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4 October 8-October 14,2009 THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

'Antigua Six' on Üie brink of homecoming By STEPHON JOHNSON

Amsterdam News Staff This Friday, a press confer-

ence will be held at Brooklyn Borough Hall to discuss the plight of the individuals who were known as the "Antigua Six," were held captive on the island nation for allegedly fail- ing to pay a cab driver the proper fare. It will be their first appearance since arriving back on American soil. It's been quite the journey for those involved.

According to reports, Rachel Heniy, Shoshannah Henry, Dolores Lalanne, Nancy

Lalanne, Joshua Jackson and Mike Pierre-Paul, all residents of Brooklyn, N.Y., docked in Antigua in early September after sailing aboard a Carnival Cruise ship. The six, allegedly, bargained a $50 cab fare with the driver, who agreed to drive them to the beach, but things didn't end well.

Allegedly, the cab driver decided to double the fare once the ride was over and the six refused to pay the new fare. When the individuals refused, the cab driver took them past their docked ship and dropped them off at a

local police station, where they were allegedly beaten by Antiguan police and taken into custody. One person could not sit idly by and let this sit- uation go without a peep.

Writer, author and activist Kevin Powell embarked on var- ious outreach missions, includ- ing traveling to Antigua this past weekend to meet with Antiguan Prime Minister Bald- win Spencer and the Antiguan Minister of Tourism John Mag- inley. He also went to court himself to observe proceedings and provide his two cents.

"I was in coiirt on Monday to

support them, including giving testimony myself on the char- acter of the six and their fami- lies as well," said Powell. He also said that he spoke to the magistrate (judge) in court on the character of the "Antigua Six" and their families. Accord- ing to Powell, "The magistrate said that my testimony forced him to rethink the sentencing that was going to be meted out to the young people."

Powell raised the close to $3,500 in fines and compensa- tion that was required to release the six individuals. Donations came from a several

sources, like City Councilman Charles Barron, Assembly- woman Inez Barron, Congress- man Ed Towns, Rev. Al Sharp- ton and former Essence maga- zine editorial director Susan L. Taylor.

Although the releases ofthe "Antigua Six" have been secured, Powell won't feel at ease until the5^re back in New York City. "We are cautiously optimistic and choose not to pat ourselves on the back until these young people are safely home on American soil and in the loving arms of their fami- lies," he said.

Chicago beating death fuels calls for answers to youth violence By SAEED SHABAZZ Special to the AmNews

"God is the giver of life and He is the ultimate cause of death, and while it is natural to question why God would take this young man, his death allows us to see the hor- ror of the senseless violence in the streets of Chicago, "

said Hon. Min. Louis Far- rakhan, speaking at a funeral service for 16-year-old Chica- go high school honor student Derrion Albert on October 3.

The death of the popular teen has been given national attention: first, because an amateur video of the event has been streamed around

the nation; secondly, because anti-youth violence advocates and activists have been mak- ing a lot of noise as they inter- act with public policy types and legislatures, fighting to keep funding for anti-violence prevention programs intact— so the issue has been slightly on the radar screen.

On May 28, National Pub- lic Radio aired a show on youth violence in Chicago, specifically gun violence, enti- tled "Youth Killings Reach Crisis Level in Chicago." Police data shows that during the 2008 school year, 500 school-age children were shot, while 36 were killed.

In June, thousands marched against the Illinois State Assembly's inaction in restoring budget cuts to anti- violence programming. The marchers predicted increased violence because ofthe cuts in the prevention programs. And right on cue, Chicago regis-

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NEW JERSEY NEWS

Paterson's Black families rally against street violence By LITTLE RED

Special to the AmNews Last Saturday saw several

hundred of Paterson's Black community take to the streets over the troubling issue of street violence.

Councilwoman Vera Aimes, who proudly referred to herself as "the Grandmother" of her community, pointed to where two ofthe last three shootings in the community had hap- pened just near her home.

Unlike the contentious and political jockeying taking place in cities like Newark, Pater- son's efforts seem to be posi- tioning the city as presenting a more united front and to be meeting a more receptive pos- ture from the city itself

Already there is talk of a larger town hall meeting with Paterson Mayor Joey Torres tentatively scheduled for Octo- ber 29.

Among the issues demanded ofthe dty is decentralization of the police—that the police force be broken down and made more ward local and inmiediate than in its current age-old down- town-centered organization.

"It's time we made the police more responsive to town hall than to city hall," said Bilal Abdul Hakeem of the Islamic human rights organization 5 Pillars, the principle organizer ofthe march.

Newark-based Zayid Muhammad of the New Black Panther Party, himself a sur- vivor of gun violence, traveled to Paterson and said: "I applaud you on your unity, Paterson. We've had 10 marches and ral- lies like this in Newark in the last two months and got noth- ing from media darling Cory Booker, who would rather hijack the language of the peo- ple and promote himself rather than bring the dty together."

He went on to commend the movement on the police decentralization issue because that "is the structural

heartbeat of true community policing."

There is also the demand that the local armory on Mar- ket Street be rehabilitated, that there is a need to create recreation centers for the youth throughout the city.

One of the few points of real contention seems to revolve around the mayor's call for a curfew. Many in the community have said that a good percentage of this vio- lence has taken place in broad daylight, so a curfew in and of itself is not the answer.

Further, this effort had

more active participation of several clergy and several sit- ting city councilpersons.

Councilman-at-Large Ken- neth Morris personally helped facilitate the blocking of traf- fic, to the chagrin ofthe police.

"Let them be inconve- nienced for a while," he said. "This is important."

Council President Jeffrey Jones pleaded with all who could hear him, once the pro- testors blocked the traffic at City Hall Square.

"When the American dream becomes a nightmare, you had better wake up."

Deputy Mayor Moody, a much-respected elder in the community, pleaded to the responsive crowd "If we are to truly stop this, we have to stop at this [community] level. What's going on with our youth is an unprecedented lack of respect and apprecia- tion for life," he finished.

Karen Capers-Adams, a parent in the community, said that it was important to put this pressure on the city.

"It's the squeaky wheel that gets the oil," she said, using an old cultural proverb to make a very important point.

Corzine and Christie in a dead heat in New Jersey By GLENN TOWNES Special to the AmNews

In what some political observers are calling one ofthe most acrimonious campaign races in years. New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine and Republican challenger Chris Christie are in a virtual tie in the governor's race, with independent chal- lenger Chris Daggett trailing, according to some recently released poU results.

In poll released earlier this week by Hofstra University, Corzine actually pulled ahead of Christie for the first time by just one percentage point—at 44 percent to Christie's 43 per- cent—while Daggett trails with

between 6 percent to 8 percent of registered voters selecting him as the new governor. The recent poll numbers support a Quinnipiac University result a week ago that showed Corzine rapidly closing in on Christie's long-held lead in the race.

The gain in poll numbers for Corzine comes after more than a month of scathing television ads by the govemor against Christie. The ads target, among other things, Christie's hypo- critical views on healthcare, questionable spending habits, and ethics. The trend in the poll numbers show the negative ads have helped Corzine in sub- stantially narrowing and, ulti-

mately, surpassing Christie. "The ads have helped the

governor," said John Weingart, a political strategist at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. "Corzine is considered by most people to be very smart and have his heart in the right place." In an interview earlier this year in the Washington Post, Weingart said many New Jerseyans have not approved of how he has governed and blame him for many of the Garden State's current economic woes.

To that end, Christie has slammed Corzine for running the state into the ground finan- dally and forcing thousEinds of businesses and residents to flee

the state in order to escape "the highest property taxes in the country."

"I will make New Jersey more appealing and affordable for small businesses and keep our residents firom leaving the state," Christie notes in several ads.

Independent Chris Daggett, for the most part, has remained out ofthe fray and significantly trails both men in the polls. However, some observers con- tend supporters for Daggett and the pool of undedded voters could ultimately decide the election for Cor2áne or Christie. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.

4 0 October 8-October U, 2009 THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS

Bloomberg (Continued from Page 1) the polls haven't gone up so much," said Barron. "He is ripe to be beaten and Billy Thompson is gaining momentum." Perhaps Thompson's momentum could be the reason for Bloomberg's camp mailing New Yorkers anti- Thompson literature last week, citing a negative article about Thompson from the New York Times. Barron said this further emphasizes that Bloomberg is afraid of Thompson winning the hearts and minds ofthe cit^s cit- izens.

"When you go that negative, it's because he's desperate and scared and knows Bill can beat him," said Barron. "Money does- n't vote, people vote. With the people's help, Bloomberg can be history."

And as if the bottomless pock- ets in this prevailing sour eco- nomic climate wasn't enough, Thompson takes issue with a Bloomberg "going negative and attacking me" in his ads.

"The ad about comparing 'apples to apples' is deceptive itself and fiiU of distortions and outright lies."

Referencing the commercial

declaring that when Thompson was president of the Board of Education, school construction costs ran over budget, the comp- troller told the Amsterdam News, "The School Construction Authority [a state agency] con- trolled construction. It had noth- ing to do with the Board of Edu- cation."

Thompson proclaimed it "unfortunate and sad that Bloomberg had to resort to such negative campedgning. I hoped he would run on his record, but instead in his ads, it talks about what he would do as mayor. Well, he is the mayor. People would like him to run on his record. But eight years into his tenure, it is obvious that he has failed. He is talking about what he would do with the MTA, edu- cation and jobs. Sure, it's nice to talk about what you would do...but what have you done? He has four people on the MTA board and he has supported every fair increase and service reduction."

State Sen. Bill Perkins also weighed in on Bloomberg.

"When you are spending that obscene amoiint of money, you are effectively undermining our democracy," said Perkins. "You are determining the outcome of

the electoral process not on merit but on cash. You're buying the election, and in a democra- cy, that's sinful. But that sin couples with the sin of over- turning term limits. To me, it's a stickup. He's sticking up our democracy, which are the peo- ple. He's basically buying the town."

"This has a resulted in a per- version of the democratic process," said Assemblyman Hakim Jefíries.

While one poll has Thomp- son closing in on Bloomberg with just eight points between them, the billionaire's deep pockets does remain an issue. Yet, Thompson continues to find assistance from a plethora of individuals who want the cur- rent mayor out of City Hall.

On Monday, Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gilli- brand endorsed Thompson for mayor during a news confer- ence in Union Square Park. Gillibrand spoke of Thompson fighting for the workingman and the working family. "His passion for pubhc service wiU be £in extraordinary asset as he moves forward," said Sen. GilU- brand.

"He is both idealistic and pragmatic," said Sen. Schumer.

"Bill Thompson is the best mayor for the next four years for New York City."

But despite this backing and many others, in a heavily Democrat-leaning city, as of press time, a $56.8 million gap in campaign spending between Bloomberg and Thompson still existed. Barron didn't mince words when he expressed his dissatisfaction with the current mayor's spending habits.

"In the city that he increased the number of homeless under and has the nerve to charge them rent," said Barron. "In a city where there's been an increase in foreclosures and he rejected a foreclosure biU in 2002 that the City Coundl passed. In a city with over 50 percent Black male unemployment, wasting money to spend on an election is disgusting. The people of New York City should show their dis- gust and make him history.

"Now is the time for that change. Make him play for those dollars," Barron proclaimed.

Last Friday marked the one- year anniversary of Bloomberg announcing his run for a third term as mayor of New York City. He's spent over a quarter of a bil- lion dollars combined in 2001, 2005 and now 2009. The average

median household income of New York State in 2007 (accord- ing to the US Census Bureau) is $53, 448. This means that Bloomberg's spending in the 2009 campaign alone would equal the median income of over 1,200 New York State citizens.

Some people determine that it seems that Bloomberg wül do anything to secure that term. "It's possibly one of the worst investments that one could expect from someone who builds himself as a Wall Street tycoon," said JefiBies.

Oozing confidence as the November election date approaches, Thompson says that his campaign is working pedal- to-the-metal "trying to get the message out."

People are discussing the issues and responding well to his campaign he said. One issue crossing all Hnes of race, culture, economic background and politi- cal philosophy is term limits.

"Wherever we go," Thompson said, "people are talking about term limits. They say that Bloomberg himself had said that changing term limits without going back to the people would be a 'disgrace.' Well, the people realize he has disgraced him- self."

Chicago (Continued from Page 4) tered 58 homicides in July, down from 64 during the same period in 2008, but the highest monthly total so far in 2009.

President Barack Obama, a former Chicago resident, is sending two cabinet-level officials to the Windy City this week: U.S. Attorney Gen- eral Eric Holder will address local officials on the epidemic of youth violence on a nation- al level on October 8, while Education Secretary Arne Duncan, a former Chicago school superintendent, is reportedly planned to speak about school violence at an education grant conference on October 7.

There are four major com- munity-based, anti-youth vio- lence prevention programs

operating in Chicago: The Black Star Project, CeaseFire Illinois, Build, Inc., and Life Directions.

Chicago also has some res- ident youth advocates that have gained national atten- tion for their theories on how to combat the scourge of neg- ative youth behavior. They are: Dr. Carl Bell, CEO/direc- tor of the Community Health Council on Chicago's South- side and founder of the Insti- tute for the Prevention of Vio- lence, and Dr. Joseph Strick- land, PhD, of the University of Chicago and founder of the community-based organiza- tion Metropolitan Area Group for Igniting Civilization (MAGIC).

Dr. Strickland tells the AmNews that for too long, money has been going to groups "who can't fix the problem." He said that MAGIC counselors go into the

community where the young people hang out. "We talk their language and, more importantly, we listen," Dr. Strickland said.

He says the goal of MAGIC is to build up the self-esteem of the youth they encounter by offering them a leadership model. Some of the organiza- tion's programs are: a teen employment campaign, teen testing events for HIV/AIDS, and a community arts pro- gram.

"The main idea is to pro- vide the youth with their own space, where they can share with their peers and adults that they respect, which also provides us with a space where we can offer them advice," offered Dr. Strick- land.

Dr. Bell says that the pub- lic will to stem youth violence has evaporated, in part because the FBI, over the

past few years, has reported that violent crimes are down nationally and because the economic climate isn't right for increasing people's taxes to pay for prevention pro- grams.

"It is time to take children out of the risk context and place them in the safe context holistically," Dr. Bell explained to the AmNews. "All children need that pro- tective feeling—that is the solution to crime."

Dr. Bell talks about rebuilding the village and establishing block clubs that become responsible for being in the streets at the time when school lets out. "We must also develop communi- ty-based strategic leadership and management teams that talk to lawmakers concerning creative policies of preven- tion," Dr. Bell said.

Dr. Bell has also created a

strategy known as the "Seven Principles for Changing At- risk Behavior and Cultivat- ing Resiliency Among Youth": 1.) Rebuilding the village, renewing the social fabric, recreating a sense of commu- nity; 2.) Providing access to ancient and modern technolo- gy to provide practical sys- tems for the application of knowledge; 3.) Providing a sense of connectedness; 4.) Providing opportunities to learn social and emotional skills; 5.) Providing opportu- nities to increase self-esteem; 6.) Providing an adult protec- tive shield; 7.) Minimizing trauma.

In the meantime, the city of Chicago announced that a $30 million project targeting 1,200 high school pupils, identified as at risk for being potential gun violence vic- tims, will provide mentors and part-time jobs.

Maddox (Continued from Page 12) crime that I committed was representing them pro bono. My suspension is the big pay- back.

This list of ex-cons is an example of New York's ethical standards. The reinstated attorneys include but are not limited to former Chief Justice Sol Watchler (extortion), Michael Boxley (sexual preda-

tor), NeilWiesner (drug enter- prise and attempted murder), Roland Acevedo (armed bank robbery and police shootout) and Albert Pirro (tax evasion).

I have never been convicted of a crime. No disciplinary committee has ever accused me of cheating a client. I have never been held in contempt of court. No lawyer in American jurisprudence has ever repre- sented more persons pro bono. Many of my cases were of great public importance and

inspired social change.

Oct. 10-11—Overnight bus trip, limited seating £m.d excel- lent hotel lodgings to the Blacks in Wax Museum in Baltimore and "Nile Valley on the the Potomac" field trip in Washing- ton, D.C, with visits to key sites of Freemasonry. Highly noted author and Egyptologist Antho- ny Browder will conduct the field trip. His knowledge of ancient Egjrpt is profound. He has authored "Nile Valley Con-

tributions to Civilization" a mas- terpiece. I hope to see you on Sat- inrday. For further information, call UAM at (718) 834-9034.

Oct. 14—UAM's weekly fonmi at the Elks Plaza, 1068 Harriet Tubman Avenue (Ful- ton Street), near Classon Avenue in Brooklyn at 7:30 p.m. Take the "C" train to Franklin Avenue. Video high- lights of 2009 Freedom Retreat for Boys and Girls.

Oct. 16—PWV Acquisitions, LLC V Maddox at 9:30 a.m. in.

Room 819 ofthe Civil Court, located at 111 Centre Street in Manhattan.

Oct. 23—The appeal of Peo- ple V. John White will be heard in the Appellate Division, Sec- ond Judicial Department, 45 Monroe Place in Brooklyn at 9 a.m. The issue is self-defense and whether Blacks are still in slavery. Blacks need to be on hand en masse to hear the decision.

See; www.reinstatealton- maddox.net