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Afro-American Newspapers

February 13, 2010 Character Education/Black History Month 1


Character Education
Black History Month Table of Contents
Black Economic
Empowerment
5 Work the Middle
A publication of the

7 Character Education Profile: BGE


Afro-American Newspapers

The Baltimore
Afro-American Newspaper
2519 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
(410) 554-8200
8 Purse Power
The Washington
Afro-American Newspaper
1917 Benning Road NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 332-0080
10 Character Education Profile: College Savings Plans of MD
John J. Oliver Jr.
Chairman/Publisher

Character Education Project Manager


11 The Census and Its Impact on Economic Power
Diane Hocker

Character Education Coordinator


Takiea Hinton 12 Character Education Profile: Legg Mason
Project Editors
Talibah Chikwendu
Tiffany Ginyard
Kristin Gray
13 Character Education Profile: Legg Mason
Zenitha Prince

Electronic Editor
Melissa Jones 15 Character Education Profile: McDonald’s
Graphic Designer
Denise Dorsey

2 Character Education/Black History Month February 13, 2010 Afro-American Newspapers


Character Education 2010
T he Afro-American
Newspapers’ Character
Education program is
designed to promote positive character
traits in our public school students. Each
County, Howard County, Montgomery
County, Prince George’s County and
Washington, D.C. Public Schools
receive the publication at no cost. The
goal is for students to read the featured
distribution of the publication within
participating school districts.
• Identify a liaison to advise us on
information concerning character
education that can be included in each
year, several corporate professionals and profiles and Black history content and edition.
business leaders join our effort and share submit an essay connecting what they’ve • Encourage teachers and students to
stories that illustrate how the building learned from a particular profile to participate in the essay contest.
of their character not only helps them the importance of character building.
personally but also in the workplace. Winners of the essay contest are How do schools benefit?
During Black History Month, the awarded valuable prizes to further their • The AFRO encourages staff and
AFRO is delivered to public middle education and an opportunity to meet students of participating schools to
schools across the region including the corporate professional they chose to submit stories, columns, photos, etc.,
Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City write about. about the importance of education and
and Baltimore County, Howard County, good character.
Montgomery County, Prince George’s Why eighth-graders? • During February, all participating
County and Washington, D.C. Each Our research shows that by the schools receive the Character Education
publication contains the testimonies of eighth grade, most students have started publication to assist students in their
our corporate partners. to seriously think about their career learning of Black history and to further
goals and and are more receptive to promote literacy.
How does it work? the information shared by the business
During the AFRO’s Black History community. Partnership opportunity
Month series – The Afro-American Corporations, nonprofits and other
Newspapers’ most active and sought How can the schools help? organizations are invited to become
after series each year– we feature • Allow the AFRO to deliver strategic partners with this campaign.
a Black History and Character Character Education to your school on By becoming a partner, your company
Education publication that profiles a weekly basis throughout the month of will help provide the AFRO as an
diverse corporate professionals, their February. In addition, provide the Afro- educational tool to eighth-graders
success stories and helpful strategies for American Newspapers in your school’s throughout the region. In addition, your
planning a successful career. Each week, media center or library on a weekly basis company will illustrate its support for
eighth-graders from Anne Arundel for the current calendar year. professional development among today’s
County, Baltimore City and Baltimore • Assist in coordinating the youth.

Afro-American Newspapers February 13, 2010 Character Education/Black History Month 3


W
hen African Americans were freed from slavery, they were
released with only the clothing on their backs. Largely having
been kept from educational opportunities, not being able to
own anything, being up to that point chattel themselves and
surrounded by racism, freedom – while valiantly earned – probably seemed like a
hardship. The newly freed citizens needed a way to survive and thrive in this land of
opportunity. They needed money.
Against the odds, African Americans found ways to earn money, starting
businesses putting the skills and trades learned as slaves to work. From blacksmiths
to seamstresses, African Americans provided services and began to earn. With their
money they bought land, started communities, educated their children and thrived.
As things in the south slowed and jobs – especially in manufacturing – became
more plentiful in the North, people migrated across the country, looking for better
opportunities. Some of these people were successful in achieving economic success,
others were not.
Over the years, many organizations have been founded to help people of color
achieve economic empowerment. Many businesses have also been started with that
mission.
For week two of Black History Month, we look at the state of wealth in the
African-American community; the contribution of Black women to the economic
health of their communities and the impact of the 2010 census on Black economic
empowerment.

4 Character Education/Black History Month February 13, 2010 Afro-American Newspapers


The State of Black Wealth in America

Work the Middle


By Tiffany Ginyard “People need to change their outlook from you spend less than what you earn and you invest
AFRO Baltimore Bureau Chief earning income to building wealth,” says Deborah the difference so that it continues to build.”
Owens, wealth coach and author of A Purse of Owens also emphasizes that the
A recession has been looming among African Your Own: An Easy Guide to Financial Security. economic model of landing a
Americans since 2000, when unemployment “We have been programmed to go to school, get “good” job and earning a
shot up from 7.6 percent to 10.8 percent. So, the a good job and earn an income. It’s not enough to pension is rapidly
current economic recession crippling the entire just earn an income; what’s important is that is Continued on Page 6
“People
nation, for Blacks, is like salt on an open wound.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
need to
the Black unemployment rate is currently 16.2 change their
percent. And as of 2007, the poverty rate among
Blacks was 24.5 percent. outlook from
Tangled in these glaring statistics is the pulse
of economic mobility in the Black community – earning
the middle class. According to a blog posted by
political activist and democratic socialist Barbara
income to
Ehrenreich in August 2009, “The most salient building
and lasting effect of the current recession may
turn out to be the decimation of the Black middle wealth.”
class. …
“Millions of the Black[s] – from factory
workers to bank tellers and white collar managers
– are sliding down toward destitution.”
While Blacks are earning more than ever,
they’re saving and investing less. So in the face
of rising unemployment and foreclosure rates,
Blacks find themselves on sinking sand. Experts
say the revival of a middle-class base among
African Americans will require strategic planning
and execution. But more importantly, there has
to be a shift in the vision of wealth – from a
mentality of “earn and spend” to “earn and build”
– on both individual and collective levels.

Afro-American Newspapers February 13, 2010 Character Education/Black History Month 5


Work the Middle
Continued from Page 5
dying and Blacks have to be able to add value to their occupations, whether they’re
employees or business owners.
Denise Bell-McKoy, CEO of Associated Black Charities in Maryland, agrees, adding
that there must be a shift in mainstream thinking as well. “The economic fate of Black
and Brown citizens will significantly impact the future viability of America as a global
competitor,” she said. “But first America has to get past the issue of race and race-
related ‘barriers’ and understand there is a shared economic advantage to our [African
Americans] being fully vested economic players.  And African Americans, regardless
of current income status, have to view themselves and families as assets in increasing
their own financial status.”    
Along the lines of strategic planning, experts say there must be a deeper focus on
homeownership and foreclosure prevention, financial literacy, workforce development,
college readiness and access, and business and economic development.
Bell-McKoy, who is spearheading a wealth building initiative in Maryland called
“More in the Middle,” is confident that an aggressive plan of action in these areas is at
the core of rebuilding and sustaining the Black middle class. While there is a greater
number of African-American businesses in this country, she suggests that capitalizing
on different metrics that determine “opportunity” for sustainable wealth in business
would be a step in the right direction. Increased support of Black Businesses, Bell-
McKoy says, is an ideal place to start. “African-American businesses are largely single
ownership–no employees. That is not always bad – some as single ownership create
wealth.  Yet, we also know that African-American businesses with employees will
likely hire low-wage African Americans than non African-American firms.”
The state of Black wealth today fares better than 30 years ago, but it is on the way to
being worse than it was 40 years ago, threatening to reverse the economic freedom this
nation’s civil rights leaders fought for with their lives. The wealth-building strategies
“African Americans,
proposed by leaders of today are essentially the same as yesterday. regardless of current
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. laid this challenge before the Black community long ago.
And, his words continue to speak volumes, especially for such a time as this: “Black
income status, have to view
Power is also a call for the pooling of Black financial resources to achieve economic themselves and families as
security. ... Through the pooling of such resources and the development of habits of
thrift and techniques of wise investment, the Negro will be doing his share to grapple
assets in increasing their own
with problems of economic deprivation. If Black Power means the development of this financial status.”    
kind of strength within the Negro community, then it is a quest for basic, necessary,
legitimate power.”

6 Character Education/Black History Month February 13, 2010 Afro-American Newspapers


Develop a Reliable Word
Q uestion for you —what’s the
one thing you can give and keep
at the same time? The answer
– your word. In today’s fast-paced world
it’s easy to commit to something and walk
away without ever fulfilling the promise.
Sometimes it’s because something else
came up or the commitment is simply
forgotten. Despite the ease of breaking
your word, it’s very important that you
make your word your bond.
As the director of Economic
Development for BGE, I partner with
government organizations and meet

Anita Jackson
with large commercial business leaders
to encourage them to choose Maryland
as their business location. When large
businesses move to Maryland or choose Director of Economic
to remain in the state, BGE gains by Development
providing energy service to that company,
but also a ripple effect of benefits occur
throughout the region in the form of job
opportunities, spending and an overall
healthier economy.
When I meet with decision makers of new businesses and organizations who are thinking about moving to Maryland or current
organization representatives who might be thinking about moving away, I do what I can to meet their needs and help make Maryland
their home. This means that when I say I will provide them the help or information they seek, I make sure that I do just that. If I don’t
come through on a promise, it could lead to our company losing money or hundreds of jobs across the state.
My mother was very instrumental at teaching me about the value of integrity. At a young age she
told me that people are always watching and talking about you even if you don’t see them and to
make sure I give them only positive things to see and say. It was that conversation that convinced
me to live my life with integrity. Whatever I say I will do, I do it – no matter how difficult the task.
Take my elementary school experience for example. At a very young age I set a goal to excel in
school to become successful. During my elementary years, however, I remember integration was
just starting to take place and I was moved to a different school. There were many times I faced
difficulties and wanted to give up on doing my best, but because I made a goal for myself, I had to
persevere. I figured if I am going to keep my word to other people, I should at the very least make
sure I keep my word to myself.
My advice to students looking to accomplish any goal is to make sure commitments are honored.
By doing so, things will get done, people will notice and you’ll be a better person. Believe me, I
wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it.

Afro-American Newspapers February 13, 2010 Character Education/Black History Month 7


Purse Power
By Tiffany Ginyard
AFRO Baltimore Bureau Chief

Black women make it happen.


Over the past 40 years, Black women have gradually risen above the
ashes of racism and sexism to provide for themselves and their families.
And to this extent, the ideology of “this is a man’s world” is slowly, but surely,
dissipating. This is primarily because women are outpacing men in key areas
–education, income and entrepreneurship – that ensure economic stability,
and essentially wealth.
“I think education is a big part of it. The numbers indicate that obviously
more African-American women are graduating at higher numbers than
African-American men,” said Essence magazine’s Work and Wealth Editor

“While the recession is hitting all of us


hard, no one is being more impacted than
single mothers.”
Tynisha Sykes. “We may be going in at the same rates but we’re not coming
out at the same rates and I think part of that is because less aid is being
granted.”
Another catalyst of this trend is the current economy’s downsizing
of skilled labor jobs – an area where, historically, Black men have thrived
without pursuing higher education. Today those same jobs, if available,
minimally require certifications or four-year degrees to secure employment,
landing Black men behind the eight ball and Black women in the position to
be the primary breadwinners.
“What we are also finding is that there are more single mother headed
households in the U.S.,” said Sykes. According to census data, 63 percent
of African-American households are headed by single parents, with Black
women in the majority. “While the recession is hitting all of us hard,” said
Sykes, “no one is being more impacted than single mothers.”
But this demographic, and Black women in general, are keeping up – and

8 Character Education/Black History Month February 13, 2010 Afro-American Newspapers


even racing ahead – by becoming entrepreneurs and what
Essence calls “side hustle owners” – turning their passions
into profits. “The most
According to the most recent data released by the
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), women common side
– among all minorities – are establishing businesses nearly
twice as fast – 52 percent – as minority male entrepreneurs hustlers we’re
and three times more than non-minority men and women.
Between 1997 and 2002, African-American women-owned
finding are people
firms grew 75 percent, the second fastest rate to Native who actually
Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander women-owned firms.
“The most common side hustlers we’re finding are people run services like
who actually run services like catering, event and party
planning and consulting services,” said Sykes, adding that catering, event and
the direct selling market is a viable option as well. Black
party planning and
consulting services.”

“Black
women are
making decent
pocket change selling
jewelry, cosmetics, women are making decent pocket change selling jewelry, cosmetics, fashion
fashion accessories accessories and even adult novelties.
While the economic progress of Black women has been duly noted, the
and even adult evidence of wealth building doesn’t match it.
The fact that Black women work is unquestionable. Historically, Black women
novelties.” have entered the workforce at higher rates than White women – and continue to
do so. But despite advanced education, more income, full-time entrepreneurship
and “side hustles,” Black women are still coming up with an empty purse – wealth
wise.
Continued on Page 14

Afro-American Newspapers February 13, 2010 Character Education/Black History Month 9


“D on’t just follow the crowd Jerome, be different!”

Dare to be Different
is the message my mom drove into me at every
opportunity. This happened particularly in junior high
and then in high school, when I would complain about
being placed in classes with the ‘NERDS”. It just didn’t
seem fair for my parents and teachers to move me out
of classes that I had with my friends and fellow football
buddies. And to have me taking piano lessons too!
Yuck! I sure worked hard to keep that on the down low
with my teammates. Thankfully, she didn’t want to hear
my complaints and I continue to thank her today for not
allowing me to follow the path of the “cool kids”.
There just aren’t that many examples in life of
individuals who fell into success. From the successful
business executive, to that up and coming R&B artist,
or that kid around the corner that received an academic
scholarship – chances are they dared to be different from
the crowd. They dared to work hard on a homework

Jerome Clark
assignment, or hit that note for a band piece just right,
while their friends went on and partied for the night.
Vice President It’s that loving, tough love push for me to be different
that helped me to succeed at the U.S. Naval Academy,
T. Rowe Price then the U.S. Marine Corps, and in my current job in
Portfolio Manager investment management with T. Rowe Price here in
Asset Allocation Group Baltimore.
Understand that every one of us has some unique talent
or skill that we tend to do better than others. As you
hopefully work hard to do well in school, try to figure
out what it is that you tend to do better than others. It may be sports, or a musical
instrument, or maybe a knack for taking pictures – or even (heaven forbid) math is
fun for you. Don’t be afraid to embrace that special talent you have. What may not
seem very cool in junior high may be very cool later in life.
So junior high came and went for me. Decades later, my 9th grade son moved in
with me after years of being out of state with his mom - and he wasn’t doing very
well in school. I tried to place him in tougher classes, but he didn’t want to be stuck
with the “geeks.” Guess what my loving message was to him…*smile*
He’s now a student at the U.S. Naval Academy and I’m thanking my mother for
teaching me to teach him that being different can be a very good thing!

10 Character Education/Black History Month February 13, 2010 Afro-American Newspapers


Every Person Counts
The Census The 2010 census comprises
10 little questions that can

and Its Impact have a huge impact on local


jurisdictions.

on Economic
Power
By Stephen D. Riley
AFRO Staff Writer

In a few weeks, the 2010 census forms will be at our


homes.
“This has to be the easiest census we’ve ever had,” said
NAACP Baltimore City Branch President Dr. Marvin
Cheatham; “10 questions take 10 minutes.”
Yet concerns abound, from politicians to community
organizers, that despite its relative ease, people will resist
being counted.
The U.S. Census Bureau performs a population count
once every 10 years. Considering the duration between
counts, an accurate assessment is vital. One undercount
Photo Courtesy Public Information Office/ U.S. Census Bureau

could represent up to 20 years of inaccurate information.


Neglecting to complete a simple form sheet could have
disastrous ramifications on a city.
Abandoned houses, rocky streets and outdated buildings
aren’t merely a coincidence in some cities. Without a
correct head count, the federal government can’t provide
the proper amount of funding to a city since the numbers
may suggest it doesn’t need as much as it actually does.
“The Census drives about $440 billion each year from the
federal government to different localities so if people or
communities are undercounted, they won’t get their fair
share of that $440 billion every year,” said William O’Hare,
a demographer with the Anne E. Casey Foundation.
Since 1790, the U.S. Census has been the longest
Continued on Page 14

Afro-American Newspapers February 13, 2010 Character Education/Black History Month 11


A Little Dirt Won’t Hurt

“G
od made dirt and dirt won’t hurt”… This is a phrase I
remember hearing during my childhood, and it was used
whenever a piece of candy was dropped on the floor. It was
a way of proving the candy was still edible even though it may have been
a little dirty. I realize now as an adult that this phrase applies to so much
more than just candy. Tough times and unpleasant experiences made up
the dirt in my life. Some experiences were made by choice and some were
out of my control. Although they may have been unpleasant and, at times,
I diverted from my path, the determination I had kept me focused on my
ultimate goal of being successful.
The seed of success was planted very early in my childhood. My
parents worked very hard and sacrificed many things so that our basic
needs were met. I had to grow up without some of the simple luxuries in
life, which made things tougher to deal with as a child. Although, at times,
I wanted and expected to have more growing up, I see now that having less
helped to shape me into who I am today. This was a dirty situation that was
out of my control, but just as my parents did, I worked hard and sacrificed
early to reap the reward of success later.
Even though I was determined to stay on the road to success, there were
several times that I got weak and, as a result, made some bad choices.
You must remember that just because you divert from the path you’ve

Chanel Jenkins
chosen, it’s never too late to make things right. One of my diversions was
the decision to have a child out of wedlock in my junior year of college.
Because of the responsibility that comes along with having a child, I risked
Assistant Manager losing my full honors scholarship and the independence I had gained. I had
Finance to overcome the challenge of having a child while attending school full
Legg Mason time, and get back on track. Thankfully, I graduated with honors from the
University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
On your pathway to success, remember we all need a little dirt to help
us grow. Some of the most beautiful flowers on earth are the result of
being planted and rooted in dirt. The smellier and more fertilized the dirt,
the better the results. Always focus on the situations that you can change,
and learn to fight through those that are out of your control. And finally,
keep in mind that it is okay to get a little dirty sometimes.

12 Character Education/Black History Month February 13, 2010 Afro-American Newspapers


The Definition of YOU
I
was truly honored when I was nominated by my company to be one of the
2010 Character Education participants! I was also overwhelmed, humbled
and scared by the prospect of writing about myself. So being the true analyst
that I am, I decided to poll a few people closest to me. I asked, if they had to write
a story about me, my accomplishments, work ethics, etc. … what would they say?
Of the four people I reached out to, I was not surprised that all four replied.
After reading what each had to say about me, it was evident they shared the
same sentiments. They reflected on my many characteristics and said I am a
happy co-worker, friend, wife, mother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, granddaughter,
and daughter. They expressed that I possess the qualities of a very intelligent,
articulate and confident leader and organizer and that determination is my main
driving force. I am quick to forgive and will quickly ask for forgiveness. They all
agreed that I sometimes want to make people believe I’m a tough cookie, but I’m
really a softy who will gladly give my last to help others and “volunteer” could
be my middle name. The words persistent and hard working were also used. They
stated that my positive attitude towards even the most challenging circumstances
makes me shine brightly and unveils incredible strength, character and courage.
One of them even said I possess chameleon-like qualities that make me an asset
wherever I go. It was also mentioned that I do not shy away from challenges, and
defeat is not part of my vocabulary. With me, the glass is either half full or on its
way to becoming completely full.
This was an eye-opening exercise. It is wonderful to have a great perception
Anne E. Kellam
on one’s self but it is truly a blessing to hear the same sentiments confirmed by Business Analysis
others. Often, words like these are expressed and shared at the end of one’s life Technology Services
when a person is not physically able to enjoy hearing them or even nod along
Legg Mason
with others.
So I say to you, let what you are define what you want to be. Remember
this definition is constantly being refined.
The happiest and most successful people do not need the best of
everything. They just make the best of everything they have. Live simply.
Love generously. Care deeply. Always speak kindly.

Afro-American Newspapers February 13, 2010 Character Education/Black History Month 13


The Census and Its Impact
Continued from Page 11
running census in the world, but for have not been good. The returns that African Americans in general have different ethnicities, the census return
the last two counting periods, various Baltimore City has had have basically developed a culture of non-cooperation is not good,” Cheatham revealed. “We
communities across the nation have hurt us significantly as results of the with government authorities but with have not done as good of a job as we
taken the process for granted. Baltimore money that did not come into the city.” the election of an African-American can at educating our community about
City is one of those communities It’s estimated that for every person, president and the developing theme the importance and what the census
that neglected the census and the the census basically counts them as for change that has flooded the is about. And we need to dispel some
results are evident. A significant lack $1,000. Because the census is only minds of many Americans, this year’s of the misgiving and fears that our
of participation by Baltimore City conducted every 10 years, $10,000 is census could see a definite upswing in communities have about the census. ...
residents over the past two census lost for each person that’s not counted. participation. But understanding what “But the emphasis is 10 questions,
counts has cost it millions of dollars, a When the non-counts add up, that the census means is critical to increased 10 minutes or we lose $10,000 for each
problem so dramatic the NAACP has figure can be enormous, an amount that involvement. person that doesn’t fill out the census
already kicked off efforts to increase no community or city can afford to miss “Across the country what we’re so we’re going to do everything that we
participation this time. out on. finding is poor areas and areas with can.”
A lack of funding for schools, streets

Purse Power
and buildings is an ongoing theme for
Baltimore City and while it’s not alone
in census neglect, it does serve as an
Continued from Page 9
Deborah Owens, a wealth coach and author of A Purse survival. Your retirement plan is priority,” she said, adding
“Because the of Your Own: An Easy Guide to Financial Security, says the that women should instill in their children early on the
void lies in women’s tendency to put the needs of others value of academic performance and merit as a means to pay
census is only before their own. “We want to create for our children what for a college education.
conducted every the whole civil rights struggle was about – a middle income,
where our kids could get a higher education and graduate
Retirement plans aside, Owens and Sykes agree the
Black community’s vision of wealth could stand to be more
10 years, $10,000 from college and have a good job. And what has happened focused – concentrating less on earning income and more
is we are jeopardizing our own wealth in order to achieve on building wealth. “Having financial freedom has less to
is lost for each that dream,” said Owens. “But the best gift you can give do with money and more to do with your state of mind,”
your children is the ability to take care of yourself when you said Sykes. “Whether you’re making $10 or $100 an hour,
person that’s not retire, because then you don’t become a burden to them.” it’s about what you save; it’s about what you keep. Keep
counted. “ Owens pointed to data released by the Family and
Economics and Nutrition Review that states elderly women
a certain percentage no matter where you are and you’ll
always have versus always feeling like you’re trying to catch
are twice as likely as men to live in poverty, and for Black up.”
indicator of how important census women the rate is almost doubled. “My concern is that Owens implores Black women to band together in this
counts can be. far too many African-American women are ending up at wealth building effort. “We don’t know how much power
“To say it’s extremely vital would be retirement age depending on social security for their sole we have,” she said. “We’ve got to collaborate now as women
an understatement,” said Cheatham. source of income. This is why it’s imperative that we make and use the power of our purses and use it to uplift one
“It’s clear that the past two censuses better choices when it comes to our long-term economic another.”
that have taken place in Baltimore

14 Character Education/Black History Month February 13, 2010 Afro-American Newspapers


Community First…
T
he Black McDonald’s® Owner/Operator Association (BMOA) of Greater Washington, D.C.,
and Baltimore, we represent 20 local McDonald’s operators and more than 100 African-Ameri-
can owned McDonald’s restaurants in the region collectively. Our partnership is really a “self-
help” business group that works together to make a
difference in our community. We are dedicated to
giving back to the communities in which we live, so
each year we look to partner with local groups and
sponsor local events in our area to show McDon-
ald’s commitment to the communities that eat and
work in our restaurants.
In 2009, we partnered with charitable events to
support our communities. A few examples include:

n “Buck$ for Book$ Program” - We donated to


Morgan State, Coppin State, Bowie
State, and the University of the District
of Columbia. Each university will select
students for a $500 scholarship. In addi-
tion, we donated to the Howard Univer-
sity Scholarship Fund in memory of our BMOA Members pictured with Ronald McDonald during
check presentation at Morgan State Homecoming
past NBMOA President, Ken Ross.

n “Bikes and Helmets Program” – Another donation made for the purchase of bikes and
helmets to be given to deserving kids at the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Baltimore, Fredericks-
burg Virginia and Washington D.C.

n “Develop Young Minds” - The BMOA hosted an


Inaugural ball, net proceeds from the event funded
BMOA Members in the Community at the Bike BMOA charitable initiatives, including Develop
and Helmets program Young Minds, a program that provides financial
support to children with limited resources. Mon-
ies were awarded to support academic, art and
athletic initiatives.

We look forward to continuing the tradition


of supporting our local neighborhoods through
our outreach programs. In 2010, we are looking
forward to continuing support of local children’s
programs and education initiatives. By working
together, we can reach more and more people
who come to our restaurants and live in our
neighborhoods.
BMOA Members and McDonald’s employees at For more information on career opportunities
BMOA Inaugural Ball pictured with Don Thompson, at McDonald’s visit www.McState.com. For infor-
President of McDonald’s USA.
mation on scholarships and student programs visit
www.365Black.com (c) 2010 McDonald’s

Afro-American Newspapers February 13, 2010 Character Education/Black History Month 15


Afro-American Newspapers’
Character Education Essay Contest

Eighth-Graders Only
T
he Afro-American Newspapers’ Character Education character traits in their own lives. Students should then write an essay
Contest was launched 13 years ago to promote positive that best explains why they chose the article and how they plan to use
character development among the nation’s leaders of what they’ve learned to shape their future.
tomorrow -- our youth. • Essays should be between two and four pages in length (double-
We believe good character has to be taught and modeled, which spaced) and must be typed.
is why we have chosen to profile local corporate professionals and • Essays will be judged on neatness, grammar, punctuation and the
business leaders in our publication. student’s ability to give insight on what they learned from the profile.
The featured individuals, time and time again, incorporate positive Judges are impartial volunteers and may include teachers, staff from
character traits -- such as honesty, respect, responsibility, courage local colleges and universities and the editorial staff at the AFRO.
and perseverance -- in their everyday lives, proving to be positive role
models in their community. For more information concerning the Afro-American Newspapers’
For the contest, students are asked to read the featured profiles Character Education Contest, please contact: Diane Hocker, 410-554-
and choose the one that inspires them most to incorporate positive 8243.

Cash prizes to be awarded


Deadline: April 9, 2010
Mail typed essays to:
Diane Hocker • Afro-American Newspapers
2519 N. Charles Street • Baltimore, Md. 21218
or email them to:
charactereducation@afro.com
No faxes will be accepted
16 Character Education/Black History Month February 13, 2010 Afro-American Newspapers

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