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!



Thursday, January 31, 2013

MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK APPOINTS AFRICAN AMERICAN WILLIAM COWAN FOR SENATE

Massachusetts Governor, Deval Patrick, has picked William Cowan over Barney Frank for temporary appointment to U.S. Senate.
 
Though Cowan is well regarded, it's clear, that most Progressives wanted Barney Frank; however, I think Cowan is a perfect temporary pick, and I see no problem in the 90 day wait for a special election. [E.S.]
 
"The new senator, William "Mo" Cowan, has long been close to the governor, having formerly served as Patrick's legal counsel. He's experienced and capable and politically-connected, a well-regarded lawyer who has worked not just with Patrick but with former Governor Mitt Romney (who Cowan helped identify judicial picks). He'll be the state's second African-American senator, after liberal Republican Ed Brooke, who served in the 1960s and 1970s. As a lawyer, Cowan's been active with the American Constitution Society -- joining in the society's "work to advance the progressive values and principles of the U.S. Constitution -- which counts for a lot with Americans who seek to challenge right-wing judicial activism." [John Nichols]
 
CONTINUED HERE


Maple Heights public employees need to read the article, because they also should not be allowed to appoint people [as they have done in the past] to represent voters.
 
 
 

Monday, January 28, 2013

TAKE ACTION TO STOP VOTER SUPPRESSION

"In a time when numerous states are considering or have already enacted legislation to restrict or suppress voter participation, Congressman John Lewis (GA) and 165 of his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives have introduced H.R. 12, the Voter Empowerment Act. Senator Kristen Gillibrand (NY) has introduced a companion bill in the Senate (S. 123). This important legislation would expand and protect voters’ access to the polls and would increase accountability and integrity among election officials and poll workers. It also would expand eligibility to allow all ex-offenders who have been released from prison (even those who may still be on probation or parole) to register and vote in federal elections.
 
For more information on this legislation, or how you can advocate for it with your federally elected officials, please review the attached Action Alert."
 
Sincerely,
 
Hilary

Hilary Shelton
Director, NAACP Washington Bureau &
Senior VP for Advocacy and Policy
(202) 463-2940
 
 
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ACTION ONE NEEDS TO TAKE
 
 
S"pecifically, the Voter Empowerment Act would:
  • Guarantee early voting – require that every state establish early voting sites that are open at least 15 days prior to a general election day;
  • Require automatic registration – the bill would use modern technology to automatically and permanently register all eligible voters;
  • Allow same-day registration throughout the country – H.R. 12 / S. 123 would ensure allow voters to register to vote on election day at their polling place;
  • Ensure on-line voter registration – the Voter Empowerment Act would ensure that on-line voter registration is a viable option nationally;
  • Outlaw “voter caging” – makes illegal a practice by which mail is sent to a registered voter's address and, if the mail is returned as "undeliverable" or if it is delivered and the voter does not respond, his or her registration is challenged;
  • Clarify and strengthen the use of provisional ballots – ensures that provisional ballots are counted;
  • Make voter intimidation and deception punishable by law – with strong and tough penalties so that people who commit these crimes suffer more than just a slap on the wrist, and establish a process for reaching out to misinformed voters with accurate information so they can cast their votes in time;
  • Re-enfranchise ex-offenders – H.R. 12 / S. 123 incorporates the provisions of the NAACP–supported “Democracy Restoration Act” by allowing ex-offenders, once they are out of prison, the opportunity to register and vote in federal elections without challenges or complication;
  • Encourage youth voters – the Voter Empowerment Act requires colleges and universities to offer and encourage voter registration to all students;
  • Assure voting by overseas residents – H.R. 12 / S. 123 increases assurances that Americans who may be living overseas, especially those serving our country in the armed services, can cast a valid vote and be assured that their vote was counted."
 
 

Sunday, January 27, 2013

CLEVELAND FOODBANK ANNUAL HARVEST FOR HUNGER FEB. 13TH

"The Cleveland Foodbank will mark the start of their annual Harvest for Hunger campaign on Feb. 13. at the Quicken Loans Arena. Join them at 10 a.m. on the Cavaliers practice court to celebrate the beginning of this 21-county food and funds drive.
To view a larger version of the invitation, click here. Please RSVP no later than Feb. 8. "



Saturday, January 26, 2013

HOMELESS STAND DOWN FEBRUARY 3, 2013

  •  
  •  
    "CLEVELAND - HandsOn Northeast Ohio is hosting the 22nd annual Homeless Stand Down event Saturday in Cleveland.
     
    The event takes place at the, Cleveland Public Auditorium, located at 500 Lakeside Avenue, from 9am to 2pm and is estimated to serve over 800 guests.
     
    Members from over 200 agencies, community organizations and congregations will provide guests with breakfast and lunch, winter clothing, personal care items, medical screenings, haircuts, live entertainment and activities as well as connections to social service agencies.
     
    A second Stand Down for Homeless event will take place Sunday, Feburary 3rd. "CareVans" will provide similiar services (e.g. haircuts, bagged lunches, winter clothing, etc.) at various shelters, rapid re-housing facilities and transitional housing sites around Northeast Ohio."
     
    For more information, visit:
    http://www.handsonneo.org/HomelessStandDown

    Friday, January 25, 2013

    BEST SELLING AUTHOR, FRANK R ROSS, DISAPPOINTED WITH MAPLE HEIGHTS LIBRARY


    A few months ago, I was honored to meet a Frank R. Ross, who used to reside in Maple Heights.
     
     
    Mr. Frank Russell Ross, a best selling author, who has lectured at the United States "Library of Congress" and the "Dusable Museum of Chicago", expressed disappointment, and indeed was offended, that the Maple Heights Library had not shown interest in hosting a book signing for Mr. Ross or allowing him to demonstrate African American cultural dances .
     
    Mr.Ross has been honored by the Maple Hts Schools as a Pathfinder, which is a prestigious community award.   The Maple Heights schools also use Mr Ross's book "Soul Dancing! The Essential African American Cultural Dance Book"  as a part of their Physical Education Curriculum.
     
    Mr. Ross is a member of the Cleveland "Detroit Ballroom and Chicago Steppin" dance community; and is the founder of the NAACP sanctioned "National African American Folk Wedding Unity Dance, The Grand March".
     
    Mr.Ross brings expert African American cultural dancers to his presentations to  demonstrate the above dances, and their skill level astonishes audiences.
     
    By the concept of fair play,  does not Mr Ross deserve a respected presentation at the Maple Hts library as he has already made history?
     
    Children and adults need to learn about the new American arts discipline of African American cultural dance from this proud African American man.
     
     
    Mr Ross is the proud father of three daughters and three grandchildren and a hall of fame athlete in track-field.
    Contact Information for Mr. Ross:  216.253.6934, email: jross1201@yahoo.com

    Thursday, January 24, 2013

    REGINA BRETT ON EQUALITY FOR ALL, AND THE ROAD AHEAD





    Love this article
    Obama's inauguration underscores equality for all: Regina Brett


    By Regina Brett, The Plain Dealer
    on January 22, 2013 at 6:00 PM


    "America the beautiful.

    Yes, it was. 
     
    From James Taylor singing, "Oh, beautiful, for spacious skies," to Beyonce belting out the National Anthem." 
     
     
    REGINA BRETT ARTICLE CONT'D HERE



    Wednesday, January 23, 2013

    INEZ KILLINGSWORTH ESOP FOUNDER - FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

    Funeral Arrangements


    PUR_KIL_0073

    Funeral arrangements have been finalized for this week for the passing of ESOP Founder Inez Killingsworth. You can read her full obituary on Cleveland.com.


    [If you missed the beautiful funeral service for Mrs. Killingsworth, please see a pictorial copy of the funeral service program at the bottom of this post. 
    zoom your browser to 125% or 175% for a clearer view of the program]



    Viewing
    Thursday, 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
    Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
    Gaines Funeral Home
    9116 Union Avenue
    Cleveland, OH 44105
     

     
    Wake
    Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
    Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church
     
     

     
    Funeral
    Saturday, 11:30 a.m.
    Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church
    3290 E. 126th
    Cleveland, OH 44120
     
     


    In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to:

    Empowering and Strengthening Ohio’s People

    3631 Perkins Avenue, Suite 4C-S

    Cleveland

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    ALSO (MAPLE HEIGHTS/GARFIELD HTS RESIDENTS) PLEASE DON'T FORGET

    HOME FORECLOSURE OUTREACH EVENT, MAPLE HTS LIBRARY AUDITORIUM,
    FEBRUARY 2, 2013, 11AM TO 2PM
     
    ------------


    Zoom to 125% or 175% for a clearer view of the program.
     
     




































     

     

    Tuesday, January 22, 2013

    UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE HIRING IN NORTHERN OHIO


     
    "The postal service is looking to fill the positions of City Carrier Assistant (CCA), a new category of non-career employees with a path to possible future employment as a career letter carrier."

    READ ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE

    UNHAPPY WITH THE LEADERSHIP IN MAPLE HEIGHTS GOVERNMENT

    I received a letter dropped in my mail slot on either Saturday, 2/9/2013, or Sunday, 2/10/2013, dated February 4, 2013, with a neopost stamp of 2/6/2013.  The letter was from Blair Melling, assistant law director of Maple Heights (You can see it at the bottom of the request page).  

    This post was about Blair Melling and not Brian Melling; however, I used the name Brian instead of Blair by mistake. Anyone reading the post however, would know that the names were mixed up because there is no Brian Melling who works for Maple Heights. [I did the same thing on a second request, although the original request had Mr. Blair Melling's name spelled correctly.] 

    Furthermore, if the reader  had clicked on the link that was provided, it would have taken  them  to the Maple Heights website, and the law department which clearly shows the name Blair Melling.

    Since there are more than 1 Brian Melling on the Internet, I was a little miffed that Mr. Blair Melling zoomed in on one particular Brian Melling. [However, I suspect, if you  knew the details of events unfolding in Maple Heights, you could guess why Mr. Blair Melling chose to reference a particular Brian Melling]

    I made no reference to any judges or any other city but Maple Heights, yet Mr. Blair Melling, decided to connect  a  Bedford judge with this post.

    Mr. Blair Melling should have been able to connect the dots and know this post was about him, because it referenced W2 requests which (on several occasions) Mr. Blair Melling has said he will not provide (thus, one of the reasons for the post). 

    Some of the African American residents in Maple Heights are disappointed with the  leadership in Maple Heights government, especially in regards to transparency and treatment of African Americans.  See Requests  I suspect, if others were as engaged with what goes on in Maple Heights government as some of us are, more would be upset and disappointed.


     
    Maple Heights is suffering financially as are many of its residents.  As some of you may not know, there were over 550 home foreclosure filings in Maple Heights last year.  [Verified by ESOP - and I have documents] We also had one of the worst declines in market and assessed values of our homes in Maple Heights. [That's why there are related links referenced below.]
     

    Note: 2 comments were removed to avoid further assumptions by Blair Melling; however, under the "terms and conditions" of this site, there was no obligation to do so.  The site was created (by a group) for African Americans to have a voice (a voice that they feel has been silenced in Maple Hts).  African Americans, or any one using the site, are free to comment w/o having to worry about censorship. (Which is one  reason why you can post, comment, and give opinions anonymously).

    Please do read Mr. Blair Melling's letter posted at the bottom of the request page, because I find it disconcerting that he felt compelled to protect the reputation of someone who does not live in Maple Heights or work in Maple Heights government. 

    I also find it interesting that it appears  (in my opinion) Mr. Blair Melling is more interested in protecting politicians and political appointees, than investigating, when allegations and complaints are made about those same people.  Furthermore, are we  paying him to "protect politicians"?

    Maybe he'll say investigating allegations and complaints are not his job; and if it isn't his job, whose job is it?

    I personally feel, if Mr. Blair Melling is so interested in protecting the reputations of a non resident and non Maple Heights public employee, and the mayor and Mr. Montello, maybe they should be paying him instead of us.


    While Mr. Blair Melling is monitoring this site (which thanks to him and others has increased the number of readers), we will be monitoring him and the rest of the politicians and other public employees in Maple Heights (especially the leadership).


    If this site is being targeted for political reasons, or to harass the people who use this site, or to cover up wrong doing, those parties will be exposed.

    I reserve the right to edit.
     

    Monday, January 21, 2013

    MYRLIE EVERS-WILLIAMS GIVES THE INVOCATION AT 2013 INAUGURATION



    MYRLIE EVERS-WILLIAMS ON FINDING SOLACE AFTER HER HUSBAND'S MURDER
     
     
    By Adam Desiderio, NBC News
     
     
    "Invoking the spirit and struggles of the civil rights movement, Myrlie Evers-Williams, the widow of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers, delivered the invocation for President Barack Obama’s second inauguration Monday, addressing the hundreds of thousands of visitors that had descended upon the National Mall." 
     
    WATCH AND READ COMPLETE ARTICLE  HERE 
     
    Related:
     
     
     
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    2013 PRESIDENTIAL LIVE CHAT AND UPDATES

    FOR LIVE CHAT & UPDATES: 2013 PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION CLICK HERE


    AND FROM A PROGRESSIVE PERSPECTIVE CLICK HERE

    BLACKS CONCERNED ABOUT OBAMA'S AGENDA



    ON MLK DAY, BLACKS CONCERNED ABOUT OBAMA'S AGENDA


    "President Barack Obama is set to use the Bibles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Abraham Lincoln for his second swearing in January 21, no doubt symbolizing his pride as the nation’s first Black president.

    The symbolic move also aligns his principles with the principles of the two most transformational leaders in American history as it relates to African-American people. Despite the noble symbolism, the country is abuzz about exactly what President Obama will do as African-Americans continue to suffer disparately.

    Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s actual birthday was celebrated on January 15 and will be observed on the national holiday on Monday, January 21, which is also Inauguration Day. As more than a million people are expected to attend inaugural celebrations in D.C. and millions more will watch around the world, neither the President nor leading Democrats have publicly mentioned his most faithful constituents, whose votes for him surpassed 95 percent in both elections."
     
    READ THE REST HERE

    FSTV

    Sunday, January 20, 2013

    NATIONAL FOLK UNITY DANCE OF AFRICAN AMERICANS EVENT

    On January 27,2013 Mr.Frank R Ross will call (lead) participants in the NAACP sanctioned National Folk-Unity Dance of African Americans at 7p.m.-Slovenian Hall 20713 Lindbergh/Recher ave.(Off 200th st) Euclid,0hio-44119.



    Please feel free to wear African attire etc.


    There will also be a celebration of black history with a "Market Street" open to all entrepreneurs. For reservations call Mrs. Andrea Perry at 216-2970846 or send your request to ppballdancers2@yahoo.com



    Friday, January 18, 2013

    REFLECTIONS UPON THE MEANING OF THE REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.'S LIFE AND LEGACY

     

    The Enduring Ideals of Dr. King

    by

    President, Franklin & Marshall College

     
    "On Jan. 21, we again reflect upon the meaning of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy. For me, this day has always been especially significant because I have memories of Dr. King from my childhood that inspire me today.
     
     
    How did I "know" Dr. King? Born in 1961, I grew up in integrated Baltimore City neighborhoods, where, before and after his assassination in 1968, he was a hero for black and white children. In grade school, we learned that he was our Frederick Douglass and our W.E.B. DuBois, teaching the whole country that discrimination is wrong.
     
     
    Looking back, I now appreciate that many of us felt a distinctly personal connection to Dr. King. We kept pictures of him in our living rooms and 33 rpm album recordings of the "I Have a Dream" speech. My father drove from Baltimore to Washington, D.C., to witness the March on Washington. I'll never forget the emotions of my parents when he was killed. "
     
    Read the rest HERE
     
     
     
     
     
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    Thursday, January 17, 2013

    THISTLEDOWN WILL HOLD JOB FAIR, FRIDAY/SATURDAY JAN 18-19TH, 2013

    NORTH RANDALL, Ohio - Thistledown announced it will hold a job fair this weekend for the hundreds of positions it plans to add for its expansion to a racino.
     
    On Thursday, the racino said it partnered with Cuyahoga County Community College to hold the sessions at Tri-C’s Corporate College East, located at 4400 Richmond Road in Warrensville Heights. The event will run Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
     
    READ REST HERE

    EMPLOYEE TRAINING PROGRAM IN OHIO OFF TO GREAT START

    FROM THE OHIO DEVELOPMENT SERVICES WEBSITE:

    Ohio Incumbent Workforce Training Voucher Program


    Online-Application


    "A robust, motivated, well-educated, and highly trained workforce is critical for the retention and expansion of all businesses in Ohio. In their efforts to improve their economic competitiveness, employers must find ways to consistently upgrade the skills of their workforce through educational and training opportunities. To this end, the Ohio Incumbent Workforce Training Voucher Program will fill a gap in current workforce development programs by providing needed training dollars to Ohio's incumbent workforce through a unique public-private partnership. The ultimate goal of this program is twofold: allow employers to retain and grow their existing Ohio workforce and create a statewide workforce that can meet the present and future demands in an ever changing economy.
     
     
    In partnership with Ohiomeansjobs.com, this employer-driven program is targeted to provide direct financial assistance to train workers and improve the economic competitiveness of Ohio's employers. The program is designed to offset a portion of the employer's costs to upgrade the skills of its incumbent workforce and will provide reimbursement to eligible employers for specific training costs accrued during training. The program's funding will be used in conjunction with private contributions to fund skill-upgrade training. Eligible employers must demonstrate that by receiving funding assistance through the Ohio Incumbent Workforce Training Voucher Program their business will not only obtain a skilled workforce but will improve their company processes and competitiveness."

    FOR DETAILS, GO TO HERE



    RELATED:
    Ohio using $20 million to fund businesses wanting to train employees By Olivera Perkins, The Plain Dealer January 12, 2013

    WHAT TO DO IN WASHINGTON DURING THE INAUGURATION WEEKEND

    NMAAHC -- National Museum of African American History and Culture

    WHAT TO DO IN WASHINGTON DURING
    THE INAUGURATION WEEKEND


    Behind the Dream: the Making of the Speech that Transformed a Nation by Clarence B. Jones and Stuart Connelly
     
    Saturday, January 19, 2013, 2:00 pm


     
    Join us for a conversation between award-winning author and Washington Post reporter Wil Haygood and Clarence B. Jones, Dr. Martin Luther King’s personal lawyer and speechwriter.


     
    National Museum of American History, Warner Bros. Theater
    14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW
    Washington, DC
    Metro: Smithsonian or Federal Triangle



    Free and Open to the Public. Seating limited.
    RSVP requested REGISTER HERE



    Help us Celebrate History in the Making at an Open House hosted by the NMAAHC


     

    Sunday, January 20, 2013, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm


     
        • Take a virtual tour of the Museum
        • View groundbreaking ceremony highlights
        • Meet museum staff and fellow Charter Members
        • Enjoy music and light refreshments
        • Show your membership card to receive a special photo (quantities limited)
        • Become a Charter Member
        •  
        •  
    S. Dillon Ripley Center1100 Jefferson Avenue NW
    Washington DC
    Note: Copper-dome entrance kiosk located between Smithsonian Castle
    and the Freer Sackler Gallery.
    Metro: Smithsonian


     
    Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863 and the March on Washington, 1963

    On view now through September 15, 2013 in the NMAAHC’s temporary gallery on level 2.
     
    National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
    14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW
    Washington, DC
    Metro: Smithsonian or Federal Triangle
     
    Guided exhibition tours offered Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 am, 12:00 noon, and 1:00 pm. Maximum group size for each tour is 15. Please meet in front of exhibition entrance.
     
    For more information about Changing America, visit HERE


    OFFICIAL PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION EVENTS LOCATED HERE
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    Wednesday, January 16, 2013

    SOUL DANCING! THE ESSENTIAL AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL DANCE BOOK

    After twenty five years of empirical research,"best selling author" Frank R Ross has written his groundbreaking book "Soul Dancing! The Essential African American Cultural Dance Book" (first published in 2010 by the National Dance Association), with an accompanying music  cd series. 
     
     
    "Soul Dancing" firmly establishes the new American arts discipline of "African American Cultural Dance".  "Soul Dancing" has redefined African American  dance from its previous, erroneous definition of "vernacular" (native or natural) to the correct definition of cultural.  Mr Ross's research suggest that African American cultural dances are not listed or taught in the school or university dance curriculum like other ethnic dances have been taught in the schools for over two hundred years.  African Americans will tell you that they learned square dancing and ethnic dances in physical ed class but never African American dance.
     
     
    Mr Ross has established a lexicon, pedagogy and technique that has passed state and national dance education standards.  New York City Schools state that "Soul Dancing" is a wonderful book as they welcomed it into the New York schools Dance Education Curriculum.  The New York City Schools hosted an historic workshop on Broadway Avenue for Mr Ross.
     
     
    The Maple Hts and Twinsburg schools use "Soul Dancing" in their Phys Ed curriculums and both districts have hosted teacher workshops for Mr. Ross.
     
     
    Soul Dancing validates the first National Folk, wedding and unity dance of African Americans - (The Grand March). 
     
     
    Mr.Ross is a retired educator with the Cleveland Hts Schools, and a hall of fame athlete at his alma mater, Central State University.
     
     
     
     
    Contact: jross1201@yahoo.com / 216.253.6934


    Related:

    Frank Ross: Soul Dancing! The Essential African American Cultural Dance Book

    Champion of African-American dance hopes book will spread the word

    Best Selling Author, Frank R Ross, Disappointed with Maple Heights Library

    Tuesday, January 15, 2013

    EX-CONS TAUGHT ENTREPRENEURSHIP

    "Non-Profit Teaches Ex-Con’s Entrepreneurship

     
     
    City Startup Labs wants to create 1000 new young black male entrepreneurs  by Makkada B. Selah

    Saturday, January 12, 2013

    TRADE UNIONS AND MINORITIES

    A worthwhile program, the Apprenticeship Skills Achievement Program (ASAP) might have ended in April 2012.
     
     
    "ASAP  is designed to help Northeast Ohio minorities gain entry into the building and construction trades."
     
     
     
     
     
    We urge you to contact Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, and Senator Sherrod Brown and ask that the U.S. Department of Labor continue to keep the program alive (to keep funding it).
     
     
     
    Congresswoman Marcia Fudge
    Washington, D.C. Office 1019 Longworth House Office Building
    Washington, D.C. 20515
    Phone: (202) 225-7032
    Fax: (202) 225-1339
     
     
     

    Wednesday, January 2, 2013

    NEED HELP WITH JOB SEARCH?

    New Year, New Job Seeker



    Branch: Maple Heights Public Library- Auditorium
    Type of Event: Workshops
    Date: Tuesday, January 08, 2013 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Who says no one keeps their resolutions? Ring in the New Year by learning tips for reorganizing your 2012 job search. This includes tips for: setting new, achievable goals, revising your resume, job search strategies and developing a winning attitude, that will lead to a successful job search! This workshop will be presented by a Career Center Counselor. Registration Required.
     
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