Letter to editor: First Annual Black Family Day by Richard Parker Columnist

15 September 2011

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor Smith,

The first annual Black Family Day in Tarboro will be held on September 3^rd 2011.

The fifteenth annual Black Family Day in Reidsville will be held on August 27^th 2011. Black Family Day reunions are held annually, in many different places. Friends and guests are invited to each event. You are welcome as always.

The Black Family Day celebration is not new, only new to Tarboro, in this area. Once you experience Black Family Day you will be looking forward to the next year and the next Black Family Day.

Black Family Day is a fitting name for our celebration on September 3^rd 2011. Please come out and experience the real and symbolic beginning of the wonderful rebirth of our long lost Family way of life. If my memory serves me correctly it was lost about 400 years ago. I was born in Tarboro in 1930.

AND if I remember my 5^th grade general science, the color black is the result of the absorption of all wave lengths of color, while the color white is the result of the deflection of all wave lengths of color. Of course, that in no way reflects the relationships between the races. Not that we are color blind.

Please come out and join us on the Common on September 3^rd 2011, and help us celebrate Black Family Day .

Richard H Parker Jr
Tarboro NC

See related:

Richard H. Parker Jr.

For Our Tarboro Neighbors – Neighbors Oversight for Open Government: See Conversation About The Hiring Of The New Tarboro Town Manager

While we certainly understand your valid concerns about your council’s recent hiring decision regarding a new city manager, please understand it is not, nor has it ever been our intention to pursue and/or defame anyone. Our involvement with the issues in Tarboro began with a flood of inquiries regarding our past experience with the new hire over this past weekend. (Read more)

See related:

Tarboro Town Manager

Tarboro Daily Southerner – See more comments as it relates to hiring Thornton

Tarboro NC Resident Speaks Out On Hiring Of New Town Manager

Dear Editor Smith,

Well, back to the drawing board. Mr. Thornton said he knows Sam personally. That was enough for me.

The Editor of The Daily Southerner said, in a meeting I attended, “If you don`t want it printed, then don`t say it.” When the editor quoted Thornton`s remarks on accepting the town manager position, I knew we were in trouble! Thornton`s diction was terrible! He had never served a town near the size of Tarboro, so he is, in effect, unprepared to serve Tarboro`s needs. Town Council has left it up to Thornton to hire our next Planning Director. God help us. We will be in even worse shape than we were “under” Sam ! Council`s vote for Thornton should not have been unanimous. A unanimous vote almost always indicates cronyism. Especially in cases like this! Was there nobody in our government curious enough about Thornton to roam the internet for a background check? It sounds like old Sam played a big hand in this after all. Especially with Vivian Washington playing such a big role, according to the mayor. That`s old Sam. Now we see why Town Council wanted Sam to hang around. It appears they wanted him to pick his own successor and then “train” him. He has two months now. Town Council`s “search” was a sham and a scam . They could very well have trashed all 39 applications and started over! It also appears that no one on our council talked to anyone on Southport`s council about Thornton`s performance. Or at least, made the attempt! OR, his kind may just have been what they were looking for.

One consolation, citizens of Tarboro; those in our government who have the most to gain also heaped the most praise upon Thornton. A key word here is “Electricities!”

The town council of Southport voted for Thornton`s dismissal. That alone, should be grounds for terminating his contract.

Citizens of Tarboro, unite. And vote.

Richard H. Parker Jr. 
Tarboro NC

Received May 25, 2011

Note: I don’t think this letter has been printed in the Tarboro Daily Southerner as of Friday. However I could be wrong. Curmilus Dancy II – DCN Publisher

See related:

Richard H. Parker Jr.

Another Writer Letters Not Printed In The Daily Southerners Letters To Editor

Greetings Mr. Dancy,     

It was great to see your Letter to the Editor last week.    I wrote lots of `em that they would not print, but it did not stop me. I figured it was a good way to communicate, at the time.

Our President Obama started his campaign in Brazil !   He is setting the bar so high that no one will want to run against him. He can wage war and Peace at the same time and do it fabulously !  As one lady said last week, "he can walk and chew gum at the same time!"    Let us, as a race, follow his example!      

"A Bumble Bee is Aerodynamically Unsound Therefore It Can`t Fly. But The Bumble Bee
Don`t Know That !" (au)

Richard H Parker Jr
Tarboro NC 27886

Note: Yes sir I am very much familiar with your letters because you have sent several to The DCN. I appreciate you for all that you do. I wish more people of your time would address the issues that we face here in Edgecombe County but obviously they don’t know or they don’t care. Oh they know.

I too have sent many and occasionally sends one but not as I did in the past. I have a great following that reads my blog and when I post to my blog it goes to my facebook and twitter accounts. I just don’t make sending letters to the editor in this paper and the other local newspaper a priority because I am too busy. I send letters to the editor to The Wilson Times and they print just about everyone of them.

The local newspapers have been trying to silence me for years but they can’t do that because I voice my opinion in the meetings that I attend. Of you know I have my blog which goes across the nation.  C. Dancy II – DCN Publisher

See related:

Richard Parker Jr. Columnist

Letter to editor – Tarboro Town Manager Noble, Three Department Heads To Retire

“Noble, three department heads to retire.” That is the headline of the Daily Southerner of 12 October 2010. I went to the town website and counted eight departments. There is no listed director for the Human Relations Department, so let us say that Sam lists himself as director of that one. If so, 50% of department heads are departing, all at once. Before I read the body of the 12 October article I checked to see if it said “see (keyword) page 5.” I had fully expected to see what the other directors had to say to the editor. You know, remarks about how good the town had been to them also, etc. . There was nothing. So, I had to try and make sense out of what the editor did publish. For a very small town a headline like that should be earthshaking but I felt nothing. I`m still trying to figure it all out, but some good possibilities come to mind.  My first thought:  It is all a coincidence. Three directors didn’t make public statements to the editor because they had obligations and were in a hurry. Second thought: Why would they all offer to stay on until August 1^st 2011 and then leave council chambers so un-ceremoniously ? It seems Sam only repeated what he had said earlier about retiring soon in a previous Daily Southerner article.  Then too, these are the 3 departments Sam dealt with most often. Why didn’t Sam say something nice about them, in HIS remarks? I told Sam, not too long ago, that since he has all that power, when things go right he can claim all the credit. THEN I said when things go wrong he must take all the blame.  Question: Did something go “wrong” ?  If things did go wrong, why did our town government allow all of them to retire? I just know our town government is not going to keep them after Feb. 1^st “on an interim basis.” As poor as our town is, the town council is going to allow 4 high-salaried people at once to double-dip for 7 months?  What if anything is the town council trying to cover up now?  No one is indispensible! Plus, if they had done their jobs as directors they would have trained someone in their respective departments to do their jobs, on an emergency basis. No contingency plans for the sudden departure of a director? WOW!

Perhaps we will never know the real truth, but add up the variables and the non-variables and one can come close to it. We should certainly have Qualified replacements by January 31^st or one can conclude that there is still no objectivity at Town Council.

Anyway, the headline spoke volumes. What a breath of fresh air !

Plus, we have elections next year, don`t we?

 

Richard H Parker Jr                       

Tarboro NC

Letter to editor – Citizen Thanks Local Businesses by Richard H. Parker Jr.

18 October 2010

This Summer I had the good fortune of getting my Jeep of 22 years, painted by Eddie Hinton Auto Body.  I asked Mr. Hinton if he did other work on cars. He said no, but referred me to Norris Service Center. Today I went to Norris Service Center at Western Blvd and St. James Street.

A couple of years ago I got my Jeep serviced and inspected at Doug Henry. I was told that I needed a new brake master cylinder, afterwards.  My comment was that I did not come into the shop needing one, so the statement was shrugged off.  Sure enough, on the way home the brake peddle almost bottomed. Being an old mechanic myself, I freed the plunger in the master cylinder and it worked until this past weekend. So, I took my Jeep to Norris for service, specifically to get a new Master Cylinder. I asked them to install one. That would take some time, but I waited. From 1:40 to 4:50 PM. .  My Service Report? The Service Manager said they could find nothing wrong after checking for everything, EXCEPT that there was simply no brake fluid in the system. No leaks, it simply evaporated after 22 years.

When one takes one`s car for “Service and Lube,”  under “Service” it says “check all fluid levels”.  Obviously, not even the Jeep dealers have checked brake fluid levels.  But then, even I do not know where the brake fluid reservoir is on my Jeep, after all these years.  Norris Service Center knows where it is. I now have a “new” set of brakes without buying a master cylinder. Honesty and Know-how are the key words.  Guess where I will go to get my radiator hoses and thermostat replaced ?

Fear not. I saw everything from a `83 `Benz and Ford pickup to a 2008 Escalade come in for service. All happy customers.  Thanks, Mr. Eddie Hinton. Thanks, Norris Service Center.

Richard H Parker Jr.
Tarboro NC

Note:

Playing politics Search should key on issues: Source – The Rocky Mount Telegram

There’s a world of difference between Birmingham, Ala., — a city with a population of almost a quarter of a million people, largest in the state — and Edgecombe County, one of the poorest areas in North Carolina, with a population that decreased between 1990 and 2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. (Read more @ The Rocky Mount Telegram)

Note: The Telegram is right on target. Thanks!!

See related:

In response to Edgecombe County Commissioner Viola Harris, ECC lastest Safe Negro response to Dr. Witherspoon Superintendent of Edgecombe County Public Schools being chosen to take over Birmingham School System

Edgecombe County Public Schools

This is what I said back in May 2008 and the same stands today

Present Dr. Witherspoon With A Counter-Offer

19 December 2009

Dr. Craig Witherspoon has actually done his best work between job searches. My fear is some Hot-Shot coming in after him and dismantling and destroying all the good work he has done. Our group has been working closely with Dr. Witherspoon and we see vast improvement in our school system. This young man has a doctorate in his field. He is at the top of his game in Edgecombe County. It would be sad to see Dr. Witherspoon go. He has some really good programs in the works. His PBS program needs strong TOP leadership. He is providing that. Now we will find out what type of school board we have. We want Edgecombe County to move forward so we have to act accordingly. We must present Dr. Witherspoon with a counter-offer and stop sticking our heads in the sand every time we are in a crisis. All superintendent appointments SHOULD come from outside the system for obvious reasons.

When I was young I changed jobs so many times I lost count. The reasoning was simple,—- more money. I understood that and so did my prospective employers. My last employer was so big I could change jobs within the company. I hope any young person who is really good at what he or she does will not be happy with the first job offer. ALWAYS be a job seeker until you find what you really like to do. Make sure you have a job when you go seeking.

It would be sad to see Dr. Witherspoon go. There will not be another Dr. Witherspoon to come along any time soon. So, get busy Board of Education, with that counter-offer. Counter-offers do work sometimes, if lucky. If not, then Birmingham is the big winner. Those students will be getting the best. I think it is a win-win situation, really.

Richard Parker Columnist
Voice of Many

See related:

Make Counter Offer To Witherspoon

Edgecombe County Commissioner Viola Harris

Dr. Craig Witherspoon Superintendent

 

Tarboro NC – THE OLD SOUTH AND NEW SOUTH (A Conversation) BY Richard H. Parker Jr. Columnist

After generation on generation of idleness, the “royals” could not even set a decent table. There weren’t even any jails to speak of. “Royals” didn’t lock up “royals”.  If slaves did something wrong they were punished by overseers. Sometimes the sadistic plantation owners would do the punishing. “Low-lifed” Whites were not excused . There was just no need for jails. If there was a dispute between “royals” they settled it like gentlemen.

Fast-backward to before the Emancipation Proclamation. Lincoln was already planning Reconstruction before the Civil War started. He knew the “royals” didn’t know how to close the barn door even after the horses were gone. This was the last nation that hadn’t yet abolished importation of slave labor. The South was totally dependant on slave labor, and Lincoln was well aware of it. So it was simple: free the slaves and kill two birds with one stone.

Fast-forward. By Executive order then, Lincoln instituted the one tactic that hastened the end of the Civil War. Unfortunately it ended too soon. Since there were many parts of the South that were never over-run by Union soldiers, slavery was not completely ended. The Emancipation Proclamation applied only to territories occupied by Union soldiers. Many slaves escaped to Union occupied territory  and thus to freedom. Most of them didn’t.

After the Civil War it was relatively easy for the Republican (Union) armies to control the cities of the South that had been captured. It was also relatively easy to occupy cities that had not seen battle, due to some few Democrats in the South who were “loyal” to the Republican North. It was a different story in the countryside. Southern Whites(they called themselves “royals” because they felt themselves so far superior that “White” did not fully do them justice)were extremely angry and frightened of the prospect of having to work with their own hands to make a living. They just didn’t know how to do anything. House (N-word) had to work 7 days a week, sometimes as much as 20 hours a day. (N-word) labor worked sunup to sundown until they could no longer see. But they were off on Sunday until sundown. During harvest time if one would slow down due to sickness, etc., they were beaten until they either got up or passed out, “as an example”.  White folks knew work when they saw it, so they got busy. They formed GANGS, like the KKK, and roamed the countryside. NOT the cities where the Feds were. They would terrorize groups of freedmen and ex-slaves. They would ambush Union army patrols and kill them all. They would kill government agents, no matter their race. They would lynch “loyal” Democrats. They would kidnap freed slaves, take them back to “friendly” territory and sell them back into slavery, in order to raise cash. Remember, slaves could no longer be imported into the Republic. And remember, there were no jails to speak of. But slave breeders-traders and plantation owners had a plenty of facilities in which to detain slaves. Since it was so dangerous for “loyal” Democrats and government agents and regulators to roam the rural areas, the federals stayed away from them. It left former slaves without any protection. The time was right for slavery to be reborn.

From 1800 to 1866 the “Black Codes” were in effect. They were now really enforced. “If Black Stay Back” was the battle cry. Indiana and Illinois would not let Blacks into their states from 1848 to 1853. From 1876 to 1965 Jim Crow laws were in effect (Separate but Equal). In 1866 the Republicans took over the South and ended the “Black Codes”.  However Jim Crow stayed around.

Disturbing the Peace(whatever that means). Vagrancy and Loitering. Loud talking. Selling whiskey. Cursing in public. “Threatening” a White person. Walking down a lonely country road without identification. Changing jobs without written permission from your former employer, and no papers from your new employer. All of the above are violations of the then penal code set up to “control” the unruly former slaves. Whites need not have been concerned.  You see, the 13^th Amendment says slavery was abolished and Involuntary Servitude was banished EXCEPT as punishment connected with a prison sentence! You know, hard labor. Involuntary Servitude: making people work without compensation, under threat of punishment of some kind. Like the threat of losing your job if you don`t work. So all the deep South had to do was set up a “legal” system tailored to ex-slaves and they would be back in business. 

Here`s how the system worked. You are a freed slave. You are walking down Main Street looking for work. A policeman comes up and asks to see your paperwork. You have none because you are temporarily out of work. You are arrested and hauled before a justice of the peace. He listens to the police story but you are not allowed to speak. You are found guilty, fined $3.00 for police services, $5.00 for jop services, $10.00 for jailhousing, and $20.00 for vagrancy. You have no money and the jop counted on it. So the jop sells you to a mining company for fines and court “costs”. The mining company takes you away and you are never heard from again. Transaction papers always had a habit of getting “lost”. In the mines your life expectancy was 3 years if you were healthy. A little longer elsewhere. It was general practice to be as cruel as possible in order to strike fear into slaves of the “new era of slavery”. It was so hard to get good slaves anymore. So they had to be tightly controlled. Even the poor White indentured “prisoners” were whipped and lynched. They weren’t called slaves anymore. They all were called “prisoners”. You gotta remember, the 13^th Amendment was adopted before the southern states were readmitted to the Union. Federal control ended in the South with the Compromise of 1877 and the collapse of the governments of the last 3 southern Republican states. The Democrats then dominated the South and Jim Crow came into full bloom. Right on into the 20^th Century.

Prisons.  They were built in ernest when the “law” got into the slave trade business. The “law” acted as procurer and middle man. Slave breeding took off and became really big business. It got so bad that the “law” would pick up ex-slaves for no reason, charge them with anything and sell them off. Always for non-payment of fines, too high for anyone to pay. Some slave buyers would be in the courtroom to bargain for slaves if the slave had been sold “under contract” BEFORE he was found guilty. Most contract sales were in lots numbering in the hundreds, and made to mines, lumber camps and railroads construction. You see, the South was trying to become industrialized.

Thus, more and bigger jails and prisons. TODAY, you ask? Contract prisons are a multi-billion dollar industry. Government at all levels contract with them to house prisoners. Innocents are sent to prison even today, to rot in a hell on earth. Abuses abound and nobody pays. Who is being locked up most? Black males. On big, trumped up charges. With the book thrown at them. It was not until 1965 that Jim Crow finally began a slow death. Separate-but-Equal laws began to disappear.

When I was 15 years old in 1945, I was required to get a Social Security card and get it signed by my White employer. This was to keep me from being picked up for vagrancy. Mr. D. Edgar Thompson signed it. My father and I worked for him. He eventually sold his business to my father in 1953. What irony. And right here in Tarboro NC .  Freedom? To what degree do you expect it? And in what form? I have been and always will be working for EQUALITY, at the greatest degree possible under the circumstances. I am convinced there is no right and wrong, only Best and Worst. Between best and worst there is lots of room for movement. For many people it is hard to decide what is right and what is wrong.

One more note. If anyone wants to argue the legitimacy of the 1^st Amendment, the Supreme Court has ruled that the 14^th Amendment effectively  plugs any holes in the 1^st Amendment. So, go ahead and speak your piece or peace. Go ahead and assemble peaceably and petition anywhere you want. And demand answers. You MUST be heard.

The NEW SOUTH? You take it from here.

We’ll talk again soon.

Richard H. Parker Jr.
Tarboro NC

Tarboro NC – SLAVERY and EDUCATION, A Conversation by Richard H. Parker Jr. Columnist

At last some of our Board of Education members at ECPS have given voice to major problems in our school system! That is really refreshing and bridge-building. However, we have always known of these problems. They just weren`t being addressed. Heretofore, Board of Education meetings have borne a striking resemblance to Tarboro Town Council meetings. There is always a lot of talk about budgets in terms the public does not understand and could care less about. Never anything about the nuts and bolts of educating  our children. I would love to know what was done during the 2008-2009 school year to reduce suspensions and why it failed so miserably. Janet Morris, how about better teaching and educators and more of each? You just want more testing. I believe the word is “assess”, the Black students more.

Chairwoman Evelyn Wilson echoed Judge Howard Manning in saying,” the students can`t learn if they are not in school”. I wish she had said that before the 2006-2007 school year.

Student Suspensions 2008-2009 School Year:

Martin Middle          593

West Edgecombe Middle       596

Tarboro High             396

South West Edgecombe High     381

North Edgecombe High     258

Question: How many at each of the rest of the schools?

Why is Mrs. Evelyn Wilson so shocked? Forget about the laptops. Those laptops were supposed to help keep children in school. Remember? Forget about everything else. Start teaching.

Annual Yearly Progress ( Met federal standard for school yr.)

Edgecombe Early College

Phillips Middle

Princeville Montessori

West Edgecombe Middle   ( 596 suspensions )

Stocks Elementary

Tarboro High                         ( 396 suspensions )

South Edgecombe Middle

Carver Elementary

From total of 14 Schools I believe.

2008-2009 School Year ( 3^rd thru 12^th grades )

Black students failed their tests at a rate of 26.01 % higher than White students.

2007-2008 School Year

Black Students failed their tests at a rate of 23.79 % higher than White students.

Has anyone considered that perhaps this all started when the first slave ship landed in the Western Hemisphere? AND perhaps the Civil War is still being fought, just in a different way? I have noticed that our White brothers on the Board of Education and on the Tarboro Town Council have very little to say about anything. On the Board of Education nobody really speaks about anything educationally constructive. UNTIL  the 10^th of August. So, it is quite refreshing to read some real news from the Board of Education, even though it is dismal. Haven`t heard anything from the town council except attempts at deception and signs of ineptness .  

When you consider what is going on in Tarboro government and in Edgecombe County Public Schools, consider the following:

The Emancipation Proclamation (1863) did not free all the slaves, only those who could make it behind the lines of the Union troops.

The 13^th Amendment ( Dec. 18^th 1865 ) finally freed all slaves Constitutionally, even though they were considered free by July of 1865. There were approximately 4 million of our ancestors freed. This amendment PERMANANTLY abolished involuntary servitude and PROHIBITED slavery.

The 14^th Amendment ( 1868 ) was the “Civil Rights ACT” of 1868. IT banned discrimination, regardless of race, color or religion.

The 15^th Amendment ( Feb. 3^rd 1870 ) banned racial restrictions on voting.

The 19^th Amendment , first introduced in 1878, was supposed to give women the right to vote. That finally happened on August 18^th 1920.

And STILL, this country felt it necessary to pass the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act in 1964 and 1965 !  Not permanent, mind you. They are renewable ! We have about two dozen years left. So, learn from our Jewish brothers and sisters. LEARN. GET SMART! Become financially independent. SAVE your money, regardless of what anybody tries to sell you. At least for the next two dozen years. Those Acts might not be renewed.

Home schooling and Edgecombe County Public Schools could have been good for everyone who wanted them if it hadn`t been for those “pesky” slave ships. Too bad. If only we could have come through Ellis Island like everyone else. Well, at least it would have been better than those “pesky” slave ships.

Richard H. Parker Jr.   
Tarboro NC
RHPJR315@aol.com

See related:

Tarboro NC – Edgecombe County Public Schools Board of Education Meets

Tarboro NC – JobsNOW program by Richard H. Parker Jr. Columnist

8 August 2009

If there is anyone out there agonizing about what to do about the recession or if you are concerned about making a living, agonize no more. JobsNOW is here in Tarboro. At Edgecombe Community College (ECC). Check out their CAREER FOCUS magazine.

When I was in high school my father told me “Son, learn a trade and you will never go hungry.” So I learned his trade, the replacement of shoe soles and heels, known as shoe repair. I went into the Navy after graduating from Pattillo High School, at age 17. The reasons were three-fold. I was going to be drafted, I wanted to learn about diesel engines and my parents couldn’t afford to send me to college.

Ladies and gentlemen, go out to Edgecombe Community College and enter their JobsNOW program! Your reasons are three-fold: You don`t have to be concerned about the draft, you will have numerous jobs-training opportunities (trades), and either you or your parents can seek financial aid. So what is your “beef”?  You have no excuse or roadblock.

I graduated high school in 1948. Guess what? I took my first college courses in 1970. How did I pay for them? I didn’t. My employer and the G.I. Bill did.You see, I became expert at my chosen “trade”, Industrial Refrigeration. So even if I hadn’t taken college courses, I would have done OK. But because of the college courses I was able to retire with a good pension plus Social Security.

So go on out there and sign up for something. You have heard of it. It is a part of President Obama`s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. ECC has $250,000.00 of it for a 16 months program.

By the way, check out the Plumbing/Pipefitting and the HVAC/Industrial Maintenance programs and combine them. Specialize in Refrigeration Pipe- fitting. Incorrect piping installation on refrigeration systems is the single greatest cause of damage and failure of the system.

Oh yes. After I went into the Navy I would work in my father’s shoe repair shop when I came home on leave. Plus I learned about all types of engines from torpedo boats to generators and landing craft and main propulsion, both diesel and gasoline, including internal and external combustion engines. And Marine Refrigeration and Air Conditioning.

So, go out to Edgecombe Community College and get signed in. Don’t disappoint our President. And please don’t disappoint our community.

Richard H. Parker Jr. CCPO
Tarboro NC

RHPJR315@aol.com

Tarboro NC – THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUALITY

I live in Ward Six, but once elected, every councilman’s vote affects all citizens. Think: December 2005.

Referring to the headlined article of the Daily Southerner of Friday July 3^rd, 2009, on comments by the Mayor Donald Morris of Tarboro NC. Mayor Donald Morris can realize all his dreams without being mayor. The 250^th anniversary and recruiting a couple of companies. His public life and that of Sam Noble’s “job” runs concurrent with the decline and fall of Tarboro and Edgecombe County. The height of local government intimidation and retaliation against it’s citizens has been running concurrent with the terms of Mayor Morris and Sam Noble.

How about that van deal involving the mayor, Sam Noble and David Smoot? Not to mention Sam’s Parks and Recreation Dept.. It was six months before the mayor “confessed” that he knew about it all along.

And remember the botched Town of Tarboro Web Site promotion deal? How much did it finally cost the town and how was it paid for?

And the ease with which the mayor said, “whatever the county does, Tarboro will match it”, when throwing $10,000.00 at a brick wall mural. I never did see the artist`s rendition in the paper before work started.

How about Mayor Morris saying in the paper, “The first time I knew about it was when I saw it being installed.” You know. The mess at Main and Saint John Streets with the traffic pattern change.

Ah citizens, just look at how sweet everyone in town government has been recently, toward the beleaguered citizens of East Tarboro. They even cut down a tree. And Sam was seen in East Tarboro. It made the front page. All while our youth are slowly dying in the streets.

Rick Page was probably a good electric utility director, but I must confess, I thought Sam Noble was getting paid for that job also. I didn’t even know there was a Rick Page in the town`s employ. Only when Sam said he wanted the new utility director to serve as water plant director also, did I realize Sam was not the electric utility director. Then it dawned on me that we had a electric utility superintendent, a director AND a town manager in charge of electricity! How efficient. I`m sorry Rick Page, but what twenty years experience? Not another Electricities employee in the making?

The only councilmen ever heard from or about, who are doing anything are the two African-Americans. Only two others I can recall are Al Hull and Steve Hoard, and that’s because they are very interested in real estate deals. Town Council is a good place to be for that business. Probably, Walgreen was turned down because they wouldn’t buy certain land, not because of safety concerns for high school students. That was the cover story. If concerns about the traffic was the reason, council should have voted to close down the mall long ago.

When you have two, and at times three councilmen absent at any one time, it’s time for a huge change come election time. I could not name all eight councilmen from memory. And I’ve had almost two years practice. Is it true that an absence is a “yes” vote?

So citizens, we once again have our work cut out for us, come November 3^rd 2009. Lets complete the makeover.

Richard H. Parker Jr. 
Tarboro NC 27886

Tarboro NC – Voices of Many (Speakers stress parental involvement)

I am damn sick and tired of folks making the main thing the wrong thing. Many Voices is trying to partner with Edgecombe County Public Schools. However the articles continue to mislead folks as if we want to fight them.

I have been an advocate for students, parents and educators since 1993 long before I had any children in the ECPS system. It was 1998 when my first child entered into the system.

It pisses me the hell off when folks like board member Attorney Teresa Bryant and Tarboro Town Councilman Pastor Rev. Roy Gray takes the floor and talk about what worked for them. Bryant talked about she had caring parents and Gray talked about he put around 6 children through ECPS and his wife is a retired ECPS educator. That is fine however the meeting is not about them nor their children.

The problem today is  the parents who need to be at the meetings do not attend and I have been a part of that discussion with groups I have served on such as the School PTO and the School Improvement Team at G.W. Carver Elementary School and South Edgecombe Middle School in Pinetops. I have served on the ECPS Board of Education Advisory Council also where we met at different schools within the district.  I have also received certificates of graduation for participating in the yearly (PESP) Parent Education Studies Program through the NC Justice and Community Development Center Education Leadership Institute.

So many times the main thing get lost because some folks confuse the real issue at hand. The parents that attended the meeting on last night did not fit the description that Bryant and Gray were talking about because I feel confident that the parents who attended are involved in their child’s education. So their spill was a waste of my time. Times have changed and many of the parents of today birthed children when they were children and therefore the cycle has been broken as it pertains to the parents that Bryant and Gray spoke about.

It is of my opinion that the majority of the children who act up in school are those who do not have the parents that Bryant and Gray spoke about. It is of my opinion that when those children act up and since their parents are not involved, parents such as myself and others who are involved we get treated as if we fit the description of the parents who are not involved so we are all lumped together. I admit that some involved parents go to the school in frustration some times however someone in the system should reach out to them and attempt to keep them interested instead of making them feel uncomfortable and sometimes that parent never comes back to the school again.

The reporter that covered this meeting put emphasis on Bryant stepping out of her role as a board member and saying that her perspective as a parent that while teachers should be held accountable for some issues, the key is giving them guidance. Who in the hell is she talking about because if the parents are not involved with their children how in the hell are they going to give some guidance to the teachers?

Bryant said, “For every teacher I hear a compliant about, I can find someone that raves about them,” she said. “Sometimes it’s things in the profession where I think they need the support of parents.” Again I ask who in the hell is she talking about? I am confused because if these parents are not involved in their children’s education how in the hell can they be involved in what the teachers may be going through? Whatever the hell they are going through do not give them the right to take it out our the children. Is Bryant and others who think like her ignant to the fact that these children are going through hell because they didn’t ask for their parents who are not involved in their education? Do Bryant who has been fortunate enough to further her education think about those children who come from families who may not have a daddy and/or a mother who spend time with them, are not capable of helping them with their homework because of their lack of education, a child who may not have adequate food, clothing and other by default. I believe every child would love to have a parent such as Bryant and Gray however that is not true in the real world.

Bryant backed the teachers saying they have a lot of responsibilities and said the teachers are under a lot stress not only on the local level but at the state level. So damn the children who don’t have the parental involvement who are stressed should be able to handle their stress on top of the teacher’s stress. Oh hell no. Some of these children are raising themselves. Are we forgetting that we are dealing with children who didn’t come from families such as ours?

Well Bryant in the real world we would love to see all children come to school ready to learn and that are not going to be disciplinary problems but we are not there yet and we are not working on getting there. Can you tell me who is working on that and what are they doing?

Roy Gray said when you build that base right at home, you do not have to worry what’s going on with them. So again my question who in the hell is Gray talking about because if the parents are not involved in their child’s education where is the base going to come from?

I have always gone to a meeting and spoke up for the less fortunate playing the devils advocate trying to put myself in others shoes who are less fortunate than myself. So hell yeah I get defensive when I hear some things especially when I have been in meetings with some of these same folks since 1993 and I continue to hear folks talk about themselves and their children and not those children who we need to find a solution for. You see if neighbors, friends, churches and others who can afford to help others out would do their part, oh what a time, what a time but you see we as a black people talk about me and my child when your damn child is alright. Not saying that our children can’t mess up however atleast we are involved where some children come into this world and never get to experience the parental involvement that some children experience.

But some of these same folks who talk about they have been involved in their children’s education, they still had and/or have some issues with their children if the truth was to be made known. But again they still had and/or have that parental involvement to fall back on.

Diane LeFiles addressed the lack of funding. She addressed Mrs. Gladys Dunn who asked about volunteering and didn’t say a damn thing about getting paid. Nothing was mentioned in the article about Dunn  a grandparent who is also a retired teacher asking about trying to help out. Again another turn off by LeFiles. LeFiles talked about community organizations in the area and mentioned Yolanda Thigpen’s after school program. Hell LeFiles mentions names when it is convient but do you think she give a damn about Thigpen’s organization? Hell no. My question is why the school system can’t apply for grants so that it can have a base at the schools and the children who really need the help can get it. That is another thing I have always stated, there has been enough monies that come into the black community through some black’s hands whom were poverty and political pimps and prostitutes in the pulpit who have done absolutely nothing but collected checks on the backs of our children.

I was tickled to death when I read the reporter’s comment that, “While most of the responses from the administrators brought on more questions or silence, Bryant’s and Gray’s comments received applause.” Hell everybody in the room could relate to being a parent. Everybody can’t relate to being an educator.

In my opinion the above paragraph is going to be a problem for Many Voices because again it was not about those who attended the meeting but the parents who needed to be there.  You see our Mission Statement: “Bridging The Gap Between: Parents, Teachers and School Administrators” was not mentioned anywhere in the article. It is going to be tough trying to bridge the gap when our local media put their spin on the meetings in such a way that it makes it appear that concerned parents and community folks want to attack the system when all we are doing is trying to reach out to them inspite of.

I supported Bryant’s appointment on the board to replace Dr. Florence A. Armstrong when she moved out of the district however many said to me she was not the one. However these folks had some valid points but I felt that she being a lawyer was going to be a plus. I am going to follow the board more closely than I have in the past 7 – 8 months. When I learned about the concerned parents at the East Tarboro Meeting recently, and after meeting with Many Voices on numerous occasions since that meeting, I have made the group my main thing. This group has reminded me of what I said I was going to do back in the 90’s and that is to stand up for the children and the elderly because it is not about me but about the future.

At the end of the meeting I seen the reporter question Shanell Knight about the meeting and she directed her to me. The reporter did not come to the front of the room where I was. However I told Knight that would happen. This reporter do not know me and I do not know her. I would not have known who she was if she had not stood in the back of the room after arriving late taking pictures. She missed the beginning of the meeting and we were into the questions and answer piece. C. Dancy II – DCN Publisher

Voice of Many – Speakers stress parental involvement

There was discussion about the judgment in retaining certain teachers, purchasing new equipment, disciplinary actions for behavior, and other topics, a lot of which administrators couldn’t discuss because of confidentiality.

One of the topics that did prompt multiple head nods and claps of approval was the parents role in helping their children succeed. (The Daily Southerner)

See related:

Tarboro NC – Watch Video Voices of Many Meeting with Principals Marc Whichard and Sylvia Cobb

Tarboro NC – Parents host meeting to address school concerns

Note: Updated 7.25.09 11:10 AM

Wilson NC – Court system is fair to all

Check out these comments. Funny as hell to me because the James Johnson saga is a prime example of a court system gone bad. So glad I know enough about the case to be able to stand on my opinion. The D.A. was right on target and I support his comments 100%. I am very much familiar with the courtroom and the education system. C. Dancy II – DCN Publisher

While educators have come to the defense of our schools system following District Attorney Robert Evans’ recent remarks at a Juneteenth event in Rocky Mount, no court official has written in defense of our judicial system. (Wilson Daily Times)

See related:

Juneteenth

From the Publisher – Voices of Many ask petitioners to familiarize themselves with the reason the “No Child Left Behind Act of 2001”

Shannell Knight a parent of an Edgecombe County Public School System and a member of Voices of Many addressed the community at the East Tarboro Community meeting about issues and concerns that she and some others have. V of M emailed me the following documents. Read them for yourself.

The Daily Southerner reporter had the following documentation however the letter addressed to me was addressed to her. The reporter also had documentation pertaining a more personal letter that included personal information.

Letter to Curmilus Dancy II

June 3, 2009

“The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, emphasizes student achievement and requires assessments in core subjects, which are the foundation for learning.This federal law is focusing the attention of schools and educators on fundamental knowledge and skills.”

-Author Unknown

Dear Mr. Curmilus Dancy II,

Parents and citizens of Edgecombe County are taking a stand in promoting high quality education, building partnerships between parents, teachers and school administrators, and putting a STOP to excessive non-deserving out of school suspension.

I am the proud mother of three children who attend Edgecombe County Public Schools (ECPS). It is worrisome to me that little effort seems to be exerted in challenging students academically, but zealous efforts are made when it comes to making humiliating comments, or executing non-deserving suspensions and/or detentions (these negatives do not apply to all teachers and faculty of ECPS). So I write on behalf of ALL the children and their parents, and those attending ECPS in particular, who have fewer options to choose from in supplying their children’s educational needs.

It is my belief that if the school work were sufficiently challenging for students at whatever level their development, much negative (disruptive) energy would then be channeled into more positive projects/results.

Attached are a few instances of complete disappointment, frustration and feeling of helplessness in reference to several families’ experiences or encounters with ECPS. (All information listed is either from personal experience, and/or data collected while soliciting for signatures).

Families feel that ECPS is a district where…

· Faculty members are intimated and are not welcoming to parents who advocate for their children

· Parents verbal and written request to have their child/children evaluated for exceptional children services go ignored, or the parents are persuaded not to follow through with their request

· The students aren’t challenged academically or intellectually

· Children aren’t being prepared for college

· Parents are not allowed to voice their concerns to the Superintendent because they are told that “any suspensions less than ten days are not appealing to the Superintendent”

· Parents written concerns to the superintendent go ignored

· Families have been retaliated against when they take their concerns or complaints to the Central Office

· Parents feel that the faculty at times are insensitive, unprofessional, cruel, and sarcastic to both parents and children

· Complaints made against faculty are taken lightly, or nothing is done at all

· Administration has been known to instigate confrontation between students

Once again, these negatives do not apply to all faculty members of ECPS. There are faculty members who do truly have a passion for what they do, and have the best interest of the students and families in mind.

Several parents have already, or intend on transferring their children to local private, charter, or another school in the district that may have a “better reputation”.

As a concerned parent, I will continue to be my children’s first advocate, I will continue to seek one-on-one conferences with my children’s teachers, counselors and administrative staff. I will continue to do whatever it takes for my children to receive the BEST possible education. But I hope also that this brings most needed attention to the problem on a larger scale where the needs of ALL the children will be addressed for the next school year, and every school year to come.

Representing the “Voices Of Many”,

Shanell Knight

voicesofmanync@yahoo.com

 

Letter to citizens

May 14, 2009

Dear Edgecombe County Citizens:

We are writing to ask you to familiarize yourself with the reason the “No Child Left Behind Act of 2001” was implemented. For the past two years, many parents have diligently addressed growing concerns about the manner in which parent complaints and less than 10 day suspensions are being handled at Edgecombe County Public Schools (ECPS).

“How can a child receive a fair assessment when the suspension policy is biased and creates absenteeism during critical review time?” More importantly, when the issue is brought to the attention of school administrators, concerned parents are brushed aside and accused of “over reacting” to the damage caused by biased administrative decisions. Parents and citizens of Edgecombe County are taking a stand and your support is requested in promoting the following:

1. Quality Education for the children of Edgecombe County and Future Generations.
2. Building partnerships between parents, teachers and school administrators to promote fair assessments.
3. Putting a STOP to excessive non-deserving school suspensions, as result of personal bias.

The petition for cooperative action from ECPS is necessary and affects the community at large. Attached are countless examples of negative encounters with ECPS and its’ neglect to address parent concerns. We are in no way suggesting that all of ECPS staff and educators are biased, however by investing RIGHT NOW in our children’s education, demanding quality services, and banning together against mediocrity we are laying the foundation for the future of Edgecombe County and its’ citizens.

Thank you for your support.

Representing the Voices of Many,

“The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, emphasizes student achievement and requires assessments in core subjects, which are the foundation for learning.

This federal law is focusing the attention of schools and educators on fundamental knowledge and skills.”

 

The Petition

Bridging the Gap between: Parents, Teachers, and School Administrators

Parents and citizens of Edgecombe County, please take a stand with us in promoting High Quality Education, building partnerships between parents and school administrators, and help put a STOP to excessive non-deserving out of school suspension that are taking place in ECPS.

1._____________________________________________________________________

2._____________________________________________________________________

3._____________________________________________________________________

4._____________________________________________________________________

5._____________________________________________________________________

6._____________________________________________________________________

7._____________________________________________________________________

8._____________________________________________________________________

9._____________________________________________________________________

10.____________________________________________________________________

11.____________________________________________________________________

12.____________________________________________________________________

13.____________________________________________________________________

14.____________________________________________________________________

15.____________________________________________________________________

16.____________________________________________________________________

17.____________________________________________________________________

18._____________________________________________________________

19._____________________________________________________________

20._____________________________________________________________

Letter from David Bryant

May 18, 2009

Dear Ms. Knight:

Thank you for taking time from your daily schedule to share concerns regarding the educational climate of Edgecombe County’s Public Schools.  The State Board of Education and the Department of Public Instruction are always interested in hearing from concerned parents who have a vested interest in the safety and educational success of students within the community.  We value the comments you have shared and are genuinely interested in addressing your concerns. 

Having received your letter regarding Edgecombe County Public Schools, it is important for you to know that situations of this nature and how they are resolved are generally governed by state statutes which gives the legal authority to the local school district. Because of changes in North Carolina legislation, local boards of education now have general control and supervision of all matters pertaining to the public schools in their respective administrative units and they have the authority to make administrative decisions regarding situations like the one you have shared.  In this particular case, the following excerpts from legislation address the authority of the local boards of education to govern at the local level.  These statutes apply to “local control” and are referenced as follows:

G.S. 115C‑36. Designation of board.

Said boards of education shall have general control and supervision of all matters pertaining to the public schools in their respective administrative units and they shall enforce the school law in their respective units.

§ 115C‑47. Powers and duties generally.

In addition to the powers and duties designated in G.S. 115C‑36, local boards of education shall have the power or duty:  (1) To Provide an Adequate School System. – It shall be the duty of local boards of education to provide adequate school systems within their respective local school administrative units, as directed by law.

Although sympathetic to the frustration and concerns you have expressed, state legislation and/or law does not give the State Board of Education and/or the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction the authority to intervene in matters where the local school district has governing control. I would encourage you to make another appeal to your local educational agency’s central office or local board of education to inquire about the possibility of having someone look into this situation.

With Kind Regards,

David Bryant

Parent Liaison/Education Consultant

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Accountability Services Division / Testing Section
6314 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, N.C. 27699-6314

dbryant@dpi.state.nc.us (919.807.3775)

All e-mail correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law, which may result in monitoring and disclosure to third parties, including law enforcement.

>>> Many Voices <voicesofmanync@yahoo.com> 5/15/2009 6:13 PM >>>

"All e-mail correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law, which may result in monitoring and disclosure to third parties, including law enforcement."

See related:

From the Publisher – In response to Oliver Curtis Powell, “School administration must stop allowing children to run the system”

Tarboro NC – THE STRUGGLE FOR EDUCATION In Edgecombe County Schools by Richard H. Parker Jr. Columnist

Tarboro NC – School administration must stop allowing students to run the system by Oliver Curtis Powell

Tarboro NC – Lack of communication upsets parents, schools