February 17, 2016
Black History Month
O PINION
Page 19
New Prices
Effective
May 1, 2014
Martin
Cleaning
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Residential &
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A small distance/travel
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more $30.00 Each Area
Pre-Spray Trafic Areas
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1 Cleaning Area (only)
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Gun Violence a Critical Public Health Issue
No time for
talking and
debating
b riAn l. p Auling
100 Black Men of
America, Inc. recently
participated in a tele-
vised discussion on
gun violence called
“The Gun Fight.” Since the tap-
ing of that show, gun violence
in our communities has become
even more personal because it has
again directly impacted more of
the youth we mentor.
Zaevion Dobson had been
a mentee of 100 Black Men of
Greater Knoxville, Tenn. since
he was 8 years old. The standout
high school football player was at-
tending a gathering of teammates
and friends when a gunman drove
by opening ire. Without regard
for his own life, Zaevion dove on
top of three young ladies to shield
them. He gave his life that day.
Weeks later in Washington, D.C.,
another one of our youth was
walking down the street, when a
car pulled up and one of its pas-
sengers said, “If you want to live,
you need to run.” He began run-
ning, and they began shooting.
by
The mentee was shot, but unlike
Zaevion, he will survive. But with
what scars?
I realize that there are many
contributing factors to
this carnage in our com-
munities and no single
answer to end this ram-
pant disrespect for life.
Too many people merely
want to debate gun poli-
cy and gun laws, while
and ethnic demographic national-
ly. The FBI’s 2014 Crime in the
United States report found that
82 percent of whites murdered by
guns were killed by other whites.
Similarly, 90 percent of blacks
murdered by guns were killed by
other blacks.
The mental and physical health
effects of gun violence, howev-
er, impact us all. If we don’t stop
the rhetoric and start investing in
The mental and physical health
effects of gun violence, however,
impact us all. If we don’t stop the
rhetoric and start investing in
interventions that impact young
people’s lives, we will continue
to suffer consequences of gun
violence in cities nationwide.
our children are being murdered
at places they are supposed to be
– homes, churches, schools and
playgrounds.
Gun violence is a critical public
health issue impacting commu-
nities of every economic stature
interventions that impact young
people’s lives, we will continue
to suffer consequences of gun vio-
lence in cities nationwide.
The mentoring services by
100 Black Men of America teach
youth how to make better choices,
provide guidance on setting and
achieving goals, and demonstrate
how to diffuse situations before
they escalate to tragic conse-
quences.
Our economic empowerment
programs promote job skills train-
ing, inancial literacy and entre-
preneurship. Our health and well-
ness initiatives increase students’
school attendance rates, which
have a direct impact on their abil-
ity to learn, earn and succeed.
That’s why education reform is
one of our top priorities, and we
are pushing hard in our advoca-
cy efforts with local and national
policymakers to ensure that every
student in every community has
access to high-performing schools
and high-quality teachers.
Gun violence cut short the life
of Zaevion Dobson, one so full of
hope and promise. The time for
talking and debating is over. We
must take swift and decisive ac-
tion to end this crisis in our com-
munities before another precious
life is needlessly lost.
Brian L. Pauling is national
president and chief executive of-
icer of 100 Black Men of Amer-
ica, Inc. To learn more about the
organization and ind a chapter in
your community, visit 100black-
men.org.
Stairs (12-16 stairs - With
Other Services) : $25.00
Area/Oriental Rugs:
$25.00 Minimum
Area/Oriental Rugs (Wool) :
$40.00 Minimum
Heavily Soiled Area:
Additional $10.00 each area
(Requiring Extensive Pre-Spraying)
UPHOLSTERY
CLEANING
Sofa: $69.00
Loveseat: $49.00
Sectional: $109 - $139
Chair or Recliner:
$25 - $49
Throw Pillows (With
Other Services) : $5.00
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