Here's Eric Garner's Daughter

Erica Garner

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Lift Your Voice

Prayers for the People, their Peace and their Protection

In Savannah, Georgia & San Bernardino, California ~ Wednesday, December 2, 2015

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Rumor or Real

Dear Tom Joyner, Say It Ain't So

Well now, word is trending Tom Joyner, the original Fly Jock is being pushed out the door
'unwillingly'. What an ugly after birthday gift man....(November 23, 1949) & Happy Belated Birthday! (Musta' missed the show that day) ... and what folks are saying ain't kind to the ears right now. Since 1994, millions have listened to 'The Tom Joyner Morning Show'. Enjoyed the TJMS cruises and the charity benefits he contributes to each week. Even if this is true, Tom Joyner is ingenious enough to come up with another plan ... to keep it movin'. We've got that much confidence in the 'Man'. (...and ya better not let us down.)

Trending headlines >>> Tom Joyner double-crossed by bestfriend, Tom Joyner out, being forced into an early retirement, Tom Joyner getting the boot, and the list goes on.

Listen to Dr. Boyce Watkins break it down

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Oh, Donald

 

Trump, the Opportunistic Extortionist Extraordinaire

 

If this is true, you gotta know what some folk are thinking right about now. Was this request made before the meeting he had with those 100+ pastors or afterwards ? Either way, it doesn't pass the smell test. And another thang ... since when did running for public office require a payment for one to make an appearance, especially at a presidential debate? That's called a shake down in certain places. And extortion in others. Some may even misconstrue it as 'savvy business sense'. 

  

 

 

 HEY, FIVE MILLION BUCKS CNN or ELSE

 

 

 

 

 

 

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My Bad Black Brother in Baltimore

PREACH BLACK MAN

Y'ALL NEED TO KNOW  . . . about my 'BAD BLACK BROTHER in BALTI 'MO.

That's right, he's as real as it gets. He can lay you down, stretch you out and you'll never know from which direction the train came that hit cha'. 'Cause a man who stands for nothing will fall for anything; and with that being the case, you might as well let the train hit cha'.

If you're paying attention, you should have heard by now, Presidential candidate, Donald Trump tried to seduce or trick (your choice) Black pastors who gathered to meet with him on Monday into giving him a 'carte blance' endorsement. Shake your head or scratch your head. He did that.

OH, BUT ONE, dared to denounce what went down in New York City yesterday by stating he did not attend the meeting, though he was invited and that he was there "as preacher and a Black man to say that he vehemently oppose the candidacy of one who has been outlandishly offensive to every minority group in the country."

The Atlantic BlackStar headline read, 'Black Pastor Demolishes One of the Pastors That Met with Trump: ‘At Least Prostitutes Get Paid, You Got Nothing’'

His name, Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant, Empowerment Temple in Baltimore, Maryland.
And 'YES' he said that !

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A Community Message from the new Councilman

From the Desk of Councilman-elect Michael S. Bell

The election is over and we now have an opportunity to work together to make Wilson the most progressive city in the Eastern Region.

Residents of District 2, thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent you on the Wilson City Council. I plan to serve the city in a positive, practical, and purposeful way and work with all to find solutions to the challenges facing us.

As we go forward, there will be critical and challenging times; however, I believe that, as a community, we will prevail.

We have the assets, the skills and capacities of our residents, the strength of our business community, and the power of our local institutions and community groups to build on. Our city needs more innovative ways to create jobs and expand our tax base. Indeed, economic development must be a driver to lower our high unemployment rate. However, our workforce must be educated and skilled to take advantage of future opportunities.

We need look at a micro enterprise strategy to simulate jobs and services in the underserved areas of Wilson.

There are neighborhoods in our city that need attention.

To build healthy neighborhoods, we need to address blighted properties develop quality affordable housing, develop a skilled workforce, improve community leadership and community safety.

Our downtown development must continue to be strategically managed to ensure that our historical heritage and character is not destroyed. Our downtown amenities, businesses and housing must benefit all our residents. In my 12 years living in Wilson, we have talked about a civic center. It is time for us to seek investors and developers for partnerships to bring this to reality. A feasibility study on the current Wilson Mall is a good place to start.

Most large cities of our size have a civic center with multiple streams of income. Rocky Mount, New Bern and Greenville are examples of cities with civic centers that attract small to medium size conferences and events. We have the potential to divert some of these conferences to our beautiful city. A project of this magnitude will have its challenges. However, when we focus on the possibilities, the solutions to our problems will be apparent. We need the input of everyone to make Wilson a better place to live work and play. Our best days are ahead.

Michael S. Bell
City Councilman-elect

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2015 CIAA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

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Upcoming Series - Who's Running Where

We're voting in March, those of us who are registered voters. December's not here yet and January will be here before you know. So, who's running for what where ? And who should we be voting for anyway ? No clue ?

We feel ya ! At this point in the game we're not sure 'who's who' either. BUT, we're gonna find out and when we do, WE GOT YOU !!!

Look for our new 'Upcoming Political Series 

Who's Running Where in 2016

 

A few folks have recently announced their candidacy, while some have been running for over a year. Betcha' didn't know that! Especially, if you haven't heard their name mentioned or have had the opportunity to see them on television or meet them in person.

Listen, did you know there's an African American man running for office to become the Governor for the State of North Carolina. There's also several candidates running to become the Lt. Governor. And while, Deborah Ross recently announced she's running to represent North Carolina in Washington as a Senator, taking on Richard Burr, there is an African American man who is also running. He is a military veteran who currently serves as Mayor of Spring Lake, NC. He announced he was running for the US Senate seat before she did. (Yeah, we know),
BUT WE GOT YOU !!!

Well, we're getting it all together for you. Info You Need to Know.
Posting Soon ! Look for It  !

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Coming Soon

In Theaters on December 4th

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Oh, For Goodness Sake

No need to pout, no need to cry, here's the reason, let me tell you why, while you’re gearing up for the Christmas holidays and all of its festivities, politicians will be doing the same…but for a different reason.

Thanks to the folk in Raleigh, you’ll be voting in March 2016 instead of in May. Tis the season for politicians to hit the campaign trail, hard & heavy.

 

Back in September, NC Republicans, in both the House and the Senate passed a bill that determined NC voters would cast their ballots seven weeks earlier than usual on March 15.

In making this move, it also hastens the process for those thinking about running for  office to make a decision much sooner. The filing period begins at Noon on this coming Tuesday, December 1^st and runs through December 21^st.

So while the majority of us are deciding what gifts to purchase for whom, politicians will be deciding what office they’re going to pursue, if they haven’t already done so. Oh wait a minute, on second thought, perhaps it's too late to already to make that decision.

We almost forgot this bill also specified a candidate must be affiliated with a political party for at least 75 days before filing to run as a candidate for that party's primary. Umm, this information came out towards the end of September. That requirement has surely passed its deadline. It’s certainly gonna be a 'holly jolly' Christmas this year, indeed.

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Nine injured, Gunman Kills 3

Amid the thoughts of holiday greetings and well wishes, we're rudely reminded it doesn't matter the season, evil is always lurking amongst us. The day after Thanksgiving in the State of Colorado, a gunman armed with an AK-47 stormed a Planned Parenthood in Colorado Springs. In the aftermath, he shoots 11 people, leaving 3 dead, including a police officer.

How was it this man made it out alive?
How is it the police didn't take him out as they've done so many other Americans.

Why did they negotiate his surrender?
A five hour standoff before they apprehended him.
No bullets. No bruises. No blood.
Read More Here

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US Supreme Court Flips the Script back to NC

The US Supreme Court has tossed out a North Carolina court ruling that upheld Republican-drawn electoral districts for state and congressional lawmakers on the heels of a similar case involving a Alabama decision made last month.

The US justices ordered the state Supreme Court to reconsider whether the Republican led North Carolina legislature relied too heavily on race when it redrew voting districts following the 2010 census. (Hello, Mr. Rucho, Sir)... psst.

A similar ruling was issued last month involving a complaint from Alabama Black Legislative Caucus that the Republican-dominated legislature illegally packed African-American voters in already majority-minority voting districts.

Last month the justices determined that an Alabama court's ruling backing that state's redistricting plan "legally erroneous." Justice Stephen Breyer, writing for the majority in the Alabama case, said the lower court should have considered the claims district-by-district rather than focusing on the state as a whole.The Supreme Court has advised the NC judges to revisit their ruling in light of the Alabama decision.

State lawmakers have argued their maps sufficiently satisfied the requirements of the Voting Rights Act, a federal law aimed at protecting minority voting rights. Perhaps not well enough.

 

 

 

Photo: NC State Fans Nation

Photo: NC Policy Watch

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Walmart's Coming here, but leaving there

Trending headlines, says it all, Walmart suddenly closes five stores in four states

leaving 2200 without jobs.

But, of course that's no reflection with what's about to happen here in Wilson, NC.
This city is getting not one, but TWO (count em' up) two new neighborhood Walmarts in the coming months. Never mind, we already have a version of a so-called superstore (if that's what you really wanna call it.) It has no auto/tire service and no deli where you can buy their version home-cooked meals like you can in most other "SUPERSTORES". Demolition is already underway on one with the other soon to follow. If all goes according to plans.

However, in other parts of the country city officials are scratching their heads and wondering what the heck is going on ...and why have these stores closed? The cities where these stores were closed include: Brandon, Florida; Pico Rivera, California; Livingston, Texas; Midland, Texas; and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Commissioner Victor Crist, who represents the Brandon, Florida district where one of the stores closed said, "I just find what's going on very odd."

Walmart claims the stores closings were related to plumbing issues. Wow. Really ... in all FIVE of them at varying locations. Ironically, it's being reported there have been no plumbing permits pulled in any of the cities where the stores were closed. Now, that's not just odd. That's just downright suspicious.

The stores are expected to reopen in six months, however that's a long time to be out work. It's reported that all workers will receive paid leave for two months. After that, full-time workers could become eligible for severance, according to CNN Money. However, part-time workers will have to fend for themselves.

That's no way to treat employees Walmart. Here's hoping Wilson won't one day meet the same fate.


Photo: Getty Images/ Tim Boyle

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IF ONLY ...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

LUTHER VANDROSS

 

 

April 20, 1951 - July 1, 2005

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I Wanna Hold Your Hand

And her point is....
I must admit I've asked myself, what was this all about ... Anastasia Pittman is her name. She is a Oklahoma State Senator. I understand compassion. I understand forgiveness. I get reaching out across the aisle to help another...but this, I'm not so sure about.

I watched the 'breaking news' story yesterday about Levi Pettit making a statement or rather reading one, apologizing for his role in that infamous chant heard around the world. You know the one.

I didn't bother to listen to the apology in its entirety. It seemed a bit disingenuous. Michael Eric Dyson's  captured my sentiments on spot when he called it choreographed. Yep. That's exactly what it was. The question is ...why so?
 

zM

Photo Source: Internet Images

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The Double-Edged Sword - Freedom Has A Price

It was an exuberant time back in September 2014, just six months ago in Robeson County when two men were exonerated from a 30 year ordeal that wrongly accused them of rape and murder. Ironically, it just so happened, they were half brothers. Henry McCollum and Leon Brown.

Thirty years is a long time. Being on death row even longer. The NC Innocence Inquiry commission took on this project and a judge declared the men had nothing to do with the rape and murder of the young girl Sabrina Buie. He ordered their immediate release.

The double edged sword ...  freedom without compensation is still incarceration of a different kind. This story is hardly over though it's disappeared from the headlines. Since their release, McCollum & Brown received $45 each from the State of North Carolina. Nothing more. Nothing less. That was six months ago. Ask yourself, could you do that. Live your life on $45 bucks for six months.

Governor Pat McCrory hasn't come forth to grant them an official pardon though it's been noted he's said it's a 'top priority.'  Ah, Governor McCrory, can we get a more definitive deadline for this transaction to occur, Sir. We know you know a pardon would allow them compensation fully due them for the three decades they served time and were denied an opportunity to earn a living for themselves. Only with the help of family, friends and charity from the community have they been able to minimally exist since their release. Don't you think 30 years is long enough to pay for a crime they did not commit and yet robbed them as well.

C'mon Governor, we're all waiting for an official pardon, removal of the convictions from their records and a clean slate with restitution to financially provide for themselves. These men truly deserve more than the minimum requirement the state is obligated. The pardon would allow them to get $750,000 in compensation each from the state. Do the right thing.

A Pardon. Compensation & Restitution. Clean & Clear Slates.

Photo Source: Internet Images

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It Ain't Closed Yet

That won't come until June of this year. There's a planned expansion of Wilson's 'Chick Fil A' in the works, so all you 'Chick fans' have time to prepare your mind and body for the forthcoming withdrawal of your favorite meal.

The Wilson Times recently printed an article detailing the upcoming closing.

You can read that story here. If you get desperate for some nuggets or a sandwich Rocky Mount is just twenty miles away ... depending on how you go.

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Info You Need To Know - Small Business Seminar

Wilson Community College Small Business Center presents “The Realities of Owning & Operating a Small Business,” featuring Christy Proctor, owner of the local Chick Fil A along with Paul Farris, retired owner of Farris Motors in Rocky Mount.

The seminar is scheduled for Monday, March 30th from 6 to 8 p.m. in Building G, room # G240 on the college campus.

Proctor also serves on the Wilson Chamber of Commerce board, BB&T advisory board, Wilson 20/20 and the Wilson Education Partnership.

Paul Farris is the Wilson County ABC Board Chair and serves on the N.C. ABC advisory board.

Interested individuals are encouraged to attend. This event is free.
 For more information contact call 246-1232

To register for the class, Follow the Link -  www.wilsoncc.edu/coned/sbc.cfm or www.facebook.com/wcc.sbc.

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Info You Need To Know - Scholarship Application

The Darden High School Alumni Association, Inc. has placed scholarship applications in all the three area high schools, Beddingfield, Fike, Hunt and Wilson Early College.

The application deadline is April 21. Applications may also be picked up at the Darden Alumni Center, 1600 Lipscomb Road. For more information, call Faye Winstead at 245-2183.

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Fike High School Under Siege

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED !!!

WILSON COUNTY SCHOOLS ASSAILANT TRAINING EXERCISE
APRIL 9th - Wilson NC - 8 am - 12 noon

FIKE HIGH SCHOOL will undergo a transformation the likes this community has never seen. The Wilson Police Department will host a mock assailant drill on April 9th, 2015. Volunteers are needed to help out in the process. Students and staff will be on spring break during this time. Applications are being accepted until the end of the month. You must be at least 21 years old. There is an application on the school's website for those interested in volunteering.

The school system is collaborating with law enforcement, emergency management, EMS, fire, rescue and 911 to create this training scenario. It's an opportunity to gauge our community response in the event a real life event occurred. Volunteers are needed to serve as actors and play the role of teachers, students and victims.

If you want to participate sign up here - WCS Active Assailant Training Exercise Form

Follow the link for more information at www.wilsonschoolsnc.net under the school news section.

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