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February 2000

Rev. Michael Murphy named Lansing City Council President

The Lansing City Council unanimously voted fellow Council member Rev. Dr. Michael C. Murphy as its new president for year 2000 recently. Murphy replaces council veteran Tony Benevides as the Council’s leader.

“I’m honored and humbled by my colleagues confidence and support in assuming this responsibility,” said Rev. Murphy. “Our Council agenda for 2000 will include strengthening our neighborhoods, improving our housing stock, improving police-community relations and working with the Lansing School Board to improve education.”

Rev. Murphy is the pastor and founder of St. Stephen’s Community Church, United Church of Christ located on Lansing’s west side. In 1997, he mounted a campaign for city council and won by 201 votes. He most recently chaired the Council’s committee on public safety which includes police, fire, traffic and housing.

Murphy has served as Department head of the City’s Human Relation and Community Services Department and on the staff of former Governor James Blanchard.

He served as the state treasurer for Rev. Jesse Jackson’s 1988 presidential bid. He has resided in the community for more than 20 years and is the father of two.

Rev. Murphy holds degrees from the Chicago Theological Seminary (Dr. of Ministry and Master of Divinity), Masters from MSU and a B.A. from DePaul University.

Kwame Ture

©Cornell University

Kwame Ture (Stokely Charmichael) Dead

CONAKRY, GUINEA - Stokely Carmichael, the former Black Panther leader who coined the term ``black power'' died at the age of 57 on Nov. 15.

Carmichael, who later changed his name to Kwame Ture - taken from the names of African leaders Kwame Nkrumah and Ahmed Sekou Toure, had been suffering of prostate cancer for the past three years. He died today in Conakry, Guinea where he lived since 1969.

Born on June 29, 1941 in Port of Spain, Trinidad, Ture attended Howard University in Washington D.C., and after graduating in 1964, as one of the ``Freedom Riders'' he worked on voter registration in Mississippi with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, (SNCC) which he would later head.

During James Meredith's Freedom March in Mississippi, Ture and fellow activist Willie Ricks were the first people to publicly use the now famous call for ``Black Power.”

In Alabama, as chairman of SNCC, Ture founded the Lowndes County Freedom Organization, a forerunner of the Black Panther Party. In 1967 he became Prime Minister of the Black Panther Party founded in Oakland, CA. by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seals.

Ture received an honorary doctorate from Shaw University in 1971.

In 1973, he and his then wife, South African singer Miriam Makeba, became citizens of the east African country of Uganda.

Ture was a Central Commitee member the All-African People’s Party and the Democratic Party of Guinea.

Kwame Ture and Dr. King: kindred souls

by DERRICK Z. JACKSON

KWAME TURE was a hot flame frozen in time for uttering two words. Ture, the former Stokely Carmichael, who died last month, unleashed the phrase ``Black Power!'' Today, Black Power hardly seems radical. Two months after shouting ``Black Power!'' in Greenwood, Miss., during a 1966 march to protest the shooting of civil-rights activist James Meredith, Ture wrote:

``Black Power will mean if a Negro is elected sheriff, he can end police brutality.. . . Where black men have a majority, they will attempt to use it to exercise control. . . . Where Negroes lack a majority, Black Power means proper representation and sharing of control. It means the creation of power bases from which black people can work to change . . . patterns of oppression through pressure from strength, instead of weakness.''

Many people smoldered under Ture's heat. Some white liberals were turned off by speeches laced with ``honky.'' But others listened to Ture with a more-open ear, from students who discovered that Black Is Beautiful to Martin Luther King Jr., who never forgot how Ture went to jail to protest segregation and denial of voting rights. Despite differences on tactics and semantics, they kept a running dialogue.

In April 1967, Ture received a phone call from King. ``He called and said, `I want you to come to church.' I said, `Come to church, where?' He said, `The Ebenezer.' I said, `What's happening there?' He said, `I'm preaching.'

``I said, `Well you know, OK, I can always come hear you preach, you know. Because even though I don't believe in your stuff, you make me tap my feet, you know.' We joked. And he said, `Well, I really want you to come tomorrow.' I said, `OK, I'll come.' He said, `Because tomorrow I'm going to make my statement against the war in Vietnam.'

``And I think between us there must have been 35 seconds of silence. And then I said to him. `I'm going to be on the front seat of your church. . . .'

``The speech was very beautiful. . . . He used words in that speech I could never use. I mean, if I were to use those words, I would be dismissed as irresponsible. But he said, `The United States government is one of the greatest purveyors of violence in the world today.' ''

Ture would spend most of the rest of his life in Africa, forging bonds between people of color around the world. His absence here and the passage of time made it easy to reduce him to a slogan, allowing the heat to keep us from the light. With crumbling public schools and the widening gap between rich and poor, Ture's call for power to be used by the people instead of against the people remains as alive today as it was in 1966.

``Is it not violent for a child to go to bed hungry in the richest country in the world?'' Ture said. ``I think that is violent. But that type of violence is so institutionalized . . . part of our way of life. Not only do we accept poverty, we even find it normal. . . . This country assumes that if someone is poor . . . they made a mistake. That's a lot of nonsense. . . . A man is poor for one reason and one reason only: He does not have money.''

Kwame Ture

Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee
Mourns the Death of Kwame Ture

(From Arabia.On.Line)

WASHINGTON (AROL) --The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) notes with great sadness the passing of Kwame Ture, formerly known as Stokely Carmichael, who died at his home in Conakry, Guinea on November 15, 1998 at the age of 57.

As a leading activist for freedom and civil rights and chairman of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), Stokely Carmichael was instrumental in moving the US away from racial discrimination and toward freedom and justice, ADC said.

He was renowned for his courage in confronting segregationist authorities and was arrested and beaten on countless occasions.

Carmichael continued to work for the causes of freedom and justice after moving to west Africa at the invitation of Ghanian President Kwame Nkrumah, changing his name to Kwame Ture. Ture was especially supportive of the cause of the human and national rights of the Palestinian people.

In spite of his struggle against cancer, Ture continued to fight injustice until the very end. On November 5, just 10 days before he died, Ture announced plans for a trip to protest US travel restrictions and embargoes against Libya, Cuba, Sudan and Iraq.

Kwame Ture compared these trips with the legendary Freedom Rides organized by civil rights activists who ventured into areas declared off-limits to blacks by segregationists.

''As children we joined the Freedom Rides to break the back of segregation and apartheid in interstate transportation in the United States,'' he wrote.

''Today, we ride on the front of the bus, we charter buses to take one million men, women, and children to marches in Washington, Philadelphia, New York, and Atlanta. And we will never turn back.''

In his final statement on Nov. 5, Baba Kwame Ture wrote that ''Thirty years later, I still live in Guinea, working, studying, and struggling for the African Revolution, and I will continue to do so until the last second, of the last minute, of the last hour, of the last day.''

ADC recognizes the death of Kwame Ture as a major loss for the civil rights community and for the causes of freedom and justice around the world. He will be sorely missed.

Editor's Notes

Guinea: a country in W Africa; capital Coankry; population 6,706,000 (1989).

http://www.interchange.org/KwameTure/index.html

Click photo above for sites featuring related stories on the death of freedom fighter

Kwame Ture
the Father of Black Power

LANSING -- Jason Bishop is setting his sights and future by the STAR Institute.

The Sexton High School senior doubles as a STAR Institute student.

Although Jason is not sure what college he will attend next year, he is confident the STAR program will fulfill its promise of continuing his education.

The Big Red wide receiver was also impressed with the Institute's promise a high paying career start. "This program has some pretty good options," he said.

Jason's mother, Karen Bishop, likes the idea of her son having a good career right after high school. "Its great for Jason to come out making $25,000 and have the potential to finish up at Ferris State University,Ó she said.

"My baby, will graduate with 21st century skills.Ó Jason's mom exclaimed.

Proud dad, William Bishop hopes the STAR Institute will give his son a leg up in life. "I hope the program will give my son a jump on college.Ó

The STAR Institute represents a 21st Century partnership between Business, Industry, Education and the greater Lansing community.

The STAR Institute is designed to provide today's high school students with tools for success in the demanding, and rewarding careers of tomorrow.

The STAR Institute, has recently set up operations at the Lansing School District Harry Hill Vocational and Technical Center. However, classes will be Lansing Community College (LCC) courses.

Students will earn college credit upon successful completion. STAR courses will be mainstream college courses that are currently part of curricula at LCC. Instructional methods at the STAR will be customized to maximize the learning opportunity for students.

According to Lansing Schools Superintendent, Dr. Richard Halik, the course selection is not the result of a luck of the draw, or a random pick.

The areas: Chemical process technology, Computer networking and satellite and computer mapping systems, Halik says are all high demand careers.

"These are not dead end jobs. The three areas form a natural link to institutions of higher education," Halik pointed out. "We are blessed with excellent colleges to partner with.

He said the STAR Institute provides an opportunity for a sound career development that meets are real business and industry work force demands.

The STAR Institute is a unique opportunity for mid-Michigan high school students to jump-start their career preparation.

Programs at the STAR are designed for juniors and seniors to begin both career training and their college education while still attending high school.

STAR Institute programs will feature real-world work site experience combined with creative classroom learning environments.

STAR graduates will have options for employment, further education or a combination of both as they complete their studies at the Institute.

A partnership that includes Lansing Community College, Lansing School District, Ferris State University, General Motors, Dow Corning and other business and industry leaders is developing a college-level curriculum for advanced training for work in high-demand technical careers.

The STAR Institute opened this Fall with three programs:

¥Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - A GIS technician provides geographic-based information services for government, business, and industry.

¥Chemical Process Technology - Chemical process technicians are trained for employment in chemical and related industries.

¥Computer Networking and Business Internet Specialist -Business Internet specialists design and build web pages and manage websites. Network specialists provide assistance and advice to business network users.

High technology jobs of the future will require a well-educated, flexible work force. The STAR Institute is designed to provide today's high school students with tools for success in demanding, rewarding careers.

Three to be honored Community Role Model Luncheon Celebration slated

Three well respected and loved community activist will be honored at the 1st Annual Lansing Community Role Model Luncheon Celebration slated to be held Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Riverview Place.

The theme of the event is: "One person can make a difference/One vote can make a difference.Ó And each of the honorees have made a difference in the community.

The unsung heroes are: Georgia Brown, a long standing community activist, who has set the standard for community involvement. Brown is a charter member of the The Lansing Association of Women's Club House, and currently is a NAACP Board member. She has served on many boards and has held many leadership positions.

Grace L. Demps, for many years, has diligently prepared meals in her home during the holidays to feed people in the community, who have no means of providing holiday meals for themselves.

Geri Roossien, a retired Cristo Rey substance abuse counselor, who is so well loved that she has been sought out to continue to counsel on a part-time schedule.

All proceeds for the event will benefit a Lansing community education and a nonprofit/non partisan get-out-the-vote effort.

Tickets are $10 per person, $5 for senior citizens or students. The luncheon is scheduled from 11 am - 1 pm. For more information call: 336-8500.

Black men and prostate cancer

by Maitefa Angaza

The news in not good about prostate cancer and its effect on men of African descent. Though the figures are up for this disease, the awareness level in our community is not rising at a corresponding rate. Broadcast programs and articles in print media have addressed this crisis from time to time, but word-of-mouth has always been our chief instrument of survival. It's time to start talking.

Prostate cancer is a disease that starts slowly and usually remains latent for some time. In its active stage it can be destructive, but need not be fatal. Competent medical attention is of course the deciding factor. This becomes crucial for Black and Latino men, who on the whole do not see physicians regularly.

"Black men in general do not take care of their health," said Dr. Gerald Deas, a popular New York City physician. "We are reactive, rather than proactive. Any man over 50 years of age should be examined and Black males have a higher incidence of this disease.Ó Deas, who host a radio medical program in New York, believes that the dietary factor is key.

"African Americans are heavy meat and fat eaters.Ó he says. "Prostate cancer and fat intake appear to be directly related. When animals eat, chemicals from the field and from their feed are stored in their fat cells. And we traditionally eat the fattier meats, such as pigs feet, pork chops and lamb chops.Ó

BROTHERS BEAR THE BRUNT

Recent studies have reported an increase in prostate cancer cases overall and a higher incidence for African American men in particular. According to the Cancer Journal for Clinicians, there was a 65 percent increase in prostate cancer and a 16 percent rise in the mortality rate, in the period from 1973 to 1991. But at the same time, the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, a Detroit-based study, noted a 70 percent increase in prostate cancer for African American men in the period from 1988 to 1991 alone.

The sharp increase is said to be partially attributed to the increased use of PSA (prostate specific antigen), a blood test used to screen for the disease. The aforementioned journal also reported on an American College of Surgeons Commissions on Cancer study which claimed that in 1984, only 6 percent of newly diagnosed cases of prostate cancer included PSA in the diagnostic "work-up", compared with 68 percent of cases diagnosed in 1990.

In other words, it is likely that prostate cancer has been rising steadily all along for all groups of men. Often however, it was not detected until it had progressed to a more aggressive stage. The PSA test enables doctors to spot prostate cancer earlier, so the figures jumped as use of the procedure became prevalent. The gap in the numbers for white men and Black men is said to be narrowing. Some attribute this fact to white men having better access to medical care and health insurance. As more African American men were tested, their figures were said to escalate sharply.

Certainly another factor is the additional testing that accompanies a positive PSA. Should the test indicate the possible presence of the disease, the patient will then likely receive either a digital rectal exam, a consultation with a urologist, a transrectal ultrasound or, in some cases, a needle biopsy. If the biopsy reveals a malignancy, the urologist will recommend radiation therapy, radical prostectomy, or both.

"Radical prostectomy [removing the cancerous tumor completely] is indicated for cancer that is confined to the prostate and has not yet traveled to the bones or the lymph nodes.Ó"said Delph. "TURP; [Transurethral Resection of the Prostate] was initially the gold-standard for the prostate operation. When the prostate became too large for the passage of urine, then the TURP was indicated. Nowadays, if prostate cancer is detected early enough, we'll recommend radiation therapy or hormonal therapy, which can be very expensive."

Men over 50 have always been identified as the primary risk group for prostate cancer, with the incidence really increasing after age 65. While it appears that the disease develops and accelerates with age, it should also be noted that Medicare coverage begins at age 65. Many newly diagnosed men, when asked why they had not sought testing earlier, cited finances as the factor.

"The incidence for Black men is almost twice that of white men and we have no explanation for that as yet. We are now finding over 200,000 cases of prostate cancer nationally and unfortunately, over 36,000 men will die of the disease this year. Come in and get an examination before you see any problem, even if you have no symptoms at all."

It is critical, for example, that men be aware that BPH does not necessarily indicate the presence of prostate cancer. This condition must be treated in a timely manner in order to

avoid further complication. Both surgery and medication is used to treat BPH. The doctor would select an option based on the overall medical condition of the patient, the severity of the disease and the patientÕs preference.

"BPH is a hormonal change that occurs usually around 45 or 50 years of age," said Delph. "It may trigger a change in the size of the prostate, which is located under the bladder. With prostate enlargement, you can get urinary symptoms. Only at late stages of the disease, where there is a total obstruction, do we need to operate on the patient.

"Most of the time the obstruction is partial and nowadays we have medications that can in many cases shrink the prostate or relieve many of the symptoms. If the medication is not successful or only works for a period of time, then eventually surgery may be needed. But at least today we do have an alternative to the operation. Up until about five or 10 years ago, the operation was the only alternative."

Medications for BPH, including Prozcar and Hytrin, were developed about the same time as the PSA test and have helped to postpone the necessity of surgery in many cases, Delph said. He recommends both approaches highly, saying that with the two tests combined, doctors can find a carcinoma up to 80 percent of the time. Though the test is expensive, he points out that most insurances do cover it.

Doctors recommend that men be screened for prostate cancer starting at age 45 and be tested every year after age 50. They must also be familiar with the symptoms of the disease.

KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR

A list of questions concerning prostate cancer men should ask themselves regularly. Taken from a chart entitled, "Check The Facts About Your Urinary Activity" published by Abbott Laboratories, they are, in edited form:

*Over the last month or so, how many times do you most typically get up to urinate from the time you go to bed until the time you awaken?

*How often do you experience a sensation of not having emptied the bladder completely after urinating?

*How often do you have to urinate again less than two hours after you've finished urinating?

*How often have you stopped or started several times when you were urinating?

*How often have you found it difficult to postpone urination?

*How often do you experience a weak urinary strain, meaning that you have to push or strain to begin urination?

The American Prostate Society recently released a video aimed at answering many of the questions men and their families have about BPH. For further information, call 1-800-678-3178.

PAC-MAC Back To School rally set

The Parent Action Committee for Minority Academic Concerns (PAC-MAC) will hold its annual Back-To-School Rally on Tuesday, September 15, from 7-9pm at the Harry Hill Vocational and Tech. Center Auditorium, 5815 Wise Road.

"Our Children's Success: WHATEVER IT TAKES!" is the theme of the two hour program that's slated to highlight short presentations from noted local educators, community leaders and students.

Presenters at the high energy, informational event includes: Rev. Rodney Patterson, Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church.

Dr. Richard Halik, Superintendent Lansing School District.

Kimberly Eure, sophomore at J. W. Sexton High School.

Michael Muse, junior at the University of Michigan and graduate of Everett High School.

R. L. Hester, EEO Specialist with the City of Lansing Human Relations and Community Services.

Dr. Pamela Belamy, Director King/Chavez/Park-College Day Program at Michigan State University.

In addition, there will be panel comprised of students. Recognition of 1998 PAC-MAC Spelling Bee winners and a mini-resource fair immediately following the Rally

Several free gifts will be offered to Rally participants.

The first drawing will be held at 6:55 p.m.

Adult Drawings: A make over (Valued @ $175) compliments of Imaging by Beverly. Color Assessment (Valued @ $175) compliments of Imaging by Beverly

General Drawings: Detroit Piston's GRANT HILL jersey (Valued @ $100) compliments of Coca Cola. Skating Party for 8 at Apple Sportsplex (Valued @ $70). Free Videotape Rentals compliments of Blockbuster, Family Passes for the Impression 5 Science Center and a $15 Gift Certificate from Smith's Florist.

Giveaways (while the last) Includes: Night lights compliments of the Board of Water & Light and engraved pencils compliments of the MSU Federal Credit Union.

PAC-MAC is a non profit organization made up of parents, students and committed citizens from the greater Lansing community.

PAC-MAC seeks to improve the educational experience for minority youth by involving parents directly in the education of their child(ren).

The parent organization also seeks to: reduce the gap in achievement on standardized test. Reduce the number of disciplinary actions taken against minority students and to equip parents/guardians with the knowledge that will enable them to make maximum use of Lansing Schools and its resources.

PAC-MAC meets regularly with the Superintendent of the Lansing School District. Has sponsored speakers for parents and educators.In addition, the parent group hosts parent/teacher conference preparation sessions for parents and a suspension alternative programs for students.

Top Mason honored

A Congratulatory Breakfast honoring Samuel S. Yarbrough, Jr., as The Most Worshipful Grand Master, State of Michigan, F & A.M., PHA, was held Aug. 29 at the River View Place.

Yarbrough has received the greatest honor in Prince Hall Masonry by being elected to the post of The Most Worshipful Grand Master of Michigan (MWGM), the number one position in Masonry throughout the State of Michigan.

Family, friends, fellow Masons and members of the Eastern Star traveled from across the state to pack the dining hall as their expression of love, respect and admiration for the Grand Master at the 10 a.m. gathering.

In a short, but powerful presentation, Yarbrough promised change and advancement for the organization. He said the group would continue many of its programs but the Masons would reach out to the youth as mentors and role models. Yarbrough said young people are experiencing trouble and the Masons need to reach out to them. "We need to be there with them in the schools and in the community," he said.

The Grand Master also said the organization will expand its effort to attract worthy young men. ÒWe are going to reach out and we are going to grow," he said.

He also stated the organization is going to provide scholarship assistance for who have a 2.50 average, but are in need of assistance to stay in school. "The 4.00 point students can get help, but we need to help those are working hard and overcoming obstacles in order to achieve and stay in school," he continued.

Yarbrough's accomplishments in Masonry began in 1977 as Senior Warden. In 1978, 79 and 80 he served as Worshipful Master.

Under Yarbrough's administration the Widow's Banquet was initiated, the Blue Ball, a Scholarship Program and a Youth Program were continued from previous administrations and other successful programs were continued as well.

Yarbrough's first position in the Grand Lodge was an appointment to the Voice of Prince Hall during his term as Senior Warden, and roughly twenty years later, he was elected to the top post.

Marygrove Griots: African American Male Teachers Initiative

DETROIT - Marygrove Griots: The African American Male Teachers Initiative at Marygrove College is a new program the college hopes will attract African American men to become teachers in the desperately needed kindergarten though 12th grade levels in the Detroit public school system.

Beginning this fall and under the auspices of the Education Unit at the college, three areas have targeted to reach African American men for the program, including college graduates with bachelor's degrees who lack necessary teaching certification; current college students who may wish to transfer to Marygrove and recent high school graduates considering teaching as a profession.

"Griots" is a term in the Mande language, which is spoken in parts of West Africa, meaning the storyteller or historian.

Dr. Glenda Price, the new president of Marygrove College, says the idea is to help place African American men, as teachers, within this context of educators that transmit accumulated knowledge.

"In traditional West African societies, the griot is a revered figure in whom the culture and history on the entire village or clan has been vested," says Price.

"Our hope is that though the African American Male Teachers Initiative at Mary grove College, we can produce more young men for our present society who can carry on in this tradition."

According to Dr. Price the shortage of African American men going into teaching poses serious problems for the Black community. The next 25 years will see the largest enrollment of children in public education, with children of color to account for the majority of the total. More Black children increases the need for positive role modes to help in the character development of the male child during their early, formative years.

A recent press release by Marygrove College noted that "Educators speculate that among these impacts could be even higher drop-out rates and worsening social problems." Having African American men as teachers, it noted, can help reduce male student drop out rates and offset disciplinary problems.

The African American male teacher shortage is not confined to Detroit. In Motown, Black males comprise only 9.6 percent of all teachers in a city that is 80 percent Black, the number worsens nationally: fewer than 2 percent of the nearly 3 million K - 12 teachers in the country are Black men.

Remembering Hattie "Mother" Houston

Hattie "Mother" Houston went quietly to meet the Lord on May 30, 1998, however, her time on the planet was anything but inconspicuous.

She was born on December 7, 1910 in Canton, Mississippi. However, during the late 60s, here in the Capital City she became a senior advocate powerhouse. Mother Houston was Lansingís undaunted senior rights organizer.

Mother Houston took to heart the participatory democracy advocated by the Model Cities Program. Although lacking a formal education, Mother Houston's ideas and insight transformed the local senior program from a dream into a reality. For her effort Mother Houston received numerous awards and tributes. She is also credited with organizing the Senior Power Day Rallies that once shook up the Michigan legislature.

The term ìMotherî has nothing to do with her age or family size. The Houstonís affectionate title was bestowed upon her due her motherly concern for people.

Mother Houston was strong, caring and determined activist whoís spirit will be greatly missed by the entire Lansing community.

NAACP boycotts national hotel chains

The NAACP recently announced a national boycott against three major hotel chains it says failed to hire and promote more Blacks.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People ranked 15 hotel chains to help guide Black organizations and consumers on where to spend their lodging dollars.

The three hotel chains that received failing grades - Holiday Inn, Westin and Best Western - refused to respond to the survey, NAACP President Kweisi Mfume said. They will be the target of a boycott this summer, he said.

``We will not support hotels who do not support us,'' Mfume said at a June 13 news conference. ``And we call on Americans of goodwill throughout the nation to support us in this struggle.''

The NAACP has made the hotel industry the first target of its ``Economic Reciprocity Campaign,'' which seeks to use Black economic clout to improve conditions in Black communities. In the future, it plans to look at the retail and automotive industries.

Mfume said the NAACP will work with 35 Black organizations in planning the hotel boycott and informational picketing by mid-summer in the nation's 25 largest markets.

The three chains that received an ``F'' noted that their hotels are independently owned and they don't have access to most of the information requested.

Westin spokeswoman Sue Brush also said her company chairman responded to the NAACP survey in a letter. ``We didn't respond in the way they asked us to respond, so they ignored it,'' she said.

A boycott, Brush added, is ``not a constructive way to achieve bilateral cooperation.''

The NAACP first announced the results of its hotel survey last February. At that time, eight hotel chains had failed to participate and received ``F'' grades, prompting the NAACP to threaten a boycott.

Since then, all but three of the ``failing'' hotels have chosen to participate, Mfume said, and have received improved scores.

The Washington, D.C.-based Marriott International received the highest ranking - a ``C plus'' grade - based on the NAACP's survey, which asked questions about the inclusion of Blacks in employment, franchise ownership, vendor relations, advertising.

Local girls join Brownie Girl Scout program

by Dianne M. Hicks

Eight energetic girls squiggled and giggled as they lined up to receive Try-it Badges and their Brownie Pins.

But a few moments later, a serious demeanor claimed their youthful faces and directed their energy as they began to march into a room of onlookers.

The girls were participating in their Investiture Service, designed to welcome them - from six to eight years of age - into the Brownie Girl Scout program.

The ceremony began with saluting the American flag followed by the Brownie Girl Scout Pledge and scout songs.

All of the girls perfectly recited their requirements for entering the world of scouting. They were then awarded their Brownie Girl Scout pins, and looked at their reflection in a mirror place on the floor so that they could see the change. At the end of the ceremony, refreshments were served to the guests by the new Brownie Girl Scouts.

The freshly minted Brownies are: Kiara Skinner, Shameir Washington, Shara Washington, Shenda Washington, Brittany Harris, Tosha Foreman, Antonia Mack, and Ambrea Mack.

The Investiture Service of Brownie Troop #599, held at the Vivian Riddle Elementary School during mid-December, was conducted by Scout Leader, Jewell Gillespie. She was assisted by Co-Leader, Londa Blackwell and volunteer Elizabeth Talbot.

For Gillespie the ceremony marks 20 years of scouting involvement. She explained that being a part of such a troop builds strong character and self-esteem.

The institution of scouting has helped to shape many lives, and make a difference in how life is approached. Those of us, who were privileged to become part of this illustrious group, can now appreciate the influence it had on our lives. What a difference it would make if more parents understood the need for more structured activities for their children.

Gillespie has made such a commitment. Her dedication to her own daughter, Jennifer, whose next scouting goal is to become, a Senior Girl Scout, should be acknowledged. Jennifer, who attends Hope Academy, is an exceptional young lady of 13 years and an all A-student.

Last May, she was named Student of the Week, and delights in helping her mother with scouting tasks.

Although Gillespie is a single mother, for the past eight years she has served as a scout leader. This avocation, which became important to her, because it gives her a opportunity to give something back to the community. Since she's been in Lansing, maintaining the troop is her way of doing just that. Her love for scouting and her bubbly personality comes across as she tells us how exciting the scouting profession is to her.

God has charged me with this ministry and it has been a labor of love. Being a part of shaping, building self-esteem, and teaching young girls how to share, work, and respect each other even if we don't look the same, Gillespie said. This continuing experience is truly a blessing for me, and the girls will remember those ladies who taught them a few songs, and a little about life--their Girl Scout Leaders.

In 1998, scouting can become a way of life for you and your family. The plans for this year include camping, field trips, and workshops.

Troop #599 meets on Thursday at the Vivian Riddle Elementary School, 221 Huron St., from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Perhaps you will be interested in letting your daughter become a part of this troop or maybe you are interested in qualifying as a scout leader in your area. The commitment can be very rewarding if you take the first step. Please call (517) 699-4900 for more information.

Ease on down

The Wiz comes to the Riverwalk Theatre

by Dianne M. Hicks

The sensational gospel, rock and soul musical The WIZ will be presented at Lansing's Riverwalk Theatre, February 5-22, 1998 under the direction of Sunny Watson. The musical is based on Frank Baum's story The Wizard of Oz.

The cast and crew have been busily perfecting their crafts to make this one of the best productions to be presented in the Capital City in some time. The soulful, energetic, Afro-centric musical is multi-cultural affair that gives many people of different nationalities a chance to come together and display their God-given talents. Lansing residents and people from the surrounding areas will be in for quite a treat.

Featured as the main characters are Veronica Barkley (Dorothy), Phillippe Leger (Scarecrow), Stephen Johnson (Tinman), and Lamont Clegg (Lion). Linda Lee-Williams, Producer and Publicist, Yvonne Anderson, Assistant Director, Linda Crenshaw, Stage Manager, Vanessa Cunningham-Sanders, Musical Director, Jeannette Hall, Choreographer and Mary Job, Costume Designer are all dedicated to making this production a success. This musical could not take place without their expertise. The cast consists of twenty-eight committed individuals who are giving their best efforts.

Sunny's expertise is seen in the creative way he develops a character. He is able to understand other's potential because he takes the time to know them individually. He has taken some unknowns to community theatre, and helped them stretch their talents. This is because when he begins a project, he does research so that he can get inside each character.

Sunny is loved and respected by the Riverwalk's Board of Directors as well as the staff. And as he works toward perfection, he is extremely diplomatic in his criticism. Perhaps this is because he has strong spiritual beliefs. As you watch Sunny, you can't help but admire his technique. He is a positive, warm, person who does have a "sunny" disposition.

The Wiz is an upbeat musical with a lot of fantastic songs, and a message of hope. As each character emerges, you will become mesmerized and energized by the music and dance routines. Those of you who have friends and family as participants will be pleasantly surprised by their unique flavor of talent.

It's worth the effort to take time out of your schedule to support this exciting endeavor. For more information, call the

Riverwalk Theatre at (517) 372-0945.

Michigan Equal Opportunity Director's Council Jeffrey Scott King Scholarship Program

To promote the understanding of affirmative action and equal opportunity principles among Michigan high school seniors by awarding scholarship funds based on an essay which demonstrates that understanding.

The scholarship is open to all Michigan high school seniors who reside in Clinton, Eaton or Ingham counties. However, all relatives of Council members are ineligible to participate.

Awards: first place - $1,000; second place - $500; third place - $350; fourth place - $250.

All awards are intended to be used for educational purposes beyond high school. Acceptable uses include all college programs, trade schools, vocational programs or other uses as approved by the council.

All awards will be made payable to the winner and the selected educational institution.

Eligible students shall submit a type written essay of between 750 and 1,250 words on the subject of affirmative action and/or equal opportunity. Essays will be judged by a three member panel who will base their decisions on originality, content, clarity and understanding of the issues presented. All essays will be judged without knowledge of author, name of school, geographical location of school, or intended use of any awards made. The council retains all rights to publish all winners names and awards in any of their materials.

Mail your winning essay to: Michigan Equal Opportunity Director's Council, P. O. Box 14117, Lansing, Michigan 48901. All essays should be postmarked by March 15, 1998.

Former King March Marshall

Local counselor overcomes past discrimination and finds place

by Diane G. Gardin

"I know where I belong. From the moment we are born till we die we need to have something to carry us through. Some of us never find it." - Cleveland Henry

In 1938, Henry began his life long quest seeking his place in the world with his birth in New Albany, Miss. He didn't belong where cotton was king, because six months after his arrival, Henry's parents packed up and headed for Muskegon Heights, Michigan.

However, for the last 21 years Henry has been where he belongs.

He has spent two decades with the Lansing School District as a fulfilled and motivated Special Needs Counselor. But before he found his fulfillment, he traveled down many career paths. He has been a soldier, a police officer, a surgical technician and a juvenile counselor.

During the early 1960's, Henry knew he belonged in the Civil Rights Movement. As a powerfully built young man, Henry found himself serving with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as a March Marshall on several demonstrations in the deep South.

The role of a March Marshal is to walk along the perimeter of the people marching, to ensure that they weren't hurt by the hostile crowds which often lined the demonstration route. The Marshals often bore the brunt of the actions of the angry crowds - being spit upon or sometimes being hit by objects thrown at the marchers.

Although, Henry came to the civil rights movement from a violent background, he learned to curb his aggressive behavior. Henry said that Dr. King told them (the Marshals) that if they couldn't follow the nonviolent rules they should go home. Henry adhered to the rules because he wanted to be in the movement.

Henry, knew that he belonged on the front lines because he was mounting his own personal protest against racism.

Sanctioned discrimination and prejudice almost strangled his life dreams. Henry's grammar school and junior high experiences set his life on a path of anger and violence.

As it was in many communities in the 1940's, in Muskegon Heights, MI., most people were poor. Henry recalled, during his early years, at play and in school all the students intermingled and got along. And he felt that he belonged - until the fifth grade.

In Mr. Mole's classroom racism and discrimination was alive, practiced and in full effect. Mr. Mole put Henry and the other Blacks, Hispanics and Native Americans in the back of the class and then proceeded to ignore them.

Even as an 11-year-old youngster, Henry knew that Mr. Mole's Jim Crow classroom was wrong. He appealed to the principal, but was chastised for not knowing his "place.". And to add insult to injury, Henry was ridiculed by his friends for being militant.

The repression was thick in the classroom. The minority students dreams and desire to learn were all but driven out of them. Henry remembers the last time he raised his hand in class.

"I was waving my hand for Mr. Mole to recognize me, he recalled. Mr. Mole took his hand and pinched his nose and said, Cleveland did you take a shower today? The class erupted in laughter, including the children who looked like me.

"I never raised my hand again in a classroom," he said in a pained, guarded whisper.

Henry says that he felt trapped. "My folks couldn't do anything about it and my own peers would not discuss what was happening," he said.

Detesting the negative treatment, with a misguided action, Henry struck back. He decided to "fix" Mr. Mole by skipping school.

"I wasn't smart enough to understand that he was driving me out of school, away from an education, and a better life style," Henry said.

A few years later, while in Junior High School, Henry expressed his heart felt dream of becoming a jet pilot. Soon everyone in the building knew of young Henry's dream. But, instead of receiving assistance and encouragement, he was once again ridiculed and belittled.

Henry recalled that one day the school principal stopped him in the hall way and then kicked him in the behind. The principal told Henry his shoe would be the only lift he would receive in this life.

That night, a very angry 7th grader returned to the school with a pocket full of rocks. He pelted the school building with rocks and broke 17 windows. Still angry, Henry, stormed home walking down the middle of the street, but he forgot to unload his unused projectiles of destruction. When he was stopped and questioned by the police they saw the tell-tell heavy bulges of his pockets. The $47 it cost his dad to replace the shattered windows was more than the monthly rent for the family's three bedroom flat.

Henry said those experiences not only made him angry, they shattered his self esteem. "When you destroy a person's life dreams and close all of his exits, you are left with a dangerous person".

Henry became a thug who hated white people.

In 1950, after graduation from high school, Henry and his trouble seeking friends were told to get out of town. Not knowing what to do they enlisted in the military. Henry joined the U.S. Army. After basic training, he decided to challenge himself and became a member of the elite Special Forces.

The special forces experience helped Henry come to terms with his own prejudices.

"I saw that we were in it together," he said.

His time spent in the army rescuing trapped American Soldiers provided an outlet for his anger. Their motto was, "By Any Means Necessary." The men in the unit depended on each other in life and death situations. There was no room for hate if you expected to live through each assignment. On Several occasions his white team members were in life threatening situations and he came to their assistance, Henry recalled.

In 1959, he finally had enough of the Army and the violence. He returned to civilian life. After his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, he settled in at home.

In 1962, he joined the Muskegon Police Department. Henry felt that he belonged. He loved working the weekend late shift because he could use the reasoning skills that he learned through the marches. If reason failed, however, he was prepared to respond in a physical manner. Henry felt that he was giving back to his community.

But in 1965, Henry felt a tug on his heart strings. He felt the urge to help save lives directly. He became a Surgical Technician. Henry says that he loved being in the operating room as member of a life saving team. Always on call and being there for the difficult cases made Henry think that he belonged.

In his off hours Henry started a football team for the youngsters in his old project haunt, and the kids responded. There was wide participation and the team blossomed into a championship caliber club in its first year. Over time his work with the youth garnered a community center and recreation equipment for the housing project.

The wind carried the news of HenryÕs accomplishments to Lansing, because out of the blue he was asked to interview for a Counselors job at the Boys Training School (BTS).

In 1968, Henry was hired on the spot. He went to work, along side Lansing native,Richard Allen, in the cottage set aside for the tough youth. But, since he had once been a tough kid, Henry knew that he belonged at the Training School. Henry's life experiences helped him to show the troubled young men that there were other ways than violence to settle conflicts and deal with anger. However, after six years on the job, the State decided to shut down BTS.

In 1973, Henry was hired by the Lansing School District for his Counseling and group interaction skills. Dwight Rich was undergoing racial conflicts and parents were up set with the school administration. He pitched in and helped to resolve the problems. Afterwards, he went on to help resolve conflicts and problems at other Lansing schools.

Henry says his own troubled background makes him effective in working with young people. He says that he speaks from the heart and most of the time they listen.

"Get educated, learn to govern your temper, Ò is the advice he offers to youth.

"I could have been much further than I am today if I had been like a couple of other students who, despite how they were treated, made a decision to get their education regardless of the hostile environment," Henry said. "They had no expectations of being treated fairly. They expressed their feelings by being driven to work harder and pursue their goals regardless of the circumstances."

However, in his own way, Henry has overcome the restraints others have tried to put on him.

At each stage of his life, Henry followed his internal compass as he sought to achieve the fulfilling life and career that he has today.

Today, Henry is on a personal mission. He says that he's working to insure that there are no "Mr. Moles" crushing young dreams or school administrators physically mistreating children.

There may still be hateful people out there, but they are not operating in the open, he said.

"I found where I belong," the 58-year-old counselor said. "Now I wake up happy to go to work."

Henry has found bliss at home. He is happily married to Snowren Henry. Also, Henry has found his place with God. He serves as a deacon in the Seven Day Adventist Church and as Chairperson of the church School Board. Also, Henry finally fulfilled his life long dream and became a pilot. He did not become a jet pilot, but five years ago he did learn to fly at the Capital City Airport. Today, Henry is a licensed pilot.

1918 - 1997

Tribute to Coleman Alexander Young

Mayor Young against the Detroit skyline with Joe Louis Arena, Cobo Hall, the Renaissance Center and the Detroit River over his left shoulder in 1989.

1989: Coleman Young atop the Riverfront Apartments

1988 Detroit Free Press Photo by Tony Spina

Detroit mourns loss of beloved, feisty five term mayor

Detroit mourns the loss of its second renown slugger.

The first was Joe Louis, the Brown Bomber. The second is former mayor Coleman A. Young, ìMr. Detroit.î

Louis was a heavyweight champion. Young was a champion of the people.

Young was first elected to Motown's top post in 1973 and then reelected by substantial numbers in 1977, 1981, 1985 and 1989.

Young died on Nov. 29 of respiratory failure. He was 79 years-old. He served two decades at the helm of the Motor City. For many, Young embodied the spirit of Detroit. Young loved the city and refused to let those who lived outside of Eight Mile Road dictate how Detroit would run.

This led to many heated battles with the suburban areas that cling to the skirts of Detroit. But Mr. Mayor wouldn't allow his city or himself to be disrespected or pushed around. He used his quick wit and a razor sharp tongue to keep his supporters close and negative forces at bay.

Young put an end to brutal police actions and closed hiring practices. He spearheaded the integration of Detroit police and fire departments. He imposed a residency requirement for city workers - if you worked for the City of Detroit, you lived in the City of Detroit.

Young, a skilled labor organizer, is credited with holding the city together during the decline of the automobile industry. He also managed a city ravaged by a fleeing tax base and shrinking federal dollars during the Republican administrations of Reagan and Bush.

But today, Young is being recognized for playing well the hand that he was dealt. He is credited with laying the foundation for the current Detroit revival. During his watch the following projects were planned, developed or built: Renaissance Center, the expansion of Cobo Hall, Museum of African American History, Virginia Park (a housing development), Music Hall, Veterans Affairs hospital, IRS building (computer center), Detroit Opera House, Chrysler Jefferson auto plant and its expansion, the new Tiger Stadium and Casinos.

Young was born May 24, 1918, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama., the oldest of five children. When he was 5 his family migrated north, seeking a better life, and eventually settled on Detroit's east side.

After dropping out of high school, Young worked for Ford Motor Co., then the U.S. Post Office. When World War II broke out, he joined the service and trained to become a bombardier-navigator with the Tuskegee Airmen. In the armed forces, Young fought for dignity and fairness for Black servicemen.

After the war, he became a labor organizer, and in 1951 founded the National Negro Labor Council. He fought for equal treatment, equal opportunity and justice for all working people. Young's strong passion for labor landed him before Senator Eugene McCarthy and the U.S. House Committee on Un-American Activities in the early 1950s.

While many others knuckled under or rolled over to the Communist witch hunt, Young faced down them down. During one of his spirited verbal exchanges, Young said, i refuse to answer under the First Amendment provision of speech, sanctity, and privacy of political beliefs and since I have no purpose of being a stool pigeon.î

Young's political path led to him being elected to the Michigan Legislature, where he served nine years as a state senator, from 1965 to 1973.

Young, one of the longest serving Black mayors, will be missed by the City of Detroit and by everyone who loves a champion of the people.

Mayor Young greets Nelson and Winnie Mandela during 1990 U.S. tour. Mandela, flanked by the mayor and Stevie Wonder, thrilled a sell-out Tiger Stadium gathering of Black Detroiters by recounting the inspiration he received listening to his prison radio to Marvin Gaye's What's Going On. President Mandela said that Detroit is known world-wide as a citadel of freedom; the end of the line of the Underground Railroad and passageway to Canada.

1990: Young greets Nelson and Winnie Mandela.

Detroit Free Press photo by David C. Turnley

Motown unites to say farewell to its greatest leader

by Omari Asifa

A curious, never to be seen again, gathering assembled on Detroit's Northwest side, Friday, December 5th. To this quiet black neighborhood came politicians, clergy, judges, business and labor leaders, the mighty and famous.

A packed church of 2000 included those who entered the cordoned off section of the city in official limousines and buses, as well as those who spent the night outside. 500 waited in line all night, braving 32 degree temperatures, in hopes to be selected to pay their final respects to the man hailed as "Mr. Detroit."

The doors of the Greater Grace Temple were opened to a diverse assembly of mourners. Many of the 23 speakers noted that in death, as during his life, Coleman Alexander Young brought together people of varied backgrounds and interests.

Additional sites were set up around the city with large screen televisions, in churches and governmental offices, where those who could not attend in person gathered to pay tribute their beloved, five-term, mayor. Hundreds attended these communal gatherings to express their sense of loss and appreciation.

The many eulogizing speakers included the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Rodney Slater, who conveyed condolences on behalf of the President, the First Lady, and the nation. President Clinton hailed Mayor Young as the man who led Detroit through "20 years of challenge and change." Secretary Slater, a black man in his early forties, noted that he migrated from his home state of Arkansas to attend Eastern Michigan University in 1974 as Mayor Young was beginning his first term.

Quoting Matthew 5:13, Michigan Governor John Engler, one of the most ardent political opponents of the mayor, said that "he changed everything he touched, like salt." The 2-term Republican called Young "a man who, like salt, never lost his flavor. He was a light and an opener of doors." Senators Carl Levin and Spencer Abraham were in attendance, with Levin remarking "I can still hear his booming laughter, even now."

A generation of Detroit political leaders hailed Coleman Young as their mentor. Long time U.S. Representative, John Conyers, the sponsor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Bill, said that Mayor Young was the spirit of the city of Detroit. Newly elected U.S. Representative, Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick ended her remarks of loving tribute and personal thanks with "the king is dead!"

Detroit native, and long time friend, Aretha Franklin echoed comments made by many about the sometimes irascible mayor. I used to call him "Your Honery," she smiled. As did many others, she recalled that to know Coleman Young was to love him, to get mad with him, and to be awed by him. Ms. Franklin sang a rousing version of The Impossible Dream with lyrics mentioning the late mayor.

Mayor Dennis Archer, who was elected in 1993 when Mayor Young declined to seek a sixth consecutive term, put the Young legacy into perspective. "Of the fifty-three men who have held this office since the mid-1800's, Coleman Young was clearly at the head of his class." Archer also added emotionally, "Mayor Young loved the people of the City of Detroit, and the people of Detroit loved Coleman Young!"

The mayor's tenacity, dedication, selflessness and courage in standing up for his beliefs was noted by all of the speakers. His legendary habit of using spicy language was mentioned time and again. A minister recalled that a delegation of black Detroit clergy visited the mayor early in his first term to request that he stop cursing publicly. During a meeting lasting for hours, the mayor impressed upon them that cursing did indeed have its place in the world of expression. Following the meeting, one minister expressed his new point of view this way, "I am not going to criticize him for cussing, anymore. There is a time to cuss. And since I can't do it, I am going to leave it to him to do it for me, when it becomes necessary."

Coleman Young, Jr., the 15 year old son of the mayor, touched the assembly by placing a folded note in his father's pocket while viewing the body. Young's only child, he was born Joel Loving to a former assistant to the mayor, and chose to adopt the name of his father. Described as a very spiritual young man, he lives in California with his mother.

Former Republican Michigan Governor William G. Milliken, recalled an occasion when the time when the mayor publicly referred to him with a choice street expletive. Phoning the mayor, the governor was told that, in ghetto vernacular, what he was called wasn't "necessarily negative. It depends on how it is said," Mayor Young told him, Governor Milliken laughingly remembered. While seen as political adversaries, the two men were reported to have grown close in their mutual commitment for the development of the state and its largest, and most vital, city.

"Whenever Coleman Young walked into a room, he was never outnumbered", said black State Supreme Court Chief Justice Damon Keith. Former U.A.W. President Douglas Fraser, whom Young worked with as a labor organizer 50 years ago, called Young a friend and teacher. Peter Stroh, of the Detroit-based Stroh's Brewery Company, noted that the mayor grew up in the shadow of his family's brewery. Young ever concerned about the poor in his old east-side neighborhood, extracted a commitment to keep the business active in developing the city.

In the high point of the afternoon, the Rev. Charles Adams, introduced as one of the world's greatest orators, lived up to his billing with a rousing, staccato display of that brought even the most unlikely to their feet clapping and shouting. During an rapidly delivered address, limited to a few minutes, which was a primer in the tradition of black preaching, he noted that "Coleman Alexander Young's work is not finished, he just moved upstairs, that's all."

There were stories of a meeting convened in the mayor's office which brought together those responsible for saving the Chrysler Corporation during its economic troubles in the 70's. Another story revealed the great heart of the man. The mayor once gave the order to fire an employee, followed with and equally direct order, to assist the man in finding a job, right away. Asked why, the mayor responded, barely holding his well-know temper, "Just because the man can't work for me anymore, he still has a family to support! Now find him a #%&*!*# job!"

Mayor Young's flag draped coffin was driven down Woodward Avenue to Jefferson Avenue to historic Elmwood Cemetery on the city's east side. Thousands lined the procession route, paying last respects and saying farewell to a man they hailed as a champion of the voiceless, a defender of principle, and a savvy politician who made sure that his people, and all the citizens of the city he loved, were protected and represented.

The quotable Coleman A. Young

On his career as a public servant:

"I never looked upon myself as a do-gooder. ... What I've done is in my own self-interest. It serves to validate my own personal sense of worth and dignity as a black person, as a poor person, a person of working-class origin."

On the labor movement:

It was in the labor movement that for the first time in my life, I saw whites who were sincerely interested in supporting my right to be free. And to be clear, no man will fight along side of you if its not in his own self-interest to do so. He may start off with you, but when the deal goes down, he'll "fade" on you.

To a reporter for the Revolutionary Worker newspaper after she accused Young of working for "the corporate elite":

"You can revolutionize your ass on out of here."

On the use of terrorism by oppressed people:

"I guess almost any tactic is legitimate when you've got somebody's foot on your neck."

On racism:

"Racism is something like high blood pressure -- the person who has it doesn't know he has it until he drops over with a goddamned stroke. There are no symptoms of racism. The victim of racism is in a much better position to tell you whether or not you're a racist than you are."

On the Tuskegee Airmen:

"You know, the real reason they didn't want us to fly over U.S. troops during the war, was cause they were afraid that we would remember the indignities and abuse we got in the military, and drop bombs on them."

On Black history:

When I was in high school, Detroit was using a history book, at that time, that said following slavery blacks wandered around riding mules drunk and stealing. Well, I knew that wasn't true. So I made it a point to read all the black writers and all of their books to learn my history.

On the abandonment of Detroit:

"No other city in America, no other city in the Western world, has lost the population at that rate. And what's at the root of that loss? Economics and race. Or should I say, race and economics.

On cussing:

"Swearing is an art form. You can express yourself much more directly, much more exactly, much more succinctly, with properly used curse words."

On his primary political nemesis from suburban, wealthy Oakland County, L. Brooks Patterson:

"The man has all of the characteristics of a dog, except loyalty."

Source: Channel 7, WXYZ Television; Detroit Free Press

Black Eagle Scout honored

by Gregory P. Kelley

The long scouting drought is finally over.

It has been 45 years since the last Black Eagle Scout was pinned in Lansing.

On Nov. 29 that finally changed with a ceremony held at Trinity AME Church for Kevin B. Carter, who is the first African American youth in the Lansing area to be bestowed the Boy scouts of America highest honor since Robert (Bob) Brown Jr. earned the rank in 1952.

Kevin, who is now a freshman at Carthage College, Kenosha, Wi., returned to the Capital City to receive his badge and well deserved recognition. He is a 1997 graduate of J.W. Sexton High School.

Kevin began scouting at age six as a cub with Troop 426 at Averill Elementary School. There he earned his Wolf, Bear and Webelo ranks. He also earned the Arrow of Light , which is the highest rank a cub scout can earn.

As a 5th grader, Kevin joined Boy Scout troop 420, and came under the leadership of Scoutmaster Curtis Lewis, who is also an Eagle Scout. Lewis drove all the way from Green Bay, Wi. to attend the Kevin's ceremony.

Kevin served as a member of the Chief Okemos Council's Order of the Arrow Lodge, an organization within the boy scouts. He participated in the National Order of the Arrows conference held in Knoxville, Tn.

In 1990, Kevin was a member of the Mackinaw Island Honor Guard and a member of the 1993 National Jamboree. He also worked as a counselor-in-training during the summer of 1992.

For Troop 420, Kevin served as Senior Patrol Leader for three years and Quartermaster for two years. During his tenure as Senior Patrol Leader, Kevin was instrumental in the Troop's one week camping exercise at Cumberland Falls State Park in Kentucky.

For his Eagle project, Kevin, with help of troop members and friends, renovated, constructed shelves, inventoried equipment, and other items and redesigned a new storage facility for Trinity AME Church.

The forty-five minute ceremony marked the final chapter in his long struggle to achieve the top rank. Kevin expressed relief at finally receiving his Eagle badge. "I'm proud to get the rank, but there was a lot of pressure to get it done,î he said. i worked hard , but I would not have been able to complete everything with out the help of my parents.î

His parents - Mary and Simon Carter - have a long history of serving as scout leaders, and in support roles. They both also doubled as Scoutmaster of Troop 420.

A few years ago, Mary and Gloria Cannon took over the reins of the troop after her husband Simon started working second shift. Mary and Gloria are credited with keeping the troop together, alive and active.

Past Eagle Scout award recipient, Bob Brown said he's proud of Kevin and his family.

tHe difference between good and great is extra effort. And he's done that,î Brown said. i just hope that it won't be as long for him as it was for me to pin the next Eagle badge on someone else.î

Brown stated the 45 year gap reflected poorly in two areas. He says one area of concern is the lack of involvement by the African American community.

Brown said the Black community and parents need to step up and provide leadership. "It's hard to find parents or adults willing to take leadership positions.î He noted the efforts of several Black fraternity graduate chapters but said much still remains to be done.

Brown also expressed concern about the scouting program lack of minority outreach.

He said, tHe Boy Scouts, for so many years showed no concentration or concern about inner city kids, and they place too much emphasis on the uniform.î

He pointed out that many families can not afford to buy a complete uniform and the youngsters experience negative peer pressure when they do wear the uniform.

For Brown, the issues he raised are both painful and personal.

Brown revealed that he intended to work for the Boy Scouts when he graduated from MSU in 1958, but he was ticked off when a regional Boy Scout leader from Chicago told him that the Boy Scouts didn't have a place to place a Negro.î

And until recent years Brown did not relate to scouting. But Brown has renewed his interest because he realized that "Our youth are being deprived of the benefits of scouting.î

He said, "Scouting provides values that you can use for the rest of your life. everyone recognizes the value of scouting. Being an Eagle Scout has opened doors for me.î

Brown began scouting as a cub when he attended Willow St. School. Later he became a Boy Scout with the Lincoln Center Troop. In 1952, Brown made Eagle as a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church Explorer Post.

Hopefully, Kevin won't have to wait but a few years to pin the next Lansing area Black Eagle Scout. Rumor has it that younger brother, Richard, is hot on his heels and is next in line to earn the coveted honor.

For more information concerning Troop 420 call: 517-394-4762.

Lansing election results

The Rev. Michael Murphy was the winner in a tight race for the Fourth Ward seat on the Lansing City Council.

In the Nov. 4 general election Murphy garnered 2,709 votes. Opponent, Carol Woods claimed 2,509 votes.Murphy won the seat held by Paul Novak, who did not seek re-election. Charles Roberts was elected to serve a six year term on the Lansing School Board. John Staten finished back in the pack.

The Citizen's Review Board lost - 7,503 yes votes to 11,922 no votes. Review Board supporters sought to amendment to the Lansing City Charter in order to establish a Citizens Review Board to investigate complaints of police misconduct.

Mayor David Hollister won another term.