April 29, 2010 – Thursday morning the Washington National Cathedral will be filled with mourners to say their final farewell to civil rights leader Dorothy Height.  Height,  longtime president of the National Council of Negro Women, died last week at the age of 98 from natural causes.

The funeral service will be open to the public and lines are expected to form early.  On Tuesday the White House confirmed President Barack Obama would be attending the funeral and will also deliver the eulogy. 

The president’s attendance brings increased security and required ticketing for folks to be in reserved seating.   I’m fortunate enough to have one of those seats. The Washington National Cathedral is no stranger to making a final farewell an honorable and cherished celebration, and this will be no exception.

Throughout the country in response to a proclamation from the president honoring Height, several states and city governments directed that flags be lowered to half-staff Thursday in memory of the civil rights trailblazer.

The funeral will begin at 10 a.m. and will be streamed live on BET.com; Height’s burial will take place following the service at Fort Lincoln Cemetery in Brentwood.

Dorothy Height and Pamela Gentry in the spring of 2009.

April 21, 2010

– On Tuesday Black American lost an icon when Dorothy Height, civil rights leader, activist, and educator died at 98 years-old.   Height was born in 1912, when William Taft was president, the U.S. population was 95 million and a postage stamp cost two cents.

Height participated and witnessed American history and built a legacy for future generations.

It’s hard to imagine the political landscape of the early 20th century as compared to present day.  Taft was faced with a tough election in 1912 facing two opponents; unemployment was 4.6 percent and the U.S. population was just over 95 million.

Just imagine, Height was 11 years old when Henry Ford decided to organize the Ford Motor Company in 1923.  In her lifetime she witnessed more than 55 African Americans elected to Congress, the onslaught of the online world and the election of the first African-American president.

What a life!

Often we forget to look back and reflect on how far African Americans have traveled on their journey in American history.  But that’s not the case with Height.  She has always managed to keep tabs and always with a keen eye focused on how to  build on every accomplishment.   

Height started her career as a caseworker with the New York City Welfare Department.  She also began a career as a civil rights activist when she joined the National Council of Negro Women.

Throughout her life she stood steadfast for equal rights for both African Americans and women, and in 1944 she joined the national staff of the YWCA.   She served as the national president for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated from 1946- 1957.  But her longest and most indelible contribution was to the National Council of Negro Women, where she served as president for 40 years.

Height was a trailblazer, and like others born in her generation, she was on a mission to make a difference. 

Langston Hughes, the famous African-American poet laureate born in 1902 wrote his works in “Negro dialect” with a passion that expressed the life and strife of the American Negro at that time.

“I have the right to portray any side of Negro life I wish to,” Hughes once said.  What Hughes expressed with pen and pad, composer and pianist Scott Joplin was able to put to music. 

Joplin, a contemporary of Height will always be remembered for his classic piano ragtime song, “The Entertainer.”  The quick-rhythm song became famous in 1973 when it was revived for the Oscar-winning film, “The Sting.”

Height’s contributions to the fabric of American history will leave an enduring imprint just like the words penned by Langston and the music composed by Joplin.  She’ll be missed but never forgotten.

April 20, 2010 — Civil rights activist and educator Dorothy Height died Tuesday morning at Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC from natural causes.

The White House released a photograph of Height with President Barack Obama during her most recent visit to Pennsylvania Avenue in January.

President Barack Obama kisses Dr. Dorothy I. Height during a meeting on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Jan. 18, 2010. President Obama met with a group of African American seniors and their grandchildren on the legacy of the civil rights movement. (Official White House photo)

April 19, 2010 — The U.S. military may have delivered the biggest blow in the war against Al-Qaeda in Iraq Monday with the killing of two of the Islamist militant group’s top commanders.

In route to White House Monday I received an e-mail saying Vice President Joe Biden would open the daily briefing with an announcement. 

Biden told a packed briefing room in the West Wing, “Iraqi security forces with the support of U.S. forces killed the two most senior leaders of al Qaeda Iraq during a series of joint security operations near Tikrit, Abu Ayyub al-Masri and Abu Umar al-Baghdadi.  The former leaders of AQI are the ones who plotted, planned, and executed terrorist attacks against the Iraqis in recent past, as well as against Americans.”

This announcement comes in the wake of an Iraqi panel investigating looking into the recent claims of fraud in last month’s parliamentary elections.  A manual recount has been ordered in all votes cast in Baghdad. 

But this along with the fact that elections have taken place and the Iraqi people have taken the lead is good news. 

The Obama administration is planning to pull combat troops from Iraq by August, and the  plan is still in place Biden confirmed in his remarks.  “We remain committed to end our combat mission in Iraq this summer, by the end of August 2010, and in accordance with the U.S.-Iraqi security agreement that was signed a couple of years ago to remove all U.S. forces from Iraq by the end of 2011.”

Today’s announcement was characterized by the White House as “potentially devastating blows to al Qaeda Iraq.”  The vice president gave credit to the work of the Iraqi security forces. “This action demonstrates the improved security strength and capacity of Iraqi security forces.”

“The Iraqis led this operation, and it was based on intelligence the Iraqi security forces themselves developed following their capture of a senior AQI leader last month,” Biden said.

General Raymond Odiemo, commander of the U.S. forces in Iraq told reporters, “The death of these terrorists is potentially the most significant blow to al-Qaeda in Iraq since the beginning of the insurgency.”

First Lady Michelle Obama, Haitian First Lady Elisabeth Delatour Preval, and Dr. Jill Biden, receive flowers from children at "The Children's Place" in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, April 13, 2010. The Children's Place, which was created by Elisabeth Delatour Preval, has Haitian artists work with children on art projects as part of a post-quake therapy program. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

April 14, 2010 – First Lady Michelle Obama made her first solo trip out of country and kicked it off with a surprise stop in Haiti Tuesday morning.

Mrs. Obama traveling with Jill Biden, the vice president’s wife was able to see relief efforts underway in the impoverished country. Aid from around the world has poured into the island since the catastrophic earthquake Jan. 12.

The two toured Port-au-Prince, the Haitian capital by helicopter where more than a million people are living in temporary camps with shelters constructed tarps and tents.

“I think it was important for Jill and I to come now because we’re at the point where the relief efforts are underway but the attention of the world starts to wane a bit,” Mrs. Obama told reporters before leaving the island.
 
Mrs. Biden said what she witnessed was “absolutely incredible.”     Biden applauded the determination of the people of Haiti. “I think the one thing that we take away from it is really the strength and the resilience of the human spirit, and that’s what we saw today and that’s what we’ll take home to Washington with us.”

The first lady said based on what she saw during the tour “the Haitian people are very happy with the relief efforts.” Adding, “Still, accountability is key.”
 
“I think that my sense is the Haitian people feel a deep appreciation for what the world has done, that’s for sure,” Mrs. Obama said.

Wednesday Mrs. Obama’s trip continues in Mexico City where she’ll begin a busy three –day visit. She’s scheduled to meet with students, tour a museum and have dinner with Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon and his wife, Margarita Zavala.

Do you think the plight of the people in Haiti has been forgotten? 

April 13, 2010 – There might be at least one African-American on President Obama’s short list to fill a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Associated Press is reporting Leah Ward Sears, the former chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court and close friend of Associate Justice Clarence Thomas is being considered. Sears, 54 joins a list or more than a half-dozen names being tossed about to fill the seat of retiring Associate Justice John Paul Stevens.

Stevens announced last week his plan to retire this summer.  The list of possible replacements seems to increase with each passing  day.  Sears will joins others being considered by the White House including; federal appeals court judges Diane Wood of Chicago, Sidney Thomas of Montana and Merrick Garland of Washington, Solicitor General Elena Kagan, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano.

Several of the candidates, including Sears, made the list last year when the president was seeking a replacement for retiring Justice David Souter.  The president ultimately selected Justice Sonia Sotomeyer, a federal appeals court judge from New York making her the first Latino to serve on the high court.

The Atlanta Constitution reports Sears broke a number of barriers as a judge. She was appointed by former Gov. Zell Miller (D)  in 1992 to the state Supreme Court, and was the first woman and youngest person ever to sit on the court. In 1995, Sears became the nation’s first black woman to preside over a state Supreme Court as chief justice.

Sears shares her South Georgia hometown roots with Justice Thomas, the only African-American on the court.  Some court watchers have predicted their friendship may not be a plus; it seems it was discussed when her name surfaced in 2009. 
 

Would you  like to see the president select an African-American for the Supreme Court?

April 9, 2010 – Embattled Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele may find his leadership role in the party on thin ice if criticism continues and poor fundraising becomes a crisis.

Steele has downplayed his troubles with GOP party faithfuls, and few Republicans have said publicly they want him to step aside – until now.  in addition to the call for him to step-aside,  the call came from an African-American member of the GOP.

Dr. Ada M. Fisher, a member of the North Carolina Republican National Committee told the on-line publication Newsmax.com, it’s time for Steele to go. 

“I resent Mr. Steele saying that some of the criticism he’s getting is racial,” Fisher said.   “I’m Black and I’m not critical of him because of race. I’m critical because of the lack of accountability and transparency. That’s our job. He needs to do that job — and I don’t perceive that he has.”

Fisher is comfortable saying what some of her White counter parts are not. 

I suspect the GOP elected Steele as chairman hoping he would be the secret weapon when it came to being critical of the first African-American president’s policies.  But it appears to strategy has fallen short. 

Republicans weren’t able to stop health care reform, they’re struggling to appeal outside of their conservative base, and the creation of another GOP spearheaded fundraising group is cutting into Steele’s ability to raise money. 

 Fisher told Newsmax.com she’s not alone in her dissatisfaction; “Be assured,  Black Republicans who have been in the trenches a long time are not real pleased with what is going on. Nor are White and other ethnic members of our party.” 

In recent weeks the RNC has had a couple PR missteps that haven’t made it easy for Steele.  The first was a dinner charge at a Los Angles adult bondage club billed to the RNC and just as that was resolved; a phone number for a sex hotline was mistakenly published on a fundraising flyer mailed to prospective donors.

 Steele announced the firing of chief of staff Ken McKay and another adviser Curt Anderson has also left the RNC following the recent incidents.  Steele could be sending a message he’s holding folks accountable. 

Let’s hope it’s enough to keep him in the top spot.

Do you think the criticism of Michael Steele is because of his race? 

April 1, 2010 – Have you ever heard of Tim Scott, Ryan Frazier or Les Phillips?  Well they belong to a group of six African-American running for Congress on the Republican ticket.  While it’s not unusual – this year could have a record number on primary ballots in November. 

South Carolina Republican State Rep. Tim Scott’s website says he wants’ to go to Washington “to secure the voice of the American people, to fight big government, and to rein in spending.”  He calls for folks in the first District to join his team.  Scott is running on consistent themes and messages of the GOP, but will that be enough? 

 Scott will need to be able to pull the votes of conservative White Republicans and in a state like South Carolina woo the predominately Democratic African-American voter? 

But Scott isn’t along when it comes to facing those challenges.  Deon Lon of Winter Park, Fla., is running for the seat in 24 District.   The married attorney and father of four also boast his conservative roots and party loyalty on his website along with a mention of his “passionate” support for school choice.   All of the candidates running as Republicans have impressive resumes but some lack a great deal of political experience.

  Les Phillips of Huntsville, Ala. is a native of Trinidad-Tobago and the son of immigrant parents and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1978.  He served as an aviator in the U.S. Navy following his military career entering the private sector and owning his own business.

Phillip’s website says the candidate for the 5th District “has a passion for defending the Constitution, protecting the freedom we hold dear and restoring America’s conservative values.”    

Angela McClowan is the only female on this short list of GOP hopefuls.  I’ve know Angela for a few years, she’s been a stable on the Fox News as a political analyst and she’s often appeared on BET News. 

McClowan, in Oxford, Miss. is now opting out of politics as a spectator and launching her political career in bid for Mississippi’s First Congressional District.  “This pro-life, pro-gun, pro-small business, conservative is working so hard for the privilege of representing Mississippi’s 1st congressional district,” her Website says.

“Angela will go to battle on behalf of Mississippians who are fed up with the abuse of our tax dollars and the rate of unemployment,” her website contends. 

In Fayetteville, N.C. a retired Army officer Lou Huddleston now a civic and business leader in the community has decided to run for the seat in District 8  Huddleston a second generation military family with degrees in political science and public administration identifies himself as a “lifelong Republican”  on his Website.

“New taxes, radical social agendas, massive corporate bailouts? That kind of “leadership” is not helping us right here at our kitchen tables,” Huddleston says..

One GOP candidate stands out as the only Black candidate outside of the southern region.  Ryan Frazier in Colorado has served in city government on the Aurora City Council as an At-Large member.  The father of three is a veteran, owns a small business and is the co-founder of a pre-K through 8the grade public charter school. 

His Website promotes a pro-business approach; “Congress must foster an environment of regulatory certainty by reining in their overreach into the day-to-day activities of private businesses. When lawmakers enact new regulations almost every week, this creates an atmosphere where business owners cannot plan for the future and plot a course for growth.”

All of the candidates have interesting looking websites and offer conservative views fitting for the GOP ticket they have opted to run on.  Check them out and let me know what you think. 

March 30, 2010 – President Barack Obama signed the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, increasing funding for Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). The bill increased direct funding by close to 25 percent and will make it  easier for African Americans to seek support in pursuit of higher education.

John White, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs told reporters on a conference call Tuesday, the president has demonstrated a “solid commitment to supporting these institution” with direct financial support over the next 10 years.

White said the goal is to, “renew, reform and expand programs” at the 105 accredited HBCUs.  The boost in funding will be welcomed by all colleges and universities who will see an increase in addition to Title III funding they now receive. 

The $850 million will be allocated to schools based on their academic strategic plan and the size of their enrollment.  The funding will not be restricted so colleges and universities can use funds to increase faculty, expand into new program areas and build infrastructure, like computer labs to support their overall goal.

While there has been a great deal of attention on health care reform, this legislation will be helpful for African-Americans students who qualify. Here’s a quick summery of what’s in this legislation;

• More than $40 billion in Pell Grants; combined with funding from the Recovery Act it will double the total amount of dollars available in the Obama administration.

• Students’ loan payments will be reduced to 10 percent of their available   discretionary income for repayment by 2014 with forgiveness in 10 years in exchange for public service.  The current payment rate is 16 percent with forgiveness in 25 years. 

• Includes $2 billion over four years for community colleges to develop, improve and provide education and career training programs. 

• Starting July 1, all new federal student loans will be direct loans and delivered and collected by private companies under performance-based contracts with the Department of Education.

 
Melody Barns, Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council said the new college loan program will create a savings of $68 billion with the elimination of the government subsidies currently given to banks and other financial institutions that make guaranteed federal student loans.

But increased funding isn’t the only part of the Obama administration’s outreach to HBCUs.  White announced the president, first lady and other top White House officials will have a huge presence during commencement season at HBCUs.

March 30, 2010 – The focus on spending for health care reform for the GOP has just shifted to spending by the Republican National Committee at a Hollywood nightclub.  The RNC reported spending $1,946 last month at a sex-themed Hollywood club that features topless dancers and bondage outfits.

The RNC appears to be facing some embarrassing questions about the Los Angeles club reflected in a monthly financial report.  It appears the Voyeur West Hollywood billed the organization for meals and other expenses incurred during the club visit.

Doug Heye, spokesman for the RNC said they are asking the money be refunded and it appears they will be reimbursed by Erik Brown of Orange, Calif., the donor-vendor who billed the committee in the first place.

The RNC doesn’t know the details of how the money was spent, all who may have attended or the nature of the outing, except to say it was an unauthorized event and that the expenditure was inappropriate.

The $1,946 spent at the Voyeur West Hollywood has gotten the attention of folks already critical of the RNC Chairman Michael Steele.  Some donors have been unhappy with some of Steele’s spending decision and this incident has added fuel to the fire.

The RNC has never run on the cheap; in 2009 they spend $144,549 for rooms at the Four Season Resort in Jackson Hole, Wyo.; $31,980 for catering by the Breakers Palm Beach in Florida and paid $18,361 over the past few months at the “Tiny Jewel Box” in Washington for gift items for big donors.

This latest incident may be more difficult to justify and could bring more scrutiny on Steele’s money management and spending patterns.  Scrutiny I’m sure he would rather be without.