RAINBOW PUSH COALITION HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE IN CHICAGO IN REFERENCE TO POLICE SHOOTING OF LAQUAN McDONALD

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

I just watched a live streamed press conference from Rev. Jesse Jackson's Rainbow Push Coalition, which took place yesterday in Chicago - 

I'm sharing the link with you here  please watch it  - it's very constructive and instructive - especially for those of us in other communities who are also battling the egregious abuse of power wielded at the hands of the local police departments, and in many cases co-signed by the local mayors and other minions who are suppose to represent the people, but put their own interests first.

http://livestream.com/PushTVLive/events/4554255/videos/106001690

Chicago mayor, Rahm Emanuel, while commended for having fired the superintendent of the police department, has also been called into question in reference to other vital video information that has yet to be revealed to the public.

There are also calls for federal investigation of the entire process on the part of Attorney General Loretta Lynch.  On Tuesday, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan requested that the U.S. Department of Justice investigate whether the Chicago Police Department's practices violate federal and constitutional law.  Madigan in a letter to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch asked that the investigation weigh, among other things, the department's use of deadly force and whether a pattern or practice of discriminatory policing exists.

Additionally, there are calls for Chicago's a.g., Anita Alvarez, to step done for complicity in the cover up and a long line of injustices vis a vis the Police and the Citizens of Chicago's Black community.  They have threatened to vote her out and are vowing to launch a voter registration campaign so comprehensive she'll have no chance of re-election.

I posted this link for those who have the temerity and the gall to question whether or not Rev. Jesse Jackson is on the case in reference to these atrocities.  The same criticism has been leveled at Rev. Al Sharpton.  It's apparent that those who have made such accusations are not aware that they each head coalitions - which they put together - of individuals, activists, expertise, and supporters - who bring their collective expertise and dedication together in the interest of justice and change.

There are protest demonstrations taking place in the streets of Chicago, while others are wasting their money on Christmas gifts that go to continue to underwrite some of the very people are the cause of the problems.  The ones who underwrite corrupt politicians and keep them in office as long as they turn a blind eye to brutality and bias.

And the coalition is comprehenve - they include experts on judicial and legislative issues; criminal justice, media, community activism, etc.  It's not a one size fits all organization.  While some are leading protest movements, others are in city hall dealing with the mayor, while others are in DC dealing with the Attorney General's office.  

Nor are they afraid to call a spade a spade.  This is not a week-end protest - they are in it for the long haul, as evidenced by the days of demonstrations which finally resulted in  Mayor Emanuel's firing of the city's police superintendent.

Even with the squad-car video showing a white Chicago police officer shooting a Laquan McDonald 16 times  on October 20, 2014, the foot dragging had continued, until the protesters showed they were not going to take it any more.


The video footage of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald's fatal shooting the night of Oct. 20, 2014, shows that the police lied about what happened.  A police spokesman, described McDonald lunging at officers before shooting began; while another police statement  after the shooting said McDonald had refused to drop a knife and "continued to approach the officers." Initial police information said McDonald was killed by a single shot to the chest.
But the video shows McDonald walking down the middle of a four-lane street. He then appears to veer away from police as Officer Jason Van Dyke, who is now charged with murder, opens fire. The video seems to show McDonald with something in his hand. Prosecutors say a 3-inch blade recovered from the scene had been folded into the handle. - Pan African Newswire
Activists contend city and police department officials dragged their feet on the investigation and video release and perhaps even sought to cover up what happened.
Interestingly, the dash cam's audio did not function on any of the police vehicles - really??!!!
These are modern cameras that are set up in Chicago police cars  so audio records along with video.  So how could it be that none of the dash-cams had audio?  Hmmm...

 Now that you know, what are you - especially you in Chicago - going to do about it? 

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria 














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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

HANDS OFF CHARLIE RANGEL & MAXINE WATERS: Ethnic Cleansing And The Ethics Committee: McCarthyism in the 21st Century

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Well, it’s déjà vu all over again. The so-called ethics committee is going to “investigate” Congressman Charlie Rangel, for alleged unethical practices.

Don’t you find it interesting that this is similar to the b.s. investigation they leveled against Adam Clayton Powell Jr., when he became head of the House Ways and Means Committee, and attached more bills in favor of African Americans to any bill on the floor in the history of Congress? They came up with trumped up charges against him as well, and finally were able to use their bogus allegations to drive him out of office.

Interesting isn’t it that both men are Black, both from New York, both take principled stands, and both were head of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee?

Does anyone see the parallel between that and now? Is this a familiar issue to us? You bet your sweet a___ it is! Who here really believe that Charlie Rangel is guilty of anything egregious enough to be brought before the so-called "Ethics" committee. Who really understands that the same yellow journalism that has been leveled against President Obama, by mainstream media has been leveled against Congressman Rangel? The mainstream media have been used by the right wing to hound him, in much the same way they did Bill Clinton, to blow out of proportion issues that should not have even made a quarter inch column.

Compared to his track record, this is minutiae blown out of proportion. But, as with anything, we are not only ten times more talented, we are generally painted as ten times more guilty and culpable than any white (yes I said it) white congress person, white president, etc.

We have to see it for what it really is.

There is no ethics in the ethics committee. It’s in name only. It’s convenient when they have allowed the court of media-fanned public opinion to push them into knee jerk action.

Case in point: Where was the ethics committee when people like Strom Thurmond or Robert Byrd were around? Both were blatant racists; both card carrying members of the KKK. Both were segregationists, racists. Their just making an apology does not mitigate what African Americans suffered at their hands. How many were hung, burned, or castrated under their watch, while they were still in office?? Apology from them brought exoneration. Now isn't that special!

How can we be sure that Charlie Rangel is being dealt with ethically, equitably, with the same criteria the give their Caucasian peers. Why should we give credence to this trial; where they tie his feet to the fire, while the others are able to skulk around, flying low under the radar.

Where was the ethics committee when the Vice President Cheyney under George Bush, Jr., accidentally on purpose shot someone during a hunting trip? Where were they when Cheyney was running the White House and ruining America by fiat? Where were they when the entire bottom dropped out of our economy, under the advise and consent of key people in the Republican dominated administration?

I find it highly unethical that the ethics committee is basing its so-called investigation of Rangel on media hype and dirt digging; kind of funny, because I’d be willing to bet that most of our elected officials have one or more homes; have one or more business connections; and have raised funds in some of the most "creative" fashions..

My suspicion of this witch hunt grew even more when I found that they are investigating 8 (eight) Black congressmembers, among them the honorable Maxine Waters of California. It then begins to smell like exactly what is is. Not ethics - but a kind of ethnic cleansing under the guise of ethics. If it looks like a snake and hisses like a snake, it's a snake. Shades of McCarthyism running rampant in the halls of Congress, under the guise of ethics -- trying to assuage the yellow journalists -- we see you for who and what you are.

If the Democrats are worried about this splitting the party, they should be.

But the Republicans should be petrified with fear. Because we truly do recognize where this is coming from. These are the same people who tried to have Clinton impeached. These are the same people who brought you Sarah Palin, Richard TD Nixon, George Bush (1 & 2); Ford, Goldwater, and the ever unpopular Reagan. Each time they've had a hand on this country, we've been left eviscerated, disgraced, embarrassed and broke. And they leave with their pockets lined with our money, while they tread on our dignity and our trust. We have just had a blatant example of how little the Republicans care for Americans, when they filibustered over the extension of Unemployment funds to desperate families, who lost jobs as a result of their completely bankrupting the country under the Bush Administration. We know who you are.

We over understand the situation. That does not mean that so-called "blue dog Democrats" are not on our radar, but character assassination is the province of the Republican party. In either case, both parties will be walking on eggs if harm politically, socially, financially or emotionally comes to Congressman Rangel, Maxine Waters or any of the other Black congress members undergoing this ignominiously disgraceful grilling.

And always remember, there is the LARRY FLYNT FACTOR. The rep and office you save may be your own.

WE ARE WATCHING AND REGISTERING AND VOTING. Consider the consequences.

In case you missed my point, I reiterate, the blatant issue is that both Charlie Rangel and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. were and are Black, and in charge of the most powerful committee in the nation. So the racist hounds of hell went after them the way they do whenever a Black person wields power. The allegations are pure racist b.s.

Yes, I said it! It’s racist b.s.

Charlies apartments and real estate were purchased nearly 30 years ago. It wasn't an issue then, and it's not an issue now. Having a property in the Dominican Republic is not a crime. And as far as I know, no one has died as a result of either of these two acts. But, I can almost bet you that under KKK Byrd in West Virginia many a Black man and woman have become "strange fruit"; segregated, denigrated, violated. Where is the real standard? Where is the real moral compass? Since the ethics committee didn’t deal with Byrd, or any of the other characters who have committed egregious acts against America, Republican and Democrat, they get a vote of no confidence from me.

By the way, exactly what does the Ethics Committee’s standard, or code of ethics consists of? Share them with the world, so we can see if they are truly equitable. List them so we can all see them. Then I think we should have full disclosure as to where each member of the ethics committee stands or falls along that criteria. Additionally, who are their contributors? How did they get elected? Who’s in their closet? What’s their track record? If they can’t stand the litmus test, they shouldn’t serve on the committee.

Biblically speaking, he or she who is without sin can cast the first stone.

Otherwise, HANDS OFF CHARLES RANGEL, MAXINE WATERS AND THE MEMBERS OF THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS.

To all of you who are likewise reading this, don't just sit there and nod your heads in agreement. Pass this on, and get your people together to make sure that we are VOTING OUT OF OFFICE THOSE WHO WOULD UNDERMINE THE PEOPLE WHO ARE SUPPORTING PRESIDENT OBAMA -- because this is really where it's coming from. Let's make sure we send home a few more Republicans. Let's not be sitting on our hands and sitting at home when we need to be at the polls. It's the bigger picture time. And it's time to let them know those days are over.

Time to take out the trash.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLESSED
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

STAY BLESSED

PS: ADDITIONAL NOTE

I mentioned that there were at least 8 Black Congress members under scrutiny via the so-called ethics committee, I decided to do some additional research. There are actually 9 African American and 2 Hispanics under investigation. (wikipaedia)

Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, Donna Christensen, Donald Payne, and Bennie Thompson are under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for taking part in a private trip organized by the Carib News Foundation. The Carib News Foundation is an organization that focuses on closer ties between the United States and the Caribbean. The allegation is that the funds for travel were provided by businesses. The error is in trying to make it look as if big business and/or major Wall Street based corporations had a hand in their accomodations, when nothing could be further from the truth.

Additionally the Carib News Foundation is a Black, nonprofit organization, and each one of these congressmembers, in the interest of their constituency, were actually appropriately participating in the conference. What would happen had any of the caucasian congressional members visited Great Britain, Scotland, Ireland or Germany for a conference? Would that have likewise come under scrutiny? What about Greece, Italy, France?

The ethics committee is on a witch hunt, trying to legitimize their existence via bogus allegations. There are too many other things they need to be taking care of to put the country back on track. How about investigating the Republicans who filibustered to keep from expanding unemployment benefits while millions of Americans, white and Black, were twisting in the wind?

Stop wasting our time with this McCarthy Era type lynch mob mentality and get on with the business at hand.

The following are the Black Congressional Members who are being harassed by the (un)Ethics Committee:


Sen. Roland Burris (D-Illinois)

Currently Burris is under investigation by The Senate Ethics Committee and the Illinois Sangamon County State Attorney for continually changing his testimony regarding his appointment to the vacant Illinois Senate seat left by President Barack Obama. He has given more than three different explanations for his appointment to the seat. While Burris did not claim he spent money on legal fees, he has stated he has accumulated more than $500,000 in legal fees surrounding his appointment to the Illinois Senate seat. After being appointed to the Senate, Burris filed an affidavit stating that he had not had any contact with Blagojevich or anyone involved in the Blagojevich campaign concerning the vacant Senate seat. Three days later, Burris testified in person before the impeachment committee and when asked if he had spoken with anyone "closely related to the governor, including family members or lobbyists connected with him," Burris named only former Blagojevich chief of staff, Lon Monk. A month later, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that Burris sent an additional affidavit to the head of the Illinois House impeachment committee revealing that Robert Blagojevich, Rod Blagojevich's brother, had spoken with Burris three times in October and November 2008 about raising funds for the then-Governor. Initially, Burris stated that he refused to contribute to the campaign. However, a few days later Burris offered yet another version, telling reporters that he had in fact contacted several people about holding a fundraiser, but that he had abandoned the idea. According to this version, it was not until their final conversation that Burris told Robert Blagojevich that his interest in the Senate seat prevented him from raising money for the then-Governor.

Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Georgia)
Sanford Bishop is under investigation for allegedly giving a local youth program, where his stepdaughter and her husband work, $200,000 of federal funds in which Bishop earmarked. Bishop did not know of his stepdaughter's, Aayesha Owens Reese, employment with the program and said he immediately asked the marshal to terminate her when he learned of her employment. Bishop claims he learned of his stepdaughter's employment on February 20, 2009, months after the earmark was proposed. An internal audit was performed on the program and revealed more than $7,000 was deposited into Bishop's wife's account on behalf of her son-in-law, Stephen M. Reese. The audit also showed Mrs. Reese received $7,575 from the program. In early 2009, a GBI agent claimed that while the FBI was aware of the situation, currently, there is not a criminal investigation.Del. Donna Christensen (D-Virgin Islands)

Donna Christensen is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for taking part in a private trip organized by the Carib News Foundation. The trip was to an annual Caribbean business conference held on St. Maartens Island. The trip came under scrutiny after it was revealed that the conference was sponsored by businesses, a violation of new ethics rules passed in the 2007 Honest Leadership and Open Government Act.

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Illinois)
Jesse Jackson Jr. is under investigation by the Office on Congressional Ethics and the Department of Justice in relation to his bid to fill the Illinois Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama. Jackson was anonymous "Senate Candidates #5" "whose emissaries Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich reportedly offered up to $1 million to name him to the U.S. Senate. Both the OCE and the DOJ have asked for documents showing correspondence between former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and Jackson. The DOJ has subpoenaed several individuals who have knowledge of possible fundraising efforts by Jackson’s supporters to encourage Gov. Blagojevich to appoint Jackson to the Senate. In December 2008, Jackson stated that he denounces "pay-to-play politics" and that he had "no involvement in any wrongdoing, including authorizing or initiating any promise to Gov. Blagojevich."

Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-Michigan)
Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for taking part in a private trip organized by the Carib News Foundation. The trip was to an annual Caribbean business conference held on St. Maartens Island. The trip came under scrutiny after it was revealed that the conference was sponsored by businesses, a violation of new ethics rules passed in the 2007 Honest Leadership and Open

Rep. Donald Payne (D-New Jersey)

Rep. Donald Payne is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for taking part in a private trip organized by the Carib News Foundation. The trip was to an annual Caribbean business conference held on St. Maartens Island. The trip came under scrutiny after it was revealed that the conference was sponsored by businesses, a violation of new ethics rules passed in the 2007 Honest Leadership and Open Government Act.

Rep. Charles Rangel (D-New York)
On September 24, 2008, the House Ethics Committee launched an official probe to investigate discrepancies in his finances upon Rangel's request. The investigate subcommittee is looking into the following charges:

* Using official congressional stationery to solicit contributions for an educational center bearing his name.
* His living in four rent-stabilized apartments in his Harlem district while claiming his Washington, DC home as his primary residence for tax purposes.
* Failure to report $75,000 in rental income or pay taxes on a beach property in the Dominican Republic, which included a interest free loan deal.
* Storing his Mercedes-Benz in the House parking lot, contrary to House rules and tax laws.

It was also reported, that from 2004 to 2007,he funneled almost $80,000 in campaign cash to a company run by his son to build a pair of campaign websites that were riddled with misspellings and so poorly designed, an expert estimated the cost for making and operating the site at $1,000.

Since 1978, Rangel has also failed to report assets 28 times on his financial disclosure forms due to an investigation that revealed sums hundreds of thousands of dollars disappearing and appearing without notice from his disclosures.

In December 2008, Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, expressed hope that the Rangel investigation would be completed by the end of the 110th Congress’ term on January 4, 2009. Following the defeat of a House GOP resolution to have Rangel removed, on February 10, 2009, the Ethics Committee voted to continue investigations into Rangel. In early 2009, Rangel paid approximately $445,000 in legal fees.Despite Rangel's hope that the investigation would soon clear him, on February 10, 2009, the House Ethics Committee voted to prolong the probe.

Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-California) and Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-California)
Loretta Sanchez and Linda Sanchez are currently under investigation by the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. The Committee is reviewing whether Loretta Sanchez broke House rules when three of her aides were put on the payroll of Congresswoman Linda Sánchez, who also happens to be her sister, in late 2006. This occurred after an embezzlement scandal left Loretta Sanchez's office short on funds. Then-staffer Caroline Valdez embezzled somewhere between $5,000 and $10,000 for personal use and pleaded guilty to a felony embezzlement charge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in May 2009. Loretta Sanchez's attorney, Stan Brand, confirmed on May 18, 2009 that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct was investigating her and her sister's behavior.

Rep. Maxine Waters (D-California)

Maxine Waters is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee. The committee has not yet disclosed why the congresswoman is under investigation, but it is believed to be related to her role in securing funds from the Treasury Department's TARP program for the bank, OneUnited. The congresswoman's husband was a board member and stock holder in OneUnited. The Treasury Department did not initially view OneUnited as eligible for TARP funds until Waters intervened.

Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Mississippi)

Bennie Thompson is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for taking part in a private trip organized by the Carib News Foundation. The trip was to an annual Caribbean business conference held on St. Maartens Island. The trip came under scrutiny after it was revealed that the conference was sponsored by businesses, a violation of new ethics rules passed in the 2007 Honest Leadership and Open Government Act.


Time to tell the truth and shame the devil. Time to expose the ethics committee for the ethnic cleansing machine they really are. We are not amused, nor are we sucked in by their authoritarian modus operandii. We have been the brunt of the media lies and manipulations for far too long and understand very well how character assassination works.


This has to go out coast to coast - North, South, East, West and Central. Wherever we are, we have to be vigilant about our rights, and have the backs of people who have been backing us. I urge you to pass this on - get the word out.


BY THE WAY, IS THERE A JOHNNY COCHRANE IN THE HOUSE? If so, you're very much needed. In fact, let's groom a series of Johnny Cochrane's; NAACP Legal Defense Council - whereever you are -- time to step out front and center. Your people need you.

Those of us who are not lawyers, remember we still have the right to vote. Thanks to so many who risked their lives in the 60's and before. This is no time to take it for granted. Register, get your 18 year olds registered. Get your neighbors and friends, and acquaintances registered. We have to get them any way we can, and some are no more powerful than the next vote. Check with your local political leaders, but realize that we are linking up nationally.

Don't sleep your upcoming local elections. They are key to the next major thrust - send the Republicans back under the rocks from whence they came.


Stay blessed &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria Dulan-Wilson