GDW EVENT ALERT EXTRA: The GodSquad to Host Community Forum on Reduction of Gun Violence In East Flatbush - TODAY - August 25th

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

This just in:  This evening there will be an epoch-making gathering of elected officials, community leaders, activists, and residents to consolidate efforts on making East Flatbush a safer place to live.  Regardless of what plans you may have had for the evening, I think it imperative that you attend, participate, make recommendations and cooperate.  

Th vent will be held at the TABERNACLE OF PRAISE CATHEDRAL , 1274 UTICA AVE FROM 7PM to 9PM.


I just received the information from 67th Precinct Clergy Council <67thclergycouncil@gmail.com >

and am forwarding it to your attention. 

   Should you require any additional information, please contact:

Rev. Alfred Cockfield, 718-913-0100

Pastor Gilford Monrose, 718-755-3418

I shouldn't tell you how important this is.  We all know that we are the ones who are responsible for what does or does not happen in our community.  We can only wait for so long for others to do what we should have been doing for ourselves and our families all along.  This is the time to be part of the solution, instead of watching the problem escalate.

The following is the press release I received with the relevant information about the participants and agenda.

Make it your business to be there.

Stay Blessed & 
ECLECTICALLY BLACK 
Gloria 

CLERGY LEADERS TO JOIN ELECTED OFFICIALS,  COMMUNITY AND ANTI-VIOLENCE ORGANIZATIONS FOR GUN VIOLENCE SUMMIT IN EAST FLATBUSH

WHAT:

Reducing Gun Violence Summit: A Community Response, is an open community dialogue hosted by The 67^th Precinct Clergy Council (The GodSquad) and various community and anti-violence organizations. Our objective for this evening is to discuss how we can continue to reduce neighborhood and gang tension, as well as the volume and magnitude of conflict and violence; reverse community decay and juvenile delinquency.

WHEN:  Thursday, August 25, 2016, 7PM – 9PM

WHERE:

Tabernacle of Praise Cathedral

1274 Utica Avenue

Brooklyn, NY  11203

WHO:

Elected Officials
US Senator Chuck Schumer
Representative Yvette D. Clarke, 9th Congressional District
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams
Council Member Jumaane D. Williams
Council Member Mathieu Eugene
Assembly Member Nick Perry
Assembly Member Diana Richardson


Clergy Council & Partner Groups

Rev. Louis H.  Straker, Jr. The ROCK Brooklyn

Philip M Wesley, II  New Dimension SDA, Triumphant SDA

Bishop Cecil Riley, Senior Pastor Freedom Hall Church of God

Sharon Rose, Executive Director
Christopher Rose Community Empowerment Campaign, Inc.  

Coss S. Marte, @cossmarte, CEO/Founder Coss Athletics/ConBody

Rev. Wilmouth Seaton, @wgseaton, President Celestial Funeral Services, Inc.

   67^th Precinct Clergy Council

Reverend Kevin Jones, @sos_brooklyn, Clergy Liaison/Founder  SOS/BCAN2SOC

Bishop Eric D. Garnes, @ericdgarnes, Senior Pastor/Vice President
Tabernacle of Praise of Cathedral
67^th Precinct Clergy Council

Natasha Christopher @foreverakeal, Mother/Advocate,
Akeal Christopher Foundation/MOMS Demand Action

Rev. Richard Mitchell

Pastor Gilford T. Monrose, Lead Pastor/President  Mt. Zion Church of God 7^th Day
67^th Precinct Clergy Council (GodSquad)

Rev. Charles Galbreath, Senior Pastor Clarendon Road Church 67^th Precinct Clergy Council

Rev. Terry Lee, President  Concern Community Network/NYPD Clergy Liaison

Ernest Estime, Volunteer
Knowledge Inspiration Nurture Through God (K.I.N.G), Community Board 4

Oresa Nappa-Wiliams, CEO Not Another Child, Inc.

Stephen Powell, Chief Program Officer - National CARES Mentoring Program

Bishop Orlando Finlayter,  Senior Pastor New Hope Christian Fellowship

Mike Tucker Founder/Chairman Lay The Guns Down Campaign

Shanduke McPhatter, Executive Director
Gangstas Making Astronomical Community Changes, Inc.

Max Rose, Chief of Staff Brightpoint Health

Tony Herbert, President/Founder Advocates Without Borders

Edna Wells Handy, Esq., Counsel To The Police Commissioner

Captain Anthony Longobardi, NYPD 67^th Precinct

Executives:

Pastor Gilford T. Monrose, President

Bishop Eric D. Garnes, D.Min.  1^st Vice-President

Bishop R.C. Hugh Nelson, D.Min.  2^nd  Vice-President
Reverend Charles O.  Galbreath M.Div, Th.M Treasurer 
Reverend Edward-Richard O. Hinds, Secretary

YOU: THE RESIDENTS OF EAST FLATBSH & ALL CONCERNED NEW YORKERS

_______________
TWITTER: @67clergycouncil

67th Precinct Clergy Council Enrollment Application

In the news...

God Squad Hits The Streets

Armed with faith: meet the God Squad working to end gun violence in Brooklyn

Moms of slain sons speaks out 

Gun Violence in East Flatbush

67th Precinct Clergy Council Enrollment Application

In the news...

God Squad Hits The Streets

Armed with faith: meet the God Squad working to end gun violence in Brooklyn

Moms of slain sons speaks out 

Gun Violence in East Flatbush

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

Stay Blessed & 
ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria 
eclecticallyblacknews@gmail.com

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Medgar Evers in Search of a New President - WAKE UP BROOKLYN/AMERICA/BLACK PEOPLE!!!

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by Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

Hope you're getting ready for Memorial Day Weekend and the festivities that are about to jump off.  It's now only days away.  But while we're anticipating merriment and fun, there are some weightier matters brewing in Brooklyn that can't be overlooked or pushed aside.  I just received the following announcement that I'm sharing with you, in hopes that you will pass the word.  After you read it, my comments that follow will have even more relevance:

THE FLYER FOLLOWS:

Please Distribute widely:

Medgar Evers College Coalition for Academic Excellence and Mission Integrity and Concerned Students of Medgar Evers College You To

A TOWN HALL MEETING &

CALL TO ACTION!

Get an Update on the Presidential Search at

MEDGAR EVERS COLLEGE

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

7:00 pm ● Free & Open to the Public

      966 Fulton Street

(Between Cambridge & Grand Avenue)

Fort Greene Sr. Citizens Center

Central Brooklyn Black Legislators Demand Appointment of Interim President for

Medgar Evers College & A Full National Search

 “Education is the most powerful weapon which

you can use to change the world.” - - Maya Angelou

For more information, email meccoalition@gmail.com or call Valerie,  646 474 0120,

Lugman, 718 864 5485, Evangeline 917 932-6756or Camille, 917 202 2101

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOW FOR THE COMMENTARY:

I wanted you to read the flyer first and absorb the contents - "Central Brooklyn Legislators Demand Appointment of Interim President for Medgar Evers College and a Full National Search."

Having attended a  meeting recently comprised of some of the electeds, including Congresswoman, Yvette Clarke, Assemblywoman Annette Robinson, Council Member Al Vann, and others, I can tell you that the situation at Medgar Evers is about to become a battle ground.

Now that Pollard has finally been excised from the school as the ersatz president (a lackey hired to destroy and dismantle the school that had enjoyed 20+ years of progress under former president, Edison O. Jackson) they are trying to make sure that they don't get fooled again.

And well they should, because there are as many posers right in Brooklyn and nearby boroughs who are also now vying for the position of President, that you could not find when the battle was raging, students and faculty were in the rain picketing; meeting early and late, and taking on the CUNY hierarchy to challenge the cuts Pollard had made to essential programs, as well as the dismissal of faculty and staff.

Among the names that have been floated are John Flateau, Rev. Calvin Butts.   While they are admirable in their own right, they may not be the best fit for Medgar Evers.

There are individuals who wanted to remain "neutral"  during the time the faculty and staff were going against the Draconian policies imposed upon the school by Pollard.   You couldn't find them with a Geiger counter.  Somehow, now that the dust has been cleared, and Dr. Brenda Green, Esmeralda Simmons, brother Rasul, former congress member Major Owens, and the rest of the stalwarts have finally succeeded, they now "step up to apply for the candidacy of president for Medgar Evers...?"  Really? Now that the hard work and the heavy lifting have been done, they come out from under their hiding places to be the new "negro president."

I think Medgar Evers College has had quite enough of that for one decade - in fact for a lifetime.  Clearly there's more to being the president of a Black college or university than just having a PhD.  Education is important, of course.  But they also have to have "BLACK BONE" as well, so they don't cave in to the other white meat.  They have to have cultural currency so they can help Black students achieve a degree, maintain the college on a steady, stable forward path, not sell out, and move forward as proud, productive Black men and women (hell no! we're not post racial - the very fact that they tried to dismantle Medgar Evers and Boys and Girls High, among others, proves that).

This is now about the survival of the fittest.  We either survive, succeed, or be marginalized.  The days of Trojan Horse negro wannabe presidents is over.  Don't get hung up on popular names, either locally or nationally.  Look deeply into the records of what they've done for the Black community over the past 20 - 30 years; and then what have they done for you lately.  You're likely to find them weighed in the balance and found wanting. 

And don't think this is just a Medgar Evers Problem - this is a Brooklyn, NY Problem; this is a New York City Problem, this is a New York State Problem, and this is a Black People's Problem - locally and nationally.

Not only was/is Medgar Evers on the target for dismantling, but major schools in Black communities throughout the US are facing the same fate - including Lincoln University right down the road in Pennsylvania.   And in many cases, the meanstream powers that be are succeeding, while the community complains, but does nothing to stop it.  They are hiring "presidents" who look like us, who have degrees, but have no credibility when it comes to the Black community and education of Black students.  The concept is to make Black colleges and education a thing of the past.

This is a WAKE UP CALL!

Many have viewed it as too late, and have just thrown their hands up in defeat and despair.  Others have likened it to closing the barn door after the horses have gone.  We've allowed to many horses out of the barn door.  But, thank goodness, the team formed by Dr. Brenda Green was relentless in bringing them back, putting them in the corral, and rounding up the rest of the herd (sorry, that's my Oklahoma upbringing creeping through). It took them four years, but they did it.  Now the hard part begins.  Getting a real president again for Medgar Evers College. 

So, not only do I urge you to make sure you attend the meeting on May 29th, but to seriously think about who the next president needs to be, what are his or her qualities, and what you can do to help Medgar Evers heal from the damage that has been done under William Pollard and his gang.

We have an election coming up for City Council, Borough President, Public Advocate, and other key positions.  This is the time to tie their feet to the fire.  If they have no position on Medgar Evers, school closings, educational standards, etc., they have no business representing you.


We are our own salvation.  Our future is in our hands - no one else's.  We have a vested interest in our own future - others only want what they can exploit us for.  Sounds harsh, but if we don't love ourselves, and each other; if we don't work together, all that our forebearers have sacrificed for will be lost; what Brother Medgar Evers died for will be disgraced and forgotten;  and so will we.

Now that you know, what will you do?

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

June 26 2012 - A DAY OF VICTORY FOR NEW YORK - A TIME OF VIGILANCE FOR AMERICA

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Wednesday, June 27, 2012

June 26 2012 - A DAY OF VICTORY FOR NEW YORK & A TIME OF VIGILANCE FOR AMERICA
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

If June wasn't already an event-laden month, June 26th may well have been the zenith of a period that many felt would either make or break the New York Political realm for all times.

Of course,there were many of us who predicted that there was nothing to worry about - that the candidates who were stacked against the incumbents didn't have a snowball's chance in hell of unseating them. And we were absolutely right:

Congressman Charles Rangel held his seat in Manhattan, with a 56% lead at the time of this writing. No surprise when you figure there were so many running against him it easily split the votes.

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke will be returning to DC in Brooklyn, despite efforts to totally decimate her congressional district through the most heinous redistricting ever. At her victory party, held at Tropical Paradise in Brooklyn, she thanked her supporters, including Ms. Andrea Dawes, who had volunteered in every way possible; her mother, former City Council member Una S.T. Clarke, Mary Bishop, Latrice Walker and others, for making sure that she was able to conduct a campaign and maintain her responsibilities of representing her constituents in Washington. "We had a 'scrunching' of the opponent!" she stated enthusiastically, as her many well wishers toasted her victory. Scrunch or no scrunch, anyone following the Congresswoman's activities wonders what could her opponent have been thinking - no game, no track record, she was hopelessly out matched by Ms. Clarke across the board.

Congressman Gregory Meeks likewise prevailed in Queens; while Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez returns as well.

However, the most watched race, and what almost turned out to be the most acrimonious contest was that between City Councilman Charles Barron and New York State Assemblymember Hakeem Jeffries for the congressional seat recently vacated by Congressman Edolphus Towns.

What started out as a three way contest between Town, Jeffries and Barron, was turned into a two-way battle after the congressman announced that he was not going to seek re-election, after having served 27 years in Congress in Brooklyn's 10th Congressional District.

The announcement came as a shock to many who had supported Congressman Towns, and were now left with the dilemma of who to throw their support behind. The decision came so closely after fellow Congressman Donald Payne (D. Newark, NJ) had so suddenly succumbed to cancer, many speculated this may have played into Town's sudden decision to retire. The two had served together in Congress for more than a quarter of a century, each ably representing their constituencies, and simultaneously supporting each other in important legislation.

That said, the field was now narrowed down to two contenders. Both Barron and Jeffries had great track records in their service and devotion to their constituencies. Both have been known to go to the wall when necessary to ensure their districts had what they needed. So, to say the least, it was a perplexing problem, both inside and outside the Black community.

VIDA, the Vanguard Independent Democratic Association of Central Brooklyn had apparently decided to support Jeffries long before Congressman Towns backed out of the race. Under the leadership of State Democratic District Leader Robert E. Cornegy, Jr., who was recently elected President of the organization, they led a vigorous campaign to get the rest of the community on board. Still, with new lines drawn, and with the decimation of the old 10th Congressional District, reaching out to bring a new and diverse community together to coalesce behind Jeffries was no easy task.

Couple that with the fact that few, if any, of the Brooklyn voting population were aware that June 26th was substituting for the regular New York Primary that had traditionally been held in September; and you had what could have been the making of a political disaster.

Two weeks prior to the election, Barron had received the blessing and support of Congressman Towns, and it looked as if those who had supported him in the past may have followed suit as well. There were, however, others who were not persuaded that this was a good fit for Brooklyn, owing to the fiery nature of Barron, whose militancy and clarity has been known to rub more moderate political figures the wrong way.

So, while the voter turn out was "predictably low", the percentages were sufficient for a landslide in Jeffries' favor. Garnering 73% of the votes, more than enough to send him to Congress in 2013, it was clear that the voters of Brooklyn had spoken.

At his victory celebration, Jeffries thanked his staff and his campaign leaders, and pledged to continue to represent the poor, the middle class, the seniors, and those in his district who had been pushed out as a result of unaffordable living conditions, unemployment and other negative conditions. On hand to congratulate him were Assembly members Annette M. Robinson, Karim Camara, State Senator Kevin Parker, former Assembly members Roger Green and Clarence Norman, Elizabeth Holtzman, Public Advocate Bill DeBlasio, Professor Leonard Jeffries and his wife, Roslyn Jeffries (Hakeem Jeffries' aunt and uncle); 2013 Mayoral candidate Bill Thompson, and others too numerous to mention.

In looking across the room packed full of well wishers, it was obvious Jeffries had drawn support from practically every quarter of Brooklyn. Amazingly so, when the new maps themselves had actually not been completely finalized until just days before, leaving many in a quandry as to where they actually were supposed to be as of the day of the primary.

In closing Jeffries pledged to now focus his attention on the re-election of President Barack Obama. Our congratulations to him for having secured the victory as our new Congressional Representative in DC.

This is the point that I now remind everyone that, as in Brooklyn, and everywhere else, your vote absolutely counts!!! If you did not participate in this primary, if you have not registered to vote, make sure you do so before the September statewide primary. And most definitely before the Presidential election.

We've still got so much more to do to secure the future of our country from the hands of those who would roll back the clock to pre-civil rights and voting rights days.

I truly hope, as well, that now that this phase of the elections are behind us, those who were contenders will begin to work with the victors to move forward and make sure that we New Yorkers continue to move forward as well.
We've got to re-elect President Barack Hussein Obama. And with battle ground states surrounding us, and the combined rep-ugh-blican tactics of voter nullification and re-districting, as well as the Supreme Court bogus "Citizen's United rule" giving big business the right to buy elections wholesale, we had best be uniting across the boards to hold the lines and save democracy - or end up in a fascist version of the US that will make other repressive governments look like a cakewalk by comparison. **

So celebrate a great victory, New York. Pat yourselves on the back. But be very afraid, because states like Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Arizona, are still trying to exert racist, repressive, revisionist, control over our rights.

And we absolutely cannot allow that to happen.

**(Just a foot note to this - We know that so-called Citizen's United and the Tea Baggers are pouring millions of dollars into trying to prevent Obama from being re-elected. So there are many in the meanstream media that try to convince us that Mitt Romney is getting bigger contributions. That may well be the case in quantity. However, while we may not have thousands to contribute, we do have thousands of us who can each give $3.00; $5.00; $7.00 or $10.00 to help in the campaign. If we each give $3.00 per week, President Obama will be able to continue with his campaign, while continuing the great job he is doing as Our President. You can either contribute online or via the many campaign headquarters in your area. For those of you outside New York, particularly those of you in the Battleground states, if you need to find a way of getting your contribution to the President, log on to www.Obama2012.com, and they will reach back out you.)

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

THANKS AND BLESSINGS TO REV. JESSE JACKSON FOR THE RAINBOW/PUSH WALL STREET PROJECT

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Yes, I know today is January 15, the actual birth date of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. And a great many of us, including yours truly, are paying tribute to him today and throughout the weekend, and on his holiday for his accomplishments and sacrifices. He was truly a remarkable man who loved his family, and made great sacrifices for us all - including having his life cut short in service to the principles of economic parity for all people.

And this is why I am thanking Jesse Jackson, for having the vision, dedication, determination, insight, hutzpah, fortitude - you name it, to bring that to fruition in the form of the Wall Street Project.

I remember when he first announced that he was going to launch the project. I remember the skepticism when he said that the biggest barrier to equality was the economic barrier, and that Blacks were not represented in Wall Street where most of the economic wealth was concentrated. What!??! Hadn't we already overcome. You know those white folks down there aren't going to let Blacks into the board rooms and on the bidding floors of Wall Street.

But here we are nearly 15 years later. The numbers this year were smaller - partly because of predictions of massive snow storms; partly because there are those - white and Black - still trying to recover from the most pervasive economic down turn in the 21st century. But still, enough people turned out, and those who did were regaled with the finest minds, not only from Wall Street, but from Africa, and other parts of the world, looking to band together to do well by doing good.

The workshop on Affordable Housing - and whether or not the current foreclosure prevention programs really hurt or helped Americans was a total eye opener. The program currently being supported by the Feds does not seem to be living up to its promise. However, there are several private investors who came to the Wall Street Project ready to help families save their homes, with no cut throat strings; no dragging out the process; no pointing fingers of blame. Who could have put that together, but the Rev. Jesse Jackson?

It was Reverend Jackson who informed us that many of our Black churches are in serious financial conditions, and are likewise about to be foreclosed upon. That it is now time to turn the attention to the fact that the pervasive foreclosures are about to eviscerate our entire neighborhood. It is time to learn what to do, do it, and do it together.

The forum on the HIP-HOP generation and wealth creation and wealth retention featured a friend I had not seen since he left office as Mayor of "Money Earnin", Mount Vernon (NY), The Honorable Ernest Davis. Or Amsterdam News great, Herb Boyd, who just penned his new book, We Shall Overcome: History of Civil Rights in America (where does Herb find the time to get it all done?).

The panel also featured Rosa Clemente, the former vice presidential candidate who ran with Cynthia McKinney in the 2008 Presidential Election Campaign. Her clarity and insights were amazing and refreshing. She proudly acknowledged that she was a Black woman, as opposed to being a Latina, and her origins, like the rest of us, was Africa, the Mother Land. Where else would we have had the opportunity to be exposed to this brilliant woman? Who but Rev. Jackson would have thought enough to have her participate in such an epoch-making panel.

And who, but Rev. Jackson would realize the need for Hip Hop artists to not only make millions, but to know how to sustain it, maintain it, invest it, understand it. The Rev has offered to take them to Wall Street to learn where the money goes, how it's invested, and how to be sure they themselves don't get ripped off. "If you only talk among yourselves, you have no way of getting new and essential information. Its a one-sided conversation," he asserted throughout the program.

For the January 11 kick off reception, he brought Lalah Hathaway, the daughter of the great Donny Hathaway, to perform. As he stated, "Laila Hathaway could not help having a fabulous voice, it's in her DNA; just like we cannot help being successes as a people - it's in our DNA."

It was Rev. Jackson who brought the clergy together from all over the US for a luncheon to address the problems of church foreclosures, and prevailed upon the foreclosure prevention panelists from the previous day to remain the next day, as his guest, to meet with the ministers to begin resolving these problems.

And it was Rev. Jackson who featured Hezekiah Walker to perform at his first annual Rev. Timothy Wright Gospel Fest, which was held at the Sheraton Hotel. Along with Walker were gospel artist from across the country, keeping the tradition of praise and worship alive.

The fate of Black people does not just rest with what happens here in the US, but is inexorably tied forever to what happens in Africa, our Mother Land, and point of origin as well. Rev. Jackson convened a panel to deal with the future of investing and doing business with Africa, including panelists from South Africa, as well as local businesses that have formed successful linkages between the 6th Diaspora (US Blacks) and Africa. You can't allow yourselves to be lulled into a false sense of knowledge based on what the headlines say. It really does require the ongoing communication and consolidation of efforts to make sure that Africa does not undergo pervasive recolonization. Africa has more mineral wealth per square inch than the rest of the world; they do not have control of it; neither do we. What can be done to make sure those profits go to the people who need them the most?

It was the Rev. Jackson who put together the Women's Summit and brought three powerful Congresswomen together: Nydia Velazquez (D - Brooklyn, NY), Maxine Waters (D - California) and Yvette D. Clarke (D - Brooklyn, NY)

Now I'm not saying that the brother did all this single-handedly -- he has excellent staff members, including the irrepressible Andrew Carr, who works tirelessly to "make it so". But none of this would have even gotten off the ground had it not been for the fact that Rev. Jackson takes the time, the interest, the energy, the insight to make it happen.

One of conference goers remarked that Jesse was the last of the remaining civil rights leaders alive. That's partly true. There are still some, like Ms. Clara Luper in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, who at 93 has more than served her time and deserves a good rest(I had to mention her, she was my mentor during my sit-in Civil Rights days as a kid in OKC). But Jesse, who was also a kid then, is the only one from that era who is an active and effective activist, to my knowledge.

If there are others that I have overlooked, please feel free to email me. I don't think we give nearly enough recognition to our brothers and sisters who laid their lives on the line so many of us can live where we want to live, vote, eat what and where we want to eat; send our children to the schools of our choice; have a decent job; get a decent education. There are many who are pre-baby boomers, who are sitting silently on the sidelines, thinking they have been forgotten. There are also many who lost their lives for something as simple, yet as powerful, as a paper ballot, the right to drink from a water fountain, the right to use a toilet in a public facility; the right to eat at a lunch counter, or ride a bus.

When the Rev. Jackson was growing up (as our kids say, "Black in the day"), you'd never have seen his image on television, let alone at the Sheraton Hotel (and if at the Sheraton, he most likely would have been a janitor or an elevator operator back in the day).

That the brother devoted his entire career to Black people, and is still going strong is a testimony to his love for us (did I already say that? Well it bears repeating, because there are some who just don't get it!).

Jesse Jackson, his family, especially Jonathan and his dynamic wife Jackie, are in the fray making it happen. Not just for show, but they are working behind the scenes - meeting, haranguing, negotiating, researching, communicating, trying to provide us with the information we need to get ourselves out of this pit.

We need to begin reciprocating and passing this information along, sharing it with each other; putting it into action. It's time to cut the 80/20 principle, where 80% of the people benefit from the work that 20% do, and make a paradigm shift that says we are all in this together.

Dr. King's Dream Speech was made in Tennessee just before he was assassinated. He was addressing men and women about moving from poverty to prosperity; for the right to work to be paid a just and equal wage. Better known as economic parity.

We are now at the point where we deserve so much more. We also have to be about forming our own businesses, corporation, partnerships; inventions, limited liability corporation. We are now at the point where we must show that in the 21st century, where President Obama's YES WE CAN can now become YES WE WILL, and later YES WE DID.

If you are not familiar with or aware of the Rainbow/Push Wall Street Project, log on to www.rainbowpushwallstreet.org. Or Google it. In this day and age of computers, cell phones iPads/iPhones/ etc., we have no excuse not have as much of our programs, organizations and interests out there as the mainstream does. We ought to have T-shirts and caps that say THANK YOU Rev. JESSE JACKSON. We ought to have Rainbow/Push Wall Street Mugs, watch bands, sneakers. Just like we we know and honor JZ. Beyonce, Mary J. Blige and the rest, put Rev. Jackson, Al Sharpton, Len Jeffries, and the rest up there in our pantheon of Black celebrities.

Let's deal with the fact that this brother, the Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, is still standing after all he's been through; that individually and collectively he is standing for us.

Now is the time to reciprocate. Now also is the time to study, learn, replicate, and spread the Jackson Method of Excellence and Economic Development throughout the Black Community.

It's nice to have dinners in Honor of Dr. King. I will try to attend and cover them all. But I would much rather see us begin to put our funds together, in the way the Black United Fund of New York (BUFNY) did, so that we can underwrite our own programs, build houses, provide scholarships; start our own credit unions so that we can have resources other than redlining banks.

So while we honor Dr. King, remember his protege is still out there trying to make that dream come true. And we need to be out there with him. Start planning now to be here for the 15th Anniversary of the Rainbow/Push Wall Street Project conference in 2012 - the second week in January, at the Sheraton Hotel, New York City, NY. If you do it right, you can book your reservations with Rainbow/Push now, and pay for it on a monthly basis, so that all you have to do is show up.

See you in 2012 -- by the way, they're active throughout the year, so you might want to sign up to be a part of the ongoing process, as well.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

NATIONAL ALLOTMENT INSURANCE AGENCY (NAIA) SPONSOR OF 2011 RAINBOW PUSH WALL STREET CONFERENCE

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

January 11-14 will be the 14th Annual Rainbow-Push Wall Street Conference. Initiated by Rev. Jesse Jackson, who first identified economic racism as the most pervasive form of discrimination, the Conference is being held in New York City at the Sheraton Hotel, 53rd and 7th Avenue.

This is the first year however, that the Rainbow Push Coalition has an African American corporation coming in as a major sponsor, in the form of the National Allotment Insurance Agency, located in Brooklyn, NY. Sam Dunston, founder and CEO of NAIA, and a long time admirer and supporter of Rev. Jesse Jackson and his principles of self empowerment, admits that this has long been a desire of his to play a major role in the success of the Wall Street Project.

A member of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, owner of Dekalb Funeral Home, and one of the few insurance companies that make it possible for its clients to pay their policies through ongoing payroll deduction, a plan which keeps insurance affordable and available.

Sam Dunston is well known and well liked in and around Brooklyn. Most will recognize him as a man who always has a smile on his face and always has something witty and positive to say. Insiders know him as the "go to" guy when you are working on a project, program or concept to benefit the community. In this instance, however, Dunston approached Rev. Jackson to offer his services and support for the upcoming conference.

Those interested in participating in the upcoming 2011 Wall Street Conference can Call 212-425-7874

RAINBOW PUSH WALL STREET PROJECT & CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION FUND
14th Annual Wall Street Project Economic Summit
A More Perfect Union: Time to Rebuild America
January 12 – 14, 2011
Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers
811 7th Avenue at 53rd Street, New York City

Registration Information
Tickets for the reception and meal events can be purchased separately:
* Adult: $125
* Youth: $75

Conference Packages include:
Premier VIP Package
General Summit Package
Individual Day Registration
VIP Reception and Summit Kick-off Gala
Access to Capital Breakfast: Wednesday, January 12
Economic Agenda & Awards Luncheon: Wednesday, January 12
Labor Breakfast: Thursday, January 13
Ministers’ Luncheon: Thursday, January 13
Women’s Luncheon: Friday, January 14
NOTE: Tickets or badge required for admission to all sessions and events.
No refunds after January 1, 2011.

Questions? Call 212-425-7874

THE AGENDA AS FOLLOWS IS STILL IN FORMATION:

TUESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2011
6:00PM-9:30PM SUMMIT REGISTRATION
1:00PM-3:00PM ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE
TOWARD A THIRD WAY: As Crisis ravaged America's economy, business and government leaders jumped to rescue key firms and industries.
Emergency provisions were extended to financial firms, lenders, manufacturers and jobless Americans. Two years later, leading firms are on much more secure footing, but the poorest 60% of Americans remain stuck in deep quick sands. Unemployment is nearly 10%. . We must embark on a uniting and inclusive growth path. Today's record level inequalities of wealth, income and opportunity threaten our unity, sense of justice and economic performance. Leading economists, advisors, and community leaders invite leading media and community partners to a lively, stimulating debate and discussion.
Speaker(s): Dr. Max Wolf, U. S. Economist
6:30PM-9:30PM OPENING RECEPTION
Entertainment: Recording Artist, Lalah Hathaway

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2011
DAY THEME ACCESS TO CAPITAL, INDUSTRY, TECHNOLOGY, YOUTH
8:30AM-10:00PM ACCESS TO CAPITAL, JOBS AND OPPORTUNITY PLENARY
Highlighting the Urban Reconstruction Agenda and the Dodd-Frank Federal Financial Regulation Bill - Section 342 and State and Local Parity Initiatives
Speaker(s)Don Thompson, President and CEO, McDonald’s USA
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., Founder and President, Rainbow PUSH Coalition
10:00AM-12:00PM Digitizing Wall Street: Tech Growth and Financial Investment Bit by Bit Three Tracks
opening the doors for WMBEs as investors and professional services providers;
Keynote Speaker: Andrew Lipman, Partner, Bingham McCutchen; Panelists: Amos Winbush III, Founder, Cyber Synchs; Alfred Edmond, Jr., Senior Vice President/Editor-in-Chief, Black Enterprise.com; Benny Lorenzo, CEO, Kaufman Bros.
Track 1- Social Media
Track 2 –Investor Technology
Track 3- Investing/Access to Capital
10:00AM-3:00PM YOUTH SEMINAR 10:00AM-1:30PM
The Hip Hop Union will host 300 Students in a day of financial literacy and interactive career stations. Daniel “Diggie” Simmons, Justin Combs and Jam Master Jay Jr. with success stories and lesions and their role in rebuilding America.
1:30PM-3:00PM Break Out Session 1
panel discussion with Macy's executives in key strategic business areas to discuss the business of retail w/ Q and A session. Second a demonstration on how to dress for success by Macy's leading to a competition amongst 3 lucky participants to create a best "job interview ready" ensemble, winner will receive a $500 Macy's Gift Card!

Panelists: Shawn Outler, Macy's Inc., Shamika Lackey, Macy's Inc., Lisa Walker, Macy's Inc., Krystin Page, Macy's Inc., Claudia Acosta, Macys Inc.
8:00AM-5:00PM SMALL BUSINESS INSTITUTE (SBI)
A full day advanced technical assistance forum for small businesses seeking accelerated growth, optimization of business plans, and business process improvement.
8:30 a.m. SBI KEYNOTE OPENING SPEAKER
Speaker(s): George Fraser, Chairman and CEO FraserNet
9:00 a.m. PANEL DISCUSSION : The Small Business Heroes Moderator: Stephanie D. Burroughs – Stephanie Speaking, LLC; Panelist(s):Wy Livingston, Wy Stone Teas
9:45 a.m. BUSINESS IMPROV: You Have One Chance to Make a First Impression: a skit for small business owners: Speaker(s): Cheryl Chandler - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Stephanie D. Burroughs – StephanieSpeaking, LLC

10:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M. BUSINESS ZONE
SESSION I - Introduction of Women Owned Businesses Federal Set Aside Program importance of partnerships between the government and women owned businesses.Speaker(s): Cheryl Chandler-U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
SESSION II – Negotiating the Government Contracting Arena Discover various federal contracting opportunities, SBA loan programs and SBA approved lenders. Speaker(s): Walter Maxwell, Dir. of External, Affairs NYC Dept of Small Bus Serv., Jan Walden, Sr. Dir. of Small Business Strategies, McKissack & McKissack
SESSION III – When the Contract is Green maximizing on opportunities in securing green contracts.
Speaker(s): Keith D. Fogg, Petroleum
SESSION IV – Improving Financial Performance
Improving Small Business Financial Performance by Eliminating “Simple Mistakes”
Speaker(s): Michael Horsey – Mitchell & Titus
SESSION V – Leveraging the digital space to grow your business grow your business with the use of cutting edge technology, social media and online marketing.
Speaker(s): Eric Hamilton- WebAcademy; “TC”Coleman, Esq., President, UpwardAction; Wendi Kaplan Carroll- Constant Contacts
SESSION VI - When to bid as a “Prime” or “Position for Subcontracting?” Business Development Strategies targeting Private Sector Corporations.
Topics will include but not be limited to: knowing how to determine what corporations best fit your development/sales plans; understanding and planning for corporate purchasing cycles; positioning a small business to be a preferred sub-contracting partner and optimizing Minority Business/Diversity Certifications with Private Sector Sourcing Initiatives
Confirmed Speaker(s): Emmett Vaughn, Exelon Corporation

12:30 p.m. ECONOMIC AGENDA LUNCHEON (SBI to Join Summit Attendees)
Description: Strategic partnerships with diverse firms should be viewed as more than just “the right thing do.” They can be key components of overall plans to drive shareholder value, diversify client reach and /or expand sources of capital and market intelligence. Many corporations and institutions are thinking creatively about how to drive shareholder value by establishing partnerships with diverse firms possessing unique market access capabilities.

3:00 p.m. CORPORATE SPEED NETWORKING ROUNDTABLE
Description: Business Leaders will lead participates in Roundtable discussions featuring personalized advice on best practices and strategies for vendor growth.
Participants: Citi, Petroleum Purchasing Incentives Inc.
GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING OPPORTUNITY NETWORKING ROUNDTABLE
Description: Government Leaders will lead participates in Roundtable discussions featuring personalized advice on best practices and strategies for vendor growth.
Participants: City of NY Small Business Services and New York State agencies.
6:30 p.m. RECEPTION AND SPECIAL EVENING SESSION: REBUILDING AMERICA ROUNDABLE
Roundtable discussion with members of Congress and other U.S., city and state elected officials.
SESSION I ADVERTISING
SESSION II THE STATE OF THE U.S. HOUSING CRISIS: IS THE FUTURE BLEAK OR BENIGN?

State of the US Housing Crisis? Is the Future Bleak or Benign? The ongoing credit crisis has resulted in both capital and liquidity constraints for financial institutions and has created opportunities for public-private partnerships (residential/.commercial.) Evaluate solutions for investors and homeowners. Hear from investment professionals who have +20 years experience to answer questions in today’s residential and commercial real estate sectors.
MODERATOR: David Kelly, Carleton Real Estate
PANELISTS:Carl Webb, Managing Partner, Paladin Strategic Partners; Steve Thomas, American Mortgage; Don Cogsville, The Cogsville Group; Ben Blakey, Courtland; Yale Stark, Ranieri Partners
SESSION III: M & A Panel for Small and Intermediary Organizations
SESSION IV: SPORTS
SESSION V: The Billion Dollar Roundtable - Keith T. Fogg, the owner of Purchasing Incentives LLC will be invited to lead some of Hip Hop’s most prestigious organizations in discussions about how and where they are spending their money and how the Hip Hop Union can be the source of their strength.
6:30PM-9:00PM RECEPTION AND SPECIAL EVENING SESSION: REBUILDING AMERICA ROUNDTABLE
Roundtable discussion with members of Congress and other federal, city, and state elected officials.
9:00-9:30 pm; HIP HOP RECEPTION
The Hip Hop Union will celebrate its 2nd year of existence with the unveiling of the Hop Hip Union National Flag and the year long campaign to get at least 1 million Hip Hop Citizens to declare “I AM A CITIZEN” and commit to rebuilding America. The special guests and attendees will participate in the historic flag unveiling ceremony.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2011 THE CHURCH, COMMUNITY, LABOR
7:30AM-9:30AM LABOR BREAKFAST
Rebuilding America – Leading the Change
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.; George Gresham, President 1199 SEIU; Larry Hanley, 9th President, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU)
10:00AM-10:30AM PRESS CONFERENCE
10:00AM-12:00PM MORNING SESSION I
I AM A CITIZEN BUSINESS AND ARTIST MATCHMAKING EXPO
Hip Hop inspired businesses and artists present their projects, goods, and services to supporters, Wall Street investors, sponsors and celebrity judges.
10:00AM-12:00PM MORNING SESSION II
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE HEALTHCARE AND PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES: untapped opportunities for job creation within these industries, focus on the health and wellbeing of communities of color.
The panel will impart what churches and community leaders do to establish win-win working partnerships with healthcare and pharmaceutical companies including: clinical trials, community education seminars, charitable giving to churches and church CDCs, advertising opportunities to minority-owned media and business contracts with minority vendors.
MODERATOR: Dr. Clyde Anderson
PANELISTS: Sean Jerrick, CEO, Electronic Health Enterprise Inc.; Gregory Hankins, President and Founder, Retirement Aspirations (health reform expert); Mary Pender Green, Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services; Barbara Janey, VP – Beth Israel Hospital, Newark, NJ
10:00AM-12:00PM MORNING SESSION III
CIVIL RIGHTS "10-2-10"
12:30PM-2:30PM ONE THOUSAND CHURCHES CONNECTED (OTCC) MINISTERS’ LUNCHEON, WORKSHOP AND PLENARY PROGRAM
PART I : The OTCC Luncheon will recognize the successes and advancements made by the faith community amid this challenging economic period in U.S. history. The emphasis will be on best practices for economic empowerment though education and collective approaches to community stability, service and growth.
INVITED OTCC Luncheon Program Guests Include:
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. – President and Founder, Rainbow PUSH Coalition
Bishop Paul Morton - International Presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International
Bishop Rudolph McKissick, Jr. – Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, FL
Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, Greater Grace Temple, Detroit, MI
Dr. Calvin McKinney, General Secretary, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. and Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church of North Jersey at Garfield
Rabbi Marc Schneier, Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, NY
Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook Ambassador-At-Large for International Religious Freedom-Department of State
Rev. Dr. Leah Daughtry, House of the Lord Church (Washington, DC) and CEO of 2008 DNC Committee
Dr. Serene Jones, President, Union Theological Seminary, NY
Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., Presiding Bishop, C.O.G.I.C.
Dr. Stephen J. Thurston, Sr., President, National Baptist Convention of American, Inc.
Dr. Carroll A. Baltimore, President, Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.
Bishop Donald Hillard, Jr., Cathedral International, NJ
Rev. Dr. Frank M. Reid, III, Bethel A.M.E. Church, MD
Dr. William D. Watley, Ph.D., St. James A.M.E. Church, NJ
Dr. Jonathan Weaver, Greater Mt. Nebo A.M.E. Church, MD
Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, CA
Rev. Dr. Dennis Dillon, Brooklyn Christian Center, and publisher, The Christian Times, NY
Dr. Grainger Browning, Ebenezer AME, MD
Dr. Kris Erskine, Bethany Baptist Church, Harlem, NY
Dr. Clyde Anderson, Executive Director, Clergy and Providers for Racial Healthcare Equality, New York
2:45PM-5:00PM OTCC MINISTERS’ FINANCIAL EDUCATION WORKRSHOP AND PLENARY SESSION
PART II(2:45 – 3:45PM)
FINANCIAL EDUCATION TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR PASTORS, FINANCIAL MINISTRY COORDINATORS AND LAY-LEADERS
Financial literacy primer and train-the-trainer workshop focusing on: basics of banking, money management, protecting yourself financially, using credit, planning for the future, buying a home, and starting and growing a business.
FACILITATOR: Wells Fargo - Hands On Banking
MODERATOR: Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
PART III (3:45-5:00PM)
Plenary: Concentrating on poverty, unemployment, church and community foreclosures; role of the pastor and the 21st century church in effectively responding to the new diasporas and marketplace. To remain relevant, connected and serviceable to new populations with new and existing needs that hinge on economics and politics, there is a need for the church to be retooled, retrained and re-engineered;.new generations of ministers for 21st century and urban ministry will share successful approaches to tackling the social and economic challenges that have hindered the progress and responsiveness of the church to its community.
3:00PM-5:00PM AFTERNOON SESSION II - INTERNATIONAL
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN AFRICA: A FOCUS ON THE DIASPORA AND FOREIGN INVESTORS.
role the Diaspora and foreign investors can play in Africa’s economic resurgence and growth; Africa’s tremendous business opportunities not only in oil, gas and natural resources, but also in areas such as energy, telecommunications, technology, entertainment, construction, financial services, and tourism. This forum will also provide an opportunity to outline US trade policy towards Africa.
SPEAKERS: Senator Rodney Ellis – State Senator, Texas; Eugene Jackson – Businessman; Mr. Mike Mabuyakhulu – Provincial Minister, KwaZulu-Natal
Mr. William Jimerson – CEO, Musa Capital
Hon. Ronald Kirk – U.S. Trade Representative
H.E. Ebrahim Rasool – South African Ambassador to the U.S.
3:00PM-5:00PM Gospel Program in honor of The Reverend Timothy Wright
6:00PM-8:00PM SESSION III: Non-Bank Lending Alternatives – How They Can Help or Hurt Our Communities; Despite some of the recent gains in the economy, the American consumer is still not well. The recession has hit the middleclass hard. The nation’s unemployment rate has nearly doubled and more than a quarter of the nation’s homes are in foreclosure. Millions of Americans are unemployed or working in jobs that barely allow them to make ends meet. Even people with good credit history seem to be finding it hard to obtain traditional or prime loan products. More alarming is the inability for working people of modest means to access any type of bank or credit card products. Banks are still not lending, so people in our communities have been forced to look elsewhere. Our goal is to give those consumers more access to credit and the ability to demand and receive more clarity, fairness and transparency from financial products. We will also address credit needs not being met by traditional lenders and how policy makers and lenders can work together to bridge that gap.

This panel will shape an honest discussion around how banks, credit unions, title lenders, payday lenders, mortgage lenders and other financial institutions treat our communities. We will hear from leaders who will address both existing consumer protection potential policies and others that could help if enacted. We will review actions in some of our state houses that were designed to help and their results and produce a record of this meeting to carry our message around the country.
Moderator: Marvin Walker, Milwaukee Community Activist
Panelists: Joyce McDonald, Landri Taylor, Denver National Urban League, State Rep. Fred Durhal, D-Detroit, MI and incoming chair of the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus; State Sen. Bert Johnson, D-Highland Park, MI
Rev. JP Neal, South Carolina educator, public servant, religious leader and community developer
FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2011 WOMEN AND LEADERSHIP
MORNING SESSION I: NAFEO ROUNDTABLE @ The Wall Street Project – “From Wall Street to Main Street” opportunities for open and honest dialogue about ways of adjusting the entire higher education community of colleges and universities to make it more excellent, effective and efficient, while continuing to maintain the diverse institutional missions and offerings that make the American higher education system unique; feature HBCU presidents and mainstream media executives and will continue a proactive media and grass roots offensive being undertaken by NAFEO on behalf of all of its members designed to educate thought leaders about the stellar achievements and excellent outcomes that Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs).
INVITED PANELISTS: Dr. Allen Sessoms, President, University of the District of Columbia; Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, President, Spelman College; Dr. Allen Sessoms, President, University of the District of Columbia; Dr. David Wilson, President, Morgan State University;
MORNING SESSION II: WALL STREET PROJECT CAREER DEVELOPMENT, RETRAINING AND RETOOLING PANEL AND BREAK-OUT SESSIONS: strengthen transitional professionals with empowering tips and resources, skill sets, and insights on the new dynamics of how Americans are going to work today and in the future.
Panelists and Facilitators: John Crant, Author Career Coach, Speaker; Karen Bowser, Bowser Research and Consulting Inc. and The Five O’clock Club Career and Business Coaching; Kim Lemon, President, The Lemon Group; and Pat Thomas, Thomas Coaching Company; Stacie N. C. Grant, C&G Enterprises
MORNING SESSION III: WOMEN AND WEALTH SESSIONS:
PINKSLIP; FRANCHISE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES; WOMEN AND WEALTH WORKSHOP
8:30AM-9:45AM PINK SLIP: panel of market experts will share the best strategic moves to protect you from the threat of job loss. If you've already left corporate, you'll gain insight on transitioning.
Moderator: Dee Marshall, Certified Coach, International Speaker & TV Lifestyle Expert
Panelists: Zelda Owens Waters, Managing Director, Hire Counsel Inc.- Confirmed
Jasmin Richardson President, Echelon Life;
Nicole Valentine-Moody, President, Synergy Business Development, Inc.
Tanisha Sykes, Senior Career and Finance Editor, Essence Magazine
10:00AM - 11:00AM DEAL FLOW AND FRANCHISE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES “Deal Flow” as a changing paradigm, incorporates a stream of viable offers and/or opportunities that can bring in enough revenue- or equity-generating opportunities to keep the collaborative business entrepreneurial environment to function at peak capacity.; showcase franchisors that are targeting and searching for qualified female franchise owners for their systems. Women prospects offer a great and effective source for franchise growth and franchisors want to tap into this resource.
Moderator: Carolyn N. Sawyer, President and CEO, Tom Sawyer Co., Inc.
Panelists:
Sakina Spruell, Keeping It Rich on BET.com and President Minute Man Press
Avis Yates Rivers, President & CEO, TGCI
Kathi Wilkes, President & CEO, Wilkes Associates
Denise Pines, President, Denise + Pines Inc.
11:00AM-12:15PM WOMEN AND WEALTH WORKSHOP: turning your relationship with money from passive to assertive; move towards having a wealthy, healthy financial life; chart action steps
Moderator: Sabrina Lamb, Author and Founder/Executive Director, WorldofMoney.com
Panelists: Jacquette Timmons, President Sterling Choices, Author "Financial Intimacy"; Deborah Owens, Author, PBS broadcaster, Financial Wealth Coach
Cheryl Creuzot, Wealth Development Strategies
Stacey Tisdale, PBS's Need To Know and author
12:30PM-2:00PM WOMEN AND WEALTH LUNCHEON AND WORKING PLENARY
Keynote Speakers: Congresswoman Yvette Clark
Iyanla VanZant - Author, Inspirational Speaker
Honorees: Congresswoman Nydia Valazquez, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters

For even more detail, contact the Rainbow Push Coalition. Otherwise, I will see you there. Bring your AAA-GAME, your creativity, your ideas, and let's start 2011 off right, power, knowledge and prosperity.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

EVENT ALERT EVENT ALERT DON'T MISS THIS JAM PACKED WEEK END

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

This week end is packed to back to back. So I didn't try
to list everything. Just a few things you may have overlooked
You know how we do in NYC, some from Column A, Some from Column B.
There's literally 5 activities every 30 seconds in NYC, so enjoy,

STAY BLESSED &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

SATURDAY JULY 10, 2010

1. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke
& THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION
Present
ECONOMIC POWER FORUM
Small Business Start Up Advice; Community Development and Housing
Initiatives, Fed Resources for Community Development
9A - 5P
St. Francis College
180 Remsen Street
Brooklyn, NY
Register online: www.cbcfinc.org or call 877-296-1758

2. Haitian Redevelopment Forum
10A-2P
Medgar Evers College
1650 Bedford Ave.

Saturday, July 10th Salon at the East Harlem Space!
Cool & comforting...Get your CREATIVE on!





Though I can't guarantee you an absolutely luscious, crisp, clear day on July 10th, I can guarantee a cool space inside, great new creations by textile artist Ella Murray and new Mwimbaji Earth Jewelry pieces, as well as hot, sultry sounds by vocalist Joyce Griffen and pianist Yoko Kawaguchi! Your taste buds and your spirit will be re-freshed in this warm-yet-cool environment -- we hope you'll stop by!

Peace,
Barbara

EAST HARLEM SALON SPACE:
1441A Fifth Avenue, ground floor
Between 117th/118th Streets (2nd house in from 117th) - terra-cotta brownstones wrap around the block
2, 3 or 6 to 116th Street
Walk to 5th Avenue
North on 5th, cross over 117th St., 2nd house on your right
646-244-0838

3. JoyStar (Joyce Griffen)
Come join us at July's Salon!
Saturday, July 10th
1:00PM to 6:00PM
East Harlem Salon Space
July's salon features textile artist Ella Murray (Ella Murray Designs) and Mwimbaji Earth Jewelry designer Barbara Sfraga (please scroll down for details about artists). Refreshments will be served, and musical performance is scheduled for 4-5PM. Come earlier for the hang, to check out our new designs and meet/visit with friends!
PERFORMANCE:
Lauded by jazz critic Stanley Crouch, Vocalist-Actress-Songwriter Joyce Griffen started out as an actress early on, acing her audition and joining the Prince Street Players, which led to a featured role in four CBS-TV children’s specials. Joyce performs with Pianist-Composer Yoko Kawaguch.
www.myspace.com/joycegriffen
Featuring the Wearable Art Creations of Ella Murray Designs: a combination of various weaves and patterns applied with textured yarns and an array of colors to create my COUTURE designs. Mixed media art, pins, men’s and women’s fashions. Ms. Murray is recognized by the Smithsonian as Textile Artist/Weaver (African American Archives). Stevie Wonder sports one of Ella Murray’s Kai Mask pins!

Barbara Sfraga's Mwimbaji Earth JewelryDeep root energy bursting through sidewalks, morphing into gnarled and knotty branches winding their way towards the sun...I collect gifts that have fallen from story-telling trees - some seasoned by the sea. http://www.barbarasfraga.com • http://openshoppe.net
646-244-0838 for more info.

4. Book Signing at Sister’s Place
Betty Dopson co-founder of CEMOTAP
“Shared Secrets of Sacred Sisters Who Prove
That Age is Just a Number”
3P-5P
456 Nostrand Ave (at Jefferson)
Brooklyn, NY 718-398-1766

5. Empowerment Hour Online University
EMPOWERING THE WORLD IN 2010 Saturday, July 10th
(6pm EST/5pm CST) program www.kermiteady.com
This week Charles Barron. Councilman Barron, candidate for Governor of the State of New York running against Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. The Councilman is also looking to gather 50,000 signatures to create the Freedom Party for the upcoming Gubernatorial election.

Andrew Cuomo does not have any African Americans on his ticket, and it's high time that we had a statewide African American candidate. Councilman Barron is the only politician in the State of NY that represents the African American Community. We need him now more than ever before.
Call In Number 646-716-7472
Callers are invited to call in and let their voices be heard.
Callers can also send e-mails prior to the program to info@kermiteady.com with the Subject Line
"Empowerment Hour Questions"

7. Party At Creole's 118th & Third Ave. East Harlem
10P - 3A
$15.00 pp

------------------------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY, JULY 11, 2010

1. Freedom Party News
Everyone Spread the Word
“Meet the Freedom Party Team”
Sunday July 11th,2010
4:30pm
Siloam Presbyterian Church
260 Jefferson Ave.(Corner of Marcy Ave.)
Brooklyn, NY 11216
Councilman Charles Barron- Candidate for Governor
Eva M. Doyle- Candidate for Lt. Governor
Roman J. Jimenez- Attorney General
Pick up petitions- get the signatures of registered voters
Help the Freedom Party get on the Ballot
Brooklyn- Sistas Place- 456 Nostrand Ave.(corner of Jefferson Ave.)
Monday- Friday 11am to 8pm Saturday-11am- 3pm
Ask for Joy or Lamont- 347-636-3660
Bronx- Law office of Ramon J. Jimenez
145 E..149th Street (between Grand Concourse and Walton Ave.) 2nd Floor
718-993-3002 Monday- Friday 10am-7:30pm Saturday 12noon- 2pm
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. SummerState Music
Dr. Jimmy Cliff & Trevor Hall
3P
Rumsey Field, Central Park
72nd & 5th Ave

3. CELEBRATE BROOKLYN
OKAY AFRICA
Talib Kweli, The Roots
Prospect Park Bandshell
4P
9th Street & Prospect Park West
Brooklyn, NY

4. JAZZ @ “TWO STEPS DOWN”
Sunday, July 11, 2010
21260014a.jpg
With host and Jazz Vocalist,
Steve Cromity
6 PM to 7:00 PM
Special Guest:
JEFF KING, Saxophonist
7:30 P.M. - 8 PM
OPEN-MIC: 8 to 9
Musicians: Richard Clements, piano;
Eric Lemon, bass; Larry Johnson, drums
Location: 240 DeKalb Ave betw. Vanderbilt/ Clermount Ave's.
(718) 399-2020
Cover: $10.00 - $5.00 performing musicians
www.stevecromity.com, For bookings: (917) 685-3508 or acorns4u@aol.com
Next performance Dates: AUG 8
Last month Grady Tate performed and Bob Cunningham also showed up. Who knows
who will stop in. It's something good to do on a Sunday evening.

5. I just have to mention this: If you haven't done so already, go see THE KARATE KID, with Jaden Smith (Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith's handsome son). In fact take your kid, or somebody else's kid, it doesn't matter. It's a wonderful movie. I got as much value out of it as I did entertainment. It was uplifting, empowering, positive, and shows what happens when you follow your own inner strength, coupled with discipline, tenacity -- all the good stuff we say we want our kids to learn. Not one gun in the whole movie. Not one 4 letter word. There were some tensions initially, but the crux of the whole story is that the little brother hung in. And, yes, not only did Jaden inherit his parents good looks, he is a master actor. And so, by the way is Jackie Chan -- who knew he could be so dramatic? Taraji P. Henson is as usual wonderful in her role as the mother figure trying to make a new life in a different culture/world/environment. You are neither too old or too young to enjoy this. Action for the guys, tenderness for us ladies.

NOTE EVENT ALERT COMING UP:
Next Weekend, JULY 17-18 is the HARLEM BOOK FAIR 135TH STREET BETWEEN MALCOLM X AND FREDERICK DOUGLASS BOULEVARDS
(Lenox and 8th for the uninitiated)

That should keep you busy for a minute.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Latrice M. Walker Launches Candidacy for Brownsville Female District Leader

by Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Latrice Monique Walker, affectionately known as The Beautiful Brown Barrister from Brownsville, made history in Brownsville Saturday, June 26, by announcing her candidacy for District Female Leader in Brownsville’s 55th Assembly District.

Latrice Monique Walker, Esq., right hand to Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, of the 11th CD, serving as her Community Development Policy Analyst, proudly threw her hat in the ring, pledging to address the ills that have assailed her community for decades.

True, this is Ms. Walker’s first foray into the political realm as a candidate. But if her passion and enthusiasm for her community and her constituents-to-be -- she’s Brownsville born and bred -- are any indicators, she is definitely the best person for the job!

Using the slogan “WALK WITH WALKER!!” she detailed many of the problems that have assailed her neighborhood, including being the last to be considered for programs, while at the same time the first to suffer cuts; being the community most likely to be targeted and profiled by police for criminal activities; being the community most likely to have underperforming educators and underperforming schools.

Starting out in a relatively soft tone by saying “To God Be The Glory, for Who am I?” she briefly reminisced about her childhood in Brownsville with her father, who succumbed to cancer when she was a child, she stated: “As a young girl my dad used to sit on this very bench right there. One day I was out here, I fell off this very little block; there was a doctor’s office across the street and my dad carried me right across the street to the doctor’s office right there.“

But her voice amped up a couple of decibels as she launched into the body of her speech, and the crowd found themselves totally mesmerized: “Your roots got to be thick in Brownsville if you want to get out here and work in the community! And every one who knows me knows that Brownsville is always on my heart; it’s always on my mind. The other day I said to Assemblyman Boyland, I’m tired of people looking at Brownsville as a hot dog and a hamburger vote! We said we need to put new leadership in Brownsville -- and we are the new leadership! We’ve got homeless issues out here! We’ve got drug abuse out here! We’ve got people who are dying on the street everyday in this community and it’s time to take it back! And it’s starting here with me! We’re out here in this heat. We’re taking it to the street. We are empowering these young people. We’re giving them jobs; we’re going to tell them about the importance of education; we’re going to talk to them about the importance about giving back to their community. Jobs not jails! We have more Black men in Brownsville who are going to jail who would have been in these facilities, but who is trying to keep them from going to jail? I AM! I am out here on the battle field with these people. That’s one thing that I always talk about with people is that you have to be hands on. Politics is a contact sport. When you’re out here and people are saying to you, what are you doing for the community? What can you say you were doing for the community, out here teaching children how to write grants. We need to be a self-sustaining community. We have been dependent on too many outside forces for far too long. You have to be hands on. You got to be out there in the street on a daily basis! So we‘re going to walk with Walker!”

She ended on a crescendo that got even those on walkers up on their feet, applauding her, and smiling at this young woman who might just be able to galvanize the energy and the apathy and forge it into the action that has so long been needed.

Latrice Walker has first hand knowledge of these challenges she spoke of, having grown up in the Glenmore Housing Projects, and received her early childhood education in the New York City Public Schools of Ocean-Hill Brownsville, P.S. 178 and I.S. 55. She obviously had parents and motivators in her life that instilled in her a life long love of learning and achievement. She received the Martin Safran Assistant Principal’s Award on behalf of her school fo having surpassed all other schools in the city. This came as a total surprise, since her school was considered as one of the City’s poorest performers. She attended Brooklyn Technical High School (one of the top high schools in the city) ; and was attended Cornell University in her junior year. She attended SUNY Purchase, and received her Juris Doctorate of Law from Pace University.

Latrice Walker acknowledges there were constant challenges in growing up in a community targeted by economic and sociological racism, but also states that these challenges are not insurmountable. “I’m living proof that you can do anything you put your mind, spirit, will and discipline to. There is nothing you can’t imagine or become, as long as you are not allowing the circumstances to dictate your destiny.”

Dressed in a chic white two piece suit, in a style that is both hip and business, Ms. Walker enthusiastically urged the crowd gathered in the sweltering heat to “WALK WITH WALKER!”

Brownsville will never be the same Latrice Walker at the helm, they’re looking at a hands on, tireless worker, advocate and supporter for the autonomy of a community long suffering under the weight of prejudice and neglect.

Assemblymember William Boyland Jr., who is making a bid for re-election, is supporting Walker’s candidacy, stating, “We have been able to bring new jobs and affordable homes to the community. But with Latrice on board, our arsenal will be complete. We have the will, the strength and the ability to make this a banner decade.”

City Councilmember Letitia James, who served as MC came out in strong support of Latrice‘s candidacy.

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, who wholeheartedly endorsed the re-election of William Boyland, enthusiastically stated that “Latrice is not new to the community of Brownsville, she’s true to it!” The Congresswoman further stated Brownsville could have no better representation than Latrice to ensure the issues and concerns of the community are rectified.

Speaking of unity in the community, Congresswoman Clarke indicated broad bases interaction between her office, Assemblymember Boyland’s office as well as that of City Councilmember Letitia James. “When things assail our communities, we pledge to get it done together, so that each of us in our capacity works to provide a solution to the problem! So we have joined together in unity to build this community and to provide services that our people have been denied for so long.”

Further commenting on Walker’s candidacy, Congresswoman Clarke stated, “she has not failed Brownsville, and never will, because where Brownsville goes, she goes. We are taking this mission very seriously. We got a lot of challenges. We’re working right now to stop the NYPD on their stop and frisk practices. The New York State legislature just passed a bill to get rid of the stop and frisk data base. And I am in touch with Attorney General Holder’s office to make sure that our civil rights are protected. Our children do not need to be harassed just for walking down the street!”

Despite the heat of the day, Ms. Walker’s campaign kickoff was well attended by community members of all stripes and ages, who came to lend their support to the young woman who has been present at so many events held in their behalves. She’s assisted in legal matters when they had no means to pay or acquire legal assistance; she’s advocated for quality homes and education in a community that has been relegated to the “hot dog and hamburger vote”, working to ensure their inclusion in opportunities that were accorded other, more affluent communities.

I think it’s clear by the tone and tenor of this article that I am totally in support of Latrice Walker’s candidacy. Having had several opportunities to work closely with her in a variety of programs and events, I have been greatly impressed by her knowledge, enthusiasm, dedication, discipline and creativity. While many of us pay lip service to having the “youth” more involved in current issues, rarely has there been a person in this category (I.e. youth) who actually has a grasp on, and respect for the accomplishments of her predecessors (I.e. Civil Rights Activists), and the responsibility incumbent on her and her peers going forward, who is actually making a significant contribution to the community. She’s blazing new paths, while simultaneously learning from the lessons of history.

If you are interested in supporting this dynamic woman in her fight to bring a better quality of life to Brownsville, and hence, to the rest of Brooklyn as well, contact her campaign headquarters at 1747 Pitkin Ave. or call (718) 940-2018. Time to get out there and be a part of the process to progress. Time for Brownsville to WALK WITH WALKER

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson