Mayor Catherine Pugh joined youth volunteers to paint a mural inside the Farring Baybrook Recreation Center on Comcast Cares Day, April 22, 2017 in recognition of Earth Day. Volunteers, made up of Comcast employees and family members, local fraternities and civic organizations, to perform cleanup and other work at Farring Baybrook Park and Recreation Center— helping with landscaping, painting and the beautification of the park and center.
Month: April 2017
Comcast Cares Day Volunteers Spruce Up Park and Rec Center
With more than 100,000 volunteers helping to improve 1,000 project sites at community centers, schools, gardens, parks, beaches, and more throughout the United States and in 20 other countries, Comcast Cares Day was a hit.
The April 22, 2017 event called for volunteers, made up of Comcast employees and family members and local fraternities and civic organizations, to perform cleanup and other work at Farring Baybrook Park and Recreation Center— helping with landscaping, painting and the beautification of the park and center.
A staple each year for Comcast, cleanup and beautification work was happening at other locations in recognition of Earth Day, including the Maryland Center for Veterans Education & Training; The Arc of Baltimore at Homeland and The Arc of Baltimore at Dundalk; sorting, packing, weighing and labeling food boxes at the Maryland Food Bank in Lansdowne; and planting trees, picking up trash, painting and other work at the Northwest Academy Health Sciences and surrounding communities in Pikesville.
The 16th annual Comcast Cares Day met and in some cases exceeded expectations as approximately 500 volunteers braved the rainy and wet conditions to perform work at Baltimore City parks and other areas.
“I’d say it was successful, that it met expectations,” said Brad Palazzo, the director of external affairs at Comcast.
“Everyone was really galvanized. Our company comes out in force and it brings a sense of pride and hope in those communities that there’s a company willing to devote their Saturday and pool together resources and people for a great day,” said Palazzo, who joined Comcast 12 years ago and almost immediately began taking part in Comcast Cares Day.
The special day of service has become an annual tradition for tens of thousands of Comcast employees, their friends and families, and numerous nonprofit partners who join with the cable company to make change happen in communities and celebrate the company’s culture of caring year-round, according to Palazzo.
“The park in Baltimore is where these residents go on a sunny day or, even in this case on a rainy day, and our volunteers worked through the rain. It’s special,” Palazzo said.
Volunteers spent the day mulching, caring for flower pots and trees, picking up debris and trash at the park and inside the recreation center at Farring Baybrook, and putting smiles on the faces of many, including Mayor Catherine Pugh who also came out with the volunteers.
“The mayor was out there and that was really nice and inspiring of her,” Palazzo said. “I talked to a couple of our employees who were all muddied and wet from the rain, but they wanted to make their lasting impressing, leave their lasting mark on the community.”
“We had a lot of stuff to do inside too, so folks were able to come in and paint murals and put together things for kids, and repair tables and chairs,” Palazzo added.
The park and recreation center is known for hosting therapeutic recreation services; Special Olympics; five-on-five outdoor soccer; track and field; a Bocce program; wheelchair softball and a variety of other recreation.
Other nearby locations that Comcast volunteers performed work included joining the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake, Inc. for bowling and pizza; landscaping, painting and cleanup at The Harford Center in Havre de Grace; partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster to beautify Francis Scott Key High School in Union Bridge and Carroll Lutheran Village in Westminster; assisting with indoor and outdoor renovations at the Boys & Girls Club of Westminster’s headquarters and future location; repairing fences, cleaning barns and relocating the antique supplies at the Carroll County Farm Museum; and painting fences and bathrooms, consulting dug outs, mulching, planting and general cleanup with the North East Action Club at North East High School.
“It’s great for our employees. It’s a day where you can loosen up your tie and wear comfortable clothes and bring your family and interact on a social level in an environment where you’re giving back,” Palazzo said.
Millennials pay it forward with startup
After attending multiple networking events, Ashley Grimes and Destiny jones say they were left unfulfilled and dissatisfied. Because of those repeated experiences, the budding business owners realized that there was a need to establish a platform for female entrepreneurs to continually connect, share information and gain support.
In February, the two founded The Millennial Entrepreneur Network, LLC, which they say will accelerate the advancement of female entrepreneurs with an objective to provide members with the essential tools and connections needed to succeed in the competitive business world.
“Women are already a minority in the business world, therefore it is imperative for them to be educated on how to run a business,” said Grimes, 26, of Randallstown. “My mom would always say when odds are already working in your favor you have to try two times harder to be better than the competition.”
Currently pursuing a master’s in business administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship at Morgan State University, Grimes teamed with Jones, 23, a Baltimore resident and graduate of Salisbury University, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in international business and marketing.
“We help aspiring female entrepreneurs to establish a supportive community through powerful connections,” Grimes said. “We encourage, enlighten and empower women to become leaders in the business world.”
The company hosts a series of brunch events for women entrepreneurs that include those from diverse backgrounds and occupations.
“The Millennial Entrepreneur Network, LLC speaks on topics that are relative to entrepreneurs at any stage in business. We also bring speakers that share their failures and successes; and how they got started; and what they have done to sustain in order to enhance the experience,” Grimes said. “Our attendees are able to have an open dialogue through Q &A, have meet and greets after the event is over as well as build their network up through mixing and mingling with other entrepreneurs.”
The company chose brunch because it’s typically cheerful, sociable and insightful, according to Grimes.
“It is talk-compelling. It puts you in good spirits, it makes you satisfied with yourself and your fellow beings, and it sweeps away the worries and cobwebs of the week. Brunch is a communal experience,” Grimes said.
Diversity remains key because of the varying perspectives involved, which is essential in business, she said.
The Millennial Entrepreneur Network, LLC aims to become the premier organization of women serving women in business,
said Grimes, noting that they are already an active and inclusive organization, which fosters professional mentorship, resources and a diverse network of members supporting one another and the business world.
The company prepares young women for success; promotes women entrepreneurship; addresses the barriers to entrepreneurship; and finds solutions by advocating the measures meant to promote women entrepreneurs.
“We are able to ensure positive outcomes through providing members with the appropriate tools in order to develop and grow their business and be successful. We provide our members the opportunity to meet, exchange information and develop business relationships as well as help build profitable relationships,” Grimes said.
The Millennial Entrepreneur Network, LLC will also link members with mentors in their industries as well as have one-on-one strategy meetings with our members. We understand that women’s entrepreneurship is the best way to achieve economic, financial and social impact however; it can be hard being a double minority.
“Women in business encounter unique challenges and we wanted to provide a supportive community that provides the knowledge and skills in order to excel as an entrepreneur in the business world,”she said.
32nd Fallen Heroes Day honors police, firefighters killed in line of duty
Baltimore— The 32nd annual Fallen Heroes Day ceremony will be held on Friday, May 5, 2017 at 1 p.m. at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. The annual event, which attracts more than 1,500 guests from across the state of Maryland, honors and remembers police and correctional officers, firefighters, and emergency medical/rescue personnel who died in the line of duty during the past year. It is the only statewide ceremony in the nation that brings together all segments of the public safety community. Fallen Heroes Day is also an opportunity for the public to show their appreciation for those who risk their lives every day to protect the citizens of Maryland.
The 2017 Fallen Heroes Day ceremony will honor Firefighter/Paramedic Lieutenant John Ulmschneider of the Prince George’s County Fire Department who died just weeks before the 2016 ceremony. On April 15, 2016, Firefighter/PM Lieutenant Ulmschneider and another medic responded to a “welfare call” at the home of a man suspected to be suffering from a medical emergency. When there was no answer at the door, forcible entry was used. The occupant of the home shot at the medics, mortally wounding 37-year-old Firefighter/PM Lieutenant Ulmschneider, a 13-year member of the Fire/EMS Department.
The ceremony will begin with a procession of more than 25 honor guard units from across the state, police motorcycle and mounted units, bagpipers, and drummers. Kai Jackson, veteran journalist and Fox 45 News anchor will be the keynote speaker.
Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz and Keiffer J. Mitchell, Jr., Special Advisor, Governor’s Legislative Office, will give memorial addresses. Princella Hunter, the mother of Fallen
Hero Trooper First Class Shaft Hunter who was honored at the 2012 Fallen Heroes Day Ceremony, will speak as a survivor. Television news anchor and radio host Mary Beth Marsden will serve as MC.
During the ceremony, the family of Firefighter/PM Lieutenant Ulmschneider will be presented with a replica of the Fallen Heroes Memorial and a resolution from the Maryland General Assembly. Additionally, one police officer and two firefighters who died in the line of duty, before Fallen Heroes Day was established in 1986, will be remembered and their families will be presented with a Governor’s Proclamation.
“Our hearts go out to the Ulmschneider family as we remember Firefighter/ Paramedic Lieutenant John Ulmschneider and those public servants across the nation who have died in the line of duty,” said John O. Mitchell, III, Chairman of Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. “This year, as always, Fallen Heroes Day provides an opportunity for the citizens of Maryland to take time to show appreciation and respect for the men and women who risk their lives each day when they report to work.”
Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens was established in 1958 by John Armiger, Sr. In 1976, he set aside 330 burial spaces for fallen heroes and their spouses. Ten years later, he established the tradition of Fallen Heroes Day.
Keeping with tradition, Governor Larry Hogan has issued a proclamation declaring May 5, 2017 as Fallen Heroes Day in Maryland and has ordered flags flown at half-staff at the State House and all state facilities.
The Fallen Heroes Memorial is located within Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens, 200 East Padonia Road in Timonium.
Nonprofit, It Takes Two, Inc. Celebrates Fifth Anniversary
Money is tight for some people at one time or another. Single mothers and fathers may particularly find themselves in greater need of a financial hand-up at some point while raising children. Jaemellah Kemp, founder and CEO of It Takes Two, Inc. knows the struggle very well.
The Crofton resident developed an avenue to enrich the lives of youth through her Anne Arundel County-based nonprofit. She once faced a difficult decision years ago when her son, Brandein Savage was headed to kindergarten. Should the single mother buy food for the week or should she pay for her son’s school supplies? Kemp worked out a solution through personal support.
She later listened to her God-given vision to develop leaders of tomorrow by creating a nonprofit, which includes a Tools for Success Scholarship for students between
4th grade through college (or age 26). The applicant must be a single parent who meets an income requirement.
“Our income requirement is exactly the same salary or income level as the free and reduced lunch schedule. So, our target population are those families who are at the poverty line, or below the poverty line,” Kemp explained. “They’re not able to provide the basic necessities for their young people, and for us that’s school supplies, books and uniforms.”
Prospective scholarship applicants living in or stemming from a single-parent household in Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, Baltimore County and Baltimore City must also have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 at the time of applying and submit an age-appropriate essay. The nonprofit also offers life skills workshops throughout the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. Four pillars focus on bullying, financial literacy, college and career readiness, and youth entrepreneurship.
Additionally, It Takes Two, Inc. will hold a gala to celebrate the organization’s fifth anniversary on May 5, 2017, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Village Commons Community Center, located at 1326 Main Chapel Way in Gambrills. The nonprofit’s first black-tie event will include dinner, live entertainment and the recognition of youth honorees and community partners.
“It’s a major milestone in business for any business but especially a nonprofit to have lasted for five years— so we celebrate that. The fundraising aspect is to support our Tools for Success Scholarships. The scholarships are micro in that they range anywhere from $200 to $500, so with the support of this fundraiser, we hope to increase the amount that we’re able to award,” Kemp said. “We’re also looking to increase the amount of the awards that are given out. Our goal is to award 10 scholarships in this scholarship season alone… and we’re also looking and hoping to provide a free summer tutoring camp to those families who can’t afford tutoring, but they know that their… children need help.”
Kemp balances single motherhood, helping 12-year old Brandein with his clothing line, working for the U.S. Naval Institute in Annapolis, guiding nonprofit startups through Jaemellah Kemp Consulting, and running a growing nonprofit.
The impact of her organization’s work is evident through scholarship recipients like 19-year-old Mikeya Dunnigan. The sophomore who attends Pennsylvania State University heard about Kemp’s nonprofit during morning announcements while in the tenth grade at Charles Herbert Flower High School in Prince George’s County.
Dunnigan wrote down the information and applied. Her mother died of breast cancer when she was nine years old and her father became a single parent of four children. The grateful scholarship recipient received uniforms, school supplies, $400 for college tuition expenses and also a care package from Kemp’s nonprofit. Dunnigan added that Kemp is a third wheel of support who checks on her.
“People should help It Takes Two because it’s a pillar that makes a significant difference in everyday people’s lives,” Dunnigan said.
The organization’s sixth scholarship season opened on April 1, and will close on July 1, Kemp says the scholarships will be awarded on August 1, 2017.
“I always like to say this is truly a faith walk. I am out there on the water. We have not sank, we have not drowned. As long as we are being obedient in following what it is that God has for us, and opening the doors… actually He’s creating some doors for us, so we’re thankful for that,” Kemp said. “ We’re just trying to relieve some of the financial burden for single parents through the scholarship.”
To learn more about of It Takes Two,Inc., or to make a donation, visit: www.ittakestwoinc.org.
136th My Maryland State Fair calling for scholarship applicants
Courtesy Photo/MY Maryland State Fair
BALTIMORE — MY Maryland State Fair is currently seeking applicants for the Maryland State Fair and the Marlin K. Hoff Scholarship programs. Applications may be obtained at www.marylandstatefair.com. Completed pplications and attachments must be postmarked on/or before July 1, 2017. Recipients of the scholarships will be recognized at special ceremonies during the 2017 unFAIRgettable MY Maryland State Fair.
“Since its inception in 1879, agriculture education has been one of the Maryland State Fair’s top priorities,” said Maryland State Fair General Manager Andy Cashman. “Our competitive scholarships highlight and reward the accomplishments of youth, help them with their educational pursuits, and promote the importance of agriculture to our state and our world.”
The Maryland State Fair $2,000 Scholarships recognize the importance of education and participation in the Maryland State Fair. Applicants must be permanent residents of Maryland and active participants in the 2017 Maryland State Fair. They must be currently enrolled in an accredited college/university or be a high school senior entering their college freshman year in 2017. The applicant must complete an essay on the impact of their experience participating in the Maryland State Fair and how the scholarship will be beneficial in helping them with their career goals. Nine winners will be selected and will each receive $2,000 in scholarship monies.
The Marlin K. Hoff $2,000 Scholarship will be awarded to one Maryland youth enrolled in a four-year college, and currently or previously enrolled in a 4-H, FFA or breed organization dairy project. The recipient will be selected on the basis of involvement in the dairy industry, academic performance, leadership qualities, future goals and financial need. The Marlin K. Hoff Scholarship will be awarded during the Maryland Holstein Futurity at the 2017 MY Maryland State Fair.
The 136th unFAIRgettable MY Maryland State Fair presented by Toyota is a fun and educational destination complete with daily exhibits, presentations and entertainment that are sure to captivate visitors of all ages. No other event provides so much food, fun, family entertainment and education for so little. The Maryland State Fair, located in Timonium in Baltimore County, opens Thursday, August 24 and runs through Monday, September 4, 2017.
For more information, visit: www.marylandstatefair.com
Juan Dixon Named Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Coppin State
BALTIMORE — Coppin State University Director of Athletics Derek Carter announced on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 that Juan Dixon has been named the seventh head coach in Coppin State University men’s basketball history.
“We are extremely excited to have Coach Dixon here at Coppin State University,” said Carter. “He has had many achievements in his life through hard work and dedication and for that he has received numerous recognition from all levels of basketball. His tenacity, his determination, his passion, his relentless attitude and finally his strong desire to give back to his home city of Baltimore are the traits that we were seeking in the new leader of our program.”
“I would like to thank Dr. Maria Thompson and Mr. Derek Carter for giving me an amazing opportunity. My vision is to take our University to the next level. I will be a leader at Coppin State that you and the city of Baltimore will be proud of. Everyday my staff and I will grind to make a difference in not only our student-athletes lives but the student body and the surrounding communities. I promise to do it at a high level.
Dixon comes to Baltimore from the University of the District of Columbia, where he posted a 3-25 record in his only season with the Firebirds women’s basketball team in 2016-17.
Prior to UDC, Dixon served as the Special Assistant to the Head Coach on the Men’s Basketball coaching staff at his alma mater, University of Maryland. There he supported 2015 Big 10 Conference Coach of the Year, Mark Turgeon, by enhancing game plans and strategizing how to attack opponents offensively and defensively. He helped implement offensive sets and defensive principles, analyzed and broke down film, and mentored, motivated, counseled and developed student-athletes, including future NBA players Alex Len, Diamond Stone, Jake Layman and Robert Carter, Jr.
Dixon also coached DMV’s Finest and Team Maryland during The Basketball Tournament (TBT) in Philadelphia, PA, and directs his own Juan Dixon Basketball Camp and Premier Basketball Camp, both in Baltimore, MD.
One of the most celebrated student-athletes in Maryland history, Dixon remains the all-time leading scorer in program history (2,269 points) after leading the Terrapins to their first national title in 2002 as a senior. He holds six different records in program history, ranging from points, games played, steals and 3-pointers.
The Most Outstanding Player of the 2002 NCAA Final Four and ACC Player of the Year, Dixon earned two All-America selections, three First Team All-ACC selections and two All-ACC Tournament selections throughout his illustrious career. He averaged 16.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.4 steals in 141 games from 1998-2002.
Dixon was drafted with the 17th pick of the 2002 NBA draft by the Washington Wizards, where he spent three seasons. He signed with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2005, and he averaged a career-high 12.3 points during his first season with the team. After stops in Toronto and Detroit, Dixon wrapped up his nine-year NBA career with the Wizards in 2008-09.
Throughout his NBA career, Dixon played under Hall of Fame Player Doug Collins and Patrick Ewing (Wizards), Monty Williams and Nate McMillan (Trail Blazers), 2007 NBA Coach of the Year Sam Mitchell (Toronto Raptors), Flip Saunders (Detroit Pistons), and Eddie Jordan (Wizards). He also played alongside the following: Charles Oakley, Jerry Stackhouse, Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison, Christian Laettner, Tyronn Lue, (former Maryland backcourt-mate) Steve Blake, Zach Randolph, Theo Ratliff, Chris Bosh, TJ Ford, José Calderón, Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace, Antonio McDyess and Caron Butler. During his first stint with the Wards, he was also teammates with and mentored by NBA legend Michael Jordan.
Dixon, a graduate of Calvert Hall College High School in Towson, MD, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Family Science in 2013 from the University of Maryland. During his student-athlete career at Maryland he earned numerous distinctions including: NCAA Senior CLASS Award (2002), Chip Hilton Award (2002), ESPN Shooting Guard of the Year (2002), Wooden Player of the Year Award candidate (2002), Third Team NABC All-American (2001) and Third Team USBWA All-American (2001). He was inducted into the University of Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame in October 2012, and he was selected as one of 75 All-Time March Madness Players in 2012.
Committed volunteer receives financial education award
Colleagues and friends describe Tisa Silver Canady as a champion of financial education both at work as an advisor to UMB graduate students and as a volunteer across the state with the Maryland CASH campaign.
Canady has even published a book that draws parallels between financial education and life goals.
With the month of April noted as National Financial Education Month, it’s fitting that Canady has been honored with the Maryland CASH campaign’s 2017 Community Champion Award.
“It [the award] means I have succeeded in making a difference for the better. It is nice to be recognized, but many accolades are tied to a job,” said Canady, who, after earning a bachelor’s degree and an MBA at the University of Delaware, went on to become a professor at that school before going to work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
“This is a special honor because it is related to a series of personal choices as opposed to professional obligation. Service is and always will be a part of my life,” she said. “To be able to serve and make a difference is more than enough for me. To be recognized for it, especially by organizations across my home state that are involved in the work of financial education; its a huge bonus.”
Having grown up in Mitchellville, Canady now makes her home in Bowie. She is married to a teacher from Northeast Baltimore. Canady says she is a “huge advocate” of financial education, which she has made her life’s work. Canady also works with young individuals, including incarcerated youth.
The annual financial education and capability awards handed out by the nonprofit Maryland CASH campaign, the Maryland Council on Economic Education and the Maryland State Department of Education highlights the dedication and success of public school teachers, community champions and outstanding organizations who deliver financial education, according to a news release.
Financial education focuses on a range of financial management concepts and behaviors including budgeting, careers and income, credit, savings, financial decision-making, and understanding values and habits about money, according to the release.
For Canady, it’s all a reminder of where she began and where she still hopes to go. “I think the turning point came in middle school when I seriously began considering the cost of college. My parents had talked about college for as long as I could remember,” said Canady, who is also a student in the Community College Leadership Doctoral Program at Morgan State University.
“On one hand, my Grandma Lucille talked about selling Avon to help put my father through Howard University. On the other hand, my mother talked about working summer jobs and gaining independence during her college years.
“In the seventh grade, I had a forward looking principal who had her students take the SAT in middle school. Around the same time as the test, I began thinking about two goals: paying for college and getting a car. Soon after the test, I approached my parents with a deal. I asked them if they would buy me a car if I received a full scholarship to college. They agreed and obtaining a full scholarship became my first major financial goal,” she said.
In the spring of 1996, Canady accepted a full scholarship from the University of Delaware and in August, her parents purchased her a car.
The college selection decision taught Canady much about weighing financial options such as in-state versus out-of state,rural versus urban, on-campus versus off-campus housing, she said.
The car decision exposed her to the importance of credit and the nuisance of haggling–the overall experience made her look at financial decisions more deliberately, she said.
“When you know better, you can do better. I wanted to do better and I wanted to help others to have the same opportunity,” Canady said.
The importance of recognizing National Financial Education Month is underscored by the attention given to making informed decisions, she said. It’s also a reminder that financial education starts at home.
“Children begin learning financial lessons long before they begin school, so the best thing a parent or guardian can do is lead by example and get educated and, it’s never too late to learn,” she said.
Obituary: Elliott O. “Phil” Phillips, Sr., SFC (Ret.)
On April 18, 2017, Elliott O. “Phil” Phillips Sr., SFC (Ret.), passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He was 76. Phil was one of 10 children born to Thomas, Sr. and Juliette Phillips in Chicago, Illinois.
After extensive travels with the U.S. Army, Phil settled and resided in Gambrills, Maryland for 38 years. He was the devoted husband of 53 years to Juanita
B. Phillips (nee Beaton); and beloved father of Elliott O. Phillips, Jr. (Lillian) of North Carolina and Brian K. Phillips of California.
Phil was a proud member of the United States Army for 27 years, serving first in the Field Artillery and then in the Signal Corps. He also participated as an instructor with the Army Training Board out of Ft, Eustis, Virginia and traveled with a team out of Ft. Gordon’s Second Signal School Brigade. After retirement he turned his passion for photography into a business, “Phil’s Photos”.
In seeking to serve his community, Phil has served as President of the BWILinthicum Rotary Club, three time Commander of the American Legion (lifetime member) Post #141 in Annapolis,
and President of The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) (lifetime member), Chesapeake Chapter 24. He was member of the West County Democratic Club.
Phil also enjoyed charity work donating both his time and talents in the area. He helped with the photography and other activities for the Annapolis Drum & Bugle Corps, The Youth Corps, the Annapolis Boys and Girls Club, the Stanton Center, The Banneker Museum, “ Take Back The Streets”, and various other organizations.
Phil served as on call photographer during the reconstruction from start to finish of the historical Bates High School in Annapolis. He freelanced for the Annapolis Times Newspaper, and photographed the yearly Dr. Martin Luther King Awards Dinner, and the Annapolis Chapter of the NAACP Awards Dinner,
After reading an article in the Stars and Stripes while vacationing in Germany, he became interested in the Global Soap Project. This was a project started by a native of Uganda living in Georgia who was bowled over by the endless array of soaps in stores in America and the fact that the hotel he was staying in actually threw the soap away each day.
For Uganda’s destitute soap is a luxury. He started a process recycling all of those precious bars of used soap from hotels to distribute to his people which in turn could have actually prevent disease. A bar of soap cost 500 Ugandan shillings (about 10 American cents) on a continent where many refugees had a dollar to live on daily. After seeing first hand what any war did to people and mostly what it did to the children, Phil became a representative of the Global Soap Project in Maryland organizing hotels to donate soap for humanitarian missions in Africa.
Phil was also once an avid member of the CARRS Beach Hand Dancing Association and until he became disabled, all it took was a few notes to get him on the dance floor.
He worked as a volunteer and photographer with the Bea Gaddy Foundation until her passing, feeding the homeless in Baltimore at Thanksgiving. Helped provide donated clothing, food, water and toys to various shelters in and around Odenton.
Services were held at Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory in Odenton, Md. on Friday, April 28, 2017 at noon. His interment with honors at Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Brownsville.
Charitable donations may be made to:
Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758517, Topeka KS, 66675 Tel: 1-877-832-6997
Web: www.woundedwarriorproject.org
and to the American Legion Post 141 1707 Forest Drive, Annaplis, Md. 21401
Directors of New Rodney King Film Talk 1992 Riots
BALTIMORE — Dan Lindsay and TJ Martin were both in grade school when the Los Angeles riots of 1992 erupted in the aftermath of a verdict that acquitted police officers in the shocking videotaped beating of motorist Rodney King.
Lindsay, 13 at the time, lived in Rockford, Illinois and “was probably trying not to get beat up in middle school,” he joked. Martin, 12 at the time, lived in Seattle.
However, as history would have it, the two would come together 25 years later to direct a new movie from National Geographic Documentary Films that explores the infamous King beating and the ensuing riots, one-quarter of century after it gripped the nation.
Courtesy Photo/National Geographic
The documentary LA92 debuted on Friday, April 21, 2017 at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York and it’s scheduled for a limited theatrical release in New York and Los Angeles on Friday, April 28. The film will then make its television broadcast debut on National Geographic on Sunday, April 30.
The film, LA92, counts as a riveting look back at the controversial trial of the officers, subsequent protests, police brutality, and judicial bias through rarely seen archival footage.
It debuted on Friday, April 21, 2017 at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York and it’s scheduled for a limited theatrical release in New York and Los Angeles on Friday, April 28. The film will then make its television broadcast debut on National Geographic on Sunday, April 30.
“We worked on the film for about nine months and because it was archive-driven, we probably squeezed about two years of work into a nine-month period,” said Martin, who along with Lindsay won an Oscar for Undefeated.
The anniversary of that fateful day proved an impetus for mostly everyone involved in the project, Lindsay said.
“For TJ and I, our vision was less about the anniversary and more about an opportunity to explore a moment in history. A very relevant moment that’s important today and it’s one that allows you to explore America through the microcosm of this event,” Lindsay said.
The goal “is to reframe the story of this tragedy for our modern audience, and we hope it will encourage reflection and debate as we wrestle with these very real conflicts that continue to plague America’s cities,” Martin said.
Lindsay and Martin gathered numerous amount of archived footage from news, radio, personal home videos and police reports. Some of the videos, they say, had never seen the light of day.
Thus, LA92 features a host of rarely and never-before-seen video which not only captured the violence and the protests, but the effect the burning of a Los Angeles community had on Korean merchants who fled the area after the riots.
“We had a private screening and a gentleman who grew up in Watts during the 1965 unrest there–and who lived through the 1992 unrest–noted how he still harbored a sense of animosity toward the Korean Merchants because he felt there was a lot of exploitation,” Martin said. “After watching the film, he shared with us that he never really felt emotionally what the merchants had gone through and in doing so, in viewing the film, it shed new light on how he viewed the immigrant experience.”
Even though there are a handful of other films about the 1992 unrest scheduled to be released on the anniversary, this month Martin and Lindsay say they don’t view those as competition.
“Going into the project we realized that many of the takeaways were insufficient,” Lindsay said, noting that, because of their age, there is a bit of a disconnect compared with others who may have been old enough to understand in the moment, the significance of what happened.
“Our disconnect from the material was primarily because of our age,” Martin said. “Revisiting the footage first and thinking of how to make those memories and bring them to life while adding to the conversation [was the goal],” he said.
And, King’s now-famous “Can’t we all just get along” proclamation served as a flashpoint.
“That became a pop culture statement, almost a joke at a certain point,” Lindsay said. “But, you take moments like that and you lead the audience to when Rodney King gets up to speak, now you are there and hopefully, you have more empathy.”