urban views weekly august 5, 2015

August 5, 2015 Scholar of the Week – Erica Pierce

Mexican education

policies would not play in U.S.A

2 Urban Views Weekly | August 5, 2015 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

We noticed that people – including ourselves – talk about “worthy” causes. In many ways, the phrase is a “seal of approval.” Yet what’s “worthy” to one person or group, isn’t necessarily “worthy” to another. The phrase assumes shared values, but doesn’t always make clear what those values are, or why the cause is worthy.

Does helping one person make a cause worthy? We’ve heard people say, “if we help just one person, it’s worth it.” We tend to question that logic: is it really “worth it” – for example – to have an organization with a $300,000 annual operating budget that “helps just one person?” We know that’s an exaggeration, but on a feeling level, many people feel that way about organizations they are passionate about. They are saying “our

work is priceless.” That may be true, and there is a price attached to the work of nonprofits. In most communities – and in most households – there are limited funds and resources to be allocated. The issue of worthiness arises in the creation of criteria by which we make decisions. Some of these are spoken, and some of these are

unspoken and often unconscious.

Other people believe an organization is worthy if it reaches a large number of people, has economies of scale, talented

leadership, effective programs, consistent evaluation, and highly qualified staff. They can “make a dollar go far” – and that is the source of their “worthiness.”

Some organizations serve people and families that other nonprofits cannot

Letter ToThe Editor

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Scholar of the Week

As she approaches graduation and grows close to going to college, Erica Pierce questioned how her life is going to change. “What am I going to do without seeing the same people five days a week? How am I going to feel when I have to start all over, not only with my education; but the opportunity to live a different lifestyle?” Erica wrote in an essay. Though she is unsure of what college life will bring, Erica is positive that her efforts throughout high school have helped her and made her life more purposeful. She wants to make sure all of her hard work will pay off.

Though she has not decided on her major yet, Erica has multiple different interests. Some options she has considered studying include gaining education as a veterinarian, zoologist, lab technician, or in the area of biology, even possibly law. Her top college choice is Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Va. “It’s not too far from home but I can still get the college experience which is what I really want to do,” Erica said. With their wide range of classes, the fact that she can bring her car and its close proximity to her house, Christopher Newport is very appealing to Erica.

While she is still in high school, Erica remains active at her school. “All the sideline football games I froze at cheering my class on, homecoming parades I was a part of as a blue devil

cheerleader, homecoming princess a few years back has all shaped me into the motivated senior I am today,” Erica said. Along with cheerleading, she also loves to spend time with her family, enjoys her school work, and she also loves to work. Currently she works at Fairfield Middle School as an office assistant. With different events, she is also able to participate in community service with organizations such as the National Beta Club, the National Honor Society, and the Key Club.

Erica said her mother influences her to succeed the most in life. “She raised me and my sisters as a single mother and she had to drop out of college to do so,” Erica said. “She encouraged me to live a better life and she’ll support me in whatever I do, so I always know that she’s going to be there no matter what.” She said while being the second child to attend college can be “expectant” to some, Erica said with her amazing family, her eyes have been opened to the fact that there is so much more to life.

Erica said growing up in a small town encouraged her to want to broaden her horizons by leaving and going to school away from her home. “I have served my time here and I’m going to go share where I’m from and show people that if you live here you can go anywhere you want, no matter where you come from,” she said. “Now the time has come for me to pack up and begin a ‘deserved’ life in a different environment.”

By Janeal Downs

Erica Pierce

of Varina High SchoolGPA: 3.7

College of Interest: Christopher Newport University

Major Community Service: National Beta Club, National Honor Society, Key Club

Strong Interests: Biology and law

Favorite Activities: Spending time with family, cheerleading, school

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In 1854, the U.S. Supreme Court set the stage for the Civil War when they came down with their most infamous ruling of all time, The Dred Scott Decision. The Court considered the question of the status of the African race and the rights of citizens of the Southern states to migrate to the territories, temporarily or permanently, with their slave property. The enslaved blacks were chattel, property and not considered by the Court as human persons, when anyone could see that they were. In fact, white slave holders had fathered many, many thousands of children with African women by this point in history, thereby, generationally and effectively mixing the races. The many shades of black, bronze, brown, caramel and tan enslaved peoples were solid evidence of the sexual brutality visited upon enslaved women and girls on every plantation throughout the South.

The Judge in the Dred Scott case stated, without qualification, two significant determinations; first, he stated that blacks could never be citizens, even if free, and thus could not sue in federal courts. Second, he determined that Congress lacked the power to prohibit slavery in any federal territories, making certain portions of the Missouri Compromise of 1820 unconstitutional. Slave Patrols rose up to capture and return runaway slaves in search of freedom by fleeing the south. Although they were attempting to find freedom and liberty from the unjust laws and oppressive yolk of slavery, they found themselves victims

of the Dred Scott decision and bound by the same brutal laws they were attempting to escape.

Slave Patrols were the very foundation upon which modern police forces are built. We now call it law enforcement. “Law enforcement” is the term that describes the individuals and agencies responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining public order and public safety. Law enforcement includes the prevention, detection, and investigation of crime, and the apprehension and detention of individuals suspected of law violation. However, when you build a criminal justice system (law enforcement being a part of that system) on a foundation steeped in laws that refuse to acknowledge the humanity of an entire group of people based upon their race, you have a flawed system. The extremely tenuous relationship that most police forces have with the African American community, nationwide, is based upon a history and a legacy that must be examined. The roots of policing in America are grounded and rooted in inequality, injustice, white supremacist ideology and institutionalized bias. This includes police departments where there are officers of color on board, they can only participate within the structure they are given, and that system is highly flawed. The Criminal Justice System must be deconstructed, examined and built again with equal justice under the law as the foundation of its cause.

The institution of chattel slavery built this nation and the wealth of this nation. After the genocide committed against the Native People and the land stolen in the name of the Kings and Queens of Europe, the

founding of the United States was hardly exceptional. We must reckon with our past. We must be honest in our interrogation and we must acknowledge that the privileges of some were not, and have never been, the privileges of others who call themselves citizens of this nation. Sharing the wealth and resources and then making retribution to those whose UN-Paid and forced labor built the economy of the south, which fueled the economy of the north, is one of the ways in which atonement can be made and forgiveness given.

No we cannot change the past. We cannot change our history, but we can correct the wrongs that history has left us with so that our future might be better than our past. We can find a pathway to peace with one another, even if we cannot be friends. We can confess that before forgiveness there must be grieving, before grieving there must be acknowledgment, and before all of that we must See the Truth and Tell the Truth. A Truth that we might have never been told before because we cannot continue to do what we have done before and expect to get a different result. “And the TRUTH will set you FREE!”

Up Next Week: What do we tell Our Children?

ViewPoints By Dr. T

Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D.Founder and Artistic DirectorThe Conciliation Project andAssociate ProfessorVirginia Commonwealth UniversityDrT@Margins2theCenter.comwww.theconciliationproject.org

Black Bodies & The Criminal Justice System --- Part II

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll

One in five Americans actively try to include gluten-free foods in their diet according to a recent poll. Some Americans eat gluten-free foods as part of an attempt to lose weight -- a variant of a no-carb diet -- while others claim it makes them feel better. What’s your take? How about you? Do you include gluten free foods in your diet?Check out the story and respond to this week’s poll at TanyaFree.com and the Urban Views Weekly FACEBOOK Page. Listen to the Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show Wednesdays @ 2 p.m. on WCLM1450AM streaming LIVE @ TanyaFree.com and BlackTalkRadioNetwork.com.


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reach. Some offer specialized services to hard-to-serve populations, or to communities where “tried and true” solutions just don’t work. The cost to serve one individual or family may be higher for these organizations, than others. Does that make them less worthy or more worthy? Who decides?

Related to this, which is more important: direct services that impact the lives of individual families and help them meet their immediate needs, or investments in public policy that change conditions for large numbers of people? Who decides which is more “worthy?”

“Worthiness” is a designation bestowed for different reasons. Sometimes an organization’s mission is deemed worthy and that overrides the question of whether or not their impact or outcome is worthy. Worthiness can be bestowed when a donor makes a gift. It is also a designation bestowed by the people served or advocated for.

The dictionary defines worthy as “good and deserving respect, praise, or attention; having enough good qualities to be considered important, useful, etc. Having worth or value: estimable. Or, having sufficient worth or importance.

Our question to you: how do you define “worthy?” Can you communicate the value of your organization without using the word “worthy” or implying that others are somehow less worthy? What exactly makes your organization worthy?

Copyright 2015– Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your fundraising, visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

Janeal Downs is a rising senior at Virginia Commonwealth University from Norfolk, Virginia. She is pursuing a dual degree in Journalism and Spanish. She reports on her experiences during a 30 day international studies assignment in Mexico.

While the people of the United States of America are considered “Americans,” we are just a third of the North American continent. Of course there are differences; but, although the countries have different predominant languages, the two southern countries have many similarities as well. The similarities between the United States and Mexico can be both positive and negative. Differences that first come to mind are with things such as the fact that tourists cannot drink the water in Mexico. However, purified water is very accessible at stores, restaurants and other buildings. Another difference is with the disposal of toilet paper. Rather than flushing toilet paper, it must be thrown away because it can easily clog toilets. A third example is the types of governments. According to the CIA World Factbook, Mexico is a federal republic while the U.S. is a constitution-based federal republic with the presence of a strong democratic tradition. Yet, in both countries there are protests against the government and for a better way of life. While

U.S. residents have been busy protesting issues such as racism, police brutality and the use of the confederate flag, Mexicans have been holding their own protests.

Teacher evaluations are one issue that has been protested widely throughout many different Mexican states. In an attempt to improve the educational system of the country, the Mexican government and the Secretary of Public Education have enforced an examination that teachers are required to take. These examinations are meant to show the teachers’ effectiveness as an educator. “In Mexico, there is a very big union that defends the rights of the professors,” Francisco Álvarez, professor at Universidad Internacional, said. “They returned when the government implemented an evaluation.” Álvarez has been a professor of Spanish culture and Spanish

as a second language at Universidad Internacional in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico for 19 years. He said these evaluations are directed at high school and primary school teachers, so he was not required to take it.

About two years ago, Álvarez said the president introduced new fiscal reforms and new educational reforms. Known simply as “las evaluaciónes,” these tests are not optional. However, with the impact of the teacher’s union, CNTE, the National Education Workers Coordinating Committee, many boycott the test and even prevent others from taking it. Álvarez recalls an example of a teacher who wanted to take the test, but was attacked by other teachers. They cut off her hair and prohibited her from taking the test. He said many instances like this continue today. The evaluations, and the protests also continue. “CNTE has a

lot of members in this state and other states,” Álvarez said. “They

have a lot of power.” Their power extends to marches and traffic interruptions which he said have sometimes lasted for many days.

When asked how the police interact with the protestors, Álvarez said usually they are only present to make sure there is no violence. While there have been instances, he said they usually do not hurt the protestors. “They put up many tubes and metal structures to control the crowds, but they don’t interfere directly,” Álvarez said. This can be compared to the U.S. While in most cases police are present at protests, there have been instances, including most recently, where the police used violence against the protestors.

Álvarez said he thinks the evaluations are necessary because there is a need for change in the country’s education system. “It is important to know the state of knowledge of the professors,” Álvarez said. Eventually, he thinks the resistance will end. “It is normal for resistance,” Álvarez said. “There is always resistance to change, because

6 Urban Views Weekly | August 5, 2015

Pyrmaid of the Sun in Teotihuacan

Hernan Cortez palace, named after the conqueror of Mexico is now a museum.

Janeal Downs

A view of a hot springs and mountains

Education in the Americas

7 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Pyrmaid of the Sun in Teotihuacan

A view of a hot springs and mountainsPicture of protests in Mexico

Photos by Janeal Downs

people simply don’t like change.”

Spanish professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, Eugenia Munoz, also agreed that the evaluations can assist with education reform. Munoz is originally from Colombia and leads VCU’s annual 30 day study abroad trip to Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. “It is important to know how teachers teach, the subjects they teach, and their material,”

Munoz said. “In our countries, it is a lot about influence and who knows who.” She said many times jobs, including education jobs, can get very political or be influenced by powerful gangs. Not only are jobs sometimes based on political affiliation, there is also a gap in the education of students who live in cities and those who live in rural areas. Many times, teachers who are certified to teach, do not want to go to small towns. Although politics are not as involved with the hiring of teachers in the United States, lack of resources

and government funding is a negative factor many inner city schools face.

One thing the U.S. does not have an issue with is nepotism within the school system. “The jobs of teachers in Mexico are for life and when they die, the son or the daughter continues the job like an inheritance or they sell that position,” Munoz said after translating a Mexican resident.

Although there are issues in Mexico’s education system, the U.S. also struggles. Already mentioned are the noticeable differences between the educations students in public urban schools receive in comparison to suburban schools. There is also the issue of immigrant students receiving education in the country. President Barack Obama has been working on the DREAM Act, Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors act, during his time in office. It is similar to DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Both the DREAM Act and DACA are initiatives meant to assist undocumented students in attending school within the country.

Another issue is in relation to higher education. Not only is receiving a degree expensive for U.S. residents, some undocumented students who have lived in the U.S. for most of their lives, are unable to receive assistance or pay in-state tuition at universities. Just last April, seven immigrant students who were residents of Virginia, were granted in-state tuition by Attorney General Mark Herring.

Legal Director of the Legal Aid Centers’ Immigrant Advocacy Program, Tim Freilich, worked on the lawsuit that was filed on Dec. 17. The lawsuit was meant to aid the students who qualify for DACA to receive in-state tuition. “We have been part of an

effort to expand educational access to higher education for immigrants in Virginia for many years,” Freilich said. Close to the time when the students were granted in-state tuition, Freilich said there were at least 19 other states with some form of tuition equities for immigrant students.

Though Freilich and others challenged the government through a lawsuit, there have been many protests in favor of and against the DREAM Act and other educational reforms, just like in Mexico.

Despite the issues of education within the separate countries, another problem is the way different cultures are taught to children. With a large focus on the education of European countries in U.S. classrooms, many countries, such as in Africa and Latin America are often overlooked. This allows

for the media to teach children about other countries. “In the United States the bad is shown, but there are also always good things that are going on,” Munoz said. She said one of the reasons she takes students on the study abroad trip to Mexico, is so they are able to learn about the culture firsthand and not only through television and movies.

With protests, marches and demonstrations, residents of both countries continue to fight for different aspects of education. Obviously, education is not the only issue that is fought over. Next week, we will explore the subject of 43 missing Mexican student teachers, and the push against the government to find out what happened to them.

Interviews were conducted in Spanish

Education in the AmericasBy Janeal Downs


NAACP Launches America’s Journey for Justice at Edmund Pettus Bridge

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America’s Journey for Justice will commence on August 1st at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.

The march will feature rallies and teach-ins along the route, satellite events across the country, and a #JusticeSummer social media campaign.

The 860-mile march will culminate in Washington, D.C. with a rally and advocacy day. Led relay style by our regional leadership, NAACP Alabama State Conference President Bernard Simelton will carry the first baton of justice for this historic march. From Alabama, we will march through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia until we reach the nation’s capital. For 40 days and 40 nights, the NAACP will mobilize activists and advance a focused national advocacy agenda that protects the right of every American to a fair criminal justice system, uncorrupted and unfettered access to the ballot box, sustainable jobs with a living wage, and equitable public education. America’s Journey for Justice will unite partners from the social justice, youth activism, civil rights, democracy reform, religious, not-for-profit, labor, corporate, and environmental communities to call for justice for all Americans under the unifying theme “Our Lives, Our Votes, Our Jobs, Our Schools Matter.”

The Richmond leg of the journey is listed below. Participants should plan to arrive at the meeting locations no later than 6:30 a.m. The march participants will have breakfast at the meeting location and then board buses which will take them to the starting point of the march. Boxed lunches will be provided for the marchers along the route. At the end of each day’s march, participants will board the buses and return to the meeting location. Dinner will be provided at the meeting location at 7:30 p.m., and will be followed by the teach-in for that evening.

Marchers will depart Richmond at 6:30 a.m., on September 11, and will end in Washington DC at 7:00 p.m.

September 11 - September 15 Leg: Washington, DC

Meeting Point: TBD Meeting Time: 6:30 a.m. March Departs: 7:00 a.m. Group Returns: 7:00 p.m.

Critical Day: September 16 Advocacy Day


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Tips to Help Ensure Financial Marital BlissWedding bells are ringing and “I Dos” are in the air. Newlyweds are taking their first steps toward happily ever after, including combining their finances. But doing so is not without potential pitfalls.

Undeniably, money can be a huge stressor on a relationship, especially on a brand-new marriage; and most couples have an unrealistic view of how they will handle their finances, according to a new survey from credit bureau TransUnion, tracking the attitudes of engaged couples and newlyweds.

More than half of engaged couples said they intend to divide financial decision-making equally, but only 37 percent of married respondents said they actually share the responsibility equally -- more than 36 percent of respondents said they make budgeting decisions by themselves.

“Before tying the knot, couples often overlook financial basics like budgeting and checking their credit scores, which can prove to be a significant oversight,” says Ken Chaplin, senior vice president at TransUnion. “To smoothly merge two separate financial lives, don’t shy away from discussions about financial goals, marriage and credit, debt payments and overall expectations.”

Still, only a quarter of engaged couples said they would inquire about their fiancée’s credit score before marriage. And while 85 percent of all respondents said they know where to look up this information, more than a quarter of married respondents and nearly a third of engaged respondents said they don’t monitor their scores.

While common, prenuptial financial missteps can be easily remedied:

Productively discuss finances: Most couples say they are very comfortable discussing money. However, if you aren’t prepared with accurate financial knowledge, the conversation may not be effective. As part of this conversation, check your credit scores. You can get them through TransUnion’s credit monitoring tool. Together, share your financial priorities for the future.

Disclose debt: Many couples don’t consider how marriage and debt impact one another. Before forming the union, disclose any debt that you have. Half of survey respondents cite car payments as a source of debt, with student loans cited as the second most common source of debt for engaged and married respondents. Open and honest discussion early on will help you avoid future problems.

Make a financial plan: Newly married couples have big plans ahead of them: children, new homes, cars, travel dreams and more. The majority of engaged couples consider themselves to be savers and put saving money at the top of their financial agenda, according to the survey. However, make sure you are building a complete savings

plan and ensure that your financial goals are aligned.

Get information: Remember to always check your credit score, and consider consulting a financial planner for advice.

For credit monitoring tools, a helpful infographic and other tips for healthy marital finances, visit www.TransUnion.com.

Marriage and financial planning are a perfect pair. Have the difficult conversations before walking down the aisle, to help pave the way for financial and marital happiness down the road.

StatePoint


You may think that all pharmacies and pharmacists are the same, but having a regular pharmacist can be a huge benefit. Choosing the best pharmacist is important for you and your family. A pharmacist will inform you about medications and how they may affect you. They will also let you know if a new prescription will interact with another medication you are taking.

Do not settle for just anyone. Finding the right person who will take care of your prescription needs is just as important as having the right doctor.

Consider these factors when choosing a pharmacist.

Location and Hours

You will need a pharmacy that is conveniently located near your workplace or home.Also consider the pharmacy’s hours. These days, you can usually find a pharmacy that is open 24-hours a day. The schedule is especially important if you have children. An easy location and good schedule is critical to helping you obtain medications and have your questions answered by the pharmacist.

People who travel frequently will benefit from a corporate pharmacy that has chain stores throughout the country. Any branch you visit will have your medical information stored in their computer system. If you become sick during your travels, your regular doctor will be able to send a prescription to any branch pharmacy.

If you still can’t decide on a pharmacy, ask your friends and family for suggestions. You could also check with your doctor for recommendations.

Medications and Consultations

It is always best to keep all of your prescriptions with one trusted pharmacy. Using different pharmacies is a recipe for disaster. It is a situation ripe for creating inadvertent drug interactions or overdoses. Maintaining all of your prescriptions with one pharmacy means that the pharmacist can monitor your drug regimen to avoid adverse effects.

Of course, you should also feel comfortable asking questions about medications. Look for someone who takes the time and patiently answers all of your questions. Some

pharmacies allow private, one-to-one consultations while others do not. Think about whether privacy is a concern for you and choose accordingly.

Training

Pharmacists must keep their licenses and training up-to-date. However, they often have different levels of education.

Anyone who received a license prior to the 1990s may only have a bachelor’s degree. Recent pharmacists may have a doctoral degree. If educational backgrounds are important to you, inquire about the pharmacist’s background and training. They might also have a degree posted on the wall.

Vaccinations

Are you getting a seasonal flu shot at the pharmacy? Not all of them offer vaccinations. The policies vary according to the pharmacy.

Sometimes a pharmacist will give shots; other pharmacies contain small medical clinics with physicians on staff to address basic medical needs. You might find a location that will give you a free flu shot. Inquire with the staff to find out if they have a vaccination program.

Choosing the right pharmacist is essential. Remember, you are trusting this person with all of your medication needs. You will rely on their information for you and your family’s well-being. It is at least as important as finding the best doctor.

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804.649.6868Office: (

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-5PMHow to Choose a Pharmacist

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urban views weekly august 5, 2015

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