jackson - Blogs - TheBlackList Pub2024-03-29T12:10:53Zhttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/jacksonSupport the Sustainable Communities Initiative & the Chokwe Lumumba Center for Economic Democracy & Development, Jackson, MShttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/support-the-sustainable-communities-initiative-the-chokwe-lumumba2014-10-31T04:34:52.000Z2014-10-31T04:34:52.000ZTheBlackList Newshttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/TheBlackListNews<div><div><div class="ContentBlock"><div><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><p><b><i><a href="https://static.squarespace.com/static/53443b38e4b0081b96661076/t/535eec08e4b032825e55e4cf/1414651877990/?format=original" target="_blank"><img src="https://static.squarespace.com/static/53443b38e4b0081b96661076/t/535eec08e4b032825e55e4cf/1414651877990/?format=original" class="align-full" alt="?format=original" /></a>Cooperation Jackson needs your help raising $500,000 for our Sustainable Communities Initiative (SCI) and the Chokwe Lumumba Center for Economic Democracy and Development (the Lumumba Center).</i></b></p><p><b><i>Cooperation Jackson</i></b> is on the move! We are working diligently to advance the work of the Jackson-Kush Plan, despite our loss of Mayor Chokwe Lumumba</p><p> </p><p>We have been busy since the <b><i>Jackson Rising: New Economies Conference</i></b>, establishing the institutional and operating structures of Cooperation Jackson, and systematically building cooperative enterprises.</p><p> </p><p>We have launched two major initiatives to establish a firm foundation for our future: <b>The Chokwe Lumumba Center for Economic Democracy and Development and the Sustainable Communities Initiative</b>.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>The Chokwe Lumumba Center for Economic Democracy and Development</i></b> (<b><i>Lumumba Center)</i></b> was acquired by Cooperation Jackson on October 16<sup>th</sup>, 2014. The Lumumba Center will serve as the organizing and administrative base for Cooperation Jackson. It will also house <b><i>Nubia’s Place</i></b>, a café named in honor of the late Nubia Lumumba, and serve as the operating base for Freedom Farm Cooperative, our Urban Farming initiative. The Lumumba Center is scheduled to be fully operational and open by January 1<sup>st</sup>, 2015.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>The Sustainable Communities Initiative</i></b><i> (SCI) </i>will build an “Eco-village” in West Jackson, composed of a Housing complex and a Cooperative Business Complex that will be situated on our Community Land Trust (CLT) and developed by our Community Development Corporation (CDC). The objective of SCI is to create dozens of living wage “green jobs” in West Jackson and long-term affordable housing for the working peoples of the community that will defend them against displacement and gentrification.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>YOUR SUPPORT IS ESSENTIAL</i></b></p><p><b><i> </i></b></p><p>In order to build the Lumumba Center and advance the Sustainable Communities Initiative forward we need your help. In order to make the Lumumba Center, including Nubia’s Place, fully functional and to acquire and complete the first phase of repairs and redevelopment work needed to turn the vacant lots and abandoned homes in West Jackson that we are trying to purchase into an “Eco-Village” and Urban Farming cooperative, we need to raise <b>$500,000</b> over the course of the next 3 months.</p><p> </p><p>These funds will specifically pay for and/or support the following:</p><ul><li>Purchasing and repairing vacant lots, abandoned homes and commercial buildings that will be held and organized by our Community Land Trust (CTL).</li><li>Purchasing infrastructure, equipment, and seed to start our Urban Farm and Composting operations, including the purchasing of materials for hydroponic, aquaponic, and aeroponic agricultural and fishing production.</li><li>The overhaul of the Lumumba Center, including rewiring the building, putting in new floors, upgrading the restrooms, painting the interior and exterior of the building, purchasing and installing solar panels, purchasing furniture and operation equipment, and installing an entertainment system and multi-media center.</li><li>The design and establishment of Nubia’s Place Café, including expanding the entrances to the café, purchasing additional food prep and operating equipment, installing an entertainment center, purchasing tables and chairs for the lounge areas, and start-up capital.</li></ul><p> </p><p><b><i>HOW YOU CAN CONTIRBUTE</i></b></p><p> </p><p>You can help by:</p><ul><li>Making a generous donation to our Sustainable Communities Initiative and/or the Lumumba Center<a href="https://secure.squarespace.com/commerce/donate?donatePageId=544a9d29e4b022d34dfc9269" target="_blank">https://secure.squarespace.com/commerce/donate?donatePageId=544a9d29e4b022d34dfc9269</a></li><li>Help us secure financial support from progressive Foundations</li><li>Help recruit major donors and socially responsible and environmentally conscious investors to financially support and help champion these (and other) initiatives</li></ul><p> </p><p>Organize a local chapter of the <b>Friends of Cooperation Jackson</b>. The Friends of Cooperation Jackson is a solidarity and support vehicle to help Cooperation Jackson raise funds, secure investors, promote the organization, build markets, and build national and international networks to advance our mission and accomplish our goals.</p><p> </p><p>You can also help by becoming a regular <b><i>Sustainer</i></b> of Cooperation Jackson and support our general operating budget by making recurring donations on a monthly, quarterly or yearly basis.</p><p> </p><p>To start a Friends of Cooperation Jackson chapter or to become a Sustainer contact us at<a href="mailto:CooperationJackson@gmail.com" target="_blank">CooperationJackson@gmail.com</a>.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>THE TIME IS NOW!</i></b></p><p> </p><p>We have a major opportunity to transform the local economy and social relations by building a cooperative network on the scale and scope of <a href="http://www.mondragon-corporation.com/eng/" target="_blank">Mondragon</a>, a corporation and federation of worker cooperatives based in the Basque region of Spain with 289 business and cooperatives and over 80,000 employees. .</p><p> </p><p>To seize the opportunity and become the Mondragon of the south, we need your support. The Lumumba Center and the Sustainable Communities Initiative are two of the bold, but critical first steps we taking to build economic democracy in Jackson. But, they will not reach their potential without your support.</p><p> </p><p>Please donate today and help us raise the $500,000 we need to open the Lumumba Center and purchase the properties needed to establish the Sustainable Communities Initiative. You can donate using this link:<a href="https://secure.squarespace.com/commerce/donate?donatePageId=544a9d29e4b022d34dfc9269" target="_blank">https://secure.squarespace.com/commerce/donate?donatePageId=544a9d29e4b022d34dfc9269</a>.</p><p> </p><p>You can also write a check or money order to “<b><i>Cooperation Jackson</i></b>”, note in the memo “<b><i>SCI</i></b>” or “<b><i>Lumumba Center</i></b>”. Mail the check to <b>Cooperation Jackson, P.O. Box 1932, Jackson, MS 39215</b>. For more information visit <a href="https://www.cooperationjackson.org/" target="_blank">https://www.CooperationJackson.org</a>.</p><p> </p><p>Spread the word! And thank you for you time, effort, and support.</p><p> </p><p>Cooperation Jackson</p><p>October 30, 2014</p><p> </p><div><a href="http://youtu.be/DN3kPkJtwmk" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/DN3kPkJtwmk</a><font color="#888888"><br /></font></div><font color="#888888"><font color="#888888">-- <br /></font></font><font color="#888888"><font color="#888888">In Unity and Struggle,</font></font><br /><div>Kali </div><div>Visit:</div><div><a href="http://www.mxgm.org/" target="_blank">http://www.mxgm.org</a></div><div><a href="http://navigatingthestorm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://navigatingthestorm.blogspot.com</a></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/kaliakuno" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/user/kaliakuno</a></div><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/kali.akuno" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/kali.akuno</a></div></div></div><div>~</div></div></div><ul><li><b><a href="https://lists.riseup.net/www/viewmod/theblacklist/649535a9b9b7adaaf8596b4adf20164a/msg00000.html">Cooperation Jackson: Support our Sustainable Communities Initiative and the Lumumba Center</a></b>, <em>KA, 10/30/2014</em></li></ul></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p></div>President Obama: Please Call Homehttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/president-obama-please-call-home2013-02-13T06:40:46.000Z2013-02-13T06:40:46.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:5px 0px;border:0px;text-align:left;color:#666666;text-transform:none;line-height:20px;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:inherit;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:normal;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;"><a style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;color:#444444;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:bold;vertical-align:baseline;" href="http://www.blackpressusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Raynard-Jackson17-873x1024.jpg"><img style="font:inherit;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;vertical-align:baseline;" class="alignnone wp-image-3346" alt="Raynard-Jackson17-873x1024" src="http://www.blackpressusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Raynard-Jackson17-873x1024.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a></p><p style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:5px 0px;border:0px;text-align:left;color:#666666;text-transform:none;line-height:20px;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:inherit;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:normal;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;">By Raynard Jackson</p><p style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:5px 0px;border:0px;text-align:left;color:#666666;text-transform:none;line-height:20px;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:inherit;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:normal;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;">NNPA Columnist</p><p style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:5px 0px;border:0px;text-align:left;color:#666666;text-transform:none;line-height:20px;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:inherit;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:normal;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;"> </p><p style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:5px 0px;border:0px;text-align:left;color:#666666;text-transform:none;line-height:20px;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:inherit;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:normal;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;">Last week, I criticized President Obama for his anemic, voiceless, almost whispered response to the tragic death of Hadiya Pendleton. She was a 15-year-old honor student who was shot and killed in Chicago two weeks ago after having performed at Obama’s inauguration.</p><p style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:5px 0px;border:0px;text-align:left;color:#666666;text-transform:none;line-height:20px;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:inherit;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:normal;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;">To my total amazement, there was a torrent of criticism from within the Black community about Obama’s tepid public statement about Hadiya’s death. I was proud that many in the Black community finally were angry enough at Obama to finally do something about it. I was happy and sad simultaneously.</p><p style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:5px 0px;border:0px;text-align:left;color:#666666;text-transform:none;line-height:20px;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:inherit;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:normal;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;">I was happy that Blacks stopped hiding their displeasure with Obama, but were totally embarrassed that they had to organize an online petition begging Obama to attend Hadiya’s funeral. This was not necessary for the Newtown killings. It’s almost as though Obama instinctively connected with that community—though there was some type of kindred spirit so much so that his reaction was as natural as his breathing.</p><p style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:5px 0px;border:0px;text-align:left;color:#666666;text-transform:none;line-height:20px;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:inherit;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:normal;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;">But, somehow Chicago and Hadiya’s death was different. There was no apparent instinctual connection, though her murder took place a mile from Obama’s house in Chicago. As is typical for this president, he couldn’t muster up the nerve to confront this issue directly, so he decided to send a group of surrogates to Hadiya’s funeral – First Lady Michelle Obama, Senior Adviser Valerie Jarrett, and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. His actions speak so loud, I can’t hear anything he has to say about Hadiya’s tragic death.</p><p style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:5px 0px;border:0px;text-align:left;color:#666666;text-transform:none;line-height:20px;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:inherit;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:normal;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;">I find it just as amazing, that with all the emotion surround the issue of gun control, there is absolutely no talk about a very simple fact—the president, the governor, and the mayor are all liberal Democrats. Chicago has some of the most restrictive gun control laws in America, yet one of the highest levels of violent crime in the country.</p><p style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:5px 0px;border:0px;text-align:left;color:#666666;text-transform:none;line-height:20px;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:inherit;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:normal;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;">A discussion about gun control without a simultaneous discussion about controlling the heart of a man and the culture of a society is like watching a football game on the radio—it’s impossible.</p><p style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:5px 0px;border:0px;text-align:left;color:#666666;text-transform:none;line-height:20px;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:inherit;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:normal;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;">The NAACP gives image awards to singers, actors, and producers, etc. who dump toxins into our community and call it entertainment. The Congressional Black Caucus is afraid to force Obama to address the issue of values within the Black community because they want to be invited to the next White House’s Christmas party. And ministers want to be celebrities so they preach a “feel good” gospel that is devoid of values.</p><p style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:5px 0px;border:0px;text-align:left;color:#666666;text-transform:none;line-height:20px;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:inherit;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:normal;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;">How can we ask others to address issues within our own community that we are not willing to address ourselves?</p><p style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:5px 0px;border:0px;text-align:left;color:#666666;text-transform:none;line-height:20px;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:inherit;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:normal;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;">Obama is like an absent father who criticizes his teenage son for how he turned out? Well, President Obama, your “son” doesn’t need another lecture from you; he needs your time, your love, your legislation to address the internal problems he and his family has.</p><p style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:5px 0px;border:0px;text-align:left;color:#666666;text-transform:none;line-height:20px;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:inherit;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:normal;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;">You find every opportunity to confer your support for a homosexual agenda to the point that you have compared it to the Civil Rights Movement, but in four years as president, you refused to use your presidential bully-pulpit to address the negative pathologies within the Black community or the racism in some sectors of the White community.</p><p style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:5px 0px;border:0px;text-align:left;color:#666666;text-transform:none;line-height:20px;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:inherit;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:normal;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;">Did you think so little of Hadiya’s death that you sent surrogates to represent you? Could you not empathize with her family and the broader community enough to make the trip yourself? So, enough with the speeches, your family needs you at home.</p><p style="margin:0px 0px 5px;padding:5px 0px;border:0px;text-align:left;color:#666666;text-transform:none;line-height:20px;text-indent:0px;letter-spacing:normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:inherit;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:normal;word-spacing:0px;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;background-color:#ffffff;"><em style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-style:italic;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;">Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a Washington, D.C.-based public relations/government affairs firm. He can be reached through his Web site, <a href="http://www.raynardjackson.com">www.raynardjackson.com</a>. You can also follow him on Twitter at raynard1223.</em></p></div>Romney’s Lack of Blackshttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/romney-s-lack-of-blacks2012-08-19T08:00:00.000Z2012-08-19T08:00:00.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p>By Raynard Jackson ~</p><p> Just over a month ago Mitt Romney addressed the NAACP during their national convention. I thought Romney’s speech was horrible and quite a waste of time because he said nothing that would be of any interest to the Black community. You can read that column at: <a href="http://blackpressusa.com/romney-and-the-naacp-a-missed-opportunity/">http://blackpressusa.com/romney-and-the-naacp-a-missed-opportunity/</a>.</p><p>This column set off a firestorm of reactions from across the country. Most people, of all political stripes, thought my analysis was right on the mark. The column was read at the highest levels of the Romney campaign and even led to one of his senior communications advisers attempting to discredit my analysis in a series of private emails. This advisor is a Black female that I am acquainted with.</p><p>In her email to me, she claimed that, “some of his [Romney’s] most senior policy and communications people are Black.” I asked her to name them and she refused. I will let you make your own conclusion. She even thought it would be good for us to sit down and talk about the campaign, so I accepted her offer, but no response. Again, I will let you make your own conclusion.</p><p>The campaign made a feeble attempt to address some of the concerns laid out in my column by releasing a ridiculous video titled, “We Need Mitt Romney.” It was sent out by Romney aide, Joshua Baca, National Coalitions Director for the campaign. Baca name looks Hispanic, but suffice it to say, he is not Black.</p><p>The video was poorly produced and poorly scripted. It contained a series of Blacks who stated, “We need Romney.” They never told us who “we” is. They never made the case for why Romney was relevant to and for the Black community. There was absolutely no thought put into this video. There were no names given to identify who these people were. They just grabbed some no name people and put them in front of the camera. It’s embarrassing (<a href="http://youtu.be/HyDsZ-OtaOI"><b>http://youtu.be/HyDsZ-OtaOI</b></a><b>).</b></p><p>There still are no pictures of Blacks anywhere to be found on Romney’s campaign website. There is a full section targeting the Hispanic vote, even a section in Spanish; but nothing targeting the Black community. Enough said!</p><p>This is what happens when you have no capable Blacks around to advice and work on a campaign. If Baca is in charge of coalitions, then why has he not reached out to experienced operatives like Shannon Reeves, Allegra McCullough, David Byrd, Aaron Manaigo, Francis Johnson, Ada Fisher or James House? Why has he not reached out to the National Association of Black Accountants, the National Association of Black MBAs, or the National Association of Black Engineers, to name a few? I know the leaders of most these groups and know for a fact certain that they would be fertile ground for an intelligent message put forward from the Romney campaign. The few Blacks Romney may have around him are all functional people—meaning they follow orders; they don’t give the orders! That is what I mean when I talk about being in a position of power—can they authorize an expenditure of money, can they get an event on Romney’s schedule, or can they get a private meeting on Romney’s calendar?</p><p>I would much rather the Romney campaign simply tell the Black community straight-up that they have no interest in our vote because their actions speak so loud that I can’t hear a damn thing they are saying!</p><p>I find this senior advisor’s response to my column illustrative of everything that’s wrong with the Romney campaign. They are totally incapable of giving direct answers to the most basic of questions. Who are the Blacks that are supposedly on the campaign? Why are there no Blacks on the campaign website? Is Romney ever going to meet and speak with Black Republicans?</p><p>With Romney and his campaign, relative to Blacks, when all is said and done, there nothing said and nothing done!</p><p><i>Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. His website is: <a href="http://www.raynardjackson.com" target="_blank">www.raynardjackson.com</a></i><i>.</i></p></div>Memo To Romneyhttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/memo-to-romney2012-06-28T04:15:10.000Z2012-06-28T04:15:10.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p><b>June 29, 2012</b></p><p> </p><p><b>Raynard Jackson</b></p><p> </p><p>Now that Romney is the defacto nominee for the Republican Party, I have been reflecting on the state of the presidential race as it enters the final stretch. As a political strategist, I understand the necessity to run to the right during the Republican primary and then migrate to the center during the general election.</p><p> </p><p>It is common knowledge that Romney has no intention of focusing on the Black vote during the general election. From a raw political perspective, I agree with his approach, but from a strategic perspective, I totally disagree. Below I will detail why this is a terrible strategy!</p><p> </p><p>There is absolutely no question that Obama will get in excess of 90% of the Black vote (in 2008 he received 96%). But this time he will receive 90+ % of a smaller number of Blacks—there will be fewer numbers of Blacks voting because they are disillusioned with Obama. The first Obama run was history, his governing is a mystery when it comes to Blacks! </p><p> </p><p>Obama’s recent endorsement of homosexual marriage and support for amnesty for illegals has infuriated the Black community. The NAACP, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, etc. have not represented the views of the average Black for decades. The NAACP will continue to hemorrhage support from within the Black community. Many Blacks are publically withdrawing their memberships and support from this group.</p><p> </p><p>Under skilled Blacks are livid that Obama wants to legalize over 1 million new people into the workforce to compete with them for jobs. It’s hard enough competing with Americans for jobs, now you have to compete with those in the country illegally for jobs? Who in their right minds feeds the neighborhood while their own children are starving? Nobody, but Obama.</p><p> </p><p>These issues give Romney an opportunity, by engaging with the Black community, to reach out to white, suburban, middleclass women voters to let them know that the Republican Party is OK to support. In other words, these are the Independent voters who will determine the outcome of the election.</p><p>These voters want to support a candidate and party that are not “perceived” as racist or mean spirited. So, by reaching out to Blacks, they are signaling to these Independent voters that it is OK to vote Republican.</p><p> </p><p>These voters don’t support homosexual marriage or amnesty for illegals, but they don’t want to see or hear harsh rhetoric either. </p><p> </p><p>Romney, are you aware that Obama has never met with any Black entrepreneurs to discuss the high unemployment rate within the Black community? When will you meet with Black entrepreneurs to listen to them, not to preach to them?</p><p> </p><p>Romney, when will you sit with Black ministers who are with you in your opposition to homosexual marriage and under-skilled Blacks who will be hurt by giving work permits to illegals? </p><p> </p><p> Why are you going to address the NAACP and the National Urban League at their respective annual conventions this summer without obtaining concessions from them? Do you have any Blacks on your campaign or consultants who can negotiate concessions on behalf of your campaign? For example, if these groups want you to speak before their membership, then they must have Black Republicans as speakers and panelists or you won’t agree to speak.</p><p> </p><p>Because Republicans typically have no diversity on their staffs, they don’t know to extract these types of concessions, nor can they afford to send a white staffer to do this. Republicans are the only people I know who will send a white male to speak to a group of women about women’s issues!</p><p> </p><p>Romney, when you go before these Black groups, will you also have a white speechwriter to draft your remarks? Anyone can write a great speech, but do you understand the nuances when talking with the Black community? A white speechwriter can’t help you with that.</p><p> </p><p>This is why Republicans typically receive tepid responses when speaking before a Black audience. “Meanings are in people, not in words.”</p><p> </p><p>So, what I am saying to you, Romney, is that by engaging with the Black community, you are simultaneously engaging Independent voters. You get a twofer out of this approach and you, being the businessman that you are, should see the potential for a nice return on your investment of time.</p><p> </p><p>I would welcome your thoughts on this approach as a first step towards substantive engagement with the Black community.</p><p> </p><p><i>Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. His website is: <a href="http://www.raynardjackson.com">www.raynardjackson.com</a>.</i></p></div>Family Valueshttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/family-values2012-06-21T06:19:55.000Z2012-06-21T06:19:55.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p><b>June 21, 2012</b></p><p> </p><p><b>Raynard Jackson</b></p><p> </p><p>As, I reflected on the celebration of Father’s Day last Sunday, I thought about what that day should really mean. But, before I could do that, I had to find out where that day came from.</p><p> </p><p>Father’s Day was a direct derivative of Mother’s Day; but the reason for their creation was polar opposite of each other. Mother’s Day was created with the expressed mandate of not being turned into a “commercial” day while Father’s Day was created with the expressed purpose of being a “commercial” day. </p><p>Anna Jarvis was credited with being the founder of Mother’s Day. Her mother, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis, had founded Mother’s Day Work Clubs in 1868 to improve sanitary and health conditions at both Union and Confederate camps, treat the wounded, and to feed and clothe both Union and Confederate soldiers.</p><p>On May 12, 1907, two years after her mother’s death, Anna held a memorial service in honor of her mother, thus began her crusade to officially recognize Mother’s Day. On May 8, 1914, the U.S. Congress passed a law designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.</p><p> </p><p>Father’s Day was created by Sonora Smart Dodd. When she was 16, her mother died in childbirth. Being the only daughter, she was given the responsibility of raising her 5 brothers.</p><p> </p><p>One day, Sonora was in church and the sermon was about Mother’s Day. She thought that fathers should also be recognized. The first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910 in Spokane, Washington. The day became so popular that in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson was the featured speaker at the Father’s Day celebration in Spokane that year. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as Father's Day. In 1972, President Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father's Day to be held on the 3rd Sunday of June each year.</p><p> </p><p>Shortly after its celebration had started, Mother’s Day had become so commercial that Jarvis said she, “…wished she would have never started the day because it became so out of control… A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world. And candy! You take a box to Mother—and then eat most of it yourself. A pretty sentiment.” </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>She was arrested in 1948 for disturbing the peace while protesting against the commercialization of Mother’s Day. She died in poverty, spending all of her inheritance fighting against the very day she had created.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>According to industry reports, Mother's Day is now one of the most commercially successful American occasions, having become the most popular day of the year to dine out at a restaurant in the United States and generating a significant portion of the U.S. jewelry industry's annual revenue, from custom gifts like <a title="Mother's ring" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother%27s_ring">mother's rings</a>. Americans spend approximately $2.6 billion on flowers, $1.53 billion on pampering gifts—like spa treatments—and another $68 million on greeting cards.</p><p> </p><p>Father’s Day, however was opposed by the general public as an imitation of Mother’s Day (which it was) and viewed strictly as a commercial celebration. It took fierce lobbying by the Father’s Day Council, founded by the New York Associated Men’s Wear Retailers to change public opinion. In the mid-80s, the Council stated, “Father’s Day has become a Second Christmas for all the men’s gift-oriented industries.”</p><p> </p><p>With this as a backdrop, the best gift you can give a mother or a father is the gift of time. Mother and Father’s Day have become so commercial that it has lost its true meaning.</p><p> </p><p>I recently had the opportunity to sit down with former ambassador, Gregory W. Slayton to discuss his new book titled, “Be A Better Dad Today (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_W._Slayton)">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_W._Slayton)</a>.”</p><p> </p><p>According to Slayton, “he is an author, businessman, diplomat, philanthropist, professor, but more importantly, a father of four great kids.” His book is an easy read from the prospective of a regular father who is sharing practical lessons learned from his own personal journey. His personal wealth has no bearing on his parenting. Financially, he had the wherewithal to shower his kids with every material thing imaginable, but he decided that spending time with them was the best gift he could give.</p><p> </p><p>So, to those who want a fresh take on fatherhood, “Be A Better Dad Today” is a great read!</p><p> </p><p><i>Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. His website is: <a href="http://www.raynardjackson.com">www.raynardjackson.com</a>.</i></p></div>The Afro is Americanhttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/the-afro-is-american2012-06-14T04:07:06.000Z2012-06-14T04:07:06.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p><b>June 14, 2012</b> </p><p></p><p><b>Raynard Jackson</b></p><p></p><p>In last week’s column I wrote about how the NAACP has lost its mind with its resolution supporting gay marriage. I have very little faith or confidence in most of the traditional Black institutions—NABJ, churches, fraternities, sororities, HBCUs, etc.</p><p></p><p>But after attending a lunch this past Wednesday, my faith and confidence is a tad bit stronger. It was though I was taken back in time to a better time and place within the Black community; and after the luncheon, I really feel like we can get back to the “golden years” of Black engagement in our society. </p><p></p><p>The Afro-American Newspapers (<a href="http://www.afro.com/">http://www.afro.com/</a>) celebrated its 120<sup>th</sup> anniversary with a luncheon. A couple of months ago, their General Manager Edgar Brookins, called to ask me if I could talk with some people about buying a few tables to support the event. I immediately told him that I would personally buy a table. Brookins and the Afro have been supporters of many of my endeavors here in the DC market. Brookins is always responsive to my calls and the paper has been carrying my column for years. So, when they need my support, I will always be there.</p><p></p><p>The Afro has a storied history and an evolving future that is just as bright as it’s past. The paper was founded in 1892 by former slave, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_H._Murphy,_Sr.">John H. Murphy, Sr.</a> when he merged his church publication “The Sunday School Helper” with two similar publications in Baltimore, MD. The newspaper is one of the oldest remaining family-owned newspapers in the U.S. (Black or white).</p><p></p><p>Currently, John Jacob “Jake” Oliver, the great grandson of the Afro-American Newspaper’s founder, is the CEO of the newspaper. A graduate of Fisk University and Columbia University School of Law, Oliver left a promising legal career in corporate America to return to the family business. </p><p></p><p>Under Oliver’s leadership, the Afro has been able to remain relevant by being the first Black newspaper to continue to print hard copies, as well as to be fully digital—being assessable on the internet. If you want to know what going on in the Black community within the DC metro area, the Afro is a must read.</p><p></p><p>Oliver has continued down the path of relevance by hiring a dear friend, Avis-Thomas Lester as their new executive editor. She spent over 20 years as a writer for the Washington Post Newspaper. She will bring a new, fresh perspective to the newspaper and position it to continue to be relevant to our community with the full understanding that we are living in a global marketplace.</p><p></p><p>Under Oliver and Lester’s leadership, the Afro will again branch out to bring news from throughout the world, especially from the continent of Africa. As they begin to cover news from a global perspective, hopefully this will lead to increased readership on the internet and an increased subscriber base. An annual subscription is only $ 40 U.S.</p><p></p><p>Within the Black community, we often complain about how we and our African brothers are portrayed in the media. Well, now we have a chance to do something about it. For as little as $ 40 U.S. a year, the Afro will have the money to report on global issues. </p><p></p><p>If you want to see our community covered in a different manner, let’s commit to finding 1,000 people between now and September to take out a subscription to the Afro. If after a year you don’t like the coverage, then cancel the subscription; but if they meet your liking, renew your subscription.</p><p></p><p>We have to be what we are looking for. If we want fair, diverse coverage within our community, then we must enable those who best know how to do this to have the money necessary to fulfill this goal. Remember, when all is said and done, there is more said than done.</p><p></p><p><i>Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. His website is: <a href="http://www.raynardjackson.com">www.raynardjackson.com</a>.</i></p></div>The NAACP and Gay Marriagehttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/the-naacp-and-gay-marriage2012-06-08T05:30:00.000Z2012-06-08T05:30:00.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}3828537044,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}3828537044,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="280" alt="3828537044?profile=original" /></a>Raynard Jackson ~</p><p> Those who have followed my writings over the years know that I am not very fond of the modern day NAACP. They have strayed very far from their original mission and have become a patsy for the Democratic Party. They are more concerned with having a photo taken at the White House than being the picture of equality and fairness for those with no voice.</p><p>The group was founded in 1909 as a civil rights organization. Its charter stated their mission as: “To promote equality of rights and to eradicate caste or race prejudice among the citizens of the United States; to advance the interest of colored [Black] citizens; to secure for them impartial suffrage; and to increase their opportunities for securing justice in the courts, education for the children, employment according to their ability and complete equality before law.”</p><p>A charter or mission statement guides an organization to ensure that it stays true to its mission; it helps an organization to stay focused on its raison d’etre—its reason for being. So, I ask the NAACP, what is the basis for its focus on gay entitlements or citizenship for those in the country illegally?</p><p>Notice that I used the term “gay entitlements” not gay rights! A right has to be derived from some source document—the U.S. Constitution, a law, the Bible, etc. But, an entitlement is not derivative—it’s based on a “belief” that one deservers a benefit; that belief is totally subjective.</p><p>Based on their charter, the NAACP has no business being involved in all these issues that are outside of their core mission—equality for Black citizens. Has the Human Rights Campaign (a gay entitlements group) or the pro-amnesty forces come out with a statement about Trayvon Martin, or all the child killings in Chicago, or discrimination against Blacks? We all know the answer is no!</p><p>So, you have the NAACP fighting for entitlements that are outside the scope of their charter; but, yet the groups they are fighting for gives no reciprocity when it comes to issues of particular interest to the Black community.</p><p>It should not surprise the public that the NAACP has publically declared their support for “gay marriage.” Notice that I did not say “marriage equality.” When gays use the word marriage equality, they are saying that they want gay marriage to be “equal” to heterosexual marriage. By definition that cannot happen since marriage is between a man and a woman. Their goal is not equality, because that is an impossibility; they want acceptance. They want to redefine marriage, thereby forcing society to accept their lifestyle choices.</p><p>When the NAACP issued their statement of support for gay entitlements they said, “The NAACP Constitution affirmatively states our objective to ensure the “political, educational, social and economic equality” of all people. Therefore, the NAACP has opposed and will continue to oppose any national, state, local policy or legislative initiative that seeks to codify discrimination or hatred into the law or to remove the Constitutional rights of LGBT citizens. We support marriage equality consistent with equal protection under the law provided under the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Further, we strongly affirm the religious freedoms of all people as protected by the First Amendment.”</p><p>Using the 14th amendment as the basis for asserting the right for gays to marry is a bit of a stretch. In Hernandez v. Texas (1954) the U.S. Supreme Court held that the 14th amendment protects those beyond the racial classes of white or “Negro” and extends to other racial, ethnic and other historically disadvantaged groups, i.e. women.</p><p>So, please tell me which of the above groups would gay marriage come under? The 14th Amendment does not apply to them. They are asking the courts to create a special class of rights for them based on sexual preference, which is their ultimate goal.</p><p>Gays do not deserve special protection based on their sexual preferences, but they do deserve equal protection based on their humanity.</p><p>In a 2005 speech, the NAACP’s former chairman, Julian Bond said, “…Sexual disposition parallels race. I [a gay person] was born this way. I have no choice. I wouldn’t change it if I could. Sexuality is unchangeable. I guess Bond never heard of anyone having their sex changed surgically?</p><p>So, let me make sure I understand this. If I choose to exercise my right to oppose gay marriage, I am hateful and believe in discrimination? So, while the Black community is sinking in alarming pathologies with Black on Black crime, runaway teenage pregnancy, high unemployment, the NAACP is taking up the cause that has absolutely no legal basis and is outside the mandate of their own charter. Are you kidding me?</p><p>Weak people (and groups), take strong positions on weak issues. The modern day Civil Rights movement has done more harm to Blacks than any man in a white hood!</p><p>Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. His website is: <a href="http://www.raynardjackson.com">www.raynardjackson.com</a>.</p></div>Zakiya Randall Is Not Up To Parhttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/zakiya-randall-is-not-up-to-par2012-05-18T05:14:26.000Z2012-05-18T05:14:26.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p><b>May 18, 2012</b></p><p> </p><p><b>Raynard Jackson</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p>Former British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, once said, “To every man there comes a time when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a great and might work; unique to him and fitted to his talents; what a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared or unqualified for the moment that could be his finest hour.”</p><p> </p><p>Zakiya Randall has been tapped on the shoulder and has proven that she is woefully unprepared and unqualified for the moment that could be her finest hour!</p><p>Randall is a 20 year old, Arlington, VA native, now residing in Atlanta. She is supposed to be an up and coming golf prodigy. But, this column is less about her golf and more about her person.</p><p> </p><p>Randall is a very attractive girl, who definitely has great potential; but, unfortunately, I would be very surprised if this potential was ever realized because she seems to want to be a sex object more than a golfer. </p><p> </p><p>Her arrogance is astonishing and very repulsive! She is young and brash, with none of the hardware (winning titles) to back up her bravado. In some ways, she reminds me of Michelle Wie (the former teenage golfer who was pushed too hard and too fast by parents who wanted to live vicariously through her). But, at least Wie’s parents refused to let their daughter be used as a sex object.</p><p> </p><p>Wie has a very well done website and it is filled with Fortune 500 companies as sponsors (<a href="http://www.michellewie.com/">http://www.michellewie.com</a>). Her photo pages are filled with very tasteful, beautiful pictures of her, both on the golf course and away from the golf course. Wie went from a highly exposed teenager with lots of money and fame, to a seemingly classy adult who will receive her degree from Stanford University this month (with a degree in communications). Wie has accomplished all this without being sexually objectified.</p><p> </p><p>You may now be asking, what I am talking about? Please view this video and you will understand my rant very clearly (<a href="http://www.golfchannel.com/media/big-break-atlantis-zakiya-bio-041012/">http://www.golfchannel.com/media/big-break-atlantis-zakiya-bio-041012/</a>).</p><p><u> </u></p><p>When I saw this video, I was totally disgusted at Randall, and even more so with her parents. Why would a parent allow their daughter to be so sexually objectified? But, more importantly, what was it about Randall and her parents that made the Golf Channel comfortable shooting a video showing various close-up shots, in slow motion, of Randall’s private parts?</p><p> </p><p>None of the other girls in this video were shot in this manner. Randall is the only Black girl in this video and on this particular Golf Channel TV show. Why are Black women content to allow themselves to constantly be debased in the most public of manner? Why am I seemingly more upset at this constant sexual objectification of Black women than Black women?</p><p> </p><p>Randall is managed by her mother, so ultimately they both agreed to let this be done. Randall thinks she can make money by being sexually exploited. Correction, sexually used. Exploitation indicates coercion. Well, obviously, it’s not working. When you go to her website, it is clumsily put together and cluttered with the most egotistical verbiage I have ever seen. There are no major corporate sponsors. I wonder why? </p><p> </p><p>Randall is just another in a recent string of Black women who bring shame on themselves and women in general. Last year, I wrote a piece titled “Black Women No Longer Have Their Essence.” This piece was about the “Basketball Wives” craze and the “Housewives of Atlanta” craze. As if the shows weren’t bad enough, Essence Magazine honored some of the women involved in both shows. </p><p> </p><p>Please, I don’t want to hear anything about Randall being young (20). Wie was young also, but no network ever showed close-ups of her private parts! The only difference being that of parenting.</p><p> </p><p>Wei’s parents emigrated from South Korea to Hawaii (where Wei was born). Asians typically raise their children in a very conservative manner, with a clear delineation of authority within the home. They are taught that education is the key to their future. Thus, Wei will be receiving her college degree from Stanford University this month and Randall is not even in school.</p><p> </p><p>Randall and her parents need help. Beautiful, she is. Talented, she is. Smart, she is not. She is old enough to know better, but if she was raised in an environment to believe that being sexually objectified is ok; then, I blame her parents. </p><p> </p><p>Randall either has no professional PR people around her or she simply is not listening to their advice. In either case, she is embarrassing herself and Black women. She needs to be reined in. If she wants to be famous, try winning! I know, what a novel concept.</p><p> </p><p>If Randall doesn’t tone down her cockiness and stop allowing herself to be sexually objectified, she will become the most recent child prodigy that is enshrined in the hall of anonymity. She truly has been tapped on the shoulder, but what a tragedy that she has been found unqualified and unprepared for the moment that could have been her finest hour.</p><p> </p><p><i>Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. His columns are nationally syndicated by the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) to over 200 newspapers. </i></p></div>Republicans Should Be Gayhttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/republicans-should-be-gay2012-05-11T13:05:02.000Z2012-05-11T13:05:02.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p><b>May 11, 2012</b><b> </b></p><p><b>Raynard Jackson</b></p><p>Now that I have your attention, let’s talk. Say what you will about the gay community, but this one thing is clear, “they are masters at communications!”</p><p>I make my living doing Public Relations, Crises Management, and Strategic Planning, so I know good public manipulation when I see it and the gay community, in this regards, should be emulated by the Republican Party.</p><p>Growing up in St. Louis, there was no such thing or word as being gay (yes, I am sure they existed, but they definitely were not known). So, the gay community studied Blacks and the Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s and made a conscious decision to adopt—some would say hijack—the language of the Civil Rights community.</p><p>They went from gay rights to Civil Rights; from gay marriage to marriage equality. Anyone that knows anything about PR, knows that marketing is all about language and communications. Politics is the ultimate form of marketing.</p><p>You can ask a girl to have sex with you or you can ask her to make love to you. Both ask the same thing; but the latter uses a more effective way to communicate your desires than the former. </p><p>Early on, gays knew that America was not going to support “gay” rights, but in light of the experience of the Black community; who could be against “Civil Rights” for gays?</p><p>But yet, gays never explained and the media never asked were their assertion of “rights” stemmed from.</p><p>A “right” indicates something you are entitled to—by birth, by God, by law, by social norms, etc. Therefore, I would like my gay friends to explain to me the origin of their rights? They have rights as an American citizen, but not because they are gay. This is what you will not hear the gay community talk about because equal rights is not their real objective—that is a byproduct of their real goal.</p><p>Their real goal is to force society to “accept” their personal lifestyle choices—i.e., being gay, bisexual, transgendered, etc. Civil Rights for Blacks was never about acceptance, but rather enforcement of the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution had already guaranteed us the very rights we were fighting for—right to vote, right to live anywhere, right to due process, etc. We were not seeking to create a special class of rights based on “choices” we volunteerarily made (we were born Black—we did not choose to be Black). We did not choose to come to America nor did we choose to be slaves.</p><p>So, our Civil Rights movement was about enforcement of the rights we were already guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Therefore there can be no equating Blacks and Civil Rights with gays and special rights!</p><p>So, for Obama, Sharpton, the N.A.A.C.P, the Congressional Black Caucus to equate gay rights with Civil Rights should be an insult not only to the Black community; but to all who sacrificed for Blacks to gain the Civil Rights that Blacks were already due.</p><p>Former California U.S. Senator and linguist, S.I. Hayakawa once said, “meanings are in people, not in words.” Republicans typically think simply because they are right on the issues, somehow the public will understand their positions. They should learn to be more like the gay community—to understand how words can change the perception the public has on controversial issues. Gays understood that Americans would not support gay marriage, but who can be against “marriage equality?” What a brilliant PR move!</p><p>Republicans need to do a better job of educating the American people that they are not against gay people; they are against “special rights” for gays.</p><p>If Obama and the Democrats think gay rights is a Civil Right, then how can they at the same time say they will leave it up to the states to decide the issue? Huh? When are they going to introduce legislation in Congress that codifies gay rights as a Civil Right?</p><p>Everyone knows that the Democrats have no intention of introducing legislation because this is all an election year ploy! </p><p>Let me also help you with the media’s obsessive use of supposed polls that show that a majority of Americans “support” gay rights and gay marriage. What the media and gays never tell you is that there are currently 35 states that define marriage as between one man and one woman in their state constitutions. So, the polls are in direct contradiction to the facts on the ground.</p><p>This fact is a PR bonanza if the Republicans did a better job of communicating their positions to the public. To my Republican friends, learn how the gays have used language to advance their cause—in other words, be gay!</p><p><i>Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. He is also a contributing editor for Black Enterprise, ExcellStyle Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.excellstyle.com">www.excellstyle.com</a><i>), Freedom’s Journal Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.freedomsjournal.net">www.freedomsjournal.net</a><i>), and U.S. Africa Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.usafricaonline.com">www.usafricaonline.com</a><i>).</i></p></div>Rebranding Rwandahttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/rebranding-rwanda2012-05-01T17:51:34.000Z2012-05-01T17:51:34.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p><b>May 1, 2012</b> </p><p><b>Raynard Jackson</b></p><p>When the average American thinks of Rwanda, there are two thoughts that come to mind—genocide and gorillas.</p><p>During the early 1990s, Rwanda killed almost 1 million of its own people in a brazen display of ethnic cleansing. As with the Jewish Holocaust, the world stood idly by and pretended that they saw nothing! </p><p>Rwanda is also known to contain an estimated 1/3 of the world’s mountain gorillas.</p><p>This is the extent of the knowledge most Americans have about Rwanda. Americans are partly to blame for this lack of knowledge, but I put the biggest blame on the country of Rwanda itself.</p><p>Rwanda has a very appealing story to tell, but like most African countries, they display little understanding of the importance of engaging in direct dialogue with the American people. Better to have friends and not need them, than to need friends and not have them.</p><p>Rwanda has made tremendous progress on several fronts since the genocide of 1994. Transparency International, an anti-corruption watchdog group, has listed Rwanda as one of the least corrupt countries in Africa, they are connected to the underwater fiber optic cable off the coast of Kenya that enables them to have faster, more reliable internet connectivity, and they have been cited as one of the top 10 African countries to invest in. </p><p>Last December, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Rwandan Minister of Trade and Industry, Francois Kanimba ratified the U.S.-Rwanda Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). The U.S.-Rwanda BIT was signed in Kigali in 2008 and the United States Senate unanimously approved the treaty on September 26, 2011. The treaty provides investors with legal protections that underscore the two countries’ shared commitment to open investment and trade policies. These protections include non-discriminatory treatment of investors and investments; the right to freely transfer investment-related funds; prompt, adequate, and effective compensation in the event of an expropriation; freedom from specified performance requirements, such as domestic content or technology transfer requirements; and provisions to ensure transparency in governance. The treaty also gives investors in all sectors the right to bring investment disputes to neutral, international arbitration panels. USTR and the Department of State co-led the negotiation of this treaty.</p><p>The critics of Rwanda continue to site the human rights abuses by the Rwandan President, Paul Kagame (as reported by Amnesty International). The country is also criticized for its lack of a free press and the jailing or murder of those who speak out against Kagame. Most Western diplomats in the region are well aware of Kagame’s alleged role in fostering conflict in and stealing minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo.</p><p>Most Americans don’t follow Rwanda enough to discern the truth about Rwanda. That’s why I am puzzled that neither Kagame or his government ever interacts with the media when in the U.S., especially the Black media.</p><p>Africans constantly complain about the way Africa is portrayed in the U.S. media (war, famine, corruption), but yet they do nothing to change that portrayal. They constantly call us “brother,” then they go to CNN. They tell us to “come home” (meaning come to visit Africa), but they go visit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Corporate Council on Africa, or the Council on Foreign Relations (all mostly white organizations).</p><p>Can you remember the last time an African president has given a speech at a Black university, met with Black businessmen, or met with Black media?</p><p>You can substitute any other African country for Rwanda and the storyline would be the same. Rwanda and Kagame have a worthwhile story to tell, so I am dumbfounded that they don’t take advantage of the interest Americans have in beginning a dialogue with Rwanda.</p><p>Can you imagine Michael Jordan hitting the game winning shot and then asking the media not to say anything? Or Barak Obama winning the presidential election and refusing to talk about his victory? Or you discovering the cure for cancer, but not wanting anyone to know?</p><p>So, my challenge to Kagame and Rwanda is to begin a dialogue with the American people beyond that of the white power structure. There are over 200 Black owned newspapers in the U.S. who would be thrilled to have an on-the-record conversation with Kagame. There are hundreds of Black owned businesses from every sector who can be a great vehicle for the sharing of ideas, but also possible investors.</p><p>If the Rwandan brand wants to move beyond the genocide and gorillas, then they must educate the American people about the progress made in their country; and the only way to do that is to begin a dialogue with the various centers of influence (COI) within the U.S.—Black media, businessmen, universities, etc.</p><p>Currently, Rwanda is viewed very negatively within the U.S. and that will be difficult to change until Kagame and his whole government decides to engage the American people. That must begin with Kagame reaching out well beyond white America that he is so accustomed to engaging with.</p><p>Kagame must set the tone, then his ministers, and finally those in the embassy here in the U.S. This type of initiative will not only help with Rwanda’s political agenda, but also create more possibilities for increased investment in the country.</p><p>In marketing terms, Rwanda is a damaged brand. The only way to improve Rwanda’s brand is by initiating a strategic, well thought out dialogue with the American people. </p><p>Kagame has never explained to the American people why we should care about Rwanda, what Rwanda has to offer America, or why Rwanda is in America’s vital national security interests. Two fundamentals in any educational campaign are: to build market awareness and then give a call to action.</p><p>Kagame has a real opportunity to show other African leaders how to engage the American people in a way that leads to more investment in and understanding of his country. An educated America is his best ally. Maybe it’s time for Rwanda to rebrand it’s approach to the American people.</p><p><i>Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. He is also a contributing editor for Black Enterprise, ExcellStyle Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.excellstyle.com"><i>www.excellstyle.com</i></a><i>), Freedom’s Journal Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.freedomsjournal.net"><i>www.freedomsjournal.net</i></a><i>), and U.S. Africa Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.usafricaonline.com"><i>www.usafricaonline.com</i></a><i>).</i></p></div>The Riddle of Blacks and Obamahttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/the-riddle-of-blacks-and-obama2012-04-20T07:59:32.000Z2012-04-20T07:59:32.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p><b>April 20, 2012</b><b> </b></p><p><b>Raynard Jackson</b></p><p></p><p>During a BBC radio address titled, “The Russian Enigma,” on October 1, 1939, former British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill said, “I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia. It is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma; but perhaps there is a key. That key is Russian national interest.”</p><p> </p><p>The simple meaning behind Churchill’s statement is--something that is a puzzle or something difficult to solve. Churchill’s statement sums up quite concisely, the relationship that Blacks have with Obama—an enigma.</p><p> </p><p>In the 2008 presidential election, Blacks were the largest voting block for Obama (as a percentage)—96%. But, yet, the first Black president has fewer Blacks serving in his administration than former President, George W. Bush. The first Black president thinks so little of Black women that he refused to even interview any Black female lawyers or judges for the 2 Supreme Court picks he has put on the bench. Even if he knew he would not choose them, at least interview them for the optics! Last year, in a speech to the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), the first Black president said, “Take off your bedroom slippers, put on your marching shoes. Shake it off. Stop complaining, stop grumbling, stop crying. We are going to press on. We’ve got work to do, CBC.”</p><p> </p><p>A week earlier, Obama spoke at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. He highlighted two specific pieces of legislation that he was actively trying to pass that would overwhelmingly be to the primary benefit of the Hispanic community—the DREAM Act and comprehensive immigration reform. Not one time did he tell them to stop complaining? </p><p> </p><p>A month later Obama spoke before The Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights group. Again, Obama talked about how he repealed, “don’t ask, don’t tell,” and mandated hospital visitation rights for same sex couples. Again, not one time did he tell them to stop complaining?</p><p> </p><p>Now, juxtapose that with what went on in Africa.</p><p> </p><p>By tradition, the head of the World Bank is always an American male and the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is always a European male (until last year when the French fought for a woman to be chosen—Christine Lagarde). But Africa challenged this arrangement very publically. </p><p> </p><p>Africa’s actions was a direct challenge to Obama’s choice of Dr. Jim Yong Kim and the brazenly unfair process the World Bank used to choose the successor of the former president of the World Bank, Robert Zoellick.</p><p> </p><p>Oddly enough, Kim’s strongest challenger was the Finance Minister of Nigeria, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a female from a developing country. She was universally considered the best candidate in the field, even by those who supported Kim.</p><p> </p><p>Russia, China and Mexico supported Kim. Ngozi was nominated by South Africa and was endorsed by all of the African members of the bank’s board, The African Union, Brazil, the Economist, Colombia, The New York Times, The Financial Times, and 39 former senior officials at the World Bank.</p><p> </p><p>This is the first time in the history of the bank that the U.S. has been challenged by developing and emerging countries. South African Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan, went so far as to say, “the bank’s selection process falls short and is not transparent or merit-based.</p><p> </p><p>Wow! The first Black president, with African roots is being criticized by another African for not supporting the best qualified candidate for the job. Obama promised to make his administration the most ethical, transparent administration in history. But, like in many of his actions, when he had the chance to turn his rhetoric into action, he became like sounding brass or the tingling cymbal; full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.</p><p> </p><p>As a result of Jesse Jackson’s unsuccessful presidential bids in 1984 and 1988, he made it possible to believe that a Black could one day become president of the U.S; so has Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s bid to become president of the World Bank. She did not win, but now other countries can envision a time in the not too distant future, that the head of the World Bank will be a non-American.</p><p> </p><p>You had an African woman to challenge Obama’s choice to lead the bank; she being universally considered the best qualified for the job. But, yet Black Democrats in America refuse to challenge the first Black president when he has gone out of his way to ignore them when it comes to legislation of particular interest to them. They continue to make excuses for his lack of action—he needs more time, the President can’t undo in 4 years what took Bush 8 years to create or he will pay attention to us in his second term.</p><p> </p><p>The Black community’s behavior is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.</p><p> </p><p><i>Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. He is also a contributing editor for ExcellStyle Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.excellstyle.com"><i>www.excellstyle.com</i></a><i>), Freedom’s Journal Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.freedomsjournal.net"><i>www.freedomsjournal.net</i></a><i>), and U.S. Africa Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.usafricaonline.com"><i>www.usafricaonline.com</i></a><i>).</i></p></div>The Rev Jesse L. Jackson Challenge As He Visits Black Wall Street of Tulsa Oklahoma This Weekendhttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/the-rev-jesse-l-jackson-challenge-as-he-visits-black-wall-street2012-04-14T18:52:45.000Z2012-04-14T18:52:45.000ZMark S. Allenhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/MarkSAllen<div><div style="text-align:center;"><font face=""><span style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;color:#222222;font-size:13px;">Mark S. Allen</span><br /><span style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;color:#222222;font-size:13px;">Chairman Of The Board</span><br /><span style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;color:#222222;font-size:13px;"><span id="yiv1259139389lw_1332607479_0" class="yiv1259139389yshortcuts"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1334427919_0">Black Wall Street</span></span> Chicago Organization</span><br /><span style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;color:#222222;font-size:13px;">Chief of Staff To National Chairman Rev. Michael Carter</span><br /><span style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;color:#222222;font-size:13px;">National Black Wall Street USA</span><br /></font><font face=""><span id="yiv1259139389lw_1334346388_0" class="yiv1259139389yshortcuts"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1334427919_1"><span id="yiv1259139389lw_1332607479_1" class="yiv1259139389yshortcuts"><span id="yiv1259139389lw_1332788265_0" class="yiv1259139389yshortcuts"><span style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;color:#222222;font-size:13px;">4655 South King Drive, Suite 203</span></span></span><br /><span class="yiv1259139389yshortcuts"><span class="yiv1259139389yshortcuts"><span style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;color:#222222;font-size:13px;">Chicago, Illinois 60653</span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;color:#222222;font-size:13px;">773-392-0165</span><br /></font><span style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;color:#222222;font-size:13px;"><span id="yiv1259139389lw_1332607479_2" class="yiv1259139389yshortcuts"><span id="yiv1259139389lw_1332788265_1" class="yiv1259139389yshortcuts"><a target="_blank" href="http://us.mc1622.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=markallen@blackwallstreet.orgMark%20S.%20Allen%20recently%20included%20in%20the%202012%20Edition%20of%20Who%27s%20Who%20In%20Black%20Chicago%20as"><font face="">markallen@blackwallstreet.org<br /><br />Mark S. Allen recently included in the 2012 Edition of Who's Who In Black Chicago as "one of Chicago's Most Influential Voices In The Black Community<br /></font><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br /><br /></span></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;color:#222222;font-size:13px;"><span class="yiv1259139389yshortcuts"><span class="yiv1259139389yshortcuts"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><font face="">NATIONAL BLACK WALL STREET LEADERS APPLAUD REV. JESSE L. JACKSON, SR ON HIS VISIT TO TULSA, OKLAHOMA TODAY FOR FUNERAL OF RECENT RACIAL <font size="2">SHOOTING</font> VICTIM BOBBY <font size="2">CLARK AND</font> SITE OF ORIGINAL RACE RIOTS OF MAY 31, 1921, 91ST YEAR ANNIVERSARY</font></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;color:#222222;font-size:13px;"><span class="yiv1259139389yshortcuts"><span class="yiv1259139389yshortcuts"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blackwallstreet.org/"><span id="yiv1259139389lw_1334346388_1" class="yiv1259139389yshortcuts"><font face="">www.blackwallstreet.org</font></span></a></span></span></span></span><span style="font-style:italic;"><br /></span><font face=""> </font></div><div style="text-align:center;"><font face="">Tulsa, Okla. — </font></div><div style="text-align:center;"><br />Today, National Black Wall Street USA National leadership which include Mark Allen, a former national aide to the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr, applaud the Rev. <span id="yiv1259139389lw_1334341549_0" class="yiv1259139389yshortcuts">Jesse Jackson</span> who was at Crown Hill Chapel in Tulsa yesterday morning for the funeral of 54-year-old Bobby Clark, one of three people killed in the Good Friday shootings.<br /><br />"We must somehow pull leadership together, black and white alike, and say that this killing does not represent all of Tulsa," Jackson said. The Rev. Michael Carter, Sr, National Chairman of National Black Wall Street USA stated that he agrees with Rev. Jackson. Carter stated that "91 years ago, not all White citizens were a part of the burning and shooting down of the Black Wall Street community of Tulsa that lost over 3,000 Black citizens and a community with over 600 Black owned and operated businesses, and that today 91 years later the accused shooters in this latest tragedy Jake England and Alvin Watts who are white do not represent all Whites in Tulsa, but the challenge is to show that 91 years later that original self community economic spirit of Black Wall Street<br /> can live again in Tulsa and Black and communities across the country without threat of any racial hatred"<br /><br />Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett was also on hand outside the chapel and talked with Jackson before they went inside for the service.<br /><br />Jackson is just one high-profile civil rights leader making a visit to Tulsa following the shootings, which many believe were racially-motivated.</div><div style="text-align:center;"><br /> </div><div style="text-align:center;">Mark Allen stated that "it is fitting that Rev. Jackson today would be the one to help bring additional national visibility to this Tulsa community during this challenging period as one who is well aware of the history that Black Wall Street of Tulsa represent yesterday and today. It was Rev. Jesse who helped get the national message out across the country that the spirit and legacy of the original Black Wall Street of Tulsa was alive and mobilized through 35 national chapters of the National Black Wall Street organization when he accepted my invitation to be the kick off speaker at the very first national meeting last year in Chicago of National Black Wall Street Chapter Organizers, along with other former national staff members of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King's national staff of <em>SCLC Operation Breadbasket</em> Program like Attorney Thomas Todd and the Rev. Albert Sampson. Rev. Jackson and others reflected that the Operation Breadbasket program was in the spirit of Black Wall Street in that it taught how the Black and other poor communities could be strong communities built through the consumer education of poor citizens in their own communities investing more of their consumer spending with that communities own financial institutions to sustain and increase its own community businesses, jobs, and institutions" </div><div style="text-align:center;"> </div><div style="text-align:center;">Allen also stated that he hopes that national high profile leaders like Rev. Jackson can help use this focus again on the pain of Tulsa into how the power of Tulsa and that Black Wall Spirit example could actually rebuild and reverse the desperate economic conditions that Black and poor communities face while on the other hand touting the Trillion dollar consumer spending power from the Black community alone. "Tulsa last year almost lost the financing to sustain the only facility to survive the 1921 Race Riots, and we have far more economic resources today than we did 91 years ago, so we need to have collaborations to sustain that Library and self empowered communities and I cannot think of a better campaign to work with Rev. Jackson and other national leadership on than reviving the spirit and legacy of Black Wall Street of this same community that the world watched in 1921 and now in 2012." said Allen.</div><div style="text-align:center;"> </div><div style="text-align:center;">-30-</div><div style="text-align:center;"> </div><div style="text-align:center;">(Note, Thanks to Bishop Tavis Grant, National Field Secretary for The Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and Lauren Love of The Rainbow/PUSH Coalition Press Department for their communication with regard to Rev. Jackson's visit today to the original Black Wall Street of Tulsa Oklahoma during this 91st Year commemoration season of the May 31, 1921/June 1st, 1921 Race Riot)</div></div>I Am Happy I’m Not GLAADhttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/i-am-happy-i-m-not-glaad2012-03-10T04:56:24.000Z2012-03-10T04:56:24.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p><b>March 8, 2012</b></p><p></p><p><b>Raynard Jackson</b></p><p>I am so very happy that I am not GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation). But, I am getting very tired of writing about their terrorist tactics that they employ towards anyone who refuses to accept their lifestyle choices.</p><p>Their latest target is former child actor Kirk Cameron. Cameron is best known for his role as Mike Seaver on the television situation comedy, “Growing Pains.”</p><p>Last week he appeared on Piers Morgan’s TV show on CNN. Morgan asked Cameron what his thoughts were on gay marriage (which is an oxymoron, since there is no such thing as gay marriage, by definition). Cameron responded by stating, “...I believe that marriage was defined by God a long time ago. Marriage is almost as old as dirt and it was defined in the garden between Adam and Eve: one man one woman for life – ah till death do you part. So, I would never attempt to redefine marriage and I don’t think that anyone else should either. So do I support the idea of gay marriage? No I don’t.”</p><p>So, can someone please tell me what was homophobic or antigay about Cameron’s response? Is GLAAD suggesting that the only way not to be viewed as homophobic or anti-gay is by agreeing with them?</p><p>Since Morgan didn’t get the answer he wanted, he probed further by asking Cameron if he thought homosexuality was a sin. He was asked this same question no fewer than 3 times and to his credit, he didn’t fall into Morgan’s trap. Cameron said, “I think that it’s ah – it’s it’s it’s it’s unnatural. I think that it’s it’s it’s detrimental and ultimately destructive to so many of the foundations of civilization.” So again, can someone please tell me what was homophobic or anti-gay about Cameron’s response?</p><p>So, GLAAD and gay rights activists are saying we must override the morals and values that were instilled in us and accept their morals and values in order not to be viewed as homophobic or anti-gay. Are you kidding me?</p><p>It is very unnatural for those of the same sex to engage in sexual activity. I challenge GLAAD to show me where in nature is this not true. Has anyone ever seen two male lions engaging in sex or two male tigers, or two male sharks or two male whales?</p><p>It’s no more natural for two males to have sex as it is for someone to go skydiving (jumping out of a plane with a parachute). It’s not natural, but people do it. It’s so unnatural that it is almost impossible to get insurance if you are a professional skydiver. It’s so unnatural that if you get injured or die while skydiving, that is grounds to void most contracts of professional athletes and entertainers.</p><p>So, before you bring race into the picture, let me do a preemptive strike. Blacks were denied acceptance, not because it was unnatural, but because whites refused to enforce what was already written in the U.S. Constitution. Therefore, laws were passed specifically delineating rights that Blacks were entitled to.</p><p>There is absolutely no provisions in the U.S. Constitution based on sexual preference. That’s the difference between the odious comparisons gays like to use to compare their issue to that of Blacks. There is no comparison.<br /><br /></p><p>GLAAD issued their usual response to Cameron’s comments. Herndon Graddick, GLAAD’s Senior Director of Programs and Communications said, “Saying that gay people are 'detrimental to civilization' might be 'loving' in Kirk Cameron’s mind, but it's gay youth and victims of bullying who truly suffer from adults like Cameron who espouse these ideas…Cameron used his platform to attack gay Americans…”</p><p>Oh, really? Cameron was asked about his values and now GLAAD is trying to attack him simply because he refused to agree with their life choices! For the third time, can someone please tell me what was homophobic or anti-gay about Cameron’s response?</p><p>Let me interpret GLAADs actions for you. They are not interested in equality. They are only interested in acceptance of their lifestyle choices. So, if you don’t agree to accept their lifestyle choices, then they will label you “homophobic,” “anti-gay,” or “hateful,” etc.</p><p>They insist, no, they demand that you change your own value system to accommodate their lifestyle choices. Anything short of this means you are homophobic.</p><p>As a graduate of Oral Roberts University, here is what I propose: I invite GLAAD’s two Co-chairs, Sheri Fults and Micahel Lammons to join me and Kirk Cameron in hosting a town-hall meeting in Washington, DC in June. If GLAAD’s mission is to promote equality and understanding (as they claim, but for which there is no evidence), then let’s undertake a civil evening of conversation with people who have differing views on the gay rights agenda.</p><p>I was once told that, “the reasonable man adapts himself to the world, the unreasonable man adapts the world to himself; therefore all progress is dependent on the unreasonable man.” I am unreasonable enough to think that GLAAD will take me up on my offer. If they don’t, then I will be happy that I’m not GLAAD. </p><p><i>Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. He is also a contributing editor for ExcellStyle Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.excellstyle.com/"><i>www.excellstyle.com</i></a><i>), Freedom’s Journal Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.freedomsjournal.net/"><i>www.freedomsjournal.net</i></a><i>), and U.S. Africa Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.usafricaonline.com/"><i>www.usafricaonline.com</i></a><i>).</i></p></div>Why Tom Joyner is GLAADhttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/why-tom-joyner-is-glaad2012-02-13T05:23:22.000Z2012-02-13T05:23:22.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p><b>February 13, 2012</b></p><p></p><p><b>Raynard Jackson</b></p><p>Last week I wrote a column entitled, “Roland Martin Is Not GLAAD.” In that column, I discussed the unfair treatment of TV personality, Roland Martin.</p><p>I thought I was finished writing about this issue and was prepared to move on. But, after receiving tons of phone calls, voicemails, and emails about Tom Joyner’s “Letter to Roland: Make It Right,” I feel compelled to make another comment about the Martin affair (<a href="http://www.blackamericaweb.com/?q=blog_inner/37029/1573138/The%20Fly%20Jock">http://www.blackamericaweb.com/?q=blog_inner/37029/1573138/The%20Fly%20Jock</a>).</p><p>There are so many more important things we should be discussing, but I can’t let Roland be thrown under the bus alone. </p><p>In his letter to Roland, Joyner states in part, “his radio show’s goal is to entertain and empower black people.”</p><p>Oh, really? Joyner is the same person who wrote in his blog on July 1. 2011, “About a month ago, I wrote a blog about Tavis Smiley and decided to table it because I said some things I didn’t want to publish. You’re probably thinking I went too hard on him, but no. In reality, I hadn’t gone hard enough - and I knew it. I said I’d wait until something pissed me off so bad that I would have the words harsh enough to express what I was really feeling about him and <b>his side piece[</b>emphasis added]- I mean side kick - Cornel West. Let me explain this to my non Black readers.</p><p>Remember, in my column last week I quoted linguist, S.I. Hayakaw as saying, “meanings are in people, not in words.”</p><p>When Joyner called Cornel West Tavis’ “side piece,” it meant they were sexual partners, in other words, they were gay! GLAAD didn’t utter one word when Joyner made this statement. Joyner was implying that there was something wrong with this. Where was the gay outrage at this insinuation?</p><p>Let’s cut through all the clutter and get to what this debate is really all about. This has little to do with Roland Martin—he is just a convenient punching bag. This is about gays trying to force their views on society. They have not been able to do it through the law, so they just use good ole fashioned extortion and fear. </p><p>They have snookered Black ministers like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton into equating gay rights with civil rights. They have groups like the NAACP spending more time fighting for gay rights than they do for civil rights.</p><p>If this is about understanding, why do we hear so much silence? Liberal groups like the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) went so far as to issue a press release asking CNN to hire one of their members while Roland is on suspension! Yes, you heard right! Roland is a two time national board member and a life member of the group and as opposed to trying to support one of their own, they seek to replace Roland with one of their other members. According to NABJ’s press release, “In lieu of his presence on CNN, until this matter is resolved, we encourage the network to continue to present a diverse offering of voices in its programming." Roland, with friends like these, you definitely don’t need any enemies. </p><p>So, in the spirit of understanding, I have a few questions for Joyner and CNN.</p><p>Tom, in your letter, you said you were “head of the family.” So, as head of the family, have you had a direct conversation with Roland since this issue surfaced? Why would you put out your statement on Friday, when Roland had already apologized and agreed to meet with GLAAD? What was the purpose of the letter after 5 days of silence? Did it really take you that long to think of a statement, or did GLAAD force your hand like the rest of the liberal Black community? You further state that Roland should make “a sincere apology.” Can you tell me what that looks like? Who will decide if Roland is “sincere?” I am having a difficult time finding your apology to Tavis and Cornel for calling them gay. Can you post that on your site for us to read? Remember, you said in your letter to Roland, “the job of the offender is simply to apologize and learn a lesson about what to say or do going forward.” </p><p>CNN, especially Mark Whitaker I have a few questions for you also. Whitaker is Executive Vice President and managing editor for CNN Worldwide (and is also the highest ranking Black in the network). In your statement you say, “language that demeans is inconsistent with the values and culture of our organization.” Can you tell me exactly who Roland demeaned and how? Can you define for me what the values and culture of your organization is? Have you given Roland the courtesy of a direct conversation with you before the suspension? Now that Roland has agreed to meet with GLAAD, can you tell me what will determine when you put Roland back on the air?</p><p>Tom’s letter to Roland was signed, “Tom Joyner.” I wonder if he left the word uncle off on purpose, or maybe he just thought it would be redundant!</p><p>In many ways, Joyner and GLAAD are very similar. Both claim to seek understanding and promote equality among people, but, neither gave it to Roland Martin. So, in a way, Tom Joyner is GLAAD.</p><p>If you want to show your love and support for Roland, I encourage each of you to make three calls and send three emails. Tom Joyner’s phone number is: 972-789-1058; Mark Whitaker’s number and email are: 212-275-7800 (<a href="mailto:markwhitaker@turner.com">markwhitaker@turner.com</a>); Jim Walton (president of CNN world wide) 404-827-1500 (jim.walton@turner.com).</p><p><i>Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. He is also a contributing editor for ExcellStyle Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.excellstyle.com/"><i>www.excellstyle.com</i></a><i>), Freedom’s Journal Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.freedomsjournal.net/"><i>www.freedomsjournal.net</i></a><i>), and U.S. Africa Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.usafricaonline.com/"><i>www.usafricaonline.com</i></a><i>).</i></p></div>BLACK PEOPLE Boycott CNN and Their Sponsors Until They Return Roland Martin to His Post!https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/black-people-boycott-cnn-and-their-sponsors-until-they-return2012-02-10T15:43:42.000Z2012-02-10T15:43:42.000ZGloria Dulan-Wilsonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/GloriaDulanWilson<div><p>By Gloria Dulan-Wilson</p><p>Actually, that should really be pretty easy to do since there aren't that many of us who watch CNN on the reg anyway. And I suppose that's what they're counting on. The fact that we really don't subscribe to their brand of reporting. </p><p>But we need to send a message. Roland Martin was treated unfairly, stupidly and with prejudice by CNN. As an associate and friend of mine used to say that CNN stood for "the continuously negative news." And I totally concur. But they've gone a little too far with their stuff now. In trying to appease a lunatic fringe, they are about to take on the Black community over a comment about, of all things, some underwear most Black men wouldn't be caught dead in.</p><p>No disrespect to Beckham, or his advertisers, or promoters - go ahead and make your money, get your endorsements, play soccer, what ev!! But don't think there's anything sacred or special about the underwear or the people who made it; or those who conceived of that weird advert. Because it's not</p><p>What is serious is the fact that CNN has the audacity, the temerity and the gall to fire a prominent reporter over a tweet about the ad, which in no way whatsoever even mentioned the word "gay" or "homosexual." Now if any of the individuals in the "tweet" happen to be of that persuasion, "it sounds like a personal problem to me." But not Martin's. </p><p>I am hoping that the fact that NABJ (National Association of Black Journalist), NAACP, Urban League, or the usual "leaders" have yet to speak on this unspeakable insult is because they are operating behind the scenes, and will be forthcoming with a solution to this issue shortly - like now.</p><p>I also think the fact that the tweet Roland made in jest, not calling anyone any explicitly negative names, or otherwise denigrating them, should not be inveighed as some sort of denouement of gays.</p><p>Right now those of us who are Black, or people of African Heritage, who have had real civil rights violated, have to stand together for our brother, who is likewise facing a public lynching, based in the South, by a group of people who can hardly be considered the most outgoing or supportive when it comes to things Black.</p><p>Furthermore, it is Black History Month, and here we sit - are we really too busy or otherwise occupied to address this BS? We need to make a little history of our own; be the heroes and heroines we want our youth to read about in the future. We have to take what worked for us in the past, and apply it to this current situation.</p><p><em><span class="font-size-3" style="color:#993300;font-family:'arial black', 'avant garde';"><strong>It's as simple as this: Return Brother Roland Martin to CNN or we will begin to systematically boycott the station, it's sponsors - especially CoCaCola, and any one or thing else that supports this lunacy</strong></span></em>.</p><p>I will sign and circulate any petition to that end. I expect CNN to hear from Rev. Sharpton, Rev. Jackson, Ben Jealous, Marc Marial, and any and everyone who positions him or herself as being in the forefront of Black leadership.</p><p>But we must likewise be leaders, individually and collectively, and make it known that we of the Black community are not going to take this insult from CNN or GLAAD. To silence of one of us is to silence all of us. And we will not be silent. </p><p>Roland is a voice for Black people.</p><p>Black people had better speak up.</p><p>Stay Blessed &</p><p>ECLECTICALLY BLACK</p><p>Gloria Dulan-Wilson</p></div>Don Cornelius - an Icon in Black Culture for over 30 years - dead, apparently of self inflicted wounds.https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/don-cornelius-an-icon-in-black-culture-for-over-30-years-dead-app2012-02-02T12:00:00.000Z2012-02-02T12:00:00.000ZGloria Dulan-Wilsonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/GloriaDulanWilson<div><p><br /> by Gloria Dulan-Wilson<br /> <br /> Wow! That was all I could say when the announcement came across my computer early this morning. Don Cornelius - an Icon in Black Culture for over 30 years - dead, apparently of self inflicted wounds. I couldn't process it, or wrap my mind around it for a minute. Surely there was some error - you know that "the news of his death has been greatly exaggerated" type hope. But there it was.<br /> <br /> The great purveyor of everything Soul was gone from among us. Ironically I flashed back to just two weeks ago, at a party given by artist and sculptor Dudley Vacciana in his Brooklyn apartment, there were about 30 of us sitting in his parlor watching a 60" TV screen as DVD after DVD showed Soul Train Classics, from as far back as 1971! The days when we couldn't wait til Saturday to catch the latest dance, see the latest artist and hear the latest hit song on Soul Train!<br /> <br /> There he was, larger than life on that screen. And while everybody else was boogying down in the other rooms, we were checking out the clothes, the artists, the moves - and of course, Mr. Cooler than Cool, Don Cornelius. <br /> <br /> On several occasions the party's DJ came from the other room and tried to divert us from our past life revery to participate in the party at hand; and each time we ran him out the room. We held him off for nearly two hours. This was real music; these artists played real instruments and sang real songs- there were no "B" words; no put downs, no hostility. The songs had melodies you could rock to. <br /> <br /> We relived the in depth interviews Cornelius did with Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson (when he was still a kid). They were priceless. <br /> <br /> They were wearing bell bottom pants, platform shoes, natural hair (Afros); the commercials were from Afro Sheen - Watu Wazuri, use Afro Sheen! Wow! We were totally entranced looking at the peers of our yesterday, and remembering when we could kick that high, do the splits, wear slits up our thigh - we were fly!<br /> <br /> Little did we know that two weeks later we'd wake up to find the hero of our youth was no longer among us. Perhaps we had an inkling, and that was why we clung so dearly to watching those videos at Dudley's that evening.<br /> <br /> Brother Don Cornelius was an inspiration to us all. He was confirmation of the greatness of Black artist, talent, youth, creativity, ingenuity. He was a brother who made no bones about being Black and Proud. Always ending with Love, Peace and Soul, and meaning it, he set a standard for showcasing Black talent that has been mirrored, but never surpassed, to this day</p><p>Who can forget the rise of the divas: Sister Sledge, The Pointer Sisters, En Vogue, following the trails blazed by Gladys Knight and the Pips, Diana Ross - Diva Supreme, and Ms. Patti LaBelle, among others. We got our fashion tips, hair styles, and walks from watching these beautifully put together, elegant Black women.</p><p>I only met Mr. Cornelius on one occasion, when the group Mandrill performed live in Hollywood. I'm sure he barely noticed me. However, I remember how cordial, down to earth and unpretentious he was. He admired the group, and the fact that they were a self contained family. He highlighted their originality - composing and playing all their own original work. (I didn't get to dance, though - I was totally outclassed by those kids on the dance floor). It was interesting to watch from the inside out, and experience being in the company of the Mr. Cool.<br /> <br /> My daughter, who likewise grew up on Saturdays watching Soul Train, texted me "How bad could his life have been for him to have killed himself." I responded, "You never know what's going on inside a person, what kind of pain they may be experiencing."<br /> <br /> I later had a conversation with Public Relations Diva, <strong>Terrie Williams</strong>, who recently authored a book entitled, <em><strong>"Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting",</strong></em> who stated that Don Cornelius, who had recently suffered a stroke, was indeed undergoing a great deal of physical and mental pain. Whether or not that contributed to his demise is unknown, but it is a strong indication that he may have been facing a lot of challenges.<br /> <br /> Condolences to his family, friends, and those of us who have forged a soul relationship with him over the years. The sadness is that he is no longer here among us physically. The wonderful thing is that we have this tremendous body of work, those wonderful happy times we spent finger popping, lip synching, dancing, and trying to style like the dancers on Soul Train, as Don Cornelius brought into our homes on a very personal basis, artists most of us had only seen on album covers, or heard on the radio. <br /> <br /> Because of Don we had an opportunity to be up close and personal with so many wonderful, talented people, many of whom have already made their transition on to the next plane of action: Michael Jackson, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Heavy D., Etta James, Nina Simone, Nick Ashford, The Temptations, Curtis Mayfield, Harold Melvin, Teddy Pendergrass - what a Roll Call!<br /> <br /> And I'm sure they'll receive Don Cornelius gratefully, cordially, and happily, because he's needed to organize the next level of SOUL TRAIN, and <strong>"You can bet your last money, it's gonna be a stone gas honey! In his immortal words, "I wish you LOVE, PEACE & SOUL!"</strong><br /> <br /> <br /> NOTE: This is the beginning of BLACK HISTORY MONTH. We could do no less than honor Don Cornelius and all the wonderful artists he brought to the Black community via his show, the longest running Black entertainment show in television history. <br /> <br /> At the same time, pick up a Black history book and read or re-read it; pick up a Black newspaper and find out what's going on in your community; go see a Black play; take your kid to something that expands his or her knowledge and pride in being Black. If we don't honor ourselves and retain what we've accomplished, we will no longer be here. <span style="color:#3366ff;"><a href="http://www.gloriadulanwilson.blogspot.com">www.gloriadulanwilson.blogspot.com</a></span><br /> <br /> Stay Blessed &<br /> ECLECTICALLY BLACK<br /> Gloria Dulan-Wilson</p><p></p><p> </p><p></p></div>Rainbow Push Coalition 15th Annual Wall Street Project Opens in New York January 25-27https://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/rainbow-push-coalition-15th-annual-wall-street2012-01-24T22:30:00.000Z2012-01-24T22:30:00.000ZGloria Dulan-Wilsonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/GloriaDulanWilson<div><p>By Gloria Dulan-Wilson ~</p><p><br /> It's hard to believe that fifteen years have passed since the First Wall Street Project opened in New York City. It was 1997, at at that time we actually were on Wall Street, with many of the events happening either in board rooms, on the trading room floors, or at the World Trade Center.<br /> <br /> I can remember sitting in the top of the World Trade Center at one of the luncheons, in a facility where the ceilings were arched, and so low that you had to bend to be in there, and you could not see the speakers because the columns blocked your view.<br /> <br /> They've come a long way from those early days of trying to make Black people more financially literate, investment action oriented, and move away from the mentality of a consumer to that of a producer. It's important that I say this, and that you grasp this and how significant it is that Rev. Jackson saw, and understood early on - before the economic downturn, before the mortgage crises, before the rampant foreclosures - he understood the devastation of not having economic parity for Black people -whether here in the US, or Africa, the Caribbean, or anywhere else we reside.<br /> <br /> His mission has been to provide us with as much education, exposure, opportunity and understanding of what Wall Street was about, and what it meant to us, who had been psychologically, physically, emotionally and economically kept out of the loop. The realm of investment, the marketplace, and the high stakes of finance had been relegated to the realm of whites and high rolling Blacks, the few who were allowed behind the "green" door. The rest of us were either part of conspicuous consumption, or the welfare state (at least that is where we were pushed).<br /> <br /> When Rev. Jackson first enunciated plans to study Wall Street as a means of breaking down the next barrier of racism, many of his peers in the "movement" thought he had lost it. Others thought he had joined the ranks of the "capitalist pigs." Interesting, since we all need and want money how many of us tried to pick the idea apart as though it was some kind of pariah.<br /> <br /> However, we who have given up more free labor on this planet than any other group of people in the world, and have not been compensated for our efforts - for the blood, sweat, tears and lives that went into building this nation - including the hallowed hall of Wall Street, Dow Jones, Broad Street and the other denizens of the almighty dollar. We, more than anyone, need to learn to work smarter, not harder, how to invest in growth funds, how to plan for longevity and retirement, how to make wise deals and purchases. When you think about it, the investment they made in bringing us here from Africa has paid off for everyone but us - big time.<br /> <br /> Now it's time to learn how not to make the mistakes that the "smartest guys in the house" made, which caused the economic mess we're in right now, while at the same time begin to develop our own autonomous investment and banking systems, as have other groups, so that we too can underwrite our children's education, purchase our own homes, build quality communities - in other words, call the shots.<br /> <br /> The most interesting thing about this is the irony that we live in New York City, the financial capital of the world. Yet we know nothing about it. The major industries in New York are FIRE - Finance, Insurance, Real Estate - yet they are not taught in any of our schools in a meaningful way. Neither we nor our children have ever been exposed to the inner workings of Wall Street. We know it's there, but except for the few Black proteges, we are more likely to see African Americans as security guards and custodians, than having a pivotal role in the high end banking, finance and investment arenas. The schools in New York may teach you how to count money, but they don't teach you how to use, invest, expand it. Why is that?<br /> <br /> Last year, the Rainbow Push Coalition quietly celebrated its 40th Anniversary on December 25, 2011. The great thing is that they are as relevant and active today as they were when they were first formed. In October 2011, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. celebrated his 70th Birthday anniversary. And like these stellar programs he's created, he keeps getting better with age. There are few out there who can match his stride, his energy and his dedication to Black people. In celebrating these milestones, we are all winners as well, because he has taken the time to provide us with a blue print that we can follow out of this mess we're in - if we would but follow it (see gloriadulanwilson.blogspot.com - January 15, 2011).<br /> <br /> The theme of the 2012 Wall Street Project is <span style="font-style:italic;">"Bringing Everyone to the Table."</span> The Economic Summit this year will be lead by Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. and Terry J. Lundgren, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Macy's Inc. It will feature such panels as: Wall Street Project Career Development; Retooling and Retraining Break Out Sessions; The Women's Luncheon; The Minister's Prayer Breakfast and Roundtable. Among the presenters will be John Grant, Author, Career Coach and Speaker; Staci Grant, President C&G Enterprises; Pat Thomas Motivational Speaker and career coach. There will be other speakers and surprise guests as the conference gets underway.<br /> <br /> Rev. Jackson indicated, in a recent teleconference, that the possibility of putting together a mutual bank or credit union similar to the Black United Fund of New York, to make it possible for Black investors to underwrite their own programs, has been a consideration for quite some time. "I am quite familiar with the program and the principles established by the late Walter Bremond, and think it would be a powerful tool for Black Economic Development. It would be an natural resource builder for programs that are underserved or poorly underwritten by mainstream finance or charitable organizations." New York's Black United Fund, which was established by Kermit Eady, at its zenith raised more than $111 million a year, which was then put back into the Black community in the form of affordable housing, business incubator programs, scholarships, and business start up loans. (Many will remember it was destroyed by then persecutor Elliot Spitzer in his bid for the gubernatorial nomination - but that's another story for another day).<br /> <br /> The most salient points of Rev. Jackson's teleconference was the fact that South Carolina continues to be the bastion of racism and abuse, despite the progress made under Dr. King to destroy many of the negative institutions. The new version of the prison industrial complex is proliferating there, where factories are actually being established within the prison walls, and those who are incarcerated are forced to work for pennies a day. Apparently there are also investors who are underwriting this heinous program in order to save money. If not curtailed, it will be a means of undermining President Obama's move to bring businesses home to make jobs available for Americans who have been out of work since the onset of the economic downturn. How to handle this will be one of the main focal points of this year's Wall Street Project.<br /> <br /> Also of concern are our voting rights, which are being target of attack in South Carolina and Arizona. Republicans are pushing these laws in states across the country claiming they are needed to "deter voting fraud", but offer no evidence of its existence. In fact, the laws will disproportionately impact African Americans, Latinos and poor people — who are less likely to have a driver’s license. In South Carolina, the Dept. Of Justice concluded minority voters would be 20 percent more likely to be disenfranchised than white voters (excerpted from Rev. Jackson's weekly report).<br /> <br /> He will also focus on foreclosures, building and developing decent affordable housing, home ownership, and quality of life issues. Stated Reverend Jackson: "Banks got bailed out; people got locked out." Millions of homes have been lost from the Black community - the largest land grab rip off in history. His 2011 panel dealt with more humane ways to help families in distress than the methods used by recalcitrant banks and lending institutions, who claim to not want their homes, but proceed to foreclose and take them anyway. This year's housing panel is set to take it to the next level. If you happen to have been a victim of these scams, you'll want to be there as well.<br /> <br /> If you haven't attended any of the Wall Street Projects over the past 15 years, make this the time that you break that pattern. Make a paradigm shift. There are a great many contacts to be made, a lot to be learned - networking with peers, as well as establishing new contacts, and expanding those you already have. Come for the seminars - they're priceless! Your input is as valuable as the panel of experts sitting on the dias. With so many opportunities for innovation, you may well walk away with a solution to problems you considered impossible; or you just might make a connection that you thought not possible.<br /> <br /> And lest you thought he has overlooked brothers and sisters in Africa, he's just returned from Johannesburg and Bloemfontein South Africa to join other leaders across the globe in paying tribute to the ANC and the people of South Africa. "This is not just an ANC celebration, but one for the entire continent and, indeed, for peace and freedom loving people around the globe. I look forward to giving a report to the American public upon my return," he stated.<br /> <br /> Make no mistake about it, Reverend Jackson is “Bringing Everyone to the Table” in a way that has never been done before. We can be either at the table or on the sideline. As President Barack Obama said (sang) at the Apollo: "Let's Stay Together!" It's the only way we'll survive. It's the only way we will win. It's the only way we'll Succeed.<br /> <br /> Here's a little history for those who are not familiar with how the organization began: In 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. appointed Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. to serve as the first director of Operation Breadbasket in Chicago, IL. In 1971, three years after King's assassination in Memphis, TN, Rev. Jackson founded Operation P.U.S.H (People United to Save Humanity in Chicago to continue Dr. King's mission. In 1972, the idea of the "Black Expo" (Black Business Exposition) was developed to "expose" African-American businesses.<br /> <br /> In 1984, the National Rainbow Coalition was formed in Washington, DC following Reverend Jackson's first presidential campaign. Rainbow's focus was to unite progressive people, historically locked out of the mainstream of American politics, into a "coalition of conscience," dedicated to making America more inclusive. The Rainbow PUSH Coalition is a progressive organization protecting, defending and expanding civil rights to improve economic and educational opportunity. The organization is headquarted in Chicago, IL at 930 E 50th St., can be reached by calling (773) 373-3366.<br /> <br /> For information on this years 15th Annual Rainbow PUSH Wall Street Project, visit <a href="http://www.rainbowpush.org">www.rainbowpush.org</a>. Rainbow PUSH Coalition ✆ publicservices@rainbowpush.org via bounce.bluestatedigital.com <span style="font-weight:bold;">The 15th Annual Rainbow PUSH Wall Street Project is being held on January 25 to the 27, and the Sheraton Towers Hotel, 53rd Street and 7th Avenue, New York, New York. See you there.</span><br /> <br /> Stay Blessed &<br /> ECLECTICALLY BLACK<br /> Gloria Dulan-Wilson</p></div>A Liberal Dose of Confusionhttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/a-liberal-dose-of-confusion2012-01-23T02:05:17.000Z2012-01-23T02:05:17.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p><b>January 19, 2012</b></p><p></p><p><b>Raynard Jackson</b></p><p> As America celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s birthday this week and is getting ready to celebrate Black History Month in February, I have reflected on the state of liberalism and its impact on the Black community and have concluded that I am very confused!</p><p>What am I confused about? Before Obama’s election as president, no one thought we would ever see a Black person elected president because of racism.</p><p>Since Obama has been elected president, can one reasonably postulate that racism has become less of an issue? If the answer is no, then how do you explain Obama’s election? Remember, conventional wisdom was that America was too racist and would never elect a Black president (and remember, whites are still a majority of the electorate, so therefore, there were a lot of whites who voted for Obama). </p><p>If the answer is yes, then why do liberals constantly blame the plight of Blacks on racism? You can’t have it both ways. </p><p>So, whites are too racist to care about the plight of Blacks, but no longer too racist to vote for a Black candidate for president?</p><p>Is it white America’s fault that they helped elect a Black president that took almost two years before he met with the Congressional Black Caucus (despite meeting with gay and Hispanic groups sooner and more frequently); is it white America’s fault that they helped elect a Black president who told the CBC last September to “stop complaining” [about him not doing anything for the Black community]; is it white America’s fault that they helped elect a Black president who has fewer Blacks in his administration than George W. Bush?</p><p>Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver (from Kansas City, MO and Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus) famously said last year, “if Obama was white, we would be marching on the White House.” Cleaver was making reference to Obama not paying attention to the Black community.</p><p>Here you have the first Black president of the U.S. who is doing everything in his power to ignore the very community that gave him 96% of their vote. And people like Cleaver are giving Obama a pass simply because he Black?</p><p>Why was there no outcry from the NAACP, the Urban League, Al Sharpton, or Jesse Jackson about Cleaver’s racist comment? So, it’s racist when a white person in power ignores the Black community, but it’s ok if a Black person in power does the same thing?</p><p>King fought and died for the principles he believed in. King constantly criticized both Kennedy brothers over civil rights; he constantly criticized Johnson over Vietnam. I can’t imagine King giving Obama a pass simply because he was Black. His moral compass would not have allowed him to remain silent.</p><p>Cleaver, and those who think like him, does a great disservice to everything that King stood for.</p><p>There are more Black elected officials than ever before, but the pathologies in our community are getting worse (unemployment, crime, teenage pregnancy, etc.).</p><p>Who is to blame for this? White folks? Devall Patrick, the Black governor of Massachusetts, has not improved the plight of Blacks in his state. David Dinkins (New York), Tom Bradley (Los Angeles), Coleman Young (Detroit), all former mayors, never improved the plight of Blacks in their cities with their liberal policies. Was that because of racism also? The two exceptions to this were former mayor of Atlanta, Maynard Jackson and former mayor of Washington, DC, Marion Barry. Why were they so different than the other Black mayors?</p><p>They focused on increasing Black entrepreneurship by increasing more opportunities for private sector and government contracting. These two mayors created many Black millionaires, who created jobs, and hired people who paid taxes and helped to create stable communities. </p><p>So, on the one hand, Blacks said America would never elect a Black because of racism. Blacks then turn around and say Obama can’t do anything to specifically address the needs in the Black community because of racism (meaning white racist will accuse Obama of being partial to Blacks). </p><p>I am confused! </p><p><i>Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. He is also a contributing editor for ExcellStyle Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.excellstyle.com/"><i>www.excellstyle.com</i></a><i>), Freedom’s Journal Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.freedomsjournal.net/"><i>www.freedomsjournal.net</i></a><i>), and U.S. Africa Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.usafricaonline.com/"><i>www.usafricaonline.com</i></a><i>).</i></p></div>The Plane Truthhttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/the-plane-truth2011-12-16T05:00:00.000Z2011-12-16T05:00:00.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p><b>December 15, 2011</b></p><p><a target="_blank" href="http://us.mg4.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=1_24031773_AIC3iGIAATA%2FTuribAgXAEkr0fc&pid=2&fid=Inbox&inline=1"><img class="align-full" src="http://us.mg4.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=1_24031773_AIC3iGIAATA%2FTuribAgXAEkr0fc&pid=2&fid=Inbox&inline=1" alt="download?mid=1%5f24031773%5fAIC3iGIAATA%2fTuribAgXAEkr0fc&pid=2&fid=Inbox&inline=1" /></a><b>Raynard Jackson ~<br /></b></p><p> How many of you fly on airplanes or frequent government buildings? If you do, you know you must show some type of government I.D. to get on a plane or enter into a government building.</p><p> </p><p>To my knowledge, I have never heard anyone claim they were discriminated against if they were not allowed to fly or enter a government building because they didn’t have an I.D. To the contrary, people know the rules in advance, so therefore they comply. </p><p> </p><p>I don’t know anyone (young or old, Black or white) who doesn’t have any form of government sanctioned I.D. (driver’s license, passport, etc.). </p><p> </p><p>Even grandma, who is retired and needs to cash her check, has some form of government I.D.</p><p> </p><p>I think most of us can agree that it is a good thing to make people provide “legitimate” I.D. before getting on a plane or entering into a government building, or cashing a check.</p><p> </p><p> I don’t think many people would consider this an intrusion or inconvenience. There is a safety component to this requirement that helps protect everyone.</p><p> </p><p>So, to ensure the safety of the general public, the government has mandated these requirements in order to participate in certain activities.</p><p> </p><p>So, can one argue that if one doesn’t have these forms of government I.D. that they have been discriminated against? Secondly, if one doesn’t have any form of I.D., should the government be obligated to pay the cost to get them?</p><p> </p><p>Again, I challenge my readers to identify one person that they know personally that doesn’t have some form of government I.D.</p><p> </p><p>If you agree with me that the government’s requirement that one have “legitimate” government I.D. to get on a plane or into a government building; how can you then argue that to require the same in order to vote in political elections is discriminatory against the poor and minorities?</p><p> </p><p>Poor people fly on airplanes and enter into government buildings like everyone else.</p><p> </p><p>These are the absurd arguments being made by the radical liberals like Al Sharpton, Ben Jealous, and radical liberal organizations like the N.A.A.C.P., the Congressional Black Caucus, etc.</p><p> </p><p>If it’s racist to require I.D. for people to vote, then it must be racist to require I.D. to board a plane or enter a government building!</p><p> </p><p>Liberals never want to match a government program with any type of individual responsibility. They constantly argue the extreme. They claim minorities are adversely affected by requiring I.D. in order to vote. According to them, the poor can’t afford the cost to pay for proper I.D. They argue that grandma doesn’t have her original birth certificate; therefore it is much harder for her to get her I.D.</p><p> </p><p>If the laws only applied to minorities or the poor, then I would agree with the liberals; but the law applies equally to rich and poor, Black and white.</p><p> </p><p>Why do liberals constantly argue that if something is difficult or that you are required to actually do something in order to get a benefit, it somehow is discriminatory?</p><p> </p><p>Again, I challenge my readers to name me one person they know personally who doesn’t have a government I.D. </p><p> </p><p>Those who may not have a government I.D. are statistically negligible. So, to make policy based on the exception is crazy. It is not difficult to get a government I.D. and to argue differently is simply not the plain truth.</p><p> </p><p><i>Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. He is also a contributing editor for ExcellStyle Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.excellstyle.com/"><i>www.excellstyle.com</i></a><i>), Freedom’s Journal Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.freedomsjournal.net/"><i>www.freedomsjournal.net</i></a><i>), and U.S. Africa Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.usafricaonline.com/"><i>www.usafricaonline.com</i></a><i>).</i></p></div>Cain Was Not Ablehttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/cain-was-not-able2011-12-08T07:25:22.000Z2011-12-08T07:25:22.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p><b>December 8, 2011</b></p><p><br /><b>Raynard Jackson</b></p><p>Former presidential candidate, Herman Cain, proved that despite a load of God given talent, he was unable to be a serious contender for the highest office in the land. </p><p>In the immortal words of former British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, “to every man there comes a time when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a great and mighty work; unique to him and fitted to his talents; what a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared or unqualified for the moment that could be his finest hour.”</p><p> Cain, by far, was the best candidate in the Republican field in terms of oratorical skills and ability to connect with an audience. But, like Sarah Palin, he refused to take the necessary time to study the issues so he could articulate thoughtful answers to basic questions one would expect a presidential candidate to speak upon.</p><p>Cain had the innate abilities to be considered a legitimate candidate, but was not able to understand what would be required of him to be successful. He had been planning his presidential run for more than two years. But, when he received his tap on the shoulder, he decided to engage in buffoonery; as opposed to studying to show himself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). </p><p>I literally cringed when he spoke at the National Press Club and a white person asked him to sing—and he obliged; during another speech, he went into this tirade about the Koch brothers being his “brother from another mother.” The Koch brothers are 2 white billionaires who he considers a friend. These examples evoked the worst of all stereotypes about Blacks—that they are there for the amusement of their white audiences. I don’t think this was intentional on Cain’s part, but this is what happens when one tries too hard to please a narrow part of the electorate.</p><p>Cain is a very likable person with a very intoxicating personality. In some ways he reminds me of former president, Bill Clinton. Cain (nor Clinton) ever met a stranger. When you meet Cain, he makes you feel like an instant friend.</p><p>If you could merge Cain’s personality and style with Newt Gingrich’s command of policy, Obama would be toast!</p><p>Cain reminds me of a professional athlete that everyone concedes has the talent to be the best in his sport, but refuses to practice to be the best (LeBron James). This athlete could win the ultimate prize of his sport, but just won’t dedicate himself to fully exploiting his God given talent.</p><p>This is why I am so disappointed in Cain. I would not have had a problem if Cain was defeated by his opponents, but I do have a problem with him losing because he was unprepared.</p><p>Cain was tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a great and might work, unique to him and fitted to his talents. I find it very tragic that he was found unprepared for the moment that could have been his finest hour.</p><p>The media did not destroy Cain’s campaign, nor the women who made unsubstantiated allegations. What destroyed Cain’s campaign was the man in the mirror. </p><p>When Cain was tapped on the shoulder, he was found totally unprepared and proved to the world that Cain was truly not able.</p><p><i>Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. He is also a contributing editor for ExcellStyle Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.excellstyle.com/"><i>www.excellstyle.com</i></a><i>), Freedom’s Journal Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.freedomsjournal.net/"><i>www.freedomsjournal.net</i></a><i>), and U.S. Africa Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.usafricaonline.com/"><i>www.usafricaonline.com</i></a><i>).</i></p></div>Cain Drainedhttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/cain-drained2011-12-01T05:46:46.000Z2011-12-01T05:46:46.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p><b>December 1, 2011</b></p><p><b>Raynard Jackson</b></p><p>Presidential candidate, Herman Cain, has had another trying week on the campaign trail. Those who follow my columns know that I don’t usually write about issues that are salacious in nature, but, the situation with Cain has caused me to make a rare exception. </p><p>Cain’s campaign has caused America to suffer from one massive “Cain Drain.” </p><p>Cain’s candidacy has caused America and Americans to lose their minds!</p><p>What was Cain thinking when he decided to run for president without alerting his campaign team about any possible scandals in his past?</p><p>I have worked on many campaigns in my life and the first question you ask a would be candidate is, “is there anything in your past that I should know about that is embarrassing or have you had any legal issues that I should know about?” The answers to these types of questions are part of the decision making process as to whether one should run or not.</p><p>Regardless of what you think about all the women problems Cain is having, he should never have entered the presidential race. The mere fact that he never disclosed this information to any of his campaign team goes directly to his lack of judgment. Judgment, after all, is what a presidential campaign is all about. Based on a core set of values, voters are trying to determine what type of judgments will one make as a possible president of the United States. In this regard, Cain has failed miserably!</p><p>But, Cain is not the only one to have failed miserably. The media’s lack of judgment has been just as bad as Cain’s. How the media can take seriously the claims of Cain’s most recent female accuser, Ginger White, is mind-blowing. She has offered absolutely no proof of a 13 year sexual relationship she claims to have had with Cain. The media being shown copies of her phone bill does not prove she had a sexual relationship with Cain; it only proves Cain called her!</p><p>I thought the job of a journalist was to report the facts. So, to all my journalist friends, please tell me how you get from phone bills to proving a sexual relationship? I have several male friends that I talk to several times a day on an almost daily basis; does that prove I am having sex with them? And yes, sometimes I do get calls at 4:25 in the morning!</p><p>What do all of Cain’s accusers have in common? Their allegations are all based on unsubstantiated information. None have presented any verifiably evidence to prove their allegations as credible. These women have done a major injustice to women who have legitimate claims of mistreatment. Each of Cain’s accusers has been silent about their alleged involvement with Cain for a minimum of 10 years. If they have been silent for this long, it’s kind of difficult for me to muster up any empathy for them now.</p><p>Doesn’t it seem kind of weird that now days women will save stained dresses with bodily fluids for years, phone bills and text messages, or emails? They seem to go into relationships with the intent of securing information that can be harmful to the other person in the event that the relationship doesn’t work out.</p><p>So, what do Cain, the media, and these women all have in common? They all have demonstrated a gross lack of judgment.</p><p>Because of his personal baggage, Cain should have made the judgment not to enter the presidential race. The media should have made the judgment that without hard, objective evidence, they were not going to air stories about these women’s allegations. After years of silence and no verifiable evidence, these women should have made the judgment to remain silent.</p><p>Cain, please do yourself and America a favor and just end it all now because we have been “Cain drained.”</p><p><i>Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. He is also a contributing editor for ExcellStyle Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.excellstyle.com/"><i>www.excellstyle.com</i></a><i>), Freedom’s Journal Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.freedomsjournal.net/"><i>www.freedomsjournal.net</i></a><i>), and U.S. Africa Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.usafricaonline.com/"><i>www.usafricaonline.com</i></a><i>).</i></p></div>Razing Cainhttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/razing-cain2011-11-03T04:00:40.000Z2011-11-03T04:00:40.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p><b>November 3, 2011</b></p><p> </p><p><b>Raynard Jackson</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p>Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain has been the talk of DC this week, but for all the wrong reasons. A political newspaper released a story about Cain being accused of sexually harassing two women while he was CEO of the National Restaurant Association (NRA) in the ‘90s.</p><p> </p><p>According to the newspaper, Cain reached an agreement to settle with the two women for an undisclosed amount of money and all the parties were bound by a confidentiality agreement that prohibits any discussions of the event(s).</p><p> </p><p>As my loyal readers should know by now, I have a somewhat different take on the Cain situation. I want to focus solely on the way the story has been reported in the media.</p><p> </p><p>The original reporting is filled with quotes by “anonymous” sources. During the past three days, I have seen journalists “high-fiving” each other over the reporters who wrote the article—“congratulations on your scoop,” they have said to them.</p><p> </p><p>What is amazing is that these stories about Cain have been floating around town for years. Why didn’t journalists report on this when Cain was running for the U.S. Senate in Georgia a few years ago?</p><p> </p><p>These DC journalists seem to be enjoying the game of destroying someone’s life in their pursuit of a Pulitzer (the highest award a journalist can earn).</p><p> </p><p>Journalists claim to be objective and merely seek to report the facts. Well, that has not been the case for at least two decades. </p><p> </p><p>The reporters refuse to reveal their sources, so the public has no idea where the initial information came from; the public has no idea what the motivation was of the person(s) who gave the information to the reporters. In essence, these reporters are asking the public to trust them. </p><p> </p><p>So, let me make sure I understand this. Reporters that I don’t know, sources the reporters won’t reveal, not knowing the motivation of the suppliers of the information, but trust the reporters?</p><p> </p><p>How many reporters would let a politician get away with the above?</p><p> </p><p>One of the basic tenets of journalism is to verify, verify, and verify. Well, as part of the reading public, it’s kind of difficult to verify anonymous sources, integrate the motivation of an unknown source into our interpretation of the story and to trust reporters you don’t know.</p><p> </p><p>The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) have created a generally accepted code of ethics by which journalist are supposed to abide by. According to the SPJ, “<i>The SPJ Code of Ethics is voluntarily embraced by thousands of writers, editors and other news professionals. The present version of the code was adopted by the 1996 SPJ National Convention, after months of study and debate among the Society's members.” </i> To read the entire code, go to:</p><p><a href="http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp">http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp</a>.</p><p> </p><p>According to SPJ’s preamble, “Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues.”</p><p> </p><p>Can these reporters honestly say that they “provided a fair and comprehensive account “of the Herman Cain allegations? How can a story that’s based on anonymous sources be “fair and comprehensive?”</p><p> </p><p>The SPJ’s code of ethics further states:</p><p> </p><p>*Identify sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on sources' reliability. <i>Violated by the reporters.</i></p><p><i> </i></p><p>*Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. Use of such methods should be explained as part of the story. <i>Violated by the reporters.</i></p><p><i> </i></p><p>*Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone’s privacy. <i>Violated by the reporters.</i></p><p><i> </i></p><p>*Clarify and explain news coverage and invite dialogue with the public over journalistic conduct. <i>Violated by the reporters.</i></p><p><i> </i></p><p>*Abide by the same high standards to which they hold others. <i>Violated by the reporters.</i></p><p><i> </i></p><p>Does any journalist actually believe these reporters have lived up to their own profession’s standards when it comes not only to the Cain story, but journalism in general?</p><p> </p><p>Journalism today is going through the equivalent of the financial meltdown of 2008—they have lost all public trust.</p><p> </p><p>While these irresponsible journalists seem to want to destroy Cain’s candidacy, their razing of Cain will probably serve only to raise Cain in the polls.</p><p> </p><p><i>Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. He is also a contributing editor for ExcellStyle Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.excellstyle.com/"><i>www.excellstyle.com</i></a><i>), Freedom’s Journal Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.freedomsjournal.net/"><i>www.freedomsjournal.net</i></a><i>), and U.S. Africa Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.usafricaonline.com/"><i>www.usafricaonline.com</i></a><i>).</i></p></div>Jimmy Graham--A True Ballerhttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/jimmy-graham-a-true-baller2011-10-27T04:49:12.000Z2011-10-27T04:49:12.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p><b>October 27, 2011</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Raynard Jackson</b></p><p> </p><p>That’s right, Jimmy Graham! Most of the public is only recently becoming aware of the story of Jimmy Graham. I find this very unfortunate, but true.</p><p>Jimmy Graham is a tight end for the New Orleans Saints football team. As of this writing, he is the leading tight end in the N.F.L. in terms of receptions and touchdowns. But most importantly, he is proving to be a true “baller” in the game of life!</p><p>He was born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina. This 24 year old has scored big both on and off the field. Just imagine, at the age of 11, being put in a parent’s car and then being dropped off at an orphanage. </p><p>Well, unfortunately for Graham, he doesn’t have to imagine this—this was his life. Graham recounts the story of him being in the back seat of a van with his housemates from the orphanage and being beaten until his eyes were swollen shut. He called his mother and asked her to pick him up and she simply hung up the phone. Ouch!</p><p>After bouncing around from house to house, he was eventually taken into the home of his future adoptive mother, Becky Vinson during his high school years.</p><p>According to Graham, he and his biological mother are “slowly rebuilding a relationship, but it’s moving very slowly…I told her that I forgive her, but I won’t forget.”</p><p>Graham is a better man than I am. I am very impressed with the way he presents himself on TV. But, his attitude towards his mother goes to the type of character he has. Isn’t it a shame that more people are aware of Beyonce’s pregnancy than Graham’s story? </p><p>Graham, who now stands 6’6” and 260 pounds, earned a basketball scholarship to attend the University of Miami (commonly referred to as “The U”). He played football in his last year of school (along with four years of basketball).</p><p>He graduated in 2009 with a double major in marketing and management. He then enrolled in graduate school so he could play one year of football. During the 2010 NFL Draft, Graham was picked by the New Orleans Saints in the third round (95<sup>th</sup> overall pick). He was signed to a four year, $ 2.5 million contract.</p><p>There is a lot more to this story, but because of space constraints, there is not enough room to write about everything; but just Google his name and you can read all the details of this fascinating person.</p><p>So, the next time you hear or read a negative story about a professional athlete, just think about Michael Vick or Jimmy Graham. </p><p>Most professional athletes are good, upstanding citizens. Don’t allow the media to cloud your views because of a few bad apples.</p><p>Jimmy Graham’s story makes you cry, makes you angry, and makes you joyful. </p><p>You can’t help but cry when you think of the traumatic experience he suffered at the age of 11. You can’t help but be angry at how an adult and a mother could subject her own child to such a life altering situation. But, you can’t help but be joyful about how an 11 year old, traumatized kid could develop into such a wonderful, marvelous person!</p><p>This story is not about sports, it’s about life. We all have faced or will face our own traumatic situation(s) in our life. How we respond will determine the quality of our life.</p><p>There are not many people who I really want to meet in life, but Jimmy Graham is definitely one. I want to know how he went from failing grades, to a basketball scholarship to a very prominent university (with a double major in marketing and management), finished in four years, then enrolled in graduate school so he could play one year of football, and then to excel on the professional level in football. All this while overcoming the trauma of his youth.</p><p>Jimmy Graham, your life is truly a touchdown. Whether you know it or not, you have already won the Super Bowl of life!</p><p><i>Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. He is also a contributing editor for ExcellStyle Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.excellstyle.com/"><i>www.excellstyle.com</i></a><i>), Freedom’s Journal Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.freedomsjournal.net/"><i>www.freedomsjournal.net</i></a><i>), and U.S. Africa Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.usafricaonline.com/"><i>www.usafricaonline.com</i></a><i>).</i></p></div>It's Hamer Timehttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/it-s-hamer-time2011-10-21T05:11:41.000Z2011-10-21T05:11:41.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p><b>October 20, 2011</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Raynard Jackson</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p>Fannie Lou Hamer (pronounced hay-mer) was one of the unsung pillars of the civil rights movement in the U.S. She was a phenomenal woman—a woman of great determination and great purpose. She was not one to hold back her feelings, especially when fighting for equality.</p><p> </p><p>In 1964 she was elected Vice-Chair of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP). Their stated purpose was to challenge Mississippi’s all-white delegation to the Democratic National Convention (DNC) which was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey.</p><p> </p><p>Democratic President, Lyndon Johnson was furious that a group of Blacks would challenge the Democratic Party and interfere with his reelections plans. Johnson often referred to Hamer as “that illiterate woman.”</p><p> </p><p>Out of desperation, Johnson sent top Democratic Party officials to negotiate with the MFDP, most notably, Senator Hubert Humphrey from Minnesota (he was lobbying very hard for Johnson to choose him as his running mate for Vice President). </p><p> </p><p>Johnson offered to give the MFDP two non-voting seats at the upcoming convention in exchange for their silence and had secured the endorsement of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).</p><p> </p><p>Humphrey had indicated to the group that if the group didn’t agree to this deal, Johnson would not choose him as his running mate. Hamer was always considered the moral conscious of the group and here is her response to Humphrey: “<i>Do you mean to tell me that your position is more important than four hundred thousand black people's lives? Senator Humphrey, I know lots of people in Mississippi who have lost their jobs trying to register to vote. I had to leave the plantation where I worked in Sunflower County, Mississippi. Now if you lose this job of Vice-President because you do what is right, because you help the MFDP, everything will be all right. God will take care of you. But if you take [the nomination] this way, why, you will never be able to do any good for civil rights, for poor people, for peace, or any of those things you talk about. Senator Humphrey, I'm going to pray to Jesus for you."</i></p><p><i> </i></p><p>As a result of her principled stand, Hamer was excluded from future negotiations. Johnson was so afraid of Hamer that he pressured the MFDP to agree to allow the DNC to select the two delegates to be seated in order to prevent Hamer from being chosen. The MFDP ultimately rejected the proposed deal.</p><p> </p><p>But what does that say about the rest of the leadership of the MFDP—that they would allow their “moral conscious” from attending future meetings? </p><p> </p><p>Black leadership, those sanctioned by whites, have always been easy to silence because they have no conscious. They want to be liked. They want to seen in photographs.</p><p> </p><p>Of all of her many accomplishments, she was best known for what would eventually be the epitaph that would be written on the tombstone on her grave: “I am sick and tired of being sick and tired."</p><p> </p><p>Where are the Fannie Lou Hamers of today? I cannot imagine Hamer allowing Obama, Pelosi and Reid to get away with their total disregard of issues of concern to the Black community. I can’t imagine her “cutting a deal” just to get an invitation to the White House are to be seen standing next to someone in power. She never lost sight of the goal.</p><p> </p><p>Hamer had very little leverage, other than moral suasion, to use against Johnson and the Democrats; but yet forced the DNC to change their platform for the 1968 election. Today, Blacks have money, votes, and media; but lack the will to use moral suasion or any other means to affect change.</p><p> </p><p>The supposed Black leaders of today seem only to be concerned about being invited to the White House for a photo opportunity. Black Elected officials are too afraid of criticizing Obama. But what are they afraid of? Obama hasn’t given them anything that he could take away from them! Yet, in my private conversations with many of these people, they constantly complain about how Obama is ignoring them and their issues. </p><p> </p><p>Are they not “sick and tired of being sick and tired?”</p><p> </p><p>California representative Maxine Waters is one of the few elected officials to publically criticize Obama, but she also apologizes to him in the same sentence.</p><p> </p><p>So, to all my Black Democratic friends, I challenge you to get on the phone to your Black leaders and all the Democratic Party officials and let them know in no uncertain terms that “it’s Hamer time!”</p><p> </p><p><i>Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. He is also a contributing editor for ExcellStyle Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.excellstyle.com/"><i>www.excellstyle.com</i></a><i>), Freedom’s Journal Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.freedomsjournal.net/"><i>www.freedomsjournal.net</i></a><i>), and U.S. Africa Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.usafricaonline.com/"><i>www.usafricaonline.com</i></a><i>).</i></p></div>The Real H Uhttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/the-real-h-u2011-10-07T13:55:46.000Z2011-10-07T13:55:46.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p>October 6, 2011</p><p> </p><p>Raynard Jackson</p><p> </p><p>Howard University, in Washington, DC, is one of the elite Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the U.S. Howard students are quick to call their school the “real H U!” The reason is so they won’t be confused with another well know HBCU—Hampton University.</p><p> </p><p>But after years of frustrating experiences with Howard University, I have come to the conclusion that they are truly the “real H U.” But, in this case, the H U stands for “<b>Horrible University</b>.”</p><p> </p><p>Over the years, I have regularly presented Howard and its student’s opportunities to make money and to further the mission of their school—to educate Black students.</p><p> </p><p>Last week, I was called by a friend and asked to find 2 law students she could interview for internships in her government agency. I told her I would call Howard’s law school and have them call her. I talked with a woman in their career placement office and she said she would call my friend. A week later and my friend still has not heard from the school.</p><p> </p><p>So, 2 days ago, I decided to call George Washington University’s Law School (GW)—a predominantly white school in Washington, DC. I told them I needed two Black law students to consider for internships. Less than an hour later, my friend was contacted by GW and 2 lucky students are on the verge of getting an internship!</p><p> </p><p>If my negative experience with Howard was an isolated incident, then I could shrug it off to a thing called life—sometimes things happen. But, this is not the case.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Earlier this year, I called the president of Howard University and offered the school a chance to be the venue for a series of Republican presidential candidates town hall forums. I am still waiting for them to give me an answer. </p><p> </p><p>Several years ago, a friend of mine who owned all the Dominoes Pizzas in this area, offered to give the school a free franchise that the students could run. The only stipulation was that the school donates the space. According to our calculations, each student would have earned about $ 10,000 per year. I have yet to get a response from the school, almost 10 years later!</p><p> </p><p>So, yes Howard, you are the “real H U--” horrible university! So, Howard, you win. I will not attempt to provide any further opportunities to the school, nor its students.</p><p> </p><p>Howard University has a storied past, but not such a storied present. Howard has got to be the worst run HBCU in the country. I had this conversation with a current student at Howard yesterday at a restaurant and she agreed with me 100%.</p><p> </p><p>To Howard and its students, why can I never seem to get a simple response when I try to present opportunities to you? Even if you are not interested, a definitive response would have been appreciated. But that seems too much to ask. Yet, white institutions seem to respond immediately to any offer I present to them.</p><p> </p><p>God has blessed me in many ways, so my only obligation is to reach out my hand, not attempt to make someone take my hand. </p><p> </p><p>In the immortal words of Sir Winston Churchill, “To everyman (or organization) there comes a time when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a great and might work; unique to him and fitted to his talents; what a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared or unqualified for the moment that could be his finest hour.” Unfortunately, Howard University has been found both unprepared and unqualified!</p><p> </p><p><i>Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. He is also a contributing editor for ExcellStyle Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.excellstyle.com/"><i>www.excellstyle.com</i></a><i>), Freedom’s Journal Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.freedomsjournal.net/"><i>www.freedomsjournal.net</i></a><i>), and U.S. Africa Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.usafricaonline.com/"><i>www.usafricaonline.com</i></a><i>).</i></p></div>Michael Vick - From Vick-tim to Vick-toryhttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/from-vick-tim-to-victory2011-09-15T04:00:00.000Z2011-09-15T04:00:00.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p><b>September 15, 2011</b><b> <br />by Raynard Jackson</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p>Last December, I wrote a column titled, “Michael Vick--From Vick-tim to Vick-tory.” The premise of that piece was that Vick made poor decisions which ultimately caused him to serve time in a federal prison. After leaving prison, his lifestyle suggested that he had truly turned his life around. This again involved Vick making decisions that impacted his life. So, almost a year later, I wanted to write a piece to update my readers on this wonderful story.</p><p> </p><p>Last year’s piece focused on what Vick did to cause his troubles and how his decisions (post prison) could lead to him moving beyond his troubles.</p><p> </p><p>Vick had a phenomenal season for the Philadelphia Eagles last year. In fact, he was named to the Pro Bowl (and picked as the starting quarterback for the NFC), named by Associated Press & Sporting News as the comeback player of the year, and was runner up for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the league.</p><p> </p><p>Yet, there are still those who want to continue to deny Vick his right to make a living and move on with his life. If you have that much of a problem with Vick, then just don’t watch him play football; but please let those of us who believe in redemption continue to enjoy and be a witness to this inspiring story taking place right before our very eyes.</p><p> </p><p>Vick has continued to work with the Humane Society to educate people about animal cruelty. He has continued to speak to students about making good life choices. He seems to have truly turned his life around and is a testament to those who have made mistakes.</p><p> </p><p>We all make mistakes, but through our actions, we can show that lessons have been learned through those mistakes. That’s what maturity and wisdom are all about.</p><p> </p><p>I do hope someone will do a movie about Vick’s journey. His journey can be an inspiration to us all, no matter how big or small the mistake. Just like one makes a decision to do something bad; that same process can make one reform one’s life to gain the victory over one’s circumstances.</p><p> </p><p>Vick’s victory has been so complete that in July of this year Nike signed him to another endorsement deal. This is unprecedented! This is the first time a major sponsor has ever resigned an athlete they had previously dropped.</p><p> </p><p>Just last month, Vick signed a 6-year, $ 100 million contract with the Eagles, with $ 40 million guaranteed.</p><p> </p><p>Vick’s turnaround is nothing short of miraculous. Though he is in bankruptcy financially, this new contract, along with the steady stream of endorsements, should allow Vick to regain his financial footing.</p><p> </p><p>But, more important than the money, Vick has developed into a “MAN.” His conversation is different, his game is different, and his life is different. He is now the unquestioned leader of his team, his family, and his life.</p><p> </p><p>He is almost like a person who has cheated death. People like this tend to have a new take on life and those things that are most important.</p><p> </p><p>Football has helped him make a living, but his past has helped him make a life. These are truly the things that turn boys to men.</p><p> </p><p>So, Mike, you are no longer a “Vick-tim,” you are a “Vick-tor.” Because you have learned from your past, defeat has been swallowed up in VICTORY! </p><p> </p><p><i>Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. He is also a contributing editor for ExcellStyle Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.excellstyle.com/"><i>www.excellstyle.com</i></a><i>), Freedom’s Journal Magazine (<a href="http://www.freedomsjournal.net/">www.freedomsjournal.net</a>), and U.S. Africa Magazine (<a href="http://www.usafricaonline.com/">www.usafricaonline.com</a>).</i></p></div>National Black Wall Street USA Joins Campaign To Stop The Unfair Execution Of Innocent Troy Davis in Georgiahttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/national-black-wall-street-usa-joins-campaign-to-stop-the-unfair2011-09-11T11:13:24.000Z2011-09-11T11:13:24.000ZMark S. Allenhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/MarkSAllen<div><div class="yiv821194734postbody"><div align="center"><div><font size="3"><em>The Rev. Al Sharpton calls Mark Allen "One of Chicago's legendary <span id="yiv821194734IL_AD7" class="yiv821194734IL_AD"><u><font color="#009900">political activists</font></u></span>"</em></font></div><div><p style="text-align:center;" class="yiv821194734MsoNormal" align="center"><span style="font-family:'sans-serif';font-size:13.5pt;"><span class="yiv821194734messageBody"> </span></span></p></div></div></div><div style="font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:14pt;" align="center"><strong><font size="4"><em>MARK S. ALLEN, <span id="yiv821194734IL_AD3" class="yiv821194734IL_AD"><u><font color="#009900">Daily News</font></u></span> Blog/Commentary</em></font></strong></div><div style="font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:14pt;" align="center"><em>AND THE <span id="yiv821194734IL_AD12" class="yiv821194734IL_AD"><u><font color="#009900">ORDINARY PEOPLE</font></u></span> SAID</em></div><div style="font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:14pt;" align="center"><em><a title="http://www.chicagonow.com/" target="_blank" href="http://www.chicagonow.com/"><font color="#0000FF"><span id="yiv821194734lw_1310507602_0" class="yiv821194734yshortcuts">www.chicagonow.com</span></font></a></em></div><div style="font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:14pt;" align="center"><span id="yiv821194734lw_1309465154_0" class="yiv821194734yshortcuts"><span id="yiv821194734lw_1309903766_1" class="yiv821194734yshortcuts"><span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" id="yiv821194734lw_1310507602_1" class="yiv821194734yshortcuts"><span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" id="yiv821194734lw_1311342949_0" class="yiv821194734yshortcuts"><span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;background:transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%;" id="yiv821194734lw_1311894645_0" class="yiv821194734yshortcuts"><span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" id="yiv821194734lw_1311927177_0" class="yiv821194734yshortcuts"><span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" id="yiv821194734lw_1311929052_0" class="yiv821194734yshortcuts"><span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" id="yiv821194734lw_1312139363_0" class="yiv821194734yshortcuts"><span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;background:transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%;" id="yiv821194734lw_1312147525_0" class="yiv821194734yshortcuts"><span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" id="yiv821194734lw_1312404108_0" class="yiv821194734yshortcuts"><span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" id="yiv821194734lw_1313530144_0" class="yiv821194734yshortcuts"><span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" id="yiv821194734lw_1313979913_0" class="yiv821194734yshortcuts"><span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" id="yiv821194734lw_1314137728_0" class="yiv821194734yshortcuts"><span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" id="yiv821194734lw_1314490730_0" class="yiv821194734yshortcuts"><span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" id="yiv821194734lw_1314832818_0" class="yiv821194734yshortcuts"><span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" id="yiv821194734lw_1314863908_0" class="yiv821194734yshortcuts"><span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" class="yiv821194734yshortcuts" id="yiv821194734lw_1315674105_0"><span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1315739328_0">773-392-0165</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><strong> </strong><font size="4"><strong style="font-weight:bold;"><a class="yiv821194734row-title" target="_blank" href="http://www.chicagonow.com/and-the-ordinary-people-said/wp-admin/post.php?post=912&action=edit" title="Edit “Veteran Activist Mark Allen, Rev. Michael Carter, Sr, National Black Wall Street USA Publicly Join NAACP, Dr. Boyce Watkins, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton and Others On National Campaign To Stop Sept 21st Georgia Execution of Troy Davis”"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1315739328_1">Veteran Activist Mark Allen, Rev. Michael Carter, Sr, National Black Wall Street USA Publicly Join NAACP, Dr. Boyce Watkins, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton and Others On National Campaign To Stop Sept 21st Georgia Execution of Troy Davis</span></a></strong></font></div><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><p style="text-align:center;">On behalf of Rev. Michael Carter, National Chairman/President of National Black Wall Street-USA and our chapters and members across the United States, I am pleased to announce that The National Black <span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1315739328_2">Wall Street</span> <span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1315739328_3">USA</span> have joined The NAACP, Dr. Boyce Watkins, Rev Al Sharpton, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr and the national civil rights organizations and others on this national campaign to stop the unjust execution date in <span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1315739328_4">Georgia</span> of Troy Davis.</p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p style="text-align:center;">Last week we received the terrible news that the <span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1315739328_5">State of Georgia</span> has set <span style="border-bottom:2px dotted #366388;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1315739328_6">Troy</span> Davis’s execution date for midnight on September 21, just less than a week and a half away from today..</p><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p style="text-align:center;">This is our justice system at its very worst, and we are alive to witness it. There is just too much doubt.</p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p style="text-align:center;">Consider the situation: Seven out of nine witnesses have recanted their statements; several more have come forward to identify one of the two remaining witnesses as the actual killer; and, earlier this summer, the judge in his final hearing labeled the case against troy as “not ironclad.” Nonetheless, the state of Georgia is set to execute Troy anyway.</p><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p style="text-align:center;">Time is running out, and this is truly Troy’s last chance for life.</p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p style="text-align:center;">But through the frustration and the tears, there is one thing to remain focused on: We are now Troy Davis’ last hope. And I know we won’t let him down.</p><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p style="text-align:center;">There are three steps you can take to help Troy:</p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p style="text-align:center;">1. Sign the petition to the Board of Pardons and pass this on to your friends and family. Each name means a more united front for justice:</p><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p style="text-align:center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://action.naacp.org/Name-Wall"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1315739328_7">http://action.naacp.org/Name-Wall</span></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p style="text-align:center;">2. Send a message of support to Troy as he fights for justice on what may be the final days of his life.</p><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p style="text-align:center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://action.naacp.org/LettersOfSupport"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1315739328_8">http://action.naacp.org/LettersOfSupport</span></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p style="text-align:center;">3. Make sure everyone knows about this injustice. Spread the word on Facebook and Twitter (hashtag #TooMuchDoubt) so that Troy Davis’ story can be heard. We still have a chance to save his life, but only if people are willing to speak out against injustice.</p><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p style="text-align:center;">Today, the State of Georgia has declared their intention to execute a man even though the majority of the people who put him on the row now say he is innocent many implicate one of the other witnesses as the actual killer. Now that a date has been set, we cannot relent. We must redouble our efforts. Thank you for your help.</p><p style="text-align:center;"> </p><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p style="text-align:center;">Humbly,</p><div style="text-align:center;"></div><p style="text-align:center;">Mark S. Allen</p><p style="text-align:center;">Veteran Political Activist<br /> Chief of Staff to Rev. Michael Carter and one of the national spokespersons for The National Black Wall Street USA.<br /> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blackwallstreetdistrict.com/"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1315739328_9">www.blackwallstreetdistrict.com</span></a></p></div>The State Of The Dreamhttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/the-state-of-the-dream2011-08-26T16:40:42.000Z2011-08-26T16:40:42.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p><b>August 25, 2011</b><b> </b></p><p><b> </b> </p><p><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=photos+of+martin+luther+king&hl=en&sa=X&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7SKPB_en&biw=800&bih=399&tbm=isch&tbnid=i7utYVkhen0EhM:&imgrefurl=http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?GRid=582&page=gr&docid=M4FdUKmKLoPo2M&w=250&h=276&ei=KKRXTrPzMsHC0AGsnu2eDA&zoom=1"></a></p><p><b>Raynard Jackson</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p>With all the attention being focused on the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this week, I have been pondering what he would have to say about the state of his legacy. In the immortal words of Lionel Richie (former lead singer of the Commodores):</p><p> </p><p>“I may be just a foolish dreamer but I don’t care</p><p>Cause I know my happiness is waiting out there somewhere</p><p class="verse">I'm searching for that silver lining</p><p class="verse">Horizons that I've never seen</p><p class="verse">Oh I'd like to take just a moment and dream my dream</p><p>Oooh, dream my dream” (from the song Zoom1977).</p><p class="verse">I can imagine King looking down from on high and observing the state of his dream:</p><p class="verse">What the hell has become of my dream?</p><p class="verse">Nothing is what it really seems.</p><p class="verse">My people have been emancipated, but yet are not free,</p><p class="verse">Just look at the high rate of poverty.</p><p class="verse"> </p><p class="verse">My people have better education,</p><p class="verse">But they also exhibit less dedication.</p><p class="verse">Their thirst for material possessions,</p><p class="verse">Seems to be their only obsession.</p><p class="verse"> </p><p class="verse">The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project,</p><p class="verse">Let the record show I totally object.</p><p class="verse">To spend $ 120 million and to what end?</p><p class="verse">That’s not what the dream was about my friend.</p><p> </p><p>Lei Yixin, the sculptor that was chosen,</p><p>When I found out, my mouth was frozen.</p><p>A man from China where there are no human rights,</p><p>You can believe I would have put up a big fight!</p><p> </p><p>$ 800,000 to my family for the use of my name,</p><p>Yolanda, Marty, Dexter, and Bernice what a shame.</p><p>Yeah, I know there is money in intellectual property,</p><p>But, my dream was always more towards the heavenly.</p><p> </p><p>A German to build a memorial to the Holocaust?</p><p>The Jewish community would have been at a loss.</p><p>But my people gave the work to a non American,</p><p>This oddity I really can’t understand.</p><p> </p><p class="verse"> You couldn’t have chosen someone like the sculptor Ed Dwight?</p><p class="verse">Afterall, the U.S. Air Force trusted him to take planes into flight.</p><p class="verse">A Black man trained as a sculptor, aviator and an aeronautical engineer,</p><p class="verse">His choice should have been crystal clear.</p><p class="verse"> </p><p class="verse">Getting the raw materials from a foreign land,</p><p class="verse">To build the platform on which I stand.</p><p class="verse">From China of all places, a repressive regime,</p><p class="verse">This choice makes me want to scream!</p><p class="verse"> </p><p class="verse">Temporary workers from China you brought to this land,</p><p class="verse">What, there were no American workers skilled with their hands?</p><p class="verse">No doubt this was all about cheap wages,</p><p class="verse">This has been man’s downfall throughout the ages.</p><p class="verse"> </p><p class="verse">Oh, and what’s this I hear about the granite brought in from China?</p><p class="verse">You couldn’t find any in North Carolina?</p><p class="verse">Has my dream really come down to this?</p><p class="verse">I thought by now there would be a new twist.</p><p class="verse"> </p><p class="verse">When I left earth to take my rest,</p><p class="verse">I thought my people could pass the test.</p><p class="verse">Now, as I look down on this situation,</p><p class="verse">I wish I could have one more incarnation.</p><p class="verse"> </p><p class="verse">But, who am I to question what God has started?</p><p class="verse">Maybe that’s why I am a member of the dearly departed.</p><p class="verse">I now wish I could have one more run,</p><p class="verse">But my fate was tied to the barrel of a gun.</p><p class="verse"> </p><p class="verse">So, as I leave you with these final words,</p><p class="verse">I hope the true meaning of my vision is what you heard.</p><p class="verse">I am not allowed to come back and continue the fight,</p><p class="verse">So, please try to get my dream right.</p><p class="verse"> </p><p class="verse">I will pray that God will open your eyes,</p><p class="verse">Because what I see is a stunning surprise.</p><p class="verse">The dream was not about the money spent,</p><p class="verse">But helping those who could barely pay their rent.</p><p class="verse"> </p><p class="verse">Yes, it’s true that the dream was for all of mankind,</p><p class="verse">But, what I see you doing is not what I had in mind.</p><p class="verse">My dream was not about the color of the skin,</p><p class="verse">But, tell me where does the Black man fit in?</p><p class="verse"> </p><p class="verse">But, giving contracts to those from a foreign nation,</p><p class="verse">Was not part of my dream of emancipation?</p><p class="verse">Everything for this project could have come from within</p><p class="verse">Please understand what I am saying to you my friend.</p><p class="verse"> </p><p><i>Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. He is also a contributing editor for ExcellStyle Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.excellstyle.com/">www.excellstyle.com</a><i>) & USAfrica Magazine (<a href="http://www.USAfricaonline.com">www.USAfricaonline.com</a>). </i></p></div>The Congressional Black Caucus and Viagra—A Hard Pill To Swallowhttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/the-congressional-black-caucus-and-viagra-a-hard-pill-to-swallow2011-08-18T04:43:29.000Z2011-08-18T04:43:29.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p><b>August 18, 2011</b></p><p> </p><p><b>Raynard Jackson</b></p><p> </p><p>How long will the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) continue to behave like a person who has been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction (ED) and has been prescribed Viagra by his doctor?</p><p> </p><p>The male psyche is extremely fragile and when the doctor prescribes Viagra to him, initially it is a huge blow to his ego. Then, there is an initial state of denial, followed by acceptance.</p><p> </p><p>So it is with the CBC and their relationship with President Obama. Obama has all but ignored the CBC and the Black community.</p><p> </p><p>When Obama was elected in November of 2008, the Black community felt a great sense of joy for the history that had just been made. </p><p> </p><p>After 2 years of the Obama presidency, the CBC began to think and feel what anyone with a brain had already figured out—that Obama made a political calculation that he could ignore the Black community because no one fears alienating the Black vote. According to my sources in the White House, “Blacks will only get mad, then fall in line.”</p><p> </p><p>Now, like a man who has been told he needs Viagra, the CBC’s ego has been bruised by the willful ignoring of them and the people they represent—the Black community.</p><p> </p><p>Begrudgingly, the CBC, after 3 years are exiting from their state of denial and has finally accepted the fact that President Obama has made a conscious political calculation that he can ignore them and suffer no retribution from them. The CBC has no history of punishing those who don’t cater to their agenda—whatever it is.</p><p> </p><p>During the kickoff of the CBC’s “For the People” Jobs Initiative tour Tuesday in Detroit, Congressman Maxine Waters (D-CA) said, “We don't put pressure on the president…Let me tell you why… We don't put pressure on the president because ya'll love the president. You love the president. You're very proud to have a black man -- first time in the history of the United States of America. If we go after the president too hard, you're going after us."</p><p> </p><p>Are you kidding me? Did she really say that? Yes, she said this on national TV! This is the very reason Obama can ignore the Black community with impunity—what are they going to do about his treatment of them? Absolutely nothing!</p><p> </p><p>As much as I detest Obama’s position regarding the Black community, I can’t say that I blame him. Notice that the Hispanic and gay communities threatened, very publically, to withhold their votes and money if Obama didn’t push their agendas. Blacks won’t even criticize Obama, let alone threaten to withhold their votes or money.</p><p> </p><p>The CBC and the Black community have become so demoralized by Obama’s treatment of them that they have been prescribed “political” Viagra just to function.</p><p> </p><p>Without this pill, the CBC isn’t able to satisfy their constituency—the Black community. Like Viagra, the CBC can only bring temporary satisfaction to their community. </p><p> </p><p>Seeing this frustration about to spill over into the public, Obama will show up at a few Black churches, have some athletes and entertainers over to the White House and continue not to offer anything specific to the Black community.</p><p> </p><p>Obama will tell the Black community he needs more time, i.e. another term. But, he didn’t say that to the gays or Hispanics!</p><p> </p><p>So, the CBC, for the past three years, have been telling the Black community to be patient, Obama can’t be seen as trying to do too much for the Black community, and don’t criticize him publically because he is Black.</p><p> </p><p>As a result of this, the CBC has unwittingly perpetuated the very thing they have been fighting—that no one should fear offending the Black community.</p><p> </p><p>In many ways, the CBC is very similar to Viagra—if you swallow their rhetoric somebody will get screwed! And it’s usually the Black community.</p><p> </p><p><i>Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. He is also a contributing editor for ExcellStyle Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.excellstyle.com/">www.excellstyle.com</a><i>) & USAfrica Magazine (<a href="http://www.USAfricaonline.com">www.USAfricaonline.com</a>). </i></p></div>A Bad Jointhttps://www.theblacklist.net/profiles/blogs/a-bad-joint2011-08-06T14:33:25.000Z2011-08-06T14:33:25.000ZRaynard Jacksonhttps://www.theblacklist.net/members/RaynardJackson<div><p><b>August 4, 2011</b></p><p> </p><p><b>Raynard Jackson</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p>The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies used to be one of the preeminent think tanks in Washington, DC. They focus on issues of particular concern to the Black community.</p><p> </p><p>Over the years I have participated in or hosted panels with them that were very substantive and informative. They were a think tank in its truest form---there to provide unbiased analysis, not to promote and agenda!</p><p> </p><p>Unfortunately, those days are gone. They no longer have the standing that they once had. As a matter of fact, they have almost become invisible to the public at large because they have lost their vision.</p><p> </p><p>I learned this from my personal experience with them this past Monday.</p><p> </p><p>On Monday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that increased the U.S. debt limit (the U.S. Senate did the same on Tuesday). So, that afternoon I received an email from the Joint Center about them hosting a webinar to discuss the vote on increasing the debt ceiling and its impact on “vulnerable populations.” The full title was, “The Debt and Deficit Debate and the Untold Story of the Impact on Vulnerable Populations.”</p><p> </p><p>They never identified or defined what was a “vulnerable population.”</p><p> </p><p>According to their press release, “The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies has scheduled a webinar today to focus on the challenges facing African Americans and other people of color, and particularly their concerns that measures related to the debt ceiling debate could exacerbate already high unemployment and undermine short-term and long-term economic prospects.<br /><br />Journalists who dial in will have the opportunity to question members of two panels – the first of which will be comprised of a member of the <b>Congressional Black Caucus</b>, <b>the White House National Economic Council</b> and leading national economists and will examine the details and projected impact of the negotiated agreement that Congress will vote on. The second panel will delve further into the agreement’s program reductions on members of vulnerable populations and on both discretionary and entitlement programs that they rely upon.”</p><p> </p><p>As if the above wasn’t bad enough, I was totally incensed when I saw the list of their panelists:</p><p> </p><p>Ralph B. Everett, Esq., President and CEO Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, Avis Jones-DeWeever, Ph.D., Executive Director National Council of Negro Women, The Honorable Bobby Scott (D-VA) U.S. House of Representatives, and a member of the White House’s National Economic Council (this is just a partial listing, for the complete list go to: <a href="http://www.jointcenter.org/newsroom/press-releases/americas-fiscal-crisis-and-the-untold-story-of-the-impact-on-vulnerable-popu">http://www.jointcenter.org/newsroom/press-releases/americas-fiscal-crisis-and-the-untold-story-of-the-impact-on-vulnerable-popu</a>).</p><p> </p><p>During the webinar I sent a complaint to the person running the session and she indicated that she would have someone call me after the event to discuss my complaint that the panel was bias and comprised of all Democrats.</p><p> </p><p>So, the next morning, Gina Wood (the Director of Policy and Planning ) called me and I expressed my concerns to her. She became extremely defensive, rude, and was very arrogant. These are common traits of radical feminists like her. They have no intellectual capital to rely on, so they get emotional and rude.</p><p> </p><p>When I expressed my disappointment that every panelist was a Democrat, she said, “I had no knowledge of the panelists politics….I reviewed some of their writings and used that as the basis of my inviting them to be on the panel.” So, I responded by asking her did she honestly believe that I was stupid enough to think that she didn’t know that Bobby Scott was a liberal Democratic member of Congress? It went downhill from there. I had to terminate the phone call with extreme recitude with malice aforethought (in other words, I hung up on the girl).</p><p> </p><p>I am not going to have someone pee on me and then try to make me believe it’s raining. The Joint Center is better than that. I can’t believe they would actually have a panel totally devoted to White House talking points and yet, claim to be nonpartisan. When I challenged Gina on that point, she had no response. She knows very well that for them to have integrity, they must present more than one view in order to have a real discussion. But they are not nonpartisan. They are an extension of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).</p><p> </p><p>Can they explain why they have no Republicans in their employ? So, I would ask my readers to call Ralph Everett, and ask him if their goal is to educate the public or to push an idealogical agenda? His number is: 202-789-3500.</p><p> </p><p>The Joint Center can no longer be taken seriously if they cannot be honest with themselves and the American people. Either they are going to provide a forum for spirited discussions of issues of concern to the Black community or they are going to continue to be an arm of the DNC. Either way is fine with me, but can we have a little “truth in advertising.” </p><p> </p><p>If Gina Wood is representative of the Joint Center’s integrity, then their reputations is going to go up in smoke!</p><p> </p><p><i>Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. He is also a contributing editor for ExcellStyle Magazine (</i><a href="http://www.excellstyle.com/">www.excellstyle.com</a><i>) & USAfrica Magazine (<a href="http://www.USAfricaonline.com">www.USAfricaonline.com</a>). </i></p></div>