43rd Annual New York State Black and Puerto Rican Caucus Held In Albany February 14th to 17th

-->By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Wow, can you believe it, it's already been a week since the 43^rd Annual Legislative Black and Puerto Rican, and Hispanic and Asian Caucus ended. My how time flies when you're in the thick of things!! From the opening Friday evening gala reception the ending banquet, and fundraiser, it was non-stop, back to back activities.

In contrast to this week, last week the East Coast was blanketed with snow, and the threat of more to come. Of course, in Albany, snow is no big deal – they practically manufacture it up there, and we, the down staters, must have been a comical sight, all decked out with hawk-fighting regalia, prepared to hunker down and do what was necessary to make the week end a success while fighting Mother's Nature seemingly relentless onslaught of snow storms.

HINT to Downstaters and the rest of the non-snow savvy folks – you can learn a thing or two from Albany – when they clear the sidewalks, they don't just clear in front of their building, but the ENTIRE SIDE WALK – they realize that people don't just magically float over that ice you left there to get to the next clear spot; also they make OPENINGS or PATHWAYS from the side walk to the street so people can actually cross and not have to climb over a mountain of snow pushed up by the snow plows.

The Caucus is held annually to set the agenda for the year; however those plans are by no means carved in stone; and it does not mean that other issues and concerns can't be brought to the attention of the elected officials. Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes, is the Association Chair, and coordinated this year's event.

The New York State Black & Puerto Rican Caucus is perhaps the oldest continuously existing Black and Puerto Rican joint event in the US. It traditionally takes place during Black History Month, on the week end before President's Day, and brings together – to the extent possible – all the requisite State, City, and Federal legislators from New York State to set the agenda for African Americans, Latino, Hispanic and Asian constituents. They focus on how best to work together to ensure that the things most important to us are implemented.

It's a rather hefty purpose for such a short span of time – one day – one week end – once a year. And this year it was further complicated by the fact that it came right on the heels of Rev. Jesse Jackson's Rainbow PUSH Coalition Wall Street Project Economic Summit having just closed the day before at the Sheraton in Manhattan. So many of the same people participating in the Caucus had also participated in the three-day workshops – making for an extremely long week for many of us (especially yours truly).

New York City has so much to celebrate this year – a new Mayor in the personage of Bill deBlasio; a new Public Advocate, Letitia “Tish” James, first African American female in that role; first Black Brooklyn Borough President – Eric Adams; and the dynamic duo of Charles Barron and Inez Barron having now somewhat shifted, with him in the role of Assemblyman, and she now as the Council Woman; Laurie Cumbo and Robert Cornegy new City Council Representatives– Brooklyn had a lot to brag about, and in general it was a great time for patting ourselves on the back. For once things appear to be in synch. For the first time in about 20 years, everything was as it should be – Cuomo – Democrat, Governor, and a Democrat Mayor in the most important city in the world.

All the workshops are basically held in the Convention Center, which was designed by Nelson D. Rockefeller – a marvel of architecture and engineering that was absolutely needed to change the somewhat drab landscape of Albany back in the day.

However, getting around for the uninitiated required comfortable shoes, because the walk from the entry to the workshops is literally 2.5 city blocks in the concourse on hard marble. Sadly, most of the access to the Convention Center has been closed off for “security reasons” requiring participants to make a long trek through the facility – go through an equally long security check point, and an even longer trek to the workshops in the various hearing rooms.

Since most of the works shops were held concurrently, it required real skill to be able to attend the ones you had a particular interest in. The workshops gave an overview of issues of concern to Caucus members and their constituents. “The People's Priorities – 2014, compiled by Caucus Chair Karim Camara, gave an overview of what those concerns were.

The debate on how to attain Full Pre-K – via taxing the rich, or allocations from the state, was front and center. Both Mayor deBlasio and Governor Cuomo have made it one of their key focuses. They agree that it's needed, but don't agree on how best to fund it. Laws and policies ending stop and frisk was also a hot topic, while bringing back affordable homes to New York brought a lot of attention. MWBE increased contracts, and other nuances.

Governor Andrew Cuomo dropped a bomb shell in the middle of the entire week end when he announced at the Caucus Weekend church service at the Wilborn Temple an initiative to provide college classes in the state's prisons. Currently, New York's inmate population is 49.2 percent African-American, 24 percent Hispanic, 24.1 percent white and 2.7 percent identify as other. A measure of that magnitude would definitely change the rates of illiteracy, recidivism, and aggrivated assaults exponentially.

The reaction was stunned silence, followed by slow clapping, followed by a somewhat more enthusiastic response. The Governor's rationale, one that we have all bandied about for decades, is that providing education fulfills the responsibility of rehabilitation in the prisons. These college classes would be free and would cut down on recidivism. It takes over $60,000 a year to keep a person incarcerated. It's a fraction of that to provide them with a decent education and a job when they complete their sentence. However, the mixed responses in a variety of conversations seems to portend some rough waters ahead in getting everybody on board to get this concept passed.

I frankly thing it's a great idea. California Warden, Ruth Rushen (mother of vocalist Patrice Rushen) had a similar policy nearly 30 years ago – of course, Californians didn't like the idea – but to the extent she was able to implement it, it proved to be a great success for those participants who were fortunate enough to receive it (more on it in another article).

Equally interesting was the agenda in the People's Priorities for the restoration of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit LIHTC. Under the Pataki administration, this had been eviscerated, making it difficult to impossible to provide incentives for the development of low to moderate income based homes. The pledge is to seek for 100% restoration of the dollar -for-dollar tax cred in New York State.

Assemblywoman Annette Robinson, Chair of COBED (Coalition of Black Elected Democrats), held a reception at the Hilton Albany after the Gala Dinner/Fundraiser. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, a Caucus Awardee, stopped by to give greetings and discuss the issues confronting New York from an optimistic standpoint. “With a new Mayor and Public Advocate things are going to be much better, but it won't happen over night. It may well take a little longer than we have envisioned in our minds eyes. But it will happen,” she stated enthusiastically.

Congresswoman Clarke commended Annette Robinson, for her  service to the community and being “a wind beneath my wings, and a mentor - we all owe a debt of gratitude to Annette Robinson.  She's been a trail blazer and one who has really been a pillar for the growth and development of our our community.  So I just wanted to come by and thank you.  This is where her work is done on behalf of all our communities," she concluded.

Per Assemblywoman Robinson: “We have our upstate downstate partnerships, and I've had the privilege of going to Syracuse and Rochester as well as other areas to learn about the issues there.  We look at our people wherever we are and see what the needs are and work together to resolve them.”

Of course the Assemblywoman's reception was also a perfect time for the gathering of Delta Sigma Theta Sorors who were also in attendance large and in charge - including yours truly:

Delta Sigma Theta Sorors at the 2014 Black & Puerto Rican Caucus - Hon. Yvette Clarke 3rd from Left; Hon. Annette Robinson Center; Gloria Dulan-Wilson, Right Front

 Andrea Stewart-Cousins Democratic Chair also stopped by to give greetings, stating, “I think  we had a really great week end. We've gone through these year after year, and so many times it's exhausting. This was exhausting, but it was all good. And I love the fact that the Governor and deBlasio are fighting about who's going to fund the Pre-K program. As long as it get's done right, I've no problem with it. It's an election year, and we have the potential to being in a very good place.”

Councilman Robert Cornegy, who is affectionately known as "Trees," spoke of new measures being considered in the City Council for saving Brooklyn Hospitals. Laurie Cumbo, likewise spoke of the urgency of making sure there was adequate continuum of care in the Borough of Brooklyn, and the focus on the part of the City Council was ensure adequate ongoing funding.

The Annual Awards Ceremony, which took place Sunday, February 16^th,  honored 18 recipients who have served the New York communities well. The inscriptions on the plaques read: “To recognize and honor individuals who have made significant contributions in advancing the political, social and economic cause of African American, Hispanic and Asian Communities.”

I'm listing the awardees in their entirety because these are history in the making. We should all be aware of those who are out there among us making a difference:

>N. Nick Perry, 58^th AD, Brooklyn, received the Chairman's Award for promoting greater community empowerment in the political arena;

>Lillian Roberts, Executive Director of DC 37 AFSCME representing 121,000 public workers, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her consistent contributions on the behalf of Blacks and minorities in the labor movement;

>Assemblyman David Gantt of the 137^th AD in Rochester – the first Black from Monroe County elected to state office - received the Percy Sutton Award for his stuanch commitment to politics and a passion for civil rights;

>David Cordero, Vice-Consul of the Dominican General Consulate in NY received the Immigrant Excellence Award for success in the fields of business and government;

>Maria Revelles organizer for SEIU 1199, received the Labor Award for success in representing over 1.5 million service workers;

>Shop Rite Stores received the Corporate Award for being integrally involved in the preservation of the Sherwood House, a historically Black farmhouse built in 1740 by Thomas Sherwood and the home of the Yonkers Historical Society;

>Cynthia Elliott, assistant to the Executive Director of the Baden Street Settlement in Rochester, received the Arthur Eve Award being a strong advocate in promoting the success of students in the State of New York;

>Henrietta Lyle (a great friend of mine – you go Henrietta!!) received the Leon Bogues Award for being a staunch advocae of tenants' rights, women's rights, civil rights and other social reforms;

>Zenaida Mendez New York State President of NOW (National Organization for Women received the Pauline Rhodd-Cummings Award – she is the founder of the National Dominican Women's Caucus;

>Dr. Roy H. Hastick Sr., President and CEO of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) – another hero and personal friend of mine received the Thomas S. Boyland Award for for being deeply and pragmatically committed to the African American/Caribbean Community and skilled in the strategies to make state and local government work together for our betterment {And a brother who would not lie down for a stroke, but came through like the king that he is – Kudos to him and his lovely wife Eda;

>Frank Garcia, president & CEO of Millennium Remanufactured Toner, inc., and Chair of the NY State Coaliton of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, among many other things, received the Louis Nine Award for making state and local governments work for the people;

>Elizabeth Gill, President of the New York City Police Dept. 47^th Precinct Community Council in the Bronx, received the Joseph L. Galiber Award for laboring vigorously for expanded opportunities for Hispanics;

>Leroy Gadsden, NY State Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Planning Administrator, received the Guy R. Brewer Award for commitment to an equal and fair criminal justice system;

>Michelle McClymont, Executive Director of the Flatbush Nostrand Junction Business Improvement District, received the Housing & Economic Development Award for dedication to improving the image of the African American Community;

>Hon. Yvette D. Clarke, U.S. Congresswoman, who represents the 9^th Congressional District (Brooklyn), an effective leader, compassionate, creative, and an outspoken advocate on issues of importance to her constituents (and a Delta – I know, but I just had to say it) received the Distinguished Service Award for improving the quality of life and stimulating the economic vitality of the African American/Caribbean and minority comunities;

>Barnabas Uba Shakur, internationally recognized, multi-award winning social entrepreneur, community activist, poet, co-founder of Bed Stuy's Project Re-Generation received the Community Service Award for his time, energy, expertise, and resources towards the betterment of underserved communities;

>Rev. Cheryl Gwynn Anthony, an anointed woman of God and founder, CEO and Pastor of the JUDAH International Christian Center, Brooklyn, NY, (and a long time friend) received the Humanitarian Award for playing a “vital role in the betterment of underserved communities of color;”

>Boriken Neighborhood Health Center of East Harlem, now celebrating it's 40^th year, received the Health Award for improving the quality of life for the community.

At the Gala Dinner, Ruth Thompson, who served as mistress of ceremonies for the closing night gala, dropped a bit of a bomb shell prior to introducing the key note speaker for the evening: “Someone said, why aren't you telling any jokes tonight? And I responded, I don't know any jokes. I've been up here on the hill too long.” She waited for a beat and then said, “Maybe that's the Joke!” The audience roared with laughter as she continued, “But I've got one more Caucus under my belt. Next year's going to be 44; I'm going to take a deep bow; but I'm certainly not going to leave public service. It's not about that. So the next place I go – get ready I'm coming.” I later asked her off stage whether she was considering a run for the gubernatorial seat – to which she gave me a slight wink but no comment.

Keynote speaker Michael Blake is a newcomer to the caucus, but left the room in an uptempo as he closed out the 43 Annual Caucus by exhorting that they go from there and do what they know how to do, not hesitate or procrastinate, to reclaim a child, or a community. To use their collective and individual power to make a difference in the life of the children of New York.

STAY BLESSED &

          ECLECTICALLY BLACK
          Gloria Dulan-Wilson

 

URGENT EVENT ALERT: THURSDAY, SEPT. 13 IS NEW YORK'S PRIMARY - GET OUT AND VOTE

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Before I tell you what you already know about how great the Democratic National Convention was - which just recently wrapped up in Charlotte, North Carolina - allow me to put some very important tasks on your agenda:

Number One:
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012 – TWO DAYS FROM NOW – IS A VERY IMPORTANT ELECTION DATE FOR NEW YORKERS. In case no one sent you the memo, there are several important races happening, and you have to make it your business to get up, get out, vote, and make sure everybody else does too. If we want to make sure New York maintains a majority that will fully support and implement President Obama's policies when he is re-elected in November, we have to do our part this September.

Now, I know this is an unusual date for New York, but in light of the fact that the 9/11 Ceremonies take place on Tuesday, the special election date was changed to accommodate the ceremonies. It's up to us to make the adjustment and show up at the polls as though we were voting for the President himself. And, in a sense, we are, really. These are the people we'll need, up and down the line to make sure his policies are not screwed up by some miscreant vengeful rep-ugh-blican who has no sense of humanity. SO GET UP, GET OUT, AND VOTE ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012. Don't say nobody told you.

You can't afford to sleep this one – everything under the sun is up for grabs. While I do my share of political coverage, I by no means am an expert in totally understanding the ins and outs of New York Politics. It really is a horse of a different color. But I would daresay, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx, Queens – if you value your community, your safety and your future, you'd better be about it. The fact that there are so many seats and positions up for grabs indicates that this election is as pivotal as the Presidential election which takes place on November 6.

It appears that there is very little in the way of PR about it – which is all the more reason we cannot be caught unawares. Rather than list, individually, the names and status of the different candidates who are running, I am going to include the website from the BOARD OF ELECTIONS, so that you can pinpoint for yourselves the candidates that are running. Be prepared to walk in and vote, not really knowing who many of the candidates are – because there are several names I don't recognize myself.

That said, here is the link: Board of Elections in the City of New York - Candidates List Federal Primary Election on June 26, 2012: Primary Election on September 13, 2012: Candidates List: Contest List - Primary Election 2012 - 9/13/2012 (PDF) Home | About ...
vote.nyc.ny.us/candidateslist.html

I wanted to make sure you did not overlook this important link, so I included the entire portal. If you can't click on it, cut and paste it into your browser's address line.

We cannot afford to sit here like bumps on a log and not know what's going on in our communities, right under our noses. Interesting isn't it, though New York did not impose any of the repressive voter ID and registration laws on us that others are fighting against throughout the country, they may not have to – we can just sit back in apathy and ignorance and accomplish the same thing self disenfranchisement – where lose our rights by default of the fact that we are not tuned in to what's up.

Well, not on my watch. Not on the watch of others like Brooklyn's District Leader Robert Cornegy in the 56th AD, who has been working tirelessly in the Obama campaign, while at the same time serving his community; or Darlene Mealy, who was out meeting and greeting voters at the #3 Utica Station in Brooklyn. Mealy, a former transit worker, was elected because she saw the disparity in services in her community, as well. Inez Barron, who is running for re-election in the 60th Assembly District.

In addition to those I've mentioned, Brooklyn might also want to be aware of the following who are seeking to serve: Martin Milave Dilan, in the 18th Senatorial District; William Boyland in the 55th Assembly District; Walter Mosely III and Olanike Alabi are both running in the 57th Assembly District; Rodneyese Bichotte and Rhoda Jacobs are running in the 42nd Assembly District; Terry Hinds and N. Nick Perry are running in the 58th Assembly District; Cyril Joseph is running in the 54th Assembly District; Charles Barron running for Male State Committee member. These are key positions. Don't sleep this. We cannot afford to be on the late show.

Those of you in these districts have very important jobs to do. Get out and vote, get out the vote, make sure everybody in your family, neighborhood, community votes. Get your vans mobilized to pick up the elderly; or just carpool with your neighbors – whatever it takes. This is the dry run for November 6th's Presidential Election. Make no mistake about it.

You may also notice that there are a large number of opportunities to select Delegates to the Judicial Convention and their alternates. You may well ask, as I did, “Hmmmm, what in the Sam Hill is a judicial convention?” (Okay, you didn't say “sam hill”). But, since I thought inquiring minds might like to know why there is such a large, long list of people vying for these positions, I have included some info from Amazon.com's AskVille:
Question: What is a judicial convention, what do the delegates do? The real issue is to understand How NY Supreme Court Justices are selected.

Answer: They are nominated, usually from the ranks of Criminal Court, Civil Court or Family Court Judges during what is know as a judicial convention. Election to the Supreme Court of the State of New York - General Comments – The following information is a description of the current statutory scheme for election to the State Supreme Court. Democrats are most often elected as Supreme Court Justices in New York City as a result of New York City's predominantly Democratic electorate. Under current procedures, each political party holds a judicial nominating convention for each judicial district. The conventions are attended by delegates elected in each Assembly District or, in some cases, a part thereof, at the primary immediately preceding the election involved. N.Y. Election Law § 6-124. The rules governing time, place and procedure of conventions are left to committees appointed under the rules of the state committee of each political party. Id. § 6126(1).

For administrative purposes, New York State is divided into 12 judicial districts, with the following judicial districts in New York City (N.Y. Judiciary Law § 140): First District - Manhattan (New York) Second District - Brooklyn (Kings) and Staten Island (Richmond) 8
Eleventh District - Queens Twelfth District - Bronx
Each judicial district has the following number of justices of the Supreme Court (N.Y. Judiciary Law § 140-a): First District - 38 Second District - 52 Eleventh District - 38 Twelfth District - 24
Nominees need not be enrolled members of the political party by selected from among sitting Criminal Court, Civil Court or Family Court Judges. which they are nominated. Historically, Supreme Court nominees usually have been”

So, now you know. So when you start marking your ballot, pay attention to who it is you're selecting to select our next supreme court justices. The justices serve for 14 years (too bad they don't have term limits for the US Supreme Court Justices, as well).

You will also notice quite a few candidates for New York County Committee. So, it might help to know what is the role of a County Committee Member? There are four County Committee seats in each municipal election district: one male Democrat, one female Democrat, one male Republican, and one female Republican. Statewide, there are over 24,000 seats. Half of these are reserved for women. A county committee person represents an average of 350 of their neighbors. They represent the interests of their neighbors at local Democrat or Republican meetings. County Committee members are elected every two years in the state primary election. The most recent election was two years ago. To be considered for County Committee, you must be 18, you must be a declared member the Democrat or Republican Party; and you must be registered to vote in your local election district.

Number Two:
Those of you who have high school students who will be 18 by or before the November 6 Presidential Election should make absolutely sure they are registered and prepared to vote in the upcoming election. If you have proof of their date of birth, get them registered NOW! This is not rocket science. No vote, no president; we return to the bad old days of being Bushwacked.

Number Three:
Those of you who are in college here in New York City or State must register to vote immediately; and get your classmates registered as well. This is no time for absentee ballots. You can use your dormitory or place of residence as your current address. And remember, it was President Obama who made it possible for you to receive up to $5500 in Pell Grant Funds; and who has set up student loan pay off programs that is calibrated to your salary, rather than a hammer that keeps you poor once you complete your education, and so mired in debt you can't see your way clear. You and your peers must register and vote, make it viral, campus to campus to turn out the largest ever student voting bloc for the re-election of President Obama.

Number Four: Remember to stay away from Mitt-twits and the 3-R's: Romney, Ryan and Rep-ugh-blicans. They are the new 666.

Number Five:
African American Brothers and Sisters, and people of African Heritage (i.e., Africans, Caribbean, Puerto Rican, Dominicans, Haitians, etc.), who reside in the US, and are registered voters - you are conspicuous by your absence. I don't see you in the numbers that I see others of different racial groups –

I'M JUST MAKING IT PLAIN: YOU CAN'T LET OTHERS DO YOUR DOING FOR YOU AND IT'S 102% UP TO YOU TO BACK THIS BROTHER ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE WHITE HOUSE FOR A SECOND TERM. The Chinese have a GOTV for Obama, as well as other groups. What are you holding back for??? – do you need to see it in neon?

The embarrassment of the century would be that we did not actively involve ourselves, our families, our community in the open and visible support of President Obama. Your supporting him in spirit is fine, and I'm sure, much appreciated. Praying for him is also absolutely essential.

However, you now have to step up to the plate – the way First Lady Michelle Obama did when she delivered that wonderful speech for the President on September 4; and the way former President Bill Clinton did when he knocked it out of the park in his speech on September 5.

You got to step up the way Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter did when he stood for the US Mayors. The way Kerrie Washington did when she spoke in behalf of the President.

You've got to show up the way Khalil Kain did when he came back from California to sit with New Yorkers in support of President Obama (he did it in 2008, too!).

You've got to commit the way so many volunteers have done during the convention, who went to Charlotte on their own steam from Arkansas, Philadelphia, Arizona, California, New York State, Harlem, DC, Mississippi, Florida, and all over the US. Phone calls, voter registration in battle ground states; fund raising; teaching and learning.

Time to show him and the world our love, as well as our support, our appreciation and our votes. Don't let the rep-ugh-blicans take your rights from you; don't let them intimidate you; don't let them return you to the jim crow days when you paid a poll tax and had to know how many bubbles there were in a bar of soap. There are so many who fought and died to make sure you had the right to vote. I don't care who you are, how busy you think you are, or how poor you say you are – you and your vote make a difference; and you are needed to make that difference, so that President Obama can continue the good work he's begun to make life different, and better for us all.

There's a deadline looming for voter registration, and it may be different for each state. It's up to you to make sure that you have done your part as a Black man or woman to stand for a man who has taken his life in his hand (and you know it's true) to stand for you.

Let your Obama shine through – not only with you, but your kids, even those who are too young to vote now, can wear tee shirts, buttons, caps, arm bands. If the school objects, maybe it's not the place you want to educate your children. If you have a child in a school that does not support the President, perhaps you might want to question what else they're teaching your child that's inappropriate. Let your Obama shine through by bumper stickers on your cars, placards in your windows – Obamatize yourselves.

Learn some Obama quotes – teach them to your kids; your friends. He has made some profound statements, well worth remembering and repeating. When you read or hear some propagandistic crap in the media about the President or the First Lady or the First Daughters, or the Vice President, call them on it. Don't just let it slide. We have to be the eyes and ears and filters of the garbage that is being spewed out on a daily basis. Take it on – you attack Obama, you attack the American people. STOP!!!

And remember – AN OBAMA A DAY KEEPS THE MITT-TWITS AWAY! Always have something positive to say about the President. If you need facts, you can always find it on his website.

Stay informed and stay involved.

And, Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
NEW YORKERS REMEMBER TO VOTE THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2012 !!

PRIMARY DAY IN NYC VOTE OR SHUT UP

by Gloria Dulan-Wilson

SO it’s finally here. Primary day in New York City. And all the candidates are lined up for battle. The winners take all - whatever that means. It’s now or never for many of them.

And, while I can’t tell you who to vote for, I can tell you you had better vote as though you are voting for President Barack Obama all over again. Because this is just what this means.

Each and every vote counts. If you don’t vote, the good the President is trying to accomplish will be diminished exponentially.

Think about it. The Republicans are already trying to make this a self-fulfilling prophesy by saying that during the midterm the opposition part gets the majority. This is a psych! A mind game they play and many of us fall into the trap as though it’s the gospel. Nothing could be further from the truth, but they’re counting on the gullibility of the American public, who have become contented with mimicking what they hear on TV rather than standing for themselves, and getting their information first hand.

So now here we are. And there are some pretty important issues coming up that may or may not hamper our ability to emerge victorious from this primary:

1): The new electronic scan voting machines are being introduced in New York City. Many are concerned that it may either cut down on the number of people voting, or it may cause a great number of inaccuracies. (shades of Florida 2000). However, if we use our intelligence, instead of falling prey to negative suggestions, we can learn to use this nuance the way we have other innovations. In other words, don’t let learning something new be the deterrent to getting out to vote.

2): The assumption that because the candidate has been in office a long time, it’s time to bring in someone new. How insipid! Politics is a career like any other position. Politicians are public servants who apply for their positions via the public arena called voting, and they maintain their position via the same way. If they are doing their job correctly, they are returned to their position at the end of the term. It has nothing to do with age, per se, it has more to do with doing the job we sent them there to do. It also has to do with seasoning and seniority. I.e. paying your dues. In doing so you learn the lay of the land, and are able to exercise influence over situations more effectively than the relative new comer.
When I hear someone talking of “new blood”, as though a younger person automatically comes with a set of new concepts that will benefit us all, I cringe. I am not putting down our younger generation, but I am saying that they haven’t necessarily demonstrated their understanding of their role and responsibility in the current society given the amount of work, blood, sweat and tears their predecessors have already sacrificed to provide them with better lives. So, please don’t make age the issue. Look at where they stand when they stand with their people (I.e. us), and whether or not they know they’re Black (yes, I said Black -- remember the name of this blog is ECLECTICALLY BLACK).

3): On the flip side of this statement, however, there are some of our youth I wholeheartedly endorse, including Ms. Latrice Monique Walker, who is running for District Leader in Brooklyn, NY. I’m lifting her name because she has demonstrated her wisdom and involvement far beyond her age. She is one who can be called a continuity between veteran experience and the new breed.

Another area that materially affects our lives has to do with the court system. With Judge Sylvia Ash stepping up from the Court of Appeals tothe Supreme Court, there is evidence that supporting her will not only be a vote for our own self interests, but for fairness and parity for a change. Judge Ash, who has been a constant figure in the community, whether it's about raising funds to help Haitians effected by the earthquake or other nefarious conditions, or at the myriad of community based functions throughout Brooklyn, has ably and effectively served to community; and no doubt will be able to do more if we do the right thing and elevate her to Supreme Court Justice.

I would also like to lift the name of New York City Councilman Al Vann, who passed the baton as District Leader to Robert Cornegy, a young brother who had actually run against him in a bid for his seat on the City Council last year. Rather than deeming him an enemy, Councilman Vann looked at his strengths, sincerity, and experience, and passed the baton on to Mr. Cornegy, who now serves as the district leader, saving a considerable amount of expense and rancor.

Which also addresses another issue about age and length of service. Former Congressman the Rev. Floyd Flake, upon stepping down from Congress to head Allen AME Church in Queens, passed the baton to Gregory Meeks, to serve the balance of his unexpired term. Meeks did so admirably, and upon running for re-election, made it clear that his policies may or may not be the same as Flakes -- I.e., he was no carbon copy -- but that he had the well being of Queens at heart. He has done well in his leadership, thus proving Flake’s choice was a good one.

4): Don’t believe mainstream media’s hostile headline hype. It’s sad that, in this day and age, racism, yellow journalism and character assassination are alive and well and living in Fox News and other racist publications. We are being bombarded with garbage news about Congressman Rangel and others that would have us think that he has suddenly grown two heads and a tail. I’m not saying the Congressman is perfect, but I am saying that the vilification he has suffered is racist and extreme. As you go in to vote, remember that. Remember that the concept is to divide the Black community with innuendo, trickery, lies and deceit. It is to defame the Congressman so that we become confused about who he is in juxtaposition to who we are.

Also remember that the same vilification he is suffering after having taken the helm of the House Ways and Means Committee, the most powerful committee in Congress, is the same thing that happened to Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., his predecessor. The whites know that this is the most powerful position, and they went after him with a vengeance. Also make sure if he is re-elected, that he is reinstated with full honors, roles and responsibility. It appears that the so-called ethics committee only comes into effect when we are in positions of power -- very seldom when Caucasians have “strayed” from the line.

Likewise, when it comes to effectiveness, anyone who doubts the effectiveness of Congressman Edolphus Towns, has not been paying attention to the housing issues, and the greedy attempts to deprive Brooklyn - all of New York for that matter -- of affordable housing. It was Congressman Towns that saved Starett City from being sold to private developers who wanted to turn it into overpriced condominium developments. Because of Towns, Mitchell - Lama legislations have been extended an additional 25 years. Under his watch, legislation to preserve homes that were going under water due to overpriced mortgages have been passed. You need to be very cognizant of who is doing what for you. Fancy words and dog and pony shows don’t ge the job done.

State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, along with Assemblymember Hakeem Jeffries, has been instrumental, likewise, in getting legislation passed to transform overpriced, abandoned condominiums in Brooklyn, into affordable homes. No easy feat when greedy developers were trying to get undeserved breaks from the banks, Washington and other entities. Condominiums built on the foundations of Black neighborhoods that were once thriving in Brooklyn, will once again be returned to the hardworking people who deserve them most. So consider those issues when you go to the polls.

5): Finally, if you don’t get out and vote, you have absolutely no right to complain about anything. They are nickering and diming us to death in New York City, thanks to Bloomberg and his miscreants. We have witnessed rising costs and lower quality in transportation; bogus criteria in school and educational programs; the lack of will when it comes to dealing with the Wall Streeters who have been part and parcel of the recession New York currently faces. I urge you to carefully consider your choices as you vote. Remember, those who sat home in Brooklyn and did not vote for Bill Thompson for mayor - 20% turn out - who are now bearing the brunt of their negligence -- slow to no buses, more and more services closed or reduced in our communities.

Every time you vote, you have to vote as though your lives depend on it. Because it does. Vote as though you’re voting for Obama, because you are. As constituents you are not only participating in the electoral process, but you are signaling that you expect results from them. And then, make sure you get them. Politics is not a spectator sport, it is a participatory, hands on event.

So today, September 14, 2010 is primary day in New York State. It's in your hands, NYC. See you at the polls.

Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson