Dancy Communications Network - The Political Agitator - "If you make people think they are thinking, they’ll love you; but if you really make them think, they’ll hate you." Don Marquis
The Political Agitator has moved
Posted on Jan. 19, 2006
Dancy Communications Network - The DCN
Curmilus Dancy II The Political Agitator
252.314.5484 Cell 252.827.5484 Home 252.827.4598 Fax
thedcn@earthlink.net
thepoliticalagitator@earthlink.net
At the end of the day, it is not our enemies we remember,
but the silence of our friends! Dr. Martin L. King
It has been a joy and a pleasure to use the NAACP blog however it is time that I move on so that I can be more independent.
Please continue to visit The Political Agitator however I am now with Triad Blogs . I have enjoyed the NAACP weblog and I will leave the old blog up so the information will be available.
Curmilus Dancy II
Boycott planned for MLK event in Greenville
Posted on Jan. 16, 2006
Dancy Communications Network - The DCN
Curmilus Dancy II The Political Agitator
252.314.5484 Cell 252.827.5484 Home 252.827.4598 Fax
thedcn@earthlink.net
thepoliticalagitator@earthlink.net
At the end of the day, it is not our enemies we remember,
but the silence of our friends! Dr. Martin L. King
Boycott planned for MLK event in Greenville
GREENVILLE, N.C. — The leaders of two civil rights organizations plan to boycott a breakfast honoring civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and have asked their members to join them.
Bennie Rountree, president of the state chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, said his group will boycott the breakfast Monday to protest the city council's refusal to rename all of Fifth Street after King.
Martin Luther King Jr. Drive extends from Memorial Drive east to the edge of downtown Greenville through a predominantly black neighborhood. East of downtown and west of Memorial Drive, the road is named Fifth Street.
"Out of all the cities I've ever been in, Greenville is the one that splits Martin Luther King up between two streets," Rountree said last week. "Martin Luther King was not a piece of man. But yet they gave him a piece of street."
The Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce and the city sponsor the annual breakfast.
Calvin Henderson, president of the NAACP's Pitt County chapter, said he also plans to boycott the breakfast. (Read More)
CITY CHALLENGED TO SOLVE RFD BIAS
Posted on Jan. 16, 2006
Dancy Communications Network - The DCN
Curmilus Dancy II The Political Agitator
252.314.5484 Cell 252.827.5484 Home 252.827.4598 Fax
thedcn@earthlink.net
thepoliticalagitator@earthlink.net
At the end of the day, it is not our enemies we remember,
but the silence of our friends! Dr. Martin L. King
EXCLUSIVE
CITY CHALLENGED TO SOLVE RFD BIAS
By Cash Michaels
Editor
If James H. Jones were here, he wouldn't be happy. In 1862, Jones helped to organize one of Raleigh's first black firefighters groups called the Victor Hose Company. According to North Carolina archives, these were brave men willing to risk themselves to save life and property.
Hose, bucket and ladder companies in those days were segregated.
Long after the civil rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and others changed all of that, black leaders in the Capital City today say one look at the Raleigh Fire Department, and it would be hard to figure out what's changed.
Many are appalled that of the 500-firefighter force spread throughout the city, only ten percent (54), are black. None of them are women. African-Americans alone are 27 percent of Raleigh's population.
To add insult to injury, they say, based on the city Personnel Dept.'s own figures released in 2005, since 1998, while approximately 185 white firefighters have been hired, only 20 African-Americans have found positions there.
In contrast just 25 miles away, the Durham Fire Dept., which has 301 on staff, 255 of those assigned to fire suppression, is 75% white, and 24% black, in a city that is at least 30 percent African-American. Durham has black women firefighters.
The problem in Raleigh has persisted for many, many years, say retired RFD veterans like Welton Jones. When he became the second African-American to be hired by the RFD in March 1963, he asked the fire chief then why more blacks weren't being hired.
According to the minutes of the Sept. 20, 2005 Raleigh City Council meeting -where Mr. Jones went to plead his case - he and a small group of black firefighters in the 60's were told "there were problems which could occur with [white] women being rescued by firemen."
The Council minutes continued, "[Jones] talked about action that was taken at that time relative to the fire department being sued for discriminatory hiring policies. He stated in about 2 months after the suit was brought, 13 black firemen were on board, but pointed out a black person was hired only when a black person was fired. Within two months, 17 black firemen were found and he wonders why they had not been hired prior to the suit being brought against the fire department."
Jones was promoted only once during his 25 years with the Raleigh Fire Department. Since his retirement in 1988, he's been challenging the city for over a decade on improving the number of black firefighters there. But when Raleigh City Manager J. Russell Allen decided to hire Philadelphia Deputy Fire Commissioner John McGrath, who is white, over Raleigh Asst. Fire Chief/Fire Marshall Larry Stanford, a twenty-five year veteran black firefighter, the diversity problem at the RFD became crystal clear to others.
"The Triangle Urban League is very concerned about what appears to be a lack of diversity and inclusion in the employment practices of the Raleigh Fire Department," Keith Sutton, TUL President/CEO said in a written statement exclusively to The Carolinian. "The apparent "passing over" of Larry Stanford for the position of Fire Chief seems to be a symptom of a chronic disease that has infected the Raleigh Fire Department for some time now."
"While we do not question the qualifications of incoming Fire Chief John McGrath, as his employment is eminent, we are disturbed by the employment trends of the RFD over recent years. The Triangle Urban League intends to partner with and support the City of Raleigh in its efforts to develop and retain a diverse Fire Department that is reflective of the community that it serves."
Asst. Chief Stanford, in his letter to City Manager Allen, made it clear that his hiring not only would have put a qualified fire professional and manager in place at the RFD, but would have been a giant step towards finally solving the diversity problem.
"Statistics and experience have proven that healthy organizations build diverse management and employee structures at every level," Stanford wrote the city manager. "This helps to ensure that the true needs of a diverse population are served. Without having to do much research, it is obvious that diversity is much needed in the management ranks in Raleigh. I was hopeful that you would be the one to boldly step out, to set the example, and to "make the statement" that we have a qualified minority candidate who is capable of leading the Raleigh Fire Department with creative non-traditional ideas and programs."
"I was the candidate ready to use "out of the box thinking" to constantly evaluate the programs, policies and procedures, and to ensure that the organization is meeting the intended needs and serving the targeted audience. " Stanford continued, "By selecting an outside candidate that is a white male sends the message to the 90% white population of the fire department that management agrees with and is satisfied to continue with the inequities demonstrated in hiring, promotional and selection practices in the City. Your recent appointment re-enforces the wrongful thinking that only white men are qualified to lead the Fire Department."
Marshall Harvey, current president of the Raleigh-Wake Citizens Association, agrees. "I think it is appalling that the city, with as many African-Americans that live in the city of Raleigh, and as many qualified African-Americans Raleigh has, that are seeking and have proven themselves to be qualified, we can only find 54 African-Americans to fit the slots in the fire department. Many of those are really not in supervisory capacity. Harvey added that with the King Holiday here, the city must understand that Raleigh's African-American cannot tolerate inequity and unfairness.
Michael Leach, president of the Raleigh-Wake NAACP, also expressed concern. "Since 1909, the NAACP has spoke truth to power! As president of the Raleigh-Apex NAACP, I am concerned to learn of the inequitable hiring practices of the Raleigh Fire Department as described in [The Carolinian's] article," Leach wrote in a statement. "I am investigating this matter and will request Mayor Meeker and the Raleigh City Council to not only address this issue but to also take steps to increase minority employment by the Fire Department."
Ronald White, president of the South Central-Wake NAACP, also called on the mayor and the City Council to make sure that the problems at the RFD are corrected, and fairness is implemented.
The city's black leaders are planning to hold a press conference Monday at 10:45 a.m. at the State Capitol to make public a letter formally being sent to Mayor Charles Meeker, the City Council and City Manager Allen, expressing their concerns about the lack of diversity at the RFD, and urging that it be made a priority of the city, even before Chief McGrath takes over on Feb. 1. At that same Sept. 20, 2005 City Council meeting where retired black firefighter Welton Jones petitioned the city to aggressively address the paucity in recruiting, hiring and promoting African-Americans in the RFD, it was District C City Councilman James West who also expressed concern.
"Mr. West pointed out 3 or 4 years ago the same concern was expressed about the police department and he thinks some positive things occurred," the minutes state. "He stated he is pleased to hear the police department is moving in the right direction and maybe we should use the same type process for the fire department."
After The Carolinian first broke the Larry Stanford story last week prior to NBC-17 and WTVD-11, Allen, Mayor Meeker and Councilman West, all defended McGrath's hiring, saying he was more qualified than Stanford, even though their respective resumes are somewhat identical in education and experience.
"I don't think there's any question that Fire Marshall Stanford is qualified, but the question is who is most qualified?" Mayor Pro-tem West, the Council's only African-American, told WTVD-11. "Who fits the situation, the need that we have now to move the fire department in the right direction?"
The station also indicated that City Manager Allen ".said the city has been working on improving diversity within the fire department for two years and is making progress."
What progress, many have asked?
The Carolinian asked Manager Allen's administration for an answer to that question this week, but none was forthcoming by presstime Wednesday afternoon. In those same Sept. 20, 2005 minutes, Welton Jones offered to lend his time and effort towards helping the city review its recruiting strategies. "City Manager Allen pointed out we have done that in the past and have shown improvement and will continue to see if there are things we need to do," the minutes state.
But Allen did not say what exactly that "improvement" was at the time. This paper has invited Manager Allen to write an op-ed piece for next week's Thursday edition explaining the progress the city has made so far in diversifying the Raleigh Fire Department over the past two years. His public affairs office, at press time, said he was considering the offer.
-30-
NOTE: I am glad to know that these organizations are coming together and taking a stand on this issue. I did know that the NAACP was taking a stand on this issue however I was not aware of the others. I am glad to see Keith Sutton of the Triangle Urgan League who is a homeboy, a native of Edgecombe County representing. TPA
Like I said when we as brothers get it together the sisters will follow. Brothers what you gonna do?
Posted on Jan. 15, 2006
Dancy Communications Network - The DCN
Curmilus Dancy II The Political Agitator
252.314.5484 Cell 252.827.5484 Home 252.827.4598 Fax
thedcn@earthlink.net
thepoliticalagitator@earthlink.net
At the end of the day, it is not our enemies we remember,
but the silence of our friends! Dr. Martin L. King
In response to our leaders selling us out.
Jim,
I look forward to your e-mail daily... thank you.
Also, I thoroughly enjoyed the comments from brother
Curmilus Dancy (Reaction to Rev. Al) and many others.
I wanted to say that we have been wasting precious
time, money and energy on Reverends Al and Jesse. We
have also done the same in regards to our so-called
political representatives (Congressional Black Caucus)
and African American city mayors. I have been
frustrated a long time because I vote, volunteer in
the community, work for massa, and try to spend time
with family. I feel that I am doing my part, but what
have they done for us lately? Why is it that we
cannot see that YES it is about the Benjamins? We do
not want to believe that our own people have sold us
up the river a long time ago. Our inner-cities are
still in turmoil, the homicide rates in most
inner-cities should be declared a national epidemic!
My husband's 39 year old brother was shot in the back
by a white police officer in Cleveland, Ohio 3 years
ago. We are so asleep Jim! We have no leaders! The
leaders we had are long gone.
The solution: Us. We need to cultivate leaders in the
home. We need to work on ourselves. We keep looking
outside when we should look within. I have refused to
work as hard on the job and began to work at
cultivating my children, nieces, nephews, etc. We
bought the American dream hook, line and sinker -and
now we are sinking fast! My advice to those who will
listen: Go home and cultivate your family and you will
cultivate yourself. Look at what happens when you
cultivate a rose, it will bloom like never before.
Peace be with us all...
Tina
ASST. FIRE CHIEF PASSED OVER BY CITY MANAGER AND BLACK FOLKS THINK THEY HAVE ARRIVED
Posted on Jan. 15, 2006
Dancy Communications Network - The DCN
Curmilus Dancy II The Political Agitator
252.314.5484 Cell 252.827.5484 Home 252.827.4598 Fax
thedcn@earthlink.net
thepoliticalagitator@earthlink.net
At the end of the day, it is not our enemies we remember,
but the silence of our friends! Dr. Martin L. King
EXCLUSIVE
ASST. FIRE CHIEF PASSED OVER BY CITY MANAGER
By Cash Michaels
Editor
One of Raleigh’s assistant Fire Chiefs has written a scathing letter to City Manager J. Russell Allen, chastising him for choosing a candidate from Philadelphia to be the next Fire Chief, instead of recognizing the qualifications, contributions and sacrifices of an internal candidate who has long served the city.
In a letter copied to Mayor Charles Meeker and the Raleigh City Council, and obtained exclusively by The Carolinian, Asst. Fire Chief Larry Stanford laments that John T. McGrath, the Deputy Fire Commissioner of Operations for the past year in Philly, was chosen to succeed retiring Fire Chief Earl Fowler.
"With great pride and dignity, I have served the management team and the citizens of Raleigh, North Carolina for the past 25-1/2 years." Chief Stanford wrote. "I am extremely disappointed and disheartened by your selection of Mr. McGrath as the new Fire Chief of Raleigh. I have reviewed the resume of Mr. McGrath and with the exception of him coming from a larger city, it appears that our educational background, national associations, experience, and tenure in management positions are practically equal."
"I am a highly qualified, competent and diverse employee and feel that my commitment and contribution to the City of Raleigh should have been valued more highly. I have been conscientious to prepare myself to lead the Raleigh Fire Department and feel that I should have been given the opportunity. "
Stanford, who has five years before retirement, continued, "I am also concerned that by you deliberately omitting to reward an internal qualified candidate, you are sending an unhealthy message to City employees that you do not value the service and sacrifices that are made on behalf of the organization and citizens. The manner in which I have been handled by the City will become a bitter measuring stick by which others will begin to evaluate their contributions to the City. In essence, making the decision to select an outside candidate when qualified personnel are already employed with the City sends the message that being a long term productive employee does not count when a Department Head position is available. "
"You told me that Mr. McGrath has established himself as a national leader. I too have involved myself, have affiliations, and hold offices with national associations as well. To overlook my professional stewardship at such a significant juncture in my career is alarming to me. "
It’s also alarming to many The Carolinian spoke with in the African-American community, including members of the NAACP, and retired Raleigh firefighter Welton Jones, who Tuesday during the Raleigh City Council meeting, challenged Manager Allen to explain why Chief Stanford was passed over when his qualifications were at least equal to McGrath’s.
Though Stanford, who has withheld public comment, hasn’t said it, Jones has no problem identifying why.
"Chief Stanford didn’t get it because he is black," Mr. Jones told The Carolinian this week.
Hired as the second African-American ever to serve on the Raleigh Fire Department, Jones says the "good old boy" culture of the department hasn’t changed much since he was there, and retired in 1988.
Jones says he refused to go along to get along, and thus, was only promoted once during his tenure at the RFD. That was only after he took the department to court in 1972.
With 500 firefighters on duty today, and only 54 of them black (no women), Jones has been demanding statistical information from the city’s Personnel Dept. to determine why, in a city that’s 27 percent black, the fire department only has a measly 10 percent in its ranks.
"There’s something wrong, and they’re not doing anything about it," Mr. Jones, who has offered to help in recruiting efforts, claims.
Even Chief Fowler admits that the department has not been aggressive in its outreach efforts to black and Latino communities.
So far, despite one meeting about the matter last year, neither the RFD, nor City Manager Allen, has moved decisively to improve the numbers with qualified people of color.
"Statistics and experience have proven that healthy organizations build diverse management and employee structures at every level," Chief Stanford wrote to Manager Allen. "This helps to ensure that the true needs of a diverse population are served. Without having to do much research, it is obvious that diversity is much needed in the management ranks in Raleigh. I was hopeful that you would be the one to boldly step out, to set the example, and to "make the statement" that we have a qualified minority candidate who is capable of leading the Raleigh Fire Department with creative non-traditional ideas and programs. I was the candidate ready to use "out of the box thinking, " to constantly evaluate the programs, policies and procedures, and to ensure that the organization is meeting the intended needs and serving the targeted audience."
Stanford continued, "By selecting an outside candidate that is a white male sends the message to the 90% white population of the fire department that management agrees with and is satisfied to continue with the inequities demonstrated in hiring, promotional and selection practices in the City. Your recent appointment re-enforces the wrongful thinking that only white men are qualified to lead the Fire Department."
Ironically, Manager Allen praised the outgoing Fire Chief for his longevity and leadership. Fowler, who had been with the department for 34 years after following his father, who was also a firefighter, had served as chief since 1999.
"What an outstanding career; that's about all you can say about 34 years as a leader in the field of public safety," said Manager Allen in a news release. "Earl is the consummate fire professional who has provided terrific regional leadership."
There are those who say so did Fire Marshal Stanford.
Stanford has been the spokesperson for the RFD both to the public, and to the Raleigh City Council when policy is being devised.
As Fire Marshal, he has been responsible for educating the public about fire safety, especially during the holidays.
When a major fire in the city occurred, it was Stanford, not Fowler, who advised the news media about the details.
He served several terms on the Firemen’s Relief Fund Board of Trustees.
Chief Stanford has also been lauded for his professionalism by the citizens.
According to the Raleigh City Council minutes of April 7, 1998, "Mayor Fetzer read a letter to Fire Chief Sandy from Dan C. Auston. The letter commended the Fire Department, particularly Chief Larry Stanford for the way in which the department responded to and helped during a recent fire at the Quail Corner Shopping Center."
Again from the Council minutes, this time June 3, 2003, "Mayor Meeker recognized Assistant Chief – Fire Marshal Larry Stanford who recently completed the Executive Fire Officer Program. Mayor Meeker stated that program is being offered through the National Fire Academy and consists of one two-week class per year for four years. Within six months after each class, the student is required to complete a research project. Mayor Meeker presented Assistant Chief Stanford with a framed certificate in recognition of the dedication and commitment."
Friends of Chief Stanford say there is no question he has worked hard to be the top man of the RFD, and has made the department, and the city proud.
Now, with a new chief coming in from the outside, Stanford may face demotion from his high position, as McGrath undoubtedly will reorganize.
They say that, and the city’s poor handling of recruiting more qualified RFD candidates of color, would be a bitter pill for the city’s African-American community.
"I have given the City of Raleigh twenty-five and one-half years of dedicated service above and beyond the call of duty," Stanford wrote to Manager Allen in his letter. "I aspired to complete my remaining years of service as the Chief of the Department. My plans have been shattered as it appears the new Chief will serve beyond my time to retire. "
"Although very disheartened, my family and I are content living in Raleigh with no plans to relocate. My remaining years of employment will be spent doing as I have done in the past, giving my very best service to make Raleigh a better and safer place for the employees, citizens, visitors and all who work here. I also plan to support the new Fire Chief in the same manner which I have supported previous Fire Chiefs and City Officials."
Chief Stanford ended his letter requesting a meeting with Manager Allen to discuss "what roles and/or positions are available for me within the City over the next five years."
Chief McGrath, who has been with the Philadelphia Fire Dept. for 32 years, takes over the RFD on Feb. 1.
-30-
NOTE: No I do not live in Raleigh nor do I know Asst. Fire Chief Larry Stanford however my resources have contacted me on this issue. I heard a couple of people call in on Connections a 104.3 Talk Show 10:00 AM this morning concerning this issue. One person stated he is a neighbor to Stanford and he was outraged. This is enough for me at the moment.
I tuned in to "At Issues Forum" on TV NBC-17at 11:00 AM this morning and the Mayor Pro Tem James West addressing the this issue along with Cash Michaels and the two other co-host. It appears that the Fire Department has some issues how it promotes blacks and West had made a suggestion into how they should have a better recruiting process for the fire department. I believe he stated that they could use the one similar to the local Police Department. West stated that he will be bringing the issue up at the next meeting? Black leaders of Raleigh where will you be when the next meeting take place?
It is a damn shame that I have to bring my children up in a society that the majority of black folks sit back and allow these types of issues to take place in our communities. What kind of message are we sending to our children?
We tell our children to go to school and do their best and then go on to college and then go to work and start a family. After they do all of this and one day our children feel they would like to move upward and apply for the higher authorative positions and etc. they are afraid. Why? Because some of you have applied for positions and have been discriminated against and you didn't say a damn word. You see when that happens you make it harder for the next person because you are signing off on some b.s. and it makes the oppressor feel he/she can do it to the next person. This is not limited to one particular entity because when it is allowed to happen over here the b.s. flows over there.
I am glad to say that I have never ever allowed mess like this to happen in my area without speaking out even if I was not involved directly. I do not allow it because I do not want it to flow from there to here so the oppressors will know not to fool with me. I understand that some people are afraid to speak out because of security but I must ask the question have you talked to your pastor or a local minister, your community leaders NAACP and other organizations?
It is strange how some things just happen to happen around the MLK Celebrations and leading up to Black History Month. My guess is that the oppressors are sending us a message that you can have your King Celebrations and celebrate Black History but they want you to know that at the end of the day they are still in control of keeping you right where you are. Oh hell, I mean oh well.
My last question to black men (those of you who call yourselves leaders, ministers, elected officials, masons, members of fraternities, NAACP, SCLC and others) when will each president or whoever from the different groups begin to call each other and deal with black issues? Yes I left off the black women, but only because I feel that if and when the black men get it together they will support us 100%. TPA
"America's High Tech "Invisible Man" You may not have heard of him and you aren't alone, but almost everything in your life has been affected by his work
Posted on Jan. 15, 2006
Dancy Communications Network - The DCN
Curmilus Dancy II The Political Agitator
252.314.5484 Cell 252.827.5484 Home 252.827.4598 Fax
thedcn@earthlink.net
thepoliticalagitator@earthlink.net
At the end of the day, it is not our enemies we remember,
but the silence of our friends! Dr. Martin L. King
"America's High Tech "Invisible Man"
By Tyrone D. Taborn
You may not have heard of Dr. Mark Dean. And you aren't alone. But almost everything in your life has been affected by his work.
See, Dr. Mark Dean is a Ph.D. from Stanford University. He is in the National Hall of Inventors. He has more than 30 patents pending. He is a vice president with IBM. Oh, yeah. And he is also the architect of the modern-day personal computer. Dr. Dean holds three of the original nine patents on the computer that all PCs are based upon. And, Dr. Mark Dean is an African American.
So how is it that we can celebrate the 20th anniversary of the IBM personal computer without reading or hearing a single word about him? Given all of the pressure mass media are under about negative portrayals of African Americans on television and in print, you would think it
would be a slam dunk to highlight someone like Dr. Dean. (Read More)
NOTE: Here we go again. And some white and black say we do not need to have a black history month, Afirmative Action, the NAACP and other because all is well now. Well I want to know what world are these folks living in because obviously they are out of touch with the real world. It does not matter if you are a working black man, married with children, paying your child support, smart as hell and all of that and then some, you are still 2nd class and a nobody. This reminds me of back in the day when the black folks share-cropped and the white man got paid. The black man invented all the many much needed necessities such as the refrigerator, air conditioning and other and the list goes on. But the black man didn't stop there but moved on to the corporate level and continue to invent more such as the above but he still do not get recognized. Real black folks you can not sit back and not tell the truth but you must begin by "Speaking Truth to Power" letting our children know that all black men are not on drugs, in prison and all the negative that the media focus on daily. TPA
Put the Movement Back into Your Civil Rights Teaching!
Posted on Jan. 14, 2006
Dancy Communications Network - The DCN
Curmilus Dancy II The Political Agitator
252.314.5484 Cell 252.827.5484 Home 252.827.4598 Fax
thedcn@earthlink.net
thepoliticalagitator@earthlink.net
At the end of the day, it is not our enemies we remember,
but the silence of our friends! Dr. Martin L. King
Put the Movement Back into Your Civil Rights Teaching!
As one of the most commonly taught stories of the struggle for social justice, the Civil Rights Movement can help students develop a critical analysis of U.S. history and strategies for change. Putting the Movement Back into Civil Rights Teaching is a valuable resource guide for classrooms and communities. Published by the Poverty & Race Research Action Council and Teaching for Change, this guide:
- helps students find their connection to history and learn about roles they can play in fighting injustice today.
- includes readings and lessons, organized by grand level for K-12 and higher education.
- connects the African American Movement to Native American, Latino, Asian American, gay rights and international struggles.
- highlights the roles of women in social justice movements
- aligns with national standards for U.S. and world history, language, civics and fine arts.
With a foreword by Civil Rights activist Congressman John Lewis, this book is a "must have" resource for every classroom on a crucial time in American History.
Member and quantity discounts are available through the NEA Professional Library. Order before February 28, 2006 and youll get the animated video, Our Friend Martin absolutely free!
Order online at www.nea.org/books, or call 800-229-4200.
Item #2030-8-00
Nonmembers $24.95
NEA Members $22.95
Note: I am just hearing about this but this no doubt is much needed. This coincides with the message that the NC NAACP on the Move is sending about going back to the basics of Civil Rights. I love it. TPA
SCLC to boycott unity event in Pitt Co. however the issue is not only true in Pitt County but across the state/nation
Posted on Jan. 14, 2006
Dancy Communications Network - The DCN
Curmilus Dancy II The Political Agitator
252.314.5484 Cell 252.827.5484 Home 252.827.4598 Fax
thedcn@earthlink.net
thepoliticalagitator@earthlink.net
At the end of the day, it is not our enemies we remember,
but the silence of our friends! Dr. Martin L. King
SCLC to boycott unity event
State SCLC president Bennie Rountree said Thursday that his organization will boycott Monday's Community Unity Breakfast, alleging that the city is not responsive to major issues of the black community.
Rountree said he was particularly upset with what he described as the city's slight on Martin Luther King Jr. and his importance.
"Out of all of the cities I've ever been in, Greenville is the only one that splits Martin Luther King up between two streets," Rountree said at Thursday's Citizens United Against Violence meeting. "Martin Luther King was not a piece of man. But yet they gave him a piece of street." (Read More)
NOTE: If I am correct the same is true in Tarboro whereby Martin Luther King is split up between two streets. I believe this is almost common in towns that the same street runs through the black and white community. Goes to show that they still do not care about what King stood for then and/or now. Someone did a study across the state and/or nation on this but I can't remember who it was. I will try to find out who that person is so that I can post the study here. TPA
Dr. King events in Wilson County
Posted on Jan. 14, 2006
Dancy Communications Network - The DCN
Curmilus Dancy II The Political Agitator
252.314.5484 Cell 252.827.5484 Home 252.827.4598 Fax
thedcn@earthlink.net
thepoliticalagitator@earthlink.net
At the end of the day, it is not our enemies we remember,
but the silence of our friends! Dr. Martin L. King
King Celebration in Wilson County
This year's Martin Luther King Jr. Ecumenical Prayer Breakfast Jan. 16 again will feature members of the Wilson community.
"It's going to be pretty much like it was last year," said the Rev. Cliff Lewin, chairman of the Martin Luther King Jr. Commission. "We want it to be more community-oriented."
Music will be performed and prayers will be offered by more than a dozen Wilsonians of different faiths. There will be no keynote speaker.
Robert Ortiz will offer a prayer for the mission, service and vision of King in both English and Spanish. Wayne Mechael Mohammad of the Nation of Islam will offer a prayer for unity in our community.
Carlito Lanada will perform a dance interpretation of the Filipino national eagle, the Banoy, which represents the casting off of oppression. Annabelle Rowe will offer a prayer of destiny and purpose for women in both English and Tagalog.
A representative of Barton college will present a $1,000 scholarship.
The event will be the 12th annual breakfast organized by the commission, which is an independent nonprofit organization. The breakfast, which is free to the 500-600 people expected to attend, is supported entirely by donations from the community.
It will be at the Darden Alumni Family Center at 1600 Lipscomb Road at 7:30 a.m.
Although there is no charge to attend, tickets are necessary. They are available at the Arts Council of Wilson, 124 E. Nash St.; the Wilson Human Relations Office in City Hall Annex; the Darden Center, and Wilson Praise and Worship, 202 W. Nash St.
The annual Martin Luther King blood drive is Monday from 2-7 p.m. The event is sponsored by and will be at the Darden Center.
At 2 p.m. Monday, African storyteller Obakunle Akinlana will tell ancient African folktales and music with drums, shekeres and dancers.
The program at the Boykin Center is free.
Akinlana travels annually to Africa to observe and learn traditional culture and folklore from African griots and musicians. This program focuses on arts and folklore of the Yoruba people of southwest Nigeria, a culture he has studied for more than 22 years.
The Wilson Daily Times archives
Watt: King taught Americans the true meaning of liberty
Posted on Jan. 14, 2006
Dancy Communications Network - The DCN
Curmilus Dancy II The Political Agitator
252.314.5484 Cell 252.827.5484 Home 252.827.4598 Fax
thedcn@earthlink.net
thepoliticalagitator@earthlink.net
At the end of the day, it is not our enemies we remember,
but the silence of our friends! Dr. Martin L. King
Watt: King taught Americans the true meaning of liberty
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Martin Luther King Jr. taught Americans the true meaning of liberty and that they couldn't truly seek happiness without it, the head of the Congressional Black Caucus told state employees Friday.
Rep. Mel Watt, D-N.C., speaking at the annual employees' King Day celebration at a downtown Raleigh church, said the founding fathers only went so far in helping all people realize "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" laid out in the Declaration of Independence.
"They had a wonderful vision, but they didn't care about whether it applied to me or not, they didn't care whether it applied to women or not," King told the crowd of 700 at First Baptist Church. "The person that was most responsible for giving definition to liberty in our country was Martin Luther King." (Read More)
The NC Democratic Party Honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Posted on Jan. 14, 2006
Dancy Communications Network - The DCN
Curmilus Dancy II The Political Agitator
252.314.5484 Cell 252.827.5484 Home 252.827.4598 Fax
thedcn@earthlink.net
thepoliticalagitator@earthlink.net
At the end of the day, it is not our enemies we remember,
but the silence of our friends! Dr. Martin L. King
The NC Democratic Party Honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Submitted by NCDP on Sat, 01/14/2006 - 1:43pm.
“The North Carolina Democratic Party joins our nation in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We pause to reflect upon his dream of equality – a dream which is slowly becoming a reality.
We must all do our part to honor his legacy. One great way is from the Corporation for National and Community Service, better known as AmeriCorps. They are encouraging people to ‘make it a day on, not a day off.’" Click here for service projects in your area.
Visit the Democratic Party online.
On an educational note "RETIRE/REHIRE"
Posted on Jan. 14, 2006
Dancy Communications Network - The DCN
Curmilus Dancy II The Political Agitator
252.314.5484 Cell 252.827.5484 Home 252.827.4598 Fax
thedcn@earthlink.net
thepoliticalagitator@earthlink.net
At the end of the day, it is not our enemies we remember,
but the silence of our friends! Dr. Martin L. King
RETIRE/REHIRE INFORMATION
The Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee met on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week in Raleigh. On Wednesday, the committee heard from several presenters on the issue of “retire and rehire” and what the next steps should be for the state of North Carolina.
The issues of concern to NCAE are: having a sound retirement policy for the state that keeps the retirement system out of jeopardy with the IRS. NCAE would like to see a “separation in service” policy that is reasonable and in line with what other states currently have in place. NCAE would also like to see the elimination or at least a reduction in the 11.7% penalty that reemployed employees have to pay to the state system.
Sen. A.B. Swindell announced the formation of a subcommittee to look at the issue of “retire and rehire” the members of this committee are Rep. Glazier, D-Cumberland Co-Chair; Sen. Dannelly, D-Mecklenburg Co-Chair; Rep. Pate, R-Wayne; Rep. Carney, D-Mecklenburg; Rep. Atwater, D-Chatham; Sen. Stevens, R-Wake; and Sen. Dorsett, D-Guilford. The members of this committee are to work with Fiscal Research staff of the General Assembly, and the State Treasurer’s office to study the issue and come up with recommendations to make when the General Assembly returns in May. NCAE Government Relations will keep you posted on any events regarding this issue.
Remember NCAE works for you, but it takes all of us working together to make our Association strong! (Take Action)
Md. forces Wal-Mart to spend more on health
Posted on Jan. 14, 2006
Dancy Communications Network - The DCN
Curmilus Dancy II The Political Agitator
252.314.5484 Cell 252.827.5484 Home 252.827.4598 Fax
thedcn@earthlink.net
thepoliticalagitator@earthlink.net
At the end of the day, it is not our enemies we remember,
but the silence of our friends! Dr. Martin L. King
Md. forces Wal-Mart to spend more on health
Legislature overrides veto; unions seek similar laws in 30 more states
 |
Delegate Mary Ann Love reacts Thursday as she and fellow delegates Virginia Clagett and Darryl A. Kelley, right, listen to other delegates speak for and against the health care bill in the Maryland Senate. |
|
Chris Gardner / AP |
|
Updated: 10:43 a.m. ET Jan. 13, 2006
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Maryland legislators voted Thursday to enact a first-in-the-nation requirement that Wal-Mart Stores Inc. spend more on employee health care. The measure, touted as a money-saver for the state-supported Medicaid program, takes effect despite the governor’s veto of the bill.
Labor unions have said they are seeking similar legislation this year in at least 30 other states. Supporters say the retailing giant unfairly takes advantage of taxpayer-funded health care plans because some workers can’t afford Wal-Mart’s health insurance. (Read More)
Disarray at Center for Dr. King Casts Pall on Family and Legacy
Posted on Jan. 14, 2006
Dancy Communications Network - The DCN
Curmilus Dancy II The Political Agitator
252.314.5484 Cell 252.827.5484 Home 252.827.4598 Fax
thedcn@earthlink.net
thepoliticalagitator@earthlink.net
At the end of the day, it is not our enemies we remember,
but the silence of our friends! Dr. Martin L. King
Disarray at Center for Dr. King Casts Pall on Family and Legacy
Jessica McGowan for The New York Times
Students on a field trip Friday walked past the gravesite of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the King Center in Atlanta. The King family has disagreed on the center's future.
Published: January 14, 2006
ATLANTA, Jan. 13 - Over the years, the city that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called home has grown accustomed to stagnation and disrepair at the institution established in his name by Coretta Scott King in 1968, even as it has paid her sons six-figure salaries.
Skip to next paragraph
Brant Sanderlin/Atlanta Journal-Constitution, via Associated Press
Bernice A. King and her brother Martin Luther King III faced reporters in Atlanta on Dec. 30, vowing to fight a possible sale of the King Center.
But now as Mrs. King is recovering from a stroke that left her partly paralyzed and unable to speak, problems at the nonprofit institution, the King Center, have become so bad that some family members are pushing to sell its buildings.
That proposal and myriad other difficulties - including a federal investigation into the center's use of taxpayer money and an estimate by the National Park Service that the complex of buildings needs $11 million in repairs - have deepened a rift among Dr. King's four children, two of whom vehemently oppose a sale, and further reduced the center's standing.
"The center really had the potential to be a nonviolent change agent," said Mtamanika Youngblood, who recently stepped down as executive director of the community development organization for Sweet Auburn, the King Center's neighborhood. "That opportunity may be gone." (Read More)
"SHARPTON BACKS AWAY FROM CAR LOAN COMMERCIALS", Really??? I still see the commercials airing so the damage continues.
Posted on Jan. 14, 2006
From the desk of
Curmilus Dancy II The Political Agitator
Dancy Communications Network
P.O. Box 1391, Pinetops, NC 27864
252.314.5484 Cell 827.5484 Home 827.4598 Fax
"Knowledge is Power, Sharing it is Empowerment"
"We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth ... For my part, I am willing
to know the whole truth: to know the worst; and to provide for it." Patrick Henry
Greetings:
In response to "SHARPTON BACKS AWAY FROM CAR LOAN COMMERCIALS". Really I still see the commercials airing so the damage continues.
It is a damn shame that a man such as the Rev. Al who could be so powerful if he used his energy in a positive mode always and forever but it appears that he can't find himself every now and then. It appears now moe than then. The reason why he had never been one of my favorite folks is because he do not always do his homework.
I agree 100% with the responses to the Whirlwind, "thanks Mr George, for sharing. Is it too strong to use a characterization of a friend -- Grand Diva Ho -- to describe this type of behavior among certain high profile black ministers?" I have said this so many times, "It saddens me that so many Africans born in so-called America believe in Sharpton and Jesse Jackson and those of their ilk. Their modus operandi is so transparent. They publicly lend strong support to certain issues pertinent to our people. That causes so many to trust that all their actions are with our best interest at heart. Then they use that smoke screen to enrich themselves. Th! ey are disgusting scumbags!"
It was so funny to hear on one of the radio shows one morning on the way to work that Sharpton was doing a commercial about getting a loan and you could put up your car title. The commentors said the people will not be able to get to work when they end up losing their car when they do not pay back the loan. I said it was a damn shame that Sharpton had delivered a powerful speech at the North Carolina State NAACP Convention in October and then in December obviously the Novocain had not worn off. View the speech and see that obviously he must have been on Novocain when he did this commercial.
But what tickles me most is that the Powers that Wanna Be in the white and black community think that Rev. Al speaks for me. Oh no, I agree with some of the things he says but he do not speak for me because I don't allow anyone to speak for me that I can not trust 100%. It is all about the Benjamins when it comes Rev. Al and the other political and poverty pimps. I am glad that the Good Master has equipped me with the tools to "Speak Truth to Power" however I do know some black and white directly and indirectly who I can count on to do likewise.
Oh by the way Rev. Jesse is another story for another day.
Visit The DCN News Blog (Click Here) The NC State NAACP on the Move Blog (Click Here)
The struggle continues,
Curmilus Dancy II
The Political Agitator
Unbought & Unbossed
Publisher/Editor The DCN News Blog
2nd Vice President/Legal Redress Chair & Life Subscribing Member Rocky Mount NC NAACP
NC NAACP State Publicity & Press Chair
Columnist - The Community Journal Greenville NC
Note: I Curmilus Dancy II am speaking on behalf of Dancy Communications Network in community meetings be it the NAACP or other organizations that I am affiliated with, on The DCN News Blog, in my column in The Community Journal Newspaper and on the radio talk shows unless I otherwise specify that I am representing individuals, organizations and other. If anyone has a problem with anything that I say please feel more than free to contact me.
From the Whirlwind
Sent: Friday, January 13, 2006 4:01 PM
Subject: Re: [The WHIRLWIND] "SHARPTON BACKS AWAY FROM CAR LOAN COMMERCIALS"
Interesting. I have heard Sharpton counter political positions of others with clear evidence he had done his research. But in this instance, he claims he did not bother. He also claims in the article the company has not done anything illegal. How would he know that if he had not done any research. Even that is a weak position. Just because a business has found a way to skirt the law does not mean it acts ethically. Corporations are experts at defrauding and discriminating under color of law.
It saddens me that so many Africans born in so-called America believe in Sharpton and Jesse Jackson and those of their ilk. Their modus operandi is so transparent. They publicly lend strong support to certain issues pertinent to our people. That causes so many to trust that all their actions are with our best interest at heart. Then they use that smoke screen to enrich themselves. Th! ey are disgusting scumbags!
Sent: Friday, January 13, 2006 9:03 AM
Subject: FW: "SHARPTON BACKS AWAY FROM CAR LOAN COMMERCIALS"
SHARPTON BACKS AWAY FROM CAR LOAN COMMERCIALS, WEEK OF DECEMBER 22-28, 2005
by HAZEL TRICE EDNEY
The Wilmington Journal
Originally posted 12/23/2005
WASHINGTON (NNPA) – New York Activist Al Sharpton, under fire from opponents of predatory lending, says he has discontinued appearing in controversial television commercials for LoanMax, a car-lending agency that charges interest rates up to 300 percent.
The first round of commercials appeared over the past month and were mostly seen on the East Coast. The deal was paying Sharpton $20,000 a month or $240,000 for one year, according to sources familiar with the contract.
After he was challenged, Sharpton withdrew from the ad campaign.
“I respectfully, but firmly decline your offer for further engagement on my part, and will not engage in any business relationship to promote auto lending with LoanMax,” Sharpton wrote in a ! Dec. 7 letter to Rod Aycox, LoanMax president and chief executive officer. “I respect the fact that you have, according to our review of all data, respected regulators and the law, and I hope you respect the fact that I choose not t! o indirectly send mixed signals to the public on my views on interest caps on loans of any kind. I trust that all of us will move toward a nation that will not discriminate against people with no credit, or that are victims of economic discrimination.”
The letter terminates the $240,000 contract with Select Management Resources, the management arm of the Alpharetta, Ga.-based LoanMax, a firm that operates 200 stores in 21 states.
Sharpton says the commercials aired during prime-time morning news shows in the Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland area. (See link below for complete article.)
Will the drama in Princeville end when the October elections are certified because two of the board members and one of their flunkies are appealing?
Posted on Jan. 14, 2006
Dancy Communications Network - The DCN
Curmilus Dancy II The Political Agitator
252.314.5484 Cell 252.827.5484 Home 252.827.4598 Fax
thedcn@earthlink.net
thepoliticalagitator@earthlink.net
At the end of the day, it is not our enemies we remember,
but the silence of our friends! Dr. Martin L. King
Attorney: Meeting was out of order
PRINCEVILLE — Against advice from the town attorney, Princeville's mayor and two commissioners held a closed meeting Friday evening, then refused to disclose afterward if they had taken action.
Town Attorney Anthony Flanagan told Mayor Priscilla Everette-Oates and commissioners Isabelle Baker and Maggie Boyd that their meeting was out of order because it violates one of the town's ordinances concerning the minimal number of commissioners who must be present for valid transaction of business. (Read More)
NOTE: I hope this move by the Princeville 3 will be justified however it do not look good. I just don't understand how they can go against the attorney's advice because he is there to provide them with the legal aspects of their duties. Oh well obviously the Princeville 3 must be filling two positions one being a commissioner and the other as an attorney. You go girls.
