The Spark

Marquis Lupton tells us the story of the first BIPOC owned and governed stock exchange and venture exchange.

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Thaddeus Stevens was one of the most consequential members of Congress in the nation’s history. Stevens represented Lancaster County in Washington during and after the Civil War. He was instrumental in the passage of the 13th Amendment to The Constitution that abolished slavery and led the fight for the 14th Amendment that requires equal protection under the law.

But before moving to Lancaster in 1842, Stevens was a trial lawyer, iron maker, public education advocate and champion of the Underground Railroad and freedom for enslaved people in Adams County.

An December 2023 article in Smithsonian Magazine was titled Why America Is Just Now Learning to Love Thaddeus Stevens, the ‘Best-Hated Man’ in U.S. History. It raises the point that Stevens should be recognized as one of the greats in Americans history.

Ross Hetrick is Founder and President of the Thaddeus Stevens Society, was with us Thursday on The Spark where he addressed the lack of attention Stevens has gotten in history books,"The way that history is taught in our schools is primarily about the presidents. And even though Thaddeus Stevens exercised power equivalent to presidents, he was a member of the House of Representatives. So for that reason, they kind of glossed over, those people in the House of Representatives and even in the Senate. Another big reason is that he was a target of what's known as the Lost Cause mythology, where Southerners after the Civil War basically rewrote the history of the Civil War, saying that it wasn't about slavery, was about states rights and that those people who led the Confederacy were heroes. And one of the things they also did was attack people like Thaddeus Stevens. Stevens has been in three movies. In two of them he was the villain."

Hetrick said the many historians Stevens pushed President Abraham Lincoln toward several of his most significant accomplishments,"The Union was blessed with two political geniuses. One was Abraham Lincoln and the other one was Stevens. And much of Abraham Lincoln's genius was that he listened to Thaddeus Stevens. At the beginning of the war, Lincoln was against ending slavery in the South. He was against the expansion of slavery. But he told anybody that would listen that he did not intend to end slavery in some states. And he also, let it be known that he was not going to use Black soldiers. Those are two positions that Stevens had from the beginning. And he basically kept pestering Lincoln until he adopted those positions. So you could actually say, in fact, contemporaries likened it to Thaddeus Stevens going through the field, removing the trees and the boulders, with Lincoln following behind him, sowing the seeds of freedom."

Before being elected to Congress, Stevens was a Pennsylvania state legislator where his legacy may be that he saved public education,"Pennsylvania was a pioneer in public education, and they actually passed the Public Education Act in 1834. But with public education comes higher taxes, which caused a taxpayer revolt in Pennsylvania. And most of the legislators, who returned (to Harrisburg) in 1835, were pledged to repeal public education. And, in fact, the state Senate, met first and voted to repeal public education. Then all came over the House where Thaddeus Stevens, was a powerhouse. And he made a stirring speech where he urged his fellow legislators to build, "not monuments of brass or marble, but of every living mind" that they passed a stronger public education bill, which then was approved by the Senate, which had just previously repealed it. So yeah, he is he is known as the savior of public education. And late in his life he considered that to be, perhaps the best thing he ever accomplished. And he said he would be amply rewarded if a student of the public education system shed a tear on his grave."

The first stand alone museum dedicated to Stevens -- The Thaddeus Steven Society Museum -- opened last week at 46 Chambersburg Street in downtown Gettysburg. it is free to the public.

Another museum -- The Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy -- will open in Lancaster next year.

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Brad Wolf's "A Ministry of Risk" stands as the authoritative anthology of Philip Berrigan's writings, offering a profound journey through the evolution of a revolutionary spirit. Authorized by the Berrigan family, this collection is meticulously arranged chronologically, providing readers with an intimate portrayal of Berrigan's transformation amidst a nation entrenched in martial obsessions. Through autobiographical insights, introspective theology, and a fervent call to activism, the book weaves together the vibrant tapestry of history while serving as both a manifesto of nonviolent resistance and a testament to spiritual reflection.

Philip Berrigan, renowned for his activism as an American peace activist and Catholic priest, endured 11 years of imprisonment for his unwavering advocacy of nonviolent resistance against war. Engaging in prominent protests such as the Baltimore Four and Catonsville Nine, Berrigan left an indelible mark on movements spanning from Vietnam to Iraq. His prolific literary contributions, including numerous books, earned him a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. "A Ministry of Risk" not only encapsulates Berrigan's life's work but also serves as a beacon for future generations committed to peace and social justice.

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There were 4,992 substantiated reports of child abuse and 60 deaths resulting from abuse in Pennsylvania during 2022. Child abuse in Pennsylvania is defined as when an individual acts or fails to prevent something that causes harm or a high likelihood of harm to a child under the age of 18. This harm can take many forms, such as bodily injury, serious mental injury, or sexual abuse or exploitation.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance provides education, support, and training programs to make Pennsylvania safe for children.

Angela Liddle, the President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance was on The Spark Wednesday and was asked for reasons there are so many cases of child abuse and neglect,"People are struggling with substance use disorder, food insecurity. They're struggling to make ends meet with still an economy that's not quite where we'd like it to be. There's inadequate child care. So we have a lot of folks that aren't providing the supervision of their kids that are needed, and our kids are just needing a whole lot sometimes that they're not getting."

Liddle was asked about trends they're seeing,"One of the trends that we're seeing, not fatality related, but near fatality. So we've had our numbers increase around the near fatality cases. And what that basically means is that had there not been intervention, we have a medical physician that has certified, the child would have died. So in all likelihood, it could have been a mandated reporter. It could have been a concerned community member who alerted the system that children, that the child was in danger and then got the necessary intervention. But those numbers are increasing, and about 80% of all of the near fatalities are because of a lack of parental supervision. So we have kids who are ingesting cleaning material or over-the-counter meds or prescription meds, drowning in swimming pools, getting into unsecured firearms, some very, very serious things."

Liddle said sometimes parents need help and PFSA offers parental training programs as well. But what if someone suspects a child is being abused or neglected,"Anyone can report suspected child abuse. Community members can do so anonymously. They do not have to give their name or contact information. Mandated reporters, the professionals or volunteers who work with kids, bus drivers, teachers, doctors, dentists, nurses, athletic coaches those folks are required by law, and you don't have to be certain. You have to have a reasonable suspicion. That thing in your gut that says this child is not safe. And so what you do then is you pick up the phone and you dial Childline, which is the central registry. It's the hotline for reporting abuse. And that number is 1-800-932-0313."

Digital technology, especially social media, has become an area that can put children in danger. Peer-to-peer online bullying is commonplace, but so are kids going on websites that isn't age appropriate for them. Children can be put in physical danger when adults reach out to kids online and sometimes even make arrangements to meet them, often to exploit them sexually.

PFSA has initiated a Family Digital Wellness program. Liddle talked about keeping children safe online,"We have to build into our family culture strong assessments about what each kid needs and based on their age, development around social media and the digital world. Our own kind of family norms and rules. How many times do you go out to a restaurant and if there's a mom and dad and a two kids, you see all four of them sitting there with their smartphones, they're not even talking to each other? And that comes from parents modeling the behavior and allowing it. So your family digital plan might be we have strong parental controls for these kids. We have, time limits by when they can be on their iPad. And maybe it's only on the weekends or very limited through the week. We have a rule that we don't, none of us, take to the table when we're going to share a meal our phones. And then there's discussion about the whys. And you talk about how are we like so much to hear about your day. Tell us one thing you learned today, or what was your favorite part of the day? And you begin to talk to kids too, about at a young age about who they may encounter online. Not if, but who they may and what the response might be. What is a good response? And then you reinforce that and what you reinforce with. And this is some good old Fred Rogers talk here. There isn't anything you can't talk to me about. I'm always gonna love you no matter what. You're wonderful just the way you are. Mom or mom and dad or just dad want to keep you as safe as we possibly can. So it's a different day. We don't have a choice."

To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call CHILDLINE at 1-800-932-0313.

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Jamie Beth Cohen, a versatile writer, storyteller, and dedicated individual, has worn many hats throughout her life. Notably, Cohen is the author of The Alice Burton Novels, comprising "WASTED PRETTY" and "LIMINAL SUMMER," both published by Black Rose Writing. Her insightful words have graced platforms such as HuffPost, The Washington Post, Salon, and SFWP Quarterly. And in recognition of her storytelling prowess, Cohen was awarded the title of Best Storyteller in Lancaster, PA, in 2021. Presently, she is engrossed in crafting a memoir delving into the complexities of her relationship with her enigmatic father and his mysterious passing. Beyond her literary pursuits, Cohen devotes her time to mentoring novice writers and budding storytellers, a testament to her commitment to nurturing creativity and expression in all forms.

Cohen's talents also extend beyond the page, as evidenced by her triumph at the Lancaster Story Slam in 2021. She is slated to participate in upcoming grand slam competitions in both Lancaster and York later this year, further solidifying her reputation as a captivating storyteller. Additionally, Cohen's literary endeavors have yielded "Wasted Pretty," a poignant narrative following Alice, a young woman navigating the challenges of self-acceptance after a significant weight loss.

Jamie Beth Cohen's multifaceted career as an author, mentor, and storyteller is marked by her ability to weave compelling narratives that resonate with readers across various platforms. Her upcoming ventures in both writing and storytelling competitions continue to showcase her unwavering dedication to her craft and her ongoing commitment to uplifting others through the power of storytelling.

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The history that most of us have been taught or focus on usually centers around the people and events that shaped the nation, state or the towns and cities we live in. Often, that history is full of dates, stories and well-known names.

Of course, right now, there are debates going on across this country about who and what should be included in that history.

But what we don’t hear as often is the seamier side of history. And every place has those stories they don’t highlight in the history books. But those tales can tell us a lot about a place and its people and how they evolved. That history can also be fascinating and entertaining as well.

A great example is the Lancaster Vice project. Lancaster was known as a "wide-open" city in the early part of the 20th Century, where prostitution, gambling and drinking were rampant and law enforcement often looked the other way or were part of the corruption.

The Lancaster Vice project includes a walking tour, a podcast, a blog and articles in LNP. Alison Kibler is a Professor of American Studies and Women’s Gender and Sexuality at Franklin and Marshall College. Dr. Kibler runs the Lancaster Vice project and was on The Spark Tuesday.

Kibler said she researched by using the Law and Order Society collection at Lancaster History that included some 800 pages of investigative reports. Three male detectives and a woman were hired by the Law and Order Society to investigate the commercial sex trade in Lancaster during one month in 1913.

In their reports, the investigators conclude there were 190 "professional" sex workers and 40 brothels or furnished rooming houses in Lancaster.

Kibler said there were "charity" girls, who weren't considered professionals, but exchanged sex for tickets to the theater or vaudeville shows. Kibler indicated that the professional prostitutes thought the charity girls were "giving it away for free" and ruining their business model.

Kibler described the politics of Lancaster made the vice possible,"In Lancaster, the set of conditions that makes this happen is that there is a government that's running as a corrupt machine. And in Lancaster, that happens to be a Republican administration. In other cities, it's a Democratic machine. So, police officers are political appointees and factory inspectors are political appointees. There are stories of vote buying. So in that context, vice is running in basically with the full knowledge of city officials and police officers. And they it's not just that they sometimes do nothing. They largely do nothing and then sometimes participate themselves. So vice in Lancaster is not a secret. Maybe you could describe it as an open secret, but it's definitely running in cooperation with law enforcement in Lancaster. So, here's some examples from the archives. There's reports in the newspaper that police officers basically don't even patrol the streets at night. They just go to the firehouse and go to sleep on their overnight shifts. And then there's also a report...now, this has not been fully substantiated, but one, I think maybe two newspapers do report that there seems to be prostitution actually running out of City Hall or the county courthouse, so that women are coming in the back door, at all hours of the night. And when they report on that in the paper, they kind of jokingly refer to the courthouse there sarcastically. They call it the Temple of Justice."

Learn more about the Lancaster Vice walking tour here.

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The Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Marketing Association is making waves in the region, aiming to revolutionize the way marketing professionals connect, learn, and grow. As a non-profit organization, their dedication to education, cultivation, and empowerment of marketers is evident in every aspect of their mission. At the core of their values is the commitment to fostering strong connections within the marketing community and beyond. They prioritize Service Leadership, ensuring that their interactions with customers, members, and stakeholders are guided by principles of integrity and respect. With a bold vision to become the foremost influencer in global marketing discourse, the chapter is positioning itself as an indispensable resource for marketers worldwide. Their ambition knows no bounds as they strive to offer a forward-thinking, distinct, and contemporary perspective on marketing practices.

Under the unified banner of One AMA, the chapter is spearheading a collaborative effort to shape the future of marketing. They recognize the importance of a cohesive Intellectual Agenda, which spans across all platforms, emphasizing the interplay between established Best Practices and innovative Next Practices. Central to their strategy is the creation of a dynamic and interconnected knowledge hub, designed to facilitate continuous engagement within the AMA community. This hub serves as a repository of insights, strategies, and resources, ensuring that members are always connected and empowered to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of marketing. The Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Marketing Association is not just an organization; it is a community of forward-thinkers, change-makers, and innovators united by a common goal—to elevate the practice of marketing and empower professionals to reach new heights of success.

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The Mansion Concerts take place on Front Street in Harrisburg at the Manor on Front. It's a listening-room-style concert series that aims to provide great sound, great performances and a great experience for its patrons. Guitarist Trevor Gordon Hall will be performing on April 27th at 7pm

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The April 2024 Franklin and Marshall College poll indicates Pennsylvanians support voting reforms, including requiring county voting officials to contact voters if they find an error on a submitted ballot and requiring photo IDs when voting. An overwhelming 77% of respondents said they favored so-called ballot curing. It's an issue that has been in the courts many times. Requiring photo IDs when voting has been a divisive issue between Republicans and Democrats for years with Republicans refusing most voting reforms without voter ID and Democrats vehemently opposed, arguing there's virtually no voter fraud and thus no need for voter ID and that it would keep some voters from being able to vote. The F&M poll showed 73% of those surveyed supported voter ID.

The poll also shows more voters – although not a significant number of voters – are viewing the direction of the state more positively. Thirty-nine percent of respondents say Pennsylvania is heading in the right direction. Thirty-seven percent said the state was heading in the right direction in February. Seventeen percent of registered voters say they are better off financially than last year compared to 15% in February and 11% in October, 2023.

Continuing a trend, 62% said marijuana should be legalized for recreational use in Pennsylvania and most (48%) say it should be sold through a dispensary rather than a state operated cannabis shop (29%).

Berwood Yost, Director of the Floyd Institute for Public Policy at the Center for Opinion Research at Franklin & Marshall College was on The Spark Monday and said President Joe Biden has a slight lead over former President Donald Trump, but third party candidates may have an impact on the presidential race in Pennsylvania, "Something like 90% of registered Democrats say they're supporting Biden. And it's about 75% of registered Republicans say they're supporting Trump. When you add in all the third party candidates, Biden's support among Democrats drops down to about the same level as Trump among Republicans. So about three quarters, that's what we see happen. So the number of people who pick a third party candidate or say they don't know is about 7% among Democrats. When it's a head to head, it's more like 15% when you offer the three, or the additional candidates, the third party candidates. And that's an important finding, right? I mean, I keep trying to tell people, look, getting to the final vote outcome here is going to be like searching for spare change in your sofa. I mean, the the parties are going to need everything they can get. And it's clear to me that who's on the ballot as a third party candidate, and how many of them are going to have a significant impact on this race."

Yost said independent candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. is polling at about 9% in Pennsylvania.

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Coming up this week.

A Cumberland County woman talks about her experience on PBS' Finding Your Roots with Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., where she learned about her family history. Also on the program, Marquis Lupton's insightful conversation with breastfeeding advocate Norma Vasquez.

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