by Brandon A Perry

(Part 2 of a 4-part series from the Indianapolis Recorder.)

According to experts, millions of Americans deal with abuse of power in their workplace, yet many employees aren’t quite sure how to handle the situation.

Threats, intimidation, personal criticism and constant yelling are just some of the actions that represent abuse of power in the workplace. More than 53 million Americans deal with business abuse, but experts say there are ways to prevent and stop it.

“It is ridiculous,” said Cynthia in frustration when asked to describe her work environment. “If the economy wasn’t so bad, I’d be gone.” Cynthia, who did not want to disclose her full name because she feared retaliation from her employer, works as an assistant manager at a local department store. She said her supervisor talks down to her, denies her opportunities offered to other co-workers and frequently overrides her decisions.

AMSTERDAM (AP)—Solomon Burke was born to the sound of music in an upstairs room of a Philadelphia church and went on to become one of the greatest soul singers of the 1960s, renowned as among music’s premier vocalists.

Yet his popularity never matched that of those he influenced, contemporaries including James Brown and Marvin Gaye, a reality he accepted with grace and some frustration, colleagues said.

KING OF ROCK AND SOUL—Solomon Burke, the king of rock and soul—a title that Burke embraced ever since a Baltimore disc jockey is said to have hung it on him in 1964—poses in his red velvet throne in his Los Angeles home April 21, 2005. (AP Photo/Ric Francis, File)

Burke, 70, died early Sunday of natural causes at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, his family said in a statement on the singer’s website.

“This is a time of great sorrow for our entire family. We truly appreciate all of the support and well wishes from his friends and fans,” the statement said.

Week of Oct. 15-21

October 15

1859—White minister and mystic John Brown led a violent uprising in Harper’s Ferry, Va., in a bid to spark a Black uprising against slavery. Dozens of Whites were killed and the revolt was eventually put down. President Abraham Lincoln once referred to him as a “misguided fanatic” but Brown actually had a fanatical hatred of slavery and wanted it ended at all costs.

NEW YORK (AP)—The holiday hiring picture looks a bit merrier this year.

Macy’s, Toys R Us, Pier 1, American Eagle Outfitters and Borders all plan to hire more temporary holiday workers this year than last, emboldened by several months of sales gains and a slowly improving economy.

The jobs probably won’t be enough to be a dent in the nation’s nearly 10 percent unemployment rate, but for Americans desperate for some work, they’re far more than an early Christmas present.