Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 31 December 2004 — Page 3

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2004

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

PAGE A3

GEO focuses on bettering education for Black youth

By JOSHUA COHEN Staff Writer

The Greater Educational Opportunities Foundation (GEO) has chosen a new director of its Parent Information and Resource Center. Stephen M. Jackson, former executive director of the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males, was chosen because of his leadership experience and knowledge of the community. “He’s got proven leadership in the AfricanAmerican community,”said Kevin Teasley, president and founder of GEO. “His understanding of the community and his experience makes him a perfect choice.” Jackson has worked with parents, teachers, school administrators and policymakers to identify problems and provide solutions to barriers faced by today’s Black youth. He has also worked as the project manager for the Indiana FaithWorks program providing technical assistance to faith-based and community-based organizations. “Stephen is committed and straightforward,” said Teasley. “These are qualities that we feel will help him in this position.” In this position Jackson will focus on the African-American community and work out issues that are affecting the education of Black

youth. “He will be focused on the African-American community and help GEO to understand and engage them in the issues that deal with education,” said Teasley. “He will focus on schools that are not doing very well and work on ways to improve them.” In addition to his work experience, Jackson has received an associates of arts degree in liberal arts from Kentucky State University, a bachelor of arts in political science and government from Western Kentucky University and a master of social work from Indiana University. “Stephen brings a wealth of knowledge and resources to this very important position,” said Teasley. “He is a leader who has fought tirelessly for issues facing Indiana’s Black community. We are delighted that he wants to focus more on helping to improve public education and access to quality options in Indiana. We’re excited to have him on board.” The GEO Foundation is a not-for-profit educational organization based in Indianapolis and is the sponsor of the 2r' Century Charter School, Charter School Service Center, Community Technology and Tutoring Center and the statewide Parent Information Resource Center. For more information visit the Web site at www.geofoundation.org.

LEADER ► Continued from Page 1 tively smooth transition as leadership changed hands from Republicans to Democrats for the first time in over 35 years. “Just putting together a new administration, reorganizingthecouncil clerk’s office and restructuring the staff is a major accomplishment inandofitself,”said Boyd. “We were able to do those things with a minimum of distractions.” Monroe Gray, a fellow Democrat who has been on the council since 1992, echoed Boyd’s satisfaction with the council’s unprecedented transition. He noted that members got off to a good start although no one was certain which parh'would be in control because of recounts in two close districts held after the 2003 municipal elections. Boyd became the first African American in thecity’s historyto serve as president of the council after Democrats gained a narrow 15-14 majority on the assembly that year. “Under his (Boyd’s) leadership I think council procedures have gone veiy well,” said Gray. “As a caucus we accomplished a lot of the things we set out to do in this first year. He has exemplified the leadership we need to get things done.” Recognized asoneofthecouncil’s most eloquent speakers, Boyd has even gained praise from councilors on the other side ofthe political aisle for his commitment to bipartisan-

ship. Some political veterans argue that when Republicans held a majority on the council by overwhelming margins between 1967 and 1999, members of the DenKxratic minority had to be willing to compromise on key provisions or go home empty handed ifthey chose to playalegislative game of hardball. But Boyd made it a point early on that the council should move forward “by consensus” and not “super majorities” on committees. Phil Borst, Republican minority leader of the council, acknowledged thatheand Boyddisagreequiteoften on political issues, but describe Boyd as “a nice guy.” “The Democrats have the majority now and they can pretty much do whateverthey want,”said Borst “But it is my hope that the caucuses can work together for the benefit of the whole community.” Lrx)kingahead to2005, Boyd said the council must be ready to “take a hard look" at key issues involving problems in the judicial system as it relates to juvenile justice and Mayor Bart Peterson's Indianapolis Works plan to consolidate various aspects of city government. Reachingdecisions on howto fund a proposed expansion of the Indiana ConventionCenterand construction of a new stadium for the Colts will also be an important topic on the

table this year. Boyd, 69, alongtimceducatorwho worked as a dean at Indiana University, was first elected to the old I ndianapolis City Council in 1965, when it had only nine members (as opposed U > today's 29). As the assembly’s most senior member, he is the last individual remainingon the council wlio served duringtheyears before Indianapolis and Marion County government were mostly combined by the so-called “Unigov "legislation in1970. Partially as a result ofth Is arrangement, Republicans held on to the mayor’s office ;uid had a council majority for the next 30 years. But with the patience and foresight of a skilled chess player Boyd bided his time as county demographics gradually changed, and soon became the City-County Council’s minority leader. Before becoming council president Boyd’s crowning achievements were spearheading a citizeas police complaint board and establishing Jan. 15 as a city holiday celebrating the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., long before it became a federal holiday in 1986. “For the most part I would say this has been a positive experience,” he stated. “There’s always the argument for new blood in leadership, but also old blood in terms of historical perspective. I seek to bring a perspective that other folks can not offer."

200S ► Continued from Page 1

“It would be fun to learn how to play a good game of golf. I have the clubs and shoes in my car ready to go, I just need somepne; who could show me the basics. I would do it just for fun; at my age I’m not trying to be the next Tiger Woods. I’d just like to get on the green with my younger sons and maybe establish ayouth golf club.” - Olgen Williams, executive director of Christamore House

“I have always wanted to learn to fence.” - Patrice Abduallah, City County Councilman

“I am looking forward to educatingthecommunity about HIV/ AIDS and I also want to make sure that the Colts stadium comes to submission." - Lonel Conley, City County Councilman

NEWS BRIEFS

► Continued from Page 1 to hold their full value for 12 months. Sometimes after a few months, retailers will only give a partial value for the certificates or gift cards. She said, "I've had lots of constituents complaining. If someone buys a $50 gift card, they certainly don’t intend for the person to get $25." Summer internship The U.S. Department of Education announced it will offer summer internships to as many as 10 outstanding undergraduate and graduate students under the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholars Program. Applications must be postmarked no later than Jan. 21. Scholars will be assigned to the office of the Education Secretary and immediate offices of the assistant secre- 1 taries of education at the department's headquarters in Washington, D.C. There, they will assist in a variety of key education projects to give them exposure to the development of government and public policy in a cabinet-level agency. Selected students will be designated as Martin Luther King Jr. Scholars and receive temporary federal appointments for an eight-week period, June 13-Aug. 5. The time period may be extended for an additional four weeks on a case-by-case basis. Scholars will be hired at grades GS-4, 5, 7, or 9 (corresponding pay range of $11.82 to $20.04 per hour), depending on qualifications and education level completed. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance to the program by March 30. For more information, visit www.ed.gov. Crime lab probe finds no grounds for charges The special prosecutor who investigated alleged mismanagement at Marion County's crime lab said he has found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing. Barry Brown said in a published report that he expects to release his report on the Marion County Forensic Services Agency before the end of January. Brown said he is nearly finished with his review of transcripts, documents and other evidence, but said no charges will be filed, according to the Associated Press. He was appointed in January 2004 to investigate the lab after authorities said a technician had cut corners on DNA tests, raising questions about their validity.

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