May 2010
The Liberty
County NAACP is saddened that WIN Chairwoman Dorothy
Lewis lost her brother, Sam Frazier of Albany, New York.
His memorial service will be held in the Frank V. Givens
Memorial Chapel at the Dorchester Funeral Home on Saturday
May 22 at 11:00am. The interment will be at the Robert
Chapel Cemetery in Glennville, Georgia. Please keep the
Lewis and Frazier families in your prayers.
Dear NAACP
Family and Friends
The world's
a whole lot better place because of people like you Who give
real joy and pleasure by the nice things that they do. And
with your recent thoughtfulness still very much in mind,
This is meant to bring a "Thank You" of the very warmest
kind!
The Thomas
Family & Hudson Family
April 2010
The Liberty
County NAACP is saddened that member Eric Thomas lost his
sister, Mona L. Hudson of Lakewood, New Jersey. Her
funeral service was held on April 13, 2010.
Please keep the
Thomas and Hudson families in your prayers.
April 2010
"As General Conference
Chairman for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated’s 57th
South Atlantic Regional Conference (SARC), it is my pleasure
to advise that the Georgia State NAACP has been chosen to
receive the Chairman’s Award for 2010, along with a
$500 donation to the organization. The award will be
presented Thursday, April 22, 2010, at 8:00 p.m., during the
57th SARC Public Meeting, at the Atlanta Marriott
Marquis in Atlanta, Georgia."
"Roslyn M. Brock, the new
Chairman of the NAACP Board of Directors, who is also a
member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, will be
the guest speaker during the Public Meeting. And, I consider
it an honor to have the opportunity to present this award
and recognize the efforts of the Georgia State NAACP
Conference, in her presence."
With Extra
Special
Pride,
Carolyn G. Randolph
General Conference Chairman
57th South
Atlantic Regional Conference
King's spirit moves marchers
By
ERIN FRANCE
-
erin.france@onlineathens.com
Published Sunday, April 04, 2010
MONROE
- Martin Luther King Jr.'s influence still is felt around
the world, friend and colleague Andrew Young told a group
gathered near Athens on Saturday.
http://images.morris.com/images/athens/mdControlled/cms/2010/04/03/601715054.jpg
Kelly Wegel Marchers head Saturday to Moore’s Ford Bridge,
where two black couples were lynched in 1946.
Kelly Wegel
Marchers head Saturday to Moore’s Ford Bridge, where two
black couples were lynched in 1946.
On his travels, Young heard Angolans sing "We Shall
Overcome" - a sign that King's leadership reverberates
around the globe, he said.
"Martin Luther King Jr. has taken the world over," Young
told a crowd of about 100 gathered at the First African
Baptist Church on the eve of the 42nd anniversary of King's
assassination.
The day's activities, sponsored by the Georgia Association
of Black Elected Officials, paid tribute to King and four
victims of an unsolved 1946 lynching at Moore's Ford Bridge
with speeches, songs and a march to the bridge.
Young led the group in singing "Woke up This Morning with My
Mind on Freedom," an old spiritual revived during the Civil
Rights Movement, before speaking about King.
"He's like a two-ton spiritual gorilla," Young said. "You
can kill the body, but killing the body releases the
spirit."
It was Young's connection to King that lead President Jimmy
Carter to appoint him as the United States ambassador to the
United Nations, Young said.
"It was the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. that sent me to
the United Nations," he said.
With fewer and fewer leaders of the original Civil Rights
Movement alive now, the next generation should learn about
King and take up his message, Young said.
"That's why it's important for you to catch the spirit," he
told the crowd.
He encouraged attendees to fight against ignorance, racism
and poverty.
"I think we're making progress on everything but poverty,"
Young said.
After a recital of King's last speech, "I've Been to the
Mountaintop," the crowd drove to an intersection on Mt.
Carmel Church Road and marched to Moore's Ford Bridge on the
Walton-Oconee County line, where two black couples were
murdered by a white mob nearly 64 years ago.
"It's always a very special, meaningful event for us," said
event organizer state Rep. Tyrone Brooks, D-Atlanta,
president of the Georgia Association of Black Elected
Officials.
The association began holding the annual event to honor King
and bring attention to the unsolved local lynching in 2004.
Originally published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Sunday,
April 04, 2010
NAACP files
lawsuit against Georgia Board of Regents, University System
and Gov. Sonny Perdue.
See video.
March 2010
Mr. Dwight Newbould (1st Vice President) was awarded the
2009 Special Recognition Award for the Black Affairs Program
Manager of the Year.
He will be funded by the Central Office to attend the NABCJ
(National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice)
training in Atlanta, GA, July 25 - 29, 2010, and will be
presented with a plaque at the conference by the Director
and Regional Director. Congratulations Mr. Newbould!.
January 2010
NAACP Relief
for Haiti. Please donate generously, today. The people of
Haiti need your help! See
Flyer.
October 2009
October 7-11 67th
Annual GA State NAACP Convention, Election 10th, Warner
Robbins, GA
Liberty County
NAACP President Liston Singletary was elected to the office
of Georgia State Conference NAACP 1st Vice President.
Congratulations 1st Vice President Singletary!
July 2009
It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of
Mrs. Barbara Ann Frazier Wooley. Mrs. Wooley is the sister
of Liberty County NAACP Branch WIN Chairman, Mrs. Dorothy
Lewis. Mrs. Wooley passed on Wednesday July 8, 2009 in Troy
New York. Services will take place in Glennville, GA. You
may contact Mrs. Dorothy Lewis by phone at 912.432.2531.
Final arrangements are:
Funeral:
Wednesday July 15, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Mt. Zion #1 Missionary Baptist Church
Glennville (Tyson), Georgia
Interment
Robert Chapel Memorial Cemetery
Glennville, Georgia
Please send all condolences to the funeral home in
charge:
King & Sons Funeral Home
508 Martin Luther King Drive
Glennville, GA. 30427
912.654.3909
Sent on behalf of our Secretary Valerie Singletary
W. Renea' Camper, 2nd
Vice President
Communications, Press &
Publicity, Chairman
Freedom Fund, Chairman
Liberty County NAACP
off: 912.572.6000
fax: 912.368.3436
pr@libertycountynaacp.org
Dear
NAACP Family:
It is with much
sorrow that I inform you of the passing of
Mr. Bailey Leo Johnson. Mr. Johnson is the
father of the Augusta Branch Secretary, Mrs. Fredericka J.
Lewis-Cado. He entered into eternal rest on Friday, July 10,
2009 at 12:45 AM. at the War Veterans Home located on 15th
Street in Augusta, Georgia. He was 86 years of age..
Final
arrangements are not completed at this time. Indicated
below, I have listed the funeral home in charge of
the services.
Williams Funeral Home
2945 Old Tobacco Road
Hephzibah, Georgia 30815
706-792-1003
If you would like to personally contact Mrs. Cado, please do
so with the information provided.
Mrs. Fredericka J. Lewis-Cado
3825 Woodlake Drive
Hephzibah, Georgia 30815
706-793-4931 (h)
706-267-3893 (c)
Upon completion of the arrangements, you will notified as to
the time and location of the funeral services. Please convey
your sympathy to Mrs. Cado and her family and keep them
uplifted with prayer during this time of loss.
With Deepest and
Heartfelt Sympathy,
Dr. Charles J. Smith, Sr., President
Augusta Branch NAACP
P.O. Box 1951
Augusta, Georgia 30903
(706-724-0390 (Office)
(706-284-0275 (Cell)
augustanaacp@earthlink.net
drsmit4@earthlink.net
June 2009
June 25
The "King
of Pop" Michael Jackson is dead at age 50. Jackson's
brother Jermaine announced that he died of cardiac arrest and
was pronounced dead in the hospital at 2:26pm
PST on June 25, 2009.
The coroner's office has deferred announcing
the official cause of death, however, final autopsy reports
are not due for 4-6 weeks, according to the televised coroner's
office press conference on June 26.
Legendary and
controversial pop
icon Michael Jackson broke racial and cultural barriers by helping to
bring Black music to White radio and Black videos to MTV.
Jackson is credited for transforming the music video from a
promotional tool into a musical art form. He
brought races and cultures together worldwide through his
music.
Michael Jackson was a singer, songwriter, dancer,
record producer, arranger, choreographer, actor, author,
philanthropist, businessman and financier.
Jackson
co-wrote and performed on the hit single "We Are The World"
with Lionel Richie in 1985, which raised money for "United
Support of Artists for Africa." "We Are The World" was one
of the fastest selling singles in music history.
Jackson
donated and raised millions of dollars for over 39
charities. He is a 13 time "Grammy Award" winner and has
been inducted into the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" twice.
Jackson has 13 number one solo singles. He has sold over 750
million albums worldwide. He has multiple entries in the
Guinness World Records including "Most Successful
Entertainer of All Time."
Michael
Jackson paved the way for many entertainers who are stars
today. He was known for his groundbreaking musical
productions, songs of peace and love, and pioneering new
dance moves. Jackson's hit songs include: "Ben, Man in the
Mirror, Black or White, Got to be There, Billy Jean,
Thriller, We Are The World" and more. The "Thriller" album
is the top selling albums worldwide of all time. Jackson's
studio albums "Off the Wall, Bad, HIStory and Dangerous" are
also among the world's best selling albums.
Jackson was
married twice and his first wife was Lisa Marie Presley,
daughter of the legendary Elvis Presley. His second wife was
Debbie Rowe who is the mother of his two oldest children.
Jackson leaves
to mourn his passing, three children; 12 year-old "Prince" Michael
Joseph
Jr. 11 year-old Paris Michael Katherine, and seven-year-old
"Prince" Michael
Joseph II, his parents Katherine and Joseph, siblings, and a host
of friends and fans worldwide. May he rest in peace.
Michael Joseph Jackson
August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009
May 2009
May 17
It is with deep regret that I must
announce the passing of President Singletary's grandmother
(Mrs. Ella"Bessie" Pinckney). Mrs. Pickney passed away
Sunday, May 17th. God allowed her to live 106 years.
The funeral service will be held on
Thursday May 21st at 12:00 noon at the Baptist Center on
Johns Island, SC.
The President stated that after
talking with other family members he found out that his
Grandmother (Mrs. Ella Pinckney) was very instrumental in
the fight for equality in Charleston. She helped to get fair
wages and conditions through for Blacks who were employed by
the largest Hospital in Charleston SC, the Medical College
Of South Carolina (MUSC) back in the 60's. Her efforts in
the protest strikes and marches landed her in jail. All to
resume her efforts in the struggle for equality. She was a
life member of the Concerned Citizens Committee of
Charleston County and a devoted Usher at her church. She
attended the Wesley United Methodist Church on Johns Island
SC. The President's grandfather was the contractor that
built the church and it is still standing. The President
conveyed that it was the life that his grandmother lived,
that makes it easy for him to give her eulogy. The rich
memories that he will cherish and carry, because he sat at
her feet and learned so much from her. So to the rest of the
Freedom Fighters, let her life be an inspiration to all of
us to keep pressing on so that our kids and grandkids won't
be confronted by the giants that we were empowered to slay.
Your prayers are welcomed and your
warm thoughts accepted. May God Bless each of you until we
meet again.
Sincerely,
Valerie Singletary, Secretary
Liberty County NAACP
Liberty County NAACP rally for
citizens of Pembroke. Click link below for WTOC report.
Pictured in video: President Liston Singletary,
Sergeant-at-Arms Henry Relaford and Religious Affairs
Chairman Carlos Wright:
Pembroke police chief still caught in controversy
May 3
Early this
past week NAACP member Patricia O'Nery's mother passed away.
Please keep her and her family lifted up in prayer.
Valerie Singletary, Secretary
April 2009
April 26
On Sunday,
April 26th at Savannah State University our very own Second
Vice-President, Mrs. Renea Camper was inducted in the Golden
Key International Honour Society. Be it also known that
she's a charter member. Congratulations!! Keep up the
excellent work.
Valerie Singletary, Secretary
March 2009
March 7
The Liberty County NAACP Freedom Fund Committee announced
the winners of the 2nd Annual Liberty County NAACP FF 5K
Run/Walk at Briar Bay Park in Riceboro, Georgia.
(more photos of the participants coming soon)
The winners & their winning times are
10-15 yrs:
1st Place-30:29, Javaughn Shuman
2nd Place-40:03, Jasmine Payton
3rd Place-53:20, Aaliya Thomas
4th Place-1:07:15, Jarvis Payton Jr.
16-19 yrs:
1st Place-26:09, Isaiah Wiley (Overall Best Time)
2nd Place-26:17, Matthew Lyons
3rd Place-26:19, Dean Gomez
20-27 yrs:
1st Place-40:41, Alena Parker
28-35 yrs:
1st Place-41:42, Frenchi Jones
2nd Place-44:17, Anthony Redmond
3rd Place-55:25, Kia Brunson
36-45 yrs:
1st Place-40:04, Jarvis Payton
2nd Place-55:17, Kesha Lee
3rd Place-55:18, Wanda Wright
46-54 yrs:
1st Place-35:22, Scott Barris
2nd Place-38:17, Sam Wilson
3rd Place-44:19, Yvonne Smith
Congratulations to all the participants for finishing
the 5K! You are all winners.
Special Thanks goes to Liberty County Sheriff's
Department Deputy Sheriff, Lt. Danny Pittman!
February 2009
February 27
The Liberty
County Branch of the NAACP Education Chairman, Ms. Nicole
Carter announced the winners of the Black History Essay
Contest at their Black History Program at Brewton Parker
College. The winners are:
1st
Place, Marcus Barrett, Bradwell Institute;
Marcus Barrett, Alisia Jackson-Chaney,
and LC NAACP President Elder Liston Singletary III
2nd
Place, Leah Hayes, Snelson Golden Middle School; 3rd
Place, Darrius Adams, Lewis Frasier Middle School; Runner-up,
Johnny Evans, Lewis Frasier Middle School; Runner-up, Deiondre
Harris, Lewis Frasier Middle School
Other youth
participants in the program included the Dream Choir, the
Midway Step Team, and Minister Edward Allen. Mrs. Pat Gunn of
Savannah presented a Geechee Rendition called “All dat Geechee,”
and Minister Anthony Jackson and Reverend Ann Jackson also
participated in the educational and entertaining program. All
youth participants received certificates of participation and
the essay winners also received medals. Congratulations to the
essay participants and to all the youth that participated!
DuBose elected
to NAACP National Board of Directors
On Thursday, February 19, 2009, when the ballots were
counted at the meeting of the NAACP Election Supervisory
Committee, Edward Oscar DuBose received 1,300 at-large votes
from across the country and thus will be seated as a member
of the NAACP National Board of Directors.
This will be the first time since 2004 that a person from
Georgia has served on the NAACP’s National Board of
Directors. D. Demetrius Prather was the last person from
Georgia to serve on the board and served until his term
ended in 2004.
DuBose will be officially sworn in as a member of the Board
on Saturday, February 21, 2009, at the NAACP Annual Meeting
at the New York Hilton in New York, New York.
On behalf of President DuBose, I would like to thank you for
your hard work and dedication in helping to ensure that
Georgia has some representation on this 64 member Board.
Best,
Demetrius G. Fisher
NAACP Georgia State Conference
970 Martin Luther King, Jr., SW
Suite 306
Atlanta, Georgia 30314
October 2008
October
28 - NAACP member Mattie Hick's
grandson, Alvester Sheffield III saves lives (see stories
below).
WAYCROSS JOURNAL-HERALD
Photo By SCOTT COOPER
Waycross Fire Chief David Eddins reads the Award of Valor
he is presenting to Alvester Sheffield III (third from left)
Tuesday at the city commission meeting.
City Honors A Hero,
Alvester Sheffield III
By JOHN SCOTT COOPER
Staff Writer
While most of the City Commission meeting Tuesday was spent
dealing with the issue of public drinking, a local hero was
also recognized, the city was thanked by veterans and the
commission
took action on other issues. Waycross Fire Chief David
Eddins
presented an Award of Valor to an 18-year-old man, Alvester
Sheffield III. Sheffield was credited with “going above and
beyond”
duty to save three families living in on the house from a
fire.
(see CITY, page 8)
courtesy of Waycross Journal-Herald Newspaper
TEENAGER RESCUES FAMILY OF TEN FROM RAGGING HOUSE FIRE
Personal Account of
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Reed Street fire, Waycross, Georgia
My name is Alvester
Sheffield III. I am 18 years old.
On
October 28, 2008 around 10:00 P.M. as I was leaving the home
of my ole’ band friend, Troy Reid, he spotted flames over
the trees in front of his home. We were not sure what was
happening. Through curiosity we went to see and discovered
a house on fire. The fire was gushing out of the roof of a
two story home on Reed Street. The roof was fully engulfed
in flames.
Immediately, I thought about my grandmother, Mrs. Mattie
M. Hicks (NAACP member) and my uncle Felix Hicks
of Hinesville, Georgia whose home was totaled via fire.
Hurriedly, I threw my cell phone to Troy and told him to
call 911. I took off running. I do not think I have ever
run as fast as I did. Troy says I ran like a gazelle. I
did not know if anyone was home, I knocked on the door, no
one answered. I punched the window out but was unable to
open the door due to the lock being a double keyed lock.
Then I began to shoulder the door and finally it open as a
lady came down the steps frightened by my entrance. The
lady shouted at me asking what was happening. I quickly
informed her that her house was totally in flames. I told
her to get every one out of the house. She turned and went
back up the stairs to wake up everyone up as a means to get
them and any available personal items out of the house. I
ran up the stairs to hurry everyone out. My friend Troy
told me that everyone was out. When I counted there were six
adults and four children who exited the home where they were
fast asleep. I thank God that none of us were injured. I
was on edge because of the smoke and the excitement. After
being checked by the EMS worker he said I was in shock and
winded.
The
house roof was totally on fire. The top of the house began
to fall in as the firemen arrived. Later, the top floor
began to fall. The fireman worked hard to put out the
fire.
My
friend RJ’s home suffered damages also. It was a blessing
no one was hurt because some windows were blown out due to
the heat and pressure. The residents of the home said thank
you.
I HAD
NO PLANS TO DO THIS but just reacted to the need as I
thought about my grandmother and my handicapped uncle,
Felix.
I,
Alvester Sheffield, am a senior at Ware County High School,
Waycross, Georgia. My parents are Sandra Hicks Sheffield of
Waycross, Georgia and Mr. and Mrs. Alvester Sheffield II of
Augusta, Georgia. I am the grandson of Bradley A. Hicks and
Mattie M. Hicks of Hinesville, Georgia. I am also
the nephew of Felix Hicks also of Hinesville.
Upon
graduation from high school I desire to attend college and
major in electronic and mechanical computer engineering.
E-mail ~ ssheffield08@yahoo.com
Telephone 912-285-8752 or
912-884-2697
Post Office Box 654
Waycross, Georgia 31502
Mr. Eric Thomas, Legal Redress
Chairman for the LC NAACP
was recognized for 30 years of
service to the United States Federal Government.
Congratulations Eric!
October 11 -
The Liberty County Branch of the NAACP
received numerous awards at the 66th Annual NAACP Georgia
State Convention & Civil Rights Conference in Atlanta
Georgia. The Branch received awards for the work that we
have done in the community: including the Legal Redress
Committee and Voter Registration Drives. Our president, Rev.
Liston Singletary III, received the President's Award from
State President, Mr. Edward Dubose.
September 2008
September 27- The Liberty County
NAACP Freedom Fund Gala was held, and awards were presented
to:
Congratulations to all!
See
Photo Gallery
page for photos of the Awardees.
UPDATE: Troy Davis has been granted
clemency until the U.S. Supreme Court makes their decision.
Sept. 11
- Rally to Save Troy Anthony Davis. Atlanta, GA.
Troy Davis
Finality Over
Fairness
EXECUTION DATE SET: SEPTEMBER 23 AT 7 p.m.
The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles will hold a clemency
hearing on Friday, September 12. Please join Amnesty
International and others for a rally on Thursday, September 11
to help save Troy's life!
Justice Matters: Rally to Save Troy Davis
Thursday, September 11, 2008
6 - 8 p.m.
Georgia State Capitol
(front steps on Washington St.)
Atlanta, GA
troy@aiusa.org / 404-876-5661 ext. 13
TROY DAVIS
INNOCENCE MATTERS RALLY
ATLANTA AT THE
STATE CAPITOL
CHARTERED BUS
LEAVING SAVANNAH (FREE)
12NOON ON THURSDAY
SEPTEMBER 11 RETURNING 12MIDNIGHT THIS IS A
FREE TRIP!
NATIONAL &
INTERNATIONAL PRESS, CELEBRITIES, VARIOUS CLERGY, NATIONAL AND
STATE LAWMAKERS WILL BE PRESENT CALL MARTINA ASAP IF YOU WANT
TO GO
912-231-1612 OR
912-484-0344
http://www.amnestyusa.org/death-penalty/troy-davis-finality-over-fairness/page.do?id=1011343&n1=3&n2=28&n3=1412
TAKE ACTION! Send a letter to the Georgia Board of Pardon and
Paroles
Plan a solidarity rally! Even those outside of Georgia can
show their support
Help get more support! Download the petition
Clergy members: Please sign the Clergy sign-on letter
August 2008
Dear NAACPers,
Our beloved former State Conference President
Mr. Walter C. Butler, Jr. died
yesterday (August 2, 2008) afternoon at the Henry Medical
Center. Information for final arrangements will be
forthcoming, please keep Mrs. Laura Butler and the
children/grandchildren in your prayers.
Ruth Ash, GA State Conference NAACP, Office
Manager
July 2008
July 7 Local Secretary,
Shirley Frasier
resigns due to health and family reasons.
June 2008
June 17 Local Member,
Karen Jones-Jemison received the
Senator Glenn Bryant, Grassroots Award from the Liberty County Democratic Executive
Committee at their fundraising dinner. Congratulations
Karen!
April 2008
April Local member, Renea'
Camper was placed on the Dean's List at Savannah State
University. She had two straight semesters of G.P.A's between
3.5-4.0. She was also named a SSS Scholar and awarded the
"Outstanding Academic Performance Certificate by Student
Support Services at SSU. Congratulations Renea'!
April 18 Local President Presides over GA State Conference
NAACP Economic Symposium at Morehouse University in Atlanta,
GA.
April 17 High Schools Getting Uniforms
Source: The Coastal Courier
http://www.coastalcourier.com/news/article/6675/
President Bush Signs H.R. 1593, the Second Chance Act of
2007
Room 350
Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building
Video (Windows)
Presidential Remarks
Audio
Photos
Fact Sheet: President Bush Signs Second Chance Act of 2007
10:31 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Thanks for coming. I'm about to sign a piece
of legislation that will help give prisoners across America a
second chance for a better life. This bill is going to support
the caring men and women who help America's prisoners find
renewal and hope.
I can't thank the folks who care enough about a fellow
citizen to offer
their love and compassion. It's through the acts of mercy
that
compassionate Americans are making the nation a more
hopeful place, and I want to thank you all for joining us
today.
And I thank the members of Congress who have joined
us as well: Senator Arlen Specter, ranking member of the
Judiciary Committee; Chairman Joe Biden -- not of the
Judiciary Committee --
SENATOR BIDEN: Thank God. (Laughter.)
THE PRESIDENT: -- but of Foreign Relations; but a key
member of the Judiciary Committee, Senator Sam Brownback, as
well. So we've got three United States senators here and I'm
honored they are here. Members of the United States Congress:
Chairman of the House Judiciary, John Conyers, and ranking
member Lamar Smith. I want to thank you all for coming.
I appreciate very much Danny Davis joining us, as well --
bill sponsor. I want to thank Jim Sensenbrenner and Bobby
Scott and Howard Coble and Chris Cannon. All good members and
all members who worked hard to get this piece of legislation
here in a timely fashion.
I thank the Attorney General, Judge Michael Mukasey, for
joining us, as well; Elaine Chao, thank you for coming, Madam
Secretary; Rob Portman, former Director of the OMB; and all
the supporters of the Second Chance legislation. Thanks for
caring about your country, thanks for working on this piece of
legislation.
The country was built on the belief that each human being
has limitless
potential and worth. Everybody matters. We believe that
even those who have struggled with a dark past can find
brighter days ahead. One way we act on that belief is by
helping former prisoners who've paid for their crimes -- we
help them build new lives as productive members of our
society.
The work of redemption reflects our values. It also
reflects our national
interests. Each year, approximately 650,000 prisoners are
released from jail. Unfortunately, an estimated two-thirds of
them are rearrested within three years. The high recidivism
rate places a huge financial burden on taxpayers, it deprives
our labor force of productive workers, and it deprives
families of their daughters and sons, and husbands and wives,
and moms and dads.
Our government has a responsibility to help prisoners
to return as
contributing members of their community. But this does not
mean that the
government has all the answers. Some of the most important
work to help
ex-convicts is done outside of Washington, D.C., in
faith-based communities and community-based groups. It's done
on streets and small town community centers. It's done in
churches and synagogues and temples and mosques.
I like to call the folks who are engaged in this
compassionate work,
"members of the armies of compassion." They help addicts
and users
break the chains of addiction. They help former prisoners
find a ride to work and a meal to eat and place to stay. These
men and women are answering the call to love their neighbors
as they'd like to be loved themselves. And in the process,
they're helping prisoners replace anger and suffering and
despair with faith and hope and love.
The bill I'm signing today, the Second Chance Act of 2007,
will build on
work to help prisoners reclaim their lives. In other words,
it basically says:
We're standing with you, not against you.
First, the act will authorize important parts of the
administration's
Prison Re-entry Initiative. The goal of this initiative is
to help America's prisoners by expanding job training and
placement services, improving their ability to find
transitional housing, and helping newly released prisoners get
mentoring, including from faith-based groups.
The past three years, congressional appropriations have
supported the work in 20 states through a series of pilot
programs awarded to community and faith-based organizations by
the U.S. Department of Labor. The early efforts have fielded
promising results. In the first two years of the program, more
than 12,800 offenders have enrolled in the prisoner re-entry
program. More 7,900 have been placed in jobs. Only 18 percent
of those enrolled in the program have been arrested again
within a year -- that's less than half the national average.
We like to measure results, and the results of these pilot
programs are very encouraging.
With the legislation I'll sign today, Congress has
recognized the success
of this good policy, and I thank them for their good work.
Secondly, the act will support the Justice Department's
ongoing work to help our nation's prisoners. This bill will
help state and local governments, and Indian tribes, and
non-profit groups implement programs that will improve the
prisoner re-entry process.
These programs will provide further -- former prisoners
with essential
services, like housing and medical care. It will help
develop prisoner drug treatment programs; support prisoner
mentoring initiatives. It will support family counseling and
other services to help prisoners re-establish their place in
the community.
In both these ways, the Second Chance Act will live up to
its name; will help ensure that where the prisoner's spirit is
willing, the community's
resources are available. It will help our armies of
compassion use their
healing touch so lost souls can rediscover their dignity
and sense of purpose.
I recently went to a program in Baltimore, Maryland, called
Jericho. I met a man there who has kindly joined us today
named Thomas Boyd. He's 53 years old. He spent more than 20
years of his life using drugs and going back and forth to
jail. He remembers the day when his daughter sat down, looked
him in the eye and said, "Daddy, I think it's time for you to
start doing something with your life."
He took his daughter's advice. He sought out the Jericho
re-entry program, which is supported by the Re-entry
Initiative. When I visited the program, I tried to remind them
that the least shall be first. I also reminded him I was a
product of a faith-based program. I quit drinking -- and it
wasn't because of a government program. It required a little
more powerful force than a government program in my case.
And he told me that he appreciates the love and compassion
he felt -- feels on a regular basis. He's working, back with
his family; he's a good guy. And I want to thank you for
coming, Thomas. (Applause.)
I want to thank you for coming, Thomas. There's a lot of
other Thomases out there that we're going to help with this
bill. And so I thank the members of Congress for joining us.
Thanks for your hard work. I thank the members of my
administration who are going to see to it that the bill is
implemented properly.
And now it is my honor to sign this important piece of
legislation. May God bless the country, and may God bless
those who are trying to help. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
(The bill is signed.) (Applause.)
END 10:38 A.M.
EDT
April 7 Liberty County NAACP President gets Medgar Evers
Award
Rev. Singletary is one of four to receive this prestigious
award from the SE Region NAACP. The Medgar Evers Civil Rights
Leadership award is awarded to NAACP Branch President's who
exemplify sound leadership and vision. Recipients are
selected from among nominees from seven states that make up
the SE Region NAACP. The recipients must have a sound Civic
Engagement program that inform the community about their Civil
Rights, promote Voter Empowerment, provide a venue to involve
the community in the Political process by way of Town Hall
Forums, Political Forums or workshops. Also, the effective use
of the media and other outlets to effectively engage the
community is a requirement. The Liberty County NAACP not only
did this, but they surpassed the expectations. Rev.
Singletary says, "It is with a great degree of Humility
that I receive this award on behave of those with whom I labor
and those of whom I serve. God gave me this assignment, and
I shall perform it with due diligence until he call me up to
higher things. I thank God for his favor and confidence in
me. My wife and family for their steadfast love, support and
understanding, and the community that allow me to serve them."
Mercer Middle School Student Wins Best In
Class II State Social Science Fair.
There were 1st place winners and then overall Best In Class
Winners. There were Class I 5-6 grade Class II 7-8 grades and
so on they were judged by discipline and Class.
Antone' Correia was Top winner in Class II.
There was a total of 96 entries from all over the state and
the entries were phenomenal and the judges were a lot tougher.
After many had a chance to look at Antone's work, the
professors from Clayton State went over to congratulate him
and other participants and their families as well.
Antone' Correia is the son of Mrs. Martina Correia and nephew
of Troy Anthony Davis.
March 2008
Our local Secretary, Mrs.
Shirley Frasier has recently had major surgery. She is at
home convalescing. We ask for your prayers as she continues
to recuperate. Please send any cards to:
Liberty County NAACP
PO Box 2239
Hinesville, GA. 31310
E-mails
to the Secretary can be sent to the Assistant Secretary,
Mrs. Valerie Singletary at:
asstsec@libertycountynaacp.org
February 2008
Feb 10
Dear NAACP Family:
As many of you know, Rev. Charles L. White, Jr., Deputy
Director of National Field Operations has been ill for
some time and is now housed at the Atlanta Medical
Center in Atlanta, Georgia. He is expected to have
exploratory surgery on Monday or Tuesday and hopefully
from that the doctors will be able to determine why he
is ill. Please keep Rev. White in your prayers and
thoughts.
Please keep his wife, Adrienne and the family in your
prayers as well. As, they wait through the procedures.
We pray for complete healing that only God can provide.
For your convenience, we have listed the hospital
information below. Please feel free to drop him a card
or some act of kindness during this time. However, in
his best interest, please limit your phone calls.
Atlanta Medical Center
303 Parkway Drive, NE
Room #838
Atlanta, Georgia 30312
(404) 265-3521
I
will keep you abreast of any changes.
Sincerely,
Demetrius Fisher
January 2008
Jan 31 SIGN UP for the Liberty County
NAACP Gospel Festival on April 4, 2008. Click here for more
information. Gospel
Festival Information
Jan 22 NAACP District Coordinator,
Robert Hudley lost his mother,
Josephine Esthella Baker.
The Liberty County Branch of the NAACP
extends their deepest sympathy to
Mr. Hudley and his family!
Jan 21 President Liston Singletary, III
presided over the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative
Service at Bradwell Institute. Third Vice President Rev.
Alvin Jackson and member Rev. Scott also participated in the
program. The dynamic guest speaker was Rev. Deborah Neal.
Jan 14 Member,
Suerena Duval and her husband Gary, celebrated their
twenty-fourth wedding anniversary.
Congratulations Suerena and Gary!
Jan 12 Member
Curles Butler was honored with the "Employee of the Year"
award by the Liberty County Planning Commission.
Butler was chosen from employees from all seven
municipalities in Liberty County.
Congratulations Curles!
Jan 13 The Trumpet
Awards Foundation (saluting African-American
Achievement) honored one of our Life Members,
the Honorable Al Williams,
with the "Tower of Power Award" at the
2008 Trumpet Awards Ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia. Williams is
the State Representative for the 165th House District of Georgia and
serves as Chairman of the Georgia Legislative Black
Caucus. Congratulations Al!
Jan 10 Career Fair
11:00am to 3:00pm, Sans Hotel and Suites, 726 East Oglethorpe
Hwy., Hinesville (see
flyer for detailed information)
December 2007
Dec 29 The City of Hinesville held it's
Inauguration Ceremony for the new Mayor,
James "Jim" Thomas and City Council Members, including David
Anderson and Charles Fraiser. The event was witnessed
by a standing room only crowd. Congratulations to Thomas,
Anderson and Fraiser!
Dec 26 Armed Services & Veterans Affairs
Chair Arthur Nixon and his wife Barbara welcomed
Destiny Nicole Nixon to the world
at 3:14pm. Her stats: 7lbs, 9.3oz. Congratulations Nixon Family!
Dec 15
Rally for Justice,
Sat., Dec. 15 2007, 1:30pm.,Conner's Temple Baptist Church
(Corner of MLK & Gwinett) Savannah, GA. In Support of Justice
for Troy Anthony Davis, hosted by Georgia State Conference
NAACP
Dec 4
Member, James "Jim" Thomas was elected Mayor of Hinesville.
Jim is the first African-American elected mayor in the City of
Hinesville. David Anderson and Charles Frasier were re-elected
to their seats on the City Council. Anderson is
serving his third term and Frasier is serving his sixth term.
Congratulations Jim, David & Charles!
Members, William "Bill"
Austin and Chris Stacy were elected to serve the citizens of
the City of Riceboro. The New Mayor Austin and Councilman
Stacy are both serving their first terms. Congratulations
Bill and Chris!
November 2007
Update on Prison Sentencing from the Prison Committee
As of November 1, 2007, the
amendments promulgated by the Sentencing Commission and
submitted to Congress on May 1, 2007, are effective. The
Sentencing Commission conducted a public hearing on
retroactivity of the new amendments. Any results of the
November 13, 2007, hearing is expected to be announced in
April 2008. For more information please go to
www.ussc.gov.
The committee will continue to monitor and advise the
chapter whether the amendment will apply retroactively, to
offenders who have already been sentenced. If made
retroactive, can effect 19,000 or more person in prison
now.
Old Sentence
New Sentence Difference
between old and new
63 to 78
51 to 63 12 to
15
121 to 151
97 to 121 24 to
30
Nov 20 For
the third year in a row, Target has refused to participate in
the NAACP's annual survey on the state of diversity in
corporate America, making them the largest retailer to refuse
to answer questions about their company's diversity practices.
Last
week, thousands of NAACP supporters like you helped send a
clear message to Target that economic opportunity for African
Americans must be a priority.
Now,
as we enter the holiday shopping season, we need you to help
us turn up the heat on Target. We need 100,000 people to sign
the petition telling Target to Answer the Question.
If
you haven't yet done so, you can click here
Petition
to sign the petition.
If
you've already signed the petition, please help us reach our
goal by telling some friends about it.
Tell A Friend
African Americans contribute over $700 billion a year to the
US economy, and deserve fairness and transparency from the
companies that benefit from our hard-earned dollars.
Tell
Target to clarify its position on economic opportunity for
African Americans by answering the NAACP's survey and
supporting the Economic Reciprocity Initiative.
Petition
Economic empowerment isn't just a financial issue, it's a
civil rights issue.
Sincerely,
Dennis Courtland Hayes
Interim President & CEO
NAACP National Headquarters
Nov 17 Communications,
Press & Publicity Chair, W. Renea' Camper was honored at the
GASSP Awards Banquet in Atlanta, GA.
Ms. Camper represented Savannah State University. Her essay
won 1st Place among participants from nine other colleges and
universities. Ms. Camper was also awarded 2 scholarships: 2007
GASSP Scholarship and the 2006-2007 Savannah State University
Hill Hall Academic Scholarship (4.0 GPA).
Congratulations Renea'
Camper!
Nov 5 The NAACP District 14 Coordinator,
McIntosh County NAACP President Mr. Robert Hudley, conducted a
special presentation at the Liberty County NAACP General
Membership Meeting.
Mr.
Hudley presented the plaque to the Branch President and
Members and reiterated the importance of the
Julius C. Hope Award,
that was previously awarded to the Branch at the Georgia State
Conference Convention (67th Annual Civil Rights Advocacy
Conference and State Convention) of the NAACP on October 5,
2007 in Clayton County, GA.
Nov 2
The 10th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet of
the McIntosh County Branch of NAACP will be held on November
3, 2007 at 7:00 o’clock p.m., at the Senior
Citizens Center in Eulonia, GA.
The
Revered Dr. Francys Johnson
of Statesboro, GA will be the keynote speaker.
Tickets are $30.00 for adults and $15.00 for children. For
tickets you can call Robert E. Hudley
at 437-4309.
October 2007
Oct 26 Local Newspaper
Writer/Reporter Receives Liberty County NAACP
President's Award
On the evening of October 26th,
Ms. Andrea Washington
was honored with the
Liberty County NAACP President's Award for her
volunteerism with the Liberty County Branch.
Though Ms. Washington is not a member, she has
served as a panelist in 2 political forums and the
State of the Community Forum. Her service to the
branch has been outstanding.
Andrea Washington is a staff writer
and web reporter for the Coastal Courier. She joined
the newspaper in June 2006 after stints as an intern
and a freelancer.
Washington began her career in
journalism as a 10th grade student when an opinion
piece she wrote for an English assignment about the
Elian Gonzalez case was published in an independent
newspaper. As a high school senior, she was the
editor of the school newspaper, as well as a
reporter and head writer of the weekly news
broadcast.
While attending Georgia State
University, Washington worked as a world news and
living reporter for the GSU Signal and an arts and
entertainment reporter for the student online
magazine, Rampway. Additionally, she wrote,
directed, produced and edited a number of short
documentaries on issues such as first-generation
Americans and globalization. She also worked on the
2005 24 Hour Film Festival award-winning short film,
"Judgement," as a script supervisor.
At the Courier, Washington combines
her background in cross-media platforms to cover
political, health, social, military and
education/youth issues throughout Liberty County.
She is also a co-advisor for the newspaper's Youth
Advisory Council.
Having spent most of her life
traveling from state to state and country to country
as an Army brat, Washington has a special interest
in international affairs and human rights issues.
Washington graduated magna cum laude
from Georgia State University with a bachelor's
degree in film and video and a minor in journalism.
Congratulations
Ms. Washington!
Oct 26
Genarlow Wilson
rejoices over his release
Georgia Supreme Court rules
his sentence was cruel and unusual
Source: By
TAMMY JOYNER
The Atlanta
Journal-Constitution
Published on: 10/26/07
FORSYTH, Ga. — Two prison guards
escorted him from the Burruss Correctional Training
Center here. Wilson shook their hands, broke into a
wide grin, hugged his mother, Juannessa Bennett, and
then picked up his little sister, Jiaya, 9, and held
her.
Just hours earlier, the Georgia
Supreme Court had ordered his release, calling his
10-year prison sentence "cruel and unusual
punishment" under the state and federal
constitutions.
|
Rich
Addicks/AJC |
Genarlow
Wilson was released from the Burruss
Correctional Training Facility Friday. Waiting
for him was his mother, Juannessa Bennett, and
his sister Jiaya. Two prison guards who escorted
him out of prison stood nearby.
|
|
W.A.
Bridges Jr./ AJC |
Genarlow
Wilson stands outside the Burrus Correctional
Training Center earlier this year.
|
With his mother and attorney by
his side, Wilson told reporters he harbored no
bitterness and still believes in the justice system
— especially now that he's been freed.
"I was waiting to see it for
myself before I took anyone else's word for it,"
Wilson, now 21, said of his release. "It felt unreal
just to sign the papers to actually let me know I
was leaving."
Wilson's four-year legal odyssey
has inflamed racial tensions in Georgia while
capturing the nation's attention.
Black civil rights leaders alleged
race and class have been at play in the case, which
sparked protest marches and demonstrations in
Douglasville, where Wilson was prosecuted. Douglas
County prosecutors, meanwhile, have vehemently
denied race played a role, noting all the defendants
and victims in the case are black.
The case stems from a drug- and
alcohol-fueled New Year's Eve party Wilson attended
at a Douglasville hotel in 2003. Wilson was charged
with raping a 17-year-old girl at the party, but was
acquitted. He was ultimately found guilty of felony
aggravated child molestation for receiving oral sex
from the 15-year-old girl, a crime that carried a
minimum 10-year prison sentence under state law at
the time.
Four other male youths at the
party pleaded guilty to child molestation of the
15-year-old and sexual battery of the 17-year-old. A
fifth pleaded guilty to false imprisonment. Their
party was captured on a profanity-laden and sexually
graphic video filmed by one of the male youths.
Since Wilson's conviction, the
former Republican state lawmaker who authored the
state Child Protection Act in 1995 has repeatedly
insisted it was never his intent to lock up
teenagers involved in consensual sex acts. Last
year, the Legislature changed the law to make
similar acts a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12
months in prison.
The Supreme Court noted that legal
change in the 48-page opinion it issued in Wilson's
case Friday morning: "For the law to punish Wilson
as it would an adult, with the extraordinarily harsh
punishment of ten years in prison without the
possibility of probation or parole, appears to be
grossly disproportionate to his crime," wrote Chief
Justice Leah Ward Sears, who sided with the majority
in the court's 4-3 decision in favor of freeing
Wilson.
In ruling Friday, the Supreme
Court upheld the June 11 decision of Monroe County
Superior Court Judge Thomas Wilson, who ordered
Wilson freed from prison. Judge Wilson, no relation
to Genarlow Wilson, also ordered his felony
conviction reduced to a misdemeanor. But the Supreme
Court said the judge erred in resentencing Wilson
"for a misdemeanor crime that didn't exist when the
conduct in question occurred." The court said Judge
Wilson should instead set aside Wilson's sentence
altogether. Judge Wilson did not respond to a
message left at his office Friday.
Veda Cannon, the mother of the
15-year-old girl in Wilson's case, declined to
comment. But in an interview in June, Cannon said
Wilson should never have been criminally charged and
imprisoned for receiving oral sex from her daughter.
Cannon said the sex between her daughter, Wilson and
the four other teens was consensual and regrets she
didn't ask prosecutors not to charge them. Critics
have pointed out, however, that the age of consent
in Georgia is 16.
Cannon's daughter, now 19, has
declined requests for interviews about the case. She
graduated from high school before joining the Navy
to pursue a career in nursing, her mother said. She
has a 2-year-old son, Cannon said.
Douglas County District Attorney
David McDade, whose office prosecuted Wilson, issued
a statement Friday, saying "while I respectfully may
disagree with the court's decision, I also must
respect their authority as the final arbiter in this
case."
Attorney General Thurbert Baker,
who had appealed Judge Wilson's decision to the
Supreme Court, also issued a statement Friday.
"I hope the court's decision will
also put an end to this issue as a matter of
contention in the hearts and minds of concerned
Georgians and others across the country who have
taken such a strong interest in this case," read the
statement.
Back at the prison, Wilson was
asked if he had apologized to the girls from the
party. He responded: "No. From Day One, I said —
not just me — but all of us, we made decisions
that I felt could have been better. But I felt like
we have all learned from that experience. All we can
do is move forward. You can't step back."
Before this incident, Wilson had
never been in trouble with the law and was an A and
B student at Douglas County High School, where he
played football, ran track and served as homecoming
king. Wilson said he now plans to go to college and
major in sociology.
A reporter asked him where the
welcome-home party was going to be. Wilson paused,
then said: "There is not going to be any more
parties for a while."
Everybody laughed.
Staff Writers Jim Galloway and
Bill Rankin contributed to this report.
Oct 25
Past President (1968) Mrs. Sylvania Smith Passes
1968 Liberty County NAACP
President Mrs. Sylvania Smith passed on
Oct.
25 at the Coastal Manor Long Care Facility.
Mrs. Smith
celebrated her 97th birthday, recently.
The Reverend James C. Shipman
(Immediate Past President & Life Member) and State Representative Al Williams
(Life Member) were her devoted nephews. Funeral Services will be
on Monday, Oct. 29th at 11:00am at St. James Church
of Christ Holiness Unto the Lord in Midway, GA.
Miller Funeral Home of Hinesville has charge of the
arrangements.
The Liberty County Branch of the NAACP
extends their deepest sympathy to Rev. Shipman, Rep. Williams and
the family.
Oct 18
NAACP JENA BRANCH
PRESIDENT TESTIFIES BEFORE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE ON HATE
CRIMES AND RACIALLY DISCRIMINATORY PROSECUTION OF 6 AFRICAN
AMERICAN YOUTH
NAACP Jena Branch President Rev. Brian L. Moran was joined by
representatives of other civil rights organizations and
members of the U.S. Department of Justice on Capitol Hill
yesterday to testify in a hearing before the full Judiciary
Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Led by committee Chairman John Conyers, the hearing focused on
the Jena 6 case, the racially charged climate in the Louisiana
town and the role of the federal government in local hate
crimes investigations.
“The injustice dealt by Judge J. P. Mauffray and District
Attorney Walters over the past year must be atoned,” Moran
said before the committee and the overflow audience in the
committee’s chambers. “Justice must be done for our community
to heal. Even our school board has a double standard for
blacks and this whirl wind of events merely touched the
surface.”
Moran said the incidents surrounding the Jena 6 are part of a
long history of violence against African Americans in the town
including the death of Bobbie Ray Smith, who was killed and
thrown into an oil pit by a group of young white men, there
was no investigation into his death; and the stomping death of
Billy Hunter by a white man, who received only two years in
prison.
“When we think about what happened to the 6 boys last year at
Jena High, these stories are always at the back of our minds,”
Moran added. “We know what can be done, and we know what
hasn’t been done…’justice’. Jena can be a great town, but
right now it is a town where two systems of justice exist, and
that is simply un-American, and we believe it is no longer
acceptable.”
Currently, the federal government is allowed to intervene in
the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes only if they
occur on federal property or if the victim was participating
in one of six very specific activities, such as voting, going
to school or religious meeting.
With the support of the NAACP, on
Sept. 27 the U.S. Senate passed strong hate crimes
legislation. In May, the U.S. House of Representatives did the
same. The “Local Law
Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act” would
expand existing hate crime prevention and protection laws and
allow the federal government to assist the local authorities
in the investigation and prosecution of crimes motivated by
hate, regardless of what the victim was doing at the time the
crime occurred. It would also expand the definition of a hate
crime to include those motivated by the victim’s disability,
gender or sexual orientation and it would provide resources to
states to develop hate crime prevention programs. <
/P>
The
two bodies must now hammer out the few differences between
their bills before sending a final version to President George
W. Bush, for his signature. Unfortunately, the President has
threatened to veto such legislation calling it “unnecessary.”
On Sept. 20, more than 20,000 came to Jena, La. to participate
in activities seeking fairness for Mychal Bell and five other
teens who faced overly aggressive prosecution and extended
incarceration for fighting with a white classmate in their
community last December following a series of racial incidents
including the hanging of nooses in a tree at the local high
school.
Prior to the Sept. 20 march and rally, NAACP officials
presented petitions to Louisiana Gov. Kathleen B. Blanco with
195,000 signatures symbolizing those concerned with the
unequal treatment of the Jena defendants and the disturbing
climate that led to an escalation of racial tensions in the
town. Further discussion with the Governor led to the District
Attorney not challenging an appellate ruling that sends the
case to juvenile court, helping pave the way for Bell’s
initial release.
The NAACP will continue to urge federal intervention in the
cases to ensure justice and secure the safety of the
defendants’ families throughout the process.
The NAACP, in conjunction with the American Civil Liberties
Union, the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Southern
University Law Center, has provided additional legal support
and resources to the defendants’ attorneys and remains
committed to the defense of the remaining young men.
The NAACP also called upon the Department of Justice to deploy
its Community Resource Services to assist town officials and
citizens in calming racial strife exacerbated by the most
recent series of incidents.
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest
civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United
States and the world are the premier advocates for civil
rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and
monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private
sectors.
Oct 15 The Ron Brown
Scholar Program
This program seeks to identify
African-American high school seniors who will make significant
contributions to society.
Applicants must excel academically, exhibit exceptional
leadership potential, participate in community service
activities and demonstrate financial need. The applicant must
be a US citizen or hold a permanent resident visa card.
Current college students are not eligible to apply.
Recipients may use the renewable scholarships to attend an
accredited four-year college or university of their choice
within the United States.
Ron
Brown Scholarships are not limited to any specific field or
career objective and may be used to pursue any academic
discipline. More than 200 students have been designated as Ron
Brown Scholars since the inception of the Program.
Award Amount :
$10,000
Deadline:
November 1, 2007
Website/Contact Info:
www.ronbrown.org/p-elig.htm
Oct
13 (Atlanta) -- Amnesty International USA (AIUSA), the
National Association
for
the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the American Civil
Liberties
Union (ACLU) and other coalition members in Savannah will
gather for a
"Community March for Justice" on
Saturday, October 13, to raise issues of
concern with the criminal justice system in Georgia. The
groups are also
calling on Georgia authorities to hear evidence in the case of
death row
inmate Troy Davis that has not yet been examined by any court,
and will be
gathering to demonstrate that fairness matters to the Savannah
community.
The
rally begins at noon at Bolton Street Baptist Church in
Savannah.
Speakers will include Martina Correia, sister of Troy Davis,
Rev. James
Shipman, pastor of the Bolton Street Baptist Church and Sue
Gunawardena-Vaughn, director of AIUSA's Program to Abolish the
Death
Penalty. Shareef Cousin, an exonerated death row inmate, and
Ronald Cotton
and
Darryl Hunt, two former prisoners who were wrongfully
convicted and
later exonerated, will also address the rally.
AIUSA is calling for a full and fair examination of the
evidence in the
case
of Troy Davis, who has been on death row since 1991 for the
murder of
Mark
Allen MacPhail, a police officer. Seven of nine non-police
witnesses
for
the prosecution have recanted or contradicted their testimony.
On
July 16, the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles
granted Davis a
temporary stay of execution, pending further review of the
case. On Friday,
August 3, the Georgia Supreme Court agreed to hear Davis'
appeal to present
evidence that could demonstrate his strong case for innocence;
that hearing
is
scheduled for November 13 in Atlanta.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHO:
*
Sue Gunawardena-Vaughn, Amnesty International USA
*
Martina Correia, sister of Troy Davis
*
Rev. James Shipman, Pastor, Bolton Street Baptist Church,
Savannah
*
Dr. Prince Jackson, President, NAACP Savannah
*
Shareef Cousin, exonerated former death row inmate
*
Ronald Cotton and Darryl Hunt, wrongfully convicted prisoners
later
exonerated
WHAT:
March for Justice for Troy Davis
WHERE:
Bolton Street Baptist Church (821 Martin Luther King, Jr.
Blvd.), Savannah,
GA
March to Chatham County Courthouse
WHEN:
Saturday, October 13, 2007 at noon.
For
more information, please visit
www.amnestyusa.org/troydavis.
September 2007
Sept
25 Armed Services & Veterans Affairs
Chair Arthur Nixon and his wife Barbara are
expecting a new baby in December 2007.
Congratulations Nixon Family!
Sept
2007 Our 2nd Vice President,
Rev. Alvin Jackson lost his mother,
Delois J. Mitchell during the
week of September 24th.
The Liberty County Branch of the NAACP
extends their deepest sympathy to Rev. Jackson and
his family.
For those who want to attend the funeral, the arrangements are
as follows:
Dent's Undertaking Establishment, 930
D'Antignac Street, Augusta, GA 30901
Homegoing Service: Saturday September 29, 2007 at 3:00
at Mt. Aldred CME Church
Directions to Church from Hinesville: Take 119
from Ft. Stewart to Pembroke. Take Hwy. 67 to I 16. Take
I 16 toward Macon GA. Get off I 16 on Hwy. 1 to
Swainboro. Keep Hwy 1 to Louisville and Wrens. In
Wrens turn left at the Jet Service station Hwy 17
toward Thomson, GA. 8 to ten miles you will see a sign on the
left that says Mt. Aldred. Make a left. If you miss that sign
keep going to the next sign at a store that says Happy Valley
Store. Make a left. Then make the first left and keep
going until you see the church. It may be
better to go to Happy Valley than to take the first road.
The first road is a
dirt
road and the second road is a paved road.
Sept
28 Hispanic Women are
opening up businesses across America faster than any other
ethnic group, according to statistics from the Center for
Women's Business Research. They sign paychecks for more than
418,000 U.S. workers and generate sales of nearly $67 billion
nationwide. No one keeps statistics on how many Latino women
own businesses in individual Illinois counties, said Alma
Martinez, president of the Latino Business Association (LBA)
in Joliet, Illinois. But she does know that when the LBA
originated in 1995, only a couple of women showed up for
meetings. Today, Morales said, more than half of the 40 or so
who attend monthly meetings are female.
Facts on Hispanic Women owned
businesses:
Spike in businesses owned by Hispanic woman in the past decade
- 121 percent Number of businesses nationwide owned 50 percent
or more by Hispanic women in 2006 - 856,782
Spike in employees paid by Hispanic women over the past decade
- 18.6
percent
Number of workers on payrolls of business owned by Hispanic
women in
2006
- 418,518
Spike in sales at Hispanic women-owned businesses in U.S. over
past
decade - 33.3 percent
Sales from businesses owned by Hispanic women in 2006 - $67
billion
Source: The Center for Women*s Business Research
Source:
The Herald News
Sept 20 Jena 6 Local Vigil,
12:00 Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church parking lot.
Jena 6
Louisiana's Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Lake Charles
tossed out
the
aggravated battery conviction of Mychal Bell Friday afternoon.
Notwithstanding that, the NAACP remains committed to the
defense of the
young men to ensure proper treatment by the court system and
protection
of
their rights under law.
As
such, NAACP Interim President & CEO Dennis Courtland Hayes,
the
Louisiana State Conference of NAACP Branches, members of the
Louisiana
Legislative Black Caucus, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the
National Action
Network will still participate in a rally and march in Jena on
Thursday, Sept. 20.
To
address the broader issues of eradicating racial disparities
in the
American criminal justice system and public schools, the NAACP
will host
a
town hall meeting titled "Restoring the Human Right to
Education:
Abolishing the School to Prison Pipeline" at the Holiday Inn
Conference
Center in Alexandria, La. at 7 p.m. Sept. 20, as part of the
Louisiana
State Conference of NAACP Branches' 65th annual convention.
Due
to a schedule change, NAACP officials presented petitions to
Louisiana Gov. Kathleen B. Blanco earlier today at the State
Capitol.
The
more than 60,000 signatures are a symbol of those concerned
with the
unequal treatment of the defendants and the disturbing climate
that led
to
an escalation of racial tensions in the southern town.
The
NAACP encourages those who cannot travel to Jena to show their
solidarity for the cause by donating via the NAACP's website,
signing
the
online petitions there, holding prayer vigils, a moment of
silence
or
join in the activities by viewing the rally live via streaming
video-details of which can be found at:
www.naacp.org.
Information from the Liberty County Branch of the NAACP,
Prison Committee
Congress
established the United States Sentencing Commission in 1985 to
develop national sentencing guidelines for the federal courts.
Any amendments made by the Commission to the guidelines must
be submitted to Congress on or before May 1 of each year and
become effective on November 1 if not disapproved by Congress.
One amendment: modifications to the statutory penalties for
crack cocaine offenses, was submitted this year. This
amendment is being carefully monitored to see if the change
will be retroactive. If the law is retroactive many inmates
will be released from prison early, if not retroactive
defendants currently facing the charges and future defendants
will be sentenced to less time. If you want congress to make
the law retroactive, please contact your respective
representatives in Washington, DC. The Liberty County Branch
of the NAACP is monitoring the November 1, 2007 deadline. For
more information and more details, go to:
www.USSC.gov
Our
communities may have to be prepared to embrace many released
prisoners to the community and we may want to aid
them with information on jobs and give temporary support as
they re-enter society. On the other hand if the amendments
changes are not retroactive, but only change for current and
future persons that commit such crimes, we encourage the
community to console and encourage the inmates during their
disappointment.
September 13,
Chemtall will host a
hiring/interview session at the YMCA from 10:30am to
2:00 pm. Applicants are asked to come dressed for an
interview. Salary starts at $19.00 per hour for qualified
applicants.
September 2, Amaya
Grace, was born at 1:48am. to local President and
Assistant Secretary
Rev. Liston and Mrs. Valerie Singletary, III.
Mother and baby are doing fine.
Congratulations Singletary Family!
August 2007
August 19 7th
grader, Cornelius Butler,
son of local member Curles Butler
was voted the Junior Honor Society
Secretary for Lewis Frasier Middle School.
Cornelius has been a member
of the NJHS for one year.
Congratulations Cornelius Butler!
August 18 W. Renea'
Camper was honored with the
YMCA Teen Achievers, Volunteer of the Year Award
at the annual YMCA Achievers Gala held at the Hyatt Regency
Savannah. WTOC's News Anchor, Dawn Baker served as Mistress of
Ceremonies for this black tie event.
Congratulations Renea' Camper!
June 2007
June 12 After 60 plus years, at the June 12
meeting of the Liberty
County Board of Education ,World War II veteran and our Sergeant
at Arms & Armed
Services and Veterans Affairs Chair, The
Honorable Henry Relaford was awarded his High School
Diploma, by school board chair, Mrs. Lily Baker. Mr.
Relaford joined the Army on October 11, 1942
without a high school diploma and served in WWII. He
returned from war in 1945 and after honorably serving his
county, he had a clear understanding that education was the
key to success. At 36 years of age, he enrolled in night
school and successfully completed the course. Unfortunately,
prior to receiving his actual diploma, his teacher, Mr.
Nathaniel Smith died. In spite of Mr.
Relaford's never receiving a physical copy of his
diploma until now, he has made significant contributions to
our nation and the Liberty County. He has been an active
member of the Riceboro City Council (elected official), the
Liberty County Branch of the NAACP and served the Fort
Stewart Army community as a civil servant. He is now
retired. Congratulations
Mr. Henry Relaford!
June 30 11th Annual State Conference
GALA Banquet, Savannah International Trade
Center, Hutchinson Island. Tickets are available for $75.00
each. Contact secretary@libertycountynaacp.org
for ticket information.
May 2007
Marcus
Scott, IV (NAACP 3rd VP)
has been selected to be the
Vice Principal at Risley Middle School in Brunwick, GA
effective May 9, 2007.
The Savannah Morning
News Awards of Excellence, in its 10th year, honored
outstanding High School Seniors in our area for their
Academic achievements, community service and personal
enterprise. Nominated by their high schools, each student
chooses the teacher who has made a difference in his or
her life. Liberty County NAACP President, Rev.
Liston Singletary, III was selected to be the
recipient of the Teacher of Excellence Award.
He was nominated by his student Cameron Mandrell Griffin
who attends Bryan County High School. WTOC hosted
this event at the Westin on Hutchinson Island and Sixty
Teachers and Students were awarded. On a
side note President Singletary was the only African
American Male Teacher to receive this prestigious Award.
The
NAACP State Disaster Relief Coordinator,
is asking for help for the 800 fire fighters in the Waycross
area. I am sure we all have heard about this fire and the
fire fighters from surrounding areas that are assisting. Now
they need our help. The following list
of items are needed: bandanas, salty sunflower seeds, Little
Debbie Cakes, Carmex Lip Balm (only kind), t-shirts (all
sizes), boxers (all sizes-no briefs), white socks (all
sizes), sun block SPF 45 + greaseless, Lotrimin Spray, shoe
insoles (all sizes), deodorant non antiperspirant, vienna
sausages, size D batteries, personal female items, water,
Gatorade, Powerade and beef jerky. If you can and
are willing to donate items or funds to purchase these
items, please respond to secretary@libertycountynaacp.org.
These items are needed ASAP. Thanks to all who have
participated so far, and we look forward to hearing from
you.
Thank
you to everyone who attended and participated in the 1st
State of the Community Forum held on May 12, 2007. The
next State of the Community Forum is scheduled for July 21,
2007, 9am to 1pm at the Fort Stewart Education Center.
