By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
From time to time I receive information that I think may be of interest to the local community or the community at large. I will be posting them as Event Alerts. If you can attend and show your support, please do so. We all need to be about backing each other up. It's how communities are built.
TODAY, Friday, January 29, 2010:
WHO: Governor David A. Paterson and NYC Mayor Bloomberg
WHAT: Annoucing the opening of the Haitian Family Resource Center at the Brooklyn Armory.
WHEN: Friday, January 29th, 2010 at 11:30 AM
WHERE: Bedford Armory, 1579 Bedford Avenue
Haitian Family Resource Center at the Bedford Armory
The Center will be a one-stop resource center for families impated by the earthquake. it will offer Creole speaking translation services, immigration assistance, and help with completing immigration applications, child guardianship and custody services, legal assistance, help in locating family members, mental health services, coordination of volunteer efforts and daily accurate briefings on the status of the relief effort.
The Center will be operatied jointly by the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) and NYC Office of Emergency Management. The Human Services Committee of the Disaster Preparedness Commission will staff the Center along with the Office of Temporary Disability Assistance (OTDA) Bureau of Refugee Affairs. Jocelynn Mayas from OTDA will be detaile dto the Center and is a Creole speaking liaison to the Haitian Community.
CONTACT: Tobias Russo, Regional Representative, 633 Third Avenue, NY, NY 10017
WHO: Assemblywoman Annette M. Robinson and the Robinson Family
WHAT: Musical Memorial Tribute to her late husband, Musician and Vocalist Bill Robinson
WHEN: Friday, January 29th, 2010 at 7:00 pm
WHERE: Jazz 966 - 966 Fulton, Brooklyn, NY (Near Grand Street)
(C Train to Clinton Washington; 26 or 26 bus to Grand St. Stop)
The late Bill Robinson, a national treasure right here in Brooklyn, and the husband of Assemblywoman Annette M. Robinson, made his transition in early December of 2009 after a lengthy and valiant bout with cancer. A musician, vocalist and composer, Bill was well known in the community having performed for more than 14 years at the famed Jazz 966 in the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn.
The Bill Robinson Musical Memorial Tribute will establish a legacy of a Scholarship to support Emerging Artists.Performances by: Vic Washington and Friends; The Chords; Jimmy Hill, and “James Brown” Jr; featuring Lavonia Alicia Robinson (Granddaughter of Bill Robinson)
Dancing Allowed; Refreshments Available or BYOBB and a pair of dancing feet. I've heard their music, and it's fabulous!
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Friday, January 29, 2010
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS: WE DON’T GIVE UP AND WE DON’T QUIT!!
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
You know, if I weren't more sophisticated, worldly and politically savvy, I would definitely have done a "happy dance" and flipped an "in your face" symbol to all the right wingers -- media, repugnantcans (oops, I mean Republicans), and religious fanatics of that ilk -- last night when President Obama wound up his first State of the Union Address. And I would not have been alone. I can just see millions of Americans who supported Obama, but who had had some trepidation about his standing, owing to the poisonous media coverage of late, and how he would be received on this most auspicious occasion.
Apparently, we need not have worried. For despite their best efforts to distort his image, to make him seem uncaring and out of touch; to even come up with some bogus popularity poll (by the way, they didn’t call me, did they call you?) that had him somewhere below 50% for the first time, President Barack Obama showed he was not only the same person we elected as president of these United States, but he was even better than ever!
Even Katie Couric on CBS announced that a poll they had gathered immediately after the speech had President Obama with a 70% approval rating! And after watching Charlie Rose's gathering of pundits, I realized that no one had actually checked in with us as to what our response to President Obama's State of the Union Address was. So allow me: IT WAS GREAT! FANTANSTIC, WONDERFUL, INSPIRATIONAL, MOTIVATIONAL, AND EMPHATIC!!!
Did you hear him? Did you absorb the information he delivered, practically without pencil or paper -- genius that he is -- as he stood before the joint House and Senate (Republicans and Democrats). The brother was brilliant!!! He was erudite!!! He was creative!!! He was candid!!! He was humorous!!! He was courageous!!! He was effective!!! And he was perfectly clear when he said: We Don’t Give Up and We Don’t Quit!!
Even thoughthere were some political missteps and mistakes in the recent past (i.e the Kennedy's lost Massachuetts), he didn’t roll over and play dead, he didn’t compromise, he didn’t pull out the political expediency card -- he was clear about what the country needed when he was elected, and that necessity has not changed. The time to get it done is now. He put Congress on notice that turning their backs on the American people because of a few minor setbacks was not an option. He pointed out that having a majority of Democrats in office for the first time in 40 years is supposed to mean something -- laws are supposed to get passed -- not people running for the hills, concerned about their next election to such an extent that they forsake their responsibility to their constituents. He made it plain that he expected the Democrats to do their jobs. Not waffle. Wow!!!
By the way, if anyone was wondering whether or not the Health Care Bill was DOA (dead on arrival), guess again -- it’s been needed for 40 years, it was needed yesterday, it's needed today, and will be needed tomorrow. Millions will lose their insurance by the time he ended the speech, he quipped, so it is still needed. It’s time to get it done. If you got a better plan, bring it, he’ll look at it, but if not, stop shortchanging the populace, and pass the bill. (One wonders what would they do if one of their family members was directly affected by the bill?).
Individuals already insured can keep their current insurance plan and their doctor; there would be a reduction in costs and premiums for millions of families; and it would bring the deficit down by over $1 trillion over the next two decades. The President observed that the longer the House and Senate harangued over the Health Care bill, with their incessant posturing to please the pharmaceutical lobbyists and private interest groups, the more confused Americans become as to what the health bill would do and who would benefit.
While he blamed himself for part of the confusion, stating that he should have better explained the program, I beg to differ. In point of fact, President Obama’s original proposal was perfectly clear! The only distortion was in mainstream, right wing-run media, who took particular pleasure in distorting the facts and throwing scare tactics into their distorted, and obviously slanted reports.
“Still,” he stated, “this is a complex issue, and the longer it was debated, the more skeptical people became. I take my share of the blame for not explaining it more clearly to the American people. And I know that with all the lobbying and horse-trading, the process left most Americans wondering, "What's in it for me?" Premiums will go up. Patients will be denied the care they need. Small business owners will continue to drop coverage altogether. I will not walk away from these Americans, and neither should the people in this chamber. “
The President’s aggressive program for bringing jobs back to America, the same one he articulated when he was running for President, was passed by the House a week ago, and is awaiting passage in the Senate. And woe betide the senator who does not step up to the plate with the whole world watching. In addition to green jobs, job training, and educational programs, there are major tax incentives to companies that bring the jobs back from overseas also on the table. There should be no quibbling on the part of the legislators who claim to stand for their constituents best interests. It puts the issue squarely where it belongs: are you for your constituents or for the foreign dollars.
Speaking of which, the President stated that it is time that the US become more competitive in the foreign trade markets, developing goods and services that can be sold overseas. This further expands opportunities for small businesses to present their products to a broader market base.
“Despite our hardships, our union is strong. We do not give up. We do not quit. We do not allow fear or division to break our spirit. In this new decade, it's time the American people get a government that matches their decency; that embodies their strength“.
For those with convenient amnesia, Obama briefly recounted the condition the government was in when he took office: Ten years ago, in 2000, there was a surplus from the Clinton Administration of $200 billion dollars; by the time the Bush administration finished in 2008, America was $3 trillion in the hole. And the gap was getting wider and wider by the day. If he had not supported the proposed bail out package at the time, American would most likely have been thrust into deep depression.
“So I supported the last administration's efforts to create the financial rescue program. And when we took that program over, we made it more transparent and more accountable. And as a result, the markets are now stabilized, and we've recovered most of the money we spent on the banks. Most but not all. To recover the rest, I've proposed a fee on the biggest banks. (YAAY!!!) Now, I know Wall Street isn't keen on this idea. But if these firms can afford to hand out big bonuses again, they can afford a modest fee to pay back the taxpayers who rescued them in their time of need. Now, as we stabilized the financial system, we also took steps to get our economy growing again, save as many jobs as possible, and help Americans who had become unemployed. That's why we extended or increased unemployment benefits for more than 18 million Americans; made health insurance 65 percent cheaper for families who get their coverage through COBRA; and passed 25 different tax cuts. Now, let me repeat: We cut taxes. We cut taxes for 95 percent of working families. We cut taxes for small businesses. We cut taxes for first-time homebuyers. We cut taxes for parents trying to care for their children. We cut taxes for 8 million Americans paying for college.”
Just for the record, it’s obvious that Republicans aren’t the only ones who know how to cut taxes-- so let’s disabuse ourselves from that myth now and forever. Tax cuts are not just in the province of the Republicans.
“I'm proposing that we take $30 billion of the money Wall Street banks have repaid and use it to help community banks give small businesses the credit they need to stay afloat. I'm also proposing a new small business tax credit- one that will go to over one million small businesses who hire new workers or raise wages. While we're at it, let's also eliminate all capital gains taxes on small business investment, and provide a tax incentive for all large businesses and all small businesses to invest in new plants and equipment. Next, we can put Americans to work today building the infrastructure of tomorrow. From the first railroads to the Interstate Highway System, our nation has always been built to compete. There's no reason Europe or China should have the fastest trains, or the new factories that manufacture clean energy products.”
Does that sound like a man who is out of touch with his fellow Americans, or who has no concern for the middle class’ economic well being or viability? Does that sound like a person who is prone to political expediency?
I’m sure Wall Street did not like the fact that the President has now put the whole world on notice that there will be no more days when they are treated like royalty while Main Street gets treated like cannon fodder. Stating that they can no longer play Russian roulet with American funds, the President outlined a financial integrity bill that must be passed, and not watered down. If it does not do what it is supposed to do, he has threatened/promised to send it back until they “get it right!”
Rather than the "sloganese" that leaves people feeling that you’re doing something while actually just the opposite is the case, President Obama focused on education and failing schools, stating, “we've broken through the stalemate between left and right by launching a national competition to improve our schools. Instead of rewarding failure, we only reward success. Instead of funding the status quo, we only invest in reform -- reform that raises student achievement; inspires students to excel in math and science; and turns around failing schools that steal the future of too many young Americans, from rural communities to the inner city. In the 21st century, the best anti-poverty program around is a world-class education. When we renew the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, we will work with Congress to expand these reforms to all 50 states. Still, in this economy, a high school diploma no longer guarantees a good job.”
He further p;roposed a bill to revitalize community colleges, make college more affordable. Gone will be the tax breaks for banks that make student loans. Instead there will be a $10,000 tax credit for four years of college and an increase in Pell Grants. “And let's tell another one million students that when they graduate, they will be required to pay only 10 percent of their income on student loans, and all of their debt will be forgiven after 20 years -- and forgiven after 10 years if they choose a career in public service, because in the United States of America, no one should go broke because they chose to go to college”
My only reaction to this was GREAT!!! I just wish this had happened when I was struggling as a single parent to put my three through college by hook or crook. The Bush Administration definitely did not make it easy. Like many parents, I became good at the art of finagle -- so much so that I tell everyone now that I have absolutely no credit, but have absolutely fabulous investments in my three beautiful children, all of whom have graduated from college. Obama plan would have greatly added to my sanity, if not to my savings. So for those of you who don’t get the magnitude of what he is trying to do, figure that a college education now costs between $14,000 and $40,000 per year. Like he said, “you should not have to go into permanent debt trying to get an education.”
He is also working to lift the value of single family homes, by allowing them to refinance their homes at lower interest rates, and save an average of $1500 month on mortgages. “This year, we will step up refinancing so that homeowners can move into more affordable mortgages.”
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. There had been bets by pundits that the Health Care Bill was dead in the water. That Coakley’s defeat in Boston had sealed the deal. The salacious were licking their chops waiting for some sign of frustration, contrition, defeat. But not our President. With that wry smile of his, he continued, “And it is precisely to relieve the burden on middle-class families that we still need health insurance reform. Yes, we do. Now, let's clear a few things up. I didn't choose to tackle this issue to get some legislative victory under my belt. And by now it should be fairly obvious that I didn't take on health care because it was good politics.“
Ah, yes. That wonderful sardonic wit, for which he is so famous, came through once again: “I took on health care because of the stories I've heard from Americans with preexisting conditions whose lives depend on getting coverage; patients who've been denied coverage; families -- even those with insurance -- who are just one illness away from financial ruin. After nearly a century of trying -- Democratic administrations, Republican administrations -- we are closer than ever to bringing more security to the lives of so many Americans. The approach we've taken would protect every American from the worst practices of the insurance industry. It would give small businesses and uninsured Americans a chance to choose an affordable health care plan in a competitive market. It would require every insurance plan to cover preventive care.”
Adding to the charisma that is Obama, he announced that First Lady, Michelle Obama, is creating a national movement to tackle the epidemic of childhood obesity, and make kids healthier. Ms. Obama, who was sitting in the audience, stunning in a burgundy tafeta and knit dress, waived and smiled beautifully at the camera.
To further emphasize his determination to make a change in the way things get done in Washington, President Obama issued and executive order to establish a bipartisan fiscal commissin to provide a specific set of solutions dealing with line items in the budget that needed to be discontinued, thereby saving billions of dollars to the American taxpayer. This wil restore the pay-as-you-go-law which made it possible for the surpluses that came about under the Clinton Administration.
He further announced a freeze on government spending beginning in 2011, giving sufficient time for some of his proposed measures to take effect. Using his signature humor, he indicated that the right may suggest that they should “just make fewer investments in our people, extend tax cuts including those for the wealthier Americans, eliminate more regulations, maintain the status quo on health care, our deficits will go away. The problem is that's what we did for eight years. That's what helped us into this crisis. It's what helped lead to these deficits. We can't do it again. Rather than fight the same tired battles that have dominated Washington for decades, it's time to try something new. Let's invest in our people without leaving them a mountain of debt. Let's meet our responsibility to the citizens who sent us here. Let's try common sense. A novel concept.”
Further proof that President Barack Obama is a cut above his predecessors, he wisely noted that the discontent in American was not just about jobs, health care or education, but also a deficit of trust that permeates the country. “…deep and corrosive doubts about how Washington works that have been growing for years. To close that credibility gap we have to take action on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue -- to end the outsized influence of lobbyists; to do our work openly; to give our people the government they deserve. That's why -- for the first time in history -- my administration posts on our White House visitors online. That's why we've excluded lobbyists from policymaking jobs, or seats on federal boards and commissions.
But we can't stop there. It's time to require lobbyists to disclose each contact they make on behalf of a client with my administration or with Congress. It's time to put strict limits on the contributions that lobbyists give to candidates for federal office.”
He likewise cited the fact that a Republican packed Supreme Court “reversed a century of law that I believe will open the floodgates for special interests -- including foreign corporations -- to spend without limit in our elections. I don't think American elections should be bankrolled by America's most powerful interests, or worse, by foreign entities. They should be decided by the American people. And I'd urge Democrats and Republicans to pass a bill that helps to correct some of these problems.” Anyone who knows the definition of a corporation knows that it cannot be considered on the same par with human beings. A corporation lasts for ever, and therefore should not be accorded the same rights as an individual -- wonder who’s bankrolling the supreme court judges. Remember that little travesty of 2000 that gave us George Bush as President, in light of a recount that would most likely have proven Al Gore had actually won. Hmmmmm?)
To provide further transparency, President Obama has also asked Congress to continue earmark reform by posting all earmarks on a single website so the public can view them, and track the dollars and the votes as they proceed. While earmarks have been given a bad name, depending on whose side you sit on, they can actually be of significant importance to making sure that funds are allocated appropriately for key programs in different districts. (More on earmarks and what they mean to us in an upcoming article)
“Now, I'm not naïve. I never thought that the mere fact of my election would usher in peace and harmony -- (laughter) -- and some post-partisan era. I knew that both parties have fed divisions that are deeply entrenched. And on some issues, there are simply philosophical differences that will always cause us to part ways…” While I totally applaud President Obama’s efforts to take the high ground and appeal to both Democrats and Republicans to cease the lies, back biting, b.s. filibustering and political one gunmanship, the kind of stuff that makes Americans believe that neither side means them any good, I want to caution him against staking his Administration on it actually happening. In the past, as in the present, the Republicans seem to represent viciousness, ultra conservatism, trickery, lies, war mongering and deceit -- to put it mildly. It’s a very Machiavellian attitude at which they will stop at nothing to undermine his authority and his progress. So while he cautions that: “We can't wage a perpetual campaign where the only goal is to see who can get the most
"But what frustrates the American people is a Washington where every day is Election Day. We can't wage a perpetual campaign where the only goal is to see who can get the most embarrassing headlines about the other side -- a belief that if you lose, I win" (unfortunately, this is exactly how the Republicans operate)." Neither party should delay or obstruct every single bill just because they can. The confirmation of well-qualified public servants shouldn't be held hostage to the pet projects or grudges of a few individual senators." (once again, this is their stock in trade -- opposition for the sake of opposition). Washington may think that saying anything about the other side, no matter how false, no matter how malicious, is just part of the game. But it's precisely such politics that has stopped either party from helping the American people. Worse yet, it's sowing further division among our citizens, further distrust in our government (the bigger wedge they can drive between the people and the government, the happier they are -- it‘s a fact of life, and the very fiber of their existence. Blind opposition, greed, inhumane treatment).
This is not to say don’t try; just don’t stop the process of doing what needs to be done to bring them along, particularly if you are in the driver’s seat with your foot on the gas, and they have theirs on the brakes.)
The President also promised equal pay for equal work for women; jobs in green technology, bringing the troops home from Iraq by August of this year; a new and improved Veterans Administration for returning troops; a Civil Rights Division that is once again prosecuting civil rights violations and employment discrimination; and strongerlaws to protect against crimes driven by hate.
Summing it up he stated, “The spirit that has sustained this nation for more than two centuries lives on in you, its people. We have finished a difficult year. We have come through a difficult decade. But a new year has come. A new decade stretches before us. We don't quit. I don't quit. (Applause.) Let's seize this moment -- to start anew, to carry the dream forward, and to strengthen our union once more.”
Now, I was tempted to post the entire transcript of President Obama’s speech on the blog. I may still do it, but you can really go online and download it for yourself.
I think each and every teacher in each and every school in the US should provide a copy of this speech for the students, who, in turn, should study his speeches for content and context. This is the stuff that history and heroes re made of, from Elementary school children through college level. Adults especially should be read this speech, because the President is going to need each and every one of us to help implement his plans. He's working for us, we need to do our part. There are 300 million of us in the US. That should be enough to make sure that Obama succeeds in giving us what we need to be the greatest nation ever. We cannot be ambivalent about issues concerning us while he's doing all he can to make the changes he promised a reality. We have to step up and be involved.
Like President Barack Obama, we don't give up and we don't quit until they get it right for all of us.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Wall Street has a lot of nerve!!! Main Street Needs to Protest Wall Street Bonuses
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Generally, I make it a rule to never go to sleep with the news on. (Yes! I’m one of those people who live with TV in the background.) However, I dozed off around 4:30AM after having spent the night “fighting material” (a Lincoln University old school term for studying hard). Around 6:25 I heard something so disturbing, I was compelled to get up and write this article: Wall Street is Leading a Protest Against President Barack Obama! Today!
My subconscious said, “That can’t be possible. You’re having a nightmare. Pay no attention to that nonsense. You know they have better sense than that.” But the other side of my brain argued, “No they don’t. They’ll do anything to duck responsibility, maintain the status quo, and continue to suck off society until not even the marrow is left, while they collect their bonuses, and we collect unemployment and welfare!” With that my eyes popped open, I couldn’t sleep.
So, here I am, 6:40 in the morning, writing this piece. If this true, and it most likely is, then Main Street (the rest of America) has to protest Wall Street. Main Street needs to put Wall Street on notice that we are not going to let this nonsense go unchallenged.
Of course, it’s no accident that they chose the day of President Obama’s State of the Union Address to pull this prank. They have been trying to weasel out of their responsibility for collapsing the economy for the past two years. They’ve turned a blind eye to the plight of Main Street for decades. They had the temerity and the gall to flip Main Street Mortgages, securitizing them, and selling them, over encumbering them (I.e. loading them up with debt), while the home owners were being gouged with higher and higher prices, for lower and lower valued properties -- and at the same time dealing with an economy where increasingly lower and lower salaries were being offered for fewer and fewer jobs (with the bulk of the better paid positions being sent overseas). So eventually, and inevitably, the house of cards collapsed, literally -- along with cars, banks, insurance companies -- whole systems that were being carried by frustrated and beleagured home owners.
When the great collapse came -- guess who was in charge of the United States of America? Bush and all his cronies. It was like having Dracula in the White House. Were they surprised that this happened? Probably not. Did they care? As long as their cash kept flowing, most definitely not. Were there prepared to -- or even interested in -- doing something to help the struggling families who suddenly found themselves without a roof over their heads? Not in the least!
Were they prepared to help the Wall Street investment firms who caused the problem, and were righteously teetering on the brink of disaster, brought on by their own greed, stupidity, avariciousness? Can you say cover up, boys and girls? Remember that taxing the poor to save the rich has been around at least as long as the Bible. It's nothing new. You can bet that when they came on TV that Sunday morning in 2008, saying to the American public that they should do absolutely nothing, but that the President (Bush) should give them billions of bail out dollars, they were not in the least bit concerned about you. You were going to foot the bill, no matter what. Foot it, but not benefit from it. They were only about covering their asses -- er, I mean assets (sorry).
These “smartest minds” as they called themselves, announced that they're planning to protest President Obama! How dare they! The smartest minds are who got us into this mess to begin with. We really need to send a signal to them. Ain’t no business as usual in Wall Street. The President, via our Attorney General, should not stop until a forensic investigation of every transaction that has negatively affected us and the US in general is conducted.
President Obama is calling for greater regulation of the financial sector, and it’s quite probably they are now feeling the heat breathing down their necks. And it’s about time. I suspect the reason we didn’t have financial literacy classes in elementary, middle, and high school, is because, armed with the appropriate information, Wall Street would have never have been able to undermine the stability of the economy. When everybody knows and understands how a system works, and has an interest and involvement in it, it’s pretty difficult to get away with what they’ve been able to get away with.
Think about it, we in New York City, live in a society where the biggest industry we have is money and investment, but I daresay, less that 12% of New Yorkers in the five boroughs of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island, have working knowledge of Wall Street; much less ongoing investments in the mid to high end stocks, let alone municipal bonds. It’s certainly not taught in any of the 19 schools Bloomberg’s henchmen just closed. Hmmmm! When adult education courses are offered, rarely are programs offered in financial literacy or demystifying Wall Street.
While the rank and file of Wall Street live in a home where the median income is $250,000 annually and upwards to $millions, we, the “little people” are acting as though $35,000 puts us in the middle class income bracket (well it does if both husband and wife are earning $35,000 each); but you’re struggling if it turns out that you have an over priced apartment, or if your mortgage exceeds $1200 a month, and you have children; possibly a car. You’re struggling.
I love money just as much as the next person. I'd love to be independently wealthy. But not by climbing on the backs of the rest of society to do so. And if my actions caused the severe privations currently faced with rampant foreclosures, business failures, people losing their jobs, how could I (or Wall Street) in clear consciousness, expect to receive a bonus?
Now, these same proposed Wall Street protesters who may have caused you to lose even your basic means of support, have the temerity and the gall to try to protest President Obama. Obama, who has assiduously worked to restructure the broken toy (the economy is like a broken toy that your big brother or sister gives you after he or she has ruined it, taken all the fun and life out of it, and then sits back smugly while you try to make it go, knowing all along they still have a key piece in their back pocket). These characters (oops! I almost called them cretins -- but how could the smartest guys in the room be cretins? Duh) want to protest him?
Don't you find it interesting that they didn't protest the bogus wars going on in Iraq and Afghanistan? Don't you find it amazing that none of them have been sent overseas? But you can bet that they are underwriting some of the weaponry that is purchased for the war. Remember elementary economics: Guns and Butter. Guns are more important than butter. (by the reason they are asking dumb questions about how the Health Care Bill will be paid for is because they are making far more money paying for a losing war -- their return on their investment (ROI) is through the stratosphere. And when it looks as if we are moving in the direction of pulling our troops and ending the war, the pull an old photo and recording of Bin Laudin out of somewhere with some new threat, and we end up sending more troops whether we needed to or not. They'd protest ending the war, not because we don't need to be there, but because it's messing with their favorite cash cow.
So let's protest Wall Street. Let’s protest them for trying to collect bonuses for a job poorly done. Let’s protest Wall Street for lying to the public. Let’s protest Wall Street until every penny of those so-called bonuses go to underwrite New York’s economy. Let’s protest them until every one of those homes that went up in flames via mortgage backed securities (please don’t put the blame on the so-called sub prime loans -- it’s really all Wall Street, either overt or covert), get’s at least $100,000 to pay down some of their mortgage or move into a new home, after their home was foreclosed upon. Let’s protest Wall Street, and put a freeze on any and all funds over and above salaries that they are trying to sneak and give to each other, while the rest of us go twisting in the wind.
In other words: Don’t let Wall Street get away with this garbage! Tie their feet to the fire. Make them understand that we are all human beings, and deserve to be treated with honesty, integrity, respect -- i.e. humanely! And at the same time, we should demand that our education system immediately implement ongoing financial literacy education and training programs, beginning with our first graders, and continuing through college FREE of charge; as well as a remedial Adult Education Financial Literacy program for those of us who went through this system and did not receive the basics.
By the way, for those of you who think that the Wall Street protest is nothing serious, just remember these facts: Barack Obama is the first Black President in the United States; he’s taken on a system that was morally bankrupt from beginning to end. He’s catching hell in the press, not because he’s not doing a good job. In fact, check the real records. He's doing an excellent job. But Mephistopheles is in the game; Machiavelli is setting the tone for the Republicans -- because this is the way Republicans operate -- and remember who runs the mainstream media and Wall Street -- oh, yes Right Wing, conservative, Republicans.
Remember two years ago when there were seas and seas of Obama buttons because America finally woke up and found itself in the middle of a mess (once again) thanks to the Bush Administration? We once a member of the opposition party gets into office, they do their best to try to make his life and administration a living hell. They did it Clinton. They did it to Carter. They will try to do it to Obama, too. But we’re not going to sit back and let that happen this time. This time we should be astute enough to recognize their m.o. (method of operaton/modus operandii ) by now.
So, with that in mind, let’s not only protest Wall Street protesters, because they are part and parcel the reason we’re in the mess we’re in now; but let’s get those financial literacy classes going -- whether in the schools, or in our many churches (probably better if done in church, it may actually keep the greed factor in church if economics is taught from the standpoint of being our brothers and sisters keepers).
And while you’re at it, get out your Obama buttons, tee shirts, posters, caps, cups, clips, pens; support OFA, and any other organizations that support President Obama, or form one of your own, locally, nationally, internationally. It’s going to be a long haul and a bumpy ride. If you think that you’ve done something by electing him -- you’re definitely right, and have a great deal to be proud of. But we now have to make sure that the agenda we helped him become elected on is implemented, and not circumvented via political expediency and yellow striped blue dogs, filibustering miscreants who are only concerned about party issues, not people issues.
Every time an election comes up, a referendum, or any measure, think "how does this affect Obama, therefore me and my family. You have to vote the same way you did when Obama was running for president. You have to line up to the polls the same way you did on November 4, 2008. You have to send a signal for all times that we are alive, large and in charge, and are using our activism and our constitutional right to vote to make sure the guy we put in office doesn't get sidelined by insidious, duplicitous activities that in the long run undermine us.
Now more than ever YES WE CAN has to be our watchword when it comes to supporting President Barack Obama. Supporting him is supporting America - black, brown, yellow; Red, white, blue.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Generally, I make it a rule to never go to sleep with the news on. (Yes! I’m one of those people who live with TV in the background.) However, I dozed off around 4:30AM after having spent the night “fighting material” (a Lincoln University old school term for studying hard). Around 6:25 I heard something so disturbing, I was compelled to get up and write this article: Wall Street is Leading a Protest Against President Barack Obama! Today!
My subconscious said, “That can’t be possible. You’re having a nightmare. Pay no attention to that nonsense. You know they have better sense than that.” But the other side of my brain argued, “No they don’t. They’ll do anything to duck responsibility, maintain the status quo, and continue to suck off society until not even the marrow is left, while they collect their bonuses, and we collect unemployment and welfare!” With that my eyes popped open, I couldn’t sleep.
So, here I am, 6:40 in the morning, writing this piece. If this true, and it most likely is, then Main Street (the rest of America) has to protest Wall Street. Main Street needs to put Wall Street on notice that we are not going to let this nonsense go unchallenged.
Of course, it’s no accident that they chose the day of President Obama’s State of the Union Address to pull this prank. They have been trying to weasel out of their responsibility for collapsing the economy for the past two years. They’ve turned a blind eye to the plight of Main Street for decades. They had the temerity and the gall to flip Main Street Mortgages, securitizing them, and selling them, over encumbering them (I.e. loading them up with debt), while the home owners were being gouged with higher and higher prices, for lower and lower valued properties -- and at the same time dealing with an economy where increasingly lower and lower salaries were being offered for fewer and fewer jobs (with the bulk of the better paid positions being sent overseas). So eventually, and inevitably, the house of cards collapsed, literally -- along with cars, banks, insurance companies -- whole systems that were being carried by frustrated and beleagured home owners.
When the great collapse came -- guess who was in charge of the United States of America? Bush and all his cronies. It was like having Dracula in the White House. Were they surprised that this happened? Probably not. Did they care? As long as their cash kept flowing, most definitely not. Were there prepared to -- or even interested in -- doing something to help the struggling families who suddenly found themselves without a roof over their heads? Not in the least!
Were they prepared to help the Wall Street investment firms who caused the problem, and were righteously teetering on the brink of disaster, brought on by their own greed, stupidity, avariciousness? Can you say cover up, boys and girls? Remember that taxing the poor to save the rich has been around at least as long as the Bible. It's nothing new. You can bet that when they came on TV that Sunday morning in 2008, saying to the American public that they should do absolutely nothing, but that the President (Bush) should give them billions of bail out dollars, they were not in the least bit concerned about you. You were going to foot the bill, no matter what. Foot it, but not benefit from it. They were only about covering their asses -- er, I mean assets (sorry).
These “smartest minds” as they called themselves, announced that they're planning to protest President Obama! How dare they! The smartest minds are who got us into this mess to begin with. We really need to send a signal to them. Ain’t no business as usual in Wall Street. The President, via our Attorney General, should not stop until a forensic investigation of every transaction that has negatively affected us and the US in general is conducted.
President Obama is calling for greater regulation of the financial sector, and it’s quite probably they are now feeling the heat breathing down their necks. And it’s about time. I suspect the reason we didn’t have financial literacy classes in elementary, middle, and high school, is because, armed with the appropriate information, Wall Street would have never have been able to undermine the stability of the economy. When everybody knows and understands how a system works, and has an interest and involvement in it, it’s pretty difficult to get away with what they’ve been able to get away with.
Think about it, we in New York City, live in a society where the biggest industry we have is money and investment, but I daresay, less that 12% of New Yorkers in the five boroughs of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island, have working knowledge of Wall Street; much less ongoing investments in the mid to high end stocks, let alone municipal bonds. It’s certainly not taught in any of the 19 schools Bloomberg’s henchmen just closed. Hmmmm! When adult education courses are offered, rarely are programs offered in financial literacy or demystifying Wall Street.
While the rank and file of Wall Street live in a home where the median income is $250,000 annually and upwards to $millions, we, the “little people” are acting as though $35,000 puts us in the middle class income bracket (well it does if both husband and wife are earning $35,000 each); but you’re struggling if it turns out that you have an over priced apartment, or if your mortgage exceeds $1200 a month, and you have children; possibly a car. You’re struggling.
I love money just as much as the next person. I'd love to be independently wealthy. But not by climbing on the backs of the rest of society to do so. And if my actions caused the severe privations currently faced with rampant foreclosures, business failures, people losing their jobs, how could I (or Wall Street) in clear consciousness, expect to receive a bonus?
Now, these same proposed Wall Street protesters who may have caused you to lose even your basic means of support, have the temerity and the gall to try to protest President Obama. Obama, who has assiduously worked to restructure the broken toy (the economy is like a broken toy that your big brother or sister gives you after he or she has ruined it, taken all the fun and life out of it, and then sits back smugly while you try to make it go, knowing all along they still have a key piece in their back pocket). These characters (oops! I almost called them cretins -- but how could the smartest guys in the room be cretins? Duh) want to protest him?
Don't you find it interesting that they didn't protest the bogus wars going on in Iraq and Afghanistan? Don't you find it amazing that none of them have been sent overseas? But you can bet that they are underwriting some of the weaponry that is purchased for the war. Remember elementary economics: Guns and Butter. Guns are more important than butter. (by the reason they are asking dumb questions about how the Health Care Bill will be paid for is because they are making far more money paying for a losing war -- their return on their investment (ROI) is through the stratosphere. And when it looks as if we are moving in the direction of pulling our troops and ending the war, the pull an old photo and recording of Bin Laudin out of somewhere with some new threat, and we end up sending more troops whether we needed to or not. They'd protest ending the war, not because we don't need to be there, but because it's messing with their favorite cash cow.
So let's protest Wall Street. Let’s protest them for trying to collect bonuses for a job poorly done. Let’s protest Wall Street for lying to the public. Let’s protest Wall Street until every penny of those so-called bonuses go to underwrite New York’s economy. Let’s protest them until every one of those homes that went up in flames via mortgage backed securities (please don’t put the blame on the so-called sub prime loans -- it’s really all Wall Street, either overt or covert), get’s at least $100,000 to pay down some of their mortgage or move into a new home, after their home was foreclosed upon. Let’s protest Wall Street, and put a freeze on any and all funds over and above salaries that they are trying to sneak and give to each other, while the rest of us go twisting in the wind.
In other words: Don’t let Wall Street get away with this garbage! Tie their feet to the fire. Make them understand that we are all human beings, and deserve to be treated with honesty, integrity, respect -- i.e. humanely! And at the same time, we should demand that our education system immediately implement ongoing financial literacy education and training programs, beginning with our first graders, and continuing through college FREE of charge; as well as a remedial Adult Education Financial Literacy program for those of us who went through this system and did not receive the basics.
By the way, for those of you who think that the Wall Street protest is nothing serious, just remember these facts: Barack Obama is the first Black President in the United States; he’s taken on a system that was morally bankrupt from beginning to end. He’s catching hell in the press, not because he’s not doing a good job. In fact, check the real records. He's doing an excellent job. But Mephistopheles is in the game; Machiavelli is setting the tone for the Republicans -- because this is the way Republicans operate -- and remember who runs the mainstream media and Wall Street -- oh, yes Right Wing, conservative, Republicans.
Remember two years ago when there were seas and seas of Obama buttons because America finally woke up and found itself in the middle of a mess (once again) thanks to the Bush Administration? We once a member of the opposition party gets into office, they do their best to try to make his life and administration a living hell. They did it Clinton. They did it to Carter. They will try to do it to Obama, too. But we’re not going to sit back and let that happen this time. This time we should be astute enough to recognize their m.o. (method of operaton/modus operandii ) by now.
So, with that in mind, let’s not only protest Wall Street protesters, because they are part and parcel the reason we’re in the mess we’re in now; but let’s get those financial literacy classes going -- whether in the schools, or in our many churches (probably better if done in church, it may actually keep the greed factor in church if economics is taught from the standpoint of being our brothers and sisters keepers).
And while you’re at it, get out your Obama buttons, tee shirts, posters, caps, cups, clips, pens; support OFA, and any other organizations that support President Obama, or form one of your own, locally, nationally, internationally. It’s going to be a long haul and a bumpy ride. If you think that you’ve done something by electing him -- you’re definitely right, and have a great deal to be proud of. But we now have to make sure that the agenda we helped him become elected on is implemented, and not circumvented via political expediency and yellow striped blue dogs, filibustering miscreants who are only concerned about party issues, not people issues.
Every time an election comes up, a referendum, or any measure, think "how does this affect Obama, therefore me and my family. You have to vote the same way you did when Obama was running for president. You have to line up to the polls the same way you did on November 4, 2008. You have to send a signal for all times that we are alive, large and in charge, and are using our activism and our constitutional right to vote to make sure the guy we put in office doesn't get sidelined by insidious, duplicitous activities that in the long run undermine us.
Now more than ever YES WE CAN has to be our watchword when it comes to supporting President Barack Obama. Supporting him is supporting America - black, brown, yellow; Red, white, blue.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
NYS Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries Presents State of the District at Pratt Institute, Brooklyn
by Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Brooklyn has been blessed with Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, of the most dynamic, well thought out, action-oriented elected officials to have held that office over the past decade. And that does not take away from the other members of Brooklyn's assembly district -- notably, Annette Robinson, Karim Camara, Darryl Towns, among others. Nor does it take away from the State Senators either.
Mr. Jeffries, however, has rolled up his sleeves and tackled issues head on, thinking outside the box, and coming up with innovative solutions that have benefitted his constituents in ways they may or may not yet be aware. He's working regardless of whether or not there are cameras rolling, regardless of controversy or popularity. He's sincere, and he's thorough. He's assembled a hard working supportive staff that are likewise diligent and dedicated.
That said, it would behoove you to take the time to attend this event. It's for and about you. It's an attempt to keep you in the loop, so you can't say "no one told me", or "I didn't know that." Not a dog and pony show filled with empty promises. Jeffries is in and of the community, and communicates personally and through his staff with constituents, assessing their concerns. Once compiled, he goes into action finding solutions, and working with others who have already rolled up their sleeves to help, as well.
No ego trip here. He's there to make a difference, and it appears to be working.
The announcement appears below.Read it, share it, post it, participate, pass it on:
ASSEMBLYMAN HAKEEM JEFFRIES (57AD) TO DELIVER STATE OF THE DISTRICT ADDRESS Wednesday, January 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Pratt Institute. Jeffries will update community on Project Reclaim and introduce new initiatives
This will be Hakeem Jeffries' third State of the District address since taking office in 2007. In addition to Project Reclaim, the initiative introduced at last year’s address which seeks to transform market-rate condominiums that have failed into desperately needed affordable housing, he will also talk about the Section 3 Campaign for HUD, and legislative initiatives for alleged police misconduct and shootings.
WHERE: Pratt Institute – Higgins Hall
61 St. James Place(at Lafayette Ave.)
G train to Classon; C train to Clinton/Washington
38 Bus to St. James Stop
Going forward into the next decade, starting with 2010, we owe it to ourselves and each other to be a proactive part of what happens in our community. Fortunately we have elected officials like Hakeem Jeffries that make this possibility a reality.
And make sure you watch President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address. They both have direct impact on where we are, where we need to go, and how to get there.
For those of you who cannot attend the State of the District Address, an online telecast called ON THE SPOT will cover the event, and present it online from Thursday forward.
Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Brooklyn has been blessed with Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, of the most dynamic, well thought out, action-oriented elected officials to have held that office over the past decade. And that does not take away from the other members of Brooklyn's assembly district -- notably, Annette Robinson, Karim Camara, Darryl Towns, among others. Nor does it take away from the State Senators either.
Mr. Jeffries, however, has rolled up his sleeves and tackled issues head on, thinking outside the box, and coming up with innovative solutions that have benefitted his constituents in ways they may or may not yet be aware. He's working regardless of whether or not there are cameras rolling, regardless of controversy or popularity. He's sincere, and he's thorough. He's assembled a hard working supportive staff that are likewise diligent and dedicated.
That said, it would behoove you to take the time to attend this event. It's for and about you. It's an attempt to keep you in the loop, so you can't say "no one told me", or "I didn't know that." Not a dog and pony show filled with empty promises. Jeffries is in and of the community, and communicates personally and through his staff with constituents, assessing their concerns. Once compiled, he goes into action finding solutions, and working with others who have already rolled up their sleeves to help, as well.
No ego trip here. He's there to make a difference, and it appears to be working.
The announcement appears below.Read it, share it, post it, participate, pass it on:
ASSEMBLYMAN HAKEEM JEFFRIES (57AD) TO DELIVER STATE OF THE DISTRICT ADDRESS Wednesday, January 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Pratt Institute. Jeffries will update community on Project Reclaim and introduce new initiatives
This will be Hakeem Jeffries' third State of the District address since taking office in 2007. In addition to Project Reclaim, the initiative introduced at last year’s address which seeks to transform market-rate condominiums that have failed into desperately needed affordable housing, he will also talk about the Section 3 Campaign for HUD, and legislative initiatives for alleged police misconduct and shootings.
WHERE: Pratt Institute – Higgins Hall
61 St. James Place(at Lafayette Ave.)
G train to Classon; C train to Clinton/Washington
38 Bus to St. James Stop
Going forward into the next decade, starting with 2010, we owe it to ourselves and each other to be a proactive part of what happens in our community. Fortunately we have elected officials like Hakeem Jeffries that make this possibility a reality.
And make sure you watch President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address. They both have direct impact on where we are, where we need to go, and how to get there.
For those of you who cannot attend the State of the District Address, an online telecast called ON THE SPOT will cover the event, and present it online from Thursday forward.
Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Saturday, January 23, 2010
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About the author: Gloria Dulan-Wilson is a New York based Journalist that has specialized in writing about the "Lives Of Black People" for the past 25+ years and has produced numerous articles that exposes the "ECLECTICALLY BLACK EXPERIENCE". Visit Gloria Dulan-Wilson Blog at http://gloria-dulan-wilson.blogspot.com/
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Feel free. Just give Gloria Dulan-Wilson full attribution and a link to the Gloria Dulan-Wilson Blog when you do. You also have permission to you use my blog photo but photo credit must be given to Young Kreations.
--------
About the author: Gloria Dulan-Wilson is a New York based Journalist that has specialized in writing about the "Lives Of Black People" for the past 25+ years and has produced numerous articles that exposes the "ECLECTICALLY BLACK EXPERIENCE". Visit Gloria Dulan-Wilson Blog at http://gloria-dulan-wilson.blogspot.com/
Don't be caught out. Get your business or corporate profile written by Gloria Dulan-Wilson writing service Gloria Writes! now. You have full permission to reprint this article provided this box is kept unchanged.
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Message to Gov. Paterson: Go Get Our Money Back From Where Our Money Went
Message to Governor Paterson: Go get our money back from where our money went
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
About 16 years ago, when New York was facing another financial crisis, and David Dinkins was running for Mayor of New York City, Rev. Jesse Jackson made a speech at the headquarters of 1199 that I still vividly remember -- one that would best be followed now in the face of massive budget cuts that are causing pain and suffering in an already painful situation.
Go get the money back from where the money went.
“Don’t take the money from the people who worked hard for the city and state. Don’t take the money from the students and the families. Go and get the money from where the money went. From those who pocketed our money and callously walked away as though they had no responsibility for, or connection to the predicament we find ourselves in now.” (paraphrasing Rev. Jackson)
We have "fat cats" in Wall Street facing unconscionable bonuses after having caused one of the most catastrophic economic debacles in the history of modern times. If the purported $269 million in bonuses is even remotely true, there should be an immediate freeze on all funds, and an embargo on distribution of those bonuses to these executives until the monies needed to bring New York City's Main Street back in balance is received.
In other words, those bonuses are ill-gotten gains and belong to New Yorkers. Let's use them to shore up the MTA,so that we don't lose our services; use them to underwrite our Education programs, our hospitals, service organizations; underwrite those small business who are being forced to lay off employees.
Let’s get real -- you should not be shielding the corporations and people who caused the problems. You should also be looking carefully at those companies who made their millions using mortgage backed securities, especially if those mortgages happened to be collateralized with the homes of hard working New Yorkers who were being gouged with overpriced properties, that were deliberately overpriced in order for the securities to yield more profit; and deliberately overpriced so that Realtors could collect higher commissions.
I appreciate Governor Paterson’s diligence and wisdom in trying to keep New York afloat, and to keep us from having to suffer some of the ignominious cut backs that other states are enduring. But, Governor, it’s time to go get the money back from where the money went. And the money is currently going into the pockets of those corporations, investment firms, banks that got it from riding our backs.
Madoff was not the only one who "made off" with our money. And while we can't put them all in prison, we can make them make restitution. Otherwise, it will be as Rev. Jackson said -- "Robin Hood in reverse, where they take from the poor and give to the rich." The stimulus funds, if they have not found their way to the hands of Main Street businesses, have done little more than stimulate the same rip off artists to sit back smugly and think they got away with the murder of a city.
Time for them to pay the piper. Reverend Jackson was correct then. He is correct now. They do not get a pass. They must pass the money back to the people they got it from -- Us - the New Yorkers who are now in need. So, Governor Paterson, in balancing the budget, Go get the money back from where the money went.
Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Want to share or reprint articles on this blog? Feel free. Just give Gloria Dulan-Wilson full attribution and a link to the Gloria Dulan-Wilson Blog when you do.
--------
About the author: Gloria Dulan-Wilson is a New York based Journalist that has specialized in writing about the "Lives Of Black People" for the past 25+ years and has produced numerous articles that exposes the "ECLECTICALLY BLACK EXPERIENCE". Visit Gloria Dulan-Wilson Blog at http://gloria-dulan-wilson.blogspot.com/
Don't be caught out. Get your business or corporate profile written by Gloria Dulan-Wilson writing service Gloria Writes! now. You have full permission to reprint this article provided this box is kept unchanged.
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By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
About 16 years ago, when New York was facing another financial crisis, and David Dinkins was running for Mayor of New York City, Rev. Jesse Jackson made a speech at the headquarters of 1199 that I still vividly remember -- one that would best be followed now in the face of massive budget cuts that are causing pain and suffering in an already painful situation.
Go get the money back from where the money went.
“Don’t take the money from the people who worked hard for the city and state. Don’t take the money from the students and the families. Go and get the money from where the money went. From those who pocketed our money and callously walked away as though they had no responsibility for, or connection to the predicament we find ourselves in now.” (paraphrasing Rev. Jackson)
We have "fat cats" in Wall Street facing unconscionable bonuses after having caused one of the most catastrophic economic debacles in the history of modern times. If the purported $269 million in bonuses is even remotely true, there should be an immediate freeze on all funds, and an embargo on distribution of those bonuses to these executives until the monies needed to bring New York City's Main Street back in balance is received.
In other words, those bonuses are ill-gotten gains and belong to New Yorkers. Let's use them to shore up the MTA,so that we don't lose our services; use them to underwrite our Education programs, our hospitals, service organizations; underwrite those small business who are being forced to lay off employees.
Let’s get real -- you should not be shielding the corporations and people who caused the problems. You should also be looking carefully at those companies who made their millions using mortgage backed securities, especially if those mortgages happened to be collateralized with the homes of hard working New Yorkers who were being gouged with overpriced properties, that were deliberately overpriced in order for the securities to yield more profit; and deliberately overpriced so that Realtors could collect higher commissions.
I appreciate Governor Paterson’s diligence and wisdom in trying to keep New York afloat, and to keep us from having to suffer some of the ignominious cut backs that other states are enduring. But, Governor, it’s time to go get the money back from where the money went. And the money is currently going into the pockets of those corporations, investment firms, banks that got it from riding our backs.
Madoff was not the only one who "made off" with our money. And while we can't put them all in prison, we can make them make restitution. Otherwise, it will be as Rev. Jackson said -- "Robin Hood in reverse, where they take from the poor and give to the rich." The stimulus funds, if they have not found their way to the hands of Main Street businesses, have done little more than stimulate the same rip off artists to sit back smugly and think they got away with the murder of a city.
Time for them to pay the piper. Reverend Jackson was correct then. He is correct now. They do not get a pass. They must pass the money back to the people they got it from -- Us - the New Yorkers who are now in need. So, Governor Paterson, in balancing the budget, Go get the money back from where the money went.
Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Want to share or reprint articles on this blog? Feel free. Just give Gloria Dulan-Wilson full attribution and a link to the Gloria Dulan-Wilson Blog when you do.
--------
About the author: Gloria Dulan-Wilson is a New York based Journalist that has specialized in writing about the "Lives Of Black People" for the past 25+ years and has produced numerous articles that exposes the "ECLECTICALLY BLACK EXPERIENCE". Visit Gloria Dulan-Wilson Blog at http://gloria-dulan-wilson.blogspot.com/
Don't be caught out. Get your business or corporate profile written by Gloria Dulan-Wilson writing service Gloria Writes! now. You have full permission to reprint this article provided this box is kept unchanged.
--------
Monday, January 18, 2010
Kennedy Seat up for Grabs in Boston: Wake up Democrats GET OUT AND VOTE TUESDAY JANUARY 19, 2010!
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Amid the horrors that have kept us hypnotized over the past week, with the plight of our Haitian brothers and sisters, a very insidious event is about to completely throw the Democratic party, and President Barack Obama’s plans for Americans into a tailspin.
I generally don’t read hard news on Sundays, but Haiti’s plight compelled me to do so. As I was scanning the headlines, I saw something that alarmed me greatly: “fears that Republican Scott Brown will defeat Democrat Martha Coakley in the special election to fill the late Edward M. Kennedy's seat” (ap wire/Yahoo News 1/17/10).
The floor of my stomach dropped out and my mouth went dry. We cannot let this happen. So this is an open letter to Democrats everywhere, but especially those in Boston, Massachusetts, regardless of whether you’re Black, white, Asian, blue, green or purple:
Tomorrow, January 19, 2010 is absolutely do or die for everyone in Boston. But this is not just for those who reside in Boston, it’s for those who reside anywhere in the US, who calls himself or herself a Democrat. We have to get the vote out in Boston, and we have to do it in decisive numbers.
Do not allow the right wing-run newspapers and media to program you with predictions of low voter turn out. If there is a possibility of low voter turn out, Boston Dems have to adopt a policy of each one take one to the polls. Let’s don’t make a self fulfilling prophecy -- which is what they’re counting on you to do.
Have vans and cars waiting for those who have no transportation, or who do not want to use public transportation. Have a “”Get out the vote party”, either in the streets, or at some facility located within 100 yards of the polls. Those who voted for Martha Coakley can participate. Have balloons, whistles, pins, hot coffee, sodas, Boston Crème Pie, whatever available, free! Have them make phone calls on their (or your) cell phones to other friends and relatives who may have not voted yet.
As a New York Dem, I can tell you that it’s rather ignominious to know that we had a chance to defeat a mayor who had no regard for New Yorkers, but did not do so because we sat on our haunches and pulled a “wait and see” attitude. We were fooled into thinking his money and pull were everything. The new media had him at a very high percentage over the challenger. So many stayed home, only to find that there was a less than 2% difference between the two that could have easily been overcome if we had exerted ourselves and done a little more door knocking, and providing of transportation. If you think you’re beaten you are.
Sometimes it’s so called “winter blues, a defeatist attitude that comes during winter that permeates the environment and sets in a kind of depression. Well guess what, folks, the Republicans are paying that no attention whatsoever. Actually they’re counting on it being one of the top ten excuses for not getting out and voting. Right up there will be those of us who are horrified by Haiti’s plight, and couldn’t get it together; and those who spent the day celebrating Dr. King’s birthday, and overlooked the upcoming election.
While today is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday celebration, and many churches will be convening to honor him (and rightly so, we would be better served it a major portion of those sermons would be about perseverance and holding our ground -- which was something Dr. King was very good at doing. He would not have allowed a birthday or holiday celebration to get in the way of immediacy of need -- taking care of an issue that would have serious repercussions if not dealt with immediately.
Dr. King’s birthday speech, if he was living, would be about supporting Ms. Coakley and and continuing to uplift President Obama. He would acknowledge the good that has already been done, but would demand that you deal with the business at hand, the issues before you. We did not get there by resting on our laurels. We knew we had to keep marching until we had secured our position. Then we had to keep a watchful eye, less termites, rats, doubts, disbelief, complacency begin to erode the foundation and things start slipping away.
So, while you’re eloquently eulogizing Dr. King, the great activist that he was, remember at the same time exhort those in Boston to get out the vote, and get out and vote on Tuesday January 19, 2010. Those of you who have friends and relatives in Boston, (you know, Harvard, Boston Yard, etc.) to call them and urge them to get out vote, and take a friend.
With Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, email, Linkd In, cell phones, we have so many communication devices at our disposal today, there is absolutely no way that we can’t get the word out and the people out. You can zap this message around faster than I can put it on my blog, so feel free to do so. The word must go forth.
If you have the day off, take a bus ride up there to do some door knocking and hand outs. Organizing For America is holding phone trees. If you can’t get to one, go on line, and ask how you can host one -- they’ll furnish you with the numbers and the protocol.
We absolutely cannot afford to lose this election, and you absolutely cannot be watching the football game, some insipid show on TV, or just chilling, while we face the possibility of losing the majority we have in the US Senate to a republican degenerate, and therefore the passing of pivotal legislature that has been fashioned to bring humanity back to the US Government for the first time since LBJ. “A Brown win would give the GOP 41 Senate votes, enough to filibuster and block final passage of the House-Senate compromise on health care now being crafted.” (more headlines)
This is the time that we show the world what we’re made of. It is the time that we show that we are no one trick pony; that we can snatch victory from the veritable jaws of defeat. That we are victors and not victims; and that we can take our ground and hold it, in the midst of the storms.
Boston you are our do or die state!! And we plan to live! Do not let the decades of Kennedy leadership go down in the dust. Stand your ground, get out among the people and rally those votes.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Amid the horrors that have kept us hypnotized over the past week, with the plight of our Haitian brothers and sisters, a very insidious event is about to completely throw the Democratic party, and President Barack Obama’s plans for Americans into a tailspin.
I generally don’t read hard news on Sundays, but Haiti’s plight compelled me to do so. As I was scanning the headlines, I saw something that alarmed me greatly: “fears that Republican Scott Brown will defeat Democrat Martha Coakley in the special election to fill the late Edward M. Kennedy's seat” (ap wire/Yahoo News 1/17/10).
The floor of my stomach dropped out and my mouth went dry. We cannot let this happen. So this is an open letter to Democrats everywhere, but especially those in Boston, Massachusetts, regardless of whether you’re Black, white, Asian, blue, green or purple:
Tomorrow, January 19, 2010 is absolutely do or die for everyone in Boston. But this is not just for those who reside in Boston, it’s for those who reside anywhere in the US, who calls himself or herself a Democrat. We have to get the vote out in Boston, and we have to do it in decisive numbers.
Do not allow the right wing-run newspapers and media to program you with predictions of low voter turn out. If there is a possibility of low voter turn out, Boston Dems have to adopt a policy of each one take one to the polls. Let’s don’t make a self fulfilling prophecy -- which is what they’re counting on you to do.
Have vans and cars waiting for those who have no transportation, or who do not want to use public transportation. Have a “”Get out the vote party”, either in the streets, or at some facility located within 100 yards of the polls. Those who voted for Martha Coakley can participate. Have balloons, whistles, pins, hot coffee, sodas, Boston Crème Pie, whatever available, free! Have them make phone calls on their (or your) cell phones to other friends and relatives who may have not voted yet.
As a New York Dem, I can tell you that it’s rather ignominious to know that we had a chance to defeat a mayor who had no regard for New Yorkers, but did not do so because we sat on our haunches and pulled a “wait and see” attitude. We were fooled into thinking his money and pull were everything. The new media had him at a very high percentage over the challenger. So many stayed home, only to find that there was a less than 2% difference between the two that could have easily been overcome if we had exerted ourselves and done a little more door knocking, and providing of transportation. If you think you’re beaten you are.
Sometimes it’s so called “winter blues, a defeatist attitude that comes during winter that permeates the environment and sets in a kind of depression. Well guess what, folks, the Republicans are paying that no attention whatsoever. Actually they’re counting on it being one of the top ten excuses for not getting out and voting. Right up there will be those of us who are horrified by Haiti’s plight, and couldn’t get it together; and those who spent the day celebrating Dr. King’s birthday, and overlooked the upcoming election.
While today is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday celebration, and many churches will be convening to honor him (and rightly so, we would be better served it a major portion of those sermons would be about perseverance and holding our ground -- which was something Dr. King was very good at doing. He would not have allowed a birthday or holiday celebration to get in the way of immediacy of need -- taking care of an issue that would have serious repercussions if not dealt with immediately.
Dr. King’s birthday speech, if he was living, would be about supporting Ms. Coakley and and continuing to uplift President Obama. He would acknowledge the good that has already been done, but would demand that you deal with the business at hand, the issues before you. We did not get there by resting on our laurels. We knew we had to keep marching until we had secured our position. Then we had to keep a watchful eye, less termites, rats, doubts, disbelief, complacency begin to erode the foundation and things start slipping away.
So, while you’re eloquently eulogizing Dr. King, the great activist that he was, remember at the same time exhort those in Boston to get out the vote, and get out and vote on Tuesday January 19, 2010. Those of you who have friends and relatives in Boston, (you know, Harvard, Boston Yard, etc.) to call them and urge them to get out vote, and take a friend.
With Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, email, Linkd In, cell phones, we have so many communication devices at our disposal today, there is absolutely no way that we can’t get the word out and the people out. You can zap this message around faster than I can put it on my blog, so feel free to do so. The word must go forth.
If you have the day off, take a bus ride up there to do some door knocking and hand outs. Organizing For America is holding phone trees. If you can’t get to one, go on line, and ask how you can host one -- they’ll furnish you with the numbers and the protocol.
We absolutely cannot afford to lose this election, and you absolutely cannot be watching the football game, some insipid show on TV, or just chilling, while we face the possibility of losing the majority we have in the US Senate to a republican degenerate, and therefore the passing of pivotal legislature that has been fashioned to bring humanity back to the US Government for the first time since LBJ. “A Brown win would give the GOP 41 Senate votes, enough to filibuster and block final passage of the House-Senate compromise on health care now being crafted.” (more headlines)
This is the time that we show the world what we’re made of. It is the time that we show that we are no one trick pony; that we can snatch victory from the veritable jaws of defeat. That we are victors and not victims; and that we can take our ground and hold it, in the midst of the storms.
Boston you are our do or die state!! And we plan to live! Do not let the decades of Kennedy leadership go down in the dust. Stand your ground, get out among the people and rally those votes.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Friday, January 15, 2010
Pray for Haiti Our Pearl of the Caribbean
by Gloria Dulan-Wilson
The news of Haiti's tragic earthquake has shocked and saddened us all. As I watched the report on the news, I found myself crying and singing “Haiti Cherie Ma Plus Belle Pais des Mon Freres” -- a song I learned during the six months I spent in Petionville, a small suburb outside of Port au Prince, Haiti -- oh too many years ago!
Papa Doc Duvalier was still living and the tauntaun mecoute were heroes and the law of the land. Haiti was called "Little Africa." You could sit on the stoop and hear the drums and ceremonies ringing throughout the night, as they practiced their various Loas. Dumbalawaido (sp?) was mine. I walked through fire in Haiti. Met the great Katherine Dunham, who had expatriated there. Even tried to wash clothes by hand in the river, the way so many of the women did. Went to the Mahogany Mart, watched Ti RoRo play drums; learned to speak Creole, tried to make Haitian furniture. I was only supposed to be there for a two-week vacation. I stayed six months!
I fell in love with Haiti. To this day I still have so many wonderful memories of the people I met, the many experiences getting to know them, and the history that has made her the icon she is among Black people here in the U.S.
My Haiti -- our Haiti -- The Haiti we love and speak of when I talk to my Haitian friends -- has been deeply wounded. And we all feel the pain so deeply -- whether we're Haitians at home or abroad (here in the US), African Americans, Caucasian, Asian -- we are all so deeply awash with the agony they must be suffering. 50,000 lives and counting is the toll so far.
I have watched with great pain, sadness and, yes, fear, as my valiant Haitian brothers and sisters have bounced back from tragedy after tragedy after tragedy over the past twenty-five years. Papa Doc's unexpected passing; Jean Claude's bankrupting the country; Haitian brothers and sisters risking their lives to get to freedom; the internecine wars; the kidnapping of Aristede on the eve of our celebrating Haiti's 200 anniversary of self-liberation; the devastating hurricaines; and they keep coming back, picking themselves up, and begin to rebuild. And now this leviathan earthquake.
President Barack Obama has already pledged the help and the support of the US in rescuing and rebuilding Haiti. "We will not leave you or forsake you. We are here for you," stated our leader, sincerely. And, as I watch the rescue missions unfold on TV, I know deep in my heart that they’ll bounce back from this as well. Such is the resiliency of Haitians.
But resiliency alone will not do it. This is indeed an international emergency of catastrophic proportions, as Rev. Jesse Jackson noted during his speech at the Rainbow Push Wall Street Project, currently taking place here in New York City.
They definitely need our prayers, our compassion, they need food, assistance, hands on help in the rebuilding of their homes, schools and institutions.
It is truly a delicate situation, because within every tragedy, there is an opportunity. However, as Jackson also noted on a panel discussion about rural opportunities for Black investors, with Jonathan Adelstein, administrator of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), "it is all to easy to bring in swarms of outside people to do the rebuilding, as in the Katrina catastrophe, or to find a way to make sure that Haitians, African American businesses and craftsmen partner" together to rebuild Haiti into a strong, durable beautiful city that will withstand the forces of nature.
The USDA administrator stated that USAID really coordinated those efforts, but that he would convey the message and concern. USDA coordinates the uplift of food and other emergency services with other international sources, and will be instrumental in providing food for destitute Haitian families.
Rev. Jackson, however, concerned that Haiti does not become a dumping ground for gigantic corporations, displacing the smaller community-based businesses, has issued a call from Rainbow Push Wall Street Project, nationwide, for skilled Black craftsmen to contribute their time and skills to rebuild Haiti. "We must be careful to re-establish the small, locally owned shops and businesses that serve as the backbone of the community. To provide the training and assistance, form partnerships with the people there to bring Haiti back to wholeness."
In other words, instead of Big Brother's corporations taking over, the help should be humane, sensitive and people based -- a hand up, not a hand out.
Nevertheless, immediacy of the situation, with more and more bodies being pulled from the rubble, must be the first priority. And while that is going forward, putting together the team that will be part and parcel of Haiti’s revival, is also of the utmost importance. Those interested please contact Rainbow Push at either of the following numbers: National Hdq.: 773-373-3366; Wall Street Project: (212) 425-7874 or go on line to www.rainbowpush.org.
Considered the poorest country in the Caribbean, Haiti, also called "des perle des antilles" and Little Africa was oh so rich in culture. And they have maintained their African traditions intact more than any other Caribbean country - with more than five tribes represented in their ancestry. They have managed to maintain their traditions, while reaching for, and often integrating, modern nuances as well.
While I lived there, I was totally awed by their work ethic. They never left a job undone, or incomplete. Everyone pitched in, worked together on whatever the project happened to be with joy, enthusiasm, cooperation -- and without the argument and rancor I so often observed here in the states. And while this coming together to rebuild will be overshadowed by the devastation and tragedy that caused the problem, I am no less sure that they will still stand, shoulder to shoulder, working to make their home “Haiti Cherie” again.
There are a great many organizations, locally and nationally, putting together fund raisers, food and clothing drives, and other events in support of Haiti’s recovery. Some of them are listed below. As more information comes in,or if you have additional information, please send it to me, and I will post them in the blog.
In the meantime, please keep Haiti in your prayers. Pray for our Haitian brothers and sisters here in New York City and everywhere else they may reside. This is indeed a time for tears and mourning and gnashing of teeth; as well as for hugs, comfort and prayers never ceasing.
God’s Grace and Mercy shines on Haiti now. They will rebuild a new and even more beautiful city on the hill. In my heart I hear us singing in English and Creole Israel Houghton's Song "I'M STILL STANDING!!" the new theme song for triumph over adversity for Haiti.
Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Below are some of the upcoming events and organizations that are organizing for Haiti.
1): Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer,
The Haitian Roundtable, National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations(NECO) and Fernando Mateo
Honorary Co-Hosts:
Senator Charles E. Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, Congressman Eliot Engel, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Congressman Michael E. McMahon, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, Congressman Charles B. Rangel, Congressman Edolphus Towns
Co-Hosts:
Governor David A. Paterson, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, Comptroller John C. Liu, Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, State Senator Thomas K. Duane, State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson, State Senator Liz Krueger, State Senator Kevin S. Parker, State Senator Bill Perkins, State Senator Eric T. Schneiderman, State Senator Daniel L. Squadron, Assemblymember Karim Camara, Assemblymember Herman D. Farrell, Jr., Assemblymember Adriano Espaillat, Assemblymember Richard N. Gottfried, Assemblymember Micah Kellner, Assemblymember Alan Maisel, Assemblymember Daniel O’Donnell, Assemblymember José R. Peralta, Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, Assemblymember Keith L.T. Wright, Councilmember Gale A. Brewer, Councilmember Fernando Cabrera, Councilmember Leroy Comrie, Councilmember Inez E. Dickens, Councilmember Mathieu Eugene, Councilmember Julissa Ferreras, Councilmember Daniel R. Garodnick, Councilmember Sara M. González , Councilmember Letitia James, Councilmember Melissa Mark-Viverito, Councilmember Rosie Mendez, Councilmember Diana Reyna, Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez, New Jersey Councilmember Julio Tavarez, Maurice A. Buckley, Walter Edwards, Nasser J. Kazeminy, Bill Lynch, Karl and Faye Rodney, Bill White, Alianza Dominicana, Citi Health Home Care, The Dominican American National Roundtable, Dominican Women's Development Center, Haiti’s Hungry Task Force, Haitian-American Caucus, NYS Organizing for America, NY Carib News, Street Corner Resources Live
Invite you to
New Yorkers for Haiti
an event in support of relief efforts following the earthquake in Haiti.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Talay, 701 West 135th Street (at 12th Avenue)
6:00 – 8:30 pm
2): MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: "On January 12, 2010, a massive earthquake struck the nation of Haiti, causing catastrophic damage inside and around the capital city of Port-au-Prince. President Obama has promised the people of Haiti that "you will not be forsaken; you will not be forgotten." The United States Government has mobilized resources and manpower to aid in the relief effort. Here are some ways that you can get involved.
Donate
* Financial Donations
o Donate $10 to the American Red Cross – charged to your cell phone bill – by texting "HAITI" to "90999."
o Contribute online to the Red Cross
* Find more ways to help through the Center for International Disaster Information.
Get Information about Friends or Family
The State Department Operations Center has set up the following phone number for Americans seeking information about family members in Haiti: 1-888-407-4747 (due to heavy volume, some callers may receive a recording). You can also send an email to the State Department. Please be aware that communications within Haiti are very difficult at this time.
The Federal Response
Check out the links below to find out how each federal department and agency is responding to the earthquake in Haiti.
* The Department of State
* The Department of Defense
* The Department of Homeland Security
* The Department of Health and Human Services
* The Federal Communications Commission
* The Department of Interior
Share This Image
Add this image to your webpage by copying and pasting the code below.
Help for Haiti: Learn What You Can Do
Help for Haiti: Learn What You Can Do
3): The US Fund for UNICEF will be present to receive donations.
All proceeds will go to The US Fund for UNICEF, a registered 501c3.
For more information call 212.669.8300
If you are unable to attend this even, click here to learn about other ways you can help.
Forward this message to a friend
4): {From Fikisha Cumbo): Wyclef Jean's organization is the best place to entrust our hard earned dollars to.
The organization can be reached at www.Yele.org click on Donate 212.352.0552
Please keep an open heart, say prayers for our sisters and brothers
down there and please, please watch out for the sharks everywhere.
Dr Boyce Watkins has written an interesting article 'Destroyed and
Desparate, Haiti Needs Our Help' that I'd like to recommend. You can
find it at info@boycewatkins.com
Blessings.
5): Dear Friend,
All of us feel the sense of shock and helplessness brought on by the tragic earthquake in Haiti . The mass suffering and destruction is unprecedented. I had the honor of traveling to Haiti just this past March at the invitation of President Clinton. We went, with Wyclef Jean and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon to review relief efforts and economic development initiatives being promoted and run by the Clinton Foundation and Wyclef’s Yele Haiti Foundation. To think of all that progress now turned to rubble is frustrating and heart-breaking, at the very least.
Democrats and Republicans, citizens across our state, our country, of all political persuasions share one common American virtue: compassion. There are several organizations that I TRUST will get help DIRECTLY to the PEOPLE. Please join with us in bringing direct, needed, immediate help to the people of Haiti by contributing to one of the 3 following organizations:
THE CLINTON FOUNDATION – go to: http://www.clintonfoundation.org/haitiearthquake/
YELE HAITE – go to: http://www.yele.org/
DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS – go to: http://doctorswithoutborders.org/
Please contribute AS MUCH AS YOU CAN – TODAY.
Thank you.
JAY JACOBS
NYS DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN
6): {Tom Joyner Show} Listen Friday Morning 6a-10a to the Tom Joyner Morning Show
“We are planning to leave late tonight to go to Haiti and broadcast the show from the streets (Friday). My purpose is to set up an internet café so that Haitians can get in touch with their families. But trust me, as we approach the King Holiday weekend and as I prep for MSNBC town hall meeting that will air on the King Holiday on Monday, the earthquake in Haiti will not take a back seat…If we can use Hurricane Katrina as a template we learned that we cannot sit back and wait for anyone to do for us what we can and must do for ourselves. I'm not even waiting for that and you shouldn't either. The 70s hit by Atlantic Starr says “when love calls, you better answer.”
--Tom Joyner Blog “When Love Calls” on BlackAmericaWeb.com 1/14/10 Read all at
http://www.blackamericaweb.com/?q=blog_inner/15640/1573138/The%20Fly%20Jock
Click here to Forward to a Friend.
The news of Haiti's tragic earthquake has shocked and saddened us all. As I watched the report on the news, I found myself crying and singing “Haiti Cherie Ma Plus Belle Pais des Mon Freres” -- a song I learned during the six months I spent in Petionville, a small suburb outside of Port au Prince, Haiti -- oh too many years ago!
Papa Doc Duvalier was still living and the tauntaun mecoute were heroes and the law of the land. Haiti was called "Little Africa." You could sit on the stoop and hear the drums and ceremonies ringing throughout the night, as they practiced their various Loas. Dumbalawaido (sp?) was mine. I walked through fire in Haiti. Met the great Katherine Dunham, who had expatriated there. Even tried to wash clothes by hand in the river, the way so many of the women did. Went to the Mahogany Mart, watched Ti RoRo play drums; learned to speak Creole, tried to make Haitian furniture. I was only supposed to be there for a two-week vacation. I stayed six months!
I fell in love with Haiti. To this day I still have so many wonderful memories of the people I met, the many experiences getting to know them, and the history that has made her the icon she is among Black people here in the U.S.
My Haiti -- our Haiti -- The Haiti we love and speak of when I talk to my Haitian friends -- has been deeply wounded. And we all feel the pain so deeply -- whether we're Haitians at home or abroad (here in the US), African Americans, Caucasian, Asian -- we are all so deeply awash with the agony they must be suffering. 50,000 lives and counting is the toll so far.
I have watched with great pain, sadness and, yes, fear, as my valiant Haitian brothers and sisters have bounced back from tragedy after tragedy after tragedy over the past twenty-five years. Papa Doc's unexpected passing; Jean Claude's bankrupting the country; Haitian brothers and sisters risking their lives to get to freedom; the internecine wars; the kidnapping of Aristede on the eve of our celebrating Haiti's 200 anniversary of self-liberation; the devastating hurricaines; and they keep coming back, picking themselves up, and begin to rebuild. And now this leviathan earthquake.
President Barack Obama has already pledged the help and the support of the US in rescuing and rebuilding Haiti. "We will not leave you or forsake you. We are here for you," stated our leader, sincerely. And, as I watch the rescue missions unfold on TV, I know deep in my heart that they’ll bounce back from this as well. Such is the resiliency of Haitians.
But resiliency alone will not do it. This is indeed an international emergency of catastrophic proportions, as Rev. Jesse Jackson noted during his speech at the Rainbow Push Wall Street Project, currently taking place here in New York City.
They definitely need our prayers, our compassion, they need food, assistance, hands on help in the rebuilding of their homes, schools and institutions.
It is truly a delicate situation, because within every tragedy, there is an opportunity. However, as Jackson also noted on a panel discussion about rural opportunities for Black investors, with Jonathan Adelstein, administrator of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), "it is all to easy to bring in swarms of outside people to do the rebuilding, as in the Katrina catastrophe, or to find a way to make sure that Haitians, African American businesses and craftsmen partner" together to rebuild Haiti into a strong, durable beautiful city that will withstand the forces of nature.
The USDA administrator stated that USAID really coordinated those efforts, but that he would convey the message and concern. USDA coordinates the uplift of food and other emergency services with other international sources, and will be instrumental in providing food for destitute Haitian families.
Rev. Jackson, however, concerned that Haiti does not become a dumping ground for gigantic corporations, displacing the smaller community-based businesses, has issued a call from Rainbow Push Wall Street Project, nationwide, for skilled Black craftsmen to contribute their time and skills to rebuild Haiti. "We must be careful to re-establish the small, locally owned shops and businesses that serve as the backbone of the community. To provide the training and assistance, form partnerships with the people there to bring Haiti back to wholeness."
In other words, instead of Big Brother's corporations taking over, the help should be humane, sensitive and people based -- a hand up, not a hand out.
Nevertheless, immediacy of the situation, with more and more bodies being pulled from the rubble, must be the first priority. And while that is going forward, putting together the team that will be part and parcel of Haiti’s revival, is also of the utmost importance. Those interested please contact Rainbow Push at either of the following numbers: National Hdq.: 773-373-3366; Wall Street Project: (212) 425-7874 or go on line to www.rainbowpush.org.
Considered the poorest country in the Caribbean, Haiti, also called "des perle des antilles" and Little Africa was oh so rich in culture. And they have maintained their African traditions intact more than any other Caribbean country - with more than five tribes represented in their ancestry. They have managed to maintain their traditions, while reaching for, and often integrating, modern nuances as well.
While I lived there, I was totally awed by their work ethic. They never left a job undone, or incomplete. Everyone pitched in, worked together on whatever the project happened to be with joy, enthusiasm, cooperation -- and without the argument and rancor I so often observed here in the states. And while this coming together to rebuild will be overshadowed by the devastation and tragedy that caused the problem, I am no less sure that they will still stand, shoulder to shoulder, working to make their home “Haiti Cherie” again.
There are a great many organizations, locally and nationally, putting together fund raisers, food and clothing drives, and other events in support of Haiti’s recovery. Some of them are listed below. As more information comes in,or if you have additional information, please send it to me, and I will post them in the blog.
In the meantime, please keep Haiti in your prayers. Pray for our Haitian brothers and sisters here in New York City and everywhere else they may reside. This is indeed a time for tears and mourning and gnashing of teeth; as well as for hugs, comfort and prayers never ceasing.
God’s Grace and Mercy shines on Haiti now. They will rebuild a new and even more beautiful city on the hill. In my heart I hear us singing in English and Creole Israel Houghton's Song "I'M STILL STANDING!!" the new theme song for triumph over adversity for Haiti.
Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Below are some of the upcoming events and organizations that are organizing for Haiti.
1): Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer,
The Haitian Roundtable, National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations(NECO) and Fernando Mateo
Honorary Co-Hosts:
Senator Charles E. Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, Congressman Eliot Engel, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Congressman Michael E. McMahon, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, Congressman Charles B. Rangel, Congressman Edolphus Towns
Co-Hosts:
Governor David A. Paterson, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, Comptroller John C. Liu, Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, State Senator Thomas K. Duane, State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson, State Senator Liz Krueger, State Senator Kevin S. Parker, State Senator Bill Perkins, State Senator Eric T. Schneiderman, State Senator Daniel L. Squadron, Assemblymember Karim Camara, Assemblymember Herman D. Farrell, Jr., Assemblymember Adriano Espaillat, Assemblymember Richard N. Gottfried, Assemblymember Micah Kellner, Assemblymember Alan Maisel, Assemblymember Daniel O’Donnell, Assemblymember José R. Peralta, Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, Assemblymember Keith L.T. Wright, Councilmember Gale A. Brewer, Councilmember Fernando Cabrera, Councilmember Leroy Comrie, Councilmember Inez E. Dickens, Councilmember Mathieu Eugene, Councilmember Julissa Ferreras, Councilmember Daniel R. Garodnick, Councilmember Sara M. González , Councilmember Letitia James, Councilmember Melissa Mark-Viverito, Councilmember Rosie Mendez, Councilmember Diana Reyna, Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez, New Jersey Councilmember Julio Tavarez, Maurice A. Buckley, Walter Edwards, Nasser J. Kazeminy, Bill Lynch, Karl and Faye Rodney, Bill White, Alianza Dominicana, Citi Health Home Care, The Dominican American National Roundtable, Dominican Women's Development Center, Haiti’s Hungry Task Force, Haitian-American Caucus, NYS Organizing for America, NY Carib News, Street Corner Resources Live
Invite you to
New Yorkers for Haiti
an event in support of relief efforts following the earthquake in Haiti.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Talay, 701 West 135th Street (at 12th Avenue)
6:00 – 8:30 pm
2): MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: "On January 12, 2010, a massive earthquake struck the nation of Haiti, causing catastrophic damage inside and around the capital city of Port-au-Prince. President Obama has promised the people of Haiti that "you will not be forsaken; you will not be forgotten." The United States Government has mobilized resources and manpower to aid in the relief effort. Here are some ways that you can get involved.
Donate
* Financial Donations
o Donate $10 to the American Red Cross – charged to your cell phone bill – by texting "HAITI" to "90999."
o Contribute online to the Red Cross
* Find more ways to help through the Center for International Disaster Information.
Get Information about Friends or Family
The State Department Operations Center has set up the following phone number for Americans seeking information about family members in Haiti: 1-888-407-4747 (due to heavy volume, some callers may receive a recording). You can also send an email to the State Department. Please be aware that communications within Haiti are very difficult at this time.
The Federal Response
Check out the links below to find out how each federal department and agency is responding to the earthquake in Haiti.
* The Department of State
* The Department of Defense
* The Department of Homeland Security
* The Department of Health and Human Services
* The Federal Communications Commission
* The Department of Interior
Share This Image
Add this image to your webpage by copying and pasting the code below.
Help for Haiti: Learn What You Can Do
Help for Haiti: Learn What You Can Do
3): The US Fund for UNICEF will be present to receive donations.
All proceeds will go to The US Fund for UNICEF, a registered 501c3.
For more information call 212.669.8300
If you are unable to attend this even, click here to learn about other ways you can help.
Forward this message to a friend
4): {From Fikisha Cumbo): Wyclef Jean's organization is the best place to entrust our hard earned dollars to.
The organization can be reached at www.Yele.org click on Donate 212.352.0552
Please keep an open heart, say prayers for our sisters and brothers
down there and please, please watch out for the sharks everywhere.
Dr Boyce Watkins has written an interesting article 'Destroyed and
Desparate, Haiti Needs Our Help' that I'd like to recommend. You can
find it at info@boycewatkins.com
Blessings.
5): Dear Friend,
All of us feel the sense of shock and helplessness brought on by the tragic earthquake in Haiti . The mass suffering and destruction is unprecedented. I had the honor of traveling to Haiti just this past March at the invitation of President Clinton. We went, with Wyclef Jean and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon to review relief efforts and economic development initiatives being promoted and run by the Clinton Foundation and Wyclef’s Yele Haiti Foundation. To think of all that progress now turned to rubble is frustrating and heart-breaking, at the very least.
Democrats and Republicans, citizens across our state, our country, of all political persuasions share one common American virtue: compassion. There are several organizations that I TRUST will get help DIRECTLY to the PEOPLE. Please join with us in bringing direct, needed, immediate help to the people of Haiti by contributing to one of the 3 following organizations:
THE CLINTON FOUNDATION – go to: http://www.clintonfoundation.org/haitiearthquake/
YELE HAITE – go to: http://www.yele.org/
DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS – go to: http://doctorswithoutborders.org/
Please contribute AS MUCH AS YOU CAN – TODAY.
Thank you.
JAY JACOBS
NYS DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN
6): {Tom Joyner Show} Listen Friday Morning 6a-10a to the Tom Joyner Morning Show
“We are planning to leave late tonight to go to Haiti and broadcast the show from the streets (Friday). My purpose is to set up an internet café so that Haitians can get in touch with their families. But trust me, as we approach the King Holiday weekend and as I prep for MSNBC town hall meeting that will air on the King Holiday on Monday, the earthquake in Haiti will not take a back seat…If we can use Hurricane Katrina as a template we learned that we cannot sit back and wait for anyone to do for us what we can and must do for ourselves. I'm not even waiting for that and you shouldn't either. The 70s hit by Atlantic Starr says “when love calls, you better answer.”
--Tom Joyner Blog “When Love Calls” on BlackAmericaWeb.com 1/14/10 Read all at
http://www.blackamericaweb.com/?q=blog_inner/15640/1573138/The%20Fly%20Jock
Click here to Forward to a Friend.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) Celebrates Silver Anniversaryof Martin Luther King Dinner
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
On Monday, January 18, the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), America’s third oldest and largest civil rights organization, will host its 25th Anniversary Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ambassadorial Reception and Awards Dinner at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers, 52nd Street at Seventh Avenue in Manhattan.
The Black Tie or National Dress reception begins at 6:30 p.m. Dinner and awards begin at 7:30 p.m, with Emmy Award-winning actress, Lynn Whitfield, serving as Mistress of Ceremonies.
Organized by Roy Innis, CORE National Chairman and Niger Innis, CORE Natioinal Spokesman, this time honored event will no doubt be as spectacular as the others have, if not moreso.
The 2010 special Silver Anniversary gala honorees are:
Mrs. Tova Leidesdorf, widow of a descendant of California’s first African/Danish and Jewish entrepreneur and first American diplomat of African ancestry William A. Leidesdorf. A New Yorker for most of her life, she grew up in poverty, in Haifa, Israel and became a prominent international philanthropist. Tova has worked tirelessly to bring attention to the life of William Leidesdorf, a little-known, but influential man in United States, African American and Jewish history, who was instrumental in
* establishing United Negro College Fund,
* helping to build the 92nd Street Y,
* bringing Albert Einstein to America,
* creating the Institute for Advanced Studies at Princeton, and
* strengthening the coalition between Christians and Jews
Michael Steele, first African American elected Chairman of the Republican National Committee, and
Hon. James Young, first African American Mayor of Philadelphia, Mississippi, a city previously best known as the site of the murder of CORE workers and civil rights heroes James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner by members of the Ku Klux Klan in 1964.
This is one of my favorite events of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King , Jr. Holiday celebrations. It is international and multicultural, and executed with all the love and respect befitting a hero who sacrificed his life, breaking down barriers so that we could interact with each other, enjoy each other, learn from each other, share with each in a harmonious, positive atmosphere. And CORE has done it beautifully for 25 years.
Congratulations to CORE, Roy, Niger, George, and the rest of the wonderful people who keep that organization alive.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
On Monday, January 18, the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), America’s third oldest and largest civil rights organization, will host its 25th Anniversary Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ambassadorial Reception and Awards Dinner at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers, 52nd Street at Seventh Avenue in Manhattan.
The Black Tie or National Dress reception begins at 6:30 p.m. Dinner and awards begin at 7:30 p.m, with Emmy Award-winning actress, Lynn Whitfield, serving as Mistress of Ceremonies.
Organized by Roy Innis, CORE National Chairman and Niger Innis, CORE Natioinal Spokesman, this time honored event will no doubt be as spectacular as the others have, if not moreso.
The 2010 special Silver Anniversary gala honorees are:
Mrs. Tova Leidesdorf, widow of a descendant of California’s first African/Danish and Jewish entrepreneur and first American diplomat of African ancestry William A. Leidesdorf. A New Yorker for most of her life, she grew up in poverty, in Haifa, Israel and became a prominent international philanthropist. Tova has worked tirelessly to bring attention to the life of William Leidesdorf, a little-known, but influential man in United States, African American and Jewish history, who was instrumental in
* establishing United Negro College Fund,
* helping to build the 92nd Street Y,
* bringing Albert Einstein to America,
* creating the Institute for Advanced Studies at Princeton, and
* strengthening the coalition between Christians and Jews
Michael Steele, first African American elected Chairman of the Republican National Committee, and
Hon. James Young, first African American Mayor of Philadelphia, Mississippi, a city previously best known as the site of the murder of CORE workers and civil rights heroes James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner by members of the Ku Klux Klan in 1964.
This is one of my favorite events of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King , Jr. Holiday celebrations. It is international and multicultural, and executed with all the love and respect befitting a hero who sacrificed his life, breaking down barriers so that we could interact with each other, enjoy each other, learn from each other, share with each in a harmonious, positive atmosphere. And CORE has done it beautifully for 25 years.
Congratulations to CORE, Roy, Niger, George, and the rest of the wonderful people who keep that organization alive.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Monday, January 11, 2010
Central Brooklyn MLK Commission Presents King Day Essay Contest Winners January 18
T'IS THE SEASON FOR CELEBRATING THE WORKS OF REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING
BY Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Hard on the heels of Christmas and Kwanzaa and continuing through the end of March, are 105 reasons, or more, to celebrate ourselves and each other, and the accomplishments of our ancestors who paved the way for us.
I, personally, consider Dr. King's Birthday Celebration the actual Kick off to Black History Month(s). Even though Dr. Carter G. Woodson actually established it in February to celebrate the lives to two great men: Frederick Douglas, born February 14, and Abraham Lincoln, born February 12, we actually start with Dr. King, work our way through February, and culminate with Women's History Month, where we have so many Black women who have made considerable contributions to the world (starting with each of our mothers, and working our way forward.)
While the jockeying for position as to who presents the best KING-DAY ceremony is beginning to spread, there is one organization that has consistently kept the quality of the program for youth for 25 years: THE CENTRAL BROOKLYN MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMISSION.
On January 18, 2010, the Commission will sponsor the “Children’s Celebration” of the birth, life and achievements of Martin Luther King at 1:00PM at the Prospect Heights High School Campus auditorium (Classon Ave and Union St.) The theme for 2010 is: MARTIN LUTHER KING’S SPIRIT SOARS IN BROOKLYN.
Special awards will be presented to 26 winners of the annual MLK essay poetry and art contests for elementary, Junior High and High School students. The Holiday afternoon celebration is a family affair. Special T-Shirts will be given to all of the youth participating in the contest. The ceremony will end with a special talent salute in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“Our children need community winds beneath their wings in order to soar forward into the promised land. The youthful wings of education deserve total support from all of us who care about the future”, stated Lorrelle Henry, Commission President. “In our twenty-fifth year we remain inspired, optimistic and committed to improve education in Central Brooklyn.”
As advocates and activists for education, other activities planned by the organization include the following:
- Inviting Geoffrey Canada, Founder of the Harlem Children’s Zone to lead a forum designed to replicate a similar project in Central Brooklyn, which has one of the largest concentrations of at-risk children in the nation. It is hoped that the “Zone” concept could be extended to serve as the core of a larger “Central Brooklyn Education Park”. Congressman Major Owens, a founding member and active participant in the organization, has prepared a proposal for the park concept.
- Collaborate with former Assemblyman Roger Green to promote a new Martin Luther King Heritage Center and Archive in Central Brooklyn. Green is the original author of the NY State Legislation that funded King memorial activities throughout the State.
- Actively seek funding for the Martin Luther King Strivers Program to provide direct assistance to at-risk youth.
- Evaluate, consolidate and review its progress and sponsorship leading-up to its 25th Anniversary Gala in the Fall of 2010.
As with many of our Black organizations, contributions and donations are needed and most definitely welcome. You can contact them by calling 718-771-8234; you can support them by being there as part of the audience on Monday, January 18, at 1:00 pm as these children perform for their peers, but more importantly, for their elders.
In point of fact, please don't just take that Monday off as a sleep at home day, or a chance to go shopping. That is not why so many of us marched to have a holiday in Dr. King's honor. Nor is it why Dr. King's life was taken from him. And now more than ever, when we protest and complain that our youth don't know what they should about their history and heritage, we have to the the main ones sitting there in support of these kids who are keeping the faith and keeping the dream alive.
Come, bring your children, your friends and neighbors. Print, paste, publish, pass it on, participate. This is for all of us.
Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
BY Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Hard on the heels of Christmas and Kwanzaa and continuing through the end of March, are 105 reasons, or more, to celebrate ourselves and each other, and the accomplishments of our ancestors who paved the way for us.
I, personally, consider Dr. King's Birthday Celebration the actual Kick off to Black History Month(s). Even though Dr. Carter G. Woodson actually established it in February to celebrate the lives to two great men: Frederick Douglas, born February 14, and Abraham Lincoln, born February 12, we actually start with Dr. King, work our way through February, and culminate with Women's History Month, where we have so many Black women who have made considerable contributions to the world (starting with each of our mothers, and working our way forward.)
While the jockeying for position as to who presents the best KING-DAY ceremony is beginning to spread, there is one organization that has consistently kept the quality of the program for youth for 25 years: THE CENTRAL BROOKLYN MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMISSION.
On January 18, 2010, the Commission will sponsor the “Children’s Celebration” of the birth, life and achievements of Martin Luther King at 1:00PM at the Prospect Heights High School Campus auditorium (Classon Ave and Union St.) The theme for 2010 is: MARTIN LUTHER KING’S SPIRIT SOARS IN BROOKLYN.
Special awards will be presented to 26 winners of the annual MLK essay poetry and art contests for elementary, Junior High and High School students. The Holiday afternoon celebration is a family affair. Special T-Shirts will be given to all of the youth participating in the contest. The ceremony will end with a special talent salute in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“Our children need community winds beneath their wings in order to soar forward into the promised land. The youthful wings of education deserve total support from all of us who care about the future”, stated Lorrelle Henry, Commission President. “In our twenty-fifth year we remain inspired, optimistic and committed to improve education in Central Brooklyn.”
As advocates and activists for education, other activities planned by the organization include the following:
- Inviting Geoffrey Canada, Founder of the Harlem Children’s Zone to lead a forum designed to replicate a similar project in Central Brooklyn, which has one of the largest concentrations of at-risk children in the nation. It is hoped that the “Zone” concept could be extended to serve as the core of a larger “Central Brooklyn Education Park”. Congressman Major Owens, a founding member and active participant in the organization, has prepared a proposal for the park concept.
- Collaborate with former Assemblyman Roger Green to promote a new Martin Luther King Heritage Center and Archive in Central Brooklyn. Green is the original author of the NY State Legislation that funded King memorial activities throughout the State.
- Actively seek funding for the Martin Luther King Strivers Program to provide direct assistance to at-risk youth.
- Evaluate, consolidate and review its progress and sponsorship leading-up to its 25th Anniversary Gala in the Fall of 2010.
As with many of our Black organizations, contributions and donations are needed and most definitely welcome. You can contact them by calling 718-771-8234; you can support them by being there as part of the audience on Monday, January 18, at 1:00 pm as these children perform for their peers, but more importantly, for their elders.
In point of fact, please don't just take that Monday off as a sleep at home day, or a chance to go shopping. That is not why so many of us marched to have a holiday in Dr. King's honor. Nor is it why Dr. King's life was taken from him. And now more than ever, when we protest and complain that our youth don't know what they should about their history and heritage, we have to the the main ones sitting there in support of these kids who are keeping the faith and keeping the dream alive.
Come, bring your children, your friends and neighbors. Print, paste, publish, pass it on, participate. This is for all of us.
Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Saturday, January 9, 2010
OBAMA BASHERS BEWARE
by Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Dear Readers:
I'm stepping out on faith and assuming that I do have some readers out there. I just received this from brother Robert P. Watson of Lynn University, and I'm sharing it with you. As a writer, historian, and one considers herself ECLECTICALLY BLACK, this is an issue I feel very strongly about:
PRESIDENT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA
I'm a staunch supporter of President Obama and his wife, First Lady Michelle Obama.
So this is a warning: I will not publish or provide any space on my blog for any negative commentaries about the President.
I've had it up to here (my eyebrows) with mainstream (read racist) media, and wannabe white (Negro) publications that call themselves being "objective", while serving at the behest of the "right" wingers, and pseudo religious red neck organizations.
This ain't the place, and I ain't the one.
In fact, just as Organizing for America (OFA) has wisely institutionalized their organization to continue supporting him throughout his presidency, I think we should likewise have a national organization comprised of African Americans who come together to push the agendas locally and nationally that President Obama first put forth, and that are still very much needed in our communities.
He can't do it by himself. Yes, he's in office, and we all know that he is taking his very life in his hands trying to do a job that most of the mainstream detractors hope he fails at. We cannot stand back and be the critics when so clearly needs our support.
By the way the next person who tells me that he didn't win the Presidency by himself, meaning that he won with white votes, I hope your tongue sticks to the roof of your mouth. We all know that he did not win with just the Black vote; nor did he win with just the white vote. He won because we all voted. So stop the crappy inuendos and get to the business of backing the brother instead of trying to stab him in the back. i wear my Obama buttons and pins now just as I did when I was campaigning for him. This is not some off-again-on-again-game. If we don't stand for Barack Obama, how then do we expect people to respect us? Anyway, I'm sure you know where this is coming from. You, your family, your kids, your neighbors, particuarly if you are of African Heritage, have a brother in the White House. Act like you know.
What follows is a list of accomplishments that seem to have dropped off the pages of the white newspapers that the professor thought you might be interested in reading. If you have anything positive to add, or positive messages to or about President Obama, please feel free to send it to me, and I will post them (500 words or less, okay?).
In the interim, enjoy the list, and if you agree, email info@uniteus.com for more info about their Black History services, or call them at 800-UNITEUS.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Subject: 90 Accomplishments of Obama Which The {white} Media Fails to Report
Media loves to say that President Obama is not getting much accomplished which the facts belie and fail to report the 90 plus accomplishments of administration, so far!
"Professor Watson writes:
Hi friends,
I am always being asked to grade Obama's presidency. In place of offering him a grade, I put together a list of his accomplishments thus far. I think you would agree that it is very impressive. His first six months have been even more active than FDRs or LBJs the two standards for such assessments. Yet, there is little media attention given to much of what he has done. Of late, the media is focusing almost exclusively on Obama's critics, without holding them responsible for the uncivil, unconstructive tone of their disagreements or without holding the previous administration responsible for getting us in such a deep hole. The misinformation and venom that now passes for political reporting and civic debate is beyond description.
As such, there is a need to set the record straight. What most impresses me is the fact that Obama has accomplished so much not from a heavy-handed or top-down approach but from a style that has institutionalized efforts to reach across the aisle, encourage vigorous debate, and utilize town halls and panels of experts in the policy-making process. Beyond the accomplishments, the process is good for democracy and our democratic processes have been battered and bruised in recent years.
Let me know if I missed anything in the list (surely I did).
Robert
1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending
2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices
3. Instituted enforcement for equal pay for women
4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq
5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB
6. Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information
7. Ended media blackout on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover AFB; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier's family
8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act
9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible
10. Limits on lobbyist's access to the White House
11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration
12. Ended the previous stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date
13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren't even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan
14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research
15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research
16. New federal funding for science and research labs
17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards
18. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants) after years of neglect
19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools
20. New funds for school construction
21. The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out
22. US Auto industry rescue plan
23. Housing rescue plan
24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan
25. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (the new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying
26. US financial and banking rescue plan
27. The secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed
28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no torture policy and is in compliance with the Geneva Convention standards
29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops
30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010
31. Restarted the nuclear nonproliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols
32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic
33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions
34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office
35. Successful release of US captain held by Somali pirates; authorized the SEALS to do their job
36. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast
37. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles
38. Cash for clunkers program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulated auto sales
39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government
40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children
41. Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program
42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return home to visit loved ones
43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions
44. Expanding vaccination programs
45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters
46. Closed offshore tax safe havens
47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals
48. Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back
49. Ended the previous practice of protecting credit card companies; in place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry's predatory practices
50. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources
51. Lower drug costs for seniors
52. Ended the previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now realizing hundreds of millions in savings
53. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel
54. Improved housing for military personnel
55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses
56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals
57. Increasing student loans
58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program
59. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy
60. Established a new cyber security office
61. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20 years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force; this includes new procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology and cyber units and operations, etc.
62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts
63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness
64. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient
65. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their loans refinanced
66. Improving benefits for veterans
67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration
68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud
69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco
70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules
71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports
72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons
73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive
74. Making more loans available to small businesses
75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare
76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court
77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans
78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000
79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel
80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan
81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan
82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans
83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production
84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quarters
85. Paid for redecoration of White House living quarters out of his own pocket
86. Held first Seder in White House
87. Attempting to reform the nation's healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more under insured
88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform
89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform
90. Has announced his intention to push for education reform
Oh, and he built a swing set for the girls outside the Oval Office!
Robert P. Watson, Ph.D.Coordinator of American Studies
Lynn University"
PS: Print this list and send it to your kids schools, especially if they have white teachers. They may need it as a frame of reference. And remember, next month is Black History Month. We don't want any cases of convenient amnesia, or issues about politics. Make no mistake, President Obama is a history making figure.
Stay Blessed,
Gloria
Dear Readers:
I'm stepping out on faith and assuming that I do have some readers out there. I just received this from brother Robert P. Watson of Lynn University, and I'm sharing it with you. As a writer, historian, and one considers herself ECLECTICALLY BLACK, this is an issue I feel very strongly about:
PRESIDENT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA
I'm a staunch supporter of President Obama and his wife, First Lady Michelle Obama.
So this is a warning: I will not publish or provide any space on my blog for any negative commentaries about the President.
I've had it up to here (my eyebrows) with mainstream (read racist) media, and wannabe white (Negro) publications that call themselves being "objective", while serving at the behest of the "right" wingers, and pseudo religious red neck organizations.
This ain't the place, and I ain't the one.
In fact, just as Organizing for America (OFA) has wisely institutionalized their organization to continue supporting him throughout his presidency, I think we should likewise have a national organization comprised of African Americans who come together to push the agendas locally and nationally that President Obama first put forth, and that are still very much needed in our communities.
He can't do it by himself. Yes, he's in office, and we all know that he is taking his very life in his hands trying to do a job that most of the mainstream detractors hope he fails at. We cannot stand back and be the critics when so clearly needs our support.
By the way the next person who tells me that he didn't win the Presidency by himself, meaning that he won with white votes, I hope your tongue sticks to the roof of your mouth. We all know that he did not win with just the Black vote; nor did he win with just the white vote. He won because we all voted. So stop the crappy inuendos and get to the business of backing the brother instead of trying to stab him in the back. i wear my Obama buttons and pins now just as I did when I was campaigning for him. This is not some off-again-on-again-game. If we don't stand for Barack Obama, how then do we expect people to respect us? Anyway, I'm sure you know where this is coming from. You, your family, your kids, your neighbors, particuarly if you are of African Heritage, have a brother in the White House. Act like you know.
What follows is a list of accomplishments that seem to have dropped off the pages of the white newspapers that the professor thought you might be interested in reading. If you have anything positive to add, or positive messages to or about President Obama, please feel free to send it to me, and I will post them (500 words or less, okay?).
In the interim, enjoy the list, and if you agree, email info@uniteus.com for more info about their Black History services, or call them at 800-UNITEUS.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Subject: 90 Accomplishments of Obama Which The {white} Media Fails to Report
Media loves to say that President Obama is not getting much accomplished which the facts belie and fail to report the 90 plus accomplishments of administration, so far!
"Professor Watson writes:
Hi friends,
I am always being asked to grade Obama's presidency. In place of offering him a grade, I put together a list of his accomplishments thus far. I think you would agree that it is very impressive. His first six months have been even more active than FDRs or LBJs the two standards for such assessments. Yet, there is little media attention given to much of what he has done. Of late, the media is focusing almost exclusively on Obama's critics, without holding them responsible for the uncivil, unconstructive tone of their disagreements or without holding the previous administration responsible for getting us in such a deep hole. The misinformation and venom that now passes for political reporting and civic debate is beyond description.
As such, there is a need to set the record straight. What most impresses me is the fact that Obama has accomplished so much not from a heavy-handed or top-down approach but from a style that has institutionalized efforts to reach across the aisle, encourage vigorous debate, and utilize town halls and panels of experts in the policy-making process. Beyond the accomplishments, the process is good for democracy and our democratic processes have been battered and bruised in recent years.
Let me know if I missed anything in the list (surely I did).
Robert
1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending
2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices
3. Instituted enforcement for equal pay for women
4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq
5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB
6. Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information
7. Ended media blackout on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover AFB; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier's family
8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act
9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible
10. Limits on lobbyist's access to the White House
11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration
12. Ended the previous stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date
13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren't even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan
14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research
15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research
16. New federal funding for science and research labs
17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards
18. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants) after years of neglect
19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools
20. New funds for school construction
21. The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out
22. US Auto industry rescue plan
23. Housing rescue plan
24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan
25. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (the new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying
26. US financial and banking rescue plan
27. The secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed
28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no torture policy and is in compliance with the Geneva Convention standards
29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops
30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010
31. Restarted the nuclear nonproliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols
32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic
33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions
34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office
35. Successful release of US captain held by Somali pirates; authorized the SEALS to do their job
36. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast
37. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles
38. Cash for clunkers program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulated auto sales
39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government
40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children
41. Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program
42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return home to visit loved ones
43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions
44. Expanding vaccination programs
45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters
46. Closed offshore tax safe havens
47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals
48. Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back
49. Ended the previous practice of protecting credit card companies; in place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry's predatory practices
50. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources
51. Lower drug costs for seniors
52. Ended the previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now realizing hundreds of millions in savings
53. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel
54. Improved housing for military personnel
55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses
56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals
57. Increasing student loans
58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program
59. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy
60. Established a new cyber security office
61. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20 years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force; this includes new procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology and cyber units and operations, etc.
62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts
63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness
64. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient
65. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their loans refinanced
66. Improving benefits for veterans
67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration
68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud
69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco
70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules
71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports
72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons
73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive
74. Making more loans available to small businesses
75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare
76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court
77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans
78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000
79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel
80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan
81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan
82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans
83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production
84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quarters
85. Paid for redecoration of White House living quarters out of his own pocket
86. Held first Seder in White House
87. Attempting to reform the nation's healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more under insured
88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform
89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform
90. Has announced his intention to push for education reform
Oh, and he built a swing set for the girls outside the Oval Office!
Robert P. Watson, Ph.D.Coordinator of American Studies
Lynn University"
PS: Print this list and send it to your kids schools, especially if they have white teachers. They may need it as a frame of reference. And remember, next month is Black History Month. We don't want any cases of convenient amnesia, or issues about politics. Make no mistake, President Obama is a history making figure.
Stay Blessed,
Gloria
Friday, January 8, 2010
PERCY ELLIS SUTTON HOMEGOING: AN EAGLE BECOMES AN ANGEL
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
I was a beautiful day in the Neighborhood of Harlem. The sky was bright. The weather was brisk, and thousands of people were sitting shoulder-to-shoulder, elbow-to-elbow to honor the life, times and memory of a beloved brother: PERCY ELLIS SUTTON.
The entire three plus hour ceremony (which could have righteously gone on for an entire day) was presided over by Rev. Dr. James Forbes, minister former minister of Riverside Church, and a long time family friend.
The ceremony fittingly began with the Black National Anthem: LIFT EV'RY VOICE AND SING. Percy Sutton clearly had a hand in this. It was a pet peeve of his when Black organizations either skipped the song, put in the middle or at the end, or had a soloist who sang it so well that the rest of the audience could not participate.
Former Mayor, David N. Dinkins stated reflectively, in reference to their friendship, which will forever be known as “the Gang of Four“: “We were four, now we are three.” But I kind of disagree with that statement. While it’s true that the Honorable Percy Sutton is no longer with us physically, he will always be with us spiritually. In fact, I think Percy Sutton was just as much a part of that homegoing ceremony as were the thousands who gathered there to honor him.
I could see him, sitting in front, at the top of the arches, with those beautiful stained glass windows behind him; smiling confidently and happily, as his granddaughter, Danielle Lee Sutton, danced for him.
Or that immense look of pride as his first born granddaughter, Keisha, spoke of his love for her. I could see him standing in front of the Harlem Commonwealth Council, where he had his office for decades, tipping his hat to the funeral procession as they passed by in his honor. Or standing in front of the Apollo pointing to the marquee with his name on it. It’s perhaps the first time in his long involvement for the beloved theater that his name has actually been up there in lights.
He beamed with pride as Attilah Shabazz stood and praised him for having stood by her father and her family long before the media knew who he was; long before the threats. And never left or forsake them, even after Malcolm’s assassination, and Bette’s tragic death. How he made sure they had what they needed all through their formative years. What greater proof that Percy was an eagle, rising above common turkeys who were afraid to take stands or take a stake in the future of their people. She wore a dash of Red in his honor (Kappa man that he was).
He watched with even greater pride, when US Attorney General Eric Holder, who not only attended and spoke at his services, but actually stayed throughout the entire ceremony. Holder spoke of his love for Percy, who had employed and mentored him during his fledgling years as a lawyer. “I admired him, I respected him; I worked for him. Without Percy Sutton there would be no me,” he stated matter of factly. Holder then read a letter to the family from President and Ms. Barack Obama, who expressed their deepest sympathy for their loss and their gratitude and appreciation for all he has done for New York and African Americans.
Governor David Paterson, could not have made him any prouder of him than he already was when he stated, via satellite, that it was Percy who persuaded him to seek political office. It was because of his interaction with Percy and his equally famous father, and member of the Gang of Four, Basil Paterson, that he found the wisdom, support and mentorship to progress into ever more responsible positions of public service. “He would address issues in such a kind way, that even though he was criticizing you, you thought that he was giving you a compliment.”
Inez Dickens acknowledged the Chairman by saying she would definitely not have been elected to City Council had it not been for the guidance of Percy Sutton. She also admitted that there were also times when he was criticizing you and you definitely knew you were being criticized.”
Rev. Jesse Jackson’s comparison to the galaxy, with each of Percy’s accomplishments forming Points of light must have made him smile. Stated Jackson, “Percy never stopped; from Texas to New York to Africa, the Apollo, the SEEK program. He left more than he found -- points of light; so many points of light his accomplishments were like a galaxy of stars. No one has done so much for so many for so long, This Christmas heaven had no finer gift than Percy Sutton -- he represents the transitional forces in all of us; a renaissance man. Rev. Al Sharpton, the Shabazz Family, the Jacksons, they all claim him, he’s one of us. Points of light. Wrote the script for Apollo Five.”
He was duly honored to learn that Mayor Bloomberg had named a complex, a postal facility and a school in his honor. Though he never sought those accolades, they pleased him hevertheless.
He probably was the only one not surprised that Stevie Wonder took the red-eye overnight flight from California to be at his services. “Percy Sutton is the reason that I have my own radio station,” stated the “Wonderman”, who then played “AS”, a hit from his “Songs in the Key of Life” album. Over the years they had forged a very close and abiding friendship, with Stevie considering Sutton a mentor and a friend. “I am so happy for you that you were blessed to have had such a king in your lives.”
Congressman Rangel, also of the "Gang of Four" apologized to his wifel: “Leatrice,what can we say? We treated Percy like we owned him. We never thought of leaving without consulting him. Sometimes at 4:00 in the morning. Thank you for sharing him with us. And you allowed us to do it. We are so grateful for your sharing this great man. This entire world has felt the imprint of this great man.”
The Congressman recounted that when a woman grabbed him, crying over Percy’s transition, he asked her if she knew him. “She said no, but Percy knew me.” “All I knew was Lenox Ave., the only thing I missed was class, and Percy tried desperately to give it to me. Percy made everybody feel like he was somebody.” “We can’t all be Percy Sutton, but there is a little Percy Sutton in each and every one of you. And I know, I feel that apart of my mission is to make sure that Percy Sutton never dies. I will be meeting with the President of the United States afternoon, and if I have one message it is from Percy to make sure that health care is nothing to bargain with. And Percy will always be in our hearts and minds.”
And Basil Paterson, father of Gov. David Paterson, part of that honored "Gang of Four," and second only to Sutton in being one of the best dressed Black men in Harlem, spoke of the many misadventures they embarked upon in trying to bring Harlem back to life.
Tuskeegee Airman and friend Roscoe C. Brown, who knew Percy since 1944, proudly wore his Tuskeegee Airman’s cap, as he spoke of the audacity of Percy Sutton, who was the troop commander. He recalled how Mr. Sutton sent them out on missions, based on reports he received from base command. “To hear him tell it, the Nazis didn’t stand a chance, and everything was under their control, only to find it was nothing like he said. They would go into combat and come back angry at him, only to have him respond, “Well, you made it back, didn’t you.”
According to Brown, it was Percy Sutton who made the recommendations for citation and make sure they were embellished sufficiently so that there would be no way they could be denied. Percy was also the creator of the New York City Marathon. When the other Tuskeegee Airman stood in salute to Percy, he, no doubt, saluted them back.
Hazel Dukes, President of the New York Chapter of the NAACP recalled how she, as a young girl from Montgomery, Alabama, was taken under his wing and assisted in receiving the education and guidance she needed to rise in her career.
But when Rev. Al Sharpton, who had known Percy Sutton since he was 12 years old, delivered the Eulogy, you really knew that Percy Sutton was among us. It was Rev. Sharpton who said it best of all. Recounting how Percy Sutton, at the age of 75, joined hundreds of protesters during the Amadou Diallo debacle, laying down on the concrete at One Police Plaza, to be arrested with them. When Sharpton tried to dissuade them, he stated that he had participated in Civil Rights protests in his youth, and he saw no need to stop now.
Stated Al, vociferously, “Even though he was a multimillionaire, the owner of radio stations and communication facilities, savior of the Apollo, who could walk into the White House, or any where else; he laid down for a West African boy who he never knew.”
When Percy turned in a paper to a teacher about an experience he had with a pet, the teacher gave him a failing grade, accusing him of plagiarizing a paper from an older brother who had written on the same subject. Percy responded, now I understand what the problem is. It’s not that I copied from my brother, it’s that we wrote about the same dog. And the problem that Percy realized in dealing with problems in society was that we were all fighting the same dog. So when the media accused us of talking about the same thing over and over again, it’s because we’re dealing with the same dog.
When a “negro” complained that Civil Rights had done nothing for him; he had gone to the right schools, taken the right courses, met the right people, and that he became successful on his own: “Civil rights didn’t write my resume!” Sharpton responded, “You’re right. But Civil Rights made them read your resume.”
“We had to get America ready for the first Black congressman. We were ready before Bill Dawson. America wasn’t ready. We were ready for the first Black President, we had several candidates. But if it wasn’t for Percy Sutton, we would have never been ready. He changed America! “
Rev. Sharpton, upon visiting Mr. Sutton before his passing, saw a look in his eyes that seemed to say: “I fought a good fight. It started with my parents born in slavery. But I ended with my grandchildren born in Black royalty. Started with -- and lawyers, but I ended with a Black Attorney General. I fought a good fight. Started with Harlem dilapidated -- Harlem, closed. All that was there were rats and roaches. I bought the Apollo and the stage and now it’s known all over the world. Don’t feel sorry for him, because 100 years from now what he built will still be remembered. What will they think about you? Percy Sutton lived a life unequaled by anyone else in this town. Built radio stations, opened theaters, opened up businesses, opened up opportunities, political power; all in a life -- and been a husband, father, grandfather.
“Someone said that Percy Sutton died, but Percy Sutton didn’t die, he just passed away. Wherever there is a Black politician or a Black elected official, that’s Percy Sutton. Percy Sutton passed on, and in his passing, we’re glad he passed this way.
“Percy Sutton made you feel important, regardless of your station in life. He never looked down on anyone. He saw the best in you when you couldn’t see the best in yourself, and brought it out. He made us feel important. And that’s why we love Percy Sutton. He took the best of our ideas and made it into a radio station so that the world could listen.“ He completed by saying that Percy Sutton did not die, because “I am Percy Sutton!” In fact each and every one in the service stood and said: I AM PERCY SUTTON!!”
Make no mistake about it, Percy Sutton has left some mighty big shoes to fill. But it does not disturb him as much as it would have, had he had left no path whatsoever to follow. He in fact left a map in bold relief. I call it the GPS (Great Percy Sutton) positioning system. It‘s there when you can‘t figure out which stand to take when a Black person needs help; when you can‘t decide between politically expedient and the needs of the people; when you can‘t decide on quality vs. quantity. All you have to do is consult the GPS and say, “WHAT WOULD PERCY SUTTON DO? If you do that, you will always be on the right track. Never lost. He is always here in spirit to continue guiding us in reaching the destinations he’s reached, and beyond -- Not just for himself, but for his family of people.
Whether you were able to personally attend his Homegoing services, or you watched it on New York 1, or read it in the papers, I am sure that by now you, too, realize that Percy Sutton was moving on to his next great accomplishment. One that he has been working on all his life, where the Eagle became an Angel. So it was befitting that flautist, Bobbi Humphrey played R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly.”
He was already soaring as an Eagle. But now he can do something that he’s wanted to do all his life - be every where he wants to be at the same time. Because the Angel of Percy Sutton is with us all.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Want to share or reprint articles on this blog? Feel free. Just give Gloria Dulan-Wilson full attribution and a link to the Gloria Dulan-Wilson Blog when you do.
--------
About the author: Gloria Dulan-Wilson is a New York based Journalist that has specialized in writing about the "Lives Of Black People" for the past 25+ years and has produced numerous articles that exposes the "ECLECTICALLY BLACK EXPERIENCE". Visit Gloria Dulan-Wilson Blog at http://gloria-dulan-wilson.blogspot.com/
Don't be caught out. Get your business or corporate profile written by Gloria Dulan-Wilson writing service Gloria Writes! now. You have full permission to reprint this article provided this box is kept unchanged.
--------
I was a beautiful day in the Neighborhood of Harlem. The sky was bright. The weather was brisk, and thousands of people were sitting shoulder-to-shoulder, elbow-to-elbow to honor the life, times and memory of a beloved brother: PERCY ELLIS SUTTON.
The entire three plus hour ceremony (which could have righteously gone on for an entire day) was presided over by Rev. Dr. James Forbes, minister former minister of Riverside Church, and a long time family friend.
The ceremony fittingly began with the Black National Anthem: LIFT EV'RY VOICE AND SING. Percy Sutton clearly had a hand in this. It was a pet peeve of his when Black organizations either skipped the song, put in the middle or at the end, or had a soloist who sang it so well that the rest of the audience could not participate.
Former Mayor, David N. Dinkins stated reflectively, in reference to their friendship, which will forever be known as “the Gang of Four“: “We were four, now we are three.” But I kind of disagree with that statement. While it’s true that the Honorable Percy Sutton is no longer with us physically, he will always be with us spiritually. In fact, I think Percy Sutton was just as much a part of that homegoing ceremony as were the thousands who gathered there to honor him.
I could see him, sitting in front, at the top of the arches, with those beautiful stained glass windows behind him; smiling confidently and happily, as his granddaughter, Danielle Lee Sutton, danced for him.
Or that immense look of pride as his first born granddaughter, Keisha, spoke of his love for her. I could see him standing in front of the Harlem Commonwealth Council, where he had his office for decades, tipping his hat to the funeral procession as they passed by in his honor. Or standing in front of the Apollo pointing to the marquee with his name on it. It’s perhaps the first time in his long involvement for the beloved theater that his name has actually been up there in lights.
He beamed with pride as Attilah Shabazz stood and praised him for having stood by her father and her family long before the media knew who he was; long before the threats. And never left or forsake them, even after Malcolm’s assassination, and Bette’s tragic death. How he made sure they had what they needed all through their formative years. What greater proof that Percy was an eagle, rising above common turkeys who were afraid to take stands or take a stake in the future of their people. She wore a dash of Red in his honor (Kappa man that he was).
He watched with even greater pride, when US Attorney General Eric Holder, who not only attended and spoke at his services, but actually stayed throughout the entire ceremony. Holder spoke of his love for Percy, who had employed and mentored him during his fledgling years as a lawyer. “I admired him, I respected him; I worked for him. Without Percy Sutton there would be no me,” he stated matter of factly. Holder then read a letter to the family from President and Ms. Barack Obama, who expressed their deepest sympathy for their loss and their gratitude and appreciation for all he has done for New York and African Americans.
Governor David Paterson, could not have made him any prouder of him than he already was when he stated, via satellite, that it was Percy who persuaded him to seek political office. It was because of his interaction with Percy and his equally famous father, and member of the Gang of Four, Basil Paterson, that he found the wisdom, support and mentorship to progress into ever more responsible positions of public service. “He would address issues in such a kind way, that even though he was criticizing you, you thought that he was giving you a compliment.”
Inez Dickens acknowledged the Chairman by saying she would definitely not have been elected to City Council had it not been for the guidance of Percy Sutton. She also admitted that there were also times when he was criticizing you and you definitely knew you were being criticized.”
Rev. Jesse Jackson’s comparison to the galaxy, with each of Percy’s accomplishments forming Points of light must have made him smile. Stated Jackson, “Percy never stopped; from Texas to New York to Africa, the Apollo, the SEEK program. He left more than he found -- points of light; so many points of light his accomplishments were like a galaxy of stars. No one has done so much for so many for so long, This Christmas heaven had no finer gift than Percy Sutton -- he represents the transitional forces in all of us; a renaissance man. Rev. Al Sharpton, the Shabazz Family, the Jacksons, they all claim him, he’s one of us. Points of light. Wrote the script for Apollo Five.”
He was duly honored to learn that Mayor Bloomberg had named a complex, a postal facility and a school in his honor. Though he never sought those accolades, they pleased him hevertheless.
He probably was the only one not surprised that Stevie Wonder took the red-eye overnight flight from California to be at his services. “Percy Sutton is the reason that I have my own radio station,” stated the “Wonderman”, who then played “AS”, a hit from his “Songs in the Key of Life” album. Over the years they had forged a very close and abiding friendship, with Stevie considering Sutton a mentor and a friend. “I am so happy for you that you were blessed to have had such a king in your lives.”
Congressman Rangel, also of the "Gang of Four" apologized to his wifel: “Leatrice,what can we say? We treated Percy like we owned him. We never thought of leaving without consulting him. Sometimes at 4:00 in the morning. Thank you for sharing him with us. And you allowed us to do it. We are so grateful for your sharing this great man. This entire world has felt the imprint of this great man.”
The Congressman recounted that when a woman grabbed him, crying over Percy’s transition, he asked her if she knew him. “She said no, but Percy knew me.” “All I knew was Lenox Ave., the only thing I missed was class, and Percy tried desperately to give it to me. Percy made everybody feel like he was somebody.” “We can’t all be Percy Sutton, but there is a little Percy Sutton in each and every one of you. And I know, I feel that apart of my mission is to make sure that Percy Sutton never dies. I will be meeting with the President of the United States afternoon, and if I have one message it is from Percy to make sure that health care is nothing to bargain with. And Percy will always be in our hearts and minds.”
And Basil Paterson, father of Gov. David Paterson, part of that honored "Gang of Four," and second only to Sutton in being one of the best dressed Black men in Harlem, spoke of the many misadventures they embarked upon in trying to bring Harlem back to life.
Tuskeegee Airman and friend Roscoe C. Brown, who knew Percy since 1944, proudly wore his Tuskeegee Airman’s cap, as he spoke of the audacity of Percy Sutton, who was the troop commander. He recalled how Mr. Sutton sent them out on missions, based on reports he received from base command. “To hear him tell it, the Nazis didn’t stand a chance, and everything was under their control, only to find it was nothing like he said. They would go into combat and come back angry at him, only to have him respond, “Well, you made it back, didn’t you.”
According to Brown, it was Percy Sutton who made the recommendations for citation and make sure they were embellished sufficiently so that there would be no way they could be denied. Percy was also the creator of the New York City Marathon. When the other Tuskeegee Airman stood in salute to Percy, he, no doubt, saluted them back.
Hazel Dukes, President of the New York Chapter of the NAACP recalled how she, as a young girl from Montgomery, Alabama, was taken under his wing and assisted in receiving the education and guidance she needed to rise in her career.
But when Rev. Al Sharpton, who had known Percy Sutton since he was 12 years old, delivered the Eulogy, you really knew that Percy Sutton was among us. It was Rev. Sharpton who said it best of all. Recounting how Percy Sutton, at the age of 75, joined hundreds of protesters during the Amadou Diallo debacle, laying down on the concrete at One Police Plaza, to be arrested with them. When Sharpton tried to dissuade them, he stated that he had participated in Civil Rights protests in his youth, and he saw no need to stop now.
Stated Al, vociferously, “Even though he was a multimillionaire, the owner of radio stations and communication facilities, savior of the Apollo, who could walk into the White House, or any where else; he laid down for a West African boy who he never knew.”
When Percy turned in a paper to a teacher about an experience he had with a pet, the teacher gave him a failing grade, accusing him of plagiarizing a paper from an older brother who had written on the same subject. Percy responded, now I understand what the problem is. It’s not that I copied from my brother, it’s that we wrote about the same dog. And the problem that Percy realized in dealing with problems in society was that we were all fighting the same dog. So when the media accused us of talking about the same thing over and over again, it’s because we’re dealing with the same dog.
When a “negro” complained that Civil Rights had done nothing for him; he had gone to the right schools, taken the right courses, met the right people, and that he became successful on his own: “Civil rights didn’t write my resume!” Sharpton responded, “You’re right. But Civil Rights made them read your resume.”
“We had to get America ready for the first Black congressman. We were ready before Bill Dawson. America wasn’t ready. We were ready for the first Black President, we had several candidates. But if it wasn’t for Percy Sutton, we would have never been ready. He changed America! “
Rev. Sharpton, upon visiting Mr. Sutton before his passing, saw a look in his eyes that seemed to say: “I fought a good fight. It started with my parents born in slavery. But I ended with my grandchildren born in Black royalty. Started with -- and lawyers, but I ended with a Black Attorney General. I fought a good fight. Started with Harlem dilapidated -- Harlem, closed. All that was there were rats and roaches. I bought the Apollo and the stage and now it’s known all over the world. Don’t feel sorry for him, because 100 years from now what he built will still be remembered. What will they think about you? Percy Sutton lived a life unequaled by anyone else in this town. Built radio stations, opened theaters, opened up businesses, opened up opportunities, political power; all in a life -- and been a husband, father, grandfather.
“Someone said that Percy Sutton died, but Percy Sutton didn’t die, he just passed away. Wherever there is a Black politician or a Black elected official, that’s Percy Sutton. Percy Sutton passed on, and in his passing, we’re glad he passed this way.
“Percy Sutton made you feel important, regardless of your station in life. He never looked down on anyone. He saw the best in you when you couldn’t see the best in yourself, and brought it out. He made us feel important. And that’s why we love Percy Sutton. He took the best of our ideas and made it into a radio station so that the world could listen.“ He completed by saying that Percy Sutton did not die, because “I am Percy Sutton!” In fact each and every one in the service stood and said: I AM PERCY SUTTON!!”
Make no mistake about it, Percy Sutton has left some mighty big shoes to fill. But it does not disturb him as much as it would have, had he had left no path whatsoever to follow. He in fact left a map in bold relief. I call it the GPS (Great Percy Sutton) positioning system. It‘s there when you can‘t figure out which stand to take when a Black person needs help; when you can‘t decide between politically expedient and the needs of the people; when you can‘t decide on quality vs. quantity. All you have to do is consult the GPS and say, “WHAT WOULD PERCY SUTTON DO? If you do that, you will always be on the right track. Never lost. He is always here in spirit to continue guiding us in reaching the destinations he’s reached, and beyond -- Not just for himself, but for his family of people.
Whether you were able to personally attend his Homegoing services, or you watched it on New York 1, or read it in the papers, I am sure that by now you, too, realize that Percy Sutton was moving on to his next great accomplishment. One that he has been working on all his life, where the Eagle became an Angel. So it was befitting that flautist, Bobbi Humphrey played R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly.”
He was already soaring as an Eagle. But now he can do something that he’s wanted to do all his life - be every where he wants to be at the same time. Because the Angel of Percy Sutton is with us all.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Want to share or reprint articles on this blog? Feel free. Just give Gloria Dulan-Wilson full attribution and a link to the Gloria Dulan-Wilson Blog when you do.
--------
About the author: Gloria Dulan-Wilson is a New York based Journalist that has specialized in writing about the "Lives Of Black People" for the past 25+ years and has produced numerous articles that exposes the "ECLECTICALLY BLACK EXPERIENCE". Visit Gloria Dulan-Wilson Blog at http://gloria-dulan-wilson.blogspot.com/
Don't be caught out. Get your business or corporate profile written by Gloria Dulan-Wilson writing service Gloria Writes! now. You have full permission to reprint this article provided this box is kept unchanged.
--------
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