Newsletter of Boston City Councillor Charles C. Yancey

1. Yancey Boston City Councillor Charles C. Yancey
2011
Dean of the Boston City Council
August
Volume 13, Issue 5
Members of the Yancey family pose for a photograph during the 25th Annual Charles C. Yancey Book Fair last July in Roxbury. Pictured
above are (l-r) Sarah Yancey, Stephen Charles Yancey, Boston City Councillor Charles C. Yancey, Marzetta Yancey, Derrick Yancey Jr., Der-
rick Yancey, Sr. and Ashley Yancey (See pages 4 and 5)
Yancey backs union members in contract dispute
class citizens. I believe that all working people
need to be treated with dignity and respect,” he
said.
A strike was thwarted after the School Bus
Drivers’ Union and First Student agreed to
continue with summer negotiations.
Other union supporters included the Greater
Boston Labor Council, Massachusetts AFL-
CIO, UNITE-HERE Local 26, the Women's
Fightback Network, and the International Ac-
tion Center. Yancey staffer, JaVonica Latson, and her 4-
Councillor Yancey called for a moment of year-old niece, Aaniyah Kinn, attend
Councillor Yancey demonstrates with mem- silence to honor those who have lost their lives Charles C. Yancey’s 25th Book Fair last July
bers of United Steel Workers of America, Lo- fighting for the right to organize, so that orga- in Roxbury. See pages 4 and 5.
2011
cal 8751, Boston School Bus Drivers’ Union. nized labor may exist in the City of Boston,
Yancey
Boston City Councillor Charles C. Yancey the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the
defended members of the United Steel Work- United States of America. Y2011
ers of America, Local 8751, Boston School
Bus Drivers’ Union, during a demonstration,  Do the Write Thing honors champs 2
last June, against a labor contract proposed by
First Student, Inc., the private bus company
 Yancey favors DOC Commission 2
that operates the City of Boston’s school bus  Outside Movie Night returns 3
system. 
Several elements of First Student’s labor
Boston celebrates 25th Book Fair 4
contract have been labeled by the union as anti  Native American Culture honored 6
-union, and discriminatory.  Yancey welcome s Urban League 6
Councillor Yancey told the crowd of nearly CEO, Mark Morial, to Boston
200 union supporters that they deserve a con-
tract with decent benefits, and that they should Councillor Charles C. Yancey and USW Local  Yancey salutes Jah Jah Drummers 7
8751 Boston School Bus Driver’s Union or-
continue to fight against all forms of injustice ganizer, Steve Kirschbaum, rally against First  Boston entrepreneurs showcased 7
and exploitation. “The very people we trust to
transport our most precious resource, our
Student, Inc.’s proposed labor contract, which  Yancey pays tribute to veterans 8
union members called oppressive, anti-union,
young people, seem to be treated like second- and discriminatory.  William E. Carter Post is revitalized 8

2. Page Two Yancey 2011, August
“Do the Write Thing” recognizes winners in Boston
versity of Massachu- classroom discussions and in written form by
setts/Boston. communicating what they have seen to be the
DtWT is an initiative causes of youth violence as well as solutions to
of the National Cam- help decrease violence in their communities.
paign to Stop Violence, The writings of participating students were
a non-profit organiza- reviewed by a panel of volunteers recruited by
tion composed of com- a DtWT committee established for participat-
munity, business and ing localities. Theses panels of volunteers then
governmental leaders selected as a boy and girl from each school
who have come togeth- who submitted the most responsive entries as
er to reduce youth “school ambassadors.”
violence in communi- The two winners from each city receive lap-
ties across the United top computers and a trip to Washington, D.C.,
States. with one parent or guardian, during the Na-
Over one million tional Recognition Week, July 16-20, 2011.
students have partici- The National Campaign to Stop Violence
pated in the DtWT publishes and places in the Library of Con-
Do the Write Thing winners (l-r) Billy Santana, Arianna Pires, Challenge, since its gress a book containing the writings of all the
Radames Ventura, receive awards and recognition from Steve Neville, inception. This year, national finalists.
who is coordinator of Do the Write Thing, during the organization’s over 2,000 6th, 7th, Councillor Yancey and the Boston City
awards ceremony last May at UMass/Boston in Dorchester. and 8th grade students Council commended the National Campaign to
from Boston participat- Stop Violence for empowering students to
Boston City Councillor Charles C. Yancey’s ed in the DtWT Challenge. It provides middle reduce violence in their own homes, schools
office recognized winners of Do the Write school students with an opportunity to exam- and neighborhoods. Y2011
Thing (DtWT) Challenge last May at the Uni- ine the impact of violence on their lives in
Yancey favors creation of Commission to oversee DOC
Boston City Councillor Charles C. Yancey last called the lack of oversight a situation that is tinues to lead to bullying, suicides, and ran-
June testified during a Massachusetts State not a healthy state of affairs for either the in- dom violence by those who have been exposed
House hearing in favor of House Bill 1559, mates held in prisons, most of whom will re- to a prison culture of intimidation, brutal vio-
legislation introduced by State Representative turn to their communities, for the staff who lence, rape and murder,” he asked. Y2011
Kay Kahn to create a Massachusetts Correc- work in prisons, or for the public whose tax
tions Commission as a permanent independent
oversight commission for the Department of
Corrections (DOC).
dollars are used to operate these systems.
Publisher and community activist Jamarhl
Crawford, in a telephone interview following
YANCEY 2011
AUGUST, VOLUME 13, ISSUE 5
Yancey said a Commission could lead to the the hearing, called the Massachusetts prison
improvement of public safety for inmates and system broken and in need of improvement. PUBLISHER
employees in Massachusetts prison facilities “There’s an epidemic going on,” he said, cit- Boston City Councillor
and for Massachusetts neighborhoods and ing problems such as food deprivation, internal Charles C. Yancey
communities with regard to successful re- corruption, smuggling of contraband, and sex-
entry. He also said a Commission could imple-
CHIEF OF STAFF
ual and physical abuse inside the prisons.
Lynnette Frazier
ment policies to decrease recidivism rates in Boston Phoenix staff writer, Chris Faraone,
Massachusetts. “Human beings are released whose six-month investigation of the Massa- WRITER/EDITOR
from prisons more dangerous, more disabled, chusetts correctional system yielded a highly Kenneth W. Yarbrough
more wounded, and less prepared to assume acclaimed article, Trouble over Bridgewater,
the role of responsible adults than prior to their testified that he had spent a lot of time, in- CONSTITUENT SERVICES
incarceration,” he said. tensely investigating the DOC. “I came to Ernest “Duke” Bennett &
Leslie Walker, executive director of Prison- understand the lack of oversight as the biggest Lorraine Fowlkes
ers’ Legal Services in Boston, called the pro- most shameful thing in Massachusetts, and it OFFICE SUPPORT
posed Commission an inexpensive way to goes unmentioned,” he said. Edith Monroe
insure that, “Light shines in the dark corners of Others who testified included Reverend Wil-
Massachusetts’ prisons. It will let legislators liam Dickerson of Greater Love Tabernacle INTERN
and taxpayers know where their tax dollars are Church; Joanne Miranova of Press Pass-TV; Javonica Latson
going. The current system of warehousing as Darrin Howell, ED of Drive Boston and for- Anastasia Walker
opposed to treating, training, and educating mer volunteer community advocate for DOC; TELEPHONE
prisoners has resulted in public safety concerns and former DOC Commissioner Kathleen M.
and inexcusably high recidivism rates,” she Dennehy. 617 635-3131
said. Councillor Yancey said he supported and FAX
Pace University Law School Professor Mi- encouraged swift passage of H.B. 1559 as is 617 635-3067
chael Mushlin called independent, external currently written. “Without the help of govern- EMAILS
oversight of conditions in correctional facili- ment, what are communities to do to address ccyancey@aol.com or
ties an essential tool for protecting human and reverse the hopelessness, mental illness, charles.yancey@
rights in a closed institutional environment. He untreated anger, and the self-hatred that con- cityofboston.gov

3. Volume 13, Number 5 Page 3
BOLD Teens and Yancey present “Outside Movie Night”
Boston City Councillor Unity, Faith, Hope, Courage, Justice, and
Charles C. Yancey, B.O.L.D. Forgiveness.
Teens, and the Codman Evaluations distributed following the screen-
Square Neighborhood Coun- ings invited spectators to describe their own
cil presented Codman perception of how these various themes of
Square’s third annual Outside peace are embodied in the films.
Movie Night this summer at Councillor Yancey noted that Outside Movie
the Second Church of the Night is intended to entice members of the
Nazarene in Dorchester. community to come out for a joyous and
The movies, which were peaceful occasion.
shown every Friday at 8:00 Alexandra Chery, program coordinator of
p.m. at 600 Washington B.O.L.D. Teens and manager of Codman
Street in Codman Square, Square Farmer’s Market, said Outside Movie
included Wall-E on July 22, Night provides a safe atmosphere that attracts
Peter Pan on July 29, and people to participate. “It feels good to see
Despicable Me on August 5. people you’ve never seen before. People really
The movies that were cho- love coming out,” she said.
sen for this year’s Outside Cynthia Loesch, vice president of Codman
Movie Night all incorporated Square Neighborhood Council, said B.O.L.D
themes that were related to Teens and the Neighborhood Council are hop-
Councillor Yancey joins members of B.O.L.D. Teens and the Louis D. Brown Peace Insti- ing to expand the concept of Outside Movie
Boston Police Department during Outside Movie Night last year tute’s Seven Principles of Night to other neighborhoods throughout the
in Codman Square. Peace, which include Love, community. “It’s super exciting to see a movie
night in Codman Square,” she said.
The Second Church of the Nazarene provides
space on the side of its building for the mov-
ie’s projection and for community members to
sit on the grass. In case of rain, movies will be
shown inside Great Hall across the street.
B.O.L.D., which stands for Breath of Life
Dorchester, is a youth-led organization that
focuses on environmental and social justice
issues impacting the health and safety of local
communities.
B.O.L.D. Teens started with four youth in the
community that had personally been impacted
by tobacco related illnesses within their fami-
Yancey delivers keynote speech for Yancey addresses John D. O’Bryant lies. A few of its many achievements include
New Mission High graduates School of Mathematics and Science persuading the Boston Globe to stop advertis-
ing tobacco products, banning the sale of to-
Councillor Yancey poses with New Mission Councillor Yancey, pictured with Dr. Deborah bacco products in all Boston pharmacies, and
High School staff and students moments be- Dancey, principal of Channing Elementary creating tobacco warning labels to inform the
fore delivering the keynote speech at New School and Steven Sullivan, headmaster of the community of the toxic chemicals found in
Mission’s graduation ceremony last June in John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Boston. Pictured (l-r) are Dorotea Manuela, Science, provided remarks for graduating sen- B.O.L.D. focused much on the impact of
chairperson of New Mission’s Governing iors during the John D. O’Bryant’s 115th com- tobacco and alcohol advertisements on young
Board; Headmaster Naia L. Wilson; Salutatori- mencement exercise, last June in Boston. Sul- people in the City of Boston. The Teens
an Margaret Wogbeh; and Valedictorian livan told students that he took special pride worked with local merchants to reduce tobacco
Sermisha Darius. Yancey told graduates to and satisfaction in all that they had accom- and alcohol advertisements. They also devel-
have gratitude toward their teachers, adminis- plished. “You have made your entire commu- oped a campaign to reduce advertisements in
trators, and families. “You studied hard, you nity proud,” he said. Dr. Dancey, the first fe- magazines that appeal to youth audiences. In
focused, and you have overcome many, many male graduate of the John D. O’Bryant (Then addition, the Teens worked with the Massa-
odds,” he said. Yancey praised New Mission’s Boston Technical High School) told students chusetts Banding Together Against Alcohol
Boys Basketball team, the Titans, for winning that graduating does not mark the end of their Advertisements Coalition to reduce alcohol
the Massachusetts Division 2 State Title for journey. “It’s not over. It does not end here,” advertisements on the City of Boston’s public
the past two years, even without gym facilities she said. Dancey served as an educator, a civil transportation system, where thousands of
at the school. Yancey urged students and ad- rights leader, member of the Army’s special youth travel everyday in Boston.
ministrators to reach out and fight for what is forces, and the first female headmaster at Mad- Councillor Yancey praised the successful
needed in the community. “I don’t want you ison Park School. The keynote address was efforts of B.O.L.D. Teens and the impact that
walking around with your heads down, beg- provided by Dr. Joan Y. Reede, dean for Di- the group of teenagers has had on the entire
ging for what your community needs. I want versity & Community Partnership at Harvard City of Boston. “Their dedication and perse-
you to demand it,” he said. New Mission, Medical School. She talked about the im- verance has improved the quality of life for
which is located at 67 Alleghany Street in portance of finding one’s promise. “Each has a many residents of the City of Boston,” he said.
Roxbury, has a strong emphasis on social jus- promise but it’s up to you to find out what Y2011
tice and preparation for college entrance. your promise is,” she said.

4. Page 4 Yancey 2011, August
Bertram Alleyne attends Yancey’s 25th Anniversary Book Fair
Bertram S. Alleyne, II, who was born and
raised in the City of Boston, has attended the
Charles Yancey Book Fair every year since the
book fair’s establishment in 1987. Councillor
Yancey and his wife, Marzetta, launched the
book fair as a means of promoting literacy and
love of reading among Boston youth.
Alleyne said he loves to see the children
smiling. “That’s why I come every year. The
smile on their face is irreplaceable,” he said.
Councillor Yancey said the book fair’s goal
has always been to attract community youth
into learning and becoming excited about life’s
vast opportunities. “The importance of reading
may not always be evident. But one common
denominator shared by many successful peo-
ple is aspiration for reading and learning.
Without exposure to knowledge, we become
encapsulated in a shallow world and blocked
from opportunities around us,” he said.
This year’s theme, 25 Years of Traveling the
World Through Books, accentuated the global Long-time Boston resident, Bertram S. Alleyne, II, achieves satisfaction observing the enrich-
knowledge readers can obtain simply by read- ment and educational impact of the Charles C. Yancey Book Fair on Boston youth. Alleyne has
ing. attended each book fair since Charles and Marzetta Yancey established the book fair in 1987.
Diverse lineup of entertainers per- Gund Kwok performs Lion & Drag- Bay State Pipers provides tradition-
forms at Charles Yancey Book Fair on Dance for book fair onlookers al Celtic music for book fair crowd
Two West African drummers receive assis- Councillor Yancey introduces Gund Kwok, the Matthew Phelps of the Bay State Pipers plays
tance on the microphones from radio personal- only Asian Women Lion & Dragon Dance traditional Celtic music on the bagpipes for an
ity Charles Clemons of Boston’s Touch 106.1 Troupe in the United States. The troupe, which inspired audience during the 25th Anniversary
FM. Clemons served as master of ceremonies provided entertainment for Yancey Book Fair of the Charles C. Yancey Book Fair. Phelps,
during the 25th Anniversary of the Charles C. spectators, was established in 1998 to give who has been performing on the Highland
Yancey Book Fair. Participants this year were Asian women an opportunity to express their Bagpipe since the age of eight, also plays the
entertained by a diverse lineup of entertainers creativity, power and strength through per- Scottish smallpipes. Phelps has performed at
that included teenage rap sensation, Breje; forming the lion and dragon dances. The lion hundreds of events throughout New England
Agina’s West African Dancers; author and and dragon dances are art forms which require as well as in Canada, Panama, and Italy. He
storyteller Robert Peters, Ritmo En Accion, a martial arts discipline, endurance, flexibility also provides instruction for the Boston Police
Latin youth dance group; Celtic music provid- and creativity. The Chinese Lion Dance is Gaelic Column of Pipes and Drums and is the
ed by the Bay State Pipers; Gund Kwok, an customarily performed during Chinese New Pipe Major of the Stuart Highlanders Pipe
Asian women’s lion and dragon dance troupe; Year to herald in the new year and bring pros- Band(Grade IV) of Wilmington, Massachu-
12-year-old author and poet, Rebecca Noelle perity, good luck and peace. It is also per- setts. He is a member of TRI, a trio that plays
Vama; and Swaggo Inc., a dance troupe orga- formed at other celebratory events to bring Cape Breton music in the Boston area as well
nized by actor, dancer, and choreographer peace and good fortune. The dragon dance, a as at festivals across America. He is also a
Kaili Turner. Others who played a role in the form of traditional dance in Chinese culture, is professional member of the Eastern United
Yancey Book Fair included Reverend Arthur a highlight of Chinese New Year celebrations States Pipe Band Association. Councillor
Gerald of the 12th Baptist Church who provid- held worldwide in Chinatowns around the Yancey said the diverse array of entertainment
ed prayer; Disc Jockey Gary Marion who pro- world. Gund Kwok, which means heroine in provided at this year’s book fair reflected the
vided music and operated the sound system; Chinese, symbolizes women's power and theme, 25 Years of Traveling the Globe
and Squadron Commander Carlton Jones who strength. Traditionally, women's power, Through Books. “We featured performances
led a Civil Air Patrol presentation and the strength and intelligence have been from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and West-
pledge of allegiance. unacknowledged and hidden from public view. ern Europe.

5. Volume 13, Number 5 Page 5
Boston celebrates 25th Annual Charles C. Yancey Book Fair
Over 2,000 participants and volunteers packed
into the Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center
for the 25th Annual Charles C. Yancey Book
Fair last July in Roxbury.
Far removed from the Boston street violence
that dictates attention of local main-stream
media, hundreds of ecstatic children received
back-packs stuffed with over 20,000 brand-
new-books.
Councillor Yancey thanked volunteers, spon-
sors and participants for making this year’s
book fair an overwhelming success. He also
thanked Richard Evans for organizing the
diverse roster of entertainment, and he thanked
Keith McDermott, director of the Reggie Lew-
is Track and Athletic Center at Roxbury Com-
munity College, for providing a venue for this
year’s book fair.
Councillor Yancey said the Charles C. Yanc-
ey Annual Book Fair this year truly reflected
all neighborhoods of the City of Boston more
realistically than the persistent negative imag- Boston City Councillor Charles C. Yancey poses with some of the hundreds of children who
es portrayed in the mass media. attended the 25th Annual Charles C. Yancey Book Fair on July 9, 2011 at the Reggie Lewis
Center in Roxbury, Massachusetts.
Yancey receives recognition from Elected officials appear at 25th An- Boston Police Department provides
Representative Gloria Fox nual Charles C. Yancey Book Fair enthusiastic assistance at book fair
Councillor Yancey, standing next to Book Fair Councillor Yancey is joined by Boston City Several members of the Boston Police Depart-
Coordinator, Lynnette Frazier (right), receives Councillor Matt O’Malley (left) and Boston ment participated in the Yancey Book Fair,
a citation from the Office of Massachusetts City Councillor Tito Jackson (right), during providing not only sponsorship and supervi-
State Representative Gloria Fox, during the the book fair. Other officials present included sion in crowd handling, but also enthusiastic
book fair. Gloria Fox has served the people of Boston City Councillors Michael Ross, Rob interaction (as seen above) with the youth.
the 7th Suffolk District since 1984. The cita- Consalvo, and John Connolly, and State Rep- Other Yancey Book Fair sponsors this year
tion was presented by Mary Tuitt (left), Repre- resentative Russell Holmes. Rep. Holmes said included publisher Tony Rose of Amber
sentative Fox’s chief of staff and also a candi- reading is fundamental. Councillor Consalvo Books, Comcast, Walgreens, Massport, NStar,
date for Boston City Council’s District 3 seat called the book fair a great thing for reading Verizon, TJ Maxx, Stop & Shop, Houghton
that is currently headed by Councillor and literacy in the City of Boston. Councillor Mifflin, Citizen’s Bank, Sovereign Bank, NE
Maureen Feeney. In accepting the citation, Connolly, who said the success of Boston Vending, IBEW, Prince Hall Grand Lodge,
Yancey recognized the several organizations Public Schools starts with reading at home, Shaws Supermarkets, Blacks In Government,
that had purchased tables for distribution of announced that he supports Councillor Yanc- Red Sox Foundation, Suffolk Construction,
free materials at the book fair. “Your support ey’s efforts to build a new high school in Mat- Clear Channel Outdoors, Mt. Washington
of the book fair is crucial to our ability to pro- tapan. Also present was Marchelle Raynor, Bank, One United Bank, BJ’s Wholesale
vide brand-new-books to Boston children year vice chair of the Boston School Committee. Club, BEVCO Associates, Boston City Coun-
after year,” he said. Those organizations in- Raynor, who also serves as a Head Start pro- cil, Boston Teachers’ Union, New World Se-
cluded NStar, MassVote, McDonalds, Nation- gram director, congratulated participants for curities, McDonald’s Corporation, Mayor
al Grid, GBOS for Kids, NAACP, Codman making the choice to attend the book fair. Thomas Menino, Attorney Donald E. Green,
Square Health Center, Boston Police Depart- “This is real violence prevention. This is what Boston Private Bank & Trust, AOL Time
ment, Healthy Baby Healthy Child, Chez Vous keeps our children safe,” she said. Retired Warner Books, Coca-Cola Corporation, Radio
Roller Skating Rink, Boston United for Stu- State Representative Willie Mae Allen and Touch 106.1, Reggie Lewis Track & Field
dents, Generations Incorporated, and the Boys Boston City Council at-large candidate Wil- Center, and Sundance Newbridge Educational
& Girls Club - Yawkey Club of Roxbury. liam Dorcena also attended the book fair. Publishing.

6. Page 6 Yancey 2011, August
Councillor Yancey celebrates Native American culture
Councillor Charles C. Yancey from city and state charters,
joined Native American Culture thanked NACA for organizing the
Awareness (NACA) and members powwow and for
of the Native American community providing assistance to the Native
at a NACA-sponsored powwow American community and educat-
last May in Watertown, Massachu- ing citizens of Massachusetts about
setts. Native American Culture and Tra-
NACA’s mission is to provide ditions.
assistance to members of the Na- NACA is obligated to teaching the
tive American Community and to respect of elders and neighbors,
citizens of the Commonwealth of medicine and healing circles, men
Massachusetts, and to teach tribal and boys mentoring circles, woman
beliefs, histories, spirituality, cus- and girls mentoring circles, the
toms, as well as personal, family, avoidance of drugs and alcohol,
and community responsibilities. and the dispelling of myths pertain-
NACA, during powwow festivi- ing to Native American cultures
ties, expressed appreciation to the Councillor Charles C. Yancey poses with members of the Native Ameri- and traditions.
City of Boston and the Common- can community during a NACA-sponsored powwow last May in Water- NACA, which was formed and
wealth of Massachusetts for elimi- town, Massachusetts. founded by George "Lone Wolf"
nating old laws that prohibited Native Chiefs and Medicine men at the Pow- Thomas (of Pequot and Cherokee
Native Americans from entering into the City wow offered blessings to the land on which inheritance) and other Native Americans, is
of Boston, and that allowed citizens of old Native Americans were previously banned. comprised of community members who teach
Boston to shoot, kill or hang Native Ameri- Yancey, who had participated in efforts to Native American culture, traditions, beliefs,
cans. remove discriminatory colonial legislation and history. Y2011
President of the Republic of Cape Yancey welcomes Urban League Sierra Leone Cultural Organization cele-
Verde visits City of Boston CEO, Marc Morial to Boston brates 50th Anniversary of Independence
Councillor Yancey honors His Excellency Councillor Yancey welcomes Urban League Councillor Yancey joined the Sierra Leone
Pedro Verona Rodrigues Pires, President of CEO, Marc C. Morial, to the City of Boston Cultural Organization, Inc. last April in cele-
the Republic of Cape Verde, and his wife, during the 2011 Urban League Conference last brating Sierra Leone’s 50th Independence
Adélcia Barreto Pires, during their visit to July in Boston. Yancey presented Morial with Anniversary during a flag raising ceremony at
Boston last June. Pires was elected President a resolution commending his tremendous lead- Boston City Hall. Democracy in Sierra Leone
of the Republic of Cape Verde on February 25, ership in city and state government as well as is slowly being reestablished after the civil war
2001. The country, under his leadership, has at the National Urban League. Morial has from 1991 to 2002 that resulted in tens of
experienced substantial improvements in served as a mayor, a state senator, an attorney, thousands of deaths and the displacement of
health, education, quality of life, human devel- and entrepreneur, and an educator. Morial, as more than 2 million people. Ernest Bai Koro-
opment, as well as significant improvement in Mayor of New Orleans, was a popular chief ma has been Sierra Leone’s President since
the defense of the environment. His early years executive with a broad multi-racial coalition September 17, 2007. The president in Sierra
as a soldier, a mobilizer, and a military com- who led New Orleans’ 1990’s renaissance, and Leone is elected by popular vote for a five-
mander positioned Pires as a pivotal player in left office with a 70 percent approval rating. year term. The new government's priorities
the elimination of colonial domination in Cape Morial, as a Louisiana State Senator, was include furthering economic development,
Verde. In 1973, he was chosen to chair The named Legislative Rookie of the Year, Educa- creating jobs, and stamping out endemic cor-
National Commission of the African Party for tion Senator of the Year, and Environmental ruption. Political stability has led to a revival
Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde Senator of the Year, while authoring laws on a of economic activity such as the rehabilitation
(PAIGC) for Cape Verde. In October 1974, wide range of important matters. Morial’s of bauxite and rutile mining, which are set to
Pires returned to Cape Verde to lead the Cape creativity and leadership at the Urban League benefit from planned tax incentives. A number
Verdean branch of PAIGC. Pires has also has led to initiatives such as the Urban Youth of offshore oil discoveries were announced in
served as member of Parliament of Cape Empowerment program to assist young adults 2009 and 2010. Sierra Leone Cultural Organi-
Verde, the first Prime Minister of the inde- in securing sustainable jobs, and Entrepreneur- zation, Inc., was established in 1983 to pro-
pendent nation of Cape Verde, and as Assis- ship Centers in 5 cities to help the growth of mote Sierra Leonean cultures and the history
tant Secretary General of PAICV. small businesses. of the Amistad.

7. Volume 13, Number 5 Page 7
Councillor Yancey recognizes Jah Jah Drummers
Councillor Charles Yancey praised members leads Jah Jah Drummers in chants, spirituals, Jah Jah Drummers holds Peace Walk
of Jah Jah Drummers for preserving the Art of and traditional Afro Caribbean songs .
African drummology in the City of Boston The group has provided performances, lec- Jah Jah Drummers sponsored an anti-
during a special performance honoring the ture demonstrations, and drumming instruc- violence walk, Drums not Guns: Walk for
group’s 15th anniversary last June at Unity tions for countless occasions, including Strength and Unity, last July. The walk started
Sports and Cultural Club in Dorchester. Kwanzaa and Black History Month celebra- at Dudley Station and ended at Franklin Park
Jah Jah Drummers is an ensemble of accom- tions, Haitian Independence observations, anti- Zoo, where participants gathered to hear
plished percussionists of the Caribbean Afri- violence affairs, and various com- speakers and entertainment.
can American Black Diaspora that has been munity events for children and
performing in the Boston area since 1996. churches.
The group’s founder and president, Glen Its astonishing performances -
Noel, is a native of Trinidad and Tobago, and through stories, praise-songs, and
an accomplished African Congo Drum player. poetry - provide a primordial recol-
Noel, a percussionist for 30 years, skillfully lection of the rich cultural roots of
slave ancestors, slave experiences,
and the rituals and traditions of the
mother-country, Africa.
Jah Jah Drummers, during the
anniversary celebration, introduced
its new slogan, Drums not Guns,
which Noel calls an attempt to Members of Jah Jah Drummers accept a resolution from
eliminate the mentality that guns Councillors Yancey’s office that praised the group for pre-
should be used to settle disputes. serving the Art of African drummology in Boston.
Jah Jah Drummers, as a means of
enticing youth away from the streets and help- Councillor Yancey called the various efforts
ing to expose them to a positive experience, of participating organizations helpful in dimin-
offers free drum lessons every Monday night, ishing future acts of violence in the City of
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Unity Sports and Cul- Boston.
Councillor Yancey poses with Glen Noel, the tural Club in Dorchester.
founder, president and artistic director of Jah Participants included Jah Jah Drummers,
For more information about Jah Jah Lion Entertainment, World Wide Culture Ser-
Jah Drummers. Noel, who is a native of Trini- Drummer’s free drumming lessons, call Glen
dad and Tobago, is an accomplished African vices, World Cares Organization, Big City
Noel at 617 888-6465. 101.3 FM, and International Support & Chari-
Congo Drum player.
ty Association of Boston, Inc. Y2011
Boston entrepreneurs generate economic activity
Bag Lady Boutique opens in Dorchester
LaWanda McClorin (3rd from right), owner of
Ashley's Breakfast Shop receives praise
Princess Hair Palace now offers Spa services
Bag Lady Boutique, recently celebrated the Thomas Edmund, owner of Ashley's Breakfast
Shop at 260 Bowdoin Street in Dorchester, Princess Hair Palace at 1876 Dorchester Ave-
opening of her business at 145 Washington nue in Dorchester recently expanded its hair-
Street in Dorchester. Born and raised in Bos- greets Governor Deval Patrick, one state sena-
tor, two state representatives, and four Boston styling services to include massage therapy,
ton, McClorin, an administrator for the Depart- nail-care essentials, skin care therapy, and
ment of Youths Services for the Common- city Councillors last April at his restaurant in
Boston. Edmund, who emigrated from Trini- professional makeup artistry. Councillor Yanc-
wealth of Massachusetts, said she always ey joined owner, Princess Cedeno and friends
wanted to open a women’s boutique and was dad in 1987, attained a job at 260 Bowdoin
Street, washing dishes and mopping floors. He during a ribbon-cutting ceremony last June.
following her dream. “I wanted something Cedeno emigrated from the Commonwealth of
metro and modern where styles are unique,” called himself a workaholic who worked day
and night. But Edmund’s respectable work Dominica 30 years ago. She’s been a licensed
she said. Councillor Yancey presented hair stylist in the Boston area for the past 20
McClorin with a resolution congratulating the ethic created an excellent relationship with the
former owner and he acquired the business in years. She enhanced services at the requests of
grand opening of Bag Lady Boutique. The her customer. “The neighborhood loves it,”
boutique, which offers unique, one-of-a-kind 1996, establishing one of Boston’s finest
breakfast restaurants. Hundreds of customers said Cedeno. The solon’s hours are Tuesday
clothing not available in other stores, is open (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.), Wednesday (9:00
Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to have complimented Ashley’s food. “We love
serving people and we enjoy all the compli- a.m. to 4:00 p.m.), Thursday (10:00 a.m. to
2:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 6:00 p.m.), Friday (9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.),
a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ments,” Edmund said.
and Saturday (7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.).

8. Yancey 2011 August
Councillor Yancey lays wreath for Boston veterans
Councillor Charles C. Yancey solemnly lays one dimensional image where most soldiers Yancey. Attucks became the first man to fall
a red, white and blue wreath at the gravesite of are depicted as white and male,” he said. in the American Revolution along with Samuel
13,000 veterans buried at Mount Hope Ceme- Instead, those who have sacrificed for the Maverick, James Caldwell, Samuel Gray and
tery in Mattapan, during Boston’s annual Me- principles for which the Nation stands, have Patrick Carr.
morial Day Observance on May 30, 2011 in included women, Asians, Africans, Europeans,
Mattapan. Native Americans, immigrants and others, he “African American soldiers were
Yancey, who provided the keynote speech for said. treated worse than Nazi war pris-
the annual observance that began in 1921, “The first person to give his life for the estab- oners”
noted that, historically, the ethnic and gender lishment of the United States of America was
makeup of soldiers greatly differs from the
— Councillor Charles Yancey
an African Native man, Crispus Attucks, who
biased image portrayed by Hollywood. “It’s a sacrificed his life on March 5, 1770,” said Yancey also talked about the abusive treat-
ment of African American soldiers returning
William E. Carter Post is revitalized home after World War II. The soldiers were
confronted by state and local Jim Crow laws,
Post No. 16, located at 1531 Blue Hill which mandated de jure racial segregation in
Avenue in Mattapan, was chartered in housing, education, and public places. “The
1919. The Carter Post is named after African American soldiers returning from
multi-war veteran, African American Europe were no less patriotic than any other
Army Sergeant, William E. Carter, soldiers that participated in defense of the
whose name is also memorialized by United States of America, but African Ameri-
the titling of the William E. Carter can soldiers were treated worse than Nazi war
School at 396 Northampton Street in prisoners,” he said.
Boston, and the Sergeant William E. Today, the demographics for homeless veter-
Carter Playground, opposite 650 Co- ans in the City of Boston indicate that the pop-
lumbus Avenue in Boston. ulation’s racial makeup is approximately 85
The Carter Post is one of approxi- percent African American, 10 percent Cauca-
mately 14,900 American Legion posts sian, and 5 percent Hispanic.
located throughout the United States. Councillor Yancey recently reintroduced a
Councillor Yancey, as respect for bill he sponsored, ordering the Boston City
veterans who made the ultimate sacri- Council to convene a public hearing to discus
Councillor Charles C. Yancey celebrates reopening of fice, urged the group to make Carter homelessness among African American veter-
William E. Carter American Legion Post No. 16, with Post the best in the country. ans.
board members of the local post, last May in Mattapan. “Symbolically, the Carter Post repre- Before leaving the podium, Councillor Yanc-
sents the sacrifices made by countless ey thanked all the families who have made the
Councillor Charles C. Yancey joined members
veterans,” he said. ultimate sacrifice, noting that everyone in the
of the William E. Carter American Legion nation, including himself, has been a benefi-
The American Legion was founded in 1919
Post No. 16, last May, to celebrate reopening
by veterans returning from Europe after World ciary of the sacrifices made my veterans in the
of the Post, which had been shut down for two United States. “We will never forget you and
War I, and was later chartered under Title 36
years for renovations.
of the United States Code. Y2011 your sacrifices,” he said. Y2011