December - The Key Awareness Newspaper

FREE
I N S I D E A W A RE N E S S
“Turning Positives
Into Print”
Men of Club 533... Special Blessing
2
Geri's Inspirations
3
Life's Journey: Johnnie Bernice Barlow
4
Cynthia's Health News
5
Black History Museum
8
Dr.Virgie M. Binford (Continued from page 1)
9
Drugs Uncut:The Earl Jasper Story!
10
Visit our website: www.keyawarenesspublishing.com or email us at keyawarenesspub@wmconnect.com Volum e XV, Num b e r IX • De ce m b e r 2011
Little Sam Got Her Van! - On behalf of the Dillard
family, we thank everyone for their participation and
financial donations in helping to make this a reality.
Now we are working to make
the second half of the Dillard
family's wish, of adding on a
downstairs, wheelchair accessible
bedroom for Lil Sam come true.
With your continued support,
together we will make this too a
reality.
Blessed are those who share-Thank You--May God continue to
bless you all!
Contact info: Lucy Memmo
(804) 920-7731 | lucy4eye1@
comcast.net Make checks
payable to Samara Dillard,
Wells Fargo Account Mail:
Wells Fargo at Bon Air 9 0 2 6
Forest Hill Ave | Richmond, Va.
23235 | Paypal: vanforsam@
gmail.com
Proudly Introducing, Dr. Virgie M.
Binford: A Role Model’s Role Model!
Life is a journey.
Preparation is a most essential
dynamic for the success of the
journey. For without knowledge
of the road we tread, we may
easily be subjected to 40 years of
wilderness wandering.
It is God’s desire and
purpose for His children as
we embark upon our journeys,
discovering and activating our
ministries to serve and to lead,
that we grasp all educational
opportunities. It does not bode
well with the spirit of man to follow an uneducated leader.
“Education is a social process… Education is growth… Education is,
not preparation for life; Education is life itself”. (Source: philosopher John
Dewey)
“Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army” (Source:
Edward Everett).
It is said that only the educated are truly free and remember: “He who
opens a school door, closes a prison”. (Source: Victor Hugo)
It is a great privilege and honor to have such
an elite, world renowned educator to grace our Key
Continues on page 9
Mosby Court Faith Leaders Day Program… A Great Success In The Mosby Community!
The Mosby Court Faith Leaders Day turnout, sponsored by the
Richmond Police Faith Leaders Partnership was a great success.
The program held in the Mosby Community lived up to its
theme of Food, Fun and Fellowship as Mosby residents and friends
intermingled with participants of the Richmond Faith Leaders
Partnership while enjoying great food, fantastic entertainment and
wonderful socialization with one another.
“In the Faith Leaders Partnership there are about 45 churches
that come together; they meet with me and
Continues on page 6
Glad
Key Awareness Wishes You All
Tidings & A Merry-Merry Christmas
Page 2
Key Awareness • December 2011
The Men of Club 533 Continues To Be A Special Blessing For Their
Richmond Neighbors In Spite of Economic Hard Times!
Give… give… and then… give some more; this is what
you safe… thank you very much”.
our heavenly Father has instructed us to do.
Resident Irvin Taylor commented: “I appreciate my
Jesus said, “And whosoever shall compel thee to go a
Thanksgiving food box and I wish you all many more
mile, go with him twain. (2 miles). Give to him that asketh
Thanksgivings”.
thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou
4th Avenue resident, Dianne Francis Smith said, “Thank
away”. [Matthew 5: 41-42]
you”.
You know; I remember as a child growing up in the
James Lawson, 4th Avenue resident commented: “First
old-school neighborhood where no one went without a
of all I give the honor and praise to our Lord and Saviour;
meal, because neighbors shared the little that they had with
for the men of Club 533 we thank you all and we really
one another to make sure nourishing food was provided for
appreciate it and we wish you all a blessed Thanksgiving”.
families and individuals who came up a little short. A cup
Mary R. Johnson, 4th Avenue resident stated, “I thank
of flour here, a cup of meal there… a pot of beans from Ms.
you once again because this is my second time receiving a
Johnson down the street… and then take the book to one of
gift basket from Club 533”.
the corner markets and get meat and bread on time. Bam…
Gloria Winston said, “I just want to thank you all for
you’ve got a meal! Back in the day… through hard-times,
my basket”.
Old Brook Circle
neighbors stuck together and we all survived.
3900 Old Brook Circle resident, Sarah Cook
Guess what? Hard-times are back again… just look around; but thank God for old-school
commented, “I just want to let the men of Club 533 know that I really appreciate the food
neighbors like the men of Club 533.
basket”.
All year long these old-school neighbors are busy assisting the needs of the people in the
Willie Stuken, Old Brook Circle resident stated: “I’m very thankful for the food basket
Richmond community with blessings of food, monetary donations, non-perishable gifts as well
from Club 533”.
as the most important gift of all… the gift of time.
Robert May said, “I want to thank you all for bringing these food baskets to us”.
Today we are focusing on the blessed generosities from the men of Club 533 through their
Linwood Jeter, Chairman of the Community Affairs Committee for Club 533 stated: “We
annual giving of food baskets for senior residents at Fay Towers, 1611 4th Avenue and Old
do this the whole year around. In addition to donating Thanksgiving baskets, we give Christmas
Brook Circle senior living facilities in the Jackson Ward and north Richmond areas.
baskets as well as helping the people of Richmond in other ways. The needs of the people are
Recipient Kathleen Hewlett
really growing, we don’t get any
of Fay Towers senior facility
outside donations, this is all done
commented: “I thank the men
by members of Club 533. We are
of Club 533 for donating this
proud to do this. To be able to
Thanksgiving Food basket, I
help someone and to see the joy in
plan to prepare a big dinner on
their face… that’s what we get out
Thanksgiving day”.
of it. I hope the Lord continues to
Robert Lee of Fay Towers
bless us and bless them too”.
stated: “I appreciate you guys
“He who is kind to the
coming by and giving us these
poor lends to the Lord, and He
food baskets; I pray that God
will reward him for what he has
continues to bless you all and keep
done”. [Proverbs 19:17]
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Page 3
Key Awareness • December 2011
Chamberlayne
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(804) 329-0420 • Fax: (804) 321-6636
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Mon. 10am - 3pm • Tues./Thur. 10am - 5pm • Fri. 10am - 12noon
WALK-Ins Welcome
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Tel: 804.901.7821
Email: JPollardRN@gmail.com
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NU Look
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Looking for licensed
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Relaxed Atmosphere. High Traffic Area
[Giving Time to Build Special Clientele]
Booth Rental Rates: $85 per week (first
year)/ $100 per week (second year)
Location: 3299 Mechanicsville Turnpike
Richmond, Va. 23223
Any questions or interviewcall Carlton Crossin (804) 920-6694
Only serious applicants need apply!
We Ship Anywhere!
Great Gift Ideas!
Barky’s
Spiritual Store
Hymnals • Ballads • Videos • Bibles • Robes
Usher Pens • Bulletins • Etc.
18 E. Broad St. • 643-1987
Geri’s
Inspirations
Do Nothing When
Nothing Works
How many times have you
gone out of your way to
make life easier for someone
else only to have them act
as though what you are
suggesting is an inconvenience
to their agenda? If you are a proactive person
such as me, then you know exactly what I am
referring to. You are the kind of person who
tries to prevent mishaps rather than react to
them after the fact. You anticipate challenges
so that you are not caught off guard at an
inopportune time. You spend quite a bit of
time planning things rather than letting things
just happen. You try your best to control the
energy that comes into your space. Because of
who you are there will be times where you do
nothing when nothing works.
This past month I had a number of occasions
where my assistance was met with resistance.
Rather than try to explain my intentions, I
decided to do nothing. For me doing nothing
takes the issue off my plate and allows me to
focus on the positives in my life. I refuse to
allow someone else’s agenda to steal my joy.
If the way you want it done is more convenient
to you, yet causes me undue stress, then we
need to meet some place in the middle. This
especially applies to customer service where
I am spending my money. No matter how
bad I want an item, if the energy surrounding
the purchase is negative, then I will forfeit the
purchase. In the spirit of Christmas, I have
done just that this week. I will continue to
be conscious of the energy that comes into
my space from now on. Not just during the
holidays, but at all times. If nothing you do
is working anyway, then you might as well do
nothing. This decision may eliminate the stress
of trying to fix the situation. Sometimes by the
time you get back to it everything has worked
itself out. Remember we are responsible for
our thoughts and feelings. No one can make
us sad or happy.
I choose happy!
For Insurance Call:
Sometimes that
means I do
(804) 264-9443
nothing when
State Farm Insurance Companies
nothing works.
Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois
Michael Fisher
Page 4
Key Awareness • December 2011
Life’s Journey: Johnnie Bernice Barlow
Sunrise: June 2, 1945- Sunset: November 4, 2011
I had the pleasure of meeting “Johnnie Girl” when
we were about fourteen years of age. Initially she would
stop by to see us when my brother in law’s sister would
come to visit my sister and her husband who were living
in the apartment two doors down from us in Gilpin Court.
“Johnnie Girl” would pop in and just start talking and
acting crazy, flashing that infectious undeniable smile of
hers that no one could deny warming up to.
Mama took a liking to her immediately and pretty
soon whenever they came to visit my sister and her
husband, “Johnnie Girl” would come over by herself
and sit down and eat dinner with us, still talking and
acting crazy. Now back during that time it took a lot of
charming for Mama to invite you to sit and have dinner… especially when times
were hard… but like I said earlier, “Johnnie Girl’s” infectious undeniable smile
and outgoing down to earth personality won us all over. And with “Johnnie
Girl”, once she won you over, you became a friend of hers for a lifetime. Such
was my pleasure and experience with her. At age fourteen she became my buddy
for life and whenever we saw one another throughout the years that followed,
her special smile always made me smile.
From now on just like in the past… whenever I think about “Johnnie Girl” it
will bring a smile to my heart that will resonate upon my face. What a ‘blessed
gift’ she possessed.
A friend and admirer, Robert W. Evans/ Key Awareness Publishing
“A smile for all, a heart of gold, one of the best the world could hold. Never
selfish, always kind. These are the memories you left behind”.
Our beloved Johnnie Bernice Barlow, 66, of Richmond, Virginia was called
to eternal rest. She completed her journey here on earth on Friday, November 4,
2011 and accepted God’s offer of everlasting life. She was born June 2, 1945, the
youngest daughter of the late Emily and John (Bayboy) Barlow Jr.
Johnnie, affectionately known to all as “Johnnie Girl”, was educated in the
Richmond Public School System.
She was employed for 30 years as a bus monitor with Richmond Public
Schools and was also employed at Regional Marketing Concepts Events (RMC)
as a security officer.
Johnnie was a member of St. Paul’s Baptist Church, having given her
life to Christ at an early age. Johnnie was most known for her outgoing,
and generous spirit. She embraced each day to the fullest being the life
of any party or outgoing event. A very genuine person, whether it was
her family, a friend, her church or work, she was very loyal and would
do anything for you. She loved her family. We will never forget her
infectious smile, genuine personality and positive attitude.
Johnnie leaves a void in the lives of the many relatives and friends
who both loved and admired her. Cherishing her memories two caring
daughters, Selma Barlow Dandridge and Rashida Renae Coleman of
New Jersey’; loving son-in-law, Stephon L. Dandridge, “heart and soul”
grandson, Stephon L. Dandridge II; one sister, Joan Delores Barlow;
one aunt, Mary Barlow; two devoted friends, Helen Crawley and Mary
Elizabeth Mines; devoted niece, Yolanda Mines with a
host of other nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Not How Did She Die, But How Did She Live
Not how did she die, but how did she live?
Not what did she gain, but what did she give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a woman as a woman, regardless of birth?
Not what was her church, nor what was her creed?
But had she befriended those really in need?
Was she ever ready, with a word of good cheer?
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,
But how many were sad when she passed away.
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Page 5
Key Awareness • December 2011
WORLD AIDS DAY: DECEMBER 1, 2011
“Every 9½ minutes (on average), someone in the United States is infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.” (CDC)
Get the Facts:
United States:
• 1.2 million people in the United States are living with
HIV infection and 1 in 5 are unaware of their infection.
(Data Source: Centers for Disease Control)
Virginia:
• Approximately 23,000 Virginians are living with HIV
& AIDS
o Males (16,890) are almost three times as likely to have
HIV & AIDS as females (6,103)
o African Americans (13,941) continue to face the most
severe HIV burden followed by Whites ( 6,975) and
Hispanics (1,542)
o Transmission Categories: How infected?
• Male-to-male sexual contact (MSM) = 41%
• No risk factor reported or identified = 23%
• Heterosexual contact = 19%
• Injection drug use (IDU) = 11%
• MSM & IDU = 4%
• Pediatric = 1%
• Blood recipient = 1%
• Greater Richmond Metropolitan Area: People living
with HIV by locality, and rate per 100,000 residents
o Chesterfield 489; 161.1
o Goochland 181; 863.7
o Henrico 589; 201.3
o Petersburg 389; 1,181.8
o Richmond 2,520; 1,247.5
(Data Source: Virginia HIV Surveillance Quarterly
Report, fourth quarter 2010, Virginia Department of
Health)
Get Tested:
Free HIV/AIDS Testing Sites
1. Fan Free Clinic
1010 North Thompson St., Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: (804) 358-6343 Ext 140, Call Susan Tellier for
Appointment
2. Minority Health Consortium
208 E. Clay St., Suite D, Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 225-0820
3. Richmond City
Health Department
500 N. 10th Street,
Room 114, Richmond,
VA
Phone: (804) 205-3500
Cynthia's Health News
4. Cross Over Ministry
108 Cowardin Avenue, Richmond, VA 23224
Phone: (804) 233-5016
5. Daily Planet
517 West Grace Street, Richmond, 23220
Phone: (804) 783-0678
6. Vernon J. Harris Health Center
719 North 25th Street
Phone; (840) 840-8835
Get Involved:
Volunteer in your community.
Everyone has a role in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Contact the HIV/AIDS Testing sites listed above for
volunteer opportunities.
Page 6
Key Awareness • December 2011
Mosby Court Faith Leaders Day Program… A Great Success In The Mosby Community!
morning, this is just wonderful”.
The Mosby Court Faith Leaders Day program
also featured Dental and Health Screenings, Parenting
Resources, Youth Counseling, A Job Fair and
Educational Opportunities.
We are constantly reminded that we are to love
our neighbors as ourselves. Philosopher Henry Ward
Beecher quotes, “If a man cannot be a Christian
in the place where he is, he cannot be a Christian
anywhere”.
my command staff every month. We decided that
we needed to go out into the community to do some
outreach, and the Mosby Court community is one of
those places we decided to come to”, stated the City
of Richmond’s Chief of Police, Bryan T. Norwood.
Chief Norwood continued, “The turnout for this event
is absolutely awesome, it’s better than we could ever
expect.
People are having a great time, we’re giving away
clothes, food and we’re giving away supplies to folk
who need them. This program is fostered by the Faith
Leaders Initiative which has about 45 clergy members
who meet with our police department monthly
to discuss the needs of the community”. Patricia
Williford, President of the Mosby Court Tenant
Council stated, “This function today is just beautiful,
the turn out is just wonderful… it’s great, actually
better than the turnout we had last summer. I’m so
happy to see all of our tenants out here participating
as well as the faith leaders who are out here this
Page 7
Key Awareness • December 2011
A Healthcare Home Your Family Can Count On.
When choosing a healthcare provider, consider their dedication to improving the
health status within your community. Consider the commitment to accessibility,
and culturally responsiveness to healthcare services. Consider the span of on-site
services provided to meet your healthcare needs.
CAHN has, and we are proud to serve the families of our communities. We
provide healthcare services to insured, uninsured, Medicaid and Medicare
patients, with dignity and respect.   We also offer patient education, specialty
referrals, and social services support.  Consider CAHN, a healthcare home your
family can count on.
Main Street
Medical Center
Northside
Medical Center
Vernon J. Harris
Medical Center
Glenwood
Medical Center
Southside
Medical Center
2025 E. Main Street
Richmond, VA 23223
T. (804) 591-2890 • F. (804)591-2895
2809 North Ave. Suite 206
Richmond, VA 23222
T. (804) 525-1800 • F. (804) 525-1811
719 N. 25th Street
Richmond, VA 23223
T. (804) 780-0840 • F. (804) 780-0862
2709 Byron Street
Richmond, VA 23223
T. (804) 525-1818 • F. (804) 525-1820
101 Cowardin Avenue Suite 102
Richmond, VA 23224
T. (804) 420-1300 • F. (804) 420-1290
Page 8
Black History Museum & Cultural
Center of Virginia Holiday Exhibitions
During the holidays, the
public is invited to view
the Black History
Museum’s three newest
exhibitions: “Louis
Hansel Draper: The Way
I See It,”
“Darrick Claiborne:
Biblical Proportions,” and
“Jerome and Jeromyah
Jones: The Art of Father
and Son as One.” The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia
collects and exhibits artifacts and objects that serve to illustrate the history of
Black
peoples, with an emphasis on Virginians.
The Museum is open daily, Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors/students and $3 for children 12 and
under; members are free.
For more information, call 804-780-9093 or fax to 804-780-9107 or visit 00
Clay Street; Richmond, VA 23261
Mary C. Lauderdale
Museum Manager
Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia
Key Awareness • December 2011
Local Black History News
Compiled by RRHA
James H. Blackwell (Blackwell Community)
James Heyward Blackwell was an educator and businessman. In 1880 he graduated
from Richmond Institute (now Virginia Union University) and became a teacher
in New Kent County, then returned to the Manchester
community in Richmond. During that time, Blacks had
successfully lobbied for black teachers in Richmond and
the Maury School opened with Blackwell as one of the
three black teachers. He became Principal in 1888. After
more than 40 years in public education, Blackwell retired
in 1922. During the remaining years of his life he managed
the Interstate Colored Teachers Agency and Better Service
Bureau employment agencies. He died in 1931. In 1951
the Dunbar School became a combined elementary and junior high school. The
following year, the school board renamed it the James H. Blackwell School. An
elementary school only since 1970, the school gave its name to the surrounding
neighborhood. Today the Blackwell community is undergoing revitalization through
the Neighborhoods in Bloom program and our HOPE VI initiative, which is bringing
new apartments, single-family homes, a revitalized park and self-sufficiency programs
and services for the former public housing families.
Grandma’s Tasteful
Foods… With A Touch of
Soul Cook Book
“A Great Christmas Gift”
$15.95; Special for the Holiday- $9.98
For example:
“Baked Chicken in Hickory Bacon”
You’ve never tasted food so good!
Great recipes for the Holidays… from
‘The Country Chef’
(A ten year old can cook from this book)
“We deliver… place your order today”
(804)- 814- 5578
Page 9
Key Awareness • December 2011
Dr. Virgie M. Binford (continued from front pg.)
Awareness issue this month. We are truly blessed by her
acceptance.
Dr. Virgie M. Binford is a graduate of Virginia State
University where she earned her B.S. and M.S. Degrees in
Elementary Education. She specialized in Early Childhood
Education at Colombia University in New York City; and
earned her Doctor of Education Degree in Administration
and Supervision from V.P.I. and State University in
Blacksburg, Virginia. She has furthered her education at
the University of Virginia and in international studies in
Africa, Asia and Europe. She earned her Ph.D. Degree
from New Hope Bible Crusade College and Seminary in
Baltimore, MD.
Her work experiences include 37 years in the
Richmond Public Schools as a teacher, supervisor and
director of various Early Childhood and Elementary
Education Programs. She served as adjunct faculty
member in the School of Education at Virginia Union
University from 1969-1987.
During the 1988-89 school year she was employed
by the Department of Education in the U.S. Virgin Islands
where she served as Federal Programs Monitor on the
islands of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. Presently,
she serves as adjunct faculty member at J. Sargeant
Reynolds Community College in Richmond, VA.
“I was born in the cotton fields of Washington County,
Mississippi, 100 miles south of Memphis Tennessee…
down in the cotton fields. My primary caretaker was my
maternal grandmother, Josephine Singleton, because my
mother, Alice was a teenager, too young to raise a child.
Dr. Binford stated as she continued to speak highly of her
beloved grandmother. “I attended a little country school
called Leland Elementary in Leland County and later
attended Natchez High School in Natchez, Miss.
My grandmother, although she didn’t know how to
read or write, was my greatest inspiration.
She taught me many things and greatly prepared me
for my life’s journey. She taught me to always believe
in God, never stab anybody in the back and to always
remember, that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
She was a domestic, washing and ironing for white folk,
and even though she didn’t know how to read or write, she
thought that education was the passport to get where you
wanted to go. She supported and instilled that principle in
me from the very beginning.
My educational philosophy and background have
broadened in the more than forty years I have been
actively involved in the teaching-learning process. I have
had a variety of experiences in studying in Europe, Africa
and Asia. My success as a classroom teacher, college
teacher, supervisor, administrator, consultant workshop
facilitator in Early childhood, Elementary Education,
Parent Education, Self-Esteem Building, Educational
Administration and Supervision experiences have given
me a broad view of programs and practices for all age
groups.
My strengths as a teacher and administrator lie in my
success as a communicator. I completed the Dale Carnegie
Course which greatly enhanced my effectiveness in the
field of interpersonal relations. Working with diverse
groups provided opportunities for me to demonstrate
successfully, results-oriented management.
Through the years my strength in effectuating plans
for a two-way viable partnership between home-school
and community has been recognized in several districts
from as far as Roberts College in Istanbul, Turkey where I
served as an Educational Consultant”.
Dr. Binford continues, “Education is really
preparation for setting goals and achieving them; and if
you don’t have any goals set, you’re missing the boat.
If you’re truly interested in setting examples for
others to follow, then you have to be a leader. Successful
Leadership goes hand in hand with education. You must
be able to get out there and achieve your goals because if
you’re not leading… you are following… and you might
be following in the wrong direction”.
Remember, man is imprisoned by the limited capacity
of his own thoughts: broaden our thinking capacities
and we set ourselves free as we trek forward through the
journey of life. (Source: RWE)
“Education makes people easy to lead, but
difficult to drive; easy to govern, but impossible to
enslave.” (Quote: Henry Brougham)
Thank you Dr. Virgie Binford for your lifetime
dedication through education of setting the captives free.
Special Awards and Recognition
Virgie M. Binford is an educational consultant,
motivational speaker, and workshop facilitator. “Avenues
of Success”, “Self-Esteem Enhancers”, “Character
Education”, and “Are You Famous? I want to Be Just
Like You!” are among her books published by Providence
House Publishers.
As a volunteer she has provided assistance for
the needy in diversified areas. She has earned several
awards and recognition from a variety of agencies and
organizations for providing exemplary services.
The Educational Wing of the Juvenile Detention
Home in Richmond, Virginia is named the Virgie M.
Binford Center for Education for her outstanding services
in conducting workshops for youth who are experiencing
difficulty with coping in society.
Distinguished Pi Lambda Thetan Award. The
Distinguished Pi Lambda Thetan Award is presented in
recognition of outstanding contributions to Pi Lambda
Theta and the profession of education. It is the highest
honor Pi Lambda Theta can bestow on a member, July
2003.
The Clara Barton Volunteer Leadership Honor Award.
The highest and most prestigious award an American Red
Cross Member can receive, March 2004.
Toastmasters International ATMAS Award. July 2004
The Richmond Times-Dispatch Newspaper observed Dr.
Binford’s 80th birthday and her many years of dedicated
teaching and community service with her photo on the
cover of the Metro page, November 2004.
Profiled by NBC 12 and featured in a special segment
called “Profiles in Black History” that aired during the
5:00 p.m. newscast on Wednesday throughout the month
of February 2005.
Honored as the conference founder, at the 25th Annual
Conference for the Parenting Is Basic Program, Richmond
Public Schools, March 20-22, 2005.
Shining Star Award during J. Sargaent Reynolds
Community College’s Viva Las Reynolds” Employee
Awards and Recognition Extravaganza, May 11, 2005.
Received the Key to the City by the Mayor of Leland,
Mississippi during the Leland Homecoming 2005 for
giving the keynote address, July 8, 2005.
National Sorority of Phi Delta, Inc. Outstanding Educators
Award, April 2006.
Toastmasters International ATMG/ACL Award. July 2006.
Toastmaster International DTM Award. September 2006.
Dr. Binford is also actively involved in community
services where she shares time in civic, church and
educational organizations and spends most of her time as a
volunteer in several organizations.
Some of the places where she finds needs and fills as a
volunteer are these agencies and organizations:
Sacred Heart
American Red Cross
Pi Lambda Theta National Honor Society in Education
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Phi Delta Kappa National Honor Society
NAACP Life Member
Delver Woman’s Club
Virginia State University Alumni Association (Life
Member)
National Council of Negro Women (Life Member)
YWCA
American Association of University Women
National Association of University Women
Union- PSCE Advisory Board
All Souls Presbyterian Church (Ordained Elder)
Virginia Area Chapter of the National Coalition of 100
Black Women, Inc.
Dr. Virgie M. Binford’s authored publications can be
found at: Barky’s Spiritual Store; 18 E. Broad St.;
(804) 643-1987
Page 10
Key Awareness • December 2011
DRUGS UNCUT: The Earl Jasper Story!
This is a reprint. Thank you Earl and
we wish you a speedy recovery from your
recent accident.
What we do individually, affects our body, collectively.
We might think that when we abuse our body, our mind
and spirit, with strong drugs and chemical substances, that
it has no effect on others. But that’s as far from the truth as
believing that a foundation built on soft ground will remain
solid. The moment we imbibe any mind altering substance
we are building on shaky ground, a foundation based on
false reality. And from that moment on we spend a lifetime
adjusting and readjusting to the negative effects of that
drug, or drugs depending on how many and how much we
need in order to suffice our cravings, and to satisfy a never
ending dependency.
So in other words, while we’re struggling within the
realm of these new found changes, not only are we not
able to help others in need of our services and abilities, but we are in need of
somebody’s services and abilities to help us. So we’ve gone from being ahead
2 points to being 2 points in the hole. And believe me, in this game of life
we need all the points we can muster to stay ahead of the game, because life
comes at us fast and it plays to win. So we better be ready.
The Earl Jasper Story: “I was 18 when I first started getting high. I was
hanging with the boys, smoking reefer and drinking beer. It all started very
sociable. We’d smoke a joint, go play some basketball, come back drink a
beer. Then that phase of it started fading. I started selling reefer, by then I
was in my 20’s. By then I had gotten a job at Philip Morris. I was dealing on
the job. My mom and I were very close; after mom died I shot myself in the
chest. The bullet went in the front and came out my back; it didn’t hit any vital
organs. It did no damage to me. All the time God was with me but I didn’t
change my life style. I had my own night club for thirteen years. By then I
was selling cocaine. I was supplying the Tidewater area with cocaine as well
as Church Hill, Southside and Goochland County. I was going to California
to get cocaine. I even went to the Bahamas to score.
After thirteen years of this lifestyle I started noticing that other drug
dealers around me were getting busted. I knew the police was watching me so
I slacked up from dealing. Then I started smoking coke. After thirteen years
I became seriously addicted. My habit per day was $600 a day. I did $600 a
day for a whole year without missing a day.
I lost my house, I lost respect and I lost my pride. My family didn’t put
me down but they didn’t give me money to encourage me either. My son stop
speaking to me. My neighbors were good to me. They helped me and made
sure I had food to eat.
When I hit my bottom I was selling my jewelry, my clothes, my stereo,
and my TV’s. I was tired. Tired of going through this. Tired of my lifestyle.
I remember wanting to just end it all. I remember swallowing half a box of
Decon rat poison and drinking a Pepsi cola, nothing happened. I didn’t even
have a stomach ache the next day. God was with me. I remember about a year
before this I had gotten into an argument with a co-worker over some money
he owed me for drugs. I remember that since that time he had stopped using
and was clean. I said Lord please help me. So I decided to humble myself and
give this guy a call. I was going to apologize to him about the argument we’d
had and to see if he could help me since I had heard that he was now clean.
I went outside and cut my grass, I never did call him. While I was cutting my
grass he pulled up. He had come to see me. I knew right
then and there that God had sent him. That God had
answered my prayer for help.
I got clean after that for three months. By this time
I was homeless. A guy name Maurice Hill brought me
into his house. He told me that he didn’t care if I wasn’t
working but I wasn’t going to get high in his house and
that I had to attend AA meetings on a regular basis. He
got on my nerves but he saved my life along with a lady
name Nesta Smith.
I knew that Philip Morris was about to fire me some
time back, so I resigned and was waiting on my profit
sharing check. I was working day to day at the temp
service. When my profit sharing check came I took a
hundred fifty dollars and bought me some crack. I wanted
to see if I was strong enough to handle it, I wasn’t. I called
my sponsor; he made me go to every AA meeting he
could find every day. I took the rest of my profit sharing, paid off my bills and
enrolled in a truck driving school. That was sixteen years ago and I haven’t
looked back since.
Once I saw a guy OD on drugs, that scared the crap out of me. It helped
to keep me straight. Today that guy is clean and has been for 12 years. I’ve
been clean for 16 years. Drugs and alcohol, all of it is substance abuse. One
is as worse as the other. After being clean I didn’t know that you could have
so much happiness. I can be broke with no money and I am happy, because I
know that in my life today that I’m doing the right thing. Today I attend Bible
study.
I want to thank Pauline Wright and her family, my sister Connie Goode
and her family, my neighbors on 19th street, Evelyn and Sarah Wiggins. These
people and several others fed and supported me while I was in my struggle.
I just want to say that when it comes to drugs, old people don’t be no old
fool, and young people, don’t be no d_n fool. Because it ain’t no win, drugs
will eventually kill you. It doesn’t matter whether you’re using, selling or
occasionally using. It doesn’t matter how smart you think you are drugs don’t
discriminate against race, color, or sex. Drugs have no respect of person.
One of the best rewards I’ve received from being clean is, today my son
and I are back together. We’re as close as a father and son should be. That’s
special to me. Remember, like I stated at the beginning of this article, what we
do individually, affects one another collectively".
H e l p f u l S e r v ic e s
Richmond Behavioral Health Auth. - 107 S. 5th St. • 819-4000
Alcoholics Anonymous - 210 N. Madison Street • 644-2095
Good Samaritan Inn - 2307 Hull Street Road • 231-9995
CARITAS - 1925 Grove Avenue • 358-0964
Metro Rich. Coalition Against Drugs - 713 N. 1st St. • 344-4357
Fan Free Clinic - 1010 N. Thompson St. • 358-6343
Addiction Recovery Ministry (ARM) - VM: 750-7088 • ECOC 222-2612 x1
Second Chance Supportive Services (804) 308-1714
Brothers Keepers Ministry (804) 230-4918
Page 11
Key Awareness • December 2011
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Copyright 2011. The entire contents of the Key Awareness
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Key Awareness • December 2011
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