Afro-American Newspapers

February 6, 2010 Character Education/Black History Month 1

 Character Education
Black History Month Table of Contents
Black Economic
Empowerment
5 ACORN: Forty Years and Still Fighting
A publication of the

7 Character Education Profile: BGE

Afro-American Newspapers

The Baltimore
Afro-American Newspaper
2519 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
(410) 554-8200
8 National Urban League: A Century of Economic Empowerment
The Washington
Afro-American Newspaper
1917 Benning Road NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 332-0080
10 Character Education Profile: College Savings Plans of MD
John J. Oliver Jr.
Chairman/Publisher

Character Education Project Manager

11 Radio One Continues to Be a Media Giant
Diane Hocker

Character Education Coordinator

Takiea Hinton 12 Character Education Profile: Legg Mason
Project Editors
Talibah Chikwendu
Tiffany Ginyard
Kristin Gray
14 Harbor Bank: Helping The Community Grow
Zenitha Prince

Electronic Editor
Melissa Jones 15 Character Education Profile: McDonald’s
Graphic Designer
Denise Dorsey

2 Character Education/Black History Month February 6, 2010 Afro-American Newspapers

 Welcome to Character Education 2010
T he Afro-American
Newspapers’ Character
Education program is
designed to promote positive character
traits in our public school students. Each
year, several corporate professionals and
business leaders join our effort and share
stories that illustrate how the building
of their character not only helps them
personally but also in the workplace.
During Black History Month, the
AFRO is delivered to public middle
schools across the region including
Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City
and Baltimore County, Howard County,
Montgomery County, Prince George’s
County and Washington, D.C. Each
publication contains the testimonies of
our corporate partners.
How does it work?
During the AFRO’s Black History
Month series – The Afro-American
Newspapers’ most active and sought
after series each year– we feature
a Black History and Character
Education publication that profiles
diverse corporate professionals, their
success stories and helpful strategies for
planning a successful career. Each week,
eighth graders from Anne Arundel
County, Baltimore City and Baltimore
County, Howard County, Montgomery
County, Prince George’s County and
Washington, D.C. Public Schools
receive the publication at no cost. The
goal is for students to read the featured
profiles and Black history content and
submit an essay connecting what they’ve
learned from a particular profile to
the importance of character building.
Winners of the essay contest are
awarded valuable prizes to further their
education and an opportunity to meet
the corporate professional they chose to
write about.
Why eighth graders?
Our research shows that by the
eighth grade, most students have started
to seriously think about their career
goals and and are more receptive to
the information shared by the business
community.
How can the schools help?
• Allow the AFRO to deliver
Character Education to your school on
a weekly basis throughout the month of will help provide the AFRO as an
February. In addition, provide the Afro- educational tool to eighth graders
American Newspapers in your school’s
media center or library on a weekly basis company will illustrate its support for
for the current calendar year.
• Assist in coordinating the
distribution of the publication within
participating school districts.
• Identify a liaison to advise us on
information concerning character
education that can be included in each
edition.
• Encourage teachers and students to
participate in the essay contest.
How do schools benefit?
• The AFRO encourages staff and
students of participating schools to
submit stories, columns, photos, etc.,
about the importance of education and
good character.
• During February, all participating
schools receive the Character Education
publication to assist students in their
learning of Black history and to further
promote literacy.
Partnership opportunity
Corporations, nonprofits and other
organizations are invited to become
strategic partners with this campaign.
By becoming a partner, your company
throughout the region. In addition, your
professional development among today’s
youth.

Afro-American Newspapers February 6, 2010 Character Education/Black History Month 3

 W
hen African Americans were freed from slavery, they were
released with only the clothing on their backs. Largely having
been kept from educational opportunities, not being able to
own anything, being up to that point chattel themselves and
surrounded by racism, freedom – while valiantly earned – probably seemed like
a hardship. The newly freed citizens needed a way to survive and thrive in this
land of opportunity. They needed money.
Against the odds, African Americans found ways to earn money, starting
businesses putting the skills and trades learned as slaves to work. From
blacksmiths to seamstresses, African Americans provided services and began to
earn. With their money they bought land, started communities, educated their
children and thrived.
As things in the south slowed and jobs – especially in manufacturing – became
more plentiful in the North, people migrated across the country, looking for
better opportunities. Some of these people were successful in achieving economic
success, others were not.
Over the years, many organizations have been founded to help people of color
achieve economic empowerment. Many businesses have also been started with
that mission.
For week one of Black History Month, we look at a few businesses and
organizations that have achieved and while doing so, set an example and
provided education and assistance to others.

4 Character Education/Black History Month February 6, 2010 Afro-American Newspapers

Forty Years and Still Fighting
By Melanie R. Holmes
ACORN CEO Bertha Lewis

AFRO File Photo

AFRO Staff Writer
believes in the good her
Several organizations throughout history are respected for waging war organization does for the
on oppression, but few have survived massive attacks like those against the community.
Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now. Despite strong
opposition from conservative forces and attempts to make a casualty of its
credibility, ACORN marches triumphantly into its 40th year to continue fighting
for social and economic justice.
As one of the nation’s largest community organizations of lower income
families, ACORN has more than 500,000 member families within more than
1,000 neighborhood chapters in 30 states. The group has collected an array
of accomplishments since its founding in1970, with recent victories including
legislative battles against predatory financial lenders, preservation and creation of
affordable housing, and assistance to Hurricane Katrina victims. Between 1995
and 2004, the monetary value of these and other ACORN successes are estimated
to be $15 billion, much of which CEO Bertha Lewis says has aided African
Americans.
“One of the real impacts that we’ve had over the years is actually being able to
bring real power to the Black community,” Lewis said. “We
have shown how advocacy coupled with action can get
Black people results. We’ve shown how the Civil
Rights Movement is not over.”
Effectively mobilizing the largest group
of Black and poor people in the country has
solidified ACORN as a political “force to
be reckoned with,” Lewis said. Since 2003,
ACORN has helped register 3 million voters.
During the 2008 presidential campaign season,
it educated thousands of people on voter
suppression. So many Blacks and Latinos showed organization would be powerful enough to do that. Rather than looking at
up at the polls for the first time that right-wingers this as something negative, we’re actually very proud of that.”
accused ACORN of stealing the election by fraudulently ACORN has also been a strong economic leader among Black and poor people,
registering voters. Lewis said.
“I think that’s very profound that they attributed [Barack] Obama’s election to Millions of dollars were put back into Black pockets because of ACORN
ACORN,” Lewis said. “The first Black man elected to lead the free world was laid pressuring tax companies to treat Blacks fairly rather than cheat them out of their
at the feet of ACORN. That’s huge. What that does is give recognition that this Continued on Page 6

Afro-American Newspapers February 6, 2010 Character Education/Black History Month 5

Forty Years and Still Fighting
Continued from Page 5
earned income tax credit. Furthermore, ACORN
began warning people about subprime lenders10 years
ago, Lewis said.
“We tried to send the alarm that Wall Street
and big banks were taking advantage of
Black people,” she said. “We had
against its integrity. In September, she launched an
internal investigation after two conservatives dressed
as a pimp and prostitute caught on a hidden camera
ACORN officials giving advice on illegally obtaining
funds to run a brothel. Lewis said the YouTube videos
were heavy hits, but the secret weapon her enemies
“Black people aren’t going away and poor people
aren’t going away,” she said. “We’re going to continue
to be that constant, irritating voice, and we are going
to torture them with the voice of poor Black people
until we drive them out of their minds. Groups that
have tried to change the system to be a more just and

“We’re
some success in avoiding that did not anticipate has been the continuous support equitable system have always come under attack. You
problem for some folks. We ACORN has received. Standing tall, Lewis boldly take the blows and you regroup and you make your
couldn’t do it for hundreds tells her opponents to “bring it on.” defenses stronger.”
going to of

AFRO File Photo

continue
to be that
constant,
irritating
voice...”
millions
across the
country but we
were able to save tens
of thousands of homes.”
And within education,
ACORN has helped tens of
thousands of children in several
states by starting educational
programs, opening their own
school and securing billions of
state dollars for low-performing From providing information
schools in poor neighborhoods. to initiating community action,
All of that in only 40 years ACORN has helped thousands
allows Lewis to look confidently of people and hundreds of
into ACORN’s future while communities.
brushing off the most recent hits

6 Character Education/Black History Month February 6, 2010 Afro-American Newspapers

Never Be Afraid to Go Against the Current
I
serve as a Senior Engineer for BGE’s Reliability and Maintenance Planning Unit.
In this unit, I work with a team of engineers and planners to ensure the equipment,
which is responsible for delivering energy from various power plants to BGE, is
working correctly. In my work environment, I work with very smart,
talented and most importantly supportive people. When I think back
to my teenage school years, however the environment was far from
encouraging.
When I was a teenager, I took school more seriously than my friends.
Not only did I do well in hard courses such as math and science – but I
actually enjoyed it. Because of my active participation and good scores,
I was sometimes teased. While some students who are teased for these
reasons might feel pressured to not do their best or refuse to raise their
hand to answer a question in class, I made it a point to be an individual
and not follow the crowd.
I remember one time when I was on the football team there was a
grade inspection. Each quarter, the coaches would have to review the
grades for each athlete. If grades were too low, an athlete would be
removed from the team. While some teammates were nervous, I never
broke a sweat. After seeing my grades, my coach actually asked me
to work with the other teammates to help them improve their scores.
And that’s what I did. I didn’t tease or make fun of my teammates for
performing poorly in their classes. I offered a hand and eventually

Jermel Miller they began to respect me for my drive and dedication to school work.
Through that experience, I not only helped my teammates remain on the
Senior Engineer team, but made a lot of friends as well.
Today, when I run into those that use to tease me, they often tell me
BGE how proud they are to see me doing so well and that they wished they
would have applied themselves more. My response to them and anyone
else who feels this way, it’s never too late. There is still time to get
focused and serious about learning and developing the skills that you find most needed
and fascinating.
If you turn on the TV, or go for a walk, you will notice that we are living in the days of
self expression. It seems like everyone is looking for a way to express their uniqueness.
Perhaps you are into expressing yourself through the way you dress, the way you talk
or even the way you wear your hair, but if your talent is performing well academically,
don’t be afraid to shine by doing extremely well in school. Let your good grades serve
as your signature; let your desire for learning be a way you express your individuality.
While it may be cool to be known as the best dressed or most popular, being known for
taking school seriously and doing your work will not only help you stand out among the
crowd, but it will definitely pay off in the long run.

Afro-American Newspapers February 6, 2010 Character Education/Black History Month 7

National Urban League
A Century of Economic Empowerment
By Zenitha Prince the organization’s official history, there were 81 staff
Washington Bureau Chief members working in 30 cities, where Black migrants
were counseled, where research was conducted into the
On May 18, 1896, the U.S. Supreme Court problems facing the new residents and where advocacy
sounded a death knell in the Black community when was waged to remove barriers to equal employment,
it decided 7-1 in the case of {Plessy v. Ferguson} to education, housing and more.
uphold the constitutionality of segregation. The league of social workers was propelled by a
The legalized but spurious doctrine of “separate belief aptly articulated by former executive director,
but equal” fanned the flames of White hatred, which Whitney M. Young Jr.: “Every man is our brother, and
were ignited by the political, economic and civil rights every man’s burden is our own. Where poverty exists,
gains made by Blacks during Reconstruction. With all are poorer. Where hate flourishes, all are corrupted.
the decision, Jim Crow – a set of laws prohibiting Where injustice reins, all are unequal.”
Blacks from using the same public accommodations The boom years of the 1920s presented a gold
as Whites, one of many tools used to denigrate and mine of opportunity, and then-chairman Eugene
marginalize former slaves – loomed larger as the White Kinckle Jones – who led the League from 1918-1941
South advanced its brutal pogrom against Blacks with – expanded the organization’s multi-pronged strategy
impunity. to ensure that Blacks had a stake. It was a strategy that
Thus began the Black Migrations, a Marc Morial became even more critical during the lean, hungry years
spontaneous exodus from the Egypt of the Great Depression and it involved boycotting
of the South to the Promised firms that didn’t employ Blacks, prodding schools to
“Every Land of the North, where increase vocational training, persuading segregated
man is Blacks believed a city ghettos, where they were marginalized to menial labor unions to bring in Black members and leaning on
our brother, measure of political, jobs; unsanitary, unsafe housing and subpar education. Washington lawmakers to increase African Americans
social and economic To capitalize on the opportunity advantage inherent in New Deal recovery plans.
and every empowerment in the North, these African Americans needed help. Then came World War II, a tragedy that yet
man’s burden is could be found. And so it was that Mrs. Ruth Standish Baldwin and presented an opportunity for Black empowerment.
our own. Where But that Dr. George Edmund Haynes founded the Committee Under the leadership of Lester Granger, the League
poverty exists, all promise proved
untrue – racial
on Urban Conditions Among Negroes on Sept. 29,
1910, in New York City. The Committee later merged
joined A. Philip Randolph’s March on Washington
Movement to fight discrimination in defense work and
are poorer. Where discrimination with the Committee for the Improvement of Industrial in the armed services.
hate flourishes, was alive and well Conditions Among Negroes in New York and the The vacuum of civilian workers created by the
all are corrupted. above the Mason- National League for the Protection of Colored Women war also increased the organization’s opportunities to
Dixon Line. The to form the National League on Urban Conditions successfully train and place African Americans in blue-
Where injustice new immigrants Among Negroes. And in 1920, the name was shortened collar jobs.
reins, all are found themselves to the National Urban League. The success of that time spurred Granger to redirect
unequal.” having to maneuver The League, said current president and CEO the League’s attention to Fortune 500 companies, who
through the unfamiliar Marc Morial acted mainly as “an organization of social were persuaded to hold job fairs on the campuses of
terrain of the concrete, inner- workers.” By the end of World War I, according to Black colleges and universities and employ African

8 Character Education/Black History Month February 6, 2010 Afro-American Newspapers

Americans in the upper ranks of their firms. It’s like one is the Army and one is the Navy – not sure
And then came a time that many see as a golden era of who is who – but I do know that together we’re in this
leadership within the League. Whitney M. Young Jr., also battle…. Too often people have seen the organizations as
a social worker, took the reigns of the organization during competitive and that’s not the correct way to see them.”
the tumultuous and glorious years of the Civil Rights Young described the League’s distinct role in the
Movement. Young substantially increased the fundraising Movement this way: “You can holler, protest, march, picket
capabilities of the League and initiated programs such and demonstrate, but somebody must be able to sit in on
as Street Academy, an alternative education system to the strategy conferences and plot a course. There must be
prepare high school dropouts for college, and New Thrust, strategies, the researchers, the professionals to carry out
an effort to help local Black leaders identify and solve the program. That’s our role.”
community problems. He also pushed private and public After Young’s tragic drowning death in 1971 there were
entities to eradicate poverty and advanced a domestic four changes in leadership:
Marshall Plan, which influenced President Lyndon • Vernon Jordan (1972-1981) – under
Johnson’s War on Poverty legislation. his auspices the League became a channel for federal
Though – as a tax-exempt organization – the League funds to develop programs and administer services to
could not join the non-violent protests that marked the urban communities; instituted an effort to increase the
era, under Young’s lead it was recognized as an equal Black vote and developed The State of Black America
Vernon Jordan
(right)
partner along with other civil report, an annual assessment of the political, economic
rights groups such as the and social health of the Black community.
NAACP, to which • John E. Jacob (1982-1994) – he
the NUL is often oversaw a strengthening of the League’s internal
compared. organization, created the League’s NULITES youth
“We are bound development program and, according to official history
together by mission. “spurred the League to put new emphasis on programs
But distinctly to reduce teenage pregnancy, help single female heads
they’re a volunteer of households, combat crime in Black communities,
organization that is and increase voter registration.”
around community • Hugh B. Price (1994-2003) – the
organizing and former lawyer took over as globalization began to
community wreak economic changes, fostering racial and ethnic
organization. We dissension. The lawyer establishing the League’s
are a direct services Institute of Opportunity and Equality in Washington,
organization that has civil D.C., which conducted research and public policy
rights as its mission,” analysis of urban issues and the Campaign for African
Morial explained to American Achievement, a community mobilization
the AFRO. “And and advocacy initiative created to raise awareness and
so the NAACP promote the importance of achievement.
and the Urban
League are In May 2003 the League elected its eighth president
complementary and CEO, former New Orleans Mayor Marc H. Morial.
Whitney Young to each other Now in his second five-year tenure, Morial, 52, has led the
and work organization into its 100th-year. Hugh Price
side by side. Continued on Page 14

Afro-American Newspapers February 6, 2010 Character Education/Black History Month 9

 “D on’t just follow the crowd Jerome, be different!”

Dare to be Different
is the message my mom drove into me at every
opportunity. This happened particularly in junior high
and then in high school, when I would complain about
being placed in classes with the ‘NERDS”. It just didn’t
seem fair for my parents and teachers to move me out
of classes that I had with my friends and fellow football
buddies. And to have me taking piano lessons too!
Yuck! I sure worked hard to keep that on the down low
with my teammates. Thankfully, she didn’t want to hear
my complaints and I continue to thank her today for not
allowing me to follow the path of the “cool kids”.
There just aren’t that many examples in life of
individuals who fell into success. From the successful
business executive, to that up and coming R&B artist,
or that kid around the corner that received an academic
scholarship – chances are they dared to be different from
the crowd. They dared to work hard on a homework

Jerome Clark
assignment, or hit that note for a band piece just right,
while their friends went on and partied for the night.
Vice President It’s that loving, tough love push for me to be different
that helped me to succeed at the U.S. Naval Academy,
T. Rowe Price then the U.S. Marine Corps, and in my current job in
Portfolio Manager investment management with T. Rowe Price here in
Asset Allocation Group Baltimore.
Understand that every one of us has some unique talent
or skill that we tend to do better than others. As you
hopefully work hard to do well in school, try to figure
out what it is that you tend to do better than others. It may be sports, or a musical
instrument, or maybe a knack for taking pictures – or even (heaven forbid) math is
fun for you. Don’t be afraid to embrace that special talent you have. What may not
seem very cool in junior high may be very cool later in life.
So junior high came and went for me. Decades later, my 9th grade son moved in
with me after years of being out of state with his mom - and he wasn’t doing very
well in school. I tried to place him in tougher classes, but he didn’t want to be stuck
with the “geeks.” Guess what my loving message was to him…*smile*
He’s now a student at the U.S. Naval Academy and I’m thanking my mother for
teaching me to teach him that being different can be a very good thing!

10 Character Education/Black History Month February 6, 2010 Afro-American

Afro-American Newspapers
Newspapers
Radio One Continues to be a Media Giant
By George Barnette FM, WWIN-AM, and WOLB-AM, between 1992-1993. In 1995, Radio One
AFRO Staff Writer purchased WKYS-FM, a station the company failed to acquire in 1990.
Throughout the rest of the ‘90s Radio One expanded its reach outside of
In 1980 an ambitious young radio executive decided she wanted to be her own the reach of the National Capital area into cities such as Atlanta, Detroit, San
boss. So alongside her second husband, Dewey Hughes, Cathy Hughes purchased Francisco and Denver. In 1999, Radio One became a publicly traded company and
WOL, an A.M. station in Washington, D.C. Thirty years later, that single move in 2000, it purchased 21 stations.
has turned into the media empire the nation knows as Radio One. “[The purchases] just grounded our position on the world stage basically,”
Williams said. “We’re here to stay and we’re here to give [Blacks] their
Cathy Hughes, very own news, entertainment, information, personality and all set with
African-American culture and lifestyle in mind.”
standing,
In 2004, in conjunction with Comcast, Radio One created a
is owner of
cable television network known as TV One. While many saw it as
publicly traded competition for BET, the network was aimed for an older demographic.
Radio One. “I think TV One has been a tremendous asset for us to speak to people
in their homes,” Williams said. “It takes us down a different path as
to how we gauge the thought process, how we have fun, and what our
leisure time is like just giving African Americans another avenue.”
As the new decade begins, Radio One is still standing strong through
tough economic
times. Williams
In 30 years Cathy Hughes, says its status in
standing, has grown her Black culture has
media empire from one been cemented.
radio station to include “We have an
stations across the United opportunity to
States and a television showcase life
network - TV One. the way we see
Although it hasn’t always been an easy road, Radio One has it from a Black
managed to be one of the most successful media corporations in the perspective
U.S. and that all can be attributed to the one constant: Hughes. without it
“I would say that her direction and her vision have kept the being funneled
company very grounded in the face of a lot of growth over the years,” through a think
said Michele Williams, general manager/vice president of Radio tank of what
One DC. “The inner workings of the company have remained very people think
personal, very community-directed, very listener-focused ... as if she we want to see,

AFRO File Photos

had only a couple of stations.” what we want to
Radio One has grown immensely over the years. After the station hear, or what we
purchased WMMJ-FM, a Washington area station, in 1987, it went want to do.”
on to purchase four radio stations in Baltimore, WERQ, WWIN-

Afro-American Newspapers February 6, 2010 Character Education/Black History Month 11

 Setting Yourself Up To Succeed

F
 
rom just watching television or listening to the cool song
of the month, you may think that becoming successful
(and rich) is as easy as updating your Facebook
status. However, the recipe for success includes hard work,
determination, sacrifice and attention to detail. At least that’s
what I discovered when I was 12 years old.
My parents were not overly strict, but sometimes they
employed different tactics to get their point across.
My father often gave me a weekly list of chores to complete.
I thrived on being trusted to handle this kind of responsibility.
Also, the fact that he would often leave an envelope with a few
dollars of allowance for my work made me happy to do things
for dad.
However, I learned that my dad was a stickler in a whole
different way. While I quickly became proficient in making our
lawn look terrific, I ignored some of the details I thought to be
minor in nature. One week, I left the gas container sitting outside
overnight. I was surprised to see my weekly “envelope” did not
contain money but a note saying, “You will get paid when you

Justin Herger
learn how to clean up after yourself.”
Since I did not like working for free, I eventually learned to bring that
gas can inside after finishing the lawn.
Manager, Compliance While I sometimes resented my folks when these things happened, I
Legg Mason realized they were just preparing me to be successful later in life. I call it
“Setting Yourself Up To Succeed.” 
Setting aside adequate time to complete important tasks (like
homework) and paying attention to the details will only benefit you in life.
Others will recognize your ability to perform high-quality work, and you
will become a person other people will want to work with, or even work
for. At that point, success is almost unavoidable – no matter what career
you choose. And I guarantee you will have more fun and earn many more
dollars than I did cutting my lawn!

12 Character Education/Black History Month February 6, 2010 Afro-American

Afro-American Newspapers
Newspapers
 “Still I Rise”
“You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.”

W
ords written and spoken from a true poet, Maya Angelou, have
inspired me in many different ways. Growing up in Trinidad
and Tobago, I always knew that I wanted to work in either the
financial field or pursue a career in teaching. Many people thought and told
me my goals were unattainable. They would say “How are you going to do
that?” “You should do something different,” “You’re not smart enough to
make it,” and “Why are you wasting your time?”
Being the youngest of six siblings, I never let the negative things in life
deter me from accomplishing my goals and dreams. My parents instilled in
me great values and morals, which helped define who I am as an individual
today. My mom would say to me, “To be the best, you have to be among
the best.”
My journey towards success began at age 18 when I migrated to the
United States of America on Sept. 2, 1995.
As some of you may know, adapting to a new lifestyle and culture is
very challenging. However, like many of my countrymen, it was my dream
to migrate to the “Great USA,” a place where your hopes and dreams could
come true. To begin realizing my dream, shortly after I arrived in the U.S.,
I focused on my education. I enrolled in college, obtained my bachelor’s
degree in management and accounting, and went on to obtain an MBA in
finance from Long Island University.
Today, I am an assistant vice president/assistant manager working in
the Accounts Payable/Finance team within Global Funds Administration
at Legg Mason, a global leading asset management firm. My success was
Sherwin Springer
driven by the fact that I am a confident, strong and determined individual. Assistant Manager
My confidence and determination stem from knowing where I came Accounts Payable/Finance
from, understanding who I am as an individual and appreciating my
accomplishments and achievements no matter who or what stood in my way.
Legg Mason
Maya Angelou states:

“Just like moons and like suns,

With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise”

Don’t let anyone tell you that you are not smart enough, that your goals are not attainable and that you are going
to fail. Don’t let anyone discourage you from dreaming. Have faith and believe in yourself so that you too can rise.

Afro-American Newspapers February 6, 2010 Character Education/Black History Month 13

Harbor Bank
Helping the Community Grow
By Perry Green
AFRO Staff Writer
Today there are several minority-owned
banks throughout the United States. Amongst
those legendary pioneers are the founders of
Harbor Bank of Maryland, the state’s first
minority-owned commercial
bank.
When it first opened
its doors in Sept. 1982, it
controlled $2. 1 million in
assets and grew to control
nearly $300 million in assets
Institution (CDFI) Program, and also received
the highest performance rating for Community
Reinvestment Act (CRA).
Despite the current recession, Harbor Bank
has remained financially sound, exceeding
standards established by the more capitalized
banks. Haskins credits the success to strong
management. “Wise
management is certainly
a major reason why we
haven’t been hit as hard as
other financial institutions,”
Haskins told the AFRO.
“There is no bank or
Courtesy Photo
National Urban League
Continued from Page 9
Reflecting on the organization’s century of service and the
challenges they have battled, Morial while much has changed, too
much has remained the same.
“We’ve made remarkable progress in ending segregation [and]
in reducing the levels of discrimination that exist in this country
in all walks of life; we have opened the doors to politics, we’ve
opened the doors to corporate America, we’ve opened the doors
to higher education—it’s been an incredible sense of progress,” he
said. “But the problems of poverty and economic disadvantage are
very stubborn.”
Economically, Morial continued, Blacks have lost ground –
Black unemployment has skyrocketed even as homeownership
has declined. Politically, however, Blacks have made significant
strides with the election of African-American mayors, members
of Congress, governors, judges, President Barack Obama and his
Black cabinet members.
Morial explained the conflicting trends thus: “Every force

by 2007, emerging as one of institution that hasn’t been

the top 10 African-American affected by the conditions of sometimes meets obstacles. So not withstanding our progress,
owned and operated financial our economy, but we’ve been there’s also been a rise in conservatism in this country over the
institutions in the country. able to minimize losses by last 30 years; a philosophy of retrenchment that has clothed itself
Among the small group of Joseph Haskins Jr. has avoiding or abandoning some in anti-affirmative action, anti-government, anti-tax clothing
investors who founded The expanded Harbor Bank of the options in the market and which on face has a lot of appeal but underneath is really
Harbor Bank of Maryland to seven locations serv- that have led others to failure. designed, in some quarters, to undo the progress of the past.”
was Joseph J. Haskins Jr., ing the communities of So, some of our success is He continued, “So the battles have become more pitched, the
who took over as the bank’s due to prudent management, country at times seem more divided, the political climate has
Baltimore.
president in 1989. Since while some of it is pure luck.” become more partisan and much characterized by harsh rhetoric.”
then, Haskins has expanded Harbor Bank While Haskins is proud of the impact To meet those challenges, Morial said the League has “tried to
to seven branch locations, primarily serving Harbor Bank has had in in the past, he’s more be much more vocal in the public policy arena,” adding its voice to
the Baltimore metropolitan area. Like most interested in continuing to make the right the debate on legislation meant to create more jobs and address
banks, it offers checking, savings, time deposits, decisions so his bank maintains its role as a the current home foreclosures crisis.
credit cards, debit card, commercial real estate, major lender for the community. Last year, Morial also indicated a change in direction for the
personal, home improvement, automobile, and “In 2010, we will continue to seek special 100-year-old civil rights organization.
other installment and term loans.  credit awards so that we’re bringing positive “Today we stand on the doorstep of our second century …
Harbor Banks is also the first community investors to the institute,” Haskins said. “It’s and our mission and our message has expanded,” Morial said in
his State of the Urban League address at the annual convention,
bank in the U.S. to have an investment a common fact in the banking industry that
as reported by the AFRO. “…[E]ven as we fight these persistent
subsidiary, Harbor Financial Services. Its while Wall Street has no problem receiving
battles of the 20th century, we must now lead beyond the narrow
mortgage department was also the first in funds, Main Street often struggles. So the small
confines of civil rights for African Americans to speak for every
Maryland to receive Fannie Mae funding business community depends on us and we will
American – Black, White, Latino, Asian, Native American – who
under the Community Development Financial find ways to bring resources to them.”
shares our vision of equality and justice for all.”

14 Character Education/Black History Month February 6, 2010 Afro-American Newspapers

Afro-American Newspapers
 Proudly Serving The Community…
My personal story with McDonald’s® began when I was a teenager working
as a crewperson and I worked hard to move up the ladder. I worked with owner/
operators as a store manager and helped run several corporate owned restaurants as an
operations manager. After many years in the business, I decided to take the next step
and work toward owning and operating my own restaurants. Nine years have gone by
since I took over my first store, and I am now proud to say I own and operate eight
McDonald’s restaurants in Prince George’s County, Md., Montgomery County, Md.
and Arlington, Va.
As President and a proud member of the Black McDonald’s® Owner/Operator
Association (BMOA) of Greater Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, we represent 20
local McDonald’s operators and more than 100 African-American owned McDonald’s
restaurants in the region. Our partnership is really a “self-help” business group that
works together to make a difference in our community. We are dedicated to giving
back to the communities in which we live, so each year we look to partner with local
groups and sponsor local events in our area to show McDonald’s commitment to the
communities that eat and work in our restaurants.

In 2009, we partnered with charitable events to support our communities. A few

examples include:

Isaac Green  
n   “Buck$ for Book$ Program” - We donated to Morgan State, Coppin State,
President, Bowie State, and the University of the District of Columbia. Each university will
Black McDonald’s® select students for a $500 scholarship. In addition, we donated to the Howard
University Scholarship Fund in memory of our past NBMOA President, Ken
Owner/Operator Ross.
Association n   “Bikes and Helmets Program” – Another donation made for the purchase of
bikes and helmets to be given to deserving kids at the Boy’s and Girl’s Club of
Baltimore, Fredericksburg Virginia and Washington D.C.
 
In addition, we collectively sponsor Spirit nights in our restaurants to help raise
money for our local schools and continue our commitment to education.
We look forward to continuing the tradition of supporting our local neighborhoods
through our outreach programs. In 2010, we are looking forward to continuing support
of local children’s programs and education initiatives. By working
together, we can reach more and more people who come to our
restaurants and live in our neighborhoods.
For more information on career opportunities at McDonald’s visit
www.McState.com. For information on scholarships and student
programs visit www.365Black.com
(c) 2010 McDonald’s

Afro-American Newspapers February 6, 2010 Character Education/Black History Month 15

 Afro-American Newspapers’
Character Education Essay Contest

Eighth Graders Only

T
he Afro-American Newspapers’ Character Education
Contest was launched 13 years ago to promote positive
character development among the nation’s leaders of
tomorrow -- our youth.
We believe good character has to be taught and modeled, which
is why we have chosen to profile local corporate professionals and
business leaders in our publication.
The featured individuals, time and time again, incorporate positive
character traits -- such as honesty, respect, responsibility, courage
and perseverance -- in their everyday lives, proving to be positive role
models in their community.
For the contest, students are asked to read the featured profiles
and choose the one that inspires them most to incorporate positive
character traits in their own lives. Students should then write an essay
that best explains why they chose the article and how they plan to use
what they’ve learned to shape their future.
• Essays should be between two and four pages in length (double-
spaced) and must be typed.
• Essays will be judged on neatness, grammar, punctuation and the
student’s ability to give insight on what they learned from the profile.
Judges are impartial volunteers and may include teachers, staff from
local colleges and universities and the editorial staff at the AFRO.
For more information concerning the Afro-American Newspapers’
Character Education Contest, please contact: Diane Hocker, 410-554-
8243.

Cash prizes to be awarded

Deadline: April 9, 2010
Mail typed essays to:
Diane Hocker • Afro-American Newspapers
2519 N. Charles Street • Baltimore, Md. 21218
or email them to:
charactereducation@afro.com
No faxes will be accepted
16 Character Education/Black History Month February 6, 2010 Afro-American
Afro-American Newspapers
Newspapers