By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
On May 18th one of my illustrious Lincoln Classmates sent me this onerous piece of crap written by someone claiming to be a scholar and psychologist from Japan. And he asked my response to it. At first I thought it was a joke. I have quite a few very good friends from Japan, so this kind of blindsided me. Then as I read it, it I realized that if this guy is in England, he's so far from the real world, surrounded by whiteness, that he's totally clueless about his own self worth, let alone anything to do with us of the deep, dark sweet chocolate nature. So my response is as follows:
To all my Black and Beautiful Brothers and Sisters:
I have read and reviewed the article (see links below) sent to me from my Lincoln University (PA) classmate - thanks Jon!!
I must first state that I, and several of my Japanese friends and associates, are stunned and outraged that such a miscreant could write such an article and have it published in a manner that it could have been given credence (it harkens back to the old days of pseudopsychology, when whites thought they could psychoanalyze people based on the size of their ears, or the shape of their heads).
As for myself - beautiful, sexy, ethereal, intelligent, symmetrical, full bodied Black Woman that I am - whenever I encounter such stupidity, several things come to my mind:
1) JAMES BROWN "SAY IT LOUD, I'M BLACK AND I'M PROUD
2) Black is beautiful
3) We are the originators - often imitated, never duplicated
4) Even Japan can produce its share of fools - so stupidity is not the exclusive province of europe or white American red neck racists
5) It gives us a legitimate opportunity to stand up and trot out all the good stuff we do, have done, and are (some might call it reactionary, I call it validation and affirmation)
6) Nobody's perfect, but we do come closer than most - yes, I would probably be one of those who rated us more beautiful than the rest of society would - after all I love being Black - and I'm buying the tee-shirt to prove it
7) Satoshi's in England - which essentially means he's already whited out
8) Every race of women, so far, wants what we have - bigger boobs, bigger butts, fuller lips, pigmentation, hair with texture, curves, rhythm, sensuality - I could go on, but why bother, it only makes them more envious; you get my drift
9) Even our errors are correct; we've started more trends that have been ripped off by more people from more cultures than I care to deal with at the present time - you owe us and you're welcome!
10) Psychology Today!! Are they still around? Shouldn't they be analyzing America's mass victim mentality syndrome for having elected Bush twice; or for having allowed themselves to be swayed/duped by the so-called Tea baggers (uh, Party - oops) - and the lack of self esteem that allows them to let rep-ugh-blicans walk up and down their spines - at least we're not the masochists in this scenario.
11) By the way, tell "Psycholopathy Today" we want a percent of the increased revenues they realized for the sales of their sorry pseudo-scientific publication that purports to have legitimacy in the realm of psychology.
12) And a final word to Satoshi-san: Once you go Black, you never go back. Don't knock it if you haven't tried it.
SAYONARA
And to all my Black Brothers and Sisters:
STAY BLESSED &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK & BEAUTIFUL!!!
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
check out my blog: www.gloriadulanwilson.blogspot.com
Oh yes, the letter and references to the article follow. You can cut and paste them into your browser.
Here's REALLY something to talk about...
> Subject: Psychology Today article about Black Women's Lack of Beauty
>
> I saw this story on TV this morning and got the online version from a couple of friends. Apparently Psychology Today took the story off their website but there's a link on The Grio story and we can still call the magazine and express our feelings about this article. Their number is 212-260-7210. It's amazing that a psychology magazine could print something like this as if it were scientific fact.
>>
http://www.thegrio.com/opinion/psychology-today-article-tries-to-trash-black-womens-beauty.php
>> http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/17/satoshi-kanazawa-black-women-less-attractive_n_863327.html
>
> While searching for this topic, I found another article from Psychology Today written by a Black female doctor that praises Black women's beauty, strength, tenacity, faith. Hopefully this will get a tenth of the exposure that Kanazawa is getting with his opinion that's masked as science.
> http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/black-womens-health-and-happiness/201104/are-black-women-really-seen-tv
>
Now that we know that Psychology Today has no sense of propriety, why are people reading them again?
GDW
Gloria Dulan-Wilson Blog/ ECLECTICALLY BLACK NEWS
For Eclectic Black People
VIP: Views . Interests . Perspectives
5.23.2011
EVENT ALERT: Dance Africa at BAM Celebrates its 34th Year Memorial Weekend May 27-30
by Gloria Dulan-Wilson
The Saturday before Memorial Day, is the kick off for Dance Africa, when Baba Chuck Davis, founder of the African American Dance Ensemble, and his troupe land in Brooklyn to regale us with his latest gathering of talent from Africa and her Diaspora. And this week end was absolutely spectacular.
Davis who stands tall at 6’5” presided over the event from the sidelines, while locally based community groups presented their youth, attired in African regalia, dancing their hearts out to youthful and seasoned drummers, reminiscent of what it may have been like in traditional African villages. Local dance troupes were in great form. A young toddler with the spirit of a modern day baby-faced Sammy Davis Jr., played African drums in the manner of a seasoned drummer, to the pleasure and amazement of the adults in the audience. (I told you our children are born geniuses, when their talents and skills are nurtured, people call them prodigies.)
The Elders wore full traditional clothing - lapas, geles, bubas, grand bubas, and agbadas; wearing lekes of their traditional Orisha (or Gods); priests/priestesses were attired in all white, came into the tent in a stately procession and sat in seats set aside for them on the right side of the tented area.
Their clothing was somewhat rivaled by the audience, many of whom wore traditional African dress in respect for the event.
They were addressed by Assemblywoman Annette M. Robinson, who was there to both celebrate Dance Africa’s kick off, and Delta Sigma Theta’s annual event, which also takes place at Bed Stuy Restoration the Saturday prior to Memorial Day. The joint events showcase local talent and pays homage to the accomplishments of locally based community organizations.
Dance Troupes formed around the community performed both on the stage and on the ground - we were in Africa all afternoon - or was it that Africa was in us?
But it was the folkloric group from Cuba, Folklorico Cutumba, whose Priest had blessed the opening of the event, that really had the audience going. Anyone who had didn’t get the linkage between Cuba and Africa, certainly got it yesterday. From the chants to the Orishas, through the dances, through the music - all ours, all theirs, all Africa’s - and we were all one.
For those of you who are not totally culturally aware, let me explain - Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other islands (South America - esp. Brazil; the Caribbean - esp. Haiti) where those ships dropped us a few centuries ago, has some of the richest practices of Yoruba (primarily Benin and Nigeria) religion in tact, despite the efforts of the slave monsters and the Catholic church to wipe it. When necessary, they changed the names of their Orisha (Gods/Goddesses) to catholic priest names, and kept right on honoring them - and do so to this day. Santa Barbara is an alias for Shango (or Chango - my Orisha)
In order to preserve their authentic ancestral and traditional beliefs, the Lukumi people disguised their orishas as Catholic saints. When the Roman Catholic slave owners observed Africans celebrating a Saint's Day, they were so dumb they thought the slaves were actually worshiping their sacred catholic saints. The term Santería means "the Way of the Saints", but was was originally a perjorative used Spanish to mock the slaves.
Slavery in the US, however, was the most brutal, degrading and punitive of all the practices - anyone caught speaking in their native tongue, playing drums, or any form or remnant of our African culture was severely punished - castration, lynching, and other heinous practices, all but wiped out any remnants we had of our cultural ties to Africa. Notice I said “all but” wiped out -- we may not have maintained the forms, but the substance of who we are still remains, and has been growing ever more strongly daily. There are strong Yoruba centers in the US and parts of England. And while there is no move to leave the Christian faith, there has been more and more of a blending and understanding of the efficacies of many traditions that we were severed from over 400 years.
Perhaps this is why Dance Africa, which started at BAM 34 years ago, remains strong and popular in New York, with thousands coming from all over the US to participate one of the biggest, grandest African American celebrations of Africa. The dancers and performers are brought from all over Africa and the diaspora to perform at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) for four days during Memorial Day Weekend, while on the streets surrounding the Music center a robust street festival with vendors, food products, performers, are likewise entertaining New Yorkers.
This also coincides with Fleet Week, when the Navy comes to New York, so there are a significant number of African Americans from the Navy who have traveled throughout the world, but have never experienced the likes of this event.
So if you think Memorial Day Weekend was a week end to go away, guess again. If you live in New York, you could find no better place to get away to than little old Brooklyn New York. Did I say “little“? There is definitely nothing “little” about Brooklyn. Brooklyn is actually the 4th largest city in the US. So, I strongly suggest you bring or wear comfortable (cute, but comfortable for the sisters) walking shoes; a shopping cart or big shoulder bag - because you will not be able to resist the bargains and the beautiful clothes and African art and crafts for sale; and be prepared to dance on the spot.
By the way, it appears that many of our very own African brothers and sisters, residing right here in Little Old New York City, are totally unaware of Dance Africa or the street festival. So do them a favor, and bring them to Brooklyn, so they can see the influence traditional Africa still has on people of African Heritage. We celebrate the home of our ancestors here big time. Sometimes we are living right next to each other, working side by side, yet they are totally unaware of these wonderful events. So take an African brother or sister by the hand and bring them to Brooklyn. Give them a Dance Afrika Brochure. We have to draw the circle around us so that it brings us together, not leaves us out.
That said, for my brothers and sisters from other parts of Africa, i.e, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, the Congo, South Africa, Namibia, The Gambia, etc; for my brothers and sisters from the Caribbean (actually little pockets of African-ness); South America or just the plain old USA South - south New York, South Carolina; Alabama, etc. - this is for all of us with one tenth of one per cent of Black Blood flowing through our veins - so don't get it twisted. It's for all of us. Come out and play
Concert Dates and Times are: Friday, May 27, 2011 at 7:30pm
Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 2 & 7:30pm; and Sunday/Monday, May 29 & 30, 2011 at 3pm. If you haven’t purchased you tix for the concert, go online for BAM at www.bam.org/view.aspx?pid=2655.
Africa is alive and well and living in New York City.
STAY BLESSED &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
The Saturday before Memorial Day, is the kick off for Dance Africa, when Baba Chuck Davis, founder of the African American Dance Ensemble, and his troupe land in Brooklyn to regale us with his latest gathering of talent from Africa and her Diaspora. And this week end was absolutely spectacular.
Davis who stands tall at 6’5” presided over the event from the sidelines, while locally based community groups presented their youth, attired in African regalia, dancing their hearts out to youthful and seasoned drummers, reminiscent of what it may have been like in traditional African villages. Local dance troupes were in great form. A young toddler with the spirit of a modern day baby-faced Sammy Davis Jr., played African drums in the manner of a seasoned drummer, to the pleasure and amazement of the adults in the audience. (I told you our children are born geniuses, when their talents and skills are nurtured, people call them prodigies.)
The Elders wore full traditional clothing - lapas, geles, bubas, grand bubas, and agbadas; wearing lekes of their traditional Orisha (or Gods); priests/priestesses were attired in all white, came into the tent in a stately procession and sat in seats set aside for them on the right side of the tented area.
Their clothing was somewhat rivaled by the audience, many of whom wore traditional African dress in respect for the event.
They were addressed by Assemblywoman Annette M. Robinson, who was there to both celebrate Dance Africa’s kick off, and Delta Sigma Theta’s annual event, which also takes place at Bed Stuy Restoration the Saturday prior to Memorial Day. The joint events showcase local talent and pays homage to the accomplishments of locally based community organizations.
Dance Troupes formed around the community performed both on the stage and on the ground - we were in Africa all afternoon - or was it that Africa was in us?
But it was the folkloric group from Cuba, Folklorico Cutumba, whose Priest had blessed the opening of the event, that really had the audience going. Anyone who had didn’t get the linkage between Cuba and Africa, certainly got it yesterday. From the chants to the Orishas, through the dances, through the music - all ours, all theirs, all Africa’s - and we were all one.
For those of you who are not totally culturally aware, let me explain - Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other islands (South America - esp. Brazil; the Caribbean - esp. Haiti) where those ships dropped us a few centuries ago, has some of the richest practices of Yoruba (primarily Benin and Nigeria) religion in tact, despite the efforts of the slave monsters and the Catholic church to wipe it. When necessary, they changed the names of their Orisha (Gods/Goddesses) to catholic priest names, and kept right on honoring them - and do so to this day. Santa Barbara is an alias for Shango (or Chango - my Orisha)
In order to preserve their authentic ancestral and traditional beliefs, the Lukumi people disguised their orishas as Catholic saints. When the Roman Catholic slave owners observed Africans celebrating a Saint's Day, they were so dumb they thought the slaves were actually worshiping their sacred catholic saints. The term Santería means "the Way of the Saints", but was was originally a perjorative used Spanish to mock the slaves.
Slavery in the US, however, was the most brutal, degrading and punitive of all the practices - anyone caught speaking in their native tongue, playing drums, or any form or remnant of our African culture was severely punished - castration, lynching, and other heinous practices, all but wiped out any remnants we had of our cultural ties to Africa. Notice I said “all but” wiped out -- we may not have maintained the forms, but the substance of who we are still remains, and has been growing ever more strongly daily. There are strong Yoruba centers in the US and parts of England. And while there is no move to leave the Christian faith, there has been more and more of a blending and understanding of the efficacies of many traditions that we were severed from over 400 years.
Perhaps this is why Dance Africa, which started at BAM 34 years ago, remains strong and popular in New York, with thousands coming from all over the US to participate one of the biggest, grandest African American celebrations of Africa. The dancers and performers are brought from all over Africa and the diaspora to perform at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) for four days during Memorial Day Weekend, while on the streets surrounding the Music center a robust street festival with vendors, food products, performers, are likewise entertaining New Yorkers.
This also coincides with Fleet Week, when the Navy comes to New York, so there are a significant number of African Americans from the Navy who have traveled throughout the world, but have never experienced the likes of this event.
So if you think Memorial Day Weekend was a week end to go away, guess again. If you live in New York, you could find no better place to get away to than little old Brooklyn New York. Did I say “little“? There is definitely nothing “little” about Brooklyn. Brooklyn is actually the 4th largest city in the US. So, I strongly suggest you bring or wear comfortable (cute, but comfortable for the sisters) walking shoes; a shopping cart or big shoulder bag - because you will not be able to resist the bargains and the beautiful clothes and African art and crafts for sale; and be prepared to dance on the spot.
By the way, it appears that many of our very own African brothers and sisters, residing right here in Little Old New York City, are totally unaware of Dance Africa or the street festival. So do them a favor, and bring them to Brooklyn, so they can see the influence traditional Africa still has on people of African Heritage. We celebrate the home of our ancestors here big time. Sometimes we are living right next to each other, working side by side, yet they are totally unaware of these wonderful events. So take an African brother or sister by the hand and bring them to Brooklyn. Give them a Dance Afrika Brochure. We have to draw the circle around us so that it brings us together, not leaves us out.
That said, for my brothers and sisters from other parts of Africa, i.e, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, the Congo, South Africa, Namibia, The Gambia, etc; for my brothers and sisters from the Caribbean (actually little pockets of African-ness); South America or just the plain old USA South - south New York, South Carolina; Alabama, etc. - this is for all of us with one tenth of one per cent of Black Blood flowing through our veins - so don't get it twisted. It's for all of us. Come out and play
Concert Dates and Times are: Friday, May 27, 2011 at 7:30pm
Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 2 & 7:30pm; and Sunday/Monday, May 29 & 30, 2011 at 3pm. If you haven’t purchased you tix for the concert, go online for BAM at www.bam.org/view.aspx?pid=2655.
Africa is alive and well and living in New York City.
STAY BLESSED &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
EMERGENCY ALERT -CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION UPSTATE MAY 24 - You Can Swing the Upstate Election & Turn a Red Seat Blue
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Recently I wrote a piece on making sure that we win every election, regardless of what the title is. Well there is a key election that is taking place upstate tomorrow, and if we aren't careful, the Rep-ugh-blicans will have another seat filled.
Howerver as Jeanne Heifetz, of Brooklyn for Barack, stated, this is not a foregone conclusion - and we have to be about it if we want to turn the tide. She is trying to build a phone tree, and needs as many people as possible to assist in reaching out to the voters upstate to make sure they do their part to get out and vote. Take the time out this evening to help. I am including her email address here:
"Jeanne Heifetz" jeanne@brooklynforbarack.org>; and the letter below:
"Dear Friends: Tomorrow upstate voters will go to the polls to choose a new member of Congress. The Republican and the Tea Party candidate have poured over two million each of their own money into the race. Yet the Democrat, Kathy Hochul, has a good chance of winning -- if we overcome her opponents' financial advantage by doing what we do best: talking directly to voters. Let's make sure the voters understand what's at stake. The central issue in this race has become the Ryan budget, which the Republican candidate explicitly supports. But it's looking like voters, even in this traditionally Republican district, do not want a candidate who believes in crushing Medicare through privatization and vouchers. So let's let them know they have a choice.
As you've probably heard by now, the special election for the 26th Congressional District upstate is an extremely tight, three-way contest. Special elections are notorious for low turnout, which means the race may be decided by a few hundred votes. That means the phone calls we make could actually swing the election. We need to reach Democrats who think that the seat is automatically a Republican seat and therefore weren't planning to turn out. We need to reach independents, who may have been swayed by the false robocalls funded by Karl Rove's organization that have been flooding the district. And we need to reach Republicans who actually LIKE Medicare, and want to be represented by someone who believes in preserving it.
For most of the phonebanks below, please bring your own cellphone and charger. Where landlines are available, that will be noted in the listing. Since some of these are in private homes and offices, please RSVP so the hosts know how many people they are expecting. If possible, consider bringing a drink or snack to share with your fellow phonebankers.
Any time you can give has the potential to have a real impact on this race.
Thank You, Jeanne Heifetz"
Monday, May 23, 6 – 9 PM
Home of Arlene Geiger
240 West 98th Street, Apt. 7E
RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/phonebank/gpztqd or to ageiger3@nyc.rr.com
* Please bring cell phones, chargers, and snacks.
Monday, May 23, 6 – 9 PM
OFA Office
25 East 21st Street (Park + Broadway), 4th floor
RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpkxk9 or to Debo at debojg@gmail.com
Landlines available but please bring cell phones if possible. Cosponsored by the Queens County Young Dems.
Tuesday, May 24, 10 AM - 9 PM (all day!)
OFA Office
25 East 21st Street (Park + Broadway), 4th floor
RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpkxxb or directly to Elizabeth at elizabethsadoff@esadoff.com
Landlines available but please bring cell phones if possible.
Monday, May 23, 6 – 9 PM
Home of Arlene Geiger
240 West 98th Street, Apt. 7E
RSVP to ageiger3@nyc.rr.com or http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/phonebank/gpztqd
Please bring cell phones, chargers, and snacks.
Monday, May 23, 6 – 9 PM
Organizing For America Office
25 East 21st Street (Park + Broadway), 4th floor
RSVP to Debo at debojg@gmail.com or http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpkxk9
Landlines available but please bring cell phones if possible.
Tuesday, May 24, 10 AM - 8 PM (all day!)
Congresswoman Maloney's Campaign Office
24 E 93rd St, Suite 1B
RSVP to Alex at agius@carolynmaloney.com
And if you can’t make it to one of those phonebanks, please consider taking the time to phone from home using www.callny26.com.
Then join with your fellow phonebankers to watch the election results, starting at 9 pm:
Dewey's Flatiron
210 Fifth Avenue between 25th & 26th Street
Second floor - Mezzanine
RSVP to welovehochul@gmail.com
Finally, if you'd like to learn more about the direction of American foreign policy in the wake of the President's Middle East speech and the death of Osama Bin Laden, please come to hear and talk with two Truman Fellows about what happens next.
Wednesday, May 25th, 6:30- 8:30 - OFA Office - 25 East 21st Street (Park + Broadway), 4th floor
RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpkx3w
These and other elections and issues that will be taking place over the next few months are going to be the determining factor in what we are able to be, do, have over the next few years. We have to either be about it, or continue to remain in the margins complaining. Now is the time. What we do now - gives Obama the victory in 2012, and return Congress to the majority he needs to continue fulfilling his promises.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Recently I wrote a piece on making sure that we win every election, regardless of what the title is. Well there is a key election that is taking place upstate tomorrow, and if we aren't careful, the Rep-ugh-blicans will have another seat filled.
Howerver as Jeanne Heifetz, of Brooklyn for Barack, stated, this is not a foregone conclusion - and we have to be about it if we want to turn the tide. She is trying to build a phone tree, and needs as many people as possible to assist in reaching out to the voters upstate to make sure they do their part to get out and vote. Take the time out this evening to help. I am including her email address here:
"Jeanne Heifetz" jeanne@brooklynforbarack.org>; and the letter below:
"Dear Friends: Tomorrow upstate voters will go to the polls to choose a new member of Congress. The Republican and the Tea Party candidate have poured over two million each of their own money into the race. Yet the Democrat, Kathy Hochul, has a good chance of winning -- if we overcome her opponents' financial advantage by doing what we do best: talking directly to voters. Let's make sure the voters understand what's at stake. The central issue in this race has become the Ryan budget, which the Republican candidate explicitly supports. But it's looking like voters, even in this traditionally Republican district, do not want a candidate who believes in crushing Medicare through privatization and vouchers. So let's let them know they have a choice.
As you've probably heard by now, the special election for the 26th Congressional District upstate is an extremely tight, three-way contest. Special elections are notorious for low turnout, which means the race may be decided by a few hundred votes. That means the phone calls we make could actually swing the election. We need to reach Democrats who think that the seat is automatically a Republican seat and therefore weren't planning to turn out. We need to reach independents, who may have been swayed by the false robocalls funded by Karl Rove's organization that have been flooding the district. And we need to reach Republicans who actually LIKE Medicare, and want to be represented by someone who believes in preserving it.
For most of the phonebanks below, please bring your own cellphone and charger. Where landlines are available, that will be noted in the listing. Since some of these are in private homes and offices, please RSVP so the hosts know how many people they are expecting. If possible, consider bringing a drink or snack to share with your fellow phonebankers.
Any time you can give has the potential to have a real impact on this race.
Thank You, Jeanne Heifetz"
Monday, May 23, 6 – 9 PM
Home of Arlene Geiger
240 West 98th Street, Apt. 7E
RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/phonebank/gpztqd or to ageiger3@nyc.rr.com
* Please bring cell phones, chargers, and snacks.
Monday, May 23, 6 – 9 PM
OFA Office
25 East 21st Street (Park + Broadway), 4th floor
RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpkxk9 or to Debo at debojg@gmail.com
Landlines available but please bring cell phones if possible. Cosponsored by the Queens County Young Dems.
Tuesday, May 24, 10 AM - 9 PM (all day!)
OFA Office
25 East 21st Street (Park + Broadway), 4th floor
RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpkxxb or directly to Elizabeth at elizabethsadoff@esadoff.com
Landlines available but please bring cell phones if possible.
Monday, May 23, 6 – 9 PM
Home of Arlene Geiger
240 West 98th Street, Apt. 7E
RSVP to ageiger3@nyc.rr.com or http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/phonebank/gpztqd
Please bring cell phones, chargers, and snacks.
Monday, May 23, 6 – 9 PM
Organizing For America Office
25 East 21st Street (Park + Broadway), 4th floor
RSVP to Debo at debojg@gmail.com or http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpkxk9
Landlines available but please bring cell phones if possible.
Tuesday, May 24, 10 AM - 8 PM (all day!)
Congresswoman Maloney's Campaign Office
24 E 93rd St, Suite 1B
RSVP to Alex at agius@carolynmaloney.com
And if you can’t make it to one of those phonebanks, please consider taking the time to phone from home using www.callny26.com.
Then join with your fellow phonebankers to watch the election results, starting at 9 pm:
Dewey's Flatiron
210 Fifth Avenue between 25th & 26th Street
Second floor - Mezzanine
RSVP to welovehochul@gmail.com
Finally, if you'd like to learn more about the direction of American foreign policy in the wake of the President's Middle East speech and the death of Osama Bin Laden, please come to hear and talk with two Truman Fellows about what happens next.
Wednesday, May 25th, 6:30- 8:30 - OFA Office - 25 East 21st Street (Park + Broadway), 4th floor
RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpkx3w
These and other elections and issues that will be taking place over the next few months are going to be the determining factor in what we are able to be, do, have over the next few years. We have to either be about it, or continue to remain in the margins complaining. Now is the time. What we do now - gives Obama the victory in 2012, and return Congress to the majority he needs to continue fulfilling his promises.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
5.20.2011
SPECIAL EVENT ALERT UPDATE: Woodie King Jr.‘s New Federal Theatre 40th Anniversary Celebration
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Well its 48 hours and counting until the Celebration of New Federal Theatre’s 40th Anniversary Award and Gala!!
This a monumental milestone in the annals of Black History - make no mistake about it! From Ira Aldrich, to Paul Robeson, to Oscar Michaux, to Ossie and Ruby, to Belafonte and Portier, and all those in between, the great, near great, known, lesser known brothers and sisters who have graced the stage, daring to put their all out there to prove the legitimacy of Black theatre, drama, talent - 40 years of continued existence and excellence is no small accomplishment.
And yes, it’s time for the applause, the kudos; time to say encore, magnifique, marvelous, and moto bene to Woodie King Jr., for a monumental job well done.
Likewise to the honorees: Sidney Poitier, Ntozake Shange, Ruby Dee, Alicia Keys, Hon. David Dinkins, Imhotep Gary Byrd, George Faison, Amiri Baraka, Rev. Malcolm Boyd, Elizabeth McCann, Carla Pinza, Terrie Williams and National Black Theatre Festival (Sylvia Spinkle-Hamlin) - each an icon in their own right, and totally worthy of praise and accolades for their impact on our lives, our culture, and the multicultural blueprint of the country.
Presenters represent the who's who of entertainment - stage, screen, television - including: Spike Lee, Whoopi Goldberg, Robert Townsend, Danny Glover, S. Epatha Merkerson, Lamman Rucker, Sonia Sanchez, Dr Mary Schmidt Campbell, Glynn Turman, Ted Lange, Tommy Hicks, Pia Lindstrom, Pamela Portier, Starletta DuPois, Garrett Morris, Susan Taylor, and Oz Scott.
Woodie King, Jr., acknowledged in a recently held interview, that the Black theatre would be nothing without the Black community. So it is likewise to our credit that we have had the cognizance to understand what a vital role they play in telling our story, keeping us entertained, translating our triumphs and tragedies; as well as giving us an opportunity to bask in the fantasy of suspended disbelief while they keep us thoroughly entertained.
Honorary Chair is none other than the great Maya Angelou; Chairs for the event are Laurence Fishburne, John Morning and Susan Taylor; with the glamorous Emmy Award-Winner Lynn Whitfield & Randall Pinkston (CBS News) serving as hosts of the evenings festivities.
The stars will be coming out on Sunday, May 22, from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the historical Edison Ballroom (240 West 47th Street, between Broadway & 8th Avenue)
Founded by Woodie King, Jr. in 1970, New Federal Theatre (NFT) has gone on to international acclaim for its bold mission to integrate African Americans, minorities and women into the mainstream of American theater by training artists for the profession, and by presenting plays by African Americans, minorities and women to integrated, multicultural audiences – plays which evoke the truth through beautiful, artistic recreations of ourselves.
Under Woodie King, Jr.'s stewardship, NFT presented over 280 productions in the last four decades including: For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf, What the Winesellers Buy, Reggae, The Taking of Miss Janie and The Dance and The Railroad. His directorial credits are extensive and include work in film as well as in theater. He has directed at the most prominent theaters across the country and has been the recipient of numerous awards from AUDELCO, The NAACP, Drama Critics Circle and an Obie Award for Sustained Achievement
Specializing in African American and minority drama, New Federal Theatre has brought the joy of the living stage to not only the African American community living on the Lower East Side, near NFT’s home at Henry Street Settlement’s Abrons Arts Center, but to audiences from all over the metropolitan area. NFT has provided emerging playwrights with the opportunity to have their works produced; and catapulted Black actors, directors and designers to national attention and sponsored numerous ethnic theater groups and event.
For information and reservations call or contact: (212) 838-2660 x 14.
We have come so far, got so very far to go, but as we move forward, we must celebrate each and every milestone along the way, and each and every person who stayed the course in spite of and because of the challenges, and the bigger vision that kept them keeping on. GDW
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Well its 48 hours and counting until the Celebration of New Federal Theatre’s 40th Anniversary Award and Gala!!
This a monumental milestone in the annals of Black History - make no mistake about it! From Ira Aldrich, to Paul Robeson, to Oscar Michaux, to Ossie and Ruby, to Belafonte and Portier, and all those in between, the great, near great, known, lesser known brothers and sisters who have graced the stage, daring to put their all out there to prove the legitimacy of Black theatre, drama, talent - 40 years of continued existence and excellence is no small accomplishment.
And yes, it’s time for the applause, the kudos; time to say encore, magnifique, marvelous, and moto bene to Woodie King Jr., for a monumental job well done.
Likewise to the honorees: Sidney Poitier, Ntozake Shange, Ruby Dee, Alicia Keys, Hon. David Dinkins, Imhotep Gary Byrd, George Faison, Amiri Baraka, Rev. Malcolm Boyd, Elizabeth McCann, Carla Pinza, Terrie Williams and National Black Theatre Festival (Sylvia Spinkle-Hamlin) - each an icon in their own right, and totally worthy of praise and accolades for their impact on our lives, our culture, and the multicultural blueprint of the country.
Presenters represent the who's who of entertainment - stage, screen, television - including: Spike Lee, Whoopi Goldberg, Robert Townsend, Danny Glover, S. Epatha Merkerson, Lamman Rucker, Sonia Sanchez, Dr Mary Schmidt Campbell, Glynn Turman, Ted Lange, Tommy Hicks, Pia Lindstrom, Pamela Portier, Starletta DuPois, Garrett Morris, Susan Taylor, and Oz Scott.
Woodie King, Jr., acknowledged in a recently held interview, that the Black theatre would be nothing without the Black community. So it is likewise to our credit that we have had the cognizance to understand what a vital role they play in telling our story, keeping us entertained, translating our triumphs and tragedies; as well as giving us an opportunity to bask in the fantasy of suspended disbelief while they keep us thoroughly entertained.
Honorary Chair is none other than the great Maya Angelou; Chairs for the event are Laurence Fishburne, John Morning and Susan Taylor; with the glamorous Emmy Award-Winner Lynn Whitfield & Randall Pinkston (CBS News) serving as hosts of the evenings festivities.
The stars will be coming out on Sunday, May 22, from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the historical Edison Ballroom (240 West 47th Street, between Broadway & 8th Avenue)
Founded by Woodie King, Jr. in 1970, New Federal Theatre (NFT) has gone on to international acclaim for its bold mission to integrate African Americans, minorities and women into the mainstream of American theater by training artists for the profession, and by presenting plays by African Americans, minorities and women to integrated, multicultural audiences – plays which evoke the truth through beautiful, artistic recreations of ourselves.
Under Woodie King, Jr.'s stewardship, NFT presented over 280 productions in the last four decades including: For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf, What the Winesellers Buy, Reggae, The Taking of Miss Janie and The Dance and The Railroad. His directorial credits are extensive and include work in film as well as in theater. He has directed at the most prominent theaters across the country and has been the recipient of numerous awards from AUDELCO, The NAACP, Drama Critics Circle and an Obie Award for Sustained Achievement
Specializing in African American and minority drama, New Federal Theatre has brought the joy of the living stage to not only the African American community living on the Lower East Side, near NFT’s home at Henry Street Settlement’s Abrons Arts Center, but to audiences from all over the metropolitan area. NFT has provided emerging playwrights with the opportunity to have their works produced; and catapulted Black actors, directors and designers to national attention and sponsored numerous ethnic theater groups and event.
For information and reservations call or contact: (212) 838-2660 x 14.
We have come so far, got so very far to go, but as we move forward, we must celebrate each and every milestone along the way, and each and every person who stayed the course in spite of and because of the challenges, and the bigger vision that kept them keeping on. GDW
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
5.19.2011
Medgar Evers students stage Sunshine Rally in the Rain: Pollard's Attempt to Duck Students Thwarted
by Gloria Dulan-Wilson
This is both an article and a quasi transcript from the recently held rally at Medgar Evers College. The importance of this information cannot be ignored. For anyone who thinks that our Black youth do not care or are not involved in what's going on, please disabuse yourself of that illusion right now. For those who want to know about the petition's 31 questions, see my blog dated May 5, 2011 for details. Additionally, for those who think they can get away with abusing their own people because of the seeming backing of outside puppet masters, you are sadly mistaken; and your days are numbered in that role. There is a new (or is it old?) breed rising, and they are demanding that the sun shine on the deeds of those who think that under the cover of darkness they can get way with the backstabbing, undermining and othewise counter productive actions against their own for pay, for comfort - their ain't that much immunity in the world. When the people find out, then you are out. GDW
After weeks of being ignored by President Pollard, the Medgar Evers Coalition students staged a “Sunshine Rally” on one of the rainiest days in May on the sidewalk in front of Medgar Evers College. Undaunted by the rain, the students gathered as planned at 11:00AM brandishing signs and loudspeakers, demanding respect, and encouraging other students to join them an sign their petitions.
Joining the students were members of the surrounding community who braved the weather to stand in solidarity with them. The rally was called a sunshine rally to shed some light on serious questions that had been raised by the students in reference to budgetary concerns, as well as egregious acts on the part of the current president, William Pollard, against faculty, staff, students and programs, since his coming to Medgar Evers in 2009.
Their initial request for sunshine meeting has been consistently ignored by Pollard. The fact that the students demonstrated in rain sent a clear message about their displeasure and disappointment at the lack of respect accorded them on the part of the college’s administration.
Gracia Clinton, one of the organizers of the event spoke eloquently before a combined group of faculty and students. “The petition was submitted and we asked him to give us a weeks’ notice so we could let the students know and they could be present for a town meeting. Instead he had some one call who only wanted to meet with the two of us.”
Members of the Medgar Evers Coalition, who coordinated the rally, had petitions on hand to be signed by the students, many of whom joined them on the sidewalk in front of MEC’s main building at 1650 Bedford Avenue, shouting: “We demand respect! We demand respect!”
One student, who was not part of the rally, observed that they (Pollard) had purchased a huge and very ornate sign for the new science building that had to cost more $10,000, while the student study centers have been cut back, and while there are not enough computers for MEC students.
Another student, who joined the rally, and carried a sign demanding respect, stated, “He is not respecting the students. I’ve personally spoken with him one time before, and when he asked me my name, and I told him my name, he asked “What good is Nefetari going to do? Yes he did. When he asked me my name and I told him it was Nefetari, he asked me my name, and I said Nefetari, he said what good is a name like Nefetari going to do for me in society.” An indication that there is a disconnect when it comes to cultural awareness on Pollard’s part.
Gracia Branch, one of the coordinators, co-originator of the petition, and a demure, soft spoken a public administration major, attends MEC with her daughter. She stated: “The president wanted to meet with just me and one other student. An I told him I could not do that since the 500 students who signed the petition also wanted answers from him as well. We need truth - that’s what I’m saying - know the truth and the truth will set you free. We as students need to be free from the gossip and rumors.” An unidentified male student stated: “If he had given us a respectful response, we wouldn’t be out here demonstrating today. It’s about president Pollard not dealing with the wishes of the students, that is why we are out here in the rain. All of the controversial questions going on around here and he blatantly disrespected us. Did you know about that open meeting that he had with the Chancellor? It was not an open meeting - it was by invitation only! If your name was not on the list, you did not get in.”
The meeting with the chancellor was definitely not open; and most certainly was not a town hall meeting by any stretch of the imagination. There must have been a very short list of invitees, because the small auditorium in the new Science and Technology Building was only half full 70 people at the most were in attendance. Goldstein, who addressed the handpicked faculty and staff, could not escape some serious questions about budget, policies and the future of Medgar Evers - but that's for another blog entry - sorry!
Ms. Branch further stated, “These are the questions that the students have. There are more questions, we just couldn’t fit them on one sheet of paper. So we took the most critical questions and put them on the back of the petition. He is saying that they are rumors and some of them are not true. Instead of trying to pick a select few students, why not meet with the entire student body and get everything out in the open? Meet with the entire student body. Explain to them exactly what is going on. And that is what we are asking for. And we demand respect because we did not get respect from his office.”
She continues: "What about the academic standing of the students - he said he is concerned about that. The faculty goes out of their way to get books and materials for the students. They get no support from the president. They explain things to us and try to make sure we have what we need to succeed. Pollard just keeps cutting back."
According to another demonstrator, Medgar Evers High School Prep does not have priority at Medgar Evers anymore, even though it is affiliated with the school and has been for at least two decades. The students are no longer given access to the college.
As the rain intensified, the students were informed by retired congressman Major Owens that they have a right to assemble on the sidewalk, but they also have a right to go inside the building, since they are registered students at MEC.
After standing in the rain for nearly an hour, the students went inside the 1650 Bedford Avenue main building and proceeded to the auditorium, where faculty and seniors were gathered for a meeting being presided over by Howard Johnson, current provost. It was learned that Pollard was to have chaired the event, but had informed the students and other sources that he would be out of town, and not available for either the meeting, or the students requested audience with him.
There were extra police on hand, observing the rally. Prior to Pollard, Medgar Evers did not have - nor did it need - a police presence. When asked why there was heightened security, they had to admit that nothing negative had occurred to warrant it - “just a precaution,” one policeman stated.
While the provost was going over some of the mundane issues of the meeting, one of the MEC Coalition members shouted from the back of the auditorium, "We demand respect; what is going on with our budget?"
The students were invited to come in and have a seat, but were told they had to leave their signs outside in the Auditorium lobby. After a few more routine speeches, Ms. Branch was invited up to speak.
She started off slowly, and very respectfully, "It is a shame that students have to resort to storming in on a faculty meeting - we do much better than that - " and was interrupted by the provost, who stated that she did not introduce herself.
"I’m sorry, my name is Gracia Branch, and you, sir?" The entire room roared with laughter.
Gracia Branch continued, "My major is public administration, and as a future public administrator, I am charged in my class to stand up for what we believe in, setting the pace for the next generation of Public Administrators, staff members in the society we have to show integrity and true morals. We cannot stare away from the things that we are passionate about, and we are not distracted by things that are not of importance. With that said, as I was saying before, we students do not want to resort to any kind of immoral things by storming in on a private meeting - that is not what we students at Medgar Evers stand for, but when we call for a meeting; and we are not given that meeting - only that we need answers, the answers that we need have to do with our education. We don’t care about the politics or the undermining stuff that goes on behind closed doors with faculty and administration staff. Our main goal here today is to get answers. How does President Pollard and his administrator plan to do what is right for Medgar Evers students. What are his plans for this college. There has been a lot of rumors. A lot of money has been spent in different areas that we the students know could benefit us as students. And all we wanted was a simple meeting - meet with us. And as I stated to v.p. Vanray (?) I don’t know you, sir. I don’t know if you are in this room today…"
A voice from the back of the room intoned "Right here!"
Ma. Branch bowed slightly and responded: "Hello! Finally, we meet. We got together as students because we want answers. We want to make sure that when we leave Medgar Evers, we the students are able to compete with the other colleges out there. We know that quote/unquote we’re in a “recession” and we want to be able to get the jobs and the proper equipment to equip us to compete with these --- because students are afraid. They are afraid that if they start coming out that something will start happening with their financial aid."
OFFSIDE COMMENTS DENYING THIS EVENTUALITY)
Branch continues: "So these are the questions the students have; they really don’t know what their rights are. As a public administrator, we are fortunate - some of us at least - are fortunate to know what our rights are as students; and not just as students, but as individuals living in this society. And that is why we stand up for the students of Medgar Evers today - to get answers, this is not it."
As she continues to address the audience, she begins walking across the room, and starts speaking to a person who is scrunched down in his seat - that person turns out to be none other than Medgar Evers current president William Pollard - who was allegedly out of town on business. So, go figure! How is it that he is both out of town and at the faculty meeting at the same time? Could this have been an effort to duck the students, once again. As long as the rally was outside on the sidewalk, the students had no way of knowing that Pollard was really at the school. The unexpeted turn of events that brought them into the auditorium revealed that the President had not been away, just ducking them.
Branch: "Yes, after the fact we found out that you had called for a town hall meeting (ADDRESSING POLLARD , WHO SAT SLUNK DOWN IN HIS SEAT IN THE VERY FRONT ROW, TRYING TO BE INCONSPICUOUS) "- with all due respect, sir, we asked you to inform us so that we could get the students together to meet with you. We asked you to give us time so we could inform the students of Medgar Evers. What we did with our own resources was get flyers, get this information out. Now if you had given us the opportunity to inform the students, then the town hall meeting would have been a success. I didn’t even know about the town hall meeting; and I felt very disrespected, me and my colleague, Ms. Bonita Grant, who reached out to you; and you know, that doesn’t show integrity as far as I’m concerned."
This statement got no response from Pollard, who was being spoken to by one of the police officers - yet another display of disregard for the students.
Branch: "We had 31 questions, and our first question was can you begin the meeting with a full disclosure for the college budget. The reason we want to know that is because we as students have a right to know what is done with the budget; how has the budget been spent. Teachers talk all the time about students not getting involved in their education. This is the stand that we’re making now - we’re getting involved. We are asking you to present that budget."
Ms. Branch then turns to one of the fellow demonstrators, "Akil, you had a question, also. Would you stand up and ask your question."
As she takes her seat, another student approaches the front of the auditorium, Akil Townsley: "To whom it may concern, we do apologize for disrupting your meeting, as we know faculty and administration is very important to the school. But this is also a very important situation as well."
Provost Johnson, "Please identify yourself."
Townsley responds, "I’m sorry, my name is Akil Townsley. My major is public administration, and I am a freshman in my second semester. Would you like to know more about me sir? I have concerns when I came to the college, I saw that there was a controversy going on at Medgar Evers College. And as an advocate in the elementary schools for my children, and in the community at large, as block association president in my community, I wanted to know more about what was going on. So as I seen the president at different meetings, and heard him present stories about his childhood, people wanted to raise pertinent questions about the college. These were just questions, but things like this raise red flags for me."
He looks directly at Pollard, and continues: "One of the questions I would like to ask is will more money be made available for student scholarships, computers, the writing lab and the learning center? More library assistance, etc. Me knowing that the president of the college - President Pollard, sir, me knowing that you have been the president of a college before here, you are more likely to have more experience being a president - I just didn’t understand some of the history that was going on when you took the administrative - leadership role here. Leadership role at the college. For instance - you started tampering with the library, which really hadn’t bothered anybody. I really didn’t understand that. I had my high school diploma, and I didn’t think I needed - I really didn’t understand that, sir. I know there were supposed to be some upgrades done on the library, but, to suspend the services in the midstream of the semester, I thought that was - I didn’t see the importance of that. The writing center, I know that in the public school system, the department of education 50% of our students are graduating; and maybe if you give or take a little bit, less than 50% of them are guided from high school coming to college; and when a high percentage of them get to college are taking remedial courses, our writing center has been expunged; although there has been some type of writing lab, or whatever have you now, that’s been replaced, it is not the core of what was there - input from the beginning."
At this point, he pauses for a response; but receiving none, continues: "The original - the learning center. The Learning center from my understanding has been shrunk from that and that’s why we want full disclosure of budgets so that we can start our own think tank; so that we understand more of what’s going on; so that we can demand analysis, as students seeking to be scholars. We just need some information, because knowledge is power. We just need some information from the president because you don’t mind having the meeting with us. Because there are more than 31 questions that the students have. When they came out to sign the petitions, they came up with their own questions - hey, what about this, that and the other? Hey, we don’t know the answers to these questions. We are students seeking answers. We are students seeking answers. We didn’t say x,y,z, all we know is that there are some facts - but there are rumors and we wanted you to eliminate the rumors. And a lot of students don’t know you. The only reason that I know you is because I have been out to the meetings; I’m in the community. But a lot of students who come to the school don’t know you. And they would like to know you. They say, hey, we don’t know who this guy is. They’ve seen a lot of other adults come around - and have asked them “are you the president of the college?” And you’ve been here almost two years - and I don’t know what that says. Like I said I’m a freshman; only my second semester; but I don’t think it takes a scholar to figure that one out. Thanks for your time."
He pauses for yet another minute to see whether or not there will be a response on Pollard's part. Johnson steps up and asks: "Does any one from the faculty that they would like to raise at this time; if not I’m asking for a motion to adjourn" A pre-planned motion from the side adjourns the meeting, even though there several faculty members who had raised their hands.
Neither Pollard nor Johnson answered or responded in any way to the students’ questions. Faculty who raised their hands were ignored. And the students left with no more respect than when they entered.
However, this rally was a success on so many more levels. Students demands made the front covers of several locally based Black communications, as well as News 12. Students are not going to allow these questions or concerns to continue, and now plan to take it to the next level. What does that mean? Stay tuned. More to come.
For those of you who are interested in participating in the Medgar Evers Coalition, log on to www.MEfortheCommunity.org, or email MECCoalition@gmail.com, or call (718) 710-4528; or go on www.Facebook.com/MEfortheCommunity.
Just a Personal Note: I cannot think of a more fitting day to be writing this article than on the 86th Birth Anniversary of Brother Malcolm X, El Hajj Malik El Shabazz. His spirit, and that of Sister Betty Shabazz walks with those students and faculty and those who stand for right to respect, justice, freedom, parity at Medgar Evers and wherever else we happen to be.
This is about Communiversity and keeping a covenant with your community - Now that you know; what will you do?
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
This is both an article and a quasi transcript from the recently held rally at Medgar Evers College. The importance of this information cannot be ignored. For anyone who thinks that our Black youth do not care or are not involved in what's going on, please disabuse yourself of that illusion right now. For those who want to know about the petition's 31 questions, see my blog dated May 5, 2011 for details. Additionally, for those who think they can get away with abusing their own people because of the seeming backing of outside puppet masters, you are sadly mistaken; and your days are numbered in that role. There is a new (or is it old?) breed rising, and they are demanding that the sun shine on the deeds of those who think that under the cover of darkness they can get way with the backstabbing, undermining and othewise counter productive actions against their own for pay, for comfort - their ain't that much immunity in the world. When the people find out, then you are out. GDW
After weeks of being ignored by President Pollard, the Medgar Evers Coalition students staged a “Sunshine Rally” on one of the rainiest days in May on the sidewalk in front of Medgar Evers College. Undaunted by the rain, the students gathered as planned at 11:00AM brandishing signs and loudspeakers, demanding respect, and encouraging other students to join them an sign their petitions.
Joining the students were members of the surrounding community who braved the weather to stand in solidarity with them. The rally was called a sunshine rally to shed some light on serious questions that had been raised by the students in reference to budgetary concerns, as well as egregious acts on the part of the current president, William Pollard, against faculty, staff, students and programs, since his coming to Medgar Evers in 2009.
Their initial request for sunshine meeting has been consistently ignored by Pollard. The fact that the students demonstrated in rain sent a clear message about their displeasure and disappointment at the lack of respect accorded them on the part of the college’s administration.
Gracia Clinton, one of the organizers of the event spoke eloquently before a combined group of faculty and students. “The petition was submitted and we asked him to give us a weeks’ notice so we could let the students know and they could be present for a town meeting. Instead he had some one call who only wanted to meet with the two of us.”
Members of the Medgar Evers Coalition, who coordinated the rally, had petitions on hand to be signed by the students, many of whom joined them on the sidewalk in front of MEC’s main building at 1650 Bedford Avenue, shouting: “We demand respect! We demand respect!”
One student, who was not part of the rally, observed that they (Pollard) had purchased a huge and very ornate sign for the new science building that had to cost more $10,000, while the student study centers have been cut back, and while there are not enough computers for MEC students.
Another student, who joined the rally, and carried a sign demanding respect, stated, “He is not respecting the students. I’ve personally spoken with him one time before, and when he asked me my name, and I told him my name, he asked “What good is Nefetari going to do? Yes he did. When he asked me my name and I told him it was Nefetari, he asked me my name, and I said Nefetari, he said what good is a name like Nefetari going to do for me in society.” An indication that there is a disconnect when it comes to cultural awareness on Pollard’s part.
Gracia Branch, one of the coordinators, co-originator of the petition, and a demure, soft spoken a public administration major, attends MEC with her daughter. She stated: “The president wanted to meet with just me and one other student. An I told him I could not do that since the 500 students who signed the petition also wanted answers from him as well. We need truth - that’s what I’m saying - know the truth and the truth will set you free. We as students need to be free from the gossip and rumors.” An unidentified male student stated: “If he had given us a respectful response, we wouldn’t be out here demonstrating today. It’s about president Pollard not dealing with the wishes of the students, that is why we are out here in the rain. All of the controversial questions going on around here and he blatantly disrespected us. Did you know about that open meeting that he had with the Chancellor? It was not an open meeting - it was by invitation only! If your name was not on the list, you did not get in.”
The meeting with the chancellor was definitely not open; and most certainly was not a town hall meeting by any stretch of the imagination. There must have been a very short list of invitees, because the small auditorium in the new Science and Technology Building was only half full 70 people at the most were in attendance. Goldstein, who addressed the handpicked faculty and staff, could not escape some serious questions about budget, policies and the future of Medgar Evers - but that's for another blog entry - sorry!
Ms. Branch further stated, “These are the questions that the students have. There are more questions, we just couldn’t fit them on one sheet of paper. So we took the most critical questions and put them on the back of the petition. He is saying that they are rumors and some of them are not true. Instead of trying to pick a select few students, why not meet with the entire student body and get everything out in the open? Meet with the entire student body. Explain to them exactly what is going on. And that is what we are asking for. And we demand respect because we did not get respect from his office.”
She continues: "What about the academic standing of the students - he said he is concerned about that. The faculty goes out of their way to get books and materials for the students. They get no support from the president. They explain things to us and try to make sure we have what we need to succeed. Pollard just keeps cutting back."
According to another demonstrator, Medgar Evers High School Prep does not have priority at Medgar Evers anymore, even though it is affiliated with the school and has been for at least two decades. The students are no longer given access to the college.
As the rain intensified, the students were informed by retired congressman Major Owens that they have a right to assemble on the sidewalk, but they also have a right to go inside the building, since they are registered students at MEC.
After standing in the rain for nearly an hour, the students went inside the 1650 Bedford Avenue main building and proceeded to the auditorium, where faculty and seniors were gathered for a meeting being presided over by Howard Johnson, current provost. It was learned that Pollard was to have chaired the event, but had informed the students and other sources that he would be out of town, and not available for either the meeting, or the students requested audience with him.
There were extra police on hand, observing the rally. Prior to Pollard, Medgar Evers did not have - nor did it need - a police presence. When asked why there was heightened security, they had to admit that nothing negative had occurred to warrant it - “just a precaution,” one policeman stated.
While the provost was going over some of the mundane issues of the meeting, one of the MEC Coalition members shouted from the back of the auditorium, "We demand respect; what is going on with our budget?"
The students were invited to come in and have a seat, but were told they had to leave their signs outside in the Auditorium lobby. After a few more routine speeches, Ms. Branch was invited up to speak.
She started off slowly, and very respectfully, "It is a shame that students have to resort to storming in on a faculty meeting - we do much better than that - " and was interrupted by the provost, who stated that she did not introduce herself.
"I’m sorry, my name is Gracia Branch, and you, sir?" The entire room roared with laughter.
Gracia Branch continued, "My major is public administration, and as a future public administrator, I am charged in my class to stand up for what we believe in, setting the pace for the next generation of Public Administrators, staff members in the society we have to show integrity and true morals. We cannot stare away from the things that we are passionate about, and we are not distracted by things that are not of importance. With that said, as I was saying before, we students do not want to resort to any kind of immoral things by storming in on a private meeting - that is not what we students at Medgar Evers stand for, but when we call for a meeting; and we are not given that meeting - only that we need answers, the answers that we need have to do with our education. We don’t care about the politics or the undermining stuff that goes on behind closed doors with faculty and administration staff. Our main goal here today is to get answers. How does President Pollard and his administrator plan to do what is right for Medgar Evers students. What are his plans for this college. There has been a lot of rumors. A lot of money has been spent in different areas that we the students know could benefit us as students. And all we wanted was a simple meeting - meet with us. And as I stated to v.p. Vanray (?) I don’t know you, sir. I don’t know if you are in this room today…"
A voice from the back of the room intoned "Right here!"
Ma. Branch bowed slightly and responded: "Hello! Finally, we meet. We got together as students because we want answers. We want to make sure that when we leave Medgar Evers, we the students are able to compete with the other colleges out there. We know that quote/unquote we’re in a “recession” and we want to be able to get the jobs and the proper equipment to equip us to compete with these --- because students are afraid. They are afraid that if they start coming out that something will start happening with their financial aid."
OFFSIDE COMMENTS DENYING THIS EVENTUALITY)
Branch continues: "So these are the questions the students have; they really don’t know what their rights are. As a public administrator, we are fortunate - some of us at least - are fortunate to know what our rights are as students; and not just as students, but as individuals living in this society. And that is why we stand up for the students of Medgar Evers today - to get answers, this is not it."
As she continues to address the audience, she begins walking across the room, and starts speaking to a person who is scrunched down in his seat - that person turns out to be none other than Medgar Evers current president William Pollard - who was allegedly out of town on business. So, go figure! How is it that he is both out of town and at the faculty meeting at the same time? Could this have been an effort to duck the students, once again. As long as the rally was outside on the sidewalk, the students had no way of knowing that Pollard was really at the school. The unexpeted turn of events that brought them into the auditorium revealed that the President had not been away, just ducking them.
Branch: "Yes, after the fact we found out that you had called for a town hall meeting (ADDRESSING POLLARD , WHO SAT SLUNK DOWN IN HIS SEAT IN THE VERY FRONT ROW, TRYING TO BE INCONSPICUOUS) "- with all due respect, sir, we asked you to inform us so that we could get the students together to meet with you. We asked you to give us time so we could inform the students of Medgar Evers. What we did with our own resources was get flyers, get this information out. Now if you had given us the opportunity to inform the students, then the town hall meeting would have been a success. I didn’t even know about the town hall meeting; and I felt very disrespected, me and my colleague, Ms. Bonita Grant, who reached out to you; and you know, that doesn’t show integrity as far as I’m concerned."
This statement got no response from Pollard, who was being spoken to by one of the police officers - yet another display of disregard for the students.
Branch: "We had 31 questions, and our first question was can you begin the meeting with a full disclosure for the college budget. The reason we want to know that is because we as students have a right to know what is done with the budget; how has the budget been spent. Teachers talk all the time about students not getting involved in their education. This is the stand that we’re making now - we’re getting involved. We are asking you to present that budget."
Ms. Branch then turns to one of the fellow demonstrators, "Akil, you had a question, also. Would you stand up and ask your question."
As she takes her seat, another student approaches the front of the auditorium, Akil Townsley: "To whom it may concern, we do apologize for disrupting your meeting, as we know faculty and administration is very important to the school. But this is also a very important situation as well."
Provost Johnson, "Please identify yourself."
Townsley responds, "I’m sorry, my name is Akil Townsley. My major is public administration, and I am a freshman in my second semester. Would you like to know more about me sir? I have concerns when I came to the college, I saw that there was a controversy going on at Medgar Evers College. And as an advocate in the elementary schools for my children, and in the community at large, as block association president in my community, I wanted to know more about what was going on. So as I seen the president at different meetings, and heard him present stories about his childhood, people wanted to raise pertinent questions about the college. These were just questions, but things like this raise red flags for me."
He looks directly at Pollard, and continues: "One of the questions I would like to ask is will more money be made available for student scholarships, computers, the writing lab and the learning center? More library assistance, etc. Me knowing that the president of the college - President Pollard, sir, me knowing that you have been the president of a college before here, you are more likely to have more experience being a president - I just didn’t understand some of the history that was going on when you took the administrative - leadership role here. Leadership role at the college. For instance - you started tampering with the library, which really hadn’t bothered anybody. I really didn’t understand that. I had my high school diploma, and I didn’t think I needed - I really didn’t understand that, sir. I know there were supposed to be some upgrades done on the library, but, to suspend the services in the midstream of the semester, I thought that was - I didn’t see the importance of that. The writing center, I know that in the public school system, the department of education 50% of our students are graduating; and maybe if you give or take a little bit, less than 50% of them are guided from high school coming to college; and when a high percentage of them get to college are taking remedial courses, our writing center has been expunged; although there has been some type of writing lab, or whatever have you now, that’s been replaced, it is not the core of what was there - input from the beginning."
At this point, he pauses for a response; but receiving none, continues: "The original - the learning center. The Learning center from my understanding has been shrunk from that and that’s why we want full disclosure of budgets so that we can start our own think tank; so that we understand more of what’s going on; so that we can demand analysis, as students seeking to be scholars. We just need some information, because knowledge is power. We just need some information from the president because you don’t mind having the meeting with us. Because there are more than 31 questions that the students have. When they came out to sign the petitions, they came up with their own questions - hey, what about this, that and the other? Hey, we don’t know the answers to these questions. We are students seeking answers. We are students seeking answers. We didn’t say x,y,z, all we know is that there are some facts - but there are rumors and we wanted you to eliminate the rumors. And a lot of students don’t know you. The only reason that I know you is because I have been out to the meetings; I’m in the community. But a lot of students who come to the school don’t know you. And they would like to know you. They say, hey, we don’t know who this guy is. They’ve seen a lot of other adults come around - and have asked them “are you the president of the college?” And you’ve been here almost two years - and I don’t know what that says. Like I said I’m a freshman; only my second semester; but I don’t think it takes a scholar to figure that one out. Thanks for your time."
He pauses for yet another minute to see whether or not there will be a response on Pollard's part. Johnson steps up and asks: "Does any one from the faculty that they would like to raise at this time; if not I’m asking for a motion to adjourn" A pre-planned motion from the side adjourns the meeting, even though there several faculty members who had raised their hands.
Neither Pollard nor Johnson answered or responded in any way to the students’ questions. Faculty who raised their hands were ignored. And the students left with no more respect than when they entered.
However, this rally was a success on so many more levels. Students demands made the front covers of several locally based Black communications, as well as News 12. Students are not going to allow these questions or concerns to continue, and now plan to take it to the next level. What does that mean? Stay tuned. More to come.
For those of you who are interested in participating in the Medgar Evers Coalition, log on to www.MEfortheCommunity.org, or email MECCoalition@gmail.com, or call (718) 710-4528; or go on www.Facebook.com/MEfortheCommunity.
Just a Personal Note: I cannot think of a more fitting day to be writing this article than on the 86th Birth Anniversary of Brother Malcolm X, El Hajj Malik El Shabazz. His spirit, and that of Sister Betty Shabazz walks with those students and faculty and those who stand for right to respect, justice, freedom, parity at Medgar Evers and wherever else we happen to be.
This is about Communiversity and keeping a covenant with your community - Now that you know; what will you do?
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
5.15.2011
EMERGENCY EVENT ALERT: Medgar Evers Students to Hold Sunshine Rally Monday, May 16 at 11:00AM
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
It is clear by his inactions, and by the blatant disrespect shown to students who presented a petition with more than 500 signatures demanding audience and answers from him, that William Pollard, ersatz president of Medgar Evers college, has no intention of meeting with them in an open forum. He’s probably hoping that, since it is near the end of the school year, that time will simply run out and students will lose interest.
Fortunately, that is not the case with this group of students, who have ratcheted it up a notch by calling for a rally in front of Medgar Evers Monday, May 16 at 11:00 am to demand the dismissal of William Pollard and Howard Johnson (provost) from Medgar Evers College.
The number of signatures on the petition, which includes 31 questions they want answered, has not grown to nearly 1,000.
Among their demands are the following:
Answers to the students’ Sunshine Petition - openly disclose what’s going
on at Medgar Evers.
Restoration of staff to student support services to ensure
academic excellence.
Restoration of the direct enrollment policy at MEC.
Adherence to academic freedom and faculty and staff contract rights.
Support for the college’s centers and community programs.
Redistribution of resources that allocated to ouside
consultants, and the sifting of those resources to student
support services.
Gender Equity in the President’s cabinet - top level
administrative positions.
The Mission of Medgar Evers College as a Communiversity is under attack, and the puppet strings lead back to the CUNY head President Goldstein, who was at the campus last week for a closed, amen corner, by invitation only dog and pony show - blatant and lame attempt to put a smiley face on a serious situation that the Brooklyn community is becoming increasingly aware means them and their students no good.
If you are in New York - not just Brooklyn - this concerns you. If you are of African heritage - African, African American, African Caribbean (aka West Indian), African Cuban, African Puerto Rican, African Dominican, Black, please make it your business to be there in support of this rally. - because this impacts you directly.
If you’re 18, 10, 60, 50, 90 years old - this still affects you, and you need to be there, because this is happening in your community, to your people.
Get the word out. Form a phone tree - tweet, face book, and all the means by which we communicate when something important is jumping out. Get the word out. Get there, get these perpetrators out and let’s get on with the business of getting a Black President and administration in place at Medgar Evers who knows their first allegience is to the students, community and the culture that made it possible for them to be there in the first place.
GET IT? GOT IT! GOOD!!
Now pass it on.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Medgar Evers Students to Hold Sunshine Rally Monday, May 16 at 11:00AM
NOW THAT YOU KNOW - WHAT WILL YOU DO?
It is clear by his inactions, and by the blatant disrespect shown to students who presented a petition with more than 500 signatures demanding audience and answers from him, that William Pollard, ersatz president of Medgar Evers college, has no intention of meeting with them in an open forum. He’s probably hoping that, since it is near the end of the school year, that time will simply run out and students will lose interest.
Fortunately, that is not the case with this group of students, who have ratcheted it up a notch by calling for a rally in front of Medgar Evers Monday, May 16 at 11:00 am to demand the dismissal of William Pollard and Howard Johnson (provost) from Medgar Evers College.
The number of signatures on the petition, which includes 31 questions they want answered, has not grown to nearly 1,000.
Among their demands are the following:
Answers to the students’ Sunshine Petition - openly disclose what’s going
on at Medgar Evers.
Restoration of staff to student support services to ensure
academic excellence.
Restoration of the direct enrollment policy at MEC.
Adherence to academic freedom and faculty and staff contract rights.
Support for the college’s centers and community programs.
Redistribution of resources that allocated to ouside
consultants, and the sifting of those resources to student
support services.
Gender Equity in the President’s cabinet - top level
administrative positions.
The Mission of Medgar Evers College as a Communiversity is under attack, and the puppet strings lead back to the CUNY head President Goldstein, who was at the campus last week for a closed, amen corner, by invitation only dog and pony show - blatant and lame attempt to put a smiley face on a serious situation that the Brooklyn community is becoming increasingly aware means them and their students no good.
If you are in New York - not just Brooklyn - this concerns you. If you are of African heritage - African, African American, African Caribbean (aka West Indian), African Cuban, African Puerto Rican, African Dominican, Black, please make it your business to be there in support of this rally. - because this impacts you directly.
If you’re 18, 10, 60, 50, 90 years old - this still affects you, and you need to be there, because this is happening in your community, to your people.
Get the word out. Form a phone tree - tweet, face book, and all the means by which we communicate when something important is jumping out. Get the word out. Get there, get these perpetrators out and let’s get on with the business of getting a Black President and administration in place at Medgar Evers who knows their first allegience is to the students, community and the culture that made it possible for them to be there in the first place.
GET IT? GOT IT! GOOD!!
Now pass it on.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Medgar Evers Students to Hold Sunshine Rally Monday, May 16 at 11:00AM
NOW THAT YOU KNOW - WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Brooklyn Hospital Staffers Work Overtime to Donate $36,000 to Haitian Hospital
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Anyone who knows Sam Dunston, founder and CEO of Brooklyn based, National Allotment Insurance Agency (NAIA), knows him for his smile and friendly, ebullient nature. And if you know Sam, you also know that he doesn’t usually do interviews. He prefers to just do, and let his work do the talking. So getting this interview from Sam is an indication of just how gratified and happy he was to have played a role in taking the donation put together by Brooklyn Hospital staffers to Haiti.
To say that Sam’s smile was wider than usual - if that’s even possible - would be an understatement. When he returned from a weekend trip to Haiti, he was energized, animated, and very happy.
He left on Sunday, April 10, along with eight other members from Brooklyn Hospital’s board of directors, as well individuals from Florida and Canada. They flew into Port Au Prince to present a check for $36,000 -- funds contributed by hospital workers, who worked over time and pooled their pay to make a considerable donation for training in a Hatian hospital.
The fact that these staffers had donated their time, energies and efforts to put these funds together is absolutely amazing and heartwarming. They did it with no fanfare, with no publicity. They did it without bickering, hassling, or concern for who was doing more or less than whom. And the bottom line, is they did it from the goodness of their hearts and for the love of the people of Haiti. While other bigwigs and government agencies are rolling around having meetings and tribunals - panels and forums on how to help Haiti, these people simply banded together and got the job done.
When they presented the funds to the Board to be taken to Haiti, there was no big to do. It was just, “we raised this for Haiti, to be given to their hospital to help train more Haitians to help more Haitians.” That’s all.
Their biggest concern? Making sure the money got into the hands of the people they intended it for. Because of that, they bypassed the Red Cross, and all the other agencies that have purported to help Haiti, but have yet to build a single home, or come up with what is happening to the millions of dollars already donated to help rebuild the stricken country, and sought other means.
When asked if the hospital administrator was surprised at their visit, he responded, “She knew we were coming. We didn’t know where to send the money to to make sure it got in the right hands, and was used for the purposes intended. What happened with the community board, and Dr. Carroll met with the president and said we would take the money to the hospital and tell them what they are supposed to do with it. So that’s what we did. I went and Rev. Jones went. We paid our own way, and we enjoyed it!” He said it in a matter of fact manner.
The Haitian hospital, one of the few that remained standing after the devastating earthquake which took place in January 2010, has been the triage center for many of the victims, as well as the place most Haitians have to go to before embarking on travel to the US and other places.
According to Sam, Dr. Carroll takes a group every three months to work at the hospital and help the patients. He went there right after the earthquake and drove from the Dominican Republic into the hospital. He liked the people. So he went there and performed a lot of surgeries. He still does surgeries. He goes there every three months takes a team and they do surgery and volunteer work.”
“You had to plan for every eventuality“, he remarked, “but you would get more than that back in happiness and joy from there because of the people. They never had an attitude, because they’re just too poor to have an attitude. But most people in our area (New York) who are very poor have an attitude. Mad because they’re poor. But these people were not that way. The minister was nice; and also met a young man from California who donated some medical supplies to the hospital. He had send some stuff to this hospital and to the hospital in Port Au Prince. So that’s what we are going to do, as well.”
Most newspaper accounts give a totally different characterization of the Haitian people from the one Sam Dunston depicted. His statement of the people being nice, humble and grateful, is the complete opposite from the picture that’s being painted a lot of times about Haitians.
His smile got even broader as he recounted an incident where he was standing, and a little girl was sitting. “I gave a girl a dollar to let me sit down in a chair.”
When I remarked that getting the money must have made her happy, because an American dollar will pay for food for a month in certain parts of Haiti, he responded, laughing: “You know what got me? Both of us was happy. I told her to get up, she got up, I sat down - I looked at her and smiled. There were two of them. I gave both of them a dollar. They were so nice. It just shows that you should be humble. When you have problems, you should be humble. You got nothing to get mad about or ashamed about your needs. So they were so nice and I gave them a dollar; if I had sat there longer, I would have probably given her two. When I was there before, they were very nice to me, too! She got up and let me sit down, like folks. I told her that when I got to be her age, I would do the same thing for her. She didn’t know what I was saying.” (She spoke Creole, Sam spoke English, but the spirit of friendship and respect spoke volumes between them). He laughed heartily -- laughter is contagious around Sam Dunston, because he finds so much pleasure in life - the little things as well as the big.
Equally as impressive to Sam were the volunteers themselves. Having originated from North Carolina where Jim Crow was alive and well, as a youth his experiences had been less than congenial: “I’ve never seen white women be as happy to work on Black folks and smile and enjoy it. I never seen that before. Everybody there was jet black. Down where I come from (North Carolina), the (white) Doctor treated you for one thing - high blood pressure - he could tell that by touching your arm, they didn’t check nothing else. So, I had dinner with them (volunteer nurses) and breakfast with them - and they were so happy! They were glad to offer their services.”
It seemed to be a factor that both surprised and perplexed him at the same time. Little wonder, since his last interaction prior to entering the military had to have been during a time of segregation in the Jim Crow South. Most of his current interactions has been primarily for business, never at a level this basic and this close to life and death. Most of the volunteers had to travel half way around the world to provide their assistance, and they did so without fanfare, or funds. Just because they, like the volunteers at Brooklyn Hospital, have a basic love for mankind, regardless of race, economic levels, or status.
When yours truly lived in Haiti in the 70’s (Papa Doc Duvalier was still living and President for Life at the time), the dollar ratio to American money was 5 to 1. According to Dunston it has dropped to 7to 1. That also meant that the donation was the equivalent of $252,000 in Haitian funds, which should definitely go a long way.
In reference to the hospital, which had a very clean, modern appearance, Dunston stated, “This hospital had a line of people they had examined to go to the United States and other countries. Before they leave to go away, they have to be examined by the hospital. The hospital was full of people.”
When asked what they were going to the US for, he responded jovially: “I don’t know. Better life, I guess. If you see everybody sleeping in tents, and somebody told them that if you get to New York you can get a bed, and you’ve been praying all you life for things to be better, somebody said there’s a God on the other side, and you should try to get there; and you can get there in this life, not in the other life - then you go. That’s what I see. I don’t know what they say. That’s what they should have been saying. That was the whole thing that I think.”
Dunston observed the fact that there was constantly a great deal of hustle and bustle in the streets, which appeared to always be full of cars and vehicles going to and from the airport, “The streets are so full of cars and people all the way to airport. And the airport is packed. The plane held about 285 people - there were 250 people on the plane!”
He took a lot of candid shots during his trip. As we went through them, he commented on some of the things that stood out to him - not the least of which were the miles and miles of tents lining the streets, with families still living there a year after the earthquake - giving rise to concern over the fact that so little appeared to have been accomplished over the past few months, despite so many donations pouring in from the US and foreign countries.
My one attempt at getting Dunston to make a political commentary was when I asked whether he had observed any building going on while he was there, any kind of major construction. He commented, sagely: “There was a lot of building. The workers I saw were Haitian people. They were most likely building those cinderblock walls - make four corners and that’s a house. I doubt if any of the major contracts involved the local workers, though. I would assume and I think (outside) contractors would be involved in multi buildings over two or three stories where it would take some plans and stuff like that. But above the one room house about half this size - indicating his office - it doesn’t take any (major) plans. Just give him $500 and he can build a little house and put a top on it and it’s ready.”
(I will be doing a commentary on Haiti's reconstruction in upcoming blogs)
He continued, “So far as the trip I was concerned - the people were nice and appreciative. And when you can tell when people are appreciative, it makes a difference. You don’t owe nobody nothing, but they’re appreciative; you weren’t expecting that. So you did what your heart say do. I can say it was an enjoyable and warm trip because the people were so humble and thankful. They were thankful just for your presence. It was a good experience.”
The real take away from this is that all it takes is our own ingenuity, sincerity, and collaborative efforts, and we can move mountains. We tend to overlook the fact that it was through humble beginnings many of us have made it to where we are today. A lesson Sam Dunston and the staffers at Brooklyn Hospital have not forgotten. And a good example for us to follow - and teach our kids as well.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Anyone who knows Sam Dunston, founder and CEO of Brooklyn based, National Allotment Insurance Agency (NAIA), knows him for his smile and friendly, ebullient nature. And if you know Sam, you also know that he doesn’t usually do interviews. He prefers to just do, and let his work do the talking. So getting this interview from Sam is an indication of just how gratified and happy he was to have played a role in taking the donation put together by Brooklyn Hospital staffers to Haiti.
To say that Sam’s smile was wider than usual - if that’s even possible - would be an understatement. When he returned from a weekend trip to Haiti, he was energized, animated, and very happy.
He left on Sunday, April 10, along with eight other members from Brooklyn Hospital’s board of directors, as well individuals from Florida and Canada. They flew into Port Au Prince to present a check for $36,000 -- funds contributed by hospital workers, who worked over time and pooled their pay to make a considerable donation for training in a Hatian hospital.
The fact that these staffers had donated their time, energies and efforts to put these funds together is absolutely amazing and heartwarming. They did it with no fanfare, with no publicity. They did it without bickering, hassling, or concern for who was doing more or less than whom. And the bottom line, is they did it from the goodness of their hearts and for the love of the people of Haiti. While other bigwigs and government agencies are rolling around having meetings and tribunals - panels and forums on how to help Haiti, these people simply banded together and got the job done.
When they presented the funds to the Board to be taken to Haiti, there was no big to do. It was just, “we raised this for Haiti, to be given to their hospital to help train more Haitians to help more Haitians.” That’s all.
Their biggest concern? Making sure the money got into the hands of the people they intended it for. Because of that, they bypassed the Red Cross, and all the other agencies that have purported to help Haiti, but have yet to build a single home, or come up with what is happening to the millions of dollars already donated to help rebuild the stricken country, and sought other means.
When asked if the hospital administrator was surprised at their visit, he responded, “She knew we were coming. We didn’t know where to send the money to to make sure it got in the right hands, and was used for the purposes intended. What happened with the community board, and Dr. Carroll met with the president and said we would take the money to the hospital and tell them what they are supposed to do with it. So that’s what we did. I went and Rev. Jones went. We paid our own way, and we enjoyed it!” He said it in a matter of fact manner.
The Haitian hospital, one of the few that remained standing after the devastating earthquake which took place in January 2010, has been the triage center for many of the victims, as well as the place most Haitians have to go to before embarking on travel to the US and other places.
According to Sam, Dr. Carroll takes a group every three months to work at the hospital and help the patients. He went there right after the earthquake and drove from the Dominican Republic into the hospital. He liked the people. So he went there and performed a lot of surgeries. He still does surgeries. He goes there every three months takes a team and they do surgery and volunteer work.”
“You had to plan for every eventuality“, he remarked, “but you would get more than that back in happiness and joy from there because of the people. They never had an attitude, because they’re just too poor to have an attitude. But most people in our area (New York) who are very poor have an attitude. Mad because they’re poor. But these people were not that way. The minister was nice; and also met a young man from California who donated some medical supplies to the hospital. He had send some stuff to this hospital and to the hospital in Port Au Prince. So that’s what we are going to do, as well.”
Most newspaper accounts give a totally different characterization of the Haitian people from the one Sam Dunston depicted. His statement of the people being nice, humble and grateful, is the complete opposite from the picture that’s being painted a lot of times about Haitians.
His smile got even broader as he recounted an incident where he was standing, and a little girl was sitting. “I gave a girl a dollar to let me sit down in a chair.”
When I remarked that getting the money must have made her happy, because an American dollar will pay for food for a month in certain parts of Haiti, he responded, laughing: “You know what got me? Both of us was happy. I told her to get up, she got up, I sat down - I looked at her and smiled. There were two of them. I gave both of them a dollar. They were so nice. It just shows that you should be humble. When you have problems, you should be humble. You got nothing to get mad about or ashamed about your needs. So they were so nice and I gave them a dollar; if I had sat there longer, I would have probably given her two. When I was there before, they were very nice to me, too! She got up and let me sit down, like folks. I told her that when I got to be her age, I would do the same thing for her. She didn’t know what I was saying.” (She spoke Creole, Sam spoke English, but the spirit of friendship and respect spoke volumes between them). He laughed heartily -- laughter is contagious around Sam Dunston, because he finds so much pleasure in life - the little things as well as the big.
Equally as impressive to Sam were the volunteers themselves. Having originated from North Carolina where Jim Crow was alive and well, as a youth his experiences had been less than congenial: “I’ve never seen white women be as happy to work on Black folks and smile and enjoy it. I never seen that before. Everybody there was jet black. Down where I come from (North Carolina), the (white) Doctor treated you for one thing - high blood pressure - he could tell that by touching your arm, they didn’t check nothing else. So, I had dinner with them (volunteer nurses) and breakfast with them - and they were so happy! They were glad to offer their services.”
It seemed to be a factor that both surprised and perplexed him at the same time. Little wonder, since his last interaction prior to entering the military had to have been during a time of segregation in the Jim Crow South. Most of his current interactions has been primarily for business, never at a level this basic and this close to life and death. Most of the volunteers had to travel half way around the world to provide their assistance, and they did so without fanfare, or funds. Just because they, like the volunteers at Brooklyn Hospital, have a basic love for mankind, regardless of race, economic levels, or status.
When yours truly lived in Haiti in the 70’s (Papa Doc Duvalier was still living and President for Life at the time), the dollar ratio to American money was 5 to 1. According to Dunston it has dropped to 7to 1. That also meant that the donation was the equivalent of $252,000 in Haitian funds, which should definitely go a long way.
In reference to the hospital, which had a very clean, modern appearance, Dunston stated, “This hospital had a line of people they had examined to go to the United States and other countries. Before they leave to go away, they have to be examined by the hospital. The hospital was full of people.”
When asked what they were going to the US for, he responded jovially: “I don’t know. Better life, I guess. If you see everybody sleeping in tents, and somebody told them that if you get to New York you can get a bed, and you’ve been praying all you life for things to be better, somebody said there’s a God on the other side, and you should try to get there; and you can get there in this life, not in the other life - then you go. That’s what I see. I don’t know what they say. That’s what they should have been saying. That was the whole thing that I think.”
Dunston observed the fact that there was constantly a great deal of hustle and bustle in the streets, which appeared to always be full of cars and vehicles going to and from the airport, “The streets are so full of cars and people all the way to airport. And the airport is packed. The plane held about 285 people - there were 250 people on the plane!”
He took a lot of candid shots during his trip. As we went through them, he commented on some of the things that stood out to him - not the least of which were the miles and miles of tents lining the streets, with families still living there a year after the earthquake - giving rise to concern over the fact that so little appeared to have been accomplished over the past few months, despite so many donations pouring in from the US and foreign countries.
My one attempt at getting Dunston to make a political commentary was when I asked whether he had observed any building going on while he was there, any kind of major construction. He commented, sagely: “There was a lot of building. The workers I saw were Haitian people. They were most likely building those cinderblock walls - make four corners and that’s a house. I doubt if any of the major contracts involved the local workers, though. I would assume and I think (outside) contractors would be involved in multi buildings over two or three stories where it would take some plans and stuff like that. But above the one room house about half this size - indicating his office - it doesn’t take any (major) plans. Just give him $500 and he can build a little house and put a top on it and it’s ready.”
(I will be doing a commentary on Haiti's reconstruction in upcoming blogs)
He continued, “So far as the trip I was concerned - the people were nice and appreciative. And when you can tell when people are appreciative, it makes a difference. You don’t owe nobody nothing, but they’re appreciative; you weren’t expecting that. So you did what your heart say do. I can say it was an enjoyable and warm trip because the people were so humble and thankful. They were thankful just for your presence. It was a good experience.”
The real take away from this is that all it takes is our own ingenuity, sincerity, and collaborative efforts, and we can move mountains. We tend to overlook the fact that it was through humble beginnings many of us have made it to where we are today. A lesson Sam Dunston and the staffers at Brooklyn Hospital have not forgotten. And a good example for us to follow - and teach our kids as well.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
SPECIAL EVENT ALERT: Woodie King Jrs New Federal Theatre to Celebrate 40 Years May 22
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Now it can be told: As a kid in Oklahoma City, I was in every play and Christmas pageant in both my school and church. At Douglas Sr. High, I played Beneatha Younger in Raisin in the Sun. In fact, I was a card carrying member of the National Thespian Society, and proudly wore my gold Janus pin. I loved acting and performing, and, though I never pursued the field professionally, have always had a deep admiration and respect for those who do it so well. And somehow or other, I have always tried to in some small way, be in contact or involved with those in the field who have kept us entertained.
So it is with a great deal of pleasure that I write this piece in reference to a friend, Woodie King Jr, a brother whom I consider the tops in his field. He has always set the bar high when it comes to the theatre, and has consistently done so for 40 years. He is to be congratulated, revered, emulated, respected and celebrated for his accomplishments.
And that is why on Sunday, May 22, the luminaries of stage, screen and television will turn out in grand style as Woodie King celebrates the New Federal Theatre’s 40th Anniversary at a gala awards ceremony to be held at the Edison Ballroom.
Woodie King Jr - legendary dynamic director, producer, actor, writer that he is - founded the New Federal Theatre in 1970 at the Henry Street Settlement’s Arts for Living Center in the Abron Arts Theatre, located in the multicultural Lower East Side. Just a little historical note: The New Federal Theatre was named after the African American branch of the Federal Theatre Project in the 1930s. It is dedicated to works by African American, women and minority artists. The group often collaborates with the Public Theatre.
Many a career has been launched on the stage under the direction of Woodie, including, but not limited to, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Debbie Allen, Phylicia Rashad, Robert Downey, Jr., Garrett Morris, Ruby Dee, Samuel L. Jackson, Laurence Fishburne, the ever glamorous Lynn Whitfield, among a great many others. Many Black writers likewise were featured first at New Federal Theatre, including E Bullins, Amiri Baraka, Samm-Art Williams, Richard Abrons, Ntozake Shange, and a host of others.
And while we will be celebrating this wonderful milestone, Woodie has chosen his own pantheon of honorees, to share the limelight with him: including Ruby Dee, Sidney Portier, Ntozake Shange, Alicia Keys, Imhotep Gary Byrd, Amiri Baraka, George Faison, The Rev. Malcolm Boyd, Elizabeth I. McCann, Carla Pinza, Terrie Williams, former New York City Mayor David N. Dinkins, and Sylvia Spinkle Hamlin, Executive Producer of the National Black Theatre Festival.
Actress Lynn Whitfield and CBS News Anchor, Randall Pinkston will serve as co-hosts. Co-Chairs are Laurence Fishburne, Susan Taylor and John Morning. The great Maya Angelou serves as Honorary Chair. This gives you some idea of the momentousness of this occasion.
Forty years of continuous existence is indeed something to celebrate, in an era where most marriages don’t last that long. It is a tribute to Woodie King Jr., a man who has never strayed from his mission to integrate Black actors, writers and talent into the mainstream American theatre by training artists for the profession and by presenting plays by Blacks, minorities and women into integrated, multicultural audiences. American Visions has called Woodie King, Jr., the "king of black theater producers,” and rightly so, considering that he has either produced and/or directed at least 200 plays; not to mention his vast body of written work for stage, screen and television.
At a recently held press conference, which was catered by none other than Norma Jean Darden of SpoonBread, I had an opportunity to interview Woodie, as well as Ms. Ruby Dee (my heroine), Gary Byrd (GBE), Ntozake Shange, and Lamman Rucker, who was there on behalf of the National Black Theatre Festival. Also present at the press conference were Lynn Whitfield, George Faison, Amiri Baraka, Terrie Williams, Carla Pinza, and Cliff Frazier. I couldn’t help but feel as though I was in a privileged space. In the South they would have called it walking in high cotton.
Gary Byrd, host, producer, creator of the GBE (Global has the distinction of having the longest running Black radio broadcast in the history of New York. I asked him how it felt to be recognized for his work accomplishments after having gone through so many challenges over the past few years. He responded, “I was thinking about it today; and two words came to me “Overjoyed!” and “overwhelmed”. I’m overjoyed by, I think first of all, Woodie and the New Federal Theatre in terms of the terrain they covered to get here.” He admitted that he had had aspirations for the stage, and had been discovered as an actor prior to going into radio. Byrd had emigrated from Buffalo to Manhattan, and had the privilege of being mentored by Hal Jackson. His accomplishments as a spoken word artist, on air personality, songwriter are legendary, and include a body of work he co-wrote and co-produced with Stevie Wonder under the Wonder-Byrd title, including Village Ghetto Land and Black Man, which were featured on Stevie Wonder’s “Songs In the Key of Life.”
Going forward, Gary plans to write and produce stage productions based on the lyrics and themes of these songs. “Interestingly enough, I’m going to use my own personal catalogue first. Songs that I’ve written; some of the things I’ve done with Stevie (Wonder); some of my original things, like Every Brother Ain’t a Brother.” On Stevie’s side, “You Wear the Crown,” “Village Ghettoland.” I’m really literally going to write plays on those themes,” he quipped enthusiastically.
Ntozake Shange, whose “choreo poem” For Colored Girls Who Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf was produced at the New Federal Theatre in the 70’s stated: “When I first met Woodie, he was amazing to me. It was stunning to me when I first came to New York. And it’s an amazing honor to be included as an awardee.”
Ms. Ruby Dee, the Grand Diva of them all, gave me a few minutes of her time to relate her feelings about Woodie King, Jr., the New Federal Theatre, and being selected as an honoree:
“I can’t tell you how pleased I am at this forty years! What Woodie has done - he has established what I call one of the womb places; where people like me got started, from the street corners and the church basements, the living rooms and libraries; and sometimes in schools, and then working out on street corners when the City let us. People don’t remember what a sacrifice it was! And that those of us who had jobs got paid. When you got spaces like in the library, we’d shovel the snow and cleaned up the basements - I mean, whatever it took - and the sacrifices. People like Woodie … The womb people, but for these people, wed still be creeping down the steps of the library - they let us have that little space with 6 cents in the treasury. All those people who made those kinds of sacrifices. We called the New Federal Theatre the womb place; it was full of all of those kinds of people, and it had a kind of - meaning in the lives of so many people.”
When I asked her what she saw as the future of Black Theatre, she responded: “I see an explosion of new Black writers, actors and new ideas, and the confidence to try things - and I’m one of them. If it hadn’t been for Woodie and Joe Papp, they did my first musical - I did three musicals with them because I could come to places like the New Federal Theatre.”
Lamman Rucker, of Meet the Browns and Angels Over Tuskeegee, an enthusiastic fan of Woodie’s spoke eloquently of his interaction with him: “I come from the tradition and the standards - the high standards - that was established by Mr. King. So I stand here as one of the younger - I say - examples of what this work and what this sacrifice breeds. What this work and this sacrifice, and these tireless towers of creation and creativity, and the festivals, and rewrites and endless work; and they all know it because we live it.”
He continued, “I was always that kid that wanted to be Ossie Davis and have a beautiful woman like Ruby Dee by my side. I wanted to be Sidney Portier, I wanted to be Paul Robeson and Harry Belafonte, a father figure like you know Canada Lee -the people that lived in me, and lived through me. I wanted to dance like George (Faison). And no mistake, I can dance. We had to be able to do it all - act sing dance- be a triple threat - and bring it!” And that was just his statement for openers. Representing the upcoming National Black Theatre Festival, which will take place this summer in North Carolina, Rucker stated that he had met Woodie while in college honing his dramatic skills.
I, of course, had to ask him about what it was like working with Tyler Perry, who has featured him in several of his movies, as well as the current TV comedy hit, Meet the Browns: "It’s great working with Tyler, and in a way, I’m almost a representative of his too. I mean I don’t do the stage play work, but, the way Tyler has established himself, and established his work, is again an example of what’s been learned, what’s been taught by these same people. How to be self produced; how to create your own opportunity; create opportunity for other people.
So I’m happy for him; and I’m happy for Mr. Woodie King Jr. Woodie’s like my theatre Godfather you know."
This blog input would not be complete without some words from Woodie King Jr.:
When asked how does it feels to celebrate 40 years, he responded, “It feels great, you know to have been around for 40 years; and starting that theatre when it was kind of barren out here. A year after we started the Black exploitation movies and all that stuff just flooded the market. Just inundated everything. And so we thought that this was the end. That this was where it was going to go. But fortunately we had a hit play every year from 1971 through 1982. And that just gave New Federal Theatre and unbelievable amount of visibility to our artists and writers across America. So we think our contribution to the American Theatre has been exceptional."
For those of us who recall the days of Blaxploitation movies, we can be grateful that Woodie persevered. Not only were they stereotypical, they were, in the main, a diversion from so many Black movies that were of merit; and appealed to the lowest common denominator in the community. Woodie, on the other hand, gave voice and visibility to some of the great talent of the day that were either ignored or overlooked by that genre.
1982, according to Woodie, was the beginning of a period when whites began to produce Black plays, cutting in to the New Federal Theatre and other Black theatre Black production company’s role in providing access to Black audiences, as well as their funding.
According to Woodie, “A hit play can take care of that company and artist for five years. And after 82 the system in New York Changed in the way that things are produced. White people began to produce Black plays, suddenly. And white people began to get the funding that we had gotten up until then to do these plays. Because before then, they weren’t interested.”
His thoughtful response to the question, in addition to this 40 milestone; of what are you most proud:“Well for having just existed for 40 years; for having been around; Most theatres close after five or ten years; most Black organizations; in that regard, for New Federal Theatre, Black Spectrum Theatre; Billie Holliday Theatre, The Hadley Players, New Heritage Repertory Theatre; National Black Theatre - these theatres have been around. They are doing it! “
What do you see as the future of Black Theatre? “Whatever the future of Black people are in America, it’s tied in to the future of Black Theatre. Black Aesthetics. However way Black go is the way Black Theatre will go.”
That said, I know you will definitely want to go and be among those who salute the greatness that is Woodie King Jr., and the monumental contributions that he and the New Federal have made specifically to the Black community, and to the world at large.
So break out your most elegant attire and be there, front and center at the Edison Ballroom, Sunday, May 22 at the Edison Theatre, 240 W. 47th Street, in the heart of the Theatre District. You can make reservations by calling (212) 838-2660 x 14.
Beyond that, of course, is to continue to be the supportive audience, responsive and appreciative of the valiant efforts on the part of our Black actors, actresses, musicians, producers, directors - who keep giving us their creative and soulful best.
STAY BLESSED &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Now it can be told: As a kid in Oklahoma City, I was in every play and Christmas pageant in both my school and church. At Douglas Sr. High, I played Beneatha Younger in Raisin in the Sun. In fact, I was a card carrying member of the National Thespian Society, and proudly wore my gold Janus pin. I loved acting and performing, and, though I never pursued the field professionally, have always had a deep admiration and respect for those who do it so well. And somehow or other, I have always tried to in some small way, be in contact or involved with those in the field who have kept us entertained.
So it is with a great deal of pleasure that I write this piece in reference to a friend, Woodie King Jr, a brother whom I consider the tops in his field. He has always set the bar high when it comes to the theatre, and has consistently done so for 40 years. He is to be congratulated, revered, emulated, respected and celebrated for his accomplishments.
And that is why on Sunday, May 22, the luminaries of stage, screen and television will turn out in grand style as Woodie King celebrates the New Federal Theatre’s 40th Anniversary at a gala awards ceremony to be held at the Edison Ballroom.
Woodie King Jr - legendary dynamic director, producer, actor, writer that he is - founded the New Federal Theatre in 1970 at the Henry Street Settlement’s Arts for Living Center in the Abron Arts Theatre, located in the multicultural Lower East Side. Just a little historical note: The New Federal Theatre was named after the African American branch of the Federal Theatre Project in the 1930s. It is dedicated to works by African American, women and minority artists. The group often collaborates with the Public Theatre.
Many a career has been launched on the stage under the direction of Woodie, including, but not limited to, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Debbie Allen, Phylicia Rashad, Robert Downey, Jr., Garrett Morris, Ruby Dee, Samuel L. Jackson, Laurence Fishburne, the ever glamorous Lynn Whitfield, among a great many others. Many Black writers likewise were featured first at New Federal Theatre, including E Bullins, Amiri Baraka, Samm-Art Williams, Richard Abrons, Ntozake Shange, and a host of others.
And while we will be celebrating this wonderful milestone, Woodie has chosen his own pantheon of honorees, to share the limelight with him: including Ruby Dee, Sidney Portier, Ntozake Shange, Alicia Keys, Imhotep Gary Byrd, Amiri Baraka, George Faison, The Rev. Malcolm Boyd, Elizabeth I. McCann, Carla Pinza, Terrie Williams, former New York City Mayor David N. Dinkins, and Sylvia Spinkle Hamlin, Executive Producer of the National Black Theatre Festival.
Actress Lynn Whitfield and CBS News Anchor, Randall Pinkston will serve as co-hosts. Co-Chairs are Laurence Fishburne, Susan Taylor and John Morning. The great Maya Angelou serves as Honorary Chair. This gives you some idea of the momentousness of this occasion.
Forty years of continuous existence is indeed something to celebrate, in an era where most marriages don’t last that long. It is a tribute to Woodie King Jr., a man who has never strayed from his mission to integrate Black actors, writers and talent into the mainstream American theatre by training artists for the profession and by presenting plays by Blacks, minorities and women into integrated, multicultural audiences. American Visions has called Woodie King, Jr., the "king of black theater producers,” and rightly so, considering that he has either produced and/or directed at least 200 plays; not to mention his vast body of written work for stage, screen and television.
At a recently held press conference, which was catered by none other than Norma Jean Darden of SpoonBread, I had an opportunity to interview Woodie, as well as Ms. Ruby Dee (my heroine), Gary Byrd (GBE), Ntozake Shange, and Lamman Rucker, who was there on behalf of the National Black Theatre Festival. Also present at the press conference were Lynn Whitfield, George Faison, Amiri Baraka, Terrie Williams, Carla Pinza, and Cliff Frazier. I couldn’t help but feel as though I was in a privileged space. In the South they would have called it walking in high cotton.
Gary Byrd, host, producer, creator of the GBE (Global has the distinction of having the longest running Black radio broadcast in the history of New York. I asked him how it felt to be recognized for his work accomplishments after having gone through so many challenges over the past few years. He responded, “I was thinking about it today; and two words came to me “Overjoyed!” and “overwhelmed”. I’m overjoyed by, I think first of all, Woodie and the New Federal Theatre in terms of the terrain they covered to get here.” He admitted that he had had aspirations for the stage, and had been discovered as an actor prior to going into radio. Byrd had emigrated from Buffalo to Manhattan, and had the privilege of being mentored by Hal Jackson. His accomplishments as a spoken word artist, on air personality, songwriter are legendary, and include a body of work he co-wrote and co-produced with Stevie Wonder under the Wonder-Byrd title, including Village Ghetto Land and Black Man, which were featured on Stevie Wonder’s “Songs In the Key of Life.”
Going forward, Gary plans to write and produce stage productions based on the lyrics and themes of these songs. “Interestingly enough, I’m going to use my own personal catalogue first. Songs that I’ve written; some of the things I’ve done with Stevie (Wonder); some of my original things, like Every Brother Ain’t a Brother.” On Stevie’s side, “You Wear the Crown,” “Village Ghettoland.” I’m really literally going to write plays on those themes,” he quipped enthusiastically.
Ntozake Shange, whose “choreo poem” For Colored Girls Who Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf was produced at the New Federal Theatre in the 70’s stated: “When I first met Woodie, he was amazing to me. It was stunning to me when I first came to New York. And it’s an amazing honor to be included as an awardee.”
Ms. Ruby Dee, the Grand Diva of them all, gave me a few minutes of her time to relate her feelings about Woodie King, Jr., the New Federal Theatre, and being selected as an honoree:
“I can’t tell you how pleased I am at this forty years! What Woodie has done - he has established what I call one of the womb places; where people like me got started, from the street corners and the church basements, the living rooms and libraries; and sometimes in schools, and then working out on street corners when the City let us. People don’t remember what a sacrifice it was! And that those of us who had jobs got paid. When you got spaces like in the library, we’d shovel the snow and cleaned up the basements - I mean, whatever it took - and the sacrifices. People like Woodie … The womb people, but for these people, wed still be creeping down the steps of the library - they let us have that little space with 6 cents in the treasury. All those people who made those kinds of sacrifices. We called the New Federal Theatre the womb place; it was full of all of those kinds of people, and it had a kind of - meaning in the lives of so many people.”
When I asked her what she saw as the future of Black Theatre, she responded: “I see an explosion of new Black writers, actors and new ideas, and the confidence to try things - and I’m one of them. If it hadn’t been for Woodie and Joe Papp, they did my first musical - I did three musicals with them because I could come to places like the New Federal Theatre.”
Lamman Rucker, of Meet the Browns and Angels Over Tuskeegee, an enthusiastic fan of Woodie’s spoke eloquently of his interaction with him: “I come from the tradition and the standards - the high standards - that was established by Mr. King. So I stand here as one of the younger - I say - examples of what this work and what this sacrifice breeds. What this work and this sacrifice, and these tireless towers of creation and creativity, and the festivals, and rewrites and endless work; and they all know it because we live it.”
He continued, “I was always that kid that wanted to be Ossie Davis and have a beautiful woman like Ruby Dee by my side. I wanted to be Sidney Portier, I wanted to be Paul Robeson and Harry Belafonte, a father figure like you know Canada Lee -the people that lived in me, and lived through me. I wanted to dance like George (Faison). And no mistake, I can dance. We had to be able to do it all - act sing dance- be a triple threat - and bring it!” And that was just his statement for openers. Representing the upcoming National Black Theatre Festival, which will take place this summer in North Carolina, Rucker stated that he had met Woodie while in college honing his dramatic skills.
I, of course, had to ask him about what it was like working with Tyler Perry, who has featured him in several of his movies, as well as the current TV comedy hit, Meet the Browns: "It’s great working with Tyler, and in a way, I’m almost a representative of his too. I mean I don’t do the stage play work, but, the way Tyler has established himself, and established his work, is again an example of what’s been learned, what’s been taught by these same people. How to be self produced; how to create your own opportunity; create opportunity for other people.
So I’m happy for him; and I’m happy for Mr. Woodie King Jr. Woodie’s like my theatre Godfather you know."
This blog input would not be complete without some words from Woodie King Jr.:
When asked how does it feels to celebrate 40 years, he responded, “It feels great, you know to have been around for 40 years; and starting that theatre when it was kind of barren out here. A year after we started the Black exploitation movies and all that stuff just flooded the market. Just inundated everything. And so we thought that this was the end. That this was where it was going to go. But fortunately we had a hit play every year from 1971 through 1982. And that just gave New Federal Theatre and unbelievable amount of visibility to our artists and writers across America. So we think our contribution to the American Theatre has been exceptional."
For those of us who recall the days of Blaxploitation movies, we can be grateful that Woodie persevered. Not only were they stereotypical, they were, in the main, a diversion from so many Black movies that were of merit; and appealed to the lowest common denominator in the community. Woodie, on the other hand, gave voice and visibility to some of the great talent of the day that were either ignored or overlooked by that genre.
1982, according to Woodie, was the beginning of a period when whites began to produce Black plays, cutting in to the New Federal Theatre and other Black theatre Black production company’s role in providing access to Black audiences, as well as their funding.
According to Woodie, “A hit play can take care of that company and artist for five years. And after 82 the system in New York Changed in the way that things are produced. White people began to produce Black plays, suddenly. And white people began to get the funding that we had gotten up until then to do these plays. Because before then, they weren’t interested.”
His thoughtful response to the question, in addition to this 40 milestone; of what are you most proud:“Well for having just existed for 40 years; for having been around; Most theatres close after five or ten years; most Black organizations; in that regard, for New Federal Theatre, Black Spectrum Theatre; Billie Holliday Theatre, The Hadley Players, New Heritage Repertory Theatre; National Black Theatre - these theatres have been around. They are doing it! “
What do you see as the future of Black Theatre? “Whatever the future of Black people are in America, it’s tied in to the future of Black Theatre. Black Aesthetics. However way Black go is the way Black Theatre will go.”
That said, I know you will definitely want to go and be among those who salute the greatness that is Woodie King Jr., and the monumental contributions that he and the New Federal have made specifically to the Black community, and to the world at large.
So break out your most elegant attire and be there, front and center at the Edison Ballroom, Sunday, May 22 at the Edison Theatre, 240 W. 47th Street, in the heart of the Theatre District. You can make reservations by calling (212) 838-2660 x 14.
Beyond that, of course, is to continue to be the supportive audience, responsive and appreciative of the valiant efforts on the part of our Black actors, actresses, musicians, producers, directors - who keep giving us their creative and soulful best.
STAY BLESSED &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
5.08.2011
HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY TO ALL MY BLACK SISTER/MOMS
by Gloria Dulan-Wilson
I am so proud to be a Black Mom. I've been a mom for quite some time now, and have three beautiful adult children and five grand children to prove it. Being a Black mother is infinitely more significant, and difficult, than just being the greeting card mother that you see in the Hallmark Greeting.
Black Motherhood requires specialized knowledge, mission, purpose, love and steadfastness that mainstream mothers don't have to deal with, and are not even aware of.
My mother, who went through so much to raise me, had a double whammy, because I was the proverbial worm in hot ashes. I was always trying to go where I wasn't supposed to go, just to see what would happen. She was always having to take extra measures to protect me from my adventuresome spirit - and I was always trying to get around it. And of course, mouthing off, with the usual consequences. And I could never seem to get home when I said I was, causing her to have to wait up and worry about where I was and what I was getting into; worse yet, if I was okay or had I met some horrible accident. (And the reality of it was that had she told my dad half the stuff I was getting into while he was at work, I would have truly been dead meat).
She once warned me that when I had children of my own she hoped that I would go through the same nonsense I put her through, so I could see how it felt. I think all our parents told us the same thing - "Wait until it's your turn - you'll see what it's like!" Remember?
And I am here to say, thank goodness that my kids did not do that - though they did give me occasions to want to tear my hair out by the roots.
I remember that I definitely was a hand full as a kid, "more mouth than brains", my mom would say. But Aries kids have a tendency to be that way. We're always in a hurry to get to the next level; be the first to do the next thing. That was me. My mom, a sweet, dreamy, ethereal Pisces would look at me and wonder if I was ever going to sit still. Would I ever stay clean; stop turning flips, or climbing monkey bars. Would I ever stop trying to eat, chew, talk, swallow, dance, and run at the same time. But, if I was still for ten minutes, she would come in to see what the heck I was up to now. Because surely I was more than likely into something I had no business doing. And usually she was right, much to my chagrin.
There was very little I could fool my mother about. She always had my number. She really, literally had eyes in the back of her head; she could decipher even the most intricate concoction I could make up. If I was in a rush to go somewhere, catch up with someone, she would not let me leave until I completely finished what I was working on, even if she had to sit on me.
If I talked back, or made some snide remark, sucked my teeth, rolled my eyes, slammed the door, stormed out of the room, Mrs. Ruby Love Dulan would put me in check in a heartbeat. Today they call it child abuse, but it was absolutely discipline. The kind of discipline that kept you off the streets, out of jail, off drugs; the kind of discipline that made sure you got to school on time, were respectful to the teacher, did your home work; learned, progressed and grew up to be more than just a walking mound of flesh.
My mother taught me that if you loved a child, you disciplined them; you taught them right from wrong; you kept them involved in meaningful endeavors, even if they didn't want to be. My mother taught me to look down the road and see where it would lead your child if you did or didn't do what all Black mothers must to if they want to see their child survive and do well in a hostile world. And at the same time keeping all that hostility, negativity, and racism at bay. Surrounding us with positive Black images of heroes and sheroes who had accomplished, and were accomplishing great things. We always had subscriptions of Crises Magazine, Ebony, Jet, Tan, Sepia, Journal of Negro Life and History (Carter G. Woodson's publication); along with Cosmopolitan, Better Homes & Gardens; Seventeen Magazine; and a full set of both the World Book and the Encyclopedia Britannica; Compton's Pictured Encyclopedia and Gray's Anatomy. And we had better read each and every one of them. Non-negotiable.
My mother loved me (us, there were four of us - Brenda, Warner, Sylvester and me) to life, like most Black mothers - as well as the rest of the kids in my neighborhood. And if they hadn't we'd be a generation of statistics.
What I learned about raising Black children, about sticking with them through thick and thin, about discipline, I learned from my mother, and all the mothers in my Oklahoma City community who were likewise raising my peers. And they were all of one mind - so no matter where you were, if my mother wasn't around and my classmate's mother was, she would be just as likely to correct me as my own mother would.
Fortunately for me and my kids, I had friends like that here in New York City. They had my back with my kids, and I had their backs with theirs. We each retained those values from our childhood. Of course, my kids were absolute darlings - ask any of my friends who knew me when I was raising them - I was always bragging on them - so much so, they would frequently ask me "how many kids did you say you had?" (as you can see, I am still a bragging parent).
Actually, my kids were so wonderful because, like my mother, I put the fear (or love) of God into them from day one - practically in utero. There were non-negotiable items that I had learned from my mom that I kept in tact as I raised my three, that I now see replicated as they raise theirs. Getting a good education was and is and always be a non-negotiable item in my family; as is love and respect for elders (parents and others); knowing and respecting your history is totally non-negotiable; as is discipline and self development. My kids like me, were raised to be proud of our heritage, and to make sure that that was passed on to their children as well.
Not only do I see that in my family, but with my Black Sister/Moms, who have likewise raised their offspring wisely and well. So this greeting for MOTHER'S DAY goes out to all of you - wherever you are, including, but not limited to RUBY LOVE (my Mother) KIRA (my daughter), TRACI (my daughter-in-law); BRENDA (my sister); ANNIE G. (best friend); BOBBI (sister/friend); DOROTHY PITTMAN-HUGHES (sister/friend); SANDRA (sister/friend); ANNETTE (soror/sister/friend); ANNELL (sister/friend); NORMA (partner/mom); CHERYLE (partner/friend); CAROL B. (soror/classmate/friend)...and all those Black mothers who made and continue to make a way out of no way; who instilled all the wonderful traditions and teachings that have made us the great people we are from the beginning of time.
We know that there is truly no other mother like the BLACK mother because we have to go that extra distance, take that extra stand, reach deeper, push harder, dream bigger, nurture, sacrifice, shield and share more than any mother on this planet to make sure that our beautiful Black children live, grow, survive and thrive and make their mark in this world.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TODAY AND EVERY DAY BECAUSE WE MAKE IT HAPPEN EACH AND EVERY DAY!
STAY BLESSED &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
I am so proud to be a Black Mom. I've been a mom for quite some time now, and have three beautiful adult children and five grand children to prove it. Being a Black mother is infinitely more significant, and difficult, than just being the greeting card mother that you see in the Hallmark Greeting.
Black Motherhood requires specialized knowledge, mission, purpose, love and steadfastness that mainstream mothers don't have to deal with, and are not even aware of.
My mother, who went through so much to raise me, had a double whammy, because I was the proverbial worm in hot ashes. I was always trying to go where I wasn't supposed to go, just to see what would happen. She was always having to take extra measures to protect me from my adventuresome spirit - and I was always trying to get around it. And of course, mouthing off, with the usual consequences. And I could never seem to get home when I said I was, causing her to have to wait up and worry about where I was and what I was getting into; worse yet, if I was okay or had I met some horrible accident. (And the reality of it was that had she told my dad half the stuff I was getting into while he was at work, I would have truly been dead meat).
She once warned me that when I had children of my own she hoped that I would go through the same nonsense I put her through, so I could see how it felt. I think all our parents told us the same thing - "Wait until it's your turn - you'll see what it's like!" Remember?
And I am here to say, thank goodness that my kids did not do that - though they did give me occasions to want to tear my hair out by the roots.
I remember that I definitely was a hand full as a kid, "more mouth than brains", my mom would say. But Aries kids have a tendency to be that way. We're always in a hurry to get to the next level; be the first to do the next thing. That was me. My mom, a sweet, dreamy, ethereal Pisces would look at me and wonder if I was ever going to sit still. Would I ever stay clean; stop turning flips, or climbing monkey bars. Would I ever stop trying to eat, chew, talk, swallow, dance, and run at the same time. But, if I was still for ten minutes, she would come in to see what the heck I was up to now. Because surely I was more than likely into something I had no business doing. And usually she was right, much to my chagrin.
There was very little I could fool my mother about. She always had my number. She really, literally had eyes in the back of her head; she could decipher even the most intricate concoction I could make up. If I was in a rush to go somewhere, catch up with someone, she would not let me leave until I completely finished what I was working on, even if she had to sit on me.
If I talked back, or made some snide remark, sucked my teeth, rolled my eyes, slammed the door, stormed out of the room, Mrs. Ruby Love Dulan would put me in check in a heartbeat. Today they call it child abuse, but it was absolutely discipline. The kind of discipline that kept you off the streets, out of jail, off drugs; the kind of discipline that made sure you got to school on time, were respectful to the teacher, did your home work; learned, progressed and grew up to be more than just a walking mound of flesh.
My mother taught me that if you loved a child, you disciplined them; you taught them right from wrong; you kept them involved in meaningful endeavors, even if they didn't want to be. My mother taught me to look down the road and see where it would lead your child if you did or didn't do what all Black mothers must to if they want to see their child survive and do well in a hostile world. And at the same time keeping all that hostility, negativity, and racism at bay. Surrounding us with positive Black images of heroes and sheroes who had accomplished, and were accomplishing great things. We always had subscriptions of Crises Magazine, Ebony, Jet, Tan, Sepia, Journal of Negro Life and History (Carter G. Woodson's publication); along with Cosmopolitan, Better Homes & Gardens; Seventeen Magazine; and a full set of both the World Book and the Encyclopedia Britannica; Compton's Pictured Encyclopedia and Gray's Anatomy. And we had better read each and every one of them. Non-negotiable.
My mother loved me (us, there were four of us - Brenda, Warner, Sylvester and me) to life, like most Black mothers - as well as the rest of the kids in my neighborhood. And if they hadn't we'd be a generation of statistics.
What I learned about raising Black children, about sticking with them through thick and thin, about discipline, I learned from my mother, and all the mothers in my Oklahoma City community who were likewise raising my peers. And they were all of one mind - so no matter where you were, if my mother wasn't around and my classmate's mother was, she would be just as likely to correct me as my own mother would.
Fortunately for me and my kids, I had friends like that here in New York City. They had my back with my kids, and I had their backs with theirs. We each retained those values from our childhood. Of course, my kids were absolute darlings - ask any of my friends who knew me when I was raising them - I was always bragging on them - so much so, they would frequently ask me "how many kids did you say you had?" (as you can see, I am still a bragging parent).
Actually, my kids were so wonderful because, like my mother, I put the fear (or love) of God into them from day one - practically in utero. There were non-negotiable items that I had learned from my mom that I kept in tact as I raised my three, that I now see replicated as they raise theirs. Getting a good education was and is and always be a non-negotiable item in my family; as is love and respect for elders (parents and others); knowing and respecting your history is totally non-negotiable; as is discipline and self development. My kids like me, were raised to be proud of our heritage, and to make sure that that was passed on to their children as well.
Not only do I see that in my family, but with my Black Sister/Moms, who have likewise raised their offspring wisely and well. So this greeting for MOTHER'S DAY goes out to all of you - wherever you are, including, but not limited to RUBY LOVE (my Mother) KIRA (my daughter), TRACI (my daughter-in-law); BRENDA (my sister); ANNIE G. (best friend); BOBBI (sister/friend); DOROTHY PITTMAN-HUGHES (sister/friend); SANDRA (sister/friend); ANNETTE (soror/sister/friend); ANNELL (sister/friend); NORMA (partner/mom); CHERYLE (partner/friend); CAROL B. (soror/classmate/friend)...and all those Black mothers who made and continue to make a way out of no way; who instilled all the wonderful traditions and teachings that have made us the great people we are from the beginning of time.
We know that there is truly no other mother like the BLACK mother because we have to go that extra distance, take that extra stand, reach deeper, push harder, dream bigger, nurture, sacrifice, shield and share more than any mother on this planet to make sure that our beautiful Black children live, grow, survive and thrive and make their mark in this world.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TODAY AND EVERY DAY BECAUSE WE MAKE IT HAPPEN EACH AND EVERY DAY!
STAY BLESSED &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
5.05.2011
Medgar Evers College Students' Petition for Sunshine Meeting Ignored by Pollard
by Gloria Dulan-Wilson
An article appeared recently in a local Black Newspaper alleging that Medgar Evers College students did not know what was going on on the campus; and that there was a great deal of confusion, ignorance, mis-information and misunderstanding swirling around the controversy of newly appointed William Pollard, who was broughtin to replace 20-year president Edison O. Jackson.
According to the students, this was patently untrue. In fact, just after that edition, MEC students held a demonstration against Pollard outside the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), {in the freezing cold} protesting his giving the keynote speech for the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday celebration.
Additionally, other students, some of whom were members of the NAACP, attempted to engage President Pollard in why he had elected to dismiss the Black Think Tank from the campus; evicted the Center for NU Leadership, after having confiscated their computers; why it was that the Bunche DuBois center had likewise been evicted; and why he had cancelled a contract with Carver Bank (a Black bank) in favor of a contract with CitiBank. In order to quash their stand, the NAACP Youth Council was severely reprimanded, {allegedly by none other than Hazel Dukes, who, it was later learned, had been friends with the wife of the ersatz President}. To the NAACP students’ dismay, rather than being rewarded and complimented for taking a principled stand for their rights, and for upholding the mission of Medgar Evers College as a COMMUNIVERSITY {a fitting term coined by Major Owens, Congressman, Retired, who was one of founding members of Medgar Evers College}. Principles which most of us who grew up in the NAACP Youth Council were taught from Day One {including yours truly - I cut my teeth on Civil Rights in the NAACP's Youth Council at the tender age of 10}. Unlike us, however, MEC NAACP students were silenced, censured, and booted from the campus! The young lady, who was President of the college chapter, is now totally intimidated and disillusioned {way to encourage our youth to be involved, right? The idea is to pass the baton, not hit them in the head with it; mentor, not demean.}
It is clear that the Medgar Evers students not only know what's going on, but that they don’t like it. They are holding weekly poetry slams and fact finding meetings as we speak, to garner the additional support necessary to make sure that Medgar Evers College is still a Black College when they return in the Fall. From so many indications, there's danger of it becoming other than that.
And while these students are juggling between work, study and civic actions, tt is also true that their efforts are not being honored, or respected by the defacto college president, who chose to ignore their most recent request for an audience with him. He, likewise, appears to be ignoring a petition that was presented to him, which had been circulated around the campus with more than 500 (and counting) signatures, demanding both audience and answers.
The petition, which has 31 questions gathered from a poll of Medgar Evers students printed on the reverse side (see below), was given to Pollard prior to the Spring and Easter Break. Thus far, as of today, May 5, 2011, he has neither answered them, nor responded to the petition.
This is the petition below - my comments are in brackets:
STUDENT PETITION FOR A SUNSHINE MEETING
In our democratic country of America, the people have a right to TRANSPERANCY. This means that any activities utilizing tax payer funds must be open to the public review. We are respectfully requesting that Medgar Evers College President, Dr. William Pollard, and his executive cabinet, convene a special meeting to answer basic questions about problems which impact students and faculty. We, the undersigned students consider it necessary to have a TRANSPARENCY meeting in order for students to obtain a clear understanding of the critical plans and actions now taking place in our school. (See Questions on the back of the Petition)* Please provide at least one week notice for the meeting date.
The questions were compiled, and the signatures gathered by the Ad-Hoc Committee for Truth Search (Gracia Branch and Bonita Grant)
The Questions, which follow, show that the students know what’s up, and want answers and action:
1. Can you begin the meeting with full disclosure of the college buget and current expenditures?
2. Will more money be made available for student scholarship, computers, the writing lab, the learning center, more library assistance, etc?
3. How was 1.2 million dollars ($600,000 per year for two years) from the Federal predominantly Black Colleges Program spent?
4. Who paid for he $100,000 dollars student trip to Brazil, and when will the students report on their learning experiences there?
5. What was the amount of money spent for single hotel rooms for an overnight stay in Albany for certain privileged students?
6. Who ordered deluxe jackets for $350 each and distributed them to a select few?
7. Did Medgar Evers (college) lose a $20,000 deposit on the Javits Center commencement site reservation?
8. Why has the college spent more than $100,000 on advertisement and publicity campaign?
9. Did the college refuse capital funds that could meet some of our student needs?
10. Why do so many of Medgar Evers college students fail to get the maximum financial aid from Pell Grants?
11. When will your office provide a Master Plan to guide the college for the next five years?
12. What steps have you taken to help faculty and staff understand that CUNY was established to educate the children of working class families?
13. Do you fully support the goals articulated by the community leaders when Medgar Evers was founded?
14. Why did you end the “direct admission” policy which gave priority to the high school graduates of Central Brooklyn?
15. What will you do about highly educated faculty members who give their lectures and then race out of the classrooms and are never available for student consultation?
16. In evaluating faculty, does the committee consider their degree of dedication and commitment?
17. Why are certain very effective faculty members not being reappointed?
18. Why are you dismantling CENTERS at Medgar Evers, while other CUNY colleges are encouraging (and establishing/funding) CENTERS?
19. Why have you exhibited (so) much hostility to a community-based program for ex-offenders { referring to Center For Nu Leadership - which has been evicted from the campus}?
20. Why are you encouraging District Attorney Hynes to use Medgar Evers College to bolster his political image, while he allows increasing crime in our neighborhoods to go unchecked?
21. Why is it so hard for students to get proper advice concerning their academic programs?
22. What is the reason for the constant turnover of our academic advisors?
23. Is your administration planning to better train the staff that is responsible for admissions, financial aid, registration, bursar duties etc?
24. Are you willing to establish a special telephone complaint center (211 phone number) with rapid response to student grievances?
25. Why are staff members never discipline for openly displaying a hostile attitude towards students?
26. Do clerks, secretaries and custodians have tenure?
27. Why is it so complicated to get books that have been put on reserve, and to make copies?
28. Are there irregularities in the administration of student government funds, and is your office conducting an investigation?
29. Do you have hours posted that are available for the students who want an appointment with you? {and if so, where are they, and when are they?}
30. Is it true that you refuse to accept residence in our local community, and CUNY agreed to pay several million dollars for you condo located in Williamsburg?
31. Will you support the establishment of a field house and physical fitness center at the Armory located a few blocks away from Medgar Evers on Bedford Avenue between President and Union Streets? {1579 Bedford Avenue to be exact; it was just learned that the State of New York turned the facility over to the City of New York - the students are seeking assistance from elected officials and representatives, who must move fast in order not to have it turned into yet another homeless shelter in their community}.
Medgar Evers students range in age from 18 to 80; some are just starting out in college, some are returning after having raised their children; some are trying to turn their lives around. Medgar Evers College was established to address the needs of all these people. It is New York's ONLY BLACK COLLEGE! The community must stand with their students, who are their children, neighbors, associates, friends, in making sure that Medgar Evers Mission and pledge to the community is not violated, and tossed aside.
The students are doing their part, and it's time for us to do ours: If you are interested and concerned about the fate of Medgar Evers College, contact the Medgar Evers Coalition at (718) 710-4528; visit the website www.MEfortheCommunity.org; and participate in their meetings, held each Thursday from 7:00pm - 9:00pm (call for location).
Civil Rights leader MEDGAR EVERS, former Field Secretary for the NAACP, fought against injustice in his community and beyond. Our COMMUNIVERSITY and the people of the community must stand together to make sure that his name and his legacy are not violated by those who have no understanding, care, concern or respect for us, our culture, our history, or our future.
Take care &
STAY BLESSED &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
An article appeared recently in a local Black Newspaper alleging that Medgar Evers College students did not know what was going on on the campus; and that there was a great deal of confusion, ignorance, mis-information and misunderstanding swirling around the controversy of newly appointed William Pollard, who was broughtin to replace 20-year president Edison O. Jackson.
According to the students, this was patently untrue. In fact, just after that edition, MEC students held a demonstration against Pollard outside the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), {in the freezing cold} protesting his giving the keynote speech for the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday celebration.
Additionally, other students, some of whom were members of the NAACP, attempted to engage President Pollard in why he had elected to dismiss the Black Think Tank from the campus; evicted the Center for NU Leadership, after having confiscated their computers; why it was that the Bunche DuBois center had likewise been evicted; and why he had cancelled a contract with Carver Bank (a Black bank) in favor of a contract with CitiBank. In order to quash their stand, the NAACP Youth Council was severely reprimanded, {allegedly by none other than Hazel Dukes, who, it was later learned, had been friends with the wife of the ersatz President}. To the NAACP students’ dismay, rather than being rewarded and complimented for taking a principled stand for their rights, and for upholding the mission of Medgar Evers College as a COMMUNIVERSITY {a fitting term coined by Major Owens, Congressman, Retired, who was one of founding members of Medgar Evers College}. Principles which most of us who grew up in the NAACP Youth Council were taught from Day One {including yours truly - I cut my teeth on Civil Rights in the NAACP's Youth Council at the tender age of 10}. Unlike us, however, MEC NAACP students were silenced, censured, and booted from the campus! The young lady, who was President of the college chapter, is now totally intimidated and disillusioned {way to encourage our youth to be involved, right? The idea is to pass the baton, not hit them in the head with it; mentor, not demean.}
It is clear that the Medgar Evers students not only know what's going on, but that they don’t like it. They are holding weekly poetry slams and fact finding meetings as we speak, to garner the additional support necessary to make sure that Medgar Evers College is still a Black College when they return in the Fall. From so many indications, there's danger of it becoming other than that.
And while these students are juggling between work, study and civic actions, tt is also true that their efforts are not being honored, or respected by the defacto college president, who chose to ignore their most recent request for an audience with him. He, likewise, appears to be ignoring a petition that was presented to him, which had been circulated around the campus with more than 500 (and counting) signatures, demanding both audience and answers.
The petition, which has 31 questions gathered from a poll of Medgar Evers students printed on the reverse side (see below), was given to Pollard prior to the Spring and Easter Break. Thus far, as of today, May 5, 2011, he has neither answered them, nor responded to the petition.
This is the petition below - my comments are in brackets:
STUDENT PETITION FOR A SUNSHINE MEETING
In our democratic country of America, the people have a right to TRANSPERANCY. This means that any activities utilizing tax payer funds must be open to the public review. We are respectfully requesting that Medgar Evers College President, Dr. William Pollard, and his executive cabinet, convene a special meeting to answer basic questions about problems which impact students and faculty. We, the undersigned students consider it necessary to have a TRANSPARENCY meeting in order for students to obtain a clear understanding of the critical plans and actions now taking place in our school. (See Questions on the back of the Petition)* Please provide at least one week notice for the meeting date.
The questions were compiled, and the signatures gathered by the Ad-Hoc Committee for Truth Search (Gracia Branch and Bonita Grant)
The Questions, which follow, show that the students know what’s up, and want answers and action:
1. Can you begin the meeting with full disclosure of the college buget and current expenditures?
2. Will more money be made available for student scholarship, computers, the writing lab, the learning center, more library assistance, etc?
3. How was 1.2 million dollars ($600,000 per year for two years) from the Federal predominantly Black Colleges Program spent?
4. Who paid for he $100,000 dollars student trip to Brazil, and when will the students report on their learning experiences there?
5. What was the amount of money spent for single hotel rooms for an overnight stay in Albany for certain privileged students?
6. Who ordered deluxe jackets for $350 each and distributed them to a select few?
7. Did Medgar Evers (college) lose a $20,000 deposit on the Javits Center commencement site reservation?
8. Why has the college spent more than $100,000 on advertisement and publicity campaign?
9. Did the college refuse capital funds that could meet some of our student needs?
10. Why do so many of Medgar Evers college students fail to get the maximum financial aid from Pell Grants?
11. When will your office provide a Master Plan to guide the college for the next five years?
12. What steps have you taken to help faculty and staff understand that CUNY was established to educate the children of working class families?
13. Do you fully support the goals articulated by the community leaders when Medgar Evers was founded?
14. Why did you end the “direct admission” policy which gave priority to the high school graduates of Central Brooklyn?
15. What will you do about highly educated faculty members who give their lectures and then race out of the classrooms and are never available for student consultation?
16. In evaluating faculty, does the committee consider their degree of dedication and commitment?
17. Why are certain very effective faculty members not being reappointed?
18. Why are you dismantling CENTERS at Medgar Evers, while other CUNY colleges are encouraging (and establishing/funding) CENTERS?
19. Why have you exhibited (so) much hostility to a community-based program for ex-offenders { referring to Center For Nu Leadership - which has been evicted from the campus}?
20. Why are you encouraging District Attorney Hynes to use Medgar Evers College to bolster his political image, while he allows increasing crime in our neighborhoods to go unchecked?
21. Why is it so hard for students to get proper advice concerning their academic programs?
22. What is the reason for the constant turnover of our academic advisors?
23. Is your administration planning to better train the staff that is responsible for admissions, financial aid, registration, bursar duties etc?
24. Are you willing to establish a special telephone complaint center (211 phone number) with rapid response to student grievances?
25. Why are staff members never discipline for openly displaying a hostile attitude towards students?
26. Do clerks, secretaries and custodians have tenure?
27. Why is it so complicated to get books that have been put on reserve, and to make copies?
28. Are there irregularities in the administration of student government funds, and is your office conducting an investigation?
29. Do you have hours posted that are available for the students who want an appointment with you? {and if so, where are they, and when are they?}
30. Is it true that you refuse to accept residence in our local community, and CUNY agreed to pay several million dollars for you condo located in Williamsburg?
31. Will you support the establishment of a field house and physical fitness center at the Armory located a few blocks away from Medgar Evers on Bedford Avenue between President and Union Streets? {1579 Bedford Avenue to be exact; it was just learned that the State of New York turned the facility over to the City of New York - the students are seeking assistance from elected officials and representatives, who must move fast in order not to have it turned into yet another homeless shelter in their community}.
Medgar Evers students range in age from 18 to 80; some are just starting out in college, some are returning after having raised their children; some are trying to turn their lives around. Medgar Evers College was established to address the needs of all these people. It is New York's ONLY BLACK COLLEGE! The community must stand with their students, who are their children, neighbors, associates, friends, in making sure that Medgar Evers Mission and pledge to the community is not violated, and tossed aside.
The students are doing their part, and it's time for us to do ours: If you are interested and concerned about the fate of Medgar Evers College, contact the Medgar Evers Coalition at (718) 710-4528; visit the website www.MEfortheCommunity.org; and participate in their meetings, held each Thursday from 7:00pm - 9:00pm (call for location).
Civil Rights leader MEDGAR EVERS, former Field Secretary for the NAACP, fought against injustice in his community and beyond. Our COMMUNIVERSITY and the people of the community must stand together to make sure that his name and his legacy are not violated by those who have no understanding, care, concern or respect for us, our culture, our history, or our future.
Take care &
STAY BLESSED &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
5.03.2011
President Obama Keeps His Word Again - Now it's time to keep ours: BOYCOTT TRUMP
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Osama bin Laden has been captured and killed. This information shot across my computer screen while I was working on transcribing a recent interview. At first I thought, okaaay, this is some kind of spam or joke. But when the following message indicated that the President would be addressing us from the White House -and it was after 11:00pm, I realized, this is serious.
How proud are we of our President for having led the charge, and as usual, kept his promise, to do what he said he would do?? He pledged to get Osama bin Laden - and he did it. But what I really, really appreciated, was the cool, calm, caring debonair demeanor he assumed as he made his announcement.
No gloating, no pompous bombacity - no "mission accomplished" sneers. No! Our President - The President of the United States of America the new and improved President of the United States of America, Barack Obama - first of all addressed the families of those who had met their demise at the hands of Bin Laden during the tragedy of 9/11. Then he commended those soldiers who had valiantly worked to track him down over the past ten years, going into Afghanistan, risking life and limb to bring Bin Laden to justice.
He, likewise, gave the Pakistanis their due for their cooperation in helping to identify and locate bin Laden's lair. He was, in other words, a true dignitary, worthy of the mantle PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. And, while the death of anyone is nothing to applaud, I applauded the fact that this indeed brings closure to the illusive criminal who was the mastermind behind the devastation that rocked my city and my country, killed thousands of innocent people, and left in its wake a paranoia that America has heretofore never had to suffer. And as one who watched in horror from my living room as those planes hit that tower, and was a part of the triage that tried to save so many wounded and injured and, yes, dead, on that horrific day, I have to say to President Barack Obama: JOB WELL DONE, MY BROTHER.
While Donald Trump was contorting his face in the most demonic manner calling for certificates of live birth; while Boehner and his miscreants were gathering to take yet another bite out of the programs the President had put together for our benefit; while the tea baggers (er, party) were jumping up and down on yet another misbegotten concept, that would be sure to be to the detriment of the country in the long run, President Barack Obama was taking care of business - as usual. While the media was trying to dredge up the off shore oil spill fiasco (which really started under Bush), Obama was making decisions of a much more weightier matter. The apprehension of bin Laden, alive if possible, dead if necessary.
And he did it! Not Bush, Obama. You dig?
As I watched the President speak, and switched to different broadcasts to see what their slants were, I also realized that when it came to reporting the news, MSNBC generously re-ran his entire statement sufficiently so we could get the full measure of the magnitude of the event, as well as the stature of the man who had made it happen.
I for one am very proud of President Obama.
On ABC-TV however, George Stephanopolous interviewed more of George Bush's former aids than he did anyone from the White House. I grew tired of hearing them try to claim any share in this major victory. What was up with that? (Also, saw few, if any Black reporters at the helm talking about the significance of this latest victory on the President's part. HINT: President Obama, I am available!!)
After 9-11 Bush went into Iraq. He manipulated the emotions and fears of Americans and went after Sadam Hussein, who had absolutely nothing to do with 9/11 at all. Killed the wrong man for the wrong reason, and virtually started a war that did not need to be. The so-called weapons of mass destruction proved to be a pretext on the part of the Bush II Administration to vindicate Bush I. In the meantime, finances, resources that should have gone towards rebuilding this country, strengthening the educational system, providing jobs and health care for Americans have been siphoned off in the name of a bogus war. A war that has seen insult after insult; disgrace after disgrace sully and tarnish America's "home of the brave and land of the free" image (okay, okay, we Black Americans know that it's a facade anyway, but they took it to an even newer low - leave it to the Bushes -that's their stock in trade, seeing how low they can go before somebody actually stops them). Remember, it was they who took a surplus and turned it into a major deficit. Can you say economic downturn; mortgage backed security fiasco; predatory realty practices?
With Bin Laden out of the picture, and with the ever more vigilant forces rooting out the rest of el Quaeda, President Obama can focus on fulfilling the rest of his promises - Universal Health Care; quality education, increased quality of life; affordable housing; and gainful employment/jobs.
This also puts so you called "birthers" on notice - you do yourselves, this country, "We, the People", and our President a disservice with this racist tack that you've been fostering. Even though the proof of President Obama's birth has been presented, it was really a non-issue to begin with. A diversionary tactic to misdirect the focus on things that were really inconsequential and mediocre at the core, while other, more important issues were being neglected. It is clear that while you were working on your negative tact, President Obama was dealing with much more essential issues. So, in light of this most recent development, you are shown even more to be the fools than we even know you to be.
But your misdeeds, and that of "the Donald", will not go unnoticed or unrecompensed. WE THE PEOPLE have called for a national boycott of all things Trump - casinos, TV, health products, etc. We do not need multimillionaire racists trying to dominate the air waves, spewing hostility and negativity. Trump's message, his so-called candidacy and his TV shows are bankrupt, just like his humanity.
As our favorite comedian/philosopher, Bill Cosby, has rightly identified, the remarks Trump made about Obama are ridiculous. And for us to continue watching him, and legitimizing his crap is likewise RIDICULOUS.
A letter forwarded to me from several sources, including Bea Dupont, and my best friend, Ann in Philly, is only one of many calling for a boycott of ALL THINGS TRUMP, and should serve notice on the Trump empire:
4/28/11 Subject: Boycott The Celebrity Apprentice and All of Donald Trump's Ventures
Family & Friends, Bill Cosby slammed Trump on the Today Show regarding his ridiculous actions and remarks about our President.
Lawrence O’Donnell the host of the Last Word a program on MSNBC noted a few nights ago the ratings for The Celebrity Apprentice have been dropping since Cosby slammed Trump and also because of the statements Trump made regarding Obama. Also, NBC the station that televises the Celebrity Apprentice will decide whether or not to pick the show up for another season. The date NBC decides to pick up the show for another season is May 16th. Let’s band together and show Trump he’s not as great as he think he is. I am pleading with each of you to forward this email to all in your address book and ask them to forward it to everyone they know. We should also boycott his casinos, hotels, etc., anything with Trumps name on it. This man does not respect our President nor does he respect Black people, referring to us as “The Blacks”. So let’s show him just how important he’s not. Trump needs to pay for his outrageous antics. Please pass this along to everyone you know. Thanks
Additionally, William Reed noted in his latest piece, "NOT JUST ANOTHER EMPTY SUIT": "Seems that all America’s Black Ladies’ Clubs have banned together to "boycott Donald Trump until he admits that President Obama was born in the U.S." Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice” television show, his casinos, office buildings, and hotels, have been put in economic peril by little gray-haired Black ladies (where has this man been, we are not little old gray-haired Black ladies - look again!)
Anywaaaaay, you get the drift. Before those of you who were planning to jump ship, join the other side, or throw your hands up and throw in the towel in reference to our President, make a wrong move, check out HIS track record; not the verbiage and antics of the detractors. Remember, the enemies of Obama have had centuries of practice in detraction from the good we have done. It's nothing new. He is the target. But he is neither distracted, dismayed, nor deterred by their disses. He remains focused and on course - and we have to do likewise. He needs, and deserves, our strength and support through thick and thin. So let's be about it.
BOYCOTT TRUMP - and all his holdings - AND IF YOU HAVE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF WHAT HIS HOLDINGS AND OTHER BUSINESS VENTURES ARE AND YOU WANT ME TO POST IT, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SEND IT TO ME.
Stand and vote for those who stand for and with OBAMA. The 2012 campaign started the day before yesterday, and we're on the late show. Make no mistake about it the Repughblicans are going to try to detract from this latest in Obama's long line of victories with lies and distortions. Our job is to make sure our base and those around us know the truth and are not fooled by their b.s.
Now I could have ended article this right here, and it would have been a perfectly wonderful blog. But, no! Here's where I really get on my soap box: Our President is up to his eyebrows in alligators - or should I say vampires!! You see, because we didn't get the majority of Democrats elected, or re-elected to Congress, the support he needs to do what he is trying to do for us is in jeopardy. We have to be on our J.O.B. and make sure, going forward, that any up coming elections - even if they are for dog catcher - if the person is a Democrat, we have to back them. We have to regain the majority in Congress in 2012 and send the vampires (Rep-ugh-blicans) back to their bat caves, to hang upside down in the cobwebs of their racists conservative bloodsucking mentalities. This is a pitched battle. And we have to emerge victorious.
When I attended the Democratic National Convention in Denver,Colorado in 2008, I bought a pin that had then candidate Obama on it with dark glasses. The caption on the pin read "MISSION/POSSIBLE!" It's my favorite pin, and I wear it with everything, regardless of the occasion (my friends will attest to this). It has been an inspiration to me when I face challenges, and things seem to be stacked against me. As with Obama, when he ran for President, "Mission Possible" has been my mantra.
So I am saying that as we go forward to re-elect President Obama for a well deserved second term; and forward toward leading better lives in our own right, towards having a better government, and legislators that are responsive and responsible to us: "MISSION POSSIBLE" - because we are indeed a mighty people.
Take care &
STAY BLESSED &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Osama bin Laden has been captured and killed. This information shot across my computer screen while I was working on transcribing a recent interview. At first I thought, okaaay, this is some kind of spam or joke. But when the following message indicated that the President would be addressing us from the White House -and it was after 11:00pm, I realized, this is serious.
How proud are we of our President for having led the charge, and as usual, kept his promise, to do what he said he would do?? He pledged to get Osama bin Laden - and he did it. But what I really, really appreciated, was the cool, calm, caring debonair demeanor he assumed as he made his announcement.
No gloating, no pompous bombacity - no "mission accomplished" sneers. No! Our President - The President of the United States of America the new and improved President of the United States of America, Barack Obama - first of all addressed the families of those who had met their demise at the hands of Bin Laden during the tragedy of 9/11. Then he commended those soldiers who had valiantly worked to track him down over the past ten years, going into Afghanistan, risking life and limb to bring Bin Laden to justice.
He, likewise, gave the Pakistanis their due for their cooperation in helping to identify and locate bin Laden's lair. He was, in other words, a true dignitary, worthy of the mantle PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. And, while the death of anyone is nothing to applaud, I applauded the fact that this indeed brings closure to the illusive criminal who was the mastermind behind the devastation that rocked my city and my country, killed thousands of innocent people, and left in its wake a paranoia that America has heretofore never had to suffer. And as one who watched in horror from my living room as those planes hit that tower, and was a part of the triage that tried to save so many wounded and injured and, yes, dead, on that horrific day, I have to say to President Barack Obama: JOB WELL DONE, MY BROTHER.
While Donald Trump was contorting his face in the most demonic manner calling for certificates of live birth; while Boehner and his miscreants were gathering to take yet another bite out of the programs the President had put together for our benefit; while the tea baggers (er, party) were jumping up and down on yet another misbegotten concept, that would be sure to be to the detriment of the country in the long run, President Barack Obama was taking care of business - as usual. While the media was trying to dredge up the off shore oil spill fiasco (which really started under Bush), Obama was making decisions of a much more weightier matter. The apprehension of bin Laden, alive if possible, dead if necessary.
And he did it! Not Bush, Obama. You dig?
As I watched the President speak, and switched to different broadcasts to see what their slants were, I also realized that when it came to reporting the news, MSNBC generously re-ran his entire statement sufficiently so we could get the full measure of the magnitude of the event, as well as the stature of the man who had made it happen.
I for one am very proud of President Obama.
On ABC-TV however, George Stephanopolous interviewed more of George Bush's former aids than he did anyone from the White House. I grew tired of hearing them try to claim any share in this major victory. What was up with that? (Also, saw few, if any Black reporters at the helm talking about the significance of this latest victory on the President's part. HINT: President Obama, I am available!!)
After 9-11 Bush went into Iraq. He manipulated the emotions and fears of Americans and went after Sadam Hussein, who had absolutely nothing to do with 9/11 at all. Killed the wrong man for the wrong reason, and virtually started a war that did not need to be. The so-called weapons of mass destruction proved to be a pretext on the part of the Bush II Administration to vindicate Bush I. In the meantime, finances, resources that should have gone towards rebuilding this country, strengthening the educational system, providing jobs and health care for Americans have been siphoned off in the name of a bogus war. A war that has seen insult after insult; disgrace after disgrace sully and tarnish America's "home of the brave and land of the free" image (okay, okay, we Black Americans know that it's a facade anyway, but they took it to an even newer low - leave it to the Bushes -that's their stock in trade, seeing how low they can go before somebody actually stops them). Remember, it was they who took a surplus and turned it into a major deficit. Can you say economic downturn; mortgage backed security fiasco; predatory realty practices?
With Bin Laden out of the picture, and with the ever more vigilant forces rooting out the rest of el Quaeda, President Obama can focus on fulfilling the rest of his promises - Universal Health Care; quality education, increased quality of life; affordable housing; and gainful employment/jobs.
This also puts so you called "birthers" on notice - you do yourselves, this country, "We, the People", and our President a disservice with this racist tack that you've been fostering. Even though the proof of President Obama's birth has been presented, it was really a non-issue to begin with. A diversionary tactic to misdirect the focus on things that were really inconsequential and mediocre at the core, while other, more important issues were being neglected. It is clear that while you were working on your negative tact, President Obama was dealing with much more essential issues. So, in light of this most recent development, you are shown even more to be the fools than we even know you to be.
But your misdeeds, and that of "the Donald", will not go unnoticed or unrecompensed. WE THE PEOPLE have called for a national boycott of all things Trump - casinos, TV, health products, etc. We do not need multimillionaire racists trying to dominate the air waves, spewing hostility and negativity. Trump's message, his so-called candidacy and his TV shows are bankrupt, just like his humanity.
As our favorite comedian/philosopher, Bill Cosby, has rightly identified, the remarks Trump made about Obama are ridiculous. And for us to continue watching him, and legitimizing his crap is likewise RIDICULOUS.
A letter forwarded to me from several sources, including Bea Dupont, and my best friend, Ann in Philly, is only one of many calling for a boycott of ALL THINGS TRUMP, and should serve notice on the Trump empire:
4/28/11 Subject: Boycott The Celebrity Apprentice and All of Donald Trump's Ventures
Family & Friends, Bill Cosby slammed Trump on the Today Show regarding his ridiculous actions and remarks about our President.
Lawrence O’Donnell the host of the Last Word a program on MSNBC noted a few nights ago the ratings for The Celebrity Apprentice have been dropping since Cosby slammed Trump and also because of the statements Trump made regarding Obama. Also, NBC the station that televises the Celebrity Apprentice will decide whether or not to pick the show up for another season. The date NBC decides to pick up the show for another season is May 16th. Let’s band together and show Trump he’s not as great as he think he is. I am pleading with each of you to forward this email to all in your address book and ask them to forward it to everyone they know. We should also boycott his casinos, hotels, etc., anything with Trumps name on it. This man does not respect our President nor does he respect Black people, referring to us as “The Blacks”. So let’s show him just how important he’s not. Trump needs to pay for his outrageous antics. Please pass this along to everyone you know. Thanks
Additionally, William Reed noted in his latest piece, "NOT JUST ANOTHER EMPTY SUIT": "Seems that all America’s Black Ladies’ Clubs have banned together to "boycott Donald Trump until he admits that President Obama was born in the U.S." Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice” television show, his casinos, office buildings, and hotels, have been put in economic peril by little gray-haired Black ladies (where has this man been, we are not little old gray-haired Black ladies - look again!)
Anywaaaaay, you get the drift. Before those of you who were planning to jump ship, join the other side, or throw your hands up and throw in the towel in reference to our President, make a wrong move, check out HIS track record; not the verbiage and antics of the detractors. Remember, the enemies of Obama have had centuries of practice in detraction from the good we have done. It's nothing new. He is the target. But he is neither distracted, dismayed, nor deterred by their disses. He remains focused and on course - and we have to do likewise. He needs, and deserves, our strength and support through thick and thin. So let's be about it.
BOYCOTT TRUMP - and all his holdings - AND IF YOU HAVE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF WHAT HIS HOLDINGS AND OTHER BUSINESS VENTURES ARE AND YOU WANT ME TO POST IT, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SEND IT TO ME.
Stand and vote for those who stand for and with OBAMA. The 2012 campaign started the day before yesterday, and we're on the late show. Make no mistake about it the Repughblicans are going to try to detract from this latest in Obama's long line of victories with lies and distortions. Our job is to make sure our base and those around us know the truth and are not fooled by their b.s.
Now I could have ended article this right here, and it would have been a perfectly wonderful blog. But, no! Here's where I really get on my soap box: Our President is up to his eyebrows in alligators - or should I say vampires!! You see, because we didn't get the majority of Democrats elected, or re-elected to Congress, the support he needs to do what he is trying to do for us is in jeopardy. We have to be on our J.O.B. and make sure, going forward, that any up coming elections - even if they are for dog catcher - if the person is a Democrat, we have to back them. We have to regain the majority in Congress in 2012 and send the vampires (Rep-ugh-blicans) back to their bat caves, to hang upside down in the cobwebs of their racists conservative bloodsucking mentalities. This is a pitched battle. And we have to emerge victorious.
When I attended the Democratic National Convention in Denver,Colorado in 2008, I bought a pin that had then candidate Obama on it with dark glasses. The caption on the pin read "MISSION/POSSIBLE!" It's my favorite pin, and I wear it with everything, regardless of the occasion (my friends will attest to this). It has been an inspiration to me when I face challenges, and things seem to be stacked against me. As with Obama, when he ran for President, "Mission Possible" has been my mantra.
So I am saying that as we go forward to re-elect President Obama for a well deserved second term; and forward toward leading better lives in our own right, towards having a better government, and legislators that are responsive and responsible to us: "MISSION POSSIBLE" - because we are indeed a mighty people.
Take care &
STAY BLESSED &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
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