What happens "After Five"?
I had the chance to serve as the Master of Ceremonies for Macon's After Five Professional Networking Association last night. It was a great opportunity for me to meet a lot of professional Middle Georgians, young and old... although I was one of the youngest in the room. As Joe Johnson used to say... "Great things are happening here". It was truly a pleasure to be in such a setting. WMGT-TV was a media partner for this event. Of course, the dinner was great... Phil Perry, jazz performer, was great, and my gift from After Five was truly "better than I deserve". Thanks.
He says they lied.
I met Dr. Victor DeNoble, a former scientist for Phillip Morris, a tobacco manufacturer, earlier today. He had been around Middle Georgia talking to school children about the dangers of smoking and nicotine.
He says he was fired from the company after inventing a cigarette with an addictive compound, but without the heart risks caused by nicotine. He spoke about his role in debunking the testimony of tobacco company executives before a congressional committee in 1994. He was a great story-teller and the way he explained what he went through with respect to his pre-collegiate experience and his professional life was truly memorable. His talk led me to believe that the tobacco companies tried to get people hooked, try to get people to get hooked early in life, and will lie to maintain the facade that tobacco products endanger the quality of life people who use them. I'm glad I never smoked... Never got hooked.
He says he was fired from the company after inventing a cigarette with an addictive compound, but without the heart risks caused by nicotine. He spoke about his role in debunking the testimony of tobacco company executives before a congressional committee in 1994. He was a great story-teller and the way he explained what he went through with respect to his pre-collegiate experience and his professional life was truly memorable. His talk led me to believe that the tobacco companies tried to get people hooked, try to get people to get hooked early in life, and will lie to maintain the facade that tobacco products endanger the quality of life people who use them. I'm glad I never smoked... Never got hooked.
Black History Month IV
History Lost
I'm posting this one early because I've already shot my interviews for it...
For centuries, oral tradition has been the record of choice for African-American families. But, many pictures, stories, and documents are discarded of even trashed... often because not much value is placed on certain items at first glance. Those items, however could unleash a story that gives a simple, yet proud personal history.
I'm posting this one early because I've already shot my interviews for it...
For centuries, oral tradition has been the record of choice for African-American families. But, many pictures, stories, and documents are discarded of even trashed... often because not much value is placed on certain items at first glance. Those items, however could unleash a story that gives a simple, yet proud personal history.
Black History Month III
Foundation of Black Education in Macon, Georgia
Dr. Robert Williams attended Ballard Normal School, taught at Ballard-Hudson, served as principal of Central High School, and retired as Deputy Superintendent of the Bibb County School system in 1988. He says that while the schools provided a firm academic foundation for students, what was more important was the ambition instilled in children by their families.
Added onto that: Dr. Williams was great... and I found out a few days later that he is a fellow Brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (He's actually a founding brother of the Alumni Epsilon Beta Lambda Chapter).
Dr. Robert Williams attended Ballard Normal School, taught at Ballard-Hudson, served as principal of Central High School, and retired as Deputy Superintendent of the Bibb County School system in 1988. He says that while the schools provided a firm academic foundation for students, what was more important was the ambition instilled in children by their families.
Added onto that: Dr. Williams was great... and I found out a few days later that he is a fellow Brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (He's actually a founding brother of the Alumni Epsilon Beta Lambda Chapter).
Black History Month Series II
Saint Peter Claver Catholic School
St. Peter Claver is a private Catholic School that was established to provide quality education for students of all races, but paying particular attention to African-American students. The school was founded by Saint Katherine Drexel in the heart of Macon's Pleasant Hill Community. The people there really love this place. It seems like a real tight knit community.
St. Peter Claver is a private Catholic School that was established to provide quality education for students of all races, but paying particular attention to African-American students. The school was founded by Saint Katherine Drexel in the heart of Macon's Pleasant Hill Community. The people there really love this place. It seems like a real tight knit community.
Black History Month Series
Black History Month Series- every Friday this month I am doing a local Black History Story. Many of them may be obvious to people who have lived in Macon their entire lives, but to me they are special stories... and definitely help me appreciate many of the unsung heroes in Middle Georgia.
My First Story
Booker T. Washington Community Center
The BTW Community Center was developed out of a WPA program to become an example of what a Negro Community center could be-- a hub for programs and social services in the African-American community in a still segregated South.
My First Story
Booker T. Washington Community Center
The BTW Community Center was developed out of a WPA program to become an example of what a Negro Community center could be-- a hub for programs and social services in the African-American community in a still segregated South.
Howard Scott is the current Director and CEO of the Booker T. Washington Community Center. He is the second director in the center's history. He took over after Mr. William Sheftall retired after working there for 50 years. Mr. Sheftall was a founding member of the Epsilon Beta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
"I hate long goodbyes"
That's what the outgoing Macon Police Chief repeated to colleagues this week before he departs for Richmond Virginia. It leads me to believe that he's in a hurry to get out. At least the mayor has chosen an interim who was "respected?" among the ranks. In my short time in Macon... Monroe came across as one of the public officials who understands his role in city. He will be missed by some, as others say good riddance. Good Luck in Richmond.
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