Newspapers / Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.) / Dec. 11, 1997, edition 1 / Page 2
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; Not about to quit Dorothy Height poses Friday, Dec. 5, in Washington. Height gave up the president's chair at the National Council of Negro Women ' over the weekend, but at age 85 ? two decades after many stop work 5" ing ? the civil rights activist isn't retiring. r w (AP Photo/Bf?an K D?ggs) Black churches convene SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) ? Some 300 black leaders * who represent eight major denominations of black churches r met this week to discuss issues that go far beyond church walls. Topics at three-day meeting of the Congress of National Black Churches include: leaders in government, business, medicine and other fields. ^ "This affords the Shreveport community an opportunity * to hear some of the greatest minds in America. I hope it will - be an impetus for our young people to strive for excellence," said the Rev. Joe Gant, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church and a member of the local steering committee for the event. Vernon Jordan, a former National Urban League presi . dent who was chairman of President Bill Clinton's transition board, was the keynote speaker. Other speakers included Hugh Price, president of the National Urban League, and John Hope Franklin, chair man of the President's Advisory Commission on Ra^e. ' (AP Photo/Dave Mortin) QHckman at Turing** Tuskegee University President Dr. Benjamin Payton, ? left, talks with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman i Monday, Dec. 8, at the campus in Tuskegee, Ala. Glickman, C whose agency is accused of discriminating against black r farmers addressed university officials and met with local r black farmers during his visit. r JimIim rofuftftft to block film WW^v ? ^FBBBw^Fw Bw WWn HOTI! LOS ANGELES (AP>- A federal judge refused to block ' the release of Steven Spielbergs "Amistad," saying the film * maker did not appear to have plagiarized a novel about a r mutiny aboard a slave ship. ' U.S. District Court Judge Audrey Collins on Monday fe rejected a move by Barbara Chase-Riboud that sought to * stop the film's Wednesday premiere in New York and Los * Angeles, but he allowed her lawsuit to proceed. Z The author claimed much of the "Amistad" screenplay Z was stolen from her book "Echo of Lions." I The allegations challenge the reputation of Hollywood's ? best-known director over a movie Spielberg calls "perhaps ?; the most important of my career." In turn, DreamWorks J- studio is attacking the integrity of the award-winning novel * ist who filed the lawsuit. * The dispute has turned increasingly personal and vitri Z olic 0 (AP Photo/Florida Today, Malcolm Denemark) ? A Mtomn Mcognttkm fc ?; Thirty years to the day after Maj. Robert H. Lawrence ?Jr. died in a crash of a training jet, his name was added to Jthe Astronaut Memorial Foundation's Space Mirror at the ^Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Center in Florida on ^Monday, Dec. 8. Left to right, Dr. Barbara E. Lawrence, sis r ter of Maj. Lawrence, Gwendolyn Duncan, mother of Maj. f Lawrence, Barbara Lawrence, widow of Maj. Lawrence, <and Arnold Richman, chairman of the Astronauts #Memorial Foundation, all watch the fly-over by the USAF 51st Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Wing, after the wreath 'placement by the family at the dedication. #? t AfrocMitric Draoram cHttelnd ? KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Federal court monitors * hove urged the Kansas City School District to avoid a legal ? challenge by halting an African-centered studies program > proposed for one high school. t Critics say the program is inaccurate and racially divisive. ? However, district officials note that the program hasn't even ? been implemented yet at Southeast High School. ? The Board of Education will hold a closed session ? Monday night to discuss the issue. ? Afrocentrism is an educational philosophy that focuses ton the social, historical, cultural and spiritual development I of people of African descent. The approach has caused a debate about the accuracy of information taught in J Afipocentric schools. | SCHOOLS jrom page A l tion, county commissioners, school administration and the community had a hand in the construction of North Hills Traditional Academy. The building was built with funds from the successful school bond cam paign of 199S. According to Richard E. Bagley, vice chairman of the school board, redistricting was an answer to the overcrowding in the school system. When the school board called on the community to help push the bond issue, they responded. The bond issues had failed in Guilford County and in Forsyth for many years. However, this day, one more school was dedicated to Zone 4, which includes Old Town, Rural Hall, and Old Richmond. Bagley recognized the members of the board of education who were in attendance, as well as Grace Efird, former board chairman, and Gloria Whisenhunt, county commissioner. Bagley expressed great pride in their collaborative efforts. The pride of the students was evi dent in the rap they performed during the program, entitled "My School." "My school is a very fine school, my school ... My school is the place to be," they sang as they clapped to the beat. Amber Smith and Shanique Harris performed solos in "One Moment in Time." Fifth graders Andre Glenn and Jerdei Dillard are glad to be some of the first students to attend North Hills Traditional Academy. They both sing on the school chorus, and Jerdei is also a safety patrol officer. "I make sure that students are not running in the building but are being quiet," she said. "I gain a little respect from the other students." Andre is impressed by the beauti ful building and the technology on campus. He is grateful to his mother, April Miller, for enrolling him in this academy. One of his favorite songs to sing in the chorus is the rap entitled "My School." Following the performance of the rap, Martin came forward to give comments. He noted that many peo ple have contributed to the success of the school. He recognized Principal Parker who shepherded the logistics of the construction with the assis tance of a planning committee of 12 teachers, who assisted with the theme. He informed the audience of the international award Dr. Reginald Teague received for his contributions as assistant superintendent of opera tions. Martin recognized Amanda Bell and Toni Bigham, the two assis tant superintendents of elementary administration, for their support. Martin then turned his attention to those who did the hands-on build ing of the site. Fred W. Butner was the architect for the school, a replica of Union Cross Traditional Academy, which Butner also designed. Two con struction specialists, Jim Morefield and Jim Powers, and members of the school district maintenance staff assisted with the laying of the carpet. Mechanical engineer William G. Robinson Jr. was recognized, as was R.K. Stewart, the general contractor. K-Ham Plumbing and Heating of N.C. Inc. installed the plumbing, and Logan Heating and Air Conditioning served as the heating and air condi tioning contractor. Watson Electrical Construction Company served as the electrical contractor. In addition, Martin honored the eight business partners of the school: AMARR Garage Doors, Darryl's, T.W. Garner, Heilig-Meyers, I.L. Long, Vulcan Materials, and Wal Mart. Martin concluded his presenta tion with a recitation from "Everyone else's children." "Each of us must come to care about everyone else's children," he said. Explaining that the destiny of one's children is linked to the destiny of all children, Martin reminded the audience that the only way the "good life" can be secured for all is that each person have concern for "everyone else's children." Butner performed the presenta tion of the building as he placed the master key to the 173 opening of the edifice into the hands of Parker. The principal thanked all of the school board members for their support and recognized Shirley Miller, the chorus director who serves as a substitute for Ms. Burchette, who is currently "in a battle for her life," he said. "We are praying she will win this war," he added. "Please add her to your thoughts." The last two people to leave the building following the dedication cer emony were Vincent and Jacqueline Parker. Mrs Parker said she is very proud of the success of the school and of the dedication program. "This new school has been a dream-come- ; true for my husband and has present ed him with a new and exciting, challenge," she said. Amhor Smith wa* on* of ffco sotobts for tho North Httla ilomontory School chorus soloction "On* Momont in Tim*." NAACP from page A1 "Now the trick is how to accom plish that," Cavanagh said. The mayor said that he would rather someone else on the board bring up the matter at Monday's meeting. But he did not say what action he'll take if the aldermen decide to approve Norlander's recom mendation. What's to become of the Police Review Board? The problem, Womble said, is a lack of credibility. "So far as some of the citizens see it, the Police Review Board is just a rubber stamp for the police," the state legislator said. "It should be an advo cate for what is right." Cavanagh agrees that the board should be supported. He said that he had no criticism of the concept that created it and suggested that people refrain from turning the board into yet another political issue. According to the mayor, police who violate poli cy stand to incur "greater punishment from their own internal affairs department than from the police review board." Therefore, said Cavanagh, the concept of the police review board should be a non-issue. More commitment to minority con tracting The annual report for the city's Minority and Women Business Enterprise program was released this week. It gives a wide range of statis tics and figures pertaining to the busi ness Winston-Salem conducts with African Americans and other minori ties. The report does not, however, address the concerns that blacks have raised over the program. For example, the program's man ager at one time was a department head who reported to an assistant city manager. Now the M/WBE program is run by a coordinator who must also oversee the M/WBE loan program, a time consuming, labor intensive oper ation. Consequently, there is concern that the program is not getting the attention it deserves. Cavanagh said he agrees with those who contend that the city has not demonstrated a serious commit ment to contracting with black com panies. ACTION from page AJ From his perspective, this country is "undergo ing a major and social transformation." In that process men and women coast to coast are evalu ating government poli cies, particularly where they pertain to race. Many people, black and white alike, Connerly contends, are trying "to arrive at the same place." The difference, he point ed out, is that some peo ple think there are different ways of getting there. "There always has been tension between the university and society regarding race and its use," Connerly said. "When the university pushes the envelope, as I submit to you is the case with affirmative action, we lose the support of the community and test tolerance." Connerly said he sup ports "outreach, recruit ment and things that make good business sense" but is opposed to "preferences solely on the basis of race." One student ques tioned why Connerly would speak out against racial preferences yet tol erate other preferences in admissions. For example, some universities reserve spams for the children of major donors. Athletes and children of alumni also are given special consideration when deci sions are made on who will be given an opportu nity to earn a college degree. Those preferences, the student observed, usually work against black applicants. She argued that affirmative action is no different. Her remark drew applause from the Mack people in the audience. But black students were not the only people opposing Connerly and his desire to kill affirma tive action. A coalition of student groups, many with white members, also joined in the protest. What worried some of those who protested the night of Connerly's speech is that North Carolina now appears to be following in California's foot steps. "I believe that affir mative action is not a black or white issue," said Matt Ezzell, a junior from Wilmington. Ezzell is white but hand ed out literature calling for diversity on the UNC campus. Two weeks ago, Molly Broad, president of the 16-campus UNC system, called for a review of affirmative action. Although stu dents have protested in Chapel Hill, other cam puses have not become impassioned over the issue. At NC A&T and Winston-Salem State University, for example, public information offi cers say there have been no demonstrations regarding the poss$le end of affirmative action in this state. Chancellors at the historically bl&ck colleges in the systjsm have been mum as well. Neither Edward Fort, A&T's chancellor, flor WSSU's Alyin Schexnider have returned calls seeking comment on Brood's request. $9v4mttB mk dhwsHy on campu*. - EXECUTION ?*- * firm page At The state is rushing to judgment and trying to WOK) pving Mr. ADen his day m court," aid Ken Rose, director of the Center for DMth faulty Litigation in Durham, which represents Allen. A federal district court has not reviewed ADen) case, Rose said. The case has been passed over by the U.& Supreme Court, which reviewed the North Carolina Supreme Court's affirmation of the death sentence. But that's not the same as an appeal through the whole federal court system. Rose said. But Barry McNeill, special deputy attorney general, said 12 years wasn't a rush and pointed out in court briefs that this defense tactic is the kind of delay the laaw was meant to stop ADen confessed to the slaying after his arrest He said later he bed because he was scared by the way pohoe officers handled . him. He also said he was denied access to a lawyer. As the attorneys debate the law, Woriey's widow waits, 'It's time to do something or quit," Jacqueline Davis Worley said in an inter view with the The Daily Herald of Roanoke Rapids "If you do things, you have to answer for it If people keep getting away with things it's going to get worst I hope all the people who are on the Highway Patrol will keep their guard up, because it's happen ing time and time again." Woriey, who said the execution won't bring closure for hei; has declined a 9eat in the witness room at Central Prison. Her husband was killed at 5 a.m. May 14, 1985, about I 1/2 hours before his shift ended, after he pulled over Allen's vehicle on Interstate 95. John Wood, who delivered the news of her husband's death to Woriey, now is the Northampton County sheriff. He will be one of the official witnesses at the execu tion. Other official witnesses are Highway Patrol commander Col. E.W Horton of Raleigh, Highway Patrol Sgt. Ervin D. Marshmon of Roanoke Rapids, Halifax County District Attorney Robert Candle II, Halifax County Sheriff Jeff Frazier and Lt Donald Standfield of the Halifax County Sheriff's Department. At issue in the appeal is the Antiter rorism and Effective Death Baiahy Ad; of 19%, passed by Congress to streamline death-penalty appeals and shorten Jhe period between sentencing and execution. Allen's case is the first time North Carolina has tried to speed up an execu tion using the new one-year deadline for state prisoners to file federal appeals Allen's lawyers said their computation shows Allen has until Dec. 11 to fil?an appeal in federal court ? * MWBE from page A1 for M/WBE firms so the city can solicit their input on issues affecting the development of these firms; and provide additional information to general contractors and M/WBEs to increase the likelihood of M/WBE participation on construction pro jects. "We have done fairly well in terms of spending with women and minori ty businesses," said business develop ment director Janet DeCreny. The program's goal is to provide opportu nities for businesses owned by women and minorities to participate in all aspects of city contracting and pur chasing. The city tracks spending in four categories: materials and services, construction and demolition, discre tionary spending and subcontract activity. According to the report, overall spending with businesses owned by a woman or minority increased by 8.9 percent over last year. Winston-Salem spent $7.87 mil lion in business dealings with M/WBE companies. v In the area of materials and ser vice, the total amount the city spent fell 10.6 percent, from $39.8 million in the 1995-% fiscal year to $35.6 mil lion in 1996-97. Despite the decreas in actual spending, the percentage of spending with M/WBEs in this cate gory rose slightly, from 5.73 percent to 5.75 percent. Because a company owned by a woman ? P&H Construction ? received a single contract award in the amount of SI.8 million, city spending with M/WBEs in the construction and demolition category jumped 128.6 percent. In the city's program, a company owned by a black woman would be classified as a minority owned. So of the $2.6 million the city spent contracting with the M/WBE program, roughly $800,000 was awarded to firms owned by African Americans. Like construc tion, the area of discretionary spending is also influenced more by the city's relation ship with compa nies owned by white women than those run by i African Americans, < men or women. In the last fiscal year, /*itu nfTioio 1 c rrf n t VliJ VlllVldlS jpVIll $7.76 million in i discretionary funds. That's up from 1 $5.32 million the year before. "However, the amount awarded to M/WBE firms decreased from $384,414 to $310,149," the report I states. According to the report, the i decrease occurred because a firm owned by a white woman received a < large contract in FY 95-% but did ] not receive an award in the last fiscal | year. I City officials spent considerably i less on subcontract work in the last i fiscal year than in years past ($44 mil- < lion in FY 95-% down to $18.8 mil- ! lion in FY 96-97). Of that, $2.9 < million was awarded to M/WBEs. 1 "The M/WBE staff has continued < its efforts of identifying and recruit- j ing minority and women owned busi nesses, and assisting minority apd women owned business developnfignt relationships with majority compa nies," the report states in leganKto staff activities over the past year.^In addition, the staff has been meeting with the purchasing staff to impixjve opportunities for M/WBE venddfs, and networking with other M/WBE coordinators statewide to stay abrgast of information affecting M/WBEibi tiatives." ?* For example, the city sponsored a 10-week training seminar for contrac tors who are also residents of pufyic housing or other low-income nejUi borhoods. Eighteen of those paipci pating graduated from the progratn. Participation in training seminafs, however, does not necessarily ev<JKe into a business contract with the qfty. "During this fiscal year m?tre emphasis was put on the solicitation process, which directly increased the percentage of spending with minority and women businesses," the refjort lays of efforts to increase the percent age of spending with minorities ahd women in the area of materials and services. Yet, of the S2 million croflit td for passing through the M/WBE program, the vast majority did not :nd up in a company run byjan African American. Percent*# of City Centrmcis ' MU?U. .. - *** -- - - Discreliomrfv Subcontract - -' - ? ?:?? --???? -- ?- * WKnnjfri 'V. ^ .94 147 :4 Ml Y 7.44 t?> JSaZEDfifi 4J1 7.84 5.63 5,63
Winston-Salem Chronicle (Winston-Salem, N.C.)
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