THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 4, 1995 TAG: 9506020248
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines
I respect all policemen and the job they perform, but some Suffolk policemen need to realize that not every young black man who dresses nicely, wears gold and has $300 in his pocket is a drug dealer.
While I was talking to a group of my friends, three Suffolk policemen walked up to me and asked for identification. I gave the officer my identification, and he said I was under arrest for drinking in public. Then he grabbed me and pushed me against his car, cuffed me and began to search me.
One of the officers said they knew I sold dope: ``You've got all this gold and pretty clothes and $300 in your pocket.''
An officer who had my money in his hand asked me, ``Is this all you made today? Been a slow day?'' During the search, they found my gun. I have been robbed and so has my mother, who is 80 years old. My gun is registered. I only carry it for protection. Nobody is going to hurt me or my mother again.
I worked on the same job for 23 years before getting injured and being laid off. Everything I have I earned with my blood, sweat and tears. I never sold drugs and never will. Beware, young black men of Suffolk.
Calvin R. White
North Fuller Street
Suffolk Generous community helps make reading fun
The Carrollton Public Library's Summer Reading Program has been in the planning stages since early February.
Our theme this year is ``Those Amazing Library Kids!'' There will be a special prize for all children who read one book, and prizes and certificates for all participants who meet the reading requirement of 10 books. This year the Wappadoodle Puppets, Burns Puppets, the Pocket Lady and the Great Coheni will all encourage the children to use the library and read.
All funding for the Summer Reading Program is by donation from a very generous community, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank those individuals and businesses who are sponsoring an event or helping us to purchase supplies and prizes and new books. Without them we would be unable to offer the young people of the community the opportunity to enjoy these events each year.
This year's sponsors include: James River Ace Hardware, C&G's Cycle Works, Boy Scouts of America/Troop 36, Carrollton Ruritans, Woman's Club of Carrollton, Women's Club of Smithfield, Ladies of Carisbrooke, Mr. and Mrs. Page Nottingham Jr., Farm Fresh of Smithfield, Isle of Wight Republican Woman's Club, Generations Family Hairstyling Salon, Food Lion, Burger King of Smithfield, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hannah, Mr. and Mrs. Dallas Wilkins, Rose Longfield, Ancient Art Tattoo Studio, Carrollton Sportsman's Shop, Marshall Clarke (in memory of Blanche Clarke), Nona Ellis, and all library patrons who drop their dollars and change in our donation jar. My personal ``thank you'' to all of you.
We also wish to express special thanks to the members of the Carrollton Ruritan Club who, in addition to their generous donation, are allowing us to use their facility again this year for the programs; and to the Carisbrooke Community Association for allowing us to use the swimming pool for our annual swim program, as they have in previous years.
Each child who completes the program receives not only the recognition of a certificate but a prize for his efforts.
There is no fee for participation. Parents may register their children between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. June 19 at the library, or at any time during the program. For further information, call the library at 238-3479.
Joyce Howard
Branch manager
Carrollton Public Library by CNB