NY & PHILLY LABOR DAY WEEK END EVENT ALERT 2013: West Indian Day Parade & Tony Williams Jazz Festival

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

NEW YORK CITY:
If you are in a 500 mile radius of New York City, or at the epicenter of Brooklyn, NY, you know what time it is.  If it's Labor Day, it's the West Indian Day Parade on Eastern Parkway!  And every year the costumes - which are all hand made, original designs - are more breath taking than ever.  If you every want to see Black creativity and ingenuity at its finest, check out our Parade.  And, yes, though I'm not originally of Caribbean heritage, I am of African heritage, as are all ECLECTICALLY BLACK people, so I claim this parade as much as my Caribbean brothers and sisters do.  This is their 46th year of presenting the parade, which was started by the late, great Carlos Lazama (originally from Trinidad), carried forward by his daughter, Yolanda Lazama-Clark; and now in the capable hands of Thomas Bailey, newly elected president of WIADCA, the organization that puts this monumental undertaking together every year.

I hear so much griping about the crowds - but just think, where would we be without that wonderful parade?  Pretty damned bored, I think.  I'd rather be in the crowd of people who are happy and celebrating their heritage, than sitting at some dry picnic; or watching the boob tube on Labor Day.   

Lord knows I love our pans (steel drums to the uninitiated) - a symbol of total ingenuity if there ever was one.  They originated from abandoned oil drums that were left on the shores, and were transformed into the most amazing musical instruments.   So, if nothing else, you want to be there for the battle of the pans.  I could listen to them play forever. 

So, get up and jump up!  The parade is coming - and three nights leading into the parade at the Brooklyn Museum there will be festivities, commencing Thursday, August 29, through Monday, September 2. 

Wonderful Display of our African and Caribbean Heritage at the West Indian Day Parade

These celebrations, listed below, are for night owls like me and the rest of the Caribbean,  culminate with the largest Caribbean Carnival Parade in the US on Labor Day Monday, September 2^nd .  There will be over "40 costumed bands, scores of colorful floats, millions of jubilant spectators and supporters from around the world converge on Eastern Parkway that is fully lined with hundreds of food stalls selling mouth watering cuisine from around the world to satisfy every taste (from Schenectady Ave to Grand Army Plaza) from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. 

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:

At Brooklyn Museum grounds

Tickets available online at www.wiadcacarnival.org; WIADCA office 718-467-1797 or at Museum gate.

 Thursday, August 29^th:  8:00pm – 1:00am – Caribbean Woodstock
This WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL boasts Caribbean entertainers in a wonderful mix of costume, competition, Steelpan, and musicians performing ZOUK, LATIN, HIP HOP, KOMPA, SOCA and REGGAE! Performers include Tallpree, Jeannie Sol, Adrian Dutchin, Statement, Trinity, Problem Child, Ricky T and many more!
 Friday, August 30^th:  10:00am-2:00pm – Stay in School Youth Fest -FREE!
WIADCA presents this performance opportunity to encourage youth to pursue education and develop their talents. 8:00pm- 3:00am – Brass Fest: Featuring multi-award-winning Soca artist, Machel Montano HD along with Farmer Nappy and Patrice Roberts.  Also performing is Lyrikal, Brooklyn’s Willie Villegas Salsa Band, St. Lucia’s Teddyson John, & TJ Project, Pumpa, Boodoo Singh Tassa Drummers. Hosted by MC Wassy, Giselle “D” Wassi One, all guaranteed to electrify the audience with sizzling high energy performances.
 Saturday, Aug 31^st: 8:00am- 3:00pm – Junior Carnival Parade & Competition
Thousands of children and families enjoy music and “jump-up” while competing in their own costume parade. Route begins at corner of Kingston Avenue & St. John’s Place continues to Franklin Avenue & President Street ending at the Brooklyn Museum grounds. $2 admission at Museum gate.
 8:00pm- 3:00am –Panorama Steelband Competition: A night of PAN, PAN, PANORAMA! This year for pan lovers, WIADCA presents a special appearance by New York University’s NYU Steel Orchestra and competing will be Pan Sonatas, CASYM, Crossfire, Pantonics, Adlib, Metro, Pan Fantasy, D’ Radoes, Despers and Eastside Symphony Orchestra. Get ready to lock in your vote!
 Sunday, September 1^st: 7:00pm- 1:00am – Dimanche Gras An encore presentation featuring Panorama and King & Queen costume winners, and live performances by King David Rudder singing Hammer, High Mas’ & Trini to de Bone, the legendary Calypso Rose performing Tempo & Fire Fire, Lil’ Devyn, Swallow singing Fire in de Backseat, Lima Calbio, and more! Highlights include three of the world’s top Steelpan virtuosos appearing for the first time in the US in an on-stage showdown – Robert Greenidge, Andy Narrell and Liam Teague will duel for the “BEST OF THE EAST” title.

Monday, September 2^nd

Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY

11:00am-6:00pm – West Indian Carnival Day Parade 2013 – Caribbean Pride & Culture
This multi-cultural, Caribbean Carnival extravaganza led by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and other Grand Marshals, is the ultimate expression of Caribbean Pride and Culture .  Known as NYC’s “Greatest Show on Earth”, this colorful Parade of costumed revelers and millions of spectators enjoy music, camaraderie, fun, food and family as they “JUMP-UP” to the scintillating sounds of Soca, Reggae, Salsa, Zouk, Kompa and Calypso!  We invite you to come on down, enjoy, dance or take a “wine”.

PHILADELPHIA, PA:   THE TONY WILLIAMS SCHOLARSHIP JAZZ FESTIVAL: IT'S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS!
For those of you who are in the Philadelphia, there is an equally auspicious event taking place over the next four (4) days:  THE TONY WILLIAMS SCHOLARSHIP JAZZ FESTIVAL, which kicks off Friday, August 30 and goes through Monday, September 2 (Labor Day).  

This is jazz Saxophonist, Tony Williams 20+ year of presenting this wonderful event, which features the great, and near great in Jazz and is held at the Embassy Suites Hotel, near the Philadelphia Airport,   9000 Bartram Ave. in Philly (215) 365-4500. 

TONY WILLIAMS Jazz Saxophonist

BILL COSBY and the REUNION BAND

"The Tony Williams Scholarship Jazz Festival is endorsed, supported and promoted by the
Council Of Jazz Advocates and BDG Enterprises. This 23rd annual Tony Williams Scholarship Jazz Festival is sponsored and coodinated to provide college scholarships to selected students that have studied music and particpated in programs through the Mount Airy Cultural Center, Inc.in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Mount Airy Cultural Center, Inc. is a progam and agency that evolved from other programsTony Williams spearheaded, founded and led.This program is grounded from a 50 year grass root initiative to use the music genre of jazz to build esteem and provide extended outlets to youth to enrich their inner soul, intellect and creativity through music. "The Tony Williams Scholarship Jazz Festival is all about the young people." -Tony Williams Scholarship Jazz Festival Committee. 

You can also call (302) 562-3706 to get Tony Williams Scholarship Jazz Festival information (or see preliminary schedule below.

You can catch the individual sets each evening for$20.00 each; Sunday will be a special presentation of Bill Cosby and the Reunion Band ($40.00) or you can opt to go for the whole package, which is $125.00.  There is even a package deal if you decide you want to hang at the Embassy Suites for the four days, which will include all the before and after parties and receptions.   www.tonywilliamsjazzfestival.org to see the line-up, schedule of activities and information.

Either way, not only are you getting the finest in original Black music, but you're helping to underwrite scholarships for African American students who want to pursue a career in Jazz.  Now it doesn't get any better than that.   

Finish it up on Labor Day at  LaRose Jazz Club 5531 Germantown Ave. for a Blue Monday Jam. (215) 844-5818.

For reservations and additional information, call (215) 248-4415 (Verna); (302) 562-3706 (Greg); or (215) 753-0232 (Thelma). 
The 2013 Tony Williams Scholarship Jazz Festival is ready to roll!!

Schedule of Events and Artists at Tony Williams Jazz Festival for Scholarships(1)

 

Schedule of Events and Artists at Tony Williams Jazz Festival for Scholarships (2)

Actually, since Philly and Brooklyn are right down the road, you can check on the jazz on one night, and get back to New York in time to jump up on the Parkway as well.  And since both cultures originate from our own ECLECTICALLY BLACK genius, you'll be having the best of both worlds! So Stay Blessed & ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

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PHILADELPHIA: SIGN THE PETITION HELP REP. THOMAS REPEAL ACT 201 & H.B. 1047; SUPPORT H.B. 933 W/SUNSET PROVISION

1. By Gloria Dulan-Wilson:

   Hello all:  I just received this from the office of W. Curtis Thomas that should be of vital interest to Philadelphians everywhere:  Apparently there's a move to deprive consumers of their right to have control over the utilities in the Philadelphia area.  An act coming before the state legislature known as Act 201 is about to be renewed unless the citizens stand up and are counted.  By signing the petition below, as well as making sure your friends, neighbors, associates do so also, you can prevent a travesty from being visited in the form of higher utility bills; shut offs during winter season; inability to negotiate a bill and a dozen or so other measures that make it possible for you to have equitable utility bills throughout the year.  So, in addition to signing the petition online, you can make hard copy duplicates, and have your neighbors, church members, friends and others do so as well, and give them to Ms. Marilyn Jewett in Rep. W. Curtis Thomas' office at 530 W. Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA.  From my understanding, time is of the essence, so don't sit on this on.  The gas bill you save may be your own.                                         Stay Blessed & ECLECTICALLY BLACK - Gloria Dulan-Wilson

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Israel Houghton At the Dell in Philadelphia: A Diamond Among the Rhinestones

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Okay, so I went to see Israel Houghton and New Breed, at the Dell in Philly, recently on a Thursday evening.  As I've said often,  I absolutely love this brother and his body of work, listen to him all the time; and his lyrics run through my mind on a constant basis, and encourages me when I'm faced with a challenge or a crisis - especially his signature song, "I Am A Friend of God".

Israel Hougton and New Breed

 So when I had the opportunity to cover his show, you know I jumped at the chance.  Like everywhere on the East Coast lately, had been raining cats and dogs all day in Philly, and looked very much as though the show might be cancelled.  However,  I kind of knew that God the Living Spirit Almighty would not let that happen to one of His favorite Troubadors.  And I was right.  Around 5:30, after a steady downpour all day long, the rain subsided, the clouds parted, and the sun came out - much like in Israel's song "It's Not Over."
 
So after having found my seat,  meeting some wonderful sorors (Delta Sigma Theta of course) on the way, I was prepared for an evening with Israel Houghton.  But apparently that was not to be.  Instead, I got an evening with everybody else but Israel Houghton for most of the evening; with Israel's usually full on show truncated to less than 25 minutes, at best.

It turns out that Israel was a part of a show called "Praise In The Park" that was sponsored by radio station 103.9 FM, who had a dynamic host who kept things moving at the beginning of the show. However, the overcrowded program deprived us of what could and should have been non-stop Israel Houghton!  People who came prepared to hear and sing along with Houghton and New Breed began to leave early, once they realized that he was not going to have the time to do his full repertoire. In fact, he never even had the opportunity to sing "I Am A Friend of God."

This is by no means a criticism of the Dell, by any stretch of the imagination. It's a wonderful venue, and has always been a favorite place for Mandrill when they performed in Philly, and a favorite of mine as well.  There isn't a bad seat in the house; the people and staff are congenial, the food is actually good (not many venues can brag on their concession stands); and it's easy to reach by various modes of transportation.  It's a part of the Fairmont Park system, much like Central Park  in NYC; and offers great quality entertainment throughout the Spring into Fall.  

I am, however, a criticizing those who put this show together.  I've seen Israel Houghton on other occasions when he is the only artist featured.  He really doesn't need anyone else (other than New Breed, of course) to inspire, entertain, and uplift.  So I have to admit that I'm spoiled.  But so were the other members of the audience that evening.  We wanted to sing the songs we had come to know and love.   I basically think that if you have a diamond, you don't crowd it out with rhinestones.  And Israel Houghton is a diamond.  And while it's laudable to want to give upcoming artists an opportunity, they should not be allowed to hog the bulk of the evening.  It was nearly 10:30pm when he finally appeared, less than half an hour before the show was set to end.  People who basically paid to see and hear Israel Houghton were clearly upset.

When he performed at the Brooklyn Tabernacle to a standing room only crowd, they had to open up 6 overflow rooms - twice - to allow for the crowd that showed up for him.  And the Dell, despite the rain, had a near capacity crowd as well.  Not only did they have four (4??) local groups perform before him (which by the way was no problem, they were quite good); but two other "artists," who cut so deeply into his time that he ended up doing medleys instead of the full versions of his songs.    And of course, Israel did not disappoint.  He tried to give as much as he possibly could in the relatively short time that remained,  But it caused him to cut out several of his signature songs, including "I Am A Friend of God," which everybody was waiting to sing with him. (did I say that already?  Oh well, that tells you the extent to which I was disappointed.)

So, at the risk of sounding petulant, I would really like to advise the Dell and other venues, when you book Israel Houghton, please be considerate of us, his loyal fans, and make it all Israel Houghton and New Breed,  FOR THE FULL SHOW; we'll love you for it.  Thank you (didn't mean to shout, just wanted to be clear).   His shows stand very well on their own.  He's a very gracious gentleman, and probably won't say a word, but we in the audience really came to see him.

That said, he did perform his new signature song, "It's Not Over," which is one of the most beautiful and inspirational pieces out there today, leaving us on an high note as we exited the venue - but many were commenting that the other artists should have come on last or not at all, rather than to have shortchanged Houghton and New Breed.

Thank goodness for Lakewood Church on Sundays.  Since Houghton  is the praise and worship leader for Joel Osteen, I do get to watch him on line - and those first 45 minutes - as well as Joel and Victoria Osteen's messages - are magical.   It's somewhat of a compensation.  Hopefully it won't be a year before he's on the East Coast again - I do try to catch his performances when he's within a 200 mile radius of where I am.  I think it's worth it. 

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
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Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter Takes a Stand for Philadelphia Children/Education: A tale of 3 Mayors & One Yet to Be

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

I've subtitled this "A Tale of Three Mayors an One Yet To Be," because I'm mindful of the fact that New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania are contiguous states along the Eastern Seaboard, each with major cities of relevance to Black People - those being New York City, Newark, and Philadelphia, respectively.  

In each instance, there has been a major crisis in public school funding, while charter schools have proliferated; and unfortunately there has recently developed a deficit in funding support for public schools, while charter schools appear to thrive.  Within that context, New York mayor Bloomberg has engineered the closing of nearly 160 public schools throughout the five boroughs, much to the dismay of parents, educators and students alike.  There appears to be little to no regard on his part for the wishes, needs, and concerns of his constituency (I use the term lightly here, because in fact, Bloomberg's constituency really only include the uber rich)

However, in contrast, both Mayor Cory Booker and Mayor Michael Nutter have taken a much more intelligent approach, one that takes into consideration the needs of the students, as well as the wishes and concerns of the constituents, and have taken a stand that sends notice to all that they are determined to work to the benefit of all of their city, not just a privileged few.  In Mayor Booker's case, he was able to obtain matching grant funding from major corporations (including Facebook) to the tune of $400 Million, which not only makes it possible to hire competent educators (not just teachers), but upgrade the equipment, material and supplies - as well as infrastructure - of the current schools. 

Mayor Michael Nutter's stance on saving Philadelphia schools is likewise to be applauded.  I am sharing a press release with you, below, that I received from his office.   It shows that he puts the interests and concerns of his people first.  It would be great if the two mayors (Booker and Nutter) could collaborate on how to also obtain grant funding in order to have to mitigate future loans - but in the interim, Mayor Nutter is not sitting on his hands, or his laurels, and lamenting over budgetary issues.  He's digging in his heels and making it happen so that students will return to school on September 9 to a safe, sane and scholarly environment.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker

New York Mayoral Candidate William "Bill" Thompson (2013)

Kudos to  Cory Booker (who, by the way just won the Democratic nomination to be the first African American US Senator from New Jersey - hope there is a suitable successor to step in and carry Newark forward - Newark, heads up - you need to already have some one in mind (RAS BARAKA) so that you don't end up with a "rep-ugh-blican" mayor - get busy.  To be forewarned is to be fore 
armed.

And kudos to Mayor Michael Nutter for standing walking your talk. 

New York City is now faced with a dilemma, hype, subterfuge, divide and conquer in an all too crowded primary to determine who is going to move this city forward.  I think if you look at the last 12 years, it should be obvious that the only person who can and will take this city forward is Bill Thompson.  He's the former New York City comptroller, and has worked intimately in the Board of Education.  He's of and from the community - knows who and what and where we live, and more importantly WHY.  The three greatest cities on the eastern seaboard deserve the best - it's time New York City elected someone who will really put her first, as these other two exemplary mayors, Cory Booker and Michael Nutter, have done consistently.  NYC Voters: Don't miss your opportunity to do something great.

STAY BLESSED &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

The Press Release from Mayor Nutter's Office follows: 

City of Philadelphia

    MAYOR'S OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

MAYOR NUTTER’S REMARKS ON PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL FUNDING CRISIS

  Philadelphia, August 15, 2013 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter, joined by City officials, announced a plan for the City of Philadelphia to borrow $50 million on behalf of the School District to ensure that the schools will open safely and on time for the 2013-14 school year.  Prepared remarks below, check against delivery:

“A week ago, Superintendent William Hite said Philadelphia public schools could not safely open on Sept. 9 without a firm commitment of $50 million so that he can hire back about 1,000 School District employees between now and then.

Today, as Mayor of this great City, I’m here to say I WILL NOT RISK A CATASTROPHE. We WILL avoid this disaster. 

 

 I am committing to our students, parents and citizens today that schools are going to open on time and safely on Sept. 9th. Children are going to continue their education.

I am not going to let this crisis ruin the start of what is certainly a promising school year, and it’s clear to me that a majority of Council members, even with different ideas now being discussed, want the same one thing – that schools open on time AND safely.

Therefore, I am taking executive action today on behalf on our City to end this current crisis and uncertainty.

There are a number of ways to try to accomplish this goal – a borrowing, a grant, a loan or even the purchase of school buildings or school tax liens – each has its own requirements, complications and challenges.

I’ve evaluated all of the options and their respective impacts on the City’s finances.

As a result of these evaluations, I am today now directing the City Finance Director, the City Treasurer and the Budget Director to begin immediately to take all necessary steps to conduct a City borrowing of $50 million on behalf of the School District. I believe this mechanism is the best way to immediately get these needed dollars to the School District with virtually no financial impact on our City.

If Council approves a sales tax bill consistent with what’s been approved in Harrisburg, or any other legislation, it will give the City access to $15 million a year to repay the borrowing.

If Council fails to act, either the costs of the borrowing will be borne by our City’s General Fund and unfortunately it causes significant deficits for the City, or even worse, deprive our schoolchildren of a sustainable funding source because of a dispute over how best to solve our City pension problems.

Our school children did not create the City pension problem nor are they responsible for the School District’s funding problems. They should not suffer as we try to resolve it. They should not be pawns in a political chess match of leverage and strategy.

The State legislation, while not perfect, does provide $400 million to our Pension Plan over the next 10 years, while also providing $600 million in education funding over the course of the next 5 years. These are significant new funds for education AND pensions.

Second, today, I will have this letter hand delivered to Dr. Hite, informing him of the City’s commitment and asking him to immediately begin the process of hiring back the thousand or so school district employees whose return will ensure that schools open on time and safely.

Third, today, we will also hand deliver to City Council and the Chief Clerk proposed legislation to implement the sales tax extension consistent with what was done in Harrisburg.

This legislation will also include language that if the General Assembly changes the distribution of sales tax revenue to an equal split between the School District and the city pension fund, then that too would be authorized by Council with passage of that particular piece of legislation.

And I agree that the sales tax should be split between the City and School District IF, if the cigarette tax is passed in Harrisburg.

The bottom line is that we need to take action now and make commitments now in order to avoid chaos.

I will continue to work with Council President Clarke and members of City Council to take the necessary steps to support our School District in the short term while we all work with our State Legislators and our Governor on a long-term, stable and recurring financial plan for funding the education of our young people.

And so,  I’m also calling upon all elected officials, school advocates, the business community, our religious communities, our parents and anyone concerned about the City’s future and its economic well-being to work together with cities and towns all across the Commonwealth on developing a new education funding formula that takes into account the student population and their needs and challenges.

Pennsylvania needs to join the other 47 states that use such student-based formulas to fund education.

Let this effort be the cause that unites us all across the Commonwealth. I believe this cause is a significant part of what quality education is all about. And if we’re successful, it’s this kind of long-lasting work of which we can all be proud.

But let me be clear at this moment, my message today is focused on tomorrow’s deadline and on Sept. 9th. We are taking these actions because Philadelphia children and their parents and their hopes for a brighter future are not going to be shattered by indecision, fear or doubt.

As Mayor, it’s my duty to keep Philadelphia on track and moving forward and that’s what I’m doing today.

On Monday morning, Sept. 9, I expect that we’ll all be ringing school bells at schools all across the City with Philadelphia school children, their teachers, administrators and other staff. We’re going to kick off a great year of enrichment and discovery on that day.

To the parents of Philadelphia school children, I have heard you clearly and I understand your concerns, and that’s why I’m taking this action today on behalf of our children.

Young minds are preparing for greatness in our grand and beloved City. We must meet our challenges head-on, that is our path forward. I anticipate that day, and with today’s commitment we’ll have the necessary funding and staff – safe and ready to go on Sept. 9th.

Thank you.”

This is the example of a mayor who cares, takes action, and takes stands.   Just thought you'd like to know, since we are now faced in New York City with electing a new mayor.  This is also a continuous endorsement for Bill Thompson for Mayor of New York City. That is if you want someone who is going to stand for you, who resonates to your concerns and works with you to rectify them.  Who has been in the trenches, gotten out, and blazed a trail in the process so that others can do likewise.  Don't fool yourself that you can do otherwise.  You have to make it your business to vote for your own enlightened self interest - and you have a very short time to wake up and come to this realization.   

Stay Blessed &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

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CORY BOOKER For US Senate: Set to Make History In New Jersey

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

US SENATE CANDIDATE CORY BOOKER

August 13, 2013 is just a few days away, and all eyes are on the special election set to determine who will fill out the unexpired term of the late US Senator, Frank Lautenberg.

Governor Chris Christie set the election date despite the protestations of his Rep-ugh-blican cronies who wanted him to use it to fill the vacant seat with a republican.  He chose to set a special election prior to the upcoming New Jersey gubernatorial election.  

And now the clock is ticking and as the time winds down, it looks as though Cory Booker is the clear front runner, much to the chagrin of his opponents -  NJ Assembly Speaker, Sheila Oliver, .US. Rep. Rush Holt,  and U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, all Democrats.   Rep-ugh-blican opponents include Steve Lonegan and Alieta Eck.

Since Lautenberg's death in June,  Booker has built a national following, with supporters coming from all over the US to be part of his victory.  Prior to the special election, many had anticipated his running for a third term; while others (including yours truly) had hoped he would give Christie a run for his money and become the first African American governor of the state of New Jersey.

His track record on addressing such issues as curtailing gun violence, child poverty, economic development, crime issues, immigration,quality housing, education and other areas of concern have ranged from satisfactory to stellar.  Coming in on the already progressive trail blazed by former Newark mayor Sharpe James,  Booker has raised nearly $400 million in philanthropy to the city, which included a $100 million matching education grant from Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.


Reversing what had been a downward slide, Newark has been on the upswing, with new projects and improvements almost daily. Newark has gone from a city that was once on the critical list to one that is making more than a comeback, it's leading the parade to progress.

Booker has garnered following across the Hudson, with local leaders like Chet Whye, who was campaign manager for New York in the Harlem for Obama Campaign 2012, pulling together phone campaigns and door knockers to make sure there is a significant turn out for the upcoming special election.

Statistically speaking, 70% of Newark's children live in low income families; however, educational standards and facilities have improved significantly. There are fewer shootings in Newark while there is still a significant crime rate.

While not everybody is impressed with Booker's track record, such luminaries as Oprah Winfrey, Jon Stewart and others are supporters of his candidacy. Many applaud the fact that he has been a “hands-on mayor,” chasing down criminals, allowing residents to stay in his apartment during Superstorm Sandy, shoveling snow during a blizzard, going on a 10-day hunger strike to bring attention to drug abuse.
Polls show that 70 percent of Newark residents support Booker, saying that the city is better since he's taken office. It's become a more attractive place to live, and recently an influx of new residents and businesses have been documented over the past year.

Of course, once Booker secures the position of Senator (notice I did not say “if”), the next burning question is who will step in as Newark's next mayor, to carry forward the progressive program already in motion.  It will be interesting to see who is (s)elected to fill those shoes.

With three days and counting until the special election, an all out push is on to Get Out The Vote. And, though Booker is the clear front runner, no one should be taking anything for granted. Polls open at 6:00 in the morning and close at 8:00 in the evening. Jersey residents must make sure that you get up, get out, vote and get the rest of your friends, relatives and associates up and out to vote as well.

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Happy Birthday to My Handsome Son Rais "One Sun Lion RA" Wilson

by Gloria Dulan-Wilson

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HANDSOME SON!!! 

Rais & Big Sister Kira

   You know I had to do this - this is a milestone birthday, and I just couldn't let it pass without paying homage to my handsome son, Rais Enaharo Wilson (his name is both East and West African).  Based on the fact that he's a Leo, Rais means Ruler; Enaharo means Like the Sun (since Leo is a Sun King).  He later amended it to a stage name of his chosing:  The One Sun Lion RA. 

    Spoken word artist, musician in his own right, and the pride and joy of his late father, Lou Wilson (Mandrill), Rais has stepped out in his own right and begun blazing his own trail in the world of entertainment.

    As a kid, sandwiched in between two sisters, Kira and Adiya, Ra made it plain that he was definitely the "boss" in the family - that is until his big sister shut him down, or his little sister put on a pouty face.  There was the usual amount of sibling rivalry, but for the most part, these three were each other's support system, and continue to be so to this day.  A lot of love in our family for each other.  I am so proud of that fact. 

    Now that they are all grown up, mature adults, and RA is the father of three beautiful chocolate drops of his own, it's a pleasure to see him with his kids, telling them the exact thing I told him when he was little:  "Don't sit with your mouth open;" " say please," "say thank you," "say excuse me," "take your elbows off the table," "don't talk with your mouth full" "Black is Beautiful and so are you," "I love you."

    A consummate musician, writer, poet, and artist, Rais often appeared with his dad's group, Mandrill, on tour, performing some of his own original work.  He's also appeared with Roy Ayers in the past. 

    As a child it was easy to see he had a lot of talent, because he drove his teachers crazy.  As a result of being frequently called to the school because he was always cracking jokes or imitating (perfectly) characters he had seen on TV or his teachers;  I finally told him the only way he could do that and it not be a problem, was if he was getting paid.  So I made it mandatory for him to audition for plays and roles, got him an agent, Sassie Gehrhardt, who got him on two Cosby Shows, and nearly landed him a role as Vanessa's love interest.  In addition, he performed in two plays at the Harlem School of the Arts, one in which Susan Taylor's daughter, Shauna (?) danced (Wings Over Harlem, and We Don't Mean Chicken Honey). 

    My Handsome Son - I do love saying that - is his own person, but he shares so many traits from both the Dulan and Wilson family lines.  I've taken to calling my children Jamaica/Baja/Manian/Indians - because of their family lineages of Jamaica, Barbados, Panama and Cherokee nations.  It's beautiful to see the blends in his talent, temperament, expression, and genetic code. 

    As an artist, his work has been displayed at Yale University, Danny Simmons Studio, and in Paris.  Being multitalented has its blessings, and its frustrations; but the dedication with which he's followed his dream is beginning to bear fruit. 

RA Black in the Day at North Carolina A&T

      And on this milestone of Birthdays, August 5, 2013, I am speaking power over my son and his life, and declaring that he will have many more wonderful days ahead of him.  He is blessed and highly favored.  And very much loved by us all. 

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Momi

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