LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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Monday, October 29, 2007

Aziz, Harris Jr., & Stone’s 10,000 Women and Church Call Supporting 10,000 Men


From Left to Right: Lewis Harris Jr., Founder of the Wharton Center for the Homeless and Block Captains Rights, Malik Aziz, Founder of the Elders Council for Violence Reduction, and Van Stone, Founder of VSP Foundation for Anti-crime & Women Leadership Support. They are all together in the planning process for 10,000 women to aid the 10,000 men trained through Philadelphia Town Watch Integrated Services for violence reduction in Philly street hot spots.

Aziz, Harris Jr., & Stone’s 10,000 Women and Church Call Supporting 10,000 Men
by Van Stone vspfoundation@yahoo.com (215) 747-8746

Malik Aziz, Lewis Harris Jr. and I are pondering an organizing process to help support the success of the Action group 10,000 Men in Philadelphia. Aziz, is the Co-chair of Men United, and founder of the Elders Council and Ex-Offenders Association. Lewis Harris Jr. formally worked out of the Office of Councilwoman Blackwell specializing in assisting the homeless, Building Block Captain and Crossing Guard Guilds, and voter registrant recruiter in Philadelphia. Van Stone, I, am the founder of a non-profit called Van Stone Productions Foundation (VSP Foundation) that establish youth, education, health and human services programs in the community citywide. I also develop neighborhood policing and fundraising initiatives volunteering as a town watch patroller, after-school program director and Faith-Based group community activist representing the Philadelphia Police Clergy. Together we are promoting finding 10,000 working women that are already established as leaders dealing with safety, clean environment, therapeutic change, jobs for ex-offenders, and social-welfare counseling to assist the 10,000 men to help primarily black families to get ahead in life in Philadelphia.

Based on a most recent survey describing that in Philadelphia women are 80-20 percent more: employed than men, actively taking leadership roles in Church, participating in volunteer duties, boosting job support, making sure kids get across the street to-and-from school safely, fostering abstaining from sexual activity, talking up resolving disputes, advertising safe blocks and police partnerships, assisting the poor to keep their homes, and raising funds Malik, Lewis and I are preparing to meet with some of the women that are in very high positions to influence anti-crime and education improvement planning in Philadelphia.

We are discussing meeting with Senator Shirley Kitchen to develop the legislation process that is needed the make changes so that in Philadelphia 10,000 women can aid young black people and other families and cultures to avoid becoming victims of gun homicide, youth violence and gentrification. Also, financial planning is being worked on dealing with every Church or Faith-Based group stationed in areas where the 10,000 men are positioning themselves on corners that are violence hot spots determined by local police districts. Since the majority of the volunteer 10,000 men will be men that are in desperate need of a job I am calling out to the Church that they should take the responsibility to hire members of their own congregation using the Church funds to do so. Most likely the 10,000 men are active members of a Church. Further, having even a stronger impact in supporting the 10,000 men I am calling for the large and small Church to help reduce disputes citywide by taking the vast amount of money the organization or society have employing each member that doesn’t have a job at least part-time. There should be no Church member that is a head of a household and/or a youth that is not working while being an active member of the Church. This will reduce violence and allow more men and women to serve in the community dealing with safe and clean.

It is time for the Church to take responsibility to assist the women and men in the community that believe in the power of volunteering while taking care of their own families. Giant Churches, (such as the likes of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, which have annual incoming receipts of 900 million dollars a year as well as others like
Lakewood Church, Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa, Second Baptist Church, etc;

The average net income of local megachurches was estimated at $4.8 million by my survey.), have the money in Philadelphia to ensure that there are no unemployed members, few low-income members, or members facing gentrification and dealing with high murder rate in their community. Megachurch members are in desperate need of a part-time job in addition to what they have so that many more positive leaders such as women can be more proactive in crime, violence and murder reduction rates in Philadelphia. Some megachurches have good leadership that can do more to help the 10,000, soon to be 20,000, in Philly.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Why In Berean Institute City Instead of In University City; WURD 900AM


From L-R Catherine J. Cairone, Republican 11th Ward, 50 years in registered Republican Party action dealing with voter registration and environmental issues in Philadelphia; Lewis Harris Jr., Third-Party Candidate, and likely next Philadelphia City Commissioner overseeing Voter Registration. Lewis Harris Jr. experienced in Philadelphia environmental issues including the homeless has support of Catherine J. Cairone on bipartisan issues about voter registration reform. Harris Jr. is scheduled to have Cairone as his first guest on talk radio. Harris Jr. is seeking Malik Aziz, Co-chair of Men United as a co-host to talk about violence reduction solutions for Philly on WURD, 900AM.


Why In Berean Institute City Instead of In University City; WURD 900AM
by Van Stone vspfoundation@yahoo.com (215) 747-8746

I live in Berean Institute City! Well, not just yet. First we have to get a whole lot more folks on the bandwagon before Berean Institute City as a slogan sticks just where it ought to be. In University City District UCD, West Philadelphia area. Any positive community, surely University City area is as good as it gets, needs to understand why they should follow its leadership on this one. UCD has limited its purpose for students.

The UCD mission has been to “maintain a clean, safe environment and to promote, plan, and advocate for the diverse, urban community that is University City.” While the UCD, a nonprofit, educates urban students about the environment it hardly unifies the students in the neighborhood about an institution that offers instruction at the regular college level and beyond, usually including one or more graduate or professional schools. As a part-time teacher myself, I know that 90% of the urban community that is University City West Philadelphians learn about city conditions during and immediately after high school. And if they need a little help I could do a whole lot more with the $400,000 thousand dollars a year the UCD gets to educate foreign students and temporary residents by posting information online at www.frontpagenews.us. Here’s what students can learn.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency EPA, formed in 1970 to help fight pollution works with other federal agencies, state and local governments and citizens on environmental problems. One such citizen group leader in Philadelphia, Lewis Harris Jr., President of the Wharton Center, 22nd and Cecil B. Moore Ave., that works with Philadelphia schools dealing with environmental issues, has looked at UCD and the EPA. Harris Jr. agrees that students would be more proud of living in a district where more then the ordinary is gained when expressing the name of the neighborhood they live in. “Recycle, landfill, methane gas, decompose,” says Harris Jr. “are words the average elementary school-age kid learns dealing with the EPA and how it works to protect our health, our well-being and our surroundings.” Students that quickly grasp the meaning of hazardous waste, groundwater, solidification, bioremediation, work plan, contaminate, waste materials, percolates, and my favorite, don’t “pollute” are ready to get a job now.

But unlike the UCD, having been around for 10 years, at Berean Institute you are prepared for much more even if you enjoy public safety and clean conditions. Berean Institute, a postsecondary, coeducational institution since 1899 is committed to providing quality educational skills and employment opportunities to students aspiring to advance in an increasingly competitive and technological job market. Today, Berean lead by President & CEO, Andrew J. Carn, former State Rep., Philadelphia, offers Associate Degree Programs in Specialized Business & Technology, Diploma Programs in Paralegal Studies, and Cosmetology and Certificate Programs in Medical Records and Computer Solutions. These programs are also designed to meet the needs of many individuals, groups, organizations, and special needs populations. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology accredit Berean Institute. And it has a show, Berean Institute Radio Show 7-8 PM Fridays on WURD, 900AM.

Speaking of WURD, 900AM, Lewis Harris Jr., who is also a Third Party Candidate, is very close to landing his own a radio show. Harris Jr. plans are to support Berean Institute City District concept as he hopes to explain more about the complexities why the City Commissioners office has no third Party. An Independent of the two major Parties as a mandated presence within this office to help referee, check on, or balance the assumed impartiality of the Voter Registration office, Lewis Harris Jr., candidate for City Commissioner overseeing Voter Registrations will have many guest. Catherine J. Cairone, Republican 11th Ward supporting Harris JR’s viewpoint on the importance of a third party presence amongst election 2007 winners results for Philadelphia city commissioner will be one of Harris JR’s first guest on WURD 900AM.



It's Time to Stop Being Taken for Granted

Should Blacks Go Green?

By ISHMAEL REED

Though eastern talk show hosts might view Berkeley, California, as a hotbed of diversity, census reports show it be the whitest city in Alameda County.

According to Berkeley's Health Officer, Dr.Linda Rudolph, it is also a city where life expectancy among whites has increased to 80, while the rate among black citizens of the university town has decreased.

The report blamed some of the problems that blacks experience on eco-racism. Their neighborhoods being located near the freeway, for example, has led to an increase in cases of asthma among black residents. The report also cited "the lack of stores carrying fresh fruit and vegetables in southwest Berkeley."

A number of reports conclude that toxic dumps are more likely to be found in black neighborhoods. Chester W. Hartman, author of Poverty & Race in America writes, "Studies have documented that hazardous waste landfills are disproportionately placed in African- American communities. . .Race is independent of class in the distribution of air pollution, contaminated fish consumption,location of municipal landfills, and incinerators, abandoned toxic waste dumps, cleanup of Superfund sites, lead poisoning in children and asthma."

Some of the problems of my inner city neighborhood are also environmental. Residents are fearful of walking exercise, because of a gang that has been operating an open drug market for about three years. The police say that they don't have the manpower to do anything about it. (See my article, "Assisted Homicide In Oakland," December, Playboy). I'm sure that the kind of high rate of hypertension among Berkeley blacks exists among my neighbors. One of the causes is noise pollution, in the form of the rumbling bass emanating from the speakers lodged within car trunks of "Boom Cars." We are exposed to this belligerency masked as music 24 hours per day, loud noise being an instrument of torture in some countries, and when we complain to the police we're told that noise pollution isn't their highest priority. While upscale white neighborhoods receive the Paris Hilton treatment, ours is neglected.

Like the black Berkeley residents, we have to motor to the upscale neighborhoods in order to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, and during the recent garbage strike, garbage in black neighborhoods was most likely to remain uncollected.

Given the choices that African Americans have and the environmental issues at the root of their problems, should blacks go green?

I grew up in a Democratic household and have voted for Democrats all of my life, but was I the only African American annoyed when I heard Al From, founder of the Democratic Leadership Council, brag about the Sister Souljah incident, during which former President Clinton embarrassed Jesse Jackson as a way of wooing white voters. Appearing on

C-Span, From said that Clinton's action represented a rebuff to a powerful interest group. So powerful that blacks were never able to have one of their people included on a presidential ticket.

In California, black Democrats have had to endure Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates, a Democrat, who believes that diversity means everybody but blacks. Former Oakland Mayor, Jerry Brown, another Democrat, enhanced his standing among whites by picking fights with blacks, the Giuliani strategy. For his fight against those whom he deemed "dysfunctional," he received an award from the Manhattan Institute, an outfit that hobnobs with "Race Science," quacks. Another Democrat, former Governor Gray Davis, was beholden to the scandal plagued powerful California Corrections Industry; he is another Democrat who followed the From formula. He endorsed a bill that would treat juvenile offenders as adults.

Unlike Clinton, these Democrats weren't able to mask their attitudes toward blacks by posing as their chum. Blacks can't have a party or a picnic without Clinton showing up unannounced.

Now we have another black presidential candidate whose campaign will probably end with the Democrats providing him with a prime time speech opportunity to endorse the white candidate, after which, the tearful delegates will lock arms, sing and sway.

Barack Obama has sparkle. He's cool. As a wordsmith he ranks with JFK and Ronald Reagan. But he seems to be emulating the Clinton-From model by preaching personal responsibility to blacks, exclusively, when the white family is in such a state of dysfunction that Andrew Hacker, a contributor to The New York Review of Books, has written that were Daniel Moynihan around today, he'd be writing about the "tangle of pathologies" in the white family. (Nobody has told this to Bob Herbert and Orlando Patterson, who are brought in by The New York Times Op-ed editor to aid the newspaper's campaign in assigning all blame for the abandonment of family values to black men.) Why no tough love for white, Hispanic and South Asian families? I suspect that Mr. Obama's ideas were partially formed by African American professors at Harvard University, at least one of whom has become a millionaire by blaming the African slave trade on blacks, charging blacks with Anti-Semitism (even though Senator Joe Lieberman was the first choice for president among blacks in 2003, before Al Sharpton entered the primaries) and scolding "35 year old black grandmothers who live in the projects," when, statistically, multi-generational welfare recipients are rare, and the rate of out-of-wedlock births among black teenagers has plummeted. When Tim Russert, Don Imus' buddy, regularly deplores the state of the black family, he never mentions this. In California,for the first time, the traditional nuclear family is in the minority; this can't be blamed on blacks, since they are only 4% of the population. The Mercury News reported (9/12/07): "As recently as the 2000 Census, about 52 percent of Californians 15 or older were married. But 2006 population data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau says that share of married Californians has slipped to 48.5 percent this decade as the share of adults who have never wed has grown.

"Californians are waiting longer than ever--and longer than people in many other states--to get married, or they're just skipping it altogether. About three in 10 women in California have never married, a percentage topped by only three other states, according to the new census data. An even higher percentage of men--38 percent--have never married."

Of course, Democratic candidates are capable of delivering some inspirational applause lines like the ones spoken at the recent Howard University forum. They can express outrage about AIDS and its impact on the African American community, but they dare not offend Reagan Democrats by citing the role that the criminal justice system plays in the spread of the virus. The book Prison Madness by Terry Kupers, M.D., describes how prison officials use rape as punishment and how some inmates become infected with the virus, and when released spread it in the population. If the Democrats addressed that aspect of the AIDS disaster and criticized the prison industrial complex, they would be perceived as weak sisters.

For the same reason, they dare not criticize the gun lobby. While black and Hispanic children have been mowed down in the streets as a result of the National Rifle Association's intransigence, it took the slaughter of white kids at Virginia Tech to get Congress to act on some modest gun law reform.

Mrs.Clinton is the favorite candidate of the arms industry. It was reported on Democracy Now, Oct.19:

"new figures show Democratic Senator Hillary Clinton has emerged as the candidate most favored by the nation's leading weapons companies. Clinton has received more than fifty-two thousand dollars from arms industry employees. That's more than half the amount given to all Democratic candidates and sixty-percent of the total that has gone to Republicans."

Moreover, Mrs. Clinton won't mention how her husband's welfare reform bill has contributed to increased infant mortality in the South and led to hardship among the brown, white and yellow communities. Quoted in Norman Solomon's Made Love Got War, poverty scholar Gwendolyn Mink says, "ten years after the so-called welfare reform, mothers are being forced into full-time jobs that do not pay wages that allow them to make ends meet. The wage gap for mothers is growing, and economic insecurity for mothers and children gets worse. Indeed, the persistent insecurity enforced by sub-poverty wages-combined with harsh welfare rules and the lack of child care and health provision ­ make families fragile and puts mothers' custody of children at risk." And though President Clinton wooed the new black class of Martha's Vineyard blacks, entrepreneurs and intellectuals, his administration saw the largest rate of black incarceration of in history. The headlines of a press release issued by the Justice Policy Institute on Feb. 19th, 2001 read "More American Were Imprisoned under President Clinton than Under Any Other US President."

On the other hand, there are members of the Republican Party who still admire Jefferson Davis. Their leading candidate for president had a relationship with New York City blacks that, according to the late Jack Newfield's The Full Rudy, was less than cordial. This is a man who takes credit for a reduction in a crime rate that was begun under his predecessor, David Dinkens, a fact ignored by the inbed with press, which coddles him the way they do Bush. This is a man who was so concerned about National Security that he suggested a friend with connections to organized crime to become the head of Homeland Security.

One of the reasons for his appeal to white voters is that he gives the impression that he knows how to handle blacks (or as one writer put it euphemistically, "urban chaos"), the kind of reputation that's gotten presidents elected in the past. In the South they used to call it "running against the niggers." Though these men are elected to spite blacks, they end up harming the voters who elected them to office. Bush won the presidency by defeating John McCain in South Carolina, Scotland in America. All Rove's surrogates had to do was spread the rumor that McCain had fathered a black child out-of-wedlock.

So when confronted with a party that takes them for granted and one that doesn't care whether they go drown, why shouldn't blacks go green?

The one argument I've heard against the idea is that the Green Party is dominated by coffee house liberals. Obviously, blacks have made alliances with worse.

Ishmael Reed's new play, "Body Parts," will open on Oct. 25 at the Nuyorican Poet's Café, 236, East Third Street, between Aves. B and C. For more info call 212-505-8183.

Ishmael Reed is a poet, novelist and essayist who lives in Oakland. His widely-accalimed novels include, Mumbo Jumbo, the Freelance Pallbearers and the Last Days of Louisiana Red. He has recently published a fantastic book on Oakland: Blues City: a Walk in Oakland and Carroll and Graf has recently published a thick volume of his poems: New and Collected Poems: 1964-2006.

He is also the editor of the online zine Konch.

Copyright, 2007, Ishmael Reed.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Brett Mandel

Brett Mandel



Brett Mandel is the Executive Director of Philadelphia Forward, an organization formed to build a constituency for change to promote the policies that can move Philadelphia forward. Philadelphia Forward's efforts on behalf of tax reform won the "Golden Dot" award for the best local internet campaign of 2005 from the Institute for Politics, Democracy & The Internet, a "Pepperpot Award" from the Public Relations Society of America, and a "Pollie" from the American Association of Political Consultants. Brett has been awarded The Council of Georgist Organizations' Henry George Award Tax Reform Champion Activist Award, the Young Involved Philadelphia Civic Bulldog Award, and the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the PA Institute of CPAs Outstanding Achievement in Tax Reform Award. But, more important, Philadelphia Forward changed the way people think about how they can be involved in the civic life of this city. Walt from Mayfair wrote:

"I have lived in Philadelphia all my life, but I never felt I had the ability to make a difference, until now. Your organization has shown me that even the smallest candle can burn bright in the dark."



Philadelphia Forward's work has not just changed the terms of debate. Our efforts created positive results. Thanks to legislation passed by City Council and signed into law by the Mayor in July 2004, the city will now dramatically reduce the Wage Tax over the next decade, bringing it below 3.0 percent by 2015 (saving the average worker more than $3,000 over the next decade while attracting and retaining jobs in Philadelphia) to a level where it will no longer represent an insurmountable barrier to growth. Additional legislation has deepened reductions for to the job-killing Business Privilege Tax. The push for ethics reform resulted in a change to the City Charter to prohibit major campaign contributors from receiving no-bid contracts from City Hall and a subsequent Charter change that established an independent Board of Ethics to maintain integrity in city government.



Previously, Brett served as Director, Financial and Policy Analysis, in the City of Philadelphia Office of the Controller where he managed the efforts of the Financial and Policy Analysis Unit and oversaw consideration of a wide variety of issue areas relating to municipal governance, budgetary policy, and city government operations. Brett received his B.A. from Hamilton College, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude, and his M.G.A. from the Fels Center of Government of the University of Pennsylvania.



Brett is the author of Is This Heaven? The Magic of the Field of Dreams (Rowman & Littlefield, 2002) a book that brings readers along on the continuing pilgrimage to the Field of Dreams Movie Site where life imitates art and everyday people find redemption and reconciliation in an Iowa cornfield. He is also the primary co-author of the City Controller's Office book, Philadelphia: A New Urban Direction (Saint Joseph's University Press, 1999), a vision of Philadelphia's likely future without change and a comprehensive plan designed to make Philadelphia a preferred place to live, work, and visit. The book received the National Association of Local Government Auditors Special Project Award for 1999. Another book, Minor Players, Major Dreams, (University of Nebraska Press, 1997) was written from Brett's perspective as an author, signed to a minor league baseball player's contract to tell the inside story of minor league life.



In 2006, Brett was selected as one of the Philadelphia region's top 101 "connectors"Justify Full by the LEADERSHIP Philadelphia Connector Project, and one of the Philadelphia Business Journal "40 Under 40."



Brett is a product of the Philadelphia public schools (Northeast High School graduate), an active weekend athlete, and a passionate sports fan. A lifelong Philadelphia resident, Brett serves as Commissioner of the Greater Philadelphia Men's Adult Baseball League and as a Board Member for the Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse. He is active in numerous community organizations. Brett lives in the Fitler Square neighborhood of Philadelphia with his wife, Laura Weinbaum, daughters Rose Mandel Weinbaum and Ariel Mandel Weinbaum, and son Sidney Weinbaum Mandel.



Brett Mandel

Executive Director

Philadelphia FORWARD

1700 Market Street, Suite 3130

Philadelphia, PA 19103

215.563.3881 (phone)

215.563.1566 (fax)

www.philadelphiaforward.org

HoopGurlz: Speed to Rutgers


HoopGurlz: Speed to Rutgers

C. Vivian Stringer jumped into the 2008 recruiting class in a big way, as Nikki Speed (left) decided to go to Rutgers all the way over from Southern California.

Speed, of Pasadena, Calif., is one of the nation's top point guards and ranked No. 27 overall in the HoopGurlz Hundred for 2008.

Her FBC club teammate, Jasmine Dixon, of Long Beach, Calif., will visit Baylor next week and make a commitment decision afterward. The No. 26 prospect in 2008, Dixon could join Speed at Rutgers, or tap UCLA. She also has made visits to Arionza and Arizona State.

The aptly named Speed chose Rutgers over Duke. One of the fastest high-school guards in the country with the basketball, Speed showed a vastly improved jump shot this past summer. She also is a top-notch defender and distributor off penetration. Speed can grow considerably in Stringer's disciplined program as one of her few weaknesses was a tendency to try too much and commit turnovers.

Meanwhile, several of Speed's club teammates also recently have verballed. Kristen McCarthy, a 6-1 wing from West Corvina, Calif., chose Temple over Cal, LSU, Rutgers and Washington. Courtney Clement, a 6-1 wing from Long Beach, chose Arizona over Louisville, LSU and San Diego State. Sherrie Session, a 6-foot wing from Downey, Calif., committed to Rhode Island; she also considered Colorado, Liberty, Long Beach State and Oregon.

Previously, Rebekah Gardner, a guard from Fontana, Calif., committed

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Peoplehood: An All-City Parade and Pageant




Peoplehood: An All-City Parade and Pageant

Click here to see pictures from the 2006 Peoplehood Pageant!
Click here to see pictures from the 2005 Peoplehood Pageant!

Saturday, October 20th 2007
Rain or Shine!
Parade: 1 PM beginning at the Paul Robeson House, 4951 Walnut Street
Pageant: 2:30 PM at Clark Park, Chester Ave. between 43rd and 45th Streets

Click to see a map of the parade route

Peoplehood: An All-City Parade and Pageant, our annual grand parade and pageant, brings together, through workshops in communities, more than 3000 people, in six delegations from throughout the city, to celebrate community, diversity and the challenges and triumphs of life in Philadelphia and its neighborhoods.

Georgette Chalker
Urban Video Journalist

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Open Letter from Community Leader Diane White on the issue of police brutality in Harrisburg, PA

News Video: Community Leader, Diane White raises the issue of police brutality in Harrisburg, PA

First of all I would like to take this opportunity to thank those individuals who have been supporting me financially, morally and spirituality. Our collectively energies and faith in all that is good and righteous will truly triumph over the evil which abounds us. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. -Isaiah 54:17


My preliminary hearing has been set for November 27, 2007@ 9:15 at the Dauphin County Prison. To date there has been no action taken on the Citizen's Complaint filed against the Harrisburg Police department. I remain on pre-trial supervision. I am unable to return to work, I continue to receive treatment for my spinal and ankle injury. I still have a knot on my right temple and I am financially unable to pay my bills. My witnesses and neighbor have informed me that they are being harassed by Officer Chance. I am reliving this experience of what happened to me every morning when I wake up and turn on my TV, the women being tazed, woman dying at the airport, the 15 year old being sprayed and punched. Every time I leave my house I hear more horror stories about police beating women and getting away with it. There is no doubt that my life is endanger from these men who get pleasure out of abusing women.


The individuals who have been involved in the McCormick Island incident have already gone to court and yet my preliminary hearing will not occur for another month. Now that those individuals have had their day in court, I will be asking the ACLU to reconsider taking on my case. Those people involved in the McCormick Island incident have money and the financial resources to deal with a system which is already sympathetic to them, I do not. I have been attempting to contact legal aid, however they have not returned any of my calls. I will continue to my calls. I have also registered with the public defenders office. However, no one has been assigned to my case.


Harrisburg City Councilwoman, Patty Kim says she thinks we need a Citizen's review board and has placed the issue on the agenda for the October 25 @ 5:30 meeting. I trust that she is seeking input from agencies like the NAACP, the ACLU, PA Human Relations Commission, The DOJ Taskforce, Former Police Officers, ACORN and other citizens who have been the victim of abuse. I personally have not heard from her, nor have I heard from anyone else who has a vested interest in the outcome of such a meeting. Patty Kim's website has been taken down and there is no mention of her desire to involve the public in the media. I trust that those of you who are in a position to help with this issue have remained vigilant. I am also trusting that you will be in attendance at the October 25, Public Safety meeting and I hope that you will be submitting your request to speak and present evidence beyond the 2 minute time limits we are routinely given.


As I listen to Anita Hill being interviewed by CNN, I can only reiterate what she is saying, Its hard enough to stand up for your rights without having to deal with the chilling affect of those in positions of power who want to delay and deflect the truth.


If nothing else, keep me in your prayers as I will keep you in mind as we continue in this struggle for social justice, not only for me, but for the over 50 complaints against the Harrisburg police this year, not to mentions all the complaints before mine that have not been investigated or resolved. Nothing changes if nothing changes.


How you can help!


Peace,

Diane F. White

537 S. 16th Street

Harrisburg, PA 17104

(717) 232-1722

Green Party Candidate for City Commissioner Lewis Harris Jr. addressed and received a warm welcome in the sunday morning services at Mt.Pisgah


Green Party Candidate for City Commissioner Lewis Harris Jr. addressed and received a warm welcome in the sunday morning services at the famous Mt.Pisgah AME church 41st and Spring Garden St. in west philly, seen in The 1980's/90's Tv sitcom "Amen" staring Cliffton Davis and Sherman Hensley, Lewis far right was joined By Elder Patterson far left Pastor of Hickman Temple AME, Pastor of Mt. Pisgah Jay B. Broadnac center left and Executive Director of the Mayors Faith Base initiative Rev. Margaret Handy. Pastor Broadnac was asked by the Philadelphia Black clergy to address the dilemma of Security Workers Ind. employee's low pay and non-benefits status this Wednesday Sept. 4th, 12:00 noon Temple University at the Bell, 11th and Berks.

" Lewis Harris Jr. Candidate for City Commissioner over voter's registration, greets Pastor Glenn Spalding of The Deliverance Evangelistic Church 21st


" Lewis Harris Jr. Candidate for City Commissioner over voter's registration, greets Pastor Glenn Spalding of The Deliverance Evangelistic Church 21st & Lehigh Ave. after a rousing sermon, Pastor Spalding supports Harris's plan to better educate voters about the electoral process If he should win this November 6th. Harris will address the Deliverance Church Family this Sunday October 14th at the 11:00 am Service.

" Lewis Harris Jr. Candidate for City Commissioner over voter's registration, greets Pastor Glenn Spalding of The Deliverance Evangelistic Church 21st & Lehigh Ave.

Mr. Lewis Harris Jr. met the Pastor and expresses how inspiring his sermon was. Mr. Lewis Harris Jr., is currently running for City Commissioner over voter registration. He feels that what he brings to the community will be to educate Philadelphia to how important The City Commissioner of Voter Registration is and the electoral process holistically. Mr. Harris has a plan to re­educate community by community about why it is important to register to vote, two, to inform the voters how they are allowed to vote for people in general elections and not just by party. He will reduce voter fraud, by investigating the thousands and thousand of vacant lots, illegal ghost registered voters. He wants people to know that unlike Florida where the cheating at the polls was obvious and blatant Philadelphia has a Florida type problem that goes un-notice. The Pastor talked about a passage in the Bible that said put the whole armor on, to defend you when it comes to evil, sins, and injustice. Well Lewis Harris Jr. feels that he will help us on Election Day with a new and complete armor to protect the integrity of our vote.

Lewis Harris Jr., to Launch Talk Radio Show On WURD 900; Nutrition


Snacks for Kids. Above are: "Roger Robbie," the "Hip-Hop Raccoon," and Superstar sports Role model, Julius "Dr.J." Erving. "Power Snack" is encouraging kids and teachers to let everyone make their own snack. It's the latest plan the non-profit, VSP Foundation is promoting to fight street crime using "Street Nutrition" and education. Roger Robbie's goal is to hook kids into thinking before making snacks and eating them. Think nutrition.

Lewis Harris Jr., to Launch Talk Radio Show On WURD 900; Nutrition

by Van Stone vspfondation@yahoo.com (215) 747-8746

In Philadelphia not since AM talk-radio, WHAT and WDAS, came in first in the mid 1970’s, programming the Jocko show, has a community AM radio station been a serious threat in a national radio broadcasting competition. In fact, since political activism seems to be the number 1 reason why AM radio is so successful, having loyal ethnical listeners being a steady close second reason, it’s little surprise that Philadelphia civic activist, Lewis Harris Jr., is talking about starting a talk show on AM radio beginning sometime the end of this month. But why is Harris Jr., a novice in radio broadcasting, seriously considering to converse out civic issues on WURD 900 AM instead of say a FM band?

WURD 900 AM has a system designed that allows inexperienced radio communicators to pay into their own radio education by purchasing airtime. But you have to be polished and knowledgeable of your topic and format. Certainly, there are few like Lewis who has both the life experience and driven tested mileage of participation in Philly politics. Not once or twice, but to many times, I would have to say, has Harris Jr., faces the ugly arm of threats, bombings and debates that goes along with the territory of street civics. And now he’s preparing to take Philly civics to the level of talk-radio creating a very interesting mix dealing with education improvement in city government. About a theme?

During Rizzo’s era in Philly civics major parties had high ratings. Today, Harris Jr. is interested in opening the eyes of key groups in the community such as Muslims and Christians to possibilities what third-party candidates and independent parties may do to make a difference in Philly by district versus citywide. Right now, in the Councilman Clarke era, both major parties get low ratings yearly. And I believe that a third party could have a huge impact in 2007 the Philadelphia election, since the circumstances are similar to 1975. For a third-party candidate to be competitive, he or she needs a certain amount of facts about what’s happening with the voting commissioner seat. And from what I understand, at least one of Harris JR’s topics will be the corruption-case dealing with Carlos Matos, Camden courthouse on Wednesday, September 26, 2007.

The North Philly Democratic ward leader, Matos, faced sentencing on corruption charges before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler. Kugler sentenced Matos to 36 months in prison. Kugler also fined Matos $50,000, citing his net worth of about $3million. Philadelphia Chief Deputy City Commissioner Renee Tartaglione and Matos are married. There is a Tartaglione running as incumbent voting commissioner, Philadelphia. It’s been said that voting commissioner Tartaglione has had the seat longer than certain Philadelphia Mayors have held office, combining a 5-term tenure. How will Lewis host?

Harris Jr. plans to use a team of leading civics experts from the Philly and Harrisburg area creating solutions dialogued for the improvement of Muslims and Christians dealing with violence and deadlock politics in Philadelphia. In other news: Creating Snacking.

Before school restarted I shared with my readers a fun and healthy way of getting kids to eat more. Roger Robbie and Julius “Dr.J.” Erving After-School programs featuring “Power Snack.” “Street Nutrition” is “Roger Robbie’s” way for a nutritious party whenever friends are over. This is a cool group activity for kids. You will need: Fresh fruit and veggies cut into bite-size pieces. Examples are apples, pears, carrots, cucumber, broccoli, zucchini, and green pepper. If you are interested in more snack recipes check the school or public library for kids’ nutritious cookbooks. Or visit my foundation at www.frontpagenews.us to learn how to make healthy snack

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Reporting While Black

Reporting While Black

Chris Keane for The New York Times

ARE YOU IN A GANG? Officers Travis Childs, left, and Ted Castano last month on patrol at the Timber Ridge Apartments in Charlotte, N.C.

Published: September 30, 2007

THE police officer had not asked my name or my business before grabbing my wrists, jerking my hands high behind my back and slamming my head into the hood of his cruiser.

Skip to next paragraph
Chris Keane for The New York Times

NIGHT SHIFT Outside a known gang house in Charlotte, Officer Castano checked an ID.

“You have no right to put your hands on me!” I shouted lamely.

“This is a high-crime area,” said the officer as he expertly handcuffed me. “You were loitering. We have ordinances against loitering.”

Last month, while talking to a group of young black men standing on a sidewalk in Salisbury, N.C., about harsh antigang law enforcement tactics some states are using, I had discovered the main challenge to such measures: the police have great difficulty determining who is, and who is not, a gangster.

My reporting, however, was going well. I had gone to Salisbury to find someone who had firsthand experience with North Carolina’s tough antigang stance, and I had found that someone: me.

Except that I didn’t quite fit the type of person I was seeking. I am African-American, like the subjects of my reporting, but I’m not really cut out for the thug life. At 37 years old, I’m beyond the street-tough years. I suppose I could be taken for an “O.G.,” or “original gangster,” except that I don’t roll like that — I drive a Volvo station wagon and have two young homeys enrolled in youth soccer leagues.

As Patrick L. McCrory, the mayor of Charlotte and an advocate of tougher antigang measures in the state, told me a couple of days before my Salisbury encounter: “This ganglike culture is tough to separate out. Whether that’s fair or not, that’s the truth.”

Tough indeed. Street gangs rarely keep banker’s hours, rent office space or have exclusive dress codes. A gang member might hang out on a particular corner, wearing a T-shirt and jeans, but one is just as likely to be standing on that corner because he lives nearby and his shirt might be blue, not because he’s a member of the Crips, but because he’s a Dodgers fan.

The problem is that when the police focus on gangs rather than the crimes they commit, they are apt to sweep up innocent bystanders, who may dress like a gang member, talk like a gang member and even live in a gang neighborhood, but are not gang members.

In Charlotte’s Hidden Valley neighborhood, a predominately African-American community that is home to some of the state’s most notorious gangs, Jamal Reid, 20, conceded that he associates with gangsters. Mr. Reid, who has tattoos and wears dreadlocks and the obligatory sports shirts and baggy jeans, said gangsters are, after all, his neighbors, and it’s better to be their friend than their enemy.

Sheriff’s records for Charlotte-Mecklenburg County show that Mr. Reid has been arrested several times since 2004 for misdemeanors including driving without a license, trespassing and marijuana possession. Despite his run-ins with the law, Mr. Reid said he had never been in a gang and complained that the police had sometimes harassed him without a good reason.

“A police officer stopped in front of my house and told me to come to his car,” he told me. “I said, no. They got out and ran me down. They did the usual face-in-the-dirt thing.”

Maj. Eddie Levins of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said that officers are allocated to different areas based on the number of service calls they receive, so high-crime areas are likely to get more police attention.

“Where there are more police, expect more police action,” Major Levins said. “Some people think ‘I can just hang out with this gang member as long as I don’t do any crime.’ Well, expect to be talked to. We can’t ignore them. In fact, we kind of want to figure out the relationship between all these gang members and their associates.”

Major Levins said that his fellow officers aren’t perfect and that he was aware of occasional complaints of harassment, but he said that most residents would like to see more police officers on the streets, not fewer.

Even Cairo Guest, a 26-year-old who complained he was handcuffed in his backyard, acknowledged that gang members in his neighborhood were “out of control.”

“There are a lot of guys out here doing stuff they shouldn’t have been doing,” Mr. Guest said.

Still, some civil rights advocates complain that the definition of a gang member is vague. Gang researchers find that most active members usually cycle out of their gangs within about a year. Even active participants might only be marginal members, drifting in and out of gangs, said Kevin Pranis, a co-author of “Gang Wars,” a recent report on antigang tactics written by the Justice Police Institute, a nonprofit research group.

Harsh penalties could actually reinforce gang membership by locking peripheral gangsters in jail with more hardened criminals, he said.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Probe of Justices and Jehovah’s Witnesses

Probe of Justices and Jehovah’s Witnesses

by Van Stone, Baittank Downing, and Gerald McNeil
vspfoundation@yahoo.com (215) 747-8746

Philadelphia, PA, and MEDIA COURTHOUSE- The Tenth Amendment alleges that powers not given to the federal administration by the Constitution belong to the states or to the people. Amendment number 10 is voiced to keep the federal government from becoming too forceful.-Family Courts must obey too. Protection of rights of ones gender, man or a woman is final.

But not so today. "If you’re a Philadelphian male appearing in Media Courthouse," says John Coleman, "especially a Black man, you cannot speak out against your Judge’s limits without fear of detainment or even possible arrest." In Media, the positive man’s right to challenge is blocked.

More serious allegations are being made by victims of abuse of power that, males are illegally detained or arrested and may be kept in jail at the George Hill Correctional Facility for months without being told why they were detained or arrested. A person spoke on condition of anonymity about alleged ongoing racial and discriminative overtones by 4 Judges and 1 Master presiding at the Media Courthouse, Delaware County.

But the West Philadelphia Jehovah’s Witnesses Presiding Judge Elders are participating in unfairness too, according to the complainers. Both set of Judges are intertwined, publicly, in at least one case of Unfair Conduct. The case is about whether a father of 2, Accused and Judged of Indirect Violation of a Protection From Abuse Order, is really the dirty work of bigots and offenders governing as Justices.

Coleman, Special Investigator, involved within Petitions and Complaints of Community Family Issues,-a Public Watchdog group, is drawing on most recent allegations within the intertwined Media Courthouse District Court Official’s bench and the West Philadelphia Jehovah’s Witnesses Elder’s Bench conducting abusiveness to its members.

New fact findings, uncovered evidence by Coleman, details the bizarre real possibility that certain Media Judges are targeting Philadelphia Black males to jail at the Delaware County Prison. He says that, "the anonymous lead person, a married father, is the primary victim. Dad was actually in the fleeing stage from an abusive relationship with his Jehovah’s Witnesses wife, a Marcia Brown." A person with first hand knowledge of the rocky marriage confirmed to Coleman that, the father with their 2 small children tried to end their marriage and was granted a Temporary Protection From Abuse Order in 2002 by Honorable Judge Barry C. Dozer, Media Courthouse Judge. The Courts can do only what is listed in the rules for the Judicial Branch.

The Dad and Brown are still married. Coleman, citing an unidentified source, reported that the Dad who was also caring for his brothers 2 children was suddenly punished in cruel and/or unusual ways, such as torturing him by both the Media Delaware County Family courts and the West Philadelphia Jehovah’s Witnesses courts. The Bill of Rights protects all Americans from such abuses. It appears that some Officials who preside at the Media Bench are promoting the growth of Sectionalism: They are loyal to sections and not to the whole state. Meanwhile, JW’s judicial officials pass rules to force everyone who is a member to live according to JW’s control.

According to reports and Court records, Judge Dozer, ignored testimony that, together Brown and her attorney, Pauline Manos, Esquire, Philadelphia, abused the dad by directly violating the PFA order, committing fearful acts of: making threats, stealing a weapon. With the stolen 357 magnum, Brown took their children while being prohibited from having any contact with them during the PFA and misrepresented the facts to East Lansdowne Police Department. There Manos and Brown filed a false police report indicating that the dad had made threats to harm Brown, using a stolen gun. "The father is never once implicated" as, "accused of abusing their children, says Coleman. "Not on any legal record," he said. "Only the mom is alleged of child abuse," according to statements made by an unnamed Upper Darby Police Officer. Allegement’s and ongoing strong safety concerns are at the school records.

Brown admitted to all of the above offences of having attacked the father in the presence of their small children using a butcher knife, and verbally abusing the children. She also admitted to Regina Wilson’s involvement, her aunt who is also a Jehovah Witness, by hiding the gun for over 5 days while they (Brown, Wilson, and Manos) hatched out a deadly plan to use the gun against the dad.-The Dad filed for Divorce. But the admittances is on record at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, where according to an unnamed source, Brown confessed to JW’s Judge Elders, John Overton Sr., and George Smith, who presided over the hearing. "This confession was done voluntarily without the presence of the father," says Coleman. "The Jehovah’s Witness Elders, Carmichael and Vernon Brown , evidently told her to use the gun- lie in Media, and say that she was abused by the dad," he said. "No discipline for Brown’s loose conduct," he said.

"We heard first hand the tape," an unknown source said. Evidently a conversation of alleged abuse was taped. "Brown and her aunt were laughing about abusing the kids. They sounded intoxicated. She was yelling at the daughter," an unidentified source said. The aunt is Regina Wilson, West Philadelphia resident. According to sources Brown did not ever admit, to the Judicial Elders, about having a secret affair with her attorney Manos, as the father had accused. "The dad himself accused the wife of having the lesbian affair only to the JW’s Elders-not on court proceeding transcripts," said Coleman. Both judicial tribunal’s concern was more about her being embarrassed by such statements. The criminal acts that the wife, the attorney and aunt were alleged to have committed were ignored. Judge Fitzpatrick sent the Dad back to jail based on the (secret same sex partner relationship) insinuation alone. "We see no violation," Coleman says. Media courts ripped the dad’s children away from him, put him in jail, and additionally misrepresented power by ordering the dad to obtain psychiatric treatment for almost 2 years. "2 Adult Board Certified Psychiatrist disagreed with the Judge’s rulings and authority," he said.

But, according to sources, at one time during the torture, the dad had a good attorney, Pat O’Neal, Esquire. It was during her representation period that Judge Dozer was overheard referring to the dad as, "that black guy." "Trust me, I know about them," says Dozer, when O’Neal startled Judge Dozer about his direct breaking of the Law. O’Neal believed the Judge approved another PFA for the violent Brown against the dad for personal reasons. In September, 2004, Judge Fitzpatrick supported Dozer’s PFA against the dad: sources tell that Fitzpatrick was overheard responding to the dad’s attorney, Robert B. George’s, inquiry about a possible appeal to her decision to imprison the dad again for an Indirect Violation of Brown’s PFA, she said, "I want that N-----‘s ass in jail." "Don’t bother to appeal," Fitzpatrick related through her assistant. Credible? Maybe. The News Council team and myself, the lead Philadelphia Police Clergy, have forwarded this case to the American Civil Liberties Union. This is a Pennsylvanian concern. It affects males in Chester and Darby too, sources say. Email Officer Coleman at chapelfirepolice@yahoo.com if you have a tip about-Media Courthouse or JW’s abuse.

Welcome to the CAA


Jamie Harris

Welcome to the CAA

by Brian Crownover and Bill Martin

College basketball season is now less than two months away. As we close in on the season, many fans want to know how they’ll replace graduated players and where their incoming freshmen will fit into the mix. After watching many of the incoming players last year with their high school and AAU programs, CAA Insider will take a look at some of the newcomers to the CAA this season (Please note, this is only players that we have personally seen).


Expected to contribute right away:

New York City has produced its fair share of guards over the years. Three of the city’s best from the Class of 2007 are expected to have an impact early on in their careers. The Hofstra Pride are losing two players from the three headed scoring machine that was their backcourt last season. All CAA guard Loren Stokes will undoubtedly be the most difficult player to replace. One player who will have the task of trying to replace Stokes and teammate Carlos Rivera is incoming freshman Nathaniel Lester. Lester comes in with a nice resume, including being rated by most among the Top five players in NYC. Lester is more of a rugged, physical guard rather than the flashy guard New Yorkers are used to. Lester should see plenty of time on the court early on in his career. Fellow incoming New York guard, Devon Peterson, is now headed the JUCO route so even more playing time will be available for Nathaniel. Look for the talented guard to make a run at the CAA Rookie of the Year award.


Another backcourt decimated by graduation was that of the Drexel Dragons. The Dragons went up north to the Big Apple and snatched another couple of talented guards. Replacing four-year starter Bashir Mason and long-range bomber Dom Mejia won’t be easy, but the two young guards hope to be up to the task. Jamie Harris isn’t flashy, but rather a steady hand at the point guard position. He looks to pass first and often makes his teammates better. The undersized guard can put the ball in the hoop too. While Jamie’s game doesn’t provide much flair, the opposite can be said about super quick combo guard Gerald Colds. He’s a quick guard who can hit from nearly everywhere on the court. He was hot and cold when we’ve seen him but he’ll have to be more consistent to have a big impact early. Hopefully that’ll come with repetition. Early reports are that both of these guards have a good work ethic. The toughest thing for both will be trying to replace Mason on the defensive end. He was a four time all defensive player. Another guard who could contribute early is the much bigger guard from Canada, Adrian Hynes-Guery.


Canadian Pipeline:

Besides Adrian Hynes-Guery, the CAA will have two other freshmen players from Canada this year. Etoile Imama and Valeriu Lazarescu both played for Champlain St. Lambert in Quebec. Etoile should provide depth at the point guard position right away for Old Dominion. He excels at taking care of the ball and running an offense, so he should be able to step right in and provide some error free basketball. Big time scoring however should not be expected from him. He is not very aggressive on offense, and his jumper needs to be more consistent. Lazarescu is an athletic wing with a decent offensive skill set, who will be suiting up for William & Mary. His jump shot is solid and he can hit out behind the arc. His pull up mid range jumper is probably his most dangerous ability. What Valeriu really has to work on is his ball handling and the mental aspect of the game. He lacks ball-handling moves, so when he drives he does so with one hand and simply tries to blow by his man. Valeriu has all the physical tools to be successful in the CAA, but his decision-making needs serious improvement. He throws the ball away way too often, and does not do well with pressure defense. There is not much playing time available for Valeriu, so he should have time to develop a year before he needs to be counted upon.


Biggest Upside:

When people use the word “upside” as has been described of incoming VCU freshman Larry Sanders, you typically think of someone with no offensive game. The scary part is that Larry does have some offensive game already and yet still has plenty of “upside”. He is extremely long and athletic and built similar to former Drexel Dragon Chaz Crawford. Much like Chaz, Larry is a very good shot blocker. In our brief viewing, he does appear to be farther along that Chaz was coming into the CAA from an offensive standpoint. Larry has excellent hands and some ability to play towards the perimeter. He does need to work on developing more low post moves, but he possesses a soft touch, which should really help him in that area. Like most incoming big men, Larry does need to add strength. With the Rams veteran frontcourt, Larry should be able to develop properly while providing some depth. He still has quite a ways to go offensively, but it wouldn’t shock us at all to see Larry playing in the NBA one day.


Biggest match up problem:

Just a few short years ago, center Kevin Pittsnogle (West Virginia) was wreaking havoc during the NCAA tournament with his long range shooting ability. Perhaps this inspired George Mason to pickup Vlad Moldoveanu for their frontcourt. Vlad is a very skilled forward who is proficient from behind the arc. He also can go inside and score with his back to the basket in the post. Vlad can put the ball on the floor and hit the mid range jumper too. This versatile play should lead to some early playing time and cause headaches for opposing coaches who are trying to match up with him. Vlad does need to get stronger and his defense could improve, but his skills should get him on the court early and cause trouble for the rest of the CAA throughout his career.


Most underrated:

When you play in a state not known for its high school basketball, it becomes easy to be overlooked. Such may be the case with Sanford, Delaware product Edwin Santiago. Edwin led his team a state championship title game appearance and was first team all state yet rarely is he even mentioned among the top incoming CAA players. He didn’t play on a high profile AAU team like some of Delaware’s other more high profile prospects. There’s no doubt though that Edwin can play. The lanky guard can do a number of things well. He’s very smooth with the ball in his hands and can pull up from the perimeter or drive to the goal and use his length to finish in traffic. Edwin is also pretty athletic and looks to get his teammates involved too. He may not be an instant impact player, but don’t be surprised if this University of Delaware player becomes a household name down the road. With his versatility, Edwin could end up seeing some playing time at either guard spot.


Most ready for the college game from a physical standpoint:

Time and time again when writing about high school players we use the phrase “must get stronger.” While many players are not ready for the physical nature of the college game, incoming VCU freshman Myk Brown is an exception to the rule. The well-built wing looks more like a linebacker or fullback than he does your typical basketball player. The Rams lose a physical guard in Jesse Pellot-Rosa who actually tried out for the Jets. Myk certainly can physically fill the role of the departed Pellot-Rosa. Myk also is a solid perimeter shooter and showed flashes of athletic ability when we saw him in action. VCU is losing two starters from the backcourt and is bringing in several other high profile recruits including Ed Nixon and Joey Rodriguez from Florida. The Rams may elect to go with some of those players as replacements, but if they want another physical player in the backcourt Myk Brown is their man.


With 9 of the 15 all conference players from last year lost to graduation, there will certainly be plenty of opportunities for the incoming players to make an impact. How well these freshmen can fill the void remains to be seen. Their development throughout their college careers will be needed to keep the CAA among the top mid major conferences in the country.

NE Playaz & DC Assault win 2007 Fall Jam Fest

Gold Division - New England Playaz (12th Grade Division Champions)

NE Playaz & DC Assault win 2007 Fall Jam Fest

By Theo Rabinowitz (Ballers All-Star Report)The championship game of the 12th grade division at the Hoop Group Fall Jamfest at Rutgers University featured the NE Playaz, coached by former Celtics coach John Carroll, against the Jersey Shore Warriors, a team comprised of several quality outside shooters. The game was tight throughout, with the Playaz leading most of the way. The Warriors weren't able to get over the hump, as the Playaz made several key stops down the stretch en route to a 72-58 victory.


The Warriors were lead throughout the game by Dalton Pepper, a highly competent floor general who led his team in scoring with 18 points. Pepper a junior PG, boasts offers from the likes of West Virginia, Villanova and Virginia Tech. Junior, Will Barrett also contributed to the scoring attack for the Warriors, chipping in with 13 points, including 3 three-pointers.


Despite the efforts of Pepper and Barrett, the New England Playaz were able to use their height advantage to beat the Warriors with their low-post game. The major contributor was Eric Murphy, who finished with 22 points, most of which came within 8 feet of the basket. Nate Lubbick, who also did damage in the low post, contributed with 16 points. 11th Grade Championship Game:The DC Assault were able to top the Playaz Basketball Club in a close match to win the 11th grade championship game 78-73. Joshua Hairston, a sophomore for the DC Assault scored a team high 24 points. The Playaz Club, comprised of players from the New Jersey and Pennsylvania area were lead by Fuquan Edwin, who also led his team with 24 points.

Daryl Bryant

MVP Daryl Bryant (above) recorded 24 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists to lead Usual Suspects to an 88-85 victory over Team Hersh in the championship game of the Funsport Brooklyn HS Classic at Jefferson HS.Usual Suspects expanded their 39-35 halftime lead to double digits when Kemba Walker swished a left-corner three- pointer that made it 54-44 with 2:28 left in the third quarter. Team Hersh quickly recovered as David Coley scored 10 points in a 19-8 run that carried over to the fourth quarter. Eric Troche climaxed the spurt with a driving layup and Team Hersh suddenly had a 63-62 lead with five minutes remaining.

Patrick Jackson got that one back with a layup at the other end for Usual Suspects, who then regained control and rebuilt their double-digit margin at 80-70 on a three-point play by Jackson with 2:45 to go. Team Hersh would start another comeback but they simply ran out of time as Erving Walker and Bryant ran down the clock.Erving Walker chipped in with 20 points while Kemba Walker added 18 points and Jackson finished with 15 for the winners, who posted their second straight triumph over an unbeaten pool winner, having stopped defending champ Starrett City 90-87 a day earlier in the semifinals. In that game, Bryant led five Usual Suspects in double figures with 20 points, followed by Jackson (17), Erving Walker (15 with 7 assists), Marquis Grant (15 and 12 rebounds), and Kemba Walker (13). Starrett City received 24 points each from Vance Kelly and Devon Elliott while Sam Obetoh added 18 points and 10 boards.Team Hersh's Coley, who established himself as one of the city's top rising sophs in this tournament, garnered Sportsmanship honors with his team-high 21 points, 15 of which came in the second half. Another soph, Joel Wright, tallied 16 points and 14 rebounds for Team Hersh, which also got 15 points from Keith Spellman, 14 points from Troche, and 13 points with 10 rebounds from Allan Marshall.


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