Congresswoman Marcial L. Fudge, Esq. Named Permanent Chair of the 2016 Democratic National Convention

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

Breaking News from DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY INC. 

More details later as they become available.

But let's congratulate the Honorable Marcia L. Fudge.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 23, 2016 Media Contact: Lauren E. Williams – laurenevette@gmail.com; 240-242-7207 U.S. REPRESENTATIVE MARCIA L. FUDGE NAMED 2016 DNC PERMANENT CHAIR  CLEVELAND, OH - U.S. Representative Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) released the following statement after being named Permanent Chair of the 2016 Democratic National Convention by former U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton: "I thank Secretary Clinton and her team for recommending me to serve as the permanent chair of the 2016 Democratic National Convention.  It is an honor for me and the people of Ohio.  I am happy to serve and look forward to a great convention and our ongoing efforts as we work together for a strong party and a successful election.  Together we make America Stronger." ### Dr. Paulette Walker National President Beverly E. Smith National 1st Vice President Taylor McCain National 2nd Vice President Cheryl A. Hickmon National Secretary Deborah A. Jones-Buggs National Treasurer Roseline McKinney Executive Director

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As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., I just wanted you to be first to know.

Congratulations to Soror Fudge.

Stay Blessed

Gloria Dulan-Wilson  

EVENT ALERT: Rainbow Push Coalition hosts symposium blueprint for minority media representation in the upcoming Presidential election in DC

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
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Hello All:

The indefatiguible Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., and his equally stalwart and creative team of researchers and professionals are rounding out 2015 with a 2-day conference inn Washington, DC, December 15 - 16.  

With the upcoming 2016 Democratic National Convention  scheduled to take place in Philadelphia July  24th through the 28th, there are plenty opportunities for African American entrepreneurs, technologically astute, professionals to become visibly and viably involved.  But it won't happen over night, by magic, good will, or wishing.  Those looking to see how they may be able to become involved in the technological explosion, or identify other future opportunities, this free 2-day event may well hold the answers and provide the contacts and conduits for making it happen.  

And, quite frankly, I've yet to see a seminar, program, workshop or action that Rev. Jackson was involved in that didn't leave you more knowledgeable, empowered, informed than when you went in. He has the prescience to be ahead of the game on most issues that affect us individually and collectively.  So don't miss out on this opportunity to be ahead of the game.

Even if you yourself are not part of the tech revolution, high school and college students, loved ones, associates, business partners, should be apprised of this and encouraged to take the time to be involved.  DC is a short bus ride away from most of the major cities in the Northeast; or via Amtrak.  Even shorter by car - the point being, this is an open door to an event that may have cost a great deal to be put together, but is being offered free of charge.  The only thing you have to pay is ATTENTION, and then take action.

The press release and basic registration information is below. And if you do attend, please make it your business to go over to Rev. Jesse Jackson and personally say "THANK YOU" to him for always working in behalf of Black people.

Now that you know, what are you going to do about it?

Stay Blessed & 

ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria 

**MEDIA ADVISORY**

RAINBOW PUSH COALITION TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN THE TECH  EXPLOSION, OWNERSHIP AND ADOPTION AT ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM

Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.,  Social Justice and Industry Experts  Will Provide a  Blueprint for Engagement and Ownership for  People of Color in the  21st Century during DC Conference

Washington, DC – December 8, 2015 - The Rainbow PUSH Coalition, founded and led by the  Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., will be joined by national and area clergy, leading appointed and elected officials; social justice and industry leaders to discuss the intersection of tech policy and current events impacting people of color and their respective communities. The conference will be held on December 15-16, 2015 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC and this year’s theme  will focus on a blueprint for minority media representation in the upcoming Presidential election, and ownership in media and technology outlets, including those that are high tech. This year’s conference will also include a special address from the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., whose historic efforts  have led to equity in civil rights, voting access, police treatment, and other critical social justice concerns for our nation. In advance of Dr. King’s holiday, the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. will share moments from his time with some of the most prolific civil rights champions. Confirmed speakers include Reverend Jamal Bryant, Founder and Senior Pastor, Empowerment Temple; Reverend Doctor Grainger Browning, Senior Pastor of the African American Methodist Church; Reverend Tony Lee, Senior Pastor, Community of Hope AME Church; The Honorable G.K.  Butterfield, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and U.S. Representative for North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District; The Honorable Mignon Clyburn, Commissioner, Federal Communications Commission; The Honorable Elijah Cummings, U.S. Representative for Maryland’s 7th Congressional District; The Honorable Catherine Pugh, Maryland State Senator and President, National Caucus of Black State Legislators; Kwame Anku, Co-Founder and President, VoiceLots; Hazeen Ashby, Legislative Director of Policy and Research, National Urban League; Matthew Barnhill, Executive Vice President, Corporate Market Research, BET Networks; Paul Brathwaite, Partner, The Podesta Group; John Burns, Associate Partner and Entertainment Lawyer, Krooth and Altman; Nsenga  Burton, Editor, The Burton Wire; Ron Busby, President and CEO, US Black Chambers, Inc.; Keith Clinkscales, President and CEO, Revolt TV; Ladavia Drane, Hilary Clinton’s Director of African American Outreach; Knatokie Ford, Senior Policy Advisor, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy; Endura Govan, Founder, International Business Kids; Kristal High, Publisher, Politic365; David Honig, President Emeritus, Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC); Talib Karim, Executive Director, STEM4US; Maureen Lewis, Director, Minority Telecommunications Development Program, U.S. Commerce Department, National Telecommunications Information Administration  (NTIA); Howie Hodges, VP, Time Warner Cable; D’Angela Proctor, Senior Vice President, Original  Programming and Production, TV One; Steve Roberts, President and CEO, The Roberts Company;  Angela Rye, Political Strategist and Principal and CEO, Impact Strategies; Debra Speed, Director,  Strategic Alliances, Verizon; Justin Tanner, Associate Director for the Office of Legislative, Education  & Intergovernmental Affairs, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA); Joe Torres, Senior  Director, Free Press; Dr. Nicol Turner-Lee, Vice President and Chief Research and Policy Officer,  Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC); Antonio Williams, Senior Director,  Comcast; Jim Winston, President, National Association of Black-Owned Broadcasters (NABOB);  and many more. This year’s conference will also bestow five Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the highest leadership distinctions of the organization at the Breakfast Plenary and the Telecommunications Luncheon scheduled on  Wednesday, December 16, 2015. Honorees for this year include: The Honorable Catherine Pugh,  Maryland State Senator and President, National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL); S. Jenell Trigg, Partner, Lerman Senter; Dr. Nicol Turner-Lee, Vice President and Chief Research and Policy Officer, MMTC; Keith  Clinkscales, President and CEO, Revolt TV; the CBC Tech 2020, a project of the Congressional  Black Caucus, and others. Special tributes are also planned for the late media ownership evangelist,  Dr. Everett C. Parker of the United Church of Christ and the former Chairwoman of the Equal  Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Jacqueline Berrien who passed away last month. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition will also host pre-conference activities on December 15, 2015 from  6:00 pm – 9:00 pm as part of an evening celebration with special tributes to 12 inspirational leaders  that are advancing media ownership working towards closing the digital divide, and addressing  disparities for people of color. Honorees for the Gala will be announced this week. Special musical  guests will include: gospel artist Maurette Brown Clark who will perform a tribute to gospel legend  Richard Smallwood, one of the evening’s honorees and R&B star, Angie Stone.  The Gala is free and open to the public. Registration is required at: http://rpctelecom2015.eventbrite.com. For more information on the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Annual DC Gala and Symposium on December 15-16, 2015 at the Capital Hilton on 1001 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036, Washington, DC, please visit http://rpctelecom2015.eventbrite.com. The December 16 Symposium is free and open to the public.

Ticket Information

TICKET TYPE	SALES END	PRICE	FEE	QUANTITY
Pre- Conference Reception & Award Ceremony Join us as we honor several dignitaries for their extensive work in Public Policy and Telecommunications! We will also pay special tribute to the late Miss Helen Burns Jackson, and multiple Stellar Award Winner and Grammy Nominated Gospel Entertainer, Richard Smallwood. This ceremony is open to the public!	3d 16h 21m	Free	$0.00	Ticket Quantity Select             0                      1                     2                     3                     4                     5                     6                     7                     8                     9                     10
Media and Telecom Symposium (Breakfast and Lunch Included) Friday Morning Plenary, Friday Morning Sessions, and Friday Afternoon Sessions.	3d 15h 51m	Free	$0.00	Ticket Quantity Select             0                      1                     2                     3                     4                     5                     6                     7                     8                     9                     10

Register

Who's Going

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Event Details

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The Rainbow PUSH Coalition will host its 7th Annual Media and Telecom Symposium on December 15-16, 2015. The two day symposium will take place at the Capital Hilton, 1001 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC. An evening reception will take place on December 15, 2015 at the Capital Hilton honoring the mother of the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, the late Mrs Helen Burns Jackson, Reverend Richard Smallwood and twelve Distinguished Leaders. The second day, the symposium will feature plenary and break out sessions on issues around communities of color being engaged and involved in the media and telecom space, voter rights, ministerial sessions and a sports session.

The theme of this year’s conference is “The Future of Media and Technology: Growth, Convergence, Disruption.” Panels will focus on new civil rights concerns, efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in Silicon Valley, the open Internet, media diversity, online surveillance and digital privacy and how the new digital economy will benefit consumers, particularly those from communities of color.

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Have questions about RPC & CEF Public Policy and Media and Telecom Symposium 2015 (Washington, DC)? Contact Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund

EVENT ALERT: MAY 4 - LAST DAY FOR INPUT ON SEPTA CAPITAL PLANS FOR RY 2016

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

You may have been busily enjoying the abundance of mild weather and not have taken any of the many modes of transportation offered by SEPTA - or you've become so desensitized to the system that you pay absolutely no attention whatsoever to the rolling stock you use to get around Philly every day - and the region beyond it - so that includes regional rail, buses, and senior vehicles and other modes of transportation under the auspices of SEPTA.

SEPTA | Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority www.septa.org/

 
Or you might even think that your opinion doesn't matter so you paid no attention to the banners that are calling for public input - but if you do have something to contribute, tomorrow - May 4, 2015 - is your last day for the 2016 fiscal year.  Notice, I didn't say for the 2015 Fiscal year - that was held last year, and is currently in the works for implementation.

No, SEPTA, in their wisdom, holds their hearings a year prior to when the needed changes or acquisition occur in order to give themselves sufficient time to do the research and make sure they have obtained the appropriate equipment, material and supplies to bring on board.


It's actually a great way to run a railroad - and a transit system.  However, without adequate community input, it can cause some problems down the line when they are implemented.

As a former transit administrator, and one who believes that a city is only as good as its transportation system, I attended one of the hearings to see how they were conducted - last Thursday, April 30 at the 5:00pm session - and to my shock and dismay, there were only three groups there - myself and two others - and board members from SEPTA.

Of course at first glance one could only surmise that Philadelphians don't care about their transit system.  But from the commentary I am constantly hearing, that would be totally incorrect.  It probably is more to the point that the hearings are not held at a time conducive for broad based community input:  the midday hearing is scheduled for 11:00 AM; the evening hearing is scheduled for 5:00 PM.  That only works if you're not working or you have an 8am to 4pm job, and can get to the hearing, at 1234 Market in time to make your statement.   Or your lunch hour will allow you sufficient time to be there at 11:00AM to participate.

Community input would probably increase significantly if the evening hearings were scheduled for 6:00PM instead of 5:00 giving folks sufficient time to make it to SEPTA Headquarters.

That aside, there were some really great concepts in the table, generated by the board and their consultants, most of which can be obtained by logging onto www.septa.org  - or if you have any concepts you want to include, but could not attend the hearing, can be emailed to them at capbudget@septa.org - before the close of business on May 4, 2015.


The Theme is "Rebuilding SEPTA for the Future," so make sure you reference that title when you submit your comments.  Just so we're clear, capital budget is centered around such issues as improvements to the infrastrucure - bridges, trestles, tunnels, platforms, etc., replacement of railcars that have exceeded useful life; as well as buses and, alas, trolleys (if one would think that I'm not overly fond of trolleys, one would probably be correct)

The following are the recommendations I suggested during the hearing:

1)  DO NOT RE-ESTABLISH A TROLLEY SYSTEM ALONG THE 23 ROUTE ON GERMANTOWN AVE - THAT WOULD ADD TO CONGESTION, BACK UPS AND DIFFICULTY IN MANUVERING VEHICLES ALONG AN ALREADY NARROW THOROUGHFARE - IT'S A TRANSPORTATION NIGHTMARE!

2.  THE NEW RAILCARS ON SEPTA REGIONAL RAIL DO NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT SPACE FOR LUGGAGE - A MAJOR OVERSIGHT, CAUSING THERE TO BE FEWER SEATS DURING RUSH HOURS WHEN LUGGAGE IS EITHER PUT IN THE SEAT ADJACENT TO THE PASSENGER OR IN THE AISLEWAY - CAUSING CONGESTION AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENTS.

3.  THERE SHOULD BE ELEVATORS OR ESCALATORS AT MORE STATIONS ALONG THE BROAD STREET LINE - FOR SENIORS WHO HAVE DIFFICULTY MANUVERING THE STAIR.  THERE SHOULD BE ESCALATORS ON PLATFORMS FOR THE BROAD STREET LINE TO THE MEZZANINE AND TRANSFER POINTS TO THE MARKET STREET LINE AT CITY HALL.

4.  THE SIXTEEN (16) BUS, WHICH IS INCREDIBLY SLOW, SHOULD HAVE DOUBLE OR RECTICULATED BUSES DURING RUSH HOURS  - 

5.  THE TRAINS ON REGIONAL RAIL ARE NOT WHEEL CHAIR OR HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE AT MOST STATIONS OUTSIDE JEFFERSON, SUBURBAN AND 30TH STREET - THERE NEEDS TO BE MAJOR CHANGES IN THE WAY THE TRAINS ARE DESIGNED IN ORDER TO ACCOMMODATE THOSE WHO HAVE MOBILITY DIFFICULTIES - THE STATIONS OUTSIDE THE AREA, BETWEEN NORTH PHILADELPHIA AND TRENTON, EITHER NEED TO HAVE THE PLATFORMS BUILT UP TO MEET THE STAIRS, OR SPECIAL EQUIPMENT TO  HELP THOSE WITH WHEEL CHAIRS EXIT SAFELY; OR THE TRAINS HAVE SPECIAL EQUIPMENT TO SAFELY LOWER THE PASSENGERS TO THE PLATFORM.

6.  SEPTA SHOULD KEEP IN MIND THAT PHILADELPHIA IS HEADQUARTERS FOR THE 2016 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION, AND BEGIN NOW TO MAKE THE APPROPRIATE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR INCREASED RIDERSHIP - TO THE STADIUMS, NAVAL YARD AND OTHER VENUES THROUGHOUT PHILLY - IT WOULD BE A CRUSHING EMBARRASSMENT TO NOT HAVE THE UPGRADES IN PLACE IN SUFFICIENT FOR THE CONVENTION - ONE OF THE WAYS TO MITIGATE THIS IS VIA A MONORAIL SYSTEM THAT COULD BE UTILIZED THROUGHOUT PHILADELPHIA, BE A GREAT TOURIST ATTRACTION, TAKE A SHORT TIME TO CONSTRUCT, AND DOES NOT POLLUTE.  JAPANESE AND OTHER COUNTRIES USE MONORAILS AS THEIR PRIMARY SOURCE OF TRANSPORTATION - THE GREAT THING ABOUT THEM IS THEY TAKE LESS THAN A YEAR TO CONSTRUCT AND COMPLETE - IT MAY WELL BE THE SOLUTION TO PHILLY'S OUTMODED TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM.  ADDITIONALLY, SINCE REGIONAL RAIL WILL WITNESS HEAVY INCREASES, IT IS HOPED THAT THE RENOVATION OF THE MALL WILL BE COMPLETED IN SUFFICIENT TIME TO NOT CAUSE ANY DIFFICULTIES AND TO BENEFIT FROM THE INCREASE IN REVENUE THAT IS SURE TO BE GENERATED - I.E. WAKE UP EVERYBODY - YOU'RE OFFICIALLY ON A TIME LINE AS OF NOW !!

= TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE TO GET IT TOGETHER!

7.  REGIONAL RAIL NEEDS TO HAVE THEIR STATIONS OPEN AT NIGHT  - ESPECIALLY IN SOME OF THE REMOTE AREAS - THERE COULD BE THE HAZARDS OF ACCIDENTS OR CRIMINAL ACTIVITY - HAVING SOMEONE THERE TO PROVIDE A SENSE OF SECURITY COULD MITIGATE THIS PROBLEM.

8.  STENTON STATION IS NOT WHEEL CHAIR ACCESSIBLE AND HAS A VERY STEEP GRADE FOR ACCESS AND EXIT - IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR SOMEONE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS TO ACCESS THE TRAIN FROM THAT STATION. 

9.  STATIONS ALONG THE BROAD/RIDGE SPUR NEED TO BE UPGRADED - FAIRMONT, CHINATOWN, ERIE; AS WELL AS THOSE ALONG THE BROAD STREET LOCAL - WYOMING, HUNTING PARK, ALLEGHENY, NEED SERIOUS UPGRADE {WYOMING AND HUNTING PARK, CHINATOWN, TASKER/MORRIS AS WELL AS ALL THE LOCAL LINES WOULD BENEFIT FROM EITHER ESCALATORS OR ELEVATORS OR BOTH} - BY NOW THERE SHOULD BE A WAY FOR PASSENGERS TO TRANSFER BETWEEN THE BROAD/RIDGE STATION AND THE MARKET STREET STATION AT 8TH STREET - THEY'RE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER TO NOT HAVE WORKED THIS OUT BY NOW.

10) SNYDER AVE STATION HAS TWO UP ESCALATORS ACROSS THE STREET FROM EACH OTHER, BUT NO DOWN ESCALATOR; ADDITIONALLY, THERE IS NO ESCALATOR OR ELEVATOR FROM THE PLATFORM TO THE MEZZANINE - SO IT'S NOT FULLY ACCESSIBLE (WHO THOUGHT THAT ONE UP?) AT LEAST ONE OF THE ESCALATORS SHOULD BE FOR GOING DOWN TO THE MEZZANINE.  

11)  IN AREAS WHERE THE BUSES ARE RUNNING 30 AND 45 MINUTES APART, PASSENGERS SHOULD BE ACCOMMODATED WITH COVERED, LIGHTED KIOSKS WITH SEATS - SENIORS ESPECIALLY HAVE DIFFICULTY STANDING EXTENDED LENGTHS OF TIME. 

In 2012 the APTA - American Public Transportation Association - gave SEPTA high marks for it's beautiful stations and upgraded infrastructure -  it's time to get one to match that one - the good thing is that SEPTA is not resting on its laurels.  And with community input there will no doubt be more awards to come.

Stay Blessed
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

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