Sumter Performance Learning Center Featured in State Bulletin

Turning Points, the News from Communities in Schools in Georgia, shared information in their spring issue about two state winners in their Student Achievement Month (SAM) competition. Corey Williams won first place in public speaking and Levi Goddard won in Computer Technology. Both students had entered at the local level and continued to state competition. Again winning and showcasing the Sumter PLC program, these two students were successful at state competition. They joined eight other winners in Georgia. The Student Achievement Month winners compete in Public Speaking, Computer Technology, Creative Expression and Written Expression. Connie Wise, Administrator at the PLC said, ?This is a keen competition that allows students to concentrate on areas that may impact their skills in the current job market. At the PLC, detail in student academic prowess, dress, attitude, community service and personal presentation are key. We are happy that Corey and Levi have competed from local to state levels and have been winners.? This recent student photo shares some of the excitement found in the PLC learning environment.

Nashville's "Tennessean" Newspaper Tries to Eliminate Community and Black Newspaper

On April 26, the Nash-ville Community Newspa-per Alliance (NCNA), a non-profit organization com-posed of 12 weekly English language newspapers in Davidson County which are independently owned by six local publishers, filed a 23 page document with the U.S. Department of Justice, charging Gannett Company, Inc. and The Tennessean with violating the Sherman Antitrust Act and the Clay-ton Antitrust Act.

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Local family celebrate grand opening of Speedy’s Eatery

The Americus-Sumter County High School football team members dine in the newly opened, family restaurant, Speedy’s Eatery located on Martin Luther King Blvd.

Speedy’s Eatery, a snack bar, located at 927 Martin Luther King Blvd.,in the Glamorama Salon and Barber Shop building holds a grand opening June 9 at 10:30 AM. Everyone is invited to come. Speedy’s Eatery is opened Monday-Saturday at 11a.m. until 9p.m. Speedy’s Eatery is owned and operated by the Ross family. They opened this type of business because whenever they have their family gatherings, many people complement them on their delicious food. Therefore, they decided to put their ideas together and come up with a snack bar with friendly people and good food served in a timely manner. On the menu are items such as hotdogs, chicken tenders, pork chops, fish, chip barbecue, brunswick stew, sweet potato pie, baked beans, lemonade and ice tea. The ingredients in these items are homemade with a touch of love. So come check them out this Saturday as they celebrate the grand opening of their snack bar.

25 honored during African American Heritage Festival

Above are four of the men honored along with members of N.U.B.I.A. From left to right are Noble Eugene Edge Jr., Grand Hierophant of NUBIA, Henry Snipes Supreme Captain (NUBIA), Timothy Jackson, Honoree, John Brown, Honoree, Miller Rush, Honoree Eugene Edge Sr., Honoree and Eddie Sims, Grand Khalifa of NUBIA.

The Fraternal Brotherhood of N.U.B.I.A (National Unity of Blackmen In America) held their first annual African American Cultural and Heritage Festival on April 14th and 15th. The festival celebrates African American dance, art, food and awareness to a rich heritage that organizers say that many are not aware off. Eugene Edge, Jr., Grand Hierophant of the brotherhood stated that African American heritage is represented in every culture on the earth. In looking back at the study of civilization, anthropologist start their study in Africa, some of the oldest known fossils of man were found in Kenya and date back some four million years. Although rarely discussed in today's society, we celebrate the contributions the culture has given to the world.

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NAACP Supported Hate Crime Prevention Bill Passes House Judiciary Committee

Currently, the federal government is allowed to intervene in the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes only if they occur on federal property or if the victim was participating in one of six very specific activities, such as voting.  The " Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act" has been introduced in the US House by Congressman John Conyers (MI) (H.R. 1592) and in the Senate by Senator Edward Kennedy (MA) (S. 1105).  This bill passed the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, April 25, 2007, and is expected to come to the House floor as soon as Tuesday, May 1st.  Full Story......

NAACP Supports Passage of Comprehensive Ex-Offender Reentry Legislation

Each year, more than 650,000 men and women are released from prison, which equates to roughly 1,700 individuals returning to our communities every day.  This has a disparate effect on communities of color, since two-thirds of the people in prison are now racial and ethnic minorities.  For African American males in their twenties, one in every eight is in prison or jail on any given day.  These numbers are expected to grow, as more men and women are incarcerated each year and more complete their sentences. Full Story......