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8/9/2019 Washington D.C. Afro-American Newspaper, August 28, 2010
1/24
Volume 119 No. 3 www.afro.com 75 CENTS
Copyright 2010 by the Afro-American Company
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om
YourHistoryYourCommunityYou
rNews
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AUGUST 28, 2010 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2010
Join theAFROonTwitter and Facebook
D.C. to Get $75Mfor Educationafro.com
Back to School:College EditionB1
Flag of Hypocrisy A7
Opinion
Continued on A3
Continued on A5
Buffalo Soldiers144th Anniversary
Continued on A4
Tommy Davidson: Lifeafter In Living Color
C3C1
By Jamaal Abdul-AlimSpecial to the AFRO
The box next to the
question on job applications
that asks whether a person
has ever been convicted of
a felony could soon become
a thing of the past under
a measure proposed by a
Washington, D.C. councilman
and supported by advocates
for ex-offenders.
With few exceptions, the
billintroduced by D.C.
Councilman Harry Thomas
Jr.would preclude the
city from asking about or
considering the criminal
record of an applicant for
a D.C. city job until the
applicant has been selected
for an interview.
The local effort is part
of a broader initiative to
ban the box that is gaining
acceptance in a growing
number of municipalities
and states, according to
the National Employment
Law Project, one of several
organizations pushing for
an end to the use of criminal
records in the initial stage of
the hiring process.
Ban the box doesnt
say background checks arent
going to be performed,
said Madeline Neighly, staff
attorney at the Oakland ofce
By Mitch WeissAssociated Press Writer
CHALMETTE, La. (AP) Five years after
Hurricane Katrina, Jay Young is still haunted
by the desperate voices on the other end of thetelephone crying and begging for help.
As a loan ofcer for a federal agency that was
supposed to help homeowners and businesses get
back on their feet, he had high expectations he
could make a difference. But he recalls how he
was forced to turn away many qualied applicants
because of what he says was pressure from his
supervisors to close les quickly.
Karen Bazile remembers having high hopes, too,
when she applied for a loan from the same agency,
the Small Business Administration, to rebuild her
home in the New Orleans suburb of Chalmette.
While she ultimately got the money, she quickly
lost faith as she struggled with different loan
ofcers who misplaced her paperwork and told her
Katrina: Five Years Later
SBA Mismanagement o KatrinaLargely Undocumented
Photo by Rob Roberts
Thousands of students in Washington, D.C. and Prince
Georges County returned to school this week. Thoughconcerns remain about the impact of the economy on
services and class sizes, the new school term beganwithout much of the glitches that marred last yearsannual inux.
AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh
James Jackson reacts after looking around his house in the lowerNinth Ward, Dec. 4, 2005, in New Orleans, La.
Schools In
Ex-Ofenders Seek Clean Employment Slateof the National Employment
Law Project. It merely
means were taking away
the chilling effect of asking
the question about a persons
criminal record up front.
Neighly said the initiative
is important so that ex-
offenders who are returning
from prison can take care of
their families and contribute
to society.
Criminal background
checks are used as an unfair
barrier to employment when
not related to the job, she
said.
By Dorothy RowleyAFRO Staf Writer
According to two noted
political observers, the
Washington rally planned
for this weekend by the
often-raucous cable TV
commentator Glenn Beck has
nothing to do with restoring
honor to the nations capital.
Its taking a slap at
the movement in a way
consistent with what the tea
party has done, said Ron
Walters, retired University of
Maryland political analyst.
They really want to
dishonor the legacy of Dr.
Martin Luther Kings March
on Washington in 1963 to
give it a conservative spin,
he continued, describing
Becks effort as a White
Nationalist Movement.
Michael Fauntroy, public
policy professor at George
Mason University, agreed,
adding that Becks Aug. 28
march is a disgrace to Kings
memory.
Thats a date that should
be held sacred in the Civil
Rights Movement, Fauntroy
said. Glenn Beck is not about
bringing the country together,
and hes way out of line trying
to take over and reshape the
way we talk about Blacks.
However, Glenns event,
which includes a book
launch, is being countered
by a commemoration set at
the Districts Dunbar Senior
High School, marking the
47th anniversary of Kings
legendary march on the
National Mall where more
than 250,000 people heard
his historic I Have a Dream
AFRO File Photo
In this Aug. 28, 1963, AFROle photo, protestors carry signs as part of Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr.s March on Washington. Black leaders today are decrying conservatives plans
to march in Washington on the anniversary of Kings history-making event.
Black Leaders Claim Beck March Tarnishes Kings LegacyOpponents Contend,
Thomas Needs Morethan Name RecognitionBy Dorothy Rowley
AFRO Staf Writer
While the races for
mayor and D.C. City
Council chairperson have
heated up several degrees
in anticipation of the Sept.
14 primary, the contest in
Northeast Washingtons
Ward 5 has also begun to
simmer.
Incumbent Councilman
Harry Thomas Jr. is faced
with ve contenders, three
of whom told theAFRO in
interviews this week that
based on the returns hes
brought to the ward over
the past four years, Thomas
will need more than name
recognition to net him a win.
Since Harry Thomas
has been in ofce, weve
lost Safeways, librariesand the only DMV we had
in the ward, said Kathy
Henderson, one of his
opponents. Mr. Thomas
has not delivered at all. The
only one consistent was his
father [Harry Thomas Sr.,
who served three full terms
representing the ward], while
he gives the impression that
he is the heir apparent to the
[Ward 5] dynasty.
Henderson continued,
Im running because quite
frankly, I believe I can do a
better job.
Thomas, 49, did not
Continued on A5
8/9/2019 Washington D.C. Afro-American Newspaper, August 28, 2010
2/24
A2 The Afro-American, August 28, 2010 - September 3, 2010
Your History Your Community Your News
The Afro-American NewspapersBaltimore Ofce Corporate Headquarters
2519 N. Charles StreetBaltimore, Maryland 21218-4602
410-554-8200 Fax: 1-877-570-9297
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Founded by John Henry Murphy Sr., August 13, 1892
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Chairman of the Board/Publisher -John J. Oliver, Jr.Executive Assistant - Takiea Hinton - 410-554-8222
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Customer Service, Home Delivery and Subscriptions:
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Billing Inquiries: 410-554-8226
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AFRO National BriefsWyclef Jeans Political
Venture Takes Dramatic
TurnsAfter Haitis Provisional
Electoral Council (CEP)
deemed rapper Wyclef Jean
ineligible to run for the
nations presidency, it seemed
his political ambitions had
been thwarted. Furthermore,Jean released a statement
on his blog saying, I
respectfully accept the
committees nal decision,
and I urge my supporters to
do the same.
But only days later, Jean told The Associated Press his
lawyers would appeal the councils ruling. The married father
of one also told the the AP he has a document which shows
everything is correct and pointed to Haitis political cronyism
as reason for his rejection.
Shawnta Watson Walcott, a pollster and pundit who
conducted the 2005 presidential election poll in Haiti on behalf
of the National Organization for the Advancement of Haitians
(NOAH), said Jean is simply unprepared to lead a nation. The
CEPs decision to exclude Jean was unfortunate but accurate.
Wyclef simply didnt meet the residency requirement as
stipulated in the Haitian Constitution, said Walcott. Perhaps
he and his legal advisors assumed there would be certain
considerations made that would have allowed him to participate
and that just didnt happen.
Veteran CBS NewsCorrespondent Harold
Dow DiesEmmy Award-winning
CBS News correspondent
Harold Dow, recognized for
his Sept. 11 and O.J. Simpson
murder trial coverage, died
Aug. 21 in New Jersey. He
was 62.
According to CBS
network spokeswoman
Louise Bashi, Dow, a Saddle
River, N.J., resident, died
suddenly but it is not clear
if hed been at home. CBS News is deeply saddened by this
sudden loss, said Sean McManus, president of CBS News and
Sports, in a statement. The CBS News family has lost one of
its oldest and most talented members, whose absence will be
felt by many and whose on-air presence and reporting skills
touched nearly all of our broadcasts. We extend our deepest
condolences to his wife Kathy and their children Joelle, Danica
and David.
Dow had worked as a correspondent for news series 48
Hours since 1990, but had a 40-year career with the network.
Hed previously reported for CBS Evening News with Dan
Rather and CBS News Sunday Morning.
The Hackensack, N.J., native was previously a co-anchor
and talk show host in Omaha, Neb., where he was the rst
African-American TV reporter in that city.
National Black Pro-Life Union Prez to Attend Restoring
Honor RallyOn the 47th anniversary
of Martin Luther King
Jr.s historic March onWashington, incendiary radio
host Glenn Beck plans to lead
the Restoring Honor rally
at the same site where King
gave the landmark I Have
a Dream speech. Joining
him will be Day Gardner,
president of the National
Black Pro-Life Union,
which seeks to coordinate
communication between all Black pro-life groups. I wouldnt
miss [the rally] for the world, said Gardner in a statement.
America is spiraling down into an abyss of debt, joblessness
and economic turmoil. We are seeinga great push to
continue the brutal killing of unborn children--even as modern
technology proves the humanity of the child.
Gardner, who publicly slammed then-Sen. Barack Obama
for his pro-abortion stance, said Americans have beenencouraged to respect Muslims while Christianity and the
name of Jesus is scourged.
Across town, the Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action
Network have planned Reclaim the Dream, a mass rally. In
a statement posted on the National Action Networks website,
Sharpton said Beck and tea party members will attempt to
hijack the dream while he and other Black civic leaders will
shed light on issues that have diminished Kings vision.
Tainted Eggs Cast Fear in U.S. Grocery StoresTypically a staple food
in many Americans diets,
eggs have come under re
after the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA)
pointed to two Iowa-based
producers as the root of
a nationwide salmonellaoutbreak. On Aug. 18,
Wright County Eggs recalled
products from all ve of its
farms and 380 million eggs.
Recently, Hillandale Farms
was also cited in the outbreak
and has recalled 170 million eggs.
Thousands of Americans have reportedly become ill after
consuming eggs from these companies and some are ling
lawsuits, theAtlanta Business Journalsaid.
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8/9/2019 Washington D.C. Afro-American Newspaper, August 28, 2010
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Identification StatementsBaltimore Afro-American (USPS 040-800) is published weekly by TheAfro-AmericanNewspapers, 2519 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4602. Subscription Rate:Baltimore - 1 Year - $30.00 (Price includes tax.) Checks for subscriptions should be madepayable to: TheAfro-American Newspaper Company, 2519 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD21218-4602. Periodicals postage paid at Baltimore, MD.
POSTMASTER:Send addresses changes to: TheAfro-American Newspaper Company, 2519N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4602.
The Washington Afro-American & Washington Tribune (0276-6523) is publishedweekly by theAfro-American Newspapers at 1917 Benning Road, N.E., Washington, D.C.20002-4723. Subscription Rate: Washington - 1 Year - $30.00. Periodical Postage paidat Washington, D.C.
POSTMASTER: Send addresses changes to: The Washington Afro-American& Washington Tribune, 2519 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4602.
August 28, 2010 - September 3, 2010, The Afro-American A3
Continued from A1
Black Leaders
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By Dorothy Rowley
AFRO Staf Writer
During opening ceremonies last week, ofcials at the newly
established Bertha B. Williams Academy (BBWA) in Southeast
Washington, D.C., said they look forward to the facility
eventually becoming a model for similar efforts across the
country. Until then, It will be an exemplary model academy
for poor students like those who live east of the river, saidfounder and board member Lois Williams.
BBAW, which is located in the educational building at
Garden Memorial Presbyterian Church on Minnesota Avenue,
is tuition-free and caters to underprivileged children from
pre-kindergarten through second grade living in the Anacostia
community. The school is named after Williams, an educator
who dedicated much of her career to training disadvantaged
students, and is solely supported by private donations,
fundraisers and grants.
When classes start Sept. 26, each of the 80 students will be
provided a personal education plan that, aside from offering
a curriculum, fosters communication, critical thinking and
problem-solving skills.
However, plans call for increasing enrollment to 200 and
adding classes for students up to sixth grade over the next three
years. While ofcials will focus on providing individualized
attention with low teacher-to-student ratios, theyre poised toeventually evolve the school into a charter facility.
Williams, who is married to the school namesakes oldest
son, Anderson Williams, said the facility spawned out of
concern for problems that often plague children in Ward 8,
including a gaping disparity in achievement between African-
American and White children attending District of Columbia
public schools.
Anacostias majority Black community, represented by
Councilman Marion Barry, is often described as the citys
poorest neighborhood. With the poverty rate exceeding 36
percent, at least half of its children have been classied
disadvantaged, and last year, according to a recent city
demographics prole, more than 31,000 residences received
food stamps.
We plan to address these problems by providing excellence
in education to inner-city youth, Williams said. We believe
in providing every student access in learning with a strong
commitment to educating children from all walks of life.
BBWA board chairwoman Leah Humphrey added that
ofcials also intend to provide a high-quality school that will
serve as a model of success for students throughout the United
States in communities like Anacostia. We have an excellent
board and were totally committed to serving the needs of the
children, Humphrey said. We want the absolute best for them[and] we want to provide the resources, intellect and the spirit
thats necessary to lead them.
Other than a simple application form theres no long, drawn
out enrollment process.
Scott Pearson, director of Public Charter Schools for the
U.S. Department of Education, expressed sentiments on behalf
of President Barack Obama.
We should treasure, support and embrace [BBWA] as [an
important] fabric of your lives and the president supports that,
Pearson said. He said formation of the school has challenged
the status quo. In the best way possible by [adhering] to
high standards that its ofcials are willing to be judged by,
said Pearson. The school is part of a strong and growing
movement. Its different and thats the whole point, because we
want choice and diversity.
Tuition-Free Private School Debuts in Ward 8
speech.
The commemoration is
being organized by the Rev.
Al Sharpton and his National
Action Network, and has
mobilized a contingent of
progressive leaders, clergy
and nationally syndicated
Black radio talk show hosts
and other activists from across
the country to reclaim
Kings dream.
Though Beck admitted
he had no idea Aug. 28 was
the same date as the famousMarch on Washington, he said
in an interview with another
news outlet that it wouldnt
stop him from proclaiming
the coincidence as divine
providence.
Beck, who touts himself
as a conservative American
thinker, began plans for his
rally late last year, scheduling
it to coincide with the fth
anniversary of Hurricane
Katrinas devastation and the
horric murder 55 years ago
of 14-year-old Emmet Till for
whistling at a White woman.
According to his website,
while the gathering issupposed to be a nonpolitical
celebration of America, it has
the backing of the National
Rie Association and lists
Sarah Palin among its primary
speakers.
Beck plans to follow up
the rally with an event at the
Kennedy Center that will
reportedly include uplifting
music and messages of
hope, healing and faith from
nationally-known religious
gures, reminiscent of
speeches conveyed during
civil rights struggles.
While leaders such as
activist Dick Gregory and the
Rev. Timothy Mc Donald of
the Concerned Black Clergy
of Atlanta contend Beck lacks
the fortitude to engage in civil
rights for Blacks, Walters
pointedly said Beck is not
worthy of the date he chose
to reach out to the masses. I
think thats what people ought
to understand, said Walters.
Sharpton pointed out in
a commentary circulated by
the NNPA that in studying
the intense struggle for civil
rights in this nation, people
quickly and rightfully
nd themselves analyzing thelife and legacy of King.
We learn of his tireless
efforts to achieve equality and
justice for all of humanity, as
we pass on legends of sit-ins,
marches and boycotts to our
children, Sharpton said. But
what we as a collective [body]
sometimes forget to impress
upon the next generation is
the depth to which Dr. King
was an advocate [and that] the
position as he knew it, was the
only effective tool to ensure a
unied system of equality in
every state.
Echoing Walters
sentiments, Sharpton whoreferred to Beck gathering
as a mere disturbance said
that the show host and the tea
party are attempting to tarnish
the legacy of the 1963 march.
But he said that in light of
the Dunbar rally, Kings loyal
legion of supporters wont
allow that to happen.
We will not give credence
to this distraction, said
Sharpton, for thats all it is.
AFRO File Photo
Civil rights leaders are marching Aug. 28 in Washington
to reclaim Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s dream, which he
shared in his I Have a Dream speech 47 years ago.
The school is part o a strong andgrowing movement. Its diferent andthats the whole point, because we wantchoice and diversity.
8/9/2019 Washington D.C. Afro-American Newspaper, August 28, 2010
4/24
A4 The Afro-American, August 28, 2010 - September 3, 2010
Continued from A1
SBA Mismanagement
WASHINGTON (AP) The University of the District of Columbia will have about 1,500extra students at its northwest Washington campus this year.
Mayor Adrian Fenty and D.C. school ofcials announced last week that Wilson High
School students will study this school year at UDCs Building 52. The high school building inTenleytown will undergo a $100 million renovation.
While the plan was only announced the Friday before the start of classes, ofcials say the
UDC building will be ready. It includes 65 classrooms, four computer labs and faculty ofce
space. Wilson students will use UDCs gym and library.Some merchants near the Van Ness campus are concerned about the inux of students.
But Council member Mary Cheh says no businesses asked to be placed off limits to Wilson
students.
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Wilson High Moves to UDC CampusDuring Renovationshe had only 48 hours to nd
and fax critical documentsor her application would be
canceled.
Some 160 miles to the east,in Alabama, Erik Schmitz,
former commodore of the
Fairhope Yacht Club, takes
in a breathtaking view ofMobile Bay from a posh newclubhouse rebuilt in part with
a $1.5 million disaster loan,
the maximum from the SBA.For Schmitz, the entire loan
process was smooth sailing.
While stories of theFederal Emergency
Management Agencys
contaminated trailers and theArmy Corps of Engineers
inability to shore up the
levees captured the headlinesin the aftermath of the deadly
storms of 2005, the bunglingof the SBA, the lead federal
agency helping people rebuild
their homes and businesses,has largely been untold.
The sagas of Schmitz,
Bazile and the SBAsYoung, who worked out of
the agencys massive loan
processing center in FortWorth, Texas, collectively
reveal how the SBA failed inso many ways, an ominous
experience as the agency
prepares to play a similarrole in the aftermath of the
massive BP PLC oil spill.
These are stories of amismanaged bureaucracy
that still hurt half a decade
later: tales of applications
for low-interest disasterloans that should have beenapproved but were not, of
applications deleted from the
SBA computer system for novalid reason, of impossible-to-
meet deadlines manufactured
to clear backlogs, and of a
process so chaotic and painfulthat thousands simply gave up.
AnAssociated Press
investigation based onmore than 200 interviews,
thousands of pages of
public documents obtainedunder the federal Freedom
of Information Actand a
rst-ever detailed computeranalysis of SBA data from
hurricanes Katrina and Ritafound that:
Despite the obvious need,
55 percent of homeownersand businesses that applied for
help after the hurricanes were
turned away. According to dataprovided by SBA, of 318,953
applications processed,
175,463 were rejected and143,490 were approved.
Only 60 percent of the
loan money approved by SBA
ultimately reached applicants.Over the years, SBA ofcials
have told congressionalcommittees that the agencyhad approved more than $10
billion in loans, touting it
as an example of how SBAhad helped those on the Gulf
Coast. However, accordingto the data, only $6.1 billion
of the approved loan moneyhas been dispensed. SBA
ofcials say many applicants
never accepted the loansbecause they found other
ways to rebuild, including
using insurance money. Butmany former applicants said
in interviews that they just
walked away because theentire process took too long
and was too complicated.
Of the money SBA
did distribute, $357 million
nearly 6 percent hasnever been repaid. More
than a dozen people whose
loans were charged offtold the AP that the agency
hasnt contacted them about
repayment.
Country clubs, yachtclubs, exclusive private
schools and megachurches
received millions in loansfrom the agency founded in
1953 with a mission to aid,counsel, assist and protect theinterests of small business
concerns. Some of the more
substantial operations rebuiltbigger and better, often
contradicting SBA rules thatsay damaged buildings should
be repaired only to theiroriginal state.
Homeowners and
businesses in higher-incomeareas were more likely to get
a loan than those in lower-
income areas, according toAPs analysis of SBA data
by ZIP code. The truth is
that only the wealthy movedthrough the system easily,
said Gale Martin, anotherformer SBA loan ofcer. If
you were of a certain income,we funded you rst, whichis not the way the system is
supposed to work. Martin
contended that contrary to theSBA mission to especially
help people who didnt always
have the means to rebuild,applicants with higher credit
scores and bigger incomeswere cherry-picked for
processing rst because those
les could be closed quicker.
A disparity also existed
along racial lines. Forexample, the predominantly
White, wealthier Lakeview
section of New Orleans hadthe citys highest ratio of
approvals to rejections, whilethe lowest approval rates
were in poorer, mostly Black
areas like the Lower NinthWard. But a racial disparity
was clear even among
economically similar areas.SBA approved nearly 66
percent of loan applications
in a predominantly whitepart of suburban St. Bernard
Parish but approved only 42.1percent in a predominantly
black, adjacent section of
eastern New Orleans withcomparable median household
income. SBA ofcials
said they dont collectinformation about race on
loan applications, but try toreach out to applicants in poorneighborhoods. Civil rights
leaders say the agency hasnt
done enough to help.
SBA ofcials insistthe agency today is better
prepared to handle a major
disaster. Were not proudof what happened during the
2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes,
said James Rivera, deputyassociate administrator of
SBAs ofce of disaster
assistance. Our response wasslow, but weve learned from
our mistakes. Weve had ve
years to reect on this.During that period, agency
ofcials say, they have addedstaff, improved technology
and simplied the loan
process to push money outquickly to disaster victims.
But recent reports by
government watchdoggroups and some critics have
slammed SBA for being too
slow to implement measuresthat could improve an agency
with a troubled past.Congressional
investigators and SBA
whistleblowers questionwhether the agency is any
better equipped for a major
disaster today, as the regiongrapples with the oil-spill
related assault on three pillarsof its economy seafood,tourism and offshore drilling.
The SBA is once again
setting up disaster recoverycenters along the Gulf Coast,
although the oil spill effort willlikely be overshadowed by
the hurricanes economic toll.
While BP is responsible forthe nancial impact caused by
the spill, the SBA is helping
people while they wait for thecorporate assistance.
This is going to happen
again tomorrow if theresanother Katrina, Martin said.
They didnt x enough for it
not to happen.
Look for parts two, three andfour of this story online at www.afro.com. Associated Press writersBrian Skoloff, Becky Bohrer,Carrie Osgood, Peter Prengamanand the AP News Research Centercontributed to this story.
AFRO File Photo
The Small Business Administration was responsible for
issuing loans to help people rebuild their homes and
businesses after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
8/9/2019 Washington D.C. Afro-American Newspaper, August 28, 2010
5/24
August 28, 2010 - September 3, 2010, The Afro-American A5
Continued from A1
Opponents Contend
Nominations are now being acceptedfor the following WTU positions:
President
General Vice President
Treasurer
Vice-President* (6 positions)
Recording Secretary
Trustees (3 positions)
Executive Board member** (11 positions)
Delegates to the Metropolitan Washington Council,AFL-CIO (9 positions)
Delegates to the Convention of theMaryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO (9 positions)
*There is one Vice President from each of the following divisions
for a total of six (6) positions: elementary school, junior high
school, senior high school, career development, special education,
and specialized services.
** There are eleven (11) Executive Board positions with four (4)
from elementary school, two (2) from junior high school, two (2)
from senior high school, and three (3) from specialized services.
Washington Teachers Union, Local 6
Nominations and Elections NoticeTerm o Ofce: The term of ofce for the President, GeneralVice President, Treasurer, Vice Presidents, Recording Secretary,Trustees, Executive Board members and Delegates to the Metro-politan Washington Council, AFL-CIO runs until July 1, 2013. Theterm of ofce for Delegates to the Convention of the MarylandState and D.C. AFL-CIO runs through the Convention of Fall 2011.All elected persons will serve each term or the balance of eachterm beginning October 5, 2010.
Eligibility or President, General Vice President, Trea-surer, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Trusteeand Executive Board member: Candidates must be current,full dues paying members and must submit a nominations peti-
tion signed by a minimum of 20 full dues paying members to beeligible.
Eligibility or Delegate to the Metropolitan WashingtonCouncil, AFL-CIO and Delegate to the Convention o theMD State and District o Columbia AFL-CIO: Candidatesmust be current employees and full dues paying members. Amember may self nominate or be nominated by a WTU member ingood standing by submitting her/his name on a nominating peti-tion by the deadline. Signatures from additional WTU membersare not required.
Deadline or Nominations:Nomination Petitions must besigned by the candidate and submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. onSeptember 3, 2010 to the American Federation of Teachers, c/o AlSquire, Regional Director, 555 New Jersey Ave., NW, Washington,DC 20001. Nomination Petitions are available online.
Election: The election of the WTU Union Ofcers, Trustees,Executive Board and Delegates will be conducted by mail ballot.The mail ballots will be mailed on September 18, 2010. Ballots willbe opened and counted by the American Arbitration Association,an independent agency, on October 4, 2010, at 6:00 p.m. at theAmerican Federation of Teachers.
To download a petition and for more information, please visitwww.at.org/wtuelection.
Attention Members of the Washington Teachers Union
By Nafeesa SyeedAssociated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP)
The U.S. Marshals Service
says its cracking down onsome of the most dangerous
sex offenders in the nations
capital.Deputy U.S. Marshal
David Neumann, aspokesman for the U.S.
Marshals for D.C. Superior
Court, says the agencyis targeting the ve most
wanted sex offenders who
have failed to register with authorities.Its part of Project Sentinel/Operation Guardian thats under way throughout the country,
with each Marshals district searching for the worst convicted, noncompliant sex offenders.
Neumann says there are about 750,000 convicted sex offenders in the United States, butabout 125,000 have not registered. He says its important to catch them to put victims at ease
and protect families.Those who are caught face more prosecution because of their failure to register.
For more information: www.usmarshals.gov/district/dc-sc/
U.S. Marshals Target 5 MostWanted Sex Ofenders
Continued from A1
Ex-Ofenders
Councilman Thomas, whointroduced the Ban the Box
measure after meeting with
ex-offender advocates andconstituents who reported
trouble getting interviewed
due to their criminal records,agrees.
It is the councilmembersbelief that increasing apersons ability to interview
for a position would give theemployer a better opportunity
to judge that person on their
abilities to perform the workrather than an employer
having a preconceived idea
of that persons characterbased on a past mistake,
said James Pittman, Thomas
legislative counsel.Pittman said the goal
behind Thomas proposedmeasure is to build a positive
track record with Ban the
Box in D.C. government
in order to build a case toeventually expand similar
measures in the private sector.Eliminating the box at the
outset of the hiring process
could not come soon enoughfor ex-offenders such as
30-year-old Akil, a certied
food handler and formerprison cook who recently
settled on an $8-an-hourjob as a dishwasher in a
restaurant in Bethesda.
Akil, who spent half adecade in federal prison
for a drug conviction, says
he lled out hundreds ofjob applications since his
release from prison in 2008but seldom heard back fromemployers. He suspects the
reason is because of hiscriminal record.
Even if they dont know
what you were locked upfor, it puts in their head like,
What could he have done?
Akil explained.
Such experiences are byno means uncommon in the
city, where on any given daythere are 16,000 ex-offenders
under the supervision of the
Court Services and OffenderSupervision Agency for
the District of Columbia,
and more than half areunemployed, several times
the District unemployment
rate of roughly 10 percent.We have a real problem
with employment in theDistrict and a real problem
with folks on supervision,
said Leonard Sipes,spokesman for CSOSA.
Courtney Stewart, co-
founder of the D.C.-basedRe-Entry Network for
Returning Citizens, says the
unemployment rates amongex-offenders or returning
citizens, his favoredterminology concern society
in general, not just those with
criminal records.Its a public safety issue,
Stewart said. If you dont
give a man a job, it becomesa public safety issue, because
hes already committed
a crime before, and the
likelihood of doing it again isvery high.
Stewart doesnt harborany notions that eliminating
the box will make a dramaticchange in employment for ex-
offenders. [But] it evens the
playing eld a little more,he said.
If the D.C. council
return theAFROs inquiry for comment. However, he has beenon the Council since 2006, having won the General Election
with 85 percent of the votes. Currently, the ward ranks third
for the highest rate of unemployment and HIV/AIDS, andaccording to Henderson, has the dirtiest streets and alleys
in the city as well all other kinds of negative indicators including incidences of breast cancer and asthma.
I feel we deserve better, Henderson said. I dont
understand why he cant deliver and why he cant make us apriority.
According to a spring 2010 prole provided by the UrbanInstitute and the Washington, D.C., Local Initiatives SupportCorporation, teen birth rates are prevalent in Ward 5, and
last year more than 6,000 of its households received TANF
(Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) benets.Meanwhile, Thomas has been banking on his earmarks to
win favor with voters. Nevertheless, his Council record has alsospawned the chagrin of Delano Hunter and Kenyan McDufe.
Over the past four years, Harry Thomas has been reactive
to issues of concern to the residents of Ward 5, whereas we
need someone whos going to be stronger and more proactive,
said McDufe. Hes the chair of the committee on parks,
recreation and libraries on the Council, and yet he hasntdelivered in terms of resources being allocated to Ward 5s
parks, recreation and libraries. McDufe added that of the
billions allocated in the City Council budget from Fiscal Year2007 to Fiscal Year 2010 that a mere pittance has been spent on
Ward 5. And thats ridiculous, McDufe said.
Hunter added that lack of vision has caused Thomasleadership to falter.
He has failed to address some of the key issues that areholding Ward 5 back, Hunter said, noting the areas high
truancy and dropout rates among them. He has failed to put
forth the proactive vision and leadership this community needs,[although] he has been very reactive to the mayor.
ultimately decides to banthe box, it would be one
of roughly two dozenmunicipalities to do so. Others
include Baltimore, Boston,
Chicago, Minneapolis, SanFrancisco and Seattle, to name
a few.
The proposed Ban theBox measure in the District
has been referred to the
Councils Committee onGovernment Operations and
the Environment for a hearingwith comments from the
Committee on Public Safety
and the Judiciary. A hearingdate on the matter has not yet
been scheduled.
MorgueFile
Courtesy Photo
I feel we deserve better, Henderson said.I dont understand why he cant deliverand why he cant make us a priority.
8/9/2019 Washington D.C. Afro-American Newspaper, August 28, 2010
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A6 The Afro-American, August 28, 2010 - September 3, 2010
Aug. 26
RE-New OrleansRecess Lounge, 727 15th
St., N.W. D.C. 6-10 p.m. Join
the community in this socialnetworking and fundraiser
event in commemorationof the fth anniversary of
Hurricane Katrina. For more
information: www.gnof.org.
Aug. 27
D.C. Poetry in the Park2010
Carter BarronAmphitheatre, 4850 Colorado
Ave., N.W. D.C. 7:30 p.m.
Join the annual D.C. Poetry inthe Park festival with special
guests the Last Poets. For
more information: 202-426-0486.
Live on the Woodrow
Wilson Plaza
Woodrow Wilson Plaza,Ronald Reagan International
Trade Center, 1300
Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. D.C.12-1:30 p.m. In this weekly
event, enjoy some of the bestfree musical performances
in the area. For more
information: 202-312-1300.
Aug. 28
Spirit of Love FestGranville Gude Park
(Laurel Lakes), 7901 CypressSt., Laurel, Md. 12-5 p.m.
Christian World Links will
host the rst Spirit of LoveFest featuring giveaways,
music, vendors, food and
more. For more information:spiritoovefest.com.
Smoky Eye Workshop
Largo-Kettering LibraryConference Room, 9601Capital Lane, Largo, Md.
1:30-3 p.m. Learn how to
create the perfect smokyeye makeup effect with
professional makeup guru
Tasha (Taz) Robinson ofPlaying in Paint Makeup
Artistry. $25 admits
one, $40 admits two.For more information:
playinginpaint.com.
FCAC Community Day
TheARC, 1901Mississippi Ave., S.E. D.C.
11 a.m.-2 p.m. The Federal
City Alumnae Chapterof Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority will be hosting
its annual communityday to foster community,
health, educational andpolitical awareness. The
fair will include children
and adult activities, healthscreenings, free food,
tness demos and live
entertainment. For moreinformation: thecacdst.org.
Who Let the Dogs In?Marian Koshland
Science Museum, Sixthand E streets, N.W. D.C.
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Join theKoshland for a museumfestival for dogs and their
owners. Your pet will
enjoy complementarygourmet treats, water and
shade as you get useful
information for your pet.For more information: 202-
334-1201.
Aug. 28-29
Linganore Wine Cellars
Vintage Jazz FestivalLinganore Winecellars,
13601 Glissans Mill Road,Mt. Airy, Md. 6 p.m.
Enjoy an afternoon of
warm summer breeze andsunshine and enjoy great
food and music. $10-$15.
410-795-6432.
Aug. 29
Dr. Evelyn BethuneJohn Wesley United
Methodist Church, 6922North Ritchie Hwy. Glen
Burnie, Md. Come and
hear the message fromDr. Evelyn Bethune,
granddaughter of Dr.
Mary McLeod Bethune.Following the service,
there will be a receptionin which Dr. Bethune
will autograph copiesof her book. For moreinformation: 410-766-
6981.
Sept. 2Empower Happy Hour
Tabaq Bistro, 1336 USt., N.W. D.C. 5-8 p.m.
JoinEmpower Magazine
as they host their monthlyhappy hour to discuss
social issues and challengereaders to take action in
their communities. For
more information: 202-709-9392.
Sept. 3-5Kankouran: AfricanDance & Drum
ConferenceWashington Plaza
Hotel, 10 Thomas Circle,N.W. D.C. 1 p.m. Join in
the 27th annual African
dance and drum festival.$15-$220. For more
information: kankouran.
org.
Community Calendar
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8/9/2019 Washington D.C. Afro-American Newspaper, August 28, 2010
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August 28, 2010 - September 3, 2010, The Afro-American A7
(NNPA) - On Aug. 29, we
will commemorate ve years
since Hurricane Katrina hit
New Orleans, broke its levees
and drowned the city in feet
of water. Five years ago our
nation exhibited some of the
most profound indifference
to human beings as thousands
of New Orleaneans were
stuck without food, water, or
sanitation in the Super Dome.
In the aftermath of those ve years, those divisions of race
and class have determined which individuals have recovered
from Katrina and who have not. Five years after the levees
broke, the city of New Orleans is still bruised from the tragedy
of a natural disaster, a man-made disaster, and an indifferent
government.
Bill Quigley, legal director of the Center for Constitutional
Rights, Loyola University law professors Bill and Davida
Finger, and Tulane University researcher Lance Hill have
compiled a Pain Index for New Orleans in 2010. They
make the case that too many people have been permanently
displaced, the infrastructure remains badly frayed, and that
there is insufcient affordable housing. They note that while
some say the median income in New Orleans has risen since
Katrina, that income has only risen because so many poor
people cant come back.
There are at least 100,000 fewer persons in New Orleans
today than ve years ago. One in four residential addresses is
vacant or blighted. Nearly 20,000 people are still waiting for
money from the Road Home program to rebuild their homes.
Meanwhile, rents have spiraled, and 5,000 people are waiting
for public housing; another 28,000 or so are waiting for housing
vouchers. The public school system has been decimated, and it
is unclear whether charter education has been an improvement.
In 2005, a New Orleans businessman promised the Wall
Street Journalthat the business community would use Katrina
to recongure New Orleans politically, demographically
and economically. With the city now being represented
by a Vietnamese-American Republican, and with a major
demographic shift in the City
Council, one might say that
the businessman kept his
promise. Whether benignly or
deliberately, poor people have
gotten the word they are
unwelcome in New Orleans.
Data tell one story, but it
is souls and spirits that tell
another. Ive been to New
Orleans twice this year,
rst for the Essence Music
Festival, then for Delta
Sigma Theta Sororitys 50th
Convention. The events were
great, as events go, with
highlights, challenges, and
plenty of crowds. The best
part of going to New Orleans
these days, though, is talking to
the people who live there about
their thoughts and feelings
about recovery.
I wouldnt live anywhere else, my driver said. His voice
has the thickness of gumbo, the jazzed nuance of many New
Orleanean voices. The second time he picks me up to take me
from one place to another, we get to talking and he tells me
his story. He is 68, former military, and a retiree when Katrina
hit. But he and his wife had to start all over because they lost
everything. So instead of enjoying retirement, he drives three
days a week, and does odd jobs to make ends meet. When
I ask about federal government help, he grunts, utters an
expletive, and then says, I told you we had to start over.
The housekeeper at the Hilton is a sweet chatterbox. When
she brings extra tea bags, she natters on about why she prefers
coffee to tea. When I ask her how she managed after Katrina,
though, she grows silent and her countenance takes on sadness.
I lost my mother two years ago. I really think that storm killed
her. She tells me a harrowing evacuation story that landed part
of her family in Atlanta and part in Houston. Three of her ve
children chose to stay in Atlanta, feeling that starting over was
too much.
I miss them and I miss my grands, but I have two others
here, she said. She speaks of Sunday dinners past with
a wistfulness in her voice. It is as if our family has been
broken in half. People visit, she allowed. But its just not the
same. And, she says she is grateful for what she does have,
including her health, her home, and good relationships.
Langston Hughes called stories like these the sweet ypaper
of life. Not enough to write a research paper on, just enough to
get some avor for. That ypaper isnt as sweet for many New
Orleaneans as it was ve years ago, and material conditions
have worsened as well. When we turn the lens on New Orleans
this week to commemorate the ve years since Katrina, what
can we say about the possibility that this city and its residents
will ever be made whole?
Julianne Malveaux is president of Bennett College for
Women in Greensboro, N.C.
Opinion
Julianne
Malveaux
Five Years After theLevees Broke
I am amazed that the
controversy surrounding the
proposed Muslim mosque
and community center in
New York City at ground zero
is still going strong. America
has turned into a country
where if you dont agree with
someone, you are painted as
a bad person. This is exactly
what is going on in New York
City.
Those who oppose the
project have lost the legal
battle, but now they are
attempting to turn it into a
political battle. I nd those in opposition full of hypocrisy,
especially those in the Republican Party.
When President Obama used the word empathy to
describe one of the qualities he looked for in a Supreme Court
nominee, Republicans ripped into him (and rightfully so). Our
legal system is based on the law, not how one feels about a
given case or person involved in a case.
Now, when it comes to the proposed mosque at ground
zero, these same people want the Muslim community to be
sensitive (i.e. empathetic) toward the family members of
those killed and others impacted my 9/11. Mind you, everyone
agrees that the Muslims have the legal right to move forward
with the projectnot even the most vocal opponent argues this
point.
Their whole argument is about sensitivity. How ironic
that when Obama suggested empathy in a Supreme Court
nominee, he was excoriated. Now, these very same people are
encouraging the same thing, albeit in a different circumstance.
As a longtime Republican, I have had many conversations
with White folks in the party regarding the confederate ag
and its place in our society. These people see absolutely no
problem with the ag ying on the dome of state capitals
around the country, even though they know its very offensive
to the Black community.
I have been told on many occasions that I (and the
Black community) was being overly sensitive and that
those who support the ying of the ag are within their
rights. Additionally, I was told, you cant expect people to
forget their heritage because of the sensitivities of the Black
community. After all, me nor my parents or grandparents were
part of the Confederacy. But, it is party of our familys history;
therefore, we celebrate it. We had nothing to do with slavery,
nor do we support any type of discrimination.
Isnt this the same argument the Muslims are using in New
York? They had nothing to do with 9/11. But, they want to be
able to celebrate their religion, despite the bad feelings that
others may experience.
Once again, these same Republicans who oppose the
Muslims in New York on grounds of sensitivity, will not take
the same stand on the Confederate ag when it comes to the
Black community.
Principles are guides to ones life that are not relative or
situational. Principles have to be consistently applied for one
to be credible and maintain the moral high ground. You cant
pick and choose when to apply ones principles.
Through whats going on
in New York, maybe, just
maybe, Republicans will
better understand how Blacks
feel about the Confederate
ag. And maybe, just maybe,
the next time Blacks express their feelings about having the
confederate ag ying atop government buildings, Republicans
wont just blow us off. But, maybe they will be sensitive to
the pain the ag evokes within our community.
Can you honor the Confederate ag without being a racist?
Without a doubt. Can you support the Muslim project in New
York without being insensitive? Without a question.
To believe one without the other is to y the ag of
hypocrisy.
Raynard Jackson is president and CEO of Raynard Jackson
& Associates, LLC., a Washngton, D.C.-based public relations/
government affairs rm. He is also a contributing editor for
ExcellStyle Magazine (www.excellstyle.com).
The Flag of Hypocrisy
maybe, just maybe, the nex t time Blacks express their eel-ings about having the conederate ag ying atop governmentbuildings, Republicans wont just blow us of.
Raynard Jackson
Goodbye Dr. LauraYou mean to tell me theres a word White folks cant
use under any circumstances? What word is that? Because itcertainly isnt n-gg-r. White folks use the word n-gg-r allthe timethey just dont use it around Black folks.
Dr. Laura Schlessinger used the word n-gg-r 11 times theother day during an argument with a Black woman becausethats what was in her heart. She was bold, angry and for atime, unapologetic. She wanted her White listeners to hearher and become bold enough to sing along. Every time a highprole White person comes out of their mouth wrong, Blackfolks should hold them accountable. No excuses! I bet shewouldnt have been calling Jews anything other than sir andmaam.
Black guys use it all the time, she said. Turn on HBO,listen to a Black comic and all you hear is nigger. I guessher mama never told her not to do everything she sees ontelevision. Women call each other bitches all the time. Thatdoesnt mean I should do it. Besides, quite a few Black folksdont want comedians to use it anymore either. White folksinvented the word n-gg-r as a derogatory, hate lled insultmeant to psychologically do damage. Dr. Quack knew thatbut her arrogance was too blinding. And shed been dyingto say it on the air anyway. She saw her chance and took it.Although Dr. Laura was using the N word to make a point toa listener, her rationalization that Black folks use it all the timeshows intent. Did Dr. Laura called it quits or was she forced toquit? Who cares, she was obnoxious anyway.
Xavier JamesYahoo e-mail user
Drunken Illegals Major Maryland ConcernThe silence was deafening from Marylands political
leadership when the news broke of Carlos Montano, an illegalalien, being arrested in Virginia for crashing into and killingan innocent Catholic nun while driving under the inuence(DUI). Politicians in Montgomery and Prince Georgescounties, known sanctuaries for illegal aliens, are quite awareof the dangerous arrest and release policies used for DUI andrelated cases involving illegal aliens like Montano in theirjurisdictions.
For counties that pride themselves on public health
and safety issues such as cigarette smoking bans, transfat
elimination, reworks restrictions, motorcycle and bicycle
helmet requirements, CO2 cutbacks and yes, severe drunken
driving regulations, this revolving door policy for thosewithout legal presence in our state stands out like a sore
thumb.
A careful review of Montgomery Countys outstanding
criminal and trafc warrants posted on-line highlights
hundreds and hundreds of Montano-type alcohol related arrests
from the many thousands of outstanding warrants listed. In
Prince Georges County the problem is even more pronounced
with outstanding warrants number in the tens of thousands.
Why does the solid block of Democratic politicians in both
counties assume that illegal aliens cited for DUI and related
automotive violations, such as driving without a license or
insurance (truly undocumented!), would actually show up in
court for their crimes?
These fugitives already broke the law getting to Maryland
and have no respect for our system of justice. We all know
too well that automobiles can be killing machines. For the
safety of Marylands citizens, its time to tighten immigration
enforcement restrictions to include all motor vehicle DUI and
related driving violations.
Brad Botwin, Director
Help Save Maryland.com
Rockville, Md.
Americas Oil Dependency
While running for ofce, President Obama promised that if
elected, he would get us off OPEC oil within 10 years.
Two years are gone and we still dont have a plan. In fact,
there is some evidence that were going in the wrong direction.
In July 2010, we imported 388 million barrels of oil. Thats
the single largest import month since President Obama was
inaugurated.
TheNAT GAS Actwill create jobs, clean up the
environment and improve our national security by providing
tax incentives to organizations which operate eets of vehicles
that are fueled with imported oil to be replaced with vehicles
that run on domestic natural gas.
Election Day will soon be here. Those who are running for
ofcebe it open seats, incumbents or challengersneed to
take a look at this legislation and make promising to reduce
our need for OPEC oil a central part of their campaigns.
Henry Toney
Olney, Md.
Letters to the Editor
8/9/2019 Washington D.C. Afro-American Newspaper, August 28, 2010
8/24
A8 The Afro-American, August 28, 2010 - September 3, 2010
2010 BP, E&P
No oil has lowed into the Gul or weeks. But we know this is just the
beginning o our work. BP has taken ull responsibility or the cleanup
in the Gul and that includes keeping you inormed.
Restoring Gulf Communities
We cant undo this tragedy. But we can help people get back on their eet.
We have been working with impacted communities since day one.
Partnering with local governments and community organizations, my job is
to listen to peoples needs and rustrations and fnd ways to help. We have
19 community centers and teams in our states, listening and helping.
Restoring The Economy
BP is here in Gul communities with shrimpers, ishermen, hotel and
restaurant owners, helping to make them whole.
More than 120,000 claim payments totaling over $375 million have
already gone to people aected by the spill. We have committed a
$20 billion independent und to pay all legitimate claims, including lost
incomes until people impacted can go back to work. And none o this
will be paid by taxpayers.
BP has also given grants o $87 million to the states to help tourism
recover and bring people back to the Gul beaches.
Restoring The Environment
Were going to keep looking or oil and cleaning it up i we fnd it. Teams
will remain in place or as long as it takes to restore the Gul Coast.
And weve dedicated $500 million to work with local and national scientifc
experts on the impact o the spill and to restore environmental damage.
Thousands o BP employees have their roots in the Gul. We support
over 10,000 jobs in the region and people here are our neighbors. We
know we havent always been perect, but we will be here until the oil
is gone and the people and businesses are back to normal. We will do
everything we can to make this right.
I was born in New Orleans. My amily still lives here. We have
to restore the Gul communities or the shrimpers, fshermen,
hotel and restaurant owners who live and work here.
- Iris Cross, BP Community Outreach
Making This RightBeaches
Claims
Cleanup
Economic Investment
EnvironmentalRestorationHealth and Saety
Wildlie
For general inormation visit: bp.com
For help or inormation: (866) 448-5816
restorethegul.gov
Facebook: BP America
Twitter: @BP_America
YouTube: BP
For claims inormation visit: bp.com/claims
:
8/9/2019 Washington D.C. Afro-American Newspaper, August 28, 2010
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Barnes & Noble, is the latest offering, designed not only to
provide a cost effective way to acquire the needed books, but tocreate an integrated study experience.
Through the 637 Barnes & Noble college bookstores orat BN.com, students are able to rent or purchase e-textbooks,
usually at a savings. NOOKStudy then provides a study
experience, permitting highlighting of passages, attaching notes
to pages and allowing students to organize their own course
notes and other information related to the class, along with thebook. It becomes a computerized study cubicle. This is the
rst one [electronic reader] that was built for students, said
Tracey Weber, executive vice president of digitaleducation and textbooks for Barnes & Noble,
and it reects the fact that reading for study
is different than reading for pleasure.According to Weber, the
company has agreements with
the ve largest higher educationpublishers and has the majority
of textbooks available. Studentsare able to rent textbooks for a
variety of periods of time and
can upgrade from rental to
purchase before the period is up.The online options dont
stop there. Amazon and eBay,good sources for a variety of goods,
are also good sources for used textbooks.
Bookholders, a brick n mortar andonline company, is another regional
source for used textbooks. Also, in
areas like Baltimore and Washington, with a large number ofcolleges, dont hesitate to check out the bookstores of other
schools, especially for used books. And dont overlook an
older version of the book, says Melissa Jones, Morgan StateUniversity graduate. Most times there are only minor changes
between editions and you can ll in updated information usingthe web, professors and friendly classmates, she said.
The good news for students is there are so many ways to
save, said Weber. For students who take the time,they can save quite a bit.
August 28, 2010 - September 3, 2010, The Afro-American B1
By Talibah Chikwendu
AFRO Executive Editor
Textbooksnecessary for educational experience, right?Well, they can also be very costly.
According to a 2005 report on college textbooks from the
Government Accounting Ofce, in the 2003-2004 academic
year, in-state, rst-time, full-time students at a four-year publiccollege or university spent 26 percent of the cost of tuition
and fees on books and supplies. During that same time period,students at two-year community colleges, where tuitions are
lower, fared worse, spending 72 percent of the cost on book
and supplies.The situation has not improved since then. The cost of
books has continued to keep pace with the rise in tuition costs,
and students are being called on to spend a signicant amountof money on what turns out to, be in many instances, a limited-
use resource.But challenge breeds innovation, and government, schools
and businesses have stepped up with new ways to reduce the
costs. The American Opportunity Tax Credit, according to theNational Association of College Stores, provides for textbooks
and other course material expenses incurred in 2009 and 2010
that are not covered by a grant or scholarship to be claimed, upto $2,500 per student. This represents signicant savings.
Not to be outdone in this ght to control costs, schools areinvestigating incorporating the cost of textbooks into the tuition
costs. This inclusion rolls the costs into the total normallycovered by grants, loans and scholarships, eliminating it as aprohibitive upfront cost of education.
Many colleges have moved the bookstores online, givingstudents access to the needed books, both new and used, in
advance of the start of the semester. This makes it possible to
stretch out the purchase of needed materials and to nd usedbook bargains. It also makes it possible to compare and price
shop using other venues. Some are also investigating textbook
rental.A variety of booksellers now offer textbooks for rent, and
buy and sell used books. These services are where veteran
students suggest looking for the books you need. Jamie Stanley,University of Phoenix graduate, said, Use book rental sites to
get books versus buying them. One of my favorites is Cheggbecause you can rent per semester, longer or shorter periods of
time. The price to rent is a fraction of the cost associated with
purchasing and they supply the box to return the books and a
return shipping label at no cost.This site has saved me a lot of money because I didnt
purchase books that I knew I would never use again.The long -term need for a book is an important
consideration. Some books are keepers, useful later as
references in other courses or in employment situations. Thisshould be a factor in determining whether to rent, buy used or
purchase new. If the class is not for your major, then dont
buy it [the book], said Morgan Harris, a junior at WashingtonCollege. See if a friend has the right edition and you can
borrow it. It will save you hundreds ... literally.Online offers a variety of options to meet textbook
needs, including the newest wave in reading electronic
textbooks. While electronic versions of textbooks are not new,NOOKStudy, the free e-textbook reader application from
By Shernay Williams
Special to the AFRO
With a brand new scienceinstitute, new programs
in energy and technology
and 100 fully paid sciencescholarships, Baltimore City
Community College (BCCC) isencouraging students to explore
the STEM elds in this new
economy.Dr. Carolane Williams,
BCCC president, says students
should meet with academicadvisors early to learn about
the multitude of opportunities
in the sciences and alliedhealth elds. (Students)
may not have been exposed to careers in biotechnology and
allied health, but its not just nursing where there are criticalshortages, there is a whole gamut of careers respiratory
health, surgery technicians, said Williams.Those are the types of areas that are in the pipeline as
critical shortage areas in the state and anytime there is acritical shortage, you can get a job and demand higher wages.
Beginning this year, BCCC will train students in energy
auditing and insulation technology, making the school one of
ve weatherization hubs in the state, Williams said. The schoolis also launching new biotechnology and bioscience programs
and will soon offer curricula in forensic science and solar
paneling.All science students have access to the schools Life
Sciences Institute, which opened last year at the University ofMaryland BioPark.
The multi-campused college is making such a push to
prepare their students for high-demand STEM careers thatthey are offering full scholarships in science, health and
engineering.
School ofcials alsopromote participation
in career-based clubs
and organizations. Theknowledge you learn from
textbooks comes alive when
you start practicing it, saidWilliams. Activities that are
outside of the classroom arelearning experiences for our
students, as well. If you are an
accounting student, you wantto join the accounting club.
Thats where you are going
to meet the employers andthats where you are going to
get the opportunity to intern
and put those skills to workorganizationally.
BCCCs newest student
organization the StudentAmbassadors Group
convenes this fall. Selectedstudents are trained to give
tours, answer questions,share school history anddiscuss their experiences with
potential students and visitors.
We are going to utilizestudents as recruiters because
the population we deal with
is sometimes rst generationcollege students, which means
that they may not have parentsor a support system to help
them navigate through college.
We feel the best people to helpthem are students from the
same environment.
Courtesy photo
Dr. Carolane Williams,president of Baltimore City
Community College
Photo by Webster Phillips III
Baltimore City Community Colleges main campus is onLiberty Heights Avenue.
BCCC: Providing Opportunities
Getting the Best Value for Your Textbook Dollar
Bookholders has physical locations in Maryland for
people interested in seeing the used textbooks available
before purchasing.
NOOKStudy provides electronic textbooks geared to
enhance the study-reading experience.
Courtesy photos
Chegg is a popular site for renting college textbooks andselling used books.
8/9/2019 Washington D.C. Afro-American Newspaper, August 28, 2010
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B2 The Afro-American, August 28, 2010 - September 3, 2010
On September 14th, lets get back to work. We need a change.Vote for Character, Integrity and Leadership.
Vince Gray understands there are too many people in the District wondering
where their next paycheck will come from. We need Vince Gray.I Improve job training programs
I Expand vocational education programs
I Strictly enforce the First Source law requiring city contractors to give DC
jobs to DC residents
I Ensure access to public transportation to residents who are out of work to
get to places of employment
IMake it easier for locally owned small businesses to grow and be successful
I Revitalize the Summer Youth Employment Program
Find out more about Vince Grays Jobs and EconomicDevelopment plan at www.vincegrayformayor.com
Vince Grays plan to putDC back to work
As Mayor, Vince Gray will makejob creation a top priority.
Paid for by Gray for Mayor, 1004 6th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. Betty Brown, Treasurer. A copy of our report is filed with the Director of Campaign Finance.
UNDER MAYOR FENTY: City-wide unemployment at a record high
30% unemployment in Ward 8
19% unemployment in Ward 7
30% of DCS Children live below the
poverty line The homeless rate has risen dramatically
east of the Anacostia River
By Talibah ChikwenduAFRO Executive Editor
Nestled in the heart of
West Baltimore, Coppin State
University has been growing
and expanding for students
and the community. We want
to be that beacon of light in
West Baltimore, said Dr.
Franklin Chambers, Coppins
vice president of Student
Affairs for the campus.
That starts with the
students, and when they
come or return to campus this
semester they will nd new
and exciting things.
There are new facilities:
the new physical education
building, with its full workout
facility, basketball and
volleyball courts and more;
and the community pool, that
during the summer was used
for swimming lessons and an
aquatic camp for youth.
Theres also the BTOPgrant that facilitated bringing
broadband to the school and
surrounding community.
So now, the entire campus
is wirelesswhich goes
perfectly with the new quad
area with green space being
opened. Students will have
opportunities to lounge on the
lawn ... all the while surng
the Internet, Dr. Chambers
said.
But those changes are
just the framework for the
centerpiece initiatives.
Programs like Coppin
CARE Coppin Achievers
Regaining Enthusiasm
and the Summer Success
Academy were started
this year to help incoming
students keep up with the
rigors of college academics.From providing assistance up
front, to ensuring incoming
students have access to
the resources they need
mentors, both peerand staff; proper
advisement and
tutoring these
initiatives are
designed to improve student
retention. Dr. Chambers said
if a student can be retainedfrom the rst to the second
year, they are more likely to
graduate.
And for those ready to
graduate, beginning this year
they wont have
to wait. Coppin
is offering a fall
graduation this
semester for the rst
time.
To get ready
for that day, Dr.
Chambers offered
tips he believes will
lead all students to
success at Coppin.
The best advice
for any student is to
read your student
handbook, he said.
The handbook is
provided to students yearly
and lists all the campus
resources. If students use theresources, he said, they can
graduate in four years.
He suggested students
access the appropriate
assistance before there is
trouble and added that by the
second semester, there will be
a One-Stop-Shop Center on
campus. This will provide a
central location for students
to get answers to questions
through text, e-mail, the
Blackboard system or walking
up. He added that the only
dumb questions are the ones
not asked.
Coppin is a place where
we nurture potential and
expand the horizons of our
students so they are better
citizens, Dr. Chambers said.
Coppin: Expanding the Campus Experience
Courtesy photo
Dr. FranklinChambers, vice
president ofStudent Aairs
Photo by Webster Phillips III
As Coppins West Baltimore campus grows, so
does its positive impact on the surrounding
community.
By Talibah ChikwenduAFRO Executive Editor
Students arriving or returning to Prince Georges
Community College will be greeted with construction.
The construction, the new Center for Health Studies which
paves the way for adding surgical technician, physicians
assistant, nursing, nuclear medicine, allied health and
respiratory therapy programs shows, according to college
President Charlene M. Dukes, were planning for the future, tobe the communitys rst choice for quality education.
Its not just buildings that are going up on the campus. Dr.
Dukes said that by the end of the semester, the three or four
wireless hotspots at PGCC will be expanded so the campus is
completely wireless. Our students deserve it, she said.
The work being done to make physical room for new
programs and to expand the existing offerings is reinforced by
efforts to support all students so they complete their degrees
and can, if they choose, successfully move to a four-year
institution. Among the programs to accomplish this is the
OWL Success Track. This brings freshman students in as a
cohort group, allowing them to provide
support, assistance and encouragement to
each other. PGCC is also having a New
Student Convocation, to help reinforce
the decision to attend and provide an
opportunity to acquaint new students with
the available resources through a resource
fair. We are going to help students be
successful, if successful is what they want
to be, Dr. Dukes said.To facilitate success, Dr. Dukes
suggests taking advantage of the tutoring
services on campus. She said there is
no charge for the service and tutoring
is available for all academic subjects. She also recommends
students nd and stay in touch with their academic advisors.
They will help students stay on track and answer any questions,
and will be instrumental in helping them transition to a four-
year college when the time comes. Finally she said students
should remember that when they come to college, collegiate
behavior is expected. Students are responsible for their actions
and the consequences of them.
Students need to understand, Dr. Dukes said, that college
is about ... leaving here, not just with an associates degree or
certicate, but an experience that will make you a well-rounded
person.
PGCC: Progress and Growth
Courtesy photos
Dr. Charlene
M. Dukes,Prince Georges
Community
College presidentPrince Georges Community College (PGCC) continues to
grow and expand the programs and services it can oerto the community.
8/9/2019 Washington D.C. Afro-American Newspaper, August 28, 2010
11/24
August 28, 2010 - September 3, 2010, The Afro-American B3
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2010 D.C. Lottery
By Shernay Williams
Special to the AFRO
Continuing its mission to empower and equip the adultstudent, Sojourner-Douglass College is offering new
initiatives, events and career paths this year.Political campaign management and urban planning and
community development are new academic programs available
in the Fall semester, which began July 26. The school is also
redeveloping eight Allied Health certicate programs intoassociate degree programs. These two-year health programs
will train SDC students to be radiology technicians, pharmacy
technicians, surgical technicians and more.This year, the private colleges campus-wide initiative is to
create more online classes. They already offer some, especiallyin their premier nursing program. Sojourner-Douglass
nursing students can take many of the theory classes online
via Blackboard or interactive television, called ITV, in whichprofessors stream lectures live to multiple Sojourner-Douglass
class sites simultaneously.
In light of their mature student base with an averageage of 36 Sojourner-Douglass hosts events and seminars
aimed at improving quality of life. Roundtable
discussions on stress management, test anxiety,health education and parenting are promoted
through SDCs Wellness Center. We try ourbest to expose students to those services that aid
them in supporting their family and their overall
academic pursuits, said Richard Rowe, SDCWellness Center director.
Efforts to nurture students academically
and as a whole person span all departments.This semester, the nancial aid ofce will offer
information sessions on how to obtain student
loans and scholarships and how to managebudgets, maximize credit and handle mortgages.
The college also recognizes nine sororities,
fraternities and social organizations whosemembers plan a host of academic and communal
events such as cultural balls, Constitution
Appreciation Day and donation drives. School ofcials say
all social events reect the mission of the college revivingand giving back to the community. Its not just having social
events for the fun of it, said Provost Marian
Stanton, but having social activities with amission and purpose.
Dr. Stanton encourages students to
relearn effective study habits and reachout to administrators when they need help.
Coming into an adult setting is recognizingthat everyone in the setting is an adult
including the student, she said. So, effective
communication is essential. Talk with youradministrators, talk with the faculty and take
advantage of all the resources around you so
we can understand what your needs are.Students get a sense of family here, a
sense of caring, a sense that they can use what
they already know and incorporate it intowhat they are going to know. We are here to
support that growth.
Sojourner-Douglass: Nurturing andDeveloping the Adult Learner
Photo by Webster Phillips III
Sojourner-Douglass College oers a variety of services
to meet the needs of the adult learner.
Courtesy photo/Sojourner-Douglass
College
Dr. Marian Stanton, provost
By Gregory DaleAFRO Staf Writer
There are a lot of things
that should be different this
fall, that should be excitingfor students, Dr. Mickey L.
Burnim, Bowie State president
told the AFRO.Among the new academic
initiatives is a bachelors degreeprogram in bioinformatics.
This multidisciplinary program
fuses computational scienceand other various biological
processes and is designed for
students interested in pursuingcareers in science, technology,
engineering and mathematics.
Also, Bowie has introducednew book purchasing options
to help students grapple with high prices. This year for the
rst time, there will be options for students to rent textbooks,Burnim said. In other classes, there will be an option for
students to purchase electronic books.Through funds provided by the Maryland General
Assembly, Bowie State has resurfaced the eld a t their footballstadium with $1 million worth of synthetic turf. The newsurface, comprised of 70 percent silica sand and 30 percent
cryogenic rubber, can be used for football, soccer, lacrosse,
intramural games, band performances and commencementexercises. The university also refurbished its swimming pool
and it will be open to students in the fall.
Bowie State senior Maurice Berry praised the universitys
Courtesy photo
Dr. Mickey L. Burnim,
president of Bowie StateUniversity
Bowie Ofers New Degreesand Facilities Upgrades
president for the changes. Bowie State has made many leaps
and bounds since President Burnim has been there, Berry said.Hes done a lot of the things he promised he would do and Im
excited about coming back to Bowie after I graduate.
Amid the new changes, Burnim ultimately wants to makesure all students have a positive and productive experience
at the university. While the initial days of college may beoverwhelming for incoming students, Burnim stressed they
should never hesitate to pursue the help and information they
need.There are a lot of people on the campus who want to see
them succeed and [there are many people] who are very willing
to do anything reasonable to help them, Burnim said. Theyshould not be shy about asking questions ... there are many
ways and many sources for this information, they should justbe aggressive and persistent enough to ask.
Courtesy photo/Bowie State University
Bowie State University is upgrading and expanding its
programs and facilities.
8/9/2019 Washington D.C. Afro-American Newspaper, August 28, 2010
12/24
learning cohorts for freshmen. Ribeau said these
mentors will work with students on a variety
of topics from scal literacy to preparing for
and getting internships, as well as mentoring
and coordinating learning activities outside of
the classroom. One thing that we know is that
students spend 80 percent of their time outside
of the classroom. So if you can take advantage
of that time and structure learning opportunities,
you can really help the learning process becomemore integrated, he said.
Some social areas on campus have been
redesigned to create more i
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