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IN MEMORIAM: Controversial public housing tenant leader, James Robinson, passes in North Carolina

NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER — To friends and those who knew him best, Mr. Robinson was a fierce advocate for public housing residents. Others held a much different view. Prior to his resignation in 1997, members of the Memphis Housing Authority launched an investigation into whether he had “misrepresented his income to receive subsidized housing.” He had been president of the CRC for seven years.

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James Robinson.

By Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell, New Tri-State Defender

A community leader and a voice for change to some, former Citywide Residents Council (CRC) President James Robinson passed away recently in North Carolina, with services planned for Memphis. He was 67.

“He had moved to North Carolina with one of his daughters,” said former Memphis City Schools Board Member Sara Lewis, a family friend, who said, “James was sick for a long time.”

Mr. Robinson, a minister, was a “phenomenal character” with a photographic memory, Lewis said.

“He knew the law and he knew the codes. He changed public housing for the better during his tenure as head of the tenant’s association. He got us the money to fix up the homes of our seniors. They needed to be wheelchair accessible and upgraded with other accommodations for them.”

To friends and those who knew him best, Mr. Robinson was a fierce advocate for public housing residents. Others held a much different view. Prior to his resignation in 1997, members of the Memphis Housing Authority launched an investigation into whether he had “misrepresented his income to receive subsidized housing.” He had been president of the CRC for seven years.

MHA board members called for an investigation into Mr. Robinson’s finances after it was revealed that he worked as a paid consultant for a Nashville marketing firm, drove a 1997 Cadillac, and appeared in the courtroom of Judge Joe Brown declaring a $75,000 annual income. At the time,  Mr. Robinson was paying $150 per month for a five-bedroom unit in Cypresswood Apartments.

Subsidized housing was assessed at 30 percent of the household’s monthly income, and to falsify information for the purpose of residing in public housing was considered a federal crime.

“James was the one who changed public housing for the better,” said Lewis. “He would say, ‘How in the world is anyone supposed to get out of poverty if every time someone gets a job, their rent goes up?’ He was very political.”

Lewis said Mr. Robinson “helped to engineer my first election to the school board. And he helped the Fords, too, back in the day. Public housing tenants were an important voting constituency that was overlooked many times. James said that it was not money that got candidates elected. It was people that got candidates elected.”

Asked about his car and a Whitehaven home where he paid the utilities, Mr. Robinson once forthrightly explained that he had worked for what he had.

“By the way, all this jewelry, designer suits, handmade shoes, I bought all that because I got a job,” Mr. Robinson told a group of probationers during a counseling session in Judge Joe Brown’s courtroom.

Parts of his speech aired on “Court TV” on January 9, 1996. Mr. Robinson offered MHA his “unpaid consultant, advisory services” for the following five years after he resigned.

Mr. Robinson, according to his attorney, did not resign to halt the investigation, but rather because “he was tired of being harassed by the news media.”

Services were incomplete.

This article originally appeared in the New Tri-State Defender

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14th Annual Minnesota Cuban Film Festival with Franklin Curbelo

The 14th. Minnesota Cuban Film Festival is organized by the Minnesota Cuba Committee, with the collaboration of the MSP Film Society, and ICAIC (Cuban Film Institute)
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Feb. 21, 2023 – Al McFarlane will sit with Franklin Curbelo, organizer of the 14th Annual Minnesota Cuban Film Festival. In this exciting interview, Franklin will discuss the festival’s commitment to bringing diverse films from Cuba and this year’s line-up.

The 14th. Minnesota Cuban Film Festival is organized by the Minnesota Cuba Committee, with the collaboration of the MSP Film Society, and ICAIC (Cuban Film Institute)

The Conversation With Al McFarlane (TCWAM), Weekdays at 1 pm CST / 2 pm EST / 11 am PST

We hope you will join us at 1 pm CST / 2 pm EST / 11 am PST as we continue our ongoing conversations about how we can all make a difference in our community.

SUBSCRIBE to TCWAM on Insight News YouTube channel:    / @insightnewsmn   #minneapolis #stpaul #blackculture #community #blackmusic #cuba #artfilm #TCWAM

Photo by: Juan Luis Ozaez

Photo by: CineDirektor FILMS

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2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5L Turbo w/Premium Plus Package AWD

2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5L Turbo w/Premium Plus Package AWD In-depth walkaround and POV Test Drive. The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a luxurious and powerful compact SUV that boasts several high-end features and technologies. Equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, 227 HP @ 310 lb-ft Torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the C-50 delivers a […]
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2023 Mazda CX-50 2.5L Turbo w/Premium Plus Package AWD In-depth walkaround and POV Test Drive.
The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is a luxurious and powerful compact SUV that boasts several high-end features and technologies. Equipped with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, 227 HP @ 310 lb-ft Torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the C-50 delivers a robust performance and is available with the Premium Plus package, which offers various advanced features. This review will delve into the details of the car’s features and overall performance.

The CX-50 comes in a beautiful Ingot Blue Metallic exterior color, which complements its elegant and sleek design. It features black 20-inch alloy wheels with P245/45 R20 all-season tires, which provide excellent grip and stability on the road. The rain-sensing windshield wipers and wiper de-icer are a thoughtful addition, making driving in inclement weather more manageable. Additionally, the auto power-folding side mirrors are convenient for parking in tight spaces.

The CX-50’s interior is equally impressive, with a Black interior color and Brown leather-trimmed seats. The 5-passenger seating is spacious, and the power driver’s seat with memory and power passenger seats offer ample adjustability for comfortable driving positions. The ventilated front seats are a welcome feature, especially in hotter climates. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is a premium touch and feels good in the hands. The heated steering wheel is perfect for chilly weather, and the paddle shifters add to the car’s sporty feel. The Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and rear power liftgate are convenient features that make accessing the vehicle a breeze.

The CX-50 has several safety and security features, including 24-hour roadside assistance, 5-passenger 3-point safety belts, LATCH child safety seat anchors, and an anti-theft engine immobilizer. It also has a lane departure warning system, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The I-ACTIV all-wheel drive, hill launch assist, and MI-Drive – sport/off-road/towing make it an excellent option for various driving conditions. The CX-50 also boasts a 3500 lb towing capacity, which makes it ideal for those who need to haul extra gear.

The CX-50 comes equipped with several high-tech features, including a power panoramic moonroof, adaptive front lighting system, LED headlights with auto on/off, and roof rails. The 10.25″ color center display and active driving HeadUp display provide easy access to all necessary information. The dual-zone auto climate control ensures that everyone in the car stays comfortable, and the rearview camera makes parking a breeze. The car has an AM/FM/HD Radio® with four USB inputs, BOSE® 12-speakers audio system, and a SiriusXM® 3 mos. trial. The Mazda Connected Services, wireless Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay™ are convenient for connecting smartphones and accessing music and apps on the go.

The CX-50 has several pros, including multiple driving modes, off-road modes, and a comfortable interior. The car has quick off-the-line acceleration and handles well, making it a fun car to drive.

One downside to the CX-50 is that the ride quality is mediocre. It may not be the best option for those who prefer a very smooth ride.

The CX-50’s MSRP is $43,525, and the Turbo Premium Plus Package adds extra features, such as heated rear seats, 360-degree view monitor, traffic jam assist, front and rear parking sensors, rear smart brake support, blind spot prevention, Mazda Navigation System, wireless phone charger, traffic sign recognition, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink®.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a luxurious and powerful compact SUV with advanced features and technologies. The car’s impressive performance, various driving modes, and comfortable interior make it a joy to drive. Additionally, the car’s safety and security features, along with the advanced technology, make it a safe and convenient car to own. Overall, the Mazda CX-50 is a strong contender in the compact SUV market and is definitely worth considering for those who want a car that delivers both performance and luxury.

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Why Attend Chicago Auto Show or Show In Your Market – AutoNetwork Reports 394

Our Take on The Chicago Auto Show, Recalls, Autel Energy, CrossTrex, Volvo Subscription Service, Customer Loyalty Dwindling, and more – AutoNetwork Reports 394 Coffee and Cars – AutoNetwork Reports 394. Get your coffee and join us for a new morning show. Warren was a great storyteller, friend, and all-around good guy in our industry and […]
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Our Take on The Chicago Auto Show, Recalls, Autel Energy, CrossTrex, Volvo Subscription Service, Customer Loyalty Dwindling, and more – AutoNetwork Reports 394
Coffee and Cars – AutoNetwork Reports 394.
Get your coffee and join us for a new morning show. Warren was a great storyteller, friend, and all-around good guy in our industry and reviewed cars for The Washington Post newspaper.
Reviews of Cars Driven – AutoNetwork Reports 394
Car Reviews of what we are driving this week. We help you better understand and appreciate your dream car. Find out why we would buy the new car or not. Join our panel of influencers as we review new cars and discuss the latest auto news.

Car Reviews: Visit the website of the panelists for full reviews.
Greg – RAV4
Dawn – Outlander PHEV
Chris – Pathfinder
Teia – Jetta GLI
Dave – G90
Me – Niro SX Touring

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Frank Washington – AboutThatCar.com
Greg Morrison – http://www.bumper2bumpertv.com
Chris Lawrence – Autoacademics.com
David Boldt – TxGarage.com
Valerie Menard – LatinoTrafficReports.com
Teia Collier – #DSMDrive
Dawn Gibson-Thigpen – @SassyAutoChick

The auto talk show, #AutoNetworkReports, is Live on YouTube weekly Wednesday from 10:00 am ET – 10:30 am ET. where auto influencers discuss the week’s latest automotive news. Go visit http://autonetwork.com for more shows.

Find out why they would buy the vehicle or not. Join our panel of auto journalists and influencers as we discuss this and simplify the latest auto industry news to help you appreciate the auto industry business.

When available we let you know of any vehicle recalls and how to resolve them. Some of the auto influencers have sold cars so we provide car buying and auto leasing tips to save you time and money on your next car purchase. AutoNetwork Reports simplify the latest auto industry news for you to help you appreciate the automotive industry.

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