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POINTVIEW

K AESNDOLYN S! E GW N I BA I WANT TO SING IN THE CHOIR. THEY SAID NO. Dear Gwendolyn: I recently accepted a job on the west coast. I have lived all my life on the east coast except for the few years I attended school in Florida. This is the problem. I immediately joined a church, but I was not accepted into the choir. I have a fantastic voice. I was the main soloist in my church back home. Do you believe they had the nerve to tell me I did not make the audition into their choir? I think I am going to change my membership – and take this Grammy Award voice elsewhere. Elizabeth

Dear Elizabeth: Grammy Award? Are you that good? Of course you are. I am glad to know you believe strongly in your talent. Let me tell you this: Do not let anyone dampen your dream of becoming a great singer. Think about it. Luther Vandross was booed from the Apollo Stage and Jennifer Hudson didn’t win the American Idol. Elizabeth, you have to make your dreams come true. It is good you were turned down for the choir. They didn’t want you and you didn’t need them. You may become our next Mahalia Jackson. Once upon a time an artist had to have a voice. Today you don’t have to be Grammy. Some new artists sound awful, but they are smart. They save their money and start their own recording company. I will share this with you: Along the way you will experience much jealousy. When these stupid small minded people say to you, “Whoever thought you would do so well?” Tell them --- “I did.”

Ask Gwendolyn, News, Issues, Perspectives and Editorials

NAACP CHALLENGES VOTER SUPPRESSION AT 103RD ANNUAL CONVENTION Ben Wrobel

The NAACP took a principled stand against voter suppression at their 103rd Annual Convention last week in Houston, Texas. The theme “Your Power, Your Decision – VOTE” was on full display as delegates heard from Vice President Biden and Governor Mitt Romney and learned about attacks on the right to vote in states across the country. An estimated 8,000 NAACP delegates, members and supporters traveled from around the country to represent their local units and set the NAACP’s policy agenda for the coming year. NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous set the tone during the convention’s first plenary session as he criticized voter suppression efforts. He said that the NAACP is dedicated to protecting the franchise, by fighting back against suppressive laws and registering hundreds of thousands of people to vote this year. “In the past year, more states have passed more laws pushing more voters out of the ballot box than at any time since the rise of Jim Crow,” he said. “The right to vote is the right upon which the ability to defend all our other rights is leveraged. We will ensure that our nation continues to practice free and fair elections even as we approach the day when people of color will be the majority in this country.” The NAACP’s “This Is My Vote” campaign features a website – www.thisismyvote.org – with information on voter suppression efforts and a form to register to vote. The NAACP has also set up a hotline, 1-866-MYVOTE1 (1-866-698-6831) which helps people access registration forms. On Tuesday, Attorney General Eric Holder referred to voter suppression laws as “poll taxes” in his speech to the NAACP crowd. Speaking in Texas’ largest city, he specifi-

July 15-31, 2012

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***Do you have a son or grandson age 10-17? Help him to choose college not jail. Order DECISIONS In The Life Of A Growing Male Youth. For ordering information write to Gwendolyn Baines at: P. O. Box 10066, Raleigh, NC 27605-0066 (to receive a reply send a self-addressed stamped envelope) or email her at: gwenbaines@hotmail.com or visit her website at: www.gwenbaines.com

cally criticized the state’s law requiring voters to show a government-issued photo identification card. The Department of Justice challenged that law in March, arguing that it violated the Voting Rights Act. In an important election year, Vice President Joe Biden and Governor Mitt Romney traveled to Houston to share their respective visions for the nation’s future. The two candidates offered sharply contrasting messages about the best way to revive the economy and help the middle class. President Obama also contributed a video message to the crowd. Vice President Biden commended Attorney General Holder for his work defending the right to vote, and called for an end to racial profiling. NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock praised his speech, saying that, “From the Senate to the White House, Vice President Biden has had a strong value system in line with the NAACP’s historic mission. Today’s speech revealed that he remains committed to protecting civil rights and protecting the right to vote. Governor Romney followed in the tradition of former Republican nominees for president by addressing the NAACP, despite overwhelming African-American support for President Obama in 2008. He argued that his economic policies would be more effective than President Obama’s, and said that he would repeal the Affordable Care Act. “While we are glad that Governor Romney recognized the power of the black electorate, he laid out an agenda that was antithetical to many of our interests,” said President Jealous. “His criticism of the Affordable Care Act – legislation that will improve access to quality health care for millions – signals his fundamental misunderstanding of the needs of many African Americans.” The NAACP also used the week to introduce

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Editor In Chief Theresa Thrash Advertising Acct. Executive Suzette Hobdy Mail Center: The Kuumba Heritage News PO Box 24 Greenville, TX 75403 p (903) 450-1393 f (903) 450-1397 phalconstar@sbcglobal.net

Contributing Writers: Gwendolyn Baines Ruby Grant Ryan McCurdy Patricia McCurdy Erin McCurdy Kuumba (koo-ummm-bah) is a swahilli word that means: to be creative. African Americans in the past and, to a great extent, in the present has had to derive and improvise special recreative ways to strive for the right to exist. Therefore, Kuumba represents the blood, sweat, tears and joy we have shared as we grew to know and love our new found land.The Kuumba Heritage News is published by Phalconstar Communications, LCC and reserves all rights to accept or refuse any articles to be printed in any issue of the newspaper. Views and opinions expressed by writers are not necessarily those of the publisher or our advertisers. The Kuumba Heritage News is published bi-monthly (1st & 15th, each month). Letters to the Editor are welcome. Only signed letters will be accepted. The Kuumba Heritage News assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. Any use or reproduction in part or whole is forbidden without the express written consent of the publisher. Used under license agreement IDN 13-6401495.

COVER STORIES

News, international, national, state and local spotlight

JOHN WASHINGTON: GETTING EDUCATION RIGHT Garland ISD assistant superintendent John Washington attended Garland schools.

Diane XAVIER EDITOR

John Washington has seemingly lived in every progressive class of the Garland ISD over the last half century. From his school days in the 60's and into the 70's, to the 80's to the 90’s and into this new millennium. From disco dancing, to Afros. From the Hairspray 80's. To the MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice Days of the 90’s. And, now to the age of IPhone, IPad, Facebook, and Twitter Internet era. Washington, assistant superintendent of the Garland Independent School District, knows where the next generation is headed. And, he hopes to improve the general snail's pace of educational achievement for African American students in particular. His colleagues are counting on him. They recently elected him as President of the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators (TABSE), an organization which is committed to improving the educational achievement of African-American students across the state. As an African American and leader

in education, he says he believes there are still many needs to be addressed today regarding the educational system and the opportunities available for minority students. “Our educational system needs to enhance programs like AVID to give students who are college bound a sound foundation and encourage minority students to take courses with more rigor such as

Honors, AP, I B and Dual Credit courses,” he says. Washington said that Garland ISD has made inroads into helping students advance in education, especially minority students. “AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is for first generation college attendees. It has components such as Cornell Notes to show how note-taking is done and how to determine what is important in the scripting process,” he said. “The program encourages students to take on more rigorous course work and not to be afraid of Honors, AP, and Dual Credit courses. The best example of this is a young man who started the AVID program in middle school at O’Banion Middle School and was promoted to high school where he attended Lakeview Centennial High

School in their College and Career Magnet Program and he was a part of a new group of student attending the Collegiate College who had their first full four year graduates this year on Saturday. The young man I alluded to at the beginning finished the program with his Associate’s Degree (30+ college hours from Eastfield) and was the Salutatorian, 2nd in his class according to his GPA, and will be attending the University of Texas at Austin free. So the AVID Program works and he is living proof what potential it has for all students in the program.” Washington began his teaching career in GISD in 1977 as a middle school teacher. He left to become

an assistant principal in La Marque, Texas in 1983, and subsequently joined the administrative team in Lubbock ISD, where he served as director of personnel and administrative assistant to the superintendent. He came to Garland ISD in fall of 1999 after four years as assistant superintendent for student services in Lubbock. He has many visions and goals as a school administrator. “My goals and vision as a school administrator is to run my division to the best of my abilities. School choice is a big part of my division and it’s a unique system that no other Texas school district has. It’s complicated to describe but the individuals

that works the program are the best in what they do in making the program run as smoothly as it does,” Washington said. “This stems from our Federal desegregation court order we operate under. I will continue to work to place positive role models in front of children of all ethnic backgrounds and develop strong teachers into administrators and strong administrators to Central Office personnel.” He says there are many positives and improvements needed in today’s public schools system. “In today’s public school systems there are some things we have little or no control over such Continued Page 6

FRIEND TO FRIEND STAYING HEALTHY TOGETHER This free event is to encourage women age 40 and older to have regular Mammograms and Pap tests because the earlier cancer is found, the more curable it is!

GUEST SPEAKER: DONNA MAYO Saturday July 21, 2012 HOPE CENTER 2615 Crockett Street Greenville, Texas 10:00-11:30 a.m. Come with a friend to the complimentary brunch with goodie bags and door prizes! Educational information available about breast and cervical cancer. Pre-registration is requested and babysitting is available. For more information or to pre-register: SHARON SANDERS 903-408-1688 MARY SUE COLE 903-455-9885

The Kuumba Heritage News July 15-31, 2012

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FAITH

News, local houses of worship

For as the body is one, and has many members. And all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: So also is Christ. 1Corin. 12:18

Spiritual Encouragement

y b Ru ANT GR GOD IS BIGGER THAN THE PROBLEM YOU ARE FACING! The Spirit of God has been dealing with me about the greatness of who God is. To be moved from conflict is to remove you from your development. (Genesis 50:20) Joseph told his brother you meant it for my evil, but God meant it for my good. To save much people alive. Only God can turn a mess into a message, a test into a testimony, a trial into a triumph, a victim into a victor. Rahab being a prostitute honored the messengers of God by recognizing that the God of Israel was bigger than her problems and Government. (Joshua 2:8-10)Abraham knew God was bigger than his old age and dead body. Abraham made God bigger than all. (Romans 4:17-21) Moses knew God was bigger than the Pharaohs army and the red sea. (Exodus 14:13-16) Enoch, who never died, walked with God. He was translated without dying. Enoch years in heaven to date about 5,310 (Gen 5:21-24) Smith Wigglesworth said I don’t live by what I see or by what I feel, but what I BELIEVE. For Paul and Silas God was bigger than the prison they were placed in. They learned to praise God through all the beating and persecution. God become the bigger than current circumstance. (Acts 16:25-26) For Peter and John at the gate of beautiful there was lame man looking for alms. Peter reached down to him and said, “Silver and gold have I none but such as I have give I thee, rise and walk.” Peter knew God was bigger than the lame man problems. (Acts 3:6-7)When you see people in the crises of their life do you say such as I have - I give to you, Jesus Christ our savior? Daniel Knew God was bigger than the politicians and the new laws. King Darius soon found out how big Daniel’s God is. (Daniel 6:10-22) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego new God was bigger than any new laws. They knew God was bigger than the fiery furnace. Soon King Nebuchnezzar found out how big the three Hebrew boys God really was. (Daniel 3:16-25) Widow’s debt was paid; God became bigger than her bills. The Prophet Elisha knew God was bigger than the widow’s debt. Now she knows how big her God really is. What do you have in your house? (2Kings 4:1-7) God will use the smallest things to pay your bills. Example God used the fish to pay the taxes for Jesus. (Matthew 17:27). You can write to Ruby Grant at c/o Garland Journal News, PO Box 24, Greenville, TX 75403 or email her at (armstrongfamily3@yahoo.com)

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July 15-31, 2012

EPMG AT 2012 NNPA CONVENTION IN ATLANTA Benita Robinson EPMG African American Market Specialist

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the nation’s black newspaper publishers, convened in Atlanta recently for their annual convention. This was a great opportunity to chat and exchange ideas

with some of the nation’s most influential African Americans. As EPMG’s African American Market Specialist, I was on hand to mingle with this powerful group; our African American Newspaper partners. This year’s event did not disappoint, with updated information and statistics on the African American

You’re Welcome at Pilgrim!

Pilgrim Tabernacle Church of Deliverance, Inc. -Services-

consumer, including the AA market’s soon to be $1.1 trillion buying power! There was also information on cause and event marketing, as well as maximizing web/social media marketing. Papers from all over the country competed for Merit Awards in categories such as General Excellence, Best Editorial, Best

Column Writing, Community Service, Best News Story, Best Feature Story, Best News Pictures, Best Editorial Cartoon, etc. First, second, and Third Place winners were selected in each category, and points were awarded. The paper with the highest number of Continued Next Page

Mt. Olive Baptist Church 4707 Washington Street ~ Greenville, Texas Rev. Robert L. Woodson, Pastor

GOD’S PLAN FOR SAVING MAN

GOD’S GRACE

EPHESIANS 2:8

CHRIST’S BLOOD

ROMANS 5:9

Sun. Morning 9:30

THE HOLY SPIRIT’S GOSPEL ROMANS 1:16

Sun. Evening 6:30

SINNERS’S REPENTENCE LUKE 13:3

Wed. Family Prayer 7:30-8:30 pm Fri. Worship 7:30 Founder, Elder Wesley Pierce & 1st Lady Annette Pierce

3620 Washington Street Greenville , TX Office (903) 454-7144 Striving for Perfection Founded 1972

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SINNER’S FAITH

ACT 16:31

SINNER’S CONFESSION ROMANS 10:10 SINNER’S BAPTISM

1PETER 3:21

CHRISTIAN’S WORK

JAMES 2:24

CHRISTIAN’S HOPE

ROMANS 8:24

CHRISTIAN’S ENDURANCE REVELATION 2:10

~ Ser vice Times: ~ Sunday Sc hool 9:45am Mor ning Worship 11:00am Prayer Meeting/Bible Lesson (Wed.) 6:45pm Youth/Choir/Usher/Mission/”We Care Ministries” Churc h office #903.455.9841

CO-ED

Arts & Entertainment, Education, Health, Style

AFRICAN-AMERICANS SEEK TO REGAIN PRESENCE IN BEAUTY INDUSTRY Beauty Supply Institute is an organization that trains hundreds of individuals annually on how to get into the $15 billion dollar beauty supply sector, a sector largely supported by African Americans but not controlled by them.

Atlanta, GA - Beauty Supply Institute will be holding its 3rd annual Beauty Supply Entrepreneurship Summer Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on August 4, 2012.

Beauty Supply Institute, an organization founded in 2007 as Taking it Back University, is an organization that trains hundreds of individuals annually on how to get into the $15 billion dollar beauty supply sector, a sector largely supported by Blacks but not dominated by them with just 3% of industry owners being Black while 96% of the revenues generated are by Blacks, instantly propelled to the national stage when launched. Currently, there are approximately $13,300 stores nationwide and of those roughly 400 are black.

The company’s first resource was the bestselling book, “Taking it Back: How to Become Successful Black Beauty Supply Store Owner” and now has almost 20 courses, business plan development, location selection services and more. Beauty Supply Institute will be holding its 3rd annual Beauty Supply Store Start-Up Summer Conference by focusing on information such as How to Become a Beauty Supply Store, Beauty Supply Resources, Product Database file, and a Quick Start tips audio CD. Devin Robinson, the founder of the organization

and 3-time store owner, decided to get into the business after being threatened by a golf club wielding Korean store owner as he was shopping for items for his beauty salon. Maggie Anderson, an activist of black business patronage and founder of Empowerment Experiment crossed paths with Robinson in 2007 and began working together on black business support. Anderson who recently appeared on PBS Special, “Is the White Man’s Ice Colder?” with news correspondent Paul Solman will serve as this year’s conference opening speaker.

Anderson has championed black business support by only supporting black-owned business for one year. Beauty Supply Institute Field Operations Manager Ulysses McLean stated, “We’ve opened stores with as little as $35,000. Myths out there would lead Blacks to believe they need $100,000 or more. You can open a fully functioning store with this amount and be widely successful. Since working with BSI for the past 3 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the magic our approach produces. I get the most joy when I hand the keys over to new owners

and witness their appreciation and excitement about being new owners!” Beauty Supply Institute’s clients are throughout the United States, London, Canada, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the Caribbean. Conference registration is $399. Seats can be reserved with a $100 non-refundable deposit with balance being paid by registration deadline. Attendees can register online at www.beautysupplyconference.com or by calling 404-551-4398. No walk-ins or payments at the door are accepted whatsoever.

Black Press Convention

Benita with Amelia Ashley-Ward CEO, Sun Reporter Publishing Group. PHOTO/MARK PERSON

From Page 4

points based on merit was selected as the Russwurm Award Winner for Overall Excellence. This year’s top vote getter…The St. Louis American! Publisher of the Year honors were bestowed upon Yvonne Coleman-Bach, Editor and Associate Publisher of the Louisville Defender. Yvonne is also

the current Treasurer of the NNPA. This secret ballot vote allows all of the publishers to vote for the winner of this esteemed trophy. A well-deserved honor… Kudos, Yvonne! Our Weekly, The Atlanta Voice, and The Houston Defender were among the pubs that were awarded A. Philip Randolph Messenger Awards for Journalism

Excellence by MillerCoors. Eight HBCU Presidents were on hand to stress the importance of maintaining a strong partnership between these two groups. Students at these institutions not only represent future readers of African American pubs, they will be the writers, editors, sales managers, business managers and publishers as well. This year’s event honored U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young and Sentinel Publisher/Civil Rights Activist Danny Bakewell. Speakers were Civil Rights stalwarts Congressman John Lewis, (D-GA) Mrs. Xernona Clayton, Ambassador Young and Mr. Bakewell. The speeches were not only riveting, they were empowering and informative.

The Kuumba Heritage News

July 15-31, 2012

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CO-ED

Arts & Entertainment, Education, Health, Style

THE STYLIST NOTEBOOK John Washington: Getting

e n i g v i D ivin L dy ur

Cool Jewels

TR PA

A CI

By Ryan McCurdy

WHAT SHALL I WEAR? Whenever I’m about to go out, in particularly some place special, I ask myself that age old question, “What shall I wear?” I then scan the racks in my closet but often find it difficult to put together a suitable outfit. This is sometimes true even after I’ve purchased pieces that I thought would be great to wear when the opportunity presented itself. Like many women, I am blessed to have an adequate supply of clothing. Yet, it is unbelievable that I would have a problem finding something to wear. My closet is practically stuffed to the rafters with an assortment of garments. In fact, someone entering my closet might assume that either a “pack rat” or “a reformed hoarder” lives there. I must admit that some of my clothes date back a few years and would probably showcase quite well in the “Smithsonian”. All humor aside, it is understandable that most of us want to look our best when going out. However, we should be just as concerned about our spiritual covering each day. While our clothing covers us physically, God’s word covers us spiritually. Scripture tells us that as believers we are engaged in a spiritual battle. We are under attack by Satan. If we are to withstand his attack, we are to wear the proper spiritual attire. God provides his armor for our protection. Ephesians 6:11 - 17 reminds us that we must put on all of God’s armor so that we will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. “For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.” “Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.” “Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.” “For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared.” “In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan.” “Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Finally, just as our clothing serve to protect us from the physical elements, God’s word serves as our spiritual protection from the attacks of Satan. So, whenever you ask yourself, “What shall I wear?” remember to put on God’s full armor first !

While diamonds may be considered a girl’s best friend, cool stones, cuffs, bangles and gold statement necklaces may come in a close second! These bold exotic pieces can bring any outfit alive when worn as a single statement piece alone or with minimal accessories. Either way they are sure to bring the WOW factor to your fabulous outfit!

Education Correct

From Page 3

as finances and what the State gives us or decide to cut. The State of Texas and the legislators/governor did an injustice to the children of the State of Texas. It will take strong Boards of Trustees with the help of outstanding visionary superintendents to overcome the lack of State support to the public school systems. The GISD is led by an outstanding superintendent in Dr. Curtis Culwell who had done a superb job in leading the district the past 13 years and a strong Board of Trustees,” he said. The recently renamed Curtis Culwell Center is

a prime example of visionary leadership according to Washington. The center is used as the place for graduations but its multi use capabilities makes it an ideal place for many other large events in the Garland metro area. events for our Tri-City area. Washington says his best advice for parents today is to be active in their child’s life. “The advice I can and will give to parents is to be a big part of their child’s education. Be supportive all 12-13 years of their child/children school years. Check often and develop a relationship with all their teachers. Meet them with concerns during their conference periods or call at that time to show teachers they are a pivotal part of your child’s life. Support them at athletic events, plays, musicals and club activities. For our students, make sure that they are a part of some club or athletic group. Washington also recommends that parents encourage their child to be a part of student government or some other extra curricular activity. As a part of educational research it is said that if a student is involved in something they are more apt to do better and attendance is better because of their association with these programs. He said it takes a team effort to make a student well rounded in preparing them for college, workforce or the military. “I hope that we can all unite for Continued Next Page

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July 15-31, 2012

The Kuumba Heritage News

Community Calendar/Events, Career and Educational Opportunities, Buy & Sell Markets

Voter Suppression Challenged From Page 2

their five “game changers”, issue areas that will guide the Association’s mission over the next several years. Each program held a “mini summit” on their respective issue area, and Chairman Brock spoke about their importance in her keynote address during the convention’s first open mass meeting. “Today, the enemies of justice are not lynching African-Americans and practicing Jim Crow laws of segregation,” she said. “They are more sophisticated. But they are equally sinister. They are erecting barriers to economic viability, educational quality, health care accessibility, judicial equity, and political opportunity. The opponents

of justice are more refined, but they are equally threatening.” The convention, which ran from July 5-12, also featured the 34th annual Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific

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the common good of all students in the preparation process for our future generations to become productive members of society,” Washington said. Washington earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana major ing in Health Science. He also has a Masters of Education in teaching from East Texas State University with an emphasis in Education Administration. Washington, himself a product of Garland ISD knows what he is talking about in helping the next generation move forward. He’s lived it, studied it, and making it happen.

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John Washington From Page 6

Olympics (ACT-SO) competition, which brought together hundreds of the nation’s most gifted young people to compete in the areas of sciences, humanities, performing arts, visual arts, and business.

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