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Reports on the campaign of the civil rights group National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for the restoration of voting rights to ex-felony offenders as of April 19, 2001. Lobbying of the NAACP in Maryland.

Reports on the controversy concerning the 1995 burning of Freddy's Store in New York City, which killed several people including the psychopathic lone gunman Roland Smith. Harlemites' condemnation of the tragedy; City government's investigation of the incident; Involvement of supporters of Record Shack in the controversy; City Mayor Rudolph Guiliani's characterization of Reverend Al Sharpton.

Reports on the Labor Day parade on Brooklyn's Eastern Parkway sponsored by the West Indian-American Day Carnival Association. Participants and spectators; Intimidation of the African-Caribbeans; Reevaluation of the situation; Changes in parade arrangement.

Presents various news related to several events that took place in the U.S. in 2002. Appointment of Yvonne J. Graham in the position of deputy borough president in Brooklyn, New York City in January, 2002; Selection of assemblyman Keith Wright in the position of chair of the Standing Committee on Election Law in March, 2002.

Presents updates related to religion and spirituality in New York as of June 2002. Accusation on the translation standards of the International Bible Society on the Today's New International Version of the Bible; Memorial tribute for American Airlines employee Michelle Mills; Death of The St. Louis Metro Sentinel president and publisher Jane Elizabeth Woods-Miller.

Presents the chronicle of events in the United States as of 2001. Death of activists lawyer Flo Kennedy on January; Admission of Reverend Jesse Jackson of fathering a daughter out of wedlock on February; Supports from Hillary Rodham Clinton to the aid of undocumented aliens.

Reports on news and developments concerning Afro-Americans for the year 2000. New York City Board of Education's dismissal of Schools Chancellor Rudy Crew; Death of community activist Marshall England and WWOR-TV newsman Reggie Harris.

States that the death of Nigerian General Sani Abacha has seen the people worrying about their country's political future. Information on the procedures used by Abacha in trying to return the country to democratic civilian rule; Details on Abacha's burial; Comments from Gani Faewhinmi, a Nigerian human rights lawyer; Selection of Major General Abdulsalam A. Abubakar as Abach's successor.

Comments on the views of critics on the role held by Harlem business tycoon Percy E. Sutton, with the selection of speakers at the memorial service of Doctor Betty Shabazz, widow of Malcom X. Who selections were made by; Criticism by the Reverend Charles Kenyatta and community activist Sonny Carson; Identification with Malcolm X's cause and times by Roy Innis, National Congress of Racial Equality head.

Reports that on March 25, 1997 a Nassau County Family Court cleared Rt. Rev. Huie L. Rogers, the presiding prelate of the Bibleway Worldwide Church of paternity allegations lodged by Rena Denson that he was the father of her 2-year-old son Darrion Marcus Denson. Details of Denson's claims; Information on the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) analysis of Rogers' blood specimen; Comments from Denson; Views of several top officials of the church that the test result was comprised.

Reports on remarks of various Congressional leaders relating to United States President Bill Clinton's State of the Union speech on January 1996. Discussion of issues relating to government services; Reconstruction of urban America through community development; Increase financial support for education and job training.

Presents information on the annual tribute to slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. which was held at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and the effect that the presence of Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Reverend Al Sharpton had on the crowd. Intrusion by Sharpton and protestors; Examination of Giuliani's speech; Crowds reaction to Giuliani's speech; Brooklyn Borough President Howard Golden accosted by Sharpton; Sharpton's perception of the mayor.

Reports on the arrest of illegal street vendors on the 125th Street commercial strip in Harlem, New York City. Mayor Rudy Giuliani's help to assert the police department's authority in the area; Reactions of the vendors to the move; Giuliani's plan to relocate the vendors to two sites on 116th Street and Lenox Avenue; Daily fee for each vendor at the site.

Presents criticisms made in connection with the ouster of Ben Chavis as the executive director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Parallelism between the Chavis case and the experiences encountered by former NAACP board members Marcus Garvey and W.E.B. DuBois; Chavis' suits against the NAACP.

The article focuses on sampling of the stories and photos that have been covered in the Amsterdam News, which impacted the Black community. In January 2004, a coalition of Black activists challenges the firing of community activist, psychiatrist James McIntosh from Covenant House, a social service agency based in Manhattan. In February 2004, mayor Michael Bloomberg goes public in denouncing the shooting death in Harlem of young Timothy Stansbury. In addition to these, the article also presents information on several other developments in the United States.

The article reports on reactions of African Americans and Latinos against passage of Rocefeller drug laws. Reaction has been mixed among African Americans and Latinos across New York City, New York, to last week's passage in Albany of a bill sharply reforming the current draconian Rockefeller drug laws. Governor George Pataki signed the bill into law Tuesday, restructuring portions of the drug laws widely agreed to be too harsh. Leaders of both houses of the state legislature joined him. The new law eliminates indeterminate sentences and creates a determinate sentencing structure for drug offenders and offers re-sentencing for eligible non-violent drug offenders in prison

The article reports that the lives of 13-year-old Dominic George and his sister Christina were tragically cut short at the hands of their father, Everett George, 34, on Thanksgiving Eve. Police said George stormed into the second floor apartment of the unidentified mother of his children in the M.S. Houses at 123 East 129th Street and opened fire. Police sources said Dominic was found dead at the scene. His one-year-old sister was rushed to nearby Harlem Hospital, New York, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The 34-year-old George left, then returned to the building and bulldozed his way into her apartment.

The article reports that some of the guests at the One Hundred Black Men's annual benefit last week chastised the organization for its decision to salute pop singer Janet Jackson with an award. There were a number, of attendees who expressed dismay over presenting an award to the 38-year-old performer. Despite the controversy over the organization's decision to recognize Jackson, a high point of the occasion was a progress report given on the group's educational program by the Reverend Jacques A. DeGraff, a One Hundred Black Men board member.

The article reports that singing sensation Patti LaBelle is expected to rock the house at the National Urban League's annual Equal Opportunity Day Dinner slated for November 9, 2004, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, 1535 Broadway at 45th Streetin New York. The League will present special awards to a number of persons, groups and corporations whom it says have helped to level the playing field, creating equal opportunity and access for all in the country. Marjorie Magner, chair and CEO of Global Consumer Group, which is part of Citigroup Inc., is the national dinner chair and actress S. Epatha Merkerson will serve as mistress of ceremonies.

The article profiles Joyce A. Stephen, newly appointed deputy police commissioner for community affairs, continues to reap handsome benefits from a career goal she set for herself when she was 12 years old. Stephen recalled how her decision to become a cop was influenced by the 1970s movie series featuring Pam Grier as Foxy Brown, Coffey and Jackie Brown. In the series, Grier played the female version of a super cop going after the criminals. Stephen didn't think at the time she could play the role on television as Grier but could do so in real life and began to chart a course of action. After finishing high school, Stephen immediately matriculated to John Jay College of Criminal Justice and graduated years later with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice.

This article focuses on how New Yorkers helped islanders in the hurricane's aftermath. As the peoples of the islands of Grenada, Jamaica and Cayman pick up pieces following the massive destruction caused by Hurricane Ivan, their fellow countrymen in New York City have joined with sympathizers to lend a helping hand. An umbrella relief emergency center directed by the Brooklyn based Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been established, with smaller efforts mounted by nationals of individual countries affected by the hurricane. In Brooklyn, home to most West Indians living in New York City, borough president Marty Markowitz said that New Yorkers are pulling together to assist those impacted overseas.

This article presents information about Congressman Major Owens who won the Democratic primary elections in Brooklyn. Political pundits were shaking their heads in disgust over the low turnout in the Democratic primary. It's unclear which candidates benefited from the low voter turnout, but in Brooklyn the most talked about race was the bitter battle between Owens and his three opponents, who hail from politically prominent families. Owens had garnered 13,536 or 44 percent to Councilwomen Yvette D. Clark, 8,993 or 29 percent.

This article presents information about the 39th anniversary of the historic Voting Rights Act, which made it possible for African Americans in the U.S. to vote. These celebrations were conducted by members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). CBC Chairman Elijah Cummings called the Voting Rights Act a "major milestone" in the nation's democracy because its mandate speaks to the most essential exercise of citizenship and the right to vote in the United States. Cummings said in an interview that had it not been for the Voting Rights Act, millions of African Americans and other people of color, would not have access to this precious right.

Twelve Brooklyn students who competed in last month's National Mock Trial Competition in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, have every reason to hold their heads up high. Coached by a team of Kings County district attorneys, these students brought home more individual awards than any of their fellow competitors across the country. Tiffany Charles received two awards, while Afeisha Keller, Le Le, Erica Myrtil, Ashley Shaw, Aleksey Shtivelman and Tiffany Ward each brought home one award, for a total of eight. Contestants were drawn from Lowell, Massachusetts.

A cry for mercy by commuters and subway straphangers alike continues to reverberate across New York City amid reports that the Metropolitan Transport Authority (MTA) may impose fare increases. The proposed increases by the MTA would mean a jump from $70 to $76 for a 30 Day unlimited ride MetroCard. Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road fares are expected to increase by about 5 percent and tolls at nine bridges and tunnels are being jacked up from twenty five to fifty cents, depending on the crossing.

Certain Medicaid and Child Health Plus managed-care health plans have lead-screening rates for infants and young children below the statewide average, according to a study released by the state attorney general, Eliot Spitzer who said that his office has begun an inquiry to determine whether these plans are in compliance with state law that mandates universal lead screening and to identify steps these agencies may use to increase their childhood lead-screening rates. Repeated surveys have determined that lead poisoning can result in mental and physical impairments, such as cognitive defects, which can cause lower IQ scores, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, growth delays and hearing loss.

More than 8,000 NAACP delegates gathered here in the City of Brotherly Love to bash U.S. President George W. Bush's policies, saying that the country in 2004 needs a new direction. The nation's oldest civil rights organization, which is officially non-partisan, stopped short of endorsing Massachusetts Senator John F. Kerry for president, but the support for his candidacy was visible throughout the convention hall. The civil rights group has been canvassing the country, registering more Blacks to vote in the November 2004 election.

Federal funds have been authorized under a U.S. Senate and House bill to expand the popular Great Blacks in Wax Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton was a co-sponsor of the National Great Black Americans Commemoration Act of 2004, which also passed in the House, where it was sponsored by legislator Elijah Cummings. The bill calls for the allocation of monies to be used for the construction of a learning center that can adequately address civil rights issues.

Bronx lawmaker Michael A. Benjamin and others have expressed strong support for the Campaign for Fiscal Equity school aid proposal, which was unveiled recently. The plan, approved by the State Assembly, appropriates $1.3 billion for New York City which is more than the expected total of $6.1 billion, which the governor hopes to raise though gambling for distribution across the state. Benjamin said that while the Assembly's plan is far from perfect, it is preferable to the governor's "sleight-of-hand" school funding formula, which relies on uncertain federal aid and expanded gambling venues. City Council Deputy Majority Leader Bill Perkins said that the Assembly plan is the best alternative, but said that New York City students need more.

State Senate Democratic Leader David Paterson on Tuesday blasted as "shortsighted" an emergency appropriations Republican sponsored bill that slashed $10 million from the $25 million funding for youth summer jobs. Paterson said these cuts could result in 20,000 children between ages of 12 and 14 being left without jobs this summer. Paterson stressed the importance of giving children direction especially during the summer months, when boredom and free time often lead to trouble for teenagers. Paterson also said that many families depend on summer day camps to provide a structured, affordable and safe environment for their children.

Hundreds of low income families living in some 20 communities across the country including New York City can now realize the dream of homeownership because of $161.5 million in federal grants. Housing Secretary Alphonso Jackson said the program would assist these families with grants of up to $10,000 under a special American Dream Downpayment Initiative. Reacting to the grant, City Councilwoman Helen Foster said the concept is a noble one and she believes that giving access to middle and low income people to achieve the American dream is also a good idea. To be eligible for the assistance, individuals must be first time homebuyers interested in purchasing one-to four-family housing, condominium unit, cooperative unit or manufactured housing.

A plan by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg that eliminates summer school nurses by cutting the 2.5 million dollars allocated to run the program has come under sharp criticism from the president of the Borough of Manhattan, C. Virginia Fields who said that while the mayor and his schools chancellor may boast about their efforts to reform the public school system, their current plan involving children's health care may have a detrimental effect on a child's ability to receive proper medical attention. Fields believes that the real problem is the mayor's inability to properly set priorities when it comes to meeting needs of the estimated 195,000 children who will be attending summer school this year.

Capitalizing on his popularity both in Brooklyn and Albany, Assemblyman Roger L. Green resigned his post last Tuesday, feeling confident he would win it back in an election down the road. But critics say it might not be that easy, especially if Green faces a challenge from Eric Adams, a Democrat turned Republican and chairman of One Hundred Blacks in Law Enforcement. Green resigned abruptly under suspicions that he was involved in a scheme involving free automobile rides from Brooklyn to Albany and then submitting bills for reimbursement. The Assemblyman, who represents the 57th District, pleaded guilty to the allegation and was sentenced in an Albany court to a probationary term of three years and ordered to pay a fine of 2,000 dollars and 3,000 dollars in restitution.

In a week when parishioners are mourning the tragic death of three members who attended the Gospel Assembly Church of Jesus Christ in the Bronx, Marshalee Thompson is counting her blessings. Her father Anthony was on the church trip van that overturned on a busy Canadian highway, as the group was making their way back to New York on Sunday evening. Thompson was one of a handful of church members and friends related to victims who gathered last Tuesday in the church's kitchen to comfort one another.

Saying that women face many specific and unique health issues that men don't, politician Carolyn Maloney introduced legislation that would create permanent women's health offices within five federal agencies. The agencies were identified as the Department of Health and Human Services, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the Health Resources and Services Administration. Also the Atlanta, Georgia-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration were tapped by the Congresswoman.

State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer has struck a deal with top recording companies in the U.S. that returns nearly $50 million in unclaimed royalties to thousands of performers. Spitzer said he decided to broker the accord after a two-year probe by his office that found many artists and writers were not being paid royalties because record companies had failed to maintain contact with them. The Reverend Al Sharpton said the attorney general's discovery shows the "systemic rip-off" in the entertainment industry that rips off scores of artists in the African-American and Latino communities.

Politician Adam Clayton Powell could suffer politically and the fallout from an alleged sexual attack could also torpedo his campaign to unseat Harlem, New York City's veteran Congressman Charlie B. Rangel. The Assemblyman, who represents East Harlem, was accused by a 19-year-old beauty of sexually assaulting her in a Howard Johnson Motel in Albany after serving her with premium liquor. Prior to the young lady's recantation, many of Powell's supporters seemed skeptical and wouldn't give credence to the allegations, especially the sexual assault portion.

A provision in the federal 1998 Housing Act in the U.S. that requires public housing residents to perform eight hours of community service per month or face eviction is being vigorously challenged by a Brooklyn, New York City lawmaker. Legislator Nydia M. Velazquez calls the provision "unprecedented and insulting housing policy" that singles out public housing residents for forced free labor. The Community Service Requirement Act affects as many as 70,000 families throughout New York City, and is opposed by many residents, leaders and advocates because it's considered to be forced labor, according to Velazquez.

Rev. Al Sharpton has accused the Federal Election Commission (FEC) of bias in the wake of a ruling that he contributed more than the legally allowable limit to his presidential campaign while receiving federal matching funds. Sharpton said his campaign disagrees with the FEC ruling and is reviewing the findings to determine if any legal options, including the possibility of litigating, are warranted. Sharpton said that FEC is under enormous pressure from right-wing groups seeking to deny his campaign matching funds through a series of spurious complaints. Sharpton's attorney, said that he was evaluating the possibility of legal challenges to the FEC decision.

The article presents information on Mayor Mike Bloomberg's budget plans for 2005 for New York City. The $46.9 billion budget plan, does not fully address the needs of the city's poor, African-American and Latino communities, critics charged. Bloomberg reported that New York City's economy continues to strengthen, the revenue, from economically sensitive taxes is rising and the fiscal prudence adopted by his administration is paying dividends. But critics like Bill Perkins, deputy majority leader of the City Council, said that the mayor's budget speech seems to suggest that the city's budget crisis is over, which is not the case. City Comptroller William C. Thompson said that his preliminary review of the mayor's budget found that fiscal year 2005 continues to be balanced as a result of the strengthened economy and revenues.

A proposed 2005 federal budget alternative that its author claims places the nation back on the path of fiscal health was introduced on Capitol Hill recently by the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). The alternative budget makes the point that the American dream of a quality education remains out of reach for millions of children and families. CBC expressed confidence that its plan answers all of the pressing issues and restores fiscal accountability and responsibility. Members of the Caucus said that their alternative budget plan is designed to fulfill the needs of the American people while setting aside money to reduce the nation's current $521 billion deficit.

Amsterdam Mayor Mike Bloomberg presided over the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the launching of a full-service state-of-the-art branch of Carver Federal Savings Bank located at 158-45. Borough President Helen Marshall called the designation of Queens' first BDD in south Jamaica an investment in the future of southeast Queens. Carver Savings Bank, the nation's largest African-and Caribbean-American-run bank, operates six full-service branches in the boroughs of Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens, New York.

California Representative Maxine Waters and actor/playwright Ossie Davis have teamed up to fight for the reinstatement of Haiti's deposed President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. They were at a giant Brooklyn College rally on Wednesday to formally demand Aristide's immediate reinstatement. Former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark, Representative Major Owens and a host of Haitian community leaders, including former Ambassador-at-large Ben Dupy and Ray Laforest, participated. Langley called the rally a meeting of" outrage" because it fell on the 201st anniversary of the death in a French jail of Haiti's celebrated emancipator, Toussaint L' Ouverture.

A historical plaque was unveiled at Hale House on West 122nd Street recently commemorating the vision and compassion of its founder," Mother" Clara Hale. Board Chair Judge Zachary Carter told the guests who gathered at next door's Gwendolyn P. Brown Elementary School that they were celebrating the future of Hale House and the" extraordinary woman" who founded the organization. Carter recalled how, in 1969, Mother Hale created a" loving and warm home" for children in need, and for those whose parents suffered from substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, homelessness and imprisonment. Today, Hale House continues to honor her legacy, providing a warm, loving, nurturing home for infants and young children in need.

It appears that the one-man crusade mounted by business tycoon Russell Simmons to reform the draconian Rockefeller Drug Laws has begun to generate public recognition. For example, Phoenix House, the nation's leading non-profit drug treatment and education agency, bestowed its prestigious Phoenix Rising Award upon him at its first annual dinner held in Manhattan. Simmons was specifically saluted for his tireless advocacy of the drug law reform and his role in educating the public and policy makers about the effectiveness of treatment. Dinner chair Tom Freston, chief executive officer of MTV Networks Inc., also had some kind words about the honoree.

Six firehouses ordered closed last year due to budgetary constraints could reopen if the mayor comes to the rescue with $8.3 million, as requested by members of the City Council. Council Speaker, joined by officials of the Uniformed Firefighters Association and the United Fire Officers Association, said that the mayor gambled with the safety of New Yorkers when he ordered the closures. Yvette Clarke, who chairs the council's Committee on Fire and Criminal Justice, charged that Bloomberg gambled with lives by choosing one of the" most risky ways" to cut the budget. The Speaker pointed out that during budget negotiations last year the council rescued Engine 283 and Squad 252 in Queens and Brooklyn, respectively, from the chopping block.

Despite the richness of their music, art, language, creativity, churches and values, African-Americans need new strategies to tackle old problems, the sister of singer Diana Ross said in a keynote address delivered here recently. Scholar Barbara Ross-Lee told an estimated 1,500 guests at the Harlem YMCA Black Achievers awards gala held at the Sheraton Hotel that African-Americans also need new opportunities to inspire their youth, who are tomorrow's leaders. Ross, who is vice president for health services and medical affairs at New York Institute of Technology and dean of New York College Osteopathic Medicine, praised the many business and corporate partners who have supported the annual awards gala.

About 800 guests joined the Black Culinarian Alliance (BCA) at the Marriott Marquis for the annual Cultural Awareness Salute. Showcased at the black-tie gala was the history of minority Americans in the kitchen and the future of minority chefs, followed by an awards ceremony and live entertainment. BCA President Alex Askew took advantage of the occasion to put the organization's mission into perspective. He said that the annual Cultural Awareness Salute will support these efforts and will continue to encourage career advancement as well as the highest standard of professionalism.

A report released this week by comptroller William C. Thompson Jr. indicates that New York City could lose more than 40,000 units of affordable housing over the next decade. But the study underscored that it all depends on whether the Mitchell-Lama developments slated to retire their subsidized mortgages in that period opt to withdraw from the program. The report, "Affordable No More: New York City's Looming Crisis in Mitchell-Lama and Limited Dividend Housing," examines the status of two of New York's most successful affordable housing initiatives. A borough-by-borough map detailing the status of each Mitchell-Lama and Limited Dividend project is featured in the report. Under the terms of both programs, according to the report, in return far public subsidies, cooperative maintenance charges and apartment rent increases were strictly controlled to ensure their long-term affordability.

U.S. President George W. Bush's proposed $2.4 trillion federal budget for fiscal year 2005 is being given resounding thumbs down by critics across the Empire State and beyond. The Congressional Black Caucus, after reviewing the budget, said on Monday that it would no doubt spell economic disaster for the nation, especially African-Americans, the poor and other people color. Rep. Elijah E. Cummings said that when Bush took office in January 2001, he inherited a projected 10-year budget surplus of $5.6 trillion. Rep. Nydia' M. Velazquez said that the reckless fiscal policies of this administration and congressional Republicans have created the largest deficits in history, which threaten the economy and the well-being of this country. From healthcare to housing, the Brooklyn lawmaker said that the proposed budget is nothing more than a sad attempt to solve the ills of the nation through massive tax cuts to the wealthy and handouts to corporate interests.