June 26, 2013

Republican Party Isn't Serious About Outreach to Women or Minorities

Following the 2012 election cycle, Republicans released an autopsy report chronicling their numerous failings. They promised to change their ways and reach out to groups who have been alienated by the GOP's extreme policies and rhetoric. Here's a look at what they've done instead.



It captures in dramatic fashion how Republicans have made no effort to change their ways to reach out to and be more tolerant towards women, African Americans, Latinos, young people and the LGBT community despite an autopsy report released 100 days ago today which said it must do so to be a viable national party. If anything, Republicans have gone the other way – using more extreme rhetoric and taking more extreme positions than ever. Truth is, the Grand Old Party is just the Same Old Party it has been.

Perhaps it's time for GOP chair Reince Priebus to give a call to Aaron Laramore. He's got some tips on how the Republican Party can better reach out to Black folks.

June 13, 2013

Young, Gifted and Black: Spoken Word by Obasi Davis

Obasi Davis
Family history is amazing. My great-grandfather, George W. Crockett (1883-1975) married my great-grandmother, Minnie Jenkins (1884-1983) in South Carolina back in November 1906. They both passed away before they met their great-great-grandson, Obasi Davis.

Obasi is my second cousin once removed. I'm sure that George and Minnie would be proud of this young man! He is carrying a 4.0 GPA as a high school junior in Oakland, CA. Obasi was featured in his local newspaper as a high school freshman back in 2011.

The past two years he has been sharing his inner thoughts and insights via his spoken word poetry at the annual Youth Speaks Grand Slam. He made the finals both years.

Please take a moment to check his messages in 2012 and 2013.





Much love to my young cousin! Keep letting your light shine ... and I look forward to meeting you in person one day!

June 5, 2013

The Balloon Story


A young Black child stood watching the balloon man at the County Fair. There were balloons in all colors. Suddenly, a red balloon broke loose and soared high up into the air.

So many people were attracted to the incident that the vendor thought that it might be good business to let another one go. So he let a bright yellow one slip free. Then a white one.

The little child stood looking at a Black balloon. Then, the child asked, "Mister if you sent the Black one up, would it go as high as the others?"

The balloon man, with an understanding smile said, "Sonny, it isn't the color. It's the stuff inside that makes it rise."