Welcome! This free speech community journal was created so the Maple Heights African American community could share videos, photos, events, articles, posts, ideas, thoughts, and information.  We're now exclusively on Facebook, so don't forget to also check out our Facebook page.  Have a fantastic day!



Monday, June 30, 2014

DANCE FITNESS CLASS, JULY 3, 2014

ZOOM TO 125% OR MORE FOR MORE CLARITY



AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP SERIES - JUNE: SEXY BLACK FEMALE SCIENTISTS

Sunday, June 29, 2014

MAPLE HEIGHTS CLASS OF 2014 - TOP TEN SCHOLARS

 
ZOOM TO 200% FOR ENLARGED VIEW





























AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP SERIES - JUNE: DR. CALDWELL MCCOY, ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

BOBBY WOMACK DEAD AT 70

Saturday, June 28, 2014

STUDY LOOKS AT THE EFFECT OF RACE AND EDUCATION ON EMPLOYMENT

STUDY SHOWS OHIO HOMEOWNERS INCREASED TAX BURDENS


THE 25 MOST SEGREGATED CITIES IN AMERICA

GUESS WHO IS #3?

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

BLACK HISTORY FACT: ON THIS DATE IN 1941 FDR SIGNED THE FAIR EMPLOYMENT ACT

Monday, June 23, 2014

8TH ANNUAL WOMEN'S CONFERENCE 2014 - WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS OF AMERICA


Sunday, June 22, 2014

AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP SERIES - JUNE: OCTAVIA BUTLER, ACCLAIMED SCIENCE-FICTION WRITER

MAPLE HEIGHTS SORRY TALE OF FISCAL WOE


Seriously don't know what to title this post, but we'll think of something.
 
 
Okay, let's proceed and we'll try to keep this simple:
Maple Heights has been in the red (various departments, fund accounts, whatever) and has taken the liberty of moving money around and kicking the money can (debt) down the road for some time.
So comes the day when Maple Heights can no longer kick the money can (debt) down the road.
 
 
The state of Ohio has rules and tells Maple Heights you've violated those rules and we're going to put you in fiscal watch.

 
Nobody at city hall wants to take the blame (for not balancing their own checkbooks)  and starts pointing fingers at a certain bunch of people who for the most part, had little (to nothing)  to do with Maple Heights financial predicament.
 
 
No matter ... Even though some of the people had city hall's fingers pointed at them, they stepped in and said "we want to help".
 
 
State representative calls president of the school board and asks if he can use one of the schools to hold an informational meeting to discuss Maple Heights fiscal watch status with members of Maple Heights council, the mayor, and residents of Maple Heights.
 
 
Now mind you, Maple Heights homeowners pay a hefty portion of their property taxes to the Maple Heights school district and thus pay for a lot of  the upkeep, salaries, etc related to the running of Maple Heights schools.
From what we hear, the school board president says "no" you cannot use the schools to conduct an informational meeting to discuss Maple Heights fiscal watch status and try to come up with strategies to help Maple Heights.  Say it with us ... "What the Hell!!"
 
 
What is even more intriguing, the school board president's husband was chosen in 2012 (yes we said chosen not elected) to represent district 5 as councilman after a very ill (ill before the election we're told) Richard Taylor (endorsed by the mayor no less) died before being sworn into office.  Even juicier, the law director used a 1924 case law to declare the council seat vacant before the current council person's term expired (?).  Shortly after Maple Heights council chose the school board president's husband to be the councilman for district 5, a resolution was passed which allowed money, that was in a special fund meant for certain people in district 5, to be thrown into the general fund (the chosen councilman voted "yes" to throw that money into the general fund).  See what we mean about moving money around.  [By the way, the present council person from district 5 was recently removed from a council meeting by the council president.]
We understand that this was not the only case where money from one fund was moved to another.
 
 
We digress. ... back to the business of "fiscal watch" and the denial of use of a Maple Heights school for the informational meeting.
Said Ohio  representative who planned on bringing the Ohio auditor with him has to find another place to hold the meeting, ... a meeting (remember) that's supposed to help Maple Heights council, the mayor, residents.   Not only that, said representative has to come out his own budget/pocket to do it!
Say it with us again ... "What the Hell!!"
 
 
Long story short ... The meeting was held at St. Andrews Church, and Maple Heights has till August 8th  (?) to come up with a recovery plan so they can get out of fiscal watch and not slip into fiscal emergency
 
 
We want you to check this story out.   Call the state representative,  the school board president,  the state auditor and your council representative.  Unfortunately, you may run into a little trouble getting public records to verify some of  the story  [just a little insider humor for those who follow this blog].

 
PART 1

Related articles regarding money circulation (something Maple Heights does not do and one reason why this city is in financial trouble):

Black buying power increases, but circulation of dollar within community remains low Nov 30, 2011

'Money is like blood – it needs to circulate for local economies to survive' Feb 20, 2013

Buying Local: How It Boosts the Economy June 11, 2009

Group Economics

Where you spend your money is important | Business Connections July 29, 2013

Black Wall Street

Durham's "Black Wall Street"

Taking Care of Business by Lee Jenkins

Why local money flows matter

New Study: Spending locally generates four times more economic benefit Sept 3, 2012

Know Your Worth: If We Don't Know, We Can't Grow Our Community Sept. 24, 2012


 

Saturday, June 21, 2014

ARE MAPLE HEIGHTS POLICE ENGAGED IN PUBLIC INTIMIDATION?

Several residents (who attended) stated  that at the last Maple Hts city council meeting, the police were videotaping the meeting.

 
 
What does this mean if true? Well, police videotapes, we would think, constitute public record and are kept in police departments for various people  to access (especially the police).  Would you feel comfortable talking about police abuse/misconduct/racism/cutting police  salary/benefits at a council meeting knowing the police had your name, face, address, your statements, etc. forever stored? 


We don't have a problem with members of council videotaping for educational purposes, or council for public record; or even the general public videotaping a council meeting.  There does appear to be a big problem when it is done by the police.
 

 
African Americans should be engaged in any discussion of the videotaping of any public meetings (in their community) by the police, and if found unconstitutional/violation of their civil rights/civil liberties  then the videotaping by them (law enforcement)   should be challenged, stopped and if necessary legal remedies sought. 

 
 
As stated in another post, any predominantly African American community (city) where the legal/judicial system (which includes l aw director, council, safety director, law enforcement)  is predominantly white, probably (but not always) means institutional racism is entrenched in your community (city). 

 
 
The law enforcement community   has already been faced with outrage over privacy rights violations, racial profiling, stop and frisk,  murder, excessive force, and now they could possibly face a charge of public or racial intimidation by videotaping at public meetings (?)

 
 
African American communities have allowed institutional racism to continue in their communities sometimes for fear of retribution and/or intimidation by law enforcement and the legal/judicial system.  Well, it seems Maple Heights police may have driven that point home.

AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP SERIES - JUNE: ACCLAIMED NOVELIST, EDITOR, PROFESSOR TONI MORRISON

BLACK WOMEN IN POLITICS


UNEMPLOYMENT IN MAPLE HEIGHTS

THIS DAY IN BLACK HISTORY: JUNE 21, 1964, CIVIL RIGHTS WORKERS KILLED

Friday, June 20, 2014

AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP SERIES - JUNE: LOUIS STOKES

BLACK HISTORY FACT: JUNE 20, 1967 MUHAMMAD ALI CONVICTED OF VIOLATING THE SELECTIVE SERVICES ACT

Thursday, June 19, 2014

AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP SERIES - JUNE: INEZ J. BASKIN, AFRICAN AMERICAN JOURNALIST AND CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

FRANK WILLS AND THE WATERGATE SCANDAL


Monday, June 16, 2014

WHITE SUPREMACY: THE FAILURE TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND RECTIFY ITS AFFECTS


INFORMATIONAL MEETING ON MAPLE HEIGHTS FISCAL WATCH STATUS

INFORMATIONAL MEETING

JOIN AUDITOR OF STATE DAVE YOST AND STATE REPRESENTATIVE JOHN BARNES TO DISCUSS THE CITY OF MAPLE HEIGHTS FISCAL WATCH STATUS


THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014
TIME: 7-9PM
WHERE: SAINT ANDREW'S EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH, 16029 MAPLE PARK DRIVE, MAPLE HTS, OH 44137



 
 

Saturday, June 14, 2014

WHAT POLITICAL PARTY HAS THE POWER?

I have several questions to ask.
 
 
1. What political party controls the Ohio Senate, the Ohio House and the US House of Representatives?
 
 
2. What political party (in the above) has the majority to pass legislation and make cuts to programs, cities, etc?
 
 
I hope you said the Republican Party 
 
 
Here's the stats:
Ohio House
Latest voting shares:  Republicans 60.6%, Democrats 39.4%
 
Ohio Senate:
Latest voting shares: Republicans 69.7%,  Democrats 30.3%
 
US House of Representatives
Republicans 233 Democrats 199

 
 
You've got  some politicians   in Maple Hts and other individuals running around pointing fingers at Black Democrats for some of the financial woes in Maple Hts.
 

 
Look at the figures  (above) and tell me what political party has the power (the voting majority)? 
 
 
Clearly it's not Democrats [which also means it's not  Black Democrats] in the Ohio House, the Ohio Senate or the US House of Representatives.


Why aren't Maple Heights politicians and others asking for help from the politicians [Republicans] who have the power to perhaps do something?  Sounds like a good question, ... right? Maybe they did.  Don't know .. ask them.

 
 
Okay, now that we know what political party has the majority of the votes to perhaps do something to help Maple Heights financial problems, what are the real motives of Maple Heights politicians and others for pointing fingers at Black Democrats in those seats who don't have the majority voting shares?  Then you tell me how you feel about those people who pointed the fingers.
 
 
 


For clarity: Maple Heights has far more complex reasons for its financial woes than just some government cuts.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

PAUL DATEH AND INKA ONE - WOW - YOU'VE NEVER HEARD ANYTHING LIKE THIS - WILL BLOW YOUR MIND!

Paul Dateh and Inka One - Violin & Turntable Show

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND CHILD ADVOCACY



Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center
June 2014  |  Delivered Monthly
View this email in your browser
DVCAC's staff spent a restorative day together communing at The Gathering Place.

A Day of Retreat

DVCAC staff recently spent an entire day focused on self-care and learning techniques to deal with the everyday stress of our work.  We were incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Cyndi Vrabel from Frontline Services sharing information grounded in resiliency, compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. Julie Tamarkin, a dedicated volunteer, lead the staff in breathing exercises and yoga practices in the beautiful Healing Garden at the Gathering Place. Gretchen Miller,  DVCAC Art Therapist, facilitated a session in creating a self-care journal and artist trading cards. It was a peaceful and informative day and the staff came away feeling recharged and more dedicated to our work.

Helping Hands and Supplies Needed


DVCAC is proud to announce that it will moving into a new facility later this summer. Our administrative staff, community services and Supervised Visitation Center will be relocating to Payne Ave. and E. 30th in the mid-town corridor of Cleveland. The property consists of two buildings, lots of free parking and will be a great place for victims of abuse to access all of our services.
In preparation, the agency is doing lots of remodeling and is in need of both volunteer support and some donations to keep our project within budget. If you can lend your support, please contact Lori Butterfield via email: lbutterfield@dvcac.org
Groups large and small are welcome to help out!
Supplies
•    Cleaning supplies- mops, buckets, sponges, cleaning rags, dish soap, window cleaning solution, bathroom cleaning supplies, paper towels, brooms, etc…
•    Facility supplies: paper towels, toilet paper, liquid hand soap, hand sanitizer, Kleenex, garbage bags
•    Painting supplies: rollers, brushes, tarps, tape, pans
•    Landscaping supplies: garden tools, mulch
Volunteer Needs
•    Painters
•    Landscaping, gardening
•    Cleaning
•    Carpet Installers

Teen Empowerment Group


Starting on June 11th for teens 14-19 the group will meet Wednesday’s from 5:00pm-6:30pm. The focus is on healthy relationships, self-care, and strengths. Click here for more information. 

Good Luck Lauren

Counseling intern, Lauren Tucker will be finishing her year long clinical placement with DVCAC at the end of June. She’s done a great job with clients, and we will miss her!
 

Congrats Victoria!

 

Victoria Grant receiving 2014 Eagle Award
Benevolent Love Ministries chose Victoria Grant, Coordinator of DVCAC's Ujima Program, as the recipient  of the 2014 Eagle Award. This award is given once a year at the Tri-Conference Luncheon for outstanding service to the greater Cleveland area. They recognized the contributions that Victoria has made and her life-long commitment to the safe, healing and well-being of women in general.

Volunteer Spotlight: Julie

 

Julie leading yoga at DVCAC Staff Retreat

Julie Tamarkin has been a dedicated volunteer in the youth program at shelter for five years. Her calming and warm spirit is a welcome addition to any program she is involved in. Recently, Julie committed to our Champions of Childhood Campaign and personally raised over $1,000 for our mission. We could not do this work without volunteers like Julie. Thank you for bringing our mission to life!

RFP for Consulting Services Issued 


A search committee has been formed to identify consulting services for the planning process of creating a Child Advocacy Center in Cuyahoga County.The goal of the Child Advocacy Center Planning process is to strengthen partnerships among multi-disciplinary professionals and together, develop a plan pertinent to Cuyahoga County that identifies and builds upon models found to be effective elsewhere. Click here for more information.
Quick Links: Who We Are  |  Donate  |  Volunteer  |  Events  |  Contact Us

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

MAPLE HEIGHTS IGNORES KEY ISSUES REGARDING ITS RECENT DECISIONS AND NEGOTIATIONS



Why would a city open itself up to a potential litany of lawsuits and other legal problems when it is already in fiscal watch?
The use of traffic enforcement (such as red light and speed) cameras (in many cities and states)  is under fire for being unconstitutional.  In addition to, and at issue 1. where the cameras are used (in too many instances, predominantly poor and/or heavily minority areas)  2. the fact the registered car owner  (who may not be the driver) is cited  3. the appeal process (of appealing the traffic ticket)  4. Green Light Yellow Light Traps  5.  *Harm to the local economy  6. Photo radar/red light/speed cameras where the speed changes abruptly, and then 7. there's the issue with speed and red light camera errors [see also***] [and also ****]

And of course there's the  the whole safety vs revenue generation debate regarding the use of traffic enforcement cameras.

----                                           ---                                          ---

Side notes REGARDING BUSINESSES AND CONTRACTORS (LIKE PHOTO ENFORCEMENT EQUIPMENT COMPANIES) HIRED BY MAPLE HEIGHTS:
[Maple Heights is a predominantly African American city with predominantly African American taxpayers (who pay sales taxes, income taxes, property taxes).  Their money and other public (tax payer) monies go to hiring contractors, yet we see time and time again, African Americans being left out of the picture when it comes to hiring/training.  It is felt that contractors are predominantly of European ancestry, most  (it's) felt have no or very little" African American staff/workers, and (and it appears that) tend to get away with no insistence by city officials that the contractor show  minority paid participation/labor or the willingness to provide training to minorities.]  

Finally at issue is where private and public money circulates.  It has been proven that communities/cities, where money circulates within the community/city, do better financially.  Maple Heights has a high unemployment rate (9.8%), over burdened tax payers, not enough locally owned businesses, and  to have a lot of money flowing outside the city  is  detrimental to Maple Heights local economy.   [see: Related articles regarding money circulation below]
Unfortunately, it's felt that Maple Heights city council [and remember Maple Heights is under fiscal watch ] rarely if ever thinks  about  these facts  when making decisions about the disbursement of money.  Heck, do they even understand the principle of local money circulation?   


Tuesday, June 10, 2014

WAS THE AUTHOR OF THE THREE MUSKETEERS A BLACK MAN?

AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP SERIES - JUNE: MAJOR GENERAL MARCIA ANDERSON: 1ST BLACK FEMALE 2 STAR GENERAL

MAYA ANGELOU MEMORIAL SERVICE JUNE 7, 2014

Sunday, June 8, 2014

WHEN IS ENOUGH... ENOUGH IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY?


THIS [SEE PICTURE] AND WORSE HAPPENED EVERY DAY IN THE SOUTH NOT THAT LONG AGO

 

BLACKS HAD NO LEGAL RECOURSE FOR WRONGDOING (TO THEM BY OTHERS) IN THE SOUTH AND ARE STILL DEALING WITH THAT IN THE NORTH AND SOUTH TODAY

 


BLACK MEN ARE STOPPED AND FRISKED AND SUBJECTED TO EXCESSIVE FORCE EVERY DAY NOW

 


THERE'S A TRAYVON MARTIN ALMOST EVERY DAY
 
 

THERE'S A TIMOTHY RUSSELL AND MALISSA WILLIAMS RIDDLED WITH BULLETS BY POLICE STILL
 

LAWS ARE IN PLACE AND STILL BEING CRAFTED TO DENY BLACKS VOTING RIGHTS.
 

BLACKS ARE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST IN HIRING EVERY DAY
 
WHITE SUPREMACY IS EMBEDDED IN MANY POLICE DEPARTMENTS AND ELSEWHERE IN GOVERNMENT (AT ALL LEVELS)
 
 
And yet they say NO REPARATIONS!
And yet they say NO AFFIRMATIVE ACTION!
Any yet they say NO TRANSPARENCY IN GOVERNMENT!
And yet they say, that in a predominantly African American community there should be NO BLACKS IN THE FIRE DEPT OR ONLY 2 BLACKS IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT even though these very same people are paid by the predominantly African American community
 
 
SHAME!!! SHAME!! SHAME!!!
 

NOW WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
 
 
 
 
Related:
 
The Case for Reparations by Ta-Nehisi Coates
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Saturday, June 7, 2014

COMPANY E, 4TH UNITED STATES COLORED INFANTRY

Friday, June 6, 2014

AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP SERIES - JUNE: NADINE SPENCER


AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP SERIES - JUNE: SEAN COMBS






AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERSHIP SERIES - JUNE: LELIA WALKER




Tuesday, June 3, 2014

WESLEY ANTHONY BROWN: FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN GRADUATE US NAVAL ACADEMY


Sunday, June 1, 2014

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MORGAN FREEMAN


REPARATIONS PAID TO SLAVE OWNERS

MICHELLE OBAMA TALKS ABOUT CHILDHOOD OBESITY AND CONGRESS FOOD POLICY

JEREMY GREEN PLAYS THE VIOLIN TO PHARRELL WILLIAMS HAPPY

PRESIDENT OBAMA HONORS MAYA ANGELOU