Week of Oct. 22-28

October 22

1906—Three thousand Blacks demonstrated and rioted in Philadelphia to protest a theatrical production of Thomas Dixon’s racist play “The Clansman.” The play essentially praised the Ku Klux Klan while demeaning Blacks.

BOBBY SEALE

1936—Black Panther Party co-founder Bobby Seale is born in Dallas, Texas.

1953—Clarence S. Green becomes the first African-American certified as a neurological surgeon.

2009—The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a devastating report showing the number of new HIV/AIDS infections was declining for all population groups—except homosexual males, which the CDC referred to as MSM—men who have sex with men. Among MSMs, the highest infection rate was found among young Black males 13 to 24.

by Carla K. Johnson

CHICAGO (AP)—Albertina Walker’s singing once stopped the filming of a movie because so many actors were moved to tears by the “Queen of Gospel.” At home in Chicago, she babied her beloved French poodles, wore rhinestone sunglasses and was a fixture at the city’s gospel music festival.

ALBERTINA WALKER

The Grammy-winning singer died recently at age 81 of respiratory failure at RML Specialty Hospital in Chicago, said her granddaughter, Tina Nance. Walker, a protege of Mahalia Jackson, formed her own gospel group, the Caravans, as a young woman. Later, she played the role of mentor to many young singers.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.—Beware of strangers, right? That is a frequent warning given to us all, but particularly women and children. However, the majority of African-American females killed by men die at the hands of guys that they know—not strangers.

Black females murdered by men are most often killed with a gun, and almost always by someone they know, according to a recent report by the Violence Policy Center, a national educational organization that works to reduce violence.

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.