freedom, inc foward

CongressmanEmanuel Cleaver

PresidentBarack Obama

Volume 2/Issue 1

Paid Political Advertisement

Paid for by Freedom, Inc. Bruce Beatty, Treasurer.

HELP SHAPE H ISTORY VOTE NOVEMBER 6, 2012

SenatorClaire McCaskill

In the August 7th primary, you overwhelmingly supported the candi-dates and issues on the Freedom, Inc. Ballot. We thank you for that support. That was the first step. Now it is essential that you and ev-ery voting age person in your household go to the polls on November 6 to vote for Presi-dent Barack Obama and every candidate and issue on the Freedom, Inc. Ballot.Historically, in addition to electing the first African Americans to the City Council, as Mayor and Congressman, and African Americans at every level of state and local government, we have supported progressive candidates to promote the growth of our community and propositions to improve the quality of life for our people.The reelection of President Obama, Con-gressman Cleaver, and Senator McCaskill are our biggest priorities. It is also of the utmost importance that we all support Proposition A to give the citizens of St. Louis local control of their police department, and Proposition B that will provide much needed funds to fight cancer and educate our children.This election is critical. It is important that you take the time to vote the entire ballot. It may take a little more time, but it will be time well spent. The future of our community is at stake and depends on it.Yours in service for freedom, justice, and equality,Craig BlandSenator Shalonn “Kiki” CurlsGayle Holliday, Ph.D.Charles Hazley

Message from Your Leadership Team

Jackson County, MODemocratic Party

Committee Members2nd WardVirginia D. Evans

7th WardRosa JamesKeith Martin Thomas

14th WardShalonn “Kiki” CurlsBishop James Tindall, Sr.

16th WardYvonne WilsonCurtis Jones, Sr.

17th WardAlicia BlandCraig Bland

18th WardRev. Kenneth Ray

19th WardKristi D. WhitakerAlfred Jordan

23rd WardPhyllis WoodsonDaRon McGee

25th WardBonnaye V. MimsDarrell Curls

26th WardCarol GravesBreman Anderson, Jr.

WWW.FreeD OMINCKC.OrG

Message from Committee Member Carol GravesAs elected officials of the Democratic Party, our role is to first represent the interests and concerns of the people in our precincts. Canvassing the neighborhood, distributing campaign material, delivering absentee ballots to registered voters are just a few of the duties we perform with pride.Our jobs don’t start before an election or stop after an election. We all must continue to be proactive and involved in our neighborhoods providing support on issues that impact schools, churches, and busi-nesses in our respective wards.

Again, as an elected Democratic Party official, we must make a conscientious effort to be accessible, available and ac-countable to those we serve. Working with both city and state officials in our respective wards should help us develop solutions. Advocating for the concerns of our constituents is our primary duty.

VOTE NOVEMBER 6, 2012 Paid Political Advertisement


Message from Your Leadership Team

FREEDOM, INC. and many local and national public health and education advocates support Proposition B.

Breman Anderson, President of the Hickman Mills School Board has made student achievement the top priority for that school district. The student population of approximately 6500 stu-dents is 78% African American. To achieve full ac-creditation the board is redirecting more resources to the classroom. Anderson, the father of a child at-tending Dobbs elementary school in the district, is also committed to improving the quality of instruc-tion and ensuring that each teacher has the resources needed to raise achievement levels. “The revenue base for our district has been weakened by foreclosures and the closing of Bannister Mall. The funds generated by Proposition B will help our students immensely”.

Funds GeneratedBy Proposition BWill Help OurStudents Immensely

8,600 MISSOURI KIDS BECOME DAILY SMOKERS EACH YEAR.

This proposition will prevent 40,100 kids from becoming addicted adult smokers and would cause 33,300 adult smokers to quit.

$223 MILLION IN NEW REVENUE FOR MISSOURI SCHOOLS.

Nearly $140 million for elementary and secondary education and $83 million for Missouri’s colleges and universities.

MORE LIVES SAVED! THROUGH PREVENTION EDUCATION.

Cigarette smoking is by far the leading cause of lung cancer. African-American men are 22% more likely to die from lung cancer than white men.

WHAT DOESPROP B

MEAN FOR MISSOURI?

Paid Political Advertisement FREEDOM, INC.


CANDIDATES & BALLOT ISSUES

randy Dunn won a landslide victory in a three-candidate pri-mary garnering over 64% of the vote. He has a mandate and is eager to serve. Dunn has considerable experience in the area of

neighborhood preservation and community development. As the current 3rd District planner for the City of Kansas City, Missouri he collaborates with residents to develop plans to transform neighborhoods. As your State representative he is committed to addressing unemployment in the African-American community.

“I am committed to community and neighborhood development.”

Randy D. DunnState Representative, District 23

R

ANDY D. DUNN

REPRESENTATIVE

Gail was first elected to the Missouri Leg-islature in 2010. As a freshman legislator, she was Vice Chair of the Missouri Legis-lative Black Caucus and served as a board member to the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus Foundation. Her current commit-tees are Budget, Appropriations for Health, Mental Health and Social Services, Ways and Means, Professional registration and Licensing, and ethics. In the upcoming session, education will be one of her top priorities. She will work with

“My priorities are education, economicdevelopment and job creation.”

Gail McCann Beatty State Representative, District 26

My top priorities are family, youth and education because as a state we must ensure that all students receive a first class education. A quality education helps families prosper. The state legislature must allocate more funding for state colleges and public education. As your next State representative I will also work to ensure that Kansas City obtains more funding to assist in renovating our neighborhoods. I will promote legislation that allows our community to partner with area businesses to receive tax breaks for hiring area residents to rebuild blighted neighborhoods. Although, I will be in the minority party and facing difficult obstacles, I will fight to get things done.

“Serving families is my top priority.”

Bonnaye V. Mimms State Representative, District 27

the Department of elementary and Sec-ondary education, the Kansas City Public Schools, parents and the community to help the district regain accreditation. Another priority is to create tools to bring more jobs to Kansas City and make sure there is access to training to help people qualify for those jobs. She will work to make sure there are adequate resources and pro-grams to encourage small business develop-ment in the urban core and make sure that these businesses have opportunities to work

with the state.In 2011, she teamed with the Kansas City Caucus to pass the Land Bank legislation to help facilitate the redevelopment of neighborhoods by taking posses-sion of foreclosed properties that plague neighborhoods. Gail is looking forward to serving her constituents in Jefferson City. She is proud to add the University of Mis-souri-Kansas City to her district, and will

work closely with university leaders to help create programs for the urban populace.



GAIL

McCANN BEATTY

REPRESENTATIVE

Constitutional Amendment NO. 3 (Proposed by 96th General Assembly)

This will amend the Missouri Constitu-tion to change the current nonpartisan selection of Supreme Court and Court of Appeals judges to a process that gives the governor increased authority to appoint all lawyers to the commission by remov-ing the requirement that the governor’s appointees be non-lawyers. A “No” vote will not change the current constitutional provisions for the nonpartisan selection of Supreme Court and Court of Ap-peals judges. Please vote No oN ameNdmeNt No. 3.

Proposition AA “Yes” vote will amend Missouri law to allow the City of St. Louis the option of establishing a municipal police force by

S.

KIKI CURLS

SENATOR

Brandon ellington was challenged in this year’s primary by a retired fighter who lives in Indepen-dence. As a result of a vigorous door-to-door campaign he rebuffed the challenge and garnered over 84% of the vote.Brandon believes in working with his constituents and transparency. He is committed to community engagement and public service. He is cofounder of Voices Of The People, an organization dedicated to improving community awareness and social camaraderie, and president of I Am My Brothers Keeper, an organization to help reestablish male leadership in the family and community. The Model Block project, led by Voices Of the People, has helped rehab many houses in blighted and unsafe areas. Brandon serves on the board of the Oak Park Neighborhood Association, and is a member of Consolidated Social Service Works and G.Y.r.L., a mentoring and outreach organization.“As State representative I will continue the fight for improvements in education, health care, jobs and economic development, medical research, and the criminal justice system.”

“I will fight for the underprivileged.”

Brandon EllingtonState Representative, District 22

BRA

NDON ELLINGTON

REPRESENTATIVE

ute, initiative or referendum or through an exchange operated by the federal govern-ment as required by the federal health care act. A “no” vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding access to afford-able health. It is an attempt by republicans to stop “Obamacare” (Affordable Care Act) in Missouri. Please vote No oN PRoP e.

Shalonn “Kiki” CurlsState Senate, District 9

Explains Missouri’s Ballot Issuestransferring control of the city’s police force from the board of police commis-sioners currently appointed by the gover-nor to the city. The amendment further prohibits retaliation against any em-ployee of such municipal police force who reports conduct believed to be illegal to a superior, government agency, or the press. This measure only affects the City of St. Louis Po-lice Department. Please vote Yes oN PRoP a.

Proposition BA “Yes” vote will amend Missouri law to create the Health and education Trust Fund with proceeds from a tax on ciga-rettes and other tobacco products. The Fund proceeds will be used to reduce and prevent tobacco use and for elementary, secondary, college, and university pub-

lic school funding. Please vote Yes oN PRoP B.

Proposition EThis will amend Missouri law to deny in-dividuals, families, and small businesses the ability to access affordable health care plans through a state-based health ben-efit exchange unless authorized by stat-

MAXIMIZE YOUR VOICE! VOTE ON ALL BALLOT ISSUES & CANDIDATES!



It is said every four years, “This is the most important election of our lifetime.” I finally agree with this statement.The stakes have never been higher and the battle lines have never been more clearly drawn.Here is what is at stake for our community – on one side we have President Barack Obama, the first African-American president who has passed major legislation during his first term including the Affordable Care Act which will help cover 32 million uninsured people, the stimulus which helped keep the country from an economic depression and Wall Street re-form. And let’s not forget his repealing of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the killing of Osama bin Laden, student loan reform, the revitalization of the auto industry, and so much more.On the other side we have the republican candidate Mitt romney, a man who became a multi-millionaire by firing lower- and middle-class workers and outsourcing jobs to other countries. He says he will repeal everything this president has done over the past four years.The question is: “Do you want to move forward or backwards?”This election is important for many reasons. If we don’t support President Obama, when do you think we will get another chance at the White House? Do we really want to look back a year from now and regret not getting out to cast our vote him? For four years our President has been disrespected by republicans while fighting for our causes. It’s time for us to have his back when he needs it most. On November 6th, it is our civic and moral duty to get out and vote, support the Freedom, Inc. Ballot, and re-elect President Obama for four more years.

The Most Important Election of our Lifetime

By Darren L. SmithMember of Freedom, Inc. andUrban Summit–Young Professionals

Urban SUmmit–YoUng ProfeSSionalS work together to effectively integrate African-American young professionals into active leadership roles. They develop initiatives to foster community relations, enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life in the Urban Core. www.sa f e rm i s sour i . com

FROM OUR FUTURE LEADERS

The Most Important Election of our Lifetime

By Darren L. Smith Urban Summit Your Professional and Freedom, Inc. Member It is said every four years that, “This is the most important election of our time,” and for once I finally agree with that statement. The stakes have never been higher and the battle lines have never been more clearly drawn. Here is what is at stake for our community – on one side we have President Barack Obama, the first African American president, who has passed major legislation such as the Affordable Care Act which will cover 32 million uninsured people, the stimulus that actually saved the economy from a depression; Wall Street reform; the repealing of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell; the killing of Osama bin Laden; reformed student loans; saved the auto industry; and so much more. On the other side we have Mitt Romney, a man who has gotten rich by firing people from the working class. He has said he will repeal everything that this president has done over the past four years, which will take us back to where we were before the president took office. The question is do you want to go forward or backwards? This election is important for many reasons. If we don’t support the president, when do you think we will get another chance at the White House? Do we really want to look back a year from now and regret not getting out to cast our support for President Obama? For four years he has been disrespected by the Republicans while fighting for our causes. It’s time for us to have his back when he needs it most. On November 6th, it is your civic and moral duty to get out and vote, support the Freedom, Inc. ballot and re-‐elect President Obama, for four more years.

“Mayor Slay, please know that I support you and St. Louis in your effort. In my own opinion, local control offers opportunities

for financial stability and political accountability that are not readily available under the current system.”

—A quote from a letter to St. Louis Mayor Slay fromKansas City Mayor James, Aug. 2012.

The people of St. Louis, including the African-American community, want and deserve local control of their own police department. With local control there will be more accountability and better police-community relations.

Over 70% of African-American voters in St. Louis supported local control. We must stand together in solidarity!

O F F I C I A L G R A P H I C I D E N T I T Y S TA N D A R D S

F I N A L 1 / 0 6



OBAMA McCASKILL CLEAVER 11/6/12

2012 OFF IC IAL BALLOT

For President and Vice PresidentBarrack ObamaJoe Biden

For U.S. SenatorClaire McCaskill

For GovernorJeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon

For State TreasurerClint Zweifel

For Attorney GeneralChris Koster

For U.S. Representative (5th District)Emanuel Cleaver II

For State Senate (7th Distict)Jason Holsman

For State Senate (9th District)Shalonn “Kiki” Curls

For State Representative (19th District)John Joseph Rizzo

For State Representative (22nd District)Brandon Ellington

For State Representative (23rd District)Randy D. Dunn

For State Representative (26th District)Gail McCann Beatty

For State Representative (27th District)Bonnaye V. Mims

Take the FREEDOM, INC. Ballot with you to the polls

on November 6.

For a ride to the polls call816-483-VOTE

Vote YES to retain all judges

Constitutional Amendment No. 3Vote NO

Proposition AVote YES

Proposition BVote YES

Proposition EVote NO

Kansas City Question 1Vote NO



Freedom, Inc. has been at the forefront of registering and mobilizing African-American voters for 50 years. our community has achieved a lot, but we have much more to do.

s av e t h e d at e

TuesdayNovember 6

1963 Bruce Watkins and Dr. Earl Thomas become the first African-American members of the Kansas City Council. They represented the 3rd District.

1964 Public accommodations ordinance passes, mandating desegregation in Kansas City’s public spaces.

1964 Leon Jordan and Harold Holliday, Sr. are elected to the Missouri House of Representatives for the first time.

1966 Bruce Watkins becomes the first African American to win a countywide election for Jackson County Circuit Court Clerk.

1968 Dr. William Bryan becomes the second African American to win a countywide office, winning the post of Jackson County Coroner. Herman Johnson and William Carson are elected to the Missouri House of Representatives, bringing the number of African American representatives from Kansas City to four.

1970 After the assassination of Leon Jordan, his widow, Orchid, is the first African American woman elected to the Missouri House of Representatives from Kansas City.

1971 Charles Hazley is elected to the Kansas City Council for the first time.

1972 Harold “Doc” Holliday, Jr., Mamie Hughes and

Lee Vertis Swinton are all elected to seats on the Jackson County Legislature.

1975 Bruce Watkins wins a seat on the Kansas City Council for the 5th District, bringing the number of African American members to three.

1976 Alan Wheat wins a seat in the Missouri House of Representatives.

1979 Bruce Watkins runs for mayor, winning the primary. Although Watkins lost the general election, African-American voter turnout reaches a record high. Rev. Emanuel Cleaver II wins a seat on the City Council for the first time.

1980 Lee Vertis Swinton wins election as the first African-American State Senator from the Kansas City area. A record number of African Americans are elected to the Missouri House of Representatives. Mary Groves Bland, Walter Peterson, Jr., Earl Pitts, Sr., and James Tindall, Sr., all win election for the first time.

1982 Alan Wheat wins election to become the first African American to represent the Kansas City area in the U.S. Congress.

1983 With Mark Bryant’s victory, the number of African American members of the City Council climbs to four for the first time. Phil Curls becomes the second African American to represent the area in the Missouri State Senate.

1986 Carol Coe wins countywide election to the Jackson County Legislature.

1991 Rev. Emanuel Cleaver II wins election as Kansas City’s first African-American mayor. Five African Americans serve on the City Council.

1995 Mayor Emanuel Cleaver II is elected to a second term.

1998 Mary Groves Bland is elected to a seat in the Missouri State Senate, replacing Phil Curls upon his retirement. She is the first African-American female state senator from the Kansas City area.

2004 Rev. Emanuel Cleaver II is elected to the U.S. Congress, the second African American to represent the Kansas City area in Congress.

2011 Sylvester “Sly” James becomes the second African-American Mayor of Kansas City, MO.

HELP SHAPE H ISTORY VOTE NOVEMBER 6, 2012

FREEDOM, INC. has been at the forefront of registering and mobilizing African-American voters for 50 years. Our community has achieved a lot, but we have much more to do.

Every Candidate FREEDOM, INC. supports has a history of

successful community service.They are all supporters of

President Obama, Congressman Cleaver and Senator McCaskill.



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