THURSDAY, April 15 (Tax Day)
There’s still time…so fill out and mail back your census form TODAY!
After the 2000 Census, the Census Bureau was able to return $305 million in savings to the federal Treasury because mail rates exceeded expectations — a move the Census Bureau would like to repeat in 2010...
Mail back your 2010 Census form and help save taxpayer money:
For every 1 percent increase in the national participation rate by mail, the Census Bureau can save taxpayers $85 million by not having to send census takers door to door to households that failed to return their census forms.
If every household in the United States completed and mailed back their census form, taxpayers could reduce the cost of taking the census by $1.5 billion. It costs $.42 for people to mail back their form, compared to $57 for census takers to visit each home.
Let's get our fair share!!!
Go to www.census2010.gov for more information
You may also visit the Unity Diaspora Coalition Census 2010 website to see what we are doing across the country.
Go to http://unitydiaspora.ning.com/
April 15, 2010
April 07, 2010
WhiteHouse.gov Blog - "Working to Make Our Recovery More Inclusive"
Please see the blog below on White House.gov on “Working to Make Our Recovery More Inclusive”
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/04/06/working-make-our-recovery-more-inclusive
Also, here is a great story in the Atlanta Journal Constitution by Cynthia Tucker – please read & share both
http://blogs.ajc.com/cynthia-tucker/2010/04/07/8187/
Obama’s American agenda benefits black America, too
7:30 am April 7, 2010, by ctucker
WASHINGTON — President Obama’s historic status as the nation’s first black president hasn’t spared him criticism from some black commentators and members of Congress, who claim that the president ought to have a bona fide “black agenda.”
Several members of the Congressional Black Caucus have chastised Obama for, they claim, doing little to address the unemployment rate among black workers, some six to seven points higher than the overall rate of just under ten percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Last month, talk show host Tavis Smiley’s annual “Black Agenda” conference included a panel which heavily criticized Obama for failing to directly address a range of difficult social problems which still plague black America. Indeed, Smiley has become a consistent critic.
Smiley has every right to score the president’s accomplishments and failures as he sees fit. But it is naive for him to expect that the nation’s first black president will champion an exclusively black “agenda,” any more than John F. Kennedy, the nation’s first Catholic president, issued a “Catholic agenda.” Obama was not elected the president of black America. He’s the president of the entire country.
Still, Obama hasn’t ignored those detractors. Perhaps that’s why he met with a group of black preachers, including Atlanta’s T. DeWitt Smith, head of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, on Tuesday. Here’s hoping he took the opportunity to point out that his policies benefit black Americans, too.
According to Families USA, a health care advocacy group, 40 percent of blacks reported being uninsured during a some portion of 2007-2008, compared to about 26 percent of whites. Black or white, they will be able to afford health insurance as a result of the new law, which Obama made a priority.
The president also battled entrenched interests to change the student-loan program, which freed up money to give a slight funding increase to Pell grants. Many black students will benefit from the boost in tuition assistance, just as many white and brown students will.
But the most significant assistance that Obama is providing to black students — to all students, actually — lies in his promising reform plan for elementary and secondary education. The new emphasis on charter schools and merit pay has the potential for bringing the best and brightest teachers into public school classrooms, while weeding out the incompetent and uninspired.
There are few things that the federal government can do that have a more significant effect on children than helping them to get a good education. For black kids, that’s crucial. The difference between those black Americans who have achieved mainstream success and those mired in poverty lies, for the most party, in the difference in acadmic achievement.
For black boys, who have fallen behind black girls in educational attainment, a “black agenda” could be constructed around this issue alone. Black women now graduate from college at twice the rate of black men.
It’s true that college-educated black workers have a higher unemployment rate than college-educated white workers — a commentary on a “post-racial” America. But it’s also true that college-educated black men and women will fare much better than their less-educated counterparts.
So far, few black opinion-makers have zeroed in on Obama’s education reform plans. That reticence may stem from an ambivalence — or hostility — toward the reforms from a mainstay of the black middle-class: teachers. Teachers’ groups have not exactly rallied in support of Obama’s plans.
(Georgia may have lost out in Round 1 of Race to the Top because it didn’t get state-wide buy-in from teachers’ groups. Some teachers remain especially critical of merit pay.)
Still, his emphasis on teacher accountability has the potential for doing more to shake up public education than any reforms of the last two decades. Obama may not have a plan for reducing the black-on-black homicide rate (who does?) or shoring up black marriage (other than serving as a good role model), but, if he can boost educational achievement for all children — including those who are poor and black — that would certainly qualify as progress. Let’s call that an American agenda.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/04/06/working-make-our-recovery-more-inclusive
Also, here is a great story in the Atlanta Journal Constitution by Cynthia Tucker – please read & share both
http://blogs.ajc.com/cynthia-tucker/2010/04/07/8187/
Obama’s American agenda benefits black America, too
7:30 am April 7, 2010, by ctucker
WASHINGTON — President Obama’s historic status as the nation’s first black president hasn’t spared him criticism from some black commentators and members of Congress, who claim that the president ought to have a bona fide “black agenda.”
Several members of the Congressional Black Caucus have chastised Obama for, they claim, doing little to address the unemployment rate among black workers, some six to seven points higher than the overall rate of just under ten percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Last month, talk show host Tavis Smiley’s annual “Black Agenda” conference included a panel which heavily criticized Obama for failing to directly address a range of difficult social problems which still plague black America. Indeed, Smiley has become a consistent critic.
Smiley has every right to score the president’s accomplishments and failures as he sees fit. But it is naive for him to expect that the nation’s first black president will champion an exclusively black “agenda,” any more than John F. Kennedy, the nation’s first Catholic president, issued a “Catholic agenda.” Obama was not elected the president of black America. He’s the president of the entire country.
Still, Obama hasn’t ignored those detractors. Perhaps that’s why he met with a group of black preachers, including Atlanta’s T. DeWitt Smith, head of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, on Tuesday. Here’s hoping he took the opportunity to point out that his policies benefit black Americans, too.
According to Families USA, a health care advocacy group, 40 percent of blacks reported being uninsured during a some portion of 2007-2008, compared to about 26 percent of whites. Black or white, they will be able to afford health insurance as a result of the new law, which Obama made a priority.
The president also battled entrenched interests to change the student-loan program, which freed up money to give a slight funding increase to Pell grants. Many black students will benefit from the boost in tuition assistance, just as many white and brown students will.
But the most significant assistance that Obama is providing to black students — to all students, actually — lies in his promising reform plan for elementary and secondary education. The new emphasis on charter schools and merit pay has the potential for bringing the best and brightest teachers into public school classrooms, while weeding out the incompetent and uninspired.
There are few things that the federal government can do that have a more significant effect on children than helping them to get a good education. For black kids, that’s crucial. The difference between those black Americans who have achieved mainstream success and those mired in poverty lies, for the most party, in the difference in acadmic achievement.
For black boys, who have fallen behind black girls in educational attainment, a “black agenda” could be constructed around this issue alone. Black women now graduate from college at twice the rate of black men.
It’s true that college-educated black workers have a higher unemployment rate than college-educated white workers — a commentary on a “post-racial” America. But it’s also true that college-educated black men and women will fare much better than their less-educated counterparts.
So far, few black opinion-makers have zeroed in on Obama’s education reform plans. That reticence may stem from an ambivalence — or hostility — toward the reforms from a mainstay of the black middle-class: teachers. Teachers’ groups have not exactly rallied in support of Obama’s plans.
(Georgia may have lost out in Round 1 of Race to the Top because it didn’t get state-wide buy-in from teachers’ groups. Some teachers remain especially critical of merit pay.)
Still, his emphasis on teacher accountability has the potential for doing more to shake up public education than any reforms of the last two decades. Obama may not have a plan for reducing the black-on-black homicide rate (who does?) or shoring up black marriage (other than serving as a good role model), but, if he can boost educational achievement for all children — including those who are poor and black — that would certainly qualify as progress. Let’s call that an American agenda.
August 13, 2009
Black Youth Makes Medical Breakthrough
By BET.com and staff
http://www.bet.com/News/News_Health_Boy_Makes_Medical_Breakthrough
Tony Hansberry II, a 14-year-old, African-American high school freshman, has developed a surgical stitching technique that can ease post-surgery complications and lessen the chance of errors among physicians, Black America Web reports.
Tony Hansberry has been working with Bruce Nappi, the administrative director at the University of Florida's Center for Simulation Education and Safety Research, on a new technique for sewing up hysterectomy patients.
"I've always had a passion for medicine," he told reporter Jackie Jones in a recent interview. "The project I did was, basically, the comparison of novel laparoscopic instruments in doing a hysterectomy repair.”
The youth presented his findings in April at a medical conference at the University of Florida before an audience of doctors and board-certified surgeons.
"I just want to help people and be respected, knowing that I can save lives," said Hansberry, who attends Darnell-Cookman, a special medical magnet school that allows him to take advanced classes in medicine. He hopes to become a neurosurgeon some day.
One of his teachers at Darnell-Cookman Angela TenBroeck said, "He's an outstanding young man, and I'm proud to have him representing us."
Hansberry was an intern at the University of Florida's Center for Simulation Education and Safety Research at Shands Hospital in Jacksonville when he came up with the concept. At the time, he was responding to a challenge to improve on an “endo-stitch” procedure used in hysterectomies.
“It took me a day or two to come up with the concept,” Hansberry said. His discovery earned him second place at the regional science fair in February 2009.
Tony's mom is a nurse and his dad pastors an African Methodist Episcopal church.
http://www.bet.com/News/News_Health_Boy_Makes_Medical_Breakthrough
Tony Hansberry II, a 14-year-old, African-American high school freshman, has developed a surgical stitching technique that can ease post-surgery complications and lessen the chance of errors among physicians, Black America Web reports.
Tony Hansberry has been working with Bruce Nappi, the administrative director at the University of Florida's Center for Simulation Education and Safety Research, on a new technique for sewing up hysterectomy patients.
"I've always had a passion for medicine," he told reporter Jackie Jones in a recent interview. "The project I did was, basically, the comparison of novel laparoscopic instruments in doing a hysterectomy repair.”
The youth presented his findings in April at a medical conference at the University of Florida before an audience of doctors and board-certified surgeons.
"I just want to help people and be respected, knowing that I can save lives," said Hansberry, who attends Darnell-Cookman, a special medical magnet school that allows him to take advanced classes in medicine. He hopes to become a neurosurgeon some day.
One of his teachers at Darnell-Cookman Angela TenBroeck said, "He's an outstanding young man, and I'm proud to have him representing us."
Hansberry was an intern at the University of Florida's Center for Simulation Education and Safety Research at Shands Hospital in Jacksonville when he came up with the concept. At the time, he was responding to a challenge to improve on an “endo-stitch” procedure used in hysterectomies.
“It took me a day or two to come up with the concept,” Hansberry said. His discovery earned him second place at the regional science fair in February 2009.
Tony's mom is a nurse and his dad pastors an African Methodist Episcopal church.
March 31, 2009
Violence Rips Through North Carolina and Massachusetts
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brandon Wallace 202.271.7409
Email: wallace.motley@gmail.com
March 31, 2009
Motley Management LLC.
Make Moves, Make Memories, Make a Difference.
VIOLENCE SURVIVORS UNITE TO SUPPORT VICTIMS OF THE CARTHAGE, NORTH CAROLINA NURSING HOME MASSACRE AND THE BRUTAL MURDERS IN MILTON, MASSACHUSETTS
The William Kellibrew Foundation and ROOT Inc. (Reaching Out to Others Together), on behalf of all victims of crime nation-wide, would like to send condolences to the people of Carthage, North Carolina and Milton, Massachusetts.
The gruesome killing of eight innocent victims in this North Carolina nursing home is incomprehensible. The brutal murder of a five-year-old child and a seventeen-year-old makes plain the notion that no one is immune to violence.
William Kellibrew IV, National Coordinator for Black Youth Vote for the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation said, “These senseless acts of violence take a toll on our community, but with resolve, we can work to ensure that victims receive adequate attention to get through these tough times.”
Kenneth E. Barnes, Sr., MS, founder and CEO of ROOT Inc, an organization
committed to helping communities take a proactive approach to reducing gun
violence, stated, "Deplorable assaults on our safety are taking place far too often in America. We must work steadfastly to ensure the eventual cessation of these preventable, unspeakable crimes."
These are immensely challenging atrocities having overwhelming ramifications that will resonate through devastated communities. Violence can occur in homes, businesses and even religious institutions.
A stronger more steadfast commitment to the prevention of crime through parole regulations, offender rehabilitation and violence prevention education is critical to bringing an end to the senseless violence that plagues all Americans and citizens around the world. We stand in unity and in full support of the people of Carthage and Milton; but specifically for the family members who lost loved ones in Carthage and the grieving family that will bury three of its closest members in Milton.
# # #
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brandon Wallace 202.271.7409
Email: wallace.motley@gmail.com
March 31, 2009
Motley Management LLC.
Make Moves, Make Memories, Make a Difference.
VIOLENCE SURVIVORS UNITE TO SUPPORT VICTIMS OF THE CARTHAGE, NORTH CAROLINA NURSING HOME MASSACRE AND THE BRUTAL MURDERS IN MILTON, MASSACHUSETTS
The William Kellibrew Foundation and ROOT Inc. (Reaching Out to Others Together), on behalf of all victims of crime nation-wide, would like to send condolences to the people of Carthage, North Carolina and Milton, Massachusetts.
The gruesome killing of eight innocent victims in this North Carolina nursing home is incomprehensible. The brutal murder of a five-year-old child and a seventeen-year-old makes plain the notion that no one is immune to violence.
William Kellibrew IV, National Coordinator for Black Youth Vote for the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation said, “These senseless acts of violence take a toll on our community, but with resolve, we can work to ensure that victims receive adequate attention to get through these tough times.”
Kenneth E. Barnes, Sr., MS, founder and CEO of ROOT Inc, an organization
committed to helping communities take a proactive approach to reducing gun
violence, stated, "Deplorable assaults on our safety are taking place far too often in America. We must work steadfastly to ensure the eventual cessation of these preventable, unspeakable crimes."
These are immensely challenging atrocities having overwhelming ramifications that will resonate through devastated communities. Violence can occur in homes, businesses and even religious institutions.
A stronger more steadfast commitment to the prevention of crime through parole regulations, offender rehabilitation and violence prevention education is critical to bringing an end to the senseless violence that plagues all Americans and citizens around the world. We stand in unity and in full support of the people of Carthage and Milton; but specifically for the family members who lost loved ones in Carthage and the grieving family that will bury three of its closest members in Milton.
# # #
March 17, 2009
TOMORROW - House to Vote on Legislation to Expand Service and Volunteer Opportunities for Students
News ● U.S. House of Representatives
EDUCATION & LABOR COMMITTEE
Congressman George Miller, Chairman
Advisory for Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Press Office, 202-226-0853
NATIONAL SERVICE NEWS
TOMORROW – House to Vote on Legislation to Expand Service and Volunteer Opportunities for Students
Legislation Answers President Obama’s call for Americans to Serve
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tomorrow, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on legislation that provides the most significant expansion of national service and volunteer opportunities for college students in generations. The bill, titled the GIVE Act, will help our nation get through the economic crisis by making Americans of all ages a part of the solution to the many challenges we face.
The legislation comes as nearly 65,000 college students prepare to volunteer and serve on alternative Spring Breaks this year – up 11 percent over last year. Young Americans are serving in record numbers – and facing a difficult job market in today’s economy. Of the 1.2 million jobs lost last year, 60 percent were held by workers under the age of 25.
National and community service and volunteerism among college students is especially high. From September 2001 to 2006, the overall percent of college students who volunteer has increased to over 30 percent, exceeding the volunteer rate for adults. According to a 2006 report by the Corporation for National and Community Service, college students are twice as likely to volunteer as Americans of the same age who are not enrolled in an institution of higher education.
Specifically, the bill (H.R. 1388) will more than triple the number of volunteer opportunities for Americans, from 75,000 to 250,000, in key areas like education, clean energy, health care, and assistance for veterans. The bill will also increase the education reward they receive from $4,725 to $5,350 for next year, the same as the maximum Pell Grant scholarship award. The education award will be linked to match future boosts in the Pell Grant scholarship in order to keep up with rising college costs.
Last President Obama called for Congress to take quick action on legislation to strengthen service. This bill answers his call. It is expected to be passed with bipartisan support in the next month in both the House and Senate – putting it on track to be one of the next major initiatives President Obama signs into law. For more information on the bill, click here.
EDUCATION & LABOR COMMITTEE
Congressman George Miller, Chairman
Advisory for Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Press Office, 202-226-0853
NATIONAL SERVICE NEWS
TOMORROW – House to Vote on Legislation to Expand Service and Volunteer Opportunities for Students
Legislation Answers President Obama’s call for Americans to Serve
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tomorrow, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on legislation that provides the most significant expansion of national service and volunteer opportunities for college students in generations. The bill, titled the GIVE Act, will help our nation get through the economic crisis by making Americans of all ages a part of the solution to the many challenges we face.
The legislation comes as nearly 65,000 college students prepare to volunteer and serve on alternative Spring Breaks this year – up 11 percent over last year. Young Americans are serving in record numbers – and facing a difficult job market in today’s economy. Of the 1.2 million jobs lost last year, 60 percent were held by workers under the age of 25.
National and community service and volunteerism among college students is especially high. From September 2001 to 2006, the overall percent of college students who volunteer has increased to over 30 percent, exceeding the volunteer rate for adults. According to a 2006 report by the Corporation for National and Community Service, college students are twice as likely to volunteer as Americans of the same age who are not enrolled in an institution of higher education.
Specifically, the bill (H.R. 1388) will more than triple the number of volunteer opportunities for Americans, from 75,000 to 250,000, in key areas like education, clean energy, health care, and assistance for veterans. The bill will also increase the education reward they receive from $4,725 to $5,350 for next year, the same as the maximum Pell Grant scholarship award. The education award will be linked to match future boosts in the Pell Grant scholarship in order to keep up with rising college costs.
Last President Obama called for Congress to take quick action on legislation to strengthen service. This bill answers his call. It is expected to be passed with bipartisan support in the next month in both the House and Senate – putting it on track to be one of the next major initiatives President Obama signs into law. For more information on the bill, click here.
December 11, 2008
Winding Down Only to Wind Back Up
Things are certainly winding down here at Black Youth Vote, but that is only the beginning. After the Black Youth Vote Civic Leadership Training Conference held in November, participants helped to give direction to the future of the program as well as enlist themselves in the preparation of preparing recommendations to the Obama transition team/administration and the 11th Congress. We are currently working on that plan now. You will hear more soon.
If you are interested in helping to draft this very important document, do not hesitate to contact me at blackyouthvote@ncbcp.org.
Also, we are planning a Pre-Inaugural Black Youth Vote Mixer, if you will. We still haven't formally named the event, but it is sure to be a "not missed" opportunity to meet a few important people and be important yourself.
I look forward to seeing you there.
William
If you are interested in helping to draft this very important document, do not hesitate to contact me at blackyouthvote@ncbcp.org.
Also, we are planning a Pre-Inaugural Black Youth Vote Mixer, if you will. We still haven't formally named the event, but it is sure to be a "not missed" opportunity to meet a few important people and be important yourself.
I look forward to seeing you there.
William
December 03, 2008
Sleeping Out for Victims and Survivors for Peace
Last night was the most amazing night of my life. After 24 years of trying to make sense of my mother and brother's deaths, I finally came to the conclusion that their deaths meant peace for the entire world starting with peace in my own local community.
The entire day of Tuesday, December 2, I simply could not wait until 8:00 p.m. when I was to start the "Victims and Survivors for Peace Sleep Out". I was not sure who would show up, but I knew I was. I arrived at 7:00 p.m. with my good friend and brother Tommy from Scotland. I laid my blanket down and propped my pillow on the wall, directly in front of a sign indicating that it was the John Wilson building. You may not know, but Wilson committed suicide during Sharon Pratt Dixon's term as mayor of the city. I knew this going into this movement and wanted to correlate Wilson's death with what is transpiring today and the need for bringing attention to violence, not just domestic violence.
I dialed into the Bev Smith Show and was elated to speak to such a dynamic person. She vowed her support for peace throughout our world and pledged that she would called Congressman Conyers this morning encouraging and requesting a hearing in Congress to show the impact of violence. She also mentioned that she would sit with me while testifying. I am forever grateful for her love and support.
There were more news trucks than I can count coming throughout the night to capture our movement. I was thrilled about getting the word out, but I cannot forget why we were there. When all of the crowds and cameras are gone, we are still here with our pain and grief. But, we have to turn this into resolve and that is what we are doing by holding sleep outs.
I am really thankful for all those who showed up to sleep out, who reached out, and the media for putting our story out there. Thank you to all.
Today, I report that there were no murders last night in the District of Columbia. This is certainly a good start to our peace movement.
The entire day of Tuesday, December 2, I simply could not wait until 8:00 p.m. when I was to start the "Victims and Survivors for Peace Sleep Out". I was not sure who would show up, but I knew I was. I arrived at 7:00 p.m. with my good friend and brother Tommy from Scotland. I laid my blanket down and propped my pillow on the wall, directly in front of a sign indicating that it was the John Wilson building. You may not know, but Wilson committed suicide during Sharon Pratt Dixon's term as mayor of the city. I knew this going into this movement and wanted to correlate Wilson's death with what is transpiring today and the need for bringing attention to violence, not just domestic violence.
I dialed into the Bev Smith Show and was elated to speak to such a dynamic person. She vowed her support for peace throughout our world and pledged that she would called Congressman Conyers this morning encouraging and requesting a hearing in Congress to show the impact of violence. She also mentioned that she would sit with me while testifying. I am forever grateful for her love and support.
There were more news trucks than I can count coming throughout the night to capture our movement. I was thrilled about getting the word out, but I cannot forget why we were there. When all of the crowds and cameras are gone, we are still here with our pain and grief. But, we have to turn this into resolve and that is what we are doing by holding sleep outs.
I am really thankful for all those who showed up to sleep out, who reached out, and the media for putting our story out there. Thank you to all.
Today, I report that there were no murders last night in the District of Columbia. This is certainly a good start to our peace movement.
November 21, 2008
Black Youth Vote! Teleconferences for Post Conference Agenda
The Post Black Youth Vote! Civic Leadership Training Conference Teleconference had 12 attendees discussing, planning and organising. The agenda involved introducing new ideas conceived since the conference, going over volunteer assignments in the areas of building and maintaining a strong foundation and infrastructure, gearing up for an external campaign to brand and expand Black Youth Vote! and prepare for the April legislative based conference in 2009.
BYV! is reignited and energised to prepare it's agenda/recommendations for the new administration and 111th Congress as well as State plans.
It is essential that we begin the work now and follow-through once our elected leaders take office. This is the beginning of a process and Black Youth Vote! is committed throughout the process.
If you are interested in assisting or joining our efforts please email me at blackyouthvote@ncbcp.org.
Let's not sit idly by while others plan our future. We must engage, engage, engage.
BYV! is reignited and energised to prepare it's agenda/recommendations for the new administration and 111th Congress as well as State plans.
It is essential that we begin the work now and follow-through once our elected leaders take office. This is the beginning of a process and Black Youth Vote! is committed throughout the process.
If you are interested in assisting or joining our efforts please email me at blackyouthvote@ncbcp.org.
Let's not sit idly by while others plan our future. We must engage, engage, engage.
November 14, 2008
Kevin Powell Visits the Black Youth Vote! Conference in DC
William Kellibrew: Let’s get right down to business. Young people are dealing with the question, “We voted, now what?” What do you suggest might be next steps to voting in this especially historic election?
Kevin Powell: Wow! I think that young people have to really make voting and civic participation as natural as breathing and brushing their teeth. You know, someone said that the local elections are really crucial between the presidential election every four years. That means that we have to become educated about who our local elected officials are, what they do or don’t do and when they are up for re-election and if there are other viable candidates for that particular position. I also think that young people have to be a member of at least one community based organization outside their religious institution, join something.
William Kellibrew: So, getting involved is important. I definitely agree with that. What does an African-American president mean to this country?
Kevin Powell: it means that there is a thing called possibility in America. It means that a progressive multicultural coalition in America can come together to affect change. I also think that it says this is the beginning of some real work.
That is the continuation of what we fought for in the civil rights movement. But we need to be clear that we are not a post racial or past racism society just because Barak is president. We still have systemic racism in our country. You see it in public school education funding in inner-city areas. You see it in the images in the mass media culture other than Barak and Michelle and you see it in the discrepancies around housing, healthcare and the record number of young people of colour in the prison pipeline. So Obama’s victory is a start, not the end.
William Kellibrew: You know you said some very important things that young people can take a hold of and propel themselves to organize. What are your next steps? I know you ran for Congress and that must be an honor to work so hard to serve the people. What’s next for you?
Kevin Powell: Running for Congress again (with an honest smile and chuckle). We haven’t stopped, the website is up. We are going to fundraise on Monday (chuckling). We are running for Congress in 2010. I say, “We” because we are a team. On top of that I just published my ninth book, The Black Male Handbook. We have to promote that with a national tour and a national college tour in 2009 and whole bunch of multi-media stuff with Apple. We will make a CD project around the book and really just carry the message around the country of the need to redefine black manhood. There is something called the employment project in Brooklyn. When I was running for Congress young people asked can they have a job. For young people civic engagement is tied to how well they are doing. We would go around the room and survey all the young people. Where are they now? Vocation, Trade School, college – a needs assessment in the projects is important. Number two, are you willing to take a basic entry level job to start a living or for a regular salary. A lot of people don’t have regular job experience. They have been out of the job market for a while. Number three, how to dress, how to sit and how to act.
William Kellibrew: It is always a pleasure to see you and an honor to speak with you. Black Youth Vote! wishes you much success. I wish you success personally and it was great seeing you in Tougaloo at the Nissan Student Government Executive Leadership Program where you really affected young leaders and glad to have you here at our Black Youth Vote! Civic Leadership Training Conference.
Kevin Powell: I love and appreciate you all and I want to continue this intergenerational work because we are leaders together.
William Kellibrew: Thanks Kevin.
Kevin Powell: Wow! I think that young people have to really make voting and civic participation as natural as breathing and brushing their teeth. You know, someone said that the local elections are really crucial between the presidential election every four years. That means that we have to become educated about who our local elected officials are, what they do or don’t do and when they are up for re-election and if there are other viable candidates for that particular position. I also think that young people have to be a member of at least one community based organization outside their religious institution, join something.
William Kellibrew: So, getting involved is important. I definitely agree with that. What does an African-American president mean to this country?
Kevin Powell: it means that there is a thing called possibility in America. It means that a progressive multicultural coalition in America can come together to affect change. I also think that it says this is the beginning of some real work.
That is the continuation of what we fought for in the civil rights movement. But we need to be clear that we are not a post racial or past racism society just because Barak is president. We still have systemic racism in our country. You see it in public school education funding in inner-city areas. You see it in the images in the mass media culture other than Barak and Michelle and you see it in the discrepancies around housing, healthcare and the record number of young people of colour in the prison pipeline. So Obama’s victory is a start, not the end.
William Kellibrew: You know you said some very important things that young people can take a hold of and propel themselves to organize. What are your next steps? I know you ran for Congress and that must be an honor to work so hard to serve the people. What’s next for you?
Kevin Powell: Running for Congress again (with an honest smile and chuckle). We haven’t stopped, the website is up. We are going to fundraise on Monday (chuckling). We are running for Congress in 2010. I say, “We” because we are a team. On top of that I just published my ninth book, The Black Male Handbook. We have to promote that with a national tour and a national college tour in 2009 and whole bunch of multi-media stuff with Apple. We will make a CD project around the book and really just carry the message around the country of the need to redefine black manhood. There is something called the employment project in Brooklyn. When I was running for Congress young people asked can they have a job. For young people civic engagement is tied to how well they are doing. We would go around the room and survey all the young people. Where are they now? Vocation, Trade School, college – a needs assessment in the projects is important. Number two, are you willing to take a basic entry level job to start a living or for a regular salary. A lot of people don’t have regular job experience. They have been out of the job market for a while. Number three, how to dress, how to sit and how to act.
William Kellibrew: It is always a pleasure to see you and an honor to speak with you. Black Youth Vote! wishes you much success. I wish you success personally and it was great seeing you in Tougaloo at the Nissan Student Government Executive Leadership Program where you really affected young leaders and glad to have you here at our Black Youth Vote! Civic Leadership Training Conference.
Kevin Powell: I love and appreciate you all and I want to continue this intergenerational work because we are leaders together.
William Kellibrew: Thanks Kevin.
November 04, 2008
Congratulations!!!
Black Youth Vote! would like to officially Congratulate Senator and President-elect Barak Obama. If we ever thought about giving up Senator Obama reminded us tonight that giving up is only something that can be discarded. We must claim and define ourselves. Thank you Barak for your unwavering lesson.
A Night to Remember
Tonight is certainly the night. Over 60 people are gathered here tonight at the National Council for Negro Women where Black Youth Vote!, a program of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation is holding our Command Center to monitor and support the staff and volunteers who are working on the ground. Most importantly, we are helping to protect the vote. There is so much to be concerned about in terms of voter suppression, etc. The night has just begun.
Illai's Conversations Via IM on Black Planet
NCBCP: Have you voted?
RobDee: yes
NCBCP: Great, how was it?
RobDee: It was a beautiful thing. The reason it was is because I know I'm voicing my opinion and it could be beneficial to my desires.
NCBCP: Awesome! Any other message?
RobDee: Anyone who has a belief in whatever it is in life should not be afraid to satnd for it. We're in the land of democracy and it should be utilized to the fullest!
RobDee: yes
NCBCP: Great, how was it?
RobDee: It was a beautiful thing. The reason it was is because I know I'm voicing my opinion and it could be beneficial to my desires.
NCBCP: Awesome! Any other message?
RobDee: Anyone who has a belief in whatever it is in life should not be afraid to satnd for it. We're in the land of democracy and it should be utilized to the fullest!
Shyne's Vote Story
Here is a conversation I had with a voter in Arkansas over Instant Message on Black Planet.
NCBCP: Have you voted?
Shyne: yes last friday as a matter of fact.
NCBCP: great how was it?
Shyne: it was great no problems voting i did see alot more young african american voters out voting early. :)
NCBCP: that is an awesome story!
NCBCP: Have you voted?
Shyne: yes last friday as a matter of fact.
NCBCP: great how was it?
Shyne: it was great no problems voting i did see alot more young african american voters out voting early. :)
NCBCP: that is an awesome story!
Faye Anderson reporting about the 1-866-MYVOTE1 Hotline
Calls are pouring into the voter assistance hotline, 1-866-MYVOTE1. The top five hot spots are Cook County (Chicago), Illinois; Harris County (Houston), Jefferson County (Birmingham), Broward County (Fort Lauderdale) and Orleans Parish (New Orleans).
Nia Robinson giving updates for Florida and Alabama
Yvonne Scruggs Leftwich reported from Florida that St. Petersburg is experiencing issues around vandalism. Car and home windows displaying Obama stickers or signs are being broken. Sheila Tyson reported from Alabama that in Birmingham lines have been long since the polls opened at 7AM. She also reported that voters who recieved thier absentee ballots after 5:00PM yesterday. They were told by poll workers that they were not allowed to cast their absentee ballots at the polling place. Sheila tried to assist the voters and sherrifs came and stopped her. She has alerted the lawyers
Nia Robinson giving updates for Florida and Alabama
Yvonne Scruggs Leftwich reported from Florida that St. Petersburg is experiencing issues around vandalism. Car and home windows displaying Obama stickers or signs are being broken. Sheila Tyson reported from Alabama that in Birmingham lines have been long since the polls opened at 7AM. She also reported that voters who recieved thier absentee ballots after 5:00PM yesterday. They were told by poll workers that they were not allowed to cast their absentee ballots at the polling place. Sheila tried to assist the voters and sherrifs came and stopped her. She has alerted the lawyers.
November 03, 2008
Heating up With No Days To Go
This election has certainly turned out to be one of the most historic elections we have on the books. For instance, the campaigns have raised record amounts of contributions and for the first time a nomination for an African-American man for the democratic spot and a femail for the Republican Vice President spot. The dynamics are historic and we just dont have to sit idly by and watch. We can vote.
With that, I voted early this morning at approximately 8:30 a.m. Although it only took me 15 minutes to vote, I stood in line since 7:00 a.m. I waited one and a half hour to be a part of the election process. In fact, this is my first time voting early or even considering it. I even slept on the floor because I simply refused to stand for 1 hour and a half. Would not you? There is no way we can miss the excitement.
With only less than a day to go, we are turning up the volume on everything we are doing. Our entire office voted early, we sent out 100,000 church fans across the country for Sunday morning worship service. Some even made Bible Study. We have knocked on thousands of doors and put door hangars on the doors reminding voters how they need to prepare to vote at polling locations and a host of other get-out-the-vote strategies.
More importantly though, is voter protection. Once we vote, we have to consider that our vote is protected. If you feel like your vote has been compromised or better yet, someone elses vote, dial our 1.866.MYVOTE1 hotline and file a complaint. This complaint gives us an opportunity to understand and strategically approach voter protection issues.
On the more positive end, I listened to Oprah today on a conference call and she mentioned that folks need to get their families out when they go to the polls tomorrow. She said, "Take someone with you." The most important thing she said though was that we need to "...celebrate the vote." Regardless for whom you vote, vote.
I will be blogging tomorrow about the issues and really would appreciate your comments. See you soon.
With that, I voted early this morning at approximately 8:30 a.m. Although it only took me 15 minutes to vote, I stood in line since 7:00 a.m. I waited one and a half hour to be a part of the election process. In fact, this is my first time voting early or even considering it. I even slept on the floor because I simply refused to stand for 1 hour and a half. Would not you? There is no way we can miss the excitement.
With only less than a day to go, we are turning up the volume on everything we are doing. Our entire office voted early, we sent out 100,000 church fans across the country for Sunday morning worship service. Some even made Bible Study. We have knocked on thousands of doors and put door hangars on the doors reminding voters how they need to prepare to vote at polling locations and a host of other get-out-the-vote strategies.
More importantly though, is voter protection. Once we vote, we have to consider that our vote is protected. If you feel like your vote has been compromised or better yet, someone elses vote, dial our 1.866.MYVOTE1 hotline and file a complaint. This complaint gives us an opportunity to understand and strategically approach voter protection issues.
On the more positive end, I listened to Oprah today on a conference call and she mentioned that folks need to get their families out when they go to the polls tomorrow. She said, "Take someone with you." The most important thing she said though was that we need to "...celebrate the vote." Regardless for whom you vote, vote.
I will be blogging tomorrow about the issues and really would appreciate your comments. See you soon.
October 30, 2008
5 Days To Go!
I cannot begin to tell you how busy it is at Black Youth Vote! We have been working tirelessly to prepare for our upcoming Post-Election Press Briefing on 12th November, 2008 at the National Press Club. We will have Jeff Johnson from B.E.T. who will moderate, Rev. Yearwood, Hip Hop Caucus, Kemba Smith, Kemba Smith Foundation, and many more young activists and mobilizers who will talk about the many issues that faced our election season as well as where do we go after election day.
We have to hold our leaders accountable after election and especially during the first 100 days in office. If they are going to make changes and do what they said they are going to do, it will be then - during the first 100 days. So, Black Youth Vote! encourages everyone to not only vote, but segway into high gear for post-election activity and participation.
Most importantly, make sure that you vote on 4th November. Make history!
We have to hold our leaders accountable after election and especially during the first 100 days in office. If they are going to make changes and do what they said they are going to do, it will be then - during the first 100 days. So, Black Youth Vote! encourages everyone to not only vote, but segway into high gear for post-election activity and participation.
Most importantly, make sure that you vote on 4th November. Make history!
October 23, 2008
Black Youth Vote! and GOTV
12 Days To Go!
It's crunch time and the Election of the century and possibly of all time is nearing on 4th November. We are pressing hard here at the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation. Part of our GOTV efforts are focusing directly on what you need to know before you go to the polls. You may have heard these before, but as I was reading The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein, I could not help but notice my bookmark featuring five things you need to know before you go the polls. Well here they are one more time.
1. VERIFY your Registration Status BEFORE Election Day – Make sure you are listed on the registration roll by calling your local Board of Elections.
2. VERIFY your polling location before ELECTION Day. Call 1-866-MYVOTE1
(1-866-698-6831).
3. BRING YOUR I.D. Don’t Leave Home Without It! To be safe, bring your voter registration card, driver’s license, government issued photo ID. If you have problems voting call Election Protection @ 1-866-OUR-VOTE.
4. VERIFY the date and location to vote early or absentee in your state @ www.blackcampaign.org then VOTE FIRST!
5. Be a part of history – VOTE FIRST!
– After you cast your ballot, text “blackyouthvote” to 69302.
DON’T LEAVE YOUR
POLLING PLACE WITHOUT VOTING.
VOTE NOV. 4, 2008
I cannot stress enough how absolutely difficult it will be on election day to vote. I am preparing my absentee ballot because I will not be able to go to the polls on that day, I have my reasons. If you cannot get the polls, you need to either vote early or by absentee ballot. Consider it fast and check with your local Board of Elections or Secretary of State to get more information or visit our Election Center at www.ncbcp.org
It's crunch time and the Election of the century and possibly of all time is nearing on 4th November. We are pressing hard here at the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation. Part of our GOTV efforts are focusing directly on what you need to know before you go to the polls. You may have heard these before, but as I was reading The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein, I could not help but notice my bookmark featuring five things you need to know before you go the polls. Well here they are one more time.
1. VERIFY your Registration Status BEFORE Election Day – Make sure you are listed on the registration roll by calling your local Board of Elections.
2. VERIFY your polling location before ELECTION Day. Call 1-866-MYVOTE1
(1-866-698-6831).
3. BRING YOUR I.D. Don’t Leave Home Without It! To be safe, bring your voter registration card, driver’s license, government issued photo ID. If you have problems voting call Election Protection @ 1-866-OUR-VOTE.
4. VERIFY the date and location to vote early or absentee in your state @ www.blackcampaign.org then VOTE FIRST!
5. Be a part of history – VOTE FIRST!
– After you cast your ballot, text “blackyouthvote” to 69302.
DON’T LEAVE YOUR
POLLING PLACE WITHOUT VOTING.
VOTE NOV. 4, 2008
I cannot stress enough how absolutely difficult it will be on election day to vote. I am preparing my absentee ballot because I will not be able to go to the polls on that day, I have my reasons. If you cannot get the polls, you need to either vote early or by absentee ballot. Consider it fast and check with your local Board of Elections or Secretary of State to get more information or visit our Election Center at www.ncbcp.org
October 22, 2008
Save-The-Date
Please Save-The-Date for the upcoming Black Youth Vote! Civic Leadership Training Conference in Washington, D.C. this November 13 - 15 as we deal with post-election issues and of course, a brand new president of the United States. No matter who that is, we are going to have to hold him or her accountable -- anything can happen to John McCain and Palin could also be the next president. The conference will kick-off with a Black Youth Vote! National Press Club Symposium on November 12, 2008 from 12-3 p.m. You will need to R.S.V.P. to blackyouthvote@ncbcp.org. Registration for the conference will be primarily on-line and will be available soon. I will keep you posted. Thanks for reading the blogspot and please leave a comment. Give yourself a voice on this BYV! blogspot.
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