Valdosta State University Archives and Special Collections Digital Commons @Vtext Valdosta STATE EBB3MD. Lowndes County Historical Society: Valdosta Project Change Collection, 1997-2003 MS/181 1997-1998 October 1998 For this and additional works see: https://vtext.valdosta.edu/xmlui/handle/10428/6499 Recommended Citation: Valdosta Project Change. “Valdosta Project Change Scrapbook, October 1998. Lowndes County Historical Society, repository. Digital Copy--Valdosta State University Archives and Special Collections, MS-181: Valdosta Project Change Collection, 1997-2003. This item is free and open source. It is part of the Valdosta Project Change Collection at the Lowndes County Historical Society and was digitized by the Valdosta State University Archives and Special Collections. If you have any questions or concerns contact archives@valdosta.edu Valdosta Included Articles: 10/1- Report cards are in for middle and elementary- Patricia H. Croll 10/3- Valdosta family upset over county jail’s suicide attempt policy- Jodi M. Scott 10/7- Raising the bar for state education: New standards for local boards of education announced today- Patricia H. Croll 10/8- Why blacks stand by Clinton- Bill Maxwell 10/10- Trio awarded $1 million in shoplifting racism case- Joann Loviglio 10/10- Ability, not color of skin, should matter most- Bill Malone, Valdosta 10/11- Work progresses on Weed and Seed- Jodi M. Scott 10/12- Rally stirs calls for justice: Second march planned to protest inmate’s death- Patricia H. Croll 10/13- VBOE seeks community input: Allen goes to school to talk with parents- Patricia H. Croll 10/14- We’ve come a long way but it’s a long road ahead- Charles Moore 10/16- Take a stand- no author 10/16- PBS miniseries chronicles America’s journey through slavery- no author 10/16- March splits local rights activists- Joe Dunlop 10/18- Protesters take to city’s streets: Hundreds decry conditions at jail- Jodi M. Scott 10/19- Rights activists forming tribunal: Rose attending council meeting- Jodi M. Scott 10/21- It’s not going away- no author 10/21- We need to end uneasiness in our Black Community- Bill Maxwell 10/23- Wait for probe results: Mayor urges Rose to be patient- Shelby G. Spires 10/28- Crime lab done with inmate death: Local officials await report before coroner’s inquest held in November- Jodi M. Scott Report cards are in for middle and elementary By Patricia H. Croll The Valdosta Daily Times VALDOSTA — The 1998 Georgia Elementary and Middle School Report Card for Parents has been released by Georgia Public Policy Foundation. The report is developed by Georgia Public Policy Foundation, a non-profit, non-partisan research and education organization. These report cards list the numerical rankings of 1,072 schools with third-grade test scores, 1,064 schools with fifth-grade test scores and 406 Georgia middle schools based on statistical analyses of selected criteria. Elementary school rankings were based on the average score on the math and reading sections of the 1998 Iowa Test of Basic Skills. Supplemental criteria included the percentage of fifth-grade students with scores in the bottom quarter of the scores in the nation, those above the national average, and the top quarter of scores in the nation. The third-grade rank for each school is also shown, and there is a separate ranking of primary schools. All test scores represent tests taken in 1998 and poverty data is from the 1996-97 school year. Middle school rankings are based on results of the math and reading sections of the 1998ITBS. Supplemental criteria includes the percentage of eighth-grade stu- dents with scores in the bottom quarter of the scores in the nation, above the national average, and in the top quarter of scores in the nation. All test scores represent tests taken in thel998 school year. The first section of the accompanying chart lists elementary schools with fifth grade scores. Although most of the third grade rankings are included in the first section, 33 primary schools do not offer fifth grade classes; thus, they were not included in that section. The second section represents how these schools compared to 1,072 schools that have third grade scores. To contact reporter Patricia Croll, please call 244-3400,237 Guide to understanding the poverty index: O is average, 1 is better than expected academic performance relative to poverty rate. South Georgia region contains 95 elementary schools and 48 middle schools in 32 counties: Percent of 5th grade students School Area Rank (5th) State Rank (5th) State Rank (3rd) System Overall % score Lowest 25 % U.S. Above National Average Highest 25 % U.S. Poverty Rate Poverty Index Hahira 3 99 130 Lowndes 71 5 79 44 32% 1 Parker Mathis 4 145 486 Lowndes 68 4 78 32 57% 1 Lake Park 6 152 224 Lowndes 68 4 74 42 53% 1 Pine grove 11 217 307 Lowndes 64 8 68 33 43% 1 West Gordon 36 505 n/a Valdosta 55 21 53 25 59% 0 Moulton-Branch 43 560 443 Lowndes 53 20 48 23 61% 0 Clyattville 57 741 496 Lowndes 47 28 41 21 70% 0 Southeast 82 955 n/a Valdosta 37 34 31 7 85% 0 Percent of 3rd grade students Salias Mahone n/a n/a 375 Valdosta 62 14 59 31 52% 0 W.G. Nunn n/a n/a 562 Valdosta 54 13 55 20 78% 0 S.L. Mason n/a n/a 605 Valdosta 52 26 48 23 66% 0 Lomax-Pinevale n/a n/a 1000 Valdosta 34 39 26 7 93% 0 Area Rank State Rank Percent of students at each level Hahira M. 4 72 Lowndes 62 11 62 32 35% 1 Valdosta M. 7, . 133 Valdosta 55 17 50 26 60% 1 Lowndes M. 16 214 Lowndes 49 21 48 19 50% 0 t Newbern lVJf. 41 353 Valdosta 37 37 27 13 81% 0 I The Valdosta Daily Times Saturday, October 3, 1998___________________________ Valdosta family upset over county jail's suicide attempt policy By Jodi Scott The Valdosta Daily Times VALDOSTA — A Valdosta family is upset that Lowndes County Jail did not notify them that a family member attempted suicide. But jail officials say policy prevents medical information from being released, except in emergency situations. Instead, the family learned of the attempted suicide of Sean Walker, 20, from Southwestern State Hospital in Thomasville. Walker, 20, attempted to commit suicide Tuesday by tying a sheet around his neck, according to a report. He was taken to Southwestern Wednesday. “Why can’t they have the courtesy to call and tell me my son tried to hang himself?” asked, Janie Hunter, Walker’s mother. “We had a right to know,” Larry Hunter said. “The jail hid the facts. They’re all lying now.” Friday, jail administrator Capt. Ken Cooper said the jail’s policy mandates that medical information not be released except in life-threatening or emergency cases. He said the family apparently was notified by Southwestern. Hunter said she and her mother briefly visited Walker Friday in Thomasville. They were driven to the state hospital Cooper. Walker was jailed after being charged with the March 17 armed robbery of the Holiday Market on Bemiss Road. In a recent letter to The Valdosta Daily Times, Walker notes that “you would know me better as the 6 foot 1 inch suspect in the hairy-belly robbery.” A clerk gave descriptions of the two suspects, pointing out that the gunman had a “hairy belly” A second suspect was later arrested. In the letter, Walker maintains his innocence. When asked Thursday about the family’s complaint, Sheriff Ashley Paulk was not aware of the suicide attempt by Walker. He said the jail is not allowed to divulge medical information about inmates, citing confidentiality laws. Cooper said Walker was in general population Tuesday when a “shakedown” was conducted in the cell. A homemade rope, fashioned from sheets, was found in Walker’s possession. Cooper said Walker told jailers that he used the rope to exercise. Walker was placed in “lock down.” While in isolation, Walker wrapped a sheet around his neck in an apparent suicide attempt. He has been taking anti-depression medication, Saturday, Oct. 3,1998 — 5A Continued from Page 1A Policy according to his fa&ily In his letter to the paper, Water wrote, vTm going on a hung® strike and my mental stability hjs been suffering since.” Cooper said Wdker was taken to the infirmary, wive a nurse determined • he had rjt been injured. However, Walker’stepfather, Larry Hunter, said a nurse at Southwestern tolhis daughter that Walker was unqiscious when he was found. Wednesday, \lker was sent to Southwestern, tooper thought another inmate mtacted Walker’s family to tell t] ti about the incident. He said V ser’s sister spoke with a staff m 3er, who told her that he could release medical information. Cooper said \ya|fe^[,’s sister was asked to go to the jail with identification, and a nurse told her about the suicide attempt, he said Thursday. Hunter said his son and daughter had both called the jail Wednesday, but only to arrange visitation. Neither was told of the attempt. Cooper also denied claims that Walker’s family was told he was in the infirmary with a cold and unlikely to receive visitors this weekend. “That’s absolutely not true,” Cooper said. To contact reporter Jodi Scott, please call 244-340C, ext. 247.* Please see POLICY on Page 5A^ The Valdosta Daily Times. 6A — Wednesday, Oct. 7,1998 Raising the bar for state education New standards for local boards of education announced today By Patricia H. Croll The Valdosta Daily Times VALDOSTA — Georgia’s first set of “Standards for Local Boards of Education” will be announced at 10 a.m. today at the State Capitol in Atlanta. The Georgia School Boards Association’s voluntary program, is designed to provide a set of overall standards by which local boards of education can measure their performance and insure accountability to local communities. GSBA officials say the program was developed over a two-year period with help from local board members and education professionals from throughout the state. Gov. Zell Miller and State School Board Chairman Johnny Isakson are supporting the program. “This new tool to measure the overall operations of local school boards gives clear guidelines for improvement to all local school systems,” Isakson said. “Quality standards — adhered to by all local boards of education can make a significant difference in the administration, teaching and most importantly, the learning environments for all local school systems...” Gary Ashley, GSBA executive vice president which represents all 180 boards of education in Georgia, said there are six major components covered which measure accountability including, vision/philosophy; organization; board operations; personnel; board/staff relations; board development. Sam Allen, Superintendent for Valdosta City Schools, said he received information about the standards at a GSBA meeting two weeks ago and he believes members of the board will support the standards. “A lot of what they are asking we already follow,” Allen said. “We just want to look at it, study it and determine whether the board wants to participate ... The board must follow specific guidelines and I believe the evaluation must take place at the top.” Ron Irwin, Lowndes County Schools assistant to the Superintendent, said they received information on the standards this week and the bbard has not had the opportunity to discuss participation. “They are just now kicking off the program,” Irwin said. “I’ve looked over the standards and there are only two or three things that need to be worked on. We are already doing 99 percent of it already." To contact reporter Patricia Croll, please call 244-3400, eft. 237. Why blacks stand by Clinton ' Many white people, especially conservatives, and the majority of the nation’s leading pundits, are confounded that blacks are standing by President Clinton. Polls consistently show that a higher percentage of blacks than whites approve of the way Clinton is handling his job and view him favorably Clinton haters are further dismayed that he is more popular among blacks than either the Rev. Jesse Jackson or Gen. Colin Powell. So strong is support for the president among black leaders in Lum-berton, N.C., for example, that the local branch of the NAACP has asked members to vote against members of Congress who attack the president, according to the Raleigh News & Observer. Black support of the president is rooted primarily in their perceptions of race and the realities of how they and their forebears have been abused by individuals and by American institutions. Based on his handling of issues important to them, most African-Americans like Clinton and trust him to protect their interests. They see him as an ally in a society hostile to them. Listen to Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., a black, describing his constituents’ desire to protect the president. “People ... say, “Take care of the president,’ “ Lewis told The New York Times. “They don’t want to see him resign. They don’t want to see him impeached. They just want us to leave him alone because there’s this deep feeling in the black community that this president has been there for us.” ^ Clinton champions policies, such as affirmative action, that are designed to assist blacks. And the economy, which began to expand on his watch, has boosted black employment, home ownership, entrepreneurship and opportunities in education. Few blacky will forget Bill Maxwell Columnist the president’s historic trip to Africa, where he apologized for slavery. In addition, the overwhelming majority of blacks laud Clinton’s national race initiative, even though many whites, who may never confront the enduring legacy of racism, condemn the effort. Despite a few early missteps, such as the jettisoning of Lani Guinier’s nomination as attorney general and the firing of Jocelyn Elders as surgeon general, Clinton has appointed more blacks to Cabinet and other posts than anyone else who has ever resided at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. In fact, 13 percent of his appointments are black. Aside from politics and the economy, many African-Americans see Clinton as a spiritual soul mate. They like his personal style: his savoir-faire and his unpretentiousness in their company They like the fact that his golfing buddy is a brother, that his personal secretary, is a sister, that he invites himself to black churches, that he prays with blacks and sings their songs without using a hymnal. He regularly brings black jazz musicians, rock stars, athletes, children and business owners to the White House. For these reasons and others, comedian Chris Rock said that Clinton is “the first black president.” The Rev. Joseph Lowery, former head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, said that Clinton “has soul.” After all, The Prez’s instrument of choice is the funky saxophone. African-Americans have mea- sured the man’s affinity with them. Its meaning? He is egalitarian. He cares about blacks without being patronizing, and he understands that they are genuine underdogs, victims of racism. And how have blacks fared under recent Republican presidents? Nixon shunned them. Ford did not register either way Reagan despised blacks. Bush, bowing to instinct and pressure from party wing nuts, ignored them. Again, Clinton is different. And blacks, who have good reason to distrust a prosecutor, identify with the president’s plight. Many see him as a victim of powerful forces — independent counsel Kenneth Starr, the GOP-controlled House Judiciary Committee, the Christian Right and other fanatical Republican affiliates. Harlem Rep. Charles Rangel: “His support is stronger than ever. The more they beat up on him, the stronger his support will be among the African-American community. African-Americans know what persecution is.” Julian Bond, chairman of the NAACP’s national board: “Instead of starting with the crime and looking for the man, Kenneth Starr started with the man and looked for the crime. ...If any president has been persecuted, William Jefferson Clinton has been persecuted. Now I’ll agree with you that he has cooperated with his persecution by producing bullets for Ken Starr’s gun, but he has been persecuted.” African-Americans, then, do not need lectures on character and principle from whites about black support of the president. Blacks are standing by their man — a person who has been their genuine friend. Bill Maxwell is an editorial writer and columnist for the St. Petersburg Times. He can be reached on the Internet at maxwell@sptimes.com. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service. * .tober 10, 1997 7-A —____W_____ awarded $1 million in shoplifting racism case By JOANN LOVIGLIO The Associated Press_ GREENBELT, Md. — A federal jury awarded $1 million Thursday to three young black men who accused the Eddie Bauer chain of “consumer racism” for detaining them on suspicion of shoplifting and forcing one man to take off his shirt. The jury of four whites and three blacks found that the young men were falsely imprisoned and defamed by store officials and that the outdoor-clothing company .negligently supervised its security guards. However, the jury did not find that the civil rights of 18-year-old Alonzo Jackson were violated by being forced to remove his shirt. The jury deliberated seven hours over two days before awarding Jackson $850,000 in compensatory and punitive damages. His friends, Rasheed Plummer, 18, and Marco Cunningham, 20/ each were awarded $75,000. They had sought $85 million. “Fm happy we won but it doesn’t give you your dignity back,” Jackson said outside the courthouse. Eddie Bauer attorney Gerald Ivey said the company was “gratified there was no finding of racial discrimination.” Blacks who have long fought discrimination in the workplace are increasingly' taking their complaints of unfair treatment to the doors of corporate America — as consumers. Major companies such as Denny’s, Avis Rent-A-Car and Motel 6 have been sued in recent years for allegedly discriminating agair&t black customers: * The Valdosta Daily Times 4A —Saturday, Oct. 10,1998 Ability, not color of skin, should matter most :m According to a recent report in The Washington Post, an internal memo reveals that the United States Marine Corps is considering adopting racial quotas for its officers. The memo was prepared for a nine-officer executive committee that met to discuss it before passing it along to Gen. Charles Krulak, Marine commandant. The memo says that by the year 2003,12 percent of Marine Corps officers will be black, 12 percent will be Hispanic and 5 percent will represent other ethic backgrounds. These proportions reflect minority percentages in America today. This unfortunate plan is unworthy of a proud fighting force like the Marines because it violates the basic principal of merit. The hope is to maintain quality by recruiting highly qualified applicants from each racial group. But it would be far better to throw out the percentages and simply seek the most highly qualified minority candidates. The Marines could learn a lesson from their counterpart, the U.S. Army, which has become one of the most racially harmonious institutions in America without sacrificing merit to quotas. Yesterday in the Washington Times, General Krulak denied receiving the memo. The General further says there are no quotas and insists that there will be no lowering of standards in the Marine Corps. If the memo does reach the general, let’s hope he sticks to his guns and adheres to the Marine’s policy of looking for “a few Good Men” based on their ability and the content of their character rather than the color of their skin. Bill Malone, Valdosta l Work progresses on Weed and Seed “It’s been said that the police department got all the money ... Folks, somebody told you a story.” Jeremiah Lawton _____________ Director, Weed and Seed By Jodi Scott The Valdosta Daily Times VALDOSTA — Programs are ' underway and money is being spent in Valdosta’s federal Weed and Seed coinmunity revitalization program. A Granny’s Place program that will provide after-school care should begin soon, as will a youth entrepreneurial program sponsored by Quality of Life Association in ; Lowndes County (QUOLA), according to Weed and Seed members. About 30 local residents received an update on Weed and Seed last week , from Director Jeremiah ’ Lawton. Lawton has hosted meet- ings for residents of Areas 1 and 2. The update for Area 3 residents will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 20 at West Gordon Elementary School. Lawton sought to assure those attending that money is being used in community programs. The city was named a Weed and Seed site earlier this year and received $250,000 in federal grant money Officials had hoped to receive up to $750,000 a year as part of the three-year grant. Due to the Weed and Seed program’s decision to recognize more sites but with less funding, Valdosta got $250,000 a year for three years. That funding includes $125,000 of Weed and Seed grant funds, $50,000 for special emphasis initiatives and $75,000 for law enforcement and/or community policing. • “It’s been said that the police department got all the money, and there’s nothing left to do anything else,” Lawton said. “Folks, somebody told you a story” He said funds have been used to repair the pool and fence at Southside Recreation Center, which serves as the “safe haven” for children. The next project at the center will be to repair the air conditioning, for which $7,000 was budgeted. In addition to Granny’s Place and the youth program, a summer camp and afterschool tutoring for students involved in Drug Education for Youth has been held. Money for DEFY came from other federal funding, according to officials. THE VALDOSTA DAI Valdosta, Ga. Monday, October 12, 1998 Rally stirs calls for justice Second march planned to protest inmate's death By Patricia H. Croll The Valdosta Daily Times Hundreds from the Valdosta African-American community gathered Sunday night at the Greater Union Missionary Baptist Church to hear Rev. Floyd Rose ignite their passion over the controversial circumstances surrounding the death of Willie James Williams. Williams was arrested Sept. 1 and died 24 hours later while in the custody Qf the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department. His leath was ruled a homicide, caused by “complications of blunt force trauma.” He had been charged with traffic and weapons violations. Alma Williams, one of the organizers of a Sept. 19 march protesting the circumstance of the death, indicated a movement for justice is far from over and said there was much to be done. “It’s good to see us in numbers again,” Williams said. “We will holler loud and long.” Williams said she had never met the family of Willie Williams before the support movement started, but she knew she had to do something. “There are no laws that say our deputies can arrest, try, convict and execute,” Williams said. The rally opened with beautiful music and inspirational songs bringing the crowd to their feet waving their arms in the air, while the spiritual scene was surrounded by security men with walkie-talkies and earphones. When Rev. Floyd Rose began to speak of different times in history such as Moses leading his people out of slavery and African-American forefathers coming to this county in, chains, the crowd erupted Please see RALLY on Page 5A Mike Tanner/The Valdosta Daily Time Reverend Floyd Rose speaks to a crowd of more than 500 area residents Sunday night at Greater Union Missionary Baptist Church. ,Y TIMES 50 cents Continued from Page 1A Second march planned to protest inmate’s death I i ; H and spring to their feet. He referenced other movements for justice against authority figures in Montgomery, Birmingham, and Albany. “They told us to wait,” Rose said. “Well, you tell them we say we ain’t going to wait. I ask you to walk with me on Saturday (Oct. 17 at 9 a.m.).” Rose said they will walk where Willie James Williams’ blood was shed. “We will walk to city council, but they won’t be there, but we will leave a message,” Rose said. “We will go to where the county commissioners [meet but they won’t be there but we will leave a message... I’ll tell you what that message is. It’s over! Never again will you parade them (politicians) and tell us which candidate to vote for. It’s going to be our choice, not theirs. Once they do that they have control.” Rose said another thing the movement plans on doing is hosting their own mini-convention before the next general election. “We will take a straw poll which will reflect in the general election,” Rose said. “This is the kind of power black folks can have if we play cards right. If Valdosta thinks for one minute we are playing, they are in for a rude awakening. We are convinced we can win this one.” Also called for at the rally was a 21-day vegetable and fruit juice fast in seven-day intervals. Organizers of the fast will meet Monday, Oct. 12. The second peaceful march is set for Saturday, Oct. 17, in the 700 block of South Lee. “There was talk in town that we needed to blow off steam,” Rose said. “That we would walk one time and they told us to wait until the facts are in... You know what they really want is to wait until the white folks do the report to satisfy the white folks.” To contact reporter Patricia Croll, please call 244-3400, ext. 237. Tuesday, October 13, 1998 The Valdosta Daily Times VBOE seeks community input Allen goes to school to talk with parents By Patricia H. CroU The Valdosta Daily Times VALDOSTA — The Valdosta Board of Education wants to move in a new direction and is soliciting parents and community to help them improve along the way. Superintendent Sam Allen opened a public forum Monday night at Southeast Elementary by telling parents and community members that the VBOE has learned it can’t educate children alone. The forum was held in a packed lunchroom, filled with parents, board members and system personnel. “It will take a whole village to educate children in the 21st century,” Allen said. “Are we where we need to be? No, we are not. But are we standing still? No... It will take all of us.” The board and school administrators invited the people to make suggestions, comments and ask questions. Allen alluded to another public meeting planned for parents with eighth-graders to “Bridge the Gap” between middle school and high school. This will be held on Nov. 3. Dr. Brenda Smith, assistant superintendent, said parent involvement is critical. “An informed parent can help their child in high school,” Smith said. “Our first meeting will have information and later in the spring we will be more specific.” About 10 people spoke Monday when the floor was opened for comments or questions. Dr. Mary Willis asked board members to revisit their policy on suspensions. “The policy of three and five day suspensions further exacerbates the problem,” Willis said. “Some children act out to be sent home to watch TV” She said the policy needs to be reviewed at the elementary and middle school level so that it won’t hurt children academically nor reward them with extended vacations. Tuesday, Oct. 13,1998 —5A Continued from Page 1A Schools need for improvements in placing students in special education, the need for parental involvement frorr an early age and the importance oi (testing. [ Andrew Stafford said he was a father of an eighth-grader at |fialdosta Middle school. “It has made me happy to see new | ings being tried and something! ing done,” Stafford said. He com-1 ented that he always gets involved ith teachers and it has proven help- 'They call me if things go amiss: afford said. “Teachers must be environment creators and those i the environment will learn to creal themselves.” Allen concluded the open forur by telling community members the if the board did not hear from then they could get a false impressio that they are doing everything righ “We make mistakes sometimes, Allen said. “Some don’t admit it, bi I make mistakes and I try not to d them again. I hold my folks accoun able, as I hold myself accountable.” To contact reporter, Patricia Crol please call 244-3400, ext. 23 Paul Leavyffhe Valdosta Daily Times Valdosta School Superintendent Sam Allen listens as parent Annette Bryant asks a question during the open forum at Southeast Elementary School Monday. Allen responded by saying since corporal punishment was taken out of the school system, suspensions have increased. “We are willing to go back and look at the policy,” he said. “But we have to make sure punishment is consistent and fair...” One alternative is the STAR program, where a student works for two to three hours with a drill instructor. Alternative and transition schools were also mentioned. But these types of programs were not preferred by Annette Bryant who said she has a child with a behavioral problem. “There has to be something else than transition schools,” Bryant said. “I’ve seen transition schools and they are not a nice place for a 6-year-old ... We have to find something different for children being lost through the cracks.” Allen asked her several questions about having the child tested and said they would work on her problem. Other speakers addressed issues like monitoring teaching practices, the Please see SCHOOLS on Page 5A We’ve Come A Long Way But It’s A Long Road Ahead For us Southerners, the saying “We’ve come a long way, but still have a long way to go” is probably an overused phase. Yet, it’s difficult to argue against our having come a long way as far as race relations are concerned. No longer are the symbols of Jim Crow a visible part of our _____________ daily lives. Water fountains and restrooms marked “White” and “Colored” are a part of a past we’d rather Charles Moore Mailbox Post Columnist not talk about. Separate schools and segregated public eating facilities were as essential to our way-of-life as is fried okra, fish, grits and cole slaw are today. There were also other things from our past which distinguished our culture from the rest of American society. Marriage was taboo - blacks and whites were strictly forbidden from legally sleeping in wedding beds together. The color-line held steadfast and the penalties for crossing it were severe. Certain jobs such as holding public office, law enforcement and banking, for example, were reserved for “White Only.” Thi in essence, is no longer an ingi dient of Southern society Yes, as Southerners, we have come a long way over the last 44 years. And, like it or not, our journey from out of our past wasn’t one we traveled willingly At times, we were prodded. There was the Supreme Court’s “Brown vs. Board of Education” decision in 1954. Then came the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act in 1965. If we stop and take a hard look at Southern society today, its an indisputable fact, we have come a long way. But what about the long way Moore continued on page 18i 18 • October 14,1998 • Mailbox Post Moore Continued From Page 4 we still have to go? Are we ready to make this journey willingly? I know at least one person who is ready. That person is Wink DeVane, the seasoned and professional journalist who is responsible for my being a columnist. He provided me an opportunity without filling in a square on some make-believe Affirmative Action plan or satisfying the appetites of aimless, liberal groups such as Project Change. Before I go any further, I must provide a disclaimer in order to preserve Wink’s professional credibility Like every column I write, I never discuss content, context or seek Wink’s approval before its submitted. He doesn’t want anyone to think he influences what I write. I can assure you that he doesn’t. Now, back to why we still have a long way to go. I used Wink DeVane as an example because the local printed news media is the subject of my focus. Within our local geographical area, there are no African-American newspaper publishers or managing editors In charge of any of our daily papers. I’m not accusing the local daily press of any misdeed, I’m only calling the game like I see it. Publishers and editors usually start out as cub reporters and work their way up the hierarchy. Yet, as far as I know, I don’t think there are any black reporters or local black columnists working on the staffs of any of the dailies in our geographical area. I will go on record and say dosta. This tells me that there’s no way for blacks to work their way up the local daily newspaper hierarchy. Some of you are probably getting a little steamed because I’m criticizing The Valdosta Daily Times, The Mailbox Post’s sister paper. For you, I offer this: If I, as an independently-thinking individual, can’t be up-front and honest in my own weekly opinion column, then I’m wasting the paper and the ink these words are printed on. Anyway, the lack of local African-American daily newspaper publishers and editors is an indication of how far we still have to go. Take into account there are no black reporters or local black columnists, then we may as well be back in 1954. So that no one will think I’m only picking on the local printed news media, let me say that my alma mater - Valdosta State -also still has a long way to go. There are no black vice presidents, deans or department heads at the university Some departments don’t even have a single black instructor assigned to its staff. I don’t count the vice president for multi-cultural affairs as a true vice president. Then too, the phrase “We’ve come a long way, but still have a long way to go” depends entirely on how we, as individuals, view the world from our own vantage point. I can only hope I’m looking in the right direction. And, with that, may you have the pleasure of reading this col- THE VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES 8A — Friday, Oct. 16,1998 A slave holds her young master in this photo made about 1850. PBS miniseries chronicles America’s journey through slavery LOS ANGELES — Consider these words: “When you make men slaves you deprive them of half their virtue.... You set them, in your own conduct, an example of fraud and cruelty, and compel them to live with you in that state of war.” It is hard to imagine a more eloquent condemnation of a soulless enterprise , or any better source: Olaudah Equiano, who was kidnapped as a child in Africa, enslaved in America in the 1700s and, finally, emerged a man who seized freedom. His is one of many voices heard in “Africans in America: America’s Journey Through Slavery,” an incisive and stirring four-part PBS documentary. It airs 8 to 9:30 p.m. EDT Monday through Thursday (check local listings). Using personal stories to give life to history is a favored technique of today’s nonfiction filmmakers, and “Africans in America” makes the most of it. With 18th- and 19th-century diaries and other sources, many recently discovered, the series allows people to illuminate — or indict — themselves and their time. Here, for instance, is farmer George Washington, the future president, striking a business deal: “I will take six or more negroes ... relying on your word that the whole are healthy, and none of them addicted to running away. The latter I abominate....” The irony of a man who would help win the American colonies’ freedom from Britain so casually enslaving others is inescapable. But that dichotomy — of a country symbolic of freedoi yet built on slavery — is at the heart of “Africa: in America.” The film dissects the attitudes that allowed fo: slavery’s acceptance and how the process affected* our developing national character and society. 1 “We tried to broaden the series and make it much more expansive story of the impact oL Africans coming to America and what that meant*, in terms of what this nation would become and? what its people would ultimately become,” saicK Orlando Bagwell, the project’s executive director. ' “It’s clear that some of these ideas that born in this period are ideas we still live wii today, attitudes we still live with, things we cannoi change or lose that quickly,” Bagwell said. a ll| I ^5 o c •a * cuo a> - •E73 .59 o CD U) GO 03 ^ +3 S .tS O * § §&SS £ 2.5 I is .2 E13, 8) eg ~ V* ™ S ^ o u 5 Valdosta; Ga. Valdosta Daily times Friday, Octobd|l6, 1998 Continued from Page 1A March splits Activists: Lctiil rights leaders divided local rights activists 50 cents Floyd Rose Williams opposes movement's direction By Joe Dunlop The Valdosta Daily Times VALDOSTA — Two groups formed since the controversial death of a Valdosta man after an encounter with Lowndes deputies are working to send out fliers with opposing goals. Alma Williams, a vocal supporter of efforts to remove Sheriff Ashley Paulk from office following the Sept. 2 death of Willie James Williams, said Thursday she no longer supports the efforts of the Rev. Floyd Rose. Rose has been prominent in most gatherings concerning Williams’ death. “This has really gotten out of hand,”_, Mrs. WVUyrytvs said. “I helped get it out of hand, so I want to help get it in hand. I’m just so afraid this is going in the wrong direction. “I think Rose is promoting Floyd Rose; he has forgotten about the community, about what’s best for the community,” Mrs. Williams said. Like the Sept. 19 march, Saturday’s scheduled march from South Lee Street to City Hall, and then to the Lowndes County Commission office, is being promoted as a peaceable one. While the march is focused on Williams’ death, the route carries an additional message. “We invited them (local elected officials) to come, they didn’t come, so we’re Alma Williams going to go to them, to leave a message,” said one march organizer, referring to a recent, sparsely-attended luncheon. “This is a peaceful march; no violence or weapons will be tolerated,”, reads a flier promoting the march. Mrs. Williams said she will spread fliers and use local radio to urge non-attendance at the march. “If you want that which is right for our community, then send a message and stay home,” Mrs. Williams writes in the flier. “Our efforts should be directed at addressing the issues at hand and removing Mr. Paulk from office. We must concentrate our efforts on insuring that everything is done to address the claims by the families of the victims and all other defendants.” Asked Thursday about his loss of support from Mrs. Williams, Rose said the march is still on. “I don’t have the faintest idea what this is about,” Rose said from a hotel room in Tennessee. “I’m going to do what the community asked me to do. Period. “I would hope this isn’t seen as some radical something out of nowhere. I’m a Christian minister.” Responding to Mrs. Williams’ charge he no longer communicates with original organizers of the movement, Rose said the original committee voted to dissolve itself. “If the committee had dissolved, I reported to the people who elected me,” he said. Rose said he is willing to meet with Mrs. Williams and other community leaders, or anyone else, to discuss the direction of the movement, and his role. For Val Delaney and others working in Roots Natural Hair and Braid Gallery, the march is definitely still on. “Our goal is to distribute 20 or 30 thousand fliers by Friday night,” said Delaney, a co-owner of Roots. She estimated teams of volunteers have handed out between 4,000 and 5,000 fliers since Tuesday. “We’re not just putting fliers on doors, we’re knocking on doors, Delaney said. Volunteers have oaf* vassed neighborhoods in Valdoj and Hahira and Quitman, she s< Delaney and others in the shop Mrs. Williams’ concerns about direction of the movement did deter them. ‘This march is for justice,” si Gregory Muhammad, one of sev( members of the Nation of Islam wl have worked security at movemer gatherings, and for Rose personally “That’s been our goal, and will continue to be our goal. I beli< the community spoke for its< Sunday,” Muhammad said, referri to a rally where Rose addressed 1 large, supportive group. Mrs. Williams’ flier indicate! many local and state politician! invited to attend the luncheon called by Rose were in Atlanta and didn’t receive notice of the meeting in timfc to attend. Mrs. Williams pointed to an ongoing Georgia Bureau of Investigation inquiry into Williams’ death and interest from the U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation as evidence something is being done about complaints at the Lowndes jail. “If you have all that going on, why march because somebody didn’t come to your luncheon?” she asked. “This man doesn’t care about making peace, he’s about making confusion,” Mrs. Williams said. She charged that since being elected, Rose has ignored those who initially sought his help in advancing the movement. Whites who have attended meetings have been subjected to anti-white sentiment, and Rose has played on the emotions of those at the rallies, Mrs. Williams said. “I don’t want to regurgitate the ‘60s,” she said. “We’re past that.” Mrs. Williams also questioned the status of funds raised at rallies and the Sept. 19 march, which has been deposited in an account at The Church at the Hill, which Rose pastors. Rose said little of the nearly $5,000 he estimates has been raised has been spent, and offered to make financial statements available to media and other interested parties. Mrs. Williams said she wants to meet with Rose and others who have been involved to discuss Rose’s role in the movement. “There are enough qualified people to fill his shoes, if that’s what people want to do,” she said. Rose chuckled when told of Mrs. Williams’ concerns about scheduling the march after a recent luncheon failed to attract many white politicians. “If the white officials were sincere, and were interested, they could have called,” Rose said, adding that Sen. Loyce Turner attended the meeting, and Ron Borders, tl Democratic House candidate f District 177, called to tell organize of a prior commitment. “Not a single white politician h done anything about whatfs goi on, except to say they couldn’t anything,” Rose said. “That’s un ceptable.” To contact reporter Joe Dun please call 244-3400, ext. I i Please see ACTIVISTS nn Pano «a IL to city Hundreds decry conditions at jail By Jodi Scott The Valdosta Daily Times rs take streets 6A — Sunday, Oct. 18,1998 Continued from 1A March: Hundreds take to the streets in Valdosta VALDOSTA — Vowing “under no circumstances, will we be ignored,” the Rev. Floyd Rose and hundreds of residents took to the streets Saturday for a second march to protest conditions at the Lowndes County Jail. “Ashley Paulk, don’t play with me,” the Rev. T.J. Henderson said. “Don’t play with my children. Don’t play with me... don’t play with justice. Don’t play W* The first1 march was held Sept. 19 to are i#hich could be November. Sat protest the Sept. 2 death of Willie James Williams, an inmate at the Lowndes Paul Leavy/The Valdosta Daily Times About 600 people march down Oak Street toward the Lowndes County Administration Bulking during Saturday morning's march led by Rev. Floyd Rose to protest the death of Willie James Williams. interview with The Valdosta Daily Times. Two women wore handmade signs reading, “Alma, stop straddling the fence.” “What is out of hand talking about justice and equality for all?” Daniels asked. While the Williamses were absent, City Councilman Hoke Hampton joined the ranks of those marching. He said a woman visited his home and told him she witnessed the beating. The next day, he read about the allegations in the newspaper. Hampton offered to bring the unidentified woman back to Valdosta at his expense to testify. “There’s been a lot of rumors about homicide,” he said. “That’s a bimch of bull. I know the truth, and the truth will set me free.” Marchers wore shirts with Williams’ picture, along with a photo of inmate Willie Lee Gay. Gay’s death, along with that of inmate Willard McFarland, also are being questioned by protesters. Another area of concern is the treatment of black employees at the jail. The shirts featured the slogan, “It’s not a white or black thing; it’s the right thing.” The theme was repeated by several speakers during the march. Black marchers still heavily outweighed white, but Jack Ford, the white minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Valdosta, spoke at the rally Ford said he was marching for “truth, justice and ■ v *" compassion for every person.” Rose issued a call for residents to become more involved with the political process, saying it governs every aspect of life. He related a story in which a doctor was asked to help an injured woman. The doctor replied that he had not practiced in 20 years. The person asking for his help suggested he “take down the sign (noting he was a doctor)” from his door. “Maybe it’s been a long time since you practiced equality,” Rose said. “I don’t want you to just take down the sign. I want you to live up to it.” To contact reporter Jodi Scott, please call 244-3400, ext..247. „____ui Lite LAJWIlUeb County Jail. Allegations have been made that Williams was beaten during his arrest. Sheriff Paulk has denied those reports. The death, ruled a homicide by the (I n~.--- * GBI Crimp r J.h ic V * uie * <n Highway 84 East. Thos > attending also were urged to registoj to vote, although the registra-tionAlirn- has passed for the November cJee ()ne< rganizor estimated the crowd at SOoAo, also a figure quoted “ when questioned by another organizer. The march was not as large as the first, which drew 1,200 to 1,500 people, according to organizers. One person notably absent from Saturday’s protest was Alma Williams, wife of city councilman Bunnis Williams. Williams issued a plea on Friday for residents not to attend the march, saying she disagreed with many of Rose’s tactics. She said she no longer supports Rose’s efforts, adding “this has really gotten out of hand.” Tbny Daniels rebutted many of the statements made by Williams in an Rose ac pul the figure at 200 Please MARCH see on 6A page R VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES Monday, October 19, 1998 50 cents ights activists forming tribuna tose attending :ouncil meeting y .lodi Scott k Vauxbta Daily Timks VALDOSTA — A movement ques-oning inmate deaths and alleged em oyee discrimination at the Lowndes ounty .Jail has been deemed "the peon's tribunal." , "The movement belongs to the i>eo- ple.” the Rev. Floyd Rose told a standing-room only crowd at Greater Union Missionary Baptist Church. “It’s going to be of the people, by the people and f<5r the people.” Rose said the Rev. Leon Dye is working to draft articles of incorporation for the tribunal, and recent donations will be placed in a bank account under that name. He said checks no longer should be made to his church, the Church at Pine Hill, but rather to the new tribunal. He said the decision was made Saturday by he and local ministers. Rose spoke Sunday at a third rally following the death of jail inmate Willie James Williams. Allegations have been made that Williams was beaten during his arrest. Sheriff Ashley Paulk has denied those reports. Protesters also are focusing on deaths of two other inmates and alleged discrimination of black guards and jailers. Two marches have been held, with the second on Saturday, focusing on those concerns. Rose urged the crowd to join him at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Valdosta City Council meeting at city hall. He said “no white politician has said anything except they could not do anything.” “I don’t believe it,” he said. Rose went on to say that if "Ashley Paulk were black" and the dead inmates and employees were white, “the white folks in this town could have gotten rid of him." “I know that, you know that and they know that," he said. He also warned that the movement may result in “civil disobedience.” He and other speakers called for voter registration and support of business- es that support the tribunal. Two black city councilman, Bunnis Williams and Hok> Hampton, attend ed the Sunday rally. Williams was ac< companied by his wife. Alma. ; Last week. Alma Williams denounced Rose’s efforts, saying she div agreed with his tactics. She discour aged attendance at Saturday’s inarch Rose noted her attendance, thanking her for first calling him. To contact reporter Jodi Scot! please call 244-3400. ext. 247 The Mailbox Post • October 21.! WK • 5 It's Not Going Away Those who are taking comfort in the rift between leaders of the protest movement growing out of the death of Willie Williams while in sheriffs department custody are jumping the gun. The movement isn't about to go away. Nor should it. We have moved far beyond the stage where law enforcement agencies can brutalize prisoners and get away with. We have moved far beyond the stage in which race determines one's treatment at the lunch counter or the county jail. Let’s first of all say that this is not to imply that Sheriff Ashley Paulk or his men were responsible for the death of Willie Williams. They have denied it, saying Williams fell during his arrest. Sheriff Paulk has backed his men, an admirable trait in administration and handling personnel. To the best of our knowledge, the GBI is investigating Mr. Williams' death, an investigation started at Sheriff Paulk s behest. We will wait on the results of that investigation and a crime lab report before jumping on the band wagon of one party or the other. Even if that investigation exonerates Sheriff Pa,llVafl'* his men, there could be another investi-the FBI or justice department. We Jtruth will come out sooner or later, vently hope it is the former, blame the black community for being igh not as demonstrative, we would "guess that the vast majority of whites share their concern. The white community wants to see justice done. If Mr. Williams was harmed by sheriffs office personnel, we believe the vast majority of whites want to see the wrong doers punished. We also believe that Sheriff Paulk could have been more conciliatory in tone in comments regarding Mr. Williams death. It would not have been an admission of guilt to say he was sorry the man was dead. It would not have been an admission of guilt to promise a thorough investigation. It would not have been an admission of guilt to promise that he would see to it that wrongdoer, if any. were punished to the full extent of the law. On the other hand, we think protest leaders, especially Minister Floyd Rose, could have been less inflammatory in their remarks. Valdosta has a pretty good record in race relations. Comparing Valdosta today with Selma, Montgomery or Oxford. Miss., of the 1960’s and 1970's is unfair and inaccurate. In the past, Valdosta and Lowndes county have been able to work out racial differences peacefully. We believe, given the chance, the same can be done in this case. It will take some cooperation on the part of all the parties concerned here. It will take good faith discussions, with all parties willing to offer concessions. Threats of boycotts won’t accomplish it. Threats of incarceration won’t accomplish it. But a little flexibility will go a long way. - Need To End Uneasiness In Our Black Community 22 • October 21,1998 • The Mailbox Post Charles Moore Mailbox Post Columnist I have a suggestion. Since the homicide of Willie James Williams while in the custody of the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department, there has been an uneasy tension among many of the community’s residents. To relieve this tension, I suggest that everyone - the sheriff, district attorney and community at-large - pledge to peacefully work together and help reunite the community in the spirit of love. Thus far, to the average person, the problem is in inconsistencies concerning statements to the press involving the alleged abuse of power at the Lowndes County jail. Though I’ve already given my opinion in an earlier column as to how to best solve this problem, let me try to be objective. First, it is understandable that any supervisor, Sheriff Paulk included, would want to support those who work for him or her. This is an admirable leadership trait. However, this support should never be given blindly. Nor should it be given with the implicit or explicit understanding that wrongdoing will be tolerated or condoned. My second point is that if any public official, blindly or willingly, gives immoral support to anyone under his or her supervision who commits a crime, then, in my opinion, that official should immediately be removed from office and prosecuted as an accessory to the crime. Of course, this is not an objective statement. Nor can much of £he information already released about the situation at the county jail in the press be considered objective. Sheriff Paulk said in The Valdosta Daily Times Mr. Williams fell while resisting arrest. A state crime lab ruled his death a homicide. Newspaper photographs have depicted Mr. Williams’ condition to be more than that of a person who fell while resisting arrest. At least, this is the conclusion all of the people, black and white, with whom I’ve talked with have told me. No one believed Mr. Williams died of unnatural causes because he “fell.” The major cause of the community’s uneasy tension is because the sheriff’s credibility in the eyes of the public, has become questionable. Many county residents, blacks in particular, believe Sheriff Paulk hasn’t been completely honest and open with them. There have been no official press conferences. The sheriff has even went as far as prohibiting peaceful, taxpaying protest marchers from lawfully assembling on public property On Sept. 19, the perimeter of the Lowndes County Law Enforcement Complex was cordoned off with a “POLICE LINE - DO NOT CROSS.” Marchers were told they would be arrested if they crossed this line. I have a suggestion that will put an end to the uneasy tension in the community resulting from Mr. Williams’ death. This requires the entire community’s cooperation - especially that of Sheriff Paulk. First, an explanation must be given as to why the sheriff’s department was patrolling on Lee Street the night Willie Moore continued on page 22 Moore Continued From Page 4 James Williams was arrested. I know the sheriff has the right to operate anywhere within the boundaries of the county he sees fit. But because Lee Street is within the city limits, doesn’t the Valdosta City Police Department regularly patrol this particular area? The community wants an answer to this question. Anyway, on to perhaps the most critical part of my suggestion. Regardless of what has been said or what anyone else might think, I’ve always thought of Ashley Paulk as an honorable man. It was reported in The Valdosta Daily Times that if former-deputy sheriff Larry McDougal had witnessed the beating of an inmate, then he, McDougal, should have reported the incident to the FBI. Apparently the sheriff meant what he said. The Georgia Times Union later reported that Sheriff Paulk, himself, had requested the FBI investigate the beating of former inmate Adrian Woods. To rqstore full credibility to the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff Paulk should also request the FBI investigate the homicide of Willie James Williams and all of the other inmates, black and white, who have died while in his department’s custody. The FBI should also investigate allegations of all inmate beatings by jail guards and any other abuse of police power. By allowing this, the sheriff, in essence, would be saying, “Come into the house that you, the citizens of Lowndes County, have entrusted me with because I have nothing to hide. Look under the rug and see if there’s any hidden dirt and look through my chest-of-drawers and closets to see if I’m hiding any dirty linen or underwear.” If the FBI finds wrongdoing, Sheriff Paulk would then do the honorable thing - resign. If no wrongdoing is found, then I and a whole lot of other folks in Lowndes County, will owe the sheriff a get-down-on-our-knees apology. I believe the suggestion I’ve outlined is 100 percent objective and is the best way to end the uneasy tension in our community. Anything less that a full FBI investigation, in my opinion, will do little to restore the community’s faith in its sheriff’s department. As a consequence, the uneasy tension caused by this lack of faith could possibly damage our community’s social well-being and moral image for decades to come. And, as always, may your week be filled with optimism. E VALDOSTA DAILY Friday, October 23, 1998 City: Wait for probe re Mayor urges Rosd to be patient Paul Leavy/The Valdosta Daily Times Surrounded by his personal security detail, the Rev. Floyd Rose speaks to the Valdosta City Council in front of the packed m full cf supporters during Thursday night’s meeting. 1 By Shelby G. Spires The Valdosta Daily Times VALDOSTA — Concerned members of the black community brought their frustrations over the Lowndes County Sheriff to the Valdosta City Council Thursday. More than 100 people turned out for the council’s regular meeting filling the chamber to its maximum capacity. The people attended, in part, concerning the September death of Willie James Williams Sr., an inmate of the Lowndes County Jail who died while in custody. The group has also engaged in protest marches, saying there is a lack of interest from elected officials concerning Williams’ death and alleged poor treatment of inmates at the jail. The Rev. Floyd Rose, leader of the People’s Tribunal, accompanied by the bodyguards from the Nation of Jimmy Rainwater Islam, addressed the council. The teverend used a metaphor describing a baby being hurt by a stray dialler pin and crying in the darkness, while those who could help him bury their heads. The metaphor was used to illustrate how the black community feels concerning racist and violent treatment — there is a lot of suffering, yet few who listen. “There is a feeling in our commu-mty now that your silence is appealing us,” Rose told the council. “We don’t understand.” meeting was generally order-1 Mayor Jimmy Rainwater in-f rmed the three members of the I ation of Islam, acting as a security f free, they could not stand in front of t e crowd. He asked them to move to tne rear of the room. because of the fire codes,” ■ he mayor said. The guards moved. Rose said he was puzzled that the i oovement decrying the treatment of ! irisoners at the Lowndes County Jail had not received more support from white elected officials. He questioned why more council members had not turned out to attend Continued from Pige 1 A> Council marches and rallies held by the movement. Rose pointed out that if roles were reversed, essentially if a black sheriff faced similar allegations concerning white prisoners there would be more involvement. “If Ashley Paulk was black, and if three white inmates had died under suspicious circumstances” events would be different, Rose said. “The white community wouldn’t stand for it, and they shouldn’t stand for it,” Rose added. Rainwater responded to Rose’s remarks. “I thank each of you for your presence,” the mayor said. “And Rev. Rose I respect your remarks. I want to address some points, too.” The mayor pointed out some of the positive aspects of Valdosta such as the recently completed Streetscape project and industrial prospects which are interested in Valdosta. “This means jobs for this community,” the mayor said. However saddened the members of the city council may be over the death of Williams, Rainwater said justice must take its due course. “There is an investigation underway by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, after that one is completed there will be one from the FBI. They are in Washington D.C., so there is no outside influence there,” Rainwater said. The mayor also pointed out a separate investigation of the jail was being conducted by the Department of Justice because of equal opportunity employment complaints. Rainwater cautioned the audience that the sheriff was a separate constitutional office and was not under the direct authority of the city council. After the discussion, the mayor recessed the meeting for five minutes to allow those who wanted to leave the freedom to exit the building. In other business: ■ The council voted unanimously to approve a joint contract between the city, Lowndes County and the Humane Society of Valdosta-Lowndes County which will set up an animal shelter. ■ Councilman Willie Rayford asked that the city’s dog leash laws be more stringently enforced since the Sunday death of 2-year-old Hope Moore. The city contracts with the county to enforce leash laws in Valdosta, and City Manager Larry Hinson said he would request ani- ?al control officers be on the look-it for stray dogs. To contact reporter Shelby Spires,, Please see COUNCIL on ffcge 5A E VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES Wednesday, October 28, 1998 I 50 cents Crime lab done with inmate death Local officials await written reports before coroner's inquest held in November By Jodi Scott The Valdosta Daily Times VALDOSTA — With toxicology reports complete, Lowndes County officials await other crime lab and Georgia Bureau of Investigation reports before holding a coroner’s inquest into the death of jail inmate Willie J. Williams Sr. “The case will not. he closed until the inquest is done,” Coroner Charles Exum said Tuesday Williams, 49, died Sept. 2 while in custody at Lowndes County Jail. Moultrie crime lab manager Larry Slightom said toxicology results were completed last week and mailed to District Attorney David Miller. Miller said Tuesday he has yet to receive the report. Exum said he received a verbal report of the results Monday, but declined to release them. Exum said the complete autopsy report is being transcribed, which normally takes 10 to 14 days. The medical examiner was conducting an autopsy and could not be reached for comment. Preliminary results released to Exum Sept. 14 showed cause of death as “complications of blunt force head trauma,” and ruled the death a “homicide.” After Exum receives final reports from the crime lab and the GBI investigation, he has three days to decide whether to hold a public inquest. He said he plans to do so. He then must schedule a courtroom and a court reporter, as well as subpoena witnesses and a jury selected from the last grand jury “I’m not going to put a date on thiihing because I don’t have all the written pa erwork,” Exum said. “Hopefully, it will be sonf time in November.” Steve McDermond, a Federal Burfeu of Investigation supervisory special gent ijn Thomasville, confirmed the FBI is co luctinga civil rights investigation into the ca: the investigation should be completec efore the Please see iffMAT >n Page 6A He sqi'd 6A — Wednesday, Oct. 28,1998 . Continued from page 1A Inmate end of the year, and the results sent to the U.S. Department of Justice The department will review the case and then make recommendations McDermond said the FBI would play no role in the coroner’s inquest or state investigation. “We’re considered to be a separate investigation,” he said. John Pike, special agent in charge of the GBI’s Thomasville bureau, could not be reached Tuesday for comment. To contact reporter Jodi Scott, please call 244-3400, ext. 247. Review 16 •Novcmbr4,1998 • Mailbox P Continued From Page 13 . Crime Lab Done With Inmate Death With toxicology reports complete, Lowndes County officials aw ait other crime lab and Georgias Bureau of Investigation reports before holding a coroner’s inquest into the death of jail inmate Willie J. Williams Sr. Williams, 49, died Sept. 2 while in custody at Lowndes Countv Jail. Moultrie crime labs manager Larry Slightom said toxicology results were completed and mailed to District Attorney David Miller. Coroner Charles Exum said he received a verbal report of the results but has declined to release them. Exum said the complete autopsy report is being transcribed, which normally takes 10 to 14 days. Preliminary results released to Exum Sept. 14 showed cause of death as "complications of blunt force head trauma," and ruled the death a "homicide.” After Exum receives final reports from the crime lab and the GBI investigation, he has three days to decide whether to hold a public inquest. He said he plans to do so. He then must schedule a courtroom and a court reporter, as well as subpoena witnesses and a jury selected from the last grand jury. Steve McDermond, a Federal Bureau of Investigation supervisory special agent in Thomasville. confirmed the FBI is conducting a civil rights investigation into the case. He said the investigation should be completed Indore the end of the year and the results sent to the US. Department of Justice. The department will review the case and then make recommend'd i.ons. • . Rose calls for a march on Dec. 5th Says they are also researching a possible recall of Sheriff Paulk BY AL PARSONS Last night Rev. Floyd Rose called for another protest march Dec. 5 which will involve the black community as well as black and white students from VSU and other colleges throughout the state and Tallahassee. He said his People’s Tribunal is also looking into the possibility of a recall of Sheriff Ashley Paulk. Rev. Rose told Rose his audience, ’’Based on the figures I saw, you put him in, and since you put him in, you can put him out.” The applause was long and loud. He told a standing room only audience at the All Nations Deliverance Center at 707 Broad St. that this march would be aimed at the Chamber of Coimmerce. He said, "The only power white folks recognize is money, an<3 if they want a nice Christmas, they are going to resolve this issue...face this this issue." The issue is Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk and the death of black men in his jail and discrimination against black inmates and black guards in his jail. The latest of three deaths, all of which followed beatings as reported earlier in The Post, was Willie James Williams Sr., 49, who was arrested Sept. 1 and died Sept. 2 in the Lowndes County jail. His death was ruled a homicide by the state lab in Moultrie. Even before this ruling Sheriff Paulk had personally exonerated his men, saying Williams died after a fall while resisting arrest. Williams had injuries all over his body. The lab said he died from blunt force trauma to the head. Irked over the fact that County Coroner Charles Exum won't release the toxicology report on Williams Sr., Rev. Rose called the rally fast night. Rose told his audience that the least Ashley Paulk could do with a jail in which 85 percent of the prisoners were black, is to have some credibility with the black community. "Ashley Paulk has to go!" Rose said. He repeated it. The whole audience stood up and chanted it, over and over again. Rose said that while Martin Luther King Jr. prayed "he didn't remain on his knees or we'd still be at the back of the bus. Some people stay on their knees because they don't have the courage to stand on their feet." Rose emphasized the streets saying that public demonstrations get public explanations and they have been ignored so far in a search for answers. Rose put two other things on their calendar: on Nov. 18th at 4:30 p.m. he wants people with him at the Lowndes County Commission meeting on Savannah Avenue. And on Nov. 19th at 6 p.m. he wants people with him as he faces Valdosta traffic court for a ticket he got after 8 a.m. for supposedly not having his lights on. Rose said they were on. "I want you to see me in action and I want you to see them in action," he said about his traffic court appearance. Rose had his audience laughing, applauding, chanting, saying 'amen.' He said one Toledo radio commentor who was critical of him said Rose would protest anything, even protested a laudromat because all the washing machines were all white. The commentator added that the agitators in the machines were black. Rose responded that’s okay, because you can put the water in and add the soap, but without that black agitator nothing's going to come clean. He said that agitation changed Montgomery, Selma, and civil rights, and we can change the Lowdes County jail. He told his audience to believe in themselves. "We're gonna win!" <1TIES FOR THE PAST 11 YEARS