Talking about the AFrican-American women

From LJ Blackfolks:

New York, N.Y. - November 15, 2007 - Throughout the week of November 26, "NBC News With Brian Williams" will take a look at the issues facing African-American women across our nation in a new series "African-American Women: Where They Stand." The series will cover a wide-range of issues from their role in the '08 Presidential race, to the increased health-risks that they need to be concerned about.

Monday's installment will discuss African-American women's progress in the education field. Nearly two-thirds of African-American undergraduates are women. At black colleges, the ratio of women to men is 7 to 1. And that is leading to a disparity in the number of African-American women who go on to own their own businesses. Rehema Ellis will talk to educators, students and businesswomen about why this disparity exists.

Tuesday, Ellis will look at relationships within the African-American female community. Many agree the gender disparity in education and business among African-Americans is having an effect on relationships that African American women have. Some even say the implications could redefine "Black America's family and social structure." In the past fifty years, the percentage of African-American women between 25-54 who have never been married has doubled from 20% to 40%. (Compared to just 16% of white women who have never been married today). Ellis sits down with the members of a Chicagobook club and talk about this difference and how it impacts them.

Dr. Nancy Snyderman will discuss the increases risks for breast cancer for African-American women on Wednesday. Mortality rates for African-American women are higher than any other racial or ethnic group for nearly every major cause of death, including breast cancer. Black women with breast cancer are nearly 30% more likely to die from it than white women. Premenopausal black women are more than twice as likely to get a more aggressive form of the disease. And, not only are African-American women more likely to die from breast cancer, but they're less likely to get life-saving treatments. Dr. Snyderman will profile one of the only oncologists in the world who specializes in the treatment of African-American women with breast cancer.

On Thursday, Ron Allen will take viewers to South Carolina -- the first southern primary state -- and ask the question: Will race trump gender or gender trump race? In South Carolina, black women made up nearly 30 percent of all democratic primary voters in 2004. This year, polls show a significant number are undecided, torn between choosing the first African-American or first female Presidential candidate. Allen talks with the undecided, as well the state directors for the Clinton and Obama campaigns, who happen to be African-American women.

To close the series on Friday, Dr. Snyderman will raise the frightening statistic that African-American women are 85% more likely to get diabetes, a major complication for heart disease. And, like breast cancer, more black women die from heart disease than white women. Dr. Snyderman will profile a leading expert and a unique church-based outreach program in South Carolina that seeks to spread the word about heart disease risks to black women congregants.

Mara Schiavocampo, Digital Correspondent for "Nightly News," will address two hot topics in the African - American community: interracial dating and the impact of hip hop music on black women. Interracial dating is a growing trend in the African - American community. An Essence.com poll found that 81% of participants approved of black women dating non- black men. According to a U.S. Census Bureau report in 2000, 95,000 black women were married to white men. In 2005, that number increased to 134,000. Schiavocampo will talk to experts about the trend and discuss how this defines the "Black family" of the future.
Schiavocampo will convene a panel of leading black men and women from the hip-hop industry for an engaging discussion on whether hip hop lyrics and videos positively or negatively affect black women. The roundtable also will address how these portrayals are affecting relationships between black women and black men.

Consumers can go online to join the discussion and share their thoughts on message boards. They can also read and respond to blog entries at http://www.nightly.msnbc.com/

Alexandra Wallace is the executive producer of "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams." Bob Epstein is the senior broadcast producer, and Rich Latour is the senior producer for this series.

Press Release--NAACP Fort Wayne-Allen County #3049 working on school racial issue

Fort Wayne, IN— Fort Wayne-Allen County NAACP will hold a meeting at Renaissance Baptist Church, 5515 South Hanna on Monday, November 19, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. for parents and students of Heritage Junior-Senior High School, if they have experienced any racial harassment by students or staff within the school district. The Meeting in open to the public.

NAACP Fort Wayne-Allen County #3049 President Rev. Michael L. Latham met with Principal Chris Hissong of Heritage Junior-Senior High School on November 14, 2007 and Superintendent Dr. M. Kay Novotny of East Allen County Schools on November 15, 2007. NAACP Fort Wayne-Allen County objectives was to discuss a complaint filed with its agency about several African-American students receiving a letter containing a racial charged threat, racial slurs, a drawing of a confederate flag and the KKK letters.

The National NAACP organization is one of the oldest civil right organizations in the United States. The NAACP Fort Wayne-Allen County is to support the mission and goals of the National NAACP. These goals are to improve, the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. The NAACP Fort Wayne-Allen County wants the community to understand that all children should feel safe in their schools.

Therefore the NAACP Fort Wayne-Allen County wants the community of Heritage Junior-Senior High School to know that the Branch takes the letter serious and any type of threats toward students or staff should not be tolerated. The NAACP Fort Wayne-Allen County understands that there is an on-going investigation in search of the individual or individuals who are responsible for the note.

Nevertheless, the NAACP Fort Wayne-Allen County suggest that the Sheriff Department step up their pace. And in the interim, the NAACP Fort Wayne-Allen County is willing to work with the students and the staff of East Allen County to establish the fact that such racial behaviors of intolerance should not be tolerated. The NAACP Fort Wayne-Allen County provided a proposed action plan to Mr. Hissong, Principal of Heritage Junior-Senior High School to immediate address the specific incident at it school.

NAACP Fort Wayne-Allen County understands that East Allen County Schools have policies in place that address the issue of racial harassment and threats. NAACP Fort Wayne-Allen County offers its assistance as an alternative resource for the community in addressing offensive behavior. NAACP The Fort Wayne-Allen County wants all parents and students of Heritage Junior-Senior High School to feel confident that they can file a report with its office.

Herb Summers may throw in his hat for the third district

The rumor in Fort Wayne is that Mike Montagano, Democratic candidate for the 3rd Congressional District will not go unchallenged for representing the party. Our very own Herb Summers is thinking about running against the young, non veteran and inexperienced Montagano.

I think this is just Indy envy and the local party wants local participation to build the base here in Fort Wayne. I live Herbie, but I believe Montagano will get more support than Summers will receive from the local folks.

Will Mark Souder keep his seat? I think folks are tired or career politician and Souder is on his way out.

Warning: Children of middle class families are not maintianing their wealth

Today in a press release by the Economic Mobility Project, middle class children born to African-Americans parents may found themselves unable to compete with their families in terms of wealth.

"Two-thirds of American families are earning more today than their parents did a generation ago, yet their likelihood of moving up—or down—the economic ladder still depends in large measure on their parents’ position, according to a new report issued by The Economic Mobility Project, an initiative of The Pew Charitable Trusts. Comprised of a Principals’ Group of experts from The American Enterprise Institute, The Brookings Institution, The Heritage Foundation and The Urban Institute, the project seeks to investigate the status of economic mobility in America."

The study traced some 2300 families starting in 1968.

"The project issued three reports today, each authored by Julia B. Isaacs, Child and Family Policy Fellow at Brookings, examining economic mobility across generations. The first looks at how families have fared over the last 30 years, while the other reports investigate differences in mobility by race and gender."

And when it comes to income gap differences between African-Americans children and raced whites, the African-Americans are falling behind.

"While black children are experiencing some of the income gains that all Americans do—63 percent make more today, after inflation, than their parents did—there are dramatic differences between blacks and whites at each income level. The report found that only 31 percent of black children born to parents in the middle-income group have family income greater than their parents, compared to 68 percent of white children in the same circumstance.

Further, nearly half (45 percent) of black children in the middle-income group fall to the bottom of the income distribution in one generation, compared to only 16 percent of white children. In fact, for every parental income group, white children are more likely to move ahead of their parents’ economic rank while black children are more likely to fall behind."

Find the reports here.

terms of endearment

So what is going on with Tom Henry transition team on the issue of inclusiveness? Hopefully, Henry is reaching into the African-American community to avoid folks like this:

"A Democrat who serves in the Louisiana legislature called a black supporter "Buckwheat" just days before the runoff election that will determine whether or not she returns to Baton Rouge.

Rep. Carla Blanchard Dartez said "Talk to you later, "Buckwheat" at the end of a telephone conversation with a black woman who helped drive voters to the polls on Election Day. (Buckwheat was a character in The Little Rascals who has come to symbolize demeaning racial stereotypes.)" read more

Allen county Property Tax are due and Homestead Credit Refund

From the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance Department:

The Homestead Refund cannot exceed the original residential net tax amount.

P.L. 234-2007 specifies that the refunds are to be applied against property taxes first due and payable in 2007. The Indiana General assembly ordered that the refunds must be mailed to eligible taxpayers as a warrant with the following language in twelve point font:

"A portion of your local property taxes due in 2007 are being refunded due to tax relief provided by the Indiana General Assembly. Your refund is in the amount of $___________(insert amount of refund). If you did not receive a check because you pay your property taxes through an escrow account along with your mortgage, your lender will receive the refund and should adjust your payments accordingly."

For counties with a November 10th tax due date, all unused Homestead Refund dollars must be refunded to the Auditor of State no late than January 10, 2008.

For counties that have a second installment tax due date later than November 10th, all unused Homestead Refund dollars are to be returned to the Auditor of State within 60 days after the tax due date.

Jqsmile

The next time someone tells you to smile sister, have them listen to this by Director Q.

A leaf changes overnight: Fort Wayne MainStream Media Reports on NAACP's President Bankruptcy

Well, I guess since the newspaper could not confirm or deny the allegations against the NAACP's Executive President, they decided to go fishing expedition. What they got was the filing of bankruptcy by Rev. Michael Latham.

Talk about trying to get in a kick when a man is down looking up from the ground!! Or should I say pouring water on a drowning man!!!

First the Fort Wayne NAACP Executive Director, Rev. Michael Latham was taken down by a serious illness, second he lost his job..and now a big news story on him filing personal bankruptcy. ooooh, the might and the power of the (writing) pen!!!


What was the good Reverend supposed to do? You can't get blood from a turnip or from those so-called fair weathered friends.

The story could only have been meantto drawn out discontent but found no quotable discontentment from its most prominent members. But the story did serve, to serve up, a little bit more embarrassment for recovering Rev. Michael Latham.

Did Lazurus not rise up from the dead?

And , if I remember correctly, the founder of Hershey (the chocolate company) filed bankruptcy seven times at least. So, the Rev. Latham you got at least six more time to get it right in his life time.

Here's some more famous folks like (Donald Trump) that file bankruptcy from Coben and Associates:
"People facing financial difficulties often feel like they are the only ones having money troubles. They often feel embarrassed and isolated from the rest of the community. They are reluctant to file for bankruptcy because they are afraid they will be considered failures and irresponsible by the public. They do not realize that many people, including famous celebrities, have faced similar financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy to discharge their debts. This article will discuss some of these famous people including artists, athletes, authors, actors and businessmen who filed for bankruptcy."

Rembrandt Haremenszoon Van Rijn, 1606-1669, the famous Dutch painter, accumulated more debts than he could repay and filed for bankruptcy at the age of 50 in 1656. Jacob Peter Thomasz, a lawyer, supervised the sale of his assets in 1657 and 1658. Many of Rembrandt's paintings and his house were sold at an auction. After the bankruptcy, he continued to paint but was not allowed to sell his works directly to customers. He was able to circumvent this law by having his son take over his business and sell his paintings.

P. T. Barnum, 1810-1891, the greatest American showman, filed for bankruptcy in 1871 due to losses he incurred in unwise business ventures. After bankruptcy he organized his famous circus, "The Greatest Show On Earth." In 1881 he merged his circus with his most successful competitor, James A. Bailey, under the name of Barnum and Bailey Circus.

Mark Twain, (Samuel Langhorne Clemens), 1835-1910, pre-eminent American author, lost most of his money investing in a worthless machine called the Paige Compositor, an automatic typesetting machine. He filed for bankruptcy in 1894 and discharged all his debts, but was determined to repay the debts. He knew he could earn money by giving lectures to large audiences, so he traveled to Europe and spent the next four years lecturing in every major city. He used the proceeds from these lectures to repay all his debts. He also wrote several of his more famous books after filing bankruptcy including Pudd'nhead Wilson and Following the Equator.

Mathew Brady, 1823-1896, distinguished Civil War photographer, filed for bankruptcy in 1872 in Washington, D.C. when, after the Civil War, people lost interest in his work and he became unable to pay his business debts. Three years after he filed for bankruptcy, the United Stated War Department agreed to purchase part of his photography collection for $25,000.00. He then reopened his gallery and was successful in attracting new clients for his work.

Henry John Heinz, 1844-1919, condiment manufacturer, started his company in 1869 selling horseradish, pickles, sauerkraut and vinegar. In 1875 the company filed for bankruptcy due to an unexpected bumper harvest which the company could not keep up with and could not meet its payroll obligations. He immediately started a new company and introduced a new condiment, tomato ketchup, to the market. This company was, and continues to be, very prosperous.

Oscar Wilde, 1854-1900, acclaimed poet and author, was forced into bankruptcy in 1895. He had earlier been convicted of homosexual activity, which in England was illegal at that time, and was sentenced to two years in prison at hard labor. He was declared a bankrupt on November 12, 1895 and his property was auctioned off. After being released from prison he published his poem, The Ballad of Reading Gaol. His health was affected by his prison experience, and he died at the age of 46.

Milton Snavely Hershey, 1857-1945, founder of Hershey's chocolate, started four candy companies that failed and filed bankruptcy before starting what is now Hershey's Foods Corporation. Mr. Hershey had only a 4th grade education, but was certain he could make a good product that the public would want to purchase. His fifth attempt was clearly successful.

Henry Ford, 1863-1947, automobile manufacturer, first two automobile manufacturing companies failed. The first company filed for bankruptcy and the second ended because of a disagreement with his business partner. In June 1903, at the age of 40, he created a third company, the Ford Motor Company, with a cash investment of $28,000.00. By July of 1903 the bank balance had dwindled to $223.65, but then Ford sold its first car, and as they say, the rest is history.

Mickey Rooney, 1920- , movie actor, blames alcohol and gambling for the financial problems he suffered in the early 1960's. He owed the Internal Revenue Service $1.75 million and filed for bankruptcy in 1962. After the bankruptcy he continued to act and has had many roles in movies and television. He is still preforming live shows today.

Debbie Reynolds, 1932- , movie actress, purchased a hotel in Las Vegas in 1992 and called it the Debbie Reynolds Hotel and Casino. She thought she could operate the hotel successfully, however, it was plagued by a weak cash flow almost from the start. In July 1997 the hotel filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and Ms. Reynolds filed for personal bankruptcy. The hotel was sold at auction in 1998 to the World Wrestling Federation.

Johnny Unitas, 1933- , legendary Hall of Fame football quarterback, was a great athlete but a terrible businessman. Each of his business ventures, including bowling alleys, land deals and restaurants, was unsuccessful. He filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1991. Other football players who filed for bankruptcy include Tony Martin and Lawrence Taylor.

Jerry Lee Lewis, 1935- , famous Rock n' Roll star, filed for bankruptcy in 1988 because of huge tax debts. The IRS seized his cars, furniture, baby grand piano and even showed up at his concerts to collect ticket sales. He has since recovered from bankruptcy and still gives live concerts.

Burt Reynolds, 1936- , movie actor, filed for bankruptcy in 1996 in Florida after his much publicized divorce from Loni Anderson. He had more than $10 million in debt. His dinner theater was foreclosed on by the mortgage lender and his ranch was sold. Since his bankruptcy he has continued to act in movies and was awarded the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in the film Boogie Nights.

Sherman Hemsley, 1938- , TV actor who played George Jefferson in All in the Family, filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in June of 1999. He did not have sufficient funds to repay a $1 million loan from a Las Vegas investment corporation and pay taxes he owed to the IRS. He later dismissed the case and worked out his debt outside court.

Marjorie Margolies Mezvinsky, 1942- , former member U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 1995, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in February 2000. She was denied a discharge, however, because she failed to satisfactorily explain and disclose what happened to all her assets.

Wayne Newton, 1942- , Las Vegas entertainer, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1992 listing more than $20 million in debt. A few years later he signed a new contract with Stardust Hotel which pays him reportedly over $25 million per year for performing at the hotel 40 weeks a year for 10 years.

Kim Basinger, 1953- , actress, earned so much money from her movies that she was able to purchase the town of Braselton, Georgia. After the purchase she was sued for breach of contract for pulling out of the movie, Boxing Helena. She was not able to pay the damages resulting from the suit and filed for bankruptcy in 1993. As part of her bankruptcy she sold the town. She later married Alec Baldwin, had a child and won an Oscar for her role in the movie L.A. Confidential.

MC Hammer, (Stanley Burrell) 1962- , musician and entertainer, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1996 because he did not have the income to support his lavish lifestyle and defend all the lawsuits that were filed against him.

Fort Wayne NAACP Rev. Michael Latham is still in charge

I have never been a member of the NAACP. I’ve been asked by several folks throughout the years, but it was something about the term Colored People that I personally found offensive. However, years of resistance, just two days ago, for the first time, I plucked down my dollars for a NAACP membership. But, to be honest, I had an ulterior motive. And that motive was to run against the current NAACP Executive Director. That’s right, the word on the street is that it was time for Rev. Michael to go!

Simple enough, except for one thing, my gut was telling me something is missing and you need to talk to the “Man”. Fort Wayne’s NAACP Executive Director Rev. Michael Latham was the “Man”. I was moving on rumors. I picked up the telephone and called him. Rev. Latham was still recovering from a bout of meningitis as he reflected back on a tough year.

And a tough year indeed, by anyone’s standard of tough.

Rev. Latham loses a job. A job that raised more than one eyebrow as to how could Rev. Latham qualify for such a position. The bottom line some believed, including myself, that the position was a political appointment. And if losing a job was not scary, an illness taking him close to death should have done the trick. Rev. Latham was hospitalized with meningitis, an illness that he is still attempting to regain his strength. And to add insult to injury while Rev. Latham,under the weather, his position with the NAACP was under seige during his hospital stay. Folks, including myself, believed that this was the best time to rid the NAACP of Rev. Latham, once and for all, except for Rev. Latham.

Rev. Latham does not agree with all the speculations that he is no longer wanted as the organization leader or the rumors dooming the future of the local NAACP.

Matter of fact, according to Rev. Latham, the community is confident in the NAACP leadership. Rev. Latham points out that either those whom voices are being heard, are non-members of the NAACP or those who are attempting to make a name for themselves as NAACP Board members.

Rev. Latham stated that, in his role as executive director, there have been no complaints about him until last year’s election for officers at the NAACP. One of his opponents, who runs a newspaper, wrote stories about Rev. Latham’s leadership that was simply not true, according to Rev. Latham. Rev. Latham believes this was to paint him in an unflattering light to the local community.

Vince Robinson who operates INK ran against Rev. Latham and lost. Rev. Latham suggests that Robinson is a sore loser. As to why Robinson was gunning for the NAACP leadership position, Rev. Latham simply stated he did not know. Nevertheless, Robinson unsuccessful challenge to Rev. Latham’s position in the previous election has not stopped others Board Members which may or may not include Robinson from secretly plotting and working in the background to oust Rev. Latham from his seat.

Some Board Members are actively campaigning for others to run against Rev. Latham. These same Board Members are building up memberships in a similar fashion that they alleged that Rev. Latham used to win his own reelection. The rumormongers charged Rev. Latham with buying the election through purchases of NAACP membership for family members as well as church members.

Not true stated Rev. Latham, as several prominent donors contributed funds specifically for memberships. In addition, Rev. Latham went on to point out, that many senior citizens are unable to afford NAACP’s memberships. These were the individuals who benefited from these funds and not Rev. Latham. Rev. Latham went on to debunk another rumor about funds that were charged with belonging to NAACP coffer but was used instead to support another program ran by Rev. Latham.

Not true because the supporter stipulated that a certain amount of funds were earmarked for Rev. Latham’s legal non-profit called United for Change and not the NAACP. The funds were for United for Change exclusively. According to Rev. Latham, a busload of students traveled to the south on a four day Civil Right Tour that was paid for by these funds.

Controversy comes with the position it seems. When asked about membership requesting his resignation, Rev. Latham suggests, that if membership truly wants him gone it will have to send him a clear message. This message is not from mumbling among the masses but during the election. Furthermore, if memberships at that time voted him out, he would no problem with that. However, just because some Board Members are dissatisfied with his leadership is not enough to end his reign as the local NAACP spokesperson.

Moreover, the whispering campaign to remove Rev. Latham requires a petition signed by 25 members and allegation substantiated, not just a simply letter requesting his resignation. Rev. Latham suggests that the Board Members should be aware of this fact and should be familiar with the provision outlined in the bylaws of the organization.

Unless, the Board Members are thinking , like I was, that they are better than Rev. Latham and that he is dumb as a box of rocks and it will be oh so easy to get rid of him by the those who are far more educated. In answer to that, Rev. Latham suggests that there is room in the NAACP for everyone and enough work for everyone.

Rev. Latham is working on gaining his strength and I think others, should be working on strengthen the NAACP.

Fort Wayne Indiana Renaissance Pointe compared to Indianapolis Falls Creek

"Meanwhile residents in Martindale-Brightwood fear for their lives, Haughville homeowners see the aluminum siding snatched off their houses and Mapleton-Fall Creek residents watch abandoned homes burn down. Those driving around Lafayette Square hit potholes; sewers continue to overflow on the Southside. Simply put, the very services they expect government to provide fall by the wayside." by RiShawn Biddle

Interesting, you don't folks burned down their houses to recapture their investment now, do you ?

Note: Biddle was fired for something he blogged.

The guts to blog

Yesterday was and interesting day for me. The reason I say this is because, for some reason I was offer material to read. I found both material interesting, one was Satan by Kahlil Gibran,and the other was a prayer by Minister Joe Wright called:


This Pastor got guts


"Heavenly Father,
We Come before you today
To ask your forgiveness and
To seek your direction and guidance.

We know Your Word says,
"Woe to those who call evil good"
But that is exactly what we have done.

We have lost our spiritual equilibrium
And reversed our values.

We have exploited the poor and
Called it the lottery.

We have rewarded laziness
And called it welfare.

We have killed our unborn and called it choice.

We have shot abortionists
And called it justifiable.

We have neglected to discipline
Our children and called it
Building self esteem.

We have abused power
And called it politics.

We have coveted our neighbor's
Possessions and called it ambition.

We have polluted the air
With profanity and
Pornography and called it
Freedom of speech and expression.

We have ridiculed the time
Honored values of our
Forefathers and called it enlightenment.

Search us, Oh, God,
And know our hearts today;
Cleanse us from every sin
And set us free
Amen!"


Minister Joe Wright

ACORN on loans for housing in Fort Wayne Metropolitan area

In the last year, I have had at least 5 folks discuss with me the potential foreclosure of their home. It did not dawn on me till yesterday, that foreclosure is a major problem in Fort Wayne for many young African-American women. Yesterday, I was able to help one family starve out their foreclosure, for now.

ACORN foreclosure exposure reports on page 7, When buying a home, borrowers of all races have a very high incidence of receiving a high-cost home purchase loan. Two out of five home purchase loans in the metropolitan area, or 40.5%, were high-cost loans.

Read the full foreclosure report.

Prosperity preaching and the Internal Revenue Service

I have volunteered in many nonprofit organization, including having my own at one time. I have participated in fundraising activities. Recently, I have conducted several workshops on writing bylaws and applying for articles of incorporation. It is so hard to convince folks that nonprofit organizations such as the American Red Cross and others often fail to meeting their obligations when they beg for your contribution to improve the community by enriching themselves personally.

This is a big no-no and folks need to turn them in. It appears that is just what happened recently with an investigation that was led by Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley from folks complaining about the spending habits of television evangelists.

Grassley is so outraged at the expenditure of six media ministers, preachers, pimping industry, of private airplanes, Rolls-Royces and $23,000 toilets for these individuals as to how does meet the purpose of their exempt status.

Creflo Dollar, ( I did not make up the brotha last hame) defended his position on one of today's early morning talk shows. Dollar suggested that Grassley has no authorized to really request any information on the spending habits of the church. Dollar suggested that the Internal Revenue Service is the proper agency for oversight. True that.

So, what do you think is going to happen next?

Green House--Is it about making money or is it about safe and affordable housing?

At first, when I heard the term, SmartGreen House, I actually believed it had to do with recylceconomic or protecting the environment. But the more, I learn about Renaissance Pointe and the housing development encroachment on the residents living within the 36-block bordered by Hanna Street, Creighton Avenue, South Anthony Boulevard and Pontiac Street, I better understand that the Green just might stands for money and not for protections of the environment. Renaissance Pointe’s represents a plan for new money to be infused into an area that is labeled one of the poorest neighborhood. Therefore, Renaissance Pointe's plan is to build 350 new single family units and townhouses in the desolate valley of poverty and disrepair worth millions and millions of dollars.

So far six model homes have been built.

But there is a potential for 4 homeowners, which is not alot of folks. But let's look at the money. If four home owners purchased the most expensive model at $196,000, the numbers come in over $750,000. Now try calculating 350 times $196,000, that comes to a little over $68,000,000.


So, all this project needs is for a few to buy in hopes of driving others to go to the well and drink..blindly. The more these folks tell me what a great deal this is, the more, I believe the project is a steal. That is stealing from the poor and giving to the rich. Would you agree? Some say that they can't legally displaced the current residents, but that is what they are doing, de facto.

A couple of other items I found interesting, according to information that I heard in the HANDS Board of Directors meeting, on Smith Street will soon be returning to a new home that replaces her demolished home that was next door. The catch, the homeowner will now have a mortgage and will become a part of the Fort Wayne Housing Authority self-sufficiency program to obtain assistance with this new mortgage.

I found the information interesting because the excitement in the meeting was about the handing over the keys that will be a media event. Is this Hollywood or is this about affordable housing?

At the November meeting of the HANDS Board meeting, I was surprised to learn that a house at 1105 Home was for sale. The house belongs to the Reclamation Project. I guess everyone is in the real estate business !! Can anyone hear that bubble bursting?

Anyways this is a nonprofit group that help "refugees." Do you think that a new " refugee " is going to have a job and funds in place to purchase this home that was renovated with volunteer help? I guess, you can make money by buying on the cheap and selling high and that will help support renovation the biggie, the Rialto.



My disclaimer here..these are my own opinions which are not sponsored or paid for by any of the above mention groups. Feel free to correct and add any additional information in the comment section. And if you would like to advertise on this site, please email me at dowdells@comcast.net.

My predictions and reality

I am still pulling for Kelty. Kelty fought the good fight and the media not Tom Henry beat him at the end. Kelty campaign highlighted the corruption in our city and many people voted to keep the status quo. Did we really want change? I don't think so.


These were my predictions. Three of the five that I voted for won.
Shoaff win was impressive, and I am hopefully that Schmidt will retain his seat.

Mayor- Matt Kelty(R) defeated

City Clerk- Sandra Kennedy(D) Needs to retire, yesterday.

-City Council-
1st District- Tom Smith(R)
2nd District- Don Schmidt(R) not an official defeat
3rd District- Tom Didier(R)
4th District- Mitch Harper(R)
5th District- do not want Tim Pape to win/ so whomever is running as a republican.defeated
6th District- Joe Smith(R)a possible upset defeated
At Large- Marty Bender(R)
At Large- John Shoaff(D)
At Large- Liz Brown(R)

The Sterling Group Village at Wayne Trace

This weekend, to my surprise, the Village at Wayne Trace was having an open house. I just happen to stumble upon this event. I was disappointed that the place was not landscaped, but was happened to see so many young African-American females viewing the duplex homes of two, three and four bedrooms.

I spoke to two representatives, or should I say questioned them. The two were not offended and even gave me information and wanted to send me additional information. Sweet!

I found out that there was 50 units that were available and all but three of the units were already taken.. Now they could have been pulling my leg, but I was thrown aback, especially with low amount of coverage by our media.

"Larry Swank and Lance Swank are the sole shareholders of the Sterling Group,
Inc. The Companies under the Sterling Group umbrella include Sterling
Construction Corp of Indiana, Sterling Management Ltd., Inc., Sterling
Development LLC and Sterling Acquisitions LLC.
Sterling Construction Corp of Indiana
Sterling Construction Corp of Indiana currently has 10 projects under construction
consisting of 933 units.
Arbors at Belleville Park III - $2,579,991
Reserve at Lakeview - $5,900,000
Lakeside Towers II - $4,235,555
Village at Wayne Trace - $4,075,687
Homes at Houston Whittier - $5,146,128
Arbors at Eagle Crest II - $3,129,548
Wingate – Wayne Tower - $1,595,380
Wingate – Solberg Tower - $1,652,773
Wingate – Romulus Tower - $1,355,124
Wingate – Madison Tower - $1,622,848
Recently completed projects include:
Woodbridge Estates III
Woodbridge Estates IV
Woodbridge Estates V
Horace Mann and
Partnership Park.
Sterling Management Ltd., Inc.
Sterling Management Ltd., Inc. currently has 5,918 rental units in 50 properties
and 3,212 mini storage warehouse units in 7 properties under management. In
addition, there are 218 units in four properties to begin lease-up in the Fall of
2007.
Sterling Development LLC
Sterling Development LLC is currently seeking market rate opportunities in the
South and Southeastern parts of the United States. Transactions recently closed
include Arbors at Belleville Park III, Village at Wayne Trace, Arbors at Eagle
Crest II and Reserve at Lakeview.
Sterling Acquisitions LLC."

This is truly difference from Renaissance Pointe development. The Village untis are all a part of the Section 42 low income tax credit housing alternatives for lower to medium income households. As I stated so many times, I believe that Renaissance Pointe is a development seeking a new market that has nothing to do with improving the housing condition of the African-American families but to attract a new demographic to displace the current African-American families that current live in the area. I suggested to one of the Downtown Fort Wayne Baseball blogger that an incentive should have been built into reduce the price of Renaissance Pointe for families to remain in the neighborhood after their old housing was purchased. This was an option, but not an option if the goal was to displace these families from the new and more inclusive neighborhoods (wink-wink).

It will be interesting to see the demographic of the new $6 million Village at Wayne Trace.

This is my final thought on the Renaissance Pointe land acquisition project. I believe that the city did not want outside groups such as the Sterling Group to come in and built affordable homes for the local residents. I believe each unit has a cost of over $100,000. The City of Fort Wayne has failed to meet the residents need over the years for so long and wanted and needed to continue to maintain substandard housing as the only choice for African-American families. This will change with these new groups such as the Sterling Group willing to come to the south end of town to build their investment with their money although encouraged with tax incentives for doing so, nothing like Harrison Square.

To starve off other investors, the City is attempting to land lock certain areas from development by these outside developers. It should come as no surprise as to why six model homes are being built. It should not come as a surprise that a YWCA is being proposed to be built on a brownfield area at the same time on the southside. It should not be surprised that land that is owned by an African-American church and pastor looks like an abandoned field without a single home built on it.

Fort Wayne power elites are no longer running things and no longer can contain its diverse and growing population. Maybe soon our local newspaper will write about these homes on the southside you think????

I voted for Kelty and the white crew

Yes, I voted for Kelty and the white crew on Thursday. I know I had the option to do nothing. But knowing that the white crew of Tom Henry believes it is a "given" that if the Democrats trots out a few African-Americans with their candidates the rest of the African-Americans will believe this is the best option for the community.


Fort Wayne the city has not only a high concentration of African-Americans, but Latinos, Burmeses and other groups. But believe you me, many of these only groups will not be at the voting booth, which will explain the low turnout. But you knew that look at the who represent the majority of city and county council raced white males. How can this with such a diverse demographic? It is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who speaks about the heart having to change..and the heart of Fort Wayne is due for a change.


I am an independent thinker.. I don't need to belong to a group, or need the support of a group to express my opinion or to be in good grace with any particular group. I represent me...not the whole African-American community, and I have to answer to my maker. I have studied the history of the African-American community in Fort Wayne and neither party nor many of the folks who belong to these parties has been good to our community.

No I don't believe that Kelty is the southside champion, but I do believe he is better than the status quo that I see coming from the Democratic side. I did not vote for Kelty as a republican, I voted for a spirit of defiance against the odds.

A boldness to speak the truth no matter the cost and risk to self and family.

Tom Henry, on the other hand, throwing his hat in the ring was an afterthought, because the party had no one. Kelty stepped up as an underdog, with less resources, but with the one vote attitude request to make a difference.

This attitude got my vote. I will not agree with Kelty on many things, but I believe in the right to my opinion. I am an independent, and I believe in change. I believe Kelty is change.

Don't forget to vote, take a neighbor, a friend, a family member, a student who is eighteen, vote for the right to be entitled to your opinion, no matter what.

Indiana Senator Evan Bayh

Indiana Democrats thought Evan Bayh had a chance to run for President and they were wrong. Senator Bayh is attempting to motivate the Democrats to stay motivate to vote in the national election.

I always think of the career politician, Bayh and the 21st Century Scholars program, where he would come into town take a photo op picture with the students. Many of these students were not even taking courses that would prepare them for college, but do you think Bayh cared?

Nope..it's a game..money and votes..I am not impressed with the fly in for Tom Henry...now had Hilliary had shown up...well ....

N-word, Zip Coon, name calling by professional African-Americans

Who says it's okay to use the N-Word by certain African-Americans to distinguish oneself from the underclass or the unsophisticated or unpolished African-Americans? Where was this poll taken? Some professional African-Americans find it hard oh so very hard to let go of the put downs or more important to remain in good grace with other African-Americans and even some raced whites who use terms like jiggaboo,zip coon and hoes and b---. Former Indianapolis Star Columnist Rishawn Biddle, an African-American male, was alleged to have used the term zip coon in the newspaper blog and was released from his post.

It's just a word?!! Get a grip!!!

Name calling is just not pretty, hip or cool. It is meant to displace and label those who are different or unacceptable usually by males. And way too many professional males spend way too much time trying to uphold an image for the "raced white male or raced white female" that he become irritable when any African-American behavior or action is embarrassing to any human being. So what, put them in check and move on..

No need to try and explain or dismiss such behavior, language or actions as being that of a less enlightened African-American, and no need to give him or her the label of the distance past as a no named African with no rights enslaved in Jamestown...the N..word, Coon, Negro.....hoe, Jezebel, b... Did you forget?
Back in the day, enslavement, raced white picked a name and gave it to Willie. No way could a brotha or sista make make a raced white call us by our real name..that is if she did not mind finding ourselves hanging from a noose. Did you forget? Or are you so far removed from the past that you just dismiss it?

There is so much work that is needed in the world instead of joining a name calling crusade.

So, No thank you NAS and even my nephew, it will never be okay for you or anyone else to call me the n-word..I am who I say I am...I remember the past, and those days were not so pretty...just ask Genarlow Wilson, Shaquanda Cotton, Megan Williams, and the Jena Six.


I am who I say I am

The People Choice-November 6, 2007 Election Day

I listened to the debate on WANE 15 and it was lame. I was so disappointed after hearing so much about the first debate. Mark Mellinger had lots of problems interviewing Superintendent Wendy Robinson and had to bring in help on the second one and still Dr. Robinson controlled the interview, so no surprise that this debate was a wash.

But something bizarre happened at this debate, did you see it? Matt Kelty and Tom Henry shook hands on the position of the Deputy Mayor, hmmm. So here's my prediction, I really don't have a lot of time for blogging so I am just guessing, guessing and some guessing..

Mayor- Matt Kelty(R)

City Clerk- Sandra Kennedy(D) Needs to retire, yesterday.

-City Council-
1st District- Tom Smith(R)
2nd District- Don Schmidt(R)
3rd District- Tom Didier(R)
4th District- Mitch Harper(R)
5th District- do not want Tim Pape to win/ so whomever is running as a republican.
6th District- Joe Smith(R)a possible upset
At Large- Marty Bender(R)
At Large- John Shoaff(D)
At Large- Liz Brown(R)

These are my prediction and not necessary who I would like to see holding the seats.
disclaimer: I am an independent and I can not believe all the R's that is in this post!!!

Madame Queens buries Tuskegee Airman Harold L. Gaulden

Harold L. Gaulden, 80, of Fort Wayne, died Monday, Oct. 15, 2007, at VA Northern Healthcare. Born Feb. 20, 1927, in Grambling, La., he served in the Air Force as a Tuskegee Airman, and was a truck driver for Omni Source. A Tuskegee Airman Gaulden was buried with full military honors Monday in Marion National Cemetery on the grounds of Marion VA Medical Center.



Gaulden received the Congressional Gold Medal for his military service on March 29, 2007. Harold L. Gaulden is the grandfather of my two daughters.

Getting ready for the Income Tax Time

Rules for Clothing and Household Items.
To be deductible, clothing and household items donated to charity after Aug. 17, 2006, must be in good used condition or better. However, a taxpayer may claim a deduction of more than $500 for any single item, regardless of its condition, if the taxpayer includes a qualified appraisal of the item with the return. Household items include furniture, furnishings, electronics, appliances, and linens.

Guidelines for Monetary Donations
To deduct any charitable donation of money, a taxpayer must have a bank record or a written communication from the charity showing the name of the charity and the date and amount of the contribution. A bank record includes canceled checks, bank or credit union statements and credit card statements. Bank or credit union statements should show the name of the charity and the date and amount paid. Credit card statements should show the name of the charity and the transaction posting date.

Money donations may be made with cash, check, electronic transfer, credit card or payroll deductions. For payroll deductions, the taxpayer should retain a pay stub, Form W-2 wage statement or other document furnished by the employer showing the total amount withheld for charity, along with the pledge card showing the name of the charity.

Previously, taxpayers could document their donations of money with personal bank registers, diaries or notes — but these records are no longer sufficient for contributions made in taxable years beginning after Aug. 17, 2006.

A taxpayer must still get an acknowledgement from a charity for each deductible donation (either money or property) of $250 or more.

Honey, I think it's time for you to get a refill on that bean soup

No Dear, I'm okay.



But, I think I might want a piece of cake..

Megan William-rape or self-delusion?

The Case of Ms. Megan Williams is about a rape victim. The Afrosphere will be blogging about this case of an African-American woman who was raped by folks she knew. These were some sick individuals in West Virginia.

The Case of a woman and her son abused and tortured by ten young men. I have not read alot about the Dunbar Village, but the little I've read only confirms, somebody need to be talking to our children. see AAPP for more information on the two cases.


The blog for justice will take place on November 1, 2007.

Sam Talarico manipulation of the Democratic Party race for Mayor

I have said it time and time again, the Democratic Party is dying in Fort Wayne. The current Mayoral race has Tom Henry dependent on the African-American vote. However, the Democratic Party is going about it the wrong way in courting the African-American vote. Contrary to a long held belief, that playing to African-American churches to get the African-American vote is the way to go, the real deal is that it's real issues that determine who African-Americans will vote for. The real issues are those that will impact and improve the civil rights and lives of African-Americans and not just the lives of just a few African-Americans that a pandering politician may know at the local level.

These Republicans are not interested in the African-American voting base, because more than 60% of their voting base comes from the Evangelical Members who vote Republican. These are conservative raced white folks who are mobilized to maintain their values and the status quo, period !! They are not about sharing the wealth or the power. The only interest that the Republicans have toward the African-American vote is to weaken the voting power of the Democratic Party.

And currently local Republicans who are feeling a little threaten by the power of the religion right and are attempting to take over the Democratic Party. How you say? Have you not heard about the Republicans for Tom Henry campaign? These Republicans understand that there is no way any die-hard Republican is going to vote for a Democrat unless that Republican candidate is a shoo-in and/or the Republican Party is trying to take over the Democratic Party.

Sam Talarico bragged in a two-part interview with Fort Wayne Left about organizing against the status quo to marshall in the Harrison Square project. And on a more recent post at Downtown Fort Wayne Baseball linking a story from Fort Wayne Reader, discussing Talarico and his hatched plot in 2002 for a downtown baseball stadium. So, it does not surprise me that Talarico is right smack dab in the mix of this campaign, Republicans for Tom Henry.

Well guess what? All these so call reformers, Republican for Tom Henry, if they vote for Tom Henry, will be eligible to run on the next election as a Democrat. Yep, that's right these Republican will be able to run as fake Democrats not on the Republican ticket but the Democrat ticket. And as more diverse groups move into the city, it becomes an option. So guess what? The Republicans will be able to block out die-hard Democrats from running on their own ticket. So much for sharing the power among a diverse group of folks. This is Sam Talarico's manipulation of the Democratic Party and you thought it was about Matt Kelty.

Dan Carmody says Good Bye and Hello Detroit

Perhaps Dan Carmody will have better luck in transforming a city's commercial district that is located in downtown Detroit than Carmody did in the business landlocked downtown Fort Wayne.

So long Dan, we hardly got to know you.

Genarlow Wilson is freed by the United State Supreme Court

Genarlow Wilson is freed by the United State Supreme Court. Hopefully, this will cause court to take a closer look at individual who are engaged in relationship with individuals who are pretty close in age. Thanks Exodus Mentality.

Property Tax increases one of the tools of displacement

This article comes from the Good City which came from Blackpast.org:

Moreover gentrification which has increased home values has also increased property taxes. Many African Americans who had paid off or paid down their mortgages after twenty or thirty years in their homes saw spectacular increases in the value of their properties, particularly in the 1990s and the first years of the 21st Century. One three bedroom, one bath, 1,200 square foot Central District home assessed by King County as valued at $1,280 in 1938 was worth $5,000 in 1960, $190,000 in 2001, and $355,000 in 2005. Those on fixed incomes or those with modest incomes often found themselves with tax bills larger than their annual mortgage payments. Yet their low incomes prevent them from acquiring loans to repair or upgrade their properties, forcing them to sell to younger, more affluent, and credit eligible buyers who in many instances were white. Not surprisingly the percentage of black Central District homeowners has been steadily declining for the past three decades.

In words of Governor Mitch Daniels about the current debacle concerning property taxes increases, it is an issue of fairness. It is unfair to push folk out of their neighborhoods without giving them them the protection of compensation for their property current value.

Renaissance Pointe Pet Project-Selling Houses

Anthony Ridley recently spoke to group of African-Americans who attended the Men of Action Community Meeting. Ridley, the Renaissance Pointe Neighborhood Association President, exulted the fact that the new housing was the change that was desparately needed in the area. Ridley even went on to stated that thousands of diverse individuals descended into the neighborhood to get a good look at the homes that were models to be sold in the area. A welcomed diversity seemed to be the sentiment expressed by Ridley of the potential newcomers.


Ridley suggested that over 3000 folks walked through the neighborhood! If true, Ridley failed to mention any buyers of the six models that were on display during the three day city tour.


I must confess that I am not a fan of the high price housing. I understand why. However, I believe that incentives should have drove the prices down. And those who had homes in the areas should have had the option to purchase reducing the price of the housing even more.

I believe this did not occur, (based on the lack on purchasers) because a certain demographic is being sought and these folks are not buying into the project. Those who are being displaced are seeking cheaper housing elsewhere.

Furthermore, Sterling Group have offered potential home buyers with another option. Just right out of Wayne Trace. These potential home buyers can lease a four bedroom home for at least 5 years before buying. These homes are already built in a huge clusters.

It is impressive to see an investor that stepped out in faith to built a field of dreams. A field of dreams that is already to go for those home owners who are interested.

Go by and check it out and you will see why Renaissance Pointe is still a maiden in waiting.

Governor MItch Daniels answers the questions as to who to blame for increases in local property taxes

The IndyStar reports:

"We’ve been here before. Repeatedly over the last 35 years, state government has tried to help out. State taxes have been raised and the money used to subsidize local budgets and reduce property taxes. By now, 85% of school operating costs are paid for by our state taxes, not our property taxes. Half the sales tax, 3 cents out of 6, is sent back to support local government, or your property taxes would be far higher than they already are", according to Governor Mitch Daniels.

Daniels has disarmed local officials who have consistently padded the local budget.

"I have prepared and will recommend to the legislature a proposal to cut every homeowner’s property taxes sharply and cap them forever, at no more than one per cent of a home’s true value. This last provision must be added to the state’s constitution to ensure its permanence, and guarantee that no Hoosier ever again pays more than a penny on the dollar of their home’s value.

We can lower the average Hoosier property tax bill by more than a third by removing forever the rest of school operating costs, and the cost of protecting abused and neglected children, from the local to the state level. Immediate relief should be provided to every homeowner on the May ’08 bills, and the full 1% ceiling protection put in place by 2009."

So much for local home rule with accountability going to the State over local budgets.

"To achieve better discipline while preserving local control, we must have single-point accountability for spending. Today, no one is responsible; each local taxing district sets its budget and sends you its part of the bill, which is only added up when it hits your mailbox. The County Tax Board in each county must accept the duty of reviewing the total of local spending plans and trimming those budgets as needed to keep our taxes down."

I don't like the fact that local will have control over the 1% cap, because they will keep it at the maximum. I would have lot to have seem the 1% has some kind of deduction on income taxes.

But Gov. Daniels has upset a lot of folks with his proposal.

Fort Wayne still in violation of the United States Justice Department

City to Discuss Sanitary Sewer Utility Rate Plan
City officials soon will begin a series of meetings to discuss a proposed sanitary sewer rate increase.

The proposal calls for increasing sewer rates by 25%. The rates would need to be approved by the Board of Public Works and City Council. If approved, the rate would go into effect February 1, 2007, and last through 2008.

Sewer rates have not been raised since 2001. The last rate increase resulted in over $100 million in sanitary sewer system improvements and the rehabilitation of more than 43 miles of sewer lines to name a few.

Impact on homeowner:
* Small residential user (five units) currently pays $11.93 per month

* This same user would see an increase of $2.98 per month for a total of $14.91 per month

* Family residential user (ten units) currently pays $21.63 per month

* This same user would see an increase of $5.41 per month for a total of $27.04 per month



The increase would allow City Utilities to:
* Invest in high value combined sewer system projects
* Continue to invest in pipeline and treatment system rehabilitation work
* Invest in sanitary sewer interceptors to create capacity for future growth and economic development
* Issue a bond for $25-$30 million to construct major projects

Several near term projects include more than $12 million for future combined sewer system projects. Nearly $9 million is necessary for improvements at the Water Pollution Control Plant. Sewer pipeline projects will total $7.5 million, and the process to begin building separate sanitary sewer capacity will cost $5 million.

The City also faces an unfunded mandate from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce the number of combined sewer overflow occurrences. The City is negotiating with the U.S. Department of Justice on a consent decree to determine how much money the City will need to invest to reduce combined sewer overflows and improve overall water quality. The City’s current plan calls for an investment of $250 million over 25 years. Consent decree compliance will be the largest locally funded infrastructure investment in the City’s history.

"juice" can you say O.J.

Indy Star owes the African-American community of Indianapolis an apology for this cartoon.


This cartoon suggest that African-Americans get away with murder. Allowing Gray to remain sitting on City Council attacking raced white folks is just as dangerous as O.J. The reference to "juice" points directly to the charges that O.J. Simpson got away with murder because of his power.

Racist is not the word, rather it is an attempt at painting with a broad brush the stereotype of African-American males no matter how powerful they can be be unethical dangerous and violent toward raced white folks.

Is this a new way for journalist to get around using the N-word by substituting with the word "juice"?

What's your thoughts on the cartoon caricature?

Fort Wayne NAACP is on life support

Rumor has it that the Fort Wayne, Indiana NAACP annual fundraiser, Marjorie Wickliffe Freedom Fund and Image Awards Banquet scheduled at the Memorial Coliseum for October 18, 2007 will not be held.

How can this be? According to some folks, Rev. Michael Latham, Executive Director of the Fort Wayne NAACP, Fort Wayne, Indiana has called a halt to popular event. And according to another source, the NAACP Board Members refuse to challenge Rev. Latham on this latest call.

What's up with the local NAACP or should I say what's Up with Rev. Latham?

Another source suggest that I hold my horses in blaming the Rev. Latham for the downward spiral of the local NAACP. Instead the source suggest that I gallop full speed ahead toward blaming the board members of the NAACP for allowing things to reach this level.

Maybe somebody will write a book and tell us something, you think?

If not, you can always comment on this blog.

11 months to go-Library Probation

It's been a month and I've calm down just a tad to reveal to the world, that I have been banned from all Allen County Public Libraries for one year. Yes, banned. What in the world could a person do to be banned for a library you said? I would like to know the answer to that question myself.

But, I was banned for a year, because, I have no problem telling folks to go fly a kite. I know that can be viewed as being mean. I can be mean, but I am not mean, it's just that some folks you need to do some choice word act on them. And that's what got me in the target zone to be banned from the library. If the fellas could have had their way, I probably would have been arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and trespassing. But the best they could do was to ban me from the library for a whole year.

I was so angry or should I say embarrassed about the fact that I did not want to tell my children. Unfortunately, I had to tell my youngest, when she asked if I was going to the library anytime soon. So, when I told her I was banned, she laughed outlouded. "Mama" she said, "what did you do to get banned from the library?" And she shook her head. "Only you could upset some folks to get banned from the library," she stated.

So, now you know now that my child knows. And that's why I have not blogged as much.

I feel better now.

Until the next time...

In Passing: Bruce Marshall

If anyone says they really know me they will tell you I love some good ribs. Bruce's ChuckWagon had some good ribs. The Green Family says it best, when your back is against the wall and you just go with what you believe:


In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

Rest in Peace

Declaratory Relief and Injunction Relief dismissed

I was given thirty minutes today in Allen Circuit Court on my request for declaratory relief and injunction. The hearing started late, and Mark GiaQuinta spoke for awhile, and I spoke, and GiaQuinta spoke and Andrew Swain spoke. Judge Thomas Felt issued his ruling of dismissal with prejudice at Plaintiff's costs.

The dismissal was based on the court's lack of subject matter. GiaQuinta argument was me not understanding the statute. My argument was not about a statute, it was about the failure to use the 2002 Assessor Manual. GiaQuinta discussed my stating the issue about assessing property as a simple matter was not to be treated so lightly because of it's impact on Fort Wayne Community School and the Mayor would not think it was a simple matter.

I reminder Counsel, that my children attended Fort Wayne Community School which more than likely his children did not or do not. I also stated that I still believe that it is a simple matter, city officials doing their jobs.

The Counsel from Indiana was unclear whether I was asking for proscriptive relief, which I was, but stated that I did not understand the meaning of uniform as it applied to taxes.

CitiLink rides to the Social Security Office

CitiLink will be providing transportation to the Social Security Office for bus rider. Route 1 bus will take the riders to the new location of the Social Security office.

University of Memphis Football Star- at the blink of an eye-gone too soon

My daughter called to tell me her son's (my grandson) friend was shot at the University of Memphis. The friend died. Taylor Bradford was a junior at the school and a role model for my grandson.

Here's the story by Woody Baird

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - A University of Memphis football player was fatally shot on campus in what was believed to be a targeted attack, and classes were canceled Monday as a precaution, officials said.

Taylor Bradford, 21, was shot near a university housing complex about 9:45 p.m. Sunday and then got into a car, driving a short distance before it crashed into a tree, officials said.

University officials said the believed the gunman left campus immediately after the shooting. No arrests had been made Monday.

"We found him with a bullet wound to the body and the ambulance took him to the hospital where he was pronounced (dead)," said Roger Prewitt, a Memphis Police inspector.

Bradford, a 5-foot-11, 300-pound defensive lineman from Nashville, was a junior who transferred to Memphis after two seasons at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala.

"Our entire football team is deeply saddened by the loss of Taylor," head coach Tommy West said in a statement. "He was well respected and a popular member of our team. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."

University officials closed residence halls on campus temporarily before police learned that the shooting was likely personal, spokesman Curt Gunther said.

In an e-mail alert sent to faculty, staff and students at 3:40 a.m. Monday, officials wrote that "the initial investigation indicates this was an act directed specifically toward the victim and was not a random act of violence."

The university decided to cancel classes Monday, although police believe the person or persons involved in the shooting left the campus immediately.

"We feel like the campus is safe, but we'd rather err on the side of safety than not," Gunther said.

The school's administrative and athletic officials were meeting Monday morning to discuss the shooting.

The Memphis Tigers host Marshall University's Thundering Herd Tuesday night. A moment of silence was planned before the game.

Bradford transfered to the school in 2006 and was on the roster this season, but had not made any plays to be listed in the team's statistics.

Bradford lettered in three sports at Nashville's Antioch High School, and held school records in shotput and discus.

The university had 20,562 students enrolled for last fall, according to its Web site.

The school was founded in 1912 as West Tennessee State Normal School and was renamed Memphis State College in 1941. It became Memphis State University in 1957, two years before it admitted its first black students. It was renamed the University of Memphis in 1994

Ben Lanka gets the story wrong

Bennie writes about the Tom Hayhurst outburst. He suggest that I used frogs to human for a tax analogy. Wrong. I informed Councilman Dr. John Crawford, that his analogy of frogs jumping out of hot water to people being upset about increases in the budget that people are human beings and not frogs.

This is Bennie take on the subject:

"To be fair to Hayhurst, the speakers Tuesday night did have some odd arguments. One compared the business model of Harrison Square to the city buying him a car. Another offered the wisdom that humans are not frogs in some type of tax analogy."

The poster belonged to Dr. Crawford but Bennie did not mention that fact. Plus Bennie does not like folks making fun of Mayor Dick and I enjoy making fun of Mayor Dick.

The order reads Dismissal granted-no date

Second update on Nailah Franklin.

At 3:38 p.m. the Indystar headline reads, Body of identified as missing Lilly employee.

Indiana Representative Julia Carson in Hospital

Julia Carson has been hospitalized for a leg infection since September 21, 2007, according to the Indystar.

New York Times writes about Fort Wayne's Reverend Michael Latham

NEELA BANERJEE writes in the New York Times:


WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 — Indiana has ended a program that put a chaplain position on the payroll of the state’s Family and Social Services Administration.

In May, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, an advocacy group based in Madison, Wis., filed a lawsuit on behalf of several Indiana taxpayers challenging the program.

The foundation argued that the office was unconstitutional because it involved purely religious activities. This week, the state confirmed that it had disbanded the office and dismissed the minister, the Rev. Michael L. Latham.

“Indiana was establishing religion by, in the words of Latham’s job description, ‘encouraging a faithful environment in the workplace,’” said the foundation’s co-president, Annie Laurie Gaylor.

The Family and Social Services Administration disburses public assistance and other aid to the poor. It hired Mr. Latham, a Baptist minister, in 2006 to serve as its chaplain.

Sounds like some questions about religion, the NAACP and politics may be a good fit in this article. The out for the agency, "The workers at the Indiana agency 'do not appear to have religious needs that have been materially burdened by any acts of the government,' Mr. Lupu and Mr. Tuttle wrote."

Indiana voter's ID law goes to the U.S. Supreme Court

Indiana's voter's identification law goes to the United States Supreme Court.

"James Burgess, president of the Madison County NAACP, said the law was unfair to people who do not have a state-issued identification.

“Indiana is the second state here in this union that has a draconian type ID voter bill,” he said. “Georgia has one, you know, and theirs was struck down. It was ruled unconstitutional.”

Here's another story on the Indiana voter's election law.

Tom Henry needs the African-American votes

Tom Henry stood on the Allen County Courthouse talking trash, saying he is not representing one party but is all inclusive. Yet the folks in this picture does not represents an inclusive party. So, here's my new favorite quote for the moment, "The action of men are the best interpreters of their thoughts," by John Locke.

I believe that some Republicans are so hot at Matt Kelty they are trying to throw the election, Repbublicans,Libertians, Democrats, to maintain the status quo. If Henry, was truly about the Democratic Party, he would make sure the Republicans did not turn off his party Democratic base.

The message that Sam and friends is that the Republicans control both parties, and Tom Henry is just one of the Democrat they control.

Here's a related story:



When folks begin to name call its in their heart, and until they change their heart, Fort Wayne is not an inclusive city.

Generally, I try not to let folks know how I will vote as an independent, but what the heck, I am leaning toward Vote Matt Kelty and that's my endorsement as an independent and I'm not taking it back. Go Kelty !!!

By the way were there any Democrats there supporting Tom Henry? Or way this just a plain make Matt Kelty mad statement by the Republicans with the help of Democrat Tom Henry?

More update on the Jena 6 Reed Walters

It was interesting comment by District Attorney Reed Walters who went for a legal lynching of Mychal Bell, according to Doug Simpson of the Associated Press,
"Walters said the demonstration had no influence on the decision he announced Thursday, and ended his news conference by saying that only God kept the protest peaceful."

Right, I believe it was the parents of the victim.

But, Walters statement suggests that he believe a group of African-Americans gathered together in old place will lead to chaos and civil unrest. Walter's words speaks volumes about his actions directed towards the African-American males compared to the raced white males, as John Locke says " The action of men are the best interpreters of their thought."

Interesting.

Reed Walters needs to go.

Skeptical Brotha has a posting on Bell's release from jail.

Indy update on Nailah Franklin

A body has been found, but authorities are not sure it is Nailah Frankin. Some has suggesting the body is Frankin, dental records will be used to confirm whether or not the body is Franklin or not.

Race Restriction in Covenants is funny to John McGauley

This article as some changes from my original posting:

Everyone knows that raced whites collectively used racialized practices to discriminate against African-Americans in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The fact of the matter is that some of these same practices are still in existence but it is written in different forms or supported through a gentlemen's agreement. Mr. McGauley probably finds it interesting and humorous to see such blatant practices and wanted to share it with his friends.

This is language found in the article:

"While some covenants ban seemingly silly things, others have more serious restrictions. A number of covenants written in the 1930s and 1940s have race restrictions. “The members of the Mongolian or Ethopian races are prohibited from owning any of the lots in said addition…,” said the covenant for Highview Park Addition, written in 1942."

Update

Mitch Harper writes on his weblog, about finding such language offensive and filed an affidavit. Harper is running for the 4th district and was quoted in the article. What a coincidence, but an astute politician knows how to get his name in print. Smile and a wink.

STeven Carter it's about time

Hat Tip to Dan Stockman

"In August, home appraisers Richard Roberts and Jennifer Lyons agreed to voluntarily surrender their licenses for 90 days over allegedly inflated appraisals as part of Radabaugh’s deals. Carter’s office is seeking to remove their licenses permanently.

The petition in that case cited seven appraisals by Preferred Residential Resources, 6019 Lake Ave., most of which had values inflated by more than 100 percent. The filing said at least 28 other appraisals by Lyons and/or Roberts were also inflated."

Tax Repeal RAlly in Garrett

Eric Miller of Advance America will have a Property Tax Repeal Rally at 7 p.m. today at Garrett High School Performing Arts Center, 801 E. Houston St., Garrett.

Miller is leading a statewide effort to repeal property taxes. He will discuss his plan to offer immediate help to property owners.

For more information, call 1-800-448-8683 or visit.

Somebody need to call him for Fort Wayne, anybody out there, hello???

Allen County Cowards the Taxing Board

Hat tip to Amanda Iacone

Seven entities will be invited to meet with the board during its budget review in late October. Those units are the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority, Allen County Public Library, Wayne Township Trustee’s Office, Citilink, Indiana Department of Child Services, Southwest Fire District, and Northwest Fire Territory.

First of all, in case you did not notice folks are losing jobs meaning they need long hours to meet transportation need. Where is ya'll brains. If anything you need to increase CitiLINK budget. And have not Wayne Township Trustee, Richard Stevenson come before Allen County Commission twice already for a loan for Wayne Township clients? But, both of these agency serves the most needy citizens of FORT WAYNE, so no surprises that these business interest folks are trying to take from the city to give to the county.

Women and Children first as the Taxing Board attempts to also save the salaries of overpaid incompetent elected officials. Plus some of the Board members serving should not be on the board, Pat Roller for one. And is Laura Fries, Sheriff's Fries wife? Come on people, how big is Allen County that you have to tap these folks family members.

Mychal Bell will be treated as a Juvie

Hat tip to Bronze Trinity.

Gov. Kathleen Blanco said that she discussed Bell's case with LaSalle Parish District Attorney Reed Walters on Wednesday, and that Walters agreed not to challenge a state appeals court ruling that dismissed Bell's battery and conspiracy convictions.

President George Bush weighed in suggesting that the whole issue is to hot of a potato for his two cents.

Renaissance update as of September 23, 2007

A reader posted a comment on my blog, asking me what did I now think of the Renaissance Point Project. I recently did a drive by with my nephew and I now have thoughts to share.

It was a surprise to see the model homes actually built. The houses were definitively difference from some of the old structures that I was use to seeing in the neighborhood. I like the largeness of the pillars, but I thought the porches and the houses were too small which meant to me the rooms were probably small. I did not like the ideal that the homes did not have basements, especially with home costing over $100,000.

So, my final conclusion, that so a starter home and a small family they will serve its purpose. But for now they are too pricey and do something about the landscape.

From the Renaissance website:

Buyers Currently In Process

Total buyers currently at the bank awaiting preapproval: 9

Contracts
Total buyers currently under contract to purchase a new home: 1
Average Home Price for homes under contract: $120,000

Lot Purchases
Total lots purchased by participating builders: 0

New Home Construction Activity
Total New Homes Currently Under Construction: 0
Total New Homes Completed and Sold by Builders: 0

Average Home Price for homes Sold:
Rehabilitation Activity


Total Existing Residents in Application Process for Rehabilitation Grant: 10
Total Existing Residents With Home Currently Being Rehabilitated: 2
Total Completed Rehabilitations: 1
Average Rehabilitation Cost: $25,000

Looks more like a want rather than a needs report for homeowners that can not afford to purchase a home. Stay tuned...

Council Member Tom Hayhurst touts citizens at public hearing

"All movements for change are conspiracies, by definition, just as the oppressor conspires with his fellows to hold on to power and privilege."

Fort Wayne Council Member Tom Hayhurst suggest that the council is wise and all knowing, more so than the public who give up their time and speak before the council at the public hearing. Besides these folks, generally, are limited to three minutes to speak, while some council members go on and on like the allege everready battery. These folks have the right to lay their grievances at your feet, they are citizens!

Perhaps, Hayhurst miss understood that education does not equate intelligence but more privilege at times. Or that few citizens believe that any of the Council Members represent God himself. Thus all council members as leaders are not necessary the most competent or smartest because of their education. Matter of fact, just look at our President George Bush as a leadership example. Did not our President Bush lie to the public that there were weapons of mass destruction to send children off to war?

I believe Councilman Hayhurst is a veteran.

A person does not have to be the best educated person to not blindly follow leaders with hidden agendas. It does not stop the ordinary citizen from asking questions or sometime knowing more than the educated person. I think about Dave, the owner of Wendy's did not have a high school diploma nor did Peter Jennings,the news journalist, but both would be considered experts in their field. I would take his sage advice before I would follow many of those on city council.

Hat tip to Black Agenda Report for the quote.

Nailah Franklin: Indiana have you seen her?

Hat tip to P6.

"Nailah Franklin was last heard from Tuesday, when she sent an uncharacteristically vague text message to friends and family saying that she was having dinner and that she'd call later.

She never did."

National Lawyers Guild Press Release on Jena Six

Hat tip to Slant Truth 2.0 NATIONAL LAWYERS GUILD CALLS FOR RELEASE OF MYCHAL BELL, FOR ALL CHARGES AGAINST THE JENA 6 TO BE DROPPED, AND FOR FEDERAL INVESTIGATION INTO JENA 6 ARRESTS AND PROSECUTIONS / NLG STATEMENT ON JENA 6
Monday, September 24, 2007, 11:44 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, September 24, 2007

Contact: Kerry McLean, 917-334-9331, kerrymclean at gmail.com
Marjorie Cohn, NLG President, 858-204-3565, libertad48 at san.rr.com

NATIONAL LAWYERS GUILD CALLS FOR RELEASE OF MYCHAL BELL, FOR ALL CHARGES AGAINST THE JENA 6 TO BE DROPPED, AND FOR FEDERAL INVESTIGATION INTO JENA 6 ARRESTS AND PROSECUTIONS

The National Lawyers Guild (NLG) calls for the immediate release of Mychal Bell, one of the six high school students who have come to be known as the “Jena 6.” The Guild also calls for all charges against the Jena 6 to be dropped, and for the investigation and disbarment of Judge J.P. Mauffray and District Attorney Reed Walters.

Judge J.P. Mauffray and DA Reed Walters have engaged in a string of egregious actions, the most recent of which was the denial of bail for Bell on Friday. The NLG urges that: 1) The United States Department of Justice convene an immediate inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the arrests and prosecutions of the Jena 6; 2) Judge Mauffray be recused from presiding over Bell’s juvenile court hearings or other proceedings; 3) The Louisiana Office of Disciplinary Counsel investigate Reed Walters for unethical and possibly illegal conduct; 4) The Louisiana Judiciary Commission investigate Judge Mauffray for unethical conduct; and 5) The Jena school district superintendent be removed from office.

“Contrary to what Reed Walters and J.P. Mauffray may think, Jena is subject to the same Constitution that the rest of the United States is,” remarked Kerry McLean, member of the executive board of the NLG.

“There have been numerous, brazen violations of the constitutional rights of the Jena 6.” McLean continued, “In addition to the constitutional violations, Walters and Mauffray have breached the ethical requirements of their offices. They should be made to answer for all of this.”

"The double standard of justice in Jena, one for black students and another for whites, is emblematic of the racism that still permeates many towns throughout the South and the country as a whole. There must be an immediate and full investigation of judicial and prosecutorial malfeasance in Jena, Louisiana," said Marjorie Cohn, President of the NLG.

There is an unequal justice system in Jena, where blacks are routinely the victims of discriminatory and oppressive treatment by officials.

Founded in 1937 as an alternative to the American Bar Association which did not admit people of color, the National Lawyers Guild is the oldest and largest public interest/human rights bar organization in the United States. Its headquarters are in New York and it has chapters in every state.

-30-

NLG STATEMENT ON THE JENA 6:

The story of the Jena 6 began in September 2006 when, seeking shade from the sun, three black high school students sat under a big, leafy tree in their school yard where usually only white students sat. The next day, white students hung nooses on the branches of the tree, because the black students had dared to sit underneath the “white tree.” Hanging nooses, a reference to the brutal lynching of African Americans in previous years, has constituted hate crimes in North Carolina and Maryland. Even so, DA Reed Walters claimed that he could find no Louisiana law to punish the white students responsible. The white students who hung the nooses instead received a three-day, in-school suspension. Notably, the school principal had recommended that the white students be expelled, but the superintendent of the school district overruled that recommendation.

The entire black student body protested the fact that the white students that hung the nooses received only a three-day, in-school suspension by staging a peaceful sit-in under the same tree. The principal and school district superintendent convened a school assembly, and invited Walters to speak. Walters arrived with police officers, and stated that he could take away the black students’ lives with a stroke of his pen.

Walters not only failed to file criminal charges against the students who hung the nooses, he also failed to file charges against a white teen who pulled a shotgun on three black students in the parking lot of a convenience store in December 2006. In a startling twist, the three black teens were arrested and charged with aggravated battery and theft when, exercising their right to self-defense, they managed to take the weapon from the gunman.

In December, shortly before the schoolyard fight for which the Jena 6 were arrested, a white man, Justin Sloan, attacked Robert Bailey with a bottle at a party. Robert Bailey is, coincidentally, one of the Jena 6. DA Walters charged Sloan with simple battery and released Sloan on probation.

Yet in staggering contrast, after a schoolyard fight erupted later that December where a white student was beaten, DA Walters charged six black students with second-degree attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. The student who was beaten was released from the hospital after two hours, and attended a school function that same night. Walters eventually reduced the charges to aggravated battery for most of the boys because he would not be able satisfy in court the necessary legal elements for attempted murder. Bail for the Jena 6 ranged from $70,000 to $138,000. Most of the six boys remained in jail for months as their parents attempted to raise money for bail. Mychal Bell’s family was never able to raise the money for bail, and he has been in an adult jail since December 2006.

In addition to unequal treatment of blacks and whites under the law, DA Reed Walters has participated in decisions concerning the Jena 6 where there was a conflict of interest. The Jena 6 were immediately expelled from school after being arrested and charged. The six boys appealed their expulsion. The school district conducted an internal investigation regarding the Jena Six, but Walters would not allow the school board to review it before it voted not to expel the six boys. Walters’ advice to the school board was likely a violation of the Louisiana State Bar Association’s rules regarding conflicts of interest.

Walters had charged Mychal Bell as an adult, even though Bell was a minor when the fight occurred. Judge Mauffray allowed the trial to proceed. An all-white jury, which included a family friend of the white student who was beaten, found Bell guilty. The Third Circuit vacated the conviction because Bell should not have been tried as an adult. DA Walters has vowed to appeal the Third Circuit’s ruling.

Since the Third Circuit vacated the conviction of Bell in September. Bell’s attorneys sought to have Bell released pending Walters’ appeal of the Third Circuit’s decision. Though Louisiana’s Code of Judicial Conduct requires a judge to “disqualify himself or herself in a proceeding in which the judge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned,” Judge Mauffray, the same judge who presided over Mychal Bell’s trial in adult court, presided over Bell’s juvenile court bail hearing on Friday. Mauffray denied the request for bail.

At a separate hearing on Friday, a court denied Bell’s attorneys’ request to remove Mauffray from Bell’s case. Mauffray set an exceedingly high bail of $90,000 for Bell prior to his conviction. The day before Mauffray’s ruling, the case drew tens of thousands of protesters from all over the country to Jena to rally against the Jim Crow era practices.

"The double standard of justice in Jena, one for black students and another for whites, is emblematic of the racism that still permeates many towns throughout the South and the country as a whole. There must be an immediate and full investigation of judicial and prosecutorial malfeasance in Jena, Louisiana," said Marjorie Cohn, President of the NLG

The two-tiered workers at GM

General Motors and the United Auto Workers has gotten the workers back to work. The UAW and GM reached a tentative agreement at 3:05 AM on Wednesday September 26, 2007.

United Auto Workers versus General Motor Corporation

According to the Associated Press:
"The UAW’s contract with GM was set to expire Sept. 14, but the union has been extending it on an hour-by-hour basis since then. Now the United Auto Workers are poise to go on strike as early as Monday, September 24, 2007. The deadline for reaching an agreement between the company and the union is set for 11:00 a.m. Monday morning.