George meet the REQUESTS of readers (HERE)

These several reposts were reposted because you the readers asked. Why and what had happend at previous Valdosta City Council Meetings. This is not all the meetings but see Valdosta City Council Meetings Minutes. I appreciate your request and as always. I try to speak and do the right thing because in the end only truth will stand the test of time.

Moreover, the minutes published are not fair and balanced as to what hapened. For a better understanding of what I am saying just ask and I will justify my words. Peace!

George,

May 19th, Minutes following the arrest of 15 citizens (SEE ALL)

MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL

5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2005

COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL

Excerpts from Valdosta Minutes on Barber Park ISSUE

Jesse Clark, , stated that he was pleading for the vision for the park on River Street. Mr. Clark stated that he would like for Council to explain to the public what the vision really is for the park. They want a park, a museum, and a library which will encompass a mini conference center. It has been said that Council dictates to the Valdosta Daily Times what is printed in reference to Council business. If the Valdosta Daily Times would print the vision and Council would explain to their constituents what the benefit would be to this community, then everything would be positive coming from people throughout the community. Mr. Clark stated that they have proposed a small mini conference center and would like to see the Ossie Davis Library and Museum established. Mr. Clark also suggested that the library be considered for east and west Valdosta. Young people who live near the park on River Street cannot get to the library in north and south Valdosta. They need more than basketball courts and picnic tables. They need to improve the minds of the young men and women in the community. In reference to truancy, a lot of this is caused by Judge O. Wayne Ellerbee. He has expelled a large number of children and told them they could not attend school in Lowndes County or the City ever again. These are not students who are 16 years old but 9 and 10-year olds. These young people will probably be recruited by gangs and they will want to retaliate. The conference center would try to serve a purpose of intervening and combating gang violence, teenage pregnancy, Aids epidemic, and try to improve the standards of this community. They will get the assistance from the public school systems and Valdosta State University. Mr. Clark asked that Council explain the facts to their constituents and ask the newspaper to print the true facts and ask the radio talk show host who likes to exploit the situation to do likewise. We will have a much better community to raise our children and grandchildren.

Jeremiah Lawton, xxxxxxx, stated that he saw Barber Park from both sides, when it had deteriorated to nothing and to the present. Mr. Lawton stated that he appreciates what has been done; however, there are some issues. Mr. Lawton stated that he has supported SPLOST each time and would like to see some things done differently in order to tell others that SPLOST is totally good. He was appalled to read in the newspaper that Council voted on racial lines not to consider having a committee to discuss the renaming of the park. There were two blacks and three whites and they are still doing things racially. If it was right to form a committee, then it should have been five or four and not along racial lines. Mr. Lawton stated that they are not any further along now than where they were years ago if Council is going to do things according to racial lines. The vote should have been 5-0; however, with three whites voting no and two blacks voting yes, then many of the decisions that Council makes is racially motivated. Until there is a cross section of voting there may not be anything accomplished if you are going to have a 3-2 vote. Mr. Lawton asked Council’s consideration in reconsidering the request to have a committee of people who live in that area and throughout Valdosta to come together and discuss the issue. Mr. Lawton stated that he agreed with Mr. Clark to rename the park in honor of Ossie Davis to benefit the community; however, you could also rename it Westside Park, River Street Park, or many other names but at least give it consideration.

George Rhynes, stated that he is the President of the Valdosta-Lowndes County branch of the NAACP and was speaking as a concerned and patriotic retired military man. Mr. Rhynes thanked Mayor and Council for having him arrested on May 5, 2005. It gave him an opportunity to feel what other great Americans have felt as they stood for the principles of this great republic. His belief is stronger than ever that elected officials must have a sense of loyalty, respect, and responsibility to the people who elect them to serve their interests. A public servant is a unique position. It is unlike the local media who can get away with half-truths and lies. Mr. Rhynes stated that they were told by the media that the Barber Park land was donated and there was a contractual agreement between the family and the City. Mr. Rhynes stated that he spoke with someone who was elected by the people and that person says this is not true. Valdosta may need a newsletter so the people of this community can get the real truth of what is happening in these meetings at City Hall. For years, problems were brought before Mayor and Council and it was never reported to the citizens of this community. They talked about gang activity, voting problems in Councilman Wright’s district, and nothing was done about it or reported to the citizens of this County. The citizens who try to make intelligent decisions cannot make intelligent decisions because they are not getting the truth of what is happening in these meetings. Mr. Rhynes stated that Ms. Leigh Touchton is a national hero because she was the first white woman elected President of the NAACP in this country. She made comments at the May 5, 2005 Council meeting but the citizens of Lowndes County do not know she made comments because it was not reported by the media. Two of the seven females who were arrested and went to jail were white. That was excluded by the newspaper. Mr. Ari Santas, a professor from Valdosta State University, spoke eloquently about renaming the park but the citizens do not know because it was not reported. His wife, Pat Santas, spoke but citizens of this community do not know about that. Nothing was mentioned to the people of this community about Jesse Clark, a retired educator from Lowndes High School and Vice President of the NAACP, speaking out to his elected representatives. Queen Ann Robinson, a nationally recognized poet, spoke about justice and truth in this community but the citizens do not know. Mr. Rhynes stated that we may need a newsletter to inform the people of this community about what we are doing at the Council meetings. Mr. Rhynes inquired as to why they have to argue and go to jail. He thanked Council for letting them go to jail because now he has seen inside the jail and it is no place that anyone should be.

Willie Head, stated that he understood the dedication of Barber Park would take place on May 28, 2005 and asked that Mayor and Council postpone the activities until the park issue is resolved. Mr. Head stated that they would like a response in a timely manner.

Laval Castleberry, Lakeside Drive, stated that on April 21, 2005, he stood before Council asking to resolve a matter that has taken place within one of the departments. Mr. Castleberry stated that he did not stand as a member of the Valdosta Fire Department, which he has served for 20 years, but stood as a concerned citizen. As a taxpayer, he was concerned that when someone leaves and comes back their job is given to them over others who have stayed here. Mr. Castleberry stated that his credibility was called in question. Mr. Castleberry stated that he has a Masters Degree from Valdosta State University and is a certified instructor with the State of Georgia. He trained all the Lake Park volunteers, modular one, two, and three from 1991 until he resigned a couple of years ago. He was in one of the first classes to go through trench rescue and was given an award by Mayor Gill Autry for going into a trench and saving a young man. He has also assisted in rescuing two people stranded on silos at ADM. He is a certified system rescue specialist and is certified with the nation so he could be called to any national disaster because of his knowledge.

Mr. Castleberry stated that there may be some question as to what his qualifications are, but he is not bitter. He stood before Council because he was a qualified individual and has served the City for 20 years. When a position becomes available which he is more than qualified for, then he expects Council to defend his right to compete for that position. Mr. Castleberry stated that he reviewed the City’s Personnel Manual and there is nothing in there that says a person cannot come back in a position which they have vacated; however, this allows the Department Head to use discretion and write his own memorandum governing the employees that work for him. Mr. Castleberry stated that they could side step the issue and say that they have the most qualified individual, but he would gladly put his resume and certificates up against any individual in the Valdosta Fire Department. George Talley, City Attorney, stated that there is a grievance procedure under the City’s Personnel Policy and if Mr. Castleberry felt he has been done wrong then he should have filed a grievance. Mr. Castleberry stated that he understood about the grievance policy and he has used it many times.

Sept 22, Rhynes Responds to VDTs Article, "Valdosta Racial Problems"

"We have racial problems in Valdosta"

On Sept 22, 2006, the Valdosta Daily Times (VDT) reported that Barber Park name change was delayed for up to 90 days. The VDT Reporter Kenner Walsh closed the article on Barber Park with comments I made before the Mayor, City Council, Veterans, and other citizens in attendance. “You can ignore it if you want to. You can bury your head in the sand and pretend it doesn’t exist. But we have racial problems in Valdosta.”

However, the (VDT) omitted my reasons for making the comment. Therefore I will give my reasons plus a little more. SEE MY ADDRESS TO THE MAYOR, COUNCIL, MAJORITY BLACK SELECT COMMITTEE, AND THE LOCAL CITIZENS.
http://barberpk.blogspot.com/2006/09/sept-22-rhynes-responds-to-vdts_26.html

It was Robert Jefferson, Chairman of the Majority Black Select Committee and supporter of the Mayor’s last election campaign that said in the times on September 19^th that the task was made very easy. But all citizens in Valdosta are not from the planet Plukatum. Where people die on their knees instead of standing up on their feet on behalf of the dream of Rev. Martin L. King Jr., and others who traveled that great line of divine.

My views are in contrast to Chairman Jefferson and the committee itself: These are the facts about Barber Park, and the Majority Black Select Committee. And they can disapprove me if they can. But Valdosta Historical Archives will record for generations to come that:

No one who originally petitioned the city to renovate the park---were on the committee. No one who discovered that the person for whom the park was named-----denied Blacks access to the park. And rather than integrate the park it was closed and pools were covered up----were on the committee. None of the retired educators or pastors who spoke so eloquently in favor of the name change----were on the committee. No professors from Valdosta State University who spoke out in favor of the name change-----was on the committee. No one who was spoken ill of on a local radio talk show----was on the committee. No one who searched the public records, paid money for information under the Freedom of Information Act, the Georgia Open Records Act, and reviewed many pictures of Ossie Davis with local citizens and various newspaper clippings---were on the committee. No one who reviewed the many writings and displayed articles at Macedonia Baptist Church where Ossie Davis consistently visited---were on the committee. No one who researched documents at the Valdosta Historical Museum----were on the committee. No one from among the fifteen Law Abiding Citizens who were arrested, handcuffed, taken to the Lowndes County Jail, had mug shots taken, fingerprinted, placed in solitary confinement, had their names published in the Crime Report of the Valdosta Daily times for their children and love ones to see, held for twenty-four hours without bail, faced a Georgia State Court Judge----for disrupting a public meeting-----were on the committee.

Then the city appealed the verdict to the Georgia Supreme Courts that ruled the fifteen citizens Constitutional Rights had been denied. But not one of the fifteen people was on the Majority Black Select Committee. No one from the Peoples Tribunal, Rev Jesse L. Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition, actively involved local NAACP Members or anyone else who spoke out boldly in favor of the name change----were on the committee.

Although, they were the Black, White Right people that dug beneath the rubbish pile of history, carved out from the rejected stones of Georgia, and American history the name (OSSIE DAVIS). It is a name worthy to become----the headstone of the corner of Hightower, and River Street. In a community that is ninety-five percent Black.

Ossie Davis Park could have helped rid the park of its segregated, disgraceful, and shameful historical past, and regardless of the council actions to rename the park in the future. Our Black children will still need, deserve, expect, and have earned the right through the blood and deaths of their ancestors for over four hundred and fifty years----to have positive IMAGES, and SYMBOLS in their own community like the Jews, Whites and others that looks like them. http://barberpk.blogspot.com/2006/09/sept-7th-2006-barber-park-issue-not-on.html

The race problem in Valdosta must be acknowledged openly or our city will be unable to move forward. We cannot continue to bury our head in the sand like the legend concerning the ostrich. We must acknowledge that out of nine public City Schools only one is named after a Black Person. The low number of Black Educators employed in both the City and County Public School System for whatever reason-----is an embarrassment to all people of conscious in our metropolitan metropolis. And this includes members of our Armed Forces NOW serving at Moody Air Force Base here in our community.

My last check revealed that out of twenty-three city and county department heads. There were less than three positions held by a Black Person. When I questioned the number of Black Judges on this circuit, and how many Black Bank Managers are in this city. People looked at me as if I----was a brother from another planet, and during court proceeding Whites dominate all positions (JOBS) in and surrounding the court system. This is the real test of how the majority feels towards all citizens being treated equal in this town.

So Blacks see Blacks who go along to get along with others as wind that blows over men, women, and children in a community where the people are dead. It may look good when temperatures are 105 degrees but the corpses remains the same and without change. What is needed is real action from a real shovel to bury the dead so the living can live.

So our elected officials must understand that we are not all from the Planet Plukatum. Therefore elected officials must address the real issues that have existed for too long in our community. The Barber Park issue for example has gone through many twists and turn of the coin. It first started out in truth with the Valdosta Daily Times reporting repeatedly that the land for Barber Park was donated, which turned out to be false. Then rants and raves were published over and over again to seal the minds of ill informed citizens that the land was donated. Then they said; it would be hard to change the name from Barber Park because there was a contractual agreement between the family and city. Then it’s only the Peoples Tribunal that wants the name changed. Then if the name is changed they will want every monument in the city changed. Then they said disrupting a public meeting is not the best way to get things done under our form of government.

So fifteen law abiding citizens were arrested, jailed, went to courts and it was ruled that their constitutional rights had been denied. Then a park had to be renamed for someone who had deceased. Then it should be renamed for a person from the local community. Then many citizens who spoke at several city council meetings comments about renaming the park were omitted from articles reported to the general public following highly charged meetings. Then it was said that Ossie Davis was not from Valdosta, which has been disapproved many times over. Then the park should include everybody. Then its just people outside the district who are complaining. Then we should not accept money from anyone who may seek to control the process, and that others donated money upfront for parks etc., without any stings being attached.

All this seemingly to be justification for NOT renaming Barber Park after Ossie Davis a worthy Black person because it would offend too many other people. But in my humble opinion some people seem to believed that God cannot use the rejected stones of our community to become his headstone of the corner for equality. People may have thought that Local Black Civil Rights organizations and White Right People would fade into the sunset because the South Georgia Mass News Media Whiteout Machine refused to publish the real truth to the citizens in this South Georgia Town. But eventually, they will realize that just throwing the clock out the window, burying it beneath the sand or hiding it behind a secret wall in some ancient notebook of secrecy. As if it would stop the advance movement of time.

So then on September 22nd, 2006, it was decided by our elected officials to allow up to ninety more days to see what veterans will say about the committee recommendation to rename the park “Veterans Memorial Park.” Soon we will be in our third year deciding on what to do concerning Barber Park. While the hole they have dug in our beloved city is getting larger and larger. Therefore we should take this opportunity to ask all our elected officials. Why they have not looked into the eighteen jailed deaths that have occurred in our surrounding the Lowndes County Jail for whatever reasons since 1994. Moreover we must ask. How many more must die and when will the trend end?

So to rename Barber Park after a worthy Black person in a community that is ninety-five percent Black is the moral, historical, political and right thing to do. It is a sad, and painful historical fact. That Black people have always had to fight other Blacks from start to finish. All because their eyes were too tiny to see larger images outside of themselves so our Black leaders had to fight them continuously----to get where we are today. This is routine for us, and our beloved community.

So I close with my own proverb: That two heads, maybe better than one, but never forget, which one belongs to you. So individually elected officials should do the right thing and let history record their vote that will stand the test of time for what is right so our community can move forward.

GEORGE BOSTON RHYNES
President, Valdosta-Lowndes County Branch NAACP
A concerned citizen and brother of humanity

PS: This response to the VDT, the Majority Black Select Committee, and Elected Officials are too long to be published. However, the truth must be told, recorded and exposed. Because in the end only truth will set/make us free as a community, state, nation and world. Then all the people of God will say Amen, and A women. Peace!

---

Sept 21, Rhynes before the Mayor, Council, and Majority Black Select Committee

(At 5:30 pm, September 21, 2006)

MAYOR JOHN FRETTI: Is there any other citizen to be heard?

My name is George Boston Rhynes I have lived in Valdosta since 1989. (LONG PAUSE), I am really tired of the Barber Park issue! Mr. Mayor and council I too am a veteran. (Here I am responding to the previous speaker comments Mr. Phil Youngblood who spoke concerning American Veterans). I am a Black African American Veteran whose ancestors fought in every war of our great nation. We fought when we could not even go to bathrooms on a public high way. We fought before we were ever considered human beings by White America. We were seen as only three-fifths of a human being.

The first person to die in the Revolutionary War was Crispus Attuck a Black man. So I don’t want to get into what veterans did or did not do. That is the heart of what we are talking about. We are talking about for once, trying to pay some respect and honor to the Black Race who has been mistreated-----and we all know that.

So I just want to say, that I too am a veteran. I am a Vietnam Era Veteran, and many of my benefits have been taken away. That I was supposed to have earned. But I am going to lay all that aside. Because that is not what I want to say today. But I don’t play on the veterans. Most all Americans love our veterans. And that’s why I fight so hard for the rights for veterans who can’t get medical insurance. If you go on the Internet you can see how I fight for the veterans.

But if I can fight for the veterans, go to Vietnam, and Iraq and fight them. Then surely WE should be willing to fight for Black people who are ninety-five percent of the people living around the Barber Park area. But they cannot get a park named in honor of a worthy Black African American in their own community. But so much for that, that’s not why I am here.

I am here because the chairman of the committee said in the Valdosta Daily Times on September 19, 2006 that he thanked you all for what you did and each committee member, and that it was an easy task. I would like to thank you too.

But there is a little bit more I want to say. Because it is in my heart. And I am not going to take fourteen minutes and sixteen-seconds as another brother did sometime ago on this issue. But I do want to say something surrounding the selection process of the Majority Black Select Committee.

There were no original people who petitioned this city to renovate the park—was on the committee. No one who did the homework and paid to go to the achieves of the Freedom of Information Act and the Open Records Act to dig up the history of Barber Park and the man who denied Blacks the right to swim in the swimming pools and then rather than allow Blacks in the park. They covered up the pools and closed the park.

None of these people----was on that committee----Mr. Chairman of the Majority Black Selection Committee. The retired educators who stood before you---Mr. Mayor and Council not one--- was on the committee. No professors from Valdosta State University, and from other universities from across this nation who stood up for renaming the park after Ossie Davis---was on the committee. Mr. Mayor, council, and Chairman of the Black Majority Select Committee. No one who searched the records and found out the real history---was on the committee. And all have not been told; and I know more than what I have said about the Red Soda, and what would happen when the individual met a Black Person on the street.

But this is not the right place for that now. No one from the fifteen people, who were arrested, went to jail, placed in solitary confinement, held without bail for twenty-four hours for disrupting a public meeting, went before a state court judge, and then went to the Georgia Supreme Court Judge and HE ruled in our favor that our Constitutional Rights had been violated. All for trying to exercise their constitutional rights to address their government and not as three-fifths of a human being but as full American citizens---were on the committee.

We must think about the nine City Public Schools in this city and only one is named after a Black African American. I asked a judge a man in position. I, I, I’ll just say it like this---I asked a judge. How many Black Judges are on this circuit, and they looked at me as if I was from another planet. I asked, how many Black people are there working? How many are in positions (JOBS) where Black children who come to court can see them. How many Blacks are there to stand as a symbol of pride while holding jobs in or surrounding the local court process?

Yet these same children will be asked to fight in wars for this nation. But they cannot even get a Park named after Ossie Davis. A man from Valdosta and I have proved that time and time again. There were no one from the Peoples Tribunal, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Rainbow PUSH Coalition; actively involved members of the Local NAACP-----was on the committee. No one who, who, who, who, stood so boldly committed on behalf of the people in our community-----was on that committee. Normally these are the type people to be considered in such cases.

I am retired from the United States Air Force and I served for twenty-one years and I know the games people play with other people. But I am saying this to all of us, and we can accept it or leave it alone. I, I, am your humble brother. Most all people who knew me throughout my career. Know that I am a peaceful man. BUT I SAY THIS WITH GEAT LOVE AND RESPECT FOR YOU MR. MAYOR, THIS COUNCIL, AND EACH BLACK COUNCILMAN AS WELL AS THE MAJORITY BLACK SELECT COMMITTEE. WE HAVE, -----YOU CAN IGNORE IT-----IF YOU WANT TO, YOU CAN BURY YOUR HEAD IN THE SAND AND PRETEND THAT IT DOES NOT EXIST. We have a racial problem in Valdosta and we can sit back and ignore it but I tell you.

We are no longer going to set back and let White Americans take money from the city, state, and federal government by turning deaf ear to hiring Qualified and Overqualified Blacks in these governmental jobs. We cannot continue to allow Whites to continue to take up all the good jobs. But if we CANNOT get JOBS in and around the local court system equaled to WHITES. So we can use some of that money to help take care of our own Black Children.

Moreover, out of twenty-three department heads in the city and county. And a Black African American holds less than three positions (JOBS) during my last check. So I’m telling you that if Jesus were in this town TODAY HE would say. All praise is due unto God. {I THEN RETURNED TO MY SEAT}

Then the Mayor asked if there were any other citizens to be heard and there were none. Then the Mayor called on Robert Jefferson the chairman of the Majority Black Select Committee and HE gave his report. That the committee had recommended that the park be renamed “Veterans Memorial Park” instead of Ossie Davis Park. I wish every citizen of average intelligence in Valdosta-Lowndes County could have witnessed the chairman presentation. Especially Black African Americans and at some point I may script his complete comments from the Valdosta City Council Meeting that took place on September 21^st, 2006.

This Barber Park issue will be a part of Valdosta Historical Archives for generations to come. As Paul Harvey would say stay tune for “The Rest of the Story.”…

George Boston Rhynes
A concerned citizens and brother of humanity!

This is my message for our local community! I though this meeting would complete the Barber Park long process! Simply put I am happy whatever the park is renamed. However, I think it is a supreme, and ugly disgrace that Valdosta-Lowndes County Georgia seem to continue to follow the Valdosta City Charter that we removed from Valdosta City Hall in 2004.

That read: ARTICLE 100: Section XI, “the Mayor and Council, they shall pass all proper and necessary laws and ordinances for the control of slaves and free persons of color in said town and suppress and abate all nuisances arriving from hogs, dogs, horses, or other stock straying at large in said town, or from other causes.”

Sep 7, Minutes Rhynes Speaks only Not on Agenda

MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL

5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2006

COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL

Excerpts from meeting on Barber Park:

CTIZENS TO BE HEARD

George Boston Rhynes, xxxxxxx, stated that he is the President of the local branch of the NAACP and read in the Valdosta Daily Times on August 23, 2006 that Council would take action on Barber Park at this Council meeting. Mr. Rhynes stated that he did not see the item on the agenda or hear anything about the status of it. Mr. Rhynes stated that he sent Council an E-mail regarding the local NAACP’s decision on renaming Barber Park. Larry Hanson, City Manager, stated that the Barber Park issue was moved to the September 21, 2006 Council meeting. Mr. Rhynes stated that if the dates were changed then it should have been published in the newspaper.

Larry Hanson stated that at the final Barber Park Committee meeting, the Committee recommended that this be placed on the September 7, 2006 Council meeting agenda. Mr. Rhynes stated that he was concerned because the people were under the impression that this would be on the September 7 Council meeting agenda. Larry Hanson stated that the agenda is posted at City Hall as soon as it is created and it is also posted on the City’s web site. The agenda has been on the web site since last Friday if anyone wanted to check to see what was on the agenda for this meeting. It was never placed on the agenda and it would be difficult to find a way to notify everyone who had an interest in it. Mayor Fretti inquired as to whether Mr. Rhynes had discussed this with any individual Councilman and whether he contacted the City Manager about this. Mr. Rhynes stated that he had discussed this with a Council member and if it had been placed in the newspaper then the City could go back and let the voting public know that the date was changed. Larry Hanson stated that at the end of the last Mayor/Council meeting, it was discussed under City Manager’s Comments and asked that it be placed on the agenda for the September 21, 2006 meeting because Councilman Vickers was going to be out of town on September 7, 2006. Council then authorized to move the item to the September 21 meeting. Larry Hanson stated that we would look at more ways to inform citizens.

May 19th, Minutes following the arrest of 15 citizens (SEE ALL)

MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL

5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2005

COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL

Excerpts from Valdosta Minutes on Barber Park ISSUE

Jesse Clark, , stated that he was pleading for the vision for the park on River Street. Mr. Clark stated that he would like for Council to explain to the public what the vision really is for the park. They want a park, a museum, and a library which will encompass a mini conference center. It has been said that Council dictates to the Valdosta Daily Times what is printed in reference to Council business. If the Valdosta Daily Times would print the vision and Council would explain to their constituents what the benefit would be to this community, then everything would be positive coming from people throughout the community. Mr. Clark stated that they have proposed a small mini conference center and would like to see the Ossie Davis Library and Museum established. Mr. Clark also suggested that the library be considered for east and west Valdosta. Young people who live near the park on River Street cannot get to the library in north and south Valdosta. They need more than basketball courts and picnic tables. They need to improve the minds of the young men and women in the community. In reference to truancy, a lot of this is caused by Judge O. Wayne Ellerbee. He has expelled a large number of children and told them they could not attend school in Lowndes County or the City ever again. These are not students who are 16 years old but 9 and 10-year olds. These young people will probably be recruited by gangs and they will want to retaliate. The conference center would try to serve a purpose of intervening and combating gang violence, teenage pregnancy, Aids epidemic, and try to improve the standards of this community. They will get the assistance from the public school systems and Valdosta State University. Mr. Clark asked that Council explain the facts to their constituents and ask the newspaper to print the true facts and ask the radio talk show host who likes to exploit the situation to do likewise. We will have a much better community to raise our children and grandchildren.

Jeremiah Lawton, xxxxxxx, stated that he saw Barber Park from both sides, when it had deteriorated to nothing and to the present. Mr. Lawton stated that he appreciates what has been done; however, there are some issues. Mr. Lawton stated that he has supported SPLOST each time and would like to see some things done differently in order to tell others that SPLOST is totally good. He was appalled to read in the newspaper that Council voted on racial lines not to consider having a committee to discuss the renaming of the park. There were two blacks and three whites and they are still doing things racially. If it was right to form a committee, then it should have been five or four and not along racial lines. Mr. Lawton stated that they are not any further along now than where they were years ago if Council is going to do things according to racial lines. The vote should have been 5-0; however, with three whites voting no and two blacks voting yes, then many of the decisions that Council makes is racially motivated. Until there is a cross section of voting there may not be anything accomplished if you are going to have a 3-2 vote. Mr. Lawton asked Council’s consideration in reconsidering the request to have a committee of people who live in that area and throughout Valdosta to come together and discuss the issue. Mr. Lawton stated that he agreed with Mr. Clark to rename the park in honor of Ossie Davis to benefit the community; however, you could also rename it Westside Park, River Street Park, or many other names but at least give it consideration.

George Rhynes, stated that he is the President of the Valdosta-Lowndes County branch of the NAACP and was speaking as a concerned and patriotic retired military man. Mr. Rhynes thanked Mayor and Council for having him arrested on May 5, 2005. It gave him an opportunity to feel what other great Americans have felt as they stood for the principles of this great republic. His belief is stronger than ever that elected officials must have a sense of loyalty, respect, and responsibility to the people who elect them to serve their interests. A public servant is a unique position. It is unlike the local media who can get away with half-truths and lies. Mr. Rhynes stated that they were told by the media that the Barber Park land was donated and there was a contractual agreement between the family and the City. Mr. Rhynes stated that he spoke with someone who was elected by the people and that person says this is not true. Valdosta may need a newsletter so the people of this community can get the real truth of what is happening in these meetings at City Hall. For years, problems were brought before Mayor and Council and it was never reported to the citizens of this community. They talked about gang activity, voting problems in Councilman Wright’s district, and nothing was done about it or reported to the citizens of this County. The citizens who try to make intelligent decisions cannot make intelligent decisions because they are not getting the truth of what is happening in these meetings. Mr. Rhynes stated that Ms. Leigh Touchton is a national hero because she was the first white woman elected President of the NAACP in this country. She made comments at the May 5, 2005 Council meeting but the citizens of Lowndes County do not know she made comments because it was not reported by the media. Two of the seven females who were arrested and went to jail were white. That was excluded by the newspaper. Mr. Ari Santas, a professor from Valdosta State University, spoke eloquently about renaming the park but the citizens do not know because it was not reported. His wife, Pat Santas, spoke but citizens of this community do not know about that. Nothing was mentioned to the people of this community about Jesse Clark, a retired educator from Lowndes High School and Vice President of the NAACP, speaking out to his elected representatives. Queen Ann Robinson, a nationally recognized poet, spoke about justice and truth in this community but the citizens do not know. Mr. Rhynes stated that we may need a newsletter to inform the people of this community about what we are doing at the Council meetings. Mr. Rhynes inquired as to why they have to argue and go to jail. He thanked Council for letting them go to jail because now he has seen inside the jail and it is no place that anyone should be.

Willie Head, stated that he understood the dedication of Barber Park would take place on May 28, 2005 and asked that Mayor and Council postpone the activities until the park issue is resolved. Mr. Head stated that they would like a response in a timely manner.

Laval Castleberry, Lakeside Drive, stated that on April 21, 2005, he stood before Council asking to resolve a matter that has taken place within one of the departments. Mr. Castleberry stated that he did not stand as a member of the Valdosta Fire Department, which he has served for 20 years, but stood as a concerned citizen. As a taxpayer, he was concerned that when someone leaves and comes back their job is given to them over others who have stayed here. Mr. Castleberry stated that his credibility was called in question. Mr. Castleberry stated that he has a Masters Degree from Valdosta State University and is a certified instructor with the State of Georgia. He trained all the Lake Park volunteers, modular one, two, and three from 1991 until he resigned a couple of years ago. He was in one of the first classes to go through trench rescue and was given an award by Mayor Gill Autry for going into a trench and saving a young man. He has also assisted in rescuing two people stranded on silos at ADM. He is a certified system rescue specialist and is certified with the nation so he could be called to any national disaster because of his knowledge. Mr. Castleberry stated that there may be some question as to what his qualifications are, but he is not bitter. He stood before Council because he was a qualified individual and has served the City for 20 years. When a position becomes available which he is more than qualified for, then he expects Council to defend his right to compete for that position. Mr. Castleberry stated that he reviewed the City’s Personnel Manual and there is nothing in there that says a person cannot come back in a position which they have vacated; however, this allows the Department Head to use discretion and write his own memorandum governing the employees that work for him. Mr. Castleberry stated that they could side step the issue and say that they have the most qualified individual, but he would gladly put his resume and certificates up against any individual in the Valdosta Fire Department. George Talley, City Attorney, stated that there is a grievance procedure under the City’s Personnel Policy and if Mr. Castleberry felt he has been done wrong then he should have filed a grievance. Mr. Castleberry stated that he understood about the grievance policy and he has used it many times.

May 5th,, 2005 date of arrest ( Minutes of City Council)

MINUTES, REGULAR MEETING OF THE VALDOSTA CITY COUNCIL

5:30 P.M., THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2005

COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL

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Excerpts from Barber Park Issue at Valdosta City Council when 15 citizens were arrested!

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CITIZENS TO BE HEARD 05/05/05 CONTINUED

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Tony Daniels, xxxxx, stated that a young man who was a Captain in the Valdosta Fire Department resigned to go to Iraq to make more money. Mr. Daniels noted that Section 304.1 in the City Personnel Policy states: “A permanent employee separated from the service by resignation may within a period of two years after date of separation, at this request, be placed on a general re-employment list. The separated employee will be placed at the firefighter rank and must successfully pass the mandatory one-year probationary period. Separated employees will not be subjected to the hiring process for new employees except as outlined in the City’s Personnel Policy. The eligibility of any person on the re-employment list shall expire one year from the date on which his/her name was placed on the eligible list. This procedure shall be used for any permanent employee who has been laid off as a result of a reduction in force or the abolition of a position. All separated employees must have a positive recommendation for re-employment from the Fire Chief.” Mayor Fretti stated the City’s Policy and Procedures do not allow personnel grievances to be heard at Citizens To Be Heard and asked that Mr. Daniels be broad. Mr. Daniels stated that he did not have a problem with the Captain going to Iraq to make more money, but he had a problem with the Mayor and City Council allowing him to come back and did not follow the Personnel Policy. Mr. Daniels stated that Laval Castleberry was up in rank for the Captain’s position and inquired as to what recourse he had. Mr. Daniels stated that the employee who left got the Captain’s position back and he should have come back as a probation employee just like a new firefighter. Mayor Fretti asked that Mr. Daniels stay away from names and positions. Mr. Daniels inquired as to what recourse other firefighters had besides filing a Federal lawsuit against the City of Valdosta if Mayor and Council was not going to follow the Personnel Policy. Mr. Daniels stated that this lawsuit would stand because the Personnel Policy has been violated, and as government officials, Council needs to do the right thing and abide by the Personnel Policy.

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Jesse Clark, First Vice President of the NAACP and Chairman of the League of Redress, asked Council to seriously reconsider their opposition to the renaming of Barber Park. Mr. Clark stated that this is not a Floyd Rose issue as some had indicated and Council should not look down on him because of his views. Rev. Rose is from Valdosta/Lowndes County and is a property owner and heavy taxpayer. Dr. Martin Luther King was not from Birmingham, but he was jailed there. He was not from Chicago, but he was stoned there. He was not from Memphis, but he died from an assassin’s bullet there trying to help his fellow man.

We honor Dr. King every January, and we have a street and very small memorial honoring him. Dr. King was eulogized by Mr. Ossie Davis, Jr., a playwright of screen and stage. Mr. Clark stated that there was a proposal for a Performing Arts Center and Council will allocate funds for a feasibility study. Mr. Clark asked that Council look at their proposal with an open mind and leave the racism out. There is no reason why one person can have influence over six other people unless there is a political rift.

Mr. Clark asked that Council get away from the thing that they are not going to support if it is because of Floyd Rose. If Barber Park was renamed to Ossie Davis, Jr., who lived here during his teenage years and attended Macedonia Baptist Church on J. L. Lomax Drive, and if our grant writer was to submit a grant and give it to Senator Saxby Chambliss, with the assistance from Representative Sanford Bishop, the President of the United States and his wife who admired Ossie Davis would give their blessing. We could establish a beautiful museum on that 34.4 acres with a waterfall in front of it which would be an asset to the public and private school systems. Mr. Clark stated that he believed Sam Allen, Superintendent of the Valdosta City School, and Dr. Steve Smith, Superintendent of the Lowndes Co. School System, and even the private schools would endorse this concept. Mr. Clark stated that Valdosta State University could incorporate in their curriculum a requirement that some of their students serve at the museum. Some of the Performing Arts could also take place at the amphitheater that is located in the park. The public schools could visit this facility every semester and could tie it in with the Social Studies curriculum. You would need a full time curator and volunteers to man the center. This grant could help us establish a small mini Conference Center which could be tied in with the James H. Rainwater Conference Center.

Mr. Clark stated that this could also help combat gang violence because we could confer with the group and show them what has happened throughout history and how they could attain certain things. They could be tutored in many ways and it would have a positive impact on this City and Lowndes County. Because of Ossie Davis and his wife, Ruby Dee, corporations like the Wal-Mart Foundation and the Coca Cola Foundation would be thrilled to have their name on a board as a sponsor and would also supply grant money. Mr. Clark asked that all of the negative bickering be put in the background and that Council approve this and not make headlines throughout the United States and internationally. We need to become friends, brothers, and sisters of Lowndes County and Valdosta.

Ari Santas, xxxxx, stated that when we say our prayers and the Pledge of Allegiance we do not always think about the full meaning of the words that are spoken. Ms. Santas stated that when he heard “Father, forgive us for our sins” and “one nation under God” this evening it reminded him of Alexis de Tocqueville who came to this country in the 18^th century and wrote a critique of American culture called, Democracy in America. In it, he stated two very important things about this country: (1) There is a tendency for tyranny of the prevailing feeling and sentiment in this country that one group who happens to prevail can tyrannize over another group and that tyranny can be just as foul as the tyranny as de Tocqueville experienced in Europe, and (2) America has an incredible rift because of race and it will be this rift that will be the undoing of this nation. Mr. Santas stated that there are deep wounds in this country with an ugly past and segregation was an ugly system. We cannot blame Council for what happened then, but we can address what is going on now. We have citizens who are stigmatized and harmed in this park naming issue. E. R. Barber was an inventor, a successful businessman, and he owned a beautiful park that people wanted to visit; however, the park had a fence around it that kept black people out. The fact is that Mr. Barber forced segregation. Mr. Santas inquired as to whether we want to continue to honor him by naming this park after him, particularly on that side of town which is predominantly African-American. Mr. Santas stated that he felt they should not and asked Council to consider the proposal to form a committee to consider renaming Barber Park.

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Leigh Touchton, xxxxxxxxx, stated that she supported the previous two speakers. Ms. Touchton stated that it is difficult to grow up as a white person in the South because things are taken for granted and you believe that the world is a fair place because you are a white person. Ms. Touchton stated she graduated in 1978 from Lowndes High School and her favorite teacher was Ms. Juanita Miller who taught French. Ms. Touchton stated that she never learned anything about Martin Luther King until she met Ms. Miller. She was not taught about the civil rights struggle in the South. When the schools were desegregated, most of the black teachers and principals lost their jobs or were demoted. Ms. Miller kept her job because there was not a white French teacher around. Ms. Miller took Ms. Touchton to her alma mater, Morris-Brown University and she was the only white person on that campus. Ms. Touchton stated that it was very scary because she had grown up being in the majority and black people were in the minority. Ms. Touchton then realized there was another world out there where black people are chancellors, professors, engineers, mathematicians, bankers, and lawyers. Unfortunately, we do not see that world represented in Valdosta and Lowndes County. All of the City’s parks and public buildings, with the exception of the Mildred Hunter Center, are named after white people. Ms. Touchton stated that we take it for granted because we say that is history, but history was written by white people. It is time that we started affirming contributions of minorities in our society. Ms. Touchton stated that she was taught not to talk about race and that proves that you are not a racist; however, that is not true. It just proves that racism is not being talked about. Ms. Touchton stated that we have the ability to set something right and can make one tiny change in the name of a place that will affirm black people’s position in the community. Ms. Touchton stated that she could think of no better person to recognize and honor than Ossie Davis and asked Council to search their hearts and move forward on renaming Barber Park.

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Mr. Head stated that they are adding to juvenile crime and defamation of a people. He was at West Gordon Elementary School attending a chorus program and noted that the chorus was 50-75% people of color and the gym was filled with 60-75% people of color. When the Principal called up the ones responsible for orchestrating the event, none of the people who were responsible or in charge were people of color. Mr. Head stated that the Mayor had just presented a gentleman with an award for his intellect and whoever sees him who looks like him would be proud of him. Mr. Head stated that at West Gordon Elementary School, the young parents could not see anyone who was responsible for the event that looked like that them. Mr. Head stated that he has a 10-year old granddaughter and she sang but she was not proud. They sang the song “America” and she did not sing the song like he knew she could sing it because she was not proud. She did not see anybody in charge of anything that looked like her. Mr. Head stated that Councilmen and Mayors are public servants and are here to serve the public and not make decisions as to what they want or how they want it. If the citizens say to them they want Ossie Davis, then that is all you take back. Mr. Head stated that he wanted to be clear that Council members are just public servants and are paid with tax dollars. If the citizens say to them that they want Ossie Davis and want Barber Park’s name changed, then that is all you bring back. This is the way it is. Mr. Head stated that the young man who received the reward is proud and his family is proud of him, but think about the black mothers and fathers who were at the event at West Gordon Elementary School. They had a black representative from the Fire Department, the Sheriff’s Department, and the Navy and that told Mr. Head that all they can do is serve. The people who make the policies and establish the rules are all people who look like the four white Councilmen, the Mayor, and the City Attorney. The reason juveniles face court is because they do not know what is expected of them and they do not see anyone who looks like them in power. Mr. Head stated that Council was adding to the system. Council says they want to solve the problem then they should offer a committee to rename Barber Park. Mr. Head stated that this is all they are asking. They love their children and want them to know about Ossie Davis. They cannot depend on the undependable to teach their children unless they do it through Barber Park. Barber Park is just the beginning. Mr. Head stated that they are going to be clear and honest. You will have problems with the black children as long as the curriculum is like it is. The curriculum starts with changing places like Barber Park. Mr. Head stated that there is a paternal function to the government which means that is your child, you gave birth to it, and you would serve it when you took office. The people are saying they need the park and you need to get that park, whichever way it comes, that is your obligation to it as a paternal function.

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Councilman Head stated that he had to leave the Council Meeting to attend the Jr. Fire Marshal Banquet to represent Mayor and Council and would return when it is over. Councilman Head left the meeting at 6:21 p.m.

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Rev. Floyd Rose, President of The People’s Tribunal, xxxxxxxxx, informed Council that he read in the April 22, 2005 edition of the Valdosta Daily Times that Mayor Fretti stated that any citizen could at any time request an addition to the agenda. Rev. Rose requested that the forming of a committee to rename Barber Park be placed on the agenda right now. Mayor Fretti stated that at any point in time any Council member has the opportunity to phone in, walk in, mail in, or request an item be placed on the agenda. It is obvious to you and all of us that they have not done that and they have that opportunity at any time after this meeting. Once the agenda is set it is pretty well set. Mayor Fretti stated that the quote was incorrect. Any citizen could ask any Council member to place something on the upcoming agenda. Rev. Rose inquired as to whether he could ask one of the Councilmen to make that recommendation. Mayor Fretti stated that the rules, policies, and procedures they follow are to engage Council as a whole but there may be a moment at any time that Council could make a recommendation; however, Mayor Fretti would have to rule if it is within the guidelines of the policies and procedures. Rev. Rose stated that he was going to ask one of the Councilmen to do that. Councilman Vickers asked for a point of order. Councilman Vickers stated that once Council has voted on an issue the rules are different because you will have to have five votes to place it back on the agenda. Councilman Vickers stated that there were some interesting points brought up but he was not in a position to discuss them tonight. The rules are a little different when you have already voted than what the Mayor was speaking on. Mayor Fretti stated that he was aware of that. Mayor Fretti stated that once the agenda is set it is pretty well set. Rev. Rose stated that they had a problem because all they were asking Council to do tonight is just say that they would appoint a committee. After listening to all this tonight you all cannot appoint a committee or at least say to us that by such and such a date we will appoint a committee. If you do not do that we are just going to be in problems from now on and there is no reason for it. Mayor Fretti reiterated that if it were to be on the agenda and any Council member wishes to have it placed on this agenda then we would address it, but as you can see it is not. Rev. Rose asked Councilman James Wright if he would offer such a motion. Councilman Wright inquired as to what motion Rev. Rose wanted him to make. Rev. Rose stated that he wanted the establishment of a committee to rename Barber Park to be placed on the agenda. This committee would hold hearings in the community for those who were opposed and those who were not. Mayor Fretti informed Rev. Rose that he was going directly against his instructions. These instructions have been voted on unanimously by this Council and we are honor those policies and procedures. Mayor Fretti stated that he would appreciate it if Rev. Rose would honor those policies and procedures. Rev. Rose stated that he could not and would not honor them tonight. Mayor Fretti stated that they were at an impasse. Rev. Rose stated that Mayor Fretti could do what he had to do and they would have to do what they had to do. It is obvious to them now what this is about and it is so clear and it makes so much sense. You placed on the agenda at the last meeting on April 21^st the Performing Arts Center and both black Councilmen voted for it without even thinking about it twice. But when they come in here and ask for something it is some big problem and you have to delay it. Rev. Rose stated that he did not understand it and that it hurts. Mayor Fretti stated that he understood and there may be more citizens that may want to speak on other issues. Rev. Rose stated that he would not move. Mayor Fretti asked Rev. Rose to relinquish the podium so that the Council meeting could continue. Rev. Rose stated that he would not and to do whatever he wanted to do. Mayor Fretti stated that he heard the terms that Rev. Rose wants it on the agenda but after that what are the terms. Rev. Rose stated that all he was asking them to do was to place it on the agenda and let the people decide tonight that there will be a committee. They are not asking them to rename the park tonight. Mayor Fretti stated that he wanted to continue with the agenda and Citizens to be Heard. Mayor Fretti asked Rev. Rose a second time if he would relinquish the podium. Rev. Rose stated that they would not move and to do whatever he had to do. Mayor Fretti stated that everyone has a choice and that he had no choice but to clear Council Chambers. Mayor Fretti asked if there was any objection from Council or the City Manager to ask Chief Frank Simons to clear the Council Chambers. Hearing no objection, Mayor Fretti stated that Chief Simons would do what he deemed necessary to clear the Chambers so the meeting could continue. Mayor Fretti stated that as soon as the podium was relinquished there will be a full open podium for anyone else under Citizens to be Heard. Commander Fason asked that all those who wanted to be arrested to follow him.

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Queen Ann Robinson, homeless citizen, stated that she is a spiritual messenger and her creator sent her to the Council meeting to tell them something. God is just, so you must be just. Justice is the foundation of civilization and if justice does not exist, civilization crumbles. If justice is not rendered, you will be removed.

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Pastor Clifford Dodson, Sr., County Line Independent Methodist Church in Cecil, Georgia, xxxxxxxx, inquired as to whether he could get the proper procedure in writing for placing The People’s Tribunal request on the agenda so that they will know how to proceed from now on. Mayor Fretti stated that any Council member could request items to be placed on the agenda. The City Manager has sole control of the agenda whether it is germane or not to the functions of the City Council because many things are a functionary response of administration to the City Manager and many things are a functionary response of City Council and we have sole discretion on that. Mayor Fretti stated that it is best to go through a Council member to request that. If a citizen writes a letter to ask for something be put before Council, it would go directly to the City Manager and would be his discretion whether or not he puts something on the agenda. The City Manager determines how Council might feel about the item because if Council just voted something up or down one week prior, then it would really get no support if you put it on the agenda week after week and he would be doing himself a disservice unless he were to call Council members to see if they objected to putting it on the agenda. Pastor Dodson stated that regarding the previous issue that was discussed, he heard that you need five Councilmen in order to bring the item back to fruition. Mayor Fretti stated that under the policies and procedures, if a vote or action is taken on an item or issue it can be heard again but will not be reversed unless it has a two-thirds majority within a six-month period. After that six-month period, it will need a simple majority to be reversed or reconsidered. Pastor Dodson inquired about the vote that had already taken place when some of the Council members were absent and whether that was not a vote to form a committee. Mayor Fretti stated that was correct. Pastor Dodson inquired as to what that vote was concerning. Mayor Fretti stated that the vote was to rename Barber Park. Pastor Dodson stated that they would not have to have a majority or five members of Council in order to have a meeting on the naming of a committee. Mayor Fretti stated that was correct. Larry Hanson, City Manager, stated that there was an agenda item to form a committee to consider renaming the park and a motion was made but there was no second. Pastor Dodson inquired as to whether the City Manager would allow them to bring the issue back to form a committee to look into the renaming of Barber Park. Larry Hanson stated that his policy has always been that any item that has been before Council that has been acted on or presented to them that for it to be placed again on the agenda takes a request from a member of Council.

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Councilman Vickers stated that he represents District 3 and has been going to that park for 30 years. He was raised there and was not allowed to go there but they had a pool on the south side of town that they went to. Councilman Vickers stated that he did not have a problem with renaming the park, but his position was that it be renamed for somebody locally who has made a contribution. If you look at the audience and the ones who are going to jail, there is not one person from District 3. Councilman Vickers stated that he was in tune with his district and they oppose it. They feel like people who live elsewhere are dominating what is going on there. If we went to some of these neighborhoods and tried to change the name of the street, they would have a big problem. There is not one person who walked out of Council Chambers that lives over there. Councilman Vickers stated that it was amazing to him how he can go to someone else’s neighborhood and change something and leave them out. Those that have been using the park for 30 years did not have a problem with the park. There are greater issues that need to be addressed. Councilman Vickers stated that he did not have a problem with the park. He was one of the ones who had to go to the back door, but the Bible states that at some point you have to forgive others and move on. You cannot go around and change things those in Council Chambers have no control over. Councilman Vickers inquired as to what Pastor Dodson’s problem was with the park. Pastor Dodson stated that his problem was the history of the park itself. It is like a stigma and the right thing to do would be to get rid of the past or try to change the past. The only ones who can do that is Council. No one can literally change the past, but you can change the future. The reason why The People’s Tribunal does not understand it is because Council is refusing to even set up a committee to look into the issue. That is all they want. They never said you have got to name the park. Councilman Vickers stated that he made the motion for approval and he did not have a problem with the name being changed; however, those who live in that community and have been using the park for 30 years and could not even go to Valdosta High School did not want to change the name. Pastor Dodson stated that those are issues he understood but all the parks in Valdosta are in certain districts. He lives in north Valdosta and did not want to go to Barber Park because it is named after a racist who allowed segregation. Council can make the change though. Pastor Dodson stated that he would ask one of the Councilmen to send a letter or he would send it so that the item can be placed back on the agenda. Councilman Wright stated that Council recommended a committee but that the name is a local citizen. Pastor Dodson inquired as to whether the problem was actually getting the name. Councilman Wright stated that they need to have the people from that area involved in the process and not dictate what others want the name to be.

Patricia Ann Santas, xxxxxxx, stated that she would like to see a committee formed for the renaming of Barber Park. Ms. Santas stated that a lot of the things that people are dealing with in the community occur as white flight takes place and the areas that were formerly white are now predominantly black. Ms. Santas stated that if she does not stand before Council on this issue she would be doing an injustice to her son. Ms. Santas is a school bus driver for the Lowndes County School System and she sees many disturbing things. Even with little children as young as six years old, there is racism. Ms. Santas asked Council to keep in mind using Barber Park for educational purposes. We need to have that within the school systems to help children understand the history of how race has played out historically in this country and in Valdosta. The ignorance and maliciousness starts when children are very young. Ms. Santas stated that she has tried to educate her child to learn how to stand up in a loving and respectful way and to not ostracize others based on race or religion. Ms. Santas asked Council’s consideration in using the Barber Park situation as an educational tool.

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Any relationship?

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Mark Barber, Finance Director, informed Council that the City of Valdosta in conjunction with Lowndes County sponsors a 4^th of July fireworks display for all of the residents of Valdosta, Lowndes County, and surrounding areas.

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Affirmative action 101, Its as American as Apple PIE SEE WHY!

Introduction To Terror 101 & The With Pain Equally Shared!
Posted by George Rhynes on 8/18/2004 10:41:31

On 911, White America was introduced to terrorism 101---by the destruction of the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and other threats. However, blacks were terrorized, before they stepped off the slave ship named JESUS, captained by one Sir John Hawkins a slave trader in the year of 1555--as recorded in the Library of Congress. (Don't take my word for this--do your own research). Their children watched in shock and AWE as their twin towers (father and Mother) were thrown overboard by the “Axis of Evil” (White America, and Black sell-out Negroes) to be consumed by sharks. Never receiving a decent burial or a single grain of gravel as a monument in their honor or memory. When they arrived in America, they were beaten with raw hide lether of the overseer who proclaimed to be followers of Jesus Christ in Christendom.

The best Patriots of America should be thankful for God restraining Black African Americans from attacking the Axis of Evil. If God had not restrained people of color from attacking the “Axis of Evil” with Evil ---this nation may haven fallen from within.

Generation, after generation, blacks was terrorized on a daily basis by Blacks who did their Masters' will, night nightriders, selfish politicians, crocked law enforcement officers, judges hiding behind a black robe in the court room and a white sheet at night. Yet, there are black people on the planet PlukaTom today like Comunist Perkins and Supreme Court Judge Clarence Thomas more dangerous to Black people than the men of yester year. Many Blacks today are suffering from distorted mental vision even though they are extremely educated, and in high-exalted positions within our government. They forget that Blacks were stripped of their names, God, religion, culture, and the history of self. Then watched as their homeland was robbed of its diamond, gold, and other precious natural resources to its own detriment in the eyes of the world.

For over 100 years, Black African Americans were not considered as human beings. While every other ethnic group was considered human when they arrived in America; and if they were unhappy in America ---they could simply leave and go back home. Unlike the Black African Americans which were chained, and restrained from ever leaving the plantation? Moreover, if they escaped, they would be tracked down like wild animals, chained, placed in a cage and beaten by cruel dictators with Weapons of Mass Destruction approved by the state.

No ethnical group was denied the right to own a business, start a family and required by law not to assemble in-groups of more than five. The Black man was forced to refer to another human being as his master and worked from can’t see morning to can’t see night without getting paid for the work they did. There were no Japanese, Russian, Arab, Eskimo, Chinese, Korean, Mexican, Italian, or Jewish only water fountain, bathroon, lunch counter, school etc. And there is no footage of video tapes depicting police dogs biting any other ethnic group or turning water hoses on men, women, and children, fetus being cut from its mothers abdomen as was done to Mrs Hayes Turner in Brooks County Georgia in 1918, castrating Blackk men, and hanging them from trees as strange fruits. Simply because they wanted their god given rights granted to all human beings at birth.

Therefore, columnist Joseph Perkins and Judge Clarence Thomas need to reconsider their misinterpretation of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglas, and W.E.B. Dubios great intellectual works. Black African Americans did not create white supremacy, world domination and black inferiority in America. Therefore, it is not Blacks responsibility to eliminate it. America must stop pretending that all Americans are created equal, and began at the starting line at the same time---because history says differently.

For over 200 years blacks were not allowed to read, write, count attend school, establish a family, manage money in the American system---like privilege whites and other ethnic groups who came to America.

In 1857, the Supreme Court said that no Black person had rights that a white man had to respect.” And from 1619 – 1865, slaves states by law prohibited blacks from testifying in court, striking a white person, buying and selling goods, conducting religious services without a white person being present, posses firearms, and beat drums to communicate. Blacks were told where to eat, sleep, and use the bathroom, drink water, when and where to have children.

Moreover, if a Black man were caught looking at white women he could be arrested, charged, or worst. Blacks were relegated to janitorial and other inferior jobs without legal redress, in a supposedly free democratic society.

In time of war, Black African Americans were the most patriotic citizens, but they could not enjoy the fruits America produced. In fact, when Black Soldiers returned to America, the very people they fought against in battle----was given more rights than they were by the Government of America.

For over 400 years, Backs were conditioned to think, and act according to slave laws. It has been written that to remove these bad experiences from the Black man physic, it could take up to 700 years, perhaps a thousand. SEE THE DAMAGE DONE TO OUR CHILDREN: http://www.uthtv.com/umedia/show/2052/ Until a few decades ago, blacks could ace scholastic tests, and still they could not get into white institutions of higher learning.

YES! WHITES, HAD AN AGGRESSIVE, INTENSE, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PROGRAM AND SET-ASIDE FOR OVER 200 YEARS AND THEIR CHILDREN BENEFITTED TREMENDOUSLY: From which they were able to send their children to Technical Schools, Colleges, and Universities. While Blacks were relegated to discrimination, inferior schools, and denied their civil, human, and God given rights. This was no myth of the imagination, but this is American history and now has become part of World History.

These unjust laws, were never questioned by the Supreme Court.” Whites were not only given 20 points on entrance exams, but they were guaranteed entrance into any college, or university because of the whiteness of their skin and kin. If you were White you were right and if you were Black get Back and stay back.

So less keep it real with the dictates, and dictators of America in Christian society. Whites and other ethnic groups were not smarter, wiser, more caring, compassionate, better organized than Black Africans. They just received special privileges and opportunity not afforded to Black African Americans. This has been well documented; not only in the archives of American history, but also in the Archives of World history---and still they rise!

Columnist Perkins and Judge Thomas needs to come alive, realize the truth of the matter, and began to understand that qualification did not keep Blacks out of main stream American. It was their skin color, and the fear of the hidden historical greatness of Black people—who refused to punk out under pressure from the White establishment.

Blacks were well qualified to use the bathroom, gain lodging in the motels, hotels, water fountains, restaurants, own land, vote organize, carry on their culture, fight and die for this country, become members of the Masonic Loege, and be treated with dignity, and self respect as human beings. White America for centuries feared the hidden historical greatness of black people---from the Pyramid in the East to the setting of the sun in the western world.

Black African Americans bleed, suffered, and died on foreign battlefields to free white America, only to return home and be treated as third class citizens. Unable to take part in the political process and getting Federal Jobs was practically impossible and few white Christians said anything.

Today it appears that some Blacks (Columnist Perkins and Judge Clarence Thomas) are not privy to Black Nobel Peace Prizewinner complete quote. “He who begins a race 200 years before their competitors will forever remain in front unless something is done to help them to catch up.”

Strangely, enough the tombs, and pyramids of Africa are now illuminating the minds of the greatest scholars of the modern world. So as the Europeans try to unlock the ancient knowledge of the Black Grand Masters of Africa’s contributions to world civilization, there is a New World Order---emerging from an Old World of Disorder.

In this millennium, the Black Man greatness can no longer be hidden---from the world, buried beneath the rubbish pile of ignorance, beneath nine sub-terrariums of lies, cross bones, dried skulls, half truths, white supremacy, world domination, and Black inferiority complexes.

All Muslims, Christians, Jews, and others who rule should be thankful that the Masters Word (God) was not forever lost. And that there is help for the widows son--- along with his children, and that their babies will be raised from the slums, ghetto’s of inferiority complexes of second class citizenship in the mind to their Royal Kingship of Kings and Queens of Ancient Ethiopia. For we are all living in the fulfillment of divine prophecy, and the bottom rail cannot rest until truth, love, and justice emerges. Peace and God bless everybody including Joseph Perkins and Supreme Court Judge Clarence Thomas.

Truth is the Black stone of Mecca, The Key of Solomon, The Stem of Old Man Jesse. The head and tail of the Lion Tribe of Judah---which is the final diamond---that will reshape the Planet Earth!



GEORGE RHYNES
A concerned citizens and brother of humanity!