divine - Blogs - TheBlackList Pub2024-03-28T09:50:46Zhttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/divineGet Into These HBCU-Themed Custom Clutch Purses from The Purse Paparazzihttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/get-into-these-hbcu-themed-custom-clutch-purses-from-the-purse-12017-09-29T20:38:26.000Z2017-09-29T20:38:26.000ZLeShelle, host of MinorityReporthttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/LeShellehostofMinorityReport<div><p><span style="color:#000000;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" class="font-size-5"><span><span><span style="font-size:18px;"><span>Quinn shared with me how The Purse Paparazzi came to be. She also gave me the HBCU Tour itinerary where you can meet up with them to get your clutch in person. Quinn also had some valuable advice for married couples who are thinking abut going into business together. <br /></span></span></span> Read more... <a href="https://goo.gl/nPNax8">https://goo.gl/nPNax8</a></span></span></p><p><span><span><a href="https://goo.gl/nPNax8" target="_blank"><img width="398" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3828598264,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="3828598264?profile=original" /></a></span></span></p></div>Get Into These HBCU-Themed Custom Clutch Purses from The Purse Paparazzihttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/get-into-these-hbcu-themed-custom-clutch-purses-from-the-purse2017-09-29T18:36:20.000Z2017-09-29T18:36:20.000ZLeShelle, host of MinorityReporthttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/LeShellehostofMinorityReport<div><p><span style="color:#000000;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" class="font-size-5"><span><span><span style="font-size:18px;"><span>Quinn shared with me how The Purse Paparazzi came to be. She also gave me the HBCU Tour itinerary where you can meet up with them to get your clutch in person. Quinn also had some valuable advice for married couples who are thinking abut going into business together. <br /></span></span></span> Read more... <a href="https://goo.gl/nPNax8">https://goo.gl/nPNax8</a></span></span></p><p><span><span><a href="https://goo.gl/nPNax8" target="_blank"><img width="398" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3828598264,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="3828598264?profile=original" /></a></span></span></p></div>FAMU Hazing Verdict: President Resigns and Band is Suspended for 1 Yearhttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/famu-hazing-verdict-president-resigns-and-band-is-suspended-for-12012-07-12T13:30:00.000Z2012-07-12T13:30:00.000ZGloria Dulan-Wilsonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/GloriaDulanWilson<div><div id="yiv461534807outer-wrapper"><div id="yiv461534807wrap2"><div id="yiv461534807wrap3"><div id="yiv461534807sidebar-wrapper"><div class="yiv461534807sidebar yiv461534807section" id="yiv461534807sidebar"><div class="yiv461534807widget yiv461534807Profile" id="yiv461534807Profile1"><div class="yiv461534807widget-content"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/10697937958373924179"><img alt="My Photo" class="yiv461534807profile-img" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HiRqRhD2pk/S5rhtBSaC9I/AAAAAAAAAC8/AUlXfdUVyGo/S220/Gloria+Dulan-Wilson" height="60" width="80" /></a><br /> <a class="yiv461534807profile-link" target="_blank" href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/10697937958373924179">By Gloria Dulan-Wilson</a> <span class="yiv461534807widget-item-control"><span class="yiv461534807item-control yiv461534807blog-admin"><a class="yiv461534807quickedit" target="_blank" href="http://www.blogger.com/rearrange?blogID=8661755859413500477&widgetType=BlogArchive&widgetId=BlogArchive1&action=editWidget&sectionId=sidebar" title="Edit"><img alt="" src="http://img1.blogblog.com/img/icon18_wrench_allbkg.png" height="18" width="18" /></a></span></span></div><div class="yiv461534807widget-content"></div><div class="yiv461534807widget-content"></div><div class="yiv461534807widget-content"><em><strong><span style="color:#993300;">In January of this year the National Newspaper Publishers Association, the HBCU, and the Black Fraternities and Sororities (also known as the Divine 9) and other Black organizations held an emergency press conference in reference to the tragic beating death of Robert Champion Jr., by members of the marching band in some sort of bizarre hazing ritual. </span></strong></em></div><div class="yiv461534807widget-content"></div><div class="yiv461534807widget-content"><em><strong><span style="color:#993300;">It was just announced that the President of the University has resigned (been fired?) from his post; and the band has been suspended for a year. Apparently, other than that, there were no criminal charges brought to bear, per se.</span></strong></em></div><div class="yiv461534807widget-content"><br /> <em><strong><span style="color:#993300;">In light of the recent FAMU (Florida A&M University) decision, I'm re-circulating this posting to my blog, <a href="http://www.gloriadulanwilson.blogspot.com">www.gloriadulanwilson.blogspot.com</a>:</span></strong></em></div></div><div class="yiv461534807widget yiv461534807BlogArchive" id="yiv461534807BlogArchive1"></div></div></div><div class="yiv461534807main yiv461534807section" id="yiv461534807main"><div class="yiv461534807widget yiv461534807Blog" id="yiv461534807Blog1"><div class="yiv461534807blog-posts yiv461534807hfeed"><div class="yiv461534807date-outer"><h2 class="yiv461534807date-header"><span>Thursday, January 12, 2012</span></h2><div class="yiv461534807date-posts"><div class="yiv461534807post-outer"><div class="yiv461534807post yiv461534807hentry yiv461534807uncustomized-post-template"><a></a><h3 class="yiv461534807post-title yiv461534807entry-title">Anti-Hazing Press Conference in Response to the Death of FAMU Band Student</h3><div class="yiv461534807post-header"></div><div class="yiv461534807post-body yiv461534807entry-content" id="yiv461534807post-body-4236949337089816993">Gloria Dulan-Wilson<br /><br /> Hello All:<br /><br /> I just received an email in reference to the January 17 press conference convened by the National Newspaper Publishers Assn.(NNPA), Black Church, and Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Leaders to Announce A New Anti-Hazing Initiative. The conference should be broadcast nationally.<br /><br /> If you can make it, it would be a good idea to be in attendance to show solidarity and support.<br /> My response to the "anti-hazing" concept follows. If you agree (or disagree) please comment with your ideas and concepts:<br /><br /> Dear Brothers and Sisters: First of all, my profound condolences to the Champion family on the loss of their son, Robert, Jr. There is nothing anyone can say or do to take away the pain and agony of the loss of a child. But my prayers are with them as they go through this horrific period.<br /><br /> When we are confronted with the horrors of "hazing" as some poor student falls prey to the overzealous (or, in some cases mean spirited) behavior of their fellow students, or peers, who are apparently lacking in proper supervision, values, or priorities, we are horrified. And each time either a sorority or a fraternity (and in this instance a marching band) comes under scrutiny and fire for the tragedy that ensues such banal activities.<br /><br /> I must admit I never heard of bands having rites of passage. I always thought membership was based on whether you could actually play an instrument, or not; and march to the music sufficiently not to cause problems with other members of the marching band. When it became necessary to initiate someone into a band is beyond me, and somewhat ridiculous on the face of it. Either you're a musician or you're not!<br /><br /> Most of us who are members of our Black fraternities and sororities have fond memories of having "survived pledge week," and are prepared to regale each other with how "tuff" the dean of pledgees was, and how we handled it (or not). Many of us have decorated paraphenalia from the initiations of Black in the day. We had no reports of anyone dying or being beaten to within an inch of their lives while going through an initiation process.<br /><br /> I have often stated that our Black fraternities and sororities (also called the Divine Nine) are the last bastions of our lost African "rites of passage" from childhood to man or womanhood; and I still maintain that stance.<br /><br /> However, given the fact that we, as adults no longer (by law) have the tools to discipline our children during their formative years, so tragedies like these don't happen; and since so many of our kids have been exposed to a daily overdose of violence - at least from the tender age of one - via TV, movies, so-called gangsta rap music, etc., I think we now need to review and come up with a better plan for our initiations and pledging rites.<br /><br /> And, notice, I did not say discontinue them -- no one "joins" a Fraternity or Sorority - they must pledge. Our rites have reason - to bring about loyalty, discipline and tradition. We are not a club -- we are a society; a social organization. For the most part we have each been a source and a force for good in the Black community for over a 100 years (<strong><span style="color:#993300;">Delta Sigma Theta just celebrated our 99th Founders' Day Anniversary - and will be 100 in 2013</span></strong>), and plan to continue to be so. And we will not have our names or reputations sullied by the taint of over zealous individuals who take out their internal hostilities against their brothers and sisters through the forms of brutal hazing.<br /><br /> You realize of course, however, that with the mindset of many of today's youth, you can't just tell them that "hazing" is bad. And you can't just tell them to stop "hazing" either. Unfortunately, in many instances, it's hardwired into our premordial human DNA (regardless of whether we're white, Black, Asian, Indian, etc). It's as old as the "new kid on the block" who has to prove him or herself worthy of being a part of the group or the neighborhood.<br /><br /> Instead of the tired old m.o. of verbally condemning their actions, or preaching them away from our guidance, we need a paradigm shift: Perhaps they should have task oriented initiations in a way that benefits the organization (Fraternity, Sorority, Band, or other group) and at the same time forges a bond between the new initiates. It can be fun or it can be serious; or a mix of both. It can exist over a prescribed period of time (3 to 6 weeks). Perhaps the "pledgees" can perform - dance, sing, act, or do something quirky (which is what we had to do in the early days, anyway) for their fellow brothers and sisters.<br /><br /> Or perhaps they can be required to perform a series of some sort of community service, for which they will be rated in terms of delivery and impact (which is what is done on the grad chapter level of <strong><span style="color:#993300;">Delta Sigma Theta</span></strong>).<br /><br /> You can't just be <span style="font-style:italic;">against</span> something, without giving them something positive to replace it with; and without the mature adult guidance and mentorship to make sure it is implemented appropriately.<br /><br /> As Black people, we really are in the position of saving our youth, and ourselves in the bargain. We just have to think outside the white box, and look at all the creative, innovative, multicultural Best Practices, and unique ways we have, so that we can reinstate our culture of cohesiveness and progress at the same time (you know that unity that helped us survive and surpass enslavement, racism, and ignorance?).<br /><br /> Again, my condolences to the Champion family. For those who are interested in providing further assistance, contact <a target="_blank" href="http://www.savethefamily.com/">www.savethefamily.com</a>; or Trice Edney Communications<br /><br /> Stay Blessed &<br /> ECLECTICALLY BLACK<br /> Gloria Dulan-Wilson<br /> Posted by Gloria Dulan-Wilson<br /> <span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br /> Long live the memory and the lessons of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr</span>.<br /></span></div><div class="yiv461534807post-footer"><div class="yiv461534807post-footer-line yiv461534807post-footer-line-1"><span class="yiv461534807post-author yiv461534807vcard">Posted by <span class="yiv461534807fn"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/10697937958373924179" title="author profile">Gloria Dulan-Wilson</a></span></span> <span class="yiv461534807post-timestamp">at <a class="yiv461534807timestamp-link" target="_blank" href="http://gloria-dulan-wilson.blogspot.com/2012/01/hello-all-i-just-received-email-in.html" title="permanent link">2:23 AM</a></span> <span class="yiv461534807post-icons"><span class="yiv461534807item-action"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blogger.com/email-post.g?blogID=8661755859413500477&postID=4236949337089816993" title="Email Post"><img alt="" class="yiv461534807icon-action" src="http://img1.blogblog.com/img/icon18_email.gif" height="13" width="18" /></a></span> <span class="yiv461534807item-control yiv461534807blog-admin yiv461534807pid-870342552"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=8661755859413500477&postID=4236949337089816993&from=pencil" title="Edit Post"><img alt="" class="yiv461534807icon-action" src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/icon18_edit_allbkg.gif" height="18" width="18" /></a></span></span><div class="yiv461534807post-share-buttons yiv461534807goog-inline-block"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Anti-Hazing Press Conference in Response to the Death of FAMU Band Studenthttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/anti-hazing-press-conference-in-response-to-the-death-of-famu2012-01-16T19:37:01.000Z2012-01-16T19:37:01.000ZGloria Dulan-Wilsonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/GloriaDulanWilson<div><p>Gloria DulanWilson Blog <br /> Eclectically Black News for Eclectic Black People VIP/Views.Interests.Perspectives <br />by Gloria Dulan-Wilson</p><p>Hello All: I just received an email in reference to the January 17 press conference convened by the National Newspaper Publishers Assn.(NNPA), Black Church, and Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Leaders to Announce A New Anti-Hazing Initiative. The conference should be broadcast nationally.</p><p>If you can make it, it would be a good idea to be in attendance to show solidarity and support.</p><p>My response to the "anti-hazing" concept follows. If you agree (or disagree) please comment with your ideas and concepts:<br /> Dear Brothers and Sisters: First of all, my profound condolences to the Champion family on the loss of their son, Robert, Jr. There is nothing anyone can say or do to take away the pain and agony of the loss of a child. But my prayers are with them as they go through this horrific period.</p><p>When we are confronted with the horrors of "hazing" as some poor student falls prey to the overzealous (or, in some cases mean spirited) behavior of theirhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif fellow students, or peers, who are apparently lacking in proper supervision, values, or priorities, we are horrified. And each time either a sorority or a fraternity (and in this instance a marching band) comes under scrutiny and fire for the tragedy that ensues such banal activities.</p><p>I must admit I never heard of bands having rites of passage. I always thought membership was based on whether you could actually play an instrument or not and march to the music sufficiently not to cause problems with other members of the marching band. When it became necessary to initiate someone into a band is beyond me, and somewhat banal.</p><p>Most of us who are members of our Black fraternities and sororities have fond memories of having "survived pledge week," and are prepared to regale each other with how "tuff" the dean of pledgees was and how we handled it (or not). Many of us have decorated paraphenalia from the initiations of Black in the day. We had no reports of anyone dying or being beaten to within an inch of their lives while going through an initiation process. I have often stated that our Black fraternities and sororities (also called the Divine Nine) are the last bastions of our lost African "rites of passage" from childhood to man or womanhood; and I still maintain that stance.</p><p>However, given the fact that we as adults no longer (by law) have the tools to discipline our children during their formative years, so tragedies like these don't happen; and since so many of our kids have been exposed to a daily overdose of violence - at least from the tender age of three - via TV, movies, so-called gangsta rap music, etc., I think we need to review and come up with a better plan for our initiations and pledging rites.</p><p>And notice I did not say discontinue them -- no one "joins" a Fraternity or Sorority - they must pledge. Our rites have reason; to bring about loyalty, discipline and tradition. We are not a club -- we are a society; a social organization. For the most part we have each been a source and a force for good in the Black community for over a 100 years, and plan to continue to be so. And we will not have our names or reputations sullied by the taint of over zealous individuals who take out their internal hostilities against their brothers and sisters through the forms of brutal hazing.</p><p>You realize of course, however, that with the mindset of many of today's youth, you can't just tell them that "hazing" is bad. And you can't just tell them to stop "hazing" either. Unfortunately, in many instances, it's hardwired into our premordial human DNA (regardless of whether we're white, Black, Asian, Indian, etc.). It's as old as the "new kid on the block" who has to prove him or herself worthy of being a part of the group or the neighborhood.</p><p>Instead of the tired old m.o. of verbally condemning their actions, or preaching them away from guidance, we need a paradigm shift: Perhaps they should have task oriented initiations in a way that benefits the organization (Fraternity, Sorority, Band, or other group) and at the same time forges a bond between the new initiates. It can be fun or it can be serious; or a mix of both. It can exist over a prescribed period of time (3 to 6 weeks). Perhaps the "pledgees" can perform - dance, sing, act, or do something quirky (which is what we had to do in the early days, anyway) for their fellow brothers and sisters.</p><p>Or perhaps they can be required to perform a series of some sort of community service, for which they will be rated in terms of delivery and impact (which is what is done on the grad chapter level of <span style="color:#FF0000;">Delta Sigma Theta</span>).</p><p>You can't just be against something, without giving them something positive to replace it with; and without the mature adult guidance and mentorship to make sure it is implemented appropriately. We really are in the position of saving our youth and ourselves in the bargain. We just have to think outside the white box, and look at all the creative ways we have to reinstate our culture of cohesiveness and progress at the same time.</p><p>Again, my condolences to the family. For those who are interested in attending the press conference in DC, contact <a href="http://www.savethefamily.com">www.savethefamily.com</a> for specific information on the Press Conference; or Trice Edney Communications</p><p>Stay Blessed & <br /> ECLECTIC<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3828524552,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3828524552,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="220" alt="3828524552?profile=original" /></a>ALLY BLACK <br />Gloria Dulan-Wilson <br />Posted by Gloria Dulan-Wilson</p></div>CUNY Chancellor& MEC President Mock the Memory and Legacy of Medgar Wiley Evers: Attack on Center for NU Leadership and the MEC Black Think Tankhttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/cuny-chancelloramp-mec2011-03-07T13:31:07.000Z2011-03-07T13:31:07.000ZTheBlackList Newshttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/TheBlackListNews<div><div><a target="_blank" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HiRqRhD2pk/S5rhtBSaC9I/AAAAAAAAAC8/AUlXfdUVyGo/S220/Gloria%2BDulan-Wilson"><img class="align-full" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9HiRqRhD2pk/S5rhtBSaC9I/AAAAAAAAAC8/AUlXfdUVyGo/S220/Gloria%2BDulan-Wilson" alt="Gloria%2BDulan-Wilson" /></a>By <a href="http://gmail.com" target="_blank">Gloria Dulan-Wilson</a><br /><br />I’m going to start this off with a quote from Dr. Divine Pryor. It’s so heavy I didn’t want to leave it to the end of this article:<br /><br />“For the past seven years, The Center for NU Leadership on Urban Solutions has successfully created opportunities for people entangled in the law to access higher education as a way to transforming their lives. Our attempt to secure a multi-million dollar grant was only an effort to formalize what we have been doing informally over the past seven years. It’s unfortunate that President William Pollard and his administration could not appreciate the fact that members of the Center for NU Leadership are living, breathing examples of what is possible when an individual decides to transform their lives after making a mistake. <br /><br />It’s ironic that we can be proud of the fact that New York City has one of the most effective garbage recycling systems in the world, but somehow President Pollard doesn’t believe that a human being can be recycled.” Dr. Divine Pryor, March 6, 2011<br /><br />Now for those of you who have been following these issues, or who are embroiled in the task of saving the school, the Medgar Evers College situation continues “to get curioser and curioser” - to paraphrase Alice in Wonderland. Speaking of which, given the specious assertions and allegations on the part of CUNY’s legals, one has to wonder what they’re up to really. <br /><br />It kind of pivots between “here we go again,” and “oh no! Not that stupid stuff again!” You can decide after I outline the facts.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fact</span>: Center for NU Leadership was founded by Dr. Divine Pryor some 7 years ago to help those who had run afoul of the law, lead better lives by providing them with a college education, so that they could make a positive contribution to society and their communities.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fact</span>: Dr. Edison O. Jackson, then President of Medgar Evers College, in wanting to provide services to a broader range of the population in and around Brooklyn and the greater New York Area, invited Dr. Pryor to establish an office for the Center for NU Leadership, so that those previously incarcerated who were looking to change their lives could matriculate at Medgar Evers College. Additionally, they maintained an open door policy, so that applicants and participants could come in from the street and be assisted in obtaining the education needed to provide them with career strategies and goals.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Fact</span>: Over the past 7 years Center for NU Leadership has successfully assisted over 200 applicants graduate from Medgar Evers and enter into such arenas as legislative offices, corrections, the court systems, district attorney’s offices and non-profit organizations.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fact</span>: For such a small staff that’s a major track record - particularly since they are still fully employed, and continuing to make positive contributions to the community, setting a positive example for the youth and peers with whom they interact.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fact:</span> President William Pollard doesn’t get it. His allegation that the program exposed the campus to criminal elements, which, by the way, has not been a problem in the entire 7 years they have been affiliated with the campus, is a sad indictment on a person who looks like us, has a similar pigmentation, but it all stops there - scratch that surface, and there is something completely different lurking underneath. Howard Johnson, who serves as provost, is equally culpable, as evidenced by his hostile and aggressive actions against Center for NU Leadership, the Bunche DuBois Center, faculty, staff, and students. But, in addition to his not getting it - is the even sadder (read sicker) fact that he apparently doesn’t care. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Fact:</span> Chancellor Goldstein apparently really doesn’t care - about Pollard, about Medgar Evers College, about the Black students, about the Brooklyn Community. He is about the “my way or high way” approach. The only thing is that the strings are showing and the puppet and puppet master are both about to be caught up in them.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Fact:</span> The eviction of Center for NU Leadership on Urban Solutions from Medgar Evers College was heinous and unconscionable. It was based on racism and stereotypes. It was an affront to the men and women who have worked diligently to turn their lives around. And an even greater affront to Dr. Pryor who has dedicated his time, talent, intelligence and energy to developing what the prisons systems could or would not do, a viable program that spoke (speaks) to the needs of those in our community who have been disenfranchised by a system that would rather criminalize them than provide them with the education they deserved.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Fact:</span> The confiscation of the Center for New Leadership’s computers (which they owned outright), and the confiscation of their hard drive was not only egregious, but criminal on the part of CUNY and Medgar Evers College. It not only violates their rights as an organization, but there are certain intellectual property laws, copyright infringement, as well as other rights to privacy that have been trampled in this newest racist attempt to denigrate this organization.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fact:</span> The allegation of a criminal investigation being their cause for seizing Center for NU Leadership‘s property, as alleged by the legals of CUNY, has no basis in fact. Not only were there no presentations of warrants, or any of the other protocols that would precede a search and seizure procedure, there has never been any necessity for an investigation of any type until the fabrication on the part of MEC’s new administration. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Fact</span>: There is so little regard for Black people on the part of the CUNY administration, that they apparently disrespected the Black elected officials who tried to meet with them to ameliorate the problem and bring, what they had hoped would be a positive solution to a problem that has now mushroomed out of proportion. One community leader stated very matter of factly: “White people having no regard for Black people is not new. We’ve lived with that all our lives. But to have a person who is supposed to be Black, participate in the dismantling of an institution that has been built by the efforts of a community dedicated to educating their youth, and providing them with a legacy, goes to very heart of self-hatred; and cannot be tolerated.”<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Fact:</span> State Supreme Court Judge Kramer, who presided over the hearing, Friday, March 4, 2011 in the Supreme Court in Brooklyn, could not believe that the legals of CUNY were refusing to return the hard drive from the Center for NU Leadership’s computers. (Judge Kramer had ordered Medgar Evers to return to NuLeadership computers that the administration had confiscated in<br />mid-December but that were purchased independently by the center).<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br /><br />Fact:</span> Subsequent hearing date set for April 8, 2011, during which time the CUNY legals will try to make those allegations hold water. While we put nothing past their trying to justify their actions, and prove their allegations (given the nature of the individuals involved), through manufactured evidence, the fact still remains that there is not now, nor has there ever been any reason to seize the materials, equipment, supplies owned and operated by the Center for NU Leadership.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Fact</span>: The Medgar Evers faculty issued a vote of no confidence in Pollard, stating he is betraying the mission of a college presumably dedicated to the academic needs of the urban poor and working class. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fact</span>: On March 8, 2011, the New York City Council is holding hearings on academic excellence and the necessity of cultural programs to round out the educational millieu. The hearings will be held at 250 Broadway, 14th Floor hearing room at 2:00PM. We are holding a press conference on the steps of City Hall at 1:00pm. Would like to have as many people from the community present as possible.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Fact: MEC/CUNY’s stupidity Brooklyn's loss and SUNY’s gain.</span> SUNY has offered to house the Center for NU Leadership, blowing holes in the allegation that they presented a criminal element on the MEC campus. If there was so much danger, why would SUNY offer them a considerable increase in funding as well as space and support. What Goldstein, Pollard and Johnson have essentially done is deprived the Brooklyn community of an essential program that has provided services for the growing number of ex-offenders who are returning to the community. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">NB:</span> While SUNY will be housing the program on their campus, that should not obviate the <span style="font-weight:bold;">demand that a branch of the center be re-established at Medgar Evers with full staff and equipment, immediately, if not sooner. In fact, faculty, staff, programs that were in existence upon Pollard’s arrival, must be completely reinstated and MADE WHOLE, WITHOUT PREJU</span>DICE.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Fact:</span> Under the leadership of President Edison O. Jackson, Medgar Evers College had amassed some of the greatest minds in Black culture, politics, history and leadership, including former New York State Assemblyman Roger Green, Congressman Major Owens, Dr. Zulema Blair, Dr. Brenda M. Greene, Dr. Betty Shabazz (deceased), Ambassador Pursoo. It was a magnate for some of the greatest minds and leaders who frequented the campus affording the students an opportunity to be involved in leading edge issues and endeavors. The underhanded manner in which these and others have been treated has left a stain on the schools reputation as a center for higher learning and a magnate for genius.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Fact:</span> Under the tyranny of Goldstein, Pollard and Johnson, more damage has been done to revert the campus back to pre-Jackson days when the school was floundering for an identity and direction.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Fact:</span> If the Brooklyn Community, and the greater New York Community, the elected officials, and the students, parents, and faculty, don’t act immediately and take a stand for Medgar Evers College, the dream and goal of a COMMUNIVERSITY will have been destroyed, right along with so many other important programs and institutions we and our predecessors have fought long and hard to establish in the Black community. THAT MUST NOT HAPPEN.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Fact:</span> My father used to say, “there’s nothing worse than an educated fool, or the person who knows the cost of everything but the value of nothing.” There is also nothing worse than a people or a community who will sit idly by and allow the educational and cultural future (and present) of their children to be trampled on, with out taking a stand.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />QUESTION: NOW THAT YOU KNOW, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?<span style="font-style:italic;"> </span></span><br /><br />Contact and support the <a href="mailto:MECCoalition@gmail.com" target="_blank">MECCoalition@gmail.com</a> <br /><br />Stay Blessed & <br />ECLECTICALLY BLACK<br />Gloria Dulan-Wilson<br /><br />PS: I could not close this article without quoting someone else that Ive admired for a long time, Dr. Robert Schuller of the Crystal Cathedral in California. He always spoke about <span style="font-weight:bold;">"Turning your scars into stars."<span style="font-style:italic;"> </span></span> And to me that is precisely what Dr. Divine Pryor has been doing with the Center for NU Leadership on Urban Solutions.</div><div><div><span>Posted by <span>Gloria Dulan-Wilson</span></span> <span>at <a title="permanent link" href="http://gloria-dulan-wilson.blogspot.com/2011/03/cuny-chancellor-mec-president-mock.html" target="_blank"><abbr title="2011-03-07T03:45:00-05:00">3:45 AM</abbr></a></span> <span> </span><span><span><a title="Email Post" href="http://www.blogger.com/email-post.g?blogID=8661755859413500477&postID=5512873350437212738" target="_blank"><img src="http://img1.blogblog.com/img/icon18_email.gif" height="13" width="18" alt="icon18_email.gif" /></a></span> <span><a title="Edit Post" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=8661755859413500477&postID=5512873350437212738" target="_blank"><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/icon18_edit_allbkg.gif" height="18" width="18" alt="icon18_edit_allbkg.gif" /></a></span></span></div><div><strong>Follow Gloria Dulan-Wilson's Blog at <a href="http://gloria-dulan-wilson.blogspot.com" target="_blank">http://gloria-dulan-wilson.blogspot.com</a>/</strong></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div></div></div>