|
Barack Obama
Xavier Becerra
George Grace
Blanche WIlliams
Photo by Gerald Pert
|
Business World Index
---Caroline Kennedy endorses Barack Obama---
Senator Obama said, “I am honored to have the support of Caroline Kennedy. In an op-ed published Sunday in The New York Times, Caroline Kennedy announced her support for Senator Barack Obama, citing his judgment in opposing the Iraq war from the start, his character in running a dignified campaign, and his ability to unite this entire nation around a common purpose. Obama states, “It’s also a special privilege to have this endorsement because I’ve always believed that Caroline’s father was one of our greatest presidents. At a time of great challenge at home and abroad, President Kennedy led this nation with judgment and courage, pulling the world back from the brink of war, calling a generation to service, and inspiring this entire nation to reach for new frontiers.”
---Senator Barack Obama speaks---
Here is an excerpt from Senator Barack Obama’s speech on the MLK holiday at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta: “Unity is the great need of the hour…Not because it sounds pleasant or because it makes us feel good, but because it’s the only way we can overcome the essential deficit that exists in this country. I’m not talking about a budget deficit. I’m not talking about a trade deficit. I’m not talking about a deficit of good ideas or new plans. I’m talking about a moral deficit. I’m talking about an empathy deficit. I’m talking about an inability to recognize ourselves in one another; to understand that we are our brother’s keeper; we are our sister’s keeper; that, in the words of Dr. King, we are all tied together in a single garment of destiny. In the struggle for peace and justice, we cannot walk alone. In the struggle for opportunity and equality, we cannot walk alone In the struggle to heal this nation and repair this world, we cannot walk alone. So I ask you to walk with me, and march with me, and join your voice with mine, and together we will sing the song that tears down the walls that divide us, and lift up an America that is truly indivisible, with liberty, and justice, for all."
---Los Angeles Congressman Xavier Becerra and Obama---
Congressman Xavier Becerra endorsed Barack Obama for President, citing his ability to unite Americans to lead our country in a new direction. Becerra serves on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee and as the Assistant to the Speaker of the House is the highest ranking Latino in the House. "Senator Obama is the most qualified candidate to lead our country in a new direction," said Congressman Becerra. “Throughout his 20 years in public service, Barack Obama has united and inspired people from all walks of life and from all parties to bring change we can believe in. As war rages abroad and Americans worry about what the struggling economy means for their families, we need a leader who will tell us not what we want to hear but what we need to hear about the challenges we face. Barack Obama is our strongest candidate for president because of his great crossover appeal that spans parties and regions and his unique ability to rally the American people behind a common purpose.” Congressman Becerra represents the 31st Congressional District of California in the city of Los Angeles. Becerra is the son of working-class immigrants and was the first in his family to graduate from college.
---Black Mayors Caucus prioritize issues for Presidential candidates---
As the campaign for the Presidential seat at The White House heats up, members of the National Conference of Black Mayors, Inc., led by NCBN President Mayor George L. Grace, convened to discuss their concerns that the critical issues facing urban and rural municipalities thus far have been largely overlooked by candidates. Here are the eight primary issues that must be addressed by presidential candidates vying for the support of voters in their cities: 1) Foreclosure crises and credit crunch 2) Community Development Block Grant 3)Health Care 4) Policing and Homeland Security 5) Rural business/job development and workforce training 6) youth program development 7)educational system reform 8) sustainable emergency management services 9) fuel economy and alternative energy solutions.
---Go to UnityFirst.com for the following stories:---
1)Top Black/African American News Sources: The results are in ---
The list of highly recognized Black/African American news sources who cover national and in some cases regional or topical interest news have been compiled by UnityFirst.com and Total Image Communications, based on feedback by readers. Again, the submissions include a variety of media, from national news sources to regional favorites. Check out the list on UnityFirst.com
2) Marian Wright Edelman: Dr. Bill Cosby’s message to parents...
3) January 28 JET magazines features R&B singer Keyshia Cole
---Greatness by Design with Blanche Williams celebrates five years on XM Radio--- On January 20, 2003, MLK Day, Greatness By Design debuted and Blanche Williams became one of XM's first African-American female hosts. January 20, 2008 marks a five year milestone. Over the past five years, she's built a reputation for being one of the best conversationalists on radio and prides herself on producing a show dedicated to excellence, integrity and getting to the heart and soul of each guest. "My goal is to use the art of conversation as an inspirational tool by shining the light on how ordinary people design extraordinary lives,” says Blanche. “I stayed away from the sensationalism and controversy running rampant in media and focused on the genius within each guest and how they brought their greatness to light. To commemorate Dr. King's birthday, Blanche talked with Rhea McCauley, Rosa Park's niece, about special memories of her aunt Rosa and the historic moments of the civil rights era.
---Increasing graduation rates---
The Campaign for High School Equity, the only coalition of leading civil rights groups to focus on high school education reform, has urged policymakers to ensure productive futures for all students by holding school systems accountable for getting students successfully to graduation. One third of American students -- about 1.2 million each year – leave high school without a diploma, and graduation rates for poor and minority students are even lower. Only 53 percent of African-American students and 58 percent of Hispanic students graduate from high school, compared with 76 percent of white students, according to Editorial Projects in Education.
---Bishop T.D. Jakes honored by the Congress of Racial Equality---
In commemoration of this year's King Holiday, the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) paid tribute to Bishop T.D.Jakes by presenting him with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award during its 24th annual Ambassadorial Reception and Awards Dinner in New York City. "I am deeply honored to receive this award," said Bishop Jakes. |
