ICYMI: CALENDAR OF EVENTS: PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE #1 - THURSDAY JUNE 27 - 9:00PM

 By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

  Hello All!

ICYMI!!:

 

The first Presidential debate for the 2024 Presidential Election will take place Thursday, June 27 at 9 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. CT at CNN's studios in Georgia.

 

 

President Joseph R. Biden 46th President of the US

The debate will be streaming on CNN.com. USA TODAY will also stream the debate via YouTube, which takes place on Thursday, June 27, at 9 p.m. ET. Find the link here :

 

As most of you know this is a crucial moment in the history of this country, Black people, the world.  True. it's about the presidential election; the choice between good and evil; the choice between the greedy and the needy; the choice between competence and incompetence.  But much more than this - it's a choice between whether Americans will have a real president or a authoritarian egomaniacal dictator.  

The fact that this debate is being held so early in the campaign season can be laid at the feet of T-rump, who thought the was goading President Biden into a debate, but ended up having to comply in a dual for which he is woefully inadequate to say the least.  We all know that T-rump's mouth signs checks his behind cannot afford to cash.  His clown act before an audience of "psychophants" is one thing.  He'll never have to prove anything to them because they're as dumb as he is and as irreverant and irrelevant as he is.  So when he agreed to debate President Joe Biden - perhaps the most intelligent president in the 20th or 21st century -  (exceptions are Lyndon Johnson, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama) - he literally allowed his ego to exceed his intellect  - what there is of it.  Somewhere back there in his egodriven fantasy he had mistaken President Joe Biden for the menials he's so accustomed to bamboozling and intimidating, and thought the President would back down.  Clearly a case of mistaken identity on his part.  Thus far President Joe Biden has never backed down from any challenge.  

 

OOPS!!

 

 So  now T-rump's menials are frantically running around trying to do damage control, and making CYA statements so that - when he gets creamed by President Biden - gullible people and T-rump's menials will believe that Biden has been taking specialized drugs to enhance his energy and memory.  The real kicker is whether or not T-rump will be able to handle talking in 2 minute soundbytes, and having his mike cut off when he goes beyond the timing.  I am calling it the STFU button.  

 

For those who have been brainwashed into thinking President Biden is too old - whatever that means - should consider all that he's accomplished in the three plus years he's been in office.  Even after coming out from under the most incompetent ersatz president, in the middle of a major pandemic and a massive economic downturn that gutted a prior season of prosperity in less than two years after stepping into the white house.  He has so adroitly turned the economic challenges around building America from the bottom up and the middle up, a feat that would have never have happened under the previous incumbent.  Joe Biden's mind is sharper than many half his age! And his experience and compassion, coupled with his competencies have turned America around in half the time.  Biden and Harris have together broken all records when it comes to goods, services, educational perspectives (well, except for reinstating quality education across the country - but that's next) - what president do you know of who has actually given students loan forgiveness so they can afford to live, have families, own homes, etc??? NAME ME ONE!!

 

And Biden's experience in interfacing in the international arena, negotiating with foreign powers is incomparable (and if you think this is an endorsement and commercial for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris' re-election - YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY 100% CORRECT!!)  This is what you won't hear or see on most of the meanstream media who are being paid to give T-rump more face time. This is why you don't know what the President has accomplished in the past three years, despite the issues in Ukraine and Israel.

Click here for a list of President Biden's accomplishments since taking office in 2021:  https://www.whitehouse.gov/therecord/

 

So tonight,  everyone gather with your family friends, and associates - start or attend a Debate Watch Party - and make sure you watch carefully - take notes - learn something - the decisions you make may be predicated on what is discussed  in the debates on Thursday, June 27, 2024.  Take notes, and listen carefully!!

 

BTW:  In case it's not been mentioned, please understand that ELECTION 2024 IS NOT JUST ABOUT THE PRESIDENT - IT IS ALSO ABOUT WHO YOU ELECT TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE!  YOU HAVE TO VOTE STRICTLY ALONG PARTY LINES - AND I'M BEING VERY CLEAR ABOUT THIS - YOU HAVE TO VOTE BLUE - NO MATTER WHO!!!  

 

We definitely took care of business in 2020 when we defeated T-rump in his bid to become re-elected.  Biden was president, but the reason we had so many challenges when we should have had triumphs is because many thought it enough just to get the president into office.  Well it's not!  Imagine having someone cut off one of your feet, and then tell you to climb a 150 ft high ladder with one foot.  You might make it, but you're going to have a very difficult time doing so. 

 

We have to have A MAJORITY OF DEMOCRATS IN BOTH THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE U.S. SENATE - otherwise we will be condemned to even more chaos and hatred than we experienced over the past four years.  We absolutely have to defeat T-rump and his neoNazi, fascist, racist, greedy regimes and his trailer park supporters once and for all!  THIS AIN'T NO GAME - IF VOTING WASN'T IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL, THE REPUGLYCONS WOULDN'T BE WORKING SO HARD TO KEEP YOU FROM DOING SO.  LIKEWISE, IF EDUCATION WASN'T SO IMPORTANT, THE SOUTHERN REDNECKS WOULDN'T BE WORKING OVERTIME TRYING TO DESTROY BLACK BOOKS AND EDUCATION.  IF THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN WASN'T SO IMPORTANT, THE SUBPRIME COURT AND THEIR RACIST SUPPORTERS WOULDN'T BE WORKING OVERTIME TO DENY WOMEN OUR RIGHTS TO MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT OUR OWN BODIES.  IF THE LOVE AND SOLIDARITY/UNITY BETWEEN BLACK MEN AND BLACK WOMEN WASN'T SOOO IMPORTANT, WHY WOULD THEY SPEND SO MUCH TIME TRYING TO DIVIDE A WEDGE BETWEEN US?  THE STRENGTH AND UNITY BETWEEN US IS WHAT BROUGHT US THROUGH SLAVERY TO THIS MOMENT IN TIME.  DON'T LET THEM BRAINWASH YOU INTO THINKING THAT WE DON'T LOVE OUR MEN, OR THAT OUR MEN DON'T LOVE US.

So as you watch the debate this evening make sure you: Listen to the responses to questions the moderators will be asking the President Joe Biden and the former predator in chief.  This is one time you need to put BET, HULU, NETFLIX and the sports channels on hold. This is your life our life America's life that is very much at stake.   We have to VOTE BLUE - NO MATTER WHO!

 

Last word ( well, maybe not the last word) - another thought to share with you:

Beware of our so-called celebrity brother who are being paid to endorse T-rump:  While they are mouthing off about supporting him, consider this:  Kanye West has major bucks to leave the US and move to wherever he wants to in case the worst happens and T-rump becomes the dictator he sees himself as. Then consider whether or not Kanye, StevenA, and others who are kissing T-rump's backside will be personally coming to your home to rescue you and take you to safety when they start locking up Black people.  Consider which of these "psycho-phants" are gonna take care of your and your family's medical bills when the costs go back to pre-Biden sky high levels.  Deal with how many of these guys are going to let you stay at their mansions while T-rump's developer cronies are bulldozing your neighborhoods and putting up overpriced sky-high high rise apartments.  It's easy for them to endorse or hang with him because they can get on their little planes and leave you down here on the ground wanting something better. And the minute they no longer have these, T-rump will kick them to the curb with you.  

We have to VOTE BLUE - NO MATTER WHO!

 

This is not an election between two old men.  It's not an issue of how old President Biden is - because many of us have been taught to respect our elders, and have so many members of our family who are not only older than President Biden, but as active and wise - if not wiser - than he is.  It's about who is backing you and putting you and your needs first.  With the infrastructure bills generating employment, stopping the gouging that many companies have been practicing, lowering the costs of medication - it has to be clear by now that he is working in your behalf and best interests.  

We have to VOTE BLUE - NO MATTER WHO!

 

To those who say they don't see the difference, stop watching Fox's false news and check out YouTube's  WHITE HOUSE section.  There will be so many things that he's done, you'll be totally overwhelmed and have to come back to catch the rest of it.  T-rump is for greed and his cronies; Biden is for us and for our expansion, health, wealth and progress.  T-rump is a traitor and would have easily put children in concentration camps than to see them doing well - in fact, he's already done it - your kids may be next.)  Vote for the person who stands for and with you.  And educate yourself on what is going on.  The meanstream media is being paid to not tell you what's going on - so when you see 10 minutes of T-rump's clown show - and only 2 minutes of President Biden's achievements, please understand that it's deliberately done to deceive and distort.  

We have to VOTE BLUE - NO MATTER WHO!

 

Last, last, last word:  Please stop comparing T-rump to infants and toddlers when he doesn't get his way and has a fit (not a tantrum).  He's deliberately doing it to intimidate the menials.  Not because he's a "child."  Maybe his behavior is childish - but not in the sense of a child who is still developing and growing.  It's an insult to innocent babies and children.  Stop trying to make the insulting "endearing." It's anything but.  

A word to the wise 

Should be sufficient

Stay Blessed & ECLECTICALLY BLACK &

VOTE BLUE - NO MATTER WHO!

 

Gloria DULAN-Wilson

 OTHER EVENTS OF INTEREST AND BENEFIT:

JUNE 29, 2024: Washington, DC

 

Bishop William Barber's Poor People's March - DC

 

https://vimeo.com/940544798 

Join us on June 29th For The Mass Poor People’s & Low-Wage Workers’ Assembly & Moral March on Washington, D.C. & to the Polls

 

JUNE 30, 2024: Philadelphia, PA

 

The National MWM/Universal is proud to announce the Philly 'Black History and Legacy Preservation" Society (Music Division) and its first National "Black Music Month" observance that will include a powerful educational, cultural, and social program for the entire family on Sun. June 30, 2024 from 3:00-7:00 PM at the NILE Cafe' located at 6008 Germantown Ave. and virtually on the Zoom 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82944669432?pwd=N2XXXQ6a2a7xV8VXntt1dV5y71SD88.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HGBvHvAqNx-7zDVbJT7gj-XApBSYfvIo3zTEGRUonn4/edit

 

JULY:

4TH of July - Philadelphia, PA

The City of Philadelphia's official Fourth of July celebration, Wawa Welcome America, once again kicks off June 19, 2024 and culminates on July 4, 2024 with a massive free concert featuring superstars NE-YO and Kesha on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, followed by a dazzling fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum  

 

JULY 13-17 2024  - Las Vegas, NV

 115TH NAACP NATIONAL CONVENTION - LAS VEGAS, NV

 https://naacp.org/convention?emci=037529ac-0134-ef11-86d2-6045bdd9e096&emdi=87a72410-1434-ef11-86d2-6045bdd9e096&ceid=1537118 

 

AUGUST: Philadelphia, PA

 

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Regional Conference to be held in Philadelphia, PA in August, 2024.   Some of the most beautiful, dynamic, accomplished women on the planet will convene in Philadelphia

 

August 18-22 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION - CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 

ESSENCE FESTIVAL NEWS

The Content and Conversations Just Keep Going

Brown Sugar Babe Meets NOLA   BREAKING Brown Sugar Babe is On The Way   The internet's favorite body oil, is on the way to the "Big Easy"!! Brown Sugar Babe, will be joining Beautycon at the 30th Annual Essence Festival of Culture 2024. You don't want to miss the opportunity to get your hands on the nourishing body oils everyone is talking about, and a MUST have for your beauty and fragrance collection.   SHOP OR BEST SELLERS

New Orleons, LA

Compose: New Message

J

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

Gloria DULAN-Wilson

GDW EVENT ALERT: Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter to Bestow the Sadie TM Alexander Award on the Hon. Jannie M. Blackwell

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

 

Many may not be aware of it, but 2022 marks the 95th Anniversary year of the founding the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter of DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY INC.  The 500 Member chapter has dedicated their efforts to a year long celebration, during which they look to honor those who have done much to help others.  

In keeping with the tradition of May Week,  the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter bestows their highest honor, The Sadie T.M. Alexander Award, on an individual who consistently and continuously exemplifies her high standards of quality and dedication.  This year's honoree is none other than the Honorable Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell, who has devoted more than 45 years in service to the people of Philadelphia - first as an educator, then as  City Council representative for the 3rd Councilmatic district of Philadelphia, where she served seven consecutive terms.  

During her tenure as a Council Member, Jannie Blackwell served as Chair of the Committee on Finance and Chair of the Education Committee. She was Vice Chair of the Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development and the Homeless, and appointed to the Committee on Appropriations, Committee on Commerce & Economic Development, Committee on Disabled & Persons with Special Needs, Committee on the Environment and the Committee on Public Safety. 

She is proud of the legislation she introduced to divest from South Africa. Philadelphia played such an integral role in the ending of apartheid and Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, that he chose Philadelphia as his second stop on his first visit to the United States upon his release. Additionally, she served as a board member for Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC). 

Jannie L. Blackwell is co-founder and Chair of the Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs and co-founder of Echoes of Africa. Their current agenda includes creating Africa Town in Southwest Philadelphia. Most recently she has assumed the role as 1st Vice Chair of the Philadelphia Democratic City Committee and also, Chair of the United Democratic Ward Leaders of Color.

In addition to her leadership in the City Council, Ms. Blackwell also hosted an annual Christmas Party free of charge to families who were facing financial challenges. Held at the Convention Center, she would dispense gifts to all the children, provide free entertainment and a banquet to homeless and low income families. To date she is the only elected official to have done so - and kept up the tradition for more than 20 years.

 

The Hon. Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell 2022 Recipient of the Sadie T M Alexander Award

 

The ceremony, which takes place Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 11:30AM, is open to the public, and is sure to be an inspirational, enlightening and heartwarming. 

To register for the event, please click on the link below:

May Week, Open to public

  click here to register.
#STMA2022PACDST #MayWeek2022PACDST #PhillyDeltasat95

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Bc-oJmLxRlqKcmF1gH9Lrw

 

2022 Sadie T. M. Alexander May Week Celebration

May 21 @ 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander was the first Black American to get a PhD in economics; and was the second Black woman to earn a PhD.  She was also a civil rights activist, and, more importantly, served as the First National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., from 1919 to 1923.  She received her law degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and became the first Black woman to practice law in Pennsylvania. She and her husband, Raymond Pace Alexander were a dynamic civil rights duo.  In 1946 she was appointed by President Harry Truman to the President's Committee on Civil Rights; served on the Board of the National Urban League for 25 years, and served for 16 years on the City of Philadelphia's Commission on Human Relations.  She paved the way for so many to come behind her, and continued to do so until she made her transition at the age of 91, leaving behind her a lifetime of legacy and inspiration.

In addition to Councilwoman Blackwell, the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter will also honor  three of Philadelphia’s unsung community heroes: Lynette Brown, Sandra Clark and The Twin Sister Docs for their commitment to the the community.  

As with the Hon. Sadie T.M. Alexander, these honorees have distinguished themselves in so many ways, setting the bar higher,  an redefining what means to truly be servants of the people.  

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

Stay Blessed &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Gloria DULAN-Wilson 

 

 

 

 

National Geographic Features 3 Books on Historical Black Women: Kamala Harris, Stacey Abrams, and The Hon. Shirley Chisholm

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

Hello All:

HAPPY WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH &  BLACK HISTORY MONTH:

Great news!!  National Geographic Magazine has established a new genre of books geared at a younger generation of readers:  NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS SUPER READERS - with topics aimed at "curious kids at every reading level."  The good news is these biographies are about resilient, inspirational, relevant Black trailblazers.  The  pilot project kicked off with three books about famous Black women who have impacted the world: Vice President Kamala Harris, Political Activist Stacey Abrams, and the Hon. Shirley Chisholm First Black Congresswoman and First Black Woman to run for President of the United States,.  Although the individuals focused on in this review are Black women, the books are of interest to both genders because of their impact on society. Additionally, NAT GEO has several other books about Black Historical figures.

More importantly, the Nat Geo Kids books are  academically designed to ensure the student's reading and comprehension abilities are enhanced, while introducing new vocabulary, geared to helping them build success upon success as they learn to use new words in a variety of ways.  The stories are factual, historically engaging and inspiring to young minds as they are able to correlate their historical accomplishments to their ongoing contemporary activities.

The books, "Kamala Harris" and "Stacey Abrams" are written for LEVEL 2 younger readers - "kids who are ready for longer sentences and more complex vocabulary, definitions and provides incentives to become NAT GEO KID SUPER READERS - including prizes, brain games, supercool activities, and "outrageous fun."    The average length of LEVEL 2 books is 32 pages, with medium large print. By the way, there are also books geared to LEVEL 1 AND LEVEL 3 READERS as well.

The third book, "Speak Up! Speak Out!  The Extraordinary Life of Fighting Shirley Chisholm," is geared towards high school to young adult readers.  Well, actually, it's for all adult age levels - including yours truly.   I freely admit that I enjoyed immensely seeing the names of some familiar Brooklynites and other New Yorkers who were contemporaries of the Great Shirley Chisholm.  The conversational tone makes you feel that you are somewhat a first hand witness to her rise in success. 

Kamala Harris by Tonya K. Grant depicts in simple, yet easy to understand vignettes of Kamala's life from childhood through becoming Vice President depicts her as a young girl with both her parents; her accomplishments, new vocabulary, and brilliantly colored pages and lettering that are sure to hold a child's attention.  There are 11 chapters less than 3 pages in length. The historical photographs definitely will hold a child's attention.  The books even start out with a message to the parents to encourage them to become an integral part of their child's learning process.  

 

 

Stacey Abrams by Melissa H. Mwai takes us from Stacey Abrams running for governor of Georgia, through her early childhood prior to moving to Atlanta, GA, through to developing the strategies that made it possible to turn out more Democratic voters, and assist major candidates for US Senate win big in Georgia, through Fair Fight, the organization she established to help voters who were being blocked from their right to vote.  As with the book on Kamala Harris, the use of colors, creative print styles, vocabulary and definition updates and candid pictures make the book an easy and interesting read for LEVEL 2 readers.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both books are reasonably priced at $4.99 each, and can be ordered through Amazon.com.

The very title of the third book: Speak UP, Speak OUT - The EXTRAORDINARY LIFE of FIGHTING SHIRLEY CHISHOLM by Tonya Bolden (a Coretta Scott King Honoree), tells you this is a book about more than just the life and times of iconic legendary Shirley Chisholm.  It is more of an exhortation than a title.  And Shirley definitely lived that concept.  Coming from a loving family, where her Dad was her inspiration, who worked tirelessly to make sure she succeeded in receiving the education she needed, she was committed to doing and being the best in everything she tried:  From attending Brooklyn College, after the prospect of attending an Ivy League institute didn't work out; being elected to the New York State Assembly; through co-founding the Congressional Black Caucus  comprised of Black Congressmen and women; and establishing the National Black Women's Political Congress, and other organizations, Shirley Chisholm has definitely left an indelible mark on the world.  

 

In fact, as the reader will learn, there was nothing Shirley Chisholm put her mind to that she did not win - either directly, or indirectly.  She was truly "unbossed and unbought" - one of the slogans used during her candidacy for president, and for which she became famous throughout her career as an activist and elected official. She truly had an activist's heart and believed in getting things done.  In a society that is now going through the throes of finding its own moral compass, her book will be a great inspiration and set examples how others can come together and be a force and a source for good in their own communities. 

As I said, this book is for more mature readers ages 12-14.  However it will also inspire adults as well and those who want to have an impact on their own and others' lives to learn from one who did not let economic, racial, feminine or other challenges stop her.

Ms. Bolden did a wonderful job of recounting the life and accomplishment of Shirley Chisholm;  however, she left out one major, important point in her biographical sketch: The fact that Ms. Chisholm was a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., having pledged as a student at Brooklyn College/CUNY.   The Sorority had a major, lifelong influence in her life. It was through that ongoing affiliation that she received  a great deal of her support - financially, publicly, morally, and creatively.  They were her "boots on the ground" each time she ran for any office, put together any program, or worked with youth, seniors and other community issues.  The great Dorothy I. Height (former president of the Sorority) was also a mentor and close friend.

The fonts and lettering throughout the book made it an easy read; however, in the  "Notes and Sources" section, the print was extremely too small and difficult to read - unless you're utilizing a magnifying glass.  It's rather a shame because Ms. Bolden included so many historical cross references associated with each chapter, but the size of the print makes it difficult for those who do not have 20/20 vision to read it.  

That said, Speak Up and Speak Out is well worth the read - and provides some real inspirational points and twists - that speak to the tenacity, resilience, and inspiration of the Great Shirley Chisholm.  Worth the read, worth sharing with family and friends.  Parents who are concerned about their children's education will want to include this as part of their personal home library.  Moreover, Speak Up/Speak Out should be part of classroom texts, or additional reading, regardless of how the misguided pundits are  trying to ban books of worth that highlight the accomplishments of Black Americans. 

Want your own copy?  It's attainable through Amazon for $17.95  (https://www.amazon.com/Speak-Up-Out-Extraordinary-Fighting/dp/1426372361/ref=sr_1_1?crid=32PHD5P9AAXP1&keywords=speak+up+speak+out+shirley+chisholm&qid=1646118249&sprefix=speak+up+and+speak+out%2Caps%2C188&sr=8-1).

You can also find it at Walmart, and fine Black Owned Bookstores.   Purchase one for your son/daughter or grandchildren, and buy one for yourself as well so you can read it with a highlighter in hand - you're going to want to take copious notes. 

Ms. Shirley's favorite saying "Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth..." was also the favorite saying of former NYC Mayor David N. Dinkins who was so inspired by her and often made it his closing mantra:  "Service to others is the rent we pay for space in this earth...let us not look back and find ourselves in arrears." 

In addition to the three books highlighted here, NAT Geo KIDS has several other books that feature the accomplishments of other Black leaders.  You are going  to want to get the entire collection for your family library.  Don't have a Family Library?  Consider starting one.  The age of computer technology should not mitigate the need to read books.  Books are the very foundation of knowledge and education.  Instilling a love of reading at an early age in our children can set them on the path to success for the rest of their lives.  Kudos to the three wonderful authors, who themselves are part of Women's History; and to National Geographic for providing these wonderful options for good reads in the homes and, hopefully, our schools. 

I started reviewing these books during Black History Month and realized that these three wonderful women have also made contributions as Black Women in History - as do so many of our Sheroes.  There are so many more who have likewise made huge sacrifices and contributions to Black people - and we do well to honor them - not only during these two significant months, but year round.  They are a vital part of our heritage and legacy.

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

Stay Blessed &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria DULAN-Wilson