“The National NAACP board hasn’t held a meeting here in Jackson for 30 years,” said former Supreme Court Justice Fred L. Banks Jr., who is also chair of the NAACP Legal Committee and the longest serving member of the National NAACP Board, serving since 1981.  “This is a tremendous honor for Jackson and the state of Mississippi.  It isn’t easy to get something this massive here to Jackson.”

Public Events include:

Press Conference & Wreath Laying

When:  Thursday, May 16, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.

Where:  Medgar Evers Home Museum

Tribute Concert featuring MS Mass Choir & MADDRAMA

When: Friday, May 17, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.

Where:  M.W. Stringer Grand Lodge

In addition to the performance of the award winning Mississippi Mass Choir, Friday night’s tribute concert will also feature special presentations by Mr. Julian Bond and Mrs. Myrlie Evers-Williams.

NAACP member and former U.S. Department of Agriculture Program Manager Shirley Harrington-Watson recalls the difficulty involved in bringing the event to Jackson 30 years ago.

“We wanted to have it here 30 years ago, but they said Jackson was too small.  I went to the board three times before I could get them to approve it,” said Harrington-Watson, who said she still harbors feelings of guilt over Evers’ death in 1963, when he was gunned down in his driveway by segregationist terrorists.

“I felt, as a child, that I was responsible for his death, because I had asked him to get us some t-shirts that night and those t-shirts were actually under his arm.  The security people left him and he drove home by himself.  (His security) and my uncle would take turns going behind him with guns to make sure he got in and out safely, but that time he chose to go by himself,” Harrington-Watson said.  “Really, it takes a lot to talk about it still.  I’m still a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder sufferer from the undeclared war on blacks in Mississippi.”

Evers was an historic figure who helped organize the local movement in Jackson to bring an end to Jim Crow-era laws discriminating against African-Americans.  His assassination at the hands of segregationists helped further stoke opposition against state-sponsored segregation in the South.   In honor of Evers’ noble sacrifice, the NAACP will hold a May 16 wreath-laying ceremony to mark the 50-year anniversary at the Medgar Evers Home Museum at 2332 Margaret W. Alexander Drive, in Jackson.

Attending the event will be Evers’ widow and NAACP National Board Member Myrlie Evers-Williams, NAACP National Board of Directors Chair Roslyn M. Brock, NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous, Civil Rights legend and NAACP National Board Member Julian Bond, Tougaloo College President Beverly Wade Hogan and Mississippi NAACP President Derrick Johnson, among others.

The ceremony will be followed by a Civil Rights bus tour of Jackson, which will kick off the three-day NAACP national conference, spanning May 15, 16, and 17, at the Marriot, in downtown Jackson.

Johnson said he is pleased to host this historic gathering.  “The Mississippi State Conference of the NAACP has a responsibility to continue to uplift the legacy of Civil Rights heroes such as Medgar Evers.  Bringing national attention to this historic occasion helps the next generation to understand the history so that our communities can continue to prosper.  This is what Medgar Evers would’ve wanted.”

Jackson Advocate Publisher

The anticipation of May 7th has come and gone. Left holding the runoff card after Jackson’s Democratic primary are businessman Jonathan Lee and civil rights attorney Chokwe Lumumba. With 100% of precincts reporting, Lee garnered 35% of the vote; Lumumba 24%; and Mayor Harvey Johnson came in third with 21%. There were a total of 11 democrats vying for the city’s top job. Although Councilman Frank Bluntson received only 3% of the vote, it should not dismiss his invaluable volunteerism with senior food programs and youth initiatives.

Also in the May 21st runoff will be four contenders for Jackson City Council. In Ward 4, the field of 10 candidates was narrowed down to Derrick Trimble and DeKeither Stamps, both received 19% of the vote. In Ward 5, incumbent Charles Tillman will get another chance at convincing voters he can offer them more than former councilwoman Betty Dagner Cook. Tillman garnered 40% of the vote compared to Dagner-Cook’s 19% from a field of seven hopefuls.

Ward 1 Councilman Quentin Whitwell, Esq. had no opposition. In Ward 2, Melvin Priester Jr. won in a landslide victory over four other community activists with 65% of the vote. Ward 3 Councilwoman LaRita Cooper-Stokes did likewise, winning 53% of the vote in a field of seven; the closest vote getter was Pam Greer with 11%. Ward 6 Councilman Tony Yarber easily defeated challenger Sylvester McDonald with 82% of voters putting pen to paper for him. Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simone beat out challenger June Hardwick with 75% of the vote.

In other races around the state, Arnel Bolden and Canton Mayor Dr. William Truly will meet in a runoff May 21 in the Canton Democratic mayoral primary. Official returns show Bolden with 946 votes and Mayor Truly with 936.

Former Rep. George Flaggs won the Democratic nomination to seek the office of Mayor in Vicksburg. He received the necessary 50%+1. Embattled mayor Paul Winfield only received 8% of the vote. More controversy surrounded this race than any in recent Mississippi history. Challenger Linda Fondren, who came clean after lying about her previous employment as a call girl, netted 29% of the vote. Flaggs will face independent candidate Darryl Hollingsworth in the June 4 general election.

In Moss Point, State Rep. Billy Broomfield defeated incumbent Mayor Aneice Liddell in the Democratic primary and will face two challengers in the general election.  Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler is back in, while Phil Fisher took the Republican primary in Clinton with 57% of the vote and Rodney Carter showed strong with 70% in the Democratic primary. Pearl’s Brad Rodgers secured his mayoral bid with 83% of the vote. Meridian’s incumbent Republican Mayor Cheri Barry will face Democrat Percy Bland in the general election. And Teresa Mack looks forward to representing Ward 4 on Byram’s Board of Aldermen. She received 72% of the vote.

Back Row: Reverend Hightower; Mr. Derrick Johnson, President State NAACP; President Carlos Wilson East Mississippi State Baptist Convention; Reverend Gene Fowler, President, General Missionary Baptist and Educational State Convention of Mississippi, Inc.; Reverend Leroy Jones, Vice President at Large Northeast Mississippi Baptist State Convention; Mr. Frank Figgers, Shady Grove MB church; Reverend Jesse Horton, Pastor Emmanuel MB Church;
Front Row: Reverend C. J. Rhodes, Pastor Mt. Helm Baptist church; Reverend Lacy Harrell, Sr. General Missionary Baptist and Educational State Convention of Mississippi, Inc.; President Joe Peoples Northeast Mississippi Baptist State Convention; President Isiac Jackson, Jr. General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi, Inc.; Reverend Lee E. Morris, Sr. General Missionary Baptist and Educational State Convention of Mississippi, Inc. and Reverend Wayne Moore, Pastor, Mt. Olive MB Church.

By Rev. C.J. Rhodes – On January 21 Barack H. Obama was sworn in for his second presidential term using Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s traveling Bible. The day was significant because of the first black president’s second inaugural ceremony and that it was intentionally held on the federal MLK holiday.

President Carlos Wilson – East Mississippi Baptist State Convention, Inc.; President Gene Fowler – General Missionary Baptist and Educational State Convention of Mississippi, Inc.; President Joe Peoples – Northeast Mississippi Baptist State Convention, Inc.; President Isiac Jackson, Jr. – General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi, Inc.

Many rightly remember King as a civil rights leader, a drum major for justice who called upon the greatness of America’s founding principles to make our nation “a more perfect union.” Sadly, we often neglect that King was foremost a fourth-generation Baptist preacher who saw his leadership in the civil rights movement as an extension of his Christian ministry. In a certain sense, King was a prophet who pastored and nurtured that nonviolent revolution with moral courage and spiritual insight. We would do well to remember this about him.

King would have turned 84 on January 15. Though the Dreamer is dead, his dream lives on in those of us who still have the strength to love our nation enough to call it to true greatness—a greatness measured by what it does for the least of these. This prophetic patriotism has been a unique gift of the black church traditions from which King was formed and nurtured. In particular, the black Baptist tradition has historically called upon us to turn to Jesus for soul salvation and social liberation. King simply shared and showed the Gospel we preach to a lost and dying world. We must do likewise.

On King’s birthday four of the six Mississippi state Baptist conventions met at the Mississippi Baptist Seminary in Jackson to discuss how we can work together to improve the spiritual and social conditions of the people we serve. The Rev. Isiac Jackson, Jr., president of the General Missionary Baptist State Convention and pastor of Liberty M.B. Church in Canton, initiated the historic gathering. It was the first of its kind. Some of these conventions emerged out of geographic necessity while fewer were the result of splits. But our coming together that Tuesday morning was about believing that collaborative leadership is the best means of redeeming the soul of Mississippi.

The meeting concluded with a resolve to work together around the myriad issues that plague our people. Since pastors and preachers are still the most effective leaders in our beloved state, we contend it is up to us to renew our charge to serve both our congregations and larger communities. Miseducation, economic disempowerment, physical and mental health disparities, social immobility persist. HIV/AIDS, inadequate housing, crime, and a cradle to prison pipeline stultify our people. The church must be in the business of preaching and living a Gospel that changes lives from the inside out. Transformed people can transform communities. That is what King taught us about the Gospel. We must continue that legacy in the power of the Holy Spirit and to the glory of our liberating Lord and all-sufficient Savior Jesus Christ.

May black Baptists—and all Christians of good will—be determined to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed until all experience the transforming power of Jesus.

Before being named interim coach, Hunter served as the Suns Player Development Coordinator. The first chance for the former Tiger to sit in the first seat will be Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings. Lindsey should come well prepared for the task at hand, during his 17-season NBA career, he played for the likes of Phil Jackson, Larry Brown, George Karl and Doug Collins.

Joseph Flowers is a father, body assembly technician at Nissan Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant, and Master Carpenter in his spare time.

Joseph recently boarded an airplane for the first time in his life. He didn’t choose Paris, Egypt or some exotic location. Instead, he and four other Nissan workers decided back in July 2012 that they would help change the lives of 100 plus families. Although only five got this chance to change so many lives, over 100 Nissan employees shared Joseph and his colleagues’ desire.

I know by now you must be asking the questions of “where did he go” and “how did he affect so many?”

Well, here are the answers. He and the other Nissan contest winners went to Haiti to help build 100 homes from November 23 through December 1 of 2012. But this was no vacation. Joseph and the 600 plus other volunteers slept in tents the week that they were in Haiti and worked into the night to complete their mission of building homes to replace those lost in the 2010 earthquake.

That’s right, I said contest winners. Nissan held an essay contest to see who would join more than 600 international volunteers on a Habitat experience.

Joseph stood out so much, that while he was on the trip he was chosen by his peers to have dinner with the Carters one night. Yes, I mean President Carter and his wife Rosalyn dined with Canton Nissan Plant worker and Terry, MS community hero, Joseph Flowers!

Nissan has been involved with The Carter Work Project since 2007.

Habitat for Humanity International sponsored the 27th Annual Jimmy and Rosalyn Work Project in 2012.

But giving back is nothing new to Joseph Flowers or Nissan. The father and the company both have
a true passion for giving back and helping others. Joseph has participated in all Nissan Canton Habitat for Humanity builds in Mississippi, which surpasses seven. Over the past seven years Nissan has provided $8 million to Habitat for Humanity International to build homes throughout North America.

According to Flowers, “Our main goal here (Haiti) is to get these people out from under these blue tarps and into a decent house.”

Joseph Flowers was joined by colleagues Norma Estrada, Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp., Dallas, TX; Brian Lambert, Smyrna Manufacturing and Assembly Plant, Smyrna,TN; Francois Leferve, Dealer Operation, Toronto, Canada; and Ann Ngo, Nissan Design of San Diego, CA.

From Joseph Flowers

“I get so much enjoyment out of helping others, especially helping to build homes for others. I have been volunteering with Habitat for many years. While I’m a full-time Nissan employee, once I hear that the company is sponsoring a Habitat home, I want to be at every build day. When I see a finished home that I had part in building, while teaching someone else what I love to do, I am just happy.

We arrive on the job site, someone says a prayer for everyone’s safety, and when we meet the people that will be living in this house I get an instant sense of happiness that I will make a difference in those people’s lives.

While working on the house I get the chance to teach the homeowner how to build the house from the ground up, showing them how to build floors and walls, hang siding, and install doors. This gives the family a feeling of importance and instills a desire to keep their home in great shape. That feeling is something that can’t be taken away from them.

When I found out about this project in Haiti, I knew I had to be a part of it. Being able to work beside the Haitian people, who have been through such an ordeal, is much more personal and heart warming than any aid check that I could write. I will be able to show them that I really do care while at the same time doing something that I love.”

Jackson Advocate Publisher

Dr. Isiac Jackson Jr., Chair, Mississippi Alliance for Fairness at Nissan, responds to testimonies of fear and intimidation by Nissan Canton workers; as Alliance members State Senator Kenny Wayne Jones and Derrick Johnson, President, Mississippi State Conference NAACP look on. (Photo Credit: Jackson Advocate)

Mississippi has few laws protecting workers’ rights.  Because of fear of being fired, the average worker is hesitant to consider the potential benefits of collective bargaining, which include job security, improved workplace safety practices, and a more robust wage and benefits package.  For one of Mississippi’s largest employers, Nissan Canton, that may soon change.

A growing number of Nissan Canton workers are publicly voicing their disappointment in the company that came to Mississippi 12 years ago with pockets full of promises. Bold headlines like “Nissan to hire 1,300 new workers” excited everyone. Nissan located a major manufacturing plant in Canton.  Prior to the opening of the company’s facility in 2003, there were no automotive assembly facilities in Mississippi.

Less than four years later, over one million cars had been built at the Canton site, and in 2011, the plant reached its two-millionth vehicle milestone. Also in 2011, Nissan began producing commercial vehicles in Canton and announced it would begin producing the Nissan Xterra SUV and Frontier pickup models at the central Mississippi facility.  Impressive accomplishments.

However, many Nissan Canton workers now are asking: “But at what price?”

In a stunning turn of events, a 20-member delegation of Canton workers stood in solidarity at a public hearing.  This diverse group of men and women – young  and old, black, white and brown – demanded that Nissan Canton cease its actions of denying them the right to organize and be represented by a union.  This right is guaranteed by the National Labor Relations Act (“NLRA”).

The delegation members allege that Nissan Canton management is forcing workers to watch anti-labor union videos, and intimidating workers by threatening to fire them if they engage in union organizing activities.

The public hearing was conducted by members of the newly formed community watchdog group, the Mississippi Alliance for Families at Nissan. The group is headed by Rev. Isiac Jackson, Jr., who also serves as President of the 400-member General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi. Other members are: Tyson Jackson, Rims Barber, Rev. Reginald Buckley, Rev. C.J. Rhodes, Derrick Johnson, Bishop Ronnie Crudup, Senator Kenny Wayne Jones, Charlie Horhn, Cassandra Wetlchin and Rev. Gary Adams.

Pat Ruffin

J.B. Brown

Rosalind Essex

Michael Carter

Lee Ruffin

Douglas Brooks

Morris Mock

Wayne Walker

In 1935, Congress enacted the NLRA to protect the rights of employees and employers, to encourage collective bargaining, and to curtail certain private sector labor and management practices that can harm the general welfare of workers, businesses and the U.S.

economy.

Collective bargaining through unions provides a vehicle for workers’ voices to be heard when wages, benefits, workplace safety, and seniority and other job security issues are negotiated with employers.  NLRA prohibits employers from interfering in workers’ union organizing activities.  The law clearly states that it shall be an unfair labor practice for an employer to interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the exercise of the rights guaranteed by the NLRA.

Nissan Canton is a foreign-owned company.  The Japanese auto maker claims it has not broken any American laws. David P. Reuter, Vice President, Corporate Communications, Nissan Americas, states, “Nissan has an excellent and direct relationship with our employees, which has been supported by their repeated votes to not bring a union into our facilities. At Nissan, we are all able to work together as one team in an atmosphere of mutual cooperation, without the interference and disruptions that often result from a union. Nissan prefers to deal with employees directly, rather than through an outside party.”

Employee Pat Ruffin draws a completely different picture.  She told members of the Mississippi Alliance for Fairness at Nissan: “A video plays talking about unions close down plants and plants go to Mexico. … It scares me, intimidates me. I have a family. We’re forbidden to talk about unions at work. I’m tired of Nissan’s side. I want the union side.”

The same story of anti-union videos, anti-union talks, plant closings and severe consequences was told by J.B. Brown, Rosalind Essex, Michael Carter, Lee Ruffin, Douglas Brooks, Morris Mock, Wayne Walker, Washad Catchings and several others who were taped to conceal their identities.

Morris Mock, who first thanked Nissan for his job, said, “We want to be treated fairly. We are forming a union to give us a voice in addressing issues of fairness, on-the-job and job security at Nissan. We want our employer, Nissan, to allow us to make our own choice about a union and stop using intimidation to prevent us from exercising our basic rights. Nissan says the UAW just wants our money, but these people are putting their families on hold to help us. Everyone is scared. I’m scared but we are going to fight to the end. We need equal time. If they speak against us, we should have an opportunity to talk as well. Don’t silence our voice. Globally there are unions. What’s going on in Mississippi?”

The loudest cry came from plant worker Wayne Walker after he read the crux of the National Labor Relations Act to the listening audience at the public hearing. “Guess who doesn’t follow the law? NISSAN! I’ve been here nine and a half years. I was brought up in the church. I believe in doing what’s right. When I started at Nissan I was foreseeing great things. After a few years, no pay increase, a diminished picture of me in human resources with an ‘X’ labeling me public enemy #1. There are tons of stories of intimidation. These people are ruthless. Nissan is plagued with the tyranny of evil men. They say without us we have no job, but without us, there is no plant.”

In response, Reuter said, “Our communications meetings with employees are not new. We regularly meet with our employees to openly discuss matters important to our business. These meetings take place all the time and at all of our facilities, and they are an important part of interacting with our teams to ensure direct, two-way communication. We have not tried to prevent the UAW from sharing information in any way in their own forums and on their own time.  Nissan is committed to smart, sustainable growth that creates more long-term opportunities for current and future workers.”

After hearing testimony from Nissan employees, Mississippi Alliance for Fairness at Nissan Chair, Dr. Isiac Jackson Jr. stated, “Nissan attacks the entire community when it denies its workers, who are our family, our neighbors and our congregants, one of their most fundamental human rights. Nissan workers should not have to fear for their jobs because they want to form a union.”

The community group has asked Nissan to immediately halt the attack on workers, and allow workers to decide for themselves whether to organize. “We are committed to standing beside Nissan workers until Nissan workers achieve a fair process,” said Derrick Johnson, Alliance member, State President, Mississippi State Conference NAACP, and national board member, NAACP.

Opponents of collective bargaining are scared they may lose the ability to arbitrarily cut jobs, ship them overseas or reduce wages.

Jobs covered by collective bargaining decreased by about 10 percent from 1989 to 2010, according to the Economic Policy Institute (“EPI”). During that same time span, the average annual pay adjusted for inflation dropped by about $6,000 even as productivity increased by nearly 30 percent, according to the EPI.

States with higher levels of unionization have lower poverty levels, higher average incomes, lower workplace deaths, higher educational outcomes, and higher pension and health insurance coverage, according to Policy Matters Ohio, a nonpartisan think tank.

Your Rights in the United States

You have a legal right to:

• Join a union.
• Attend a union meeting on your own time.
• Talk to a union organizer.
• Declare yourself a union supporter.
• Assist in forming a union.

Employers are forbidden by law to engage in certain conduct. Your employer may NOT legally:

• Threaten you with discharge or punishment if you engage in union activity.
• Threaten to shut down business if workers form a union.
• Prevent you from soliciting members during non-working hours.
• Question you about union matters, union meetings, or union supporters.
• Ask you how you or other workers intend to vote in an election.
• Ask you whether you belong to a union or have signed up to join a union.
• Transfer you to or assign you to a less desirable work assignment because of your union activity.
• Threaten to terminate your benefits because you unionize.
• Threaten a layoff or loss of jobs in retaliation for voting for a union.

For additional information on workers’ rights, under Federal laws, to organize and join unions or engage in other collective bargaining activities, please visit the website of the National Labor Relations Board at www.nrlb.gov.  This website contains a vast amount of information on Federal government protections for workers considering forming unions and those already in unions.

Should you believe that any of the Federal government laws protecting workers’ rights to participate in collective bargaining activities have been violated, please contact the National Labor Relations Board, the U.S. Department of Justice, and/or the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Kyrie Irving

Saturday, November 10, 2012–“Killer instinct!” That’s what Daniel Gibson says the next step is in the maturation process for the young backcourt duo of Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters. It’s easy to see why Gibson would feel this way. The Cavaliers jumped out to an early 26-point lead Friday night vs. the Phoenix Suns, only to let the game slip away and lose 107-105.

Irving and Waiters exploited the Suns inside defense early and often to start the game, combining to start 6 of 6 from field and 4 of 4 from the FT line. In fact, Irving didn’t miss his first shot until 51 seconds remaining in the first half, while the rookie from Syracuse didn’t miss a shot until the 3^rd quarter.

Too bad the game didn’t end there.

The Suns would rally late in the game to spoil what was another example of the dominating potential the tandem possesses. The frustration was noticeable for each player after letting such a big lead slip away, but that’s the nature of the beast for young guards in the NBA.

For Coach Byron Scott’s sake, he’s hoping this is more of the exception than the norm when it comes to relinquishing massive leads, but he without a doubt has to be pleased with his new toys.

Irving would finish with 17 points, 8 assists and 4 boards with Waiters tallying 23 points and 2 assists.

In the past, the former Duke product had to carry the Cavs in scoring to give the team its best chance to win. Waiters is more than a capable scorer, but it’s his ability to initiate the offense with Irving off the ball that makes them dangerous.

Waiters’ screen and roll ability allows Irving, a natural scorer, to not only slide into more of a scoring role, but it also provides the 2011-12 Rookie of the Year with a much need break from time to time without a drop off in production.

Over the last four games, including vs. the Suns, Irving is averaging 24 PPG to Waiter’s 19 PPG. However, despite the offensive production from the two, the Cavs have been able to only muster one victory during the four game stretch.

It should also be noted each is shooting over 43% from downtown for the season, with Irving shooting at a 43% clip compared to Waiters 53% 3-point shooting.

A youthful backcourt hasn’t been this exciting since Jason Kidd and Jim Jackson were together in Dallas.

Not since Bob McAdoo and Ernie DiGregorio played for the Buffalo Braves has a franchise had two players win back-to-back Rookie of the Year awards. It’s very conceivable the Cavaliers duo could accomplish the feat and bring the excitement back to the city of Cleveland had in the LeBron James days.