GDW EVENT ALERT EXTRA: 60th Anniversary of March on Washington A Continuation of Dr. King’s Work

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

Hello All:

IN CASE YOU HAD NOT HEARD, August 26, 2023 marks the 60th Anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s epoch making March on Washington for Jobs and Justice, which originally took place on August 28, 1963 However, as Rev. Al stated, this is not a commemoration but a CONTINUATION of what Dr. King started on behalf of Black people who were systematically segregated, discriminated against, and relegated to the level of "second class citizens."

At the time of the March, I was preparing to become a Freshman at Hampton Institute (now University) and missed the privilege of participating.  However, as a member of the Oklahoma City NAACP Youth Council, we raised money to help get buses so other members could attend.  And now, here we are 60 years later, and it's patently clear that it's as important today as it was 60 years ago that we return to DC to take a stand for our rights - which are being flagrantly violated and under siege by a new brand of fascism and racism.

Americans will be converging from all over the country - as the pressure mounts to save the soul of America from fascism, neo-nazism, suppression, oppression and demonic aggressions against Black people by individuals whose responsibilities are to protect and serve us.

So Martin Luther King, III, Arndrea Waters King, and Rev. Al Sharpton, who are spearheading this 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, have determined that it will not be a commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s work, but a continuation.   The event will bring together the three global civil rights leaders and partner organizations from across the country to evaluate the progress made to achieve Dr. King’s “dream,” and also highlight the work still needed to bring about peace, justice, and equity in the world.

Martin Luther King, III, Chairman of the Drum Major Institute stated: “On Juneteenth, we reflect on the progress and struggles of Black and Brown Americans.  My dad’s speech at the March on Washington nearly 60 years ago was a profound moment in American history. Despite the significant progress we have made over these six decades, we need to rededicate ourselves to the mission my dad gave his life for.  It is difficult to not be disgruntled with everything going on in the world.  Black and Brown Americans are the target of violence, and our most vulnerable citizens are losing hope that brighter days are ahead. We have to do better. We have to hold our elected leaders accountable, and this anniversary gives us the opportunity to not just commemorate his historic calling, but to continue his efforts to make life better for everyone.”

We're halfway through August, which means that the 2023 March on Washington – a continuation of Dr. King’s original march 60 years ago – is just over one week away. Here’s what you need to know about this year’s march: It’s not a commemoration – it’s a continuation. We’re still fighting many of the same fights from six decades ago: Civil rights. Police violence. Voting rights. We’ve made progress – but we still have a long way to go. People are coming from every corner of the country to join us on Saturday, August 26. Students, churches, families, activists, elected officials, labor, national organizations – a diverse coalition representing various racial and religious backgrounds will be there to march for our collective rights. We need your assistance to make it happen. From buses to help secure transportation, to signs and supplies for the march, this is one of our biggest actions of the year. Whether it’s attending the demonstration, telling your family and friends, or donating as little as $5.00 to NAN, your support is crucial. Watch our video on this year’s March on Washington, share with your friends – and then chip in to help us reach our fundraising goal and make this pivotal march a success. Thank you, National Action Network Arndrea Waters King, wife of Martin Luther King III and President of the Drum Major Institute stated: “The struggles Black and Brown Americans, particularly women and girls, faced 60 years ago are, in many ways, still prevalent today.  Dr. King called on us all to work to eradicate the triple evils of racism, poverty and violence by standing for peace, justice and equity.  As a mother, I’m afraid for my teenage daughter, but I am empowered to use my voice to ensure her future, and the future of all young girls, is as bright as her grandfather dreamed. Juneteenth reminds us that there is no challenge too big for us to overcome when we use our collective voices to bring about the change we need.  This August, we are inviting people from all over the world, from all walks of life, to join us in Washington, DC to call for action. Too many politicians have made Black and Brown Americans’ and marginalized groups’ lives unnecessarily difficult. It won’t be easy, but if we use our voices for good, change will happen, and this is our time to demand it.  It’s our turn to help realize the Dream and make democracy for all a reality.” “The March on Washington will not just be a commemoration but a continuation of what Dr. King and our predecessors started,” said Rev. Al Sharpton, President and Founder of the National Action Network (NAN). “We must remember why we are still marching: the civil rights of Black, Brown, Asian, Jewish, LGBTQ Americans and women are under relentless attack. There is a concerted effort to undermine our democracy. There are many working week by week to peel away these rights, take away our history, or stop us from celebrating holidays like Juneteenth. I am honored to stand with the King family as we bring together these groups for a historic, cross-cultural and cross-generational demonstration to show that an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. Together, we will show the nation the strength in our unity and our resolve to realize Dr. King’s dream of a fair nation for all of us.” NAN, along with other partner organizations, has arranged for free buses leaving from various cities throughout the US: NAN HEADQUARTERS:   www.Nationalactionnetwork.net or call 212.690.3070 For information on buses in other cities also contact: 212.690.3070 Philadelphians can pre-register by contacting Philadelphia NAN:  215.696.0424 According to Rev. Jerome Fordham, of PHILADELPHIA NAN, "Our chapter will have buses leaving from Rev. Leon Sullivan's Progress Plaza, 1501 N. Broad St.,(near Jefferson St),  Philadelphia, promptly at 6:00AM.  Passengers are required to be there for check in no later than 5:45AM.  The bus will be leaving on time.  If you get there by 6:01, you will not be on the bus," he stated emphatically.  There will be limited accommodations for those who have mobility issues and use wheelchairs or scooters to get around.  The buses are scheduled to return to Philadelphia by 5:00PM." Fordham continued: "The reason why we're having this continuation is because Freedom isn't free!  There is a cost!  Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his life for the cause of all people - Black white, polka dot, grizzly grey if you please.  He gave his life for all people to have a right to sit at the table.  But, as you see from 1963 to now, there were some changes that , in the 60s and the early 70s, but things have started sliding back over the last few years.  We made a lot of progress, but it seems that the older people have been holding it down for the last thirty, forty, fifty years; but the younger ones don't seem to want to pick up the mantle.  You must realize that if you don't understand history, you are doomed to repeat it - and these folks are not playing.  Look at the handwriting on the wall.  Think about it! If that young girl hadn't had her cell phone camera on when George Floyd was murdered, there would never have been a trial when he was brutally murdered.  These people are serious.  They want to wipe us out.  We can't sit on the sidelines and sleep through these threats.  VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!  There's no time to be playing around.  These folks are serious.   And we can't sleep on it!" The 2023 MLK CONTINUATION March will be co-chaired by: AAJC Anti-Defamation League Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights Legal Defense Fund NAACP National Coalition on Black Civic Participation National Council of Negro Women National Urban League UNIDOS The coalition will gather at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC on Saturday, August 26, 2023. The pre-program for the event will begin at 8:00 a.m. ET with the main program beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET. Following the program, a march will begin through the streets of the Nation’s Capitol. For additional information, tune in on Saturday morning, August 19, 2023, for the NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK Where the Action Is broadcast 9:00 - 11:00AM  on YouTube, FaceBook, and their website: www.nationalactionnetwork.net  to get the latest updates from Rev. Al Sharpton. FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT ATTEND, BUT WANT TO SUPPORT THE MARCH, YOUR DONATIONS ARE MUCH NEEDED AND APPRECIATED - click on the donate button below: DONATE Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences

It is imperative that we do not sit idly by while our freedoms are being ripped away from us, our children are in peril, our men and women become the target of malicious assaults, our history is being distorted or deleted; our teachers are under siege, our youth are being brainwashed, and we are being deprived of our rights to vote, freedom of speech, and tactics reminiscent of nazi Germany.  When no one else will save us, it is up to us to save ourselves!

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

Stay Blessed &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria DULAN-Wilson

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NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK (NAN) STILL IN ACTION

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

The indomnitable Rev. Al Sharpton continues  to work for justice despite the Coronavirus - and is in the forefront of standing for the rights of Black people.

Join Rev. Al Sharpton as he hosts a live discussion on May 4, 2020 with other Black faith leaders on how to lead and practice faith in the time of coronavirus. Among the panelists will be Pastor Jamal Bryant, Reverend Lakeesha Walrond, Pastor Freddy Haynes, Bishop Rudolph McKisick. 

 

When:   Monday, May 4, 2020 
               7:30 — 8:30 p.m. EST

The discussion will take place on Facebook Live
https://www.facebook.com/nationalactionnetwork/

Moderator
Reverend Al Sharpton, President of National Action Network

Panelists
Pastor Jamal Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia GA
Reverend Lakeesha Walrond, President of NY Theological Seminary
Pastor Freddy Haynes of Friendship West Baptist in Dallas TX
Bishop Rudolph McKisick of the Bethel Experience in Jacksonville FL.

NAN Calls for an Investigation into Killing of Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick, Georgia.

NBCnews.com (courtesy of the family)

NAN urges all to join the fight for justice and calls for charges to be brought against the father and son perpetrators, one of whom is a former law enforcement officer.

“Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton demanded on Wednesday (April 29) an immediate investigation into the slaying of Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old Georgia man who was gunned down in February near his hometown in Brunswick, Ga,” reported BET.

Arbery was killed by a father and a son on February 23^rd. The father is a former Glynn County police officer. There have been no charges or arrests in connection with the killing and Rev. Sharpton and NAN are calling for an investigation for racial profiling and the unjust illegal use of Georgia’s citizen arrest statute. Rev. Sharpton and NAN were brought into the case by the family of Mr. Arbery and his attorney S. Lee Merritt.

“NAN and I are closely following this case and we will apply pressure until this case is fully investigated and those responsible are held to account for their acts that led to the killing of unarmed Ahmaud Arbery while he was jogging,” said Reverend Sharpton.  “Justice delayed is justice denied and we are vigorously pursuing for all parties to be held accountable for the death of Ahmaud. We demand an impartial investigation over racial profiling as one of the perpetrators should not be granted immunity because he is a former law enforcement officer.”

Attorney Merritt said that the family of Ahmaud Arbery is relieved to receive the support of NAN and Reverend Sharpton.

“NAN will be working closely with our attorneys to ensure Gregory McMichael and Travis McMichael are vigorously prosecuted and appropriately sentenced,” said Merritt.  “Our attention now turns to DA Tom Durden of Liberty County, GA where the case has been referred. Mr. Durden has held this file since April 22. He has not met with the Arbery family nor requested the assistance of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) in the handling of the case. As the DA for Liberty County, Mr. Durden likely shares similar conflicts that required two other county DAs to recuse themselves from this case. As such, we are demanding that Mr. Durden turn this file over to an independent special prosecutor.”

Merritt is also calling for a prompt Department of Justice investigation into this shooting.

NAN Expands Meal Distribution Efforts

“Al Sharpton's Harlem-based advocacy organization, the National Action Network, is partnering with humanitarian groups to distribute thousands of meals to healthcare workers and people in need, the group announced this week,” reported Patch.com

“The National Action Network is teaming up with international organization CARE to launch the humanitarian group's first-ever domestic relief project. The partnership will result in 175,000 "CARE packages" — consisting of nutritious meals — being delivered to residents of Harlem and the Bronx. CARE has been distributing its "CARE packages" since 1945, when the organization was founded to feed survivors of World War II.”

 

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, NAN has partnered with World Central Kitchen and now CARE to provide meals in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. 

NAN Second Virtual Townhall Focused on Stimulus and the Black Community

On Sunday, April 26, 2020 National Action Network held its second in a series of virtual town halls. Titled COVID-19: The Stimulus and the Black Community, the discussion was moderated by Rev. Sharpton and featured U.S. Senator Cory Booker,  Drs. Andre Perry and Khalilah Brown-Dean who fielded questions from the audience about the future of Black businesses, the economy, and how to contribute to the political landscape in a time of crisis. Watch a recording of the town hall  here:

For More information, Contact:

NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, 106 W. 145TH STREET | NEW YORK, NY. 10039 877-626-4651 | SUPPORT@NATIONALACTIONNETWORK.NET

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

 Stay Blessed, Healthy, Well, Active, Whole, Harmonious, Complete 

&

ECLECTICALLY BLACK  

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

HAPPY BIRTHDAY REV. AL SHARPTON October 3, 2019

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

October is full of heroes - I guess that's the nature of Libra - they believe in justice - they can't help themselves - they not only have the ability to see both sides of a situation, equitably, but they are heaven bent on making sure others are treated fairly.

Such is the nature of brother/friend Rev. Al Sharpton - who celebrated his birthday on October 3rd.  We're celebrating his milestone 65th Birthday Anniversary. 
I consider him one of the busiest brothers on the planet.  He keeps a non-stop schedule in our behalves, leading the most dynamic national activist organization on the planet - appropriately named the National Action Network. 

Happy Birthday, Reverend Al Sharpton

Today marks the 65^th birthday of our Founder/President Reverend Al Sharpton.  We thank Reverend Sharpton for his sacrifice and commitment to social justice and his vision in 1991 to create National Action Network, which has become one of the nation’s most visible civil rights organization. 

For almost 30 years, NAN has been at the vanguard in the fight for social justice. As President Barack Obama noted, Reverend Sharpton has been the “voice for the voiceless.” Throughout this month, there will be many opportunities to reflect on Reverend Sharpton’s life and legacy as we continue forward in the fight for equality. 


Happy birthday, Rev!

Rev. Sharpton has poured his life's work into building up NAN to last into posterity. Please donate today to ensure that NAN continues fighting for justice. Help us uphold the dream, legacy and spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Instead of giving The Rev a gift, donate $1 - $1000 to help National Action Network continue to fight for justice and equality with criminal justice, police misconduct, voting rights, and so much more...

Click here to donate to the movement today and wish Rev. Al Sharpton a very Happy 65th Birthday!

https://nationalactionnetwork.net/rev-sharptons-65th-birthday-fundraiser/

Please note: National Action Network, Inc. is a  duly registered 501(C)-4, and thus your donation is NOT tax-deductible for Federal Income Tax purposes

Rev. Al is part of a pantheon of Librans whom I admire, including the late Johnnie Cochran, who would have been 82 on October 2; my sister/friend Dorothy Pittman-Hughes, also October 2; Amiri Baraka, whose birthdate is October 7, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, born October 8 - each of whom has devoted their lives to justice, and a better quality of life for Black people.

Paid for by National Action Network

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NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE to Release their Annual State of Black America 2017 on Tuesday May 2, 2017

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
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Hello All:

Each year The National Urban League (NUL) releases its State of Black America Report.  And this year it's vitally important that we pay the utmost attention to the information that has been garnered for us - because, as we all well know we are in a state of emergency!  We should/must be in a mode of not only Protecting our Progress (which is the theme for this year's report), but we have to also be in a mode of building our communities.  

It is just as essential that we learn to do both effectively - using our own power, strength, intelligence, ingenuity, creativity, unity and tenacity.  We have to be working on all fronts.  We also have to realize that we are long overdue in terms of having made that quantum leap into autonomy and self empowerment.  Other groups have been using all that we have pioneered, and applied it to their own circumstances, while we continue to flounder around trying to figure out what's the next step, and "reposition" ourselves so that we are in the right place at the right time as individuals, not realizing that that is exactly how we get picked off and undermined.  We've spoken of unity in the community for quite some time, but what we've not done is make it a reality.  And now, if we don't get serious about this - quick, fast and in a hurry - we will have no community to unite at all. 

Having just returned from Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network, I am encouraged that this will not be the case - at least for those of us who are enlightened and have come together from our disparate backgrounds, to take the challenges on united, informed and resolved.   

So, don't just read this as a report, shake your head and throw your hands up in despair.  There are action items of which you should  not only be aware, but should make sure you do your part.  And, of course, if you have other solutions to offer, speak up!  No one has all the answers. We have to build this together.  Because that's how we have to move - TOGETHER.

Stay Blessed & 

ECLECTICALLY BLACK 

Gloria 

May 1, 2017 View e-mail online. THIS ISSUE • ReMARCs  • To Be Equal  • Protect Our Progress  • In The News  • Events  • Partner Spotlight  •  Jobs  •  Affiliates  • Washington Bureau Opening ReMARCs - State of Black America Coming Tomorrow!  The National Urban League’s highly-anticipated annual publication, the State of Black America, will be released tomorrow, May 2, at 11 a.m. Eastern Time, via a live webcast from the National Urban League’s Washington, D.C. bureau. This year’s edition, “Protect Our Progress,” focuses on current threats to the economic, social, and economic gains of the last few years. Log onto StateOfBlackAmerica.org to watch the live release of the report, and follow the conversation on social media with the hashtag #ProtectOurProgress.   To Be Equal “Bill O’Reilly has helped set the bar for the normalization and dissemination of right-wing hatred, offering incendiary commentary about sexual harassment and assault, gender, race and ethnicity, low-income people, the LGBTQ community, Muslims and refugees, immigrants, and reproductive rights.” – Media Matters for America Forced Out at Fox: The King of Cable News Gets Canceled  Bill O’Reilly’s public downfall was a long time in the making — set in motion by a string of sexual harassment claims and the hemorrhaging of high-profile advertisers from “The O’Reilly Factor,” a Fox News channel mainstay and money maker. PROTECT OUR PROGRESS Tell Congress to Vote No on Budget Cuts!  Please ask your member of Congress to support the work of the National Urban League and vote against the proposed budget cuts that would destroy successful, life-changing programs. Here’s a sample letter! IN THE NEWS NUL and AHA Announce Alliance to Advance Health Equity and Diversity  The organizations will collaborate on efforts to connect hospital and health system CEOs with local Urban League leaders interested in opportunities to serve on governing boards at hospitals and health systems, develop resources for the field and share best practices on community health worker programs, and promote shared policy solutions to persistent challenges that affect the health of vulnerable communities. UPCOMING EVENTS 2017 National Urban League Conference is a Top 10 Gathering for Black Entrepreneurs!  The National Urban League Conference is on Blavity's list of top 10 conferences every Black entrepreneur should attend in 2017! Don’t miss out – save money on registration and hotel when you book your spot early. It’s time to start planning for four power packed days of networking, professional development, and entertainment.  PARTNER SPOTLIGHT NUL Co-Hosts People & Places 2017 Featuring Angela Rye   Just named one of the "Woke 100 Women" by ESSENCE, Angela Rye will keynote People & Places 2017. This national community development event showcases what's working to strengthen places and advance racial equity around the country. Check out the lineup and register to attend, May 31-June 2 in the Washington, D.C. area!    Digital Career Success Entrepreneurship Series  Join the National Urban League Jobs Network for the Digital Career Success Entrepreneurship Series. Join us May 10th to talk about how to Find Success In Failure. Learn how to build on each mistake and every rejection and climb closer to your dreams! You can get a thousand No's but you just need one YES!   Fort Wayne Urban League's Accessories Fair Helps Women in Local Shelters  You can have a nice dress. But you feel and look so much better when you have the accessories to make the outfit really pop, Kathryn Mbwelera said. That's why she and volunteers at the Fort Wayne Urban League will host an invitation-only Accessories Fair for women at local homeless and recovery shelters.   Advancing Affordable Housing Policy in a New Administration and Congress  This week, as the National Urban League Washington Bureau gears up for our 2017 State of Black America Empowerment Summit featuring the 14th annual Legislative Policy Conference, we convened a panel to discuss the ways that we can advance affordable housing policy in this new Administration and Congress. 120 Wall Street New York, NY 10005 ph: (212) 558-5300 fax: (212) 344-5332 nul.org iamempowered.com Click here to unsubscribe from future emails.

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

STAY BLESSED & 

ECLECTICALLY BLACK 

Gloria Dulan-Wilson