Check out our January newsletter!
www.AttorneyRobertJames.com 404.891.0977
January 2025
BEYOND THE DREAM Martin Luther King Jr.’s Impact on Equality for All
When I was growing up in the 1970s, Martin Luther King Jr. was a frequent topic of discussion in schools and popular culture — far more than I notice today. I was born just four years and two months after his assassination, and his legacy has always felt close. Dr. King remains a vital figure in American and global history, and it’s crucial to continue honoring and reflecting on his profound contributions to our society. In many ways, our culture, community, and country remain divided, but the world Martin Luther King Jr. entered was far more segregated. What sets him apart is that he left it better than he found it — a goal we all aspire to, but few truly achieve. He lived in a time when people were legally separated by their skin color, gender, and more. The Civil Rights Movement, which Dr. King played a central role in leading, focused on securing rights for African Americans in the United States. It sought equality in critical areas like access to public facilities, education, and the right to vote. While we often associate Dr. King solely with the African American struggle, his work had far-reaching implications for justice and equality for everyone. Through his peaceful marches, protests, and lobbying, Dr. King helped transform life for Black Americans and opened doors to greater opportunities and rights. His impact laid the foundation for a more equitable society, even as the journey toward true equality continues. However, this is just a narrow and short-sighted view of the effect that Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement had on America. The Civil Rights Movement was a revolution that extended its impact far beyond the African American community. When we look at the legislation that emerged from this pivotal era, such as the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, it’s clear many groups benefited. These laws introduced protections that safeguard our children in schools, promote equal access to higher education, and ensure everyone is treated fairly, regardless of race, gender, or background. For example, the Voting Rights Act doesn’t just protect African Americans — it guarantees voting rights for all marginalized communities and reinforces the fundamental principle of equality in our democracy. The effects of the Civil Rights Movement continue to create a more inclusive society for everyone. Ultimately, as we celebrate King Day, we must resist the urge to confine the benefits of Dr. King’s legacy to only the Black community. His impact reaches far beyond, shaping and improving our nation as a whole. Dr. King fought hard,
Photo: Phil Stanziola,
endured immense hardships, and ultimately sacrificed his life to bring us closer to becoming a more perfect union. He challenged our country to live up to the ideas outlined in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, urging us all to embrace the principles of equality, liberty, and justice for all. His vision continues to inspire us to strive for a better, more unified nation. Dr. King pushed many crucial initiatives forward during his lifetime and left a lasting legacy that continues to benefit us all. Long after his passing, we still reap the rewards of the protections he fought for. However, let’s not take his sacrifices and our progress for granted. It’s crucial to reflect on how far we’ve come while recognizing we still have work to do to achieve the vision he so passionately pursued. Let’s honor his legacy by continuing to strive for a more just and equitable society.
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!
–Robert D. James
www.AttorneyRobertJames.com | 1
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Babies Delivered Via Mail?
How America’s Youngest Were Once Mailed to Grandma’s
and trusted with these precious deliveries. Take 5-year-old May Pierstorff, who was mailed about 75 miles to her grandparents. Or 3-year-old Maude Smith, who traveled from Caney to Jackson, Kentucky, with snacks in hand and a shipping label sewn to her dress. It wasn’t until after several instances and a good deal of head-scratching by the postal authorities that regulations tightened up. Parents could no longer avoid train ticket costs by handing their kids to the local postal carrier. Today, thankfully, we have more sensible travel options for our kids. The days of slapping stamps on their clothing and waving as they disappear with the mail are long gone. But the stories we have from those early days of mail mischief are sure to remind us that thrifty parents will go to any lengths to save a few dimes!
In those early days, some parents took the phrase “special delivery” to a new level by mailing their kids! Just a few weeks after the service began, one Ohio couple decided their 8-month-old son, James, needed to visit Grandma and figured the mail was the best way to get him there. Weighing in just under the 11-pound limit, baby James cost a mere 15 cents
Oh, the good old days of 1913, when the U.S. Post Office decided to let just about anything — and we mean anything — go through the mail. Imagine a time when sending eggs, bricks, and even your college laundry via post was the norm. When the U.S. Post Office first began offering parcel service, one of the first packages sent was a brindle English bulldog!
But of course, it gets stranger. The initial days of the Parcel Post service saw creative shipping solutions, including more than one instance of a surprise opossum delivery in Flushing, Queens. Then, parents short on cash or time decided to do something truly questionable: shipping their own children.
to mail. Talk about a budget-friendly travel option!
If it’s any consolation, parents didn’t hand off these pint-sized parcels to strangers. In most cases, the local mail carriers in these rural communities were well-known to the families
From Forbidden Fortune Telling to Sandwich Shop Silence Unpack America’s Quirkiest State Laws
a no-go, as it’s considered a serious traffic hazard. So, those planning to sell hot dogs should keep their attire conservative to avoid stirring up more than just appetites. Fight Back Birds in Indiana In Indiana, you can only throw a rock at a bird if you’re defending yourself. Hopefully, you’ll never find yourself in such a peculiar predicament (or Hitchcockian nightmare), but it’s good to know the law’s got your back — just in case. No Clairvoyance in Cedar Rapids Fancy yourself a fortune teller in Cedar Rapids, Iowa? Think again. Practices like palm reading or phrenology are off limits, preserving the town’s focus on the tangible here and now rather than the mystical future. Grease Is the Word in North Carolina In North Carolina, stealing over $1,000 of used restaurant grease is a felony.
Every state has its own bizarre laws, and while they make for a fun read, the fact is that these rules were once created to address some specific “problem!” From unusual dress codes for hot dog vendors in Florida to bizarre regulations about fighting birds in Indiana, every state has its share of head-scratchers. Let’s take a stroll through six of the wackiest laws — you can’t make this stuff up! Quiet Hours for Sandwich Lovers In Arkansas, think twice before honking your horn at a sandwich shop after 9 p.m. This law might have stemmed from one too many late-night sandwich cravings disturbing the peace. So, keep your sandwich enthusiasm to a respectable volume! Dress Code for Hot Dog Vendors In Florida, hot dog vendors must think twice about skimpy wardrobes as a marketing tactic. Dressing provocatively is
Yes, used grease! As biodiesel’s popularity rises, so does the value of this slippery commodity — so keep your hands away from the grimy fryer vats. Oklahoma’s Animal Antics And finally, in Oklahoma, you’d better not find yourself tripping a horse or wrestling a bear. Engaging in or even promoting these dangerous and unusual animal antics is illegal. It’s all fun and games until someone gets a bear hug they didn’t ask for! So, next time you think you’ve heard it all, remember: The law books might have a few more surprises waiting for you.
2 | 404.891.0977
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Among the countless parenting styles out there, an approach called “lighthouse parenting” is a beacon for guiding children through life’s turbulent waters while giving them the space to navigate on their own. While it may sound ideal, is it the right parenting style for your kids? What is lighthouse parenting? Coined by Dr. Ken Ginsburg, a professor of pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, lighthouse parenting is a philosophy detailed in his book “Raising Kids to Thrive.” This approach emphasizes a balance of nurturing and communicating with children while allowing them the freedom to grow independently. Just as a lighthouse guides without steering the ship itself, lighthouse parents offer direction and ensure safety without overly controlling their children’s lives. It advocates for a balanced approach. Lighthouse parenting positions itself in the sweet spot on the parenting spectrum — not as overbearing as helicopter parenting nor as detached as free-range parenting. It focuses on being emotionally present and available, providing a safe space for children to bring up issues and learn from their experiences. This method involves: • Checking in Regularly: Ensuring open lines of communication. • Encouraging Autonomy: Allowing kids the freedom to make decisions and learn from the outcomes. • Promoting Resilience: Supporting children as they navigate challenges, helping them to develop coping skills and independence. Parents set boundaries and offer support. SHINING THE LIGHT ON LIGHTHOUSE PARENTING A Balanced Approach to Raising Independent Children
TAKE A BREAK
CITRUS OLIVE OIL CAKE
Inspired by GimmeSomeOven.com
• 1 cup almond flour • 3/4 cup sugar • 2/3 cup medium-grind cornmeal • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp sea salt • 3 eggs • 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Ingredients Directions
• 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1/2 tsp almond extract • Zest of 1 lemon, plus 2 tbsp juice • Zest of 1 orange, plus 2 tbsp juice • Powdered sugar, optional
Unlike authoritarian parenting, which might stifle a child’s sense of independence, lighthouse
parenting encourages self-reliance through trust and minimal but firm boundaries. Parents provide the framework, trusting the kids to make good decisions. This method helps to build a robust support system where children know they have the safety net of their parents’ guidance when needed. Keep the Light On Adopting the lighthouse method involves unconditional love paired with expectations and boundaries. It’s about guiding children through the complexities of growing up without removing the essential experiences that teach them about life. Of course, no single parenting style is perfect for every child. How you reinforce lighthouse parenting depends entirely on your child’s needs and developmental trajectory. Ultimately, lighthouse parenting aims to prepare children to thrive independently, ensuring they know the way back to shore, no matter how far away they sail.
1. Heat oven to 350 F. Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment and lightly grease the sides with cooking spray. 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk almond flour, sugar, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt until combined. 3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, olive oil, vanilla, almond extract, and lemon and orange zest and juice. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. 4. Pour batter into the springform pan. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for 15 minutes. 5. Run a knife gently around the edges of the cake, then remove the sides of the pan. If desired, dust cake with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh strainer.
www.AttorneyRobertJames.com | 3
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
404.891.0977 www.AttorneyRobertJames.com 233 Peachtree St. NE Suite 1200 Atlanta, GA 30303
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1 2
Dr. King’s Vision for a Better America
The Curious Case of Mailing Children in the Early 1900s
6 State Laws You Won’t Believe Exist!
Citrus Olive Oil Cake
3
Lighthouse Parenting: Illuminate the Path to Independence and Resilience
4
Crime and Cavities
From Aggravated Assault to Dental Drama Runaway ‘Dentist’ Dodges Detection
offenses include assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and unlawful carrying of a weapon by a felon — and that was just in 2023 and 2024! In one infamous case, she was accused of shooting at her boyfriend’s former girlfriend. Her record also includes a December 2016 conviction for the delivery of a controlled substance. “Juanetta Solomon is the definition of a career habitual offender,” commented Andy Kahan, director of victim services and advocacy at Crime Stoppers of Houston, in a story on Katy Magazine Online. “She’s been in prison multiple times in different counties, so it’s no surprise she is once again wanted. Her latest offense is extremely brutal, pretending to be a dentist [and] causing undue pain and stress on individuals, so the quicker we get her back in custody, the less anyone has to suffer as a result of her criminal conduct.”
While TikTok may be a go-to app for funny videos, it’s probably not the best way to find a new dentist. Last year, Texas-based “dentist” Nikki Calloway used TikTok to generate buzz for her business, ISmilez Cosmetic Designz. The campaign attracted new patients, including one who scheduled an appointment after receiving a $1,350 quote from Calloway to have 16 teeth removed, replaced, and a bridge added. There was only one problem: “Nikki Calloway” wasn’t a licensed dentist. In reality, she was Juanetta Solomon, a notorious local felon with a long history of crime. The botched dental surgery left the patient dizzy, bleeding, and with a tooth that fell out shortly afterward — and prompted Solomon to go on the run from the law. According to authorities, Solomon had operated her “dentistry” office while out on bond for a weapons charge. Her past
Law enforcement was still attempting to capture Solomon at the time of this writing. Her bizarre turn as a “dentist” serves as a chilling reminder that Google and a little research — not social media — are the best tools to determine whether your chosen provider is a professional or someone destined for prison.
4 | 404.891.0977
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator