ACTION ALERT: S.O.S. Save Inner City Broadcasting and WBLS From Bankruptcy Mess!

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By Gloria Dulan-Wilson


I hope I have sufficiently shocked you to attention, because there is a disaster brewing right under our noses, right in the Black family community, that has been flying low under the radar.

As a matter of fact, I and others would probably not have become aware of it had it not been announced at Rev. Jesse Jackson's Rainbow Push 15th Anniversary Wall Street Initiative, during a panel discussion on the disappearing Black media.

Talk about a shock! When James L. Winston, Executive Director and General Counsel for NABOB (National Black Owned Broadcasters), an organization of Black TV and Radio station owners, made the announcement that the venerable Inner City Broadcast Company (or System), founded by the late, great Percy Ellis Sutton, had filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy* in the courts, for indebtedness of over $180 million, it was though as though everyone in the room suddenly had been punched in the stomach.

And while the discussion went on to deal with other problems in the Black media, the 800 pound gorilla in the room was: "What are we going to do if we lose the only Black owned radio station in New York City? What happens if it falls into white hands? What happens to the Black voice of New York?"

Ken Smickle founder and CEO of Target Market News (www.targetmarketnews.com), summed it up rather succinctly: "We, as Black people, have to wake up. We have to respond in our own best interest. We are losing Black media. When we lose Black media, we're losing Black life as we know it! We're losing political, social power and economic power. We are losing the ability to be seen. When WBLS is no longer available in this town, every white person (as well as our own Black brothers and sisters worldwide) is going to think a litte (a whole lot) less of us. Every single one of you will be affected, not just them {the Sutton family} - oh, no,no,no,no,no! It's not just them; not that it "didn't work out!" or that "they did this; they didn't do that right..." No! It's like, "there they go!" They is YOU, US!!! So it is time to act like 20th Century African Americans who know something about survival!!"

Per NABOB's James Winston, the genesis of the problem stems from 11 radio stations purchased by Pierre Sutton ten years ago for $200 million. With the current economic downturn, and the fact that Newt Gingrich, during the Bush Administration, had caused the tax incentives to be overturned, which would have made the purchases profitable, the stations became losing propositions for Inner City. Couple that with the fact that we're losing a great many of our Black Newspapers and TV stations across the nation.

As Rev. Jesse Jackson stated, the >Black media is under siege.

When asked what could be done to save the stations, particularly New York's own WLIB and WBLS, audience members suggested they contact Bill Cosby, Oprah Winfrey, Jay-Z, Don King and others who were more likely to have the financial wherewithal to help save the properties, as well as keep it in Black hands.

Others also strongly recommended that there be a change in management, once the stations were rescued, in order to avoid future problems, or the recurrence of perennial problems (don't exactly know what that means).

Producer, writer and entertainer, Verinia Taylor stated, angrily, "This is a Black Icon in the community, how could he (Pierre Sutton) not inform the Black community that ICBC was having this problem. We could have had fundraisers, or lobby some of America's wealthy African American millionaires to correct this problem. Now the organization that Black people had a voice is now threatened by white racist media (ClearView, which is owned by Mitt Romney) Now you put him in a position to take out the voice we have in ICBC. To the current management don't let false pride allow you to lose our most valuable asset! See what ViaCom did to BET!"

When further queried about why we were just learning about the situation, Winston further stated, "the owners did not reach out to the Black community," the audience vociferously responded that it was just such a situation that has caused so many Black families to lose homes and businesses. There appears to be a disconnect between them and the community - something that has to be remedied.

Others recommended that they jettison the recently purchased stations and just focus on the flagship stations of WBLS and WLIB. "If we lose them, all that Mr. Sutton worked and sacrificed for for the Black community will have gone for nothing."

So while you're finger popping, listening to your latest rap, R&B artist, or the latest information about the Black community, think about how you'll feel if you no longer have WLIB or WBLS. What kind of schmucks will we be to sit idly by and allow our institutions to be cannibalized before us. We've got a lot to do with the way this plays out, and we'd better be about it.

Anyone who is interested in assisting Inner City Broadcasting, or who may have a solution to the situation, can reach out to Mr. James Winston, President, NABOB jwinston@nabob.org. We must all pull together as the Black Family Community that we are.

*FYI: Chapter 11 bankruptcy is intended primarily for the reorganization of businesses with heavy debt burdens, most often associated with corporations. Chapter 11 allows the debtor to propose a plan for profitability post-bankruptcy, which may include trimming costs and seeking new sources of revenue or income, while temporarily holding creditors at bay. While Chapter 11 provides more time to file a plan and the opportunity to reorganize, it is more time-consuming and costly than other forms of bankruptcy. In the Chapter 11 Process either the debtor or its creditors may file a petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Once the petition is filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, the case begins and an automatic stay of all collections actions is put into effect. This means creditors may not pursue existing or new collection activities for unpaid debts unless the court issues a modification to the stay. This provides an opportunity for the debtor to draft a reorganization plan and negotiate more feasible repayment terms without worrying about its debt obligations. After the petition is filed, the business continues about its affairs without interruption. Meanwhile, under the supervision of the bankruptcy court, the debtor turns its attention to figuring out a repayment plan for its creditors. Repayment amounts typically are much lower than the original debt totals. Throughout the case, the debtor may review its creditors' claims and make objections where it makes sense. Monthly operating reports filed by the debtor keep the court apprised of its progress. - www.Findlaw.com

During the recently held Wall Street Project conference, Rev. Jesse Jackson continually commented on the demise of Black businesses and the fact that there are no programs in place among us to come to each others' rescue when faced with the threat of financial ruin or extinction. We cannot expect others to care more about our institutions than we do.

It is up to us to develop the protocols and programs that not only shield our businesses from the onslaught of economic down turns, but to have the wherewithal to provide jobs, homes, assistance, guidance and support, while those who have been affected put the shreds of their lives back together. That is the true strength and and measure of self-empowerment - not just buzz words and tee shirts.

It was what the Black United Fund of New York (BUFNY) did, before Elliott Spitzer destroyed it. And it's unfortunate that in the time since it's demise we have not seen fit to either re-establish it, or to come up with a program that does the same or more.

Kermit Eady founded BUFNY so that we would not be at the mercy of such rapacious situations. While they might not have been able to save 11 Broadcast stations, they certainly would have been able to assist InnerCity's flagship stations. Additionally, through their program, "The Helping Hand That Is Your Own" they would have been able to provide the ongoing financing so many of us are struggling to obtain via hostile banks and lending institution, because the money came from our own payroll deductible contributions. Not some outside source that wants to nickle and dime you to death and hold you hostage.

The one thing that should have come out of the Wall Street Project, as well as all the other Black oriented conferences that we attend is how to reinstate the BLACK UNITED FUND OF NEW YORK and inculcate their principles in our own self-sufficiency programs. We could have regenerated our own Black economic base long ago with the $1.50 per person per week contributions into a mutual fund which is how BUFNY raised $111 million a year to help Black people - USING NO FEDERAL DOLLARS WHATSOEVER. This was all money raised by Black People for Black People - hence the slogan
Don't get me wrong - I have nothing against federal dollars - money is money - but with BUFNY, those who needed help, but fell outside the so-called federal guidelines could get the assistance they needed because they were Black and they needed it - not because they made a nickle more or less than the criteria, or because they didn't live in a particular statistical demographic.

With so many of our businesses, homes, educational centers media outlets facing extinction, because we are the low man on the Totem Pole (an old American Indian saying, which means on the bottom) we need to be contacting Kermit Eady and saying "where are you? We need you?"

We will be monitoring the Inner City Broadcasting as they go through this challenge. However, a more pro-active outreach on the part of the family to the community is going to be required NOW if we are to begin to stop the hemorrhaging that is destroying our institutions, culture and communities..

NOW THAT YOU KNOW, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?

Stay Blessed &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Woodie King, Jr. To Be Inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame January 30, 2012

by Gloria Dulan-Wilson

This is very exciting and wonderful news! My friend, Woodie King, Jr., who just celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the New Federal Theatre, which he established at the Henry Street Settlement way back in 1971, will formally be inducted into New York's American Theatre Hall of Fame, Monday, January 30th, at the Gershwin Theatre.

Woodie had actually contacted me about his nomination back in October of 2011. He was stunned, shocked, surprised and definitely honored. I can imagine from his tone of voice, that even he, the unflappable, unperturbable Woodie King, was more than a little excited by this great honor. Read "flabbergasted." We were to have sat down for a one-on-one interview, however our busy schedules have not allowed for that opportunity - yet. We'll just have to find a way to make it happen,

In the interim, I absolutely could not let the event pass without alerting you. This is indeed a great honor upon which only a few have been bestowed. The criteria is quite high, and designated for only the creme de la creme - and that would definitely be Woodie.

According to Wikipedia, those who are eligible come from various disciplines of stage and screen, including actors, playwrights, song writers, designers, directors and producers who have had a career on Broadway spanning at least twenty-five years with a minimum of five major theatrical credits.

Selections are made by approximately 400 voting members from the Theater Hall of Fame and the American Theatre Critics Association. Each year the induction takes place at a ceremony at the Gershwin Theatre in Manhattan, where his name would be embossed in bronze-gold lettering on a bronze plaque, which would be hung on the theater's entrance walls flanking its grand staircase and escalator; joining the other myriad of celebrities who have been honored in the past.

As to whether or not he fits the criteria, please note that Woodie King, Jr, is a renowned African-American director and producer of stage and screen, as well as the founding director of the reknowned New Federal Theatre in New York City.

The following are some of Woodie's credits in film and stage direction and production (this a partial list, the complete list would take me hours to compile):

A Raisin in the Sun - Alliance Theater (Atlanta, Georgia) 1994
Eyes (based in Zora Neales Hurston's Their Eyes were Watching God) by Mari Evans American Cabaret Theater (Indiana) 1995–1996
Splendid Mummer American Place Theatre 1987
Checkmates Bermuda International Theatre Festival 1995–1996
Good Black Don't Crack Billie Holiday Theatre (Brooklyn) 1993
Checkmates Broadway (New York) 1988
Joe Turner's Come and Gone Brooklyn College 1996–1997
Home Samm-Art WilliamsCenter Stage of Baltimore, Cincinnati Playhouse, Cleveland Playhouse 1996–1997
And The World Laughs With You Crossroads Theatre Company (New Jersey) 1994
Ali 1998–1999
Joe Turner's Come and Gone Detroit Repertory Theater 1990
Mudtracks by Regina Taylor The Ensemble Studio Theater 1994
Ford's Theater God's Trombone 1990
A Raisin in the Sun GeVa Theatre 1991
Angels in America Ohio State University 1998–1999
The Piano Lesson Seminole State College of Florida 2012
Co-Produced Plays
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf
What the Wine Sellers Buy
Reggae
Taking of Miss Janie for which he receivedThe Drama Critic Circle Award
Other Awards Include:
1985 Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for Appear and Show Cause
1988 NAACP Image Award for directing Checkmates at the Inner City Cultural Center
1993 AUDELCO awards for Best Director and Best Play for Robert Johnson: Trick The Devil
1997 Obie Award for Sustained Achievement
2003 Paul Robeson Award
2005 Rosetta LeNoire Award
2011 Induction into American Theatre Hall of Fame

On Monday evening, once again,history will be made as Woodie King joins the likes of Eubie Blake, Roscoe Lee Browne, Gregory Hines, Tennessee Williams, Bernadette Peters, Christopher Plummer, and a great many others in the American Theatre Hall of Fame. Congratulations to you, Woodie. You've got many more stars and honors coming your way.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

EVENT ALERT: Rainbow Push Coalition Celebrates their 15th Annual Wall Street Project, January 25-27

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

It's hard to believe that fifteen years have passed since the First Wall Street Project opened in New York City. It was 1997, at at that time we actually were on Wall Street, with many of the events happening either in board rooms, on the trading room floors, or at the World Trade Center.

I can remember sitting in the top of the World Trade Center at one of the luncheons, in a facility where the ceilings were arched, and so low that you had to bend to be in there, and you could not see the speakers because the columns blocked your view.

They've come a long way from those early days of trying to make Black people more financially literate, investment action oriented, and move away from the mentality of a consumer to that of a producer.

It's important that I say this, and that you grasp this and how significant it is that Rev. Jackson saw, and understood early on - before the economic downturn, before the mortgage crises, before the rampant foreclosures - he understood the devastation of not having economic parity for Black people -whether here in the US, or Africa, the Caribbean, or anywhere else we reside.

His mission has been to provide us with as much education, exposure, opportunity and understanding of what Wall Street was about, and what it meant to us, who had been psychologically, physically, emotionally and economically kept out of the loop. The realm of investment, the marketplace, and the high stakes of finance had been relegated to the realm of whites and high rolling Blacks, the few who were allowed behind the "green" door. The rest of us were either part of conspicuous consumption, or the welfare state (at least that is where we were pushed).

When Rev. Jackson first enunciated plans to study Wall Street as a means of breaking down the next barrier of racism, many of his peers in the "movement" thought he had lost it. Others thought he had joined the ranks of the "capitalist pigs." Interesting, since we all need and want money how many of us tried to pick the idea apart as though it was some kind of pariah.

However, we who have given up more free labor on this planet than any other group of people in the world, and have not been compensated for our efforts - for the blood, sweat, tears and lives that went into building this nation - including the hallowed hall of Wall Street, Dow Jones, Broad Street and the other denizens of the almighty dollar. We, more than anyone, need to learn to work smarter, not harder, how to invest in growth funds, how to plan for longevity and retirement, how to make wise deals and purchases. When you think about it, the investment they made in bringing us here from Africa has paid off for everyone but us - big time.

Now it's time to learn how not to make the mistakes that the "smartest guys in the house" made, which caused the economic mess we're in right now, while at the same time begin to develop our own autonomous investment and banking systems, as have other groups, so that we too can underwrite our children's education, purchase our own homes, build quality communities - in other words, call the shots.

The most interesting thing about this is the irony that we live in New York City, the financial capital of the world. Yet we know nothing about it. The major industries in New York are FIRE - Finance, Insurance, Real Estate - yet they are not taught in any of our schools in a meaningful way. Neither we nor our children have ever been exposed to the inner workings of Wall Street. We know it's there, but except for the few Black proteges, we are more likely to see African Americans as security guards and custodians, than having a pivotal role in the high end banking, finance and investment arenas. The schools in New York may teach you how to count money, but they don't teach you how to use, invest, expand it. Why is that?

Last year, the Rainbow Push Coalition quietly celebrated its 40th Anniversary on December 25, 2011. The great thing is that they are as relevant and active today as they were when they were first formed. In October 2011, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. celebrated his 70th Birthday anniversary. And like these stellar programs he's created, he keeps getting better with age. There are few out there who can match his stride, his energy and his dedication to Black people. In celebrating these milestones, we are all winners as well, because he has taken the time to provide us with a blue print that we can follow out of this mess we're in - if we would but follow it (see gloriadulanwilson.blogspot.com - January 15, 2011).

The theme of the 2012 Wall Street Project is "Bringing Everyone to the Table." The Economic Summit this year will be lead by Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. and Terry J. Lundgren, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Macy's Inc. It will feature such panels as: Wall Street Project Career Development; Retooling and Retraining Break Out Sessions; The Women's Luncheon; The Minister's Prayer Breakfast and Roundtable. Among the presenters will be John Grant, Author, Career Coach and Speaker; Staci Grant, President C&G Enterprises; Pat Thomas Motivational Speaker and career coach. There will be other speakers and surprise guests as the conference gets underway.

Rev. Jackson indicated, in a recent teleconference, that the possibility of putting together a mutual bank or credit union similar to the Black United Fund of New York, to make it possible for Black investors to underwrite their own programs, has been a consideration for quite some time. "I am quite familiar with the program and the principles established by the late Walter Bremond, and think it would be a powerful tool for Black Economic Development. It would be an natural resource builder for programs that are underserved or poorly underwritten by mainstream finance or charitable organizations." New York's Black United Fund, which was established by Kermit Eady, at its zenith raised more than $111 million a year, which was then put back into the Black community in the form of affordable housing, business incubator programs, scholarships, and business start up loans. (Many will remember it was destroyed by then persecutor Elliot Spitzer in his bid for the gubernatorial nomination - but that's another story for another day).

The most salient points of Rev. Jackson's teleconference was the fact that South Carolina continues to be the bastion of racism and abuse, despite the progress made under Dr. King to destroy many of the negative institutions. The new version of the prison industrial complex is proliferating there, where factories are actually being established within the prison walls, and those who are incarcerated are forced to work for pennies a day. Apparently there are also investors who are underwriting this heinous program in order to save money. If not curtailed, it will be a means of undermining President Obama's move to bring businesses home to make jobs available for Americans who have been out of work since the onset of the economic downturn. How to handle this will be one of the main focal points of this year's Wall Street Project.

Also of concern are our voting rights, which are being target by South Carolina and Arizona. Republicans are pushing these laws in states across the country claiming they are needed to deter voting fraud, but offer no evidence of its existence. In fact, the laws will disproportionately impact African Americans, Latinos and poor people — who are less likely to have a driver’s license. In South Carolina, the Dept. Of Justice concluded minority voters would be 20 percent more likely to be disenfranchised than white voters (excerpted from Rev. Jackson's weekly report)

He will also focus on foreclosures, building and developing decent affordable housing, home ownership, and quality of life issues. Stated Reverend Jackson: "Banks got bailed out; people got locked out." Millions of homes have been lost from the Black community - the largest land grab rip off in history. His 2011 panel dealt with more humane ways to help families in distress than the methods used by recalcitrant banks and lending institutions, who claim to not want their homes, but proceed to foreclose and take them anyway. This year's panel is set to take it to the next level. If you happen to have been a victim of these scams, you'll want to be there as well.

If you haven't attended any of the Wall Street Projects over the past 15 years, make this the time that you break that pattern. Make a paradigm shift. There are a great many contacts to be made, a lot to be learned - networking with peers, as well as establishing new contacts, and expanding those you already have. Come for the seminars - they're priceless! Your input is as valuable as the panel of experts sitting on the dias. With so many opportunities for innovation, you may well walk away with a solution to problems you considered impossible; or you just might make a connection that you thought not possible.

And lest you thought he has overlooked brothers and sisters in Africa, he's just returned from Johannesburg and Bloemfontein South Africa to join other leaders across the globe in paying tribute to the ANC and the people of South Africa. "This is not just an ANC celebration, but one for the entire continent and, indeed, for peace and freedom loving people around the globe. I look forward to giving a report to the American public upon my return," he stated.

Make no mistake about it, Reverend Jackson is “Bringing Everyone to the Table” in a way that has never been done before. We can be either at the table or on the sideline. As President Barack Obama said (sang) at the Apollo: "Let's Stay Together!" It's the only way we'll survive. It's the only way we will win. It's the only way we'll Succeed.

Here's a little history for those who are not familiar with how the organization began: In 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. appointed Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. to serve as the first director of Operation Breadbasket in Chicago, IL. In 1971, three years after King's assassination in Memphis, TN, Rev. Jackson founded Operation P.U.S.H (People United to Save Humanity in Chicago to continue Dr. King's mission. In 1972, the idea of the "Black Expo" (Black Business Exposition) was developed to "expose" African-American businesses. In 1984, the National Rainbow Coalition was formed in Washington, DC following Reverend Jackson's first presidential campaign. Rainbow's focus was to unite progressive people, historically locked out of the mainstream of American politics, into a "coalition of conscience," dedicated to making America more inclusive. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition is a progressive organization protecting, defending and expanding civil rights to improve economic and educational opportunity.

The organization is headquarted in Chicago, IL at 930 E 50th St., can be reached by calling (773) 373-3366. For information on this years 15th Annual Rainbow PUSH Wall Street Project, visit www.rainbowpush.org. Rainbow PUSH Coalition ✆ publicservices@rainbowpush.org via bounce.bluestatedigital.com

The 15th Annual Rainbow PUSH Wall Street Project is being held on January 25 to the 27, and the Sheraton Towers Hotel, 53rd Street and 7th Avenue, New York, New York. See you there.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Who I am, What I Write, Why I Write, and Why Some People Are Blocked from the Blog

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson:

Hello All: I recently had occasion to respond to an individual who is a "self-styled activist" who had invited me to participate in a protest demonstration against President Barack Obama, which would have taken place in Harlem in front of the Apollo while the President participated in a fund raising concert held in his honor.

The email which I received on January 17,2012 was so hostile that I immediately shot back an email to the author, Nellie Hester Bailey, informing her that I was blocking her from my blog, and that her info would no longer be welcome. I also put her on blast as a warning to others that, as I have so often stated, if you have negative things to say about President Obama, "I ain't the one - I'm on his side."

Ms. Bailey retaliated by trying to "call me out" castigating me in the BlackList. However, I have largely ignored her tirade. Until today, when I received an email from a brother, Curtis Moore, who basically stated: "I have a new saying you can lead a human to knowledge. But you can't make think. Gloria has sent a lot of email with I don't agree with. There are people who you send email to that don't agree with what you send them. Just think how the world would be if all people are thinking the same thing at the same time. There may be peace of earth but I feel it would be a dull place. I don't feel that we should ban a person because they don't think the way we." Curtis Moore

And I wanted to set the record straight in reference to who I am, what I write, why I write, who I write for, and why I felt it necessary block this individual from my blog:

Hi Curtis: For you I'll make a response.

I did not ban the Nellie because she did not think the way I did. I banned her for the attack dog, disrespectful attitude she has and continues to make against President Obama.

Now, quiet as it's kept, I certainly don't agree with everything the President says or does - only 97%. And I don't expect anyone else to agree with anyone all the time. What I did say, and I've reiterated it several times during the course of writing my blog, gloriadulanwilson.blogspot.com/Eclectically Black News is that I will not be the purveyor of hostilities against the President, or overtly negative attitudes or statements against him. She crossed the line.

Now, me being me - Black feature writer - not just a journalist, but a member of the Partisan Press (meaning, I live here just like you do. I vote, I have concerns and an opinion, and I tend to write from that standpoint), I reserve the right to not be objective when it comes to certain things, issues. When I am writing for the regular Black press or for the meanstream news, then of course I have to speak from that "middle of the road objective tone."

These are some of the things I am for:

1) Black people. I am openly and unabashedly pro Black people
2) African People - I am openly and unabashedly pro African people, except for dictators and those who are killing other African people
3) Japanese People - I am openly and unabashed pro-Japanese people - but their leaders are brainwashed, so they are fair game
4) American Indians (a/k/a"Native Americans"): I am openly and unabashedly pro-American Indians, especially, Cherokee (except for Chad), Creeks, Crowes, Apaches - My family is at least 1/3 Indian
5) President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, the Obama Kids - I am openly and unabashedly pro OBAMAS - except for the 3% of the decisions he makes I don't agree with.
6) Popcorn and Peanut butter: I absolutely and unabashedly love Popcorn
- home popped not that theatre or microwave crap - without butter. I love Peanut butter on practically everything - especially the fresh ground organic peanut butter from the health food store. I think a monument should be raised to George Washington Carver (who invented peanut butter); and all American Indians should be receiving royalties everytime anyone anywhere in the world buy popcorn - whether it be from Orville Redenbacher or the theatres - since they had Popcorn first!!
7. Affordable, desirable homes: I absolutely, unabashedly and totally believe that every body in the world deserves a decent place to live, regardless of who, what, and where they are. Or how much or little money they have. It's why I support NACA. I think when you live in the richest country in the land they can at least provide you with a decent home - not a shelter.

I am an Eclectic Black Woman. I know and love my people, my lineage, appreciate and respect my heritage. And that includes Nellie, as well as some other brothers and sisters I disagree with. That does not mean that I have to post everything they say on my blog. I am not going to allow the denigration of President Obama space in my writing. It's my policy. I put my own people first, of course, but Obama takes precedence. I also try to disagree without being disagreeable - if people let me. Some times they do, sometimes they don't.

I don't do "tit for tat" in the media, because it give the mean stream ammo to use against us. So as far as I'm concerned the ranting and raving and foaming at the mouth like some kind of rabid animal really gets them no where with me. I don't rise to that bait, because there are so many more important things going on right now that I am focused on.

So, just for the sake of balance, here are the things that I am solidly against:
1. Drugs, their users, their abusers, their pushers, and their transporters (we all know who they are and why they're doing it) and those who try to call it an "illness" - I am openly and unabashedly against drugs.
2. Anything and anyone from any part of the Bush family regardless of where in the world they are, how nice they are - if they got one tenth of one per cent of Bush blood in them, they're a Bush - and Bushes are bad - From George I who headed in the CIA, to George II who bankrupted the planet, to all his administration.
3. Newt Gingrich - read statement #2
4. Flies, snakes, waterbugs, roaches, - read statement #2 again - actually I like them more than the Bushes, but not much.
5. Parents who neglect their kids (there is no excuse - sorry, poverty and ignorance are not reasons either).
6. Poverty and being poor (or not having enough money); I openly unabashedly hate not having enough money - and I'm trying very hard to get out of that situation (and I know millions of people who totally agree with me on this); and people who put me in a position to not have access to money are really on my list - review #2, again.
7. Fanatics of any kind - I don't care who you are, what your cause is, where you came from - if you are a foaming at the mouth religious or political or even a social fanatic - you're out! Not going to deal with you. What ever that malevolent force that is driving your mania to a frenzy, I want none of it, will not endorse it or write about it. Fanaticism is just two inches away from insanity.
8. People who talk too loud on their cell phones, as though there was no one else in the room, or as though they're trying to let us in on their business. Cut it out. No one wants to hear it. It's stupid and rude.
9. Educated fools - who know the cost of everything and the value of nothing. Who can speak $50.00 dialectically intellectual words that mean absolutely nothing; and can communicate with the rest of the world.

Of course, these lists are not exhaustive. I keep adding stuff. Some days my likes are longer than my dislikes, and some days they are shorter. But these thus far are the tops.

Okay, some of that was a little tongue in cheek - but if we don't learn to take some of the things we confront with a little levity, we'll always be frowning, always be in an attack mode, and always be expecting others to attack us. That's not where I'm coming from. We are in the midst of one of the greatest times and the greatest phenomenons in history; we have an opportunity to really make a difference. I am not going to squander it arguing with people who think it still okay to play crabs in a barrel divide and conquer games.

That said, I really want us as people to understand that there are times when we have to draw the line and say "this far and no further". I have an obligation to my readers to maintain a certain standard of quality when it comes to gloriadulanwilson.blogspot.com/Eclectically Black News. I told them there would be no profanity, porn, ignorance involved. I am somewhat 'Old School,' but I do try to be up to date with new info and technology.

I totally embrace the Eclectically Black Community. However, for me "Eclectic" means taking it from the highest and best standpoint of who we are as Black people. And there are some things that we are doing, that just don't make the cut for me.
There area some things that we ourselves are materially responsible for making happen in our community - and we are not going to get it done by picketing President Obama or Mayor Bloomberg. There are some things that we have to take the responsibility for making happen using our own ingenuity, resources and intelligence. If 100 people can waste the time trying to make the President look bad (yeah! I said it!!!), through pickets and signs, they can use that time and energy to put together a real case for resolving the issues.

I don't have all the answers; I'm not even going to try to find all the answers - but certain principles I was raised with when it comes to Black people - loyalty, unity and things Black - were violated, and I will not give it space on my Blog.

I will not openly fight with my Black brothers and sisters - It's against my personal religion. I will not get into spit fights in public no matter how much I dislike you. The best thing I can do is just block you. So, I said what I had to say, and that was the last word on it for me in reference to the issue.

If you have something positive to write or report about President Obama, or anyone else of our Eclectically Black Community, that you would like me to feature on my Blog, feel free to send it to me, and I will be most happy to include it.

President Obama (as well as the rest of the Eclectically Black Community) has enough redneck, racist, rep-ugh-blicans, tea baggers, Uncle Toms and Tomasinas, negroes, and the mean stream press try to bring him down, thwart what he's trying to accomplish, and prevent him from being re-elected so that he continue doing the great work he has started out doing. The man has accomplished more in the 3 short years he's been in office, than any of the other past presidents combined over the last 20 years. You need to recognize!!!

My job is to present the most positive empowering, uplifting reports about him and other Black people that I can find. I am the anti-mean-stream press. I am not just a journalist (and make no mistake I am a journalist) I -as I stated before - represent THE BLACK PRESS. Not the negro who wants to be white press. Not the press who wants to appease the white readers to "cross over".

I only write for Black people, about Black people. I am the one, when someone says some insipid thing about Black men or women, will take them on and at the same time wake other Black people up so that they can likewise deal with it as well. I am not now, nor have I ever been politically correct. I am politically astute, however.

While I am not the voice of Black people, I am a Voice For Black People. It's what I do. Not going to change that.

Again, thanks for your comments, interests and concern.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

PS: by the way, "Black" is a state of mind, not just our complexion; so don't get it twisted - I only deal with consciously Eclectic Black people.
###

FYI: MY ORIGINAL RESPONSE TO THE INVITE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PICKET AGAINST OBAMA, FOLLOWS BELOW:

Hi Nellie:

You are hereby blocked from sending me any more emails. As I have warned you and all others in the past, I will not countenance any anti-Obama mail - period.

I AM FORWARDING THIS BACK TO THE BLACKLIST AS WELL BECAUSE I AM NOT CIRCULATING ANYTHING THAT ADVOCATES DEMONSTRATING AGAINS PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA.

You wanna occupy Harlem you need to deal with those individuals within Harlem that have sold Harlem out - long before Obama even considered running for president.
You have your sites set in the wrong direction on the wrong target, and while you're doing that, Harlem is being stolen from right under our very noses, and going to hell in a handbasket.

You need Obama to back you up; so stop trying to tear him down. Deal with those characters who are right there within arms reach that you appear to be afraid to confront. President Obama is a "safe" target and a scapegoat for those who are not willing to really take a stand for the gentrification and ethnic cleansing that is happening in your community.

Ask yourself who owns Harlem? and if cannot see your name on a condo, co-op, Newsbrownstone, or house - ask yourself why? Ask yourself what is happening to the BLACK businesses in Harlem?

Get Real - Get to the heart of the issue Get off Obama's back and back him up, before all Harlem is back on someone's plantation somewhere, because we're too focused on divide and conquer b.s. issues to deal with who's really back of all this crap.
Stay Blessed & ECLECTICALLY BLACK Gloria Dulan-Wilson

EVENT ALERT 1/22/12: Assembly Woman Annette M. Robinson & Bridge Street AWME Church Emergency Preparedness Workshop

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Anyone who lived through the great blizzard of 2010 will immediately recognize the necessity for an emergency preparedness workshop. We had show drifts 6 feet high; buses and trains were shut down for days, and the regular shops were closed. There were many individuals facing life threatening conditions who could not reach their doctors or the hospital because the streets were impassable. The city was paralyzed, literally. Some individuals perished, or suffered life threatening situations. How might those incidents been handled differently had they, or a loved one, had taken an emergency preparedness training course?

On Sunday, January 22, Assemblywoman Annette Robinson and Bridge Street A.W.M.E. Church's Affiliated Community Corporations and Programs (BSACCAP) will provide vital information, equipment, material, supplies and training in emergency preparedness, at Bridge Street Church, 227 Stuyvesant Ave, between Jefferson and Handcock Streets; from 1:30 to 3:30.

Of course, we in New York can consider ourselves pretty lucky in most instances, because nothing of a major catastrophe has hit us since 9/11. But - hey! You never know! As Assemblywoman Robinson said, at a recent presentation at Jazz 966, "It's better to be safe, than sorry. We all think we'd know what to do in an emergency, but you can never know too much. You might save someone's life, or your family."

This is open to all ages and all levels. They will deal with how to prepare for such emergencies as: Hurricanes (remember Irene?); Heavy Show (Blizzard of 2010); Tornadoes; Floods (or extensive rain); Medical Emergencies, etc.

It's free and open to the public. If you require any additional information, Contact, Dr. Robert J. Williams, Chairperson at (718) 452-3936; or robe7775@aol.com.

Remember, the life you save may be your own, or that of a loved one; so come out and learn how.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Open Letter to Yahoo - GIVE ME BACK MY YAHOO CLASSIC EMAIL FORMAT NOW!! If It Ain't Broke, Don't Mess It Up

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

This is a letter of protest to Yahoo from a long time Yahooligan - Me!

It is amazing to me how you can get the finest, most creative minds in one room, and they can still get things wrong. Yahoo has to be convicted of the most egregious crime of throwing out the baby with the bath water in this latest so called "improvement" of their browser.

It is a class-a disaster. Not only does the stupid new format have glitches on top of glitches; but it's slow as molasses in January.

I WANT MY YAHOO CLASSIC EMAIL FORMAT BACK. I think I - as a human being, and a consumer - am entitled to have a say in this matter. And I have put up with this nonsense long enough. It is my pererogative to choose to use the classic version. Not only is it more efficient and easy to read, it actually is more people friendly.

You may say I'll get used to the new way; but how does one go from quality to mediocrity. Your new format is poorly executed and annoying in the extreme. I was content to put up with it though, as long as you left the rest of my email accounts alone. But now you've invaded my other accounts, and this insipid format is spreading like a bad case of herpes. STOP IT!

Your Classic Email Format was the best of all those online to date. I like being able to look at the "TO" line and actually see who I'm emailing to. I think the fact that I have to select "draft" and then hit an additional button to send my copy to "draft" is stupidly redundant. It's amazing to me how some people never know when they have something good. I do not like the color scheme, nor the tabs that don't close when you click on them.

I WANT MY YAHOO CLASSIC EMAIL FORMAT BACK!!!! NOW!!!

I have also noticed that you no longer offer customer service anymore, either, so an individual who has an actual concern has no way of communicating them to you or any of your staff.

It is for this reason that I am going to the open forum and putting you on blast. Stop messing around with the format. If it ain't broke don't mess it up - of course there was another word that I would have used in this space, but I have a policy about profanity, and I am bound to uphold it.

What I am certain of, is that if I am one person who thinks your new format sucks, there are thousands of others who feel the same way.

We, who by the way are loyal Yahooligans, deserve better treatment than this. We deserve a choice. And I CHOOSE YAHOO CLASSIC - for all my email addresses. I don't know where you did the test market for this stuff; they obviously weren't writers or researchers; probably gamers who wouldn't know the difference anyway.

Give me back my YAHOO CLASSIC EMAIL FORMAT.

Stop messing with it.

We love you just the way you are. Don't do anything except continue to be great.

Thanks,
Sincerely & Vehemently
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Anti-Hazing Press Conference in Response to the Death of FAMU Band Student

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

I just received an email in reference to the January 17 press conference convened by the National Newspaper Publishers Assn.(NNPA), Black Church, and Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Leaders to Announce A New Anti-Hazing Initiative. The conference should be broadcast nationally.

If you can make it, it would be a good idea to be in attendance to show solidarity and support.
My response to the "anti-hazing" concept follows. If you agree (or disagree) please comment with your ideas and concepts:

Dear Brothers and Sisters: First of all, my profound condolences to the Champion family on the loss of their son, Robert, Jr. There is nothing anyone can say or do to take away the pain and agony of the loss of a child. But my prayers are with them as they go through this horrific period.

When we are confronted with the horrors of "hazing" as some poor student falls prey to the overzealous (or, in some cases mean spirited) behavior of their fellow students, or peers, who are apparently lacking in proper supervision, values, or priorities, we are horrified. And each time either a sorority or a fraternity (and in this instance a marching band) comes under scrutiny and fire for the tragedy that ensues such banal activities.

I must admit I never heard of bands having rites of passage. I always thought membership was based on whether you could actually play an instrument or not and march to the music sufficiently not to cause problems with other members of the marching band. When it became necessary to initiate someone into a band is beyond me, and somewhat ridiculous on the face of it. Either you're a musician or you're not!

Most of us who are members of our Black fraternities and sororities have fond memories of having "survived pledge week," and are prepared to regale each other with how "tuff" the dean of pledgees was, and how we handled it (or not). Many of us have decorated paraphenalia from the initiations of Black in the day. We had no reports of anyone dying or being beaten to within an inch of their lives while going through an initiation process.

I have often stated that our Black fraternities and sororities (also called the Divine Nine) are the last bastions of our lost African "rites of passage" from childhood to man or womanhood; and I still maintain that stance.

However, given the fact that we, as adults no longer (by law) have the tools to discipline our children during their formative years, so tragedies like these don't happen; and since so many of our kids have been exposed to a daily overdose of violence - at least from the tender age of three - via TV, movies, so-called gangsta rap music, etc., I think we now need to review and come up with a better plan for our initiations and pledging rites.

And, notice, I did not say discontinue them -- no one "joins" a Fraternity or Sorority - they must pledge. Our rites have reason - to bring about loyalty, discipline and tradition. We are not a club -- we are a society; a social organization. For the most part we have each been a source and a force for good in the Black community for over a 100 years (Delta Sigma Theta just celebrated our 99th Founders' Day Anniversary), and plan to continue to be so. And we will not have our names or reputations sullied by the taint of over zealous individuals who take out their internal hostilities against their brothers and sisters through the forms of brutal hazing.

You realize of course, however, that with the mindset of many of today's youth, you can't just tell them that "hazing" is bad. And you can't just tell them to stop "hazing" either. Unfortunately, in many instances, it's hardwired into our premordial human DNA (regardless of whether we're white, Black, Asian, Indian, etc). It's as old as the "new kid on the block" who has to prove him or herself worthy of being a part of the group or the neighborhood.

Instead of the tired old m.o. of verbally condemning their actions, or preaching them away from our guidance, we need a paradigm shift: Perhaps they should have task oriented initiations in a way that benefits the organization (Fraternity, Sorority, Band, or other group) and at the same time forges a bond between the new initiates. It can be fun or it can be serious; or a mix of both. It can exist over a prescribed period of time (3 to 6 weeks). Perhaps the "pledgees" can perform - dance, sing, act, or do something quirky (which is what we had to do in the early days, anyway) for their fellow brothers and sisters.

Or perhaps they can be required to perform a series of some sort of community service, for which they will be rated in terms of delivery and impact (which is what is done on the grad chapter level of Delta Sigma Theta).

You can't just be against something, without giving them something positive to replace it with; and without the mature adult guidance and mentorship to make sure it is implemented appropriately.

As Black people, we really are in the position of saving our youth, and ourselves in the bargain. We just have to think outside the white box, and look at all the creative, innovative, multicultural Best Practices, and unique ways we have, so that we can reinstate our culture of cohesiveness and progress at the same time (you know that unity that helped us survive and surpass enslavement, racism, and ignorance?).

Again, my condolences to the Champion family. For those who are interested in providing further assistance, contact www.savethefamily.com; or Trice Edney Communications

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Posted by Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Long live the memory and the lessons of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Witness to History: What Mt. Vernon Mayor Ernie Davis' Swearing In Means to Black Americans

bu Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Mayor Ernie Davis' swearing in as Mount Vernon's 21st mayor, and as the first New York mayor to go back and successfully win his old seat (at least in Mt. Vernon's history), is a sign that this year is going to be absolutely fantastic - that is if we do what we're supposed to do individually and collectively.

Generally speaking, the day after New Years Eve is primarily relegated to recuperating from the partying you did the night before; and watching a succession of football games on TV. For some of us, it's also a series of open house hospitality events where we roll from party to party (yes, the die hard New Yorkers still do this), extending the New Year festivities throughout the day.

But for the people of Mount Vernon, the January 1, 2012 marked the beginning of a new regime. The beginning of the return to quality of life and conscientious government. It was the day Ernest D. Davis was sworn in as their 21st Mayor.
The ceremonies were held at the beautiful Macedonia Baptist Church, a masterpiece in architecture and design. And despite the rain, the place was packed, as they watch him pledge to not just bring Mount Vernon back, but to take her further forward than ever before.

The residents had practically begged him to run, stating that they had made a terrible error in allowing rumors and inuendos to sway their trust in him (or words to that effect). However, Davis stated that it was when the youth of Mount Vernon personally came and asked him to run in order to save the city, that he decided to throw his hat in the ring again. It was then he knew it was time; and that he could not lose.

His speech, and his pledge to the community, to put "people over politics", is something we all need to hear echoed all over the US, in every city, great or small. And then we need to make sure that we are part of the process that keeps that mandate in place and the forefront of the policies that are set forth in the weeks, months and years following.

Congratulations to the people of Mount Vernon for having had the conscious and the courage to get out and vote for yourselves, your lives, and not for political expediency.

Far too often, we've elected our officials because they were the friend of someone else; or they were popular; or "it was their turn;" or they had money, which seemed to indicate that we couldn't defeat them, no matter how stupid and inhumane they were. Somehow, having a lot of money obviates the fact that votes are counted individually, and dollars don't vote, people do.

Those bad old days have to end right now. Such lock step mentalities have marginalized whole communities throughout the US in general; and here in New York City it's gone completely out of control. Instead of a democratic system, we have an ersatz dictatorship. Instead of government for, by, of and to benefit We, the People, we have a bulldozer effect where our needs are flattened out, while those of the special interests are give cart blanche.

We need to take a page from Mt. Vernon!! They have a great track record when it comes to electing Black men to key positions. And no, not all of them are perfect. Having a Black mayor may not be the end all, be all solution to our problems - but it certainly a step in the right direction. Unfortunately, Clinton, the mayor prior to Ernie Davis's re-election was African American; and a Democrat. However, he may have suffered from amnesia, which can happen with some of our brothers once they step into office (the kids call it "getting the vapors"). In this case, his concern centered around special interests and political expediency, not the needs of the city.

As a result the City of Mount Vernon found itself teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, with massive cutbacks in practically every area. But they woke up one day and realized they had made a horrible mistake, and moved to correct it by returning Ernest Davis to the rightful role a mayor.

Mount Vernon, like Philadelphia, has consistently managed to elect good Black mayors for the past two or more decades. And the people have thrived. There is something we in New York City need to learn from them!! Maybe we need to go to Mount Vernon and ask them to teach us. We can't seem to get it right. And we keep losing for all the wrong reasons. And as a result, we continue to schlep along trying to stay in the city we all love so dearly, trying to grimace and bear it, while also realizing that these last few mayors have had us in their gun sights from the moment they take their oath. They see us as the soon to be extinct populace of NYC. Oh, they'll allow a few of us to remain. Those who have supported their agenda. But the rest of us are being edged out daily. Look around you, and see if that's not the case in your community.

The monuments to our planned demise in Brooklyn are 66 vacant condominium high rise buildings, that tower over the communities and that were so overpriced not even the Wall Streeters they were built for could afford them after the eonomic downturn. And it was clear that none of those properties (many of which sit on once viable Black communities) were not meant for us. And, though former Governor David Paterson passed a law that these buildings could be make into affordable homes for the use of the surrounding community, to date nothing has been done. Why is that?

Look at Coney Island, which was sleighted to become an exclusive gated, waterfront community - never mind the fact that it's a largely Black population, and half of New York went there for summers in the sun; or that it should have been landmarked decades ago for so many of the sites people all over the world came to visit. No! The developers had a strangle hold on Coney Island. The merchants and residents were basically told to take a hike - or jump in the ocean that bordered its shores.

In both cases, had it not been for the incompetence and greed of the Bush Administration and those who walk lock step behind him, we would have been pushed out of there and other New York neighborhoods. Additionally, the properties that have been confiscated have yet to be returned to the people who reside in the Coney Island communities. Why is that?

The answer is because the mayor of our NYC puts dollars and politics before the people. We come somewhere waaaaaaaay down the line, near the bottom of the Totem Pole.

The people of Occupy Wall Street get it! When Bloomberg said they would be bad for tourism, wasn't that a signal that he neither grasped nor cared about our concerns. When he got a judge to co-sign his callous unconcern for our angst, it was patently clear whose mayor he is. I hope we get it as well.

It's really up to us to be part of the greater strategy that says "never again" will we be the victims of lack of voting and blurred vision; lack of vigilance, and lack of cohesiveness. We can't be armchair revolutionaries; or gripers - you know the ones you hear on the bus complaining about the transit system, or the educational system, but never show up to really get things done?

WE have put ourselves on top of the agenda as well; which is exactly what the people of Mount Vernon did. If Black is beautiful - and it is - we had better be about it. Where ever there are those of us trying to do something positive; something forward moving, we have to make it our business be a visible (or invisible, but viable) part of the process.

The history made on January 1, 2012, was just as important to us as it was to those brothers and sisters in Mount Vernon. We should have been part of the population that packed the church when Ernie Davis made his pledge to the people of Mount Vernon (which by the way has a healthy mix of people of all races and ethnicities), if for no other reason than the vicarious thrill of feeling that finally someone really is there for us, We, the people. For the pride in knowing that this Black man is yet another in the long line of unsung heroes who overcame some real serious odds to make it. *He overcame lies, negative headlines, bogus federal investigations, humiliation. He maintained his dignity, and he triumphed by being re-elected to lead his people once again.

*(It should be a lesson to us as well, that when the mean stream press goes after a Black elected official, think twice before you repeat it or accept it as true - they have hidden agendas and are political tools of a much larger operation. Most of the white counterparts who really are committing egregious acts, never ever come under their scrutiny).

And mark my words, Ernest D. Davis is a leader, not just another "elected official" as so many have become. He is a hands-on leader, who has been an integral part of his community for quite some time. He maintains a love and an interest in what is important to the people of Mount Vernon, Black people and people in general.

I do confess to a slight bit of "mayor envy", as I watched this dynamic Black man move through the crowd and receive the love and congratulations of his constituency. In fact,the immortal lyrics of the of the Pussy Cat Dolls kept running through my mind:
"Don't you wish your mayor was Black like me?"
"Don't you wish your mayor was smart like me?"
"Don't you! Don't you?"
"Don't you wish your mayor was human like me?"
"Don't you wish your mayor cared like me?
"Don't you? Don't you!

We got to be about producing more Ernie Davises in our communities. And mark my words, they are already here - not waiting for some far off youth to evolve into manhood, or womanhood, or wisdom. He have them amongst us right now. They're not glamorous. They're clear, soft spoken, well thought out, and consistently and integrally involved in the daily affairs of our communities. It's time we recognized them, and stop looking for the limelighters; the glamor guys and gals -who have the form, but no substance.

We have to produce more and greater elected Black leaders who will take principled stands for their communities. And we also have to make ourselves committees of one to make sure we are doing our part to make our communities viable as well. A leader should not have to struggle to overcome the negativity of his own people in order to make things happen. Something, I don't think Mayor Davis will have to worry about this time around.

In the days and months to come we've got a lot on our plate. Not only do we have to re-elect President Barack Obama, we also have to make sure we give him a majority in Congress, so that he can get the job done that he pledge to do for us and has worked diligently to fulfill over these past 4 years. He has done so despite the fact that nationally we dropped the ball and allowed the Rep-ugh-blicans to gain a margin that put his programs at risk.

We have to watch and be a part of each and every election that comes up in each and every state from now own. Whether it's dog catcher or congressman. Nebraska is losing their Senator to retirement. We have to be about it. We need to look around and find places where we can expand our Black political base. Notice, I said expand, not replace. If we have an incumbent and he or she is working for us, please don't replace them just for the sake of replacing them. We have too much at stake to play those games. However if you see a seat you or someone viable can fill that expands our political efficacy, go for it.

Give your kids voter registration cards for their 18th birthdays, already filled out and stamped. Make sure your own registration is up to date, and start following the campaigns that are happening in your or other communities. We need more Ernie Davis - as mayors, congressmen, assemblymembers, free holders, state senators, city council members. We need more elected officials who put people before politics and dollars. We need people with Black bone, who understand the name of the game and how to play it to win for us.

We need to be going to so many swearing ins that we complain that they're taking place too close together. If we don't we will find ourselves part of some history marker on the corner of a high rise stating that we used to live here back in the day, but are now extinct. And yes, it could happen.

Today is January 5. Make this the beginning of our involvement in our self salvation.

Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

PS: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!