MLK Club 2007 Community Award Receipents

Illustrations by Bryan Collier at FWMA

Fort Wayne Museum of Art will host African American Leaders: Illustrations by Bryan Collier. Collier is a children's book illustrator. Collier published Uptown and received the Coretta Scott King Medal in 2001. Other books since are the following: Freedom River, I Am Your Child, God: Prayers for Our Children, Martin's big Words, Rosa, Visiting Langston and Welcome, Precious. Collier exhibition will be on display through May 20, 2007 at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art.>

Rainy Monday

Vexillology

Rodney David Deal has created a flag, the Flag of Remembrance 1865 signaling the solidarity of African-Americans and all Americans after the freeing of those who were enslaved in America. Author Deal lecture, Courage Creates Change: in Honor of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Remembering the Year 1865, here in Fort Wayne, Indiana focused on the connection of Abraham Lincoln fight for freedom and Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. courage in fighting for freedom.

Deal discovered through his research that the date 1865 was important to many Americans and not just African-Americans. And with this discovery came a revelation that people came together in support of African-Americans experiencing this freedom. And that the struggle for freedom did not end with the death of Lincoln or Dr. King, Jr. Deal's message for some in the audience was in order to create a more inclusive diversity, we each must do our part in the struggle for freedom for all people. In moving toward this inclusiveness one should know it will take courage.

Deal has plenty of courage, and with this courage, he will take his flag to Congress. The flag of remembrance 1865 is Deal's inclusive, inspirational, positive, social, historical initiative. The flag evokes a message of opportunities to realize the dream of King, Jr., "founding father of a new America" and the "Founding father of freedom", Abraham Lincoln. The flag offers up a similar message found in our Declaration of Independence .. "we hold these truths that all men are created equal as well as the words from our national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner”.."the land of the free".. and .."the home of the brave."

Deal suggest in the final analysis,

One can support this inclusive inspirational positive social historical initiative by displaying a flag, banner, and or pictorial at home, church, and work. The Flag of Remembrance 1865™: In Commemoration of the Thirteenth Amendment will educate the reader about the importance of this theoretical perspective. The final chapter of the book contains a forty plus page journal to give the reader an opportunity to reflect on the significance of this initiative, and hopefully, establish healing, promote, and support unified-diversity in America’s social culture.

Repentance and Reconciliation-MLK Service

Plymouth Congregational Church held its 22nd Annual MLK Service of Repentance and Reconciliation. The service provides an opportunity for people of faith to come together each year on the theme of common grounds. The common grounds are the quest for justice and peace to prevail within the city, state, nation and the world.
The partnership between the Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County and the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance remain committed to the task of working together for the health and welfare of Fort Wayne in removing barriers that foster ill-will, fear, and suspicion.


The sermon was given by Rev. Dr. Michael Murphy, Pastor and Founder of St. Stephen’s Community Church of Lansing, MI. Dr. Murphy brought greeting from Dr. Sharon Bank and the good news about Dr. Banks involvement in the building of $30,000,000 dollar middle school in Lansing Michigan.

Murphy served as Michigan State House of Representatives for three terms. His passion for civil rights and human rights dates back to the mid-1960's when his father, the late George C. Murphy involved him with the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Operation Breadbasket in Chicago.

Dr. Murphy currently serves as chairperson of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus Foundation. Dr. Murphy graduated from Chicago Theological Seminary, Michigan State University, and DePaul University, and studied at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

A Martin Luther King Commemoration We are the Dream

Pilgrim Baptist Church featured Carver Cossey in concert. Mr. Cossey came to Fort Wayne to serve as guest artist and clinician for the Heartland Chamber Chorale, on whose artistic advisory board he serves.Cossey was named the 2006 Artist of the Year by the Inspirational Gospel Music Association (IGMA). A Man Named Martin and Precious Lord were sung by Cossey. Cossey has been a member and featured soloist with the Pacific Chorale of Orange County, California, the Albert McNeal Jubilee Singers, and the Pacific Symphony. Cossey has been featured in performances with the Boston Pops, Opera Pacific, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Opera, and the Roger Wagner Chorale. Recording credits include the movie soundtrack for Highlander II and recent albums by Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, Andrea Bocelli, Placido Domingo, Russell Watson, and the Albert McNeal Jubilee Singers.


Cossey is currently serving as a minister of music for Shepherd of the Hills UCC in Laguna Niguel. Mr. Cossey was the founder and first artistic director of Soul connection, a gospel choir in LA. Cossey is a past faculty member of UC Irvine, Saddleback College, and Cypress College where he was instrumental in establishing gospel choirs at each of these schools.On the program with Cossey were the Temple Hazemir Choir directed by Dr. John Planer. It is a liturgical choir, made up entirely of volunteers, for worship rather than singing folk songs or presenting concerts. The ensemble repertoire is in Hebrew, singing a cappella and most settings are four-part. The core music is 19th century choral works by Salomon Sulzer, Samuel Naumbourg, and Louis Lewandowsky, but also includes contemporary compositions as well. Hazemir Choir has commissioned compositions and subsidized publication. In June 2007, hazemir plans to travel to Jerusalem to sing withe Hallel Choir.


Temple Professional Choir of Achduth Vesholom directed by Robert Nance(High Holy Days), and various services once each month. Members of the Choir are not necessarily members of the temple or of the Jewish faith. Also, Nance directed a chorus he founded in 1997, called Heartland Chamber Chorale. The Chorale is northern Indiana's only professional chorus with 26 members. The goal of the chorus is to serve as a professional resource for matters pertaining to the art of vocal music. Young folks are encourages to participate through an educational component called Side-by-Side in Song and Project Sing.


The host choir, Pilgrim Baptist Church Choir was directed by Debra Faye Williams-Robbins. Williams-Robbins leads a team of musicians, choral directors and instrumentalists, who guide nine different choirs for services of worship and special events throughout the year. Pilgrim Choirs have performed with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, the Heartland Chamber Chorale and many guest artists and clinicians in their annual choral workshops. Pilgrim Choirs performances range from classical anthems to modern day gospel.


Dr. Miles S. Edwards, PHD gave the welcome and introduced the performances.

The following information from We Are the Dream Concert Insert.

Indy Colt going down to Baltimore Raven

Offense against Defense-no contest.Ravens all the way!!!!

Forget Manning where did Vinatieri come from? 15-6 win for the Colts sets a field goal record for the kicker, but no td's for mannings.

You decide-It's your tax money

I volunteer for AARP preparing income taxes for families free. The organization has numerous sites throughout the city. Every year, AARP offer training to its volunteers. Every year, the volunteers are tested.

Taxpayers who would like assistance filing their taxes may tap into AARP's Tax-Aide program, administered by the AARP Foundation. AARP Tax-Aide volunteers provide tax assistance and preparation services at no cost to over two million low and moderate-income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 and older.

Of course AARP has competition out on the streets.


But I'm telling you, it's a no contest when it comes to AARP tax preparers. Of course, AARP are limited in the hours they give to the community, but if you can find a time and site near you, it's worth it.

Trained and IRS certified volunteers help taxpayers file accurate returns, avoid sometimes expensive tax return preparation costs, and help taxpayers receive all of the benefits, credits, and deductions to which they are entitled. Most sites e-file returns, also at no cost, which helps taxpayers get refunds quickly and without needing very costly rapid refund loans from paid preparers.

It never fail to amaze me how many talented group of folks are in the same room. Emil, the tech person has probably worked on computers before the internet came into existence. Emil is old school, hard worker and an expert at his task. Emil gives meaning to what it means for a person to demand respect.

Women-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr-Mobilization

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. did not die because he had a dream. Dr. King, Jr. died because he was mobilizing. Dr. King, Jr. was mobilizing the poor to demand better pay and better jobs.

Dr. King, Jr. left behind those who are still dreaming of better pay and better jobs, instead of mobilizing our resources and talents.

The union surveyed 26,000 working women and thir report shows these are the issues women are concerned about for now and for their children:

Pay, wages, salary, paycheck, raise 7,034
Health care Health, health care, health insurance, medical, drugs 5,019
Equality/fairness Equality, equal, fair, rights, man’s world, second class 3,595
Child care Child care, day care, baby sitter, children 2,995
Retirement Retirement, Social Security, pension 1,948
Corporate Corporation, company, CEO, golden parachute 1,752
Work and family Work and family, balancing, stay at home, flexible hours, FMLA 1,352
Maternity Maternity, breast feeding, pregnancy, infant 630
Discrimination/
harassment Discrimination, harassment, glass ceiling, affirmative action 548
Iraq Iraq, war 113
Abortion Abortion, reproductive rights, right to choose, right to life 119

Read a survey.

Mobilizing is honoring Dr. King, Jr. Show me what you working with in the Community for better pay and better jobs.

Poverty Pimps main customers-Women and Children

Women hold up the sky for the city leaders in Fort Wayne. The city of Fort Wayne population is more than 50%. Yet the majority of the elected position are held by men. That's right, women elected men to determine where they will live, where they will work and how their children will be educated. These woman talk independence but are dependent on leadership from men.

These men are not listening. Instead, these elected and appointed men, maintain the status quo. The women take the lower paying position and do the maintaining of the office duties while the men stand conduct the meetings and stand before the media an talk about efficiency and effectiveness of their departments.

In other words there is no way for women to have worked in these departments and not have mastered the skills to run the department. Yet, a new comer, generally a bread winning male comes in as leaderships. Something is wrong with that picture.

According to The Best and Worst State Economies for Women Report,

Women are more likely to be working or looking for work
in the mountain states and upper Midwest, a few
northeastern states, and Alaska.

Women are not earning their fair share when competing in the market place in cities like Fort Wayne.

In 2005, the typical woman who worked full-time, year-round earned only 77.0 percent as much as the typical man.

This gender wage gap is greater in the Midwest.

It is worst in much of the Midwest, the South, and
the Northwest.

And what about professional women or women in managerial positions in the state of Indiana compared to other states?

In the District of Columbia, 52.5 percent of women are employed in managerial and professional occupations.

So what is the city of Fort Wayne actually doing to support professional women businesses? And another question would be, how is the city supporting the education of women? If you really want to talk about brain drain. If women are returning to higher education, you think the city would be funneling money towards empowering these women. Not.

By supporting women, this would displace many ineffective male workers on the city pay roll. So where do you find many of these women in the city of Fort Wayne? Working on poverty pimps programs entitled nonprofits. If the city nonprofits were doing what they say they are to do why is it that so there are so many of our children failing in schools, dropping out of schools, unprepared while in school? Photo-ops and Window dressing.

Who are the clients of these women who work for these program? Generally poor (not stupid) women and children. So do you really think these nonprofit manipulators are going to help lift these folks out of poverty. If these nonprofit leaders did that, they wouldn't have a job!!! Go figure. It is a vicious and ugly cycle. But who said pimping is easy! You got to save your selves S.O.S. built community.

Women read the report yourselves.

Poverty Pimps-Part III

The Branding of Fort Wayne -Allen County

Fort Wayne is not an original thinker with growing businesses or it's city. The crooks will not take risks with their own money. So what do they do? They travel to other cities, steal their ideas. Comes back to the city and attempts to manipulate the folks by selling it as a local idea. After that, they shop the idea around to developers who are seeking to make money on developing the needs of the community. And the crooks in the meantime have invested in the land to make money off the developers. The ideas are implanted into the community and the community dies. But the crooks have made their money and moved onto their next pet project.

Room for Dreams--is Fort Wayne message for those wanting to tour or move into the city that has no dreams. But the crooks are willing to take the city's taxpayers money and flop it down on developing new ideas from the new comers. Matter of fact they have land and more lands waiting for these folks arriving on the stream of consciousness to row into the city.

The logo for this consciousness is not even an original, it lacks favor, it's boring. Check out the one for the rivergreen trail ways, same. Got it..no new ideas just ways to recycle the money. This one here is the city's park. Just lighter colors more wavy lines...

And if you pay attention to the blogosphere some of the local young talents expressed they could do better. In other words, the young talents wants to know when is the city going to begin to utilize their own talents instead of going outside. The blogosphere is only a limited sampling of local talents, just imagine those who have talents who are not linked to the blogosphere.

Many of these folks lack the funding to get into the game. But, funding is available for innovative new ideas, but greed keeps the funds out of the pockets of the needy and diverted into the pockets of the greedy. Now some in the blogosphere have banned together to form a community blog. However, the same voices are in this group. This is what happens in the larger community, when other voices are not included. I suggest a reading of Paulo Freire.

If downtown is to truly be developed by the people it would involve those folks who have talents who live in the area. Because these folks don't have the income of those outside of the area, they are not at the table or in the blogosphere. But, if those in the blogosphere understand that the government programs exist to help fund these individual ideas maybe than these folks could come together. It's just simply business. Many of the old heads have been poverty pimps for a long time. One program that can be utilized is the Community Reinvestment Act.

Community Reinvestment Act

If these young cats are so smart in the blogosphere, they could use the CRA to invest in the area. Say for example, the Rialto. This building was given to a nonprofit to rehab in a year. If the group did not rehab the building in the year another group could come in and take the building. Do you think this has happen. Not. Why because the old cats believe in helping their own while hurting the majority.

The nonprofit has the building to claim ownership while waiting on a big investor to purchase the building. Throughout the city, you will find buildings that are given to nonprofits, free. Indiana passed legislation for these same types of deals to go to individuals living in these neighborhoods. But do you think these folks know or even have the capital. That's is where you young cats come in.

Here's another example, Lincoln Life gave their state of the art day care building to a nonprofit that help low-income families. Guess what that beautiful building will be torn down and Martin Luther King Montessori will have to seek a new building. But that should be no problem. Why? Because the nonprofit is receiving a large amount for the building that was given to them. All together Windfall.

Feed the hungry comes in the Community reinvestment Act. The CRA goes beyond a welfare check. It understand that poor people work and have ideas, but lack capital. Instead of warehousing folks into communities with overpriced housing the CRA offer ways to maximize the potential of building assets for poor people.



How do you do that? You have to invest in the community and understand the community's need. Not go in and surgically remove the heart of the community and give back an artificial one that does not work. In other words the artificial one is cosmetic and does not pump the vital resources that support that community !!!

Community Reinvestment Act has several programs that will support the community helping the community not the greedy feeding the greedy.

(1)Community Commitment loans.

(2)Individual Development Accounts

(3)American Dream Demonstration Initiative


Free money to help eradicate the problems rather than being a part of the problem. Ask the hard questions, that is what Rick Stevenson did when he found it appalling that one of the program funded by taxpayers to improve the lives of the poor had them contained in utter despair.

It takes courage and folks will challenge your motivate..but simply Stand. Stand for something...put your money where your mouth is or join the talking head. The government is willing to match your hard earned money. But the city only wants you to attend one of its sit down and listen do nothing forum, no money:

City to hold Forum to Assist Small Businesses
The City of Fort Wayne is hosting a free forum to assist small businesses. The Self Employment and Start Up Business Forum will be held from 9 a.m.-noon Thursday, January 18 in the Omni Room, second floor of the City-County Building, One East Main St.

The event will include instruction[s] on developing business and financial plans, complying with code, zoning and health requirements, and marketing a product or service.

The forum developed through a partnership with representatives from U.S. Small Business Administration, and the local efforts of SCORE, Northeast Indiana Small Business Center, Women’s Enterprise, a program of the Fort Wayne Women’s Bureau, and National City Bank.

This is the photo ops and window dressing to avoid addressing the real problems.

It's targeted toward young cats who talk in their sleep about their dreams. True visionaries know you have to work for change, and outsmart the system. The mantle will not be passed to the young, you must take it and run with it. So is your community supporting your skills or pimping you for your skills? The Mayor Graham Richard is traveling the United States talking about how wired he is when the techies are being co opted by their appointed political leaders in the blogosphere. Now tell me what's up with that?

So when is that meeting for starting a community business?

Poverty Pimps-Show me the money

The roll out of the Mayor's Tax program should occur around January 27, 2007. But will it be available at all the locations as previous years? Keep reading. The Mayor's Tax Program, Money in Your Pocket" EITC Campaign Preparing for 2007
The “Money in Your Pocket” Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program is preparing for 2007, according to the website.

More from the website,

The City of Fort Wayne and community partners work to assist lower income working families apply for tax refunds.

In 2006, $1.1 million was brought back to working families in the community. In 2005, $1.6 million in tax refunds were received by working families. In 2004, the total was just over $1 million. In 2003, $250,000 was returned to the local economy.



Anyone interested in volunteering or donating computers and technology-related equipment should contact the Mayor’s office at 427-1120 or citizens@cityoffortwayne.org .

Along with financial institutions, other partners include:
* Volunteer Center at RSVP

* Wayne Township Trustee’s Office

* IRS

* 1st Source Bank

* CANI – Lake Avenue

* CANI – Salvation Army
* United Way of Allen County/211

* East Wayne Street Center

* Purdue Extension

* Vincent House

* Neighborhood Health Clinics

* Tower Bank

So, how many places this year will be available for these folks from the list above?

A conversation with Jackie Barr at the Mayor's office reveal a plan for only one location this tax season. Count them one location this year for a program that the Mayor brags as being so successful. All together now, poverty pimps. The location for this one program will go to the Wayne Township Trustee Office. Do you get a sense that the Democrat mayor supported the Republican Trustee more so than the new Wayne Township Trustee? I do.

Probably did not want Stevenson to see how poorly this program operation under the previous administration.

Rick Stevenson vs the Poverty Pimps

Centlivre problems were there before the immigrants came and before Rick Stevenson took office.

Centlivre Apartments were built in 1963.

Jenni Glenn wrote in August 21 2005,

Centlivre LLC, the corporate name of Centlivre Village Apartments on Westbrook Drive, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March. The company listed $4.7 million in debts and $5 million in assets in a June court document. Centlivre LLC president Abe Vaknin did not return calls seeking comment. The company's attorney, Jeremy Senk, declined to comment.Centlivre Village Apartments accommodates many immigrants and refugees in its 455 units. The diverse population created a magnet for outreach programs of various social agencies and community organizations."

" according to news reports.

If we remember the 1960's, there was a great out migration of population from the area. Those in the apartment business had to figure out ways to save their business. Little money goes into renovating the apartment for the tenants but to sell to another businessperson. Don't know if this happened for Centlivre, but,


Cindy Larson writes on May 12 2004,

thumbs up by City Council for the issuance and sale of $14 million in economic development revenue bonds should benefit the local Burmese community.

Council's backing of the financing allows a company to acquire and rehabilitate Centlivre Apartments. The complex is home to the largest group of Burmese refugees in the United States, said David Hart, of Centlivre Apartments LLC. The group plans to buy and make extensive improvements to the 455-unit complex, built in 1963.

``Our business is to come in and rehabilitate older properties,'' Hart said Tuesday.

The improvements won't result in higher rent, however. The apartments will remain low-income. ``The last thing you want to do is displace tenants,'' Hart said.

The financing arrangement won't cost the city anything or put it at risk, said attorney Dick Fox of Barrett & McNagny. Essentially, the city lends government status to the bonds so Centlivre Apartments LLC can seek a lower interest rate, said Elissa McGauley, city economic development specialist.

Improvements include new doors, windows and landscaping, as well as remodeled kitchens, Hart said. It ``really creates a new atmosphere for the low-income housing tenant.''
Tom Smith, R-1st District, asked why council was asked to OK millions in economic development revenue bonds all in one night. ``What's driving this?''

McGauley said part of the impetus was looming Indiana Housing Finance Authority deadlines, and part of it was just that several groups were interested in rehabilitating existing facilities in Fort Wayne at the same time.

Generally, when housing is on decline, low-income are allowed to live in the area. And the fact that most immigrants do not know about housing in the city, steering becomes a huge issue. But folks will tell you that refugees arrived in this big city and was able to find each other.

Don Stockman of the Journal-Gazette wrote,

Centlivre Apartments LLC wants to borrow $14 million for its renovation of the eight-building, 455-unit complex on Westbrook Drive.

Fort Wayne is home to the largest community of refugees from Burma, now called Myanmar, and much of that population is centered in Centlivre Apartments, officials said. They were built in 1963 and are in need of updating.

Council members unanimously approved three separate requests for economic development revenue bonds, a move that lets private developers use the city's tax-free borrowing authority to get lower interest rates.

The projects still need approval from the Indiana Housing Finance Authority. Dick Fox, attorney for one of the developers, said the city is simply a conduit for the money and is not on the hook financially in the loans.

Often, the government offered subsidies and more than likely Centlivre participated in such programs. And poverty pimps move in to take photo ops, but do not really want these individuals to live in their neighborhoods. Because their children may require them to do more for these families, rather than just painting and cleaning for the business owner.

Masaaki Harada The Journal Gazette wrote on July 13, 2005,

Centlivre Village Apartments accommodates many immigrants and refugees in its 455 units. The diverse population created a magnet for outreach programs of various social agencies and community organizations.

The problem is that these issues are hid from the public,unless the media determines what is newsworthy or truthfulness in reporting.
On September 27, 2006 Nicole Lee wrote, about the Centlivre Apartment complex,

Several changes in apartment management and lack of upkeep over the years have led to the complex’s current state, an area with several rundown buildings, dirty hallways and overgrown lawns.

During that time 100 volunteers attempted to correct a problem that was too big for even their hopes.The idea for the community cleanup came from Stephanie Struck, 25, a member of Blackhawk Ministries. She said she regularly volunteers with NeighborLink Fort Wayne and helps several Somali Bantu families at Centlivre with transportation, student tutoring and other assistance.

One day, Struck said she was talking to a fellow volunteer at the apartment complex, and said, “Wouldn’t it be great to do a once-over of this place?” She then contacted NeighborLink, which posted information on its message board about the project – formally titled a Hospitality Service Day – to solicit support. Volunteers plan to return to Centlivre later to rebuild the bus stop area in front of the apartments to provide a sturdy structure for children waiting for the school bus."

The only sturdy structure is a school bus hut is what these folks needed. Not.

On another day, Lee writes,

If things don't work out at Riverview, new homes for the programs can be found, but the question still remains - how to effectively transport Centlivre's residents there, said Joe Johns with the Reclamation Project, a group that works with the city's refugee communities.

Johns also is a member of Fellowship Missionary Church, which pays a reduced rent at Centlivre to house the Americorps children's tutorial program. Johns said that, as of now, the program will not have to relocate.

"Nobody knows exactly what (the new Centlivre management's) issues are, but what is clear is that they are changing things," he said. The Reclamation Project plans to contact other churches and the Salvation Army Center near Centlivre to help it find new locations for the programs.

The News-Sentinel also attempted to contact a representative from the Wayne Township Trustee's Office, which also operates a social-service program located at Cent-livre. Its offices were closed Friday afternoon at the time of the call.

So Wayne Township Trustee Rick Stevenson, did something that the city should have a long time ago. And guess what they are still trying to blame the people for their living conditions.

E-filing begins today

For those who have received their w-2's in the mail or online, today is the first day that the Federal Internal Revenue Service begins receiving transmission of federal income tax returns electronically!!

However you will need to be patient in transmitting your Indiana State tax return and want to file free. The reason is because Indiana I-filing does not begin until February. Of course there will be companies able to provide the service but it will cost you for using their service. Remember it's your money, and February is just a couple of weeks away for your state free filing.

But today is the day for the most action in getting in the federal tax returns to the IRS!!!

If you have an questions remember to ask a tax preparer or call the Internal Revenue Service.

Fort Wayne Derby Girls-Lethal Leti

Lethal Leti joined the Fort Wayne Derby Girls, Bomb Squad in February. Lethal Leti, will help celebrate the team's one year anniversary this month. The party will include the huge fan base and volunteers on January 20, 2006.

FWDG is a a nonprofit organization, that has donated over $12,000 to various nonprofit organizations. FWDG is a member of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association.

As a new member of the WFTDA, Fort Wayne Derby Girls joins the ranks of over 30 all-female, skater owned and operated leagues nationwide that have united to lead the growing sport of women's flat track roller derby. WFTDA member leagues engage in sanctioned interleague play, including regional and national tournaments. Fort Wayne Derby Girls will be a Division III member,

according to their press release.

FWDG is growing and hope to have a total of four teams. To recruit new members, FWDG will be having open try-outs in January 14, 2007 from 8:00-9:30 pm and the January 16, 2007 from 8:45-10:15 pm at Roller Dome North. Bring helmets and pads for those who are interested. Rental skates are available if needed.

To see the traveling Bomb Squad the next event is in Indianapolis in February. According to the press release,

upcoming interleague bouts include Hoosier Valentine on February 3, 2007 versus the Naptown Rollergirls. This bout will be held in Indianapolis. On April 21, 2007, The Chi-Town Sirens make the trek to Fort Wayne for some fast-paced interleague play.

A Day Away Salon & Spa

Felicia Phomsoupha


What a way to start a birthday?!!!

Leti

Feet, Hands, Toes

Oceana, I think..I love you!

It's just A Day Away Salon & Spa

The Prez

The new plan is a revised old plan. The different is we will have more more troops in harms way. So now what?

Criminal Charges Declined -Round 1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 10, 2007

PROSECUTION DECLINED IN SHINE INVESTIGATION



Hat tip to BK and FWOB

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

Thursday, January 11, 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. Ivy Tech Community College
MLK Celebration – Keynote Speaker, Hana Stith, Curator, African/African American Historical Museum.

Was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr...Day 4

Was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. an Uncle Tom? Uncle Tom’s name in the same breathe as Dr. King’s, Jr., who is considered by many as the all time martyr of civil rights, would more than likely bring on looks of disdain from those hearing the question. Just to utter the name as a description of the historical figure who is the ultimate representative of the American-American community is an insult.

But recognizing that fact, leaves me trying to understand as to why one seldom bats an eye upon hearing the dreaded N…word that is so loosely used in the hood. The first word represents an African-American who is a sale out. The other word represents a certain status of an African-American. Both terms, are haunting reminders of the legacy of slavery. Both terms are negative labeling placed up on those who are found among the diverse African-American community. Especially when we profess to understand the struggles of our ancestors. Because it is so easy to do, unconsciously.

So, why am I labeling Dr. King, Jr. a "Tom"? Answer, because it is so easy to do. Was Dr. King a sale out? I didn’t think so. Was he an Uncle Tom? An Uncle Tom seeking to expose the powerbrokers for what they were, self-serving manipulating racialists? Yes. Dr. King, like Beecham’s Uncle Tom, understood the master’s cruel and brutal ways. Dr. King, Jr. nonviolent approach was a tactic used to expose the racialist for what he or she including the do-good racialists truly felt in their hearts.

Beecham’s Uncle Tom master‘s whip was the symbolic tool used to show the cruelty of man desire to bring another man into submission more so than God himself. As long as Tom was doing the whipping the master could say stop. But if the master had the whip, there was no legal tool in place to prevent the master from whipping those who were enslaved to death. So Uncle Tom saved lives by being Uncle Tom.

I am simply saying that Uncle Tom was not a sale out. Tom was the alternative to an inhumane master who would kill an enslaved just as quick as a mad dog. Tom understood his role was to challenge the master beliefs about the enslaved, which in turn enabled Tom to save lives. Dr. King, may indeed be labeled an Uncle Tom, as he gave his life challenging the belief that he too like Uncle Tom was more than a mere boy but a man with rights guaranteed and protected under the Constitution. Dr. King, Jr. challenged the racialists hearts and ultimately gave his life in demanding that the nation take notice that all of America's Americans were still not free.


Many will not celebrate his holiday, because they do not believe in judging a person by their character. Many. Dr. King, Jr. will be called names..but Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was simply Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr. King,Jr. only asked that we be the best that we could be...and a simply thing like watching what we call each other could be a starting point.

Ellen DeGeneres/Wesley Autrey

Ellen was taken by Wesley Autrey fate in saving another life without thinking of his own. Ellen showered Autrey and his two girls,Syshe and Shuqui, with gifts. Autrey was truly appreciative for Ellen honoring him on her show. Autrey won't need those subway token with the gift of a new SUV vehicle, from Chrysler.

Rick Stevenson, Wayne Township Trustee

An editorial, titled Wayne Township Trustee Takes Actions about Rick Stevenson can be found on Fort Wayne. com The action taken was to remove folks with little and placing them in a better position. Rick Stevenson, made a decision that no matter the fact that folks were down and out, they did not have to settle with living with rats and roaches and busted in walls.

And that Stevenson was not going to reward folks who did not do right by the folks with the taxpayers dollars.
To read more about this story check out Frost Illustrated Newspaper.

Birds of a Feather Flock Together-Ole Boy Republicans

My blogspot is down, but I was able to get around it to blog..or should I say gossip. When I started blogging, I was attacked. I did not know why. I guess Fort Wayne bloggers were to be men only. But, I have since learned that there is a group of male bloggers who support each other in the blogosphere. In real world this would be called the good ole boy network.

I recently read that a cypersquatter took the names of potential candidates running for mayor in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Now think about it. How would a student in Bloomington just by coincident pick the names of the two candidates?


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.

Second, why would a student with no connection to Fort Wayne purchase domain names of the Fort Wayne candidate names?

According Fort Wayne Observed it was on a dare. Stay with me. Why? Well, it is what it is ...Matt Kelty is not the republican favorite son. And if you are not the republican's favorite or favor, they love to play silly games. But this type of antics sound more like something crafted from those who are active in the blogosphere. Oh yeah, they have a various blogs under different names, different parties, different whatever, but they know and support each other in stupid stuff. Now, I did not say all, but there is a group. Yes siree bob.


I think they were trying to throw a wrench into the program of Matt Kelty. But, Kelty, and I don't know him, outsmarted them. This releasing of the domain name is not doing Kelty a favor. The man has a website already!!! So who would benefits? Or was getting lawyers involved would mean naming names behind this little prank? The man is just too smart(Kelty that is).

Chuckle, Chuckle.

Now, you are wondering how did I come to my conclusions. Prove me wrong. When you are attacked you remember things. And it helps to have a friend with a photographic memory. I just wonder if the domain name prank will get Nelson Peters some free air time? That's what it was all about was it not? Prove me wrong.

Douglas Foy and the Ethical Republican party

I wonder what the hard working donors have to say about this story in the News-Sentinel?

On Monday, the party announced an audit revealed he also diverted nearly $10,000 worth of party funds for his own use. Foy repaid the money Monday and covered all costs associated with the audit, said Mark GiaQuinta, the party’s attorney.

It gets a little fuzzy as to why political stealing is not the same as regular stealing:

GiaQuinta said party Chairman Steve Shine noted a number of checks made out to an establishment where the party did not hold an event. A pattern began to emerge.

Foy apparently cashed the checks and used the money on what GiaQuinta said were “frivolous expenditures.” GiaQuinta did not have specifics, but said Foy told the party he used it on recreational activities.

Party members did not press him for more details because he agreed to pay back the money, GiaQuinta said.

Only in America, or should I say in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Can you imagine, if Douglas Foy, was to raise his right hand and agree to tell the truth and nothing but the truth? It would probable be dirty laundry flying every which way, you think. Maybe that is why, he is able to escape prosecution for criminal activities. Or is it because he is close friends with the Republicans? I thought the law was no respective of who you were. Oop forgot this is man made law, and the man can do whatever they want when it comes to their friends. Love these quotes from the Journal-Gazette:

Neumeister said people shouldn’t feel concerned about giving to the Republican Party, saying the party did the audit as a way to protect its contributors.

“We feel great about the direction we’re going,” Neumeister said.

“We are putting things in place

to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”


You be the judge..go on read the story. Attorney General Steve Carter, where are you?

City Council Self-Imposed Term Limits

Two Fort Wayne City Council members are pushing away from the Council Table. The two will will not leave it up to the electors to determine whether or not to serve another term at the council table. Sam Talarico, Jr. announcement was to not seek another term to spend more time with his family. Today, according to the Journal-Gazette, Tom Hayhurst will make an announcement about not seeking another term.

Hayhurst announcement will create a huge void in the Democratic leadership. The one party leadership on city county is just around the corner.

Was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr...Day3

Defining ourselves. It is how we define ourselves. It is how well we maintain our humanness as we battle the reflection of self-hatred that is meant for our internalization. If we internalize we begin to emulate the model of self-hatred distributed by raced white and African-American leadership. We begin name calling instead of holding such leadership accountable.

Some African-American leaders fail to keep their eyes on the prize of improving the community for the masses. There should be no blaming of the victims by such leaders. Instead, a recognition of the long legal discriminatory of the African-Americans that calls for a result-driven leadership. Without such leaders a disconnect remains for those African-Americans who are attempting to define and meet its' community needs. Our leaders, who support self-hatred must be held accountable when they fail to address the community specific needs. These leaders who seek the messiah-like title of leadrship (without questions) are not representative of the masses interest but self-interest.

Instead of honoring Dr. King, Jr. as an individual, we compare him to other African-Americans leaders who fail to represent the masses. Judging Dr. King, Jr. by his color and not as his own drum major. Dr. King, Jr. defined his identity as a leader among oppressed people. Not just African-Americans, but others counting about others raced white women. But Dr. King, Jr. is remembered as an African-American hero, so much for our color blind society.

So is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. an Uncle Tom?
to be continued

Was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr ..Day 2

Character. For example within the African-American community, the term Uncle Tom is bantered about as a negative term. Uncle Tom was born into slavery therefore he was considered less than human, but instead of just being called the N-word, Tom was given a male title. Uncle elevated Tom beyond the childlike name of boy to a trusted male rite of passage into manhood. This was a limited manhood mind you, but Uncle Tom could be trusted but lacked a last name.

So, to get beyond the stereotype of Uncle Tom, as negative, one must look to the positive traits of the human being as Uncle Tom during slavery, instead of internalizing the negative portrayal of an Uncle Tom. For example, Dr. King, Jr. as an Uncle Tom would be based upon the positive charactistics of Uncle Tom as the human being rather than his status as a slave, A slave symbolizes one lacking the qualities of a human being. Instead of internalizing the labeling it is better to identify with the traits, trust, the self-sacrificing and the uplifting of others.

Dr. King, Jr. did this with his life for others to move into a place beyond segregation which included the right to vote and economical power. The negative connotations of manhood was created to separate the wheat from the shaft and a way of creating division about us as to who is more worthy among us as African-Americans.

Uncle Tom was deemed more worthy among those who engaged in slavery. Uncle Tom was elevated to humanness based simply on the fact that those who dealt in slavery, were able to see his human characteristics, Tom's honesty and trustworthy, something not seen in a simple slave. Uncle Tom was an extra ordinary human being to still be able to hold onto human characteristic in spite of what others perceived him as being..less than human under the most extreme hardships. Uncle Tom was more than the labels placed upon him by the world that deemed him a slave.

Uncle Tom was given responsibility over others who were enslaved and with the same trustworthy and honesty, he treated them in the same manner as he would want to be treated. Tom's character showed compassion for others especially those who were enslaved because he had first hand knowledge as to what it meant to be treated as less than human being because of the label, slave. But more important, Tom showed compassion for those who mistreated him. Tom defined who he was, not those who mistreated him, his character.

to be continued

I.R.S. E-Filing Coming Soon

Time to get all your papers together. If you have your W-2 forms on January 12, 2007, the I.R.S e-file will be available. If you file early you will get your return quicker.

If you wait until January 17, 2007, there will be vendors available where you can file your taxes free. That's right, you've been paying hundreds and hundreds of dollars to file your taxes and vendors are offering their services for free. Not to everyone, but to those who earn less than $52,000. However different vendors have different qualifiers as to who is eligible to use their free service. Most vendors will charge for filing your state taxes. But just imagine how much more money of your taxes you get to keep by using these services. Remember it's your money!!!!

For those who need to talk to someone to walk you through Fort Wayne Neighborhood Connections offers several classes on filing your taxes.

Alleged Sham in Fort Wayne's Gay Community

Good Golly Miss Molly, leave it up to Dan Stockman, of the Journal Gazette to rip the covers off another nonprofit, alleged to have abused the public trust. And what Stockman uncovered was not a pretty picture for the HIV/AIDS organizer. AI joins in with a previous post about nonprofits in Indiana that are harming rather than helping the very folks their purpose statement states they want to help.

I remember offering my services.

I found the comments part with the name dropping interesting. Especially when folks floats from one organization to another organization..but you probable need to read it for yourself..go ahead..here. But Oprah's on the case in fighting HIV/AIDS.

Speaking of floating from one place to another place..."Change is good" is the headline in the Political Notebook,

The race for Wayne Township assessor in Allen County proved to be one of the most contested small races in the area, garnering blog attacks from both sides and several news stories.

So it seemed as if it would be awkward for new Assessor Bev Zuber, a Democrat, to take over the office this week with her
Republican opponent, Tammi McKee, as an employee. Each was accused by the opposing party of altering the value of her own property.

A solution, however, was quickly born, as Zuber took a county assessor employee with her to become her new chief deputy, leaving a spot vacant in the county assessor office. New Allen County Assessor Stacey O’Day, a Republican, then hired McKee
to fill that position. Both Zuber and O’Day said the move was best for all.

“Stacey is a good friend,” Zuber said.

Does anyone else see anything wrong with this swap? Ethics? I am just asking.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his own words

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born Michael Luther King, Jr., but later had his name changed to Martin. January 15, 1929-April 4, 1968

Click on class room resources at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Research and Education Institute

I wrote an op-ed piece in 1997, after attending a Ku Klux Klan Rally, (perpetrating as a 1st amendment rally) that appeared in the Journal Gazette, with the following King quote,

It was the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who wrote about, "finding your tongue twisted and your speech stammering as you seek to explain discrimination to your young child, while at the same time visualizing ominous clouds of inferiority forming in the child's mental sky, which starts the beginning of distortion in the child's personality in developing an unconscious bitterness toward the perpetrators of hatred."
Yup, "developing an unconscious bitterness toward the perpetrators of hatred, powerful words from the King," huh? Especially from discrimination.

Discrimination. Yes, dare to smile child, because it's coming. I could only protect you when you were close to my bosom. But one day it's going to hit you in the gut and what will you do? Oh I can put the balm for healing there for awhile, but one day it just won't work and what shall you do?

Stand. Stand and recognize it for what it is and from who it is coming from. Recognize it, stare it straight in the eye. Tilt your head back, chin up and give it a little smile. Now, shake the head ever so slightly, and utter these words, "oh no, uh-uh not me, you got your peoples mixed up, because I am not the one.

I am not the one. Because you, don't want me to give you a history lesson or two. Now walk with it, eye contact, forceful, chin tucked as you give an upward glance. Nope, wrong year..2007.

Leave the room..phone a friend..throw in a lifeline and call your mom. But you need to know it ain't the end of the world.

It had to do with beating the obstacles in getting over, seeing your way through, giving your testimony, starting over sometimes but never giving up. This road of racial oppression did not begin with us nor will it end with us. But we don't have to go backward as we travel this road left by our ancestors. This land is our land.