ECLECTICALLY BLACK NEWS: Guest Post: Brennan Center for Justice - is it time to demand Subprime Court Term Limits to 18 years?

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

I received this communique yesterday from the Brennen Center for Justice in reference to Term Limits for the Subprime Court Injustices.  I have signed it, even though from my standpoint they're on the late show. I wrote an article about term limits Black in the day when the repuglycons had originally submitted Bork as the subprime court injustice to replace Thurgood Marshall.  We were vehemently against his nomination, and thought it was an absolute insult to even consider Bork in any shape form or fashion for the bench.  

We should have realized that Bork was a straw dog - a diversionary tactic on the part of the repuglycons, because the next person they nominated was Uncle Thomas Clarence - who was even more reprehensible and underhanded that Bork could have ever been.

 

We then found ourselves in the midst of a virtual Catch-22. Most of us know what happened after than - scandal, embarrassment, disgrace and disgust - and they ratified him anyway as retaliation against Black people.  

My article was in reference to why it was that subprime court injustices had to be on the bench for life - as was the late, great Icon, Thurgood Marshall - who nearly died on the bench.  I remember a reporter asking him why he was stepping down and his response was "I'm old! I've held out as long as I can. But, I'm old!"  We had made several salient recommendations for replacing Marshall, emphasizing that the next Justice should be Black like as well.  And that was the gotcha!! As most of us well know.  However my query as to why Subprime court justices are appointed for life - as opposed to President's who are there for 2 four terms, or senators who are there for 6 years (also why, no one knows); or representatives who are constantly campaigning because of 2 years.  It was then that I began to realize that the Subprime court was being stacked and packed according to political party, as opposed to the non-partisan basis most of use assumed and were lead to believe in in the early days. So I recommended that they have no more than 16 years, and that the current incumbents would be based on the time already served on the bench as to whether or not they have met that limit.  

Sadly this was prior to launching my Blog:  ECLECTICALLY BLACK NEWS - but was during the time I was feature writer for The Daily Challenge News (who may well still have it in their archives). 

So, here we are in 2023, and the Subprime Court has sunk even lower than 1993 - literally 30 years later.  And the puppet strings show visibly - making a mockery of any thing they say or do - especially the rightwingnut appointees.  And I want to go on record saying that now the terms should be limited to 8 years - instead of 16 - because the contamination is to the roots.  SMH 

That said, if you agree that there needs to be term limits applied to the subprime court, please respond to the Brennan Center for Justice - we now know what happens when we sit on the side lines and take no interest or action in what's going on around us.  I'm sending you a copy of their post to me - sharing it with you so that you can fill it out and share a blank form with your other friends, relatives, associates.  

Don't let this come through and not take a stand.  There's too much at stake. 

And, oh yes, the Supreme Court became subprime the day Thurgood Marshall had to step down.  As you can readily see, there has been no one since that has had the impact, insight, integrity, involvement at the level of excellence that he has.  If you know someone who can fill those shoes, I strongly suggest you submit their info to President Biden.  He's looking for someone - as are we all.

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

STAY BLESSED &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria

From: Brennan Center for Justice <info@brennan.law.nyu.edu>
Date: Thu, Jun 22, 2023 at 4:40 PM
Subject: We’re calling for Supreme Court term limits — join us
To: <ECLECTICALLYBLACKNEWS@gmail.com>

Gloria, make your voice heard. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 

Dear Gloria,   Yesterday, we learned about the latest Supreme Court ethics scandal — this time involving Justice Alito failing to disclose gifts from a billionaire donor. These ongoing scandals highlight that our system of judicial accountability and checks and balances is broken.   The disconnect between the American people and the radical conservative supermajority on the Supreme Court is only intensifying. In decision after decision — on abortion rights, gun control, and climate protection — the Court is handing down decades worth of social change at odds with both precedent and public sentiment.   Put simply: no one should have this much power for this long. George Washington had that insight when he stepped down from the presidency after two terms. Public trust in the Court is at an all-time low. We are calling for a powerful tool to bring accountability back to the Supreme Court: term limits.   Tell Congress: The American people want Supreme Court term limits NOW.   Add Your Voice >>   The United States stands virtually alone in giving justices a lifetime job. Rhode Island is the only state with life tenure for its state supreme court. Every other major democracy in the world has term or age limits for their high courts. On average, justices today sit on the bench for more than a decade longer than their predecessors did in the 1960s, accruing far more power than anyone in the founding era would have anticipated.   It’s no surprise that public support for the Court is at its lowest ever — and falling fast. This all amounts to a crisis of legitimacy of the Supreme Court’s own making as it inserts itself into the most controversial issues of our day. The notion of term limits, however, is uncontroversial. It has broad and consistent bipartisan support.   Will you join us and demand that Congress balances the Supreme Court’s unchecked power with 18-year term limits?   CALL FOR SUPREME COURT TERM LIMITS NOW >>   Thank you for taking a stand, The Brennan Center for Justice     Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law 120 Broadway, Suite 1750 New York, NY 10271 646-292-8310 brennancenter@nyu.edu Support Brennan Center

 

GDW EVENT ALERT: JULY 26 Alumni Association of Lincoln University 2021 Golf Invitational

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

Hello All!

For those of you who are golf aficionados, or who have wanted to learn golf, but didn't have the time or opportunity, the time has come, and Lincoln University has it!

On MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021 WE ARE PRESENTING OUR ANNUAL GOLF INVITATIONAL AND SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER - what better way to spend our return to summer by doing something we love, while simultaneously helping students realize their dream of getting a college education.

 

Make your reservations now - Breakfast is at 8:00AM

Tee Time is 10:00AM

There will be a Golf Lab, a Silent Auction, and An Awards Ceremony!!!

 

 

• Senator Vincent Hughes, Pennsylvania State Senator and LU Honorary Degree Recipient is our Honorary Chair
•  
• 
  
  
• Registration is up - so make sure you've registered and ready!
  
• Our sponsorship list is growing - for those who have already sponsored a package - THANK YOU.   But we're looking forward to more organizations - especially our FRATERNITIES, SORORITIES - THE DIVINE NINE, CHURCH GROUPS, ACTIVISTS, CIVIC, CITY AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS to step up as well.  Alumni Association of Lincoln University 2021 Golf Invitational (golfstatus.com)
• Porsche Conshohocken is sponsoring the Hole in one Contest. Porsche Conshohocken | Wayne Gladwyne Bala Cynwyd Porsche Dealership Pennsylvania
• You can get more information and sign up on our social media:
  
• FB: Alumni Association of Lincoln University-AALU | Facebook
• Linkedin: Alumni Association of Lincoln University (AALU): Overview | LinkedIn
• Instagram: aalu1854

How can you help us make this a tremendous success?

• Register for a Foursome or Players Development Clinic and invite fellow alumni and friends to join. Alumni Association of Lincoln University 2021 Golf Invitational (golfstatus.com)
• When you register, post to social media about it. Help increase the energy and excitement around this event. 
• Be a sponsor or secure a sponsorship. 
• Make a donation or secure donations. 
• Follow, like, comment, and share the social media post. Help increase visibility and gain potential participants! 
  

'** Note: The AALU is a 501c3 charitable organization. Donations, sponsorships, and portions of the registration are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional to determine what the IRS will allow you to claim.

Audrey Fields, Class of ‘92 & ‘02

Secretary, AALU Philadelphia Chapter

W: www.aalu-philachapter.org

A:  AALU - Philadelphia Chapter Secretary

      P.O. Box 28787

      Philadelphia, PA 19151

P: 215-888-1565

E:  aaluphila.secretary@gmail.com

www.aalupa.org

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17hb0vbhJeCLCSrJ9D8mbOVeFONy16kQo/view

NOTE: THIS IS A REPLICA OF THE SPONSORSHIP FORM - PLEASE LOG ON TO

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17hb0vbhJeCLCSrJ9D8mbOVeFONy16kQo/view

So Be with us on Monday July 26 as we Tee Off and have fun in the Sun

HAIL! HAIL! LINCOLN

               NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

Stay Blessed & 

ECLECTICALLY BLACK 

Gloria DULAN-Wilson LU '67 EMERITA

GUEST POST: NNPA Farewell to Chadwick Boseman

BY Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

I have never met Chadwick Boseman.  But ever since my sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, held a Red Carpet for his movie, "MARSHALL," I have been in total awe of the brother.   Those were followed up by "GET ON UP,"  and of course, his masterpiece, "BLACK PANTHER," which sold out so fast, there were no seats left, and I ended up having to go to another theater to see it. It was so wonderful, I sat through it twice!  

CHADWICK BOSEMAN has joined the ancestor/angels.   
I marveled over how this one brother had so many talents and could morph into anyone he needed to be, and play it so beautifully and professionally that you see the character and believe it.
The last time I saw him was on TV in an interview about the significance of BLACK PANTHER.  I remember looking at him as he walked off stage how thin he looked. He had bags under his eyes, his cheeks appeared to be somewhat sunken in, and he looked as though he had lost considerable weight.  I remember saying - "What happened to him?  He doesn't look well."  It reminded me of the last time I saw John Lewis in person - and that rather drawn look he had - he had shrunk considerably; and Richard Pryor, who had also shown signs of illness prior to making his transition.  That was five months ago.  I had kind of put it out of my mind - especially since there had been no news or gossip about his being ill or in therapy.
  
And then suddenly, BOOM!  There it was, rolling across my computer screen at 4:00AM - the news of his passing, just as I was working on an article about the March on Washington 2020, and Michael Jackson's Birthday Anniversary.  I was stunned and heartbroken at the same time.  On top of that, i learned that he had married Taylor Simone Ledward, his long time girlfriend,  just before making his transition, and it was even more heart breaking.    Being the romantic that I am, I thought how poetic and tragic that they waited as long as they did to get married, just a scant two months before he made his transition.  

We have so fallen in love with Chadwick Boseman - I know I have - that I couldn't wait to see what wonder he was going to do next.  Whose life was he going to transform into legend.  And now we have to see who is going to portray him.   I can't help but think of the song NIGHT SHIFT by the Commodores (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnjbCCC7ttc   - The Wakandacized Version), as I look at the clips and commemorations in behalf of this beloved brother.  Or, GONE TOO SOON (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zObf5CWpaKY).

With all of our state of shock and sense of bereavement, we have to say that Brother Chadwick Boseman lived his life to the fullest.  He accomplished so much in the short 43 years he was here - while many of us are still trying to figure out what we wanted to do, be or have.  He impressed me as a brother who was not afraid to tackle anything.  His mastery of James Brown's moves without a stunt double proved that.   His DNA - African American - regardless of where in the world his ancestors originated on the Continent - was used and manifested to Maximum Capacity.  Something we must begin to teach our kids; and hopefully something we're not so advanced in age that we can begin to learn from ourselves.

Chadwick's transition to the realm of Ancestor/Angels, like Michael Jackson's, was sudden and shocking and excruciatingly painful.  In both instances, it's going to take us a while to heal internally or otherwise - it's like a major hole in our collective hearts.  So my condolences to his wife, family, fans and friends - and Black people everywhere who have come to know and love this wonderful, heroic, creative, loving, talented FINE BLACK MAN.  We have some wonderful treasures he shared with us to remember. ### (c) GDW/ECLECTICALLY BLACK NEWS

THE FOLLOWING IS A REPOST FROM THE NNPA - WITH LINKS TO OTHER ARTICLES  IN HONOR OF CHADWICK BOSEMAN: 
#NNPA BlackPress

IN MEMORIAM: Chadwick Boseman
 NNPA NEWSWIRE — Boseman was no stranger to playing iconic characters, bursting onto the big screen in 2013’s 42 as baseball legend Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in major league baseball. Boseman went on to star as Soul legend James Brown in 2014’s Get On Up and Thurgood Marshall in Marshall in 2017. Boseman brought a quiet dignity and powerful presence to these characters, with performances reflective of the weight they hold in world culture.

Published on August 31, 2020

By
Nsenga K. Burton Ph.D.

 

In addition to acting and producing, Boseman was also an activist and philanthropist supporting social justice initiatives like Michelle Obama’s #WhenWeAllVote and celebrating fellow Bison Kamala Harris’ history making selection as the Democratic Vice-Presidential nominee for the 2020 U.S. Presidential election, which was his last Twitter post before his death. (Photo: Chadwick Boseman speaking at the 2016 San Diego Comic Con International, for "Black Panther", at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. / George Skidmore / Wikimedia Commons)

 

 

By Nsenga Burton, Ph.D., 
NNPA Newswire Culture and Entertainment Editor

The world is reeling from the loss of iconic actor Chadwick Boseman, who died Friday, August 28, after losing a private battle to colon cancer. Boseman died at home surrounded by his family.

A statement released by his family said Boseman was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer in 2016 and the disease progressed to stage 4. Boseman endured countless surgeries and treatments as he continued to make films from Marshall (directed by Reginald Hudlin), Da 5 Bloods (directed by Spike Lee) and August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (directed by George C. Wolfe and produced by Denzel Washington).

Washington and Boseman were first introduced when Washington paid for Boseman and several other Howard University students to continue their theater studies by taking a theater course in Oxford.

The Howard University-educated thespian was the star of Marvel’s Black Panther franchise, bringing to life one of the most important and revered superheroes in American film history.
Directed by Ryan Coogler, Black Panther was the first superhero movie to be nominated for a best picture Oscar and one of the highest-grossing films of all time, bringing in over $1billion.
Black Panther became more than a movie, morphing into a celebration of Black culture, art, history, achievement and intellect in addition to highlighting the Black cultural presence and influence in comic book culture.

Boseman was no stranger to playing iconic characters, bursting onto the big screen in 2013’s 42 as baseball legend Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in major league baseball. Boseman went on to star as Soul legend James Brown in 2014’s Get On Up and Thurgood Marshall in Marshall in 2017. Boseman brought a quiet dignity and powerful presence to these characters, with performances reflective of the weight they hold in world culture.

Prior to breaking into film, Boseman lived in New York, teaching at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture while cutting his teeth on small roles on shows like Law & Order, Third Watch, ER and Lie to Me, eventually landing recurring roles on Lincoln Heights and Persons Unknown.

It was Boseman’s turn as Jackie Robinson that cemented his film star status and his performance as T’Challa in Marvel’s Black Panther, that catapulted him to superstardom. Black Panther grew beyond the big screen and became a cultural phenomenon. Boseman, who hails from Anderson South Carolina, gave moviegoers a king who was stoic, powerful and captivating as he led warriors with love, intellect and strategy as they fought to maintain control of their powerful, technologically superior nation, ripe for poaching by outsiders.
Much like the Gullah culture of his home state, Boseman was able to effortlessly blend African and American culture to help create a fantastical world on screen that was inspirational and recognizable. Boseman led an all-star cast including Angela Bassett, Michael B. Jordan, Danai Gurira, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Sterling Brown, Winston Duke and Academy award-winning actors Lupita Nyong’o and Forrest Whitaker, holding his own and fortifying his status as a Hollywood superstar.

Boseman, who also appeared as T’Challa/Black Panther in Avengers Infinity War and Avengers: End Game, starred in and produced the films 21 Bridges, Marshall and Message from the King, which he served as Executive Producer. At the time of his death, Boseman was in pre-production as producer on Yasuke, a film about the world’s first Black Samurai in which Boseman was slated to star.

In addition to acting and producing, Boseman was also an activist and philanthropist supporting social justice initiatives like Michelle Obama’s #WhenWeAllVote and celebrating fellow Bison Kamala Harris’ history making selection as the Democratic Vice-Presidential nominee for the 2020 U.S. Presidential election, which was his last Twitter post before his death.
In 2018, the wonderkind performer delivered a powerful commencement speech at Howard University encouraging students to rise above traumatic experiences and applauding their campus activism. Boseman, who was mentored by fellow Howard University alum Phylicia Rashad and helped financially by Denzel Washington as a student donated $100,000 to #Change4Change, which supports HBCUs in November 2019.

• 
  IN MEMORIAM: In a Shock to Many, Actor Chadwick Boseman Dies at 43

#NNPA BlackPress

IN MEMORIAM: In a Shock to Many, Actor Chadwick Boseman Dies at 43

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Boseman passed away on the anniversary of so many historic moments in African American history. August 28 is the anniversary Jackie Robinson discussed his future in the big leagues with Branch Rickey in 1945. August 28th is also the anniversary of the March on Washington in 1963.

Published August 31, 2020

By
BlackPressUSA

Photo: Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa in Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Panther.’ ©Marvel Studios / Walt Disney Co.

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Contributor

At only age 43, Chadwick Boseman, appeared to be at start of an acting career that was almost certain to eclipse many others. Boseman played several legendary figures in Black history including Jackie Robinson, James Brown and Thurgood Marshall.

But late on August 28, news that Chadwick Boseman had passed away from colon cancer was a shock to many.  Boseman’s death is one of a number in 2020 that mark a year overloaded in surprising news and shocking benchmarks.  

Boseman passed away on the anniversary of so many historic moments in African American history.  August 28 is the anniversary Jackie Robinson discussed his future in the big leagues with Branch Rickey in 1945. August 28th is also the anniversary of the March on Washington in 1963.

So far in 2020, John Lewis, Joseph Lowery, Earl Graves, Bill Withers and C.T. Vivian have passed away. But the death of Boseman was a particular shock because of his age and the anticipation that he was destined to be one of the greatest actors of is generation.

In what may be his most famous role, Boseman played King T’Challa in Black Panther. The film shattered box office records in Feb. 2018 and grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide. Praise for his work has flooded in on social media. 

“You never truly know what the people around you might be going through – treat them with kindness and cherish every minute you have together. RIP,” wrote actress Halle Berry. 

“Chadwick… …no words to express my devastation of losing you. Your talent, your spirit, your heart, your authenticity… …It was an honor working beside you, getting to know you… …Rest well prince…May flights of angels sing thee to thy heavenly rest. I love you!” actress Viola Davis wrote. 

“We are devastated by the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman. His transcendent performance in “42” will stand the test of time and serve as a powerful vehicle to tell Jackie’s story to audiences for generations to come,” a message read from the twitter account of Major League Baseball.

“Such a brutal loss. RIP, Chadwick,” wrote actor Ryan Reynolds on social media.  

“The true power of Chadwick Boseman was bigger than anything we saw on screen. From the Black Panther to Jackie Robinson, he inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want — even superheroes. Jill and I are praying for his loved ones at this difficult time,” wrote former Vice President Joe Biden who is the Democratic nominee for President.

Boseman graduated from Howard University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in directing.

Bozeman’s last two films were 21 Bridges (2019) and Da 5 Bloods (2020). The actor was born in Anderson, South Carolina. Boseman is survived by his wife Taylor Simone Ledward. 

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist for NNPA and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is also a political strategist as Principal of Win Digital Media LLC. She may be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

ADDITIONAL LINKS: 

Chadwick Boseman's wife and the love of his life

https://www.essence.com/love/chadwick-boseman-wife-taylor-simone-ledwards-love-story/#567476

Click here for additional article on Chadwick Boseman's illness and his love for children

https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/black-panther-chadwick-boseman-says-this-was-more-important-than-making-a-billion-dollars.html/

 Michael B. Jordan's Pledge to the Memory of Chadwick Boseman:

https://www.eonline.com/amp/news/1183274/michael-b-jordan-honors-chadwick-boseman-in-heartfelt-tribute

 Chadwick Boseman's African Roots/Africa' Reaction to his Passing:

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/09/01/908471876/africans-mourn-chadwick-boseman-a-great-tree-has-fallen

 

IT'S GOING TO TAKE US ALL, INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY TO PROCESS THIS - BUT THE INFINITE - GOD THE LIVING SPIRIT ALMIGHTY - ALWAYS HAS THE FINAL SAY.  AND I THINK HE SAID TO CHADWICK 

"Well Done, My good and faithful servant."

 In our heart of hearts we knew he was an Angel all along.

Stay Blessed & 

ECLECTICALLY BLACK 

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

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