Grove Street Issue 13 POLITICAL, POLICY & LITERARY NEWS FROM BLOGGERS ROW

WITH YOU

Special ALC Issue October 2013

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 43rd Annual Legislative Conference POLITICAL, POLICY & LITERARY NEWS FROM BLOGGERS ROW

EDITOR-in-CHIEF From September 18 - 21, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center was packed with attendees of the 43rd Annual Legislative Conference (ALC). This was the first year that bloggers and independent writers like me could cover the event along with mainstream media. I am grateful that I had the opportunity and would like to express my gratitude to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF). I also want to extend special thanks to CBCF’s President and Chief Executive Officer, A. Shuanise Washington. The issues discussed at the ALC were extremely important, so I decided to devote a special ezine edition to highlight and recap some of what occurred.

I skipped the after-hours parties and mixers to focus on hearing what policy makers had to say about what they are doing. Citizens have many concerns. In response, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. invited proactivity in uncertain times. This year’s theme was ‘It Starts With You.’ President Obama was the keynote speaker during the Phoenix Awards Dinner. And, if you haven’t heard, CBCF is making a $5 million investment in African-American owned banking institutions in an effort to help increase the availability of loans for individuals and businesses. It’s easy to grow complacent, feeling as if no one truly cares about ‘the little guy.’ However, ‘It Starts With You’ may resonate more because of that.

I encourage more citizens to become, and stay, engaged in the political process, and to make some time to keep up with happenings of our representatives, mayors, political figures and policy makers in their neighboring cities, towns and beyond. Finalizing this issue on the heels of the government’s shut down should serve as a reminder that there are no easy solutions to solve current problems in America. Even so, doing what we can individually to contribute to making things better is as important as staying informed.

Sometimes, small efforts to help our own families, our neighbors, and those involved with community outreach can have a ripple effect. In my opinion, food bank volunteers, mentors, individuals who share job leads, volunteer journalists, neighbors who raise money for school supplies, and anyone doing the slightest thing to do something positive may be identified as a grassroots social activist. As citizens, doing whatever we can proves that we are helping ourselves locally. Doing our part to be proactive fosters more accountability of those who represent us. For those who feel that voting is important, keep track of who is responsible for what so you can effectively decide if you want them to represent us again. Finally, the support that people in need receive from others on a local level may be the only assistance available at the time. A small act of kindness that you bestow—which is not necessarily monetary—can be more important than you realize in the life of someone else.

What can you do? What can I do? What can we all do to invest in a better future? Please keep these questions in mind as you spend time reading this issue.

Sincerely,

Andrea

Rep. Cedric Richmond addressed the audience with Rep. Donna Edwards National Town Hall Meeting Was A Comprehensive Overview of Problems and Solutions in Large Cities The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 43rd Annual Legislative Conference was a four-day exploration of this year’s theme, ‘It Starts With You.’ It was an invitation to do more than listen to policy concerns and issues plaguing the African-American community in various cities. The National Town Hall meeting was a comprehensive session that incorporated major issues plaguing black communities, and America in general.

“I want to thank all of you for being here. The issues that we discuss today are so vital to all of our communities, and critical to our communities, and the future of our young people. I want to not only thank you for showing up, but for taking the information that you gather, and will gather, throughout the conference—and then taking that home, because it really does start with you. It can’t be said enough that we need your help, every single one of you, for the vital work that we need to do,” Congresswoman Donna Edwards said, during opening remarks.

Mayor Michael Nutter of Philadelphia, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake of Baltimore and Mayor Corey Booker were three mayors who participated on the panel. Congressman Cedric Richmond of Louisiana, Dr. Calvin Mackie, a motivational speaker, author and entrepreneur also participated. Morehouse graduate, Anre Washington, an emerging leader intern at CBCF, later joined the conversation. Dr. Charles Ogletree moderated the panel.

Individuals from Chicago, Atlanta, New York, and San Francisco joined the discussion via Google Hangout.

From Maryland to Louisiana, the plight of our youth and families was a key concern that was explored in the dialogue. Black youth and poverty was an emphasized aspect.

Mayor Nutter spoke about homicides coming down by 40% in Philadelphia, as a result of great community engagement and better police presence.

“It really is about empowering young people to understand that they have different options and outcomes. Investing in education is how you drive your crime rate down, as well as making sure that people with previous criminal records reenter society, and don’t carry that mark on their forehead for the rest of their lives,” he suggested.

The mayor also pointed out the value of asking people what their needs are, and getting illegal guns out of the hands of people who should not have them. However, he cited sobering statistics in reference to the seriousness of black-on-black crime in his city, emphasizing that the issue still needs attention.

“Seventy-five percent of homicide victims are black men. Eighty percent of those arrested for homicide are black men,” Mayor Nutter continued.

Mayor Cory Booker framed his comments within the ‘massive problem with violence’ that we have in this country, presenting a larger frame within the snapshot of what is happening in Newark, New Jersey.

In that city, murder victims are said to have been arrested an average of ten times.

“When you’re dealing with crime, you’re dealing with a symptom of a much bigger problem,” Mayor Booker stipulated.

While digging deeper into the conversation, Congressman Charles Rangel of New York agreed that the problems the panel members face as mayors are problems that we are facing as a nation.

“I don’t have to go to Syria to see children dead,” Congressman Rangel bluntly remarked.

Rep. Charles Rangel closed his comments with details about the expense of having two million people locked up and the self-esteem of youth, suggesting that young people need to be reminded that they too can have a bright future in America.

The second segment of the panel entailed discussion of public safety in the 2lst century.

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake expressed concern about the lack of humanity that she sees with young black men on the streets. She informed attendees, and the panel, that she worked as a public defender for almost ten years in Baltimore, and witnessed the impact of broken families and drug addiction. The mayor also explained that Baltimore has the oldest schools in the state, and used the example to show how ‘young people are told in so many different ways that they are worthless.’

According to her assessment, when they are told this long enough, they start to believe it, so she feels that it is necessary to figure out how to reach this community that lives in the shadows of violence and fear, but also to figure out how to partner with police who are seen as the enemy.

Rep. Donna Edwards, who represents Maryland’s 4th congressional district, sustained the conversation by suggesting that we look deeply at what is happening in some of our homes. She challenged herself and others to find something that we can do that touches a child or family in a community.

The conversation shifted with the introduction of racial inequities in the criminal justice system. The panel agreed that reentry of offenders into society dovetails with economic opportunity, and that skills should be emphasized.

While exploring this premise, Rep. Edwards explained that returning offenders are currently prohibited from getting Pell Grants. However, she simultaneously offered a focused view of attending college, by pointing out that, “There is a huge mismatch of your coming out of college with a degree and the workforce. We have to match the skillset to the one we need for the 21st century.”

Although Dr. Charles Ogletree reminded us that 7,000 African-American students are dropping out of high school every day, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake helped the conversation evolve toward job creation and other solutions. She announced that Baltimore received a $900,000 grant to boost minority businesses.

“If you’re an entrepreneur or woman owned business, I want everyone to know Baltimore is the place to be. I worked diligently and created a pathway,” she added.

Anre Washington shared views of the importance of family and having a relationship with God. The last key segment of the discussion was education reform. The importance of nurturing children of America, and investing in education was emphasized a final time.

Mentorship Emphasized During Panel Addressing Challenges Of Black Males Trayvon Martin’s father was among the panelist on the forum, “The Status of Black Males: Ensuring Our Boys Mature Into Strong Men.” The conversation focused on the next generation and current opportunity gap for black men. Rev. Al Sharpton remarked that Tracy Martin turned a tragedy of what happened to him into a symbol of what we can do.

Tracy Martin opened with giving honor to God as he stood to address a packed room. Additionally, he thanked others for supporting his family, explaining, “This is something that we never asked for. This is something that was thrust upon us, but in the midst of all of our trials and tribulations, we found strength through not only God, but through you all to help us overcome and sustain some of the obstacles that were placed in front of us.”

Upon looking out into the room and seeing young, distinguished gentlemen in white shirts and red ties along with his son dressed in the same attire, he remarked, “The first thing that comes to mind is Trayvon. Just looking at you young men, it just makes me proud to know that—being able to reach out to you guys, and knowing that you are peers of Trayvon—it’s a beautiful sight to know that our children, our generation will become something bigger and better than what we all were. I think it’s real imperative that we as parents, we as role models, continue to let you guys know that we love you guys, we support you guys, and that we’ll do everything in our power to make your life better, so that you can make the next generation’s life that much easier. My message to you guys would be simple. I want you to know that your lives are as equally valued as anybody’s life on the face of this earth.”

Mr. Martin’s comments ended with his desire for everyone to work together to make the nation better for our children.

After Rev. Al Sharpton introduced members of the panel, he asked, “If you were the President of the Unites States, and if you had a supportive Congress, what would you ideally do to close the opportunity gap for young black men and young boys?”

“One of the things that I’ve always been struck by is the lack of marketing of the idea that we truly care for everyone. You don’t get that sense. We see how politics really works. We see how special groups need to be taken care of. If I was President, I would say I was in the give a damn business. I might have a National Give A Damn Day. I think that as a kid growing up riding the subways in New York, I used to wonder why there weren’t signs that said,’ Turn to your neighbor and say good morning,’ or ‘Here’s how you say hello in different languages.’ The action and the strategy follow up with, "How do you, on a daily basis, care for each other?" I think that’s incongruous with a capitalist society, because it’s all more, more, more for me, for me, for me, which obviously develops greed and that sort of selfishness that we have,” award-winning actor, Malik Yoba replied.

David J. Johns, the head of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans, spoke about his effort to recruit 10,000 more black men to stand in front of young men to help them achieve their dreams.

“It’s real simple. We teach the babies. It starts at birth. Early childhood education is extremely important. The second thing I would do is make sure that everyone is covered, insured, and has access to quality healthcare. The third thing I would do is make sure every caring adult puts their bodies on young people,” he informed, citing three things that people can all do.

Learn more about the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans by following @AfAmEducation on Twitter.

MC Lyte and DMC

MC Lyte Says Choose Our Hip Hop Artists To Mobilize A Generation Radio One Host, Amos Brown, MC Lyte, Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Michael Skolnick, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Angela Rye and Hank Shocklee participated in the popular forum, “Hip-Hop, Politics, Our Generations March Toward America’s Future”, hosted by Rep. Andre Carson. The event was so well attended that the fire marshal closely monitored the number of attendees.

Looking forward to getting ready for 2014, empowerment of the younger generation to mobilize them to become involved in the political process, was the topic at hand on Friday, September 20.

“We weren’t afraid to say things that had weight, or things that may upset other people. Now today we have a lack of leadership. We have a whole lot of soldiers who are afraid to pick up their weapons— and that weapon is being what it is they know—and partly because they know nothing. We are in a time where we have to educate our youth. We have to raise up our next leaders,” MC Lyte firmly urged, during the lively discussion.

Her comments were met with applause as she also talked about taking the message heard on Friday, September 20, and passing it along to others, because it may do some good.

On the hip-hop front, MC Lyte explained, “We put people in positions of power. It has to be the people who are willing to say something, because your vote for a hip-hop artist is a sale.”

The music veteran encouraged everyone to vote for the person who is willing to say the things that need to be said to this generation, such as a word of intelligence.

“Our movement also needs love,” Rev. Yearwood added. “I think that the movement is strong, so is the music. The movement leads the music.”

Angela Ryle felt that influencers in different spheres help amplify a movement.

“We have to back up for a second. I think we need to understand that time in and of itself, and events, are not linear. They’re overlapping. There could be different points of view existing in the same place at the same time,” Hank Shocklee interjected, closing the gap of diverse opinions.

Rev. Lennox Yearwood’s call to action condensed the two-hour topic by providing a specific call to action. He advised: 1. Finance our movement.

2. Members of Congress should educate communities by explaining how the political process works.

3. We should have a real conversation about our media. Empower African-American media who support our story.

4. Learn how the political process works in middle school and elementary. How can a group change things? Inform the next generation.

5. Our institutions have to be bolstered.

What are you doing to make a difference in your community?

Rev. Lennox Yearwood is President and CEO of The Hip Hop Caucus, which mobilizes, educates and engages young people, ages 14 to 40, and organizes them to be active in service projects, policymaking and elections. Hank Shocklee is the founder of the hip-hop group, Public Enemy.

Do you want to get involved? Sign up for updates for The Hip Hop Caucus at www.hiphopcaucus.org.

African Union: 50 Years of Unity & A Future Of Progress was a 2013 Braintrust hosted by Congressmember Karen Bass. It was an exploration of where Africa has been, and where it’s going as the continent moves forward. It highlighted the first 50 years of independence and explored the next. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini, Chair of the African Union Commission, was the keynote speaker.

“It is in the US strategic interest to have a strong and economically viable Africa,” Ambassador Huggins said, during the Braintrust.

The big question: What progress can be made by 2063?

Montford Point Marines made a special presentation to Rep. Corrine Brown

Veterans Braintrust Presses Forward To Make More Strides For Those Who Honorably Served The session, Sequester Cuts & Military Drawdowns and the Impact on Veterans and Families: Federal Agencies, Budgets, Policies, Program & Communities, was upbeat, despite budgetary concerns.

Honorary hosts were Reps. Charles B. Rangel, Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. and Corrine Brown.

“How do veterans fare when they hang up their hat?’ was a questions posed by an individual affiliated with the Coast Guard.

One strategy that has been implemented to prepare for sequester cuts is the Coast Guard’s efforts to create a more vibrant national retiree network.

Two special presentations awarded included 1) Veteran and Mayor of Newton, Massachusetts, Mayor Setti Warren, the first African-American mayor of Newton. Congressmen Rangel awarded a certificate to his father, Dr. Joseph Warren posthumously, for contributions that he made to African-American veterans.

2.) The first African Americans to serve in the Marine Corps made a presentation to Congresswoman Corrine Brown for helping them receive their Congressional Gold Medals.

The honorable Corrine Brown stated that accomplishing the above was a team effort.

Did you know that The Congressional Black Caucus Veterans Braintrust was instrumental in drafting language for HR 5400, the Comprehensive Homeless Veterans Act, which became PL 103-584? Learn more at www.vetransbraintrustonline.snappages.com.

Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 Press 1

Are you familiar with Nielsen’s African-American Consumer Report 2013? Learn more about black buying power and consumption patterns at: www.facebook.com/NielsenCommunity or @NielsenKnows on Twitter; #AAConsumer13

I spotted this handmade jewelry in the Marketplace Pavillion.

THE AUTHOR’S PAVILION There was no shortage of books. By no means did I catch every author that I wanted to see, but I’ve compiled a partial list of books that you may want to check out. Enjoy.

The Rev. Al Sharpton interviewed former Mayor of N.Y., David Dinkins about his book, A Mayor’s Life. I recently learned that the Rev. Al Sharpton’s Rejected Stone is scheduled to be released October 8, 2013.

Regina Brooks, lead agent, founder, and President of Serendipity Literary Agency LLC lead a panel discussion with leading authors. She is also the author of You Really Should Write A Book.

Victoria Christopher Murray is one of my favorite authors.

I caught her off guard, then dashed to buy Never Say Never. I can’t wait to read it. I interviewed her in August’s edition of Grove Street.

I’ve been meaning to read Wench, but I haven’t done so yet. I hear it’s a great book.

Blogger, Norm Bond, was also on Bloggers Row with me. We spotted author and pop culture correspondent, Toure’. The MSNBC co-host was promoting his book, I Would Die 4 U: Why Prince Became An Icon.

Shocking the Conscience: A Reporter’s Account of the Civil Rights Movement by Simeon Booker was a featured title. I read a few Amazon reviews. Now, I want to read this book about the first black staff reporter for the Washington Post. My book list is growing.

Caroline Jhingory attracted curious onlookers who wanted to know how she shed 150 pounds and kept it off. Do tell.

Interior designer, Sherry BurtonWays, wants you to feel good in your space. She too has a string of happy readers who posted commendable reviews on Amazon.

These days, Victoria Rowell is heavily promoting her new soap opera, The Rich and Ruthless.

Secrets Of A Soap Opera Diva, The Young and the Ruthless and The Women Who Raised Me are three of her latest books. She used Kickstarter to help raise money for the soap opera.

Charmaine Parker is a former journalist, sister of Zane, and publishing director for Strebor Books. Her second book, The Trophy Wives, tempted me enough to buy a copy.

The gossip maven’s murder mystery, Deadly Stuff Players will be published by Strebor Books in November. By the way, that’s Flo Anthony turned sideways.

Crystal Washington’s Social Media Why? breaks down social media platforms in digestible portions. It’s a helpful guide for business use.

Do I Look Like An ATM? promotes fiscal responsibility. It’s a guide to help parents and children. Sabrina Lamb’s website is WorldofMoney.org. I enjoyed interviewing her and will post a clip.

Final mention: Gabrielle Jordan was finishing up particpating on an entreprenuership panel. Please visit www.gabriellejwilliams.com if you would like to be inspired by a 13-year-old author and entreprenuer who launched her jewelry business at age 9. The Making of A Young Entrepreneur is the name of her book.

I hope you enjoyed this special edition, which is our 13th issue. I wished that I could have attended all of the forums and seminars, but I attended as many ALC forums as I could. Before I give a few shameless plugs, I want to thank author and editor Shelia E. Lipsey for supporting Grove Street as my only volunteer. Please support her new teen novel, House of Cars. It is a relevant, entertaining story that reminds us of everything that our leaders recently discussed. Homeless children and families who are living in America should not be forgotten.

Would you like to LIKE us on Facebook or join our page? Please visit https://www.facebook.com/grove.street.12177 . Please subscribe to the blog at The Reader's and Author's Nook. That landing page will offer snippets and tidbits that link to the Grove Street e-zine, too.

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Andrea Twitter: @AndreaBlackston

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