An Appeal to the Real'

As I sat there listening to Barack Obama's speech on Tuesday, I realized about 10 minutes into it, that I would remember this event for a very long time, possibly the rest of my life. It was an historical moment in politics--I think that goes without saying. But as an "80s baby", it was truly my first experience witnessing a major political figure engage in the politics of race in America--while knowing that the rest of the world was watching with me (or would be watching clips on youtube later). This is not an endoresment for Senator Obama. This isn't even about Obama. (Black Youth Vote! is a a program of NCBCP, a non-partisan 501(c)3 organization.) I bring his speech up because because it captured the spirit and underlying mission of many young black political activists I work and grind with on the day-to-day.

That mission, I believe, is to move past the racial disparities in America. People of color are tired of talking about racial problems just like many white Americans may be tired of hearing about them! But Black, Latino, Asian, and Indigenous people will not move past those racial problems until they are dealt with by the larger American community-- not as subset issues on a grand agenda, but as a priority issues given wide and critical attention by national leaders. Will our generation be ready to overcome the deep-seated resentment instilled in us by our elders? This, I pose, SHOULD BE the greatest challenge of the "Millenial Generation." And while it may be popular rhetoric, I'm not convinced that we ALL see issues like poor schools, growing prison populations, closing public hospitals, youth crime, drug abuse, affordable housing and immigrants rights as AMERICAN PROBLEMS and not "other" people's problems.

If so, it would be a radical change from the American tradition. Too many times throughout history have Black people reached out to groups for assistance and acceptance and been given a REAL chilly shoulder. Or, instead, had their efforts co-opted, deceptively used to serve a separate agenda, or half-heartedly supported just to gain the trust of black voters. Still, there is no denying the fact that when we sincerely work together cross-racially--the results are off the chain. A hero among American journalists, Ida B. Wells traveled across the country, and even to Europe to enlist support for her grassroots campaign against the lynching of Blacks in America. Their willing support increased awareness abroad, and produced embarassment of their relatives in the US. Likewise, the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), a black inception, engaged white students early on in its work in the civil rights movement. The support of these white students fostered the growing support and empathy of the black struggle during that period of change. Lastly, the appointment of our many strong, unapologetically Black members of Congress, and other elected officials, prove to be proud products of cross-racial organizing at its best.

What is unique about the hip hop or "Millenial" generation, I believe, is that many of us do indeed see great potential in the idea of a Multicultural America--A place where we can walk our hoods and not be constantly reminded of the tragic racial inequality that exists. We are eager to gain perspective from others' struggles, and share our own with the world without shame.

We are coming up in the game. The next 50 to 60 years are in our hands, ya'll. We must break out of the habit of allowing racial discourse to occur strictly during times of media spectacle, and force it onto the table as a topic of importance despite who is running for office, who is on trial, or who is up for the grammys at the time.

WE ARE NOT VICTIMS. Contrary to popular belief, young Black people especially are tired of being victimized. This is not our cause. However, it is our history that is our essence; and to deny or forget about that history and the fight of our parents, grandparents and elders would be a sign of ingratitude and great disrespect of the collective Black struggle. I believe this is also the case for other disenfranchised groups as well. AND, until these histories are recognized, appreciated, and their problematic manifestations of today justly dealt with, our generation will make NO PROGRESS, and play no significant role in world history.

Is larger society ready to deal with our issues for real?

Is there really a significant difference between the millenial generation and the baby-boomers?

Who is already incorporating this solution into their work?

Will the outcome of the election in November 08 determine people's readiness and excitement to make these changes happen?

PLEASE SHARE YOUR COMMENTS!

Speaking the Truth!

Two days before the "Texas Two Step," nearly 150 Dallas residents were able to participate in a community forum at Paul Quinn College sponsored by Black Youth Vote! At the community forum held on March 2nd, attendees were motivated and called to action with inspirational messages brought forth by Carl B. Mack and Jeff Johnson. Residents were able to speak directly with their city councilman Tennell Atkins and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Carraway who were both in attendance at the event. They questioned the lack of economic development in the southern sector of the city and the educational state of the Dallas Independent School District. In addition with the assistance of other panelists, students from Paul Quinn College and community members learned about the voting process in Texas clarifying the primaries and the caucuses. Attendees won give-aways ranging from CVS Pharmacy Gift Cards to an Apple Ipod donated by Texas Instruments.

Black Youth Vote appreciates its partners in this event:
-Paul Quinn College
-Urban League of Greater Dallas Young Professionals
-Equal Justice
-Hip Hop Government
-Metropolitan Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta
-97.9 The Beat

BE THE CHANGE! - Speak Out!

Black Youth Vote-Texas Helps Protect the Vote in Prairie View, Texas

BYV Marches in Prairie View, TEXAS

Black Youth Vote! Takes Part in the March Against Student Voter Disenfranchisement in Prairie View, Texas .

check out the videos!


Black Youth Vote! Texas – Protecting the Vote http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlh03PMr63c
Black Youth Vote! Texas – Power in numbers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvDAiWWuvRg&feature=related
Congressman Al Green marches with PVAMU students http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRAaSvt99T4&feature=related
TSU students join PVAMU students to march for voting justice http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWfUP2FFGoQ&feature=related
First early voter after 7.2 mile march http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTmt8PcZouQ&feature=related

UPCOMING BYV! EVENTS--February and March

Black Youth Vote! Sponsors Screening of CHICAGO 10 in Washington DC!
7:00pm
February 19, 2008,
Gallery Place Theater

In partnership with Participant Productions, Black Youth Vote! offers a special screening and discussion of the new release CHICAGO 10. With a special post-discussion led by Stefanie Brown, NAACP College and Youth Division Director.

Limited seating is available, so get there early!

RSVP to blackyouthvote@ncbcp.org
Contact Jordan Thierry at (503) 544-3493 for more information.

March Against Student Voter Disenfranchisement
Prarie View A&M University - Student Center
Prarie View, Texas to Hempstead, Texas (Waller County)
February 19 2008, 9:00 am


Four years ago, 5,000 students marched seven miles from their Prairie View AMU campus to the Waller County Courthouse to demand the right to vote without intimation, and to ask the State of Texas to intervene in the matter. In the 2006 election, hundreds of newly registered students were turned away from the polls and forced to vote with provisional ballots because their names were never added to the Waller County voter registration rolls.

Recently the Waller County Commission decided to eliminate six early voting locations in the county including the one adjacent to campus. Presently, the United States Department of Justice has failed to reject the County's polling elimination change, thus requiring PVAMU students to drive or walk 7.3 miles to vote in an adjacent town, Hempstead, TX. Waller County covers 525 square miles and has only 1 polling site for early voting this year.

Thousands are expected to participate in this historic march against student voter disenfranchisement. Students have a right to vote, and students will fight for that right!

The March and Rally is sponsored by the PVAMU Student Government Association and Black Youth Vote! Texas. Organizers are inviting community organizers, and students from other colleges, universities, and high schools to join in supporting PVAMU student efforts to stop intimidation and disenfranchisement of young voters.

JOIN US!

For more information on how you can participate feel free to contact Christina Sanders at christinadsanders@gmail.com or via phone at 713.899.0737.

Justice Speak Out! Rally in Dallas, Texas
Paul Quinn College Gymnasium
Sunday, March 2, 2007 3:00-6:00pm

Black Youth Vote! will host its 5th Justice Speak Out! event of 2008 at Paul Quinn College on March 2, 2007. All students and surrounding community members are invited to come and speak out about the pressing issues in their community, and what needs to be done to fix them!
Sponsored by Black Youth Vote! and Paul Quinn College Student Government Association.
Featured Speakers:
Chancee Lundy, Black Youth Vote Advisory Board Co-Chair and Carl B. Mack, Executive Director of the National Society of Black Engineers.
Voting Rights Information Provided!

FOOD AND MUSIC PROVIDED. COME JOIN US!!

For more information contact Chancee Lundy at clundy@chancee.com or call Jordan Thierry at (202) 659-4929.






Justice Speak Out! Rally in Houston, Texas
Texas Southern University
Monday, March 3, 2007

Students in Houston gear up for the Primaries taking place Tuesday, March 4th 2008, with a rally the day before at Texas Southern University! Exact time is TBA.

Voting Rights Information Provided!

Food and Music Provided!

For more information please contact Christina Sanders at 713.899.0737

COMING SOON….

Black Youth Vote-Operation Big Vote Training Academy!
April 10-13, 2008
Miami, Florida

Email Jordan Thierry at blackyouthvote@ncbcp.org for more information.

MEDIA ADVISORYFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: Jan. 28, 2008Contact: Edrea Davis: 818.613.9521/202.659.4929

BLACK YOUTH VOTE! JUSTICE SPEAK OUT FEATURING BET’S JEFF JOHNSON , V-103’S MISS SOPHIA AND REP. ALISHA THOMAS MORGAN

Forum seeks to motivate Black youth to vote in the upcoming primary Atlanta, GA – After successfully galvanizing young voters for the South Carolina primaries, the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation's (NCBCP) youth division, Black Youth Vote (BYV) will host a Justice Speak Out Wednesday, January 30, 2008, on the campus of Clark Atlanta University. The town hall type forum is designed to mobilize young voters issues that impact them and ultimately increase youth participation in the Feb. 5 primary. The Black Youth Vote! Justice Speak Out Tour kicked-off last week in Orangeburg, SC and will move on to Alabama after galvanizing Atlanta youth. The event is free and open to the public.

WHO: Participants include: Jeff Johnson of the popular Jeff Johnson Chronicles and a moderator of the informative BET panel discussion “Hip-Hop Vs. America;” Diallo Brooks, National Co-Chair, Black Youth Vote; Kevin Parker, Chief Operating Officer, NCBCP; Rep. Alisha Thomas Morgan; Miss Sophia, V-103 radio personality; Yemayah Bourdain-Stallworth, BYV Georgia; and SGA Presidents from Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College and Morehouse College. Co-Hosts: NCBCP, BYV Georgia, Coalition for the Peoples’ Agenda, SGA Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College & Morehouse College, Center for Citizen Participation at CAU, Georgia Youth, college chapters of NAACP, and AUC Pan-Hellenic Council.

WHERE: Clark Atlanta University Student Center - Multi Purpose Room 223 James P. Brawley Drive (next to parking deck)

WHEN: DATE: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 TIME: 11 AM –2:00 PM ET CONTACT: This is a FREE event. The public and the media are invited to attend. Media RSVP to Edrea Davis 818.613.9521 or edmedia@dogonvillage.com.

Black Youth Vote!, (www.ncbcp.org/byv) the youth division of the NCBCP, is a national grassroots coalition of organizations and individuals committed to increasing political and civic involvement among Black men and women aged 18-35. Founded in 1996, the youth led organization educates young adults about the political process and trains them to identify issues and influence public policy through participation. BYV! has been instrumental reversing the downward spiral among young voters and educating voters who are increasingly disenfranchised from the electoral and legislative process.

Police Officer shot and Killed in New Orleans

(From the New Orleans Agenda) NEW ORLEANS -- Officer Nicola Cotton was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a rape suspect in a parking lot off of Earhart Boulevard. She had responded to the location after being informed by dispatch that the suspect was there. As she attempted to put a handcuff on the man, who was twice her size, he pulled away and began to struggle. During the struggle she lost control of her radio, but was able to recover it and called for assistance. As the struggle continued the suspect was then able to gain control of her duty weapon and shot her several times. Responding units arrived at the scene approximately two minutes after she was shot and located the suspect still holding her service weapon. He was taken into custody by the responding officers. Officer Cotton had served with the agency for 2 years.