Blogging Black Miami

FAMU cancels Summer Band Camp and suspends membership intake for student organizations

Florida A&M University President Dr. James Ammons announced the cancellation of the 2012 Summer Band Camp and temporary suspension of membership intake for all student organizations, fraternities and sororities until Fall 2012. 

These measures have been taken in light of the hazing death of FAMU drum major Robert Champion and the hazing incidents in the media since that November 2011 tragedy. 

Dr. Ammons’ announcement also included clarification that the University’s music program has not been terminated. There is also  a review process for academic based organizations which will remove them from suspended status.

Robert Champion's Death Possibly a Hate Crime [VIDEO]

Well, the word is finally out. The death of Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion may have been a hate crime due to his sexual orientation. Those who didn't know Champion but followed the Twitter timeline shortly after his death, saw the comments about Champion being targeted because he was gay.

Champion's parents don't feel their son was targeted because he was gay because many others were aware of his sexual orientation. Time will tell as the investigation takes it course but this new layer may explain why we have yet to hear of any arrests in this case.

I would like to think we have arrived at a point where sexual orientation is not an issue but the truth is, we are not there yet. And, for a prestigious position such as Marching 100 Head Drum Major, a homosexual male would be a problem for many people, let's be honest. No matter how tolerant many people have become, a masculine lesbian would be more accepting than a gay male. Such is the nature of our culture today.

We are seeing some things fall in place such as the bus company, Fabulous Coach Lines, being sued for negligence. The sequence of events and access to the bus have been nagging questions from Day One. Who knows what else is to come because of this incident. Let's just chill and be prepared for whatever.

Regardless of the Champion family's assertion that Robert was not killed because he was gay but because he opposed hazing, his sexual orientation disclosure has taken a life of it's own with expected outrage from the gay community and their supporters. Stay tuned.

 

 

 

Bank of America shut down!

On Tuesday, November 1, 2011, 200 people from the 99% marched on the 1%, Bank of America, in Miami. They marched from the Bethel AME Church in Overtown, one of the hardest hit Black communities in Miami, to the downtown branch of Bank of America, where bank managers locked the doors before angry customers could go in and close their accounts.

BoA is a clear representative of the 1% and how they treat the rest of America. BoA continues to foreclose on homes, continues to nickel and dime customers through stupid fees, and continues to function on greed.

The Miami Workers Center will continue fighting for the 99%, working towards racial and economic justice for all people. Stay tuned!

Rep. Stafford's Message as Judge Scriven Strikes Down Drug Testing Requirement for Public Assistance Applicants

REP. CYNTHIA STAFFORD PRAISES JUDGE'S DECISION
TO HALT ENFORCEMENT OF LAW MANDATING
DRUG TESTING OF ASSISTANCE APPLICANTS

Rep. Stafford Sponsors HB 4065 To Permanent Repeal TANF Drug Testing Mandate

MIAMI, Fla. -- As the result of a lawsuit brought by the ACLU of Florida and the Florida Justice Institute (FJI), today U.S. District Judge Mary Scriven halted enforcement of Florida’s new law mandating drug tests for all applicants for the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

The judge ruled that the compelled drug testing is a search under the 4th Amendment, and that individuals retain a right of privacy against such intrusive, suspicionless searches by the state, even when applying for temporary assistance.

Representative Cynthia Stafford (D-Miami) issued the following statement pertaining to today's judicial order:

"I commend the ACLU of Florida and the Florida Justice Institute for pursuing what many consider an unjust attack on lower-income people and a very vulnerable population in Florida. The vigorous attempts to squash the legislation that mandated this testing are supported by today's court order.

"I also am the proud sponsor of House Bill 4065 for the 2012 legislative session to permanently repeal this unjust requirement. I look forward to the passage of HB 4065 by the Florida Legislature."

MDC Joins the Americas Society/Council of the Americas and the City of Miami to Host a Policy Discussion on Haiti’s New Administration and Book Launch Sept. 12

Miami, FL  – Miami Dade College (MDC) has partnered with the Americas Society/Council of the Americas, and the City of Miami to present “What’s Next for Haiti?”, a discussion about the country’s new administration and policies, along with the launch of the book Fixing Haiti: Minustah and Beyond, at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12, at the Wolfson Campus in downtown Miami. Jorge Heine, co-editor of the book, a former ambassador of Chile to India and distinguished chair with the Center for International Governance and Innovation, will be present to provide his insight.

Ms. Cookie vs. Gov. Scott: Who blinks first?

It is a scary time in Florida with Governor Rick Scott and his legislators, pushing through all sorts of attacks on low-income people of color. But folks are fighting back. 

MWC (Miami Workers Center) leader Rosalie "Cookie" Whiley filed a lawsuit against the Governor two days ago, to overturn one of the three Executive Orders made on his first day in office. Executive Order 11-01 stops state agencies from making or changing rules within their respective agencies, and transfers all power to a new, consolidated agency--the Office of Fiscal Accountability and Regulatory Reform.

Like a lot of attacks on our communities, it sounds almost good at first, and it is couched in language that we like (accountability, reform...). That's where it gets tricky. 

This Executive Order stopped all rule-making measures taken by what were once self-governing agencies that, among other things, would have made it physically easier for Ms. Cookie, who is blind, to reapply for food stamps online. Because the Governor stripped the Department of Children and Family Services of its self-governance, all of its rule-makings in progress stopped immediately in their tracks. 

This seeming minutia of governance (agency rule-making) has a big impact, including--but not at all limited to--impeding reapplication for food stamps.

It also serves as a stark example of where this Governor is overstepping his legal powers. Ms. Cookie's complaint against the Governor asserts that the Executive Branch does not have power over agency rule-making and is, in fact, blatantly unconstitutional. 

As the attacks continue, Ms. Cookie and the rest of the leaders and members of the Miami Workers Center, LIFFT, and MIA will continue defending our rights and working towards community based solutions to the problems that confront our neighborhoods. 

Thank you, Ms. Cookie! Stay tuned for more info on her battle with Governor Rick Scott. 

 

MDC Campuses Celebrate Black History with Free Community Events

Miami – Every year, Miami Dade College (MDC) recognizes Black History Month with an array of community and educational activities at each of its eight campuses. College administrators believe students, as well as the community at large, should be mindful of the contributions made by black Americans throughout this country’s history, both past and present. Below is a list of some Black History Month activities being held at MDC’s various campuses.

For a complete list of MDC’s Black History events, visit http://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=59889&pre=1.

 

Workshop hosted by local organization Seed305 on history of blacks in Miami

Wednesday, Feb. 9 at noon

Join Seed305 for a workshop on racism, the history of blacks in Miami, and how people of color internalize racism in the context of Miami’s multi-ethnic/racial populations. Seed305’s mission is to build a movement for fundamental social change through political education. 

Hialeah Campus, 1776 W. 49^th St., Rooms 1119 and 1120

 

Afro-German Victims of the Holocaust

Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 11:15 a.m.

This lecture will address how Germany treated its black colonial and black German citizens, as well as African-American prisoners of war. Hosted by professors Randall Kaufman and Magdalena Lamarre.

Homestead Campus, 500 College Terrace, Room F222

 

Voices from the Grave

Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 10 a.m.

A presentation featuring voice recordings of some of the last living slaves. Hear them speak in their own voice.

InterAmerican Campus, 627 S.W. 27^th Ave., Room 3103

 

Closing Celebration

Thursday, Feb. 24 at noon

Keynote speaker Renee Kilpatrick details the story of her childhood in Alabama and her direct relationship with the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Refreshments will be served.

InterAmerican Campus, 627 S.W.  27^th Ave., Room 401

 

Jubilation Dance Ensemble: Buffalo Soldier

Wednesday, Feb. 23 at noon

The Kendall Campus Jubilation Dance Ensemble will perform a variety of pieces influenced by the narrative Buffalo Soldier. This moving narrative explores the discourse, dialogue and experiences of African-Americans in the Civil War.

Kendall Campus, 11011 S.W. 104^th St., McCarthy Theater, Room 6120

 

Big Band Concert

Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Students and faculty from Kendall Campus’ music department will perform selections made famous by legendary African-American jazz musicians and composers.

Kendall Campus, 11011 S.W. 104^th St., McCarthy Theater, Room 6120

 

Cotton Club

Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.

In the spirit of the 1920’s Harlem Renaissance era, volunteer artists will perform songs, dance and recite poetry. The artists will pay tribute to legendary musicians, singers and writers.

Kendall Campus, 11011 S.W. 104^th St., McCarthy Theater, Room 6120

 

Jazz and Poetry Café

Wednesday, Feb. 16 at noon

Hear spoken words from local Haitian poets and listen to music from the Kendall Campus Jazz Band.

Medical Center Campus, 950 N.W. 20^th St., Room 1175, Auditorium

 

Panel Discussion: The Underground Railroad: Would you break the law in the name of justice?

Thursday, Feb. 24 at 11:30 a.m.

Local and institutional scholars discuss Harriett Tubman, who operated the Underground Railroad and helped deliver thousands of slaves to freedom in the north.

North Campus, 11380 N.W. 27^th Ave., M.J. Taylor Lounge, Room 4207

 

Gospel Fest

Saturday, Feb. 26 at 4 p.m.

Urban contemporary gospel music takes center stage at this electrifying event featuring local and regional gospel dance groups, quartets, vocalists, and choirs.

North Campus, 11380 N.W. 27^th Ave., Building 4, Breezeway

 

The History of Black Colleges and Universities

Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 9:50 a.m.

Learn how Black colleges and universities originated and the status of these institutions today. Hosted by Professor Renee Kilpatrick.

West Campus, 3800 N.W. 115^th Ave., Room 1101

 

Ethnic Foods and Nutrition

Thursday, Feb. 24 at 1:30 p.m.

Professor Jorge Monserrate discusses nutrition and ethnic foods. Hosted by MDC’s Wellness Center.

Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. 2^nd Ave., Building 7, Room 7128

 

Heart of Liberty City Forum: Progress or More of the Same?

_{Heart of Liberty City Forum - Thursday, 02/03/2011 - Church of the Open Door} 

I attended the Heart of Liberty City forum Thursday night at the Church of the Open Door. It was scheduled to start at 6 pm. When I arrived the parking lot was already almost filled to capacity and cars were still pulling into the lot. That was a good sign because too many important community meetings are not well attended.

After signing in and finding somewhere to sit, I scanned the room and saw a few familiar faces. Many of the attendees were taking advantage of the refreshments and others were in engaged in conversation. The atmosphere was warm and inviting and the sound of the African drumming added to the communal ambience.

TACOLCY CEO Alison Austin welcomed everyone and Rev. Dr. Joaquin Willis, pastor of the Church of the Open Door, delivered an inspirational prayer. There was a brief PowerPoint presentation on Liberty City, its current plight and visions for the future by the Miami Workers Center’s Lead Organizer Hashim Yeomans-Benford. After the presentation, Stephanie Sylvestre facilitated the small group discussion segment.

Each table of individuals was asked if they supported a community alliance to establish a strong, unified voice in determining the future of Liberty City. Everyone in attendance seemed to rally around the alliance recommendation but the rest of the meeting seemed to rapidly deteriorate in an attempt to garner consensus around other issues.

As a representative for each table group spoke, a disconnect between the organizers and many in attendance became apparent. After talking with my tablemates and others in attendance, there was a desire for more information on the MLK Transit Village Project and the designation of The Carlisle Development Group as the developer. Some came to hear from the developer, others had negative history with The Carlisle Group and there is overwhelming distrust of county government to do the right thing for the residents in Liberty City. Passionate comments by Tyrone Greene of Greene Dreams Shoe Repair pretty much sealed the deal on expressing community discontent.

When the evening was coming to a close, there was an odd and awkward exchange between Austin and Rep. Darryl Reaves who asked a question about The Carlisle Group. Austin’s retort and insistence multiple times that the meeting was not about Carlisle led to grumbling by folks in my immediate area about secrecy and the transit project being another empty promise to the black community. Moreover, urging local residents to call County Manager George Burgess and Matt Greer of The Carlisle Group and ask them to reach a resolution before February 8 just didn't seem right without knowing what that resolution will be.

Perhaps the forum agenda was not well thought out and too ambitious for the period of time allotted. Perhaps sharing substantive project background information could have quickly brought everyone up to speed and on the same page. I don’t think the audience push back was expected; if it was there was no strategy used to effectively mitigate it.

I got a better sense of the MLK Transit Village Project after the forum via internet research and talking with individuals with knowledge of it since its inception. There is also confusion about the next steps since the County website shows the Regional Transportation Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, February 7, 9:30 - Noon not Tuesday February 8. The MLK Transit Village Project is not specifically identified as a topic to be discussed but I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation for the meeting confusion. Besides, it’s important to just be ready at all times.

When all is said and done, prayerfully, the community alliance will be formed and there will be more outreach in crafting the vision for and fighting for fair treatment of blacks in the redevelopment of the 7th Avenue Corridor in Liberty City. Residents and small business owners are angry. They do not trust county government and are tired of broken promises. Nevertheless, the people must make demands and follow through on making sure those demands are met. If there will be progress we must move from emotion to action.

I overstand that organizers of the forum understand the adage that if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu and are trying to get in front of and trying to drive needed community engagement in the Transit Village Project because its construction is needed and seems inevitable. The devil will be in the details of the actual construction of the MLK Transit Village Project and further development of the 7th Avenue Corridor.

One thing the community must not do is become paralyzed because of the misdeeds of others in the past. The happy medium is to do right by the small businesses in the community and the residents. It’s time to recoup, regroup and move forward.

 

Related Links:

A Policy Paper on Community Development in Liberty-Model City

Millions for deals, not for merchants

Executive Summary and Transmittal of the OIG1s Final Audit Report on the Agreement Between Miami-Dade Transit and the Miami-Dade Empowerment Trust to Jointly Develop the 7th Avenue Transit Village Project, Ref. IG07-09 

Transit Village takes root in Liberty City 

Our Fight for a Fair Transit Village

 

© 2011, Blogging Black Miami, www.bloggingblackmiami.com 

Justice for Akil Larue Oliver: "Losing a life over 7 cents don't make no sense." [VIDEO]

^{Mr. Willie Moseley fights for justice for his grandson, Akil Larue Oliver, who was beaten death.}

 

“There comes a time when people get tired of being plunged into the abyss of exploitation and nagging injustice.”  ~Martin Luther King, Jr., Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story, 1958

After attending the Martin Luther King Parade in West Perrine on Saturday, January 15, 2011, I found myself at the site of the protest of the murder of Akil Larue Oliver. This was not a planned stop but one of those moments where I was not in control but was being led to do God’s will. Anyway, before I lose some of you on a spiritual tip, let me just say that it was encouraging to see this small but dedicated group of people continue this boycott in seeking justice for Akil Larue Oliver and economic justice for the people who have patronized the Quick Shop convenience store in Perrine.

It’s 2011 and I keep feeling as though there is a need to fight for basic rights just as my parents did in the 1960’s. There are many issues that need to be addressed surrounding this store, the activities that allegedly have taken place in the store and the brutal beating death of Akil Larue Oliver.

We will continue to ask questions about this situation and interview those involved in the protest and resolution of this situation. We’ll talk about respect, disrespect and self-respect. Nothing happens to one person that doesn’t impact someone else.

On this day that we celebrate the birth of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., let’s think on this:

“If you will protest courageously, and yet with dignity and Christian love, when the history books are written in future generations, the historians will have to pause and say, "There lived a great people - a black people - who injected new meaning and dignity into the veins of civilization."  This is our challenge and our overwhelming responsibility.”  ~Martin Luther King, Jr., address to Holt Street Baptist Church, 5 December 1955

 

Presidential Proclamation -- Veterans Day

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
 

On Veterans Day, we come together to pay tribute to the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Americans across this land commemorate the patriots who have risked their lives to preserve the liberty of our Nation, the families who support them, and the heroes no longer with us. It is not our weapons or our technology that make us the most advanced military in the world; it is the unparalleled spirit, skill, and devotion of our troops. As we honor our veterans with ceremonies on this day, let our actions strengthen the bond between a Nation and her warriors.

In an unbroken line of valor stretching across more than two centuries, our veterans have charged into harm's way, sometimes making the ultimate sacrifice, to protect the freedoms that have blessed America. Whether Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard, they are our Nation's finest citizens, and they have shown the heights to which Americans can rise when asked and inspired to do so. Our courageous troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the globe have earned their place alongside previous generations of great Americans, serving selflessly, tour after tour, in conflicts spanning nearly a decade.

Long after leaving the uniform behind, many veterans continue to serve our country as public servants and mentors, parents and community leaders. They have added proud chapters to the story of America, not only on the battlefield, but also in communities from coast to coast. They have built and shaped our Nation, and it is our solemn promise to support our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen as they return to their homes and families.

America's sons and daughters have not watched over her shores or her citizens for public recognition, fanfare, or parades. They have preserved our way of life with unwavering patriotism and quiet courage, and ours is a debt of honor to care for them and their families. These obligations do not end after their time of service, and we must fulfill our sacred trust to care for our veterans after they retire their uniforms.

As a grateful Nation, we are humbled by the sacrifices rendered by our service members and their families out of the deepest sense of service and love of country. On Veterans Day,let us remember our solemn obligations to our veterans, and recommit to upholding the enduring principles that our country lives for, and that our fellow citizens have fought and died for.

With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service men and women have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation's veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2010, as Veterans Day. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I call on all Americans, including civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, and communities to support this day with commemorative expressions and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

                      BARACK OBAMA