The dismissed lawsuit was originally filed by Kevin Johnson of Clarksville, TN, alleging his Title VI complaints were not answered.

As President for the past six years, the Clarksville NAACP has never received a written complaint from either Mr. Johnson or Mr. Hagan requesting assistance. Neither Johnson  nor Hagan has submitted a properly filled out and signed affidavit which is standard procedure in order for the NAACP Branch to investigate any complain submitted to them. – Jimmie Garland

Clarksville Attorney, Michael K. Williamson, representing Garland and McMoore, as well as an attorney from the Tennessee Attorney General’s office, representing Jerkins, filed similar motions for dismissal with one of the key points being that General Sessions Court “lacks jurisdiction” and also Mr. Johnson “lacks standing to bring this lawsuit” and was in violation of several other areas of Tennessee Code Annotated and Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure.

An associated case filed by Kevin Johnson in the Federal Courts, Nashville, was recently dismissed with prejudice by Judge Williams J. Haines, Jr.

For questions concerning this Press statement please contact us at:

• Jimmie M. Garland: (931) 216-6745
• Terry McMoore: (931) 378-1999
• Pastor Jerry G. Jerkins: (931) 220-1522
• Attorney Michael Williamson: (931) 647-8500

Celebrating 100 Years of Social Justice

On September 5, 2009 Civil Rights Leaders from across the nation will gather on the grounds of the Memorial Building Mayors Office at 202 Center Avenue in Dickson, Tennessee for an all day rally from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Dickson is home to one of the worst Environmental Racism cases in the history of the United States. The Holt family has been fighting for the past 10 years to bring justice and awareness to the contaminated water leaked from the county landfill. For years, the family unknowingly drank poisoned water, bathed in that water, and cooked with that water which has resulted in numerous members of the family developing cancer and even dying.

National NAACP President, Benjamin Jealous, the Reverend Joseph Lowery, Reverend Al Sharpton and a coalition of over 30 prominent speakers, activists, clergy, elected officials and scholars have been invited and are scheduled to speak at this rally and tour the landfill site.

“Join us in our efforts to bring further awareness and justice to this local and national problem of Environmental Racism, a Public Health issue that continues to disproportionately plague minority communities and poor families across the United States” – Terry McMoore, Media Agent

For more information

Contact one of the people below:

• Jimmie Garland Sr., Vice President, Tennessee State NAACP (931) 216-6745
• Pastor Jerry Jerkins, Rally Organizer & Coordinator – (931) 220-1522

The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.

When: August 28, 2009

Address: 1850 Memorial Drive Clarksville, TN

Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Come Support Quality Affordable Health Care For All! Bring your signs, comments and let’s do our part to help get this bill past!

We are the change that we seek – President Barack Obama

For more information contact Terry McMoore at 931-378-1999

Clarksville Community Organizers is part of Organizing For America.

Click here to view the embedded video.

On April 1st 2009, Nashville’s LP Field played host to the FIFA World Cup Soccer Qualifier game between the U.S. National Soccer Team vs. Trinidad & Tobago.

Coming into the game the US team was ranked 17th in the world and Trinidad & Tobago ranked 75th. But regardless of the ranking and the over matched star power that the US team possessed that did not discourage the Trinidad supporters from coming out to cheer their team on.

Trinidad & Tobago fans come from as far as New York City chatting homeland songs while waving their country flags and beating on drums. A group from Clarksville and Fort Campbell had their own cheering section and for many it was just like a family reunion as they hugged and greeted fellow countrymen, women and children who had come from numerous states and from across the waters for this game.

Ivan Roberts a native of Trinidad and retired U.S. Army soldier from Clarksville accompanied this writer on this my first professional major soccer game. Boy, I was surprised by how little I knew about the game but thanks to Ivan I soon caught on. I had no idea that most of the game is watched by many of the fans standing up. Those that did not stand had to watch the game on the giant score board and screen to see over the crowd.

With over 30,000 people in attendance history was made with the largest crowd to ever attend a soccer game in the state of Tennessee. This was truly an international crowd with many people wearing their country colors or soccer club team uniforms.

With the fans cheering USA, USA while  waving the American flag and fireworks going off in the end the US Team won by a score of 3-0. But in Trinidad’s defense this was their third game in two days and they sure looked tired and sluggish throughout the game.

Sir Virtue & Lazarus of the Street Poets

Clarksville Tennessee is home to a vibrant rap and hip hop scene. One of the reasons is Fort Campbell which continues to bring people in from all over the world. Another is Austin Peay State University which brings in many people from the Memphis Tennessee area, the largest hotbed for rap and R&B artists in the state.

But one only has to do an search of YouTube, Facebook or MySpace to see the abundance of talent that the city of Clarksville has to offer. On these same social networks you can find Jose Toro aka Lazarus and Chris Baladad aka Sir Virtue whom together make up a rap group called Street Poets.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Catching up to do an interview with Street Poets was a real chore because this group is doing all the things they need to do to get to the top. Constant marketing, networking, studio development and just hitting the streets, hustling and grinding their way to the top. We finally managed to get them to take some talk time out of there busy schedules, and Clarksville Online author Terry McMoore sat down with the Street Poets for a very personal and hard hitting interview.

What are your names?

Jose Toro & Chris Baladad

What are your stage names?

Lazarus (Jose) & Sir Virtue (Chris)

How old are you?

Jose: 23, born on August 17, 1985

Chris: 27, born on April 26, 1982

Where were you born, or what state or city do you claim?

Jose: I was a military brat living. I have lived around the US and in other countries including Germany. I was born in Lawton, OK. My parents were raised in Puerto Rico, and I have lived in the South for 14 years (TN for 9 years currently and GA for 5 years).

Chris: I was born in the west coast, Monterey, CA to be exact. I have lived all around the US and even Germany. I’ve been in TN for about 14 years now. I have connected with so many different types of people so you can say that I’m on a worldwide level reaching from coast to coast.

What are your nationalities?

Jose: Puerto Rican
Chris: Filipino with 1/3 Caucasian

What are your educational backgrounds?

Jose: Northwest High School graduate, APSU Bachelor’s Degree
Chris: Kenwood High School graduate; few years experience at APSU

Are you registered to vote and do or did you vote?

Yes, we both are registered and have voted for Obama.

Have you done any traveling and if yes to where?

As far as music performing, only Nashville…But this summer we have plans to travel to Memphis, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Orlando, Houston, and St. Louis.

How long have you been in the game?

Jose: Writing since 14, and started recording at the age of 16.

Chris: Began writing poems and songs at 14 and started recording a demo at 16.

How did you both get your starts?

Jose: I started rapping songs when No Limit Records was getting big in Savannah, GA in the 8th grade with a Puerto Rican classmate. Then we started freestyling cover songs. At 14, I began writing poetry and turning them into lyrics on paper. At first I tried to sing them, but it didn’t work for me.So I changed them into verses and rapped the lyrics. I can’t remember what my first alias was, but it wasn’t until 2000 when I moved to TN and got serious with the music and came with the alias “Lazarus.” I used the name to define my resurrection of real Hip-Hop music from the dead, as the name and meaning from the Bible inspired me to come with the name. Eventually, in 2006, based on my personal mistakes and bad habits, I changed my alias to Manuel (my middle name) to reform myself as a music artist. However, it only lasted for a short stint, as I reverted back to “Lazarus” in 2007 realizing it’s the alias I feel Hip-Hop needs and for me to express myself disguised as the artist I was born to be. Other nicknames I go by are Laz, Laz-O, and P.K.S. (Puerto Rican King of the South).

Chris: I have been listening to music since I was a little kid so the art has always been my fascination. I got Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic” album when I was in the 5th grade and what stood out to me was the way they were using their vocals to make a melody to flow with the beat. That’s when I really became interested in hip hop and learning my own way to perform the raps. I wrote my very first rap song with a friend when I was in the 6th grade.

It was a really short song about basketball. When I was around 14, I started writing out all types of “freestyles”, poems, and songs and eventually began posting them on online message boards using different aliases. I began to think more serious about the music when I started going with my friend Alpha Omega to the Rec Center on Ft. Campbell’s base to record a short demo.

This was when I started the transformation into Virtue, the lyricist/artist. I chose the moniker Virtue because it means excellent quality and that’s what I try to bring with my music, as being the virtue of music. I added the Sir to the beginning to signify a sign of royalty and respect and to personify my character.

How did Street Poets come together? Was it the original name? If not what was it before? Was it always just you two?

Chris Baladad AKA Sir Virtue and Jose Toro AKA Lazarus first met in the Austin Peay Morgan University Center early February of 2004. Jose was sitting on a sitting couch located by the big windows that used to be a layout of the University Center. Chris eventually went from walking around and settled on a sitting couch that was directly next to Jose. It wasn’t too long until Jose interacted with Chris based on music, seeing that Chris pulled out a little black notebook writing lyrics. They started getting to know each other more often and it wasn’t too long until Chris invited Jose to join him on a performance that him, gospel singer, Alpha Omega, and former singer and dancer, Jamal Jones AKA Correohype, was scheduled to perform in April of that year. Jose was later incorporated into the performance rehearsal with featured appearances on Virtue’s and Correohype’s performance sets. Shortly later into the rehearsals, Yatin Patel, now part of Fatalistik Entertainment, joined with the group. DJ Exile was soon joined in to the group to help with the music rotation. Soon, the gentleman contemplated on a simpler name to unify the group instead of individual aliases. The group was decided to be known as Kustom Profile. As performance day came, so did an average Austin Peay audience curious to listen to Kustom Profile.

The performance lasted well under an hour, outside in cold weather. As time progressed, the members of Kustom Profile soon withered. DJ Exile moved, Yatin Patel moved at the end of 2004 to pursue into his family business (although still attached to the indie label Fatalistik Entertainment), and Correohype moved back to his hometown, Houston, TX, based on insufficient funds for college. Virtue, Lazarus, and Alpha Omega were the only ones left in Kustom Profile. However, Alpha Omega decided to concentrate more on his gospel music rather sticking to R&B.

So as Virtue and Lazarus were the only concentrating MCs left, they scrapped the name of Kustom Profile, and soon went with their own duo alias of Street Poets. The two chose the name Street Poets because the music that they delivered was both poetic and urban related. They crafted intricate songs which consisted of unique rhyme schemes and wordplay to club bangers that contained rhymes of boastfulness and street life.

By mid 2005, they recorded an unreleased mixtape in Sir Virtue’s home using a microphone, computer, and Cakewalk software. The mix tape was tentatively titled “Street Poets: The Mixtape Vol. I”. Although never released, the mixtape was a good learning experience for the two artists. They kept writing music, creating beats, and kept on perfecting the craft of recording. However, they wanted better recording quality. In late 2007, they hooked up with Toby Entertainment’s recording engineer, I.R. Skillz, and began production of an EP. However, the music was getting too good, the recording became a fascination, and they had too much lyrics and supplied beats to just record an EP. So, as recording progressed, so did the material of a potential first album for the two MCs. For a period of nine months, twelve original tracks were completed by the Street Poets.

On May of 2008, the tracks were completely mixed. Photos were taken; an album cover was created from conceptual ideas from Lazarus and Virtue. While Lazarus added the concept design to the cover, Street Poets delivered the final draft of the artwork to Joseph “Young Holla” Long for final modifications and publishing. In June, the album was sent to be mastered. On July 24th, the first copy was sold. Soon enough, more copies were being distributed for only five dollars per album. On occasion, the albums were sold for donations to prove that Street Poets are in it for the passion.

However, the Street Poets have much more in store for Clarksville, TN, the South, and all other regions. The first album was just the beginning of what Street Poets has to offer.

Do you belong to a click, crew, posse, etc?

It’s just Street Poets, as in the future we plan to grow locally as a movement for Hip-Hop.

How would you describe your music?

Hip Hop in it’s essence. A collection of our thoughts and feelings put into words to provide the listener with an enjoyable and hopefully influential experience. We tend to be poetic with our lyrics while at the same time incorporating other elements of hip hop into the mix, such as adding witty punch lines and rhyming with multi-syllables. We do all types of songs: street anthems, storytelling tracks, club bangers, lyrical showcases, and those special songs for the ladies. We like to think of new and different concepts when it comes to lyrical content and the overall sound of the music.

Which music artists influenced you and your music?

Jose: 2Pac, Nas, Jay-Z (Hard Knock Life was the first hip-hop CD I received), Biggie, Big Pun, Eminem, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, The Fugees as far as relating to Hip-Hop artists.

Chris: 2Pac, Nas, Jay-Z, Eminem, Outkast, Wu-Tang, Canibus, Biggie, Fabolous, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West as far as strictly hip hop artists. Music is my passion so I like to listen to all kinds of music so I pull influence from all kinds of artists/groups from rock to R &B.

What albums have you released?

• Street Poets: The Mixtape Vol. I in 2005 (Never been released)
• The Movement (First Original Album) in July 24, 2008
• Appeared on Coast 2 Coast Volume 18 hosted by DJ Khaled with the track “1 Luv”
• Appeared on DJ Antomattei of Tokyo’s mixtape titled “East Coast Bad Boyz” for Coast 2 Coast with the track “Classic”

What are some of your new and upcoming releases?

• I Am Street Poetry (The Mixtape) in May 23, 2009
• Sir Virtue: The Virtuoso in the Mid-Fall of 2009
• Lazarus: Son of Made-Line: December 2009
• Street Poets: This Is Music – 1st quarter of 2010

Where are some of the places that you have performed?

• Clarksville: Austin Peay (multiple times)
• Nashville: Soul Food Poetry Café, El Diamante’s, Café Coco’s on 4/30/09

What was your biggest performance to date?

AP Apollo in Clement Auditorium of Austin Peay on October of 2008

What do you hope people get from listening to your music?

We hope that people can enjoy the form of art that we express ourselves through and that it influences them to work towards achieving their goals and aspirations. We want to be remembered for our lyrical abilities and for being passionate about bringing good music to the ears of the people. We hope that people see us as being artistic and being ourselves and making music that people can have a good time and party to or just think and appreciate the talent of creativity.

What does the future hold for street poets?

In the future, the Street Poets name and music is going to be very popular in the Underground scene and to be a future SEA nominee, along with the music spreading from California to New York…because our style is so versatile that a West coast or East coast music fan will enjoy the music we bring to the table. We hope to have our own recording labels and studio where we can record freely and have other talented artists join our roster.

Where do you see yourselves ten years from now?

We hope to see ourselves with a collection of great music that succeeded being distributed to people who likes music and has a Hip-Hop head on them. We also like to see ourselves CEO of Street Poets ENT (Virtue) and Made-Line ENT (Lazarus), branching from Street Poets ENT….(Take out the hyphen and you get Madeline (which is my mother’s first name, that’s how the label name derived).

We look to do what Sean Combs, Russell Simmons, Shawn Carter, and Brad Jordan did to the game, to be dominant representatives of Hip-Hop music.

What do you like to do when you are not making music?

Jose: Film production such as editing (example is Final Cut or Avid), directing, and scriptwriting, Multimedia Design such as Adobe CS3 (example is Photoshop), Sports especially Basketball & Football, thinking of my next moves with the music, and networking.

Chris: Listen to music, spend time with friends and family, go out to the club/parties, watch movies and sports, work out, play games (pool, bowling, basketball), play video games, everything else that involves the progression of an artist: networking with other people, maintaining a webpage, designing graphics, video directing, etc.

Please give me your MySpace address and Facebook or wherever your music can be found.

• www.myspace.com/streetpoetsent
• www.myspace.com/madelinestreetpoets

How can we find or contact street poets?

You can email us at . On Facebook search “Sir Virtue” and “Jose Toro” or Contact them via their MySpace websites.

]]> http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2009/05/19/clarksville-look-out-here-come-the-street-poets/feed/ 0 http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2009/05/05/community-organizers-hold-wine-tasting-despite-the-rain/ http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2009/05/05/community-organizers-hold-wine-tasting-despite-the-rain/#comments Tue, 05 May 2009 15:00:40 +0000 Turner McCullough Jr. http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/?p=18929

Wine Tasting draws an enthusiastic gathering

That old adage about ‘it may rain on the army but it never rains in the army’ held true for the Wine Tasting hosted by Clarksville Community Organizers last Friday night, May 1st. Dreary weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of those attending this event. A warm and friendly atmosphere was the setting for a pleasant evening of wine enlightenment and enjoyment, an array of colorful, great tasting food and good conversation.The wine tasting was an outreach affair conducted by the former local ‘Clarksville for Obama’ citizens activist network.

Guests were asked to bring a wine or two wines of their own choice, nothing extravagant in cost, and a finger food dish.That the attendance topped out at over thirty people was most gratifying to the organizers and hosting couple JoAnn and Dennis Latz of Adams.

Amy Gallo, wine expert and wine tasting special guest

The evening was made complete with the attendance of wine expert, Amy Gallo. She is a certified wine  expert who, during the course of the evening, conducted a introduction to wines, describing the grapes and their origins, suitable accompanying foods and uses for the various wines presented for tasting. As she guided the gathering thru the tasting, everyone’s knowledge about wines and their own taste preferences was greatly enhanced by Amy’s shared expertise.

Although there were several bottles in addition, Amy only opened the first ten. Her reason for this being that after ten or so wines, the taste buds become numb or desensitized to the subtle taste differences of the wines.  Starting with the wide selection of reds, Amy guided the group thru a red Zinfindel, a South African red-very pleasing, to a surprising Moldavian to a Chianti to a tasty blackberry to a brisk red raspberry.

Dennis Latz opens wines so they can breathe

Ms Gallo spaced the tastings with break periods for the tasters to partake of the vast array of food dishes so as to cleanse palettes and keep the taste buds sensitive to nuances of the wines. After the reds, Amy then turned to the white wines among the presented offerings. An 2002 Piesporter Auslesse proved very appealing to number of the tasters as it was more fruity than the other whites and less dry to the palette.  Amy explained the uniqueness of an Auslesse as being a very late harvested grape that has been allowed to mature on the vine very late into the harvest season.

Spatlesse and Auslesse are special vintage German white wines which usually exceed the normal semi to dry taste of this type of wine. The Piesporter vineyards are in the Mosel-Saar region of Germany’s ‘wine ’strasse.’ These special vintages are not produced every year as they are dependent on weather conditions allowing for the later harvesting the grapes. Because of the extended time on the vine and exposure to colder weather, the grapes gain even higher levels of natural sugars which result in higher alcohol levels and more intense fruit flavors which manifest in the wine itself.

It must be noted for the record that were two alcohol-free wine selections included for the designated drivers and those not wishing to imbibe intoxicants. Amy informed the gathering that it is rare to find these wines in beverage stores because state law requires that all wines and spirits must contain an  appreciable level of alcohol to be considered real spirits. Nonetheless, those indulging in the opened vintage found it very pleasant to the palette and completely lacking any bitter aftertaste.

Ms Lavern Walker and Atty Merriel Bullock-Neal share a laugh, Christian Hodges is in the background

The wine tasting marked the local ‘Clarksville for Obama’ citizens network’s official transition to non-campaign mode. The group will now focus on the development of support for community causes and the promotion thereof. Included in that transition is the outreach to people and concerns that seek to promote and foster a positive change in their community and government. Terry McMoore opened the discussion portion of the gathering by declaring the transition of Clarksville for Obama to the Clarksville Community Organizers. The group would continue its grassroots advocacy but now direct it at local issues, concerns and personalities of positive change for the community.

Lavern Walker addressed to the gathering on behalf of the 2010 Census Program. She spoke of the urgency for full participation in the upcoming census. She also addressed some of the falsehoods being circulated about the census and people performing the census. Any group wishing to participate in support of the census being a full and accurate count is welcomed to join the program’s outreach. [This writer will relay contact requests as they are submitted.] Attorney Muriel Neal spoke of the often unheralded work of the American Red Cross and its need for community support and increased financial donations from all corners.

Sharon Bohnenberger chats with Rev. Charles Moreland

The tasting having ended at sampling ten wines, the socialization of the evening kicked into high gear. There was lively conversation in every corner of the Latz home. Among the many in attendance were Dr. Arthur Neal, his wife, Atty Merriel Bullock-Neal, Jacinta Harris, Troy Broady and his wife; MSG Robert Huntley (Ret.), Christine and Ben Pierce, Lavern Walker,  Sharon Bohenenberger, Wanda and Terry McMoore and Kate Revel.

Discussions ranging from jazz classics, contemporary  music, political currents and home decor, to education system challenges, military careers, child rearing, sports teams and adventures in foreign lands are just some of the topics which filled the air. All the while, everyone was free to consume more of their choices of the opened wines and every bit of the tasty morsels presented on the buffet table.

[Show as slideshow]

Swine Flu (Influenza A/H1N1) is rapidly spreading, and has become a item of major concern to public health agencies around the globe. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has declared a public health emergency in the United States. Their response goals are to help reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public to address the challenges posed by this emergency.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the outbreak. To assist in this endeavour, the CDC has activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to help coordinate the investigation.

The United States Government has thus far reported 109 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death in Texas. Mexico has reported 97 confirmed human cases of infection, including seven deaths. The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths – Austria (1), Canada (19), Germany (3), Israel (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (3), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (8).

The World Health Organization raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 5 on April 29, 2009.

Phase 5 is characterized by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region. While most countries will not be affected at this stage, the declaration of Phase 5 is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short.

Staying healthy

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Key Facts about Swine Influenza (Swine Flu)

What is Swine Influenza? Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine flu viruses cause high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs. Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans. The classical swine flu virus (an influenza type A H1N1 virus) was first isolated from a pig in 1930.

How many swine flu viruses are there? Like all influenza viruses, swine flu viruses change constantly. Pigs can be infected by avian influenza and human influenza viruses as well as swine influenza viruses. When influenza viruses from different species infect pigs, the viruses can reassort (i.e. swap genes) and new viruses that are a mix of swine, human and/or avian influenza viruses can emerge. Over the years, different variations of swine flu viruses have emerged. At this time, there are four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. However, most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.

Swine Flu in Humans

Can humans catch swine flu? Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with swine flu have occurred. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs (e.g. children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry). In addition, there have been documented cases of one person spreading swine flu to others. For example, an outbreak of apparent swine flu infection in pigs in Wisconsin in 1988 resulted in multiple human infections, and, although no community outbreak resulted, there was antibody evidence of virus transmission from the patient to health care workers who had close contact with the patient.

How common is swine flu infection in humans? In the past, CDC received reports of approximately one human swine influenza virus infection every one to two years in the U.S., but from December 2005 through February 2009, 12 cases of human infection with swine influenza have been reported.

What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans? The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Can people catch swine flu from eating pork? No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You can not get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.

How does swine flu spread? Influenza viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Human infection with flu viruses from pigs are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs, such as in pig barns and livestock exhibits housing pigs at fairs. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur. This is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What do we know about human-to-human spread of swine flu? In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman was hospitalized for pneumonia and died 8 days later. A swine H1N1 flu virus was detected. Four days before getting sick, the patient visited a county fair swine exhibition where there was widespread influenza-like illness among the swine.

In follow-up studies, 76% of swine exhibitors tested had antibody evidence of swine flu infection but no serious illnesses were detected among this group. Additional studies suggest that one to three health care personnel who had contact with the patient developed mild influenza-like illnesses with antibody evidence of swine flu infection.

How can human infections with swine influenza be diagnosed? To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus). However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer. Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires sending the specimen to CDC for laboratory testing.

What medications are available to treat swine flu infections in humans? There are four different antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the US for the treatment of influenza: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. While most swine influenza viruses have been susceptible to all four drugs, the most recent swine influenza viruses isolated from humans are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. At this time, CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses.

What other examples of swine flu outbreaks are there? Probably the most well known is an outbreak of swine flu among soldiers in Fort Dix, New Jersey in 1976. The virus caused disease with x-ray evidence of pneumonia in at least 4 soldiers and 1 death; all of these patients had previously been healthy. The virus was transmitted to close contacts in a basic training environment, with limited transmission outside the basic training group. The virus is thought to have circulated for a month and disappeared. The source of the virus, the exact time of its introduction into Fort Dix, and factors limiting its spread and duration are unknown. The Fort Dix outbreak may have been caused by introduction of an animal virus into a stressed human population in close contact in crowded facilities during the winter. The swine influenza A virus collected from a Fort Dix soldier was named A/New Jersey/76 (Hsw1N1).

Is the H1N1 swine flu virus the same as human H1N1 viruses? No. The H1N1 swine flu viruses are antigenically very different from human H1N1 viruses and, therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection from H1N1 swine flu viruses.

Swine Flu in Pigs

How does swine flu spread among pigs? Swine flu viruses are thought to be spread mostly through close contact among pigs and possibly from contaminated objects moving between infected and uninfected pigs. Herds with continuous swine flu infections and herds that are vaccinated against swine flu may have sporadic disease, or may show only mild or no symptoms of infection.

What are signs of swine flu in pigs? Signs of swine flu in pigs can include sudden onset of fever, depression, coughing (barking), discharge from the nose or eyes, sneezing, breathing difficulties, eye redness or inflammation, and going off feed.

How common is swine flu among pigs? H1N1 and H3N2 swine flu viruses are endemic among pig populations in the United States and something that the industry deals with routinely. Outbreaks among pigs normally occur in colder weather months (late fall and winter) and sometimes with the introduction of new pigs into susceptible herds. Studies have shown that the swine flu H1N1 is common throughout pig populations worldwide, with 25 percent of animals showing antibody evidence of infection. In the U.S. studies have shown that 30 percent of the pig population has antibody evidence of having had H1N1 infection. More specifically, 51 percent of pigs in the north-central U.S. have been shown to have antibody evidence of infection with swine H1N1. Human infections with swine flu H1N1 viruses are rare. There is currently no way to differentiate antibody produced in response to flu vaccination in pigs from antibody made in response to pig infections with swine H1N1 influenza.

While H1N1 swine viruses have been known to circulate among pig populations since at least 1930, H3N2 influenza viruses did not begin circulating among US pigs until 1998. The H3N2 viruses initially were introduced into the pig population from humans. The current swine flu H3N2 viruses are closely related to human H3N2 viruses.

Is there a vaccine for swine flu? Vaccines are available to be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza. There is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine will likely help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses.

* Facts in this release are provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) Swine Flu web sites. The CDC is one of the major operating components of the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Van transportation to the center was provided by Faith Mission Ministries Church Clarksville, Pastors Harold and Gwen Browning. The trip was also made possible by the generous donations and support from Leonard and Michael Tharpe from Brandon Technologies Incorporated, Tennessee State Representative Joe Pitts, the local chapter of the Triple Nickel, Tennessee State Senator Tim Barnes, Terry & Wanda McMoore of the Urban Resource Center, Vision Construction Company, Sergeant Major Sidney Brown, along with several anonymous donors.

In a letter to the parents Mr. Kenneth Albritton reminded them of the accomplishments of Muhammad Ali, and stressed the mission statement of his organization LIFE.

As you may already know, Mr. Ali was not just a great boxer, but a man who respected himself as well as others, but who more importantly depended on “A Higher Power” to guide his life., Depending on that “Higher Power” for guidance is at the foundation of what we do at LIFE Inc.

LIFE Inc’s aim is to teach these young people about being real young men and young women, instead of thugs, to have respect for themselves as well as respect for others, and learning the importance of education and applying that education in their lives.

It is my belief that we have a responsibility to step in for ALL absent parents and encourage our young people to be whatever they desire to be in life, and that they can aspire to be more than just basketball players, football players, singers and entertainers; they can become lawyers, doctors, police officers, teachers, firemen, scientist and whatever else their little hearts desire.

Life Inc. is the same organization that takes the youth to extreme Ministries for karate and boxing lessons and hope to expand it trips to other regions of the country though out the year.

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Action Alert Network

The dangerous constitutional amendment that would take away the right to abortion in Tennessee is back again. This year two resolutions, HJR61 and HJR66, have been introduced and both will be heard on Tuesday, February 24 at 4:00 p.m. in the House Public Health and Family Assistance Subcommittee in Room 30.

Both resolutions begin “Nothing in this Constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of an abortion…..”

HJR61 by Rep. Henry Fincher (D-Cookeville), calls for exceptions for rape, incest, and the heath of the mother. HJR66 by Rep. Debra Maggart (R-Hendersonville) does not contain exceptions.

Please contact members of the House Public Health and Family Assistance Subcommittee (http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/committees/sub-phfa.html) and your own state representative and tell them to vote NO on HJR61 and HJR66. The easiest way to identify your legislator is to go to www.capitol.tn.gov. If you type in your address and city and click “search” you will learn your state senator and state representative.

Talking Points

• HJR61 and HJR66 are both all-out attacks on Tennessee women and seekto rob them of their right to make choices about their own health, safety and personal welfare.
• Historically, the State and United States Constitutions have been amended to expand rights, not to take away rights.
• Despite what the anti-choice forces are telling legislators, there are a number of Tennessee laws which already regulate abortion, including parental consent, a ban on late-term abortions and patient informed consent.
• The number of abortions in Tennessee is declining and the focus should be on how to prevent unwanted pregnancies by providing education and resources, not on taking away privacy rights.

Background

The introduction of HJR61 and HJR66 is the result of the ACLU/Planned Parenthood victory in the Tennessee Supreme Court. We successfully challenged several restrictions in the Tennessee Abortion Statute, including the mandates that a woman seeking an abortion could only receive state-mandated information and counseling from a physician, and that she must subsequently wait 48-72 hours before returning to have the abortion performed. In September 2000, the Tennessee Supreme Court issued a momentous decision affirming a woman’s right to privacy as it pertains to her right to obtain an abortion.

United States Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr.

The text of U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. is presented as part of Black History Month.

Every year, in February, we attempt to recognize and to appreciate black history. It is a worthwhile endeavor for the contributions of African Americans to this great nation are numerous and significant. Even as we fight a war against terrorism, deal with the reality of electing an African American as our President for the first time and deal with the other significant issues of the day, the need to confront our racial past, and our racial present, and to understand the history of African people in this country, endures. One cannot truly understand America without understanding the historical experience of black people in this nation. Simply put, to get to the heart of this country one must examine its racial soul.

Though this nation has proudly thought of itself as an ethnic melting pot, in things racial we have always been and continue to be, in too many ways, essentially a nation of cowards. Though race related issues continue to occupy a significant portion of our political discussion, and though there remain many unresolved racial issues in this nation, we, average Americans, simply do not talk enough with each other about race.

It is an issue we have never been at ease with and given our nation’s history this is in some ways understandable. And yet, if we are to make progress in this area we must feel comfortable enough with one another, and tolerant enough of each other, to have frank conversations about the racial matters that continue to divide us. But we must do more- and we in this room bear a special responsibility. Through its work and through its example this Department of Justice, as long as I am here, must – and will – lead the nation to the “new birth of freedom” so long ago promised by our greatest President. This is our duty and our solemn obligation.

We commemorated five years ago, the 50th anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision. And though the world in which we now live is fundamentally different than that which existed then, this nation has still not come to grips with its racial past nor has it been willing to contemplate, in a truly meaningful way, the diverse future it is fated to have. To our detriment, this is typical of the way in which this nation deals with issues of race. And so I would suggest that we use February of every year to not only commemorate black history but also to foster a period of dialogue among the races. This is admittedly an artificial device to generate discussion that should come more naturally, but our history is such that we must find ways to force ourselves to confront that which we have become expert at avoiding.

As a nation we have done a pretty good job in melding the races in the workplace. We work with one another, lunch together and, when the event is at the workplace during work hours or shortly thereafter, we socialize with one another fairly well, irrespective of race. And yet even this interaction operates within certain limitations. We know, by “American instinct” and by learned behavior, that certain subjects are off limits and that to explore them risks, at best embarrassment, and, at worst, the questioning of one’s character.

And outside the workplace the situation is even more bleak in that there is almost no significant interaction between us. On Saturdays and Sundays America in the year 2009 does not, in some ways, differ significantly from the country that existed some fifty years ago. This is truly sad. Given all that we as a nation went through during the civil rights struggle it is hard for me to accept that the result of those efforts was to create an America that is more prosperous, more positively race conscious and yet is voluntarily socially segregated.

As a nation we should use Black History month as a means to deal with this continuing problem. By creating what will admittedly be, at first, artificial opportunities to engage one another we can hasten the day when the dream of individual, character based, acceptance can actually be realized. To respect one another we must have a basic understanding of one another. And so we should use events such as this to not only learn more about the facts of black history but also to learn more about each other.

This will be, at first, a process that is both awkward and painful but the rewards are potentially great. The alternative is to allow to continue the polite, restrained mixing that now passes as meaningful interaction but that accomplishes little. Imagine if you will situations where people- regardless of their skin color- could confront racial issues freely and without fear. The potential of this country, that is becoming increasingly diverse, would be greatly enhanced. I fear however, that we are taking steps that, rather than advancing us as a nation are actually dividing us even further.

We still speak too much of “them” and not “us”. There can, for instance, be very legitimate debate about the question of affirmative action. This debate can, and should, be nuanced, principled and spirited. But the conversation that we now engage in as a nation on this and other racial subjects is too often simplistic and left to those on the extremes who are not hesitant to use these issues to advance nothing more than their own, narrow self interest. Our history has demonstrated that the vast majority of Americans are uncomfortable with, and would like to not have to deal with, racial matters and that is why those, black or white, elected or self-appointed, who promise relief in easy, quick solutions, no matter how divisive, are embraced.

We are then free to retreat to our race protected cocoons where much is comfortable and where progress is not really made. If we allow this attitude to persist in the face of the most significant demographic changes that this nation has ever confronted- and remember, there will be no majority race in America in about fifty years- the coming diversity that could be such a powerful, positive force will, instead, become a reason for stagnation and polarization. We cannot allow this to happen and one way to prevent such an unwelcome outcome is to engage one another more routinely- and to do so now.

As I indicated before, the artificial device that is Black History month is a perfect vehicle for the beginnings of such a dialogue. And so I urge all of you to use the opportunity of this month to talk with your friends and co-workers on the other side of the divide about racial matters. In this way we can hasten the day when we truly become one America.

It is also clear that if we are to better understand one another the study of black history is essential because the history of black America and the history of this nation are inextricably tied to each other. It is for this reason that the study of black history is important to everyone- black or white. For example, the history of the United States in the nineteenth century revolves around a resolution of the question of how America was going to deal with its black inhabitants. The great debates of that era and the war that was ultimately fought are all centered around the issue of, initially, slavery and then the reconstruction of the vanquished region. A dominant domestic issue throughout the twentieth century was, again, America’s treatment of its black citizens. The civil rights movement of the 1950’s and 1960’s changed America in truly fundamental ways. Americans of all colors were forced to examine basic beliefs and long held views. Even so, most people, who are not conversant with history, still do not really comprehend the way in which that movement transformed America.

In racial terms the country that existed before the civil rights struggle is almost unrecognizable to us today. Separate public facilities, separate entrances, poll taxes, legal discrimination, forced labor, in essence an American apartheid, all were part of an America that the movement destroyed. To attend her state’s taxpayer supported college in 1963 my late sister in law had to be escorted to class by United States Marshals and past the state’s governor, George Wallace. That frightening reality seems almost unthinkable to us now. The civil rights movement made America, if not perfect, better.

In addition, the other major social movements of the latter half of the twentieth century- feminism, the nation’s treatment of other minority groups, even the anti-war effort- were all tied in some way to the spirit that was set free by the quest for African American equality. Those other movements may have occurred in the absence of the civil rights struggle but the fight for black equality came first and helped to shape the way in which other groups of people came to think of themselves and to raise their desire for equal treatment. Further, many of the tactics that were used by these other groups were developed in the civil rights movement.

And today the link between the black experience and this country is still evident. While the problems that continue to afflict the black community may be more severe, they are an indication of where the rest of the nation may be if corrective measures are not taken. Our inner cities are still too conversant with crime but the level of fear generated by that crime, now found in once quiet, and now electronically padlocked suburbs is alarming and further demonstrates that our past, present and future are linked. It is not safe for this nation to assume that the unaddressed social problems in the poorest parts of our country can be isolated and will not ultimately affect the larger society.

Black history is extremely important because it is American history. Given this, it is in some ways sad that there is a need for a black history month. Though we are all enlarged by our study and knowledge of the roles played by blacks in American history, and though there is a crying need for all of us to know and acknowledge the contributions of black America, a black history month is a testament to the problem that has afflicted blacks throughout our stay in this country. Black history is given a separate, and clearly not equal, treatment by our society in general and by our educational institutions in particular.

As a former American history major I am struck by the fact that such a major part of our national story has been divorced from the whole. In law, culture, science, athletics, industry and other fields, knowledge of the roles played by blacks is critical to an understanding of the American experiment. For too long we have been too willing to segregate the study of black history. There is clearly a need at present for a device that focuses the attention of the country on the study of the history of its black citizens.

But we must endeavor to integrate black history into our culture and into our curriculums in ways in which it has never occurred before so that the study of black history, and a recognition of the contributions of black Americans, become commonplace. Until that time, Black History Month must remain an important, vital concept. But we have to recognize that until black history is included in the standard curriculum in our schools and becomes a regular part of all our lives, it will be viewed as a novelty, relatively unimportant and not as weighty as so called “real” American history.

I, like many in my generation, have been fortunate in my life and have had a great number of wonderful opportunities. Some may consider me to be a part of black history. But we do a great disservice to the concept of black history recognition if we fail to understand that any success that I have had, cannot be viewed in isolation. I stood, and stand, on the shoulders of many other black Americans.

Admittedly, the identities of some of these people, through the passage of time, have become lost to us- the men, and women, who labored long in fields, who were later legally and systemically discriminated against, who were lynched by the hundreds in the century just past and those others who have been too long denied the fruits of our great American culture.

The names of too many of these people, these heroes and heroines, are lost to us. But the names of others of these people should strike a resonant chord in the historical ear of all in our nation: Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. DuBois, Walter White, Langston Hughes, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Joe Louis, Jackie Robinson, Charles Drew, Paul Robeson, Ralph Ellison, James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Vivian Malone, Rosa Parks, Marion Anderson, Emmit Till.

These are just some of the people who should be generally recognized and are just some of the people to whom all of us, black and white, owe such a debt of gratitude. It is on their broad shoulders that I stand as I hope that others will someday stand on my more narrow ones.

Black history is a subject worthy of study by all our nation’s people. Blacks have played a unique, productive role in the development of America. Perhaps the greatest strength of the United States is the diversity of its people and to truly understand this country one must have knowledge of its constituent parts.

But an unstudied, not discussed and ultimately misunderstood diversity can become a divisive force. An appreciation of the unique black past, acquired through the study of black history, will help lead to understanding and true compassion in the present, where it is still so sorely needed, and to a future where all of our people are truly valued.

]]> http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2009/02/19/attorney-general-speaks-at-black-history-month-program/feed/ 0 http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2009/01/31/obama-signs-first-piece-of-legislation-into-law/ http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2009/01/31/obama-signs-first-piece-of-legislation-into-law/#comments Sat, 31 Jan 2009 16:00:59 +0000 Terry McMoore http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/?p=15098

President Obama has  signed a law that expands the time frame in which workers can sue for discrimination they have experienced based on gender, race, national origin or religion.

“We are upholding one of this nation’s first principles: that we are all created equal and each deserve a chance to pursue our own version of happiness,” Obama said before signing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act, which effectively nullifies the 2007 Supreme Court decision.

http://www.truthout.org/012909R

Volunteer Wanda McMoore brews to first of many pots of coffee for the days meal.

Local volunteers for the January 17 “National Day of Service” turned out at Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen to prepare and serve the day’s meal — chili con carne — and accept monetary and food donations for this program, which serves approximately 200 meals a day, six days a week, to Clarksville’s families in need.

Clarksville for Obama coordinated the event, which was designed as part of the President-elect Barack Obama’s commitment to community service. Event coordinator Terry McMoore hosted the event, citing a need for communities to “get back to the basics to make life better for everyone.”

Loaves and Fishes Manager Mike O’Connell was grateful for the outpouring of community support, and accepted a number of monetary donations from the NAACP and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, along with the stream of food donations.

Day of Service volunteers were a roster of "Who's Who" in the Clarksville community: John Ferguson, Sheriff Norman Lewis, Wanda McMoore, Terry McMoore, Reggie Chapman, Kate Krevel, Tim Barnes, "Shirley", Noah Gurley, Rev. Charles Moreland and Mrs. Gurley.

“Obama himself was very involved with community service as a young man, and his commitment to the concept of this ‘Day of service’ is intended to create more opportunities like for people to become involved,” McMoore said, noting that as ideas ‘come down the Obama pipeline, we will continue to be involved.” McMoore noted that unlike earlier political grassroots organizations, Clarksville for Obama and similar groups across the country will continue to grow and sustain the movement for change that began in the Obama campaign. “There is still a lot of work to be done.”

Sheriff Norman Lewis speaks with Senator Tim Barnes

County Mayor Carolyn Bowers, County Trustee Brenda Radford, Senator Tim Barnes, Sheriff Norman Lewis, City Judge
Charles Smith,  City Councilor Mark Harris and NAACP president and School Board member Jimmie Garland joined a gathering of community and church volunteers to greet donors and visitors, sort donated food, and serve the days meal.

Pat Warner joined  Janice  and Joe Franklin as part of her church’s Team Hope, one of several church teams that regularly volunteers to work in the  Loaves and Fishes kitchen.

“We go out into the community. It’s a way to put our faith in action,” said volunteer Pat Warner.

In the back room, volunteers Reggie Chapman and Noah Gurley helped unload donations and restock shelves. Both young men said their moms were instrumental in their decision to help out.

“My mom told me about this and I thought it was a good thing to do,” Chapman said. Gurley echoed that thought even as he kept on putting groceries away on the Loaves and Fishes shelves.

Photos by Kelly Anne LaPlante

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Prevention Through Education

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Clarksville Alumnae Chapter will sponsor its annual HIV/AIDS Educational Workshops and free onsite HIV screening at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2008 at Greater Faith Temple, 618 N. 9th Street. This program is free and open to the public.

As part of its public service mission and in recognition of World AIDS Day (December 1st), emphasizing the combined programmatic areas of physical and mental health and international awareness and involvement, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority endeavors to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS in the Clarksville community. The program offered will provide educational workshops for adults and age appropriate information for youth attendees.

The adult workshop will offer a valuable panel discussion with highly skilled and experienced professionals to offer the clinical and spiritual aspects of HIV/AIDS, with well rounded information on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the virus, as well as survivors to share testimonials.

Onsite screening, results and professional counseling will be available at no cost to interested community members. For more information contact Kathleen Evans at 931-378-9422.

Clarksville for Obama will meet on Saturday, December 13, from 5-7 p.m. at  G’s Pancake House Restaurant, 803 South Riverside Dr., in Clarksville.

While President Obama and the key members of his White House economic team help him tackle serious challenges and bring the change we need to Washington, we must tackle the problems that challenge our community and bring change to Clarksville.Now is the time to put aside partisanship and politics, find common ground, and work together. Please invite those who might not have been involved in the campaign, even those who might have supported our opponent. The challenges we face demand we be as inclusive as possible. It’ll take the whole country working together to get our country back on track. Your continued involvement is crucial to the future of this movement.

As Barack said on Election Night, “This victory alone is not the change we seek — it is only the chance for us to make that change.” The grassroots organization you built to win the election will continue to set our country on a new path.

No RSVP required to attend.  Join our eGroup to receive all Presidential news, information and updates at: http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/ClarksvilleforObama. The grassroots organization you built to win the election will continue to set our country on a new path.

Christina Walsh, Director of Community Organization, Institute for Justice

The U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will host a fact finding meeting on November 20 at 7 p.m. at the New Providence Outreach Center, 207 Oak Street, in Clarksville. This is a precursor to a larger public forum on downtown redevelopment issues.

The redevelopment plan was first brought to the attention of federal officials this summer, when local NAACP President Jimmie Garland submitted some concerns to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

William Dirl, field office director of the Nashville HUD office, expressed concerns in a letter to Clarksville Mayor Johnny Piper that the redevelopment plan did not emphasize providing housing rehabilitation to existing residents.

Elected officials, community leaders and civic organizations have been invited to attend. The meeting is also open to interested members of the public.

Christina Walsh serves as the Coordinator for the Institute for Justice’s Castle Coalition. Through her outreach efforts and grassroots organizing, she helps property owners nationwide to fight eminent domain abuse.

Walsh travels the country, educating and organizing property owners and activists whose properties are threatened by eminent domain for private gain. Through community meetings, rallies, protests and workshops, Walsh has helped defeat tax-hungry governments that seek to condemn perfectly fine properties for land-hungry private developers. She successfully organized home and small business owners in Chicago, Ill., Wilmington, Del., New York City, and across New Jersey, and has forged strong alliances that span the philosophical spectrum. Walsh has been quoted extensively in news outlets across the country.

Walsh provides legislative support to state and local lawmakers, and coordinates Perspectives on Eminent Domain Abuse, a new series of independently authored reports published by the Institute for Justice that examine the issue of eminent domain.

Christina received her undergraduate degree in Political Theory from the University of Virginia in 2004, and joined the Institute upon graduation.

This meeting format will best help identify to USDOJ and HUD the issues and non-compliance that will and have already come about since this redevelopment plan was put together. The USDOJ and HUD will use the information gathered at this meeting to determine the best possible way to effectively engage the community in the next phase of this process.  Please RSVP to Terry McMoore at the Urban Resource Center,

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