Gloria Dulan-Wilson Blog/ECLECTICALLY BLACK NEWS: Leah Daughtry

Showing posts with label Leah Daughtry. Show all posts

8.01.2016

THE 2016 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION - POSITIVE, PURPOSEFUL, AND POWERFUL - PART I

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

All I can say about the Democratic National Convention is: WHAT A FANTASTIC PARTY THIS IS!!! The Democrats have it over the Repulycons hands down! Contrast the Democratic National Convention to the Republicans National Convention. What a breath of fresh air - literally!

Hillary Clinton not only knocked it out of the park with her acceptance speech, but over the moon and back!!

But, before I go any further, I truly want to give credit where credit is due, and that is to Sister Rev. LEAH DAUGHTRY!! The sister outdid herself - she managed the Denver Dem Convention beautifully - but she totally launched the Philadelphia event into orbit. With all the coordination it took to bring it down to the culmination of President to Be Hillary Clinton's acceptance speech last night (and I have not been to sleep yet; and have absolutely no vocal chords left); the euphoria of the experience in Philadelphia will be remembered for years to come.

REV. LEAH DAUGHTRY

Secondly, Philadelphia and Philadelphians must be congratulated. They rolled out the red carpet all over the place - there were over 300 events going on throughout the city - many of course running concurrently - showcasing the beauty, historicity, and friendliness of the city - which lived up to it's motto: "The City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection!" And within that, you definitely have to thank former Philadelphia Mayor, Michael N. Nutter for winning the bid to have the convention in Philly, and Mayor Jim Kinney for making sure things went forward as planned. Lots of proud to go around.

Even with the hiccups - and there were several - this has to be deemed an overwhelming, monumental success. And those who watched it on TV and online, could not even begin to understand how fantastic it felt to actually be a part of this truly history making, monumental event. For me - this is my fourth Democratic National Convention Coverage - it almost ties for first place with being in Denver, Colorado for the nomination of the first Black man to become President of the United States - President Barack Obama. I feel as if I'm in a privileged space to be here covering the nomination of the first woman for the office of President, Hillary Rodham Clinton.

As I watched the balloons come streaming down from the ceiling of the Wells Fargo Arena, and looked around at the thousands of people all chanting "HILLARY! HILLARY!" I could not help but compare it to the sinister scenes from the previous week, and be quite happy that I'M WITH HER.

For most people the Democratic National Convention is a lot of ballyhoo - people getting together for partying four days. But for those of us in the media this is day 230 - primarily because we started planning for this as far back as December of 2015 - when we did the first walk through the Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia. And make no mistake about it, this state of the art venue is huge and multi-layered - from the event floor where the speakers were presenting - to the nosebleed level where yours truly almost got stuck because the small independent media outlets kept getting bumped to accommodate the overwhelming number who attended night after night.

But if we, of the media have been planning for the DNC for 226 days, then the Rev. Leah Daughtry, CEO of the Democratic National Convention, had been planning for it for well over 365 + days. And what a fantastic job she has done in taking raw arena space and transforming it into the most amazing and opulent platform from which to showcase the many political and social entities, producing a backdrop for the first woman to be President of the United States, HILLARY CLINTON.

Everything, down to the minutest details has been - to the extent humanly possible - brought to bear to make this a wonderful, opulent, powerful, impactful - and unforgettable - success - from signage, to transportation and accommodations, placards, workshops and special events - all have been skillfully coordinated to engage the convention-goers, and simultaneously highlight the many wonderful attractions and venues in the City of Brotherly Love.

WELLS FARGO ARENA TRANSFORMED INTO THE DNC

An estimated 50 thousand people came to Philadelphia - many of whom arrived on Saturday, July 23; as well as a goodly number of the media, like yours truly, to be a part of this historic occasion. We came together to put the threat of fascism and tyranny represented by the repuglycon party and their orange faced comb-over ersatz presidential candidate - D. T-Rump - on notice - this is an America - of, by, and for the People - real people - human, humane, diverse and unified, regardless of their walk of life, around the principles of quality equality, peace, progress, prosperity - and the end of bigotry and brutality.

These are some of the excerpts from some of the key speakers at the Democratic National Convention. There were

hundreds of speakers who addressed the Delegates over the four-day convention, which started each day

at 4:30 and culminated around 11:30 PM. Averaging 30 + speakers a day, trying to quote each of them is exhaustive.

Each had something relevant and important to relate, some in support of Hillary Clinton, others highlighting

issues of relevance to their own situation, or that of their community or constituency. Additionally, while the

speakers were addressing the delegates and their supporters at the Wells Fargo Arena, there were key workshops

taking place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and surrounding venues; as well as receptions and

recreational/entertainment activities hosted at a variety of Philadelphia places of interest – including the

Philadelphia Museum of Art, the African American Museum, Independence Plaza, the Kimmel Center – a

total of 200 ancillary events were going on simultaneously – more than enough for the over 50,000

conventioneers and locals from Philly, Camden, New York and Delaware, who also came to be part of this

historic occasion. The logistics alone boggles the mind – and it took herculean energy and effort to make

even one quarter of the planned events.

Day One, July 25, 2016

The demonstrators were out early, causing traffic snarls down Broad Street, the main corridor leading to the

Pennsylvania Convention Center. The closer you got to the center, the worse it got. We were informed that

it was a combination of the arrival of the delegates for the Convention, demonstrators, and regular rush hour

traffic.

This was pretty much the case throughout the first three days - things had calmed down somewhat by Thursday,

when Hillary Clinton was to speak.

In addition to clearing security, finding your way around the Convention Center was a challenge - it actually

spans a composite of 12 blocks - from 10th street to Broad; and from Arch Street to Race!! with bridges and

overpasses connecting it to key venues such as the Marriott Downtown Hotel, SEPTA REGIONAL RAIL STATION,

Reading Terminal, and other historic venues. Even with full carpeting, it's quite a walk!!

Concurrent workshops, displays, venues and entertainment took place at the Convention Center - quite an

undertaking, when you consider that there were at least 20+ workshops running concurrently from one end of the

venue to the other.

I covered the Voter Registration Workshop, which focused on such key issues as Voter ID, Voter Supression, the

Supreme Court decision which eviscerated the voter rights act, and how to get out the vote and get voters to the

polls. Of key interest was the involvement of Fraternities and Sororities in the voter registration process.

Representatives from some of the Divine Nine, including AKA, Sigma Gamma Rho, Zeta Phi Beta, Phi Beta

Sigma, Alpha Phi Alpha, and Kappa Alpha Psi, already have plans in place to roll out voter registration processes,

as well as to provide vans to transport voters who had mobility challenges, or were elderly, to the polls.

Dr. Julianne Malveaux

(L-R): Pennsylvania State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown &Me

Dr. Julianne Malveaux, Roland Martin, Vanessa Lowery Brown, and others spoke of the need to make each of the next 104 days count in aggressively urging young adults and seniors to register and vote. One of the key measures adopted at the workshop - and one I have been advocating for decades - is to make sure that every teen who is reaching his orher 18th birthday prior to the November 8 General Election, is given a birthday card and a voter registration card at the same time. They get their birthday gift only after they have completed the voter registration card, and it has been turned in to the Bureau of Voter Registration.

Contrasting the Republycon National Convention, the camaraderie at the Democratic National Convention was refreshing and invigorating. More smiles than frowns, even when things got mixed up - and they did - people were more in a mode to cooperate or overlook, than to condemn or complain.

SEPTA provided transportation from the Convention Center to Wells Fargo Arena, with Homeland Security and the Secret Service riding shotgun upfront. The truly interesting thing to me was how much of a national, cooperative effort this event was.

Volunteers had come from as far away as Montana; Washington State, Louisiana, Connecticut, Florida - and they were

congenial, patient, positive, helpful, cheerful. They made you want to stay in touch. They wore color coordinated Tee

Shirts that represented their level of service - from Blue for the Convention Center; Yellow for Security; Red for Transportation and mobility.

There were those wearing green for recycling and composting food that was not consumed, to ensure nothing was wasted.

Prior to the First Lady and Bernie Sanders speaking, the focus was on immigration, and the millions of refugees who are

currently either here in the United States, or seeking asylum from persecution and internal strife in their country.

Each speaker paid tribute to Bernie Sanders for his efforts and accomplishments in running against Hillary Clinton - it was as

though they were somehow trying to placate his supporters, many of whom were still looking for an 11th hour challenge to

Hillary's candidacy.

MICHELLE OBAMA: Spoke of how she and President Obama tried to instill certain values in their daughters, Malia and Sasha:

“We urge them to ignore those who question their father’s citizenship or faith; we insist that the hateful language they hear

from public figures on TV does not represent the true spirit of this country; when someone is cruel, or acts like a bully,

you don’t stoop to their leveL-– no, our motto is, when they go low, we go high; we know our kids are watching us.

Parents are their most important role models.”

FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA

She later stated, “Barack and I, as President and First Lady, know that our words and actions matter to children across
this country –- In this election there is only one person who I trust with that responsibility, only one person who I believe
is truly qualified to be President of the United States, and that is our friend, Hillary Clinton. Her lifelong devotion to our
nation’s children –- not just her own daughter, who she has raised to perfection - but every child who needs a champion.
Hillary has spent decades advocating for kids with disabilities as a young lawyer. Fighting for children’s health care as First Lady;
and for quality child care in the Senate.”

“And when she didn’t win the nomination eight years ago, she didn’t get angry or disillusioned; pack up and go home.
Because as a true public servant, Hillary knows that this is so much bigger than her own desires and disappointments.
So she proudly stepped up to serve our country once again as Secretary of State, traveling the globe to keep our kids safe.
She never buckles under pressure. She never takes the easy way out. And Hillary Clinton has never quit on anything in
her life. The proven strength to persevere. Someone who knows this job and takes it seriously. Someone who understands that the
issues a President faces are not black and white and cannot be boiled down to 140 characters.(Contrast to Trump). Because
when you have the nuclear codes at your fingertips and the military in your command, you can’t make snap decisions.
You can’t have a thin skin or a tendency to lash out. (Contrast to Trump). You need to be steady, and measured, and
well informed. “

The First Lady defined the role of the President: “It’s about leaving something better for our kids. That’s how we’ve always moved
this country forward –- by all of us coming together on behalf of our children; a record of public service, whose life’s work shows our
children that we don’t chase fame and fortune for ourselves, we fight to give everyone a chance to succeed;
and we give back, even when we’re struggling ourselves, because we know that there is always someone worse off, and
there but for the grace of God go I.”

She later added: “We are all created equal, each a beloved part of the great American story. And when crisis hits, we don’t turn against each other -– no, we listen to each other. We lean on each other. Because we are always stronger together. And I am here tonight because I know that that is the kind of president that Hillary Clinton will be. And that’s why, in this election, I’m with her.” (The audience roared with applause)

The First Lady then spoke of the legacy of slavery, from which she and her family and most African Americans are 
descended, by stating: “That is the story of this country - of generations of people who felt the lash of bondage, the shame of 
servitude, the sting of segregation, but who kept on striving and hoping and doing what needed to be done so that today, 
I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves and I watch my daughters -two beautiful, intelligent, Black 
young women –- playing with their dogs on the White House lawn. And because of Hillary Clinton, my daughters –- and all 
our sons and daughters -– now take for granted that a woman can be President of the United States.  This, right now, is the 
greatest country on earth.

She concluded by issuing a charge to the audience: “So in this election, we cannot sit back and hope that everything works out for the best. We cannot afford to be tired, or frustrated, or cynical. No, hear me!! Between now and November, we need to do what we did eight years ago and four years ago: Knock on every door. Get out every vote. Pour every last ounce of our passion and our strength and our love for this country into electing Hillary Clinton as President of the United States of America.”

BERNIE SANDERS:  After a raucus 10 minute ovation throughout the arena from his supporters, who waved their banners and shouted 
“Bernie! Bernie! Bernie! Bernie!” drowning out their leader,  Sanders was finally able to speak.  He thanked everybody for their support; 
and First Lady Michelle Obama, who had spoken prior to him, for her service to the country (some of the supporters booed).
Sanders:  “Let me begin by thanking the 13 million Americans who voted for the political revolution.  (more raucus cheering delaying the 
speech an additional five minutes) giving us the 1,856 pledged delegates here tonight!”

 
After stating that no one was more disappointed in the outcome of the primary than he, Sanders went on to state that he trusted Hillary Clinton 
to be the president the nation needed moving forward. “I hope you take enormous pride in the historical accomplishment we have achieved.  
Together my friends, we have begun a political revolution to transform America, and that revolution, our revolution, continues! Election days 
come and go, but the struggle of the people to create a government which represents all of us and not just the one percent, a government based 
on the principles of economic, social, racial and environmental justice, that struggle continues! “

“Let me be as clear as I can be. This election is not about and has never been about Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump or Bernie Sanders or any of the other candidates who sought the presidency. This election is not about political gossip, it's not about polls, it's not about campaign strategy, it is not about all the things that the media spends so much time discussing. This election is about and must be about the needs of the American people and the kind of future we create for our children and our grandchildren. This election is about ending the 40-year decline of our middle class.
The reality that 47 million men, women and children today live in poverty.”

Bernie Sanders at the 2016 Democratic National Convention

Sanders attempted to redirect the focus of his supporters to what really matters in the upcoming November 8 election: “If we do not transform our economy, our younger generation will likely have a lower standard of living than their parents. This election is about ending the grotesque level of income and wealth inequality in America today! That is unacceptable. That must change. This election is about remembering where we were seven-and-a-half years ago when
President Obama came into office after eight years of Republican trickle-down economics (Cheers/Applause)
“The Republicans want us to forget that as a result of the greed, recklessness and illegal behavior on Wall Street our economy was in the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. That's where we were. That is where we were. Some 800,000 people a month were losing their jobs. We were running up a record- breaking deficit of $1.4 trillion. The world's financial system was on the verge of collapse. That's where we were when President Obama came into office.”

He continued after the uproar that constantly and continuously disrupted his speech: “We need leadership in this country, which will improve the lives of working families, the children, the elderly, the sick and the poor. We need leadership which brings our people together and makes us stronger. Not leadership which insults Latinos and Mexicans, insults Muslims and women, African Americans and veterans and seeks to divide us up. By these measures,
any objective observer will conclude that based on her ideas and her leadership, Hillary Clinton must become the next president of the United States. Hillary Clinton understands that if someone in this country works 40 hours a week, that person should not be living in poverty and that we must raise the minimum wage to a living wage; she is determined to create millions of new jobs by rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure, our roads, bridges, water systems and wastewater plants. But Donald Trump does not support raising the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, a starvation wage. Trump believes in huge tax breaks, huge tax breaks for billionaires, he believes that states should actually have the right to lower the minimum wage below $7.25. Brothers and sisters, this election is about overturning Citizens United! one of the worst Supreme Court decisions in the history of our country which allows the wealthiest people in America, like the billionaire Koch brothers to spend hundreds of millions of dollars buying elections and in the process undermine American democracy. Hillary Clinton will nominate justices to the Supreme Court who are prepared to overturn Citizens United and end the movement toward oligarchy that we are seeing in this country. Her Supreme Court appointments will also defend a woman's right to choose, workers' rights, the rights of the LGBT community, the needs of African Americans (I put that in myself, folks - we are not "minorities"), minorities and immigrants and the government's ability to protect our environment.

"If you don't believe that this election is important, if you think you can sit it out, take a moment to think about the Supreme Court justices that Donald Trump would nominate and what that would mean to civil liberties, equal rights and the future of our country.

"It's about moving the United States toward universal health care and reducing the number of people who are uninsured or under-insured; all Americans have the right to choose a public option in their health care exchange anyone 55 or older should be able to opt-in to Medicare.

"And what is Donald Trump's position on health care? contempt for working families. He wants to abolish the Affordable Care Act, throw 20 million people off of health insurance,and cut Medicaid for lower-income Americans.
"Hillary Clinton also understands that millions of seniors, disabled vets and others are struggling with the outrageously high cost of prescription drugs and the fact that Americans pay the highest prices in the world for the medicine we use. She knows that Medicare must negotiate drug prices with the pharmaceutical industry. And that drug companies should not be making billions in profit when one out of five Americans are unable to afford the medicine
they need. The greed of the drug companies must end!

"This election is about the leadership we need to pass comprehensive immigration reform and repair a broken criminal justice system.
"Our job now is to see that platform implemented by a Democratic Senate, a Democratic House and a Hillary Clinton presidency – and I am going to do everything I can to make that happen.
"I have known Hillary Clinton for 25 years. I remember her as a great first lady who broke precedent in terms of the role that a first lady was supposed to play as she helped lead the fight for universal health care. I served with her in the United States Senate and know her as a fierce advocate for the rights of children. Hillary Clinton will make an outstanding president and I am proud to stand with her here tonight. (A combination of jeers intermixed
with cheers as he declared his support of Hillary Clinton for President).”

As we exited the Wells Fargo Arena for the shuttle buses to transport us back to the Convention Center, there were several Bernie supporters (or former Bernie Supporters) blocking the media centers with signs stating that a vote for Hillary was a vote for Trump – about 50 of them were chanting anti-Hillary Chants. Some defiantly stood on the sidelines holding up their Bernie Sanders placards as we boarded the buses.

One or two Hillary supporters tried to speak with them and say, we're working together now. There should be no division, but there appeared to be some lingering hostility among many of the supporters that evening. Happily it had pretty much dissipated by the end of the convention.

NY City Council Rep. Laurie Cumbo carrying Michelle Obama Banner

THE 2016 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION - POSITIVE, PURPOSEFUL, AND POWERFUL - PART I

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

REV. LEAH DAUGHTRY

WELLS FARGO ARENA TRANSFORMED INTO THE DNC

These are some of the excerpts from some of the key speakers at the Democratic National Convention. There were hundreds of speakers who addressed the Delegates over the four-day convention, which started each day at 4:30 and culminated around 11:30 PM. Averaging 30 + speakers a day, trying to quote each of them is exhaustive.

Each had something relevant and important to relate, some in support of Hillary Clinton, others highlighting issues of relevance to their own situation, or that of their community or constituency. Additionally, while the speakers were addressing the delegates and their supporters at the Wells Fargo Arena, there were key workshops taking place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and surrounding venues; as well as receptions and recreational/entertainment activities hosted at a variety of Philadelphia places of interest – including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the African American Museum, Independence Plaza, the Kimmel Center – a total of 200 ancillary events were going on simultaneously – more than enough for the over 50,000 conventioneers and locals from Philly, Camden, New York and Delaware, who also came to be part of this historic occasion. The logistics alone boggles the mind – and it took herculean energy and effort to make even one quarter of the planned events.

Day One, July 25, 2016

The demonstrators were out early, causing traffic snarls down Broad Street, the main corridor leading to the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The closer you got to the center, the worse it got. We were informed that it was a combination of the arrival of the delegates for the Convention, demonstrators, and regular rush hour traffic.

This was pretty much the case throughout the first three days - things had calmed down somewhat by Thursday, when Hillary Clinton was to speak.

In addition to clearing security, finding your way around the Convention Center was a challenge - it actually spans a composite of 12 blocks - from 10th street to Broad; and from Arch Street to Race!! with bridges and overpasses connecting it to key venues such as the Marriott Downtown Hotel, SEPTA REGIONAL RAIL STATION, Reading Terminal, and other historic venues. Even with full carpeting, it's quite a walk!!

Concurrent workshops, displays, venues and entertainment took place at the Convention Center - quite an undertaking, when you consider that there were at least 20+ workshops running concurrently from one end of the venue to the other.

I covered the Voter Registration Workshop, which focused on such key issues as Voter ID, Voter Supression, the Supreme Court decision which eviscerated the voter rights act, and how to get out the vote and get voters to the polls. Of key interest was the involvement of Fraternities and Sororities in the voter registration process. Representatives from some of the Divine Nine, including AKA, Sigma Gamma Rho, Zeta Phi Beta, Phi Beta Sigma, Alpha Phi Alpha, and Kappa Alpha Psi, already have plans in place to roll out voter registration processes, as well as to provide vans to transport voters who had mobility challenges, or were elderly, to the polls.

Dr. Julianne Malveaux

(L-R): Pennsylvania State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown & Me

Dr. Julianne Malveaux, Roland Martin, Vanessa Lowery Brown, and others spoke of the need to make each of the next 104 days count in aggressively urging young adults and seniors to register and vote. One of the key measures adopted at the workshop - and one I have been advocating for decades - is to make sure that every teen who is reaching his or her 18th birthday prior to the November 8 General Election, is given a birthday card and a voter registration card at the same time. They get their birthday gift only after they have completed the voter registration card, and it has been turned in to the Bureau of Voter Registration.

Contrasting the Republycon National Convention, the camaraderie at the Democratic National Convention was refreshing and invigorating. More smiles than frowns, even when things got mixed up - and they did - people were more in a mode to cooperate or overlook, than to condemn or complain.

SEPTA provided transportation from the Convention Center to Wells Fargo Arena, with Homeland Security and the Secret Service riding shotgun upfront. The truly interesting thing to me was how much of a national, cooperative effort this event was. Volunteers had come from as far away as Montana; Washington State, Louisiana, Connecticut, Florida - and they were congenial, patient, positive, helpful, cheerful. They made you want to stay in touch. They wore color coordinated Tee Shirts that represented their level of service - from Blue for the Convention Center; Yellow for Security; Red for Transportation and mobility. There were those wearing green for recycling and composting food that was not consumed, to ensure nothing was wasted.

Prior to the First Lady and Bernie Sanders speaking, the focus was on immigration, and the millions of refugees who are currently either here in the United States, or seeking asylum from persecution and internal strife in their country.

Each speaker paid tribute to Bernie Sanders for his efforts and accomplishments in running against Hillary Clinton - it was as though they were somehow trying to placate his supporters, many of whom were still looking for an 11th hour challenge to Hillary's candidacy.

MICHELLE OBAMA: Spoke of how she and President Obama tried to instill certain values in their daughters, Malia and Sasha: “We urge them to ignore those who question their father’s citizenship or faith; we insist that the hateful language they hear from public figures on TV does not represent the true spirit of this country; when someone is cruel, or acts like a bully, you don’t stoop to their leveL-– no, our motto is, when they go low, we go high; we know our kids are watching us. Parents are their most important role models.”

FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA

She later stated, “Barack and I, as President and First Lady, know that our words and actions matter to children across this country –- In this election there is only one person who I trust with that responsibility, only one person who I believe is truly qualified to be President of the United States, and that is our friend, Hillary Clinton. Her lifelong devotion to our nation’s children –- not just her own daughter, who she has raised to perfection - but every child who needs a champion. Hillary has spent decades advocating for kids with disabilities as a young lawyer. Fighting for children’s health care as First Lady; and for quality child care in the Senate.”

“And when she didn’t win the nomination eight years ago, she didn’t get angry or disillusioned; pack up and go home. Because as a true public servant, Hillary knows that this is so much bigger than her own desires and disappointments. So she proudly stepped up to serve our country once again as Secretary of State, traveling the globe to keep our kids safe. She never buckles under pressure. She never takes the easy way out. And Hillary Clinton has never quit on anything in her life. The proven strength to persevere. Someone who knows this job and takes it seriously. Someone who understands that the issues a President faces are not black and white and cannot be boiled down to 140 characters.(Contrast to Trump). Because when you have the nuclear codes at your fingertips and the military in your command, you can’t make snap decisions. You can’t have a thin skin or a tendency to lash out. (Contrast to Trump). You need to be steady, and measured, and well informed. “

The First Lady defined the role of the President: “It’s about leaving something better for our kids. That’s how we’ve always moved this country forward –- by all of us coming together on behalf of our children; a record of public service, whose life’s work shows our children that we don’t chase fame and fortune for ourselves, we fight to give everyone a chance to succeed; and we give back, even when we’re struggling ourselves, because we know that there is always someone worse off, and there but for the grace of God go I.”

She later added: “We are all created equal, each a beloved part of the great American story. And when crisis hits, we don’t turn against each other -– no, we listen to each other. We lean on each other. Because we are always stronger together. And I am here tonight because I know that that is the kind of president that Hillary Clinton will be. And that’s why, in this election, I’m with her.” (The audience roared with applause)

 The First Lady then spoke of the legacy of slavery, from which she and her family and most African Americans are descended, by stating: “That is the story of this country - of generations of people who felt the lash of bondage, the shame of servitude, the sting of segregation, but who kept on striving and hoping and doing what needed to be done so that today, I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves and I watch my daughters -two beautiful, intelligent, Black young women –- playing with their dogs on the White House lawn. And because of Hillary Clinton, my daughters –- and all our sons and daughters -– now take for granted that a woman can be President of the United States.  This, right now, is the greatest country on earth.

She concluded by issuing a charge to the audience: “So in this election, we cannot sit back and hope that everything works out for the best. We cannot afford to be tired, or frustrated, or cynical. No, hear me!! Between now and November, we need to do what we did eight years ago and four years ago: Knock on every door. Get out every vote. Pour every last ounce of our passion and our strength and our love for this country into electing Hillary Clinton as President of the United States of America.”

BERNIE SANDERS: After a raucus 10 minute ovation throughout the arena from his supporters, who waved their banners and shouted “Bernie! Bernie! Bernie! Bernie!” drowning out their leader, Sanders was finally able to speak. He thanked everybody for their support; and First Lady Michelle Obama, who had spoken prior to him, for her service to the country (some of the supporters booed).
Sanders: “Let me begin by thanking the 13 million Americans who voted for the political revolution. (more raucus cheering delaying the speech an additional five minutes) giving us the 1,856 pledged delegates here tonight!”
After stating that no one was more disappointed in the outcome of the primary than he, Sanders went on to state that he trusted Hillary Clinton to be the president the nation needed moving forward. “I hope you take enormous pride in the historical accomplishment we have achieved. Together my friends, we have begun a political revolution to transform America, and that revolution, our revolution, continues! Election days come and go, but the struggle of the people to create a government which represents all of us and not just the one percent, a government based on the principles of economic, social, racial and environmental justice, that struggle continues! “

“Let me be as clear as I can be. This election is not about and has never been about Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump or Bernie Sanders or any of the other candidates who sought the presidency. This election is not about political gossip, it's not about polls, it's not about campaign strategy, it is not about all the things that the media spends so much time discussing. This election is about and must be about the needs of the American people and the kind of future we create for our children and our grandchildren. This election is about ending the 40-year decline of our middle class. The reality that 47 million men, women and children today live in poverty.”

Bernie Sanders at the 2016 Democratic National Convention

Sanders attempted to redirect the focus of his supporters to what really matters in the upcoming November 8 election: “If we do not transform our economy, our younger generation will likely have a lower standard of living than their parents. This election is about ending the grotesque level of income and wealth inequality in America today! That is unacceptable. That must change. This election is about remembering where we were seven-and-a-half years ago when President Obama came into office after eight years of Republican trickle-down economics (Cheers/Applause)
“The Republicans want us to forget that as a result of the greed, recklessness and illegal behavior on Wall Street our economy was in the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. That's where we were. That is where we were. Some 800,000 people a month were losing their jobs. We were running up a record- breaking deficit of $1.4 trillion. The world's financial system was on the verge of collapse. That's where we were when President Obama came into office.”
He continued after the uproar that constantly and continuously disrupted his speech: “We need leadership in this country, which will improve the lives of working families, the children, the elderly, the sick and the poor. We need leadership which brings our people together and makes us stronger. Not leadership which insults Latinos and Mexicans, insults Muslims and women, African Americans and veterans and seeks to divide us up. By these measures, any objective observer will conclude that based on her ideas and her leadership, Hillary Clinton must become the next president of the United States.
Hillary Clinton understands that if someone in this country works 40 hours a week, that person should not be living in poverty and that we must raise the minimum wage to a living wage; she is determined to create millions of new jobs by rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure, our roads, bridges, water systems and wastewater plants. But Donald Trump does not support raising the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, a starvation wage. Trump believes in huge tax breaks, huge tax breaks for billionaires, he believes that states should actually have the right to lower the minimum wage below $7.25.
Brothers and sisters, this election is about overturning Citizens United! one of the worst Supreme Court decisions in the history of our country which allows the wealthiest people in America, like the billionaire Koch brothers to spend hundreds of millions of dollars buying elections and in the process undermine American democracy. Hillary Clinton will nominate justices to the Supreme Court who are prepared to overturn Citizens United and end the movement toward oligarchy that we are seeing in this country.
Her Supreme Court appointments will also defend a woman's right to choose, workers' rights, the rights of the LGBT community, the needs of African Americans (I put that in myself, folks - we are not "minorities"), minorities and immigrants and the government's ability to protect our environment.
"If you don't believe that this election is important, if you think you can sit it out, take a moment to think about the Supreme Court justices that Donald Trump would nominate and what that would mean to civil liberties, equal rights and the future of our country.
"It's about moving the United States toward universal health care and reducing the number of people who are uninsured or under-insured; all Americans have the right to choose a public option in their health care exchange anyone 55 or older should be able to opt-in to Medicare.
"And what is Donald Trump's position on health care? contempt for working families. He wants to abolish the Affordable Care Act, throw 20 million people off of health insurance,and cut Medicaid for lower-income Americans.
"Hillary Clinton also understands that millions of seniors, disabled vets and others are struggling with the outrageously high cost of prescription drugs and the fact that Americans pay the highest prices in the world for the medicine we use. She knows that Medicare must negotiate drug prices with the pharmaceutical industry. And that drug companies should not be making billions in profit when one out of five Americans are unable to afford the medicine they need. The greed of the drug companies must end!
"This election is about the leadership we need to pass comprehensive immigration reform and repair a broken criminal justice system.
"Our job now is to see that platform implemented by a Democratic Senate, a Democratic House and a Hillary Clinton presidency – and I am going to do everything I can to make that happen.
"I have known Hillary Clinton for 25 years. I remember her as a great first lady who broke precedent in terms of the role that a first lady was supposed to play as she helped lead the fight for universal health care. I served with her in the United States Senate and know her as a fierce advocate for the rights of children. Hillary Clinton will make an outstanding president and I am proud to stand with her here tonight. (A combination of jeers intermixed with cheers as he declared his support of Hillary Clinton for President).”
As we exited the Wells Fargo Arena for the shuttle buses to transport us back to the Convention Center, there were several Bernie supporters (or former Bernie Supporters) blocking the media centers with signs stating that a vote for Hillary was a vote for Trump – about 50 of them were chanting anti-Hillary Chants. Some defiantly stood on the sidelines holding up their Bernie Sanders placards as we boarded the buses.
One or two Hillary supporters tried to speak with them and say, we're working together now. There should be no division, but there appeared to be some lingering hostility among many of the supporters that evening. Happily it had pretty much dissipated by the end of the convention.

NY City Council Rep. Laurie Cumbo carrying Michelle Obama Banner

12.31.2015

Saying Farewell and Thanks for a Job Well Done to Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter

I've been writing this article over and over again in my mind for the past month, as the time grew closer to Michael Nutter stepping down as two-term mayor of Philadelphia, passing the baton, as it were, to upcoming mayor-elect Kenny, who is scheduled to take is oath of office on Monday, January 4.
I will definitely miss this brother. GDW

I am going on record, as I have on several occasions, in expressing my admiration for Mayor Michael Nutter. He has done a yeoman's job of the highest order in serving as mayor of a very complex city. Philadelphia's place in the history of the United States is indesputable - but most don't realize that it has the largest Black population of a major urban/metropolitan city in the US - 68%. It is also rooted in the fact that it is the city of the Constitution of the United States, the Declaration of Independence (which will be 240 years old in 2016); and is one of the greatest and most prolific music centers in the US. Philadelphia, like many large metropolitan centers, swings between abject poverty and stunning opulence! It's a terrific balancing act to handle all the divergent interests and conflicts and continue to make progress at the same time. And Michael A. Nutter has done just that.

He had a world class vision for Philadelphia from the outset, and, despite set backs and some loose ends that needed to be tied, fences that needed mending, and maybe even some toes that had to be stepped on, he kept going intrepidly forward to make it happen.

The results: The Pope Made Philadelphia one of his must visit places in the US

The Democratic National Convention of 2016 will be held in Philadelphia

A major helicopter fabrication plant is being located in Philly, bringing thousands of jobs with it;

HUD gives $30 million to build affordable homes

And Philadelphia, that is sometimes secretly called "filthydelphia" is cleaning up its act, while continuing to engage the people who are part and parcel of the community that goes to make p this great city.

Mayor Nutter and then Presidential Candidate Barack Obama

I first met the mayor, shortly after his taking office, at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, CO. I was duly impressed, because he took the time to engage in conversation about his hopes for Philadelphia's future, and his confidence that Obama would not only get the nomination, but that he would win. That, in and of itself, got my attention, because there were still so many at the time trying to detract from him and pulling for Hillary.

The second time I met mayor Nutter was in 2012 at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC, where he pledged that Obama would carry Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. A tall order, considering the fact that the governor of Pennsylvania - Tom Corbett - was a repuglycon, who had been taking pot shots at the City of Philadelphia.

The third time I met mayor Nutter was at the ribbon cutting for the natural pathway along the Delaware River - extending the nature walk to preserve the ecology and greenspace in Philadelphia.

Was he a perfect mayor? Absolutely not! But then, perfection is so over rated. I have heard a great many detractors - and I've had some differences of agreement on certain issues with him over the short time that I've lived here (2 years); but by and large, I think Michael Nutter will prove to have been one of Philadelphia's greatest mayors.

I actually have 900 pages of press releases and statements that I've received over the past two years - and I'm totally impressed with how much he's managed to do, and continues to do up to the very last day of his tenure.

There have been some pundits who have criticized his not balancing the budget; or the fact that he was not able to expand certain programs per campaign promises. But, in going through the more than 900 pages - and I hate to tell you how many press releases that turns out to be - I've seen a person who loves his city and was doing all he could to make it shine. When you consider that he only had one year under a democratic governor - Tom Wolf - who is being set upon by repuglycon vultures in the State House - Nutter has managed to accomplish a lot under some of the most hostile and adverse circumstances. This makes him one of my personal heroes.

The following are some of the highlights (from my standpoint) of Nutter's Tenure during my 2 years here - not exhaustive, but I hope insightful and enlightning.

It is now January 31, 2015, 1:00 in the Afternoon on New Years Eve - and Mayor Nutter is giving his last press conference before stepping down - I'm unfortunately not there, because I'm completing this Blog Post on him. But Philadelphians should know that he worked up to the very last minute of his tenure.

Thursday, December 31, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAYOR NUTTER ANNOUNCES $13.4M IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING FUNDING

City Commits to Fund Eight Developments Totaling 388 Homes

Philadelphia, December 31, 2015 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced that Philadelphia has committed $13.4 million to fund eight affordable housing developments. These developments will produce 388 affordable homes.

“Nearly 4,000 affordable homes have been built in Philadelphia since January 2008,” said Mayor Nutter. “These new developments will add another 300 affordable homes to our housing stock and preserve 80 affordable homes.”

The eight projects will further the City’s commitment to serve people with disabilities, adding 86 accessible units to the City’s housing stock.

“Philadelphia desperately needs housing accessible to people with disabilities,” said Mayor Nutter. “These homes will enable 86 people to live more independently.”

The development cost for all eight projects is $118.7 million. The City’s $13.4 million investment will leverage more than $105 million. The Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) selected the developments through a Request for Proposal process.

“These developments are not just about affordable housing,” said Deborah McColloch, director of OHCD. “They will help revitalize the neighborhoods in which they are located.”

The award of City funding is a key step for these developments.

The next step is to apply to the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency for Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). An “Intent to Submit” for LIHTCs must be submitted to PHFA by January 8, 2016. City funding will strengthen each application.

_____________________________________________________________________________

MAYOR NUTTER PROVIDES UPDATE ON PHILADELPHIA EDUCATION SUPPLIES FUND: On December 21, 2015, Mayor Nutter announced that the Philadelphia Education Supplies Fund has exceeded its 2015 fundraising goal of $500,000. The Fund is a five-year fundraising initiative, which seeks to raise $2.5 million to provide money to eligible District-managed, Charter and Archdiocesan, K-12 schools to purchase supplemental classroom supplies, including workbooks, paper, pens and pencils. Nutter launched the fund in September 2013, and has raised more than $1.54 million. The city initially contributed $200,000.

(NOTE: This fund was developed after 30 schools were closed down and students and educators were shuffled around the city to other schools. Nutter tried to thwart the State's effort to decimate Philadelphia's School system)

Per Nutter: “A successful learning experience starts with great schools, engaged teachers and administrators, and the basic supplies necessary to achieve academically. When our children have outdated books or not enough workbooks or when their classrooms don’t have paper or pens, we are doing them a disservice and limiting their chance for future success. The Philadelphia Education Supplies Fund helps ensure our neediest schools have the supplies they need to educate our city’s children."
From funds raised this year, 292 schools will receive funds, including:
School District of Philadelphia, 212 schools;
Charter, 67 schools;
Archdiocese of Philadelphia, 12 schools; and
Independent/Private, 1 school.

December 16, 2015 — Mayor Michael A. Nutter and his team obtained a $100 million funding grant for security during the Democratic National Convention (DNC), to be shared by Philadelphia and Cleveland (RNC), to ensure safety during the conventions.

Mayor Nutter: “The City of Philadelphia is thrilled to make history again as the host city for the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Planning is well underway and delegates, party leadership and convention attendees can look forward to a professionally and efficiently run, exciting and safe experience in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. I want to recognize the tremendous leadership of DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz throughout the bid, selection and planning process."

December 3, 2015: Mayor Nutter and the Democratic National Convention CEO, Rev. Leah Daughtry, host Media Day at Wells Fargo Stadium for upcoming 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

Mayor Michael Nutter and Rev. Leah Daughtry, CEO of the Democratic National Convention

September 22 - 26, World Conference of Families and the Papal Visit to Philadelphia: You can Google this yourself for the impact on the City.

Welcome America: Ran from the week prior to the 4th of July Holiday through Labor Day, with 50 plus attractions interspersed throughout Philadelphia - bringing thousands of tourists and employing hundreds of Philadelphians

January 29, 2015: Philadelphia is a city in demand - Mayor Michael A. Nutter addressed the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce at its annual Mayoral Luncheon and President’s Circle Reception.

NUTTER: "Today, I am pleased to say Philadelphia is in the best shape it’s been in for many years. We are experiencing growth across the board – population, employment and development.

After seven consecutive years of growth

>53,000 new residents in Philadelphia, including the largest percentage of millennial population growth of any major city in America.
>Jobs – we’re at our highest level in a decade;

total number of employed Philadelphians is higher now than at any time since 2001. >Our current unemployment rate is 6.4% -- the lowest since 2008.
>Our economy is booming – since January 2014, more than $8.5 billion of projects have been completed, under construction or announced in our City.
> We’re a hub for start-ups and headquarters, large corporations and small businesses, satellite offices and skyscrapers.
>American Bible Society is relocating its headquarters from New York City to Philadelphia this summer. They were very clear and straight forward about it. They said that they’re coming to Philadelphia because of our high-quality of life, affordability and diverse faith-based community. They are also bringing 200 new employees with to 5th and Market Street.
> Integrichain, a New Jersey technology company, which is moving its headquarters to Philadelphia because the talent they need to grow, that talent wants to in Philadelphia in Eight Penn Center; and

>HOK, a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm with offices on three continents. The office will be at One Logan Square and it intends to hire 40 local employees.
Philadelphia is a more attractive place to live, work, raise our families and visit and a better city to start, stay or grow a business.

NUTTER: "Our City’s growth and prosperity is not the result of one Administration’s labor. Mayors, working with City Council, other elected officials and this business community, set the course of growth, plan for it and manage it. But, mayors don’t start with a blank slate. They must address the challenges they’ve inherited while capitalizing on the assets they have available. They stand on the shoulders of those who came before them –
We too have focused on improving the hospitality and tourism sector. Over the last seven years, we’ve transformed the Benjamin Franklin Parkway into our cultural corridor – adding the Barnes Foundation Museum to this incredible stretch of attractions. Today, hospitality is among the top economic drivers for our city.
We’re seeking out federal funding for vulnerable neighborhoods, like Mantua, which was designated as one of five Promise Zones by President Barack Obama, and North Central Philadelphia, which received a $30 million Choice Neighborhood grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Through our Philadelphia Land Bank, and by the way, Philadelphia is the largest city in America to have a Land Bank, we’re working with the private sector, non-profit organizations and individuals to take blighted, abandoned properties and return them to productive use and create more commercial development, market-rate and affordable housing, community gardens and more economic vitality in communities all across the city.

But mayors can’t accomplish these feats alone. They need the partnership of the business community and our residents.
Being mayor isn’t about treading water. It’s not about maintaining the status quo. It’s about action. It’s about getting stuff done. It’s about leaving the City better than you found it, as the Athenian Oath commands us – standing on the shoulders of those who came before you."
Washington, DC, February 12, 2015 – DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced Philadelphia will host the 2016 Democratic National Convention the week of July 25, 2016. The DNC signed the final contract with Philadelphia this morning.

“I am thrilled to announce that Philadelphia will host the convention where we will nominate the 45th President of the United States. In addition to their commitment to a seamless and safe convention, Philadelphia’s deep rooted place in American history provides a perfect setting for this special gathering. I cannot wait to join Democrats across the country to celebrate our shared values, lay out a Democratic vision for the future, and support our nominee.” Debbie Wasserman Schultz

The DNC’s Technical Advisory Group evaluated cities across the country, looking at factors such as hotel capacity, transportation, security, financing and logistics.
NUTTER: “The City of Philadelphia is excited and honored to be selected as the host city for the 2016 Democratic National Convention. We believe that it was our proven track record of hosting big events safely and efficiently with a dynamic team of top-tier professionals to organize and manage a conference of this magnitude, paired with our City’s tremendous amenities, its accessible location and historical significance, which made Philadelphia the ideal choice for the 2016 DNC. I want to thank our great team at PHL DNC 2016.

September 30, 2014 PHILLY SELECTED AS RECIPIENT OF ‘SECOND CHANCE ACT’ GRANT OF $750,000 FROM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE'S Bureau of Justice Assistance, to help Philadelphians who have been released from the City prison system to become productive citizens and avoid re-incarceration. The federal Second Chance Act of 2008 authorizes federal grants to government agencies and non-profit organizations to provide strategies and services designed to reduce recidivism by improving opportunities for returning citizens. The funds will support the Philadelphia Returning Citizens Demonstration Program, which enrolls 105 medium- to high-risk male returning citizens, ages 18-40, and will focus on reducing recidivism among the group. All of the program participants have served time in the Philadelphia Prison System (PPS) and are returning to homes in North Philadelphia’s 22ndPolice District, which is the focus of the city’s Youth Violence Prevention Strategy.

NUTTER: “Every year, thousands of citizens are released from local correctional facilities and return to their families and friends in Philadelphia. Their successful re-integration into our communities is often hindered by challenges like a lack of education, job-training and limited opportunities for employment and housing. This Second Chance grant provides funds to create a solid programmatic structure which will allow the City of Philadelphia to provide our returning citizens with a seamless and coordinated re-entry process. The Philadelphia Returning Citizens Demonstration Program will provide services like job readiness and placement, as well as skills training, adult literacy and housing supports.”

The Philadelphia Returning Citizens Demonstration Program will be led by the Mayor’s Office of Reintegration Services (R.I.S.E.) working in partnership with the Philadelphia Re-entry Coalition.

September 5, 2014: MAYOR NUTTER AND HUD SECRETARY CASTRO TOUR
PHILADELPHIA PROMISE ZONE in the Mantua section of West Philadelphia. The tour highlighted redevelopment already underway in Mantua and featured three stops: the Mount Vernon Manor Apartments, the People’s Emergency Center, and the Montgomery Early Learning Center Families First location.
NUTTER: “Promise Zones are communities with deep-seated challenges. Mantua faces persistent, high poverty – nearly double the poverty rate of the entire city – low educational attainment, high crime, low rates of employment and high rates of long-term housing vacancy. But, Mantua also has strong neighborhood assets, like transit, new developments, both housing and commercial, a strong anchor in Drexel University, high-quality early learning opportunities, access to skills development and employment opportunities, and more, supporting its transformation. The Promise Zone designation will help Mantua leverage those assets and the involvement of community members and partners to create lasting change. I want to thank Secretary Castro for coming to see first-hand that this transformation is already underway.”

The City of Philadelphia was one of three cities and a total of five areas selected for a Promise Zone designation, a federal initiative to accelerate revitalization efforts in targeted areas. The Promise Zone initiative is led by the White House with support from federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Justice.

September 4, 2014 CITY OF PHILADELPHIA SELECTED FOR CITY ACCELERATOR PROGRAM: With support from the Citi Foundation and Living Cities, Philadelphia will use its innovation infrastructure to increase participation in tax relief programs. The City of Philadelphia was selected as one of three participants in the first City Accelerator program, a $3 million program managed by the Citi Foundation and Living Cities that will help nine winning cities pilot innovation projects in local government. Over the next 18 months, Philadelphia will increase the enrollment of low-income residents in tax relief or City payment assistance programs using a package of resources and in-kind support to adopt cutting-edge approaches through the City Accelerator program. The multiple tax relief programs, with variations based on income and other factors, provides tax and water bill discounts and payment plans to low-income Philadelphians; providing millions of dollars of relief to Philadelphia’s most vulnerable citizens. Hundreds of thousands of households are enrolled in at least one benefit program, but tens of thousands of households are not enrolled in all the programs for which they are eligible.

NUTTER: “Our Administration is committed to building a culture of innovation across City government to benefit Philadelphians. As a result, Philadelphia has built a strong infrastructure that supports our forward-thinking goals of finding creative solutions to long-standing challenges. One challenge has been devising ways to help vulnerable Philadelphians access benefits to which they are entitled. Being selected for the City Accelerator program will help more citizens take advantage of tax relief measures through our existing innovation infrastructure, new tools and targeted resources.”

June 17, 2014: PHILADELPHIA RECEIVES GRANT FROM NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS (NEA) - The City’s Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (OACCE) has received a $30,000 Art Works grant to be used for a new Performance in Public Spaces grant program, a City initiative to support artists and art organizations that are presenting free performances in parks, and plazas across the city in 2015. The Mayor’s Fund for Philadelphia matched the NEA grant to the Performances in Public Places program, which will receive a total of $60,000.

NUTTER: “Philadelphia is a nationally recognized leader in public art. This Performance in Public Spaces project offers new opportunities to encourage an appreciation for creative expression through performance art. I am honored that the NEA saw the merit in this program and I know the OACCE will make this project a great success.”
The program will showcase a variety of outdoor civic spaces across Philadelphia, including Paine’s Park, The Oval, The Porch at 30th Street, Spruce Street Harbor Park, RiverStage at the Great Plaza and Race St Pier.

“Philadelphia is reshaping everyday locations into dynamic spaces and adding programs to encourage use. We want to provide art groups with the opportunity to be included in the programming of these spaces without having to worry about where the money will come from,” says Helen Haynes, Chief Cultural Officer.

May 12, 2014 FORBES EDITOR RANDALL LANE ANNOUNCED PHILADELPHIA TO HOST THE FIRST-EVER FORBES UNDER 30 SUMMIT - an extension of the popular Forbes magazine “30 Under 30 Who Are Changing the World” annual list. The Under 30 Summit will bring together young entrepreneurs and game-changers from across the country to participate in a wide-array of events, panels, TED-style presentations, “Shark Tank” style pitch contests and a music and food festival.

December 11, 2013 MAYOR NUTTER BREAKS GROUND FOR Veyko, Inc. to build new facility on long-time vacant lot in East Kensington, create new 15 jobs. Mayor Nutter broke ground at a longtime vacant lot on the industrial corridor of American Street in East Kensington, which will soon be converted into an 11,550 square foot manufacturing facility for Veyko, Inc., a Philadelphia-based metal fabrication company. The total project cost is $2.1 million. The American Street Empowerment Zone, is overseen by the Philadelphia Department of Commerce. The company provides design, metal fabrication and installation services to architects, designers, general contractors and homeowners. Examples of Veyko’s work include the SEPTA 8th Street Station benches and the large scale exterior artwork at Lincoln Center in New York City.

NUTTER: “This new development will bring to life a lot that has stood vacant for ten years, will put people to work and will provide for the expansion and growth of a manufacturing company in Philadelphia. My Administration, through the Department of Commerce and PIDC, is committed to supporting the growth of small businesses like Veyko and to investing in commercial corridors such as American Street. Veyko’s growth shows that manufacturing is coming back in Philadelphia.”

Since 1994, the City of Philadelphia has been working to improve the American Street Commercial Corridor. Investments have been made through the Philadelphia Department of Commerce and the Philadelphia Empowerment Zone’s signature program, the Neighborhood Funding Stream, to support local economic development and neighborhood revitalization. The American Street Empowerment Zone Community Trust Board, an advisory board to the City of Philadelphia, provides input on grant making in the American Street Empowerment Zone.

October 30, 2013 CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA RECEIVED DONATION FROM KEVIN HART

Hometown celebrity gives back to local schools and recreation centers. Mayor Michael A. Nutter and Kevin Hart will visit several schools across the City to meet with students, teachers and administrators, whose schools will receive 500 new laptops from a donation by Mr. Hart - including 200 desktops to the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation for use in recreation centers and 300 laptops to the District.

NATIVE PHILADELPHIAN KEVIN HART DONATED 500 COMPUTERS TO PHILADELPHIA SCHOOLS

NUTTER: “In order for Philadelphians to be competitive in the 21st century economy, we need to address the challenge of digital access and literacy. Ensuring our students have access to computers in their classrooms and increasing the number of public computers is critical to the future success of our citizens and City,” said Mayor Nutter. “I want to thank Kevin Hart for his incredibly generous gift to our schools, recreation centers and citizens of all ages. These computers will have a very meaningful impact on Philadelphia.”

Philadelphia native, Kevin Hart, who hosted the 2013 Wawa Welcome America! Philly 4th of July Jam, is a comedian, actor, writer, producer and businessman.

“I am blessed to be in a position that allows me to give back to the city that made me who I am,” said Kevin Hart.

October 1, 2013 MAYOR NUTTER HONORED AS CITY CHANGEMAKER BY CEOs FOR CITIES Mayor Nutter honored along with five other leaders for innovative leadership at their annual meeting in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The awards are given for innovative leadership in American cities. CEOs for Cities is a national organization dedicated to connecting urban leaders with each other and with the smartest ideas for city success. Other winners were Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Memphis Mayor A C Wharton, Jr. Mark Rosenberg, President of Florida International University, Olga Stella of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, and Jim Walker, founder of Big Car, an arts and culture organization in Indianapolis.

Mayor Nutter was honored for a number of reasons, as cited by CEOs for Cities. He has been managing the recession by maintaining core services and reducing the City’s spending. He has just completed his tenure as President of the United States Conference of Mayors, representing the Conference by promoting the development of effective urban policy, strengthening federal-city relationships, and ensuring that federal policy meets urban needs.

NUTTER: “Serving as Mayor of Philadelphia and as President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors has allowed me to take important steps both locally and nationally in providing pathways for our cities to become safer, greener and more prosperous. I am honored to be named as a ‘City Changemaker’ by CEOs for Cities.”

September 5, 2013 MAYOR NUTTER WELCOMES LATEST FAST-GROWING COMPANY TO PHILADELPHIA: Mayor Michael A. Nutter officially welcomed Brand.com, an online reputation management firm, to its new corporate headquarters in the Curtis Center in Center City. Brand.com moved its headquarters to Philadelphia from West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Other technology companies that have moved to Philadelphia in the last year, include Fiberlink, Bentley Systems, SevOne and Bulogics. Companies like Curalate, Artisan, Seer Interactive, and RJ Metrics, are also choosing to stay in Philadelphia as they expand.

Brand.com is a corporate and personal brand enhancement and online reputation management platform. The Brand.com clientele encompasses small businesses and Fortune 100 companies, as well as doctors, lawyers, teachers, colleges and universities, political campaigns, non-profit organizations, and everyday people. The mission of Brand.com is to establish each client's personal or corporate brand as a brand of choice.

NUTTER: “Brand.com’s move into Philadelphia is yet another sign that our city has world-class talent, a vibrant business community and the right infrastructure for companies to start, stay and grow here. I’m excited to welcome the company to Philadelphia and look forward to seeing it expand.”

January 21, 2013: The Rainbow PUSH Wall Street Project will host the 16th Annual Wall Street Economic Summit. This year’s summit, “Wall Street to Main Street” focuses on access to capital, career development and labor.
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., Founder and President, Rainbow PUSH Coalition and The Wall Street Project, at the The Roosevelt Hotel, NY

Mayor Michael A. Nutter was honored as the leading African American mayor of a major metropolitan city by Rev. Jesse Jackson. Rev. Jackson also revealed that statistically speaking, Philadelphia's 68% population of African Americans gives it the potential for being a leader in Black economic development.

November 2012 Presidential Election - GLORIA DULAN-WILSON BLOG
Gloria Dulan-Wilson Blog: PRESIDENT OBAMA WINS AGAIN-AND SO DID WE - BIG TIME

I have to give kudos to Pennsylvania. They were the first Battleground state to go overwhelmingly for President Obama. You go, Philly! Yeadon, Upper Darby, West Chester, Swarthmore, and the rest of the state. You guys rock! You had those Obama signs in your front yards and in your windows in practically every neighborhood and store there was. It made me wonder why Pennsylvania was considered a "battle ground" state to begin with? Because, even though they have a rep-ugh-blican governor (which I'm sure they will be correcting soon), those people were solidly behind Obama. Kudos, also to Mayor Michael Nutter, who, at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC, had already declared that Philly was a "lock"! And he was right.

"September 2012: The Million Father March is managed by The Black Star Project and supported by Open Society Foundation's Campaign for Black Male Achievement.
Please visit our website at www.blackstarproject.org to bring the Million Father March to your city or for complete information about the march. SEPTEMBER 2012: Mayor Michael Nutter, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and The House of Umoja Lead Fathers into the Lives of their Children in the Million Father March

The Million Father March is an opportunity for Black men to show their commitment to the educational lives of their children on the first day of school and throughout the school year. On the first day of school each year since the March began in 2004, Black fathers, relatives, men, and significant male caregivers are asked to take their children to their first day of school. Fathers, grandfathers, foster fathers, stepfathers, uncles, cousins, big brothers, significant male caregivers and friends of the family will participate in the event. Last year, 100,000,000 fathers in 767 cities took their children to school on the first day of school. This year we expect 1,250,000 fathers in 800 cities to participate in the Million Father March 2012.

Among the participating cities is our very own Philadelphia. A former educator and proud father David Fattah is the coordinator for the Million Father March 2012 here. This year for the first time The House of Umoja will be creating a companion journal to accompany the March and would like to distribute it to the participating fathers and care givers and also the interested public not only here in Philadelphia but also in the other participating cities."

October 2010: Philadelphia Mayor Nutter, New Orleans Mayor Landrieu and Cities United Work to Reduce Deaths of Young Black Men and Boys

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Open Society Foundations Campaign for Black Male Achievement, along with partners Casey Family Programs, Knight Foundation, Association of Black Foundation Executives, National League of Cities and US Conference of Mayors with the leadership of Mayors Michael Nutter and Mitch Landrieu launched Cities United in October 2010 to respond to the violent deaths of black boys and men in cities across America.

August 15, 2013 MAYOR NUTTER’S REMARKS ON PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL FUNDING CRISIS Mayor Michael A. Nutter, joined by City officials, announced a plan for the City of Philadelphia to borrow $50 million on behalf of the School District to ensure that the schools will open safely and on time for the 2013-14 school year. These are excerpts from his speech.
(NOTE: to me, the closing down of the schools by the State smacked of racism and a patent lack of concern for Philaelphians and a direct insult to Nutter - the fact that he did not let this go unchallenged speaks of his determination and heroism.)

NUTTER: “A week ago, Superintendent William Hite said Philadelphia public schools could not safely open on Sept. 9 without a firm commitment of $50 million so that he can hire back about 1,000 School District employees between now and then.
Today, as Mayor of this great City, I’m here to say I WILL NOT RISK A CATASTROPHE. We WILL avoid this disaster.
I am committing to our students, parents and citizens today that schools are going to open on time and safely on Sept. 9th. Children are going to continue their education.
I am not going to let this crisis ruin the start of what is certainly a promising school year, and it’s clear to me that a majority of Council members, even with different ideas now being discussed, want the same one thing – that schools open on time AND safely.
Therefore, I am taking executive action today on behalf on our City to end this current crisis and uncertainty.
There are a number of ways to try to accomplish this goal – a borrowing, a grant, a loan or even the purchase of school buildings or school tax liens – each has its own requirements, complications and challenges.
I’ve evaluated all of the options and their respective impacts on the City’s finances.
As a result of these evaluations, I am today now directing the City Finance Director, the City Treasurer and the Budget Director to begin immediately to take all necessary steps to conduct a City borrowing of $50 million on behalf of the School District. I believe this mechanism is the best way to immediately get these needed dollars to the School District with virtually no financial impact on our City.
And so, I’m also calling upon all elected officials, school advocates, the business community, our religious communities, our parents and anyone concerned about the City’s future and its economic well-being to work together with cities and towns all across the Commonwealth on developing a new education funding formula that takes into account the student population and their needs and challenges.
Pennsylvania needs to join the other 47 states that use such student-based formulas to fund education.
Let this effort be the cause that unites us all across the Commonwealth. I believe this cause is a significant part of what quality education is all about. And if we’re successful, it’s this kind of long-lasting work of which we can all be proud.
But let me be clear at this moment, my message today is focused on tomorrow’s deadline and on Sept. 9th. We are taking these actions because Philadelphia children and their parents and their hopes for a brighter future are not going to be shattered by indecision, fear or doubt.
As Mayor, it’s my duty to keep Philadelphia on track and moving forward and that’s what I’m doing today."

October 7, 2013 MAYOR NUTTER TO LEAD TRADE MISSION TO UNITED KINGDOM AND ISRAEL
Philly mission will meet with companies looking to invest here, assist city companies with trade opportunities in order to attract investment from international companies in Philadelphia and to assist Philadelphia companies with trade opportunities in these two key marketplaces.

NUTTER: “My Administration is committed to attracting investment and job creation to Philadelphia, whether from elsewhere in the United States or from around the world, and this trade mission offers many exciting opportunities to meet with businesses looking to invest in our region. I want to thank the many partners that are supporting this effort and working each and every day to promote Philadelphia on the global stage. It is through these relationships that we will attract new international investment, create trade opportunities for Philadelphia businesses, and create new jobs for Philadelphians.”

As a journalist, I've covered and/or worked with several mayors - including Tom Bradley of California, Mayor Koch, Bloomberg, Giuliani, DeBlasio of New York, NY, Ernest D. Davis of Mt. Vernon, Sharpe James, Corey Booker, and Ras Baraka of Newark, NJ; Glenn D. Cunningham of Jersey City, and mayor Nutter is one of the most dynamic I've seen thus far.

I wish him continued success in whatever he decides his next step or adventure will be.

As I stated earlier, I, for one, will miss him.

Stay Blessed &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria