NAACP

Disclaimer: The NAACP of Otero County in no way endorses the Democratic Party or the Progressive Party of Otero County, New Mexico.

The following are my notes from the Forum on Substance Abuse held by the Otero County Chapter of PDA June 25th – Ken Nicholson

The Otero County chapter of Progressive Democrats of America hosted a panel discussion on the substance abuse situation in the county. Panel members Dr. Gil Heredia, physician and chair of the Otero Libertarian Party, Sharon Hodges of the New Mexico Department of Health, and Ken Larson, Certified Peer Specialist and Recovery Mentor presented a comprehensive survey of the drug problems we are facing in Otero County to an interested audience of local activists. Al Kissling of PDA NM was the moderator.

Dr. Heredia said that the so called “War on Drugs” was having a more devastating effect on our community than the actual use of drugs. He cited the emphasis of the drug war being on law enforcement and leading to incarceration rather than treatment and rehabilitation. When those caught in the system have finished their time, they are released back into the community, still addicted, without the root of their situation being addressed. Heredia noted the high cost of incarceration versus treatment. Also, drug crimes are crimes against oneself and not directly against the community. He said that if drugs were legal, market forces would pressure dealer profits, and the supply of drugs would dwindle. One community activist added that the prison industry has lobbied for mandatory minimum sentences to the benefit of the private prison industry while removing judges’ discretion. (more…)

Alamogordo Daily News
By Karl Anderson, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 04/01/2008 12:00:00 AM MDT

Holloman Middle School teacher Trude Trudell was presented the Otero County NAACP Teacher of the Year Award for 2008 at a banquet held at the Desert Sands Club at Holloman Air Force Base Saturday night.

The ceremony began with guest speaker Dr. Joyce Hill from New Mexico State University-Alamogordo, who spoke of her career as an educator and the value of teachers to society.

“My students would be shocked to know I am scared to death to talk,” she began. “They’d call me long-winded, though.” (more…)

Thanks to the NAACP chair in Kansas City for sending this out in that area.

See also letter from AME Church in Los Angeles, CA

SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
2900 Chamblee-Tucker Road
Building Three
Atlanta, Georgia 30342-4156

WILLIAM PHILLIPS DEVEAUX
PRESIDING BISHOP

March 19, 2008

We, the Sixth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, representing more than 80,000 members and clergy in the State of Georgia, USA, express support for our clergy colleague, the Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Jr., retired pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ. Rev. Wright is a renowned religious scholar, nurturing pastor and outstanding preacher. He built Trinity from a small flock of eighty to a grand congregation of 8,000 members. Our friend and fellow minister of the gospel has been vilified in the national media for practicing the Great Commission to go ye preach and baptize in my name. Indeed, Rev. Wright has received untold criticism for bringing souls to Christ, the very thing that he was specifically ordained to do. (more…)

On March 29, 2008, the NAACP of Otero County will host its annual Educator of the Year Award Banquet at the Desert Sand’s Club at Holloman Air Force Base. Social Hour begins at 6:00 PM and the Program begins at 7:00 PM. Keynote speaker is Dr. Joyce Hill of New Mexico State University - Alamogordo.

Cost/Meal Selection
(Corporate Tables $200.00)

Brisket/Slow Roasted Chicken: $20.00
Vegetable Lasagna: $19.00

Come out and pay tribute to our 2008 Educator of the Year. Price includes the cost of the meal. All Member First receive a $2.00 discount. For more information, contact Ms Monica Hunter at 921-4502. RSVP no later than March 25, 2008!

If you need a ride there and back, call the Transportation Coordinator, Virgil George, at 572-3610.

Pick up workers needed Saturday, March 8. to remove trash from Dr. Martin Luther King Drive. Volunteers meet at the old Walmart parking lot at 8:00 A.M. This event is a part of the “Keep Alamogordo Beautiful” program. There will also be a picnic at 2:00 P.M. in Washington Park sponsored by KAB. This conflicts, however, with our regular business meeting at 1:00 P.M.

From left to right: James Washington, Keep Alamogordo Beautiful City employee, and Esther Washington. Photo by Joel Hamilton.
The sign designating the sponsorship of MLK Drive by the NAACP of Otero County and the MLK Jr. Committee was “planted” this week near the corner of MLK and Hamilton Rd. Joel Hamilton, Esther and James Washington provided their expertise! The name of the young man from Keep Alamogordo Beautiful City is pending.