By Floyd Alvin Galloway

They have toiled in the soilfor many years and continue tomake an impact on their com-munity. The Phi Beta SigmaFraternity honored seven indi-viduals for their service to thecommunity during the organiza-tions 60th western regional del-egate conference held inPhoenix.

According to Raphael Forbes,western regional director, “the60th Hon. Brother OscarMorgan gala is a time honoredtradition that allows our regionto recognize those who are“Changing Lives ThroughService.” This gala is highlight-ing some of Phoenix’s most dis-tinguished public servants.”

Award recipients in educationwere Dr. C.T. Wright of theLight Hope Institute andChristian Teaching Wisdom;social action Jesse Ary, formerArizona Board of Education

member and Dr. Warren H.Stewart Sr., pastor of FirstInstitutional Baptist Church;business recipient JuniusBowman, former president andCEO of the Phoenix UrbanLeague; outstanding serviceawardees- Lt. Col. (ret.) AsaHerring of Tuskegee Airman andAretha Scott-Zeta Phi BetaSorority Inc. The longevityaward went to 95-year-old

retired educator Etta McCaskillBooth.

The national organizationwas founded in 1914 on thecampus of Howard University.The regional mission of theorganization is to become theleading proactive communityservice organization focusing onissues and strategies that posi-tively impact young males andthe community.

The GuysCall HerCoach

ArtsLeadersHonored

■ WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010 ■ USPS 051-770 ■ www.azinformant.com ■ 50¢ ■ ■ VOLUME 42, ISSUE 46

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By Wayne Parham

At the invitation of theMaricopa County NAACP,Roslyn Brock, chairman of theNational Board of Directors forthe NAACP, will be the keynotespeaker at the local chapter’sFreedom Fund Dinner. Theannual event, to be held this yearon Friday, April 16 at the HyattRegency Phoenix, 122 NorthSecond Street, is a gathering thathonors the accomplishments ofoutstanding Black Women.

Brock made history inFebruary when she became theyoungest ever and fourthwoman to serve as chairman ofthe National Board of Directors.

Over the past 25 years, Brockhas served the NAACP in sever-al leadership roles. She is aDiamond Life Member ofNAACP and joined the group asa freshman at Virginia UnionUniversity where she was electedpresident of the youth and col-lege division from theCommonwealth of Virginia.

In 2005, Brock created theLeadership 500 Summit withseveral other young adult mem-bers of the NAACP. TheSummit’s goal is to recruit, trainand retain a new generation ofcivil rights leaders aged 30 – 50to the NAACP. Since its incep-tion, Leadership 500 has con-tributed more than $650,000 tothe NAACP National Treasuryto support 2009 Centennialactivities.

Brock graduated magna cumlaude from Virginia Union

University; earned a master'sdegree in health services admin-istration from George Washing-ton University, an MBA fromthe Kellogg School of Manage-ment at Northwestern Univ-ersity and a Master of Divinitydegree from the Samuel DeWittProctor Theology at VirginiaUnion University.

Brock says her goal in life isembodied in an African proverb,"Care more than others think iswise, risk more than othersthink is safe, dream more thanothers think is practical andexpect more than others think ispossible."

For ticket and informationabout the April 16 event contactLanette Campbell at 602-550-0034, lanetecamp@aol.com orthe NAACP branch office at602-252-4064, maricopanaacp@aol.com.

Roslyn Brock To Speak AtMaricopa County NAACP

Freedom Fund Dinner

By ArnE WilliamsTempe High School senior

Romonia Dixon has just beenselected as the East Valley Youthof the Year for the Boys & GirlsClubs of the East Valley.

Dixon won a $20,000 schol-arship on behalf of the VictoriaLund Foundation, a long timesupporter of the Boys & Girls

Clubs of the East Valley. She will receive $5,000 a year

for four years through the fund.Dixon was among nine EastValley candidates competing forthe East Valley Boys & GirlsClub Youth of the Year title.

Dixon is on her way to grad-uating third in her class. She hasbeen a member of the Boys &

Girls Club for more than fouryears. She is also the captain ofher varsity basketball team, amember of the National HonorSociety, Stand and Serve (a peerleadership group), StudentCouncil, Black Student Union,Math Team, D. E. C. A. and ameditation group at school.

See YOUTH OF YEAR, Page 2

Awardees Lt. Col (Ret.) Asa Herring, Jesse Ary and Junius Bowman

ARE WILLIAMS/AZ PHOTO

9 44

Sigma’s Honor Local Heroes At 60th Regional Conference

Roslyn M. Brock

Romonia Dixon (center), surrounded by nine other candidates, celebrate her selection as East Valley Boysand Girls Club Youth of the Year at a gala banquet last week.

TEEN RECEIVES $20,000 SCHOLARSHIP FOR ASU EDUCATION

ROMONIA DIXON NAMED EAST VALLEY

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB YOUTH OF THE YEAR

HHeerrooeess’’ SSttoorr iieess 202

ALVIN GALLOWAY/AZI PHOTO

98% OF OUR NEWS YOU WON’T FIND IN ANY OTHER NEWS MEDIA IN ARIZONA ■ REACHING 100,000 WEEKLY READERS ■ WE RECORD BLACK HISTORY

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- MARCH -

TUE-THU 16-18 Lunch TimeTheater “It’s Always Sunny inPhoenix” presented by Class 6Theatre, 12:10 p.m. at HerbergerTheater, 222 East Monroe,Performance Outreach Theater.For tickets call 602-254-7399x104 or online www.herbergerthe-ater.org. To order lunch call CoffeaCafé, 602-373-6570. Lunch mustbe ordered before 9 a.m. the dayof the show.

WED 17 “How to Do Businesswith the Phoenix Union HighSchool District” 4:30 p.m. work-

shop hosted in the SouthMountain High School Auditorium5401 S. 7th St, Phoenix. To RSVPfor the workshop call 602-764-1572 or email rsvp1@nxthorizon.com by March 16. For a copy PDFcopy of the information flyer,please go to: http://bit.ly/aIYEbqon the Web.

THU 18 The Herberger TheaterCenter 20th anniversary Found-ers Celebration. Richard Mallerywill be inducted into the HerbergerPerforming & Broadcast Arts Hallof Fame The event will also recog-nize the original founders of theHerberger Theater with a lunch-eon held on Center Stage and

performance by SCAN Originals.For information or tickets visitwww.herbergertheater.org or call602-254-7399 x105.

Arizona Press Women presentstandup comedienne and award-winning writer Jodi Weisberg ofPhoenix. Free and open to thepublic from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in theprivate room of Café Carumba,7303 E. Indian School Road,Scottsdale. Reservations arerequested by March 16 toapw.reservations@gmail.com or480-778-8776.

FRI 19 Brown Bag Series HowAir Quality Enforcement Penalties

are Calculated. Noon at theMaricopa County Air QualityDepartment office, 1001 N.Central Ave., Phoenix, 9th floorclassroom. Free and open to thepublic but RSVP requested toOmbudsman Dennis Dickerson byphone 602-506-1813 or e-mail:dickersond@mail.maricopa.gov

Brown Bag Series DiversityInitiatives in the United StatesNavy, noon at the Phoenix CityCouncil Chambers, 200 W.Washington St. CommanderDarryl Toppin, commanding officerof Naval Recruiting DistrictPhoenix, will be discussing theimportance of diversity in building

a stronger Navy. No reservationneeded. For information, call 602-495-3737, 602-534-1557/TTY orvisit phoenix.gov/eod/bbag.html.

SAT 20 Annual Black YouthRecognition Conference from8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at ArizonaState University in the MemorialUnion 2nd floor. For informationor registration contact KhameelahShabazz at 602-243-5483 email:BlackYouthConf@aol.com

I N T H E N E W S2 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010 ARIZONA INFORMANT

The Arizona Informant (USPS051-770) is published weekly,every Wednesday, by ArizonaInformant Publishing Company.

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Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firmbelief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.

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Cont’d. from Page 1

Candidates were selected fromeach of the organization’s branch-es, they include the following:• Ladmo Branch – TempeRomonia Dixon, 17• Grant Woods Branch – MesaAraly Duran, 17• Gila River Branch - SacatonDesiree Santos, 17• Compadre Branch – ChandlerGustavo Garcia, 18• Gilbert Branch Tiffany Shepard,17• Gila River Branch - KomatkeMarysa Lewis, 17• Queen Creek Branch ChandlerBuffington, 15• North Tempe Branch TyeYoungs, 16• Apache Junction BranchJenniffer Abrahamsen, 18

Aside from the $20,000Victoria Lund Education fund,Dixon was also awarded a laptop,

a $600 scholarship fromMaricopa Community Colleges,$500 from the Tempe Diablosand a $1,000 scholarship throughthe Joe Henderson MemorialFund, a former member of theChandler Compadres.

The remaining nine candidatesalso received about $2,000 inscholarship money each.

For much of Dixon’s life, herfamily moved from city-to-cityand homeless shelter-to-shelter.

Her family was split up severaltimes just so each person couldhave a warm place to lay theirhead for the night. There weretimes when shelters were full andthe sidewalk was their restingplace. That is why giving back toher community has become veryimportant to Dixon.

She has turned each of her life’ssetbacks into motivation to suc-ceed in life. Her story is inspiringto other young girls as she takesevery opportunity she has to teachthem about the importance ofbeing a responsible, caring andproductive member of society.

She is part of a “Read to Me”volunteer program for kids at ahomeless shelter she once calledhome. She also organizes cannedfood drives and makes sure thepark next to her Boys & GirlsClub is clean.

Romonia will attend ArizonaState University where she hasalready been accepted into theBarrett Honors College and has

also been accepted into the profes-sional program at the W.P. CareySchool of Business. She wants toobtain a Masters in InternationalRetail Management andMarketing and open up her ownbusiness some day.

Dixon will go on to competeagainst other Boys & Girls Clubmembers at the state level. TheState Youth of the Year LegislativeBreakfast presented by FiestaBowl will be held Tuesday, April13 at the Sheraton PhoenixDowntown. If Dixon wins at thestate level, she could potentiallyadvance to Washington, D.C., inthe fall to compete for the title ofBGCA’s National Youth of theYear. The National Youth of theYear receives an additional$15,000 Reader’s Digest scholar-ship and is installed by PresidentObama in an Oval Office ceremo-ny.

The East Valley competitionwas presented by Brock AutoSupply and other sponsors.

Boys & Girls Clubs Select Youth Of Year

On Sunday, March 21, AZOIC(Arizona Opportunities Indust-rialization Center) host a “Meetand Greet the Iraq Ex-POWs.”

The event is a fundraiser tosupport its Homeless VeteransReintegration Program. FormerPrisoner of War ShoshanaJohnson will be present to discussand sign her newly released book“I’m Still Standing.” (see page 7this issue)

Joining her will be formerPrisoners of War Jessica Lynch,Joseph Hudson, and PatrickMiller. The event will take place atDAV Post 20, 8447 N. 61 Avenuefrom 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The public is invited and askedto come out, meet some of ourrecent POWs and some of ourlocal heroes also. So many of ourreturning Veterans are homelesstoday and this event will helpOIC’s Homeless ReintegrationProgram help them to help them-selves.

Former Prisoner of WarShoshana Johnson, a second gen-eration veteran, was the first blackfemale prisoner of war in the mil-

itary history of the United States.Her unit was ambushed inNasiriah at the start of the war inIraq. During a gunfight that led toher capture she suffered bulletwounds to both of her ankles. Wewill always remember her alongwith her comrades that we saw onIraqi TV back in 2003. Theywere held prisoner in Iraq for 22days.

PFC Jessica Lynch was rescuedseparately in an operation seenthroughout the U.S. and world-wide. She has undergone numer-ous operations for her injuries.

SPC Joseph Hudson was shot

three times during the ambushbut survived. SGT Patrick Millervaliantly tried to rescue the con-voy by shooting down eight Iraqisand destroying a mortar unit try-ing to launch missiles into the dis-abled convoy. Shoshana creditsPatrick Miller for her survival.

Tickets for the Suncay eventmay be purchased at AZOIC 39E. Jackson or call or emailCarmen Gomez at AZOIC, 602-254-5081, Carmen Gomez@azoic.org. Tables for six may alsobe reserved.

The former POWs will be inPhoenix March 21-23 to partici-

pate in ceremonies honoring theircomrade and best friend Lori AnnPiestewa who died as a result ofthe ambush. An enrolled memberof the Hopi Tribe, she was the firstAmerican Indian woman to giveher life for our country in overseasbattle.

Events for the remaining daysof their visit include a March 22reception and dinner at the ElksLodge #335 14424 North 32ndStreet in Phoenix (5 – 8 p.m.). OnMarch 23 there will be a sunrisememorial at Piestewa Peak,Apache Ramada (6:30 a.m.).

Heroes, Former POWs Here For Local Vets

Shoshana Johnson, Patrick Miller, Joseph Hudson and James Riley, shown here in Associated Press pho-tos shortly after rescue and returning from a doomed mission, will be in Phoenix next week.

IMA DENMON, REPORTER

Romonia Dixon

Michelle Obama has nowchallenged Americans to dealwith the problem of obesity inchildren. Childhood obesity hastripled in the last 30 years. Nearlyone-third of U.S. children arenow overweight or obese; nearlyone in three will eventually sufferfrom diabetes. In the African-American and Latino communi-ties, the proportion is almost onein two.

This is, the first lady said, pos-sibly "an even greater threat toAmerica's health than smoking"with staggering costs. A recentstudy put the health care cost ofobesity-related diseases at $147billion a year. Obesity is now oneof the most common disqualifica-tions from military service.

Michelle Obama has madethis her centerpiece initiative,called Let's Move. She is sensi-bly focusing on the conditionsthat lead children to eat bad foodand to not exercise. "Our kids didnot do this to themselves," shesaid. "Our kids don't decidewhat's served to them at schoolor whether there's time for gymclasses or recess. Our kids don'tchoose to make food productswith tons of sugar and sodium insuper-sized portions, and then tohave those products marketed tothem everywhere they turn."

So, the first lady has put thefocus on changing school lunch-es, altering the fast-food environ-ment (like shutting down thejunk-food machines outside theschool cafeteria door), educatingparents, providing access toaffordable healthy food andencouraging exercise.

Her initiative combines bothpersonal responsibility and publicaction. She wants clear labelingto help parents understand whatis in the food that they buy. She'senlisted athletes for public serv-ice ads and promotional eventsto encourage exercise. The pres-ident has convened a nationaltask force to coordinate changesin everything from our national

food programs to the nutritionalmaterials given out to our citi-zens. The first lady wants tomake this a campaign, one thatmight challenge all of us tochange our habits, while creatinginstitutional supports for thechange.

This is just common sense.For all the focus on getting a sen-sible health care plan in place,the even greater priority is creat-ing good health-care habits.Childhood habits are the mostimportant, and our children noware increasingly at risk.

Sensible eating, regular exer-cise, drinking lots of water -- thiscommon sense too often isignored by all of us. You dig yourgrave with your teeth, goes theold saying, and too many folksdon't drink enough water.

Michelle Obama is right to getathletes engaged in teaching ouryoung. She might want to enlistsome "afterletes," too, the retiredchampions who have let them-selves swell up, shortening theirlife expectancy.

See Junk Food Lobbies, Pg. 5

Boys don’t drop out in the 12thgrade. They physically drop out inthe ninth grade, but they emotion-ally and academically drop out inthe fourth grade.

That observation is made earlyby Jawanza Kunjufu, a notededucator, public speaker andpublisher, in his new book,Reducing the Black MaleDropout Rate (African AmericanImages, Chicago, 708/672-4909) He issues this challenge toreaders: “Visit a kindergartenclass and observe Black boys inaction. They’re eager, they sit inthe front, they’re on task. Theylove learning.”

But something happens by thetime they reach the ninth grade.

Kunjufu says approximately100,000 African-American malesdrop out of high school eachyear; in some urban areas theblack male rate approaches 70percent. Even a high school drop-out can calculate that rateamounts to 1 million Black malesover 10 years. That 10-year figureis larger than the total populationof Detroit, Atlanta, SanFrancisco, Las Vegas, Boston,Charlotte, Denver, Baltimore,Memphis or New Orleans.

In his book, Kunjufu providesa lesson plan for reducing thehorrendous Black drop-out rate.The turnaround must begin inthe home. He notes that schoolshave students only 9 percent ofthe time from infancy to 18 yearsof age. Parents, on the otherhand, have students far morelonger and must do a far betterjob of creating the right intellec-tual atmosphere at home.

“Parents, I’d like for you to doan inventory of your home,”Kunjufu writes. “Count thenumber of books you have vs. thenumber of CDs and DVDs. Thatwill, in part, explain your child’sacademic performance.”

He adds, “What you have inyour house determines the kindof student that comes out of yourhouse.”

Parents should also take firmcontrol of their homes. Theauthor scoffs at the idea of a childtelling parents paying rent or amortgage: “You have no right togo into my room.”

Parents not only have the rightto go anywhere in their house,they should also exercise the rightto inspect their child’s room atanytime.

They should also listen to theirchildren’s music and check outtheir friends.

“Parents, if you don’t do any-thing else, you need to knowyour children’s friends. You cantell an awful lot about your childby his selection of friends. Manyparents believe their sons areangels. You need to observe yourson’s friends in action. Invitethem over to your house. Meetthe parents of your son’s friends.Why is this so important?Because the peer group is thenumber one influence on AfricanAmerican males.”

Because of that influence, par-ents should know where theirchildren are during the crucialhours of 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., whenchildren are most likely to getinto trouble.

Poor parents should not expecttheir children’s performance lev-els to be lower than those fromrich families.

“Wealthy parents don’t havesmarter kids than the poor andworking poor, than Blacks orLatinos, but what they perhapsdo better is insist that the schooldo its job better no matter whatit takes,” Kunjufu believes.

He notes that because AfricanAmericans suffer from PTSD –Post Traumatic Slavery Disorder– it is crucial that Black males beexposed to culturally-relevantlearning materials.

Another suggestion is betterrecognition of academic achieve-ment.

“If you have an assembly pro-gram of 500 students but are giv-ing out two awards, there’s a verygood chance that African-American males will call thosetwo students nerds,” Kunjufuexplains. “A more effectiveassembly program would honormany students. If a studentmoves from a D to a C, he shouldreceive an award. If he movesfrom a C to an A, he receives twoawards. In this way, it is very pos-sible that all 500 students willreceive an award and just maybethe students will buy into aca-demic achievement.”

Educators should not buy intothe notion of social promotions,the act of promoting non-achiev-ing students to the next grade.

“I acknowledge the pain stu-dents must endure when they areheld back,” Kunjufu says. “Butthe pain is even greater when, inthe ninth grade, they are tryingto get through the school daywith a fourth-grade readinglevel.”

Churches and communitygroups also have a role to play inreducing the drop-out rate.

“The most important institu-tion in the African Americancommunity is the church, andthere are 85,000 AfricanAmerican churches,” the authorwrites. “The One Church, OneSchool program created the con-cept that churches should spon-sor or adopt schools in their com-munity. Can you imagine if eachof the 85,000 churches adopted aschool? There are some 15,000elementary and high schools inBlack America, which meansthere would be five to six church-es for one school! That’s a win-ning combination for our chil-dren.”

In his book, Kunjufu Jawanzahas given us the winning formulafor halting the Black male drop-out rate. The sooner his book isread and his ideas are implement-ed, the sooner we change the des-tination of thousands of Blackmales from prison to educatedand productive lives.

George E. Curry is a keynotespeaker, moderator, and mediacoach. He can be reached throughhis Web site, www.georgecurry.com

E D I T O R I A L & O P I N I O NARIZONA INFORMANT WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010 3

BY REV. JESSE JACKSON

KEEP HOPE ALIVE

TUCSON - Celebration of 130years of trains in Tucson, 11a.m. at the downtown train depot.Local Buffalo Soldiers and otherswill participate. People areencouraged to wear clothes ofthat period.

Central District Women’s Dep-artment Scholarship Walk-a-Thon to raise scholarship funds.Begins 7:30 a.m. at SahuaroRanch Park, 9802 N. 59th Ave.,Glendale. Scheduled to end atabout noon. For information con-tact: Sis. Freddie Campbell, 602-626.5096 or 602-748-8595 or Sis.Carolyn Ross, 602-290-4585.

Black Family Genealogy &History Society will meet at theRoosevelt Community TechnologyCenter, 6029 South 7th Street inPhoenix. 11:15 a.m. to 2 p.m.Guests welcome. For more infor-mation go to www.bfghs.net.

SUN 21 Pay tribute to Iraq Ex-POWs 5 – 10 p.m. at the DisabledAmerican Veterans (DAV) Post#20, located at 8447 North 61stAvenue, Glendale. Good food, ano-host bar, silent auction, musicand more. Sponsored by AzOIC,(Arizona OpportunitiesIndustrialization Center). Ticketsmay be purchased at AZOIC, 39

E. Jackson St., Phoenix. For infor-mation contact Carmen Gonzalesat (602) 254-5081 or e-mailCarmen@azoic.org.

FRI 26 The Arizona Black FilmShowcase is set to take place inTempe. This premier event is ded-icated to celebrating and promot-ing the dynamic works of African-American filmmakers and film-makers whose works embrace theBlack cultural experience on anational and international level.For information: azblackfilm.comor email films@azblackfilm.com orm e d i a @ a z b l a c k f i l m . c o mThrough March 28

SAT 27 St. Luke’s MedicalCenter 37th Annual Easter EggHunt and Family Health Fair.Activities include: Easter EggHunt, bouncy playhouse, gamesand prizes, free health screen-ings, community resources andhealth information for families anda visit from the Easter bunny. Onthe south lawn of the St. Luke’sMedical Center campus at 1800E. Van Buren Street in Phoenix,from 9 a.m. – noon.

NABVETS Chapter 0044 Marchmeeting 11 a.m. at Victory HighSchool, 1650 West SouthernAvenue in Phoenix.

SUN 28 American Legion Post65, 1624 E. Broadway invites thepublic to support its annualScholarship Jazz Concert from 3to 7 p.m. Proceeds help studentsfrom junior high school to collegereceive a good education. Pleasestop for an afternoon of goodmusic, socializing for our youth.

WED 31 An evening with criti-cally acclaim film director SpikeLee hosted by The University ofArizona. 7p.m. at Centennial Hall.Some of Lee’s film credits include:Malcolm X, She’s Gotta Have It,Do the Right Thing, School Daze,to name a few. For ticket informa-tion visit www.uapresents.org

C O M M U N I T Y C A L E N D A R C O M M U N I T Y C A L E N D A R C O M M U N I T Y C A L E N D A R C O M M U N I T Y C A L E N D A R

Reducing The Black Male Dropout Rate

GEORGE E. CURRY

NNPA COLUMNIST

WILL LOBBIES FIGHT

FIRST LADY ON OBESITY?

The first lady will facepowerful corporate lobbiesthat make money from ped-dling junk food. She'll beattacked for being an elitistfor presuming to tell us howto eat and exercise. She'll becriticized for talking abouteating right, when manyfolks are struggling just toeat at all.

By Deborah René

Fry’s Food Stores, head-quartered in Tolleson,named Sistas of AZ a 2010recipient of its GivingHope a Hand campaignthis year and also provideda $5,000 award to helpsupport Sistas of AZ’s Pink365 Breast Cancer Aware-ness campaign.

Fry’s is celebrating its50th anniversary this year.Fry’s Manager of Con-sumer Relations PamGiannonatti expressed thesupportive dedication Fry’sassociates have for oneanother and their commu-nity customers.

While the country des-perately seeks solutionsregarding the healthcarecrisis; local organizationssuch as Sistas of AZ andthe Worthy Institute keepmoving with grace, deter-mination, and much need-ed support to providehealthcare information tothe community. Valleybusinesses and organiza-tions, in addition to Fry’s,that have provided Sistasof AZ support for healthycommunities; includingADHS, Maricopa CountyWell Woman Check,Susan G. Komen, AssuredImaging.

Sistas of AZ ExecutiveDirector Tina Brownalong with RashedaWorthy, CEO of The

Worthy Institute agreethat more work is ahead ascommunity collaborativeefforts address health careneeds. A multiculturalmovement to provideinformative health careresources continues asSistas of AZ completes its8th year. Brown recalledwhen friend and Sistasmember, Tysha Hillencouraged her to keep thecommunity informed,particularly regardingbreast health care.

Unfortunately TyshaHill lost her battle with

breast cancer, but Brown,Worthy and other mem-bers of Sistas of AZ neverforgot Tysha’s request tokeep fighting the battle.Sistas of AZ now keeps thecommunity informed 365days with their Pink 365Campaign. “There were700 screenings we wereable to provide to thosewithout insurance orunderinsured during2009,” said Brown. TinaBrown has been on thefront lines often with lim-ited volunteers informingpeople about health care

services, particularly thoseuninsured or underin-sured. Through last year’sprocess and additional Papsmear screenings providedto the community, Brownfound that there is also anongoing need of cervicalcancer resources.

On March 20 there willbe a mammographyscreening event at FirstNew Life Missionary

Baptist Church and onMarch 27 a free breastcancer screening will takeplace at MatthewHenson/Hope VI. Severalscreenings are scheduledfrom now thru Mayincluding a free breast can-cer screening on May 15 atthe Mexican Consulate inPhoenix. Visit www.sista-sofaz.com for additionalinformation.

IN OUR COMMUNITY4 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010 ARIZONA INFORMANT

HALF PRICE BUSINESS VENDOR SPACE – JUST SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE ARIZONA INFORMANT.

Fry’s Food Stores Honors Sistas Of AZ, Worthy Institute In Giving Hope A Hand Program

Tina Brown

The Cystic FibrosisFoundation of Arizona hasselected 17 single men andwomen across the Valley asAZ’s Finest. Among thoseselected are Black Board ofDirectors Project Mem-bers Ray LaStrape andSharon Gordon.

They are being recog-nized for their professionaland charitable accomplish-ments.

Ray LaStrape is generalmanager and vice presi-dent of operations forEverest College Onlineand a retired warrant offi-cer three from the USArmy. He is on the boardof New Foundation and amember of Kappa AlphaPSI. He is a native ofBeaumont, Texas.

Sharon Gordon is atransportation engineerwith the Federal HighwayAdministration. She hasvolunteered with theArizona Division Com-bined Federal Campaignand Arizona State Univ-ersity Math, Science and

Engineering MentoringBoard. She is a native ofPeoria, Illinois.

The honorees wereinvited to a kickoff recog-nition on March 4 atZ’Tejas Restaurant inScottsdale. They also willbe invited to an honoreerecognition dinner in Juneat the Scottsdale Resortand Conference Center.

IN BUSINESSARIZONA INFORMANT WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010 5

Financial AidAvailable For

Those Who Qualify

Cont’d. from Page 3

This incredibly importantinitiative won't be easy. Thefirst lady will face powerfulcorporate lobbies that makemoney from peddling junkfood.

She'll be attacked forbeing an elitist for presum-ing to tell us how to eat andexercise. She'll be criticizedfor talking about eatingright, when many folks arestruggling just to eat at all.

In our polarized politics,no good deed goes unpun-ished. Already, the right-wing attack machine hasgeared up, mocking thenotion that obesity is anational security challenge.Michelle Malkin, one of thelegions of poisonous right-wing columnists, says this isjust an effort to displace par-ents, "cede the children,feed the state," and favor"SEIU union bosses,"whose members servelunches in schools.

I'm glad the first ladyignored the many obstacles,the naysayers and thehaters, and decided to goforward.

If we all join – engageschools, public education,personal responsibility,responsible corporations,institutional changes andpubic action – millions ofchildren might be saved –and the country would sure-ly be the stronger for it.

This isn't a challenge thatcan be solved in a year or inan administration, as thefirst lady noted, but, "Thisisn't like a disease wherewe're still waiting for a cureto be discovered -- we knowthe cure for this.

This isn't like putting aman on the moon or invent-ing the Internet. It doesn'ttake some stroke of geniusor feat of technology.

We have everything weneed, right now, to help ourkids lead healthy lives."

So Let's Move!

First Lady vs. JunkFood Lobbies

BBOD Project Members Named AZ’s Finest

Sharon Gordon Ray LaStrape

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010

SPORTS ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT LIVING7

By ArnE Williams

"Our marriage, their wedding."It's lesson number one for any newlyengaged couple, and Lucia (AmericaFerrera) and Marcus (Lance Gross)are no exception. In FoxSearchlight’s "Our FamilyWedding", they learn the hard waythat the path to saying "I do" can berife with familial strife particularlywhen your an interracial couple .

“Our Family Wedding,” whichopened Friday, with a cast thatincludes Forest Whitaker, CarlosMencia and Regina King revolvesaround an couple and the tensionbetween their families. It's acharming ethnic comedy cultureclash!

Director Rick Famuyiwa's thirdminority-centric feature (following"The Wood" and "Brown Sugar")uses the genre’s successful formula ofstressed-out brides, unlucky-in-lovesisters or friends, and oddballrelatives to confront hitching aMexican-American bride and herAfrican-American groom.

“Wedding films are always aboutthe differences between people,”Rick Famuyiwa, the movie’s director,said. “But they haven’t quite dealtwith African-Americans andLatinos.”

Set in Los Angeles, "Our FamilyWedding" initially unfolds in alight-hearted version of the LosAngeles where narrativecoincidences and racial insults runequally rampant.

The father of the brideMiguel(Carlos Mencia ) and thefather of the groom Brad (ForestWhitaker) have a random run-in

before meeting through their kids:Mencia’s character, who owns anauto shop, tows the car belonging toWhitaker’s character from a no-parking zone.

Naturally, it's not long beforeBrad and Miguel meet again andreceive the unpleasant news thatthey're soon going to be related:Brad's son, Marcus (Lance Gross), isengaged to Miguel's daughter, Lucia(America Ferrera).

The incident sparks hostility thatmanifests itself throughout the filmwith ethnic digs as the parents try toassert their equally strongpersonalities by exercising controlover the wedding plans

The constant racial bickeringnever darkens into pure insult. Itwas not race that’s holding themback, said director Famuyiwa . "It’sthat neither dad is able to let go ofhis child."

As the countdown to the weddingproceeds the couple learns to put upwith their dads' shenanigans, aswhat they intended to be a quickie

ceremony balloons into a lavishbicultural blowout.

The movie is not just aboutethnic tensions, There are conflictsbetween parents' expectations andchildren's dreams.

Most appealing turn by far arrivescourtesy of Regina King,refreshingly down-to-earth as Brad'slongtime lawyer/love interest,Angela; Taye Diggs (who starred inFamuyiwa's other two features) andCharlie Murphy pop up briefly asBrad's buddies.

The aim is to make the culturalclashes in the film specific enough tofeel tailored for minority audiences,but not so narrow that they feel likeinside jokes. When the two familiesargue over which ethnic customswill be included in the wedding, it’sapparent that both just wantcontrol.

Black or brown, young or old,married or single, "Our FamilyWedding" traffics cheerfully, ifinoffensively in equal-opportunityclichés.

"Our Family Wedding" Is A Most Charming Movie

Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker makes "Our Family Wedding" smack ofreal people. Regina King plays a long time family friend.

Compiled by Ima Denmon

American Legion Post #65 – 602-268-6059 – 1624 E.Broadway – Sunday Karaoke cash prizes and dancing,8 p.m. until closing. Tuesday Chicago Style Steppingon Broadway from 7 to 10 p.m. Backyard grilling. Wed-nesday Pool Tournament night hosted by Paulette.Free line dancing classes 6 to 8 p.m. and Ole SchoolWednesday, sounds from DJ Mike, 7 p.m. Thursdayladies and games night – cards, dominoes, pool, D J.Friday and Saturdays are regular D J and party nights.

AMVETS Post #15 – 602-268-3331 – 4219 S. 7thStreet – Monday and Tuesday drink specials, openpool. Tuesday Bikers night. Wednesday Karaokefrom 8 p.m. Thirsty Thursdays with drink specials,open mic, poetry, rap, comedy and fun. Friday night, DJCorrect, kitchen open. Saturday night, DJ Micko,kitchen open.

AMVETS Post #65 – 602-257-9016 – 1303 W. Grant –Happy Hour 12 – 6 p.m. Mon-Fri. Monday membersnight. Tuesday steak and games night. ThursdayKaraoke from 7 p.m. until closing with DJ Ray $$$$.Friday and Saturday are party and jamming nights withDJ Louie, Louie 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Join the LadiesAuxiliary for some soul food starting at 3 p.m. March 21,Kids Easter party from 3 to 5 p.m.

Elks Lodge #477 - 602-254-1772, 1007 S. 7th Avenue.Temporarily closed. Look for our grand reopening.

Sportsman Social Club - 943 W. Watkins Road- 602-252-7153 – Birthday parties every Saturday. SundayBack Yard Boogie cookout starting at 4 p.m.Thursday ladies night drink specials and DJ.

VFW Post 1710 - 602-253-6409- 1629 E. Jackson–Tuesday games night and Chicago style steppinglessons from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Pinochle Wednesdayafternoons starting at 1 p.m 30 & Up everyWednesday 7 pm. Ladies free, DJ Black; cover formen. Old School Thursday nights 5 to 7 p.m.,pooltournament with cash prizes, Old School CDs givenaway. Friday Happy Hour from 5 to 7 p.m. Deliciousfood available Thursdays. Friday Open Mic Night.Sunday Pool tournament, jazz with DJ Scorpio.Saturday, March 27 “Aries Party.” Everyone invited.Free food, music, dancing and fun starts 8 p.m.

All organizations invite the public to book birthday,anniversary or other special event at their posts.

MARCH C0ALITION CALENDAR

ARNE WILLIAMS/AZI PHOTOS

By Deborah RenéShoshana Johnson has released

her story as the first black femalePrisoner of War (POW) and the firstfemale POW of Operation IraqiFreedom in a new book titled, I’mStill Standing - From Captive U.S.Soldier to Free Citizen-My JourneyHome.

Shoshana was not able tothoroughly discuss what reallyhappened on March 23, 2003 whenthe 507th Maintenance Company, acombat service support unit wasbrutally attacked, until now.

Shoshana details everything fromfaulty equipment, particularly theguns themselves to leadership issues,to witnessing death, and ultimatelysurviving captivity. Johnson’s bookalso describes the unsettling issuesfaced once returning to the UnitesStates after her ordeal. Physical andemotional trauma took its toll alongwith dealing with media oversightsand racism.

I’m Still Standing is not a bookreaders will put down easily as the

pages present very fast movingreading with good detail; forcing usto wonder why this ordeal was notprevented. There are questionsneeding answers including compar-isons of treatment by mediaregarding Shoshana Johnson andJessica Lynch. The two indicate noresentment toward each other butShoshana reveals blatant differencesin treatment including a denial fortreatment of post-traumatic stressdisorder.

The inconsistency of beingtransported from dark, depressingprisons, to what is described as“elegant private homes” by guardswho appeared thoroughly confusedthemselves, was difficult forShoshana. There were some caringdoctors who treated Johnson’swounds from the shooting describedin the book. Shoshana shares herfeelings of gratitude along with thecamaraderie she felt among the fivecaptured American soldiers. Theoutstanding rescue carried out bythe Marines is described andrevealed by photos in thiscompelling book.

Shoshana Johnson has receivedthe Bronze Star Medal, Purple HeartMedal and the Prisoner of WarMedal. She is the mother of onedaughter and is currently on tourwith her book.

Retired servicewoman, authorM.L.Doyle assisted Johnson withI’m Still Standing which is availablenow at local bookstores.

First Black Female POW Releases Her Story, “I’m Still Standing”

JOSHUA REDFIELD WINS AREA

SHAKESPEARE COMPETITIONGOING ON TO NATIONAL COMPETITION IN NEW YORK

Joshua Redfield,18, a senior atHighland High Schoolin Gilbert was awardedfirst place at the 27thannual ShakespeareCompetition for highschool students held atthe Scottsdale Centerfor Performing Arts inmid-February.

The competition issponsored by thePhoenix branch of theE n g l i s h - S p e a k i n gUnion (ESU)

Joshua will join the other 59 finalists from ESU branchesaround the county in New York April 24 - 27 where they willcompete at Lincoln Center for the grand prize -- a scholarshipfor summer study in the United Kingdom.

Joshua’s bold portrayal of Nick Bottom from A MidsummerNight’s Dream wowed the judges in local competitions. Winnersfrom their high school competitions around the Valley perform atthe ESU Phoenix Brach competition for a chance to go to thenational competition in New York. Students perform amemorized monologue and sonnet, then are given anothermonologue to perform as a cold read.

Since its inception, the ESU Shakespeare competitionprogram has given more than 250,000 young people of allbackgrounds the opportunity to discover and exploreShakespeare’s writings and to communicate theirunderstanding of his language and message. The Phoenix ESUBranch has sponsored a competition since it was established in1983. For more information on the English-Speaking Union andthe National Shakespeare Competition visit www.esuus.org.

BUSINESS MOVE: Beyoncé spoke in downtown Brooklyn,New York, at the PhoenixHouse, a nonprofit recoverycenter for drug and alcoholaddiction, to unveil a projectshe and her mother, Tina,have dreamed of andworked on for years: theBeyoncé Cosmetology Cen-ter. According to the pressrelease, the program is "aseven-month cosmetologytraining course for adult menand women." L'Oréal hasdonated all the products to be used at the center, and theirspokeswoman Beyoncé, along with her mother, havepledged to donate $100,000 annually. After brief remarks byNew York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and TinaKnowles, among others, Beyoncé graciously took to thepodium to explain both her ties to the house — she first vis-ited in 2007 as part of research for her role as Etta James in"Cadillac Records" — and her hopes for the program. WhilePhoenix House provides varied vocational training, "I feltlike they needed something that was geared towardswomen — something that would teach them skills that wouldgive them hope even after the Phoenix House," Beyoncéexplained about why she chose to fund a beauty school. Hermother also owned and operated a salon in Knowles' home-town of Houston. "I saw that a salon was a place for womento socialize, share stories, cry, laugh and get advice," shecontinued about her experiences growing up around abeauty parlor.

BOUNCING BABY BOY: SingerKeyshia Cole and ClevelandCavaliers point guard DanielGibson are celebrating thebirth of their first child, a sonnamed Daniel Hiram Gib-son Jr. Junior entered theworld Tuesday at 11:54 p.m.,weighing in at a healthy 7pounds, 3 ounces. "Both

mother and baby are doinggreat," says Cole's publicist,Tresa Sanders. "Keyshiawould also like to give a spe-cial thank-you to her fansthat have been with hersince the beginning, sharingin her growth as a womanand an artist." It's been aneventful year for the singer.She and Gibson, 24,announced in January thatthey became engaged onNew Year's Eve and wereexpecting a little bundle of joy. She also makes her moviedebut next month in Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Tooand has an album due later in 2010.

BRIEFLY: Stevie Wonder hasbeen honored for his contribu-tions to arts and literature inFrance - 30 years after he wasfirst chosen to receive the title.The hitmaker was named aCommander of the Arts andLetters in 1981, but he hasnever officially been allocatedthe prize due to "schedulingconflicts.” The title was formal-ly bestowed on Wonder at aceremony in Paris on March 6.

Oprah Winfrey is facinglegal action from bosses atan exercise company whohave filed suit against herHarpo, Inc firm over a work-out program. Officials atUnicus Performance Train-ing (UPT) filed a lawsuitalleging they were neverpaid for developing an exer-cise scheme for the mediamogul's company.

Z O N E I N - A & E

— MARCH—

TUE-THU 16-18 Lunch Time Theater “It’s AlwaysSunny in Phoenix” presented by Class 6 Theatre,12:10pm at Herberger Theater, 222 East Monroe,Performance Outreach Theater. Enter under purplecanopy on Van Buren. For tickets call 602-254-7399 x104or online www.herbergertheater.org. To order lunch callCoffea Café, 602-373-6570. Lunch must be orderedbefore 9 a.m. the day of the show.

SAT 20 Cedric the Entertainer at the Celebrity Theatre.Showtime 8 p.m. 440 N. 32nd Street in Phoenix. 602-267-1600 celebritytheatre.com

FRI 26 The Arizona Black Film Showcase is set to takeplace in Tempe. This premier event is dedicated to cele-brating and promoting the dynamic works of African-American filmmakers and filmmakers whose worksembrace the Black cultural experience on a national andinternational level. For information visit azblackfilm.com oremail films@azblackfilm.com or media@azblackfilm.comThrough March 28

WED 31 Black Eyed Peas 7:30 p.m. at Jobing.comArena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave. in Glendale. 623-772-3200, 800-745-3000, www.jobingarena.com

— APRIL—

SAT 3 Kevin Hart at the Celebrity Theatre. Showtime 8p.m. 440 N. 32nd Street in Phoenix. 602-267-1600celebritytheatre.com

SAT 17 The Whispers and Mark Woods Jr ofLakeside Hosted by Joe Torry at the Celebrity Theatre.Showtime 8 p.m. 440 N. 32nd Street in Phoenix. 602-267-1600 celebritytheatre.com

C O N C E RT S E T C .

BY ANTRACIA MOORINGS

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8 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010 ARIZONA INFORMANT

Z O N E I NARIZONA INFORMANT WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010 9

LIVINGSubscribe online at

azinformant.com

Six Valley arts leaderswere honored recentlywith the 2010 LivingHistory Award presentedby the Phoenix Chapter ofThe Links, Inc., thePhoenix Chapter of Jack& Jill of America, Inc. andthe Sigma Pi PhiFraternity, Inc., GammaMu Boule of Phoenix

Rod Ambrose, FatimahHalim, David Hemphill,Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, Jewell ParkerRhodes and Charles St.Clair were recognizedduring the fifth annualLiving History Awardsceremony and receptionthat took place recently atthe historic GeorgeWashington CarverMuseum and CulturalCenter in downtownPhoenix.

The Living HistoryAwards Program is theresult of a communitycollaborative organized tohonor many of thecommunity’s most distin-guished citizens engagedin the arts and to exposePhoenix-area youth to

these individuals and theirextraordinary contribu-tions to the arts in Arizonaand beyond.

"Gamma Mu Boule' ishonored to join otheresteemed organizationsthat recognize thecontributions of ourAfrican American heritagein American history," saidSire Archon Bill Jackson."It is consistent with ourvision and mission to

increase community awar-eness of our rich culture."

“The Phoenix Chapterof The Links, Inc., and itspartners are committed tocasting a bright light onAfrican American venuesand individuals who areengaged in the arts, tosupporting their endeavorsand to exposing our youthto their good works andcontributions to ourcommunity and the

world,” said Kay LovelaceTaylor, chapter president.

“The Living Historyproject accomplishes thisby providing program-ming, hands-on learningexperiences and mentoringin the arts for youth ofcolor and by annuallycelebrating the achieve-ments of Valley leaders inthe performing and visualarts, film, literature andtheatre,” Taylor said.

Since the program’sinception in 2006, theLiving History venture haspaired local "masters" ofthe arts with young peoplefrom the Greater Phoenixcommunity “in an effortto create a phenomenallearning and teachingexperience,” said MarieBoykin Scott, president ofthe Phoenix Chapter ofJack & Jill of America, Inc.

"The Phoenix Chapterof Jack and Jill has ahistory of supportingefforts that enrich the livesof young people and thecommunities in whichthey live," Scott said.

"This project is a forumfor legends, within ourcommunity, to pass alongthe knowledge of their art,and learned lifeexperiences, which arepriceless. People of color,African Americans, haveoften lost precioushistorical informationbecause it was notdocumented, honored orshared properly. Throughthe Living History effort,African American youth

are being taught how tohonor, preserve and shareour treasurers," she said.

This year’s programengaged 24 youth,including the 2010 LinksDebutantes and membersof the Jack & Jill TeenGroup in a comprehensivearts education andenrichment experience.

The program includedan interviewing techniquesworkshop designed to helpthe participants learn andmaster the essential skillsfor planning and con-ducting a productiveinterview. Using theknowledge and skillsgained through theworkshop, the Debutantesand Jack & Jill Teensjoined in small teams toconduct formal interviewswith the featured artists.

The youth used theinformation collectedthrough their interviewswith 2010 awardrecipients to prepareformal introductions ofthe six Valley arts icons atthe Living History AwardsProgram.

Valley Arts Leaders Honored With Annual Living History Award

The 2010 Living History Award honorees are from left: David Hemphill, Fatimah Halim,Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, Jewell Parker Rhodes, Charles St. Clair and Rod Ambrose.

The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored Peopleis to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights

of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.

Z O N E I N - F O O D10 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010 ARIZONA INFORMANT

FAMILY FEATURES

Love the taste of deli meats and cheeses but wonder how it fitsinto a salt sensible lifestyle? The answer is, easily! Like muchof the advice regarding the food we eat — from fats to sugarsto salt — most nutrition experts will agree that the bestapproach to healthful eating is moderation. One of the ways

that food lovers have found to live within health organization guidelinesof no more than 2,400 milligrams of salt per day is by selecting lowersodium foods that offer great taste and by making wise choices whenadding seasonings.

Today, consumers concerned about salt have a wide range of lowersodium fare to choose from for appetizing, satisfying and nutritious meals.Boar’s Head, makers of quality deli meats, cheeses and condiments, haslong offered a range of meats and cheeses that are no salt added, lowsodium, lower sodium, and even gluten free that provide delicious deliflavor as well as essential protein and nutrients. These lower sodiumproducts make it possible to still enjoy the taste and convenience of deliingredients in salads, sandwiches, and other mealtime favorites.

When there’s no time to cook, it’s easy to stay salt sensible by planningmeals with a wide range of lower sodium, ready-made products.

Boar’s Head premium products are available at select supermarkets andfine delicatessens. For more product information, as well tips on saltsensible eating, visit boarshead.com/lower_sodium.php.

Chicken Pizza with Roasted Peppers Servings: 6

Although most pizza sauces are high in sodium, this recipe usesroasted bell peppers and lower sodium chicken and blue cheesefor an entirely new taste in pizza that’s long on flavor and less on salt.

1 tablespoon unsalted butter1 large leek, sliced1 12-inch prepared pizza crust

3/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers1/2 pound (1/4 inch thick) julienned Boar’s Head Golden

Classic Lower Sodium Oven Roasted Chicken Breast1/2 cup Boar’s Head 28% Lower Sodium Creamy Blue

Cheese, crumbled2 teaspoons dried basil, plus fresh basil leaves for

garnish, optional

Preheat the oven to 450°F. In large skillet melt butter overmedium heat and sauté leeks until softened but not browned,about 4 minutes.

Place pizza crust on a non-stick baking sheet. Layer peppersaround pizza, leaving about a 3/4-inch border. Add leeks, chicken,and top with cheese. Sprinkle with dried basil and bake 15 min -utes or until crust is golden and cheese melted. Add fresh basilleaves if desired.

Deluxe Roast Beef and Imported Swiss SandwichServings: 1 sandwich

Using low sodium roast beef in this ever popular sandwich varietydelivers deli-delicious taste without excessive amounts of sodium.

3 ounces Boar’s Head Deluxe Low Sodium Cap-Off Top Round, thinly sliced

1 ounce Boar’s Head Gold Label Imported Swiss Cheese, thinly sliced

1/2 ounce leaf lettuce, torn1/2 ounce red onion, sliced

1 ounce tomato, sliced2 teaspoons Boar’s Head Delicatessen Style Mustard,

optional1 6-inch Italian bread

Spread deli mustard on the top and bottom halves of sub roll.Layer roast beef and cheese and top with lettuce, tomato andonion. Close sandwich, cut in half and serve.

Ham and Cheese Sandwich with Arugula and Sundried Tomatoes Servings: 1 sandwich

The powerful tastes of arugula, sundried tomatoes, olives and red peppers are the perfect counterpoint to low sodium MuensterCheese and Lower Sodium Ham.

Italian sandwich loaf4 ounces sliced Boar’s Head 42% Lower Sodium

Branded Deluxe Ham2 ounces Boar’s Head Low Sodium Muenster Cheese

1/2 cup arugula or spinach leaves1/2 cup sliced sundried tomatoes in oil1/2 ounce low sodium black olives, sliced, optional

1 ounce red peppers, roasted

Slice Italian loaf in half lengthwise. Layer ham and cheese ontobread with spinach leaves. Add tomatoes, olives, and red peppersand sandwich is ready to serve.

Hickory Smoked Turkey with Orange DressingServings: 1 salad

The pungent hickory smoked flavor of the turkey contrasts wellwith the sweet and sour tastes of honey and vinegar and orangejuice and dried cranberries. Pecans complement with theirsmooth taste.Dressing:

1 teaspoon grape seed or canola oil2 teaspoons honey

1/4 cup orange juice 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar2 teaspoons cracked black pepper

Salad: 1 cup spring mix lettuce1 large radish, sliced paper thin4 ounces (1/4 inch thick julienne slices) Boar’s Head

Hickory Smoked Black Forest Turkey Breast4 to 6 whole pecans

Dried cranberries for garnish, optional

In small bowl, whisk oil with honey. Whisk in orange juice andthen vinegar. Add pepper and set aside. Add a little more honeyfor desired thickness.

Build the salad beginning with lettuce and radish slices. Toss.Add turkey and pecans. Toss again and add dressing. Top withcranberries if desired. Add more dressing to taste.

Skip the Salt, Turn Up the Taste� Perk up any recipe with the zest of citrus or a splash of fruit

juice.

� Flavor sandwiches, salads, side dishes and casseroles withdried fruits such as cranberries, raisins, apricots andblueberries.

� Sprinkle roasted seeds and nuts onto foods for added textureand rich taste.

� Grind spices over food for a fresh shot of flavor.

� Wake up any dish with hot peppers or flavor-filled, driedvegetables such as sun-dried tomatoes.

The BalanceLike everything else, when it comes to food, common sense is the key to wellness. Balancing lower sodium deli meats and cheeses with fruits,vegetables, and whole grains contributes to a healthy diet. Lower Sodiumclaims are substantiated by USDA-tested sodium levels contained in com -parable product lines or meet FDA standards.

Deluxe Roast Beef and Imported Swiss Sandwich

Ham and Cheese Sandwich with Arugula and Sundried Tomatoes

Chicken Pizza with Roasted Peppers

Z O N E I NARIZONA INFORMANT WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010 11

By G. Napier Barnes

The University of Arkansas Pine BluffGolden Lions earned their first SWAC(men) basketball championship and theconference's automatic bid to MarchMadness by defeating a stubborn TexasSouthern team 50-36 last weekend inShreveport. UAPB (17-15) entered thetournament as the second seed. TheGolden Lions started the first twomonths of the season on a 14-game roadtrip facing the likes of NCAA tourna-ment qualifiers Georgia Tech, Missouri,Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and TexasEl-Paso. They rebounded in conferenceby going 14-4 including close tourna-ment wins against Mississippi Valley State(69-66) and Alabama State (48-46)before defeating Texas Southern in thechampionship.

Jackson State had the first seed and likeUAPB started the season on the roadplaying 10 straight while losing them all.In conference play the Tigers became theleague’s hottest team and had a 13-gamewinning streak going before losing in thefirst round to Grambling State. JSU will

face Mississippi State, losers in the SECchampionship game to top seed Ken-tucky, in the opening round of the NIT.

As predicted weeks earlier, the SWACchampions will participate in the “pigtail”game against Winthrop with the winnerof that contest facing number one seedDuke University. SWAC championshave appeared in five “pigtail” games andhave yet to win any. The SWAC is 4-29in NCAA tournament play. Alcorn Statehas won 3 times while Southern has onevictory in the 30 years of the conference'saffiliation with Division I basketball.

The top seed on the ladies side, South-ern University, breezed through theirbrackets after escaping #8 UAPB 64-60in the first round. The next night theystopped Texas Southern 67-55 and thencrushed upset minded Alabama State 60-47 in the women's championship game.

The Lady Jags (23-8) got the worstpossible bid for the NCAA tournamentwhen they were chosen to be the firstopponent for defending champion Con-necticut. UCONN has won an NCAArecord 72 consecutive games coming intothe tournament.

Z O N E I N12 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010 ARIZONA INFORMANT

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Arkansas-Pine Bluff, SouthernAdvance To NCAA Tournament

LET THE MADNESS BEGIN!

By G. Napier Barnes

The Morgan State University Bearsproved that they were the best team inHBCU basketball by winning both theregular season, and the MEAC tourna-ment championship last weekend inWinston-Salem, North Carolina.

The conference's number one seed(27-9) destroyed North Carolina A&T84-57 in the first round, turned back astrong effort by Hampton University(74-67) in the semifinals and stopped apeaking South Carolina State (68-61) inthe championship tilt.

The Bears received the conference'sautomatic bid to March Madness andwas selected as a 15th seed. They willface the West Virginia Mountaineers(27-6) who are seeded second in theregion after an impressive run to the BigEast tournament title.

MEAC champions have won only twoNCAA tournament games both whenseeded 15th. Coppin State over SouthCarolina (1997) and Hampton overBoise State (2001).

All other times the conference cham-pion has gone in as a 16th seed or as a

“pigtail” game participant in which theyhave no victories. The Bears will havetheir work cut out for them if they are toupset the Mountaineers who enter thetournament on a six-game win streak.

The Lady Pirates of Hampton Univer-sity (20-11) claimed the MEAC Tourna-ment Championship and the confer-ence's automatic bid to the NCAAwomen's basketball tournament bydefeating the South Carolina State LadyBulldogs 57-46, also last weekend inWinston-Salem.

The Lady Pirates came in as the sec-ond seed having won 12 out of their last13 contests. They ran the table by beat-ing the University of Maryland EasternShore 65-41 in the second round andspanked the Lady Wildcats for Bethune-Cookman 58-38 in the semifinal round.

The Lady Pirates started that gamewith a 22-6 run and never looked back.

The Lady Pirates got a tough draw inthe national tournament with a 15 seedand a date with second seeded Duke onthe Blue Devils home campus inDurham.

No other MEAC basketball team wasselected for post season play.

Morgan State, Hampton WinMEAC, Get Ready To Dance

SPORTS

The 2010 Morgan State men’s basketball team celebrates their tournament win andNCAA tourney birth with their coaches, cheer squad mascot and fans.

Hampton University won the MEAC championship. Sophomore point guard Jericka Jenk-ins leads the team in assists and steals and is the second leading scorer.

ZONE I N - S P O R T SHarris fired by Desert Vista

For seven years, formerTempe Corona del SolHigh School star basket-ball player Doug Harriswas the head coach ofnearby Phoenix DesertVista High School until hewas fired, on Thursday.

He was relieved of hisduties after an afternoonmeeting with athletic direc-tor T.J. Snyder and princi-pal Anna Battle.

According to the Arizona Republic, Snyder stated thatHarris had been let go of his coaching responsibilitiesbut offered no other details because its a “personnelissue.”

With the firing of Harris, its apparent that the school'sadministration wants to go in a different direction withtheir boys varsity basketball team and they immediatelybegan looking for a replacement coach.

As the Thunder boys basketball program's top mentor,Harris compiled a 138-70 record in seven years and ledDesert Vista to the Class 5A Division I state champi-onship in 2008 by beating Phoenix St. Mary's, 63-50.

Two years later, however, the Thunder finished 11-15.“I would think after all I had given to this program and

the success we've had here that you would give a littleleeway when you have a down year,” Harris said. “Thathappens sometimes in athletics.

“It's difficult from the standpoint of how things hap-pened. I'm extremely blessed. I've accomplished manygreat things here at Desert Vista.”

Harris refused to talk about why he may have beenreleased, but confirmed that he was surprised by the fir-ing due to the fact that he had no prior meetings withSnyder or Battle.

“I just want to rise above it,” he said. “I think I'll begiven another opportunity to coach so I want to be veryprofessional about it.”

This season, there was an allegation from some par-ents that some funded monies was spent improperlywhen the team traveled to San Diego to participate in theMax Preps Holiday Classic.

Even though Harris didn't answer questions why hemay have been relieved, he did state that he turned in allthe necessary paperwork with regards to the trip andabsolutely nothing has become of this allegation.

As of this writing, Harris still is on campus teachingsocial studies.

New AIA rule dealing with club coaches

Recently, the Arizona Interscholastic Association'sLegislative Council enacted an amendment to an asso-ciation bylaw that will make any student-athlete whotransfers to another school where their club coach isemployed ineligible to participate in their sport for oneyear.

The amendment also include any student-athlete whomoved to another school to play for a coach/trainer whomay have conducted an offseason clinic or camp attend-ed by the players.

The only way players can be eligible to immediatelyplay for their new school is to successfully prove thattheir families moved for other reasons that to just play forthe coach/trainer.

AIA executive director Dr. Harold Slemmer elaboratedon the amendment stating it was created by a ruleOregon basketball coaches helped get in their bylawsdue to a problem that had with players following theirclub coaches.

“After a kid enrolls as a freshman, if he wants to trans-fer to a school where his club coach or personal traineror any type of instructor is employed they will have to sitout a year,” Slemmer said. “It's worked well there.”

The main difference between the two bylaws is thatthe Oregon's rule does not allow for appeal while theArizona amendment does allow a hardship appeal.

SPORTS EDITOR DIGEST

BY VINCENT CRAWFORD

ARIZONA INFORMANT WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010 13

By Jessie Vanderson

TUCSON - Two days ofexcitement at the WillieWilliams Track and FieldClassic was not enough.

The high school of divi-sion of the more than twodecades old track meet atthe University of Arizona'sRoy P. Drachman Stadiumhas been expanded to threedays. The UA hosted com-petition will startThursday morning withaction in an unseededmeet.

This special competi-tion has been added to thehigh school division of theWillie Williams Classic toproved an opportunity ofathletes not entered in thehighly competitive seededmeet a chance to experi-ence competing in a largemeet at a major university.

"We are trying to dowhat's best for our meetofficials, and give morekids an opportunity tocompete at the meet," saidUA head track coach FredHarvey of the expandedformat at Willie Williams."The input that wereceived back from thehigh school coaches wasthat they were all in favorof it."

Field events and run-ning events in the unseed-

ed meet will startThursday at 2pm. Finalsin the seeded meet's boysand girls 4x800-meterrelays will be contestedThursday night. The girls'final is at 8:10pm, fol-lowed by the boys' final at8:30.

"The meet has gottenbetter every year. It hasbeen successful because ofthe way that it is run," saidFrancesca Green, meetdirector and assistant trackcoach.

Athletes from roughly35 schools are expected tocompete in the seeded

meet, a two-day competi-tion that has annuallyattracted squads fromsouthern California, the ElPaso area, the Phoenixarea, and from acrosssouthern Arizona. A fullslate of events in the seed-ed meet will start Fridaymorning with field eventsat 10am. The first runningevent, prelims in the girls'100-meter high hurdles,will start at noon.

The first event in thecollegiate division of themeet, the men's 400-meterhurdles, will start at 6pm.Friday with competition in

the Dave Murray DistanceCarnival. The final in thegirls' 3200-meters will berun at 6:30, followed bythe boys' 3200 meter finalat 7:30.

Both the high schooland the collegiate meetswill start Saturday at10am.

ABOVE: Pima CC's 4x100 relay quartet of (L-R) AntoineThomas, Derrick Coker, Nathan Manigault and MatthewRobertson will be one of the unit's to watch in the colle-giate division of the Willie Williams Classic. AT RIGHT:Chandler Hamilton senior Le'Sean Marks will be one ofthe top boys' hurdlers competing at the Willie WilliamsClassic.

Williams Track & Field Classic Expanded

J VANDERSON/AZI PHOTOS

Former McClintock standoutalso sets single season scoringmark

By Danny L. White

Snow is not the only thing fallingin the tall pines of NorthernArizona, during the just completedLady Lumberjacks basketball cam-paign. The single season scoringmark, a record that had stood for 23years came tumbling down as fresh-man sensation Amy Patton eclipsedand set a few standards that led toher being selected the 2010 Big SkyFreshman of the Year in Women’sBasketball.

In what best will be considered acharacter building and very tryingyear for a young Lady Lumberjackbasketball team, Patton was nothingshort of phenomenal. The formerArizona big schools (4A-5A) Playerof the Year and Gatorade HighSchool All American was in a zonefrom the time she stepped on thehardwood.

Patton, a product of TempeMcClintock, was second in the BigSky in scoring with an 18.6 pointsper game average, she also pulleddown 8.6 rebounds per game. Inconference play, Patton’s numbers

were even better as she averaged 20.3ppg and increased her rebounding to9.6.

“I am really excited to have beennamed the Freshman of the Year,”said Patton adding, “This was one ofmy goals coming into the season. Ifelt if I played well and we playedwell as a team it would happen.”

If the Lady Lumberjacks wouldhave had a better season team wise,Patton would no doubt have beenconsidered for the Player of the Year,as she had 13 double doubles (dou-

ble points and rebounds), and fourgames in which she scored 30 pointsor more and there were 14 games inwhich she had 10 rebounds are more(remarkable at any level – this isMagic Johnson and Jason Kidd typenumbers).

Patton finished the season withmore than twice as many double-doubles than any other player in theBig Sky Conference. She was thefourth best freshman scorer in theentire country, setting a season high35 points in a game against a goodSacramento State team.

The single season scoring markfell in the Lady Lumberjacks finalhome game. The mark that was setduring the 1986-87 campaign byformer NAU great Mindy Sherred at538 points was topped by Patton asshe finished with 539.

In addition, Lumberjacks’ juniorguard Vickie Toney was named theNewcomer of the Year, as she rankedin the top five in assists with 4.7 pergame.

Toney, a Chicago native, sat outlast season after transferring fromLamar University in Beaumont,Texas. With the young talent that isbeing assembled at NAU look forthe Lady Lumberjacks to make somenoise in the years to come.

Amy Patton Wins Big Sky Freshman of the Year Award

ZONE I N - S P O R T S14 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010 ARIZONA INFORMANT

Former South Mountain HS stand out, and PhoenixCollege quarterback Robert Benjamin has left theUniversity of Wyoming and is attending HBCUFayetteville State University in North Carolina.Benjamin is expected to compete for the starting job onthe team that won last years CIAA Championship.

The NCAA Division II basketball tournament wasn’t too kind to our HBCU’s last week. The four representatives from theladies side were eliminated in the first round, and of course on the floor of a region’s top seed. The Virginia State LadyTrojans (CIAA) were bounced by California of Pennsylvania 72-60. Fayetteville State’s Lady Broncos, the CIAA tourna-ment champs, lost to Seton Hill 73-64. Benedict College, the SIAC tournament champions lost to a once defeatedArkansas Tech team on that teams’ home floor 65-48 while SIAC regular season champions FT Valley State dropped aone point contest to Valdosta State 50-49. The weekend for the lady HBCU hoopsters ended with an 0-4 record.

The HBCU men hoopsters did manage one victory in five attempts. CIAA tournament champions, the St. AugustineFalcons, defeat Kutztown State 70-54 in the first round but had to face the region’s top seed in West Liberty State (29-2)at West Liberty. The Falcon put up a gallant battle before falling 90-84. Tuskegee, the SIAC tournament king pin, fellhard to that regions first seed Arkansas Tech 92-58. Arkansas Tech is 26-1 and like its lady’s team don’t lose at home.ATU could pull a double-double winning both the men and women’s championships. SIAC regular season championsClark-Atlanta hung with Valdosta State most of the night before falling 74-67.

It is, what it is in Division I basketball. MEAC Champions, Morgan State (27-9) will take on the Big East Conference tour-nament champions West Virginia. The Mountaineers have been on a roll and may be the nation’s hottest team. As usualthe SWAC tournament champion has the honor of playing in the “pigtail” game which will feature Arkansas-Pine Bluffagainst Winthrop, two real powers in college basketball. The winner will face number one seed Duke, a team manyexperts pick to make it to the final four.

Even the NIT seems to be anti-HBCU. Jackson State, the SWAC regular season champion, will travel to Mississippi Statewhere they will face a Bulldog team that made it to the SEC championship game before falling in overtime to the power-ful Kentucky Wildcats 75-74.

Basketball wasn’t the only titles settled last week. Alabama A&M defeated Prairie View A&M (4-0) in the SWAC BowlingChampionships. It was the Lady Bulldogs second championship in four years as they lost in the final round twice duringthat time frame. The CIAA bowling championships will take place this week in Durham NC. Fayetteville State (60-2) isthe top seed in the west and the favorite to win it all. Bowie State is the top seed in the east posting a 52-11 record. TheLady Bulldogs were tied with Elizabeth City and won a coin flip for the first round bye.

On a lighterside the NorthCarolina A&TAggies (right)took first placein the cheer-leading compe-tition at lastweeks’ MEACt o u r n a m e n t .The Aggiesedged outMorgan Stateand FloridaA&M in over allperformance.

ALWAYS PLAY HARD AND STUDY HARDER.

HBCU SCOREBOARDSPECIAL TO THE INFORMANT FROM INFORMATION ARIZONA

By Jessie Vanderson

TUCSON - The collective conscious-ness of the entire city will focus thisweek on the fate of the basketballteams at Pima Community College.

For the first time in school histo-ry both the men's and the women'ssquads at the nationally recognizedcommunity college qualified for theNational Junior College AthleticAssociation (NJCAA) Division IInational championship tourna-ments.

Both teams left town Sunday,with head coach Todd Holthaus andhis Pima women headed to EastPeoria, ILL., and the Div-IIwomen's national championshiptournament, and head coach KarlPieroway and his Aztec men boundfor Danville, ILL., and the Div-IImen's national title tournament.

The women's tournament, whichconsists of a field of 12 teams, willstart at noon Wednesday and con-cluded Saturday. Pima will play

Bismarck State College of NorthDakota in a first-round gameWednesday. Pima will enter thetournament as one of the favorites totake the national title after finishingthird at the tournament last year.The Aztecs won three of four gamesat the tournament.

The Aztecs will be one of thetournament's most veteran teams. Inguards Jessica Jones, AbbyMaracigan, and NeNe Villalobos,and center Tia Morrison and for-ward LeAndra Lucas, Pima startsfive sophomores. Morrison,Maracigan, Villalobos and Lucas allplayed in the national tournamentfor the AZtecs last year. Maraciganand Morrison, who has committedto play at the University of Nevadaat Las Vegas next year, finished thetournament as NJCAA All-Americans.

While the Pima women, whodefeated a gallant Mesa CommunityCollege team 63-60 in the NJCAARegion I championship game March

4 in Aztecs Gym to qualify for thenational championship tournament,were odds on favorites to return toEast Peoria this winter, the success ofthe Pima men this winter came as asurprise for most people.

The Aztec men upset favoredPhoenix College 73-64 in theRegion I Division II title gameMarch 6 on the Bears' home court.The Aztec men will be making theirfirst appearance at the nationalchampionship tournament in morethan 20 years.

The tournament, which features afield of 16 teams, will run fromMarch 16-20. Pima is a darkhorsefor capturing the national crown,but enters the tournament playingits best ball of the season.

Guards Warren Baker, JeremyHarden, and Rojar Castro, and for-wards Travares Peterson and ErvinFelder will lead the Pima men. Bakerand Peterson-the team's leadingscorers are NJCAA All Americancandidates.

Pima CC Hoopsters Head To NationalChampionship Tournaments

By G. Napier Barnes III

Sometimes things gofull circle. Several yearsago this reporter had theopportunity to see SouthMountain standout, andeventually All-Informantcandidate, RobertBenjamin perform.

From that moment on Iwas convinced that youngMr. Benjamin had all theskills to be a successfulquarterback in my HBCUconference the CIAA.

I contacted the coach atFayetteville StateUniversity and told himabout Benjamin's abilities.I was told that smallschools like FSU didn'tlike to recruit high schoolstudents from out of stateunless they can come inand actually play that firstyear.

Unlike major division Iprograms, smaller schoolscan not afford to have anout of state student comein and be “red shirted.”Out of state fees can bedoubled the amount of instate tuition, thus mostschool would rather bringin a junior college playerthat can have an immedi-ate impact. With thatbeing said Mr. Benjaminwas not recruited.

Two years later Mr.Benjamin had successfullylead his Phoenix CollegeBears to their first Valleyof the Sun Bowl in over adecade. Fayetteville State'scoach saw the game andoffered Mr. Benjamin ascholarship right on thefield.

Mr. Benjamin wantedto wait for a division Ioffer which he finally

received. He decided togo to the University ofWyoming where he startedsome games as a juniorcollege transfer. For whatever reasons Mr. Benjamindid not enjoy his experi-ences at Wyoming. At theend of the fall session hedecided to transfer toFayetteville State where heis expected to compete forthe starting quarterbackposition during springball.

The Broncos are com-ing off of their third CIAAchampionship this decadeand had an 8-2 campaignwhere they just missed thechampionship game.They also lost one cham-pionship game during thattime frame. Mr.Benjamin's size, 6'2” 210lbs, arm strength andspeed will be a perfect fitfor the Bronco multipleformation offense.

Another Valley product,Bryce Williams a 6'2” 215linebacker who stared atMesa Community Collegeis also getting ready forspring ball at FSU.Williams played along sideMarcos Esquivel at MCCon a team that won theValley of the Sun Bowl in2008. Esquivel went on toanchor the Bronco defensethat yielded the lessamount of yards andpoints in the conferencelast season.

He garnered All- CIAAhonors and also stared inthe HBCU All-Star gamelast fall. With the additionof Benjamin and Williamsthe Broncos have had overten players with valleyconnections to attend theNorth Carolina school.

Another Valley StarSigns With HBCU

Story and photoBy Floyd Alvin Galloway

“A Prescription toRebuild the Walls” was thetheme of the fifthEpiscopal District of theAfrican Methodist Episco-pal Church mid-year ses-sion, held March 8-13, atthe Renaissance Glendalehotel and Spa.

Officiated by BishopTheodore Larry Kirkland,presiding prelate; presid-ing elders, pastors, clergyand laity from the fiveconferences, 16 westernand mid-western states,attended the weeklongevent.

“In the midst of theworst economic downturnin this country’s history,your presence at this Mid-

Year Session of this admin-istration is greatly appreci-ated,” said Bishop Kirk-land in his message toattendees.

“Our time together isessential for the for theFifth Episcopal District’sclergy, laity and youngadults to identify and exer-

cise its “influence” in min-istry, service and evangel-ism. Let’s prepare to guideour church to be whatGod has intended for us tobe, not later from now,”Bishop Kirkland added.

Several workshops werepresented to not onlyimpact inside the walls ofthe church, but outsidethe walls also, includingsessions for the YoungPeople’s Division and on

addressing problems fac-ing black males.

Hosting the event wasTanner Chapel AfricanMethodist EpiscopalChurch, under the direc-tion of Pastor BenjaminThomas Sr. Located in theheart of Phoenix, neardowntown, at 20 S. 8thSt., Tanner Chapel is theoldest predominantlyBlack church in Arizona.

I N R E L I G I O NARIZONA INFORMANT WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010 15

— MARCH —

WED-SUN 17-21 Gospel "4" Life Church 8th year inMinistry Anniversary. Music, preaching and teachingbegins nightly at 7 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday. ContactDeaconess Brenda Sypher (480) 204-8690 for info.

THU-SUN 18-21 Bethesda Community BaptistChurch, 906 E. Jones Ave., Phoenix, 13th PastoralAnniversary. Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. and Sundayservices at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Everyone welcome.

SAT 20 Central District Women’s DepartmentScholarship Walk-a-Thon to raise scholarship funds.Begins 7:30 a.m. at Sahuaro Ranch Park, 9802 N. 59thAve., Glendale. For information contact: Sis. FreddieCampbell, 602-626.5096 or 602-748-8595 or Sis. CarolynRoss, 602-290-4585.

• • •Book launch for “Dream Your Destiny: The Day-dreamer’s Guide to Success” by Dr. Fred Browning,founder and president of SonRise International Ministriesand the pastor of SonRise Faith Community Center inChandler. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 908 N. Alma School Roadin Chandler. Event includes family activities and work-shops. The book is available online at www.imprbooks.com. For event information call 480-968-8858.

SAT-SUN 20-21 The Women’s Ministry of WillowGrove Missionary Baptist Church annual Women’sDay weekend. Saturday bazaar and brunch beginning 10a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 4000 N Central Avenue,Phoenix. Sister Janice Jackson of St John InstitutionalBaptist Church will be the brunch/bazaar speaker. TheWillow Grove men will present a short fashion show. Call602-276-2742, 602-476-9909 or 602-363-6032 for vendorand ticket information. The celebration concludes withSunday services. Sister Minnie Henry of New SalemMissionary Baptist Church will be the 8 a.m. guest speak-er; and Evangelist Agatha Meeks of Higher GroundChurch of God in Christ will be the 11 a.m. guest speak-er. Willow Grove Missionary Baptist Church is at 4401 S.7th Place and Broadway Rd. in Phoenix.

SUN 21 New Beginnings Fellowship Church dedica-tory service 3:30 p.m. at 1363 S. Vineyard in Mesa. 480-993-3447.

• • •Prayer Assembly COGIC Annual Women’sConference, “Healed, Delivered, and Set Free - AMountain Top Experience” 10 a.m. speaker Dr. PatriciaBassett of Emmanuel Church of God in Christ, Phoenix.4 p.m. speaker Evangelist Theresa Parker of FaithTemple Church of God in Christ, Jackson, Mich. PrayerAssembly COGIC is at 4520 W. McDowell Road inPhoenix. For information contact the church office at 602-272-1124 or via email at pacogic@aol.com.

Roman Catholic Mass Celebration 1 p.m. at St. Pius XChurch, 809 South 7th Ave in Phoenix. (North of BuckeyeRd). Father David Sanfilippo, vicar general in the Dioceseof Phoenix will be the celebrant. People from Sudancountry in Africa plan to attend the Mass. Everyone wel-come, 602-354-2025 for more information.

P R A I S EC A L E N D A R

BY FLORENCE DARBYRELIGION EDITOR

Submit listings to ainewspaper@qwestoffice.net

PUEBLO FELLOWSHIP MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

Our pulpit is vacant. We are now interviewingapplicants desiring a Pastoral position within

this church. Sundays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Please contact 602-276-53552536 E. Pueblo Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85040

By Florence Darby

Like mighty oaks that grow fromtiny acorns, great churches oftengrow from prayer groups that arefaithful, dedicated and Christ-cen-tered. Faith Missionary BaptistChurch at 5802 South 7th Avenuein Phoenix, under the leadership ofits founding pastor, Rev. Walter F.Thomas, Sr., is a church that grewout of a prayer group.

A year and a half after his ordina-tion by Pastor Robert Martin atBroadway Baptist Church as an asso-ciate minister, Minister Thomasaccepted his call to full time min-istry. After much prayer and counselwith his wife, Vernia, son, Walter Jr.,daughter, Rejalette, his sisters Helenand Brenda, they were led by theHoly Spirit to begin a church. PastorThomas says, "The name Faith waschosen because that was the onlything we had to go on."

Services were held in the pastor'shome and later at the YMCA beforethe first church was completed on7th Avenue in Phoenix in 1985. Awell-documented history of thechurch as presented by SisterMichelle Carribon, recalled the firstservice at the present location. It wasa sunrise service on Easter morning.There were no lights in the buildingbut an extension cord ran fromMel's house, the neighbor next door,to the church to supply with light.Members sat on sawhorses and atsunrise, light came through a hole inthe ceiling and sawdust was on the

floor, but they were glad and wor-shipped God anyway.

Faith's rapidly growing member-ship of predominantly young fami-lies working together necessitated alarger building. In 1999, the dreamwas accomplished and the churchfamily had the joy of moving intotheir new sanctuary which is beauti-fully carpeted with matching pews.It adjoins the original building.

Sunday afternoon, March 14, wasa day of celebration at FaithMissionary Baptist Church.

Friends, guest churches and theirpastors who came to help the pastorand church family celebrate 30 yearsof in reach and out reach service tothe community through their 15ministries were warmly welcomedby Sister Bree'ahna Eaton.

Invited guest churches and pas-tors were New Jerusalem BaptistChurch, Rev. Thomas Davis;Church of the Living God, ElderJulian Turner and New Hope BaptistChurch, Rev. James Harris.

Music for this special event waspresented by Faith's Mass Choir.Elder Julian Turner delivered theanniversary sermon. His Spirit-filledmessage entitled, "God's BlessingsUpon The House" was well-receivedby the audience.

Sister Kelli Downing was the mis-tress of ceremony for the afternoon.Brother Frank Mass made specialpresentations before the closingremarks by Pastor Thomas.Refreshments were served in theFellowship Hall after the service.

Faith Baptist Church Celebrates 30 Years Of Service

Pastor Walter F. Thomas, Sr. (left) and guest speaker Pastor Julian Turner

FLORENCE DARBY/AZI PHOTO

AME Mid-year Conference Held In Glendale

Bishop Theodore Larry Kirkland

I N R E L I G I O N

Congratulations toPastor Raymond Walker,Sr., who celebrated his83rd birthday on Tuesday,March 16. Pastor Walkeris the founder and the pas-tor of the Greater ParadiseChurch of God in Christ(C.O.G.I.C) for the past43 years.

Pastor Walker was bornin Texas and relocated toArizona in 1958. He wasordained as a minister in1962 and establishedGreater Paradise C.O.G.I.C in 1967.

God has blessed PastorWalker with longevity,good health, and excep-tional vitality, which heattributes to his Christianlifestyle. He often remi-nisces about his earlychildhood years of grow-

ing up in Texas, of beingreared by his grandmotherand experiencing hertough love, of survivingsegregation while beingdenied his civil rights andsubjected to inferior facili-ties and services.

Pastor Walker's inde-fatigable church atten-

dance and timeliness isworthy of praise. He is aprime example of thescripture that admonisheseach of us to be faithfuland not slothful. He is asagacious Bible scholarand often challenges thecongregation to study theBible daily to be able torightly divide the word oftruth (II Timothy 2:15).

Pastor Walker is an epit-ome of what it means tobe dedicated and devoted.He has been married to hisbeautiful wife, Mrs. OreeWalker, for almost 55years. The love they shareis too deep to measure.The Greater Paradise con-gregation and friends cele-brated his birthday onSunday, March 14.

16 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010 ARIZONA INFORMANT

C H U R C H D I R E C T O RYPastor Raymond Walker, Sr. Celebrates 83rd Birthday

Pastor Raymond and Mrs. Oree Walker

STORY AND PHOTO COURTESYC. FRANCES TROTTER

Greater Love Deliverance Church1523 E. Wood Street, Phoenix, AZ 85040

Church (602) 243-7119GLDC_church@netzero.net

Praise & Worship ServicesPrayer Service

Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.

Putting on the Armor of GodWednesdays at 7:30 p.m.

School of the Bible Fridays at 7:30 p.m.

SundaysSunday School at 9 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:45 a.m.

Dr. Lee E. Wells & First Lady Elder Deborah Wells

First Institutional Baptist Church1141 East Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Dr. Warren H. Stewart Sr., Senior PastorThe Rev. Karen E. Stewart, Pastor’s Wife

www.fibcaz.org (602) 258-1998 FAX: (602) 256-2957

LEADING A REVOLUTION OF LOVE THROUGH RIGHTEOUS,RELEVANT AND RADICAL RELATIONSHIPS IN JESUS CHRIST

Scriptural Foundation: Mark 12:28-31; John 13:34-35; Romans 13:8-10; Hebrews 6:10-11 (NLT)

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

SundayMorning Worship

7:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.Church School 9:30 a.m.

WednesdayPrayer, Worship and the Word on Wednesdays

6:30 p.m.

Office Hours: Tuesday-Saturday,

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Building people of ...Purpose, Power, Praise, Prayer and Excellence

THEME FOR MARCH:

“GOOD NEWS FROM GOD’S CHURCH”

AMOS METROPOLITAN CME CHURCH“Together We Can”

2804 E. MOBILE LANEPHOENIX, AZ 85040602-243-3109SUNDAY SCHOOL - 9:00 A.M. SUNDAY SERVICE - 10 A.M. WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 7 P.M.

TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE 602-486-7861REV. HURLEY GRISSOM, PASTOR

Gideon MissionaryBaptist Church

A church on the moveCome move with us!

Rev. John R. Powell, PastorFirst Lady Sis. Anita Powell“Therefore go and make desciples

of all nations...”Services Held Sunday at12763 NW Grand Ave.Surprise, AZ 85374

Church School 9:30 a.m.Morning Worship 11 a.m.Bible Study Wednesday Night

Church of the Living God (C.W.F.F.)1248 East Roeser RoadPhoenix, Arizona 85040

Church Phone 602-268-5930FAX 602-268-1501

Service TimesSunday School.........9:15 a.m.Morning Service..........11 a.m.Bible Class Wednesday...7 p.m.

Elder Dr. Julian E. Turner,Pastor

ADENA DEANINTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES INC.

Evangelist Adena Dean, Th.B.202 N. M L King Circle

Phoenix AZ 85034 602-254-1576

I can do all things through Christwhich strengtheneth me

- Phil 4:13

Pilgrim Rest Baptist ChurchPilgrim Rest Baptist Church1401 E. Jefferson, Phoenix, AZ 85034

(602) 258-0831Bishop Alexis A. Thomas, Senior Pastor

LINING UPSUNDAYMorning Worship . . . . . . . . . . . .7:45am & 10:45amSunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . .9:30amBroadcast KXEG Radio 1280 AM........9:30-11:00pm

WEDNESDAYPrayer & Praise . . . . . . . . . . . . .6:00pmFamily Cluster Bible Study . . .6:30pm

Put YourChurch Directory

Information in this Space

For Informationcall 602-257-9300

I N R E L I G I O NC H U R C H D I R E C T O RY

ARIZONA INFORMANT WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010 17

Mt. Calvary Baptist Church1720 E. Broadway Road

Mesa, AZ 85204Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4242

Mesa, AZ 85211Ph. (480) 964-5048FAX (480) 964-5711

www.mcbcmesa.org

The Glory of the Lordis in This House

Schedule of Services

Sunday Monday NightChurch School 8:30 a.m. Brotherhood 7:00 p.m.Morning Service 10:00 a.m. 1st & 3rd Senior Mission 7p.m.

1st & 3rd Men’s Chorus 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday Wednesday2nd - 4th Young Adult 7 p.m. Noon Day Bible Study 12 p.m.3rd Tuesday Ushers 7 p.m. Family Prayer & Bible Study 7 p.m.

Thursday SaturdaySenior Choir 7:30 p.m. Youth & Children Choir 10:00 a.m.

2nd Pastoral Support 12:00 p.m.3rd Saturday Food Care Distribution 8:00 a.m.

Reverend David L. Wade

Pastor

WO R L D HA RV E S T MI N I S T R I E SCHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP COGIC2950 W Fairmount Ave,

Phoenix, AZ 85017602-248-0636, 602-266-1227 fax

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

SundayMorning Prayer . . .9:00 amSunday School . . . .9:30 amMorning worship .10:45 amWednesdayBible Study . . . . . . .7:00 pm1st Fridays - Prayer andPastoral teaching 7:00 pm

Impacting and empowering lives with the Word of GodMaking Disciples, Maturing Christian, Multiplying Saints

Listen to the Harvest Time Radio broadcast Sunday 6pm 1280 AM KXEG

Visit us on the web at: www.Whministries.com

Pastor & First Lady Horne

The House of Rhema FullGospel Baptist Church

PASTOR JAMES R. COCKERHERN

2802 EAST SOUTH MOUNTAIN AVENUE

PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85042(602) 305-7743 • (602) 243-7006 FAX

rhemaknights@gmail.comthehouseofrhemafullgospelbaptistchurch.org

Sunday School 9 a.m. • Sunday Morning Worship 10 a.m.Wednesday Bible Study & Prayer 6:30 p.m.

Mid-week Worship 7:00 p.m.

FIRST PENTECOSTAL CHURCH, INC.2701 E. Marguerite Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85040

Church: 602-268-0348 or 276-9075David Eddings, Pastor

“…faith, hope, love abide, …the greatest of these is love.”1 Cor 13.13 RSV

Sunday: Sunday Morning Prayer......... 8:30 a.m.Sunday School ................... 9:15 a.m.Morning Worship .................10:30 a.m.Evening Worship ................ 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday: Bible Study ........................ 7:30 p.m.Thursday: Worship ............................ 7:30 p.m.

All are welcome!

UNION INSTITUTIONAL BAPTIST CHURCH2760 East Mobile Lane

Phoenix, ArizonaPhone: 602-276-6871

Fax: 602-314-6421

Rev. Lenten Jackson, Jr.Pastor

Church ScheduleSunday School............ 9:30 a.m.Worship Service ..........11:00 a.m.Prayer Meeting .. Wed. 6:00 p.m.Bible Study ..........Wed. 6:30 p.m.

Phillips Memorial C.M.E. Church1401 E. Adams StreetPhoenix, AZ 85034602-253-7156

Rev. Felix Jones, PastorSunday School. . . . . . . . . . 9:15 AMSunday Services . . . . . . . .11:00 AM

............6:00 PMBible Study

Wednesday . . . . . . . . . . . 7:00 PM

South Phoenix Missionary Baptist Church2006 East Broadway Road • Phoenix, AZ 85040

Study: 268-2512 or 276-6237Weekly Services

Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:15 a.m.Morning Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11:00 a.m.1st Sunday Communion . . . . . 7:30 p.m.Wednesday

Teacher’s Meeting . . . . . . . . . 6:30 p.m.Mid-Week Service . . . . . . . . . 7:30 p.m.Bible Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:00 p.m.

Dr. Bernard Black, Pastor“This is the Church Where Everybody is Somebody”

St. John Institutional Baptist Church1428 So. 13th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85007Phone: 602-252-5344 • Fax 602-252-1478

Breakfast Ministry Sunday Mornings .8 a.m. – 9 a.m.Sunday School Sunday Mornings . . . . . .9:15 a.m.Morning Worship Sunday Mornings . . . . .10:45 a.m.Communion 1st Sunday MorningsPrayer & Bible Study Wednesday Mornings . .9:30 a.m.Prayer & Bible Study Wednesday Evenings . .6:30 p.m.

Rev. C.R. McDuffy

Fisher ChapelAfrican Methodist Episcopal Zion Church1607 EAST SOUTH MOUNTAIN AVENUE

PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85040

Sunday School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9:45 a.m.Morning Worship. . . . . . . . . . . . .11:00 a.m.Tuesday Bible Study......10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

“Come Worship With Us”Rev. Gina R. Casey, Pastor

fisherchapel@msn.comChurch: 243-5913

Bethesda Community Baptist Church906 E. Jones Ave. - P.O. Box 8442

Phoenix, Arizona 85066Sunday School: 9:30amSunday Morning Worship: 11:00amTuesday Womens Ministry: 6:00pm-7:00pmTuesday Mens Ministry: 7:00pm-8:00pmTuesday Outreach Ministry: 7:00pm-8:00pmWednesday Hour of Prayer: 6:00pm-7:00pmWednesday Bible Study: 7:00pm-8:00pmWednesday Youth Ministry: 7:00pm-8:30pmThursday Music Ministry: 7:00pm-9:00pm

Pastor James N. Preston, Pastor/TeacherTelephone - 602-276-1006 * Fax - 602-276-4526

THE FREE CHURCH OF GODIN CHRIST IN JESUS NAME, INC.

2766 East Marguerite Ave., Phoenix, Arizona 85040

602-268-8076 or 276-5902BISHOP CHARLES R. JOHNSON

Saturday Sabbath School 10 a.m.Saturday Worship 12 p.m.Sunday Night Service 7: 30

Tuesday/Thursday Bible Study 7:30

I N R E L I G I O NC H U R C H D I R E C T O RY

Canaan Missionary Baptist Church931 S. Stapley Dr.Mesa AZ 85204www.mycmbc.org480-835-6320

SUNDAY WORSHIP AND BIBLE STUDY

Early Worship - 7:50 a.m.Morning Worship - 10:20 a.m.

Sunday School - 9:20 - 10:25 a.m.BIBLE STUDY

Tuesday Evening: 7 - 8 p.m.Wednesday: noon - 1 p.m.

NEW HOPE BIBLE CHURCHHOLIDAY INN EXPRESS HOTEL

620 NORTH 6TH STREET - CONFERENCE ROOM

PHOENIX, AZ 85004 CHURCH PHONE: 623-225-2212

FOR WE PREACH TO OURSELVES,

BUT CHRIST JESUS THE LORD. [ 2 CORINTHIANS 4:5 ]

SERVICESSUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE – 10 AM

CHURCH POTLUCK – 2ND SUNDAY FOLLOWING MORNING WORSHIP

“ALL ARE WELCOME TO THE LORD’S WORSHIP SERVICE”

Murph Community AME ChurchREV. DR. D. CHARLES WHARRY, PASTOR

6702 North 27th Ave.Phoenix, AZ 85017Church: 602-246-3951Email: wharry7272@msn.com

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP 9:30 A.M.SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL 8:00 – 9:25 A.M.

MONDAY-BIBLE STUDY 6:30 – 7:30 P.M.WEDNESDAY-CHURCH ACADEMY 6:00 7:00 P.M.

SATURDAY BIBLE STUDIES

MENS 8:30 – 9:30 A.M. WOMENS 9:30 – 10:30 A.M.

Wesley United Methodist Church750 E. Southern Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85040

P. O. Box 8508, Phoenix, AZ 85066Phone: (602) 268-9461 Fax: (602) 305-9424

www.wesleychurchphoenix.org.

Experience the fellowship of caring Christians.A warm welcome awaits you.

Worship ServicesEarly Morning Worship . . .8:00 a.m.Sunday School . . . . . . . . .9:30 a.m.Morning Worship . . . . . . . .11:00 a.m.Wednesday Bible Study . .Noon & 6:30 p.m.

REV. KARL M. CLARK

PASTOR

Southminster Presbyterian Church1923 E Broadway Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85040 • P.O. Box 8764, Phoenix, Arizona 85066

Telephone (602) 276-2582 • Fax (602) 276-7160 • E-mail southminster@smpc.phxcoxmail.com

Elder Reginald RaglandCommissioned Lay Pastor

Weekly Community Worship every Sunday at 10amWeekly Prayer and Bible Study every Thursday at 6pm

Youth and Adult/Church School is each Sunday:Children 3-6 years of age meet at 9:00amChildren 7-12 years of age meet at 9:00amTeens and adults meet at 11:30amThe Chancel Choir meets every Thursday at 7:00pmYouth Choir meets every other Saturday at 2:00pm

ChurChurch of Chrch of Christist1101 W. Tonto St., Phoenix, AZ 85007 Church: 602-252-7852

Weekly Services

Sunday MorningBible Class ........................... 9:15 a.m.Worship...............................10:30 a.m.

Sunday EveningBible Class (All Ages) ............5:00 p.m.Worship ................................6:00 p.m.

Wednesday EveningBible Class (All Ages) ............6:30 p.m.

“Come Visit With Us Where You Are A Stranger But Once”

Merlon M. Thompson

Res: 602-268-6275

18 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010 ARIZONA INFORMANT

FFFFaaaa iiii tttthhhh FFFFaaaammmmiiii llll yyyy CCCCoooommmmmmmmuuuunnnniiii tttt yyyyCCCChhhhuuuurrrrcccchhhhSunday Services Conducted atHope Community Church7901 East Sweetwater(Sweetwater & Hayden)Scottsdale, AZ 852609:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Dr. Gene JamesPastor

UNITED FELLOWSHIP CHURCH4210 E. Main St. (suite 10 & 11) Mesa, AZ 85205

480-779-6444 • www.unitedfellowshipchurch.com

WORSHIP SERVICES:Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Saturdays at 4 p.m.

Overseers Brian & Yolanda EwingPastors Joshua & Tamela Farr

SHILOH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

56 S. Robson, Mesa, AZ 85210-1344480 844 2687

OTTLEY W. HOLMES, JR. PASTOR

Touching Hearts and changing Lives by ThePower of His Word Luke 4:18,19

SUNDAYS: 9am- Sunday School11am- Morning Worship

4 pm - BTU/CBT ChristianBible Training

MONDAY: 6pm - IntercessoryPrayer Meeting

WEDNESDAY: Prayer Meeting– 5:30pmBible Study - 7pm

www.smbcmesa.orgE-mail: sbchurch1011@qwest.net

Put YourChurch Directory

Information in this Space

For Informationcall 602-257-9300

BEACON LIGHT SEVENTHDAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

Dr. W. Don Edwards2602 N. 51st Ave.Phoenix, Arizona

602-285-9391

WednesdayPrayer Meeting

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

SaturdaySabbath School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

Everyone Welcome

GREATER SHILOH Missionary Baptist Church

901 W. Buckeye Road, Phoenix, AZ 85007REV. ROY L. FITZPATRICK, PASTOR

Telephone (602) 253-0219 • Fax (602) 253-2772“Jesus Christ Is Lord To The Glory Of God The Father.” Phil. 2:11 (b)

Sunday Morning Worship – 10:00 a.m.Sunday School – 9:00 a.m.

Prayer Meeting and Bible Study: (Wednesdays)– 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Lord’s Supper – (1st Sunday only)For additional information, please call: (602) 253-0219

A Ministry of Excellence!

PASTOR BRUCE D. HART FIRST LADY JANICE HART

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

The City of Phoenix, Street Transportation Department,hereby solicits responses from qualified consultants toassist with the interpretation of ADA Title II regulationsand implementation of the Street TransportationDepartment’s ADA compliance plan on an as neededbasis. Examples of the types of facilities within the pub-lic right-of-way include sidewalks, on-street parkingspaces, pedestrian crossings, and means of access tobus stops and other public facilities.

To secure a copy of the official RFP, interested partiesshould request a copy after 8:00 a.m. (MST) on March15, 2010, by phone at (602) 534-3141, by fax at (602)495-2016, by e-mail at laura.belval@phoenix.gov or inwriting at the address stated below:

City of Phoenix Street Transportation DepartmentLaura Belval, Management Services Division

200 West Washington Street, 5th FloorPhoenix, AZ 85003-1611

The RFP is also available on-line athttp://phoenix.gov/rfp/index.html.

Proposals will be received until 10:00 a.m. (MST) Timeon Thursday, April 8, 2010, at the above location. TheCity reserves the right to accept or reject any or all pro-posals and to make the award in the best interest of theCity of Phoenix.

AVIATION DEPARTMENT

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE ACQUISITION SERVICES

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

The City of Phoenix Aviation Department is seeking res-idential real estate acquisition services for its VoluntaryAcquisition and Relocation Services Program, which is acomponent of the Community Noise ReductionProgram. RFQ documents are expected to be availableApril 2010.

Visit www.phoenix.gov/avirfp or contact Gretchen Wolfe,City of Phoenix Aviation Department, 3400 E. SkyHarbor Blvd., Suite 3300, Phoenix, AZ 85034-4405, 602-273-4082 (phone), 602-273-8809 (fax) for more infor-mation.

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)

PROVIDE AND INSTALL DIESEL ENGINE SYSTEMS IFB #PT10-008

The City of Phoenix (CITY) invites bids from qualifiedfirms to provide and install twenty (20) replacementdiesel engine systems in accordance with the terms,conditions and specifications contained in the Invitationfor Bids (IFB).

Interested persons may obtain the IFB by downloadinga copy from the City’s website:http://phoenix.gov/rfq/index.html

Kimberly Hayden, Contract SpecialistCity of Phoenix Public Transit Department

302 North First Avenue, Suite 900Phoenix, Arizona 85003-1598

(602) 534-8294 FAX (602) 495-2002E-mail: kimberly.hayden@phoenix.gov (preferred)

Any questions that arise relating to this IFB shall bedirected, in writing, to Kimberly Hayden at the aboveaddress, or via e-mail, by 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, March24, 2010.

Proposals will be received by the Public TransitDepartment, Suite 900, 302 North First Avenue,Phoenix, Arizona 85003, until Thursday, April 8, 2010,2:00 P.M., Phoenix Time. Late proposals will not be con-sidered.

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The City of Phoenix Prosecutor’s Office is soliciting proposals from qualified agenciesto provide a Prostitution Diversion Program funded by the City of Phoenix. The programis to provide and monitor rehabilitation services to participants focusing on support, edu-cation, and treatment to end a lifestyle of prostitution.

To secure a copy of the official Request for Proposals (RFP), interested parties mayobtain a copy from the City’s Website at http://phoenix.gov/business/contract/opportuni-ties/rfp. Please click on Prostitution Diversion Program to download a copy of the RFP.

You may also request a copy in writing, by phone, fax, or in person to:

Mailing address: City of Phoenix Law Dept. Location: City of Phoenix Law Dept.Prosecutor’s Office Prosecutor’s OfficeDiversion Programs Unit Diversion Programs UnitP.O. Box 4500 300 W. Washington, 8th Fl.Phoenix, AZ 85030-4500 Phoenix, AZ 85003

Phone: (602) 261-8188 Fax: (602) 256-3509

Proposals will be received until 10:00 a.m. Phoenix, AZ time, Monday, April 19, 2010, atthe above location.

Any contract entered into pursuant to this RFP will not exceed four (4) years. Thereafter,the contract will be subject to a one (1) year renewal with the approval of the City ofPhoenix and the provider. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all pro-posals and to make the award in the best interest of the City of Phoenix.

PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE

EMPLOYMENT

PUBLIC NOTICE

CLASSIFIED

Non-profit CorporationArticles of

AmendmentFile # 0113598-9

On April 1, 2007 NewHope Missionary BaptistChurch name waschanged to New HopeBible Church by votingand approving the namechange by church com-mittee officers andchurch members duringan urgent church busi-ness meeting called bychurch senior pastor,Pastor Bruce Hart. Theamendment was adopt-ed April 1, 2007 by act ofthe members. Dated asof the 10th day ofNovember, 2008 signedby Nellie Nelson, churchsecretary/clerk. Thru 3/17

Drivers:Trusted by the BestWerner Enterprises!

Regional TopConsistent Freight! Top Pay, Benefits &

Home-time for Solo'sand Teams!

1-888-567-3105 thru 3/17

Classified Ads Call

602-257-9300

ARIZONA INFORMANT WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010 19

BalaDesertscapeApartments

Mesa, AZ480.654.4448

www.baladesertscapeapts.com

FOR RENT

By Floyd Alvin Galloway

Coming into manhoodfor African American boysis no easy task and is morecomplicated in today’sworld.

Some years ago the rulesof life were simpler; notnecessarily easier, but sim-pler. But simplicity is notalways the best.

Today a significantnumber of young Blackmales lack the positivemale influence in theirdevelopment, being raisedin a single parent home bya female can make theirdevelopment more chal-lenging.

“Youth in general, andAfrican American males inparticular, face dauntingchallenges daily. Many, fora variety of reasons, gowithout the skills neededto navigate adolescence.Skills that equip themwith the tools needed forthe transition to man-hood,” said AhmadDaniels of The Men ofImpact LeadershipAcademy.

For several years therehas been a great programfor young girls to learn theskills of developing intopositive community assetsthrough a rites of passageprogram. Now one forAfrican American boys istaking shape.

According to Daniels,The Men of ImpactLeadership Academy pro-vides an opportunity foryoung males to participatein a self-discovery learningenvironment that havetheir interests at heart.

“The curriculum ismeant to add value toeverything currently being

learned related to writing,history, self-discovery, andleadership,” Daniels said.

Geared for young menages 14 – 17, the academyis currently holding itsprogram on the campus ofPhoenix College on 1202W. Thomas Road, build-ing B room 125, onSaturdays 10 a.m. to 12:30p,m. It is designed to pre-pare these young men for asuccessful transition tomanhood.

The curriculum, whichis cultural and gender spe-cific, will encompassunderstanding failures,principals and responsibil-

ity, social/civil responsibil-ity, school as an enrichingexperience and others.

“This is what manymothers have been askingfor...waiting for. Now it ishere; writing, history, self-discovery, leadership.”

Quoting from novelistand playwright JamesBaldwin, Daniels says,"They are all our childrenand we will benefit by orpay for what theybecome."

For more informationabout the program, call704-491-3053 or emailahmad@creative-inter-change.com.

Program Helps Boys Develop Into Men

The Men Of Impact Leadership Academy participants develop communication and team-work skills during one of the sessions. ALVIN GALLOWAY/AZI PHOTO

BACK PAGE2 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010 ARIZONA INFORMANT

By Vincent CrawfordSports Editor

In 1986 it was a movie,but in 2010, it's reality.

When the movie“Wildcats” premiered, itwas based on a femalecoaching a high schoolfootball team. The coachin the movie was played byGoldie Hawn and futurestar Wesley Snipes wasappearing in his first cine-matic role.

Twenty-four years later,what is believed to be theonly woman coachingboys' varsity football inthe United States is nowan actuality according toSydney Chambers of theClell Wade CoachesDirectory, which main-tains a database of allcoaches at U.S. collegesand high schools.

In 2009, there was nowoman listed among the15,675 public or privateprep football coaches.

That changed on Fridaywhen Natalie Randolph,who is African-American,was officially named thehead football coach atCalvin Coolidge SeniorHigh School, in Washing-ton, D.C.

“While I'm proud to be

part of what this allmeans,” Randolph said,“being female has nothingto do with it. I love foot-ball. I love teaching, I lovethese kids. My beingfemale has nothing to do

with my support of a highschool varsity footballteam.

“I'm probably moreTony Dungy-esque. I'msoft-spoken, so yelling isnot me. I'm going to be

me. That's what I do inthe classroom. I do whatI have to do to get itdone.”

Randolph, 29, was cho-sen from 15 candidates toreplace the old Colts coach

who resigned in January.The former University ofVirginia sprinter is aWashington native andplayed six years as a receiv-er for the D.C. Divas ofthe National Women's

Football Association help-ing the team win a title in2006.

As for her coachingexperience, she was thewide receivers coach atH.D. Woodson High inthe District for two years(2006, '07) before joiningCoolidge's faculty, in '08,as a biology and environ-mental sciences teacher.

When Randolph wasnamed the new Colts headcoach, the announcementwas delayed two hours sothat Mayor Adrian Fentycould be present to pro-claim “Natalie RandolphDay” in the city.

There may not be offi-cial records on the numberof women who havecoached football in theU.S., but the numberprobably is small. In fact,Randolph is not the firstfemale coach in the D.C.area.

In 1985, Wanda Oateswas named head coach atBallou, however she onlylasted one day in the posi-tion before opposingcoaches pressured thedeputy schools superin-tendent to remove herfrom the job because theydidn't want to coachagainst a woman.

Natalie Randolph: Lone Female High School Football Coach

Natalie Randolph is introduced as the new head footballcoach for Calvin Coolidge Senior High in Washington DC.with the mayor in the background and her future playersflanking her. She has shown were football prowess both on thefield (left) as a tackler and a wide receiver and off the fieldas wide receiver coach for H.D. Woodson High.