Greene County Democrat

Category: Community

  • School board retains Dr. James H. Carter as Superintendent

    Dr. Carter

    Superintendent Dr. James H. Carter, Sr.

     

    At its monthly meeting held March 31, 2016, the Greene County Board of Education terminated its superintendent’s search and entered into a two year agreement retaining Dr. James H. Carter, Sr. as Superintendent of Schools.  The new contract goes into effect June 1, 2016.
    Dr. Carter initially came on board with the Greene County School Board in June 2015 as a consultant through the Alabama State Department of Education. He has been serving as Interim Superintendent of the Greene County Schools since September 2015.
    The board commenced its superintendent’s search last June 2015 and when Dr. Carter was asked to serve as the interim superintendent the search was put on hold in August until the following Spring of 2016.
    In less than a year’s time, Dr. Carter has introduced various programs and initiatives to boost the academic and cultural exposure for students. These include developing academic partnerships with the University of Alabama, University of West Alabama and Shelton Community College; adding additional career-tech courses and opening a Performing Arts Program.
    He has also been successful in securing qualified administrators and instructional personnel for the system.  Currently he is directing significant improvements and updates to the structures at the former Peter J. Kirksey Vocational School. At the March board meeting, Interim Superintendent Carter gave the following report:
    * Carver Middle School and Eutaw Primary School will be the sites for the Summer Feeding Program.
    * Summer school will be held the first week in June to the first week in July.  Lunches will be provided for those students enrolled.
    * A two week Academic Academy will also be available for students at each of the schools during the first two week in June.
    * Plans are to explore more academic and athletic scholarships for students.
    * Develop more academic plans for special needs students.* Devise strategies to enhance the menus in the Child Nutrition Program.
    * Allow Dress-Up Day for students and faculty twice a month.
    * Devise action plan to assist students in scoring above 20 on the ACT.
    * Expand course offering at Career Center.
    * Board must sign up as Charter School Authorizer by August 1, 2016.
    * Planning for Virtual School Pilot.
    * Advance Ed will review school system documents regarding accreditation April 17-19.
    * Principals, coaches and bus drivers should be certified in CPR.
    * Planning mentoring and induction program for new teachers.
    * Board work session with TCU scheduled for April 11, 2016.
    * Board is pursuing consolidation of Carver Middle School and Paramount Jr. High. Board will hold community meetings throughout the county to discuss this proposal.
    * Greene County High School graduation set for May 20, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. in the school’s gymnasium.
    In other business the board approved the following Personnel Items as recommended by the superintendent:
    * Employment of the following teachers at Eutaw Primary School at a rate of $25.00/hr for After School Tutorial Sessions – Funding Source: Title VI (March 1, 2016 thru March 31, 2016): Lashawn Henley; Keshia Williams; Charlease Smith; Brenda Washington.
    * Employment of the following teachers at Paramount Jr. High School at a rate of $25.00/hr for After School Tutorial Sessions – Funding Source: Title VI (March 1, 2016 thru March 31, 2016): Shante Morton; Sukova Hicks; Felicia Smith; Mona Duncan; Brenda Grant; Tameshia Abrams; Lonia Dancy-Brown.
    * Employment of the following teachers at Carver Middle School at a rate of $25.00/hr for After school tutorial sessions – Funding Source: Title VI (March 1, 2016 thru March 31, 2016): Vanessa Bryant; Joseph Polk.
    * Employment of the following teacher at Greene County High School at a rate of $25.00/hr for After School Tutorial Sessions – Funding Source: Title VI (March 1, 2016 thru March 31, 2016): Tonia Sparks.
    Employment of the following bus drivers at a rate of $15.00/hr for After School Tutorial Sessions – Funding Source: Title VI (March 1, 2016 thru March 31, 2016): Ayanna Crawford; Felicia Davis; Jammie Davis; Brendan Gaines; Jaida Goree; Joe Webb.
    Under Administrative Services, the board approved the following recommendations of the Interim Superintendent:
    * School Calendar for 2016-2017 School Year.
    * Development of a school district teacher evaluation instrument commencing with the school year 2016-2017.
    * Reorganization of the administration at Greene County High School.
    * Permission to repair roof at Peter J. Kirksey Vocational Center.
    * Permission to modify Peter J. Kirksey into a bus shop as funds come available.
    * Payment of all bills, claims and payroll.
    Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mr. Leon dowe, CSFO.
    Designate Greene County High School as a storm shelter open to the community.
    The following Instructional Items recommended by the Interim Superintendent were approved by the board:
    * Requirement for all students to take Algebra I & II, Chemistry, and Biology prior to graduation commencing with the 2016-2017 incoming Freshmen students.
    * A 9th Grade Academy at Greene County High commencing with the 2016-2017 school year.
    * Cursive writing course for grades K-2.
    * Financial independence course for grades 6-12 (Banking Course) and develop an agreement with Citizens Trust Bank and Merchants & Farmers Bank to provide support.
    * Course that will encourage students to participate in voting process and to teach them more about local, state and U.S. government.
    * Revision of the Information Guide for Students and Parents.

  • Electronic Bingo Amendment passes out of committee with small changes

    Senator Bobby Singleton contacted the Democrat this week to advise that Senate Bill 340, which amends and changes electronic bingo in Greene County, had been approved in the Senate Tourism Committee and was scheduled for a vote on the floor of the full Senate on next Tuesday, April 5, 2016.
    Singleton said State Representative Artis McCampbell was moving the bill in the House of Representatives for passage by the full body.
    Singleton said that he and McCampbell had made some small changes in SB 340 based on discussions with legislators and other community leaders who contacted them about the bill.
    “We changed the section on the composition of the new Greene County Gaming Commission. There will still be five members. One selected by the Governor and the remaining four by the Legislative delegation. We removed the one to be appointed by the 7th District Congressperson. This means that three or four will be from Greene County,” said Singleton.
    “We met with Senator Sanders and he explained the court ordered settlement agreed between the Sheriff and the County Commission. We have adjusted the percentages for the Greene County Commission to be compatible with this court order,” said Singleton.
    We did not make any other changes in the bill, which still provides for electronic bingo only at a racetrack facility licensed for pari-mutuel wagering in the county. Only Greenetrack qualifies under this definition. The other facilities licensed by the Sheriff would have to close under the current language in SB 340.
    Singleton says, “We really designed this bill to support Greene County residents and owners. We are concerned that some of these facilities have out-of-town owners who drain money out of the county. They do not provide living wages and fringe benefits to their employees. We are looking at the quality of the Greenetrack facility – not the quantity of other facilities which have not benefited Greene County.
    Former Greene County Commissioner William “Nick” Underwood, who is an attorney associated with the River’s Edge Bingo operation writes a letter to the editor this week (see page 4) wherein he disputes Singleton and McCampbell’s rationale for SB 340.

  • Celebration of Hank Sanders’ 1,500th Senate Sketches column held in Selma

    Hank.jpg

    Shown above: Dr. Carol P. Zippert and John Zippert Co-Publishers of Greene County Democrat with Senator Hank Sanders displaying the 1st and 1,500th  Senate Sketches

    On Saturday March 19, 2016 more than a hundred community leaders from around the state of Alabama convened at the Bridge Crossing Theater in Selma to celebrate the writing and publication of the 1,500th Senate Sketches column written by State Senator Hank Sanders.
    Senator Sanders has been writing sketches for fifteen hundred consecutive weeks starting on April 29, 1987. The Greene County Democrat, weekly newspaper published on Wednesdays in Eutaw, Alabama, has printed each Senate Sketches column, in its entirety since the beginning 29 years ago. Each Sketches column has a prologue section which deals with an issue in the Legislature, a community concern, a trip that the Senator took, events in his life and family and other timely and meaningful topics. There is also a “Daily Diary” section, which lists events and people that Senator Sanders has interacted with during the past week. Each column ends with an “Epilogue”, which consists of a short reminder of the lessons learned from the prologue and daily diary sections.
    Senate Sketches is now also circulated on the Internet, published in other newspapers, read on the radio and distributed in other ways but the Greene County Democrat remains the only publication that has printed all 1,500 columns in full.
    The celebration included a reading by a number of people of their favorite Sketches column, special presentations including songs, plaques, poems and comments, and a response by Senator Sanders himself.
    Scott Douglas of the Greater Birmingham Ministries read Sketches # 1437, “An Open Letter to Mr. Charles Barkley”. In this column, Sanders takes the basketball legend to task for statements he made that slavery was not very bad for Black people and its impact is exaggerated.
    Alphonzo Morton III, a science teacher at Greene County High School and adult adviser to the Twenty-first Century Youth Leadership Movement, read Sketches # 905 “Men and Boys” which speaks to the differences, responsibilities and obligations of men as contrasted to boys.
    Sharon Wheeler and her mother, Carolyn Wheeler commented on Sketches #1323 which was a memorial to Kirk Wheeler their father and husband. Sanders delivered these remarks at Wheeler’s funeral.
    Faya Rose Toure (Sanders) did a rap about Senate Sketches, sang some songs, helped some community people to put on a skit as part of the program. Faya Rose was instrumental in planning the celebratory program.
    Carol P. Zippert, Co-Publisher of the Greene County Democrat was Mistress of Ceremonies and John Zippert, Co-Publisher of the Democrat said, “we are pleased and proud to be friends of Senator Sanders and to have published every word of every Senate Sketches column for three decades. I especially enjoy the Daily Diary section which lists the many activities that Senator Sanders is involved in each week.”
    Dave White, a reporter formerly with the Birmingham News praised Sketches, “for its writing and using the newspaper column format to provide very clear ideas in a very clear writing style. He also indicated the great discipline, consistency and perseverance to write a weekly newspaper column for three decades.
    State Senator Vivian Figures of Mobile presented Senator Sanders with a plaque from his Alabama Senate colleagues recognizing the achievement of 1,500 columns. Alabama New South Coalition and other groups presented plaques and acknowledgements to the Senator.
    In his remarks at the conclusion of the program Senator Sanders thanked the many people who help him type, proof read and distribute the Senate Sketches column each week. He said he was thankful and impressed at hearing people read the words of their favorite column to him. “It was a great and powerful experience,” he said.
    The groups in Selma, including the National Voting Rights Museum, Center for Non-Violence, Truth and Reconciliation and the Bridge Crossing Jubilee, compiled a book of the best-loved Senate Sketches, which they sold for $20.00 at the program. If you are interested in purchasing a book, contact the Center for Non-Violence, 8 Mulberry Road, Selma, AL 36703; phone 334/526-4533. Proceeds will go to support on-going community work in Selma and the Alabama Black Belt.

  • Bill based on estimate of $50 million annual gross revenues Proposed Bingo Amendment causes concern and discussion by Greene County leaders

    News Analysis By: John Zippert, Co-Publisher

    track

    Senate Bill 340, proposed by State Senator Bobby Singleton, which changes the current operation and regulation of electronic bingo in Greene County, has caused much concern, discussion and dissention among county leaders.
    In an exclusive interview with Senator Singleton last week, he said, “Representative McCampbell and I discussed the problems with electronic bingo in Greene County.
    Among them the threat of raids by the state on bingo as illegal gambling; the conflicts between the Sheriff and County Commission, which have led to lawsuits; and the proliferation of bingo parlors which do not employ as many people, at good wages, as when bingo was centralized in one place.”
    Singleton said that he and McCampbell decided to develop a proposed amendment to Greene County’s Amendment 743, authorizing electronic bingo, which would clarify the legality of bingo; require that electronic bingo be played at a licensed racetrack facility where pari-mutuel wagering is currently legal; codify and provide a new formula for the distribution of bingo funds, including a tax (4%) to the State of Alabama and a local gross receipt tax (8.5%) to benefit Greene County government, agencies and non-profits; and move the regulation and administration of electronic bingo from the Sheriff to a new Greene County Gaming Commission. Limiting electronic bingo to a racetrack in Greene County where pari-mutuel wagering is legal, limits the operations to Greenetrack and would likely lead to a phase-out of the other facilities licensed by Sheriff Benison. The owners and employees of these facilities are opposed to this amendment
    Singleton said that he, McCampbell and other members of the Greene County legislative delegation plan to hold public meetings in Greene County to explain the bill and its impacts before a November vote by the citizens of Greene County on the revised Constitutional Amendment. If the proposal passes the Alabama Legislature with no dissenting votes then it only requires a referendum vote in Greene County, however, if there is opposition from one member of the Legislature, then a statewide vote will be required.
    Greene County Sheriff Jonathan Benison is opposed to the bill because it will strip his office of control of electronic bingo. In an open letter, printed in full on page 4, he argues that the legislation will return control of bingo to the 73 for-profit stockholders of Greenetrack to operate as an unfair monopoly.
    Benison points to the impact of his monthly $200 per bingo machine tax and the benefits that the four bingo parlors have generated in income and jobs for the county.
    Benison makes the point that many other public officials in the county and municipalities have made that Singleton and McCampbell did not publicize, discuss or seek input on their proposal before introducing it in the Alabama Legislature. Benison says in his letter, “it was introduced in a stealth manner designed to catch people off guard.” Singleton says that he and McCampbell were concerned that bingo was a target for state action and wanted to head this off.
    The bill clarifies and legally allows electronic bingo “on any machine or device that is authorized by the National Gaming Regulatory Act by 25 U. S. C. Section 2701, and which is operated by any Native American tribe in Alabama.”  This would legalize any electronic bingo machine or device, which was approved by the Federal government for use in Indian casinos, to be used in Greene County.
    The proposed revised amendment calls for distribution of funds for a state gross receipts tax (4%) and a local gross receipts tax (8.5%) on gaming revenues at the racetrack operating bingo. These taxes would be levied on the gross revenues, which are defined as the total amount of money played on the electronic machines less the value of prizes and winnings paid to the players. The gross figure would be determined before costs of operating the bingo facilities were applied.
    Singleton said in the interview, that “he estimates the annual gross revenues from electronic bingo would be at least $50 million and may be 20 to 30% higher.” Based on this estimate the State of Alabama would receive $2 million or more in new tax revenues per year from bingo in Greene County.

    The local gross receipts tax of 8.5% would generate  $4.25 million in revenues, which would be divided as follows:

    • .5% to the Greene County Racing Commission to license and regulate bingo:

    • .5% to the Greene County Commission;

    • 1.5%  to Greene County Commission for municipalities in Greene County, based on  population;

    • .5% to the Greene County Firefighters Association;

    •  2 % to the Greene County Board of Education;

    • .5% to the Greene County E-911 Communications District;

    •  1% to the Greene County Hospital and Nursing Home;

    •  .25% to Greene County Industrial Development Board;

    •  .25% to Greene County Ambulance Service;

    •  .75% to the Greene County Housing Authority;

    •  .75% to the Greene County Gaming  Commission, for     distribution to non-profit organizations, that provide  services to residents of Greene County.

    Some agencies will receive more than they are receiving now and others, like the Greene County Commission and the Sheriff’s Office, will receive less.
    One benefit of this plan is that the people of Greene County will know the gross revenues generated by bingo and exactly how they are being distributed. Currently the total gross revenue going through the four licensed bingo parlors is not publically available.
    The new Greene County Gaming Commission will consist of five (5) members, all of whom must reside in the Seventh Congressional District and at least two must be residents of Greene County. The Commission will be named as follows: one by the Governor, one by the Congressperson, one by the State Senator and two by the State Representatives in the delegation. Some feel this will take control of bingo out of the hands of Greene County citizens and allow other people to make critical decisions for Greene County.

  • GCHS Chapter of National Honor Society inducts 14 students

    National Honor Society

    The Eunice R. Outland Chapter of the National Honor Society of Greene County High School inducted 14 students at its ceremony held Friday, March 11, 2016 in the GCHS gymnasium. The 2015-2016 Inductees included Yasmeen Amerson, Delorine Brown, Zakia Coleman, Tukiya Cunningham, Keyonna Dixon, Sabrina French, Jameria Hood, Victoria Hood, Leterria Hutton, Anthony McGee, Lauren Smith, Christopher Stepney, Kwanza Watkins and Jasmine Williams.
    GCHS Principal Gary Rice opened the program and invited Interim Superintendent Dr. James H. Carter to bring greetings.
    Ollivara Hutton, current President of the GCHS Chapter of NHS, served as Mistress of Ceremony.  Other program participants included Greene County High School choir and band and Posting of Colors by the JROTC.  Amber French gave the mediation and the welcome and history of NHS were presented by Amber Woods and Michael Winn respectively.  Tyra Hutton and Destini Jackson gave the history of the chapter’s name.  N’Khala Richardson presented the student speakers.  Words of Encouragement were shared by Ashley Taylor, Denzel Davis, and Chelsey Davis. Lighting of the Candles representing the Principles of the NHS were presented as follows:  Lauren Smith, Knowledge of Honor; Christopher Stepney, Character; Delorine Brown, Scholarship; Zakia Coleman, Leadership; and Tukiya Cunningham, Service.  Mr. Alphonzo Morton, III led the inductees in the recitation of the pledge.
    School Board President, Mr. Leo Branch, gave congratulatory comments before the close of the program.
    Current officers of the GCHS Chapter of NHS are: President, Ollivara Hutton; Vice President, Ashley Taylor; Secretary, Tyra Hutton; Treasurer, Denzel Davis; Parliamentarian Michael Winn; and Historian, Destini Jackson. Other members include Nnambi Coleman, Chelsey Davis, Brittany Deloatch, Amber French, Raven Gilliam, Sara Hawkins, Jeremy Mobley, N’khala Richardson and Amber Woods.
    The Faculty Council include Lillian Lewis, Advisor; Alphonzo Morton, III, Co-Advisor; Ruby Bell, Halven Carodine, Angela Harkness, Tonia Sparks and Tamika Thompson.

  • Attempt to legalize Sunday alcohol sales in county fails

    At its March 14, 2016 meeting, the Greene County Commission defeated an attempt to legalize the Sunday sale of alcoholic beverages in the county.  The motion for the same was presented by Commissioner Allen Turner, Jr. and seconded by Commissioner Corey Cockrell.  Voting against the proposal were Commissioners Tennyson Smith, Michael Williams and Lester Brown.
    The financial report including budget adjustments were presented by Mrs. Paula Bird, Finance Director.  Bird’s budget adjustments indicated that Sheriff Jonathan Benison will increase his supplement toward the Sheriff and Jail Budget in the amount of $133,360.  Previously budgeted amount of $44,500 was for the final payment on six sheriff department vehicles making a total supplement of $177,860 for this fiscal year ending September 30, 2016.
    Finance Director Bird presented other revenue changes in the General Fund 001 account:  Increase in the bingo payroll line item represents the amount the sheriff previously paid for the Temporary Restraining Order payroll through the first payroll in January. According to Bird,  “The ‘revenue’ increase for a transfer in from the Bingo funds that we are anticipating for the 8 months ending 9/30/16 in the amount of $258,800 will cover $244,397 of the increased Sheriff and Jail Budget ($133,360 + 244,397 = $377,757 increased expenditure budget). The remaining $14,403 transfer covers the last payroll in January for the TRO employees.”   Expenditures changes reported by Bird included the following: Sheriff Budget increase $222,808.45; Jail Budget increase $154,948.77; TRO Employee payroll costs through January $139,587.02; Fund 050 where county deposits bingo proceeds – Transfer into General Fund $258,800  (To cover Sheriff and Jail Budget Increases); Transfer into Matching Aid $432,000 (Fund used for road projects).
    In other business the county acted on the following:
    * Approved retail beer license application of Hazam LLC dba Clinton Food Mart.
    * Approved levying of 2016 Alcohol License fee.
    * Approved TECTA American for courthouse roof replacement.
    * Approved Engineer’s request for bridge projects – Flag Road, County Roads 220 and 69.
    * Approved job description modification for equipment operator I, II, and III.
    * Approved loan from Merchants & Farmers Bank for two Mack trucks and one Low Boy.
    * Approved payment of mileage to Homeland Security for repair of equipment.
    Approved travel for staff conferences and training workshops.
    Tabled consideration of work at Montgomery Recreation Center in Knoxville.
    Tabled Miles College Building request.
    The meeting adjourned.  There was no public comment.

  • Holds Black History Program Eutaw Housing Authority swears in new officials

    black history

    The Eutaw Housing Authority Advisory Board swore in new officials at its regular meeting held February 23, 2016. The ceremony was conducted by City of Eutaw Municipal Judge Grace Stanford.  This event was followed by a Black History Program with a special focus on Greene County.

    LaTarsha Johnson served as mistress of order, followed by a greeting from Jacqueline Davis. Faye L. Tyree recited a reading on Shirley Chisom as a pioneering African-American politician. Chisom was the first African American woman to serve in Congress and the first African American woman to run for President of the United States.
    A panel consisting of Sara Duncan, Ovetta Smith, Leo Branch, Lorenzo French and Derrick Hall reflected by on history. Mrs. Ovetta Smith recalled times pass when she, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Julian Bond worked together to get people registered to vote. She also recalled an incident where Rev. Gilmore was beaten on the side of the head. She felt the injustice of it all just for standing up for what was right.
    Leo Branch recalled the sit-in under the Oak Tree in Forkland singing We Shall Over Come. He recalled when there was a time when we were not allowed to get an education. Now you can. Every child can get the education they need.
    Derrick Hall stated as a young man, his mother instilled in them to put God first, go to school and get the best education you can and respect your elders.
    Ms. Sarah Duncan remembered that Gilmore and Branch where two main pioneers in the Greene County movement.  They had the community support back then. Everyone loved one other; helped one other. “Only when we come together on one accord can we move forward as we did back then. It is important our children know where we came from and why it is important to vote and know our history to make things better for our livelihood,” she stated.
    Lorenzo French recited a Martin Luther King Jr. speech, his last one addressing the garbage workers in Tennessee. The youth present were asked questions and received prizes. Refreshments were served. The Black History program was enjoyed by all.

  • 21st Century youth presents prelude music at Unity Breakfast

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    21st Century Youth Leadership Movement (21C) participated in the annual Bridge Crossing Commemoration and Jubilee held March 4-6, 2016 in Selma, AL.  21 C Chapters represented included Greene County, two chapters in Wilcox County, Macon County, Tallapoosa County, Lee County, Dallas County and New Orleans Chapter.
    The youth participated in the Jubilee Parade; the Turn up Youth Summit; the Freedom Flame Awards Gala; the Martin & Coretta Scott King Unity Breakfast as well as the Jubilee Festival. They also were part of the thousands in the commemorative march from Brown’s continuing Chapel across the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
    Muhammad Ali, a junior at Brooker T. Washington High School in Tuskegee, represented 21C at the Unity Breakfast as the youth voice bringing remarks on unity and the role of youth leaders. The 21C Leaders also provided the prelude music at the Sunday morning Unity Breakfast which consisted of the original leadership inspiring songs created at the various leadership training camps by Attorney Faya Rose Toure and 21st Century youth.

  • Washington D. C. ‘Big Chair Chess Club’ holds day of fun

    By Sam P.K. Collins
    Special to the NNPA News
    Wire from AllEyesOnDC.com

    chessdc_bwashington
    Ricky Norman, manager of the Big Chair Chess Club (center), shows two youngsters how to play chess during Chess Fun Day at the groups Deanwood location in Washington, D.C.(Ben Washington/AllEyesOnDC.com)

    For young, Black men living in Washington, D.C., the game of chess provides an opportunity to develop critical thinking skills that prove essential in avoiding common pitfalls. It also allows them to revel in each other’s company and enjoy friendly competition.  Last weekend, chess connoisseurs of various ages gathered for an afternoon that included chess matches, trash talking, and exchanges about strategy. The event, touted as “Chess Fun Day” attracted dozens of men from across the D.C. metropolitan area that converged on the Big Chair Chess Club in Northeast, Washington, D.C. for the festivities.
    “We wanted to bring some enlightenment about chess and its history. Our black community should know that it’s something to do,” Ricky Norman, manager of the Big Chair Chess Club, told AllEyesOnDC during the daylong gathering on Saturday, Feb. 27.
    Since its 2003 inception by convict-turned-chess teacher Eugene Brown, the Big Chair Chess Club has been instrumental in helping at-risk District students change their lives for the better. The nonprofit organization’s mantra “[T]hink before you move” draws parallels between navigating the chessboard and making prudent life decisions. Norman said chess can be a tool for self-improvement, helping young people increase discipline and focus.
    “For me, chess can be very personal. I get people who come in [the Big Chair Chess Club] and want to compare themselves to others. It’s about doing the best you can and improving. Some people say chess makes you think. I say that this game gives you an opportunity to think. That’s when the epiphany comes,” said Norman, a 54-year-old Northeast resident.
    Since chess Grandmaster champion Bobby Fischer popularized the game in the 1950s, people of various ages around the world have taken to the chessboard at home, in school, recreation centers, and during tournaments. Research has confirmed the benefits of playing chess, including brain stimulation, prevention of Alzheimer’s, and an increase in problem-solving skills.
    Under the direction of the Big Chair Chess Club, students from Kimball Elementary School in Southeast have won seven city championships. School administrators also noted behavioral changes in students who participated in the extracurricular program. Years later, Norman and his colleagues are carrying on that legacy from the confines of Big Chair Chess Club’s Deanwood-based abode.
    Throughout much of Saturday afternoon, men occupying the chess boards in the clubhouse stared attentively at the white and black pieces as old school R&B tunes blared from loudspeakers. Shortly after stepping through the doors of the Big Chair Chess Club, guests watched ongoing matches while nibbling on snacks and chatting amongst one another. Photos of historic and contemporary black figures lined the walls. Stacks of the instructional material also sat on wooden tables.
    For Germantown, Maryland resident James Washington, Chess Fun Day would be an experience for the entire family. That afternoon, he and his wife watched as Norman showed his grandchildren how to move each of the pieces on the board. His son Ben, an ardent chess player, gleefully recorded the short session.
    “My grandchildren been exposed to chess at home before but it’s great to see how enthusiastic they are playing with a professional. Even though they may not know all of the rules, they’re blessed with the basics,” said Washington, 60. “Everyone has to deal with the game of chess at their own level. It’s the same thing with life. The children need to deal with what they can understand and grasp it so they can progress. It’s all about the decisions you need to make for your next steps.”
    Local chess coach and the longtime Big Chair Chess Club member Doc said learning the game opened up many doors for him in his social and professional life. Since Brown taught him chess at Kimball more than a decade ago, Doc has imparted his knowledge on young black men seeking mentorship.
    “I often see students who don’t want to play sports but love chess. Some of them get proactive, picking up books from the library. They get excited about the game and don’t want to lose,” Doc, a chess coach at Eagle Academy Charter School in Congress Heights and Washington Yu Ying Charter School, a Chinese immersion center near the National Cathedral in Northwest, told AllEyesOnDC.
    “In this game, they get the mental challenge they don’t receive in school. This is where they learn life lessons including outlining and contingency planning. I see what the game does and the type of people it attracts. It takes a lot of mental fortitude to play an hour and a half of chess,” Doc added.
    Anthony Womack, a chess player of eight years and one of the organizers for the event, shared similar thoughts. He revealed his plans to introduce chess to his students after watching “Life of King,” a movie about Brown starring Cuba Gooding, Jr. On Saturday afternoon, he played several games of chess and chatted with elders about their life experiences.
    “I just wanted to feel the spirit and ambiance of being around other chess players. This game is a meeting of the minds,” said Womack, founder of MisUnderstood, a Halifax, Virginia-based life skills training program for young men. “No matter what’s going on in life, amazing things happen when you push those pieces on the board. Folks say black people don’t play chess and it’s a challenge but I learned a lot from the game.”
    Womack continued: “After playing, I understood that you have to be prepared to move with life’s changes and pick up a new strategy.”

  • Clinton and Trump win Alabama and Greene County; Zippert elected to Greene County School Board – District 1; Runoff in District 2 – Madelyn Thomas and Kashaya Cockrell

    Hillary Clinton, Gregory Griggers, Carol P. Zippert, Madelyn Thomas, Kashaya Cockrell

    Yesterday on “Super Tuesday” in the Democratic Primary election, Hillary Clinton led the state with 309,928 (78%) to Bernie Sanders with 76,399 (19%). In Greene County, Clinton garnered 2716 (90%) votes to 213 for Bernie Sanders (7%).
    In the Republican Primary, Donald J. Trump led the field with 371,735 (43%) of the votes. Cruz was a distant second with 180,608 (21%), Rubio with 159,802 (19%), Carson 87,517 (10%) and Kasich 37,500 (4%) rounded out the field.
    In Greene County, Trump led as well with 147 (54%) of the total 273 Republican votes cast in the primary.
    In the 17th Judicial Circuit District Attorney contest that serves three counties – Greene, Marengo and Sumter, incumbent Gregory Griggers was reelected with 6,873 (56.5%) votes to 5,281 (43.5%) for Barrown Lankster. Griggers carried all three counties. In Greene County, Griggers received 1439 votes to 1237 for Lankster.
    Carol P. Zippert was elected to the Greene County Board of Education in District 1. Zippert received 376 (62%) of the votes to 235 (38%) for challenger Kiasha Underwood Lavender. Zippert carried the Courthouse, Mantua Knoxville and the Absentee Box. Lavender led in Union and Jena precincts.
    In District 2, for the Greene County School Board there was a five person race which resulted in a run-off between Madelyn Thomas with 138 (27.7%) votes and Kashaya Cockrell with 113 (22.7%). Latoya “Mimi” Pelt received 102 (20.5%), Brandon Meriwether 76 (15.3%) and Robert “Coach” Kimbrough 69 (13.8%). The run-off is scheduled for Tuesday, April 12, 2016.
    In the race for U. S. Senator, incumbent Richard Shelby was nominated in the Republican primary and Ron Crumpton was nominated over Charles Nana in the Democratic primary.
    In the vote on the Constitutional Amendment to allow district attorneys and circuit clerks to participate in the state retirement system, it was passed in Greene County by a vote of 2,254 (82%) for; 492 (18%) against. Statewide this amendment was approved 679,956 (63%) to 402,060 (37%).