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REMEMBERING “BLOODY SUNDAY”

VEC sets bus pilgrimage from Atlanta to Selma, Alabama The Voter Empowerment Collaborative (VEC)

is planning a bus trip on March 8 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Selma-to-Montgomery March and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Participants will retrace the steps of the historic march, which became known as “Bloody Sunday,” after law enforcement officials attacked peaceful demonstrators on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma.

Today, the bridge remains the symbol of a movement that helped ignite the fight for blacks to have first class citizenship, which included the Right to Vote.

The march was ignited after a 26-year-old black man named Jimmie Lee Jackson was shot dead in a restaurant in the city of Marion, Alabama on Feb. 18, 1965. Jackson, his mother and grandfather were part of a peaceful protest of about 500 people who were walking from Zion United Methodist Church to the

Perry County Jail about a half a block away where SCLC field worker James Orange was being held. Police, sheriff’s deputies and state troopers attacked the marchers and began beating them. Jackson and his family members ran into Mack’s Café where police confronted them and shot Jackson. He died at a hospital eight days later.

On March 7, 1965, 600 peaceful marchers flanked two by two, headed east out of Selma on U.S. Route 80. They got only as far as the Edmund Pettus Bridge six blocks away, where state and local lawmen attacked them on horse back with billy clubs and tear gas. That “Bloody Sunday” helped lead to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The theme for the Atlanta-to-Selma bus pilgrimage is “It’s a Family Affair” and parents and their children are invited to attend.

VEC has signed up four busloads so far—220 people and VEC President, the Rev. Albert E. Love,

says there is always room for more. “Everyday we get more calls. We are still signing

up people. We aren’t just going for commemoration; we are going to put voter registration laws on the forefront,” said Love. “Bloody Sunday marks 50 years ago that we went to Selma to fight for voting rights and 50 years later we go to Selma to defend them.”

Buses will leave Atlanta on March 8, 6 a.m. and return at 9 p.m. The cost is $60 and includes lunch. The deadline for payment is March 4, 6 p.m. Payment may be made via Pay Pal at VEC: www.vecvoter.org or checks may be mailed to: The Voter Empowerment Collaborative, Inc. for Selma Trip, P.O. Box 310270, Atlanta, GA 31131-2213.

Selma will be the site of a series of workshops, a parade, and several other events during the 50th Selma-to-Montgomery Commemoration Celebration, which runs March 5-9. For a schedule of events, visit www.selmajubilee.com.

Celebrating Black History Month

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PBS will take Motown music lovers on a cultural journey this month when it showcases a re-broadcast of the legendary TV special Motown 25: Yesterday · Today · Forever. The historic concert debuted on NBC on May 16, 1983 and has not been seen in the television world since that night. The special was available on DVD just last year.

PBS will air Motown 25 on Feb. 28 on stations throughout the country, giving fans a second chance to see the magic and history of both, the television special and the famed record label. The PBS premiere will run throughout March.

Produced by de Passe Jones Entertainment and Berry Gordy’s West Grand Media, Motown 25 was taped before a live audience at California’s Pasadena Civic Auditorium and showcases virtually every Motown artist from the company’s inception, including Michael Jackson,

Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, The Supremes, The Jackson 5, The Miracles, The Temptations, Four Tops and many others. The show also features many guests outside the Motown Records’ sphere

influenced by Motown artists, including Linda Ronstadt, who performs a memorable duet with Smokey Robinson; Billy Dee Williams; Jose Feliciano; and British new wave star Adam Ant, who was riding a wave of popularity from MTV exposure. Comedian Richard Pryor hosts the show.

“With the popularity of “Motown: The Musical,” which continues to open in major markets across the U.S., and the program’s recent success on DVD, there’s never been a better time to re-air the original broadcast,” said Suzanne de Passe, executive producer of the TV show. “Whether you’re discovering that incredible night of music for the very first time, or are a huge fan of Motown who’s been eagerly awaiting the show’s return to TV, Motown 25 offers a lifetime of magic and memories for all everyone.”

Check local listings for PBS information and broadcast times.

No amount of time would be sufficient to recognize all of the trailblazers who saw what no one else could, did what no one else dared and gave us all what we needed most. Georgia Power is proud to honor the achievements of African-Americans throughout Black History Month and more importantly beyond.

THE CELEBRATION LASTS 28 DAYS;

THE CONTRIBUTION, A LIFETIME.

georgiapower.com

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PBS to present legendary “Motown 25” concert

Lou Walker Senior Center Presents

“Afro-American Culture through Song & Dance”

The Lou Walker Senior Center Performing Arts Group will present “Afro-American Culture Through Song & Dance,” Feb. 23, 2 p.m. An adaptation from its “Unveiling Contribution Series” inspired by cast member Irmogene Alexander, the narratives and musical arrangements of this performance are produced and directed by Gwendolyn F. Thomas.

Visitors to the center may also experience diversified dance instruction by volunteers Taliah Hasan, Sharon Patterson, Gwendolyn F. Thomas, Ruth Mayo, Johnnie Kimbrough, Yvonne Eversley and Senella Watson.

In addition to the dance performances, the afternoon will feature Negro Spirituals from the “Wings Over Jordan” collection, and educational narratives of the Afro-American culture in the states of Georgia and Alabama, which include the periods of slavery through the present.

The Lou Walker Senior Center is located at 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia. Admission and parking is free.

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DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson and the Atlanta Business League will host “A Business Empowerment Summit” on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m., at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur.

The event will give an introspective look at the history of African American business development in DeKalb County. Keynote speakers will be Leona Barr-Davenport, president and CEO of the Atlanta Business League (ABL), and Milton Jones, chairman of the ABL Board of Directors.

The event will also honor the first female president of the ABL, Alice White Bussey, co-owner of Bussey Florists & Gifts; R.L. Brown, president and CEO of R.L. Brown & Associates; and C.D. Moody, president and CEO of Moody Construction.

Other topics of discussion include economic development opportunities for the Ellenwood community and South DeKalb, as well as upcoming opportunities for small businesses.

A reception with light refreshments will be served at 5:30 p.m. 404-288-4440 or 404-371-2425.

Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Future

Mae C. JemisonFirst Black Female Astronaut

America’s First Lady Michelle Obama

Rosa ParksCivil Rights Activist

Shirley ChisholmFirst Black

U.S. Congresswoman

Serena WilliamsWorld Tennis Champion

Hon. Ruth WilsonRockdale County’s First Black Clerk of Courts

and Constitutional Officer

Saluting Black History Month

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.Civil Rights Activist

Nobel Peace Prize Recipient

W.E.B. DuBoisCivil Rights Activist, Orator

Jackie RobinsonFirst Black MLB Player

Frederick DouglassAbolitionist Leader

Our Heritage Is Rich, Our Nation Is Stronger

We Celebrate Our InspirationRJ Hadley

Rockdale County’s First Black Tax Commissioner

As the Sheriff of Rockdale County, I ask the citizens to stand with me and the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office in celebrating Black History month. This is a celebration to recognize the many accomplishments and achievements of black Americans in history.

We thank the people of yesterday and today for taking us to where we are and to the young people who will lead us in the future. I will always require my staff to treat citizens fairly and without prejudice.Sheriff Eric J. Levett

Underground Atlanta to host celebrity moms for paradeUnderground Atlanta will host

a Black History Month Parade with celebrities and the mothers of Atlanta celebrities leading the way. The parade is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 23, noon at Underground Atlanta, 50 Upper Alabama St., S.W., Atlanta.

Four-time Emmy-Award winner Eric Chambers; “Housewives of Atlanta” cast member Erica Pinkett; and Carl Anthoy Payne--“Cole” from the “Martin” show will lead the way for the parade, along with R&B singers Nicci Gilbert and Tony Terry. The “Celebrity Moms of Atlanta”

also will be at the forefront of parade participants. The moms are: Mama Joyce (mom of Kandi Burruss); Mama

Diane (mom of Tiny); Mama Shirley (mom of Rasheeda); Mama Camp (mom of K-Camp); Mama Cash (mom of Cash-Out); Mama Holiday (mom of J-Holiday); Mama Wyatt (mom of Keke Wyatt); and Mama Brenda (Syleena Johnson’s mom).

The celebrities and “celebrity moms” will be joined by DJ Greg Street, the Atlanta Falcons “Birdlady” and members of the WNBA Atlanta Dream to walk in the parade.

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and members of the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival will also walk in the parade,

as well as marching bands from Atlanta, North Carolina, New York and Maryland.

Billed as the largest celebration of Black History Month in America, the

parade features marching bands, entertainers and dignitaries. The parade will begin in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic District near the King Memorial site and continue to the Underground Atlanta plaza, where the festivities will continue with live entertainment. For more information, call 404-523-2311.

Johnson, ABL celebrate black business in DeKalb

APEX Museum offers free display at Underground Atlanta

The APEX Museum will host two displays at Underground Atlanta, 50 Upper Alabama St., Atlanta, during Black History Month.

The first exhibit is entitled “Music Master: Celebrating African American Composers.” The second exhibit is entitled “Voices of Influence.”

“Music Master” is a pictorial exhibition that highlights the accomplishments of some of the greatest African American composers and performers. The panels contain musical genres such as Negro spirituals, jazz, gospel, opera, R&B and the blues.

“Voices” is a pictorial exhibition that captures timeless, quotes from various influential African Americans, from Mary McCloud Bethune and Mary J. Blige, to Dr. CT Vivian and Andre and Big Boi (of Outkast).

The exhibits run concurrently on

Wednesdays, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays, 12 – 6 p.m. 404-523-2311.

Big Boi and Mary Bethune

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678-526-1910

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U.S. CONGRESSMAN JOHN LEWIS

One of the “Big Six” Civil Rights Leaders

AMBASSADOR ANDREW YOUNG

Former Atlanta Mayor, U.S. Congressman

REV. JOSEPH E. LOWERY Dean of the Civil Rights Movement

Formed the SCLC with Dr. M. L. King, Jr.

CEO Richard OdenRockdale’s County’s First Black

BOC Chairman

SALUTING LIVING LEGENDS

We Honor Those Who Dared To Dream

We Celebrate Black History Month 2015

George Levett, Jr. Rockdale County’s First Black Coroner • Elected Nov. 6, 2012-Present

Honoring Those Who Paved The Way

2 3

#3 Dr. Charles Richard DrewInventor of the blood bank

#2 George Washington Carter“The Plant Doctor,” Inventor of Over

300 Peanut Products

#1 Benjamin BannekerFirst Black Astronomer,

Invented the Famers Almana

Hon. Leah Ward SearsFirst Black Female

Georgia Justice

Hon. Robert BenhamFirst Black MaleGeorgia Justice

Hon. Thurgood MarshallFirst Black

U. S. Justice

Celebrating Law TrailblazersHONORABLE PHINIA ATEN

Rockdale Chief Magistrate JudgeRockdale’s First Black Female Judge

“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggle; the

tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”_ The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Elected November 6, 2012Serving 2013 - Present

Honorable Judge Charles K. Mays

Rockdale County’s First Black Probate Judge

Elected Nov. 6, 2012-Present

HONORING OUR TRAILBLAZERS

We proudly celebrate the achievements of African American trailblazers during this time

that we observe as Black History Month. Many have paved the way with their contributions

to our country and inspire us even today. Let us honor and remember them for their bold courage.

Ralph BuncheDiplomat, First black to receive

the Nobel Peace Prize

Phillis WheatleyPoet, First black to

publish a book

Robert L. Johnson, owner of Black Entertainment Television

First Black Billionaire

Oprah WinfreyFirst Black Female Billionaire

“Freedom Riders” to join Rep. Johnson at DeKalb schools

Celebrating Black History Month

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) will conduct two, one-hour programs for Black History Month featuring two original Freedom Riders – Hank Thomas and Charles Person.

The programs coincide with Johnson’s bipartisan resolution calling on Congress to award the Freedom Riders the Congressional Gold Medal. More than 135 members of Congress from both sides of the aisle joined Johnson to cosponsor his bill, H.R. 671.

The Freedom Rides, which lasted from May to November 1961, included more than 400 black and white Americans who risked their lives to challenge Jim Crow laws – particularly public transportation – in the

South. Despite enduring vicious attacks and imprisonment for simply traveling together on buses and trains as they traveled through the Deep South, the Freedom Riders challenged bitter racism and mob violence with nonviolent activism.

“The Freedom Riders were heroes who rode buses and trains in the South to break the back of segregation,” said Johnson. “The riders – including my constituent Hank Thomas and my friend and colleague John Lewis – endured insults and beatings and risked their lives more than 50 years ago because they believed in a different future for their children and their grandchildren. I’m pleased to be able to bring two of these heroes into our schools

so young people can understand their history – where we’ve been and where we’re going.”

Johnson will host his Black History Month Program on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. High School from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and Arabia Mountain High School from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Rep. Hank Johnson

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“Twelve Years a Slave” book discussion set in Lithonia

The DeKalb County Public Library System’s Salem-Panola branch, 5137 Salem Road, Lithonia, will host a book discussion, “Twelve Years a Slave,” on Monday, Feb. 23, 6 – 7 p.m.

The book, authored by Solomon Northup, will be discussed by ages 13 and older. Parents and teens are invited to pair up for the discussion.

The 1853 memoir and slave narrative by Solomon Northup as told to and edited by David Wilson follows Northup, a black man who was born free in New York, detailing his kidnapping in Washington, D.C., and subsequent sale into slavery.

After having been kept in bondage for 12 years in Louisiana by various masters, Northup was able to write to friends and family in New York, who were in turn able to secure his release. Northup’s account provides extensive details on the slave markets in Washington, D.C., and New Orleans and describes at length cotton and sugar cultivation on major plantations in Louisiana. The book was turned into an award-winning film in 2013. 770-987-6900.

A tribute to African American comedy in

Snellville The Centerville Community Center, 3025

Bethany Church Road, Snellville, will pay tribute to African American comedy on Friday, Feb. 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Families are invited to a “belly full of laughs” with all-day viewings of famous TV shows: “What’s Happening,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and “Everyone Hates Chris.” 770-985-4713.

Celebrate jazz in Atlanta The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library’s Southwest branch, 3665 Cascade Road,

Atlanta, will celebrate the art of jazz and its roots in African American culture on Monday, Feb. 16, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

“Prodigies of Music” will trace the roots of jazz music. Jazz has its foundation in the African American-derived blues, and is a musical art form indigenous to America. The event is open to adults 18 and up. Participants are invited to come out to listen to jazz music and talk to local jazz musicians. Books about great African American jazz musicians and composers will also be on display. 404-699-6363.

GPC to showcase “dynamic” spirit of 1960sGeorgia Perimeter College (GPC)

invites the community to revisit the highly-charged political, social and cultural landscape of the 1960s during a weeklong symposium designed to honor the college’s 50th anniversary, Feb. 16-20.

From feminism and race equality to the Vietnam War, fashion and the arts—the ’60s inarguably marked a decade of vast change across America. The 1960s Symposium at GPC will explore this evolutionary period with a number of events planned for each of its five campuses.

“Civil rights, human rights, nonconformist popular culture, technology coming out of the space race, questioning authority—all these orientations that define our 21st century outlook are deeply rooted in the ’60s. And so is Georgia Perimeter College,” said Dr. Paul Hudson, history professor and Clarkston Campus symposium chair.

Conference highlights include a student-led discussion on student activism

and a presentation about the evolution of 1960s icon Muhammad Ali.

Other sessions will focus on ’60s pop culture, artistic expression and one entitled “Selma and Voting Rights, 1965” will be led by Nicole Cromartie of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta. A program at Clarkston Campus will lighten the mood a bit, with three professors leading a forum entitled “Feeling Groovy, Looking Good: ’60s Fashion and Dance”.

The GPC 1960s Symposium will culminate with a couple of musical events. The one at Decatur Campus on Thursday, Feb. 19, will feature ’60s “soul” music.

“We are excited to have a symposium this February reflecting on the dynamic spirit of the 1960s,” Hudson said.

Georgia Perimeter College opened its doors in 1964 to 763 students.

For a complete schedule of events by campus (Alpharetta, Clarkston, Decatur, Dunwoody and Newton), visit www.gpc.edu (newsroom).

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Charlie Sifford Golf Legend

Althea Gibson First Black To Cross Color Barrier ALTL

Carl Lewis Olympic Track and Field Gold Medalist

Jack Jackson First Black World Heavyweight Champion

State Rep. Earnest “Coach” WilliamsDistric 87 Stone Mountain

CELEBRATING BLACK ICONS IN SPORTS

23rd Trumpet Awards celebrate host of African American achievers ATLANTA--The Trumpet Awards Foundation

recently celebrated its 23rd Annual Trumpet Awards where an international cast of “Who’s Who” in the areas of religion, politics, public service, law, entrepreneurialism, and entertainment turned out to witness the celebration of African American achievers. The festivities took place at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on Jan. 24.

Among the VIP guests and honorees who were welcomed on the red carpet were Congressman/Ambassador Andrew Young, Dr. Barbara King, Power Series Actress Naturi Naughton, HWOA Cynthia Bailey, Preachers of LA stars Bishop and Mrs. Ron Gibson; American Idol Ruben Studdard; and comedian Jonathan Slocumb.

The event was hosted by Laila Ali, four-time Boxing World Champion, and Dolvett Quince, known for his successes with NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.”

Xernona Clayton, president and CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation, presented the awards to honorees who included baseball legend Lou Brock; Arnold W. Donald, CEO and president of Carnival Corporation; actor/comedian Jamie Foxx; designer Tommy Hilfiger; Guy Vickers, president of PVH Foundation; The Isley Brothers, recording artists; Janelle Monáe, singer, producer, model; Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, president/dean of Morehouse School of Medicine; and Franklyn R. Wilson, CMG, Chairman of Sunshine Holding, Ltd, Bahamas.

Clayton said the event is always one that she looks forward to every year with her favorite moment being “when the curtains open and the trumpet plays because this is the time when more information comes to light telling the world about the many accomplishments of some of the most remarkable African Americans whom I know.”

Presenters who handed out the coveted Trumpet Awards included Quvenzhané Wallis; Roland Martin; Dr. Rachel Ross; Lou Gossett, Jr.; Cathy Hughes; Ted

Lange; Harry E. Johnson, Sr.; Egypt Sherrod; Jimmy Jam; and Terry Lewis.

Performers at the event included award-winning recording artists Avery Sunshine; Dorinda Clark-Cole; the St. Augustine School Choir; Leela James; Johnny Gill; soul/funk music sounds of The Bar-Kays; Con-Funk-Shun; Brick; and the Dazz Band, recording artists from the 70’s and more.

Other events held during the weekend included the Race Relations Symposium, entitled “The

Continuing Quest for Equality, which was held on Friday at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel downtown Atlanta. This timely discussion was moderated by Danny J. Bakewell, Sr., Los Angeles civil rights activist and entrepreneur. Panelists included State Rep. Tyrone Brooks, president of the Georgia Association of Elected Officials; Janice Mathis, Esq, representing PUSH; and Michael P. McMillian, CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis.

Front, L-R: Trumpet Awards CEO Xernona Clayton takes the stage with recording artist Ronald Isley; actor/comedian Jamie Foxx; baseball legend Lou Brock; Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, President and Dean of Morehouse School of Medicine; Arnold W. Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation; singer/model Janelle Monáe; Guy Vickers, President of PVH Foundation; singer Ernie Isley.

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