Blogging Black Miami

Alpha Kappa Alpha Implements Massive Get Out the Vote Campaign

Chicago, Illinois – September 20, 2008 - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is mobilizing its members in an aggressive Get Out the Vote campaign. Triggered by what its international president Barbara A. McKinzie characterizes as a "historic election," members are fanning out to every community, neighborhood and block to educate, register and provide any service that will ensure a massive showing of voters on Election Day, November 4.

Led by the Sorority's Connection Committee, whose chair is Vanessa Rogers Long, members are forming partnerships, building coalitions and educating communities to be vigilant about schemes aimed at suppressing the vote.

Rogers Long said that the communities are excited and voter registration is at a high peak because they grasp the critical importance of this Election.

The nationwide campaign encompasses the sorority's 10 regions, several of which include states that are highly contested. The South Atlantic Region is comprised of Georgia, South Carolina and Florida, which is considered an intense battleground state.

Commentary on Race and White Privilege

The commentary below was forwarded to me by a couple of friends. Many people prefer to ignore the issue of race in the United States but this piece is thought-provoking and necessary. Let us know what you think.

This is Your Nation on White Privilege

By Tim Wise
[white anti-racist activist and writer]
9/13/08

For those who still can't grasp the concept of white privilege, or who
are constantly looking for some easy-to-understand examples of it,
perhaps this list will help.

White privilege is when you can get pregnant at seventeen like Bristol
Palin and everyone is quick to insist that your life and that of your
family is a personal matter, and that no one has a right to judge you
or your parents, because 'every family has challenges,' even as black
and Latino families with similar 'challenges' are regularly typified
as irresponsible, pathological and arbiters of social decay.

White privilege is when you can call yourself a 'f*ckin' redneck,'
like Bristol Palin's boyfriend does, and talk about how if anyone
messes with you, you'll 'kick their f*ckin' ass,' and talk about how
you like to 'shoot sh*t' for fun, and still be viewed as a
responsible, all-American boy (and a great son-in-law to be) rather
than a thug.

White privilege is when you can attend four different colleges in six
years like Sarah Palin did (one of which you basically failed out of,
then returned to after making up some coursework at a community
college), and no one questions your intelligence or commitment to
achievement, whereas a person of color who did this would be viewed as
unfit for college, and probably someone who only got in in the first
place because of affirmative action.

White privilege is when you can claim that being mayor of a town
smaller than most medium-sized colleges, and then Governor of a state
with about the same number of people as the lower fifth of the island
of Manhattan , makes you ready to potentially be president, and people
don't all piss on themselves with laughter, while being a black U.S.
Senator, two-term state Senator, and constitutional law scholar, means
you're 'untested.'

White privilege is being able to say that you support the words 'under
God' in the pledge of allegiance because 'if it was good enough for
the founding fathers, it's good enough for me,' and not be immediately
disqualified from holding office--since, after all, the pledge was
written in the late 1800s and the 'under God' part wasn't added until
the 1950s--while believing that reading accused criminals and
terrorists their rights (because, ya know, the Constitution, which you
used to teach at a prestigious law school requires it), is a dangerous
and silly idea only supported by mushy liberals.

White privilege is being able to be a gun enthusiast and not make
people immediately scared of you.

White privilege is being able to have a husband who was a member of an
extremist political party that wants your state to secede from the
Union, and whose motto was ' Alaska first,' and no one questions your
patriotism or that of your family, while if you're black and your
spouse merely fails to come to a 9/11 memorial so she can be home with
her kids on the first day of school, people immediately think she's
being disrespectful.

White privilege is being able to make fun of community organizers and
the work they do--like, among other things, fight for the right of
women to vote, or for civil rights, or the 8-hour workday, or an end
to child labor--and people think you're being pithy and tough, but if
you merely question the experience of a small town mayor and 18-month
governor with no foreign policy expertise beyond a class she took in
college--you' re somehow being mean, or even sexist.

White privilege is being able to convince white women who don't even
agree with you on any substantive issue to vote for you and your
running mate anyway, because all of a sudden your presence on the
ticket has inspired confidence in these same white women, and made
them give your party a 'second look.'

White privilege is being able to fire people who didn't support your
political campaigns and not be accused of abusing your power or being
a typical politician who engages in favoritism, while being black and
merely knowing some folks from the old-line political machines in
Chicago means you must be corrupt.

White privilege is being able to attend churches over the years whose
pastors say that people who voted for John Kerry or merely criticize
George W. Bush are going to hell, and that the U.S. is an explicitly
Christian nation and the job of Christians is to bring Christian
theological principles into government, and who bring in speakers who
say the conflict in the Middle East is God's punishment on Jews for
rejecting Jesus, and everyone can still think you're just a good
church-going Christian, but if you're black and friends with a black
pastor who has noted (as have Colin Powell and the U.S. Department of
Defense) that terrorist attacks are often the result of U.S. foreign
policy and who talks about the history of racism and its effect on
black people, you're an extremist who probably hates America .

White privilege is not knowing what the Bush Doctrine is when asked by
a reporter, and then people get angry at the reporter for asking you
such a 'trick question,' while being black and merely refusing to give
one-word answers to the queries of Bill O'Reilly means you're dodging
the question, or trying to seem overly intellectual and nuanced.

White privilege is being able to claim your experience as a POW has
anything at all to do with your fitness for president, while being
black and experiencing racism is, as Sarah Palin has referred to it a
'light' burden.

And finally, white privilege is the only thing that could possibly
allow someone to become president when he has voted with George W.
Bush 90 percent of the time, even as unemployment is skyrocketing,
people are losing their homes, inflation is rising, and the U.S. is
increasingly isolated from world opinion, just because white voters
aren't sure about that whole 'change' thing. Ya know, it's just too
vague and ill-defined, unlike, say, four more years of the same, which
is very concrete and certain.


Tim Wise,
a white, anti-racist activist & writer.

I encourage you to also read his 
'Open Letter to White Women' too. and anything else by Wise.
http://www.lipmagaz ine.org/~ timwise/Whitenes sShowing. html

The Great Debates: One down, three to go

I watched the presidential debate last night with old friends and a few new friends at The News Lounge. My new son, Matty, the manager, was cool enough to set one of their huge televisions to the presidential debate for the political junkies and concerned folks in the room. There was cheering, applause and shouting at the television --- and it wasn't me.

I don't know if anyone watching was a McCain McBush supporter. It appeared that everyone watching was pro-Obama.

Now, I think Obama won hands down. I haven't read the dissection of the debate on the internet but Obama seemed more crisp in his delivery and more analytical and comprehensive in his response. I also give McCain's McBush's handlers props for finally finding a color palate that works for him. He usually looks sick. I also give him credit for the stamina to stand so long. He could have been assisted by steroids and he could not be able to stand this morning but he made it through last night.

What bothered me just a tad was the number of people who were not watching the debate. Let me tell ya, that's a scary thing. Far more people were NOT watching than were watching and that was symbolic of how and why our country is as screwed up as it is.

There were no knockouts but Obama did land quite a few punches. I loved it when he put McCain McBush McNasty in check each time he told a lie about Obama's position on and issue or about Obama's voting record.

If we're not more attentive to the political scene in the United States and throughout the world, we'll find ourselves funding welfare for Wall Street; in Iraq for 100 years and paying $10 for a gallon of gas.

Click here to help me reach my fundraising goal for Barack Obama!

© 2008, Blogging Black Miami, www.bloggingblackmiami.com

Cocktails & Conversation with Lorna Owens

An exceptional evening is being planned JUST FOR YOU and YOU won’t want to miss Lorna Owens, a graduate of the University of Florida School of Law, Gainesville, Florida and has operated her own law practice since 1993, practicing in the area of criminal law and entertainment law. She has most recently written a book for which she will be signing entitled, “Everyday Grace, Everyday Miracles”. You won’t want to miss it!!
 
When: October 16th – 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Where: Coconut Grove Gallery & Interiors, 2884 Bird Avenue, Coconut Grove
What: Cocktails and Conversation
RSVP: Gussie Flynn, Director of Development & Community Relations, 305-377-9922 x 203
 

Broward County Commissioners select Bertha Henry to fill County Administrator position

Congratulations, Bertha Henry, Broward County Administrator!

Thank God, eight of the nine Broward County Commissioners did the right thing and voted for Bertha Henry to permanently fill the County Administrator position. Since Henry has been filling the position for almost a year, there's no reason to expect her function any differently now that she's in the permanent position.

Now, let's just talk about contrarian, John Rodstrom for a moment. This guy, who seems to have a bone to pick with Henry and her husband, Westside Gazette publisher, Bobby Henry; has just set himself up as biased when it comes to her performance.

Rodstrom refused to make the vote for Henry unanimous and that's not a good thing for him as a public official. Rodstrom is upset that Bobby Henry supported his opponent, Carlton Moore, and although Rodstrom won, he's taking it out on Henry. What's that about? He says differently but action speaks louder than words.

We'll just keep a closer eye out on Broward County politics and keep Blogging Black Miami readers posted.

 

Related Links:

Miami Herald: Bertha Henry named Broward County administrator

CBS4 News: Broward Gets A New County Administrator

The Westside Gazette: The Third time is a Charm

 

 

©2008, Blogging Black Miami, www.bloggingblackmiami.com

 

 

Tyler Perry campaigns for Obama tomorrow in Miami

Meet actor Tyler Perry & register Miami voters for Barack this Friday! 10am at 450 NW 14th St. or 11:45am at 1350 NW 95th St. More info at My.BarackObama.com/TP

Florida Panthers Launch Countdown to Opening Night

The Florida Panthers launched their Countdown to Opening Night driven by Hyundai on Wednesday, Sept. 10 with Panthers head coach Peter DeBoer making a surprise guest appearance on Sports Talk 790 The Ticket with Sid Rosenberg. The Countdown to Opening Night consists of a variety of community, promotional, radio and television appearances that began on Sept. 10 and continues for 31 days leading up to the club's home opener on Oct. 11 against Atlanta at 7 p.m.

The Countdown to Opening Night will be highlighted by four exclusive invitation-only season seat owner parties that will take place at Mayors, North America's leading luxury brand and manufacturer of fine jewelry. At these parties, which will take place at select Mayors South Florida retail locations, fans will have the chance to meet Panthers players, as well as have the opportunity to enter to win a Mayors and Panthers prize package worth more than $2,000.

A complete list of Countdown to Opening Night events and appearances can be found at www.floridapanthers.com.

©2008, Blogging Black Miami, www.bloggingblackmiami.com

No Match…No Vote…No Good

The trickery and slickery of the Rethuglican Party is live and in full effect. To counteract the record number of blacks, Latinos and college students that have registered to vote and become participants in the political process, Florida and three other Republican-led states have implemented the "No Match, No Vote Law."

The law invalidates voter registration in the state's automated database if a person's driver's license number or the last four digits of the voter's Social Security number do not match numbers in other databases. Voters are supposed to be notified of discrepancies in the two months before an election. Chances are that won't happen because county elections supervisors are extremely busy and may not be able to contact all voters with mismatches.

In typical Rethuglican fashion, Florida's governor, Charlie Crist touts preventing voter fraud as the impetus behind this law. Sure, it sounds good but implementing the law now only adds to the possibility of confusion and disenfranchisement of thousands of voters.

That's all we need; more jokes about how we are too stupid or too corrupt to hold a presidential election.

Go to your supervisor of elections' website to check your voting status early to avoid election day drama. If you live in Miami-Dade County, verify your voting status by clicking this link: http://www.miamidade.gov/elections/ab-status.asp. Please spread the word.   

©2008, Blogging Black Miami, www.bloggingblackmiami.com

Note to Broward County Commissioners: Do the Right Thing – Select Bertha Henry as Broward County Administrator

The Board of Commissioners of Broward County has the golden opportunity to do the right thing by selecting Bertha Henry as its permanent County Administrator. Henry has more than capably served the county as Interim County Administrator since October 2007.

Who's kidding whom? Had Henry not performed exceptionally, she would have been removed from that position with the quickness.

It's undeniably important to many that the selection of Henry would be historic as she would become the first black female Broward County Administrator. Yes, she should be celebrated for that accomplishment but more important is that she is more than capable, more than qualified and has already demonstrated that she can do the job.

Having known Henry since junior high school, I know just how intelligent and talented she's been since childhood. To deny her the position of County Administrator would be a travesty, indeed.

I'm not a Broward County resident although I feel like one in the blending of my Broward County and Miami-Dade County activities. I also spend enough money in Broward to have an opinion and express it to the Broward County Commissioners.

While the latest reports show that the Commission will likely offer the permanent position to Henry; she was still shy of one vote to guarantee her the position.

Join me in showing the Commissioners support for Henry for the permanent position of Broward County Administrator. Call, e-mail or fax the County Commissioners. Here is their contact information:

 

Mayor Lois Wexler

District 5

Phone: (954) 357-7005 Fax: (954) 357-7044

Email: lwexler@broward.org

 

Broward County Commissioner Ilene Lieberman

District 1

Phone: (954) 357-7001 Fax: (954) 357-7295

Email: ilieberman@broward.org

 

Broward County Commissioner Ken Keechl

District 4

Phone: (954) 357-7004 Fax: (954) 357-7798

Email: kkeechl@broward.org

 

Broward County Commissioner John Rodstrom

District 7

Phone: (954) 357-7007 Fax: (954) 357-8088

Email: jrodstrom@broward.org

 

Vice Mayor Stacy Ritter

District 3

Phone: (954) 357-7003 Fax: (954) 357-7319

Email: sritter@broward.org

 

 

Broward County Commissioner Kristin Jacobs

District 2

Phone: (954) 357-7002 Fax: (954) 357-7295

Email: kjacobs@broward.org

 

Broward County Commissioner Sue Gunzburger

District 6

Phone: (954) 357-7006 Fax: (954) 357-7129

Email: sgunzburger@broward.org

 

Broward County Commissioner Diana Wasserman-Rubin

District 8

Phone: (954) 357-7008 Fax: (954) 357-5704

Email: dwassermanrubin@broward.org

 

Broward County Commissioner Josephus Eggelletion

District 9

Phone: (954) 357-7009 Fax: (954) 357-3879

Email: jeggelletion@broward.org

 

 

Florida A & M University Students Repeat as National Champions in the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) National Student Case Competition Sponsored by Chrysler LLC

• First school during history of competition sponsorship to achieve consecutive wins
• Competition held as part of the 30th National Black MBA Conference
• Teams from the nation's leading business schools compete for scholarships totaling $35,000

Washington, D.C., Sep 19, 2008  -  MBA candidates from 30 of the nation's leading business schools competed for $35,000 in scholarships in the 2008 National Student Case Competition, sponsored by The Chrysler Foundation, Chrysler LLC and Chrysler Financial, and held during the 30th annual conference of the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) in Washington, D.C. The students from Florida A & M University (FAMU) took home the first place trophy and repeat as national champions of the competition.

Tiffani Davis, Dallas, Tex; Lia Naomi White, Greenville, S.C.; and John V. Hinson, Jr, Miami, Fla., all MBA students at FAMU, finished in first place, netting $15,000 in scholarship money and three championship trophies. Second place and third place went to The University of Tennessee and The University of Texas at Austin, each winning $12,000 and $8,000 in scholarship money respectively.

"The students displayed an impressive grasp of global business dynamics as it relates to this year challenging case study," said Kim Harris Jones, Chrysler LLC Senior Vice President - Corporate Controller and Auditor. "In particular, the students from Florida A & M delivered a sound analysis and unique solution that rose to the top to once again capture first place."

Sponsored by Chrysler LLC, the National Student Case Competition is designed to give student teams an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and problem-solving skills in a formal competition. Teams were given a hypothetical business case from which they developed model business solutions. Each team then prepares its case and presents it before a panel of corporate executives and business professionals. They are judged on analysis, quality of presentation and the feasibility of their recommendations.

"For 14 years Chrysler has enabled over 1,200 students to present their analysis and recommendations to real-world problems during the National Student Case Competition," said Frank Fountain, Chrysler LLC Senior Vice President – External Affairs and Public Policy, and President – The Chrysler Foundation. "This competition has evolved into the premier showcase event for student achievement at the annual National Black MBA Association Conference."

Chrysler has been the exclusive sponsor of the National Student Case Competition at the National Black MBA Association conference since 1995.

About Chrysler LLC
Chrysler LLC, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., produces Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Mopar® brand vehicles and products. Total sales worldwide in 2007 were 2.7 million vehicles. Sales outside of North America were the highest ever with an increase of 15 percent over 2006. Its product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee and Dodge Challenger and Ram. The Chrysler Foundation, the company's philanthropic arm, annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations in the United States and throughout the world. In 2007, the Foundation gave approximately $21 million in charitable donations.

Chrysler Financial
Chrysler Financial offers automotive financial products and services to both dealers and consumers of Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge vehicles in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Venezuela. In addition it offers vehicle wholesale and retail financing to more than 3,600 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers. Currently, nearly three million drivers in the United States enjoy the benefits of financing with Chrysler Financial. Chrysler Financial has an employee base of 4,000 and supports a global portfolio of $70 billion. For more information, visit corp.chryslerfinancial.com.