Newspapers / Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.) / April 4, 1991, edition 1 / Page 4
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Winston-Salem Chronicle ... ?? ? ;: Founded 1974 ??:? ' *;X : ' .<?' ' ;?!?;?, 'S;.v i": : . ?* * ' ? \*x . . * v;V:"::x-SSl''-x^x*;V>' * ' " ? ; . ; >; V:*:' 'xj x[. >:X.';' ?*? . N * x ? x: :;x::^x* ::vv:':'::x-::;>:; .? '"x'x ERNEST H. PITT Publisher NDUBiSI EGEMON YE Co-Fourider ELAINE L PITT VIVAPORN P. Director of Community RATANACHAROENSIRI Relations Controller RUDY ANDERSON Managing ECBtor Who's policing the police? An African-American television engineer on his way home from work is shot by an off-duty police detective who says he mis took him for a robbery suspect in Raleigh. Another African-Ameri can man just three doors from his home in Winston-Salem is stopped and detained by police. The police said they had been told he was involved in drug trafficking. An African-American motorist is severely beaten by Los Angeles police, while the entire incident is videotaped for the world to see. These are but a few of the growing numbers of incidents that are encroaching on the psyche of African-Americans who have encounters with the nation's police force. The California incident has given birth to three separate inves tigative commissions and brought the chief of police in the city of Los Angeles under fire. Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley has joined the call of many others who want Chief Daryl Gates to resign. What happens in this situation remains to be seen. But in Raleigh, a grand jury looking into the shooting of televi sion engineer, Tony Farrell, refused to indict detective Jimmy Glover. Glover claims it was a case of mistaken identity. Since Far rell was not killed or did not receive more serious wounds other than a leg injury, the grand jury apparently found no reason to press the case against the officer. The argument against the officer may arguably have been more compelling had someone had a minicam around at the time. . And while he sustained no extremely serious injuries, John L. Hunter, here in Winston-Salem considers himself blessed that noth ing serious happened to him even though he felt that possibility was : "imminent. ? -*V All of these situations and the others that are now under federal scrutiny in cities across the country serve to illustrate the unwilling ness of our society at large to change, and the willingness of many of those with the power to change things to leave them as they are. There has been a great deal of attention paid to fostering better race relations in this community as it has in others. But the plain truth is that much of what has been donp has not really changed the perceptions or attitudes of mainstream white America or the police force that protects it. As long as injustices of the kind we have alK witnessed in the last few months in the nation's police departments, including this one, are allowed to continue unchecked, more of these incidents will occur., No one, and especially African-Americans, wants to become either victims of some police officer's "mistake" or that officer's racism. The fear for far too many African-Americans today is that that is a likely occurrence and that nothing will be done about it. Not many people will be able to show the evidence of abuse as was vividly portrayed on national television with the help of video tape. They should not have to. But frankly, most African -Ameri cans have become resigned to the notion that if they are wronged by police officers and there is no one else around to corroborate their story they may as well tell their story to the wall for all the good it would do. The bullet holes, lumps, gashes, and other bruises they may have suffered for a good many have not been proof enough. There has been a lot talk about establishing a police review > committee to monitor the activities of the local police. Such talk has not been met favorably by any law enforcement agency. That is understandable in light of what we all know African-Americans can be subjected to by those they pay to protect them. If the police can't or won't police themselves to deal with this kind of behavior, then those charged with the oversight of the police department must take action to send a clear message that this will not be tolerated. Where are the Visionaries? A recent conversation with a Winston-Salem business leader, left to say the least, a less than optimistic picture of this communi ty's future. In spite of the "common vision" approach to identifying and thus solving the county's economic anemia, this business leader does not believe much will happen because no one wants to really do anything to spur real growth. The business leader said Winston-Salem began its death spiral in the 1950s really and is only now recognizing the situation that it is in. The spirit exhibited in other like-sized communities to take an idea that shows promise and run with it is woefully lacking here, the business leader has concluded. The willingness to embrace new concepts, different ideas, and then work at them must be the entire community's responsibility. And that will happen if the movers and shakers in our community get off their collective duffs and get behind something, anything that will benefit us all. What worries this business leader is that no such entity or group has stepped forward and is not likely to do so. If that characterization is true, then young people in this town : ought to pack up now and head for greener pastures for more pro gressive and aggressive communities to make their start. That is what Winston-Salem says it wants to do, the business leader recalls, but adds it has shown little zeal to accomplish the mission. _ It is our hope that the power players in this community consider . how serious this matter is and what the ramifications can be for them and for us. If they don't or won't help to boost the area's econ ^ _x,omv thpn ^ann thp.v mav find thnt tbfi way n? liffi hftXC pf-pplf aj&SQ - fond of illustrating will become a thing of the past. And the past, we are afraid, is where too many of the power players heads are today. v * * * Alderman thanks community for great turnout To the Editor: The "Cats" production and the Oldies Program held at the new and old coliseum this past weekend was a major success. Both productions were well attended and were first class shows. It proves to me that the people of Winston-Salem will come out and support good shows. It also proves that our coliseum staff needs to get more aggressive in bringing more shows and entertainment to our city. We don't have to take our monies to our sister cities, Greens boro, Charlotte, Raleigh and Durham tafind emertainmentr I want to thank the citizens of Winston-Salem for coming out and supporting the "Cats" production and the Oldies Show. It was very refreshing to see so many people coming together to be entertained. . . even the old colise um was jammed packed. Thanks again for your support, and I look forward to seeing all of you at our upcoming featured pro ductions planned for 1991. Let's work together to make Winston Salem the entertainment spot of the *>0s. Larry W. Womble Alderman, Southeast Ward A tribute To the Editor: ? ^ Recently, I had the honor of attending the National Black Music Caucus Professional Conference in Charlotte, N.C. It was an experience beyond belief, and uplifting to any one thatfloves the very essence of music. What a delight to be in the company of renowned black musi cians, composers, performers, pub lishers, and educators! What a joy to see young black men and women from colleges and universities embarking into the world of music. For a while, I wondered if I was dreaming. It was so unusual being surrounded by such awesome talent everywhere I turned. Bands, ensembles, choirs, steel drums, classical jazz, spirituals, to name a few. Simply stated, it was a rare treat. . One purpose of the Black Music Caucus is to honor achievers in the world of music, both statewide and nationally. The theme, "Black Music Our National Treasure," was most appropriate as I witnessed Dr. Faustina Holman, professor of music at Winston Salem State University, receive one of the statewide honors for her con tributions, in this community and the state as well, in exposing to our youth and adults, the beauty of music. For it is through her years of labor, dedication, commitment, will, and determination that our children have received such a treasure. Such dedication will help make their con tributions to society much more productive. In honor of this gifted musi cian, I offer this, "My Tribute." For years, she has striked To make her dreams come true. Many lives she has touched. The magic hands they feel. For music you see, CQ5 MIN&tLfc LICE ?v \W\ THE (A POLICE APVOCAfSS A 7 W WMTIWS PgRlOP WF0R6 PIKCHASM6 AVIP60 CAMERA, CHRONICLE MAILBAG Our Readers Speak Out Is her God-given gift, For music you hear, Is her joy to give. It matters not if you're young or old. Man, woman, boy or girl. The beauty of her art, she invites you fo master. The craft of her skill, Is yours to learn well, And it's not just for today, Butryesr tomorrow^ toov ? Indeed the gift is precious, A jewel of great value. Indeed her gift is rare, And, yes, exceptional, too . For music is her love you see, And music is her art to share. Indeed a most deserving honor, A tribute of high esteem. Keep on sharing the dream, the love, the joy, and the gift. Veronica G. Jones Pfiifftown, N.C. Aging gracefully To the Editor: All of us are familiar with the phrase "aging gracefully." However, in our present society, where more and more of us are living longer, there are lots of us who are doing anything but aging gracefully. One group in particular is that spccial segment of our nation's population that has been afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. This disease takes away onc'S dignity, alters one's personality, and, steals his mind. Because we arc living longer, this special population should be a - national concern. What can we do with these vic tims when they can no longer live alone? When one is not able to live independently, but does not yet need nursing home care, we put him in a domiciliary environment (fami ly care home or rest home). When one can no longer care for his medi cal needs and requires the supervi sion of trained medical personnel, we put him in a nursing home (intermediate or skilled care facili ty). But what do we do for Alzheimer's victims? These people don't need constant medical super vision in the early stages of the dis ease, but they do need someone there to assist them almost on a constant basis. The "system" says that they don't need constant atten lion of a mcdical team (nurses aides, nurses, doctors), so they are recommended for domiciliary homes. ... This special group of people does not fit into either of these two settings because Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia cause memory loss. They have forgotten how to do fundamental things. However, with coaxing and coach ings they can do these things (going to the bathroom, remembering where the bathroom is, remember ing where their rooms are). Rest homes are not required by law to provide the proper staff to address these needs. The staff at most rest homes are not medically trained and don't understand these people and their need for routine, patience, and understanding. Wandering is a clas sic symptom of this illness. Howev er, rest homes cannot lock, their doors (mandated by law for fire safety). Other residents in rest homes don't understand that Alzheimer's victims are easily agi tated, don't always remember what they are doing or should be doing, and are extremely paranoid. This could lead to confrontation between the residents and possibly result in bodily injury. What do we do with this spe cial segment of the population? It is apparent that someone has recog nized that these victims do have special needs because there are facilities with Alzheimer's units. So what's the problem? There is no problem if one is financially wealthy enough to afford these ser vices. Or, if perchance one has __?omcjQthcr medical condition along with Alzheimer's disease, he might qualify for one of these special units. This disease robs one of his mind in the early stages of the ill ness and eventually the person is physically incapacitated as well. So it isn't sad enough that one is afflict ed with this horrible disease. In order to get into one of these special units, he must have succumbed to an additional malady, too. If one can afford to pay the exuberant cost the first year, it is possible that Medicaid will pay the following year. The question isn't should addi tional monies be allotted for this cause because there is money being spent on medical research for this condition. The following are among the questions to which we as a nation should be seeking answers. Why isn't our society more in-tune to the needs of this population? Why can't the federal government assist families in an effort to keep their loved ones in a family envi ronment longer rather than paying the money to institutions which are providing inadequate care? Whytue we not providing more special care facilities for our aging population? Are we a society so consumed with youthfulness and productivity that we can allow ourselves not to be concerned with longevity and the contributions which these citizens made when they were productive? Are we going to be forever young? Lois D. Leggett Clemmons, N.C. U.S. Peace Corps To the Editor: March 1, 1991, marks the 30th anniversary of the date President Kennedy signed the executive order which established the Peace Corps of the United States of America. During this benchmark year, Peace Corps Volunteers will enter (or re enter) Laos, Uganda, Mongolia, Nigeria, Mozambique, The Congo, Zimbabwe, Nicaragua, Chile, and Bulgaria in programs especially tai lored to the needs of each country. The Peace Corp continues to grow. We now serve in more coun tries at one time than at any other time in our history. Even China and Bangladesh are expressing an inter est in the Peace Corps. The number of minorities in the Peace Corp continues to increase as we s6ek to show the face of all America to the World. The number of minority volunteer trainees has increased from 6.8% to 10%. Minority Country directors overseas have increased from 7.7% to 13%, and Minority Area Recruiting Office Managers in the United States have increased from 13% to 35%. All this has taken place over the past two years. Since the first Peace Corps Vol unteers stepped off the plane in Accra, Ghana in 1961 and sang the Ghanian National Anthem in the Please see page A6 Discrimination and prejudice r. . black style A very sincere letter to the Black Voice News in Riverside, California, defended Jesse Jackson against the remarks made by Harry Belafonie in my column. The reader based her differ ences with Belafontc on the belief that Jackson "showed us blacks that we can run for President of the United States," that he is a faithful husband, and he is not, as Belafontc is, married to a white woman. While the first reason is plausi ble, the second debatable, the third is baseless and irrelevant. Not one factual response was made to Bclafonte's charge that Jackson has no agenda other than the next press conference. In Hartford, Connecticut, Inquirer columnist Art Johnson wrote that "the anti-Jackson atti tudes that arc springing up in this country bothers" him. He may have been referring to a March 27 article in The New York Times. Commenting on Jackson's need to be in the limelight and criticizing his leadership, the Times said, "On District of Columbia. . . he was invisible." Of course, Jackson lovers dis miss any criticism of their leader as blasphemy. In knee-jerk fashion, the Times , being white, will be accused of racism. Blacks who question him get the traitor-of-thc-year award. Johnson's column cited Ron Brown, the National Democratic Chairman, and Tony Brown as spe cial violators of Jackson's special lion movements, in the Riverside example. As for my political preference, I will register and become a Repub lican on July 8, 1991. I will proudly join the parly of Frederick Douglass that was found ed to fight slavery and the party of slavery, the Democrats. 1 TONY BROWN Syndicated Columnist status. "Although Tony Brown doesn't proclaim it, isn't he a Republican who gives a very liberal appear ance?" Johnson accused in an incredible demonstration of dis placement, It seems that suggesting that I belong to the Republican Party is enough to disgrace me, my inten tions, ideas, and contributions to the ' ^ Ttrsrt mention i ng Belafonte's white wife was intended to smear a lifelong commitment to the civil rights and African libera Of course, I will be joining a modern party that has adopted a strategy of racial divisiveness that pits blacks and whites against one another. In this sense, it is as racist as the Democratic Party that exploits the black voters who keep it in power. Just as Ron Brown, Jesse Jack son, and Douglas Wilder fight racism in the Democratic Party, ?*t5ny Brown wilt fight racism in the Republican Parly - or anywhere else I find it. But having said that, what does any of it have to do with what was said in my column - either by me, Belafonte, or Ron Brown - about Jesse Jackson's questionable leader ship? Instead of suggesting that I have joined the enemies of black people or that I censor my brain process to favor Jackson's vanity, why not factually argue for his right to be the uncriticized and unchal lenged leader of black America? Gov. Douglas Wilder just formed an exploratory committee to collect funds for a campaign to win the Democratic nomination for President in 1992. I predicted this move a year ago. I also predicted that Jesse Jackson, the two-time candidate, will become the three time candidate and go head-on with Wilder for the black vote. It would be helpful if the Jack son supporters can limit themselves to Wilder's conservative philosophy vs. Jackson's liberalism. Neither Wilder's bachelor status nor his alleged relationship with a famous* rich, white woman should, be the basis of contention. Here's hoping reason can replace prejudice in the black com munity. /
Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.)
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April 4, 1991, edition 1
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