perjured themselves.

Amnesty International issued a blistering report declaring the Wilmington Ten “political prisoners of conscience.” CBS’s 60 Minutes said the evidence against the Wilmington Ten had been fabricated by the prosecution.

Then- Gov. James B. Hunt refused to pardon the group, but commuted their sentences in 1978. Two years later, the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, citing gross prosecutorial misconduct and violations of constitutional rights, overturned the convictions. The appeals court directed North Carolina to either retry the defendants, or dismiss all charges, but the state did nothing for the next 32 years.

In March 2011, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), at the urging of Wilmington

Journal Publisher Mary Alice Thatch, voted to pursue pardons of innocence for the Wilmington Ten. That effort got underway in earnest a year ago. After a series of NNPA stories based on an investigation that revealed previously undisclosed court records proving prosecutorial corruption, the mainstream media, including the New York Times, caught on, and began editorially pushing for pardoning the Wilmington Ten. In addition, Change.org, the NAACP and the Wilmington Ten garnered over 144,000 petition signatures for the cause.

Perdue’s pardons legally mean that the accused did not commit the crimes for which they were convicted. The governor’s decision was roundly praised.

“Gov. Perdue’s historic action today doesn’t remove the past forty years of injustice against ten innocent American citizens – North Carolinians who stood up for equal treatment under the law in our public education system,” according to the Wilmington Ten Pardons of Innocence Project, a justice outreach effort of the National Newspaper Publishers Association and the Wilmington Journal newspaper.

“But [the governor’s pardon] does correct the historical record, that Connie

Tindall, Jerry Jacobs, William Joe Wright, Anne Sheppard, Wayne Moore, Marvin Patrick, James McKoy, Willie Earl Vereen, Reginald Epps and the Rev. Dr. Benjamin Chavis, were indeed innocent of all charges falsely assessed to them by a corrupt prosecutor who, to this day, has not answered for what he did.”

Perdue agreed that revelations of the racist and illegal trial tactics of Wilmington Ten prosecutor Jay Stroud – which included documented handwritten evidence of seeking “KKK” and “Uncle Tom-type” jurors; bribing witnesses to commit perjury; hiding exculpatory evidence of a witness’s mental illness from the defense; and deliberately forcing a mistrial so that he could get

both the judge and jury that would favor convictions – corrupt the criminal justice system, and shame the state.

Perdue called it “naked racism.”She said in a statement: “This conduct

is disgraceful. It is utterly incompatible with basic notions of fairness, and with every ideal that North Carolina holds dear. The legitimacy of our criminal justice system hinges on it operating in a fair and equitable manner, with justice being dispensed based on innocence or guilt – not based on race or other forms of prejudice.”

She continued, “These convictions were tainted by naked racism and represent an ugly stain on North Carolina’s criminal justice system that cannot be allowed to stand any longer.”

Chavis told the Wilmington Journal, “This is a great day for the people, and the movement. This is a very rare victory.”

Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton agreed.

“It was a significant victory and all of you should be commended,” said Sharpton, who pushed the pardon effort on his radio programs.

North Carolina NAACP President Rev. William Barber, who partnered

with the Wilmington Ten Pardons of Innocence, placed the successful pardons campaign in a historical context.

“Not only will the civil rights and human rights communities honor this act, but history itself will record this day as groundbreaking,” Barber told reporters in Raleigh, N.C. on Monday. “On the eve of the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, Gov. Perdue has proclaimed a contemporary emancipation for these freedom fighters. These pardons are not only for North Carolina but also for the nation and for the world. We honor the governor’s noble, courageous and righteous decision today and we commend her heart’s steadfast commitment to justice.”

“I have decided to grant these pardons because the more facts I have learned about the Wilmington Ten, the more appalled I have become about the manner in which their convictions were obtained.”

— N.C. Gov. Beverly Perdue

as an ideal learning and enrichment facility for children. It provides care for more than 400 children aged from six weeks to 12.

“The safety of the children under our care is our most important responsibility,” said Col. Fern Sumpter, Fort Myer’s commander. “The quality of their care and safety has been and will continue to be our most important priority.”

The Washington Post reported that the assaults on the two young children were captured on surveillance cameras.

is back in the District thanks to rookie signal caller Robert Griffin III while the term winning is nothing new around the streets of Charm City. But which team is the best between Redskins and the Ravens? Perry Green and Stephen D. Riley of the AFRO Sports Desk looked to some local fans for answers before feuding with their own perspectives.

Riley: There aren’t too many teams hotter than the Washington Redskins. Everything they do appears to be working whether their running misdirection run plays or subbing in a backup rookie quarterback. How many teams can say they have two promising young quarterbacks to go along with a rookie rusher who just ran for a team record 1,613 yards? Football isn’t just back in D.C. but it’s better than ever and dare I say better than Baltimore’s.

Green: Let’s not forget that Washington at one time was 3-6 and their coaches were already talking about evaluating talent for next year. Granted, the seven-game winning streak is nice but Baltimore has been steady from the get-go this season. They’ve found ways to win and have played some pretty stiff competition from Denver, New England, Houston, Cincinnati (twice) and Pittsburgh (twice). They’ve also beaten both Dallas and the New York Giants. The schedule has been severe but Baltimore has survived through it all. They’re proven and more reliable than the still-not-too-sure-about Redskins.

Riley: You also forgot to add that despite Baltimore beating Dallas and New York they lost to the Redskins after RGIII went down with a knee injury and rookie signal caller Kirk Cousins stepped

in. It’s kind of hard for me to believe a team is better than a team that they can’t even beat.

Green: It wasn’t like the game was a massive blowout or something. Washington won by three points and had to go to overtime to do that. Also keep in mind that Baltimore has been really banged up whether it was Ray Lewis, Haloti Ngata or Terrell Suggs all missing time. Those players are slowly getting healthy now and talent means a lot when you’re talking about who’s better. Baltimore is clearly better; they just haven’t been able to play to their full strength. The Ravens have the more proven quarterback, the more proven running back, and more proven stars on defense. That’s why they’re the only team to reach the NFL playoffs for each of the past five seasons. Meanwhile, Washington is making their first postseason trip in six years.

Riley: Talent goes out the window to me when you’re talking about who’s hot. Momentum is key to most sports and coming off a seven-game winning

streak, clearly Washington at this point is better. It’s not about the past five seasons; it’s about now. Right now, Washington’s run game is at the top of the league and their run defense is top five, two characteristics that define strong playoff teams. Griffin and Morris just might be more effective than Joe Flacco and Ray Rice. And considering Baltimore just fired their offensive coordinator a few weeks ago, the whole structure of how to run a football team is trending in Washington’s direction.

Green: Calm down, now. Flacco and Rice are one of the best backfield combos in the NFL. I like what Washington’s doing right now but let’s wait and see what they do against Seattle in the first round of the playoffs. It’s one thing to reach the playoffs, but it’s a whole different challenge to actually win a playoff game. The Ravens are 5-4 in the playoffs since 2008, winning at least one playoff games each year. They’re the only team in the league that can claim that feat. Let me know when the Redskins can say the same thing about their franchise.

Debate in the DMVContinued from A1

“It may sound biased because I’m a Ravens fan but Baltimore is the better team. They just reached the playoffs for the fifth straight year, and Washington can’t say that. If we’re talking about long history wise, then I’ll say the ‘Skins because of all the Super Bowls. But for now, Baltimore is better.”

— Darren Eyers of Baltimore, Md.

“Redskins, all day! We have RGIII and they have Joe Fluke-o, so that should tell you everything you need to here. HTTR! Hail to the Redskins!”

— Jermaine Johnson of Northwest, D.C.

“As a Cowboys fan, I don’t like the Ravens nor the Redskins so my opinion should be the only one worth value and as much as I hate to say it but I’m going with the ‘Skins on this one. RGIII is better than everyone on the Ravens’ offense besides Ray Rice. And the Ravens defense is getting old so they aren’t

the same team they once were.”—Kelvin Brown of Forestville, Md.

January 5, 2013 - January 11, 2013, The Afro-American A3

“I just can’t picture Baltimore without him. I was one of his kids,” Rice said.

Lewis served all 17 years of his NFL career in Baltimore, a rare accomplishment for star players during the NFL free agency era. During those years, he earned 13 Pro Bowl appearances, seven All-Pro first-team nominations, two Defensive MVP awards, helped guide the Ravens to nine playoff appearances and was named the MVP of the 2000 Super Bowl.

He has been argued to be the greatest middle linebacker in NFL history.

Now, Lewis said he will use his extra free time with his kids.

“There’s a lot of things that I’ve always put on hold for the game,” he said. “It’s a new chapter.”

Baltimore Centenarian Celebrates a New YearBy Alexis TaylorSpecial to the AFRO

The year was 1909 when Julia Magruder Murray was born to Clifton and Gertrude Johnson by lamp light. And if you ask her, a lot has changed in the two different centuries in which she’s lived.

For one, most buildings have electricity now. And it has been more than a few decades since she had to bring water in buckets from the nearby spring to wash, cook, and do laundry, an exhausting daily chore she had as a child.

“I am still here and don’t know what to do with myself,” the centenarian told the AFRO. “I can’t believe I’m 103.”

The eldest of a family of five brothers and two

sisters, Murray says she has lived a hard life that today, is much easier than her time working on the family’s corn and tobacco farm in Calvert County.

“I felt like a slave because my mother put a lot of work on me,” said Murray, who raised many of her siblings and was considered her father’s “right arm” because her mother was in a constant pregnant condition.

“‘Another baby?’” Murray recalls often asking, at the joyous announcement of another mouth to feed. “They would just say ‘shut up girl,’ but I would sass them back because I didn’t like all the work and I couldn’t play.”

Though there was little time for her to enjoy her

Continued on A5

Photo by Alexis TaylorAt 103 years old, Baltimore resident Julia Magruder Murray says her longevity has come from simply letting God fight her battles.

A4 The Afro-American, January 5, 2013 - January 11, 2013

America’s Inaugurations – The AFRO Coverage

Library of Congress Prints & Photographs LC-DIG-npccc-17016

President Hoover, right, leaving the White House with Calvin Coolidge, 1929

Herbert Hoover –1929..the courage to demand and the power to command..

Hoover ‘Snaps’ at Mary McLeod Bethune

Inaugural Arrangements March 2, 1929

An officially designated group of Washington citizens under the general chairmanship of Colonel U.S. Grant, third, including a special committee of which Attorney R.R. Horner is chairman have completed all arrangements for a welcome entertainment of all who contemplate coming to the nation’s capital to view inauguration of President-elect Hoover. Program will begin with an inaugural ball on March 4 at the Garnett-Patterson Junior High School and will be followed with a reception and banquet on March 6 at Dunbar High School.

On March 7 the S. Coleridge-Taylor Choral Society will give a concert at Garnett-Patterson Junior High School.

Visitors desiring further information upon arrival should make inquiries of Attorney R.R. Horner, Whitelaw Hotel or Stewart Building, Washington, D.C.

Inaugural ArrangementsHail Hoover!

March 9, 1929

Mr. Herbert Hoover, 30th President of the United States, took the oath of office and delivered his inaugural address, Monday.

In this, as in his campaign speeches, Negroes stretched their ears in vain to hear a word of sympathy or encouragement in the great fight they were waging to attain citizenship.

InaugurationJanuary 12, 1929

Under the old regime the rights of man as embodied in the amended Constitution constituted an important political dynamic, positive or negative. This dynamic died away at Kansas City and at Houston. The positive and negative attitudes of the two parties met at the zero point.

In years gone by the inauguration brought to Washington expectant Negro politicians from all parts of the land, hopefully waiting to be appointed recorder of something or minister to somewhere. But no such hopes will swell the breast of the ambitious Negro politician on March fourth, 1929. And yet the Negro constitutes a political entity which cannot be ignored by virtue of his electoral potentiality.

Negro VotersNo political party would wisely ignore five million potential

Negro votes. The woman vote, the labor vote, the farm vote, the Ku

Klux vote, will all be made to count powerfully in behalf of the respective groups by virtue of skillful management. But the Negro is treated as a political nonentity simply by reason of his political imbecility. No group may expect to secure from the government any degree of consideration or favor except in so far as it has the courage to demand and the power to command. It was not from the love of God that Mr. Hoover promised instant farm relief but from love of the farmers’ vote.

ProgramEvery group of voters, except the Negro, has a formulated

program which it presses in and out of season upon the powers that be. They put their requests in the form of demands with the implied penalty of withdrawal of political support. The Negro alone relies upon the gratis, grace and goodness of the administration. I have asked a dozen Nero politicians who assume to speak for the race in matters political, “What may this Negro expect from the incoming administration?” The unvarying reply is that they have confidence in the good intentions of Mr. Hoover. The Negro should know to his bitter regret that good administrative intentions form the best paving material for the streets of hell.

Clarence MatthewsOnce upon a time there was a political leader, Clarence W.

Matthews by name, who formulated a program for the race embodied in a statement of fourteen points. This program was indeed temperate in its demands. These fourteen points were presented to President Coolidge whose administration was bubbling over with good intentions for the race, and yet they were waved aside with the left hand because there was no political pressure back of them to give the demands effectiveness.

The voice of Mr. Matthews passed by as the idle wind which the administration respected not. Nor will any administration respect any demand from the Negro unless it is backed up by the power of command.

Had the solid political power of the race upheld the hands of the spokesman; and given the ruling powers to understand that this is what the race expected as the reward of past loyalty and the price of future support, there would have been a different tale to tell.

Hoover Photos are as Scarce as His Race Appointments

January 18, 1930

When President Hoover stepped outside the door of the White House last week to pose with delegates to the London Naval Conference with whom he had just had breakfast, he did something that he has done for no colored delegation that has visited him since his inauguration, although he has posed with several white groups – men, women and even boys. The President has had delegations and visitors from among the colored race, but no photographs have been snapped with Mr. Hoover in the group and unless the President’s mind changes none will be.

Addison N. Scurlock has been taking pictures of delegates which have gone to the White House since the days of President Roosevelt and he declares that the chief executives usually come out to pose with white delegations, but evidently when the colored groups arrive none of them have suggested that the President go outside with them and it just didn’t take place.

But this was not the case when President Hoover’s national memorial commission headed by Dr. John R. Hawkins visited the White House several weeks back.

Hoover Says “No”Mr. Scurlock had toted his camera to the executive offices,

destroyed by fire a few weeks ago and now being rebuilt. Before the delegation went in, Mr. Hoover was asked if he would come out afterward on the portico and be snapped with the visitors.

The day was clear and the sun was shining brightly, but word came back from the President’s office that he could not go outside for a photograph. Insistent members of the delegation asked whether the President would permit Mr. Scurlock to come inside the executive office and make a flashlight.

“Positively, there will be no photograph,” was the answer which came back and so peeved was the President’s monument commission that they refused to posed by themselves for a photograph and one was made.

Welcome to the MatUnder Harding and Coolidge, colored delegations felt as

if there was always a broad welcome on the mat outside of the White House door. Hoover has changed all that.

President Harding used to stand behind his desk in his executive office, cock his head to one side and listen attentively to whatever any spokesman for colored people had to say to him. He not only listened carefully, but he had the attitude of “Leave it to me and I’ll fix it.”

Usually he turned the matter over to his subordinates, but the delegates went away feeling that the President of the United States understood their problems and wanted to encourage them

Coolidge PolicyCoolidge also had this happy faculty. While Harding said,

“Leave it to me,” Coolidge said, “Leave it to time.”“Be patient, everything will come out all right,” he used to

tell the delegations and Mr. Coolidge somehow had the happy faculty of carrying his point.

Hoover DifferentPresident Hoover is different. There seem to be more

bodyguards and Secret Service men standing about ready to yank the hands of White House callers out of their pockets. They stand about during the audience, shifting from one foot to another, fidgeting. The President, himself, is abrupt.

Reminds of RitchieHe reminds callers of Governor Ritchie of Maryland,

although if anything, Ritchie is more patient.The case of Mrs. Mary Bethune of Dayton, Fla. is an

example. During the audience of the memorial commission with the President, Mrs. Bethune expressed her hope that the United States might find a way to make an appropriation out of its own funds for the national Negro memorial. Her words were carefully selected and intoned in a typical Bethune manner.

President Hoover’s reaction, however, was startling.

Hoover Snaps“That’s a matter for Congress,” he snapped.The entire delegation must have felt rebuffed. They knew as

they filed out that the chief executive was not sympathetic.But on the President’s desk lay a piece of paper that was

indicative of his character. It was a white memorandum sheet covered with circles, squares, triangles and intricate geometrical figures, traced in ink, while he listened to delegations or conversations over the telephone.

Yes, President Hoover is not only too busy to pose with delegations for a picture, but he is also too busy to talk with them patiently.

Inaugural Tickets Ready for DePriest March 2, 1929

Inaugural visitors are expected to begin arriving this week. Oscar DePriest, representative-elect from the first congressional district of Illinois, is expected to be an early arrival.

He will be provided two tickets for the inaugural ceremonies as are all other representatives-elect. He will also be provided with seats in the congressional stands to review the inaugural parade.

Others who are expected for the inauguration include Robert R. Church, Memphis, Tenn.; Charles E. Mitchell, Institute, W. Va.; Judge Albert George and Roscoe C. Simmons, Chicago, Ill.; Robert L. Vann, Pittsburgh, Pa.; George W. Harris, New York City; Walter L. Cohen, New Orleans, La.

Rain Fails to Daunt Inaugural Marchers25,000 in Rain See Hoover Inaugural

March 9, 1929More than 25,000 colored persons were in the crowd of

200,000 who lined the streets of this city, Monday to see the inauguration of Herbert Hoover as president of the United States.

While many of the visitors came by rail, presence in the city of auto tags from all sections of the country indicated that a large number motored.

Visitors braved the cold rain which started to fall at 11 o’clock and continued throughout the inauguration ceremonies and the parade. It lasted for three hours.

Hundreds of visitors after drying out at their hotels and lodging places left immediately for their homes. Others remained for the whole week of festivities which include a banquet, a reception, two musicals and a charity ball.

Departing from the custom of former Republican Presidents, Herbert Hoover in his inaugural address Monday failed to single out the Negro for special mention.

Oscar DePriest, representative-elect from the first congressional district of Illinois, was one of those to witness the ceremonies. Congressional tickets of admission were provided him as a member-elect of the next Congress.

The Presidential party was escorted to the inaugural platform at the east from of the Capitol; following the Senate ceremonies, where Chief Justice Taft administered the oath to President-elect Hoover. After being congratulated by Mr. Coolidge, President Hoover delivered his inaugural address.

The President declared some of America’s ideals are:The preservation of self-government and its full foundations

in local government; the perfection of justice whether in economic or in social fields; the maintenance of ordered liberty; the denial of domination by any group or class; the building up and preservation of equality of opportunity, the stimulation of initiative and individuality; absolute integrity in public affairs; the choice of officials for fitness to office; the direction of economic progress toward prosperity and the further lessening of poverty; the freedom of education and of the advancement of knowledge; the growth of religious spirit and the tolerance of all faiths; the strengthening of the home, the advancement of peace.

Colored UnitsColored units in the parade included the First Separate

Company of Baltimore, the Washington D.C. high school cadets and the Howard University Reserve Officers’ Training Corp.

President Hoover and his guests seated in a covered glass enclosure remained seated for the greater part of the parade.

He stood when his Chief of Staff, General Sumerall and the head of the parade passed by. He stood up also to get a better view of the high school cadets and the Howard officers as well as when a group of Indians passed.

Scattered colored marchers were noted among the delegations from many of the states in the parade.

Mr. Hoover confined his remarks to law enforcement, justice, prohibition, world court, national defense tariff and farm relief, government, business and health.

Of the Negro, he said nothing directly or indirectly.Nor is the Afro-American greatly surprised. Mr. Hoover is

not “our man or our model.”Mr. Hoover has traveled on every continent. He has viewed

the progress of colored races in china, Burma, South Africa, Australia and South America, but always from the point of view of the aristocratic and wealthy.

At 21 Mr. Hoover earned $18,000 a year. Today he is rich. He is America’s first millionaire President.

We had no idea that rich and scientific Mr. Hoover could see in the race problem a cause demanding more than passing notice.

Time was when the inauguration of a President meant a restatement of Republican hopes and plans for Negro citizenship. The inaugural messages of Lincoln, Grant, Hayes, Cleveland and McKinley warmed the Negro’s heart.

But the latter days have brought Harding and Coolidge and the realization that occupants of the White House can become inarticulate on the race question.

We hail Mr. Hoover, the new President; we wish him a successful and prosperous administration. But to use the words of Dr. Francis J. Grimke, preaching in Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church last Sunday, we prophesy he’ll be no more helpful to the Negro than Mr. Coolidge, and perhaps not as much.

H erbert Hoover became the popular choice to succeed President Calvin Coolidge who announced his decision in 1928 to not pursue another term. Hoover had served as the

Secretary of Commerce under successive Harding and Coolidge Republican administrations and, apparently due to the country’s ‘booming’ 1928 economy, won a landslide victory in the 1928 general election. Hoover’s Democratic opponent was Al Smith, an Irish Catholic governor of New York who pursued the Black vote by seeking to recruit Blacks such as Walter White, a well known NAACP civil rights activist.

The Black community’s allegiance to the Republican Party of Lincoln remained strong, however, due to the continuing influence of the Southern Democratic block and violence against Blacks in the South—an example of which was reflected at the 1928 Democratic Convention in Houston where the AFRO reported to ‘the lynching of a colored man occurred as part of the Texas pre-convention celebration.’

Frustration with the general state of opportunities for Blacks and the continued denial of their civil rights (particularly in the South) was apparent as the Hoover inauguration approached. The Black leadership’s failure to secure more meaningful political opportunities is highlighted in an important pre-inaugural January 1929 editorial about the Black need to recognize the power of their vote. The willingness of Black leadership to accept empty promises on behalf of the community from the country’s White political leadership was deemed no longer acceptable. The ‘courage to demand and the power to command’ is an emphatic and meaningful call to use the Black vote as a political hammer to initiate the improvements that had yet to materialize. Black power from the Black vote was beginning to emerge.

The 1929 Hoover inauguration AFRO coverage continues the image of the peripheral involvement of the Black citizen seen in past inaugurations. Maryland Governor Ritchie this time allowed the state’s Black troops to march. Illinois had just elected Oscar DePriest, the first Black to be elected to Congress in the 20th century. There was high interest as to how DePriest was to be included in the inaugural proceedings and whether Hoover was going to ‘cave in’ to the normal Southern Democrat objections to the inclusion of any Black person in any formal proceeding.

A March 9, 1929 AFRO post-inauguration editorial characterizes Hoover as a rich businessman with no history of any interest or sensitivity to issues important to the Black community. The editorial indicates that Hoover’s insensitivity was reflected in his inaugural speech where he made no direct or indirect reference to the Negro. In spite of the hollow inaugural speech, the editorial ends with a sarcastic wish that Hoover experience a successful and prosperous administration, but advises the community to hold no hope for Hoover being any more sensitive then any of his presidential predecessors.

The AFRO Hoover inauguration coverage comes full circle with a January, 1930 article that appears to dramatize the truth about the earlier observations about Hoover. The article points out that Hoover rarely, if ever, allowed himself to be photographed with any of the Black delegations to the White House. There is also a description of a dramatic episode involving a White House meeting at which Hoover impolitely “snaps” at Mary McLeod Bethune, thus showing his intolerance, and indeed disrespect, towards members of the Black community.

Eight months following his inauguration, Hoover was confronted with the onset of the Great Depression reflected by the Wall Street Crash of October 1929. Hoover’s failure to reverse the ensuing economic collapse resulted in his being a one term president. The country’s 1920’s decade of Republican presidential leadership was coming to an end. The Democratic ‘New Deal’ age of Franklin D. Roosevelt was about to commence and the realignment of the Black community away from the Party of Lincoln was about to enter a new phase.

January 5, 2013 - January 5, 2013, The Afro-American A3

favorite ball and jacks game, Murray did enjoy attending school, even though she didn’t begin until age nine, when her brothers and sisters were able to make the hour-long journey with her.

Eventually, the family returned to their Baltimore roots, begun by grandfather, Thomas Thomas. CQ

Inside the classrooms of East Baltimore’s Dunbar High School Murray earned a high school diploma, preceding the likes of philanthropist Reginald F. Lewis and Chief Judge Robert M. Bell, who would both follow in her footsteps as alumni years later.

Upon graduating, Murray took the only job she could find, dedicating herself to helping the children inside the

Children’s Hospital School, now the Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Painter Building, located at 3825 block of Greenspring Ave.

“I went to the children’s hospital to see what it was like and when I got there I said ‘Oh gee, this kitchen floor is dirty-someone should clean it.’”

It would soon become the only steady job she had in adult life.

Before long, the hospital administration asked her to assist the doctors and nurses, making beds and looking after the children who all had special needs. Her last five years at the facility were completed working full time in the kitchen, cleaning and helping the chef on the 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. shift.

“I loved the hospital- I loved it,” Murray recalls, laughing at the beginning pay of nine dollar a week she proudly brought home to her family consisting of husband, Walter Murray, a son and a daughter.

Fond of dancing to good music, a smile spreads across Murray’s face when remembering the Black royalty that would parade up and down Baltimore’s Pennsylvania Avenue.

“Ella Fitzgerald- Lena Horne- everyone- we could see them real in life and it was beautiful,” she said. “I enjoyed it whenever any of the artists came to Baltimore because everybody would be on Pennsylvania Avenue.”

Still, Murray’s memories of living in a segregated Central Maryland aren’t all happy.

“It felt like we were in a black hole,” she said,

unearthing long-buried experiences of racism and cruelty because of her brown skin. “We just obeyed the rules and we knew what we had to do – we didn’t think about it.”

A day Murray will never forget came when she was still a young girl, not yet a teenager.

“My mother sent me to the store and when I was leaving a boy about 15-years-old came up to me,” she said.

The stranger offered to help with her bags, as she had a snowball ice cup in her hand. Thinking he meant well, Murray said she turned around. It was then that the teen grabbed her head and forced apart her lips.

“He spit in my mouth and then made me swallow all of it.”

“I never got over that.”Replacing many of the

more degrading moments

of her childhood are ground-breaking events such as the advancements made in the civil rights movement, and in today’s time, the election of President Barack H. Obama.

“Wasn’t it wonderful,” asked Murray, recollecting the night in 2008 when the nation elected its first Black leader. “What’s so nice about it is that he’s cultured and understanding- he’s everything that I think a person should be.”

Murray said both elections are proof that “God make anything he wants to happen- happen.”

And while some may

disagree with the statement, undisputable is the many years of experience Murray has had to test her theory.

“Health wise, for her age she’s doing good,” Franca Uzoaga, who supervises the FutureCare CQ Lochearn ward now caring for Murray.

Because she is receiving palliative care, or care focused more on comfort than on prolonging life, Uzoaga says the lively senior citizen can do as she pleases and eat whatever her heart desires.

“She’s the oldest patient on this floor and the oldest in the facility,” said Uzoaga.

See more on afro.com

Continued from A1

Continued from A3

$3,000  Morris  Mechanic  Founda/on  

$500  Women  Behind  the  Community,  Inc.  

$450  and  Toys  Larry  Young  and  the  WOLB  1010  AM  Supporters:  

Marlene  Lee  Ms.  Maybelle  Barbara  Cooper  

F.  Hocker  &  Associates,  Inc.  Marshall  T.  Goodwin  

Neal  Janey  A  and  L  Produc/ons  

$400  Barbara  C.  Motley  

$300  Marion  Seabrooks  Margaret  E.  Wiggins  

Shirley  Boone  $250  

James  &  Robin  Wood  $200  

Bal/more  City  Chapter  Pinochle  Bugs  Social  &  Civic  Club  United  Ushers  of  Bal/more,  Inc  

Maryland  Women’s  CommiTee  of  Bal/more  Inc  The  Philomathians  

$150  Carlton  Douglass  Funeral  Services  

$125  Nathaniel  McFadden  

$100  Caroline  Harcum  Anonymous  Giver  

CHUM,  Inc  Bal/more  Chapter  Earl  T.  Bowen  Jr.  

DABS,  LLC  Leon  Whitney  

Union  Memorial  Church  The  Charms  Inc.    

Woman  Power  INC.  Coppin  State  University  Women’s  Symposium  

$75.76  DeHaven  L.  Smith  Esq.  

$60  James  Wyche,  Jr  

$50    Calvin  Tolbert  

Geoffrey  and  Barbara  Easterling  Rotha  Freeman  

The  Beau/ful  Hat  Society  Maryland  Chapter  Progressive  Interest  Group  

Shirley  Ingram  Ellen  DuTon  Marsha  Fuller  Ronald  Williams  

$30  Quinn  Conyers  

$25.00  Ellen  Hill  

BeTy  Shelton  Ruthena  Davis  Beverly  Davis  

Myra  Richardson  $20  

Mary  Hill  $13  

Gaston  Luabeya  $5  

Barbara  Johnson  Sharon  Amis  

$1  Julia  Smith  

Family  Adop:ons:  Rising  Son  Bap/st  Church,    Rev.  Dr.  Daniel  Moore  

Bikes:  OMEGA  Psi  Phi  Fraternity  Inc.  

Pi  Omega  Chapter  Food  and  Toys:  

Christ  United  Methodist  Church’s  Shalom  Ministry  Gi@  Cer:ficates  for  Hair  Cuts  &  Manicures:  

The  Network  at  the  Follicate      

   

The theme of the sorority’s float was “Transforming Communities through Sisterhood & Service.” It featured a golden globe sitting atop flowers and olive branches and a floating hexagon representing the sorority’s “Five-Point Programmatic Thrust,” which was established in 1955 depicting the organization’s outreach goals: economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health and political awareness and involvement. The sixth side displayed the sorority’s service medallion. The back of the float contained a replica of Downing Hall at Howard, where the sorority was founded.

Twelve members were scheduled to ride on or accompany the float, including Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre, the national president, the executive committee and seven past presents. One-hundred flanked the sides representing the 100 years of service and 22 additional members represented the founders, according to the parade’s website.

Also on New Year’s Day, a 22-city tour of the Delta Torch, which symbolizes the “passion and commitment of the organization’s global reach,” began in Los Angeles, according to a statement.

Scheduled stops on the tour include: Seattle, Dallas, Little Rock, Detroit, Atlanta, Charlotte, New York City and Baltimore. The tour will end

in Washington D.C.The torch tour will

culminate at DST’s 51st national convention in Washington, D.C., which is scheduled for July 11-17, when it is passed to national president, signifying the start of the convention.

“We honor our Founders and Past National Presidents as we bring the flame they ignited in us so many decades ago back to their cities and gladly carry the ever-burning torch

of sisterhood, scholarship and service into the next 100 years,” Butler-McIntyre said.

She said the stops represent jurisdictions that are “infused into the history of this organization.” The torch will also visit international chapters in Japan and Bermuda. At each location, programs will be held including historical reflections, music and acknowledgements from elected officials and other invited guests.

Delta Sigma Theta has more than 300,000 members in almost 1,000 chapters around the world.

January 1, 2013 Official Kick Off Centennial activities kicked off

with Delta’s historic participation in the 2013 Tournament of Roses Parade! Delta is the first African American organization to enter a float in this historic event!

Hollywood Gala Festivities rocketed into high gear with a glamorous, star studded “Delta Style” Hollywood Gala.

January 11-13, 2013 Founder’s Day Weekend Deltas from around the globe

will convene in celebration and sisterhood in the birthplace where it all began, Washington, DC! A power packed weekend of exciting activities are planned that will highlight and commemorate the achievements and milestones of the last 100 years and the continuously progressive movement of the Sorority. Many events are geared to include the public to join in celebration as we honor the 22 courageous visionaries, the Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Thursday, January 10thDelta in New York City!

Sorority members will gather in Times Square for appearances on the TODAY Show and Good morning America. Following will be a Delta Caravan to Washington, DC.

Friday, January 11thHoward University Day*

Howard University is the birthplace of the Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

22 Impact Projects* The Sorority’s will participate in 22 defined projects that will impact and uplift the Sorority’s continued commitment to public service.

Centennial Welcome Reception – DC Convention Center

Saturday, January 12thRededication Luncheon at the DC Convention Center

(Ticketed Event)Delta Centennial Honors Gala at the DC Convention

Center (Ticketed Event) A Black Tie event will honor and recognize outstanding trailblazers across the professional, cultural and political spectrum for milestones that have impacted the world.

Sunday, January 13th Delta’s 100th BirthdayEcumenical Service at the DC Convention Center*Founders Day Dinner at the DC Convention Center

(Ticketed Event)

*Indicates events that are open to the public.

The Rev. Gwendolyn Boyd, soror and past national president

Delta Sigma Theta

Centenarian

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By Alexis TaylorSpecial to the AFRO

The Morgan State University Board of Regents decided to renew President David Wilson’s contract for one year, three weeks after announcing his existing three year contract would not be renewed at it’s expiration on June, 2013.

The announcement came after a more than two hour closed session in which Wilson met with the board following an open meeting with the Morgan community.

“I feel great about it because we needed to move forward,” U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, a board member,

said to the AFRO. “Based on the 8 to 7 vote, we clearly had a divided board.”

Cummings said that along with the renewal, there will also be new “evaluation tools” set in place to better gauge “progress, measure transparency, and at the same time put some responsibility on the board to work with the president.” Cummings also clarified the Dec. 4 decision.

“A lot of this was based on communication. It wasn’t that he had done anything bad; it’s just that a lot of things weren’t being communicated properly. I think all of us have a responsibility in that.”

Wilson said he took full responsibility for his actions that led to the board’s decision to not renew.

“In order for the university to operate in ship shape manner it requires the president and the board to be on the same page,” said Wilson, speaking to those who remained for a shorter, second open session that concluded just after 4 p.m.

Wilson said it is the duty of the president to “take responsibility for ensuring there is appropriate communication and dialogue and relationship building in that process.”

“I have not done as effective a job as I should

have done in ensuring that the board is fully informed about where we are at Morgan and where we are taking the institution,” he said.

“I own up to that, and certainly will see it as my charge, going forward, to ensure that there is no miscommunication between myself, as president of the institution, and our board of regents.”

Before closing the day’s activities Board Chairman Dallas R. Evans said “What’s important is that we put this institution first and those that we serve,” adding that the board is anticipating a “healing process.”

Morgan Regents Reconsider Wilson Termination, ExtendContract for One Year

Photo by Alexis TaylorChairman Dallas R. Evans presided over all three sessions, including an open forum for the Morgan community, a closed session with President David Wilson, and a third open meeting announcing a renewed contract for one year.

January 5, 2013 - January 11, 2013, The Afro-American A5

A6 The Afro-American, January 5, 2013 - January 11, 2013

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONJan. 5Black Renaissance Book Club Enoch Pratt Free Library, Pennsylvania Ave. Branch, 1531 W. North Ave., Baltimore. 2:30 p.m. The Pennsylvania Avenue Book Club will discuss The Known World by Edward P. Jones. For more information: 410-396-1580.

Rockin’ the New Year With Sly 45Enoch Pratt Free Library, Light Street Branch, 1251 Light Street, Baltimore. 3 p.m. Sly 45 Trio rocks in the new year with hit tunes from the past six decades. For more information: 410-396-1580.

Jan. 9Jamercise Enoch Pratt Free Library, Cherry Hill Branch, 606 Cherry Hill Road, Baltimore. 1 p.m. This exercise program will combine a cardio-aerobic workout with elements of dance and new music. For more information: 410-396-1168.

Jan. 10Introduction to African American Genealogy Enoch Pratt Free Library, Central Branch, 400 Cathedral St., Baltimore. 1 p.m. Vivian Fisher, manager of the Central Library’s African American Department will introduce African-American resources and databases that will help in genealogy research. For more information: 410-396-1168.

January 5, 2013 - January 11, 2013, The Afro-American A7

I recently took my daughter to our pediatric ophthalmologist — a physician she has seen for several years, and with whom we have a very good relationship.

At this appointment, however, the receptionist gave me three new forms to fill out. These forms were not the usual update forms. This new paperwork required specific and personal demographic information.

As I filled out the new forms, I wondered why my daughter’s eye doctor suddenly needed to keep track of things that seem irrelevant — such as the color of our skin.

When our doctor arrived and the exam got underway, it quickly veered away from ocular health he began asking off-topic questions — all of them invasive in nature. For example, I was asked: “Does anyone smoke in the home?” It’s not exactly relevant, but I went along with the inquiries.

Finally, after becoming curious and somewhat annoyed that a medical professional I’ve known for years and know to be conservative was suddenly incorporating such a probing line of questioning, I politely broke down and asked him: “What gives? Why do you need to need know whether or not I smoke?”

Our doctor explained that the forms meet new requirements for obtaining patient information to be compliant with the Obamacare health care takeover. That additional data, he said, is being collected and will be entered into a “government database.”

I mentioned this to several friends in e-mail conversations. To my surprise, this invasive information grab is developing into a pattern.

A friend in Pennsylvania took her twin boys to the pediatrician and was asked similar questions. Another friend in Virginia thought she was having informal “girlfriend chat” with her trusted, long-time physician before suddenly realizing that her doctor was writing

everything down.If the government now requires doctors to ask more

probing questions, and our private information is being recorded and entered into some government database, it could lead to troubling implications.

Does anyone remember HIPAA — the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act — that addressed the security and privacy of health data? A lot of time and effort was spent passing HIPAA, but I now question its effectiveness in the era of Obamacare.

A government database does not enhance my feeling of security with respect to my, or my family’s, private medical data.

Government has a spotty record of keeping confidential information out of the wrong hands. I do not want my medical information targeted by some overeager hacker who wants to make a big score and get bragging rights by cracking the code of the federal government’s massive database.

I also don’t want to find out that the information I gave to my doctor is now accessible by the folks at the IRS, EPA and maybe even the DMV. Forget about hacker — we’ve all heard stories about government workers abusing their authority to use government records for political and personal gain.

And who knows when we’ll start getting calls and letters from Uncle Sam asking us to change our habits — such as smoking — based on what can be found in the database? Will it be a suggestion or a demand? It’s not too hard to imagine a demand in an America where mayors — for our own good — are already using their power to bad certain food and drink and affixing a fine on those who don’t participate in “wellness” programs.

If my visit to my daughter’s ophthalmologist is any indication, we’re heading towards a future of more paperwork, less quality time spent between doctors and patients and more invasive questions being dumped into a “government database.” And possible increased threats to our privacy.

Welcome to the nanny state — it has officially arrived.

Cherylyn Harley LeBon is co-chairman of the Project 21 black leadership network. She is a former Senior Counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. Follow her on Twitter @HarleyLeBon. Comments may be sent to Project21@nationalcenter.org.

COMMENTARYWelcome to the Doctor’s Office — Your Papers Please

Over the past couple of weeks, I have found myself tuning into the evening news with a

wariness that I haven’t experienced in a long time. My usual jadedness – my numb acceptance of the fact that the world is descending irretrievably into chaos- has been pierced by the stark realization that my beloved Madiba, Nelson Mandela, may be taking his final steps.

As I eagerly anticipate updates on his health status, I am reminded that his long walk to freedom is drawing to a close. As it does, many of us have already begun to grasp the emotional and moral calamity his passing will wreak upon a nation already suffering a crisis of confidence.

South Africa’s former president was hospitalized recently for a lung infection –a recurring condition he has battled since contracting tuberculosis during his 27 years in prison. After being treated for the infection, the 94 year-old anti-apartheid legend then had to undergo surgery to have gallstones removed. Blessedly, he has been released from hospital and is reported to be recovering. Yet, as I witnessed Mandela’s frail look on TV, it is hard not to recall the recent words of his wife, Graca Machel, who admitted that his spirit and sparkle are fading.

What makes his convalescence all the more painful to witness is the realization that his political legacy – one built upon years of selflessness and unquestionable integrity; staunch, unwavering leadership; and a moral authority and stature unparalleled in modern times – stands in such stark and dismal contrast to the chaotic farce on display in the current political life of South Africa. Such is the prevailing crisis of leadership that led Archbishop Desmond Tutu to cry out recently, almost in tears: “What has happened to us? I mean, what has happened to us that we can just go on going on [like this]?”

Tutu’s anguish, vented recently at a memorial service for one of South Africa’s veteran anti-apartheid activists and former member of Mandela’s cabinet, comes in the wake of an ongoing torrent of scandal along with amid grim statistics that speak undeniably of a nation struggling to find its compass. Speaking forcefully, his voice laden with anger, the archbishop and Nobel laureate decried the moral failure of South Africa’s current leadership.

Echoing public outcry, he lambasted the government over recent debacles that have rankled the nation including : Current President Jacob Zuma’s use of nearly $24 million dollars of taxpayer money to build a lavish family compound in the midst of one of the poorest areas in the country; another recent scandal in which thousands of students have had to forgo textbooks –

even though $17 million dollars was spent on dodgy contractors meant to supply them; and a national high school pass rate for South Africa recently revealed to average 30 percent.

The proverbial buck for these tragic failures stops at the door of South Africa’s leadership--the African National Congress, the party to which Madiba dedicated his life and bequeathed his legacy and the organization in which he and millions of other South Africans have placed their trust.

With near unanimity, South Africans from across the spectrum agree that corruption and maladministration have reached staggering proportions, and pose two of the greatest threats facing the country in recent history. In a society reeling under an unemployment burden of nearly 40 percent, and with millions of citizens still without access to clean water, sanitation, housing and quality education, the untold billions seeping through the sieves of corrupt hands represents an evil that is rotting the Rainbow Nation from within.

As custodians of the nation’s future, South Africa’s leaders–and the leadership of the African National Congress in particular--must stem this tide if it is to reclaim the vision for which Mandela –and indeed millions of South Africans –fought so courageously and selflessly.

Let’s pray that South Africa’s current leadership steps back from the precipice of self-destruction, renewing its commitment to the ideals and values that paved the path of victory over apartheid. The Rainbow Nation can still realize the greatness and promise of its bold beginnings.

There is still time; but the clock is ticking on the patience and goodwill of the South African people. The African National Congress would do well to bear this in mind. Africa is filled with nations brimming with hope at the dawn of their independence, but which spiraled into the depths of disaster and despair at the hands of inept leaders. Many–both inside and outside of the country--are betting that South Africa is headed down the same road.

Thomas Mambande is a Philadelphia-born social entrepreneur and corporate consultant who lives in Johannesburg, South Africa.

A Prayer for Mandela and South Africa’s FutureThomas Mambande

Cherylyn LeBon Harley

“What has happened to us? I mean, what has happened to us that we can just go on going on [like this]?”

—Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Best Cartoons of 2012

A8 The Afro-American, January 5, 2013 - January 11, 2013

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BlackNews.com) – Just half a year ago, Mona Aaron’s personal “time bomb” was ticking. This Waldorf, Md. mother in the prime of her life weighed 212 pounds and wore a size 18. She also took five different medications to manage three

life-threatening conditions – diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Treating the symptoms of her medical conditions on a daily basis was a regular

brutal reminder that Mona’s life was at risk and that only a serious change in diet and lifestyle would change the course of

her life. Then one morning when

she was taking her 11-year-old son to the bus stop, Mona tuned into “The Steve Harvey Morning Show,”

which that day featured JJ Smith, nutritionist, weight loss expert and developer of the Detox-Eat-Move (DEM) System(TM). Mona listened as JJ described

how the three-phase DEM System(TM) could shed stubborn body fat, reverse health problems, and restore the body to optimal health. She immediately bought JJ’s bestselling book, Lose Weight Without Dieting or Working Out! (See sample chapters at www.jjsmithonline.com/products/lose-weight.html).

“Six months later, I weigh 155 pounds, wear a size 8, and no longer need medication for my diabetes and cholesterol,” says Mona (www.jjsmithonline.com/

feature-story/mona-aaron.html). “My blood pressure medication has been reduced to 10 mg, and I am hoping to be off of that medication on my next doctor’s visit next month.”

While some may view Mona’s case as exceptional, it’s anything but a stroke of luck, according to

JJ, who designed the weight loss system with only one goal in mind: fast results.

A natural, stress-free strategy, the DEM System features solutions to detoxify the body, balance hormones, and boost metabolism to burn fat effortlessly. Uniquely, JJ’s methodology melts fat without an exercise regime or rigorous workout, and it does not force people to consume diet food, count calories, or starve themselves. It’s simply a proactive approach

to nutrition -- tailored to the distinct demands and sensitivities of women’s bodies. A growing number of women like Mona are using this approach to defeat obesity and associated medical problems.

“Mona’s courageous story and gorgeous photo demonstrate that she is winning the battle against obesity and chronic disease,” says JJ. “I am happy that Mona shared her success with the DEM System because it shows how this approach can actually exceed expectations. More than simply putting women on the weight-loss path, the DEM System can deliver lifesaving results.”

JJ concludes, “Ladies, it’s time to get healthy now. Resolve to Detox-Eat-Move in 2013.”

About JJ SmithJJ Smith (www.JJSmithOnline.com) is the author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller and USA Today Bestseller, Lose Weight Without Dieting or Working Out. JJ is a nutritionist and certified weight-loss expert who has been regularly featured in today’s popular print and online media, on major news networks, and on daily programs such as “The Steve Harvey Morning Show,” “The Montel Williams Show,” and “The Jamie Foxx Show.” Since reclaiming her health, losing weight, and discovering a “second youth” in her 40s, bestselling author JJ Smith has become the voice of inspiration to women who want to lose weight, be healthy, and get their sexy back.

For more details, contact JJ at: www.JJSmithOnline.com info@jjsmithonline.com Twitter: jjsmithonline Facebook Page: RealTalkJJ 202-558-5543

HEALTHWeight Loss System Delivers Lifesaving Results for Diabetic Mother

“Six months later, I weigh 155 pounds, wear a size 8, and no longer need medication for my diabetes and cholesterol.”

– Mona AaronMona Aaron

Cour

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January 5, 2013 - January 11, 2013, The Afro-American B1

Courtesy photos

The Divine Hearts- Joyous Hearts Christmas Event, Dec. 22, was held to benefit the Hannah More Shelter in Reisterstown, Md. It actually encompassed everything Christmas represents- love, gratitude, fellowship, compassion, joy and celebration. The place was vibrant, filled with excitement and magical moments.

The children and their mothers were astonished when they entered a room filled with an array of gifts especially for them. Thirty seven received boots, hats, gloves, scarves, socks, McDonald’s gifts, school supplies, books, games and candy bags. The women, 50 total, also received hats, gloves and scarves.

Divine Hearts staff members cried when they heard the children say, “I feel like I want to cry because I’m so happy.” There was so much appreciation all around.

“The Christmas Event is so important to me and dear to my heart. When I created this organization, I wanted people feel loved and special all year long,” said Pamela Coleman, president and founder of Divine Hearts. “For Christmas, I want to bring a spirit of love, letting them know there are hearts that genuinely care today and onward! We were elated to see everyone enjoying the event; their smiles and laughter of happiness were priceless.”

Pamela Coleman seated, with other volunteers

Divine Hearts board, from left, Ramona Evans, Joy Sample, Pamela Coleman, Anika Turner, Angela Macon

#1 Ravens Fan Capt. Dee Fence

Paul Gardner, J. Wyndal Gordon and Larry Young

Treniea Burgess, Quiana Washington and Tiffany Randolph

Frank Johnson, WPBRADIO. Com, April Johnson, Terronce Styyles and Kionne Agent

L-R Darryl W. Stutely, Honey Puryear, Qiara Butler, Stephanie Nguyen, Joan Wilson and Marty Puryear

Magician Bill Gross

Susan Smallwood, Perfect 10 Socialite, and Anoko Zankli

Jerusalem Lodge # 59 Masons

L-R Derrick Camper, Yvonne Frye, Pat Tunstall and Gaines Lansey

Yancy Boyd, Kenneth Taylor and Gordy Conyers

Kyle Logan, Constance Ellis and A. Rod Womack

Mahogany Jones, Lance London, CEO Carolina Kitchen, and Micheline Bowman

Mel B. Styles, Shawon Reed and Alicia Stewart

Mark Hunter and state Del. Keith E. Haynes

Mocca Demby, Kevin W. Parsons and Wanda Demby

The Gardner Law Group of Baltimore presented the 7th Annual Gardner Law Group Holiday Celebration and Toy Drive, Dec. 18, at Geppi’s Entertainment Museum at Camden Yards. GLG made history this year by exceeding donations from events held in 2010 and 2011 combined. A total of 2,257 toys were donated in the spirit of giving back to those less fortunate. Paul Gardner, managing partner of the Gardner Law Group and his wife Martina Gardner reveled over the overwhelming support the community offered that evening. “This event was absolutely amazing, Gardner said.”We are extremely excited about the amount of toys collected which will touch the lives of many

families in the area. We are truly thankful for all those who came out and shared this evening with us and

we look forward to serving more families and more

organizations for years to come.”

Photos by Anderson Ward

B2 The Afro-American, January 5, 2013 - January 11, 2013

Mary Tyler, long time Turner’s Station resident, celebrated her 85th birthday with family members representing five generations. They are, from left, standing, Taevon Williams, great grandson, Lisa James, granddaughter and seated, Helen James, daughter, Mary Tyler and Baby Kahreke Williams, her great great grandson.

PEOPLE

Courtesy photo

Mary Tyler Turns 85“I don’t know about tomorrow, I just live

from day to day and I don’t borrow from its sunshine for its skies may turn to gray. And I don’t worry about my future for I know what Jesus said and today He walks beside me for He knows what lies ahead. Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand but I know, who holds tomorrow and I know who holds my hand.”

“If the world should end tomorrow have you lived your life today” O C Smith

December 21, 2012 had many predicting that the world would end according to the Mayan calendar; but “here we are on earth together just you and I” celebrating another year of Thanksgiving. Seems like “yesterday” when it was “1999” and we fanatically awaited the new millennium, unsure if the world would end.

“Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” Clarence the Angel, It’s a Wonderful Life

“Hang on sloopy, sloopy hang on.” As 2012 closed and 2013 opens, the illustrious members of The Friday Night Bunch want to thank you for hanging in there with us on Friday night, as we moved around the city keeping a Friday night tradition alive for over 30 years.

“Ask me why we did it, we did it for love” R. Kelley

Whether, we were Uptown or Downtown, Eastside or Westside, the purpose was accomplished, we drank cold beer, tried the newest martini, learned the latest dances, including the wobble, and had a poem to represent special occasions written by our poet laureate. We attended the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte,N.C. and victoriously re-elected President Barack Obama. We attended the Baltimore Grand Prix, played the slots at Maryland Live! Casino’s VIP opening night, we praised the Orioles for their outstanding performance, cursed the Ravens (with love) as we all became “Monday morning quarterbacks” and reinvented the nursery rhyme “hey diddle diddle Ray Rice down the middle”, we bet on “I’ll have another” at Preakness and raised our glasses to another Maryland tradition.

We ate, laughed, ate and laughed as we experimented new restaurants and celebrated when we returned to old familiar haunts while enjoying the land of pleasant living.

“While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil.” John Taylor

We cried, oh how we cried. We cried at the loss of family, friends, and the death of our friends’ family. Oh how we cried at the death of Whitney, Mike Flanagan, Don Cornelius, Dave Brubeck and Heavy D.

“Look, Daddy. Teacher says every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.” It’s a Wonderful Life, 1946

Yes, we cried for the 26 angels “gone too soon” from Newtown, Conn. who earned their wings as we tried to understand “what’s going on.”

“What’s going on” “Mother, mother there’s too many of you crying; brother, brother, brother there’s far too many of you dying” Marvin Gaye

“You bring me joy when I’m down you bring me joy, oh so much joy” Anita Baker

We rejoiced at the births of our friend’s children, grandchildren, and our friends grandchildren; we danced at our friends’ weddings and learned how to wobble at their children’s weddings.

“Somebody prayed for me, had me on their mind, they took the time and prayed for me. I’m so glad they prayed for me.” Donny McClurkin

Oh, how we prayed for the health of the Honorable Nelson Mandela and the daddy of former President George W Bush, for the recovery of the families devastated by Sandy and we prayed that we would make it through the night and breathed a sigh of relief when Sandy “walked on by.”

“Our most basic instinct is not for survival but for family. Most of us would give our own life for the survival of a family member, yet we lead our daily life too often as if we take our family for granted.” Paul Pearshall

We prayed for our family and friends when they had a medical procedure and then we drank to their health when the results came back negative.

“Drink drink drink I drank to everybody’s

health, darn near ruined my own” Oscar Brown Jr.

Oh did I mention we drank beer, and yes we supported our friends at their lowest point and we celebrated them when they bounced back, “ask us why we did it we did it for love.”

“24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case. Coincidence? I don’t think so.” Stephen Wright

Do you remember the Sphinx Club and the owner Charlie Tilghman who at the end of the night as the patrons were leaving would sing “for all we know.” As we enter 2013 with the promises, dreams and hope that the New

Year brings we want to leave this song on your “heart and soul.”

“For all we know we may never meet again, Before you go make this moment sweet again. We won’t say ‘good night’ until the last minute. I’ll hold out my hand and my heart will be in it. For all we know this may only be a dream, we come and go like a ripple on a stream. So love me tonight; tomorrow was made for some tomorrow may never come for all we know”

Happy New Year Valerie & the Friday Night Bunch… Until we meet again!

January 5, 2013 - January 11, 2013, The Afro-American B3

comes to the depictions of black-white race relations during slavery, with classics like The Birth of the Nation (1915) and Gone with the Wind (1939) setting the tone. Consequently, most movies have by-and-large suggested that it was a benign institution under which docile African-Americans were well-treated by kindly masters, at least as long as they remained submissive and knew their place.

Leave it to Quentin Tarantino to put a fresh spin on the genre, much as he did in the World War II flick Inglourious Basterds (2009). With Django Unchained, the iconoclast writer/director again rattles the cinematic cage by virtue of an irreverent adventure that audaciously turns the conventional thinking on its head.

Set in the South in 1858, the picture is visually reminiscent of the Spaghetti Westerns popularized in the 1960s by Italian director Sergio Leone, being replete with both big sky panoramas and cartoonish, one-note villains who are the embodiment of evil. But instead of cattle rustlers, it’s inveterate racists being slowly tortured or blown away to the delight of the audience.

The movie stars Jamie Foxx in the title role as a slave lucky enough to be liberated by a German dentist-turned-bounty hunter (Christoph Waltz). Abolitionist Dr. Schultz altruistically takes Django on as an apprentice, and proceeds to teach him how to ride a horse and handle a gun.

The grisly business of tracking down outlaws “Wanted Dead-or-Alive” conveniently affords the revenge-minded freedman many an opportunity to even the score with folks responsible for his misery, from the scars on his back, to the “R” for “Runaway” branded on his cheek, to being separated from his wife, Broomhilda (Kerry Washington). As you might guess, the action gets pretty gruesome, as is par for the course for any Tarantino vehicle.

Slavery reimagined as a messy splatterfest where massa gets exactly what he deserves, and then some!

Excellent (HHHH)Rated R for profanity, nudity, ethnic slurs and graphic

violenceRunning time: 165 minutesDistributor: The Weinstein Company

ARTS & CULTUREDjango UnchainedFilm Review By Kam Williams

There’s a sensible reason why nobody ever wanted to be an Indian whenever we played Cowboys and Indians as kids. That’s because the white man was invariably the hero of the Westerns on which we’d been weaned, while the red man had always been presented as a wild savage dismissed by the dehumanizing affirmation that, “The only good Injun is a dead Injun.”

Sure, a few films, such as Apaches (1973), The Sons of Great Bear (1966) and Chingachgook: The Great Snake (1967), flipped the script by portraying Native Americans as the good guys and the European settlers as the bad guys. But those productions were few and far between.

Hollywood has also promoted a set of stereotypes when it

Red Hook SummerDVD Review By Kam Williams

Flik Royale (Jules Brown)

is 13 by the time his mother (De’Adre Aziza) is finally ready to introduce him to his grandfather (Clarke Peters). Trouble is the bourgie mamma’s boy was brought up in suburban Atlanta where he’s been raised vegetarian and been attending private school.

So, when his single-mom decides the two should get acquainted over the summer, it means the boy will have to live in the projects in Red Hook, an area of New York City teeming with dangers and temptations he hasn’t been exposed to before. Still, she figures he’ll be okay, since gramps happens to be the pastor of the Lil’ Peace of Heaven Baptist Church.

Flik grudgingly agrees to stay with the Bible-thumping bishop, and their strained relationship supplies the raison d’etre of Red Hook Summer. Directed

by Spike Lee, the movie might superficially resemble some of his classic films like Do the Right Thing and She’s Gotta Have It, being a character-driven drama set in a sweltering Brooklyn.

Unfortunately, that’s where any similarities start

and end. This is a movie that might earn high marks were it the work of a first-time director. However, coming from a two-time Oscar-nominee (for 4 Little Girls and Do the Right Thing), it can only be described as bitter disappointing.

The primary problem is that the acting is mediocre. Secondly, the screen is littered with the sort of buffoonish stereotypes Spike has been criticizing Tyler Perry for, one-dimensional caricatures running the gamut from ghetto gangstas to church ladies. Thirdly, the film fails to generate any palpable tension.

The director makes a cameo appearance as pizza deliveryman Mookie, reprising the role he played as the protagonist of Do the Right Thing. Sadly, that distraction merely serves as a sad reminder of how much

Spike’s skills have eroded since his glory days.

No wonder he’s so miffed about Quentin Tarantino stealing the limelight. Picture a two-hour episode of Amos ‘n’ Andy on crack. Holy mackerel, Sapphire!

Fair (H)Unrated Running time: 120 minutesDistributor: Image

Entertainment DVD Extras: Director’s

commentary; music video; and a behind the scenes featurette.

Ex-Slave Exacts Vengeance in Homage to Spaghetti Westerns

Latest Spike Lee Joint Deserves to Get the Hook

Christoph Waltz and Jamie Foxx in Django Unchainedrottentomatoes.com

Toni Lysaith, Jules Brown and Clarke Peters in Red Hook Summer

rottentomatoes.com

By AFRO Staff

Quentin Tarantino’s slavery revenge film, Django Unchained, has been critically acclaimed and garnered three Golden Globe nominations. But not everyone is so enamored.

Famed Black director Spike Lee has called the Civil War-era Western “disrespectful” and said he will not go to see it.

“I can’t speak on it ‘cause I’m not gonna see it,” he told VIBETV in a recent interview. “All I’m going to say is that it’s disrespectful to my

ancestors. That’s just me...I’m not speaking on behalf of anybody else.”

Lee recently completed work on a new film, Red Hook Summer, which deals with race and class in a South Brooklyn neighborhood. He elaborated on his distaste for Django on Twitter.

“American Slavery Was Not A Sergio Leone Spaghetti Western,” he wrote on Dec. 22. “It Was A Holocaust. My Ancestors Are Slaves. Stolen From Africa. I Will Honor Them.”

Django star Jamie Foxx said Lee had told him he wouldn’t make any

negative comments on the film.“I ran into Spike Lee at the BET

Awards,” Foxx said in a separate Vibe magazine interview. “You know Spike, he’ll let you have it whether it’s good, bad or ugly. And he said, ‘I’m not going to say anything bad about this film. It looks like y’all are getting it.’”

This is not the first time Lee has spoken out against a Tarantino film. The Crooklyn and Do the Right Thing director previously took issue with Tarantino’s gratuitous use of the N-word, present in Django Unchained and 1997’s Jackie Brown.

Spike Lee: Django Unchained Disrespectful to Black Heritage

B4 The Afro-American, January 5, 2013 - January 11, 2013

FAITHFrom News Services

LOS ANGELES, Calif.-- Andrae’ Crouch has revolutionized the sound of contemporary gospel music. As the composer of songs like “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power,” “Through It All” and “My Tribute”, grandparents and parents grew up on the gospel icon’s music. With the release of 2011’s The Journey, Crouch’s latest album on Riverphlo Entertainment (headed by industry veteran Mano Hanes), his musical legacy has been introduced to a brand new generation.

His megahit, “Let The Church Say Amen”, featuring the vocal talents of Pastor Marvin Winans, has seen the gospel musician, composer, recording artist, songwriter, arranger and producer return to the airwaves. Billboard Magazine cited the single, which spent over 60 weeks at the top of the charts, as the Top Gospel Song of 2012.

In addition, Billboard ranked Crouch as the number six Gospel Songs Artist of the Year. Earlier in the year, Crouch was nominated for five 2013 Stellar Awards (Artist of the Year, Song of the Year for “Let The Church Say Amen”, CD of the Year for The Journey, Traditional CD of the Year for The Journey and Traditional Male of the Year).

The Journey, a 2012 Grammy-nominated project which highlights collaborations with Chaka Khan, Sheila E., Kim Burrell, and Take 6, is Crouch’s first CD in six years. Public Broadcasting System (PBS) is currently featuring the Andrae’ Crouch Collection on their stations nationwide. Crouch is the first gospel artist chosen by PBS for broadcast. Fans of the artist are encouraged to check their local PBS stations to view the broadcast. In addition to PBS, the Collection - the Live In Los Angeles Concert DVD and The Journey CD - are available for purchase, along with

other product, on www.acthejourney.com. Throughout his 50-year career, Crouch’s songs have been performed by Elvis Presley

and Paul Simon andhave been heard in movies, including “Maybe God’s Trying to Tell You Something” from The Color Purple and on televison, including the theme from the sitcom Amen! He’s netted numerous awards including nine Grammy awards, six GMA (Gospel Music Association) Dove Awards and an Oscar nomination.

With a recording career that began in the 60s, Andrae’ Crouch was a key figure in the Christian movement of that era. A versatile musician and composer, Crouch’s expertise spanned multiple genres including contemporary light rock, pop, jazz, African/world music, and of course, Gospel. His first musical group was the COGICs (Church of God In Christ Singers) and later he formed The Disciples, in 1965. The ensemble catapulted Crouch to notoriety and they toured in over 70 countries. The most popular songs during this era were “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power”, “Through It All”, “Bless His Holy Name” and “My Tribute”. The list of performers he has composed or arranged music for includes Ringo Starr, Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Michael Jackson, Madonna and Quincy Jones. His film credits include The Lion King, Free Willy and Once Upon A Forest. On top of the Grammys, Doves, Stellar gospel music awards and NAACP Image Awards to his credit, he’s also a recipient of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Gospel Music Lifetime Achievement Award and a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Currently, Crouch serves as senior pastor of New Christ Memorial Church of God In Christ in San Fernando, Calif. In 2010, he signed with Riverphlo Entertainment and released The Journey in the fall of 2011. More information can be found at www.riverphlo.com.

‘Let the Church Say Amen’ Storms Gospel ChartsGospel Veteran Nominated for Five 2013 Stellar Awards

From News Services

Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church will celebrate marriage equality Jan. 6 with its minister’s reflections on the nature of enduring intimate relationships and those gathered will honor the life-time commitments of all couples--gay and straight, newlywed or long-time, even those who by death have been parted.

Following the 10 a.m. service, there will be a “wedding reception” for all ages, complete with wedding cake and a DJ. Elected officials, advocates from state-wide organizations, and local gay and lesbian couples are invited.

Marriage Equality has been a primary social justice goal of Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church. Nearly three years ago, on Valentine’s Day 2010, the Rev. Diane Teichert declared, in solidarity with the movement for marriage equality and with the support of the congregation, that she would not sign Maryland marriage licenses for straight couples until it was legal to sign them for gay couples, too.

Members of the congregation came to church on that day wearing shirts in one of the colors

of the rainbow and arranged themselves afterwards as a human rainbow. See video of that occasion at: http://http.www.pbuuc.org/mme/ .

The congregation has a long-standing commitment to marriage equality, sending delegations to Valentine’s Day Lobby Days in Annapolis for years. After Rev. Teichert announced her ban on signing marriage licenses, they stepped up their activity. They met with their legislators. They hosted the August 2010 Prince Georges County Marriage Equality Campaign kick-off, and weekly phone banks the following winter leading up to the unsuccessful vote in 2011 and again up to the successful vote in 2012 and starting in September 2012 for the referendum campaign.

A local state senator even credited a sermon by Rev. Teichert as significant to his decision to support the legislation in 2011. In addition, she co-chaired the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of Maryland’s referendum work this past summer and fall, communicating statewide with ministers and lay leaders of that faith to provide encouragement and resources for them to step up their involvement on the Question 6 campaign.

For information, see www.pbuuc.org or contact the church at 301-937-3666. Its buildings are handicapped accessible.

Paint Branch Church to Celebrate Marriage Equality

SPORTSBy Perry GreenAFRO Sports Editor

Throughout 2012, I’ve had the honor of covering a wide range of sporting events, from National Football League (NFL) games to college basketball contests to local inner-city youth baseball. But the coverage that I’m perhaps most proud of is the coverage of the George C. Goodman Summer Basketball League out at Barry Farms in Southeast D.C.

No one covers the Goodman League like the AFRO. Each summer, we anticipate the return of what’s considered the most entertaining past time for local urban residents of the District.

Monday through Friday, hundreds of folks crowd into the gated community basketball court, nicknamed the “Barry Farms Coliseum,” to watch hoopsters from all levels play exciting games of organized pick-up ball. On a good day, you may find NBA superstar and P.G. County native Kevin Durant terrorizing competition with his elite offensive skills. Other days, there are local college and high school ball players running the court, with longtime Goodman commissioner and famous announcer Miles Rawls calling the action with his signature tone of excitement and sense of humor.

And the AFRO is always there to capture it all for its readers.

This past summer, Rawls unveiled the newly renovated court for fans, all funded and sponsored by Nike Inc. What was once an old worn-out basketball court is now a weather resistant blacktop that even Education Secretary Arne Duncan has come to embrace as a participant in the pick-up ball action.

But the improvements to the Goodman League have only just begun. During opening day of the league last summer, Rawls joined up with Mayor Vincent Gray to announce a city pledge to spend $23 million on a state-of-the-art recreation facility in the Barry Farms community to ensure that locals can continue to watch their favorite summer basketball league for years to come.

This is all magical to witness when you can consider how far the league has come over the years. I remember the first story I wrote on the Goodman League back in 2008, highlighting how incredible this league was. Back then, the league was ignored by local news outlets. The following week, after my story appeared, every major news provider was present at the court to see a piece of the action.

Now, the Goodman League is not only favored locally, but always has a national buzz as one of the premiere summer basketball leagues in the entire country. And I’m proud to say the AFRO was the first to report the magic to you.

Best Sports Story of 2012

By Perry GreenAFRO Sports Editor

Washington Redskins rookie running back Alfred Morris ran for 200 yards and three touchdowns to help his team beat the Dallas Cowboys, 28-18, and claim the NFC East crown Dec. 31 at FedEx Field in Landover, Md.

The win earned the Redskins their first trip to the NFC playoffs since the 2007 season, and also made Washington the first team to bounce back from a 3-6 overall start to reach the playoffs since the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1996.

Washington sealed the victory late in the fourth quarter thanks to an interception of a Tony Romo pass by linebacker Rob Jackson. The pick gave Washington the ball in the red zone with only three minutes left in the game, eventually leading to Morris’ third touchdown of the game.

Player of the Game:Redskins star rookie quarterback Robert Griffin had an average performance, completing

just nine of 18 passes for 100 yards along with a short touchdown run. But Washington still dominated on offense, thanks to Morris, who carried the ball 33 times for 200 yards and three scores, including a 32-yard touchdown. Morris rushed for 1,613 yards this year, setting a new single-season franchise record—an amazing feat considering the great running backs who played

in Washington throughout the team’s 80-plus year history, and Morris’ status as a sixth-round pick in this year’s draft.

Unsung Hero of the Game:Linebacker Rob Jackson saved the game for Washington when he picked off Romo late in the

fourth quarter. He probably won’t ever be considered an All-Pro player on the level of Brian Orakpo, the injured star he has replaced this season, but he has done an excellent job filling in. Washington will need Jackson to keep making key plays, as he did against Dallas.

More Game Notes:Tony Romo finished the game 20-of-37 passing for only 218 yards, two touchdowns and

three interceptions. He’ll be the scapegoat for Dallas’ third straight season of missing the playoffs. Cowboys running back Demarco Murray ran for 76 yards on 17 carries. Washington was led on defense by veteran linebacker London Fletcher with 11 tackles.

Next-up:The Redskins (10-6) will face the Seattle Seahawks at FedEx Field in the first round of the

playoffs on Jan. 6 at 4:30 p.m.

Morris’ Record-Setting Performance Leads Redskins to Division Title over Dallas

January 5, 2013 - January 11, 2013, The Afro-American B5

Lincoln Still LivesFebruary 15, 1896

The celebration of Lincoln’s birthday this year in Baltimore was the best ever held. In previous years with the exception of a few white veterans of the Civil War, the annual celebration of the memory of Lincoln has been left to colored citizens, and be it said to their credit, they have not failed to meet once a year and express their gratitude for the life and service of their emancipation.

This year the Colored Business Men’s Association took a hand and held a banquet at Nazarite Hall. The guests were composed of lawyers, doctors, preachers and businessmen, many of whom are reported as having eulogized Lincoln and cited evidences of the blessings which came to the colored race as the result of Lincoln’s philanthropy and patriotism.

Lincoln Post also celebrated the event, and addresses were delivered on the lives and services of their patriot by the staff officers, Lewis Miner, I.D. Oliver, Chas. R. Stepney, Geo. W. Norris, Moses Droer and Alexander Brown.

About the CityJanuary 3, 1903

Emancipation CelebrationJohn Wesley M.E. Church, Sharp and Montgomery Streets,

was crowded in every part on Thursday night to witness the ceremonies in celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the Emancipation of the Negroes in this country by Abraham Lincoln. The church was beautifully decorated for the occasion with flowers and evergreens and festooned with American flags. Ellsworth and Lincoln Posts of the Grand Army of the Republic were out in full uniform. Addresses were delivered by Mayor Thomas G. Hayes, Grand Master of Masons, W.E. Tilghman, former Mayor Ferdinand D. Latrobe; Congressman Frank C. Wachter and Councilman Hiram Watty. The speakers were introduced by Mr. C. C. Fitzgerald, who acted as master of ceremonies. Rev. Ernest Lyon is pastor of the church and to him much of the success of the celebration is due. Letters of regret were read from a number of prominent local and national men.

Emancipation CelebrationJanuary 3, 1903

MEMPHIS – Hooks Kindergarten Institute has for its founder and principal, Mrs. Julia A. Hooks, the wife of Chas. F. Hooks, who by thrift and industry has amassed considerable property. When interviewed a few days ago at her home 426 Sauderdale Street on the subject, Mrs. Hooks at first was reluctant, as she is averse to publicity, but afterwards made a statement which we found her to be both affable and hospitable with pleasing personality. Mrs. Hooks, while she might be classed as a star of first magnitude whose effulgence has repelled the darkness and gloom, which once hovered over so many unhappy homes, has now brought joy and sunshine into many a wretched life: is one of the strong characters and conspicuous figures of the race, who is devoting all her energies to the advancement of educational work and rescuing the fallen. Her reputation as a pianist, moral philosopher and philanthropist is not confined to Memphis alone, but she has received plaudits from abroad for her works of charity. Hundreds of little tots, many of whom are orphans, once under her influence, find fostering care and tender mercies, interspersed with manual training and instruction in English branches in order at this school.

Associated with Mrs. Hooks in her work are two young lady graduates – Miss Maud Payton and Miss Maggie West, who are efficient teachers. Mrs. Hooks is hampered in her noble work by the narrow confines of her school, and as this is a worthy cause whose influence is far reaching, it deserves not only the cordial support of the public, but the financial aid of all good citizens who are desirous of additions being made in shape of a four-story building, well appointed, in order that a larger number may be enrolled – thus exercising a greater influence for good, and hence her life work in all its phases will form an imperishable monument to her memory.

The Congo Business League, of which Dr. J.N. Abby is chairman, certainly did credit to themselves and to the race on the excellent program rendered in the celebration of emancipation. The historic auditorium owned by R.R. Church was tastefully decorated with flags and bunting. Thursday, Jan. 1st at 3 o’clock, the following program was rendered: Singing, Choral Union; Invocation, Dr. J.N. Abby; Proclamation. M.E. Johnson; Poem, Aunie McMichael; The Negro as a Soldier, R.H. Rideout; Solo, May Jones of Chicago; Address, C.A. King, Evangelist of the Kentucky A.M.E. Conference; Solo, J.H. Grant; Benediction, J. Searcy; King, J. Chambers.

Emancipation CelebrationJanuary 4, 1908

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The great preparations which have been going on for the past two months for the purpose of celebrating the emancipation of the Negroes of this country culminated here tonight, when the celebration came off in the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church. It was a great time from beginning to end; and the citizens of Nashville covered themselves all over with glory.

The celebration was a most orderly one and the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by Mr. Henry Allen Boyd was one of the features of the evening.

The welcome address by Rev. C. H. Clark, “The Progress of the Race” by Rev. F.A. Stewart; “The History of the Negro race” by Mr. J.C. Nappier, and “Our Women and their Mission by Mrs. J.C. Nappier, were papers that stirred the blood in all who were fortunate enough to listen to them.

Members of the G.A.R., scarred and battleworn, discussed the “Soldiers of the Republic.” It was a glorious sight to see these old veterans and to hear them recite stories of past days. To them must be given the honor of the occasion and right well

did they do their duty.In the ranks of Abraham Lincoln Post, No. 4 G.A.R., can be

found some of the most substantial of Nashville’s citizens, and they are an honor to their city and country.

Rousing Celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation at John Wesley Church

January 7, 1911

That segregation of the race has been largely responsible for the economic progress of the race, as well as the upward trend religiously, morally and intellectually, was asserted by Rev. Dr. Ernest Lyon, former American Minister of Liberia,

in a well received address Monday night at John Wesley M.E. Church, where a celebration of the forty-eighth anniversary of the signing of the Emancipations Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln was observed.

The church was crowded, many prominent citizens being in attendance. Letters of regret from President Taft, Collector Stone, former Senator Foraker, Secretary of State Knox, and others were read. The speaker of the evening was Judge Terrell of Washington, who declared that the Emancipation Proclamation was to the colored people what the Declaration of Independence was to other classes of Americans. Former Mayor Latrobe was introduced and received an ovation.

Resolutions offered by City Councilman Harry S. Cummings, endorsed the project for an exposition in 1913; extolled Dr. Booker T. Washington; praised the diplomatic career of Dr. Lyon, and reviewed the progress made by the race in this country.

Dr. Lyon’s Address“The issuance of the Emancipation marks the most

noteworthy event in the history of the colored people in this country. It is the foundation for the 14th and 15th amendments to the constitution, upon which, not only the rights of citizenship and franchise are based, but the right to enjoy other constitutional privileges which is the heritage of free men and the citizenry of the common country.”

After citing instances to show that prejudice was directed at other races beside the Negro, he declared that it was his belief that disfranchisement and the other race-baiting laws would disappear with an enlightened public sentiment. He then took up the question of race segregation, saying:

“Segregation has given us the great church organizations of color, and all other institutions which wield power among us. It has given us our own lawyers, physicians, college presidents, journalists, banking institutions and foreign diplomatic representatives. Segregation, self imposed, is not a bad thing. It may have a bad name and a questionable origin, but it has helped the colored people in this country. Without it we would not have a representative in the City Council of Baltimore today. We object, however, to segregation by law.

Whites Want Negro Trade“Why is it that certain business enterprises among us

do not reach any degree of success? The reason is quite apparent: Commercial institutions run by whites show no disposition to discriminate against Negro patrons. Let us profit by this segregation movement by establishing such business enterprises among our people as will tend to segregate our earnings. If all our savings were segregated into one or two banks here, operated by Negro bankers we could not only make a respectable showing, but command attention in the financial affairs of the city.”

After recounting the great progress made by the race since Emancipation, the resolutions read:

“We hereby endorse the effort to hold a semi-centennial exposition in 1913 on a scale commensurate with the importance of that event, at which time the progress of the race will be fully demonstrated and in recognition of the able services being rendered by Dr. Booker T. Washington in this and other direction in the interest of the race, we hereby tender him an invitation to the State of Maryland during the year.

“We also call attention to the present policy of the United States Navy, which, by the severe discrimination on account of race and color, has completely forced the Negro out of the season’s class. Therefore, we respectfully invite the attention of the Navy Department to this distressing fact, and ask as a partial remedy, that a similar policy that which now obtains in the United States Army be adopted, viz: That one or more war vessels be manned by Negro seamen in the same manner as the Ninth and Tenth Cavalries and the Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifty Infantries of the United States Army are now constituted.”

Aid was also promised to Liberia in an effort to guarantee its stability and the effort of local celebrities, in honor of John H. Murphy, the veteran editor of the Afro-American Ledger was commended.

The main auditorium, where the exercises were held, was decorated with the portraits of prominent personages, past and present. The pictures included those of President Lincoln, President U.S. Grant, Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, President Barclay of Liberia; John Brown, Col. Theodore Roosevelt and General Antonio Maceo. The flags of this country, Liberia and the capital of the other country, Monrovia, were suspended from the ceiling.

Among those on the platform, besides the speakers were John B. Hanna, chairman of the Republican State Central Committee, former Congressman Charles K. Schirm, Henry L. Boyer, Hugh E. Macbeth, W.H. Dorkins, Col. H.M. Hayes, Councilman C.H. Heintzman, Albert Johnson, George A. Owens, Rev. D.D. Turpeau, Samuel R. Bishop and Harry T. Pratt.

Many Interesting Things to be Seen at Tuskegee

June 3, 1911…I am in this place, and would like to tell you. The people

here celebrated emancipation Saturday. May 28 is the big day here, but it was on Sunday, hence they used Saturday. They could not account for it, but this is the day they celebrate. I was met by T.W. Rivers, the undertaker, and carried about twenty miles through the country visiting the various picnics and other celebrations. I went to one place where a man was doing a land office business selling whiskey and beer, although this is a dry state. He was just raking in money, and when he was a little idle he shook hands with me and said, “I will give you $2 to make a speech to these people.” I paid my respects to the custom of celebrating. I moved along to another celebration. This was at a church. I wish you could have seen the preacher, as he was dead drunk himself, but he called the people into the church and had me to make a few remarks and gave me a collection of fifty cents.

Celebration at Cradle of Liberty

January 4, 1913BOSTON, Mass. – The stirring scenes that were

enacted 50 years ago, when the announcement was made that Abraham Lincoln had issued the proclamation freeing 4,000,000 human beings from slavery were reacted last night, when the fiftieth anniversary of the issuance of the Proclamation was celebrated at the Park Street under the auspices of the Wendell Phillips Memorial Association.

The oration was delivered by Congressman Samuel W. McCall and a chorus from three colored choirs of the city rendered musical selections. 50 years ago last night celebrations were held at Fremont Temple and the Music Hall. At the Tremont Hall meeting the late Frederick Douglass and John S. Rock, a cultivated and eloquent colored lawyer, were among the speakers. At the Music Hall meeting Emerson read his noble “Boston Hymn,” and the same was again read last night. Even the music was practically the same as sung on the memorable occasion, 50 years ago.

It was in Park Street Church that “America” with its apostrophe to our “Sweet Land of Liberty” was first sung; there that Garrison delivered his first anti-slavery address; there that Sumner gave his great addresses against the “War System of nations,” and there that the centennials of the births of Sumner and Wendell Phillips are celebrated.

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B6 The Afro-American, January 5, 2013 - January 11, 2013

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LEGAL NOTICESTYPESET: Wed Jan 02 09:03:36 EST 2013

IN THE CIRCUITCOURT FOR

BALTIMORE CITYCase No.:

24D12003020IN THE MATTER OFMADISON ARIELLEGRANDFOR CHANGE OFNAME TOMADDISON ARIELLEGRANDBY AND THROUGHHER MOTHERGUARDIANTARJIA GLENN

NOTICEThe above Petitioner hasfiled a Petition for Change ofName in which he/she seeksto change the name of a mi-nor child from Madison ArielLeGrand to Maddison ArielLeGrand. The petitioner isseeking this name change forthe child for the following rea-sons:(Improperly Spelled)Any person may file an objec-tion the the Petition on or be-fore the 18th day of January,2013. The objection must besupported by an affidavit andserved upon the Petitioner inaccordance with MarylandRule 1-321. Failure to file anobjection or affidavit withinthe time allowed may result ina judgment by default or thegranting of the relief sought.A copy of this notice shall bepublished on time in a news-paper of general circulation inthe county/city at least fifteen(15) days before the deadlineto file an objection.

Frank M. ConawayClerk

01/04/13

TYPESET: Wed Jan 02 09:02:11 EST 2013

HOUSING AUTHORITY OFBALTIMORE CITY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALSDEVELOPMENT SERVICES FOR THE

CONSTRUCTION OF UP TO19 SCATTERED SITE UNIFORM FEDERAL

ACCESSIBILITY STANDARD (”UFAS”)PUBLIC HOUSING UNITSRFP NUMBER: B-1713-13

The Housing Authority of Baltimore City(”HABC”) is requesting proposals from devel-opers, residential general contractors, andhome builders (each a ”Responder”) to submita construction proposal for the construction ofup to 19 public housing units that meet therequirement of the Uniform Federal Acces-sibility Standards (”UFAS”) of Section 504 ofthe Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504).The units will be constructed on selected scat-tered lots in Baltimore City owned by HABC orland acquired from the Mayor and City Council(”MCC”). HABC envisions a batchedconstruction process to incorporate contig-uous sites where possible. HABC will ulti-mately own and operate the residential publichousing units. The selection of a successfulResponder(s) under this RFP is conditionedon and subject to the Department of Housingand Urban Development (”HUD”) approval ofHABC´s development proposal.

PROPOSALS WILL BE DUE no later than2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, Feb-ruary 28, 2013.

A non-mandatory pre-proposals conferencewill be held on Friday, January 25, 2013, at10:00 a.m., at 417 E. Fayette Street, Room416, Baltimore, Maryland, 21202.

HABC has established a minimum goal oftwenty percent (20%) of the total dollar amountof the proposed contract for Minority BusinessEnterprise (”MBE”) utilization, applicable to allminority and non-minority businesses propos-ing to provide the requested services as theprime contractor. No goal has been estab-lished for participation of Women-ownedbusinesses (”WBEs”), however, HABCstrongly encourages and affirmatively pro-motes the use of WBEs in all HABC contracts.

Responders shall also comply with all ap-plicable requirements of Section 3 of the Hous-ing and Urban Development Act of 1968, 12U.S.C. Section 1701u.

The RFP may be obtained on or after Monday,January 14, 2013, at the following location:

Housing Authority of Baltimore CityDivision of Fiscal Operations,

Purchasing Department417 E. Fayette Street, Room 414

Baltimore, Maryland 21202Attention: John Airey,

Chief of Contracting ServicesTel: (410) 396-3261 Fax: (410) 962-1586

Questions regarding the RFP should be di-rected in writing to the address and individualindicated above, and must include the refer-ence: HABC RFP Number B-1713-13.

TYPESET: Wed Jan 02 09:04:11 EST 2013

St. Mary’s County Metropolitan CommissionInvitation for Bids

Marlay Taylor WRF ENR UpgradeContract #8-38-S

The St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission is soliciting for bids for the MarlayTaylor Water Reclamation Facility project. The work in general is to upgrade thewastewater treatment plant to Enhanced Nutrient Removal treatment capability,and upgrade various facilities throughout the plant to improve the quality of thefacilities and equipment.Work includes, but is not limited to: conversion of theexisting Schreiber reactors to a Four-Stage Bardenpho system with supplementalBioMag facilities and equipment, replacement of existing blower system, upgradeof the chemical addition system, replacement of the headworks facility and additionof a odor control system including duct work from the headworks building to theodor control system, replacement of existing primary and secondary clarifierinternal components, upgrade of existing return activated sludge pumping sta-tions, addition of a laboratory building, addition of primary and secondary flowsplitter boxes, construction of a solids storage facility, upgrade of the existingeffluent pumping station, upgrades to the existing chlorination facility, addition of afats, oils and grease acceptance station,upgrade of the existing septage receivingstation, demolition of existing sludge drying beds, various structural repairs andupgrades throughout the plant, and all ancillary site work, piping, electrical, in-strumentation and controls work required to construct a complete and operatingwastewater treatment facility.

This project is funded in part by the Maryland State ENR Grant Program andtherefore Davis Bacon Act and MBE/WBE requirements must be met. Biddersmust perform and document their performance of all affirmative steps required bythe Maryland Department of the Environment Minority and Women’s BusinessEnterprise program to be considered for the Contract. Bidders are encouraged tobreak down the work into smaller segments and tasks in order to increase minoritysubcontractor participation. Documentation must be included in the proposalpackage and submitted on the date provided herein. Failure to providedocumentation with the bid package will result in the bid being declared nonrespon-sive.

A Pre-Bid conference will be held on January 23, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. EasternStandard Time at the Administrative Office of the Commission to answer anyquestions concerning the Bid Documents. All potential Bidders areencouraged,but not required to attend. A site visit will follow immediately after theconference. Attendance is strongly recommended due to the nature of the project.

One original and three (3) copies of all bids must be submitted in sealed envelopesbearing the company name, legal address, the project title for which the bid issubmitted and the date advertised for opening bids. Sealed bids must beaddressed to Joy Hamlet, Procurement Agent, St. Mary’s County MetropolitanCommission, and clearly marked ”SEALED BID FOR MARLAY TAYLOR WRFENR UPGRADE, CONTRACT #8-38-S” and must be received by the Administra-tive Office of the Commission, 23121 Camden Way, California, Maryland 20619,no later than 10:00 a.m.Eastern Standard Time, February 19, 2013 at whichtime the bids will be publicly opened.

Cost of the bid package is $300.00 per set. Bid packages will be available forpurchase and review at Dewberry’s office, 3106 Lord Baltimore Drive, Suite 110,Baltimore, Md. 21244-5800 beginning January 7, 2013 between the hours of 8:30a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Bid Packages may be purchased by check, Visa or MasterCard.Checks should be made payable to “St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission”.Bid packages may also be sent by Federal Express upon receiptof payment and aFederal Express account number. Inquiries concerning Contract Documentsshould be directed to Jeff Chapin, PE, Dewberry Project Manager at 703-849-0555or at jchapin@dewberry.com.

The St. Mary’s Metropolitan Commission reserves the right to reject any or allproposals and to waive any informality in the proposals submitted when suchwaiver is in the best interest of the Owner.

The St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commissiondoes not discriminate on the basis of race, marital status, color, religion, sex,

age, national origin, physical or mental handicap, political affiliation,or other non-merit factors.

TYPESET: Wed Jan 02 09:03:01 EST 2013

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLANDINVITATION FOR BIDS

CONTRACT NO. 12173 SX0TRIBUTARY AREA - EAST SANITARY SEWER REHABILITATION

(Eastern Avenue - SSA 27-01-00-00) - CONSENT DECREEVARIOUS - DISTRICT VARIOUS

CONTRACT COST GROUP D ($1,000,000 to $2,500,000)WORK CLASSIFICATION: F-1 & F-6

BID DATE: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013 AT 10:30 A.M.LOCAL TIME

On or after MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2013, the above contract documents(See Note *) may be inspected and purchased from the Division ofConstruction Contracts Administration, Department of Public Works,Room 300B, County Office Building (COB), 111 W. Chesapeake Ave-nue, Towson, MD 21204, upon receipt of payment of $15.00 (FIFTEENDOLLARS) per contract. All checks should be made payable to BAL-TIMORE COUNTY MD. NO REFUNDS will be made to anyone. Direct anyquestions to 410-887-3531. Bidders obtaining documents from anothersource other than Baltimore County WILL NOT be allowed to submitproposals to Baltimore County.

The proposed work consists of:

19,985 (LF) Pipe Lining 8” Sewer Main, per Specifications743 (EA) Air Test and Chemically Seal House Connections

THE PROJECT IS SUBJECT TO A MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISEUTILIZATION GOAL AND FEMALE CONTRACTORS UTILIZATIONGOALS. THESE GOAL REQUIREMENTS ARE MORE FULLY EX-PLAINED IN THE SPECIFICATIONS. THE MBE/WBE FORMS IN THEPROPOSAL BOOKLET MUST BE COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED ATTHE TIME OF BID OPENING.

Sealed proposals (the entire book) addressed to Baltimore County,Maryland for this contract will be received in the Baltimore CountyPurchasing Division, Room 148, Old Courthouse, 400 WashingtonAvenue, Towson, MD 21204, until the time specified on the contract atwhich time they will be publicly opened and read.

ONLY CONTRACTORS WHO HAVE BEEN PREQUALIFIED BY BAL-TIMORE COUNTY AT LEAST TEN (10) DAYS PRIOR TO THE OPENINGOF BIDS WILL BE ALLOWED TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS.

All proposals must be accompanied by a Bid Bond, on the approved formprovided, in the amount as set forth in the ”Information for Bidders”. No otherform of proposal guaranty is acceptable.

The Purchasing Agent reserves the right to reject any or all proposals orbids or parts of bids and to waive technicalities as may be deemed best forthe interest of the County.

Keith Dorsey, DirectorOffice of Budget & Finance

James Robert Tabron, son of the late James and Matilda Tabron, was born on June 19, 1923, in Halifax County, N.C. He was one of ten children. After spending a short time in Good Samaritan Nursing Home, he quietly departed this life on Dec. 31, 2012. He was 89 year old.

He completed his education at McIver High School in Halifax County, North Carolina. He followed his childhood sweetheart Ida Bell Pullen to Baltimore in 1943. On Dec. 23, 1944 James married Ida and they were blessed with 31 years of marriage. From this union two sons, James (June) Jr. and William “Bill” were born.

James gave his life to Christ and was baptized at an early age. After moving to Baltimore, he joined and became a lifelong member of Zion Baptist Church. He attended Sunday School and was a loyal member of the Usher Board for many years. His wife and sons were also devoted members of the church. He loved his Zion Baptist Church family and made good, lasting friends there.

James worked at Bethlehem Steel Company for 29 years and retired in

1969. One of his favorite ways to pass time was bowling, traveling and the fellowship with his friends that those things brought. He had a great love of poetry and could easily recall verses from poems he learned in his youth. He often recited limericks. Funny or not, he would laugh heartily and ask, “Did you get it?”

He leaves to cherish precious memories: two devoted sons,

James R. III and William A. Tabron; two loving grandchildren, Nikkida B. and James R. Tabron IV; devoted god daughter Sharon Eaton; brothers Curtis, Fred and J. D. Tabron, sister Nannie Williams, sisters-in-law Amelia, Pauline and Dorothy Tabron and brother-in-law, Johnnie Williams.

Funeral services will be held Jan. 5 at Zion Baptist Church, 1700 N. Caroline St., Baltimore, Md. The wake will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed immediately by the funeral service at 10 a.m. James Tabron Sr. will be interred at Arbutus Memorial Park Cemetery.

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January 5, 2013 - January 11, 2013, The Afro-American B7

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TYPESET: Wed Jan 02 09:07:09 EST 2013

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Separate sealed bids are being accepted by the City of Hagerstown, Maryland forthe construction of RC WILLSON WATER TREATMENT PLANT - PHASE IVIMPROVEMENTS. The project can be generally described as described as, but isnot limited to, the construction of chemical storage buildings; installation ofchemical feed pumps, piping, and appurtenances; installation of steel, stainlesssteel, polyethylene and fiberglass chemical storage tanks; construction of a filterbackwash pumping station; and lagoon inlet and outlet structure construction. Alsoincluded are modifications to various valve vaults and diversion chambers, sedi-mentation basin improvements, exhaust fan modifications, low service pumpdischarge piping improvements, clearwell repairs, flood valve replacement,SCADA system improvements, modifications to existing chemical systems, pav-ing, drain replacement, pipe cleaning, miscellaneous site work, miscellaneousplumbing work, miscellaneous electrical work, office and conference roomconstruction, control booth expansion, and associated electrical, controls, andinstrumentation. The limits of Contract are shown on the Contract Drawings. Bidsmust be enclosed in a sealed opaque envelope and marked ”SEALED BID - (CITYPROJECT NUMBER 52-C0740) RC WILLSON WATER TREATMENT PLANT -PHASE IV IMPROVEMENTS” and be received and time stamped in the City ofHagerstown Office of the City Clerk, 2nd Floor City Hall, 1 East Franklin Street,Hagerstown, Maryland, 21740 no later than 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, February 12,2013, after which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud.

A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held Tuesday, January 15 at 1:00 P.M., atthe City of Hagerstown City Hall in Council Chambers, 1 East Franklin Street,Hagerstown, Maryland, 21740. Attendance at the Pre-Bid Conference is man-datory. A tour of the site shall be conducted immediately following the pre-bidconference. A site visit to the RC Willson WTP by the BIDDER is required prior tobid.

Bidding Documents may be examined, beginning Monday, December 10, 2012,at:0 City of Hagerstown Utilities Department - Water Division, 51 West Memorial

Boulevard, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740-62110 Hazen and Sawyer, P.C., 1 South Street, Suite 1150, Baltimore, MD 21202

Beginning Monday, December 10, 2012, qualified General Contractors mayobtain drawings and specifications from Hazen and Sawyer, P.C., 1 South Street,Suite 1150, Baltimore, MD 21202, Phone: 410-539-7681 for a NON-REFUNDABLE fee of $200 for each complete set. For mail requests, which mustbe made in writing, an additional $20 per set must be included for shipping costsunless the Contractor provides its own shipping account number to which the costwill be charged. All checks for bid documents shall be made payable to Hazen andSawyer and sent to Jeremy Hise, Hazen and Sawyer, at the above address.Payment must be received before the documents can be mailed.

Afro-American Newspapers 3.55 x 3

JOB FAIR

TO PROMOTE DIVERSITY IN INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

Saturday, February 23, 2013

8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Gilman School in Baltimore, MD

Visit www.aimsmddc.org for online registration

to TEACH in a private, independent school

Registrations must be completed with resumes

No faxes or emails accepted

(those registered by February 4th

will be available for schools to preview)

SPONSORED BY:

ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT MARYLAND & DC SCHOOLS (AIMS)

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

AIMS • 890 Airport Park Road Ste 103 • Glen Burnie, MD 21061 • (410) 761-3700 OR (301) 858-6311TYPESET: Wed Jan 02 09:04:50 EST 2013

The District Court for Baltimore City is seeking to fill theposition of Problem Solving Courts Officer for our MentalHealth Court. The PSC Officer will oversee the operations ofthe Mental Health Court program. Responsibilities includeplanning, developing and evaluating the components of theMental Health Court. Daily operations include budgets,grants, financial reports and data collection for programevaluation and management reports. For detailed informa-tion visit our website: www.mdcourts.gov. EOE

OBITUARIESTroy Rodgers Sr., a

generous, kind-hearted, quiet, caring man, was the son of the late Mildred Blackwell Rodgers and Adoiphus A. Rodgers. He was born on Feb. 11, 1938 in Baltimore, Md. He departed on Nov. 14, 2012, at Veterans Medical Center, after battling “with fierce determination” many illnesses including a kidney transplant, a stroke and cancer.

Troy attended School #139 and Dunbar High School, after which he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1955 at the age of 17.

He was a staff sergeant, serving for 12 years as an electronics technician repairing radar and radios on airplanes, some so difficult that he was the only one able to fix them. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam before his honorable discharge in 1967. Troy was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #213.

Troy married Theresa Robinson Rodgers, after a very short courtship, on Nov. 13, 1959. They were married for 53 years. From this union a son, Troy Rodgers Jr., was born on July 4, 1961.

Troy was employed from 1967 by the United States Postal Service (after a short stint at the Social Security Administration) until his retirement in April, 1986, due to illness.

He loved jazz, collecting hundreds of albums and CDs. He travelled to many jazz concerts with the Jazz Expressways, of which he was a member, until recent illness.

Although, Troy did not attend church on a regular basis, he wold visit New Shiloh Baptist Church whenever he was able. He read the Bible through its entirety.

Troy is survived by his wife, Theresa R. Rodgers; son, Troy Rodgers Jr.; his father, Adolphus Rodgers; daughter-in-law, Lynette Rodgers; two grandsons, Troy Rodgers III

and Aaron Rodgers; great-granddaughter, Skye Elle Rodgers; two great-grandsons, Troy Rodgers IV and Cameron Solomon; sisters-in-law, Gladys N. Guy, Vernice Robinson and Carolyn Rodgers; aunts, Janice, Jewell and Barbara Blackwell and Gwendolyn Smith; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and good neighbors. A brother, Adolphus Rodgers, preceded Troy in death.

Troy Rodgers Sr., 74Electronic Technician

TROY RODGERS SR.

James R. Tabron, 89Retired, Bethlehem Steel

JAMES R. TABRON

B8 The Afro-American, January 5, 2013 - January 11, 2013

Trey SongzThe “Texas Chainsaw 3D” Interview with Kam Williams

Born in Petersburg, Virginia on November 28, 1984, Tremaine Aldon Neverson, AKA Trey Songz, has undeniably become one of music’s hottest R&B artists today thanks to an impressive streak of hit singles like “2 Reasons,” “Can’t Help But Wait,” “Successful” (featuring Drake), “I Invented Sex,” “Neighbors Know My Name,” the platinum-certified “Say Aah” and “Heart Attack,” which was recently nominated for a Grammy in the Best R&B Song category.

Songz’ third album, Ready, made a stunning, Top 10 debut on the Billboard Top 200 charts and eventually landed a Grammy Award nomination for Best Contemporary R&B Album. The pop icon’s fourth studio album, Passion, Pain, and Pleasure, was released in September of 2010 and debuted at #1 on the R&B/Hip Hop Chart, thanks to the success of two smash singles, “Bottoms Up” (featuring Nicki Minaj),” and “Can’t Be Friends,” both of which went platinum.

His latest LP, Chapter V, debuted in 2012 at #1 on the Billboard 200. For this project, Trey tapped his younger brother, Alex, to produce “Don’t Be Scared,” and he also included such high-profile guests as T.I., Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Rick Ross, Diddy and Meek Mill in the project.

In 2011, Trey was part of Kodak’s “SO KODAK” campaign alongside Drake, Pitbull and Rihanna, and he served as the face of Rocawear’s Fall and Spring campaigns, too. His constant touring led him to Johannesburg, Africa where he not only performed a couple of sold-out concerts but spent time with local aspiring young musicians and entrepreneurs.

Trey has used his gift of music as a launching pad for various philanthropic and entrepreneurial endeavors, like the “Angels with Heart Foundation” and the Trey’s Angels clothing line, sold exclusively at Citi Trends. Created in 2010, the “Angels with Heart Foundation” began as a call to action to engage his fan club, and it has now blossomed into a worldwide movement. Through this organization, Trey encourages members to give back to the community and, most importantly, to have a positive impact on their neighborhoods through service with local charities and random acts of kindness.

Here, the versatile entertainer talks about his latest film, Texas Chainsaw 3D, where he co-stars as Ryan opposite Alexandra Daddario.

Kam Williams: Hi Trey, thanks for the interview.Trey Songz: Hey, Kam, what’s up?

KW: What interested you in Texas Chainsaw 3D? TS: Oh, man, so many different things, like the opportunity

to be a part of an iconic franchise. The original was one of the first horror films that actually petrified people. Also, for me, as a musician moving over into acting, it was important to have other denominators in the picture that could carry the weight. As a musician-turned-actor, you ordinarily face one of two scenarios. Either all the pressure of success or failure

is on your shoulders, so if the picture does poorly, you might never get another movie role, or you have a situation where you already have an anchor, which allows you to work your way up the ranks. I think Texas Chainsaw is such a big brand that it’s an anchor unto itself. In fact, I wasn’t #1 on the call sheet. That was Alexandra Daddario, who is an amazing actress. So, I didn’t have the burden of carrying the film, which afforded me a chance to learn a lot about acting while playing her boyfriend.

KW: How would you describe your character, Ryan?TS: As a likable character you get to know and love. He’s

easy-going, laidback, and really likes his girl. He wants to be there to support her, when she learns that her parents weren’t her biological parents, and that she’s just inherited a house from a grandmother she never knew. I’m just there for the ride. And even though I want to be a good boyfriend, like any good boyfriend, I slip up a couple times in the movie.

KW: One of the most common, horror movie clichés is that the black dude dies first. But I guess it must be different in this case, since you’re playing the heroine’s love interest.

TS: Yeah, that was definitely a part of the negotiations.

KW: Harriet Pakula-Teweles asks: How do you like making the move to acting from music?

TS: I’ve been in front of the camera a million times as a musician, and even directed a few music videos. So, I know a lot about spacing, focus, blocking, etcetera. So, acting isn’t totally new for me. Still, I find it fascinating, because you actually get to be another person. Even though Ryan wasn’t that complex an individual, I really enjoyed portraying someone else.

KW: How do you divide your time between acting and music, given that you have a new album out, Chapter V?

TS: I’m very busy. Besides promoting the movie, I did several concerts before taking a break for Christmas, and I have another month on tour ahead of me. After enjoying the holidays in the country with the family in Virginia, I’m heading to Stockholm, Sweden on New Year’s Day.

KW: Director Larry Greenberg says: Trey, I used a chainsaw to defend against zombies in my last film and it was difficult to get the splatter right. How did you guys handle that in Texas Chainsaw 3-D?

TS: The splatter? I don’t know how they did it, but when they did it, they did it right. I know that they used a real chainsaw when he cut through the door and throughout the whole film. I wasn’t scared, but I still thought to myself, “He does actually have a chainsaw in his hands!” So, if he wanted to cut through anything, he could.

KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would?

TS: That’s a great question! Ironically enough, I can’t think of one right now. I do have some, but I can’t think of any off the top of my head.

KW: When people do give me a good question. I call it their question and use it on other celebrities.

TS: Oh, that’s gangsta’!

KW: I just got this one from Jamie Foxx: If you only had 24 hours to live, what would you do? Would you do the bad stuff, you never got a chance to do, or would you do good stuff to make sure you make it into heaven?

TS: If I only had 24 hours to live, I’d most likely spend it letting people know I loved them, and trying to make things right with whoever things were wrong with. One thing about life, man, once you’re gone, the only true impact you have is on the lives you affected positively, no matter how many hit songs or movies you had.

KW: Jamie’s co-star in Django Unchained, Kerry Washington, came up with: If you were an animal, what animal would you be?

TS: [Chuckles] That’s a weird-ass question. I’d probably be a monkey.

KW: The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid?TS: Afraid? I don’t know if afraid is the word. Sometimes,

I’m unsure.

KW: Columbus Short said nobody ever asks him if he’s happy. Are you happy?

TS: That’s a very good question. Nobody ever asks me that either. I believe I am happy. I don’t think I have achieved happiness in all areas of my life yet. As far as success is concerned, my family is being taken care of. But I think the last level of happiness would be becoming a father.

KW: The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good laugh?

TS: I been laughing all day. You can’t stop me from having a good laugh.

KW: What is your guiltiest pleasure?TS: My guiltiest pleasure? The ID channel [Investigation

Discovery]. I like watching real-life murder mysteries all day long.

KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read?

TS: I just started reading R. Kelly’s book, “Soulacoaster.”

KW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What was the last song you listened to?

TS: “He Can’t Love You,” by Jagged Edge.

KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?TS: Pot roast.

KW: The Sanaa Lathan question: What excites you?TS: The idea of Sanaa Lathan excites me.

KW: The Uduak Oduok question: Who is your favorite clothes designer?

TS: Versace.

KW: The Tavis Smiley question: How do you want to be remembered?

TS: As a good man.

KW: Thanks again for the time, Trey, and best of luck with the film.

TS: Thanks, Kam.

To see a trailer for Texas Chainsaw 3-D, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqCe2pDfICE

Trey Makes the Move from CD to 3D

Trey Songz

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