Sisters in Law

2012-01-18T17:10:00.001-08:00

Thoughts on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2012-01-15T13:50:00.000-08:00

If Dr. King were here today, he would be both amazed and perplexed. Amazed at our technology. Amazed at the tolerance of interacial couples. Perplexed and dismayed at growing poverty and endless war. What would he think of the racial hostility that simmers just below the surface of public policy debates in the U.S.? What would he think of hyper-incarceration? What would he think of blacks who won't vote because they don't see real choices? Of course, we can't know exactly what he would think or do. Dr. King is the Founding Father of the New South. But, he did not complete the work. It is for us the living to continue the march toward freedom, justice and equality.

2012-01-15T13:49:00.000-08:00

CREATING OPPORTUNITY CONFERENCE AGENDA

2011-10-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

12th ANNUAL RAINBOW PUSH AND CEF
CREATING OPPORTUNITY CONFERENCE
November 3-5, 2011
Hilton Garden Inn, 275 Baker Street, Atlanta, GA 30303

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011

4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Registration – Private Dining Room
4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. - Opening Reception - Doing Business with Georgia Power – Great American Grille
Participants: Kenneth Huff, Glenda M. Stinson, David Moody

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2011

9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Registration - Oceanic Pre-Function
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mortgage Modification Assistance
Atlantic
Participants: Trina G. Heathington, Janice L. Mathis

10a.m. to 4 p.m. VENDORS – Oceanic Pre-function
9 – 10 Press conference/Corporate Study – PDR
Participants: National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees, Robert Patillo

10 a.m.-12 p.m. Workshop – Business Growth and Development: Franchising and Access to Capital – Pacific I
Participants: Clinton Barrow, Kelvin Hicks, Louis E. James, Michael Jackson, Greg Calhoun, Randolyn Jones

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Workshop - Making Global Connections – Pacific II
Participants: Joe Beasley, James G. Patterson

12:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. MINISTERS’ LUNCHEON AND SEMINAR
Facing Hard Times with Faith and Hope
Oceanic Ballroom
Participants: Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., Dr. Marvin Moss (Cascade), Rev. Kenneth Alexander (Antioch North), Bishop William Sheals (Hopewell), Rev. Jerry D. Black (Beulah), Rev. Jasper Williams (Salem), Rev. Cameron Alexander (Antioch North), Georgette Dixon, Stephon Ferguson, Axel Adams

2:30 P.M. – 4 p.m. Workshop - One Thousand Churches Class for Pastors, Hands on Banking, VITAS, Financial Literacy, Social and Economic Justice Pacific I

2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. Workshop - Stop the Violence – Save the Family
Pacific II
Participants: Stefan Gresham, Dr. Lorraine Jacq White, Fred Watson, Dominic Stokes

2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Doing Business in DeKalb County Atlantic
Participants: Sherman Golden, Stan Watson, Bruce McMillian

6:00 P.M. - VIP SPONSOR’S RECEPTION- Panoramic Room

7:00 P.M. – KEEP HOPE ALIVE GALA – Oceanic Ballroom
Participants: Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., April Kelly-Drummond, Munson Steed, M. Alexis Scott, Marvin Nunnally
Performers: Earth Tone Lyrix, The Wardlaw Brothers
Honorees: Ms. Wanda Smith – Woman of Vision, The Hon. Andrew Young – Bridge Builder, Ms. Rita Samuels – Fannie Lou Hamer Award, Mr. Clayvon Croom – Trade Bureau Member of the Year, Ms. Leona Barr Davenport – Torchbearer, Ms. Jennifer Ffrench Parker – Journalist of the Year, Mr. Roger Bobb – Entrepreneur of the Year, Ms. Debra Antney – Entrepreneur of the Year.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2011

9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Registration – PDR
9 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. College Fair – Oceanic Pre-Function
Participants: Ms. Kawanya Isom
10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. VENDORS – Atlantic Pre-function

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Workshop – Pacific I
Mortgage Modification Assistance
Participants: Hugh Rowden, Wells Fargo, Chase

CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sports and Entertainment Workshop – Atlantic
Participants: Dewey McClain, Horace King, Mel Pender, Diane Larche, Rene Jackson, Breanna Fort, Andrea Riggs

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Regional Leadership Summit – TBD
Participants: Honorable Elected Officials - Corrinne Brown, Keith G. Heard, Sharon Beasley Teague, Roger Bruce, Stan Watson, Gail P. Davenport, Robert Brown, Alisha Thomas Morgan, Rashad Taylor, Gloria Tinubu

12:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. SPORTS LUNCHEON – Oceanic Ballroom
Award Recipients: Dewey McClain, Clayton State Women’s Basketball Team
Participants: Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., Nicole Watson, Kristen Davis, Dextor Clinkscale, Horace King, Mark Patterson

2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Jesse Jackson 70th Birthday Tribute – Bridging the Generation Gap – Talent Showcase – Oceanic Ballroom
Participants: Goode Acting Studio, Sisters of Today and Tomorrow, Stewart Foundation, STARS, Stone Mountain High School, Best Academy, SBGG, College Bound, Broadway S.T.A.R.S., Morris Brown College, Jefferson County High, Redan High, Marthanna Living Way, WXAG-AM, Orrin Hudson, Hank Stewart

ADJOURN

2011-09-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

See Troy Davis aftermath video - Abolition of the Death Penalty
http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/local_news/Ga.-Death-Penalty-Opponents-Discuss-Tactics--20110922-pm-pk?CMP=201109_emailshare

Death Penalty Abolition

2011-09-23T10:08:00.001-07:00

Ga. Death Penalty Opponents Discuss Tactics
Updated: Thursday, 22 Sep 2011, 11:32 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 22 Sep 2011, 10:21 PM EDT
•
George
Franco
Video by George Franco/MyFoxAtlanta
Supporters of Troy Davis insist the case will only strengthen their argument to abolish the death penalty, but death penalty advocates say the right man was put to death.
With the world watching, tensions flared and emotions went from elation to deep disappointment as protestors first thought Troy Davis’ life had been spared but later learned the Supreme Court did not halt his execution. His death pushed supporters to try to abolish the death penalty.
Davis was executed by lethal injection Wednesday for the 1988 murder of an off-duty Savannah police officer. In his final statement, Davis maintained his innocence.
“We intend for Troy’s name to stand for, in history, the beginning of the end of the death penalty,” said Janice Mathis of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition
The activist group rainbow push coalition met Thursday to devise a plan to do just that. They say doubt in the Troy Davis case, witnesses who recanted and questionable ballistics evidence will help convince more people that the death penalty is wrong.
“We're hoping ultimately, that the state of Georgia legislatures. as well as the federal legislature lawmakers review the death penalty and ultimately abolish it completely,” said Richard Holmes of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition
Jeff Wiggs, president of the Dekalb Fraternal Order of Police says only defense attorneys were going public with their doubts about details in the Davis case involving the murder of Savannah police officer Mark McPhail.
He says when more all information comes out, he believes most Americans will stand behind the death penalty decision.
“I think the majority of the people if they really took themselves away from all the atmosphere and all the hype and all the media coverage of this and really sat down and thought about it, most people, they want justice,” Wiggs said.
Members of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition say they are working with state lawmakers to try to convince members of the legislature to take a second look at the death penalty in Georgia.
Some of the roughly two dozen people at the meeting said they needed to register to vote new supporters who joined their cause over the Davis case. Joe Beasley of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition says members of the state Board of Pardons and Paroles should be ousted because they did not commute Davis' sentence.

2011-09-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

Peachtree Street Project
Herndon Plaza
100 Auburn Avenue
Suite 101
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-525-5663 or 5668
Fax: 404-525-5233

ATLANTA RAINBOW PUSH COALITION AND ALLIES DEVELOP PLAN TO SUPPORT ABOLITION OF THE DEATH PENALTY

(Atlanta, GA – September 22, 2011) In the wake of the Troy Davis execution, the Southeast Region Rainbow PUSH Coalition urges members and supporters in Georgia to work to abolish the death penalty in Georgia and across the nation. On Tuesday, Rainbow PUSH convened a Town Hall Meeting to begin plans for a grassroots abolition effort. The meeting was chaired by Janice L. Mathis, Esq. with participation from Dr. Richard Cobble, President of Concerned Black Clergy, Joe Beasley Foundation and Helen Butler, Executive Director of the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda,
1. Voter registration and education specifically aimed at young people on the issue of the death penalty, including Internet and text
2. Enlist support of celebrity spokespersons
3. Web and Internet presence aimed at attracting young supporters
4. Build strong ties and coordinate efforts among advocacy groups, including Amnesty International and Georgians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty
5. Unify and activate members of the clergy
6. Support state and federal legislation to outlaw the death penalty
7. Maintain regular contact with elected officials and provide a tool to voters to evaluate legislative voting records
8. Present suggestions for reform to the Georgia Criminal Justice Reform Council
9. Support legislation and regulation to provide more public access to Pardons and Parole deliberations
10. Participate as NGO’s in international forums, such as the United Nations, to highlight US death penalty issues
11. Encourage the legislature to study the use of the death penalty and eyewitness testimony in Georgia and adopt a moratorium on death penalty executions and prosecutions until the study is completed. Adopt the ABA recommendations, at a minimum.
12. Educate the public about the race and class-based history of the death penalty
According to Janice L. Mathis, regional VP of Rainbow PUSH indicated, “Existing safeguards are inadequate. The only way to assure that innocent people are not executed is to abolish executions. Our system cannot achieve the moral certainty required to assure fair and accurate imposition of the death penalty. Existing legal standards of proof and evidence are insufficient and unlikely to change.”
While we build a coalition for abolition, we will support reform measures like Congressman Hank Johnson’s Effective Death Penalty Appeals Act. Johnson, along with Congressman Bobby Scott of Virginia and John Conyers of Michigan urged the Georgia Pardons and Parole Board to grant clemency to Davis. In 2006, the American Bar Association assessed the death penalty in Georgia and recommended a moratorium. To view the report, including problems with the Georgia death penalty and recommendations for reform, visit http://sentencing.nj.gov/downloads/pdf/articles/death2.pdf

The discussions and action will continue at weekly meetings of the GCPA, CBC and monthly Rainbow PUSH Coalition meetings. To get involved, call Richard Holmes, chair of the RPC criminal justice committee at 404 525 5663, or visit rainbowpushatlanta.org.

2011-08-07T06:45:00.000-07:00

States Rights Redux

2011-08-07T06:32:00.000-07:00

States Rights is code for discrimination. A century and a half ago, some states asserted the right to leave the union. As any first year law student knows, partnerships are destroyed when partners withdraw. To avoid destroying the union, we fought the nation’s bloodiest conflict and admitted traitors back into the country on generous terms. After all, Southern dead paid in blood for their defense of the peculiar institution.
Fifty years ago, all Americans were free, but blacks were routinely denied the ballot and women had held the franchise for only a generation. Some states blocked access to the ballot with the same ferocity and on the same grounds that they stood in school house doors with ax handles – states rights. Denial of the ballot was premised on the right of states to control all election processes and procedures.
By eradicating widespread disenfranchisement in Dixie and in urban areas outside the Old South, the Voting Rights Act proved to be one of the most effective pieces of federal legislation ever enacted. It ranks with the 14th Amendment and the Commerce clause in changing the lives of Americans everywhere – for the better.
Like any new device, it took time for blacks and progressive whites to fully utilize the Voting Rights Act. Section V is a powerful tool and a near-anomaly in the law, requiring prior Department of Justice approval before states or other covered jurisdictions can make changes to voting processes and procedures. But its power derives from the circumstances surrounding its implementation. Some jurisdictions were so determined to deny minority groups the right to vote that they could not be trusted to manage their own elections. Eventually, the Jackson campaigns of 1984 and 1988 ushered in a new era of black political participation with thousands of black elected officials suing to create single-member districts where minority voting strength could be felt and breaking down the barriers to voter registration.
Motor Voter was an important milestone in the march toward full enfranchisement. Gone were the last vestiges of voter intimidation and courthouse-only registration. Potential voters could register at the public library, in school, at public agency offices and in door-to-door campaigns mounted by activists. And they could document their citizenship and residency in dozens of ways: utility bills, passports, birth certificates, student i.d. cards were all acceptable forms of identification.
But now, frightened by the country’s demographic realities and emboldened by a rightwing federal judiciary leftover from the Reagan-Bush era, some radical conservatives are raising the terrible visages of voter suppression and states’ rights once again. The battlefields are familiar, yet different this time around. All-white enclaves that surround Atlanta are seceding from Fulton County to avoid black political power. Republican-controlled legislatures are packing black voters into segregated districts to create even more partisan influence, with an avowed aim of running whites completely out of the Democratic Party. More than thirty states, led by Georgia, have enacted draconian voter i.d. laws, despite miniscule evidence of voter impersonation fraud. Industrial states are punishing union members to break the most reliable source of progressive organizational and economic clout.
Thirty-five years ago Earth Wind and Fire sang, “When Will We Ever Learn?” When it comes to states rights vs. minority voting rights, apparently the answer is “never.” Fortunately, coalitions of conscience are coming together across the nation. Wisconsin, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan are refusing to allow voter suppression to push our nation quietly back into the bad old days of minority rule. Blacks, Latinos, women and labor union members are no longer junior associates – they are senior partners in the American experience.

WHY IS VOTING GETTING HARDER?

2011-06-07T18:22:00.000-07:00

From the New York Times
June 5, 2011

They Want to Make Voting Harder?
One of the most promising recent trends in expanding political participation has been allowing people to vote in the weeks before Election Day, either in person or by mail. Early voting, which enables people to skip long lines and vote at more convenient times, has been increasingly popular over the last 15 years. It skyrocketed to a third of the vote in 2008, rising particularly in the South and among black voters supporting Barack Obama.

And that, of course, is why Republican lawmakers in the South are trying desperately to cut it back. Two states in the region have already reduced early-voting periods, and lawmakers in others are considering doing so. It is the latest element of a well-coordinated effort by Republican state legislators across the country to disenfranchise voters who tend to support Democrats, particularly minorities and young people.

The biggest part of that effort, imposing cumbersome requirements that voters have a government ID, has been painted as a response to voter fraud, an essentially nonexistent problem. But Republican lawmakers also have taken a good look at voting patterns, realized that early voting might have played a role in Mr. Obama’s 2008 victory, and now want to reduce that possibility in 2012.

Mr. Obama won North Carolina, for example, by less than 15,000 votes. That state has had early voting since 2000, and in 2008, more ballots were cast before Election Day than on it. Mr. Obama won those early votes by a comfortable margin. So it is no coincidence that the North Carolina House passed a measure — along party lines — that would cut the early voting period by a week, reducing it to a week and a half before the election. The Senate is preparing a similar bill, which we hope Gov. Beverly Perdue, a Democrat, will veto if it reaches her.

Republicans said the measure would save money, a claim as phony as saying widespread fraud necessitates ID cards. The North Carolina elections board, and many county boards, said it would actually cost more money, because they would have to open more voting sites and have less flexibility allocating staff members. Black lawmakers called it what it is: a modern whiff of Jim Crow.

More than half of the state’s black votes were cast before Election Day, compared with 40 percent of the white votes. A similar trend was evident elsewhere in the South, according to studies by the Early Voting Information Center, a nonpartisan academic center at Reed College in Oregon. Blacks voting early in the South jumped from about 13 percent in 2004 to 33 percent in 2008, according to the studies, significantly outpacing the percentage of whites.

One of the biggest jumps was in Georgia, where, over the objections of several black lawmakers, the Republican-dominated Legislature passed a bill in April that would cut back in-person early voting to 21 days, from 45 days. Florida just cut its early voting period to eight days, from 14. Florida also eliminated the Sunday before Election Day as an early-voting day; election experts note that will eliminate the practice of many African-Americans of voting directly after going to church.

Outside the region, the Republican-dominated Legislature in Ohio, a perennial battleground state, is about to restrict early voting, a move that Democrats say amounts to voter suppression and discrimination.

Thirty-three states and the District of Columbia now allow some form of early voting, a relic from the days when everyone seemed to agree that more voters were better for democracy. Republicans have recently decided that a larger electorate can hurt them.

Sentencing Commission Considers Retroactive Crack/Powder Fix

2011-06-02T21:37:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Sentencing Commission is considering whether relief from crack/powder cocaine sentencing disparity should be applied retroactively. In plain English, a person who uses crack used to get prison sentences 100 times a long as those busted for powder cocaine. The bias against crack has been reduced for cases that occur in the future. But what about the 12000 people serving very long sentence for crack? Should they be entitled to shortened sentences? I think so, so long as no one was intentionally physically injured. Remember, these defendants have families and children. Their sentences were the result of runaway hyper-incarceration in the first place - part of a misguided war on drugs that fell most heavily on black and urban youth. The Sentencing Commission will vote on this matter any day now. I'd like to know what you think.

LaCheryl Thompson Gets Award

2011-05-16T02:53:00.000-07:00

Furman Women's basketball coach LaCheryl Thompson was honored at Joseph D. Mathis Awards Luncheon. Coach Thompson has compiled an impressive record on the court and also has impressive administrative credentials.

Celebrating Greenville’s Coach Joe Mathis beyond Grid Iron Greatness

2011-05-05T13:26:00.000-07:00

By Attorneys Janice L. Mathis and Davida Mathis

Our hearts are full of joy, gratitude and humility as we celebrate our father’s induction into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame. As coach and athletic director of the legendary Sterling Tigers, from 1946 to 1968, Joseph D. Mathis led the football team to a record of 107-17-26, including four AAA State Championships in 1947, 1950, 1953 and 1956. He also coached basketball, baseball and track, taught physical education and social studies and was Assistant Principal at GHS, counselor and coach at League Middle and job placement counselor at Donaldson Vocational Center. He coached girls, including us, with the same fervor and insistence upon excellence that he demanded of the boys, at a time when equality for women was theoretical, at best.

A gridiron star at both Benedict and Allen, after earning a degree in history, Mathis landed the job of his dreams at his alma mater. He had no money, no father, no connections and made no excuses. Winning was important, but getting an education was paramount. One former student postponed college, believing the most rational thing to do was get a job immediately out of high school to help his struggling family. He says Daddy was “relentless” in encouraging him to go to college. A full year after high school graduation Mathis introduced the student to a college coach, the young athlete accepted a football scholarship, graduated, built a thriving business and helped his family more than he ever thought possible. There are enough stories like this to fill a book, or a movie.

One friend says he was disciplined, preferring as captain to ride the team bus back to Greenville than to party with his friends. A co-worker from the tight-knit Sterling faculty says he used Mama’s Belk card to buy clothes for needy students. A former student says he regularly walked the halls at Sterling, checking athletes’ grades and class attendance. He admonished us all, “don’t ever get in the give up formation.” He stressed fundamentals, academics and hard work as the keys to success. Numerous Tiger players, including Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, went on to stand out at colleges and universities throughout the nation, including Maryland State, University of Illinois, North Carolina A&T, Florida A&M and Pacific. A few, such as Arthur Jones, J.D. Smith, R.C. Gambrell, William Thompson and Lawrence Acker, played in the NFL.

In the days of deep segregation, he treated everyone the same and Greenville responded in kind. The team drew thousands of fans to home games and was regularly covered by the Greenville Piedmont and WFBC radio. Yet, he understood the fraught legal history of race relations in the South - his master’s thesis on race relations in Greenville during Reconstruction is still widely quoted by scholars.

Daddy helped to build a political infrastructure in Greenville's black neighborhoods allowing residents to elect representatives of their choice. He was elected to Greenville’s City Council in 1979, working to improve police pay and minority contractor participation, bring the Municipal Stadium and the Braves to Greenville, and annex Haywood Road.

He passed in 2002. He was fond of saying that he hoped there would be something to do in heaven. “Like what?” we asked. “Like helping people,” was his reply. We hope the Joseph D. Mathis award will inspire others to allow God to use him or her to turn adversity into independence and achievement.

###
Attorney Janice Mathis is a practicing attorney and national vice president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition; she lives in Athens, Georgia. Attorney Davida Mathis is a former prosecutor and currently practices law in Greenville. She also Co-Chairs the Greenville Chapter of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition; she lives in Greenville, S.C. Both attorneys co-host the weekly radio program “Sisters In Law” on WAOK 1380 AM in Atlanta and blog at sistersinlaw.blogspot.com.

Georgia Lottery and HOPE Scholarships

2011-04-03T03:34:00.000-07:00

KNOW THE FACTS The HOPE Scholarship originally was aimed at children from low-to-moderate income families, earning $66,000 per year or less. The Georgia Lottery devotes only 25% of its revenue to education. 75% goes to winnings, salaries and bonuses, advertising, overhead and reserve. Only 2.7% of black students who take the SAT score 1200 or better. If we enacted a family income cap of $140,000 per year, 95% of HOPE recipients could receive the full tuition grant. In order to qualify for the HOPE Scholarship under the new rules, high school students must take four additional upper-level courses in math, science and language. Under the new rules, a student who loses HOPE will have only one chance to regain it during his college career. Counties with large shares of African Americans receive relatively fewer scholarships to state institutions, which by far is the largest category of HOPE recipients.[1] The southern states relied on lotteries after the Civil War (1861-1865) to finance Reconstruction (1865-1877). “The tax that is built into the lottery is the most regressive tax we know.” The NGISC expresses serious concern about the heavy reliance of lotteries on less-educated, lower-income people. It also mentions that an unusually large number of lottery outlets are concentrated in poor neighborhoods.[2] The Carl Vinson Institute at the University of Georgia reports that lottery play was inversely related to education level. In other words, people with fewer years of education played the lottery more often than those with more years of education. It also finds that lottery spending per person was highest in counties where African-Americans made up a larger percentage of the population. McCrary and Pavlak report that African-Americans and less-educated people are more likely to be active lottery players than whites and more-educated people. Proceeds from the Georgia lottery fund only education programs. If these programs provide more benefits to the poor than to the wealthy, it could be argued that this compensates for the regressive nature of the state lottery. Studies criticize Georgia's lottery for providing more benefits to white households than to minority households. Cornwell and Mustard claim that counties with the highest incomes and white populations receive significantly more HOPE scholarships.[3] McCrary and Pavlak cite a common belief among lower-income people that playing the lottery is their only chance to escape poverty.[4] Haisley, Mostafa, and Loewenstein back up these studies, finding that people who perceive themselves as poor are more likely to buy lottery tickets than other people. Poor people see the lottery as a way to improve their financial situation. The researchers determine that poor people spending money on the lottery is a factor in their inability to improve their relative finances. Black scholarship recipients and those from lower income families (in Tennessee) retain their scholarship in lower numbers than whites and higher income families.[5] 55 percent of students from families with income less than $36,000 failed to maintain a sufficient GPA to retain their scholarships, while only 42 percent of those from families with income of more than $75,000 failed to retain their scholarships.[6] Upper-income families benefit more from the scholarship program than families in lower income brackets: In Hamilton County (TN), for example, the average student with a lottery scholarship comes from a family that makes $71,980 a year, compared to the $38,930 median household income the U.S. Census Bureau reports for the county. Average lottery sales per capita in Chicago’s mostly African-American zip codes were 29% to 33% higher than in mostly white or Hispanic zip code areas. The zip code with the highest lottery sales in the state, 60619, coincided with predominantly African-American and Latino low-income communities on the city's south side. Residents of that zip code spent nearly $23 million on lottery tickets during FY 2002.[7] In New Jersey, as in Georgia and elsewhere, study results clearly show that those who lived in poorer areas bought far more lottery tickets than those living in wealthy ones. People who resided in zip codes where the average income was less than $52,151 spent an average of $250 per year on the lottery, whereas those who lived in zip codes with an average salary of more than $141,132—spent $89 on lottery tickets each year. In addition, less wealthy neighborhoods had more lottery retailers per capita. The ratio of lottery retailers per 5,000 people was 4 to 1 in low-income areas, compared to roughly 1.5 to 1 in wealthy neighborhoods.[8] Minority and low-income students do not have proportionate access to higher education in lottery states.[9] Footnotes [1] http://www.terry.uga.edu/hope/hope.lottery.pdf [2] Philip J. Cook, one of the coauthors of the National Gambling Impact Study Commision’s (NGISC) Final Report. [3] Ross Rubenstein and Benjamin Scafidi, in “Who Pays and Who Benefits: Examining the Distributional Consequences of the Georgia Lottery for Education” (National Tax Journal, vol.52, no.2,June2002), and Christopher Cornwell and David Mustard, in The Distributional Impacts of Lottery Funded Merit-Based Aid (1999), [4] Joseph McCrary and Thomas J. Pavlak of the Vinson Institute of Government Studies at the University of Georgia review in Who Plays the Georgia Lottery?: Results of a Statewide Survey (2002,http://www.ncalg.org/Library/Studies and White Papers/Lotteries/Georgia Lottery.pdf) [5] Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship's Annual Report for 2005-06. [6] Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Annual Report, 2006. [7] “ThePoorPlayMore”(Chicago Reporter, October 2002), Leah Samuel analyzes the lottery sales in Illinois since 1997 by comparing lottery sales figures around the state with income and demographic data from the 2000 census [8] Robert Gebeloff and Judy DeHaven report similar findings in “Who Really Pays for the Lottery” (Star-Ledger [Newark, New Jersey], December 6, 2005). Gebeloff and DeHaven gathered data on lottery sales in New Jersey by zip code and compared that data to income and population data for each zip code from 2000 to 2004. [9] In “State Lotteries: Their Effect on Equal Access to Higher Education” (Journal of Hispanic Higher Education, vol. 3, no. 1, 2004), Randall G. Bowden of Saint Leo University finds that

Greenville South Carolina Chapter

2011-03-31T09:41:00.000-07:00

Rainbow PUSH Coalition to Celebrate 40 Years of Civil Rights Activism

Operation PUSH was founded on Christmas Day, 1971. On May 14, 2011, Rev. Jackson’s hometown will celebrate his forty years of activism with a dinner at the West End Community Center on Vardry Street. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition is one of this generation’s cutting-edge advocates for fair and equal treatment. Whether it is ending poverty, fighting for the HOPE scholarship or the Voting Rights Act or alternatives to home foreclosure, RPC stays on the front lines. Rev. Jackson will be joined by comedian Tommy Davidson, Mayor Knox White, as well as a host of friends from Greenville, South Carolina, including Councilwomen Lottie Gibson and Xanthene Norris. Coach Joseph D. Mathis will be honored at the event. The celebrated coach of the Sterling Tigers will be inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame on May 23, 2011 in Columbia, S.C. According to Chapter President Rev. James Nesbitt, “He taught a generation of young African Americans to believe in themselves when the society was telling them to stay in their place.” Tickets for the event are only $30.00 and benefit the work of Rainbow PUSH in the Upstate of South Carolina. To purchase tickets, call Davida Mathis at 864 232-0809.

Joseph D. Mathis

2011-03-31T08:57:00.000-07:00

We will celebrate our Dad's life and work on Saturday the 14th of May in Greenville South Carolina at the West End Community Center on Vardry Street with Rev. Jesse Jackson and comedian Tommy Davison. For more information, email me at janicelmathis@yahoo.com.

Rainbow PUSH Conference in Atlanta

2010-10-22T06:09:00.000-07:00

We want to invite you out to the Creating Opportunity Conference, Nov. 11-14 at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta. Tickets range in price from 25.00 to 350.00 for a premium registration, including all meals, dinner with Rev. Jesse Jackson and Angie Stone.

2010-10-15T21:02:00.002-07:00

Does anyone know how to make the comments visible on our blog? I see comments on the dashboard, but not on the blog.

Waok.com

2010-10-15T21:02:00.001-07:00

Listen to Sistersinlaw on Monday from 7-9 a.m. at waok.com.

Letter from Rev. Jesse Jackson and Janice L. Mathis

2010-10-15T20:35:00.000-07:00

October 15, 2010
Hello Friends:

It gives us great pride and pleasure to welcome you to Creating Opportunity – the
Southern Region Rainbow PUSH and Citizenship Education Fund’s Annual
Conference. The purpose of the conference is to connect the Rainbow PUSH and CEF
family from Miami to Birmingham to Memphis to Charlotte to Charleston as we
emerge from a watershed election and a faltering economic outlook.

In 2006 RPC picketed gas stations in Atlanta and challenged Wall Street about the
looming foreclosure crisis. In 2007 we urged bankruptcy reform and mandatory
mediation as an alternative to wholesale foreclosure. In 2009 we proposed reforms
to Georgia’ onerous foreclosure process. Now the whole nation knows that the
system is flawed. And it is left to us to try to mop up the red ink.

Unfortunately, more effort is needed to end the war, reinvest in America, put America back to work, build a level playing field for under-served businesses and under-utilized minority-owned firms, educate potential voters and reclaim our youth from low educational expectations and the criminal justice system. We teach financial literacy because every American needs the information to earn, save and invest a living wage.

One of the things we can do is a massive re-tooling of American infrastructure – from rail to clean energy to water to broadband. Infrastructure investments provide the skeleton on which we can build economic recovery. We must also enforce common
sense regulations like Title VI and other civil rights laws and consumer protections to assure that our system does not destroy itself.

Creating Opportunity is always an informative, enlightening and groundbreaking
event. This year, we are especially gratified to be joined by the Hon. Willie Burns
(The Georgia Conference of Black Mayors), Rev. Samuel Mosteller (Georgia SCLC),
the Hon. Emanuel Jones (Georgia Legislative Black Caucus) and the Hon. Tyrone
Brooks (Georgia Association of Black Elected Officials – GABEO). There may never
have been a better time for our allies to unite to confront and conquer the challenges of racial reconciliation, economic security and educational opportunity. So join Rainbow PUSH and get informed, get inspired and get involved! You are needed on the battlefield. Not in Afghanistan, but here at home. Join forces with a progressive movement for social and economic change as we strive to create the opportunities that our children deserve.

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. Janice L. Mathis, Esq.
Founder and President Vice President

2010-07-25T20:07:00.000-07:00

OBITUARY OF JOSEPH D. MATHIS
August 28, 1922- October 8, 2002

ATHENS, Ga. — The Rev. Joseph D. Mathis was born Aug. 28, 1922, in Cordele, Ga., to Elnora Huggins and A.C. Mathis. He was reared in the home of his maternal grandparents, Lula Taylor Huggins and the Rev. Harrison Huggins Sr. Mathis moved to Greenville during the Great Depression.

Joseph discovered a talent for the game at Sterling High. With the help of friends and by the grace of God, Mathis attended Benedict College and Allen University, where he starred at halfback and earned a degree in History.

Upon graduation, Mathis was named football coach and physical education teacher at Sterling. This job would allow him to use athletics to help other young people build productive lives and find their way out of poverty just as he had.

He married Kittie Mae Avery in 1948. That union produced two daughters, Janice and Davida. Mrs. Mathis died in 1991.

Soon after moving to Greenville, Mathis joined Israel CME Church, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and on the Steward Board. In 1961, he entered the ministry. He pastored Young Laymen in the Nicholtown community for 31 years. He pastored Mount Olive CME Church for 10 years.

In 1970, Mathis joined the faculty of Greenville High as Assistant Principal. In later years, he worked as a Guidance Counselor at League Junior High and as Job Placement Counselor at Enoree and Donaldson vocational centers.

Mathis earned a Master's Degree in Social Studies at Atlanta University. His Masters Thesis, "Race Relations in Greenville, South Carolina: 1868-1900", has been extensively excerpted in The Greenville News.

Mathis skillfully helped to build a political infrastructure in Greenville's predominantly black neighborhoods that would allow residents to elect representatives of their choice for the first time. In 1979, Mathis was elected to City Council, where he worked to improve public transportation, to include minority contractors in public work, to bring Municipal Stadium and the Braves to Greenville, to improve police pay and to annex Verdae Place to the City of Greenville.

His survivors include Davida Mathis, and her husband, Thaddeus Allen, and their daughter, Avery Leigh Allen. He is also survived by Janice Mathis, and her husband, Harry K. Johnson, and their children, Corey and Danae.

Funeral services for the Rev. Mathis will be Saturday, Oct. 12, 2002, at 10 a.m., at Israel Metropolitan CME Church, on Calhoun St. in Greenville. The family hour is from 7 to 8 tonight, at Watkins Garrett and Woods Mortuary on Augusta St.

Published in The Greenville News: 10-11-2002
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thoughts on McDonald v. Chicago

2010-06-29T05:25:00.000-07:00

I am disappointed at the Supreme Court’s decision to expand gun ownership in Chicago and across the nation. The McDonald v. Chicago ruling calls into question the right of U.S. citizens to enact sensible gun regulation and may gut reasonable gun control. Supreme Court decisions always have broad application. We would do well to remember that the 2nd Amendment protects the right of the people to form militias, not vigilante squads.

Ironically, the ultimate losers may be gun owners, many of whom will lose their lives or the life of a loved one with the guns they cherish. Gun manufacturers win, funeral parlors win. Emergency rooms will be more crowded. Where are the limits to this sweeping ruling protecting the right to bear arms? Apparently assault weapons are now legal. What about a howitzer? It is more important now than ever before to do everything we can to prevent gun violence. Other nations without widespread gun ownership are safer and less violent than the U.S. Guns must be kept out of the hand of felons, gun traffickers, domestic violence offenders, mentally ill individuals, and youth.

In a weird turn, Justice Thomas traced the origins of gun control to post-Reconstruction terrorism in the South propped up by Black Codes prohibiting blacks from owning weapons. It was wrong for the Klan and other terrorists to intimidate blacks in 1880 and it is wrong now to assume that guns can make us safer in 2010. Now, the states and locales are free to enact legislation as mindless as the new Georgia statute permitting concealed weapons at airport check points and in churches. At a time when state and local budgets to hire and train police are constrained, the Court has authorized putting millions more guns on the nation’s streets. This is short-sighted, unwise public policy. For months, I have been calling for an urban policy. I had in mind jobs and education, not more guns and more violence.

Causes of the Crisis

2010-06-03T07:12:00.001-07:00

June 3, 2010

Early this morning I watched a replay as the Oracle of Omaha testified before the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, which is charged with investigating the cause of the global financial crisis. It was very interesting. One of the questioners attempted to get Mr. Buffet to blame Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for the mortgage meltdown. He refused. Instead he indicated that Fannie and Freddie were doing what the Congress charged them to do. From the perspective of civil and human rights advocates who supported expanded home ownership, this is a very important point.

Some (mostly arch-conservative Republicans) in Congress and (laissez faire capitalists in) the marketplace have tended to blame efforts to expand home ownership for the meltdown. Instead, Mr. Buffet indicated that with mortgage loan payments reaching 50% of homeowner income, marketers and regulators should have known that the mortgage boom was not sustainable. He also cited sudden and drastic credit tightening as an important contributing factor to the credit crisis.

Because the conclusions of the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission will be used to inform public policy for decades to come, it is critical that we get the right answers now. Today, we take the FDIC for granted. Just as the FDIC was created in 1933 in response to the thousands of bank failures that occurred in the 1920s and early 1930s, the Great Recession will also have a legacy. Whether that legacy will be permanently tightened credit for consumers or more robust regulation of capital depends largely upon how we interpret the causes of the crisis.

It is not surprising that the mainstream financial media will focus on Mr. Buffett’s ideas about compensation of credit rating agencies (they should have some skin in the game to keep them honest) but glosses over his opinions about the culpability of individual homeowners. The Street is not known for its concern about Main Street. But those of us who know Main Street well must make sure that the voices of everyday Americans are not drowned out as we search for causes and cures.

We need your help to make sure the policy makers and pundits hear your voice. Donate to Rainbow PUSH today. Visit www.rainbowpush.org. $25.00 will help us make the voices on Main Street heard.

Give Homeowners Real Help - Reform Bankruptcy Laws

2010-02-15T20:14:00.000-08:00

What is Bankruptcy Reform?
Why Do We Need It?

A consumer files a Chapter 13 bankruptcy to reorganize his debts. That reorganization may include catching up on past-due child support, student loan, mortgage or car payments and wiping out some credit card and medical bills.

If for example, your auto was purchased for 40,000.00 and the outstanding balance is 30,000, but the car is only worth 20,000, a bankruptcy judge will routinely reduce the amount owed to 20,000 – the value of the car, if the borrower can meet certain conditions.

Sounds pretty simple? It can be. What needs to be changed and why?

Unlike most commercial transactions, and unlike automobiles and vacation homes, residential mortgages on the debtor’s principal residence cannot be modified in bankruptcy. Unlike the example of the depreciated car given above, a consumer may not reduce (or change in any way) the terms and conditions of his/her mortgage on the principal residence.

What changes are needed?

Simply put: consumers should be able to change their mortgage loans in bankruptcy court. Robert Reich, economic advisor to President Clinton, put it this way…
The best way to help reverse this downward slide would be to let bankruptcy judges restructure shaky home mortgages, reducing what borrowers owe. The problem is, the big banks hate this.

Frequently asked Questions

Why isn’t mortgage loan modification unfair to the lender?

Lenders are already modifying loans. The process is slow, inefficient and inequitable. This would provide a streamlined process with guidelines applicable to every consumer across the country and with every lender. Some lenders say it is not fair to modify the bankruptcy laws after they have given the loans. This is just a ruse. Business is used to changing laws. Tax laws change every year. Business adjusts. Consumer protections change regularly – business adjusts. This is an adjustment that will be good for consumers, good for the economy and ultimately, good for lenders.

Won’t people who can afford to pay take advantage of these provisions just to get a better deal?

No, just the opposite will happen. In order to get a Chapter 13 plan approved by the Court, the consumer /borrower must prove she is insolvent, i.e. that she owes more than she owns in assets. She must also prove that the Chapter 13 repayment plan is feasible (that she can actually make the payments) and that the plan is proposed in good faith ( no assets or income have been hidden from the Court.) If the bank suspects lack of good faith, or lack of true hardship, it can deny a voluntary modification and the consumer will think twice before swearing in court to false information.

Why should you have to file bankruptcy to get this simple relief from foreclosure?

That is the beauty of court-ordered loan modification. Once the banks know and accept that you can file bankruptcy to get a modification, they will conform their voluntary practices to the court rules and regulations. There will be no incentive to deny modifications.

What effect will court-supervised modification have on the overall economy?

Right now, uncertainty paralyzing consumer spending and business investment is the biggest enemy to economic recovery. One of the main causes of that uncertainty is the inability to accurately assess the value of residential real estate, or to predict how far real estate prices will fall. With court supervised modification, assessing the value of real estate will become easier, more transparent and more uniform. The Courts are used to the process of quickly and fairly evaluating property pledged as collateral for debt.

Who opposes court-supervised modification?

Lenders. Although lenders dread court-modified modification, it is actually good for their industry. Banks are doing a mediocre job of responding to the tsunami of families facing foreclosure. Documents are lost, standards are constantly in flux. Banks are not in business to modify loans. The time, energy and financial commitment currently being spent on loss mitigation should be focused on making new loans and collecting outstanding ones. That is what banks do best. Lenders will benefit from more certainty in the market. Most Republicans also oppose bankruptcy relief for homeowners.

Suppose the market for residential real estate comes back. Is it fair for consumers to reap the benefit of the recovery, leaving lenders out in the cold?

Congress could limit the amount of the write-down of the principal balance. Or it could require that the property have lost a minimum value before the provision would apply. Or it could require the lender to share in any appreciation that occurs in the future if the property is sold or transferred at death. Very conservative members of the financial community have called for court supervision.

Who supports court-supervised modification?

Center for Responsible Lending
Rainbow PUSH Coalition
Congressman Barney Frank
Senator Whitehouse
Congressman John Conyers
Senator Chuck Schumer
President Barack Obama
Economist Robert Reich
Senator Dick Durbin

Why hasn’t bankruptcy reform, or court-ordered modification passed?

Congress has not passed it.

What can I do to help?

Contact your Senators and member of Congress.

Lisa Madigan and Loretta King Visit Georgia

2009-10-24T19:49:00.000-07:00

We want to thank Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan for giving an outstanding overview of legal issues raised by litigation she has instituted against some of the nation's largest banks. Alleging predatory lending, and illegal steering of blacks and Latinos into sub-prime mortgage, Madigan is attempting to hold banks accountable for irresponsible lending practices that led to the world banking crisis. Madigan was in Atlanta for the Rainbow PUSH Coalition's 10th Annual Creating Opportunity Conference on October 16th.

Also in attendance was Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Loretta King, who detailed her efforts to curb racial profiling, involuntary servitude and voting rights infringement from her post in the U.S. Department of Justice.

Mathis Named Among 100 Most Influential

2009-10-24T19:46:00.000-07:00

Civil Rights Update with Loretta King

2009-09-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

Constitutional Law Update
What Every Lawyer Should Know About
Equal Protection, Due Process and Diversity

Presented by the Citizenship Education Fund
Hyatt Regency Hotel
265 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
For More Information, Call (404) 525-5663

Friday, October 16, 2009
12:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Luncheon
Guest Speaker - Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
12:00-2:00 p.m.

Loretta King, Esq.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Justice
2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Co-Sponsored by Gate City Bar Association
Hyatt Regency
265 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30303
$100.00 includes program materials and lunch
CLE Credit Application Pending
To Register, Call 404 525 5663.

Bob Herbert on Racial Profiling

2009-08-16T13:41:00.001-07:00

August 1, 2009
Op-Ed Columnist
Anger Has Its Place
By BOB HERBERT
Cambridge, Mass.

No more than five or six minutes elapsed from the time the police were alerted to the possibility of a break-in at a home in a quiet residential neighborhood and the awful clamping of handcuffs on the wrists of the distinguished Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr.

If Professor Gates ranted and raved at the cop who entered his home uninvited with a badge, a gun and an attitude, he didn’t rant and rave for long. The 911 call came in at about 12:45 on the afternoon of July 16 and, as The Times has reported, Mr. Gates was arrested, cuffed and about to be led off to jail by 12:51.

The charge: angry while black.

The president of the United States has suggested that we use this flare-up as a “teachable moment,” but so far exactly the wrong lessons are being drawn from it — especially for black people. The message that has gone out to the public is that powerful African-American leaders like Mr. Gates and President Obama will be very publicly slapped down for speaking up and speaking out about police misbehavior, and that the proper response if you think you are being unfairly targeted by the police because of your race is to chill.

I have nothing but contempt for that message.

Mr. Gates is a friend, and I was selected some months ago to receive an award from an institute that he runs at Harvard. I made no attempt to speak to him while researching this column.

The very first lesson that should be drawn from the encounter between Mr. Gates and the arresting officer, Sgt. James Crowley, is that Professor Gates did absolutely nothing wrong. He did not swear at the officer or threaten him. He was never a danger to anyone. At worst, if you believe the police report, he yelled at Sergeant Crowley. He demanded to know if he was being treated the way he was being treated because he was black.

You can yell at a cop in America. This is not Iran. And if some people don’t like what you’re saying, too bad. You can even be wrong in what you are saying. There is no law against that. It is not an offense for which you are supposed to be arrested.

That’s a lesson that should have emerged clearly from this contretemps.

It was the police officer, Sergeant Crowley, who did something wrong in this instance. He arrested a man who had already demonstrated to the officer’s satisfaction that he was in his own home and had been minding his own business, bothering no one. Sergeant Crowley arrested Professor Gates and had him paraded off to jail for no good reason, and that brings us to the most important lesson to be drawn from this case. Black people are constantly being stopped, searched, harassed, publicly humiliated, assaulted, arrested and sometimes killed by police officers in this country for no good reason.

New York City cops make upwards of a half-million stops of private citizens each year, questioning and frequently frisking these men, women and children. The overwhelming majority of those stopped are black or Latino, and the overwhelming majority are innocent of any wrongdoing. A true “teachable moment” would focus a spotlight on such outrages and the urgent need to stop them.

But this country is not interested in that.

I wrote a number of columns about the arrests of more than 30 black and Hispanic youngsters — male and female — who were doing nothing more than walking peacefully down a quiet street in Brooklyn in broad daylight in the spring of 2007. The kids had to hire lawyers and fight the case for nearly two frustrating years before the charges were dropped and a settlement for their outlandish arrests worked out.

Black people need to roar out their anger at such treatment, lift up their voices and demand change. Anyone counseling a less militant approach is counseling self-defeat. As of mid-2008, there were 4,777 black men imprisoned in America for every 100,000 black men in the population. By comparison, there were only 727 white male inmates per 100,000 white men.

While whites use illegal drugs at substantially higher percentages than blacks, black men are sent to prison on drug charges at 13 times the rate of white men.

Most whites do not want to hear about racial problems, and President Obama would rather walk through fire than spend his time dealing with them. We’re never going to have a serious national conversation about race. So that leaves it up to ordinary black Americans to rant and to rave, to demonstrate and to lobby, to march and confront and to sue and generally do whatever is necessary to stop a continuing and deeply racist criminal justice outrage.

The President, the Policeman and the Professor

2009-07-31T05:01:00.000-07:00

When we care as much about Joe Gates as we do about Skip Gates we will be well on our way to solving the racial profiling crisis in this nation. More sobering than a cold brew, 32 million Americans claim they have been racially profiled.

Perhaps some definition would help. Racial profiling occurs when a law enforcement official (consciously or unconsciously) uses race or ethnicity as a proxy for probable cause. Racial profiling also occurs when blacks, Asians, Latinos, Arabs or other persons of color are treated more harshly (by a black or white officer) than a similarly situated white criminal suspect would be treated.

I am glad that Skip Gates raised hell, and glad that the President called the police conduct stupid because it gives us an opening to talk about a serious, pervasive race relations problem in America. Ever the soldier/statesman, Colin Powell told Larry King that almost every African American (including him) has faced a situation where they believe their race/ethnicity gets them in trouble with the police. That is where we need to begin.

Too many whites act as if blacks who complain about police mistreatment are "playing the race card" or imagining disparate treatment. One study showed that blacks get stopped more often than whites on suspicion of drug behavior, but that whites are twice as likely to actually possess drugs as blacks are when stopped.

I don't mind the President's beer fest too much - what can it really harm? But what we really need is calm, rational research and investigation into why blacks and other persons of color perceive negative disparate treatment. If an officer makes a stop, but no arrest, the basic statistics on race, gender need to be recorded for future study. A statute that would do just that in Georgia cannot make it out of the Capitol basement hearing room of the non-civil judiciary committee.

We also need to explore whether police are obligated to give some basic information to suspects - something like Miranda. For example, the arresting officer could say, "Mr. Gates, you are being ticketed because you were weaving over the line. If you believe my assessment was incorrect you have the right to a trial before a judge or jury. We will not be able to settle this matter here. If you think I am being unfair to you, you can file an internal affairs report with my supervisor." So often we hear of situations that escalate from 0-60, resulting in arrest for offenses ranging from disorderly conduct to obstruction because a suspect's questions are ignored at the scene.

There is nothing wrong with the opposing parties getting together for a Bud Lite, but we need a policy response to the serious issue of racial profiling.

In what now seems prescient, for the past few months we have asked folks to share their racial profiling stories with us on the air at WAOK. A 60-year old bus driver says that he is routinely stopped on his way home after his graveyard shift ends while traveling through a mostly-white suburban neighborhood, by the same officer each time. A young man says that he has been stopped so many times that he has learned not to put fancy rims on his wheels or tint on his windows and never travel with more than one other person. And then there was the Columbus, GA, case a few years back resulting in death of a man with no weapon, no criminal history, and no probable cause. He was out late with friends in a fancy SUV. The police could not imagine that he earned the money for the car as an insurance salesman.

We have gotten so many calls, that we are hosting a public hearing for elected officials and the public - September 15, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at Mount Ephraim Church in Atlanta. Stay tuned.

Sonia Sotomayor's Candor is Refreshing

2009-05-31T20:05:00.000-07:00

In 1880, Oliver Wendell Holmes, one of America's most reknown jurists described the law this way, "The life of the law has not been logic; it has been experience. The felt necessities of the time, the prevalent moral and political theories, intuitions of public policy, avowed or unconscious, even the prejudices which judges share with their fellow men, have had a good deal more to do than the syllogism in determining the rules by which men should be governed. The law embodies the story of a nation's development through many centuries, and it cannot be dealt with as if it contained only the axioms and corollaries of a book of mathematics."

Apparently Sotomayor's critics disagree with Holmes. Her remark about wise Latina women being better judges than white men of the causes and cures of discrimination has caused great consternation in the rightwing blogosphere. How could she not bring her experience as a Bronx born-and-raised Puerto Rican to the bench? Isn't that the point of diversity? That out of our disparate stories we weave a basket strong enough to capture our diverse culture.

The subtext is clear, however. Only Latinas (and blacks) who disavow their connection to (and responsibility for) a shared minority American experience are trustworthy enough to hold high office. Thus Clarence Thomas and Alito get a pass, while Sotomayor is called a racist.

I can't wait for the hearings.

From the first of twelve Lowell Lectures delivered by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. on November 23, 1880, which were the basis for The Common Law.

RPC Annual Conference June 27th-July1st

2009-05-31T19:45:00.000-07:00

Women in Rainbow PUSH

2009-05-31T19:42:00.000-07:00

You’ve heard the saying, “behind every good man is a good woman.” When it comes to Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the phrase could be paraphrased, “behind every great civil rights organization is a principled group of committed women.” Filling such key roles as Education Director, Trade Bureau Director, Automotive Director, V.P. for Legal Affairs and Public Policy Director. The women of the Rainbow make the organization the effective advocate for civil and human rights that it has become. There is no question that Rev. Jackson is the visionary. According to Trade Bureau Director Marshette Turner, “Our job is to make the vision real. We do the follow up, design and implement the programs and respond to the calls for assistance.” Today, Rev. Jackson is crusading to Reduce the Rate (for college student loans) that experts say are saddling too many young Americans with tens of thousands of dollars in crippling student debt. Education Director Dr. Bonita Carr has implemented a petition drive to galvanize popular support for better financial aid so that college grads don’t start their professional lives deeply in debt. Her department also produces an annual college tour and routinely screens hundreds of applications to the PUSH Excel’s scholarship programs. Kimberly Marcus, an innovator and trailblazer, orchestrated the first ever Federal Communications Commission (FCC) hearing at a civil rights headquarter in September 2007. All 5 FCC Commissions gathered at Rainbow PUSH Coalition in Chicago, IL to participate in a media ownership hearing were more than 2000 people testified on the importance of women and minorities having an equal opportunity to enter into the very white male dominated world of media ownership. In 2007 when Rev. Jackson began to warn the nation that home mortgage foreclosure was a “tsunami” that would engulf the nation’s economy, Jackson went to policy makers like Senator Chris Dodd and Congressman Barney Franks to say, “restructure mortgages, don’t repossess homes.” Janice Mathis, a lawyer with RPC working out of the Atlanta office, immediately began to assist families facing foreclosure work with their creditors to modify toxic mortgages. Janice recently arranged for Rainbow PUSH to file a brief with the Supreme Court when Section V of the Voting Rights Act recently came under legal attack and organized the huge Keep the Vote Alive march and rally in Atlanta in 2005.Glenda Gill, a highly respected automotive expert in her own right, makes sure that black dealers and suppliers are heard when automotive contracts are being negotiated. It was Glenda who spearheaded the research that forced Toyota’s historic $7.8 billion dollar diversity initiative and she also worked to expose race-based auto loans, resulting in better industry practices and hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation. According to Glenda Gill, “Rev. Jackson sets the agenda…the women in the organization (and highly capable men) set the table to make the dream a reality.” Women in the upper echelon of Rainbow PUSH leadership are part of the organization’s tradition. Mrs. Jacqueline Jackson has been a key confidante and advisor to Rev. Jackson for decades. She went to Cuba and to Syria before Rev. Jackson did, and in many ways introduced him to foreign policy. Rev. Willie T. Barrow, chair emeritus of RPC keeps an active schedule of speeches well into her eighth decade of service. So far, women have rarely led major civil rights organizations – and those that do are typically widows of a slain organizational President. The Movement remains a largely male-led bastion, with a few exceptions. Mrs. King created real power as Dr. King’s widow and Myrlie Evers (widow of Medgar Evers) briefly led the NAACP. Melanie Campbell, President of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation is a rare exception. But the women of the Rainbow are undaunted. “The day will come when a woman leads a major civil rights organization. Women have too much talent and commitment to be ignored.”Janice Mathis
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Obama Sides with Shut Out Workers in Chicago

2008-12-07T11:46:00.000-08:00

President-elect Obama, usually carefully scripted, gave a candid insight into his views on the economy on Sunday, December 7, 2008 at the close of a press conference on Veteran's Affairs. He indicated that if workers have earned benefits, such as severance and vacation pay, they should receive them. He also indicated his general support for the workers' call for Bank of America, recipient of federal investment, to reinstate Republic's line of credit.

At the end of the press conference announcing that General Shinsheki will take the position of Secretary for Veteran's Affairs, a journalist asked Mr. Obama whether he agreed with Rev. Jesse Jackson's call for benefits for workers at Republic Windows and Doors, a Chicago manufacturer closing its doors on only three days notice. Workers have staged a peaceful demonstration at the plant, refusing to leave until their demands are met.

Without acknowledging Jackson's role in the dispute, Obama clearly indicated his preference for Main Street relief, along with Wall Street Bailout. Workers chanted, "they got bailed out...we got sold out" on the streets of Chicago on Saturday. Jackson met with the workers and has contacted Bank of America to urge reinstatement of the company's line of credit.

It will be interesting to see whether Mr. Obama's economic team, with close ties to Wall Street, will implement the President's sentiments, or side with Bank of America. Earlier in the Sunday press conference the President-elect indicated that "getting people back to work is out top priority now." Stay tuned.

Auto Industry - Investment Crucial

2008-12-05T06:30:00.000-08:00

CREATIVE INTELLIGENCE ASSOCIATES
110 SOUTH CALHOUN STREET
GREENVILLE, SC 29601
(864-232-0809)

INVESTING IN U.S. AUTO MANUFACTURERS

(Atlanta, GA- November 24, 2008) A vibrant U.S. auto manufacturing industry is vital to the nation’s (and the world’s) economic security. Given the grilling that members of Congress gave industry heads last week, it is understandable that many Americans are asking themselves, “Why?”
Among other reasons:
1. one of out ten jobs in the U.S. is tied to the auto industry
2. auto manufacturing is the backbone of domestic manufacturing
3. more than 1000 parts are needed to build an auto – if domestic manufacturing tanks, so do those suppliers, from tires to windshields, to computer systems
4. the quality of Big Three autos is much better than their reputation – reliability has vastly improved from the 1980’s and 1990’s
5. the auto industry is part of the real – not financial- economy, where most economists believe that the real solutions to the economic mess will be found
6. trouble in the auto industry is now spreading to the “transplants”, or foreign-based manufacturers
7. faced with a global threat of terror, the U.S. should not surrender its vehicle manufacturing capacity entirely to foreign entities
8. the auto industry is “too big to fail”

So far, we have only bankruptcy and government bailout have been offered as solutions to the problems facing the auto industry. After week-end rescues of AIG and Citigroup, Americans rightfully feel “bailout fatigue.” Neither bankruptcy, nor government bailout are optimal.
After much thought and consideration, we have a better plan. There are private partners who can and should intervene to reinvest in one of America’s most important industries. We call on the Treasury Department, the FDIC, the FTC and the Departments of Commerce and Labor to negotiate a plan for the multi-national oil companies to support and invest in the domestic auto industry. This makes sense for a number of reasons, including:

1. During quarter ending September 30, 2008, the oil companies made record profits. For example, BP and Exxon Mobil earned about $25 billion during that period. They have the financial strength to invest in auto manufacturing

2. Oil company investments in domestic auto production is fair - no industry has benefited more from Detroit’s stubborn insistence on opposing improved gas mileage

3. To protect their investment, oil companies would finally have real incentives to move beyond gas-powered vehicles to electricity, hydrogen and other alternatives

4. Investing in auto manufacturing gives the oil companies real incentives to move beyond oil to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles
We are convinced that this plan can work, with government assistance, but without federal/taxpayer dollars. A number of strategies are possible, including:
1. purchase of auto company stock by oil producers and refiners
2. oil industry guarantees of auto manufacturer debt
3. joint ventures to promote new technology, such as electric car batteries
4. oil company purchases of auto manufacturers
5. oil company purchases of troubled dealer franchises
6. creation of an industry-wide equity investment fund
7. save domestic auto production bonds, underwritten by oil interests

These strategies probably don’t require legislation, although they may require easing competition rules. We believe this plan is better than either bankruptcy or government bailout because it is cheaper and more effective.

Election Day is November 4, 2008

2008-10-25T10:19:00.000-07:00

SISTERS IN LAW PREDICT 2008 Presidential Election
Barack Wins By 10 Electoral Votes: 274 to 264
Votes are allocated based on the 2000 Census.
Total Electoral Vote: 538; Majority Needed to Elect: 270

Alabama 9 McCain
Alaska 3 McCain
Arizona 10 McCain
Arkansas 6 Toss Up
California 55 Obama
Colorado 9 Obama
Connecticut 7 McCain
Delaware 3 Obama
D.C. 3 Obama
Florida 27 McCain
Georgia 15 McCain
Hawaii 4 Obama
Idaho 4 McCain
Illinois 21 Obama
Indiana 11 Obama
Iowa 7 Obama
Kansas 6 McCain
Kentucky 8 McCain
Louisiana 9 Toss Up
Maine 4 Obama
Maryland 10 Obama
Massachusetts 12 Obama
Michigan 17 Obama
Minnesota 10 Obama
Mississippi 6 Toss Up
Missouri 11 Obama
Montana 3 McCain
Nebraska 5 McCain
Nevada 5 Obama
New Hampshire 4 Obama
New Jersey 15 Obama
New Mexico 5 Obama
New York 31 Obama
North Carolina 15 McCain
North Dakota 3 McCain
Ohio 20 McCain
Oklahoma 7 McCain
Oregon 7 Obama
Pennsylvania 21 McCain
Rhode Island 4 Obama
South Carolina 8 McCain
South Dakota 3 McCain
Tennessee 11 McCain
Texas 34 McCain
Utah 5 McCain
Vermont 3 Obama
Virginia 13 Obama
Washington 11 Obama
West Virginia 5 McCain
Wisconsin 10 Obama
Wyoming 3 McCain

________________________________________

Personal Injury

2008-10-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

If you are injured through the negligence of another, you may have a personal injury claim against that person. One way to define negligence is an act carried out without regard for the safety of others. If someone injures you without regard to the proper standard of care, their carelessness may entitle you to compensation. In every negligence claim, the injured person has the burden of proving every element of the case.

In addition to negligence, the injured person must prove causation and damages. Causation is the nexus between the negligent act and the damages incurred. In other words, but for the negligent act, would the person have suffered the damages.

Damages take many forms, including medical bills, lost wages, loss of consortium, permanent or temporary disability.

In order to prove the elements of the case, it is important for the injured person to preserve evidence relating to the claim. Police reports, medical records, photos of a damaged vehicle, coroner and autopsy reports, as well as witness statements are all important forms of evidence in various types of injury claims.

If you have been injured through the negligence of another, take the following steps:

1. seek medical attention if you are in pain
2. photograph the scene of the incident
3. photograph any injuries to your own body
3. get contact numbers and statements from any eye witnesses
4. notify the at-fault party that you intend to seek compensation
5. notify your own insurer, if applicable
6. seek legal advice quickly - statutes of limitation can bar your claim if not made timely

Meet the Sisters in Law - September 12-13, 2008

2008-09-08T07:49:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone:
Sisters in Law will host a booth at WVEE's For Sisters Only this week-end at the Georgia World Congress Center. For more info, visit www.v-103.com.

Peace,

Janice and Davida

2008-09-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

Social Security Benefits for Minor Children

Children are entitled to Social Security benefits based on the earnings of their parent in a variety of situations. If a parent dies, minor children are generally entitled to receive a monthly payment until they reach the age of 18. The amount of the payment is determined by the earnings record of the deceased parent. Children of parents who become disabled are entitled to benefits, which may either be Social Security or SSI benefits if the parents are low-income. In some instances the parent may die without having established paternity and the obligation to pay support. Even under these circumstances, Social Security benefits may be obtained. If the deceased parent lived with, provided support for, or was under an order to support the child, benefits may be established. With the cooperation of the deceased parents' family, modern paternity testing can even establish paternity by testing a 1st degree relative (such as sibling or parent) and the child. It is worthwhile to note that signing the birth certificate is not sufficient to establish paternity.

HAPPY HOUR WITH SISTERS IN LAW

2008-07-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

Meet the Sisters in Law
Saturday the 23rd of August, 2008
6-8 p.m.
City Central Condo Clubhouse (Metropolitan Parkway at Avery Road)

Sponsored by City Central Luxury Condominiums
2285 Metropolitan Parkway
Atlanta, GA

Food, Fun and Games
Bid Whist Tournament
As Heard on the Porsche Foxx Show on WVEE - The Big Station.

Sisters in Law Partner with City Central

2008-07-10T05:01:00.000-07:00

Would you like to meet the Sisters in Law in person? Once Janice and Davida finish taping with Porsche Foxx around noon on Monday, they usually head for City Central for lunch. They are happy to take your questions and suggestions for show topics from 12-2 p.m. at City Central.

City Central Condos, located at 2285 Metropolitan Parkway is lending an upscale vista to one of Atlanta's venerable neighborhoods. Conveniently located just minutes from downtown, City Central boasts state-of-the-art security, enclosed parking, spacious floor plans, granite countertops and is truly affordable. For more info, visit http://citycentralcondos.com/

Get Out - Seek Shelter

2008-04-14T04:25:00.000-07:00

If you are being abused it is important that you get away from the scene of the abuse. Not long ago a woman called me. She wanted to sue a local police department for the death of her sister. who had been in a violent relationship and sought a protective order from the court. Shortly after the police came out to investigate a fight between the abuser and the abused woman. Instead of arresting him on the protective order as they should have done, they gave him a "talking to" and told him to stay away from the woman. The following day, she received a call that the abuser was at the hospital and needed a ride home. The last time she was seen alive was on the hospital videotape. Later that night she was found dead near the home of her abuser's sister. This will be a very difficult wrongful death case to make against the police because in the final analysis, the woman put herself in danger.

People who abuse are most likely to inflict deadly violence when they know you plan to leave. Once you make the decision to leave, get to a shelter and stay out of the path of the abuser. If you need to escape domestic violence, seek shelter. Your whereabouts will be kept confidential. Metro Atlanta area shelters include the ones listed below.

Athens
Project Safe, Inc.
Crisis Line: (706) 543-3331

Atlanta
Partnership Against Domestic Violence,
Inc.
Crisis Line: (404) 873-1766

Carrollton
Carroll County Emergency Shelter, Inc.
Crisis Line: (770) 834-1141

Clayton
Fight Abuse in the Home (FAITH), Inc.
Crisis Line: (888) 782-1338

Columbus
Columbus Alliance for Battered Women, Inc.
Crisis Line: (706) 571-0188

Conyers
Project Renewal Domestic Violence
Intervention Program, Inc.
Crisis Line: (770) 860-1666

Decatur
International Women's House, Inc.
Crisis Line: (404) 299-1550

Decatur
Women's Resource Center to End
Domestic Violence, Inc. (Women Moving On)
Crisis Line: (404) 688-9436

Douglasville
S.H.A.R.E. House, Inc.
Crisis Line: (770) 489-7513

Gainesville
Gateway House, Inc.
Crisis Line: (770) 536-5860

Lawrenceville
Partnership Against Domestic Violence,Inc.
Crisis Line: (770) 963-9799

Macon
Macon Salvation Army Safe House
Crisis Line: (478) 738-9800

Marietta
YWCA of Northwest Georgia
Crisis Line: (770) 427-3390

McDonough
Flint Circuit Council on Family
Violence, Inc. (Haven House)
Crisis Line: (770) 954-9229

Morrow
Association on Battered Women of
Clayton County, Inc. (Securus House)
Crisis Line: (770) 961-7233

Warner Robins
Warner Robins Salvation Army
Crisis Line: (478) 923-6294

Winder
Peace Place, Inc.
Crisis Line: (770) 586-0927

For a more shelters in Georgia for survivors of domestic violence, visit

http://www.gadfcs.org/familyviolence/startdocs/service_area_map.pdf

or

http://www.gcadv.org/pdf/DHR_Shelters.pdf

Avoiding Baby's Mama and Baby's Daddy Drama

2008-04-07T08:08:00.000-07:00

1. Establish paternity early in the child's life. A DNA test is always in order and can be done when the child is only a month old.
2. Seek support early in the child's life. Generally, a court will not order retroactive (back) child support.
3. Delay parenting until you know your partner well. Having children is the most important step a couple takes. The responsiblity lasts for a lifetime.
4. Put the child's interests first. Don't degrade the other parent in the child's presence. Encourage visitation. Stay in touch with your child - by email or phone calls if necessary.
5. Always keep a written record of child support payments made and received. Get receipts, use money orders or checks. Pay by automatic debit or income deduction order to avoid late/missing payments.
6. Make sure your new spouse/significant other understands and accepts your obligations to your child.
7. Keep the lines of communication open. Treat the other party like a business associate. Be courteous, forthright, to the point. Don't give, accept or expect favors (or "benefits") in exchange for child support or visitation.
8. Use birth control until you are sure you are ready (emotionally, spiritually, finacially, physically) for another child.

Email Us!

2008-04-07T07:18:00.001-07:00

Send your comments and questions to Janicelmathis@aol.com

2008-04-03T00:45:00.000-07:00

Listen to "Sisters in Law" with Porsche Foxx on Atlanta's Big Station - WVEE every Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 103.3-FM. Every week the sisters in law, Janice and Davida Mathis, answer your legal questions on the air. If you'd like to suggest a topic, simply email Janicelmathis@aol.com.

The Train Wreck that Wasn’t

2008-03-19T02:57:00.000-07:00

Last week, I blogged, “Who will be the Democratic Party’s nominee?” and answered my own question, “Obama, unless he has a train wreck.” Well, this week, the Obama Express collided with Big Media over Jeremiah Wright’s incendiary remarks. Taking his fate into his own hands, Obama delivered a speech that will hold up for generations - right along with Lincoln's second Inaugural Address.

The speech was masterfully crafted and delivered. First, the craftsmanship. A brief walk through the horror house of American race relations reveals a struggle with race from the very beginning up to the present moment.

In just a few words he sets up the debate between progressives and conservatives on the U.S. Constitution – is it written in the stone of original intent, or is it a living breathing document meant to be perfected over time through trial and error, struggle and strife? Obama chooses the progressive path toward a more perfect union.

He juxtaposes his grandmother and Jeremiah Wright, concluding that he can reject neither of them. Obama compares the anger and disappointment of blacks to that of working class whites - finds both legitimate, but ultimately unsatisfying. Instead, he finds hope in the promise of young people – never explicitly using the term “change” but finally indicting Jeremiah Wright, not for his anger, but for seeing America as “static” and thus, unchanging.

The delivery was smooth, personal, passionate. His fiercest critics may not be sated, but even they will have to give Obama credit for candor, scholarship and leadership. For those who want to believe, the speech was more than enough.

Back in the 1990’s Bill Clinton launched a conversation on race. He told PBS, “And my theory…I think the more people work and learn and, and worship, if they have faith, and serve together, the more likely you are to, to strike the right balance between celebrating our differences instead of being afraid of them and still identifying common values."Well, we don’t follow his theory. For the most part, we don’t work, live, worship or serve together. We mostly talk about each other, not to each other. I work closely with the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. White visitors are rare – white members rarer still.

Barack is already pulling us together. My husband swears that white people he meets on the streets of our exurban Georgia town are friendlier, quicker to look him in the eye and speak. He thinks it is the Obama effect.

My (white) neighbor and I who share the same profession had never spoken to each other in two years of living next door until I got a puppy for Valentine’s day and named him Barack. She proudly told me that she had hosted a Barack fundraiser and thought about (but did not) invite me. Now, we talk to each other several times a week. I think it is the Obama effect.

Will the speech be enough to get the Obama Express back on track? The Jeremiah Wright collision upended the campaign. But conductor Obama is listed in improving condition and hope is still alive.

Clinton and Obama - March 10, 2008

2008-03-19T02:14:00.000-07:00

As a former member of the Rules Committee of the Democratic National Committee (aka DNC) I am fascinated by the political drama playing out on the nightly news. Will the Michigan and Florida delegations be seated? Yes. Will the super delegates decide the outcome of the Clinton/Obama match? No. Why did black elected officials give early support to Hillary Clinton, despite strong popular opinion in favor of Obama? That’s what politicians do. Who will be the Democratic Party’s nominee? Obama, unless he has a train wreck.

Now, for those of you who are fascinated as I am by the race, here is a brief explanation. The Michigan and Florida delegations will be seated for three reasons. One, it will make the DNC look bad in the eyes of voters if their votes are not counted. Two, Democrats need to count those votes to help figure out who wins. Three, the Democratic Party can’t make rules that effectively deprive voters of the Constitutional right to vote. It is not a matter of whether the votes will count, but how will the votes be counted. Caucuses benefit Barack. Primaries benefit Hillary. The most sensible proposal I have heard so far was proposed by Florida Governor Charlie Crist – send every registered Democrat a ballot and ask that they mail it back in. It’s a relatively cheap, quick and comprehensive solution.

The super delegates are running fast to get in front of the people and lead them where they want to go. Once again, what the voters think matters. Many of the super delegates are elected officials. They don’t want voters mad at them the next time they run, remembering their failure to support Obama. Clue: Those up for election in November, 2008 are running the hardest, while those who don’t face re-election until 2010 are a little slower to get on the Obama band wagon. I am not offended that some black elected officials supported Hillary early. EMILY (Early Money Is Like Yeast) is an organization that gives money to female candidates. The same principle applies to endorsements – early endorsements are also like yeast – they help a candidate rise when they need it most. Elected officials who wanted to endear themselves to the Clintons early did not necessarily make a bad call. Who could have predicted the Obama steamroller in September? (Actually, I did – Rainbow PUSH went to South Carolina to gin up young voters on a dozen college campuses just after Labor Day – I had a hunch.) Even a member of Congress is only one of a club of 535 people – not all of whom are owed a political favor by the White House on Day 1. All politicians try to use their influence to get leverage. What separates the good politicians from the bad ones is the good ones will use the leverage in favor of their constituents. The bad ones will use it for themselves.

Obama is running a smooth operation. Great Internet strategy. Great fundraising ability. Few hiccups. Focused message. Great speech maker. Beautiful family. The nomination is his to win, or to lose. Hillary can’t beat him. The only way he gets beat is that he beats himself. But don’t count on it. Keep watching. This is a history-making year.

Crisis Pregnancy

2008-03-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

If you are experiencing a crisis pregnancy, seek help. Get pre-natal care. If your pregnancy is the result of a rape, remember that rape is not your fault. Get counseling by calling a Rape Crisis line. Consider adoption. Through our work with WVEE, we have learned of lots of loving parents who would like to adopt. In Georgia, you may give your child up for adoption at any hospital or law enforcement agency, if the child is less than 7 days old. After seven days, contact the Department of Family and Children Services.

Mentors for Children

2007-11-24T07:58:00.000-08:00

On Monday, the 19th of November, on WVEE’s Porsche Foxx show, Sisters in Law™ discussed children and the law. One caller indicated that she was considering referring her 13 year old son to Juvenile Court for "unruliness." He refused to obey, was insolent, not doing his best in school. Davida and I both cautioned against this move, except perhaps as a last resort. A black female police officer called in to echo our advice. Reporting your child to the court system engages the entire family in the court process, disrupts family relationships and may subject your child to unwanted and unwarranted intrusion for months or years.

What to do then? Contact your church, enroll your child in sports, music or art classes. If you are not going to church, start. Church provides a basic framework to help children understand the difference between right and wrong. Making that distinction on their own avoids the need to have the courts do it for them.

Ask male family members for support. Increase the amount of visitation you permit the child’s father. Consider sending your errant son/daughter to live with his/her father for awhile, if that is feasible. Children act out as one way of expressing the need for more attention. It was not surprising that the vast majority of our recent calls came from families with four or more children.

What is the child interested in? Find a structured program that speaks to that interest. There are lots of mentoring programs offered in Metro Atlanta. Some of the best Metro Atlanta mentoring programs are listed below.

100 Black Men of DeKalb County
1804 Bouldercrest Road, SE • Suite 700 • Atlanta, GA 30316 Phone: 404.288.2772 Fax: 404.288.0107 Email: info@dekalb100blackmen.orgExecutive Director/COO • Mae Jones • mailto:mjones@dekalb100blackmen.org

Hank Stewart Foundation
http://www.thestewartfoundation.com/contactus.html
(404) 328-0095

Frank Ski Kids Foundation
http://www.frankskikids.org/contact/
217-9 16th Street Atlanta, GA 30363404.870.0230 – phone 404.870.0240 – fax

Big Brothers Big Sisters
100 Edgewood Ave NE # 710, Atlanta
(404) 527-7600
www.bbbsatl.org
Another Way Out, Inc.
1180 Utoy Springs Rd. Atlanta,Georgia 30331Office: 404-349-4712 Fax: 404-349-4838
Nydia Bright, Program Coordinatoremail: awoinc@mindspring.com

Atlanta Youth Coalition
Dominic Stokes
(678) 438 5051

It was interesting to me that virtually every caller had at least four children, the dad was not actively involved, the mom was working and the child was 13-14 years old. Look around. Find a child. Lend a hand. We can all do something to help.

And then, we need to have the difficult discussion about deciding to become a parent. If he already has kids he is not supporting, don't get pregnant. If you are a teen-ager, don't get pregnant. If you already have two or more children and no committed mate, don't get pregnant. If you are already having a hard time making ends meet, don’t get pregnant. If you have not finished high school - don’t get pregnant. If you are single, two kids are probably enough. Birth control is more effective, cheap and available than ever.

Take a hard look at marriage. Men who make the commitment of marriage are generally better fathers and pay child support at a much higher rate even when the marriage does not work out. 70% of black children are born out of wedlock. Moms may not want/need a husband, but children need committed dads. Girls need dads as much as boys do. As the discussion on Monday graphically revealed, rebellion just after puberty is typical - not extraordinary. The question is how do we marshal sufficient resources to deal with this natural phenomenon?

WHO ARE WE?

2007-10-23T06:42:00.000-07:00

WHO ARE WE?
Davida Mathis is a lawyer in private practice in Greenville, South Carolina, focusing her practice on domestic relations and criminal defense. Previously, she served as an Assistant Solicitor prosecuting drug crimes and other serious felonies. She is a graduate of Oberlin College and the University of South Carolina. Davida has also managed several political and issue-oriented campaigns. She and her sister, Janice developed a radio program, Sisters in Law, which is broadcast with Porsche Foxx on The Big Station - WVEE, 103.3, Atlanta. As a member of the steering committee of the Greenville Chapter of Rainbow PUSH, Davida devised strategy to achieve recognition of the King Holiday. Davida is an accomplished musician and vocalist; she is married to Thaddeus Allen and they have one daughter, Avery.

Janice Mathis is Vice President of the Citizenship Education Fund and is executive director of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition regional office in Atlanta. Previously, she served as Chief of Staff and General Counsel to Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and as Special Assistant Attorney General for Child Support Enforcement in Georgia. Janice and several other partners founded a private general law practice in Athens, Georgia where she was the firm's managing partner and specialized in civil litigation, consumer bankruptcy, real estate and probate law. Janice is a graduate of Duke University and the University of Georgia. She has been appointed to several corporate diversity councils and is a former board member of the League of Women Voters of the United States. Janice is married to Harry K. Johnson and they have two adult children.

Legal

2007-10-22T13:36:00.001-07:00

Sisters in Law provides general legal opinions and information. The opinions and information found on this site and on the Sisters in Law radio program are no substitute for individualized legal counsel. If you believe that you have a legal issue, you are advised to consult a competent attorney of your choice. The facts of every situation vary and determine the rights of the parties as well as the appropriate legal strategy. Thanks for visiting Sisters in Law.

Foreclosure in Georgia

2007-10-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

One out of every 165 Georgia households is in foreclosure.
Georgia ranked fourth in the nation among all states in the number of foreclosures. Georgia's foreclosure rate jumped 10.6 percent from July and was up 133.5 percent compared with August 2006. Only Nevada, California and Florida had worse foreclosure statistics.

The United States had a total of 243,947 foreclosure filings in August, up 36 percent from July and up 115 percent from August 2006. This is the highest number of foreclosure filings in a single month that RealtyTrac has reported since it began issuing its monthly report in January 2005. The national foreclosure rate of one foreclosure filing for every 510 households for the month is also the highest figure ever issued in the report. In July, 2007 10,000 Georgia households were facing foreclosure.

Read a Book?

2007-08-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

READ A BOOK COMMENTARY
JANICE L. MATHIS
RAINBOW PUSH COALITION

If Benjamin E. Mayes challenged us to reach for the stars, the Not A Rapper video “Read a Book” on You Tube takes us into the abyss. Billed as a satirical look at popular culture, a viewer is left with the distinct impression that nothing matters, that life is futile, knowledge fruitless, manners meaningless.

A common definition of satire is witty language used to convey insults or scorn. The video is plenteously scornful and insulting, but not of crassness. The video insults reading, personal hygiene, family values and frugality. Read a Book heaps scorn on positive values and (un)intentionally celebrates ignorance. The narrator is obviously illiterate, unkempt and disrespectful. So who takes his advice seriously?

The best Hip-hop is clever, with allusions to politics, history, great music and literature. Part of the fun is finding the hidden meaning. I was prepared to forgive the crude language and lack of creativity if there was as message encouraging viewers to read and otherwise conduct themselves responsibly. I was disappointed. The simplistic repetitive rhyme and tune made it clear that the creator had not taken his own advice, i.e. to Read a Book.

Janice and Davida are Sisters in Law

2007-08-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

Janice and Davida Mathis are featured on the Porsche Foxx show as Sisters in Law for WVEE-FM, a CBS affiliate in Atlanta. "Our show is called Sisters in Law because we are real lawyers, real sisters, with really good advice. We have a combined 40 years of legal experience in contracts, torts, real estate, personal injury, business formation, probate, domestic relations and criminal defense. Most people don't have a clue about how to choose a lawyer or negotiate fees, for example. We do." What you don't know can hurt you, because ignorance of the law is no excuse. Check them out - Mondays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. WVEE 103.3 FM or www.v-103.com.

Sisters In Law on V-103

2007-07-25T02:32:00.001-07:00

Listen to Sisters in Law, Mondays from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. on WVEE, Atlanta and on the web at

v-103.com.

Real Sisters, Real Lawyers, Really Good Advice

Rocking the Box with Porsche Foxx

2007-07-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

ADVISORY

WHO: Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Sisters in Law
What: “Hot Ghetto Mess” Viewing Party
Viewing parties are being held across the nation in cooperation with
What About Our Daughters.
When: Wednesday, July 25, 2007, 9:00 p.m.
Where: Billiards Room, Fox Sports Grill
Atlantic Station, Corner of 19th and Market Streets, Atlanta
Why: Hot Ghetto Mess is slated to premiere on BET on Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Although it has not yet aired, the Charlie Murphy/Reggie Hudlin (Friday) project has generated lots of media notice and opinion.
For many, the very title - Hot Ghetto Mess - arouses negative emotions. The comments about the show on BET’s own website are overwhelmingly negative. The website of the same name shows photos of young children in situations that experts believe border on child abuse – such as children with guns and beer cans in their mouths. BET says that the television show is not a carbon copy of the website.
We want Atlanta to help Rainbow PUSH evaluate the show. If it is merely funny, we’ll send roses to Debra Lee, President of BET. If the show has no redeeming social value, sponsors will be notified.
Space is limited. For more information, or to RSVP,
call Tina Jones at 404 525 5663.

BET AWARDS SEND IMPORTANT SIGNALS

2007-07-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

I watched the BET awards last night the same way I watch cartoons - on acouple of different levels. You know, the Jetson’s are cute and funny while at the same time they present a biting commentary on man vs. machine. On one level, it was great fun analyzing the hair, makeup and costumes with my 22-year-old fashion maven. Latifah’s make-up was bizarre, Debra Lee’s new hairdo was cute, T.I’s pants weren’t just sagging…they were around his knees.

Jennifer Holliday and JenniferHudson are roughly the same size. Holliday’s glam black ball gown did her justice, while Jennifer’s too-small white mini made her look frightful. The comparison made for a great teaching moment, which cometoo few and far between with adult offspring.

Then, there was the nascent culture critic in me. Beyonce’s Performancewas a smash – the lighting, the costumes, the robotic opening, were justpure fantasy entertainment. Kelly Rowland sounded as if her mike hadbeen turned off, while the two Jennifers (Hudson and Holliday) remindedus with their rendition of “I’m Telling You” that this Extravaganza was really about music after all.

Finally, I watched as the activist lawyer looking for clues about theway the Hip-Hop community might respond to recent (and old) criticism that it promotes violence, misogyny and materialism. Parenting matters. While Beyonce’s father could be interrogated in several jurisdictions for pimping his own daughter, Diana Ross was glorious as she hugged her assembled rainbow of offspring and insisted on delivering a message, “you don’t have to shake it all down to have a great career in music. You can behave like ladies and gents. I will be giving Diva lessons when this is over.” The pained look on Beyonce’s face when the camera panned to her during Diana’s motherly advice said it all.

Luda’ apparently thought Diana was picking on him and retorted coldly during his acceptance speech that that “people should raise their own children” and stop criticizing Hip-hop for “not having any content.” As my grandmother would say, ‘a hit dog will holler.’ I can’t speak for everyone over forty, but I think Ludacris is talented and intelligent. He was wonderful in “Crash” and I hope more acting roles go his way.

I don’t want to censor Ludacris or any other artist. It is sufficient for him to THINK about his art and his craft. If he thinks about it, he will realize that he was on stage accepting an award for his conscious music, not for inviting young women to come “stand by this money.” If he THINKS about it, Ludacris will realize that it is ludicrous to be so insecure about his masculinity as to think he has to purchase female attention.

The winners cleaned up in more ways than one. Atlantan Ceelo Green’s group Gnarls Barkley beat out 3 Six Mafia and Pretty Rickyf or Best Group. Could we be turning a corner where good guys finish first? Let’s keep the conversation going.

Dignity and Diversity in Media

2007-07-14T06:35:00.000-07:00

Dignity, Decency and Equality Coalition
Statement of Purpose
The Supreme Court recognizes that “evolving standards of decency mark the progress of a maturing society.” We, who subscribe to this statement, come from many walks of life – from various professional pursuits, geographic regions, religious traditions, racial persuasions and ethnic heritages. Yet, we hold in common the ideal that every person is entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We believe that no person should be denied equal opportunity or equal protection under the law because of her race or gender.
For the sake of children, families, communities and the nation, the undersigned hereby reject prurient, debased, racist, sexist depictions and descriptions of women and men in media, including film, television, radio, Internet, satellite, cable, music and lyrics. We are determined that blacks, other minorities and women shall not bear the burden of race and gender discrimination. We are united in our determination to raise a new standard of decency free of gratuitous race and gender exploitation.
Without abridging the right to free speech guaranteed by the Constitution, and without singling out any genre or media platform, we reject indecent images and depictions that corrode the framework of decent society. We believe that an enlightened citizenry is the best guarantee of freedom. We accept responsibility for being savvy consumers of media and for conveying that knowledge to our children. We believe that public opinion is the most effective regulator of commercial activity, rendering censorship unnecessary.
We believe the marketplace of ideas should be open to all and we insist on claiming the worth of our work. For the sake of children, families, communities and the nation, the undersigned hereby reject double standards of employment, promotion, contracting and compensation. We are united in our determination to break the glass ceilings and walls that deprive the marketplace of our talents. We must be free to compete in a global economy based on our skills, education and ability without regard to gender or race.
We call on responsible image makers to consider the effect of their work on children’s self-esteem, women’s safety, and the nation’s security. In the information age, image is reality. We consciously invoke the spirit and courage of the 1920 Memphis Conference on Southern Women and Race Cooperation who determined that “since the public press often gives undue prominence to the criminal element among the Negroes, and neglects the worthy and constructive efforts of law-abiding Negro citizens, we pledge ourselves to cooperate with the men’s committees in endeavoring to correct this injustice and to create a fair attitude to Negroes and Negro news.”

We are determined to be free. We insist on taking our children to school in the morning or to sports practice in the afternoon without dreading for them to hear suggestive lyrics or comments of shock jocks on the radio. We will browse the Internet without encountering unsolicited pornography. We will listen to newscasts and other programming without having our sensibilities shocked, our dignity undermined or our character attacked.
In order to preserve our dignity, promote decency and equality, we are prepared to:
Use available technology to monitor and control objectionable content.
Say out loud what offends us and thereby create new standards of decency.
Report obscene, indecent and profane broadcasts to the Federal Communications Commission. Urge the Congress to expand FCC jurisdiction over obscene, indecent and profane material to cover the Internet, terrestrial/wireless and cable, since in a New Media age the medium of transmission is seamless.
Urge the Congress to adequately fund the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission so that it may protect and preserve fair employment practices.
Urge media conglomerates, directors, producers, artists and audiences to resist stereotypical depictions of blacks, other minorities and women. It is possible to be profitable while seeing women, African Americans and other minority communities in all of their diversity.
Resist advertising of corporations that insist on supporting obscene, indecent and profane lyrics and images and refuse to purchase material that is obscene, indecent or profane.
Vote with our dollars and with our ballots for decency, dignity and equality.