Announcements May 2011
ANNOUNCEMENTS for May 3, 2011:
Terry Ellington, executive director of the Carolinas
CARE Partnership, announced the group's third annual Home Run 5K run and
walk to benefit the work of the regional HIV/AIDS prevention program. The
event is Saturday, June 18 at McAlpine Creek Greenway. Registration at
www.carolinascare.org.
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Terry Ellington also introduced Antoine Mitchell, prevention coordinator of
the Carolinas CARE Partnership. Mitchell can be reached at
[email protected] or 704-531-2467 extension 24 or cell
704-953-1004.
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Robert Dawkins sent in an announcement of a peaceful protest outside the
Duke Energy annual stockholder meeting on Thursday, May 5, assembling at 9
a.m. at 526 S. Church St. The protest aimed at "telling Duke we want climate
protection and clean energy, not more nuclear and fossil-fueled power."
Info: E-mail [email protected].
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Mary Covington sent in an announcement of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP's
2011 Women on the Move Reception to be held Thursday, May 12 from 6-8:30
p.m. at First United Presbyterian Church, 406 N. College St. Speaker is
Michelle A. Laws, sociology professor at N.C. Central University and
president of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP. Information: Covington at
704-502-7410 or [email protected]. Tickets online at
http://www.charlottenaacp.com/Events.html.
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Maddy Baer sent in an announcement that a
smart phone app and a Public Library card will give teens with certain smart
phones free access to Tutor.com, a service of one-on-one help in math,
science, social studies and English from 4-10 p.m. Baer quoted the library's
newsletter as saying that "Beyond the 'cool' factor of mobile technology,
it's also a lifeline for lower income teens. According to the Pew Research
Center, 41% of teens in the lowest household income category are using their
mobile phone to go online. This is their primary source of access to the
Internet and all the information they require to fully participate in an
advanced, technologically savvy world. " The app
is here.
Create the connection via the library by using your library card number
here.
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Announcements for May
10, 2011:
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David C. Belton sent in an invitation to all Forum participants to attend
Tuesday's free private screening of the HBO film "Thurgood" next Tuesday at
Spirit Square as part of a commemoration of the May 17, 1954 Supreme Court
ruling in Brown v. Board of Education. Reception is 5:30-6:30 at the Levine
Museum of the New South, 200 E. 7th St. A block-long "Walk of Courage" to
Spirit Square at 345 N. St. is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., with the screening
at 7 p.m. at Spirit Square. To attend, RSVP to [email protected] by
Sunday, May 15.
On Tuesday morning at the Forum, a panel will discuss the Brown case and the
first of its five component lawsuit, Briggs v. Elliott, which was filed in
South Carolina. Panelists will include Dr. Tom Hanchett of the Levine Museum
of the New South, and Joseph A. DeLaine Jr. and Brumit B. DeLaine, sons of
the Congressional Gold Medalist the Rev. Joseph Delaine, who is credited
with leadership in the Briggs case.
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Cathy Sheafor sent in the following announcement from the Charlotte
Community School for Girls:
"I write with heartfelt gratitude for your support of the Charlotte
Community School for Girls and its mission to educate young female scholars
from low-income families to dream, plan, and transform dreams into
realities. Given your important commitment to CCSG, and as we approach the
end of the school year, I wanted to update you on some of the exciting
happenings at CCSG.
"But first, a confession that hints at the news I have to share.
"Recently, I have taken comfort in reflecting on the "unremarkable" aspects
of the career of Abraham Lincoln. We all know the remarkable successes of
this extraordinary president, but his path to greatness was paved with many
challenges. Yes, he went on to alter significantly the course of American
history after being elected president in 1860. However, his resume before
then was hardly distinguished. Six times he was unsuccessful in runs for
political office, and he lost jobs and failed in business. Call it
stubbornness or perhaps determination, the story of Abraham Lincoln inspires
all of us, no matter the scale of our ambitions, to persevere in the face of
setbacks.
"I take this comfort in the breadth of Lincoln's career because we have come
to a crossroads with the Charlotte Community School for Girls. The path I
imagined for our unique approach to education has not been as straight and
narrow as we had hoped. While we have seen tremendous academic and social
growth from our scholars, faced with challenges to maintain the necessary
operational resources, we will close the doors at the end of this school
year.
"The decision has not been easy, but I am grateful for the wonderful support
of our Board as we took a sobering look at our situation. At the heart of
our efforts are many remarkable young girls whose lives we hope have been
touched in a way that will have a lasting and transformative impact. Please
take comfort in the realization that you have played an important part in
the process.
"Every ending is a beginning, and I am determined to persevere in pursuit of
the ambitions that have united us all to break the cycle of poverty that
plagues our nation's cities. While I cannot say what comes next, I do know
that the lessons learned have been invaluable.
"I look forward not only to crossing paths again, but doing so as part of a
shared journey to close the global achievement gap. Thank you for your
commitment to these important and vital efforts, and to the Charlotte
Community School for Girls...."
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Michael Sexton forwarded an announcement of the 18th annual Career &
Healhcare Fair on Wednesday, May 18 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Carole A.
Hoefner Community Center, 610 E. 7th St. Event features employers, healt
screenings, free background checks, resume and interviewing assistance
workshops, free giveaways and door prizes and information/resource stations.
Sponsors include the Charlotte Area Fund, Bethelehem Center, Job Finder,
Jacob's Ladder Job Center, Divine Health Academy, Charlotte Housing
Authority, the Employment Networking Roundtable and the Charlotte Enterprise
Community. Info: Terry Howard at Charlotte Area Fund, 704-372-3010 ext. 214
or [email protected].
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Mary Covington sent in an announcement of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg NAACP's
2011 Women on the Move Reception to be held Thursday, May 12 from 6-8:30
p.m. at First United Presbyterian Church, 406 N. College St. Speaker is
Michelle A. Laws, sociology professor at N.C. Central University and
president of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP. Information: Covington at
704-502-7410 or [email protected]. Tickets online at
http://www.charlottenaacp.com/Events.html.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS for May 17, 2011:
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Queen Thompson announced that she had just completed an article for the
Harrisburg paper about civil rights heroes and "the painful lessons of the
past."
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Queen Thompson sought information about the Abraham family whose Shamrock
Drive house was bombed during the civil rights movement.
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Robert Dawkins announced that Senate Bill 657 was introduced last week that
would eliminate same-day voter registration, cut early voting from 18 days
to 11 days, and eliminates pre-registration of 16- and 17-year-olds. He
asked that people contact him if their pastors do not receive enough copies
of a flyer on the subject for distribution during church services. "We have
to have the governor veto these bad bills because we don't have enough
Democrats to stop Republicans from passing the bills."
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Robert Dawkins announced that he was willing to acquire a 15-passenger van
to transport people to Raleigh on May 24 to join an NAACP protest in the
lobby of the Legislative Building over limitations on early voting and
cancellation of the Racial Justice Act. For more information, see Dawkins or
reach him at [email protected].
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Willie Ratchford said "there are too many situations in which folk are not
talking to one another." He asked if the Forum would be interested in
meeting with Don Reid's Thursday breakfast group, which Ratchford described
as having "a little more conservative bent than you do." Sarah Stevenson
said several people had asked her about doing so. "We'll talk about it."
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Deborah Whitfield suggested a Forum session on the rights of special
education students and on school discipline.
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Malachi Greene suggested further reading on Briggs v. Elliot by searching
for the names Charles Hamilton Houston and Harold Boulware.
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Claire Fallon sent in an announcement that the Northeast Coalition will meet
with Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx and Manager Curt Walton on Saturday, May
21 at 2 p.m. at the University City Regional Library, 301 E. WT Harris Blvd.
All are welcome.
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Patrick Chang sent in an announcement that the North Carolina Mental Health
Association Collaborative and Charlotte AHEC will host the Annual North
Carolina Mental Health Association Collaborative Conference on Wednesday,
May 18 from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
Conference Center, 3400 Beatties Ford Rd. Speaker for the statewide
conference is Mariel Hemingway. Info: Chang at 704-365-3454.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS for May 24,
2011:
--
Gyasi Foluke announced that the Kushite
Institute for Wholistic Development expects to sponsor a two-year series of
monthly meetings beginning in July "to address major community problems or
challenges, across ethnic lines, but with a special comprehensive focus on
African American issues. More specifically, we will confront 'Seven Levels
or Dimensions of Freedom' � Mental or education, economic, spiritual (within
and beyond 'religion'), physical (including jails, prisons and juvenile
justice systems), political (both electoral and group pressure politics)
cultural and emotional. General Theme: 'Truths My Teacher Never Told Me �
From Mis-education to Education.'" To participate in planning of the series,
call Kenneth Simmons at 704-549-8273 or Foluke at 704-391-5582.
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Brenda Slade announced that Shannon Park Neighborhood Association and
Greater Bethel AME Church will co-sponsor their first annual Spring Festival
this Saturday, May 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the church, 5232 The Plaza.
One summer camp scholarship will be given away each hour of the event.
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John Autry announced that the African American Caucus of the Mecklenburg
Democratic Party would hold a Memorial Day Picnic and cookout on Saturday,
May 28 from noon to 4 p.m. at Independence Park at Seventh Street and
Hawthorne Lane. Contributions of $5 are suggested but not required. Bring
folding chairs as seating is limited, and bring a dish to share. Info:
[email protected].
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Thomas Moore announced that the Tuned In Choir practices Tuesday evenings
from 6-7 p.m. at McCreesh Place at 25th and Davidson Sts.
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DeShauna McLamb announced that a group of
parents would meet Thursday, May 26 at 6 p.m. at Bruns Recreation Center,
440 Tuckaseegee Rd., to go to the Bishop Spaugh/Camp Greene neighborhood to
survey parents and have a workshop on mobilizing parents.
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Malachi Greene suggested perusing www.ncpolicywatch.com. "Much of the things
you guys have been talking about," he said, has been the subject of research
that is posted on that site.
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Ken Simmons suggested a future Forum discussion of CMS pay-for-performance
plans. "This thing could be a monster if we let it loose. Testing testing
testing is going to drive our kids absolutely crazy."
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Ken Koontz announced that WGIV, now on both 1370 AM and 103.3 FM, continues
to broadcast the BJ Murphy Show from 6-9 a.m. on Wednesdays live from
Rudean's Restaurant, 2228 Beatties Ford Rd. at Keller Avenue.
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Hans Plotseneder sent in a copy of his press release announcing that the
District Attorney had dismissed trespassing charges filed against him after
he was arrested at an Oct. 12, 2010 school board meeting (Announcements,
April 23). "This dismissal will contribute to reducing the fear of CMS
teachers to exercise their free-speech rights. And, hopefully, it will make
erroneous arrests by the CMS Police less likely," he wrote.
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Michael Sexton sent in an invitation to men to sit at his table June 1 for
the 14th annual Men for Change breakfast and silent auction at Bank of
America Stadium at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, June 1. RSVP: 704-432-1568 or
[email protected].
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ANNOUNCEMENTS for May 31, 2011:
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Joyce Waddell announced that the school board would meet next week on
Monday, June 6, rather than during its usual Tuesday evening slot.
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Henk Jonker announced that he would gather people to meet outside the
Government Center Wednesday afternoon at 5 p.m. as the Board of County
Commissioners meets inside, to voice support for $40 million in additional
county spending on public schools as "an absolute minimum."
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Richard McElrath suggested writing Judge Howard Manning, the N.C. Superior
Court judge overseeing the ongoing Leandro school finance case, to encourage
the judge to insist that N.C. legislators adequately fund public schools.
"Get behind Judge Manning, and we might be able to get something done."
Manning's address: 316 Fayetteville St., Raleigh, NC 27601-1755.
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Sam Spencer announced that Young Democrats would hold a Lobby Day in Raleigh
on Thursday, June 2. For more information, see Spencer or e-mail
[email protected].
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Sam Spencer announced that District 12 Democrats would send four males and
four females to the Democrats' N.C. convention. Affirmative action goals for
the N.C. delegation to the 2012 national convention include parity among men
and women and 60 African Americans among the 136 N.C. delegates. "These
goals are a ceiling, not a floor."
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Michael Sexton sent in an announcement that the Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of
Delta Sigma Theta will host a free public screening of "Terror at Home:
Domestic Violence in America" on Sunday, June 5 at 2 p.m. at the Levine
Museum of the New South, 200 E. 7th St. Panelists after the screening
include survivors of domestic violence and representatives from the Police
Department's Domestic Violence Unit. RSVP to [email protected].
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Tori Bell-Miller sent in an announcement that Meck Ed is offering an online
survey "to learn more about the community's opinions regarding
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and the quality of local public education."
The survey is here.
<http://www.mecked.org/index.php/get-involved/mecked-survey/ > "We want to
use the results to better understand the community's feelings regarding
local public education so we can better carry out our mission to advocate
for quality public education for all children and educate, inform and engage
the community about the issues facing local public education."
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The Committee to Elect Charlotte City Council member David Howard sent in an
invitation to a re-election kick-off on Tuesday, June 7 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
at the Burgess residence, 1333 Carlton Ave. Suggested donation at the door
$50. RSVP to [email protected].
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Maurice Jones sent in an announcement that he had begun an online petition
to N.C. legislators and Gov. Perdue to increase the high school dropout age
from 16 to 18, to reduce the state's high dropout rate. The petition is
here.
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Richard McElrath sent in a schedule of high school graduations in District
2. Dates and times for all CMS high schools are below. Venues are Blake
Hotel, 555 S. McDowell St.; Bojangles� Coliseum, 2700 E. Independence Blvd.;
CPCC Central Campus Halton Theater, 1201 Elizabeth Ave.; Ovens Auditorium,
2700 E. Independence Blvd.; Time Warner Arena, 333 E. Trade St.; UNCC Dale
Halton Arena.
Ardrey Kell, Monday, June 13, 7:30 p.m., Time Warner.
Phillip O. Berry Academy, Saturday, June 11, 4 p.m., Coliseum.
Butler, Tuesday, June 14, 8:30 a.m., Coliseum.
Cato Middle College, Tuesday, May 24, 1 p.m., CPCC.
Marie G. Davis Military & Global Leadership Academy, at the school, Friday,
June 10, 7 p.m.
East Meck, Tuesday, June 14, 3:30 p.m. Coliseum.
Garinger�s five schools, Tuesday, June 14, 4 p.m., Time Warner.
Hopewell, Sunday, June 12, 2 p.m., Coliseum.
Harding, Monday, June 13, 4 p.m., Time Warner.
Hawthorne High, Monday, June 13, 9 a.m., Ovens.
Independence, Monday, June 13, 3:30 p.m., Coliseum.
Mallard Creek, Saturday, June 11, 12:30 p.m., UNCC.
Morgan, Monday, June 13, 9 a.m., Ovens.
Myers Park, Saturday, June 11, 7:30 p.m., Coliseum.
North Meck, Saturday, June 11, 4 p.m., UNCC.
Olympic�s five schools, Monday, June 13, 7 p.m., Coliseum.
Performance Learning Center, Monday, June 13, noon, Ovens.
Providence, Sunday, June 12, 5:30 p.m., Coliseum.
South Meck, Monday, June 13, noon, Coliseum.
Vance, Saturday, June 11, 7:30 p.m., UNCC.
E.E. Waddell, Monday, June 13 8:30 a.m., Coliseum.
West Charlotte, Tuesday, June 14, noon, Coliseum.
West Meck, Saturday, June 11, 12:30 p.m., Coliseum.
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The Forum meets Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m. at the West Charlotte Recreation
Center, 2401 Kendall Drive, just down the hill from West Charlotte High
School. The phone number is 704-393-1560. For Wi-Fi password, see Steve
Johnston or Recreation Center staff.
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The Forum welcomes all persons to its meetings
beginning at 8:30 a.m. most Tuesdays of the year
at the West Charlotte Recreation Center, 2401 Kendall Drive, Charlotte, NC
down the hill from West Charlotte High School.