MINORITYREPORTER

from information to understanding

vol. 6 no. 16

| april 1 -7 | 2013 www.minorityreporter .net april 11- 7www.minorityreporter.net 2013

also inside...

Citys Focused Investment Strategy

Makes Progress

pg 4

2 www.minorityreporter.net | april 1 -7 | 2013

In This Issue:

CALENDAR

MINORITYREPORTER
from information to understanding

vol. 6 no. 16

| april 1 -7 | 2013 www.minorityreporter .net april 11- 7www.minorityreporter.net 2013

april
(585) 454-2100. 18 High Falls Film Festival Time: 12:00pm Location: Dryden Theatre at the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film- 900 East Ave. Films will be shown at The Little Theatre (240 East Ave., 14607, 585258-0400), the Cinema Theater (957 Clinton Ave. S., 14620, 585-271-1785) and the Dryden Theatre at the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film. The High Falls Film Festival will be presenting 25 of the finest in independent films from around the world. Films will be shown at The Little Theatre, the Cinema Theater and the Dryden Theatre at the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film. Contact: High Falls Film Festival Office - 585-586-6650 April 25 Cliffords 50th Birthday Party Time: 9:00 AM 3:30 PM Location: ABC Head Start - 1772 Clifford Avenue We are having a Birthday Party for Clifford. Come dance, play games and enjoy cake and ice cream with Clifford; the Big Red Dog. You may enter a drawing to win a fun basket for your child. Also, your child can get his or her picture taken with Clifford and purchase books at the Book Fair. May 12,19,24,27 Flower City Days at the Public Market Join us for Flower City Days at the Rochester Public Markets. Also 6/2 and 6/9

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also inside...

Citys Focused Investment Strategy

Makes Progress

pg 4

{COVER

PG 8

6 Red Wings Opening Weekend Time: 4:00pm Location: Frontier Field - 333 N. Plymouth Ave. Bring the whole family to the Rochester Red Wings Season Opener! Contact: Red Wings 585-423-9464. 7 4th Annual Edible Books Festival And Competition County Time: 2:00pmto4:00pm Location: Kate Gleason Auditorium, Central Library, 115 South Ave Imagine an event where books look good enough to eat and can be! Participants select favorite books and create 3-d sculptures based on the titles or themes of those books. They are made from cakes, sculpted fruits and vegetables, chocolate, macaroni and any other edible items. The results will amaze you! Contact: Linda Rock 428-8350, linda.rock@libraryweb.org 14 Awardwinning Vocalist Jessye Norman to Perform Benefit Concert Time: 5:00pm Location: Kodak Hall at the Eastman Theatre Concert includes the Garth Fagan Dance Company and pianist, Mark Markham Jessye Norman will perform a benefit concert for Action for a Better Community, Inc. (ABC). The concert, entitled The African American Cultural Legacy, features special guests, The Garth Fagan Dance Company and pianist, Mark Markham. All proceeds from the concert benefit ABC, a community action agency that provides programs and services to help lowincome families and individuals achieve greater self-sufficiency. Tickets available at: www.rpo.org and at the Eastman Theatre Box Office on East Avenue. Tickets also can be purchased by phone at

Publisher

Dave McCleary davemc@minorityreporter.net Pauline McCleary pmccleary@minorityreporter.net Gary McLendon Editor@minorityreporter.net Catie Fiscus ArtDirector@minorityreporter.net Lisa Dumas Delani Weaver

Business Manager copy editor

Rochester City Council President Lovely Warren has Announced her Candidacy for Mayor

art director

{LOCAL

PG 4 - 5

editorial staff EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Claribel Oliveras

Citys Focus Investment Strategy Makes Progress Democrats Call for Charter Review Commission 12th Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival Announces RecordSetting Line Up A Rochester Man has Admitted Having Illegal Sexual Contact With a Minor

Advertising

Dave McCleary Yahya Abdullah Lucy Smith-Fulmore advertising@minorityreporter.net Temple Boggs, Jr. Todd Elliott

photography Columnists

{STATE

PG 5 - 6

$1.5M Federal Loan to Pulaski Business to Bring 25 Manufacturing Jobs back from China NY Passes a Budget on time for 3rd Time in a Row

Gloria Winston Al-Sarag C. Michael Tillman Rev. Michael Vaughn Vincent Felder Diane Watkins Mike Dulaney Davy Vara Ayesha Kreutz

{NATIONAL

PG 12-13

SBA Deputy Said to go Beyond the Call of Duty for Black Businesses In Israel: President Obama Draws from an African-American Struggle

Minority Reporter, Inc. is a family of publications and other media formats committed to fostering self awareness, building community and empowering people of color to reach their greatest potential. Further, Minority Reporter, Inc. seeks to present a balanced view of relevant issues, utilizing its resources to build bridges among diverse populations; taking them from information to understanding. Minority Reporter reserves the right to edit or reject content submitted. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. Minority Reporter does not assume responsibility concerning advertisers, their positions, practices, services or products; nor does the publication of advertisements constitute or imply endorsement. Minority Reporter invites news and story suggestions from readers. Deadline for all copy is Tuesday at noon. Call 585-301-4199 or email info@minorityreporter.net.

{COLUMNS:

PG 14-15

The Best Man for the Job is a Woman By gloria winston al-sarag

RCSDs Misguided Effort to End Standardized Testing By Allen williams

Chris Rock: For Blacks, College Sports is no Different than Slavery By Boyce watkins

3 www.minorityreporter.net | april 1 -7 | 2013

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4 www.minorityreporter.net | april 1 -7 | 2013

LOCAL

Citys Focused Investment Strategy Makes Progress

Rochester Mayor Thomas Richards has released a detailed, interim progress report of the Citys Focused Investment Strategy. Launched four years ago, the FIS is one of many initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in city neighborhoods. The Focused Investment Strategy has accomplished many of the goals that we originally set out to achieve and its impact is becoming visible throughout the especially challenged neighborhoods selected for this needed investment. It has already resulted in 305 residential households benefitting from the program, said Richards. Adopted by the City administration and City Council in 2008, the initial timeline of the FIS was to markedly improve neighborhoods in the city within three to five years. However, the original timeline has been altered, Richards said. Due to the challenges in the neighborhoods when we started with FIS, the initial timeline of three to five years will likely take longer to be realized. Challenges at the beginning of the FIS, include: distressed neighborhoods, public safety concerns, problemproperties created by foreclosures, property tax default, property owners who are not locally based and large and poorly maintained or managed multi-family residential structures. The FIS invests resources in neighborhoods by allocating 20 percent of federal Community Development Block Grant funds directly to four neighborhoods identified as having substantial community development needs. The neighborhoods designated for the Focused Investment Strategy are: Marketview Heights in the citys northeast; the Dewey-Driving Park neighborhood in the northwest; the Beechwood neighborhood in the southeast and the Jefferson Avenue area in the citys southwest. In addition, the City allocates up to $1 million annually in Cash Capital for such things as street and sidewalk improvements and housing development. According to the interim progress report: Nearly $14.7 million has been allocated and/or invested in the four FIS areas and have leveraged approximately $56.5 million from other sources. Significant progress can be seen in each of the FIS areas. As outlined in the report, two large-scale affordable rental projects (the Voters Block Community and Holy Rosary Apartments) gained millions of dollars in funding to develop 152 high-quality residential units. Additional projects also in the works include the Hardy Park Apartments and the Corpus Christi School Project, which will convert an old school to an affordable housing complex for seniors. In addition, the interim progress report says: 137 residential properties were rehabbed or are underway through the Exterior Security Rehabilitation Program; 18 commercial properties were, or are in the process of being rehabilitated with facade improvements; 18 blighted vacant structures were demolished in the FIS areas and an additional 26 are in the demolition process; 16 new construction and acquisitionrehabilitation home ownership projects were started; 959 households received rear yard utility upgrades through the Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation; Two street projects (Dewey Avenue and Jefferson Avenue) including FIS-driven enhancements were substantially completed; and FIS funds were used to help develop an attractive new parking lot across the street from the Public Market on N. Union Street. Moving forward, the next steps for

Mayor Thomas Richards the FIS initiative overall, are working toward an equitable distribution of FIS funds across all four designated areas; focusing more on community engagement and community building so that residents can become more involved in strengthening the investments and improving the image of their neighborhoods. The Focused Investment Strategy is one of many strong programs geared towards neighborhood improvement but we know that the desired outcomes cannot be achieved immediately, said Richards. There is much work to be done and Im recommending that we continue this important initiative over the next two years, at a minimum.

Democrats Call For Charter Review Commission

Democrats in the Monroe County Legislature have proposed the creation of a Charter Review Commission to update and modernize the Monroe County Charter. The Commission is required by law to be empaneled every five years by the County Legislature. However, the last Commission appears to have been appointed in 1992, more than twenty years ago. A Charter review is now more than 15 years overdue, according to county law, said Legislator Justin Wilcox (D-Brighton), who sponsored the legislation. This raises (a) real question about whether the Charter is up-to-date and serving its purpose. If the provision requiring a charter review commission every five years is unreasonable or unneeded, then the commission can recommend that the Legislature do away with that requirement. The legislation would empanel a commission to review the County Charter and Administrative Code, which are the bedrock of County Law. The Commission would then make recommendations to the legislature about possible changes. The legislation was considered during a recent meeting of the Legislatures Agenda/Charter Committee.

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5 www.minorityreporter.net | april 1 -7 | 2013

LOCAL
12th Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival Announces Record-Setting Lineup
John Nugent and Marc Iacona, producers of the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival have announced the lineup for their biggest festival ever, to be held over nine days this June 21 to 29. I am very excited and am looking forward to year 12, said Marc Iacona, producer and executive director. The festival has fast become a best-inclass event for culture and music for Rochester, New York State and the world. Local businesses will benefit from the economic impact from almost two hundred thousand attendees. More than 1200 artists from around the world will perform in 280 concerts including more than 75 free shows at 19 venues and outdoor stages. Last years festival drew more than 187,000 people from around the world and across the U.S. The jazz festival has grown to become one of the worlds largest jazz festivals with one of the nations most extensive international lineups. With bands coming to XRIJF from more than 15 countries, the festival will offer something musically exciting for everyone. As we prepare to welcome the world to the 12th edition of the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival, the concept we have created, its not who you know, its who you dont know, has once again proven true, said John Nugent, producer and artistic director. We have had strong advance sales for Club Pass before any artists were announced. Our headliners this year are also either sold out or near capacity and we expect the free shows to attract tens of thousands to downtown Rochester. The XRIJF 12th Edition will feature Bob James & David Sanborn with Special Guest Steve Gadd, David Byrne and St. Vincent, Roger Hodgson, Pink Martini, Willie Nelson & Family (which is sold out), Framptons Guitar Circus, Trombone Shorty (his fourth appearance at XRIJF), Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Dr. John, Christian McBrides Inside Straight, Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio, Louis Armstrong Society Jazz Band, Alfredo Rodriguez Trio, John Patitucci Trio, Gretchen Parlato, Gregory Porter, Kurt Elling, New York Voices, Eric Alexander & Harold Mabern, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Anat Cohen, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Youn Sun Nah & Ulf Wakenius, Larry Goldings-Peter Bernstein-Bill Stewart, Matt Herskowitz Bach to Brubeck, Ravi Coltrane Quartet, Ben Taylor, Gregoire Maret, Terell Stafford, Hilario Duran Trio and many other acts. A complete list is available at www. rochesterjazz.com This year the Little Theatre has been added as a new Club Pass venue. Four new sponsors, Wegmans, Unity Health System, Delta Air Lines, LiDestri Spirits and CMI Commuications have been added. Wegmans, support will expand the jazz improv educational program for youth with a new five-day jazz workshop series. Weve learned that music lovers truly enjoy artistic discovery and our nine-day voyage into the musical unknown, added Nugent. We salute our incredible patrons and sponsors for their belief in the power of great music and the amazing artists who bring their creativity to us at the highest level.

A Rochester man has admitted having illegal sexual contact with a minor
Collin G. Wright, 57, who was also facing a second-degree sexual abuse charge, pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child in Chili Town Court on Monday, March 25. When answering a question from a Monroe County Assistant District Attorney, he told Justice Melvin Over, that he had illegal sexual content with an underage girl at a Scottsville Road home, on Aug. 15, 2012. At the counseling of his attorney Thomas Corletta, Wright said: I asked her could I touch her breasts and she said yes. Under the plea agreement Wright pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor child endangering charge, and will receive three years of sex offender type probation; and a five-year no contact order of protection with the victim. Wright will not be required to register as a sex offender. Wright has also agreed to turn himself in to the Monroe County Jail on March 31, to begin a 30-day term. The court has ordered a pre-sentencing investigation, in anticipation of his sentencing date, which is scheduled for April 22.

STATE
$1.5 million federal loan to Pulaski Business to bring 25 manufacturing jobs back from China.
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand have announced a $1.5 million federal loan guarantee for HealthWay Home Product and V-Squared Management in Pulaski. They said the loan will help finance a construction project to grow the business, expand operations, and bring an expected 25 manufacturing jobs back to Oswego County from China. This funding will help return jobs to Central New York and bolster manufacturing, while helping to create construction jobs and 25 permanent jobs in the process, said Schumer. The USDA made a smart choice and will get a real bang for their buck with this investmentin the region. The federal loan guarantee is allocated through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Developments Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program. New York has a proud manufacturing tradition that can out-build and outwork the competition, Gillibrand said. When we invest in manufacturers like HealthWay Home, we can help more businesses grow and thrive, put more New Yorkers back on the job just like we are in Pulaski, and strengthen our economy. Funds will be used to finance construction costs for an 18,000 square-foot expansion and previous renovations, new machinery and equipment, and working capital. Funds will also be used to design, manufacture and sell air cleaning and filtration products for homes, businesses and medical uses.

ADOPT
Birth Date: April, 1998

Shirley is a very loving and helpful

teen who enjoys making friends and socializing. She also enjoys reading, swinging, pretend cooking, painting with water colors, getting her photo taken, and swimming. Shirley is a happy and interactive youth who smiles easily. She does well in her special education classes at school, where she is a joy to the teachers. Shirley needs supervision to stay on task and does well with one-onone instruction. She hopes to become a dog trainer someday. Shirley will need ongoing therapeutic services. A loving, adoptive family who can make a lifelong commitment and help maximize her full potential, is being sought.
If youre interested in learning more about Shirley or other waiting children, visit: www.ChildrenAwaitingParents.org or call 585-232-5110.

6 www.minorityreporter.net | april 1 -7 | 2013

STATE

NY passes a budget on time for 3rd time in a row

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) _ With three days to spare, New York has adopted its third straight on-time budget. That hasnt been done in 30 years, and lawmakers, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders said it shows how well state government now functions. Further proof, they said, is that the $135 billion budget holds spending increases to less than 2 percent for the third consecutive time, without hikes in taxes or fees. ``New York is coming back, Cuomo said in a video message Friday. ``New York is rising and we are building on our strengths. He and legislative leaders called it a family-friendly, business-friendly, and middle-class-friendly budget. Although there are no new taxes, the budget is built on extending two temporary taxes that were due to expire _ an income tax surcharge on millionaires and a business tax on energy costs. The Assembly late Thursday gave final legislative approval to the budget, and the Senate approved its bills early Wednesday. The budget was not due until Sunday, the start of the new fiscal year. The streak of on-time budgets began after former Gov. David Paterson uncovered a new power for governors to impose their budget if the April 1 deadline is missed, leaving the Legislature with the politically untenable option of shutting down government. Major elements include nearly $1 billion more for schools, about a 4-percent average increase, and $350 tax rebate checks that will be sent to most middle class families next year, shortly before Election Day. The minimum wage will rise to $9 over three years, and employers of teenagers in part-time jobs will get a taxpayer-paid subsidy to cover most of the increase. Businesses will get additional tax breaks including one to encourage the hiring of recent veterans. ``We accomplished a lot of things we wanted to accomplish, said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who had made raising the $7.25-an-hour minimum wage a priority for two years. ``This reflects an improved, more efficient process between the governor and the Legislature, state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said Friday. The budget includes some one-time revenue, including $7 billion in federal recovery aid following Superstorm Sandy. And that concerns DiNapoli, who said the budget also includes several new provisions that extend the states reliance on public authority debt. ``New Yorks debt burden is among the highest in the nation, making the goals of meeting critical infrastructure needs while remaining within the states debt caps more difficult, DiNapoli said. The budget process was criticized for continuing Albanys tradition of closeddoor negotiations among top leaders with little if any real role for rank-andfile lawmakers, who under a budget reform law were supposed to hash out spending agreements in public. A stumble in negotiations included fixes needed to the states new gun control law, passed in January, which has drawn some sharp criticism from upstate communities. The budget suspends the provision that would have outlawed any bullet magazines that carried more than seven bullets, because seven-bullet magazines arent made. The standard is 10 bullets, but Cuomo sought to have the lowest magazine capacity in the nation. There is no plan to set a new date for that provision because manufacturers dont plan to make them. So now the law requires gun owners to only carry seven bullets at a time, unless they are at an authorized shooting range or shooting competition. The law was derided by Republican Assemblyman Steven McLaughlin as ``the honor system. ``Do you think criminals are going to care about that? he said. ``I can practice defending my family with 10 rounds, but I can only defend my family with seven rounds?

7 www.minorityreporter.net | april 1 -7 | 2013

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8 www.minorityreporter.net | april 1 -7 | 2013

COVER STORY

Her official announcement was made at the F.I.G.H.T. Village Apartments in northeast Rochester, on March 22; a significant location because its near the epicenter of 1964 riots, one of black Rochesters fiercest civil rights struggles. How can we talk about our dreams for Rochesters future if that dream doesnt include all of us? she said during the announcement. This city needs a vision for the future if we are going to move forward. I am formally announcing my candidacy today for mayor! Warren is now slated to challenge incumbent Mayor Thomas S. Richards, who is seeking reelection after fulfilling the term of former Mayor Bob Duffy, who is now the states Lt. Governor. Warren, a Democrat, who was first elected to the City Council in 2007, represents the northeast district and has served as president since 2010. She presides over council meetings and committee hearings, makes council committee appointments, and oversees the enactment of the City budget and all City Legislation. If elected mayor she said she plans to include every neighborhood in planning future development of the city. While announcing her candidacy Warren spelled out that she believes in safe streets, community policing, good schools, and that government cant do it all. She also said she believes in mobilizing communities; and that neighborhood development is just as important as downtown development. I believe if the city taxpayers money is going to be invested in major projects then the people should see something in return like jobs and affordable housing, said Warren during her official announcement. During her time in office, Warren has assisted with the revitalization of underdeveloped areas of northeast Rochester, has aided in recruitment for the Rochester Police and Fire Departments; and has overseen implementation of the Citys Midtown Redevelopment Project Labor Agreement which will save taxpayer money and assure employment opportunities for city residents. She has also worked closely with the College Town project developers to assure that some of the new housing would be affordable for city residents; supported North American Breweries and its efforts to develop the Genesee Brew House; and worked with the Collective Action Project of Marketview Heights to help bring in the new Fastrac Market. In response to a report indicating that young men in the City of Rochester have the lowest

graduation rates in the nation, Warren cofounded Operation Transformation an organization that assists black males between the ages of 18 and 30 who have dropped out of high school. The tuition-free program provides access to GED preparatory classes, life skills training and mentors to help them successfully transition from dropout to gainfully employed high school graduate within a 6 to 24 month time frame. To date, 80 volunteer mentors have been recruited, and 148 young men have attended seminars and prepared to take the GED exam. This has all occurred since the founding of the program in January 2013. Warren, a native Rochesterian, is a graduate of Wilson Magnet High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and a Juris Doctorate from Albany Law School of Union University. She was admitted to the bar in February 2004. She is the former president of the Black Bar Association and maintains a small private law office, specializing in real estate law. She and her husband Timothy Granison are the parents of a daughter, Taylor, are active members of the Westside Church of Christ.

How can we talk about our dreams for Rochesters future if that dream doesnt include all of us?
-- Lovely Warren

LOVELY WARREN

9 www.minorityreporter.net | april 1 -7 | 2013

10 www.minorityreporter.net | april 1 -7 | 2013

11 www.minorityreporter.net | april 1 -7 | 2013

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SHIFTED OR SETTLED? Contact Woodford Brothers Inc, for straightening, leveling, foundation and wood frame repairs at 1-800-OLD-BARN. www. woodfordbros.com. Not applicable in Queens county Miscellaneous Attend College Online from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice, *Hospitality. Job placement assistance. Computer and Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV authorized. Call 888-201-8657 www.CenturaOnline.com SAWMILLS from only $3997.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/ DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N Out of State Real Estate Sebastian, Florida Affordable custom factory constructed homes $45,900+, Friendly community, No Real Estate or State Income Taxes ,minutes to Atlantic Ocean. 772-581-0080, www.beachcove.com. Limited seasonal rentals Vacation Rentals OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc. com

LPCiminelli, the leading contractor in Western New York has several exciting projects in the pipeline. We are looking for qualified state certified M/WBEs to be part of these projects. Please take advantage of our prequalification process to ensure you are on the bidders list. Register. Our prequalification process is completed through the web-based system iSqFt. First, email Danelle Mascho, dmascho@lpciminelli.com, to request an invitation. Within your request include. Company name & address Company phone & fax Appropriate contact person & email address Company specialty/trade

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Annual Giving Coordinator

The College at Brockport development team seeks an Annual Giving Coordinator who will administer all aspects of the annual phonaton program, including recruitment, training and supervision of 18-22 student callers who contact alumni and student families to secure financial contributions. The chosen candidate will also play a key role in the Senior Class Gift campaign, recent alumni campaign, and contribute to a robust annual giving program working collaboratively with the Associate Director of Annual Giving. For a detailed description of the job responsibility or to apply, visit www.brockportrecruit.org EEO/AA

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12 www.minorityreporter.net | april 1 -7 | 2013

SBA Deputy Said to Go Beyond the Call of Duty for Black Businesses
By Hazel Trice Edney (TriceEdneyWire.com) It is a story that has unfolded all too often across America. The owner of a small business finds it simply impossible to pull through the torturous economy. The doors shut or the website shuts down and another business venture comes to a close. Without incubation and support, the nations small businesses including Black-owned businesses which are doubly vulnerable due to a history of racism and discrimination would go under at alarming rates. In short, they need an advocate. This is the reason that when the leaders of the National Bankers Association, an organization of 37 mostly Black-owned banks, began pondering prospective recipients of their annual Beyond the Call of Duty Award, its president says they did not have to look very far. No question, it was Marie Johns, deputy administrator of the U. S. Small Business Administration, he said. I think Marie Johns has an extraordinary record of serving the small business community in our country. She has shown a genuine interest in working with all small businesses. Shes been fair and inclusive, she believes in diversity, shes shown a great sensitivity to the struggle of small businesses, says Michael Grant, president of the National Bankers Association after bestowing Johns with the award during the NBAs Annual Legislative/Regulatory Conference last week. In prepared remarks, he said, Ms. Johns has developed a reputation for being a good listener. She not only listened to community bankers and small business owners, she acted, he said. In fact, Grant says Johns has served so well in the position that he believes she should be promoted to the top of the agency. I think she would be an excellent candidate to be SBA administrator, he said in an interview, noting that the agency has even greater potential. An article by Claudio E. Cabrera, originally posted last fall on business website TheStreet.com and republished this month on BlackEnterprise.com, is headlined, Minority Businesses a Big Driver in the U.S. Small Business Economy. The article reports that the number of black-owned businesses rose a noteworthy 60.5% to 1.9 million from 2002 to 2007, more than triple the 18% rate for businesses established nationally, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus Survey of Business Owners. It continues, During the most recent period for which there is Census data, black-owned businesses generated $137.5 billion in receipts, up 55.1%. But the down side is this: Most of the highly prosperous Black-owned businesses are concentrated in certain states. New York, Georgia and Florida and cities like New York, Chicago, Houston and Detroit have the largest concentration of the nations black-owned businesses, the article reports, based on Census calculations. Also, of the 1.9 million black-owned businesses, little more than 100,000 had paid employees and only 14,000 of those businesses had receipts of $1 million or more. Johns agrees that as Black and other minority businesses grow, the economy grows. In 2013, minority-owned small businesses are one of the fastest-growing segments of our economy, and an engine of opportunity for millions of hardworking men and women in our communities, Johns said in a prepared statement issued after last weeks award. Empowering these businesses, and embracing an inclusive view of entrepreneurship, is essential to our long-term economic growth and global competitiveness. She also agrees with Grant that more must be done. We must ensure that more people across the country have access to the capital, technical assistance, and support networks they need to help them start businesses, create jobs, and grow our economy. Suring up Black banks in order to serve their communities is a part of that mission, she says. Over the past four years, the U.S. Small Business Administration has been working hard to create more access for entrepreneurs and more opportunities for lenders to work with the small businesses in their communities. The NBA and our network of lending partners are on the frontlines of these efforts to revitalize our economy and communities. In her statement, Johns ticked off a list of services available to strengthen small businesses and underserved communities. They include the Small Loan Advantage (SLA) program and Community Advantage lenders, she listed. In fiscal year 2013 alone, she reported, the SLA Program has already surpassed total SLA loans and approved SLA dollars in FY 2012 and 2011 combined, with more than 1,000 loans approved for a total of nearly $150,000,000 since the start of the fiscal year. Deputy administrator Johns is already a presidential appointee, nominated by President Obama on December 17, 2009, and confirmed by unanimous consent in the Senate. Her bio on sba.gov boasts more than $30 billion in lending to more than 60,000

NATIONAL

Marie Johns receives Beyond the Call of Duty Award from the National Bankers Association small businesses across the country. That is the most capital going to small businesses in the history of the SBA, it states. She doesnt have to convince Grant: At a White House news briefing three years ago, President Barack Obama announced a number of new initiatives designed to streamline SBA guidelines and render the agency more user-friendly. Working in tandem with the Administration, Ms. Johns used her business savvy and exceptional executive skills to bring a more modern and less cumbersome SBA to community banks and small businesses, in general, and minority banks and minority-owned business enterprises in particular.

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13 www.minorityreporter.net | april 1 -7 | 2013

NATIONAL
In Israel: President Obama Draws from African-American Struggle
By Hazel Trice Edney (TriceEdneyWire.com) - President Barack Obama, standing before an audience of thousands of Israeli people in Jerusalem last week, drew from Black history in America in order to connect. In the United States - a nation made up of people who crossed oceans to start anew - were naturally drawn to the idea of finding freedom in our land. To African-Americans, the story of the Exodus was perhaps the central story, the most powerful image about emerging from the grip of bondage to reach for liberty and human dignity - a tale that was carried from slavery through the Civil Rights Movement into today, he said in the March 21 speech at the Jerusalem International Convention Center. His first time in the Holy Land, the President made a rare move in speaking openly about the pains of Black Americans and how they made it from slavery to freedom with faith and hope. For generations, this promise helped people weather poverty and persecution while holding on to the hope that a better day was on the horizon. For me, personally, growing up in far-flung parts of the world and without firm roots, the story spoke to a yearning within every human being for a home, he said to applause. He made the comparison with the plight of Jewish people. As Dr. Martin Luther King said on the day before he was killed, I may not get there with you. But I want you to know that we, as a people, will get to the promised land, The audience applauded again. So just as Joshua carried on after Moses, the work goes on for all of you, the Joshua Generation, for justice and dignity; for opportunity and freedom. On the listening tour to Israel last week, Obamas intent was to spread good will and connect. Over the last two days, Ive reaffirmed the bonds between our countries with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Peres. Ive borne witness to the ancient history of the Jewish people at the Shrine of the Book, and Ive seen Israels shining future in your scientists and your entrepreneurs. This is a nation of museums and patents, timeless holy sites and groundbreaking innovation. Only in Israel could you see the Dead Sea Scrolls and the place where the technology on board the Mars Rover originated at the same time. The message, billed as his speech To the People of Israel, carried a since of resolve and promise of the Passover season. Of course, even as we draw strength

President Obama in Israel from the story of Gods will and His gift of freedom expressed on Passover, we also know that here on Earth we must bear our responsibilities in an imperfect world. That means accepting our measure of sacrifice and struggle, just like previous generations. It means us working through generation after generation on behalf of that ideal of freedom.

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14 www.minorityreporter.net | april 1 -7 | 2013

STRAIGHTno chaser

OPINION/EDITORIAL
Lovely Warren announced her intent to run for mayor from Fight Village. Can you believe that? Dont let her age fool you. She brings much wisdom. Dont let her charming smile and charisma fool you, she is tough as nails. Dont let the year she has been politically engaged fool you; she has learned her way around the political arena. Her relationships and resources move far beyond Rochester. Yep, Lovely Ann Warren Granison Esq. made it official last week; she is running for mayor in the city of Rochester, and, guess what?? She can win. She can do this with our help. As I listened intently to every word she said at the press conference, I could not help but smile inside, feeling I was once again about to walk through a history book. As I looked at her, I could not help but see the potential for the first and youngest female in Rochesters mayoral race about to be delivered, historically. Several times, I clearly heard those in attendance burst into the unrehearsed and unexpected chant, Lovely, Lovely, Lovely!! Even as David Gantt, standing next to her at the podium, tried to act like the bucket of tears flowing down his cheeks were not there, I too fought back tears, especially when I saw the pride in her grandfather, Cecil McClarys, face. Her husband, Tim Granisons genuine smile was as bright as any TV camera in the room. And I could not help but notice her two-year-old daughters look of bewilderment as she rested in her Dads arm. Her look said, in no uncertain terms, Lawd, what is my Mommy up to now? It was an awesome moment in time and for me personally. My mind went back to 1983 when Jesse Jackson Sr. announced his intent to run for U.S. president because he said it was our time. He, like Lovely, did not listen to the naysayers, or those who feel they have enough power and control to dictate when and where someone

The views expressed on our opinion pages are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the position or viewpoint of Minority Reporter.

The Best Man For The Job Is a Woman

should pursue their dream. He knew it was time to, at the very least, pursue his dream. The theme then was Run, Jesse, Run, and he did. Today I say, Run, Lovely, Run! I reflected on 2007 when Barack Obama announced his intent to become the first black president in 2008, and he did. I am certain there were more than enough naysayers telling him not to run. Most of us are happy that he did not listen. At least 99 percent of black voters, 70 percent of Hispanic voters and 75 percent of Asian voters are more than happy, Im sure. I also reflected on a recent editorial written in response to the former mayor and current Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy having the audacity to step into the dream-killer arena by suggesting that Lovely should wait four more years. Can you believe the nerve? Some of the naysayers have also questioned Lovelys executive experience. What kind of condescending malarkey is that? What exactly does that mean? What do executives do? They make decisions and represent their interests, dont they? Lets see, as president of the Rochester Black Bar Association, was she not instrumental in the Monroe County Bar Association selecting its first black president? Can Lovely not take credit for two major law firms accepting black partners for the first time? Has she not provided the kind of city council leadership that her colleagues respected enough to make her president for the second time? Was she not instrumental in helping to organize and resurrect the Rochester Black Political Caucus? Did she not partner with County Legislator Willie Lightfoot to create Operation Transformation? Being the armchair political strategist that I am, I am here to say, sorry, but the naysayers, a.k.a haters, have got it wrong. Can Lovely Warren win? No doubt about it. She has already assembled the right team to get her there. Now all she needs is for the enthusiasm, support and concern we all felt the day of her announcement to translate into votes. We need to get on the grind. All she needs is for those who claim they will vote for her to do so. All she needs is for her soldiers to deliver. It is certainly not going to be easy, with the so-called powers that be already declaring themselves as fence-sitters and wanting her to wait. Wait for what? The time is now. Like she said in her speech, it is not her time, it is our time!! Some folks will just not get what that really means, I guess; but I do. Still, I am only one vote. Come September, because the primary is a given, those who vote will have to come out in force; do what needs to be done to make the dream a reality. Also, some of us did not forget that the current mayor promised he only wanted to finish Duffys term. Some have also not forgotten he said he would not run again. Granted, everyone is entitled to change their mind, as much as Lovely Warren is entitled to run for mayor, right now!! All she needs to do is remember that Power conceded to nothing without a struggle. The struggle continues, and power concedes only to a demand. Lovely is more than correct in saying the best man for the job of mayor is a woman, and that woman just happens to be her.
---------------------------------Gloria Winston Al-Sarag is a Community Activist, Writer, Communicator, Political Activist. She is a native Rochesterian and has been involved with numerous community orgainzations in Rochester. Contact Gloria at: JazzyG4202@aol.com

Some of the media arrived at the event late, GLORIA WINSTON AL-SARAG and had to fight to set up their equipment because of the large number of people in the room. Their late arrival suggested to me they thought it was no big thing, or that it wouldnt matter whether they were there or not. As a result, they almost missed the news story of the day. Everyone was a-buzz; TV, print and radio were all there to hear the announcement. Then, profoundly, Lovely Warren stated in her announcement speech, I believe the best man for the job of mayor is a woman. Just in case you live on an island or under a rock somewhere, Lovely just happens to be city council president, city council person representing the Northeast section of the city, and chief of staff to Assemblyman David Gantt. She is also unwittingly honoring and answering the call of our ancestors. The ones who dared to give vision and courage to those most likely to represent and continue the journey they began decades ago. So, if you are looking for objectivity in this piece you can stop reading now. I know Lovely Warren personally. She is not only Tims wife, Taylors mother, Ritas daughter, Aunt Mary and Uncle Reggies niece, Cecil McClarys granddaughter, and the daughter David Gantt wished he had. She is a leader among leaders.

Our Health: Overweight and Obesity among Black Adults

Facts In 1995, no state had an obesity rate higher than 15%; today 36% of Americans are obese (CDC, 2012). In Monroe County, nearly Twylla Dillion 70% of Black adults are classified as overweight/obese; roughly 60% of whites are classified as overweight/obese (2006 Monroe County BRFSS). According to the Centers for Disease Control, Black Americans are 1.4 times more likely to be obese than whites (CDC, 2012). Black women have the highest rates of obesity in the U.S., 4 out of 5 black women are obese (CDC, 2012). Black men are less likely to be overweight than white men, but more likely to be obese than white men (CDC, 2012). Overweight and obesity are determined by body mass index (BMI). BMI can be calculated as follows: ((Weight in Pounds)/(Height in inches) x (Height in inches)) x 703 Or, use the Center for Disease Controls Easy Calculator: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/ assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/english_ bmi_calculator/bmi_calculator.html BMI Weight Categories BMI of 18.5 and under: Under Weight BMI of 18.5 to 24.9: Normal Weight BMI of 25 to 29.9: Overweight BMI of 30 or more: Obese Why is Overweight/Obesity Increasing? The most obvious reason for increased obesity is an energy imbalance; in other words we are consuming more calories than we burn, resulting in the excessive accumulation of body fat. The energy imbalance many of us are experiencing has many causes including: more sedentary lifestyles, increased consumption of processed food and fast food, decreased consumption of healthy whole food and increased stress. The causes of obesity of have an additional layer of influences linked to race/ethnicity. Socioeconomic and sociocultural influences that impact diet choices and the norming of excess body fat have contributed to the overweight/obesity epidemic in the Black population. Impact of Excessive Weight 300,000 deaths per year are associated with excess weight (CDC, 2012). Poor diet and inactivity are related to 14% of deaths in America, second only to tobacco related deaths (CDC, 2012). Obese people have a 50 to 100%

increased risk of premature death from all causes compared to people with healthy weight (CDC, 2012). Obesity is a risk factor for many serious conditions including but not limited to: Type 2 diabetes High blood pressure High cholesterol Heart disease Non-alcoholic liver disease Stroke Osteoarthritis Breathing problems Reproductive problems Cancers Dementia

Next month, I will provide solutions for individual and group weight loss as well as address any questions that readers have regarding this weeks article.

OPINION/EDITORIAL
The no standardize testing, no accountability, o p t - o u t movement is reaching a fever pitch in Rochester. The movement gained steam ALLEN williams back in 2012 when the Rochester City School Board, with a vote of 7-0, adopted a resolution which asked the state education commissioner, the governor and the state legislature to scrap the current assessment system that links student outcomes to overall school and teacher effectiveness. for black males Rochester is the worst school district in the nation. The majority of our students who graduate attend Monroe Community College. The college is wrestling with the need to provide remedial courses to a large portion of our graduates. The need to take remedial classes points to the fact that far too many of our students are graduating without the skills necessary to succeed in college or in the workplace. This push to do away with tests and assessments will not benefit our students.

15 www.minorityreporter.net | april 1 -7 | 2013

The views expressed on our opinion pages are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the position or viewpoint of Minority Reporter.

RCSDs misguided effort to end standardized testing

Under NCLB states were required to develop a set of academic standards that all students had to meet in 12 years. To show that students are meeting those standards states are required to administer the same tests under the same conditions to all students. The tests are designed to measure student performance. It would give the student and parents an idea of how well the student was doing. I have yet to meet a parent who did not want to know how well their child was doing in school. The tests would also give parents information on how well The testing requirement is part the teachers and the school are of No Child Left Behind which doing when it comes to educating was signed into law in 2002. The students. law was in response to years of declining student outcomes, The growing attack on testing increasing school spending and no and accountability is because by What makes the school boards accountability. In Rochester, for the end of the 2013-2014 school request bizarre and the the call example, over the past 40 years year every district, every school is for an end to standardize testing the district has been spending supposed to achieve the goal of misguided is that the Rochester ever increasing amounts of money having all students meet or exceed City School District is dead last but graduation rates and student the state standard. If schools fail to in New York State when it comes achievement levels have continued meet the agreed upon standards to student achievement. When to decline. Yet no one is held they could face penalties as severe we look at the graduation rates accountable. as school closure. The provision linking student performance on the tests to teacher evaluations has caused the greatest resistance to the law. The Teachers Union argue that it is unfair to hold teachers accountable if a student performs poorly on a test because there are factors outside of the teachers control that have an impact on student learning. I will let the reader decide on where to come down on this point. On this issue of no testing I think that it is a bad idea especially for children of color. As a parent you should always know where your child is in relation to the rest of his/her class and you should know those subject areas where your child needs help or improvement. Testing and feedback does that. Remember no one has your childs best interest at heart like you do. Dont give that away.

Chris Rock: For Blacks, College Sports is No Different than Slavery

Ive always loved Chris Rock. I dont respect him because hes funny, rich or famous, everyone notices that. I respect him dr. boyce watkins because he is also intelligent, progressive and courageous. He doesnt just give black people something to laugh about. He also gives them something to THINK about. This week, while watching March Madness, that multi-billion dollar professional sports extravaganza that pretends to be an amateur sports league, Rock made some interesting and powerful remarks about what he was witnessing on television. Rock, a man who clearly understands the entertainment business, likely found himself confused about how a show can attract tens of millions of viewers without paying its star performers. Speaking from his Facebook page, Rock had this to say: So Im watching the Kansas North Carolina game on tv .And I notice there are 9 black players and 1 white player btw the white player is amazing . Anyway I look in the stands and everybody is white .Since its known that college sports is big money . One could come to the conclusion that the nine black and one white player are playing to put 100 thousand white kids though college. I know no one is getting whipped or beaten but economically college sports are no different than slavery. I know a lot of black intellectuals will say we can do so much more than play ball and we can .But that doesnt mean we shouldnt reap the benefits from sports .white kids that go to Syracuse and Georgetown do . These kids should be paid and allowed to get an education for themselves and there familys for the rest of there lives. Black people not making money from college sports is like Arabs not making money from oil insane. We have our reparations lottery ticket right in our pocket and were not smart enough to cash it in. Everything that Rock says is right on point. The truth about college sports is that the exploitation runs deep, along with serious labor rights violations, in conjunction with operating practices that would be illegal in nearly any other industry in America. Whenever this many fans watch something on television, SOMEONE is getting rich. Its amazing that those individuals are not the ones actually doing the work. What I also love about Rocks remark is that he wasnt afraid to address the racial elephant in the middle of the room. Many conversations about the unethical nature of collegiate athletics are watered down, focusing solely on graduation rates in a race-neutral sort of way. But the fact is that anyone who follows college sports knows, without a doubt, that black men are typically running the show. The wealth extraction from the black community by the NCAA easily exceeds one billion dollars per year. This money could help address failing schools, black unemployment, urban violence and many of the other issues that plague our community as a result of unchecked poverty and very few economic/educational opportunities. At the very least, it would get a few families out of the projects. Sonny Vaccaro, the former Nike executive who conceptualized the Air Jordan sneaker, called to tell me about a multi-billion dollar class action lawsuit being filed against the NCAA. The attorneys were licking their chops over the numerous anti-trust violations being committed by the league, which has greedily taken athletes images and sold them to video game companies without compensating the players. The lawsuit, should Vaccaro emerge victorious, could strike a tremendous blow to the toxic cash cow known as the NCAA. But an even faster route to liberation lies right in the hands of players and their families. Should blue chip athletes simply refuse to play without being compensated, then the show (and the money) will all come to a halt. As Chris Rock said, the power is in our hands. ----------------------Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and author of the book, Black American Money.

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16 www.minorityreporter.net | april 1 -7 | 2013

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