In Our 31th Year Issue No. 2006 April 2014 Associate Consultants Serving the Triad FREE
Simkins PAC
Recommends
Candidates for May
6 Primary Elections
By M* Davis
It was mid-summer, 2003, Carivena Foster
was the Executive Director of High Point's
Carl Chavis YMCA when she received a letter
from Raleigh that the State of North Carolina
had approved funding for the Carl Chavis
YMCA to support the agency's youth enrich
ment programs that work to build healthy
spirits, minds, and bodies for all. The funding
was secured by then State Rep. Earl Jones. In
2003, they both had, in common, a commit
ment to the physical health and wellness and
the intellectual growth of Guilford County's
African-American youth. They now have in
common the endorsement of the George C.
Simpkins Memorial PAC for their longtime
service, dedication and commitment to work
for the interest and concerns of the African-
American community. Foster and Jones
embody the standard guide that the George
C. Simkins Memorial Political Action Com
mittee (Simkins PAC) uses to determine who
to endorse and support for elected office.
The Simkins PAC was founded by Dr. George
C. Simkins in 1964 by Dr. George Simkins and
a group of Black civil rights community lead
ers as the African-American PAC in Greens
boro and is the oldest African-American PAC
in Guilford County. The late Dr. George C.
Simpkins, a longtime civil rights activist and
Greensboro dentist, served as President of
the NAACP from 1959 until 1984. This year,
the Simkins PAC has endorsed candidates
for the upcoming Tuesday May 6,2014, elec
tions. Early voting begins Thursday, April
24th. There are several key races where the
quality of representation for African Ameri
cans will make a huge difference depending
upon those elected to serve.
As a former four-term legislator, Jones was
a primary co-sponsor of the Minimum
[continued on page 4]
Alma Adams
Triad Commute
Challenge Now
Underway
Persons wishing to pledge to take the Chal
lenge can do so by returning the pledge
form found in this publication, visiting
www.triadcommutechallenge.com or by
calling 336-291-4321.
Earl Jones, Former Four-Term State Legisla
tor has received the Simkins PAC endorse
ment for North Carolina House District 60.
There are two other candidates in the race,
Cecil Brockman and David Small, Jones is a
seasoned public servant who served on the
Greensboro City Council for 18 years and
sponsored ordinances to establish the first
Martin Luther King Jr. holiday in the State
and the 2nd Minority and Business Enter
prise Program in the State. In the 1980s,
Jones, as legal counsel for the local chapter
of the NAACP, filed lawsuits against the City
of Greensboro and Guilford County under
the 1965 Voting Rights Act that made it pos
sible for blacks to serve on the City Council
and the Guilford County Board of Commis
sioners.
The 8th Annual Triad Commute Challenge,
hosted by the Piedmont Authority for
Regional Transportation (PART) and Triad
Air Awareness, challenges you to NOT
drive alone! By trying an alternate mode of
transportation like riding the bus or train,
carpooling, vanpooling, cycling, walking
or teleworking at least one time between
April 5th and July 5th, you will fulfill your
pledge and be eligible to win prizes like gift
cards, electronics or entertainment tickets
compliments of event sponsors!
According to Chantale Wesley, PART TDM
Manager, this year's goal is for 6,500 people
to take part in the Triad Commute Chal
lenge to Share the Ride and Clean the Air!
If all participants fulfill their pledge, it is
expected that harmful vehicle emissions
will be reduced by 3,000 tons and more
than $700,000 will be saved in fuel expens
es alone. The Triad Commute Challenges
proves to be a win for both individuals and
the community!
TriMl Co«unut* ChaH«n9« Soot*r
th« Commutwr A Air Awtgw
Vote Early! Vote Early!
Learn to Start Your
Own Business
By John Ray*
Alan Youngar
Diractor,
Tha Forsyth Tach Small
Businass Cantar
Many people dream and think about
starting their own business. Many
strongly believe they can succeed in
managing and operating their own
business. However, many face difficulties
overcoming the "Three- F -Syndrome"-
-fear, frustration and finance.
The fear of failure lurks in the hearts and
minds of many would-be entrepreneurs.
And frustration levels quickly rise to
the boiling point and become nagging
nightmares when the money becomes
funny or in short supply.
For sure, starting, managing and
operating a business is not for the faint
of heart. It takes more than dreaming,
hoping and wishing to own a business in
America.
If you want to start your own business
but don't know what to do, where to go,
or how to get started, then a treasure
trove of valuable information is readily
available, literally right under your nose.
[continued on page 5]
Inside This Issue
Melissa Harris-PerryTo Join
Wake Forest Faculty
Mickey Rooney And Elder Abuse
PEFNC President Applauds General
Assembly
International Civil Rights Center &
Museum Announces New Director 11
Freed After Serving 30 Years For A
Crime He Didn't Commit He Spent
Time On Death Row 13
Does Mom Have Life-or Does
She Have Enough