Maryland African American Pride Magazine

Recent News

From the November - December 2008 Issue

Obama Wins Election

He becomes the first African-American elected United States President

Illinois Democrat Sen. Barack Obama captured the U.S. presidency Tuesday night, November 4th in a huge electoral college win. He led McCain 349 to 147 in electoral votes, but only 52 percent of the popular vote the next day.

The son of a black father from Kenya and a white mother from Kansas, he sealed his historic triumph by defeating Republican Sen. John McCain in a string of wins in hard-fought battleground states — Ohio, Florida, Iowa, North Carolina and more. He captured Virginia and Indiana, too, the first candidate of his party in 44 years to win either.

"I was never the likeliest candidate for this office," Obama said in an acceptance speech in Chicago Tuesday night. "We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign ... was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause."

"Change has come to America," he told over 100,000 of his cheering supporters.

Obama's election capped a meteoric rise — from mere state senator to president-elect in four years. Spontaneous celebrations erupted from Atlanta to New York and Philadelphia as word of Obama's victory spread. Supporters filled Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House. Positive reactions poured in from around the World.

He and his running mate, Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware, will take their oaths of office as president and vice president on January 20, 2009. McCain remains in the US Senate.

Obama's victory, along with Democratic gains in congressional contests, puts his party in firm control of the federal government for the first time since the early 1990s. That gives Obama an opportunity to turn his victory into a pivotal moment in the country's political history.

Obama swept to victory by promising a change in Washington, inspiring millions of new voters and volunteers along the way. He persuaded the electorate that he could best handle the economic crisis facing the country and raised more money than any presidential candidate in history, overwhelming McCain. Obama comes to the White House promising to pursue universal health-care coverage, alternative sources of energy and middle-class tax cuts. He faces daunting challenges: the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the lingering threat of international terrorism.

Outstanding Achiever
David B. Mitchell

Retired Baltimore Circuit Court Judge is recalled to sit on the Lower Shore Circuit Court benches.
The Outstanding Achiever for this issue of the Maryland African American Pride Magazine is The Honorable David B. Mitchell of Hebron. He is a retired Associate Judge of the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court and recall Associate Judge for the Circuit Courts of the Lower Eastern Shore.

"I had visited the Shore several times during my career," said Mitchell. "Sometimes it was on business when I was practicing law and sometimes it was for pleasure. We decided to retire here because we liked the area."

Judge Mitchell had served as executive director of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges based in Reno, NV for three years before moving to the Shore in 2006. He had a stellar career in the legal profession before retiring as Associate Judge of the Baltimore City Circuit Court in November 2001.

Mitchell joined the prestigious law firm of Brown, Allen & Josey in Baltimore in 1970 after graduating from Columbia University School of Law. After two years there, he worked in the office of the State's Attorney in Baltimore until open-ing his own practice with partners, Mitchell, Gibson & Lee (later Mitchell & Lee) where he prac-ticed from 1973 - 1984. He was also a trial attorney in the Juvenile Division of the Office of the Public Defender in Baltimore from 1973-1974. He was appoint-ed to the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court in Baltimore in 1984.

While serving on the bench, Judge Mitchell served as Judge-in-Charge of Baltimore's Juvenile Division from 1984 to 1995, where his accomplishments included enlisting volunteer advo-cates for children in the system, computerizing court records, and working for a new Juvenile Justice Center. He later served as the Administrative Judge of the Criminal Division.

A native of The Bronx, NY, Mitchell graduated from The Peddie School in Highstown, NJ and earned a BA Degree from Fisk University in 1967.

In 1968 while at Colum-bia University School of Law, he became the first African American to earn the Lawrence S. Greenbaum Prize for Appellate Advocacy. He was admitted to the Maryland Bar in December 1970.

During his illustrious career, Mitchell has also served as adjunct professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law (1993-1994) and on several boards and committees. He has also received numerous honors.

Mitchell and his wife, Diane, have three children and three grandchildren.

Princess Anne park dedicated in honor of Garland Hayward Sr.

The long-time town commissioner pushed for the project.
Princess Anne town officials celebrated the opening of the town's new park with a parade and dedication ceremony recently. The park is named in honor of long-time town commissioner and commission vice president Garland Hayward Sr. whose portrait was hung in the park's 4,800 sq. ft. youth center.

Hayward, the first African American elected to the town commission, had lead the effort to build the park in the predominantly Black neighborhood where he lives.

The park is located at 30660 Hampden Ave. and features the first playground in the town. It includes separate play areas for 2-5 year-olds and 6-12 year-olds and a shaded area for adults. There are also two basketball courts, a tennis court, and a soccer/football field. A 4,800 sq. ft. youth center includes a 3,600 sq. ft. multipurpose room, a computer lab, offices and restrooms. Youth education enrichment and character development outreach programs will be conducted there.

The park was created on property donated to the town with funding from the US Department of Housing and Community Development and the Maryland's Departments of Natural Resources Open Space Program and Juvenile Services Crime Prevention Program. Assistance in developing the project was provided by UMES' Rural Development Center, its Construction Management Technology Program, and a HUD grant written by Dr. Arumala of the Department of Business, Management, and Accounting.

The youth center will operate with the help of a grant of $48,000 a year for three years from the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services and help from volunteers from UMES and the community.The portrait of Town Commission Vice President Garland Hayward Sr. that will hang in the youth center is unveiled by town manager Jay Parker (l) while Hayward (r) looks on.

Special Report

Black Elected Officials of the Maryland Eastern Shore

After a historic voter turn-out and election, it is timely to remind our readers who our local elected officials are. Many of them are history-makers also.

Election results since our 2007 listing have provided the shore with its first female and Black mayor of Cambridge. But the city no longer has a Black-majority on the City Commission as two of the three commiss-ioners lost their bids for reelection.

All of the other Black elected officials who were up for re-election won. Many of them ran unopposed.

State Delegate

Rudolph C. Cane is still the Maryland Eastern Shore's first and only Black member of the State House of Delegates. Representing District 37A that covers eastern Dorchester County and western Wicomico County, he won a third term in November 2006. He is a native of Somerset County and a former Wicomico County Councilman.

Judges of the Orphan's Court

George R. Ames Jr. was re-elected for a fourth term as the Orphan's Court Judge for District 1 in Dorchester County in November 2006. He is past president of the Dorchester County Branch of the NAACP and the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce. He is also an ordained minister who pastors Wesley Chapel Church, a coun-selor, a mediator, a paralegal, and a Notary Public.

Norma Lee Barkley was re-elected to her seventh term as Orphan's Court Judge for Wicomico County in November 2006. She is the first African American woman to be elected judge in the State. A school bus contractor with her husband, she is a past State head of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Golden Circle Prince Hall Affiliations.
John Dale Smack III was elected to his first term as Judge of the Orphan's Court for Worcester County in November 2006. A Worcester County native, he is a Worcester County Sheriff's deputy and former member of the County's Demo-cratic Central Committee.

County Councils

Dorchester County
William Nichols was re-elected to the District 2 seat on the Dorchester County Council in November 2006 and is serving his fourth term. He is the first African American president of the Council. A native of Cambridge, he is employed by Maryland Wire Belts

Kent County
William W. Pickrum was reelected a Kent County Commissioner in November 2006. He served as president of the Commissioners his last term. A native of Kent County, he retired as an officer in the Coast Guard after 22 years and was an Airline pilot. He works as an executive in his family’s consulting firm.

Queen Anne’s County
Courtney M. Billups was elected the first African American Queen Anne’s County Councilman in November 2006. A George Washington University Law School graduate, he practices law in Washington, D.C. and lives in Ingleside, MD with his wife and family.

Wicomico County
Sheree Sample-Hughes was elected the first African American woman to sit on the Wicomico County Council in November 2006. She represents District 1. A Salisbury native, Sheree is a graduate of Delaware State U. She is past president of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #145 in Salisbury.

Worcester County
James L. Purnell Jr. was reelected to the District 3 seat on the Worcester County Commission for a fourth term in November 2006. He is the first African American elected to the Commission and the first to become its president. A Berlin native, he was president of the County’s NAACP branch.

Mayors

Cambridge
Victoria Jackson-Stanley was elected the first woman and the first African American may-or of Cambridge last July. The Cambridge native earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology/ Social Work at Salisbury University and a master’s degree in Social Work at Howard University. She is also the deputy director of Dorchester County’s Department of Social Services.

Denton
John A. Foster was selected as the mayor of Denton by its town council in 2007. He was elected to a five-year term on the council in 2003 after being appointed in 2002 to fill a vacancy. He moved to Denton in 1991 and was a police officer for the town for six years. He is now a member of the Cambridge Police force.

City Councils

Berlin
Dean Burrell was reelected to the District 1 seat on the Berlin Town Council for a third term in 2006.

Elroy Brittingham has represented District 3 on the Berlin Town Council 21 years and was re-elected this year.

City Councils

Cambridge
Donald Sydnor
was re-elected a Cambridge Commissioner to represent the Second Ward this year. He was first elected in 2005 to fill a seat left vacant due to the death of the incumbent.

Crisfield
Raymond Anderson was elected a Crisfield City Councilman in 2006 replacing Catherine Brown as the only African American on the Council.
LaVerne Johnson was elected to the Crisfield City Council in 2006 after a seat was vacated because the councilman was elected Mayor. She was re-elected this year.

Easton
Moonyene Jackson-Amis is serving her second term as Easton's first and only African American City Councilperson.

Fruitland
Gloria Ortiz
was re-elected to her fourth term on the Fruitland City Council in October. The Reverend is the only Black Council member.

Hebron
Theresa Morris
was re-elected for a 5th term to the Hebron Town Commission-ers and is its Secretary.

Hurlock
Charles T. Cephas
is the only African American on the Town Council. He repre-sents District 4.

Pocomoke City
Honiss Cane Jr.
became the first African American elected to the Pocomoke City Council in 1986 and was re-elected to his eighth term in April 2007.

Tracy Cottman
was elected the first African American woman on Pocomoke City's Council in 2006.

Princess Anne
Steve Golston
was elected to the District 1 seat on the Princess Anne Town Commission in 2006 after com-pleting the term of James White who moved out of town. He was appointed to that position by the Commissioners.

Garland Hayward Sr.
became the first African American to sit on the Princess Anne Town Commission in 1992. He has been re-elected every since then. He is the vice president of the Commission and a former president.

Tanitta M. Thomas
was elected to the At-Large seat on the Princess Anne Town Commission in 2006.

Salisbury
Eugenie P. Shields was elected to the District 1 seat on the Salisbury City Council in 2005. She is the only African American on the Council.

Snow Hill
Rita Williams is the only African American on the Town Council. She represents the Western District and is in her second term.

Trappe
Walter Chase was elected the first and only African American on the Trappe Town Commission in 2004.

Boards of Education

Somerset County
William M. Miles was reelected to the Somerset County Board of Education for a second term last November. The Oaksville resident is vice chairman of the Board.

Talbot County
Gloria Y. Farrare was elected to the Talbot County Board of Education for her first term last November. She represents District 1.

Worcester County
Garry Mumford was reelected to the Worcester County Board of Education for a second term last November. The Snow Hill resident was elected president of the board by its members.

Dr. Bronte Jones receives a Fannie Lou Hamer Award

An Anne Arundel County honor.
Cambridge native Dr. Bronte D. Jones was awarded the Fannie Lou Hamer award by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee of Anne Arundel County. The 13th Annual Fannie Lou Hamer Award Reception was held October 5, 2008 at St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland.

Six women, including Jones were honored for being women making a difference in lives of their fellow citizens. The award, established to honor the late Fannie Lou Hamer, is given to women from various racial backgrounds who have through their words, deeds, and actions have helped to keep the legacy of Mrs. Hamer alive. Mrs. Hamer was a feminist and civil rights heroine who through her fierce determination led the effort to have the historic 1965 Voting Rights Act passed by the United States Congress.

Dr. Jones is the daughter of Darlene Jones and the late Clyde Taylor and the granddaughter of Asbury Jones Sr. and the late Rosalee Plater Jones. A 1987 graduate of Cambridge South Dorchester High School, Jones earned her Bachelor's and Master's of Business Administration degrees in Finance from the American University. She received a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Texas at Austin and is a graduate of the Harvard Institute for Higher Education. Dr. Jones currently serves as the Treasurer of St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland where she holds the distinction of being the first person of color to serve as an executive officer in the 300+ year history of the institution.

Dr. Jones serves on the Board of Trustees of the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County; is a Board Member and Treasurer for the Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Washington Area Chapter; and is Treasurer of the Annapolis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorotity, Inc.

News For And About The
University Of Maryland Eastern Shore

UMES featured in the "Eye on America" show

"Eye on America," a television series hosted by Greg Gumbel, features the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) in the show's series on "Hidden Gems of Higher Learning."

"Eye on America" takes viewers through a journey that explores a variety of topics, trends and relevant issues. In "taking a closer look inside the world of higher education," the show places a spotlight on UMES as a model for diversity. The segment can be viewed on the University's web site at: www.umes.edu/PR/Article.aspx?id=2902.

For the series, Gumbel is paired with a team of award-winning producers who have created the show's contemporary look and feel as a result of years of experience in the television arena. The expressed mission of the show is to produce stories "that will help viewers find new ways to expand their horizons."

Appearing as a series of 5-minute segments, Eye on America airs during the day on well known news networks throughout the country.

Mr. & Miss UMES crowned

UMES seniors Rhett Burden and Danielle Bell were crowned Mr. & Miss UMES in an elaborate coronation ceremony that observed a 76-year-old tradition at the University. The event was held at the Ella Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center on campus in October 2008. The royal ball held in the Student Services Center followed the coronation.

Other members of the ten-member imperial court were: Mr. & Miss Freshman Anthony Wise Sasha & Thomas, Mr. & Miss Sophomore Drake Winkey & Khristian Palmer Rhodes, Mr. & Miss Junior Stephen McCollum & Atiyya Pennix; and Mr. & Miss Senior Gavin Ware & Hazara Kawah.

Bell is an English major who has earned a 3.3 GPA. She has been a resident assistant and involved with the student govern-ment association and the Diamonds Dance Team. She was Miss Fresh-man in 2005.

Burden is a sociology major who has earned a 3.8 GPA and is a Thurgood Marshall schol-ar, a social sciences scholar, and a member of the Honors Program. He is also a member of the Golden Key Honor Society, Who's Who Among College and University Students, and Pi Gamma Mu social science honor society. He was Mr. Sophomore and Mr. Junior and has been a resident asst. and in SGA.

Rhett Burden and Danielle Bell are crowned Mr. & Miss UMES by act-ing vice president for student life and enrollment Quentin Johnson.

Talbot NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet set for December 13th

Dr. Mary DeShields is the keynote speaker The Talbot County Branch of the NAACP will hold its Annual Freedom Fund Banquet at 1 pm on December 13, 2008 in the Easton High School cafeteria. The theme is "Take responsibility for your Health" and the keynote speaker is
Dr. Mary S. DeShields. Live entertainment will be provided by Pritcett Productions.

Tickets are $30 each. The Branch president is Walter Chase of Oxford, MD.

Dr. DeShields is an Oncol-ogist at Eastern Shore Oncology, P.C. Regional Cancer Center in Easton, MD. She is also affiliated with Shore Health System. She is certfied by the American Board of Internal Medicine, the American Board of Internal Medicine in Medical Oncology, and the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

Besides practicing as an Oncologist, Dr. DeShields has been involved in cancer research and assuring that racial disparities in research studies are minimized. She is an advocate for community health education and early cancer detection through screening.

A graduate of Howard University College of Medicine, Dr. DeShields also has a BS Degree in Pharmacy from Florida A&M University. She did her residency in Christiana Care Health System and was a Medical Oncology Fellow at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. She is married to Dr. Dennis M. DeShields and they reside in Easton.

BAAM, Inc. tutors Black youth in Talbot County

Deborah short is the BAAM director. BAAM, an acronym for Building African American Minds, is an after-school program in Talbot County founded in 2005 to help address the academic achievement disparity of African American boys in the Talbot county school system. Its director is Deborah Short, who was also on its founding board.

The program was founded by Derick and Dina Daly out of frustration from trying to give students scholarships to college and finding that few qualified. Derick raised funds to start the program and is now president of the board that includes Dina Gomes-Daly (VP), Drs. Dennis and Mary De Shields, Stuart Clark, Neil Mufson, William Hunter and Hilbert Turner.

BAAM, Inc. is tutoring 40 2nd-4th graders and is recruiting 20 1st graders. The program coordinates with other area resources and welcomes volunteers and donors.

Deborah Short is the program's second director. She retired from teaching in California and moved back to the County in 1998. She taught in Talbot County elementary schools until she left in 2006 to become executive director of BAAM. She and her husband founded TriLife Christian Center in 1999.

Waugh Chapel United Methodist Church holds its re-opening ceremony

Peninsula Delaware United Methodist Conference Presiding Bishop Peggy Johnson joined Rev. Dr. William T. Wallace Sr. and his congregation to celebrate the grand opening of their edifice on October 5, 2008. Located on High Street in Cambridge, the church has been completely rebuilt and enlarged.

The celebration included a parade of church officials and groups with church banners, as well-wishers joined in. Representing the town and leading Sunday school youth was Cambridge Mayor Victoria Jackson-Stanley who is also superintendent of the church Sunday school. The parade marched through High, Race, and Cross Streets.

One of the highlights of the celebration was the cornerstone laying conducted by Dorchester Elks Lodge #224. Pastor Wallace is one of its brothers.

St. Luke's UM Church Homecoming celebrated

St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Cambridge held its Homecoming banquet at Sailwinds Park on October 12, 2008. The theme of the event was "The Way We Were, Try To Remember."

A highlight of the church history is its growth as demonstrated by the expansion of its facility.

The church took the opportunity to honor two outstanding citizens of the area. Church pastor Rev. Yvonne Penn introduced honorees Carlton W. Stanley and Miss Tykerra Wilson to the crowd attending. A special recognition was also given to ex-city commissioners LaShon Brooks and Gilbert Cephas.

The Mistress of Ceremonies was Mrs. Janelle Buck. The chairpersons of the event were Tyrone Banks and Judith Blake.

Weeping Mary FG Baptist Church honors its first lady

The Henson Center at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, hosted an appreciation service for the First Lady of Weeping Mary Full Gospel Baptist Church. Elder Dr. Eliza Brown entered a room filled with family and friends to be honored as a wo-man of God who gives so much to so many.

Her daughter, Rev. Dr. Michelle Brown, Friend, Rev. Dr. Nellie Foster and Adjutant, Minister Deary Dennis, gave tributes. Other features of the evening included a childhood story told by her brother Willie Cheeseboro, reflections from her son Vincent Brown, and a ministry in dance by Sis. Christina Stewart and musical selections from Ministers Stephen and Shernita Boyd. Elder Brown was presented with cards, gifts, kind words and a bouquet of yellow roses.

Elder Brown is the Director of Education, Chair of the Women of Destiny, teaches mid-week bible study at the church, and teaches weekly bible study at Riverside Homes. Dr. Brown holds an Associate Degree in Human Service Technology from Delaware Technical & Community College, an Associate, a Bachelor's, and Master's Degree in Biblical Studies from Friends International Christian University.

Dr. Brown received a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Christian Counseling from Friends International Christian University. She is a Professional Clinical Member, a Licensed Clinical Christian Counselor and has Board Certification in the following Areas: (1) Integrated Marriage and Family Therapy, (2) Crisis and Abuse Therapy, and (3) Substance abuse and Addiction Therapy. These Certifications are from the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling and the Board of Examiners of the National Christian Counselors Association.

Elder Brown is a faithful and loving wife to Pastor, Rev. Dr. Henry Brown, the mother of three children and the grandmother of five grandchildren

Jon'mel Davenport to take part in the Presidential Inaugutation

James M. Bennett High School freshman Jon'mel L. Davenport of Fruitland will join other outstanding high school students from across the United States to take part in the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States in January 2009. During the five-day program, the Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference (PYIC) will provide scholars with a deeper understanding of the history behind the electoral process and the rich traditions surrounding the presidential inauguration.

"The (PYIC) will provide students with an opportunity to take part in historic events that coincide with the Inauguration of the President of the United States," said Marguerite Regan, Dean of Academic Affairs for the Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC), the organization that sponsors (PYIC). "We hope this will inspire the next generation of U.S. leaders."

Inaugural Scholars will have the opportunity to interact with a major presidential candidate, White House officials, congressional staff members, political experts and other VIPs, such as Lance Armstrong. After witnessing the inauguration, scholars will experience the grandeur of the inaugural parade, as the president, vice president and their families make their way down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol Building to the White House. To further honor and celebrate Inauguration Day, scholars will attend a Black Tie Gala Inaugural Ball.

In addition to participating in inaugural events and festivities, scholars will have the opportunity to explore the numerous historic sites and monuments in our nation's capital, as well as participate in roundtable discussions, debates and other activities that will help to expand their knowledge of democratic principles and the presidential election process.

CYLC is a nonpartisan, independent, educational organization. Since 1985, the Council has inspired more than 200,000 young people to achieve their full leadership potential. Members of the U.S. Congress have joined our commitment by serving on the CYLC Honorary Congressional Board of Advisors. In addition, more than 50 embassies participate in the Council's Honorary Board of Embassies.

Jarrell Corbin is selected for Up with People

Jarrell T. Corbin of Salisbury has been selected from thousands of applicants Worldwide to participate with Up With People (UWP). He is one of 150 out of 9,000 international applicants to be accepted into the January 2009 program after a long extensive try-out.

Up With People's mission is to train its members in global leadership and to spark them to action in meeting the needs of their communities, countries, and the World while building bridges of understanding as a foundation for world peace. Since 1965, UWP has been developing leaders and global ambassadors.

UWP brings people from all over the globe together in one place and consists of over 150 people for it's 6 month program. This organization travels to at least 20 different countries spreading its message of tolerance, and social equality. While traveling with UWP, the members are taught intercultural living.

The 23-year-old is a James M. Bennett graduate who became active in its drama program and has since been performing in productions with Community Players and Kaleidoscope Childrens' Theater.

The tuition to participate in Up With People is $14,250.00 and Jarrell has to raise most of it in donations. All contribution to help him achieve his dream are to be payable to "Up With People" and are Tax Deductible. Please forward contributions to Jarrell Corbin 708 L Beauchamp St. Salisbury MD 21801. For additional information, contact him at 410-878-2841.

Marian Bickhead celebrates 30 years of gospel on the air

UMES radio hostess Marian Birkhead cele-brated her 30th year hosting "Stairway to Heaven" gospel radio show on WESM FM Radio in Princess Anne with a gospel extravaganza on November 14, 2008. It was held at the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne. The event featured popular area gospel groups.

Ms. Birkhead has been employed at the University for 34 years and is an administrative assistant in the School of Business and Technology. She is well-known for hosting the Stairway to Heaven gospel show on the University's radio station. She is also known throughout the Shore for her organ music and gospel show promotions.

A native of Salisbury, Birkhead is the daughter of the late John and Allie Birkhead. And has two children. She graduated from Salisbury High School and studied at Bennett College in North Carolina.

Active in the Somerset County Arts Council, Ms. Birkhead helped secure a grant to bring the African Children's Choir to the area twice. She is a member of Mill's Memorial Baptist Church, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Toastmistresses of America, and the NAACP.

Marion is the mother of one son.

Snow Hill star Ben Tate is an Auburn Tiger football hero

Snow Hill High School football star Ben Tate continues to do well on the Auburn University Tigers football team in his junior year. The 216 lb. starting running back had three 100-yard rushing games at the beginning of this season, including one 150-yard rushing game (156 vs. Tulane, 2006)

Last year he led the team in rushing yards (903), rushing attempts (202), all-purpose yardage (83.3 ypg) and rushing touchdowns (8). His freshman year, Tate finished with 54 carries for 392 yards and three touchdowns in nine games, gaining a career high 156 yards rushing against Tulane.

At Snow Hill High School, the Newark, MD native set Maryland state records for yards rushing in a career (5,920) and a season (2,886) and set the Maryland record for total offensive yards in a career with 6,123. He was Gatorade State Player of the Year as a senior and a consensus all-state pick. He was ranked nationally by ESPN, Rivals.com, CFN, Prepstar, and others.

The son of Ben Tate, Jr. and Charlotte Green, Tate graduated from high school a semester early and is majoring in Criminology at Auburn University. His father has gained the reputation of one of Au-burn Tigers’ best fans because he has traveled to most of their games.

Brooks named assistant coach at Cecil Community College

The Salisbury resident was in pro basketball.
Salisbury resident Rashad Brooks has been hired as an assistant basketball coach at Cecil Community College where he once stared and is still one of its all-time leading scorers. He began coaching under his former coach in September. The family has moved to Elkton, MD.

Brooks stared on his high school basketball team at Mardela High School and was recruited to Cecil Community College where he has a stellar career. He was recruited from there to the University of Louisville where he played from 1996 to 1999.

After college, Brooks played several years for Obras Sanitarias, a professional basketball team in Buenos Aires, Argentina. There, he was a starting point guard and lead his team to win the International Cup (League Championship) in 1983.

After retiring with an injury, Brooks returned home to raise a family. He became a popular barber at Perry & Gates Barber Shop in Salisbury and has remained active in the sport, playing in the local senior leagues. Brooks and his wife, Corey, have two children.