To Give Our Sisters Respect

The Grand Rapids Times
2-15-2008
By Shahied Word

When I see sisters walking down the street, I try to give them a lot of respect. I might open the door for them or pull out a chair or let them have my seat on the bus if they have to stand. I feel it’s the least I can do since I owe them so much.

For if it weren’t for women like Rosa Parks, the fight for equal rights on buses might not have happened. She was an optimistic black woman who refused to give up her seat on a bus during the separate but equal era.

If it were not for Madame C. J. Walker, many African American women wouldn’t have the proper nurturing to make them so beautiful. She perfected the process of hair by creating the straightening comb. She was also the first black woman millionaire having a business selling hair care products for African American women.

If it were not for Debbie Allen, a lot of African American women might not have leading roles in television. She is an intelligent black woman who starred in the show “”Fame”. She is a dancer, writer, actor, and film director. She created the Movie Amistad and co﷓produced the Black college life series called a “‘Different World.”

So, I’m not being a gentlemen just because it’s my job as a black man in society. I’m doing it because, I would never do anything to disrespect the foundation of our community.

In simpler terms, I’m saying respect should always be given to the mothers of civilization, because without them we wouldn’t have a civilization.

[click here to comment on this in the Real Deal Blog]

Obama Takes Potomac Primary

Washington (NNPA) - U. S. Sen. Barack Obama won big this week over Sen. Hillary Clinton in their contest to win the Democrat nomination to the presidency.

In a clean sweep of Tuesday’s Potomac Primary - Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia - Obama took his number of pledged delegates to 1,215 to Clinton’s 1,189.

“This movement won’t stop until there’s change in Washington. Tonight, we’re on our way,” declared Obama at a thunderous rally in Madison, Wis., where he moved ahead to campaign for votes in Wisconsin’s Feb. 19 primary. Hawaii will also hold a primary that day.

[read more in the print edition of the Grand Rapids Times or click here to log in if you have a subscription or want to buy a subscription]

Are You Guilty?

The Grand Rapids Times Editorial
2-15-2008
Commentary by Cheryl Brewster

Yesterday, I went shopping for one of my girlfriends’ Mother who is well passed 80 years old. She wanted some mustard and turnip greens, a piece of firm soft pork, one turnip and a few more items from Madison Square Grocery Store aka Family Fare.

As I walked by the Store Manager, I reflected on a discussion before the Western Michigan District Lay Academy Black History Program began and remembered key members of the community discussing if we, as a community could have saved this store from being sold to Duthlers’.

So I asked the Store Manager, “What could we have done as a black community to save this store?”
He replied, “Shop here instead of Meijer’s.”

He continued to open up boxes of Ramen noodles and put them on the shelves.
I was sort of shocked by his response.

He went on to explain himself and stated that he and his son thought that if they owned a minority owned grocery store in the heart of the community they assumed that black people would shop at the store.

He stated further that he thought that if the store was clean, well managed, stocked with a variety of good name brands and well secured, his people would patronize the store.
I immediately apologized and said that he was right; I shopped at Big Top more than at Family Fare which is only two miles from my house.

We began to discuss the large corporations such as SAMS, COSCO, WALMART and MEIJER’S who have just taken over the grocery business from the family owned and minority businesses.

Mr. Nate went on to say that a survey previously taken in the surrounding neighborhoods indicated that there were enough families to support the grocery store and that only very small profits are made in the grocery business.

I thanked him for taking the time to talk to me and made up my mind that I too was guilty of not supporting black businesses and now have made a resolution to shop at this store at least once or twice per month.

Then my mind started wondering whether this is the only store where people ask you on a consistent basis if you need any help or respond to you saying, yes or no Ma’am.

Just think; if every African -American household had shopped at Family Fare in Madison Square once a month it would have been black- owned for many years.

Instead, the new owners will take over– beginning in the middle of next month – but under the same management team with of course, a few changes.

Are you guilty too?

[click here to comment on this in the Real Deal Blog]

February Is Black History Month - Let’s Talk About It

When I was young, I remember being disturbed because the definition of “me” was inferior at every level.

I was assessed by white society be “less than” whites mentally, psychologically, physically and socially. It was pre-determined by my genes that I would not, could not have the innate capacity to achieve to the level of those who were white.

By the time I was a teen I had decided that the “white man” was the enemy of my existence. In his eyes, I had no value. I became rebellious, defiant, and delinquent as I struggled with my self image and esteem.

Although I appreciated my African American heroes of the past, I couldn’t see the good that all of their sacrifice and lost of life and limb made in my life. It all seemed in vain!

I didn’t know myself beyond the “May” plantation in the south. So my unanswered questions in life were “who am I, and what is it all about”?

[read more in the print edition of the Grand Rapids Times or click here to log in if you have a subscription or want to buy a subscription]

Making Sure Our Children Know Their History

“Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.’’ So said Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the scholar and historian who is called ‘’The Father of Black History,’’ and who founded Negro History Week in 1926 to help give this record and inspiration to other Black Americans.

At the time Dr. Woodson was alarmed because so few people, White or Black, knew anything at all about Black history and Black people’s achievements.

He would even meet other Black college history professors who had no idea Blacks had made any significant contributions to national or world history. Dr. Woodson understood just how critical it was to claim our rightful place in the history books, and so the national celebration of Black history was born.

[read more in the print edition of the Grand Rapids Times or click here to log in if you have a subscription or want to buy a subscription]

Personal Finance: Renters Insurance A Must

If you’re a renter and there’s an accident or burglary, the landlord’s insurance will pick up the tab, right? Not true. Landlords usually only insure the building structure itself, so you’re responsible for any lost or damaged possessions. And, if someone falls in your apartment or gets bitten by your dog, guess who they might sue? You.

Given this level of risk exposure, it’s surprising more tenants don’t carry renter’s insurance. Many people feel their belongings aren’t valuable enough to insure, but suppose an electrical fire or burst pipe ruined everything: think how much it would cost to replace your possessions - not to mention pay for alternate housing during repairs.

Here are a few tips for finding the right coverage:

WHAT IT COVERS. Renter’s insurance commonly covers property that’s lost, damaged or stolen due to most occurrences including fire, lightning, windstorms, hail, explosions, smoke, vandalism, theft, plumbing leaks or falling objects. You’re also usually covered away from home - for example, if your suitcase is stolen, someone breaks into your car or you get mugged. However, flood, hurricane and earthquake damage usually isn’t covered, so you’ll need a separate rider.

INVENTORY. Write down everything you own and how much it would cost to replace. Consider furniture, clothes, shoes, electronics (television, computer, DVD player, iPod, camera, etc.), watches and jewelry, art and other collectibles, kitchen appliances and dishes, books and CDs, sports equipment, etc. That’s the minimum coverage you need.

DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. To help settle claims faster and verify losses for tax purposes, save receipts and photograph or videotape everything; store a copy of the file in a safe deposit box or other offsite location. Many personal finance software packages include an inventory program.

PAYOUT OPTIONS. Actual cash value (ACV) coverage pays the amount needed to repair or replace your belongings, minus depreciation and deductible. The alternative method, replacement cost coverage, pays the amount needed to replace the items in today’s dollars (minus deductible).

Here’s the difference: Say your TV cost $500 five years ago - it’s worth a fraction of that today. ACV would pay that depreciated amount, while replacement cost coverage would pay enough to buy a comparable new television. Replacement cost coverage is slightly more expensive, but probably worth it.

LIABILITY COVERAGE. Most policies cover amounts you’re liable for (including legal fees) if you’re sued by someone harmed in your home. Given how expensive lawsuits are today, consider increasing this coverage well beyond the minimum amount.

LOSS-OF-USE COVERAGE. Many policies pay an allowance for housing and living expenses if you’re forced to move out temporarily. Check if this is included or costs extra.

HIGH-VALUE ITEMS. Standard policies typically place limits on how much they’ll pay to replace certain expensive items like jewelry, antiques, art and high-end electronics, so you may want to purchase additional riders to cover the difference.

Here are a few tips to lower your premium:

• Higher deductibles carry lower premiums.

• Ask about discounts for added security devices like deadbolt locks, alarm systems and smoke detectors.

• Many carriers offer discounts if you have multiple policies through them (auto, life).

• Premiums often down after age 55.

To learn more about renter’s insurance and other issues renters face, like leases and security deposits, visit Visa’s free personal financial management site, Practical Money Skills for Life (www.practicalmoney skills.com/renters).

Nobody expects to be burgled or have a pipe burst, but you can lessen the pain by being properly insured.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To participate in a free, online Financial Literacy and Education Summit, go to www.practicalmoneyskills.com/summit2008

Officials Maneuvering To Steal Election From Obama

After complaining in 2000 about George W. Bush being selected instead of being elected president, Democratic Party insiders are being equally duplicitous by maneuvering to steal the Democratic nomination from Barak Obama even as he continues to run up impressive wins over Hillary Clinton as he did over the weekend and on Tuesday.

In a brazen attempt to hand the election to Clinton, who is proving every day that she would be a weak alternative to Republican John McCain in the general election, Democratic Party leaders are hinting that despite their earlier decision to punish any state that violated their edict not move up their primary or caucus to a date earlier than Feb. 5 in order to compete with first-in-the-nation attention showered on Iowa and New Hampshire, they are on the verge of seating delegates from Florida and Michigan.

Both states defied the Party’s directive and held elections prior to Feb. 5. Adhering to the rules, Obama dutifully did not campaign in either state and his name was not even on the ballot in Michigan. Yet, Clinton, who conducted a stealth campaign in both states while pretending to comply with the rules, is now arguing that a combined 350 or so delegates from Florida and Michigan should be seated at the convention next August in Denver.

It’s another example of the anything- goes politics that Obama denounces at every campaign stop.

[read more in the print edition of the Grand Rapids Times or click here to log in if you have a subscription or want to buy a subscription]

Reverse Job Shadow Day

Judge Ben Logan

Mr. James White

Mr. Roosevelt Tillman

On Thursday, February 7, 2008, Judge Ben Logan, City Commissioner James White, Mr. Renwick Brutus - Motivational Speaker, Mr. Roosevelt Tillman - CEO of MEDBIO Inc., and Mr. James Vaughn - Manager of Job Training at Grand Rapids Community College’s M-Tech facility, participated as presenters at SE Career Pathways (SECP) Reverse Job Shadow Day. (SECP is an alternative high school for Grand Rapids Public Schools.) These gentlemen talked with students about their professions and what is needed academically, socially and mentally toward being successful on the job. These presenters touched upon the challenges, expectations, pitfall, traps and goals that the students will face and need to address for positive advancement in their lives.
Mr. James Vaughn

Bush Calls Noose Displays ‘Deeply Offensive’
In Event Honoring Black History Month

Washington (AP) — President George W. Bush said Tuesday that recent displays of nooses are disturbing and indicate that some Americans may be losing sight of the suffering that blacks have endured across the United States.

“The era of rampant lynching is a shameful chapter in American history,” Bush said at a Black History Month event at the White House, which began with serious comments about prejudice and ended with music performed by The Temptations.

“The noose is not a symbol of prairie justice, but of gross injustice,” the president said. “Displaying one is not a harmless prank. Lynching is not a word to be mentioned in jest.”

As a civil society, Americans should agree that noose displays and lynching jokes are “deeply offensive,” Bush said.

[read more in the print edition of the Grand Rapids Times or click here to log in if you have a subscription or want to buy a subscription]

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