Showing posts with label CBC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CBC. Show all posts

10.19.2022

51ST ANNUAL ALC CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS: Advancing Our Purpose/Elevating Our POWER

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson
Hello All:
 
 
For the first time in two years the Congressional Black Caucus reconvened their Annual Legislative Caucus Weekend in person, in Washington DC from September 28 through October 1st at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.  And I'm happy to say that I was there - mobility scooter and all!  This is the first time the Caucus was held so late in the year.  It's usually early to mid-September, as opposed to carrying over into October - just scant weeks before the close of voter registration.
 

 

Most people are totally unaware of the Caucus and its importance to the constituents, so let me school you:
The Congressional Black Caucus, or CBC, for short,  brings together businesses, community based organizations, charitable organizations together to interface with our Black elected Congress members to plan and coordinate policies, programs, legislation to benefit their largely African American constituency - i.e., you/me/us - for the coming year. 

The Congressional Black Caucus was founded in 1971 by fourteen Black Congressional members including Charlie Rangel (D. NY), John Conyers (D. Michigan), Shirley Chisholm (D. NY), Ron Dellums (D. CA),  Parren Mitchell (D. MD), Robert N.C. Nix (D. PA), Walter Fauntroy (D. DC), among others.   They felt they would be more effective in working on behalf of their constituents if they consolidated their efforts - and they were absolutely correct.      
 
At present, Congressmembers Charlie Rangel, Walter Fauntroy, and William Lacy Clay are the three remaining members still living. They are walking history of the transformation of this august body from its fledgling days to their current status, where their work is more essential than ever before - in a post-T-rump/post January 6th, pre-apocalypse era.  
 
Now, in their 51st year, with 58 members,  the CBC's mission is more important than ever.  They are often called the conscious of Congress - primarily because the predominant tenor of Congress is to cater to majority constituents.  The Black Caucus - hence the Black congress members - have to go the extra mile to ensure we, as citizens, get what we need and deserve as voters and tax payers. 

It's been my privilege to cover the Congressional Black Caucus since 1985, with the exception, of course, of the years they were shuttered because of Covid. And so much has happened subsequent to the 2020 election,  it's  even more imperative that we know, understand, respect and support the work of the Caucus and those whom we have elected to represent us in DC. 
 
NOTE: {If at times I come from my soap box - and you know I will - it's because I feel the urgency to drive home the point that we cannot take anything for granted, or belittle the role of the Caucus and its members.  Just like I will definitely not let us get off the hook in reference to our responsibility to show up in a critical mass for this MIDTERM ELECTION - because our very lives are at stake}.

Over the course of three days, specialized workshops and roundtables covered such issues as police brutality, education, health imperatives, infrastructure, employment, violence and anti-violence measures, Africa and the Diaspora, cultural programs, economic issues that face constituents as inflation continues to rise; housing, home ownership and community development.  Hundreds of subject matter experts participated in presenting programs, issues and goals as well as plans for the future of Black Americans, while simultaneously trying to impress the importance of what this upcoming Midterm election will portend if voters don't get it right. 

This year's Chair, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, had her hands full trying to bring the event back to its full glory and energy after such a long hiatus.  But, while there may have been some minor glitches, the joy of being back together, face to face, in each other's company, more than made up for it.  For the first time the CBC was a hybrid production, making it possible for more constituents to watch from home and keep abreast of the various workshops and special activities.  I truly hope they took advantage of the opportunity to do so.

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty - Chair of CBC ALC Weekend 2022



I've always maintained that the CBC was one of the few key events where you could find the most intelligent, accomplished, purposeful Black people on the planet.  Where everyone dressed to impress, was congenial, civil, and focused on "doing good works."   It's the first time I've covered the Caucus and the illustrious Civil Rights hero, John Lewis, was not there, with his quiet, genteel presence - ever the activist -  hosting his widely popular Atlanta Reception. 

There was an undercurrent of tension throughout the event as the Midterms come closer and closer.  Will Rev. Raphael Warnock be able to retain his seat as Senator from Georgia?  This insidious challenge of being pitted against an insipid opponent in order to split the votes, and weaken the strength Georgia showed during the 2020 election.  One wonders what John Lewis would have said/done under these circumstances:  He probably would have appropriately pointed out that Republicans are not concerned about Walker's lack of character - they only want to get a majority - they would sponsor a pig if they could as long as it gives them a majority - they are banking on the lack of critical thinking skills on the part of many Georgia voters who are only going on name recognition.  SMH 

Does the Black voting constituency realize how serious it is that they get out and vote to return all their incumbents to office, while simultaneously electing more Democrats so that the programs, policies and work begun under the Biden administration can continue to benefit them and bear even more fruit?

Can the CBC galvanize their base even more so that Black voters "get it" and turn out in mass numbers the way they did during the presidential election?  Have they finally understood how key these upcoming Midterm elections are in terms of their own futures?  This is a real nail biter.

With so many workshops, roundtables and forums going on simultaneously, it's impossible to cover them all.  So I focused on two that are most in line with my interest, and crucial to all:  Affordable Housing Roundtable, and the Roundtable on African Affairs.

During the CBC Roundtable on Decent Affordable Housing, hosted by Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D. NY), HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge outlined the programs they had  already put in place to provide affordable, quality homes in areas hard hit by neglect and dis-investment under the T-rump administration.  New York City, where housing costs are outrageously high, was a focal point, as well as homes in rural and blighted areas.   NYC Rents border on an unconsciounable $3,000 a month - assuming the tenant earns $100K a year.  Sadly, most Black New Yorkers' salaries are $50,000 and below.  
 
L) Congressman Hakeem Jeffries; Center/Front: NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams

 
Panelists addressed the practice of warehousing properties that should be made available to families who desperately needed them; funding for renovations in rural areas; expansion of quality homes for seniors, as well as quality of Black communities that had been allowed to decline, while  white communities had been given preferential treatment and services.  Other concerns were down playing the valuations of Black owned properties, while inflating their in adjacent neighborhoods - even when it was clear that the Black owned properties were far superior to those of their caucasian counterparts.  

After the Affordable Housing Roundtable L-R HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge, Zeta Phi Beta President, Dr. Stacie N.C. Grant, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke


Catching up on old times with NYC NAACP President & SOROR Hazel Dukes, and other Soror from NYC.  



 
Brooklyn, NY Congressman Hakeem Jeffries at the Affordable Housing Roundtable

 
 
Jonathan Jackson - Son of the Rev. Jesse Jackson (L)

Vendor/Author at CBC whose book Embracing My Sexy Sixties was a big hit

NY State Assembly Woman Latrice M. Walker

 
 
 
On the other side of the Convention Center, African diplomats, businessmen and women, emissaries, gathered together with African American (We are the 6th Diaspora) panelists to focus on the future of African and  African American businesses, educators, activists, as leaders begin to wade through the challenges they face in trying to develop an autonomous, united continent of Africa.  The question on most minds was the apparent take over of African lands and businesses by Chinese predatory lenders, while African businesses are having difficulties realizing profits in their own countries; followed closely by why Africa is so dependent on food sources from outside the continent, as opposed to producing their own.  Present was Mel Foote, chair/founder of Constituency For Africa, made salient points about intra-African trade as opposed to depending on outside (possibly contaminated) imports of substandard quality food products, GMO seeds, etc. 

After the Roundtable on Africa with Mel Foote - President, Founder & CEO of Constituency for Africa -



The highpoint of the Caucus  Weekend is their Phoenix Awards Dinner, which took place on Saturday, October 1st under the theme “Advancing Our Purpose and Elevating Our Power."   The Phoenix Awards, which was co-hosted by Meagan Good and Omari Hardwick,  honored those who have distinguished themselves against the odds, and provided excellent, outstanding service to their communities, including: 

The great Opal Lee - whose outstanding dedication to making JUNETEENTH a national holiday by walking from Texas to Washington, DC to emphasize the importance of the holiday to Black people.

Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), who has now become somewhat of a "rock star" for his presiding over the select committee to investigate the events of January 6, 2021 when a rabid mob attacked the Nation's Capitol under the urging and instigation of T-rump.  He is also the longest serving Black elected official in the state of Mississippi.  Congressman Thompson received the Democracy Trailblazer Award.

The prolific and erudite author, public speaker, educator, activist Dr. Michael Eric Dyson - no stranger to most of us - received the much deserved CBC Chair's Phoenix Award.

Lisa D. Cook, advocate for gender and racial equity, is the first Black woman to serve on the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve. 

Ruth Carter, the fabulous costume designer who was nominated three times for her wonderful costumes in the films Malcom X (1992) and Amistad (1997).  She won the award in 2018 for her design in the iconic  BLACK PANTHER - becoming the first African American to win an Academy Award in that category.  
 

Vice President Kamala Harris addresses the Phoenix Awards at the 51st Annual Legislative Caucus

Vice President Kamala Harris' addressed the Congressional Black Caucus' Phoenix Awards Dinner for the first time in her role as Vice President: 

"This year’s conference theme, “Advancing Our Purpose and Elevating Our Power."  Tonight we gather once again at the Phoenix Dinner with so many friends and our CBC family.  The first time I attended this dinner, I was in college at Howard University.  You know.  And as a United States senator, I attended this dinner as a CBC member.  You will hear from the President about the progress we have made together.  A President who chose CBC members and staff to serve at every level of our government - including our outstanding Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Agency, Madam Secretary Marcia Fudge.
 
"With the CBC, we invested an historic 5.8 billion dollars -- that’s “B” with a -- “B” -- billion dollars -- in our HBCUs, knowing that our HBCUs are some of our best, best intuitions of academic excellence.  And, speaking of history, many of us were together yesterday morning for the investiture of the first Black woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court  Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

"We gather in unsettled times.  I have seen that as I have traveled across this nation and around the world as your Vice President.  And you have seen it, too.  Ideals and freedoms that we thought were long established and are now under threat.  And at home, threats to a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body.  Threats to a voter’s right to cast a ballot and have it counted.   And threats to the right of every citizen to lead and live free from hate and violence.  We have a job to do.  We have a job to do, because in this room we have the power we need to get it done.  And we have a President who works every single day to elevate that power even higher to advance that purpose even further.  My fellow Americans, it is my honor to introduce the President of the United States, Joe Biden!!"


President Joe Biden Addresses the CBC Phoenix Awards Dinner Guests

President Biden entered amidst a thundering applause and a standing ovation.  This is his first time attending the Phoenix Awards Dinner - a precedence set by former President Bill Clinton, followed by President Barack Obama, and now continued with President Biden.

"Jill and I are honored to be with so many friends.  You know, though, I know you’re really here to see Gladys Knight.  I ain’t one of the Pips."  The audience responded with laughter and applause.  What a welcome change to have a president who was not overly puffed up over delusions of his own self worth.

"And it’s time like these we’re reminded that America is about how we choose to see one another; how we choose to treat everyone with the dignity and respect they deserve; how we choose to believe that  America is big enough for all of us to succeed.  We have had big wins since we were sworn in that simply wouldn’t have happened without the CBC.  I told you all I was going to appoint a Black woman to the Supreme Court, and we did.  Thank you, thank you, thank you, Cory (Bush), and for reminding us of the resolve and joy at that  historic moment to close the racial gap to make sure all Black Americans -- no matter where they live, no matter what their circumstance -- got a chance to be vaccinated and boosted.

Highpoints of President Biden's address focused on the following accomplishments and concerns:

"More Black Americans gain health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
 "Black unemployment is down.  Black small-business creation is up.
 "And Black child poverty was cut in half in 2021 because of the Child Tax Credit. And, with the help of the CBC, we’re working like hell to make sure we make the Child Tax Credit permanent.  Permanent.  Permanent.  Look, instead of photo ops (which is what T-rump focused on during his misbegotten tenure - GDW), I delivered $5.8 Billion in funding -- more than any time in any portion of our history ever.

Marcia’s (HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge) leadership, we’re expanding our efforts to build Black wealth -  like others have - through homeownership;  because we know that’s how you build equity and pass down that wealth from generation to generation. 

And we’re also aggressively -- aggressively combatting racial discrimination in housing.  And that includes everything from ending the legacy of redlining -- which, I might add, was the first issue I got involved in as a young county councilman and almost lost, but we were right.

Black small businesses are the engines of our economy.  But you understand more than most people.  They’re the glue that holds a community together: the restaurant, the beauty shop, the barber shop, the drug store. 
 
Every business - no matter how big or small!  They’re the ones that sponsor the church events, the Little League events.  They’re the ones that hold a community together that people gather around.  So, it matters when we support small businesses in the Black community.

My administration disperses hundreds of billions of dollars in federal contracts for everything from refurbishing the decks on aircraft carriers to installing the railings on federal buildings.  I get to spend $600 billion a year.
And I made a decision that it's all going to be made and worked for in America.  None of that money is going to any outfit that’s not in America. 
We're determined to make sure that taxpayer dollars goes to American companies and American workers.  In my administration, We Buy American!  And that includes increasing the share of those dollars that go to small, disadvantaged businesses, including brown and Black businesses!
 
Susan Taylor & Hubby, Khephra Burns applaud President Biden's Vision for America at the Phoenix Awards Dinner
 

And we're going to bring that from 10 percent of all that money spent going to small businesses that are Black and brown to 15 percent by 2025. That means an additional $100 billion to those businesses and those communities.    It matters!

In reference to infrastructure, we will replace poisonous lead pipes so every child can turn on a faucet, whether they’re at home or school, and drink clean water. 

You all worked hard to pass  the George Floyd Justice Policing Act in the House, but it got blocked by Senate Republicans.  And since they blocked it, I signed an historic Executive Order that included key elements of the bill: banning choke holds; greatly restricting no-knock warrants; creating a national database for officer misconduct; tighten of the use-of-force police [policies] emphasize -- emphasis on de-escalation; and to call for a fresh approach to recruit, hire, train, promote, and retain law enforcement that come from the neighborhoods they serve and know the people they’re charged to protect.  That’s tied to more community policing and advancing public trust and public safety.
 
"Let me be clear: I’m not going to stand by and watch the fundamental freedoms in this country be taken from you, like the right to vote and have your vote counted.

I’ll defend our democracy and your freedoms with every fiber of my being.You had my back, and I promise you I’ll have yours!"  - President Joe Biden

President Biden's speech brought the entire ballroom to their feet in thunderous standing ovation.  And rightly so!  He made this declaration early on, on September 1, 2022 at Independence Mall in Philadelphia, PA - and has reiterated it over and over.   
 
NOW THAT YOU KNOW
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

FOOTNOTE FROM ECLECTICALLY BLACK NEWS:

I'm adding a footnote here, one I hope you'll take to heart and share: 

EVERY MEMBER OF THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS, EVERY MEMBER OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY MUST BE ON MESSAGE, SHOW UNITY, AND COME TOGETHER TO GET THE WORD OUT THAT PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN HAS MADE A COVENANT WITH AMERICA AND HAS ALREADY GONE ABOVE AND BEYOND WHAT MOST PRESIDENTS HAVE DONE. 
WE MUST IMPRESS UPON ALL OUR FELLOW DEMOCRATS THAT THIS MIDTERM ELECTION IS ABOUT SAVING THE SOUL OF AMERICA FROM DESTRUCTION AND PRIVATION! 
 
On September 1, 2022, President Joe Biden put his foot down, literally and figuratively, and let it be known that he would not stand idly by, or cower in the face of fascism that has been given a boost on every level by the predator in chief (my words, not his) and would take a firm stand against any and all incursions of the freedoms of all Americans by the maggots (Maga).  
 
He also emphasized that he was focused on making America better than it was through several hands on measures.  President Biden is keeping those promises admirably, while sending a signal to the opposition that he was not going to tolerate the kinds of hostile aggressions and threats leveled at those who are sincere about America's progress from those who spent the previous four years simultaneously  intimidating, lying to, and robbing Americans. 

Over the past 30 days, from September 1 to October 1, 2022 - he has more than kept  his promise, including a convening a joint summit to stop the violence and focus on keeping his promises to expand and implement services that were essential to the well being and growth of America.  
 
I want you to know that he has kept his word at every turn.  He has personally visited victims of violence and assaults - such as the victims of the Buffalo, NY Massacre, while also going on site to Florida to walk through the devastation with Governor DeSantis ( DeInsanity - my words, not his) to begin to mitigate the damage of Hurricane Ira (?).  He has made MADE IN AMERICA and return of manufacturing and jobs that had been exported overseas to other countries - back to the United States. 

Make no mistake about it - President Biden is a president who has kept, and is keeping, his word, and is focused on doing even more.

Here's the deal - as he would say - Each and every member of the Congressional Black Caucus, their constituents,  those reading this blog; those who don't read this blog, but live in battleground states; educators, doctors, lawyers, business owners,   Americans with any sense of propriety and love for their country, must  hammer home this information.  They must expound loudly and clearly on the reasons this MIDTERM ELECTION IS CRITICAL TO  THE CONTINUATION OF THE PROGRESS - THIS IS A MIDTERM FOR ALL THE MARBLES - SO THAT HE CAN CONTINUE TO PULL AMERICA BACK UP FROM THE SLIPPERY SLOPE DOWN THE PRIMORDIAL OOZE THAT SLIMEBALLS T-RUMP, MCCONNELL, AND THOSE OF THEIR ILK HAVE PUT US ON - 
 
MESSAGE TO WOMEN:  If we lose this Midterm election, then, women get out your chastity belts and chains, Black people get out your shackles and hand over the whips to the caucasoid slave monsters; educators give up your degrees and seek jobs as janitors - because this country will never be able to make a comeback from such a defeat.

I know this is a departure from the coverage of the CBC and from the reportage of the Phoenix Awards - an event that is designed to show our progress and our courage in the face of adversity.  Well, we are facing adversity big time - and are days away from the MIDTERM 2022 ELECTIONS!! STOP WATCHING BOGUS NEWS REPORTS  (which is really free publicity for T-rump and his maga maggots - The President gets 6 minutes - T-rump gets 25!!)    AND USE YOUR OWN COMMON SENSE FOR A CHANGE.  
 
STOP GETTING FILLED UP WITH THE SPURIOUS FOOLISHNESS ABOUT T-RUMP, THAT IS DESIGNED TO DIVERT YOUR ATTENTION FROM THE REAL ISSUES AND FOCUS ON YOUR JOB - TO GET OUT, REGISTER, VOTE - AND MAKE SURE YOU REGISTER EITHER DEMOCRAT OR - WHATEVER THAT OTHER PARTY IS.

I AM AWARE THAT I AM PREACHING TO THE CHOIR - BUT IT'S TIME FOR THE CHOIR TO TAKE IT ON THE ROAD AND MAKE SURE THERE ARE OTHERS SINGING OUR TUNE IN HARMONY AND UNISON: 
BLACK MIDTERM VOTES MATTER! 
WOMEN'S MIDTERM VOTES MATTER! 
GEN Z'S MIDTERM VOTES MATTER! 
SENIOR'S MIDTERM VOTES MATTER! 
YOUR MIDTERM VOTES MATTER - 
WE HAVE TO WIN BOTH THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE - 
DON'T LET THE MEANSTREAM MEDIA TELL YOU CAN'T WIN BOTH - 
YOU CAN DO IT! YOU MUST DO IT!

THE BEAUTY OF MY ECLECTICALLY BLACK NEWS BLOG IS THAT I CAN ENDORSE WHO I WANT. I'M NEITHER BI-PARTISAN OR NON-PARTISAN.  I'M KNOWN AS THE "PARTISAN PRESS," BECAUSE WHAT AFFECTS THE READERS AFFECTS ME AS WELL. 


WE ALL KNOW THAT THE REPUGLYCON (REPUBLICAN FOR THE UNINITIATED) PARTY IS BACKING THE MOST REPREHENSIBLE CHARACTERS THEY CAN FIND - BECAUSE THEY CAN MANIPULATE THEM.   HENCE THE REASON THEY ARE BACKING WALKER OVER WARNOCK HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HIS MORALS OR COMPETENCE.  WE, WHO ARE THE INTELLIGENT ONES ASK DON'T GET IT- WE CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY WOULD SUPPORT SUCH A CRETIN.  WHAT WE FAIL TO REALIZE IS TO THEM THIS IS A NUMBERS GAME.  THEIR ONLY INTEREST IS HAVING A MAJORITY IN THE SENATE SO THEY CAN UNDERMINE PROGRESS!  THEY KNOW THAT THERE ARE GULLIBLE BLACK PEOPLE WHO ARE FOOLED INTO THINKING HE IS EITHER A HERO BECAUSE OF HIS SPORTS BACKGROUND; OR THAT HE IS AN UNDERDOG BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY OF US WHO ARE INSULTED BY HIS EVEN BEING CONSIDERED FOR SENATE.  WHITES LIKE HIM BECAUSE HE FITS HE STEREOTYPE OF THE CHARACTER ELDRIDGE CLEAVER WROTE ABOUT IN SOUL ON ICE: "THE SUPER MASCULINE MENIAL."

THERE ARE THOSE OF US WHO ARE "TOO SOPHISTICATED" TO CALL A SPADE A SPADE.  THAT'S HOW WE LOSE.  TIME TO SPEAK OUT - COME OUT OF OUR SAFETY CORNER AND MAKE SURE THAT ALL OUR ASSOCIATES, CONSTITUENTS, FAMILIES AND FRIENDS KNOW THAT WE ARE UNDER SIEGE - THAT THIS IS THE TIME TO PANIC - PULL OUT ALL THE STOPS - AND UNDERSTAND THAT THE NEW HITLER IS RIGHT ON THE THRESHOLD OF OVERTHROWING AMERICA.  EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US MUST GO BACK TO OUR BASE AND MAKE SURE THAT WE TURN OUT THE VOTES AND DEFEAT THE REPUGLYCONS AND THE MAGA MAGGOTS AT EVERY TURN - EXPANDING THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE - BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY.

THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS IS ALSO AT STAKE IF WE DON'T DEFEAT ANARCHY, RACISM, VIOLENCE, FASCISM AND ALL T-RUMP STANDS FOR.
Y/OUR MIDTERM VOTES MATTER - 
BIG TIME!!


NOW THAT YOU KNOW
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

THIS YEAR WE HAVE A RECORD NUMBER OF BLACK CANDIDATES RUNNING IN KEY ELECTIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY - SOME YOU KNOW, SOME YOU MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH.  BUT WE HAVE TO SUPPORT THEM ALL - WE HAVE TO PLAY FOR ALL THE MARBLES - DESPITE MEANSTREAM MEDIA LIARS AND PUNDITS - OUR VOTES MATTER - OUR MIDTERM VOTES MATTER - 
Val Demings (FL), Raphael Warnock (GA), Mandela Barnes (WI), Marcus Flowers (GA), Karen Bass (CA), Tim Ryan (OH), Letitia James (NY), Stephen Kinsey (PA), Stacey Abrams (GA), Chris Jones (AR), Wes Moore (MD), Sheri Beasley (NC), Krystle Matthews (SC), and other key critical DEMOCRATIC candidates -  running for everything from School Board, to State, Local and and national office.  
VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE BLUE - 
NO MATTER WHO!!
 
PS:  Thanks to the DCPD police department and the Good Samaritan who turned in my purse and  Officer Hernandea, who returned it to me with all my ID and info in it.  You guys are awesome!! Thanks for your service - Stay Blessed - GDW


Gloria DULAN-Wilson   
















4.27.2019

Farewell Beloved Sister/Friend Mary Long - Rest in Power

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:


When you meet someone as effervescent and lively as Mary Long, it's hard to think of her as having made her transition.  But she is now resting with the Ancestor/Angels, and leaving us to shaker our heads and wonder why.  

She barely stood 5 feet tall.  She was always elegant and energetic, and looking much too young to have a daughter, my friend Shyra Arrington, and two adult granddaughters.  Mary dressed as though she just stepped out of Vogue Magazine - and had a ready smile to everyone she met.  

She was an enterprising entrepreneurial sister who had launched a successful travel agency - that successfully booked international tours.

A California sister, Mary, her daughter Shyra, and I were actually set to get together this weekend for an event in Washington, DC honoring a mutual friend, and my Sorority Sister, Dr. Efaye Williams, Esq.    But our sister had a prior appointment with God the Living Spirit Almighty, and we now have to reschedule our gathering to when we all receive our own inevitable invitation.

Mary Long and Me at the National Congress of Black Women's Awards Ceremony, DC 2018



I met Mary Long through her daughter, Shyra (whom I met at NAN in NYC two years ago) at the Congressional Black Caucus in DC.  They came in from California with  a friend, Andrea, an aspiring medical intuitive; and were joined by a friend, author Sherry Hill from New Orleans. 

Mary's daughter, Shyra, is a people magnet, and has the reputation of meeting people from all over the world, and endearing them to her - a trait it was obviously she inherited from her mother.

So this is by way of a farewell and a tribute to a woman who cast a gigantic shadow even though she was barely 5" tall:

Dear Mary:
It was soooo wonderful getting to know you - and all the great times we shared in DC.  Remember the Middle Eastern restaurant we went to in Alexandria? The food was sooo fabulous and spicy - I don't think any of us could finish it.  We ended up having to take it back to the hotel.  

And for some reason, we could never get out of the hotel in time for the CBC workshops - we spent so much talking and comparing wardrobes - and you always had the most elegant by far. 

But remember we hung out so late we couldn't get in gear for the National Black Women's Congress Breakfast and Awards Ceremony, we were late going, and it was right down stairs in the hotel we were staying in.  We had to finesse being fashionably late?   But it was a wonderful event, and you were so proud when Shyra was honored by Dr. Efaye Williams for her dedication to the organization.
We laughed our way thru the rest of the day.

I always recall how close you and Shyra were - what a wonderful mother/daughter relationship - more like Sister/Sister - you two share everything - opinions, concerns, and it's clear to see that she not only inherited your beauty, but your energy, creative resourcefulness, and brains.

I was so looking foward to hanging out with you in DC this week end, but I understand that you got an Exclusive Premiere Invitation that you could not refuse, from none other than God The Living Spirit Almighty.  And I get it:  When you're called to become a part of the Ancestor/Angel Elite, it's a once in a lifetime privilege.

So, I truly hope you're enjoying your stay.  You always were the elegant one.

So, while you're hanging with the other Celestial beings, please do us a favor and think about us and the good times, once in a while.  Because we'll certainly be thinking about you, and when we do we'll smile and treasure all the great times we shared.

Stay Blessed 
Rest In Power
With Much Love
Gloria



At the 2018  National Congress of  Black Women's Awards Brunch in DC - Mary is 5


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9.27.2016

GDW UPDATES: Hillary Nailed T-Rump in First Debate - But There's a Lot More to Be Done Before November 8

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson



Hello All:

In case you slept through it, or were on another planet or something, just wanted to let you know that HILLARY nailed the debate against T-Rump last night!!  Not that anyone expected anything different, but it's so great to finally have the American and international viewing public see what we've known all along.  

I wish I was a cartoonist - the weird looks on T-Rump's face would be the great model for some sinister arch-enemy.   

I just want to extend my congratulations to HILLARY and say, don't drop your guard.  We know that his base is likely to try and rehearse him into looking and acting like a more presentable caricature for the next debate. I also want to warn Americans to not fall for that either - that's how we got "Bush-wacker 1" with his bogus "thousand points of light" and "city on a hill."   Making T-Rump look more presidential is like putting lipstick on a pig - but unfortunately, there are some who like pigs.  We're not one of them.  

I'm sharing some of the activities and alerts that I've received over the past few days that may be of interest to you.  At this point, with approximately 40 days before November 8, we can't allow one day to be squandered.  We must intensify and focus our efforts.  This is the time to come together, hunker down, keep each other informed, and make it happen.  


The Reviews Are In: Clinton Won The Debate

First Debate Between HILLARY and T-Rump - Hillary Nailed it!!


The reviews are in. Last night, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump met on the presidential debate stage for the first time and Hillary Clinton was the clear winner.  Once again, Donald Trump showed why he lacks the knowledge, values and temperament to be president.
Only one candidate came prepared for the debate - and that candidate was Clinton. She put forth concrete, detailed ideas for how she will grow the middle class and create an economy that works for everyone - not just those at the top. It is clearer than ever that Clinton has a strong command of the issues and has the knowledge, judgment and temperament to be commander-in-chief.

On the flip side, Trump came to the debate unprepared and quickly became unhinged. He lacked command of the issues and offered no clear plans for the American people. Americans were waiting to see which version of Trump showed up at Hofstra University. Was it “ready-to-be-president” Trump? Nope.





Inline image 4



In the interim, the Congressional Black Caucus is fighting for Black voting rights - and we must be in support of their efforts.  According to a press release I received from the Hon. Marcia L. Fudge's office, 

  
Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge Introduces Resolution for National Voting Rights Act Mobilization Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) released the following statement regarding H.Con.Res.153, a bill urging Congress to designate the first Monday in October as “National Voting Rights Act Mobilization Day":
“Fifty-one years since the passage of The Voting Rights Act, the fight for equal access to the ballot box is far from over.  Since the 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby v. Holder, many states have enacted laws that disenfranchise vulnerable voting blocs. 
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Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (D. Ohio)

"Ohioans, too, are experiencing the impact of voter suppression efforts.  Just last week, recent restrictions in our state were upheld, eliminating our critical ‘Golden Week,’ which allows same day registration and voting.
"The strength of our democracy depends on the participation of every citizen, and The Voting Rights Act removes discriminatory barriers to participation.  National Voting Rights Act Mobilization Day would remind us of the importance of this landmark legislation, and galvanize communities to continue the fight for its full protections.  No one should be denied the right to vote.  The ballot belongs to everyone."



Launch of IWillVote.com in Pennsylvania Makes It Easier Than Ever to Register To Vote

Hillary Clinton in Philadelphia: 'Go to IWillVote.com and Register Today'

Today, Hillary for Pennsylvania is officially launching its IWillVote.com tool, a one-stop online portal for Pennsylvanians who wish to register to vote or check their registration status. IWillVote.com is a clean, user-friendly interface to seamlessly bring an applicant through the voter registration experience using either a computer or a smart phone. IWillVote.com builds off of the Pennsylvania Department of State's online voter registration system and their free, nonpartisan open API offered to the public.At an event at Temple University in Philadelphia today, Hillary Clinton asked Pennsylvanians to "go to IWillVote.com and register today. Register your friends. Register everyone you know. This is going to be close. We need everyone off the sidelines - not voting is not an option. That just plays into Trump's hands, it really does."

Volunteers and supporters will focus on registering voters using IWillVote.com ahead of the October 11 deadline. In August, Clinton kicked off the campaign's nationwide voter registration push in West Philadelphia, and this past weekend alone, Pennsylvania grassroots organizers and activists registered voters at more than 1,000 events.



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WED, SEP 28, 2016,12:00PM–1:00PM 

Michelle Obama in Philadelphia with the PA Democrats


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 Michelle Obama to Campaign for Hillary Clinton in Pennsylvania, Laying Out the Stakes of Election

On Wednesday, September 28, First Lady Michelle Obama will campaign for Hillary Clinton in Pennsylvania. At public Pennsylvania Democratic Party events in both the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh areas, the First Lady will lay out what is at stake in November and urge Pennsylvanians to support Clinton and Kaine and register to vote ahead of the October 11 deadline.

Members of the public interested in attending the events can RSVP at the links below:

Pennsylvania Democratic Party Event in Philadelphia
When: 
12:00pm
Doors open: 9:00am
Where: Tom Gola Arena
LaSalle University
W Olney Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144


Pennsylvania Democratic Party Event in Pittsburgh

When: 3:30pm
Doors Open: 1:
00pm
Where: Fitzgerald Field House
University Of Pittsburgh
Entrance on the corner of Darragh Street and Allequippa Street



Tom Gola Arena - LaSalle University
W OLNEY Ave Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19144
Map this location
Join Michelle Obama and the PA Democrats in Philadelphia where the First Lady will lay out what's at stake in this election.  Doors open at 9AM

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Hillary Clinton’s Economic Vision Will Make Us Stronger Together  
Hillary Clinton believes our economy is stronger when we grow together. But instead of growing together, we’re in danger of growing apart – with too few good-paying jobs, too much inequality and a lack of basic economic security and fairness for working families. Hillary knows we can meet these challenges. We can spur more economic growth, which will create more good-paying jobs and raise wages. And we can have more economic fairness, so the rewards are shared with everyone, not just those at the top.
Clinton has offered detailed and comprehensive plans to:
  1. Break through Washington gridlock to make the boldest investment in good-paying jobs since World War II
  2. Make debt-free college available to all Americans
  3. Rewrite the rules to ensure that workers share in the profits they help create
  4. Ensure that those at the top pay their fair share
  5. Put families first by matching our policies to how families live, learn, and work in the 21st century economy
These are not new fights for Hillary Clinton:
  • As Senator, she championed the Paycheck Fairness Act and cosponsoredthe Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in an effort to achieve equal pay and help close the wage gap.
  • She also advocated for paid family leave by fighting for legislation to guarantee paid sick leave, and calling for paid parental leave for all federal workers.
  • Clinton stood up for female-owned small businesses during her time in the Senate, and made clear she would help women-owned small businesses gain government contracts.
  • In 2007, nearly a year before the crisis, she went to Wall Street to call directly for a moratorium of home foreclosures, to freeze adjustable loan rates, and to require accountability on Wall Street.
  • In 2001 and 2003, as Senator, she opposed the Bush tax cuts, which disproportionately benefitted the top 1 percent.
  • She introduced the Access to Employment and English Acquisition Act, which would have expanded job training opportunities for people who are Limited English Proficient.
And leading progressives, experts, business leaders, and analysts have praised her plan:
Moody’s Analytics: “During her presidency, the economy would create 10.4 million jobs, 3.2 million more than under current law. [...] The upshot of our analysis is that Secretary Clinton’s economic policies when taken together will result in a stronger U.S. economy under almost any scenario.”

Joseph Stiglitz: “Hillary Clinton began to offer the kind of comprehensive approach we need to tackle the enormous economic challenges we face.”

Paul Krugman: “In fact, Mrs. Clinton’s speech reflected major changes, deeply grounded in evidence, in our understanding of what determines wages.”

Michele Goldberg: “Hillary Clinton’s speech today was the most progressive address on economics by a major-party presidential candidate in a generation.”

Heather Boushey: Clinton is “laying out an agenda that looks at what inequality means for families up and down the income distribution, what we can do to fix it, and it's really exciting to see a politician take up a very serious set of research ideas and bring them into the public debate.”

Warren Buffett: Clinton “will make sure that those people who are having to work two jobs to barely get by will not have that kind of world for themselves and their children moving forward.”

E.J. Dionne: “Hillaryeconomics is a wager that voters across racial and ethnic lines, very much including members of the white working class, want a raise and better benefits. And it's a sharp challenge to Republicans. To be competitive in 2016, the GOP needs to make a plausible counter offer. It's the bidding war an economy mired in inequality and stalled mobility needs — and it's one Clinton thinks she can win.”

Alan Krueger: “This plan is a win-win. In the short-term it will create more middle-class jobs and in the long-term it will raise productivity, improve our competitiveness, and raise pay.”

New Ad, “Mirrors” Shows the Effect Donald Trump’s Hateful Rhetoric Towards Women is Having on our Daughters

Today, Hillary for America released a new TV ad “Mirrors,” which underlines Donald Trump’s hateful and offensive message that he's sending to girls across the country. The ad shows little girls and young women looking in the mirror as they hear Trump’s own words and asks, “Is this the president we want for our daughters?” "Mirrors" is the latest ad to highlight the dangers of a Trump presidency simply by replaying his own words. "Mirrors" is airing in Ohio, New Hampshire, Iowa, Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and on national cable.

Donald Trump has spent his campaign, and career, demeaning and insulting women, which is just one of the reasons a majority of American women do not think Trump respects women. In stark contrast, Hillary Clinton has spent her career fighting for and uplifting women and girls - and that’s exactly what she’ll continue to do as president.
WATCH “MIRRORS” HERE





Trump’s Offensive Attacks on the African American Community

Throughout his career and his campaign, Donald Trump has repeatedly proved that he isn’t an ally to the African American community. Although he likes to say he “always had a great relationship with the blacks,”  his own divisive and hateful
rhetoric and his current deep insensitivity towards the community cannot be ignored.  Here are a few examples of how Trump is divisive and out of touch:

  • Trump led the birther movement in an attempt to delegitimize America’s first black president.
  • Trump has been sued by the federal government for discriminating against black families attempting to rent apartments.
  • Trump discriminated against employees at one of his New Jersey casinos.
  • Trump has failed to disavow racists and white supremacists like David Duke supporting his campaign.
  • Trump said African Americans have “nothing to lose” by voting for him because: “You're living in poverty. Your schools are no good. You have no jobs.”
  • Trump continues to ignore history and disparage black Americans, saying the African American community is in the worst shape “ever, ever, ever.”

    FOR AN IN DEPTH OVERVIEW OF HOW T-RUMP REGARDS THE BLACK COMMUNITY - CHECK OUT ROLAND MARTIN'S COMMENTARY ON FACEBOOK - AND IF POSSIBLE, CATCH HIS SHOW 9/27/2016 ON TV ONE.  

    I will continue to provide updated content as it becomes available to me - but suffice it to say, that we can't count it done until it's November 9 - and, knowing the track record of the Repuglycons, we may not even be able to count it then, unless we have  a clear and decisive victory.  So, it's up to us to make it a landslide for HILLARY.

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

    Stay Blessed &
    ECLECTICALLY BLACK

    Gloria