Friday, December 29, 2006

Habari gani -Ujamaa/Kwanzaa reflection

Cooperative Economics-To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Millions of dollars leave our community because it so easy for us to be consumers of instant gratification. It is so easy to jump in a vehicle and seek out a bargain. So we think, but leaving our neighborhoods cost us time and other incidental expenditures that we fail to include in the purchase of a product. It is important for us to prevent a ghost town from happening in our community, by supporting those businesses that support our community. And it is important that we address our community's needs by crafting products based on those needs.

When I was a little girl, I went door to door delivering out-of -state newspapers, such as Pittsburgh Courier, Chicago Defender, Chicago Tribune, Indianapolis Recorder, and the Grits. Not only did I earn money for delivering the newspapers, but was able to read these newspapers. From the majority of these newspapers, I learned that African-Americans spoke their lives in newspapers, music and later magazines. These written resources were created from a people who earlier was forbidden to read or write. I was proud, peddling papers from a people, who not only could read and write, but dared to discuss issues that was impacting the African-American way of life in America !!! But, I got something else from selling those newspapers filled with diverse opinions, entrepreneurial skills. By the time I was 13 I was collecting my uncles' rent from apartments they owned.

James Clingman Read one of his articles.


Vendors celebrating Kwanzaa




Monte Patterson/filmmaker-Ghost Town


Vendors celebrating Kwanzaa




#1 Roots of Wellness/Kellie D. Hicks/#2 Urban Update


Sankofa Gallery, LLC/ Glynn Hines/Pam Peterson-Hines


Much Scents, Inc./Elizabeth

Reeta's Fragrance/African Paradise/Camille/L'Elegance Fine Jewelry/Inez Collin/no photos



Libation for Maria W. Stewart, Ida B. Wells, Zora Neale Hurston, Leanita McClain and Frank Burton.

Thursday, December 28, 2006

North Side b-ballers tires out Concordia team








North Side 78 Concordia 63

Southside Lady Archers Basketball Win

South Side 63 Northrop 48








Habari gani - Ujima/Kwanzaa reflection

Collective Work and Responsibility-to build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's our problems and to solve them together.



Minister Chike Akua



Biography
Chike Akua is a 1992 graduate of Hampton University and a 2003 graduate of Clark Atlanta University. With over 12 years of classroom teaching experience, Bro. Akua has distinguished himself as an educator, lecturer, and author. In 1995, he was selected as a Teacher of the Year for Newport News (Virginia) Public Schools. In 1996, the Dekalb County Board of Education (Atlanta, Georgia) awarded him the Achievement Award for teaching excellence and service to youth. Akua has since conducted system-wide staff development and was described as “a master teacher.” Selected as one of Ebony magazine’s “50 Leaders of Tomorrow” (November, 1995), Akua has appeared on radio and television talks shows sharing his perspectives on education, spirituality, and self-knowledge. Additionally, he has facilitated workshops on sexual abstinence, youth advocacy, and African cultural awareness for the Tavis Smiley Foundation’s annual “Youth 2 Leaders” Conference. Akua, a Christian minister and consultant with Imani Enterprises, is the author of several books including:
• A Treasure Within: Stories of Remembrance & Rediscovery
• A Treasure Within: Parent/Teacher Resource Guide
• A Kwanzaa Awakening: Lessons for the Community
• WORDS OF POWER: Ancient Insights & Modern Messages for Parents and Teachers
• The African Origins of Our Faith
Akua is a member of the Imani Christian Center (Tucker, Georgia) where he teaches “The African Origins of Our Faith.” He has served as an educational consultant for Georgia State University’s teacher certification program and the North Carolina Center for Advanced Teaching. Akua continues to train teachers and develop Afrocentric and multicultural curriculum.


Note Minister Akua's brother J.R. Fenwick's audiobook How I Quit My $100,000 a Year Job

Libation for Bebe Campbell Moore-Author

Habari gani - Kujichagulia/Kwanzaa reflection

Self-determination-to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.


I changed my name during high school. I changed my name again, years later. I enjoy explaining who I am beyond the label given to me or about me. I enjoy creating my expression through writing and sharing my opinions about how I perceive stuff through my own personal lens. From my personal lens, I don't see a box that I must fit in but a path that I am not free to walk toward and to encourage others to walk toward self-determination.





Weisser Park Center Staff and Friends-Ms. Mac
Ramon Stevens


Mr. Jones and Nigel Brown


Fully understanding that a leaf changes overnight, that a miracle may just be waiting for us if we just work together towards a collective goal. It is a philosphy to prevent our communities from turning into ruins.



Monte Patterson/filmmaker-Ghost Town


Vendors celebrating Kwanzaa




#1 Roots of Wellness/Kellie D. Hicks/#2 Urban Update


Sankofa Gallery, LLC/ Glynn Hines/Pam Peterson-Hines

African Paradise/Camille

L'Elegance Fine Jewelry/Inez Collin


Much Scents, Inc./Elizabeth

Reeta's Fragrance/

Libation for Johnny Cochran-attorney

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Habari gani - Umoja/Kwanzaa reflection


#1 Umoja

The principle= to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

If we could start with family, I believe many of the other collective groups might fall in place. I find working with family and extended relatives a challenge, myself The problem I confront on a daily basis is when a disconnect occurs from family members taking on street values rather than staying true to helping family has harmed the stability of many families.

The community, I think will heal when families began healing and by not treating folks like street. Our nation will move forward when folks we elect to represent our country are held accountable.

Our race as the human race can only improve after we began to treat others as being part of this great big family in the universe.


Libation for James Brown=thanks for telling us that we should be proud people. Please, Please RIP- Godfather of Soul.

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Downtown Stadium

Psst, I got some swamp land in Florida. That is if you monied people haven't purchased up all the land and buildings ,in downtown Fort Wayne, in anticipation of a baseball stadium.

Update Friday, December 22, 2006

What about all that money collected on the 2003 erroneous property tax assessment?

Your surplus assessed property tax money here.
Together let's say ho ho ho, or is that windfall.

And how about the surplus money that was taken from folks but now these folks have to apply to get it back. Wink Wink it will go into a general fund if the folks don't get their money before the end of three years. Just cut them the check, you accounting wizards~~~~ I guess if the city is not able, any more, to gouge the taxpayers with fake housing program, the city will go all out with a big business money scheme pointing toward Jefferson Pointe for a revitalization of Fort Wayne, Indiana. I guess if Governor Mitch can sell Indiana's highway, local investors (local politicians) surely can sell Fort Wayne downtown dust bowl of dry land. Can we say Southtown Mall, right about here.

I'm guessing the plan or what's called Harrison Square is to play ball for the men while the little women go shopping. Together now, brain-drain~~~ Now what shall we call our new jacked up city...audacity of hope? Nope, that title is already taken. I know, Field of Dreams!?! Field of Dreams has a nice ring to it, just wondering, if it would be a better title for a movie or something?

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Update on Curtis White, Jr.


The street has claimed another young African-American male. Curtis White, Jr. (AKA)JR was shot in the head. The street got him on December 17, 2006 a little after 2:00 a.m. White held on to life as he made it to a Fire Station to be rushed to the hospital. Surgery was performed on White who was placed on life support. On Monday, December 18, 2006 at 7:11 p.m. White was pronounced dead.

The street is cold. It did not care whether White made it home..to his family. The street didn't care. White became the 18th victim of a homicide. The street took his life and just gives him a number.


Almost every day I walk these streets. And folks appears to be growing more and more indifferent. A brother does not mind cussing you out. And a sister does not mind giving as much gruff back as she is getting from the street.


Every bodies and any bodies wants to be hard..not..just chickens or bullies, that's all.

Call the police? The streets is dumping ground created for what they label as riff-raff, vagabonds or confidential informants/snitches. The police ain't family, they don't care that you have a soul, if you make it home..or if you're alright after you made it home.

It's time to measure up. Put your weapons away and man up. Recognize you have a soul.

The shooter is still in the street.

How come..the gas station was full..

How come?

Don't tell me nothing about snitching !!

Snitching is for criminal..telling is measuring up or being a man.

Stop being street..and learn the measure of a man.


update: Obit as it appeared on Fort Wayne.com
CURTIS WHITE JR., 18, of Fort Wayne, passed away Monday, Dec. 18, 2006, at Parkview Hospital. Surviving are his parents, Curtis and Ellen White Sr.; brother, Mario White (Napri) ; sister, Deon (Clifford) Thompson; special friend, LaShawn Robinson; two nephews; one niece; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Service is 11 a.m. Saturday at Cathedral of Praise Church, 115 E. Foster Pkwy. Calling is from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the church. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by Ellis Funeral Home.

h/t to bk on this one

Lawyer's deal cops a plea

Plea agreement
h/t indianalawblog

Complaint for damages and jury demands/Brandon Wade



A press conference was held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at the Fort Wayne Urban League to announce that a complaint for damages and jury demand was being filed in the United States District Court Northern District of Indiana, Fort Wayne Division.

Vicki Wade, personal representative for the estate of Brandon Wade against the City of Fort Wayne; James Herman, individually and in his official capacity as Sheriff of Allen County; Kathryn Stevens, individually and in her official capacity as Jail Commander of the Allen County Jail; Russell York, individually and in his official capacity as Chief of the Fort Wayne Police Department; J.W. Hatfield, individually and in his official capacity as police officer for the Fort Wayne Police Department; Lieutenant Stoner, individually and in his official capacity as a Lieutenant for the Fort Wayne Police Department; Jane Doe and John Doe, unknown police officers and deputy sheriffs, individually and in their official capacities as members of the Fort Wayne Police Department and Allen County Sheriff's Department, respectively by counsel, Stephen M. Wagner of Wagner Reese & Crossen, LLP and Robert J. Boughter of Stiles * Boughter, L.L.P.

Brandon Antoin Wade died at the age of 41 on June 14, 2005.


Wade was taken to Lutheran Hospital after he was found in the Allen County lock up on June 13 unconscious. The Allen County Coroner office ruled Wade death was from natural causes. According to July 30, 2005 article in the Journal-Gazette, "Coroner Dr. E. Jon Brandenberger said in a written statement that Wade died from massive hypertensive stroke with secondary left acute subdural hematoma, or bleeding in the brain. The acute subdural hematoma was not traumatic in nature, and Brandenberger determined the death was natural."

Within the complaint was nine alleged charges; excessive force-blunt force trauma to the head patrol car incident,excessive force-blunt force trauma to the head Allen County Jail Incident, Willful and Wanton assault and Battery, Failure to Train and Supervise, Wrongful Death Claim, Survival Action Claim, Family Expense, and Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, and Res Ipsa Loquitor. Wade was found three days later in the jail cell unconscious. According to a June 23, 2005 News-Sentinel, "There was no evidence of blunt-force trauma," Dick Alfeld, chief investigator for the coroner's office, reiterated Wednesday, though he said a preliminary report he heard before investigators examined the body indicated there was blunt-force trauma. He said he didn't know where the preliminary report originated."




Contrary to the coroner's report, the complaint, alleges, "[t]he Defendants herein are responsible for Brandon's death as the result of their intentional, willful, wanton, reckless and negligent acts and omissions, including but not limited to excessive force upon Brandon; intentional assault and battery upon Brandon; failure to provide medical care and/or treatment to Brandon; intentional assault and battery upon Brandon; failure to provide medical care and/or treatment to Brandon; failure to monitor, protect and provide safety for Brandon to the hospital; failure to protect Brandon from great bodily harm or death while he was detained; and the failure of the CFW,FWPD, ACSD, and ACJ to train and supervise its officers, deputies, and staff."

Brandon Wade's Family and Friends, Stephen M. Wagner and Robert J.Boughter


Muhammad Siddeeq, Community Advocate from Indianapolis, Indiana

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Street


The street has claimed another young African-American male. Curtis White, Jr. (AKA)JR was shot in the head. The street got him on December 17, 2006 a little after 2:00 a.m. White held on to life as he made it to a Fire Station to be rushed to the hospital. Surgery was performed on White who was placed on life support. On Monday, December 18, 2006 at 7:11 p.m. White was pronounced dead.

The street is cold. It did not care whether White made it home..to his family. The street didn't care. White became the 18th victim of a homicide. The street took his life and just gives him a number.


Almost every day I walk these streets. And folks appears to be growing more and more indifferent. A brother does not mind cussing you out. And a sister does not mind giving as much gruff back as she is getting from the street.


Every bodies and any bodies wants to be hard..not..just chickens or bullies, that's all.

Call the police? The streets is dumping ground created for what they label as riff-raff, vagabonds or confidential informants/snitches. The police ain't family, they don't care that you have a soul, if you make it home..or if you're alright after you made it home.

It's time to measure up. Put your weapons away and man up. Recognize you have a soul.

The shooter is still in the street.

How come..the gas station was full..

How come?

Don't tell me nothing about snitching !!

Snitching is for criminal..telling is measuring up or being a man.

Stop being street..and learn the measure of a man.


h/t to bk on this one

Time Magazine

Times magazine says it's "all about U". U being the interactive world wide resource. That resource let us decide how we will be informed and what we will do with information and even participate in this resource. Congrads to U.

Monday, December 18, 2006

Blogger sued

A blogger is being sued for certain photographs on his blog. The fair use under the Copyright Act has a limited use in place for certain uses of others work.


See : www.PerezHilton.com

Young and Guns

Young African-American male has been shot in the head over the weekend. On December 17, during the wee hours of the morning. The suspected shooter or shooters left the scene.

Crime stoppers.

Fort Wayne's Obama--Matt Kelty

Fort Wayne, Indiana may not be hyped by all the attention United States Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) is getting in running for president and beating out their hometown favorite son, Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN). Perhaps Fort Wayne voters are thinking politics are local and if that's the case, the heavily republican laden district may have their eyes and ears more focused on their hometown race for Mayor.

Reports from the local newspapers, suggest that the incumbent Graham Richard, Democratic Mayor may not run for reelection. And that set the stage for an early nomination battle from two republican hopefuls, Nelson Peters and Matthew Kelty. Matthew Kelty stepped smack dab center ring without any hesitation and announced his candidacy. While a more timid newly elected Allen County Commissioner, Peters, tested the ropes with a exploratory team before fully committing to the race.

On November 16, 2006, Peters officially announced he would run for mayor. Peters announcement came after forming an exploratory committee on October 12,2006, two day after Kelty officially announced he would run for mayor. The more confident Kelty formed an exploratory committee during the early spring of 2006.

Both men are in, where as the democrats are a no show.

Peters is currently serving as secretary of the Allen County Board of Commissioners. Nelson Peters was elected 1st District Allen County Commissioner in November 2004. He took office on January 1, 2005.


Kelty currently does not hold an elected political office. However, Kelty is no stranger to politics. In 2004, Kelty challenged long time democratic political leader, Win Moses for the seat on Indiana House of Representative. Moses, an old time veteran politician won by a mere handful of votes.

The fact that Peters, who recently was elected to Allen County Commission position may have generated some buzz as to how serious was he at the time he took the oath for the position. Certainly, Kelty, would be at least one individual who would be interested in the answer to that question.

Kelty, an architect by trade, is methodically putting together his campaign to draw in the taxpayers to participate in the race for Mayor. According to his website, Kelty, has plans for a new Fort Wayne with "innovation, invention and prosperity".

Kelty similar to Obama has an appeal that reaching out to the taxpayers while at the same time appeals to the needs of the small business owners. Kelty campaign is favored with a more inclusive participation that does not resonate from belonging to the republican party.

Peters campaign appeared to tainted with the prominent party members as he selected the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce to make his announcement for Mayor. The old guard rule of the prominent party members believes in appointment to a political office rather than the voters determining its representative candidate. Even more interesting, the Chamber is demanding consolidation whereas Kelty is suggesting a limited consolidation.

Both republicans have hired campaign managers, with the Steve Shine distraction some damage control would be needed. Kelty may be counting on Peters' run for Mayor to face the same fate as Bayh's brief moment as a Presidential hopeful...brief.

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Free money--EXTRA Christmas money.

If you looking for extra Christmas money, type your name or a friend's name and even an enemy's name and you might find that the auditor has some cash for you. See below:

Free Money

Dan Stockman tellin' it like it tis

Fort Wayne Journal Gazette journalist, Dan Stockman is giving voters the low downs on the political goin' ons of some of our local elected officials. Stockman points out that certain local politicians (both conservative Republicans and moderate Democrats) are spending the wealth in areas that they do not currently represent. In hopes that next year these folks will thank them with a vote or two. What does that mean to current constituents? It means that these crooks have stole what rightfully belongs to your neighborhood pet projects to take care of somebody else. Just a simple little play on the biblical teaching of Peter taking from Paul.

Stockman reports,"The state distributes the money based on population; last year, Fort Wayne received about $16 million. The money is technically spent by the mayor, but in Fort Wayne the mayor lets each district councilman decide how to spend $450,000 a year, and the three at-large councilmen get a combined $450,000. Their proposed projects for next year were announced Wednesday." The political leaders appears to be playing on their own constituents not knowing who represents them with the drafting and redistricting maps. Thanks to Stockman, you now know that Pape-D-5th, Hines-D-6th, Schmidt-R-2nd, and Didier-R-3rd are hedging their bets on the public being dumb as a box of rocks. You elected them, it's up to the voters to hold them accountable. It's your money. Or in the words of one of the city council members, it's all a wash. Could that mean the same thing as one hand greases the palm of another? You be the judge.

Stockman suggests you go to www.cityoffortwayne.org and click on “City Council.” That page will direct you to the redistricting area so you can be better informed about the goin'ons in your city.

Evan Bayh for Governor: go tell Barack Obama's Mama

Senator Birch Evan Bayh, III (D-IN) announcement that he will not run for president is such a disappointment to his supporters. Perhaps Bayh's supporters could get him to run for governor again in Indiana. If Bayh supporters believe that he is such a great politician bring him back to Indiana. Because Bayh as a career politician has not done much of anything else. Bayh, III served as campaign chair for his father's, Birch Bayh, II, run for a Senate seat in Washington during 1980.

After Bayh, III graduated in 1981 from the University of Virginia Law School, he came back home to piggy back on the family name ( his father was a hog farmer) to win a seat to jump start his political career. Often cited as a candidate with no baggage, Bayh's run for Indiana Secretary of State raised a question about him meeting the five year residency requirement for that position in 1986. Nevertheless, Bayh won the Secretary of State seat, and later ran for governor of Indiana and won two terms, 1989-1996. Bayh's popularity in Indiana was tested when he ran against Paul Helmke, a former Mayor of Fort Wayne for the United States Senate Seat in 1998. Bayh won with a huge margin, confirming his identity to Hoosiers family name recognition as a career politician.


The public really needs someone more decisive than a career politician to run for president, a politician who has done more than just raise funds. This is not the 60's, we need someone with something more than a square chin or that boyish charm that is telegenic for the president of this country.

And it's that public fascination with Bayh that comes from the energy of Indiana's greats such as Richard Lugar and Dan Coats, that's all that it is. Bayh pales in comparison to the two legislatures. It was those two men who were really presidential material, Bayh was never a presidential potential. Bayh fooled the people with his good ole farm boy charm as he sold them snake oil of hope. Bayh used a slick Bill Clinton's democratic charm as he took the public money. Money from folks who wanted to believe this city slick-country boy, and Indiana's favorite son, had a hope and prayer chance of becoming president in Washington where he grew up. Well the pursuit for president is over for Bayh is over, at least for 2008.


It's been reported in various newspapers, that Bayh himself at this point realizes that he can't compete in the league of giants in the presidential candidate pool and he needed to step aside. It may sound good but on a deeper level, more than likely the David like creature was told to put his slingshot away. And Bayh had to stop pretending to his people that he had even ghost of a chance to stand on the podium with this caliber of political leaders. The only candidate in which Bayh could have held a candle too was Barack Obama(D-IL).

But Obama's charm burned a much brighter. Obama's oratory skill are so genuine that they silenced whatever Bayh was attempting to sell to the voters. In fact, it was reported by various news sources that Obama attracted hundreds of supporters in Iowa compared to Bayh, and this was after Bayh had formed an exploratory committee. So, Bayh reign as a presidential candidate with the Democratic party ended as Obama pointed to ABC's televised Monday night football game fans, it's time. Obama wasn't just talking football, he was flanking some political charm. Touchdown!





It is reported in Indystar, that one of Bayh's supporter, believes that the polls suggest that Democratic voters wants a more louder and angrier candidate, a veiled attempt at mocking those who are left in the pool of potential candidates. When in fact, Bayh canned answers among real power hitters would have stood out as just that empty soundbites. With the remaining candidate, Bayh would have had to have had something to say, which is that he is not as qualified as the other potential candidates. If you can believe the polls by the Cook Political Report, it is Obama that is sucking the air out of the hope for a female president. Bayh exit does nothing. It was time for Bayh's fans to stop paying and just say bye bye.


Especially since the man himself, Bayh, admits that he was not a viable candidate for president in 2008, and it could be inferred from that admission that would also apply to him not being considered for a potential vice-president. Whomever is running for the title of president should want a running mate that can appeal to the masses, and that is not Midwesterner values Bayh. Now, Bayh could continue his fund raising by coming up with a new line, such as, he will run for president in 2012 to keep that money flowing in, but running for governor of Indiana would be a wiser choice. Or Bayh could do a Joe Lieberman, and run as an Independent for president. Or Bayh could crossover and run as a true republican because they will needs a charming nominate. If not, it's time to say good Bayh to Bayh this time.

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Indianapolis City Council person alleged shoving match with off-duty police officer

Last year, Ron Gibson, a member of the Indianapolis City County was charged with shoving a off-duty police officer. Indystar.com reports that the off-duty police officer,Jean Burkert, a dective with the Marion County Sheriff Deparment was suspended for a day. The reason for the suspension was for failing to turn in a request to work the part-time position. Take a look at Indy undercover for comments on the situation.

Steven Shine Divorce Jurisdiction

FortWayne. com reports a request for a venue change for the divorce of Laura and Steven Shine. It's just a divorce which would not necessary need the individuals to appear in court. Why a venue change? Or as Jessica Rabbits states it's just a divorce !!!

Evan Bayh-It's Over

Hoosier's high hope for a president from Indiana is over. Senator Evan Bayh has removed himself from the costly run to be president of the United States of America. Nor does Bayh have enough influence to appear on the ticket as vice-president. Could anyone see Bayh trying to debate Hillary or Obama?

Now, it's Hillary Clinton turn to announce that she will not run for president. And last but not least will be Obama. Obama and Clinton will position themselves as a candidate for vice-president. But just who will lead this ticket is the unanswered question. The democrats have something up their sleeves.

Gabcast! Fort Wayne African-American Independent Woman #9 - Barack Obama in 2008 for President of the U.S. of America




And New York will be the site of the 2008 Democratic convention, the most diverse melting pot of the world !!!!

Friday, December 15, 2006

Fort Wayne Police Racialist Behavior

Dear Police Officer York:

Fort Wayne Police Officer Zamora tried to refuse me entry into the Saint Patrick Catholic Church on December 13, 2006 between 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. Zamora stated that only the media was allowed into the church. When in fact two raced white males were already sitting in the church. The church was hosting a public event. Zamora used the pretense to discriminate against me. I was the only African-American entering the building at that time.

Do your officers needs some culturally sensitive training? I am available.

Next, Racialist Behavior by camera persons
On the same day two camera persons working for Wane TV adjusted their monitor to show the wording It's a N..Word, as I was approaching the church. This occurred outside the church. The racial rant by Michael Richards. Sending a email to Wane Television that tried to explain that it was the airing of Inside Edition programming at the time. And that it was just a coincidence that segment showed at the time of my arrival. Yeah right.

I doubt that was true and if you saw Inside Edition on December 13, 2006, please let me know if you saw a Michael Richard segment aired on that day. My blood is still boiling but I'll be alright. Racialist behavior wounds and it is not funny.

Wane Television 15 does your camera persons, need some culture sensitive Training? I would be glad too.

Those working for the public and come into my neighborhood you need to recognize you can not mistreat us because we don't travel in your circle. And from your behavior, we probably would not want you to travel in our company. I live in this neighborhood and many of you probably don't. And when do come into my neighborhood, I forgot how you measure the status of a people.

I should have listened to this recording as a reminder, that it's a learned behavior that I'm dealing with, for those who attempt to model their behavior based on skin color. Listen. Gabcast! Fort Wayne African-American Independent Woman #13 - Racialization explained by Dr. Maulana Karenga

Thursday, December 14, 2006

African-American Reparation in the courts

Slavery was unconstitutional in the north. But that does not mean that some folks did not manage to practice in the slave trade. Descendant of slavery do not have to go South to find those who profited from the slave trade when seeking reparation.

"The defendants are companies or the successors to
companies that provided services, such as transportation,
finance, and insurance, to slaveowners. At least two of
the defendants were slaveowners; the predecessor of one
of the bank defendants once accepted 13,000 slaves as
collateral on loans and ended up owning 1,250 of them
when the borrowers defaulted, and the predecessor of
another defendant ended up owning 346 slaves, also as a
consequence of a borrower’s default. Even before the
Thirteenth Amendment, slavery was illegal in the northern
states, and the complaint charges that the defendants
were violating the laws of those states in transacting
with slaveowners. It also claims that there were occasional
enslavements long after the passage of the Thirteenth
Amendment and that some of the defendants
were complicit in those too. By way of relief, the complaint
seeks disgorgement to the class members of the
profits that the defendants obtained from their dealings
with slaveowners."

This court suggest the descendants will have many obstacle to overcome in getting the case to be heard.

"If one or more of the defendants
violated a state law by transporting slaves in 1850, and the
plaintiffs can establish standing to sue, prove the violation
despite its antiquity, establish that the law was
intended to provide a remedy (either directly or by providing
the basis for a common law action for conspiracy,
conversion, or restitution) to lawfully enslaved persons
or their descendants, identify their ancestors, quantify
damages incurred, and persuade the court to toll the
statute of limitations, there would be no further obstacle
to the grant of relief."

This court addressed four issues, if there was standing,if there was a political question before the federal court, if there was a harm to be remedied, and if the claim was time barred.

Hat tip to Indianalawblog

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Alejandra Gutierrez and the Casas Family-exploited and missing family

Saint Patrick Catholic Church played host to the partnership between the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the City of Fort Wayne. Hundred of folks turned out to honor Alejandra Gutierrez and the Casas family of four who lost their lives through violence. It took 11 days of searching by the City of Fort Wayne Police Department, the Allen County Sheriff Department and the FBI. Unfortunately, Alejandra was dead. Alejandra did not show up for school and because of parents concern, began a grassroot search to find their daughter. This step taken by the parents was necessary because the family spoke limited English.


Tonight those who came out to remember Alejandra and the Canas family, were able to take pictures of their children and fingerprints. It has been one year, December 8,and 13 2006 as the anniversaries, and many family in the communities want to insure that what happened to Alejandra and the Casas won't happen again. Unfortuately the trial for the alleged murderer of Alejandra has been delayed.

NeighborWorks

excerpt from a letter from NeighborWorks Board President dated December 6, 2006 to Dear Friend of NeighborWorks:

I'm writing today first to apologize for this unhappy news. I know it is disappointing, and the board is working diligently to renew the community's trust in the organization. with this portion of the investigation now completed, we are looking to the future and our obligations to all of our partners, clients, and supporters. As we do so, however, we know our financial picture is not strong. an investigative audit conducted by Baden, gage, and Schroeder has determined that we owe three creditors $623, 219 in unsecured loans. We are currently working in good faith with the organizations that hold these mortgages in hopes of fashioning a repayment plan. The Indiana Attorney General's office has been contacted as well, and we await word from them.

40000 launch child-care union

Home-based child care providers, takes care of children with few working benefits. However, 40,000 child care providers in Detroit are trying to change that with joining the United Auto Workers and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the new group called Child Care Providers Together Michigan "brought together workers registered with the Michigan Department of Human Services to receive government subsidies for taking care of children from low-income families."

Jozette Dowdell, a licensed child care provider and AFSCME union organizer, expressed "how important it is that the state and the community understand what a day in the life of day care providers is really like and what the needs are for child care providers." Dowdell emphasized that what child care providers deserve and that they are looking forward to a better relationship with the state and with the newly re-elected Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. Dowdell believes this will occur "with the help from the first contract that child care providers will receive [from being unionized]."

Sex offender for life

In Indiana, effective July 1, 2006 all sexual offense will be defined as violent sexual offenders for lifetime registration. This will include touching. Children should be taught that just touching can cause a lableling as a violent sexual offender with a lifetime registration requirement. What is unclear about this law, is how can it be applied to offenders before the new law application of the new definition. In other words the individual was not charged as a violent offender but is not being punished as violent offender. Is this not double jeopardy, a second sentence for the same crime? I BELIEVE THIS IS IN VIOLATION OF THE CITIZEN RIGHT TO DUE PROCESS.



IC 35-42-4-8
Sexual battery

35-42-4-8 Sec. 8. (a) A person who, with intent to arouse or satisfy the person's own sexual desires or the sexual desires of another person, touches another person when that person is:
(1) compelled to submit to the touching by force or the imminent threat of force; or
(2) so mentally disabled or deficient that consent to the touching cannot be given;
commits sexual battery, a Class D felony.
(b) An offense described in subsection (a) is a Class C felony if:
(1) it is committed by using or threatening the use of deadly force;


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) it is committed while armed with a deadly weapon; or
(3) the commission of the offense is facilitated by furnishing the victim, without the victim's knowledge, with a drug (as defined in IC 16-42-19-2(1)) or a controlled substance (as defined in IC 35-48-1-9) or knowing that the victim was furnished with the drug or controlled substance without the victim's knowledge.
As added by P.L.322-1987, SEC.2. Amended by P.L.31-1998, SEC.7.




IC 35-38-1-7.5
Findings regarding sexually violent predators
35-38-1-7.5 Sec. 7.5. (a) As used in this section, "sexually violent predator" means a person who suffers from a mental abnormality or personality disorder that makes the individual likely to repeatedly engage in any of the offenses described in IC 11-8-8-5. The term includes a person convicted in another jurisdiction who is identified as a sexually violent predator under IC 11-8-8-20. The term does not include a person no longer considered a sexually violent predator under subsection (g).
(b) A person who:
(1) being at least eighteen (18) years of age, commits an offense described in:
(A) IC 35-42-4-1;
(B) IC 35-42-4-2;
(C) IC 35-42-4-3 as a Class A or Class B felony;
(D) IC 35-42-4-5(a)(1);
(E) IC 35-42-4-5(a)(2);
(F) IC 35-42-4-5(a)(3);
(G) IC 35-42-4-5(b)(1) as a Class A or Class B felony;
(H) IC 35-42-4-5(b)(2); or
(I) IC 35-42-4-5(b)(3) as a Class A or Class B felony; or
(2) commits an offense described in IC 11-8-8-5 while having a previous unrelated conviction for an offense described in IC 11-8-8-5 for which the person is required to register as an offender under IC 11-8-8;
is a sexually violent predator.
(c) This section applies whenever a court sentences a person for a sex offense listed in IC 11-8-8-5 for which the person is required to register with the local law enforcement authority under IC 11-8-8.
(d) At the sentencing hearing, the court shall determine whether

the person is a sexually violent predator under subsection (b).
(e) If the court does not find the person to be a sexually violent predator under subsection (b), the court shall consult with a board of experts consisting of two (2) board certified psychologists or psychiatrists who have expertise in criminal behavioral disorders to determine if the person is a sexually violent predator under subsection (a).
(f) If the court finds that a person is a sexually violent predator:
(1) the person is required to register with the local law enforcement authority as provided in IC 11-8-8; and
(2) the court shall send notice of its finding under this subsection to the department of correction.
(g) A person who is found by a court to be a sexually violent predator may petition the court to consider whether the person should no longer be considered a sexually violent predator. The person may file a petition under this subsection not earlier than ten (10) years after:
(1) the sentencing court makes its finding under subsection (e); or
(2) a person found to be a sexually violent predator under subsection (b) is released from incarceration.
A person may file a petition under this subsection not more than one (1) time per year. If a court finds that the person should no longer be considered a sexually violent predator, the court shall send notice to the department of correction that the person is no longer considered a sexually violent predator. Notwithstanding any other law, a condition imposed on a person due to the person's status as a sexually violent predator, including lifetime parole or GPS monitoring, does not apply to a person no longer considered a sexually violent predator.
As added by P.L.56-1998, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.1-1999, SEC.77; P.L.238-2001, SEC.18; P.L.116-2002, SEC.20; P.L.6-2006, SEC.5; P.L.140-2006, SEC.21 and P.L.173-2006, SEC.21.
IC 11-8-8-5
"Sex offender"
Sec. 5. (a) As used in this chapter, "sex offender" means a person
convicted of any of the following offenses:
(1) Rape (IC 35-42-4-1).
(2) Criminal deviate conduct (IC 35-42-4-2).
(3) Child molesting (IC 35-42-4-3).
(4) Child exploitation (IC 35-42-4-4(b)).
(5) Vicarious sexual gratification (IC 35-42-4-5).
(6) Child solicitation (IC 35-42-4-6).
(7) Child seduction (IC 35-42-4-7).
(8) Sexual misconduct with a minor as a Class A, Class B, or
Class C felony (IC 35-42-4-9).
(9) Incest (IC 35-46-1-3).
(10) Sexual battery (IC 35-42-4-8).
(11) Kidnapping (IC 35-42-3-2), if the victim is less than
eighteen (18) years of age.
(12) Criminal confinement (IC 35-42-3-3), if the victim is less
than eighteen (18) years of age.
(13) Possession of child pornography (IC 35-42-4-4(c)), if the
person has a prior unrelated conviction for possession of child
pornography (IC 35-42-4-4(c)).
(14) An attempt or conspiracy to commit a crime listed in
subdivisions (1) through (13).
(15) A crime under the laws of another jurisdiction, including
a military court, that is substantially equivalent to any of the
offenses listed in subdivisions (1) through (14).
(b) The term includes:
(1) a person who is required to register as a sex offender in any
jurisdiction; and
(2) a child who has committed a delinquent act and who:
(A) is at least fourteen (14) years of age;
(B) is on probation, is on parole, is discharged from a facility
by the department of correction, is discharged from a secure
private facility (as defined in IC 31-9-2-115), or is
discharged from a juvenile detention facility as a result of an
adjudication as a delinquent child for an act that would be an
offense described in subsection (a) if committed by an adult;
and
(C) is found by a court by clear and convincing evidence to
be likely to repeat an act that would be an offense described
in subsection (a) if committed by an adult.
As added by P.L.140-2006, SEC.13 and P.L.173-2006, SEC.13.

2006 Legislative Changes to Sex Offender Registry

Senate Enrolled Act 6 (Public Law 139), Senate Enrolled Act 12 (Public Law 140), Senate Enrolled Act 246 (Public Law 6), and House Enrolled Act 1155 (Public Law 173) made numerous changes to the sex offender registry and to local registration laws for adult sex offenders, effective July 1, 2006. Senate Enrolled Act 12 and House Enrolled Act 1155 also made several changes to the requirements for collection of DNA samples. These changes were also effective July 1, 2006. Below is a summary of the changes.

Oversight of the Sex Offender Registry transferred to the Department of Correction (IC 11-8-2-12.4) DOC is now responsible for the oversight of the registry, rather than the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute
The Sex Offender Directory is eliminated and its functions transferred to the sex offender registry
The registration statute is now IC 11-8-8 (formerly IC 5-2-12)
DOC is required to establish a "format" for registration
DOC is required to inform and train judges, prosecuting attorneys, law enforcement officials, parole officers, probation officers, and community corrections officials concerning the requirements of the sex offender registry
DOC must update the registry daily and make the registry available on the internet (IC 11-8-2-13)
DOC must register incarcerated offenders prior to release
DOC may reduce good time credit for an offender who does not participate in a sex offender treatment program or who does not register before being released from incarceration

Registration-definition of "offender" (IC 11-8-8-5)
Definition of sex offender expanded to include a person who is required to register in any jurisdiction (this is important for persons transferring to Indiana under the Interstate Compact)
General registration requirements (IC 11-8-8)
Sex offenders committed to DOC shall register with the Department before release from incarceration (DOC forwards this information to the local law enforcement authority where the offender will reside)
Sex offenders not committed to DOC must register within 7 days of being placed on probation
Sex offenders subject to registration requirements must carry a valid Indiana driver's license or ID (Class A misdemeanor for failure to possess identification)
As a condition of probation, a sex offender shall not establish a new residence within one mile of the victim of the offense unless granted a waiver by the court
A sex offender living in a "temporary residence" must register within 72 hours of moving into the residence and at least once every 7 days while living in the temporary residence

Sexually violent predators (IC 35-38-1-7.5) Definition expanded to include offenders who commit rape, criminal deviate conduct, child molesting as a Class A or Class B felony, or vicarious sexual gratification, and offenders who commit sex offenses listed in IC 11-8-8-5 while having a previous unrelated conviction for an offense listed in IC 11-8-8-5 for which the person is required to register

Whenever a court sentences a person for a sex offense listed in IC 11-8-8-5, the court must determine if the person is a sexually violent predator under IC 35-38-1-7.5(b). If the court does not find the person to be a sexually violent predator under subsection (b), the court shall consult with two (2) board certified psychologists/psychiatrists to determine if the person is a sexually violent predator under subsection (a).

If the court finds a person to be a sexually violent predator, the court shall send notice of its finding to DOC (IC 35-38-1-7.5(f)(2))
Sexually violent predators must register within 72 hours of being released from prison or placed on probation, parole, or home detention (IC 11-8-8-7(h))
A juvenile court may not appoint a sexually violent predator to serve as the guardian or custodian of a child (IC 31-30-1-2.5)
Sexually violent predators may be deprived of credit time earned at DOC if the person refuses to register as a sex offender before release or refuses to participate in a sex offender treatment program (IC 35-50-6-5(a)(5)&(6))
Sexually violent predators shall be placed on lifetime parole after release from prison (IC 35-50-6-1(e))

If a person being supervised on lifetime parole is also required to be supervised by a court, probation department, community corrections department or community transition program upon release from imprisonment, the parole board may permit the other supervising agency to exercise all or part of the parole board's supervisory responsibility during the period in which the other supervising agency is required to supervise the person, if supervision by the other supervising agency will be at least as stringent and at least as effective as supervision by the parole board (IC 35-50-6-1(g))

A sexually violent predator must notify local law enforcement when the person will be absent from his "principle place of residence" for more than 72 hours and must notify where the person will be located during the absence (if the sexually violent predator will be in another Indiana county for more than 72 hours, the person must inform local law enforcement of the location and length of the stay). Sexually violent predators who do not comply with this requirement commit Failure to Notify, a Class A misdemeanor (IC 11-8-8-18)
A sexually violent predator who knowingly or intentionally works for compensation or as a volunteer on school property, at a youth program center or a public park commits Unlawful Employment Near Children By a Sex Offender, a Class D felony (IC 35-42-4-10)

Other sex offender-related statutory changes
An "offender against children" (defined as a sexually violent predator or a person convicted of child molesting, child exploitation, child solicitation, child seduction or kidnapping if the victim is less than 18) who knowingly or intentionally resides within 1000 feet of school property, a youth program center or a public park, or establishes a residence within one (1) mile of the victim of the offense, commits Sex Offender Residency Offense, a Class D felony (IC 35-42-4-11)

Under IC 11-8-8-9(c), if a sex offender is placed on probation or in a community corrections program without being confined in a penal facility, the probation office serving the court in which the sex offender is sentenced shall perform the duties required under IC 11-8-8-9(a) and (b). (Inform the sex offender of the duty to register and require the sex offender to sign a written statement acknowledging that the sex offender was informed of the duty to register; obtain address where offender expects to reside; transmit to local law enforcement the sex offender's name, address, and offense; within 72 hours of release, transmit the offender's fingerprints, photograph, identifying factors, address, mental health treatment history, criminal history, and information as to whether the sex offender has been determined to be a sexually violent predator.



Last Revised: Wednesday, 15-Nov-2006 10:48:55 EST from the website of the Indiana Department of Correction

Be smart choose freedom

2007 Income Tax Aid Sites

These are free service site locations for individuals to have their income taxes prepared and also for electronic filed tax forms. Although many of these sites do not open until the first week in February, it would be worth it to many low income families. There are no fees nor rapid refund loans. The incentives for using the free service are by filing early and having an account will speed up the process and you may get all your refund within 10-14 days. New this year, is that you may have your refund direct deposit into several account instead of a single account.

Community Center
233 W. Main Street
Fort Wayne IN
260-427-6460

Allen County Public Library
900 Library Plaza
Fort Wayne, IN
260-421-1320

Pontiac Library
2215 S. Hanna
Fort Wayne, IN
260-421-1350

Parkview Hospital
Senior Club
2120 Carew
Fort Wayne, In
260-373-7950

St. Joe Hospital
Healthy Life Steps
700 Broadway
Fort Wayne, In
260-427-6460

Lutheran Homes
6701 S. Anthony Blvd
Fort Wayne, IN
260-447-1591

Aboite Library
5630 Coventry LN
Fort Wayne, IN
260-421-1310

Little Turtle Library
2201 Sherman
Fort Wayne, In
260-421-1355

Georgetown Library
6600 E. State Blve
Fort Wayne, In
260-421-1320


Hessen Cassel Library
3030 E. Paulding Road
Fort Wayne, IN
260-421-1330

Waynedale Library
2200 Lower Huntington Road
Fort Wayne, IN
260-421-1365

Dupont Library
536 E. Dupont
Fort Wayne, IN
260-421-1315

Wellspring
1316 Broadway
Fort Wayne, IN
260-422-6618

Shawnee Library
5600 Noll Rd.
Fort Wayne, IN
260-421-1355

Concordia Lutheran Church
4245 E. Lake Ave.
Fort Wayne, IN
260-749-5947

Tecumseh Library
1411 E. State
Fort Wayne, Ien N
260-421-1360

Grabill Mission Church
13637 State Street
Grabill, IN

New Haven, IN
648 Green Street
New Haven, IN
260-421-1345

Woodburn United Methodist Church
4300 Becker Road
Woodburn, IN
260-627-2962

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Another Blogger Missing in Action

First,I know it's just not me. But one of the blogger is missing in action. What's up? Could this be from misdeed?

Second, I also have a copycat blog out there that has nothing to do with me. It's called dowdellresearchmirror.blogspot.com I know. Sad Sad Sad This blog has the same title, similiar address, and same signature. It was not enough to go to my block the next best thing is to copy my blog.

I'll keep writing because I can.

Indiana Blogger received media award

The Indiana Law Blog received a media award. Marcia Oddi received the 2006 excellent in public information and education award. Ms. Oddi web log is" devoted to providing information on Indiana court decisions and other legal developments. Judge David Chidester of Porter Superior Court nominated Ms. Oddi for providing citizens with an up-to-date capsule of all matters involving Indiana law. Ms. Oddi has published The Indiana Law Blog since 2002," according to a press release by Indiana Court. The press release reports, "[t]hese awards give us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the very fine work done by journalists and judges across Indiana to help citizens gain a better understanding of the justice system,” Judge Marnocha said.

My no way out letter to Santa

0000 Reindeer Rd
North Pole


Dear Santa:

I know it's been awhile since you've heard from me. Well if you must know, I think it goes back to the day, I saw family members placing stuff under the tree instead of you. And I've been drinking your milk and eating your chocolate chip cookies ever since. I tried telling a few folks, including my own children that's there is no such thing as a Santa Claus. But they weren't feeling me, you feel me Santa? Some folks are just looking for something to believe in

Anyways, the reason for me writing you, now is because I have two wishes this year. I know Santa you have some big demands placed by the little ones. But, I'm only asking you to deliver on one of my wishes. The other wish is being covered by you know who? (-wink-wink-). If you can deliver on this wish, I think I could start putting back up that tree and all those colorful lights. Guess what, in my neighborhood I've seen two houses with big spotlights highlighting their holiday decorations. I'm telling you it sure brings back memories. But, the decorations, the lights are not why I am writing you, Santa.

I writing you Santa because I want to deliver the President to a soup kitchen on Christmas Day to eat his family dinner. Did you think I was going to ask for something for me. No, Santa I really don't believe in you, but I think the Prez does. It's just a feeling I have Santa. So, if you can get President George Bush, Jr. to go to a soup kitchen in Washington, D.C. And you get the Prez to spend some time with families who are just trying to stay alive with the basic, it sure will bring a smile to my face. I know, I know Santa you are about commercialism and not about giving out hope. But, I was just thinking if you could do this, one thing, a whole lot of other children could continue to believe in you. Especially those who probably won't have much under their Christmas tree and will be sitting there in that soup kitchen.

You see the Prez has spent billions of dollar fighting a war. Money that could have been spent on creating some jobs maybe for their family. Money spent to keep some of these children from being homeless. These children want the President to know that's more in important to them and not winning the war in Iraq.

Well, I've got to go now. You see, I'm one of those who is blessed to be earning a little chump change. Oh I'm not complaining, Santa. Geez, if it wasn't for you know who, I probably wouldn't get my second wish. Oh you want to know what my second wish is? Peace on Earth and Goodwill towards mankind.

Happy Holidays to you

Tupac Shakur Remembered

Tis the season to be generous. Jada Pinkett Smith remembers the memory of Tupac by donating one million dollars to the art school the two attended in Baltimore. The funds will come from the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation, according to the Associated Press.


On another note, charitable giving is one way of reducing tax liability before December, 31, 2006.

Help Wanted

Seeking writers and photos
Please email me dowdells@comcast.net

Seeking articles on women issues
African-Americans issues
Political issues

Photos of Fort Wayne cultural events