My daughter shared with me at the dinner table that “It’s like being an endangered species being one of two democrats in the room. Everybody’s lashing out at each other.”
She was talking about her English class, where one of her fellow students remarked that, “the only reason Barack Obama got elected was because the country wanted to make history.” His remark stemmed from a candid discussion about Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream Speech. When I asked what her response was, she said she just didn’t feel like responding.
After listening to the speech, their assignment was to write down 3 dreams of their own. My daughter’s dream was that everyone be able to express their views openly. As I think about my childhood and imagine my parents’ through stories shared with me, I wonder why she must still shoot for that dream. And while we have enjoyed freedom of speech since 1791, why is it still not equitable?
We live in a world where the loudest, most powerful voices or even the majority of people in the room often overwhelm and conquer the others. We live in a world where the best ideas are often overlooked in favor of those that spring from wealth, power and the ability to speak into a live microphone.
But, I still dream.
I dream that motherless children from Haiti speak loudly through their photographs, that the peaceful calm voices of Gandhi, Mandela, Chavez and King resonate and persist through new voices, that my persistent emails and blogs promote thought, and that my daughter turns opposition into the opportunity to create cleverly-executed, verbal rebuttals.
As we celebrate Martin Luther King’s birthday today and a national day of service on Monday, find an opportunity to serve your community in a way that will help us to see dreams fulfilled in the lives of others.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Haiti Update - Urban League of Palm Beach County mobilizes
Urban League of Palm Beach County
Working with state and local officials in Florida to provide needed items to those in Haiti
You can donate the following items:
1) Money
2) Blankets
3) Dry rice and beans
4) Baby supplies
5) Shoes
Send Donations to Urban League 1700 N. Australian Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Contact
Graylen Houston
ULYP of Palm Beach County
561-215-5078
graylenhouston@yahoo.com
Working with state and local officials in Florida to provide needed items to those in Haiti
You can donate the following items:
1) Money
2) Blankets
3) Dry rice and beans
4) Baby supplies
5) Shoes
Send Donations to Urban League 1700 N. Australian Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Contact
Graylen Houston
ULYP of Palm Beach County
561-215-5078
graylenhouston@yahoo.com
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Crisis in Haiti…what will the response be?
The Crisis in Haiti…what will the response be?
I awoke to a picture of a young child surrounded by rubble in the aftermath of yesterday’s earthquake in Haiti. She looked so much like the daughter of a friend of mine. Her no doubt once shining face, covered in concrete dust.
I heard about this tragedy on the way home from work yesterday and by this morning heard that the President had committed to aid for Haiti. I also saw a sound byte from Department of State head, Hillary Clinton speaking of the tragedy.
But following the disasters that we’ve seen over the past 10 years…911…Hurricane Katrina…the Tsunami and the varying levels of support and response given, I wonder what will happen this time. And to be honest, I’m cynical about the global response to a country of people of color. I heard a lady asking for help from the United States and wondered if we would really deliver, in a way that would really help her.
So my prayers and support will be with the people of Haiti and I’ve compiled some resources that may help you make a difference in that region.
Wyclef’s Video on CNN
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2010/01/12/bpr.wyclef.jean.haiti.cnn
Wyclef’s Blog
http://wyclefjean.wordpress.com/2010/01/13/statement-by-wyclef-jean-on-haiti-earthquake/
Way to Give through Wyclef’s Foundation
Wyclef Jean, a rapper and hip hop artist from Haiti, urged people to text "Yele" to 501501 to donate $5 toward earthquake relief.
WFAA Channel 8’s Giving Recommendations
• The American Red Cross: www.redcross.org
• UNICEF: www.unicef.org or call 1-800-4UNICEF
• Operation USA: www.opusa.org
I awoke to a picture of a young child surrounded by rubble in the aftermath of yesterday’s earthquake in Haiti. She looked so much like the daughter of a friend of mine. Her no doubt once shining face, covered in concrete dust.
I heard about this tragedy on the way home from work yesterday and by this morning heard that the President had committed to aid for Haiti. I also saw a sound byte from Department of State head, Hillary Clinton speaking of the tragedy.
But following the disasters that we’ve seen over the past 10 years…911…Hurricane Katrina…the Tsunami and the varying levels of support and response given, I wonder what will happen this time. And to be honest, I’m cynical about the global response to a country of people of color. I heard a lady asking for help from the United States and wondered if we would really deliver, in a way that would really help her.
So my prayers and support will be with the people of Haiti and I’ve compiled some resources that may help you make a difference in that region.
Wyclef’s Video on CNN
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2010/01/12/bpr.wyclef.jean.haiti.cnn
Wyclef’s Blog
http://wyclefjean.wordpress.com/2010/01/13/statement-by-wyclef-jean-on-haiti-earthquake/
Way to Give through Wyclef’s Foundation
Wyclef Jean, a rapper and hip hop artist from Haiti, urged people to text "Yele" to 501501 to donate $5 toward earthquake relief.
WFAA Channel 8’s Giving Recommendations
• The American Red Cross: www.redcross.org
• UNICEF: www.unicef.org or call 1-800-4UNICEF
• Operation USA: www.opusa.org
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Senator Reid did not use the brown paper bag…
Senator Reid did not use the brown paper bag…
In southern Louisiana, as I am told through family stories, a paper bag was used to determine entrance into some of the most exclusive events of the black bourgeoisie. Lighter than the bag, you were allowed in. Darker, you were left out.
Unwittingly, Senator Harry Reid placed me back there mentally with the recent publication of his remarks…wondering why anyone would care to make that distinction between shades of melanin. Without casting judgment on those who fall pretty to making “occasional” untoward comments, how can we remedy the problem of categorizing people based on color (or shades thereof)?
I’m not giving Harry Reid a pass, but I have not heard him make such comments as he addressed the National Urban League Legislative Policy conference or while working with his rather “chocolate” senior aide.
My recommendation for politicians has been sensitivity training. But who is going to train the countless African-Americans who made determinations about then Senator Obama’s ability to run based on all manner of stereotypical traits. I don’t even have to say them, because the phrases are popping up in your head as you recall sitting around the TV watching CNN and wondering if he could actually beat Hillary (or anyone else for that matter).
Let's start with a dialogue with your friends, family and in your groups. Yes, break away from the TV and discuss it. Talk to the person sitting next to you at work, or the person ringing up your groceries. It all starts with you.
And besides President Obama is okay with it. ;)
In southern Louisiana, as I am told through family stories, a paper bag was used to determine entrance into some of the most exclusive events of the black bourgeoisie. Lighter than the bag, you were allowed in. Darker, you were left out.
Unwittingly, Senator Harry Reid placed me back there mentally with the recent publication of his remarks…wondering why anyone would care to make that distinction between shades of melanin. Without casting judgment on those who fall pretty to making “occasional” untoward comments, how can we remedy the problem of categorizing people based on color (or shades thereof)?
I’m not giving Harry Reid a pass, but I have not heard him make such comments as he addressed the National Urban League Legislative Policy conference or while working with his rather “chocolate” senior aide.
My recommendation for politicians has been sensitivity training. But who is going to train the countless African-Americans who made determinations about then Senator Obama’s ability to run based on all manner of stereotypical traits. I don’t even have to say them, because the phrases are popping up in your head as you recall sitting around the TV watching CNN and wondering if he could actually beat Hillary (or anyone else for that matter).
Let's start with a dialogue with your friends, family and in your groups. Yes, break away from the TV and discuss it. Talk to the person sitting next to you at work, or the person ringing up your groceries. It all starts with you.
And besides President Obama is okay with it. ;)
Monday, January 11, 2010
Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire
Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire
Have you ever been accused of something that you didn’t do by someone who has an interest in your failure? Or have you just flat out been sabotaged by a co-worker who wants to win?
Some of you may say, what planet are you on, that is so elementary school or high school at best. But it appears that the high schoolers who lied about you have grown up, entered the work place and are at it again. Unlike the silly stuff they used to do…lying and saying your hair was cute when it was sticking out in the back, or lying about their intention to run for homecoming queen, they are now lying about things that really matter.
So, beware of the liar who tells your boss that you messed up the work assignment when you really didn’t and the boss who doesn’t know the report well enough to know that they are lying.
Do people lie at your job? What do they lie about? Share your experiences.
Have you ever been accused of something that you didn’t do by someone who has an interest in your failure? Or have you just flat out been sabotaged by a co-worker who wants to win?
Some of you may say, what planet are you on, that is so elementary school or high school at best. But it appears that the high schoolers who lied about you have grown up, entered the work place and are at it again. Unlike the silly stuff they used to do…lying and saying your hair was cute when it was sticking out in the back, or lying about their intention to run for homecoming queen, they are now lying about things that really matter.
So, beware of the liar who tells your boss that you messed up the work assignment when you really didn’t and the boss who doesn’t know the report well enough to know that they are lying.
Do people lie at your job? What do they lie about? Share your experiences.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Are You Serious?!
Are you serious?
I just heard the clear eyes guy, you know the one on the “Clear Eyes” commercial; complain that President Obama held a press conference to offer his response to the attempted Christmas terrorist attack in a polo shirt. He was completely irritated that the President did not take the time to put on a suit and tie to address the nation and suggested that he shouldn’t be in Hawaii at all.
Now, I distinctly remember commenting to friends and family that President Bush was always on vacation in Crawford, TX or at Camp David. So I find it very interesting that one 11-day vacation in Hawaii that was filled with updates and calls from Washington is being used to criticize the President.
Just in case you don’t remember, here are some quotes:
"President Bush is beating the August heat the same way he always does -- with a vacation on his ranch in Texas. He got there yesterday. This will be his shortest vacation since he's taken office. Usually he takes a full month, this time around because of the wars and everything, only ten days. I guess he's saving up the personal days so he can skip the last three months of his presidency." --Jimmy Kimmel
"As you know, President Bush is taking 5 weeks off. It's like he's still in the National Guard." --Jay Leno
"President Bush is on a five-week vacation. How many folks get five weeks off a year? You know, if I want five weeks off I have to have open heart surgery, for God's sake." --David Letterman
"The president jumped on a plane to start a five-week vacation. This will be the longest presidential vacation in 36 years. This means President Bush has now been on vacation for 27% of his presidency. That means the country could be 27% more screwed up than it already is." --Jimmy Kimmel
And just in case you need a news story:
487 Days at Camp David for Bush
Posted by Brian Montopoli
(AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)
George W. Bush is today making his final visit to Camp David as president.
He will likely miss the place: According to CBS News White House Correspondent Mark Knoller, today's trip marks Mr. Bush's 149th visit to the presidential retreat. The planned three-day stay, during which the president is being joined by family and former and current aides, will bring his total time spent at Camp David to all or part of 487 days.
Yes, that's 487 days. And Camp David is not even where the president has spent the most time when not at the White House: Knoller reports that Mr. Bush has made 77 visits to his ranch in Crawford during his presidency, and spent all or part of 490 days there.
I just heard the clear eyes guy, you know the one on the “Clear Eyes” commercial; complain that President Obama held a press conference to offer his response to the attempted Christmas terrorist attack in a polo shirt. He was completely irritated that the President did not take the time to put on a suit and tie to address the nation and suggested that he shouldn’t be in Hawaii at all.
Now, I distinctly remember commenting to friends and family that President Bush was always on vacation in Crawford, TX or at Camp David. So I find it very interesting that one 11-day vacation in Hawaii that was filled with updates and calls from Washington is being used to criticize the President.
Just in case you don’t remember, here are some quotes:
"President Bush is beating the August heat the same way he always does -- with a vacation on his ranch in Texas. He got there yesterday. This will be his shortest vacation since he's taken office. Usually he takes a full month, this time around because of the wars and everything, only ten days. I guess he's saving up the personal days so he can skip the last three months of his presidency." --Jimmy Kimmel
"As you know, President Bush is taking 5 weeks off. It's like he's still in the National Guard." --Jay Leno
"President Bush is on a five-week vacation. How many folks get five weeks off a year? You know, if I want five weeks off I have to have open heart surgery, for God's sake." --David Letterman
"The president jumped on a plane to start a five-week vacation. This will be the longest presidential vacation in 36 years. This means President Bush has now been on vacation for 27% of his presidency. That means the country could be 27% more screwed up than it already is." --Jimmy Kimmel
And just in case you need a news story:
487 Days at Camp David for Bush
Posted by Brian Montopoli
(AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)
George W. Bush is today making his final visit to Camp David as president.
He will likely miss the place: According to CBS News White House Correspondent Mark Knoller, today's trip marks Mr. Bush's 149th visit to the presidential retreat. The planned three-day stay, during which the president is being joined by family and former and current aides, will bring his total time spent at Camp David to all or part of 487 days.
Yes, that's 487 days. And Camp David is not even where the president has spent the most time when not at the White House: Knoller reports that Mr. Bush has made 77 visits to his ranch in Crawford during his presidency, and spent all or part of 490 days there.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Changing the Bureaucratic Culture
Changing the Bureaucratic Culture
My boss has been (about 30 levels removed) has been criticized for her response after the attempted bomb detonation on a flight to Detroit. I am thrilled that this attempt was stopped and that we are not now discussing the tragic loss of the passengers of that plane.
If my memory serves me correctly, Napolitano has been serving in her current post for less time than President Obama (since he appointed her after his swearing in). And unfortunately she is working within a federal government environment where change is slow and where it is sometimes difficult to pin-point exactly where the buck stops. Did the breakdown in communication between departments come from the typical federal knowledge hoarding that ensures top-dog status? Or did it stem from the lack of funding for the comprehensive database and equipment necessary to share information across platforms? Or it could be some other breakdown that cannot be pin-pointed exactly?
Whatever the cause, I doubt that the problem solely rests on the leader who recently took the helm. The problem may stem from the lack of open communication from secretary to the top levels of management and the lack of accountability across the entire organization. These failures should point us to how to better manage the bureaucracy to excellence, to create a government environment that rivals our best corporations. If we stop looking for scapegoats, we may be able to fix a system that is in desperate need of repair.
My boss has been (about 30 levels removed) has been criticized for her response after the attempted bomb detonation on a flight to Detroit. I am thrilled that this attempt was stopped and that we are not now discussing the tragic loss of the passengers of that plane.
If my memory serves me correctly, Napolitano has been serving in her current post for less time than President Obama (since he appointed her after his swearing in). And unfortunately she is working within a federal government environment where change is slow and where it is sometimes difficult to pin-point exactly where the buck stops. Did the breakdown in communication between departments come from the typical federal knowledge hoarding that ensures top-dog status? Or did it stem from the lack of funding for the comprehensive database and equipment necessary to share information across platforms? Or it could be some other breakdown that cannot be pin-pointed exactly?
Whatever the cause, I doubt that the problem solely rests on the leader who recently took the helm. The problem may stem from the lack of open communication from secretary to the top levels of management and the lack of accountability across the entire organization. These failures should point us to how to better manage the bureaucracy to excellence, to create a government environment that rivals our best corporations. If we stop looking for scapegoats, we may be able to fix a system that is in desperate need of repair.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Epiphany
Epiphany
While it is the name of the newest Chrisette Michelle album and no-doubt the name of countless trendy clubs across the country, mine was the normal kind. That SAT word that many people don’t strive to understand, as long as they don’t have to use it, came to me as I asked myself some pointed questions.
What is this blog really supposed to be about?
Who am I trying to help?
How will it profit me?
Fortunately the first two questions were relatively easy. The blog is about young professionals, and is trying to help you (young professionals or those striving to understand this demographic). But benefiting me has been a rough spot, because I’m really not wired that way.
So I deduced that the best way to profit me would be to ensure that this blog would be able to be an honest outlet, a place where I can rid myself of those things that I dare not say to any and everyone. In that way, by helping to preserve my sanity, this blog would be hugely profitable.
So on this day of the real Epiphany, the Christian festival, observed on January 6th to commemorate the manifestation of Christ to the gentiles, I offer my epiphany…my sudden, intuitive perception of the essential meaning of this Young Professional Advocate blog. I vow to share my consistent revelations with you. :)
While it is the name of the newest Chrisette Michelle album and no-doubt the name of countless trendy clubs across the country, mine was the normal kind. That SAT word that many people don’t strive to understand, as long as they don’t have to use it, came to me as I asked myself some pointed questions.
What is this blog really supposed to be about?
Who am I trying to help?
How will it profit me?
Fortunately the first two questions were relatively easy. The blog is about young professionals, and is trying to help you (young professionals or those striving to understand this demographic). But benefiting me has been a rough spot, because I’m really not wired that way.
So I deduced that the best way to profit me would be to ensure that this blog would be able to be an honest outlet, a place where I can rid myself of those things that I dare not say to any and everyone. In that way, by helping to preserve my sanity, this blog would be hugely profitable.
So on this day of the real Epiphany, the Christian festival, observed on January 6th to commemorate the manifestation of Christ to the gentiles, I offer my epiphany…my sudden, intuitive perception of the essential meaning of this Young Professional Advocate blog. I vow to share my consistent revelations with you. :)
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Still Fans
Still Fans
I never understood how or why my mother would get excited about Al Green or Marvin Gaye after all of these years. In fact I thought it was kind of funny to see her dancing in the living room as we cleaned the house to Love and Happiness. I knew that I wasn’t feeling the love and I definitely wasn’t happy watching her dance while I cleaned. But on the day after Christmas, I figured it out.
Accompanied by my good friend Tisha, I went o the Boyz II Men concert. As soon as I caught a glimpse of them near the stairs to mount the stage, I started yelling and jumping up and down almost uncontrollably. It was an automatic response; I don’t even know how or why it happened. And I really don’t know how I went running up to the front of the stage with Tisha to audition for a rose. You know that we audition for a rose, either trying to look cute or batting our eyelashes, screaming or just jumping up and down.
My successful audition resulted in Wanye presenting the rose to me over the heads of four or five jumpers and countless eye-lash batters. Time stopped and I ran back to my seat to avoid the crowd. So yes Mom, I now understand that those groups that you loved as a youth, forever remain the groups of your youth.
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