Operation Reach B.L.A.C.K. - Cultural News

"...As well as they've served us"

2011-11-12T06:03:00.000-08:00

President Obama dedicated this week's address to discussing the importance of thanking our veterans. But, more than showing gratitude, the President stressed the need to create an environment that serves our men and women in the armed forces as well as they've served us:

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President Obama highlights perseverance of Dr. King and the American spirit in dedication speech

2011-10-17T05:23:00.000-07:00

Washington, D.C. - Fear of hurricane Irene delayed the much anticipated dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial in August. But, on Sunday, people gathered to finally make it official. The dedication ceremony played host to speeches from civil rights leaders, politicians, business leaders, actors and activists - all paying tribute to the life, achievements and message embody in a civil rights icon and American hero.

President Obama also spoke at the ceremony. Conscious of the current economic conditions facing millions of Americans, President Obama tied his remarks to the passion and perseverance displayed by King and others during the civil rights movement. Following King's lead, the President argued, Americans can find the faith and strength to realize that a brighter future lies ahead if one is willing to fight for it:

"It is precisely because Dr. King was a man of flesh and blood, and not a figure of stone, that he inspires us so. His life, his story, tells us that change can come if you don't give up. He would not give up no matter how long it took. Because in the smallest hamlets, in the darkest slums, he had witnessed the highest reaches of the human spirit. . . That is why we honor this man - because he had faith in us.

Here is President Obama's speech at the Martin Luther King Jr. dedication ceremony:

President Obama gives third annual Back to School speech

2011-09-30T20:33:00.000-07:00

Washington, D.C. - For the third year, President Obama spoke to the nation's youth on the importance of education in his annual Back to School speech. The spot, Benjamin Banneker High School in Washington, D.C. The focus, embracing the responsibility that comes with being the nation's future.

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With economy in mind, President announces changes to No Child Left Behind

2011-09-24T03:55:00.000-07:00

In his weekly address, President Obama tied the need for education reform to his ongoing push for jobs through the American Jobs Act. Beyond hoping to add tens of thousands of teachers to the classrooms through the jobs bill, the President argued that education is an important factor to building a strong economy moving forward:

"Education is an essential part of this economic agenda. It is an undeniable fact that countries who out-educate us today will out-compete us tomorrow. Businesses will hire wherever the highly-skilled and highly trained workers are located."

Seeking more flexibility, President Obama reforming No Child Left Behind

2011-09-24T03:54:00.000-07:00

Washington, D.C. - On Friday, the topic of US education reform took center stage as President Obama announced changes set to be made to No Child Left Behind. Linking education to the nation's current economic challenges, the President warned that, "countries who out-educate us today, will out-compete us tomorrow."

President Obama asks Americans to remember unity in lead up to 10th anniversary of 9/11

2011-08-27T07:11:00.000-07:00

President Obama used this week's address to reflect upon the spirit of unity felt in the days after September 11, 2001

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President Obama wishing a happy Fathers' Day to all the dads

2011-06-18T06:38:00.000-07:00

The President reflects on his life growing up, the challenges of being a good father, and even talks about a new job he picked up recently - assistant coach for Sasha's basketball team:

"On Sundays, we'd get the team together to practice, and a couple of times, I'd help coach the games. And it was great fun - even if Sasha rolled her eyes occasionally when her dad voiced his displeasure with the refs.

But I was so proud watching her run up and down the court, seeing her learn and improve and gain confidence. And I was hopeful that in the years to come, she'd look back on experiences like these as the ones that helped define her as a person - and as a parent herself.

In the end, that's what being a parent is all about - those precious moments with our children that fill us with pride and excitement for their future; the chances we have to set an example or offer a piece of advice; the opportunities to just be there and show them that we love them. That's something worth remembering this Father's Day, and every day."

Black Greeks shine at the Second Annual Sprite Step Off Competition

2011-05-28T04:53:00.000-07:00

video by MyJet247

President Obama's Weekly Address (5/21/11): Ed reform and replacing No Child Left Behind

2011-05-21T05:23:00.000-07:00

President talks education, pushes Congress to replace No Child Left Behind

Earlier this week, President Obama gave the commencement speech at Booker T. Washington High School (above) in Memphis, TN, winners of the Administration's Race to the Top Commencement Challenge to prepare youth for college and career. The announcement was made back on May 10.

via Whitehouse.gov:

Booker T. Washington High School’s graduation rate went from 55% in 2007 to 81.6% in 2010. The school has taken steps such as establishing separate freshmen academies for boys and girls to help students adjust to the school culture and creating an atmosphere where teachers take personal interest in seeing students take pride in their schoolwork. Students can now take AP classes, learn about engineering through robotics competitions, and earn college credits.

PBS documentary remembers the Freedom Bus Riders

2011-05-18T21:46:00.000-07:00

An excerpt from the PBS documentary that originally aired 5/16/11

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden launch initiative to help military families

2011-04-12T11:37:00.000-07:00

Today, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden launched a new initiative to help military families called "Joining Forces." The program seeks to gather support from a broad cross section of society to assist military families on matters ranging from employment to education.

via Whitehouse.gov:

Joining Forces:

Brings attention to the unique needs and strength of America’s military families.

Inspires, educates, and sparks action from all sectors of our society – citizens, communities, businesses, non-profits, faith based institutions, philanthropic organizations, and government - to ensure veterans and military families have the opportunities, resources, and support they have earned.

Showcases the skills, experience, and dedication of America’s veterans and military spouses to strengthen our nation’s communities.

Creates greater connections between the American public and the military.

You can learn more by visiting the White House website at JoiningForces.gov.

President Obama's Weekly Address (3/12/11)

2011-04-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Women's History Month and ensuring women's rights in the future

In this weekly address, the President reflected on women's rights and announced a new report detailing the status of women's rights today. You can read that report here. Providing a brief overview, the President noted the following:

"There was a lot of positive news about the strides we've made, even in recent years. For example, women have caught up with men in seeking higher education. In fact, women today are more likely than men to attend and graduate from college.

Yet, there are also reminders of how much work remains to be done. Women are still more likely to live in poverty in this country. In education, there are areas like math and engineering where women are vastly outnumbered by their male counterparts. This is especially troubling for we know that, to compete with nations around the world, these are fields in which we need to harness the talents of all our people. That's how we'll win the future.

And today, women still earn on average only about 75 cents for every dollar a man earns. That's a huge discrepency. And at a time when folks accross this country are struggling to make ends meet and many families are just trying to get by on one paycheck after a job loss, it's a reminder that achieving equal pay for equal work isn't just a women's issue, it's a family issue."

President Obama went on to highlight the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act he signed into law during the first stages of his time in office. He also lamented the failure of another bill, The Paycheck Fairness Act, which was blocked in the Senate.

President Obama's Weekly Address

President Obama's Weekly Address (2/19/11)

2011-02-19T05:30:00.000-08:00

Winning the Future: Investing in education to compete in the global market

photo © 2008 Obama-Biden Transition Project | more info (via: Wylio)
President Obama dedicated this week's address to the intertwined issues of education and global competition for jobs in the 21st Century. Speaking from the Intel campus in Oregon, the President stressed how the jobs of tomorrow are being provided by companies like Intel who are looking for workers with background educations in math and science.

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President praises students in White House Science Fair

2010-10-18T15:54:00.000-07:00

The President has often been characterized as a nerd. . . and that's a good thing. So good, in fact, that he made time to host a White House Science Fair for an audience of students and enthusiasts to promote the importance of math and science education.

Impressed by the work, the President noted that some of these students had been involved in matters ranging from cancer research to clean energy. Stressing the importance of their efforts, the President saw no reason why these students shouldn't get the same credit and popularity as other high profile figures that get frequent invites to the White House:

"The importance of tapping this potential is why we're here. It's why I wanted to host this fair, which culminates this weekend in a science and engineering festival on the National Mall and across the country where more than a million people are expected to participate.

So we welcome championship sports teams to the White House to celebrate their victories. I've had the Lakers here. I've had the Saints here, the Crimson Tide. I thought we ought to do the same thing for the winners of science fairs and robotic contests, and math competitions."

The event, which also played host to several Nobel laureates, and popular figures such as Bill Nye the Science Guy and the Discovery Channel's Mythbusters, focused on the need for public/private initiatives to spur interest in the the fields of math, science and engineering. Keeping the spirit of the event, President Obama announced that the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) will be launching an initiative to inspire such interest. There will also be an online campaign led by CEOs where students can learn of the job opportunities companies offer scientists and engineers. President Obama noted that,

"The most common educational background of CEOs in the S&P 500 companies. . . is not business, it's not finance, it's not economics - it's actually engineering."

Perhaps the President best summarized the importance of this event when he concluded that, "Nothing can prepare you better for success than the education you're receiving in math and science."

Education Dept. announces nearly $85 million in HBCU funding

2010-10-01T14:43:00.000-07:00

Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, announced that the government has awarded over $84 million to historically black colleges and universities for the purpose of boosting facilities and educational programs across the country. Eligible institutions provided data for review and will receive a sum total of $84.775 million that will be distributed to 96 HBCUs.

The funds are awarded as grants from the Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program and are described as follows:

"Grants awarded under the Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program support a variety of activities that improve and expand course offerings, student services, campus facilities, and faculty and staff development. Funds may also be used to establish teacher education programs designed to qualify students to teach in public schools, financial and economic literacy programs for students and families, and community outreach programs that encourage elementary and secondary school students to develop high-level academic skills and interest in postsecondary education.

The awards are formula grants based on data provided by eligible institutions. To be eligible for funding, institutions must have been established prior to 1964 and have as a principal mission the education of African Americans." (Department of Education Press Release, Oct. 1, 2010)

You can read the entire press release here.

President speaks to students: "Nobody gets to write your destiny but you."

2010-09-16T00:17:00.000-07:00

With a new school year beginning, President Obama took time to encourage America's students to stay focused on their goals and encourage each other in the process. And with issues facing this country both domestic and abroad, the President empathized with the added burden many students feel in such trying times:

"You know what's going on in the news and you also know what's going on in some of your own families. You've read about the war in Afghanistan. You hear about the recession that we've been through. And sometimes maybe you're seeing the worries in your parents' faces or sense it in their voice. So a lot of you as a consequence, because we're going through a tough time as a country, are having to act a lot older than you are."

Yet, despite such obstacles, President Obama asked that students not abandon their dreams. He reminded his audience that, "Nobody gets to write your destiny but you."

Touting community, hard work and a confidence of self, the President made it clear that students, schools and leaders share a responsibility to ensure success.

The President noted,

"More and more, the kinds of opportunities that are open to you are going to be determined by how far you go in school. The farther you go in school, the farther you're going to go in life. And at a time when other countries are competing with us like never before, when students around the world in Beijing, China, or Bangalore, India, are working harder than ever, and doing better than ever, your success in school is not just going to determine your success, it's going to determine America's success in the 21st century.

So you've got an obligation to yourselves, and America has an obligation to you, to make sure you're getting the best education possible. And making sure you get that kind of education is going to take all of us working hard and all of us working hand in hand. It takes all of us in government -- from the governor to the mayor to the superintendent to the President -- all of us doing our part to prepare our students, all of them, for success in the classroom and in college and in a career. It's going to take an outstanding principal . . . and outstanding teachers . . . who are going above and beyond the call of duty for their students. And it's going to take parents who are committed to your education."

But, before he left, President Obama shared one lesson he learned from his mother in high school. Recounting his own experience, President Obama repeated the words that were spoken to him as a teenager: ". . . you can't just sit around waiting for luck to see you through."

Perhaps that's a good message for kids of all ages, even some adults.

New documentary asks: Did black institutions suffer from the integration movement?

2010-05-24T21:40:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

There are two philosophies at play when discussing the historical impact integration had on the black community. The more recognizable viewpoint is encompassed in the groundbreaking Supreme Court case, Brown v. Topeka Board of Education, that stuck down the "separate but equal" doctrine as, itself, being inherently unequal. However, a new documentary called "A Place Out of Time" examines a question often raised by an alternative view of the movement for integration.

via NY Daily News:

by David Hinckley

"A Place Out of Time" builds a fine historical documentary on the all-black Bordentown School into a larger issue: the price we paid for eliminating black institutions when racial integration started to arrive in the mid-20th century.

It's an uncomfortable and deceptively complex question: Did ending the evil of segregation also require us to lose valuable institutions created to counter it?

Read more of this article here.

UniverSoul Circus hits the stage

2010-05-22T06:36:00.000-07:00

Image by size8jeans via Flickr

The African-American circus has entertained people of all stripes for years. The Washington Post documents its return to the big stage.

via The Washington Post:

by DeNeen Brown

It's called UniverSoul Circus, billed as the only African American-owned circus in the world. But you've never been here before and you find yourself wondering, from your seat inside the big top, how a circus can have soul. You understand soul food, with its staples of greens and sweet potatoes, and soul music, such as Aretha Franklin singing "Respect." You understand when somebody says, "You got soul," and you pump your fist into a black pride salute.

But soul and circus is not a concept you have confronted.

read the rest of the article here.

Black farmers still await settlement

2010-03-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

The civil suit involving a group of black farmers and their claims of discrimination against the US Department of Agriculture was supposed to be settled by the end of March. The Obama Administration had worked to ensure that funds would be allocated for the settlement. But, it was Congress that was responsible for appropriating the sum of more than $1 Billion as compensation for discrimination in denying low interest loans to black farmers.

A prior settlement had already paid over $900 Million to 15,000 black farmers over a decade ago. However, a number of black farmers were not aware of the settlement at the time, and decided to bring suit in 2008. This latter suit remains the center of concern today. But, now it appears that Congress has left for recess without fulfilling its obligation to the black farmers. Congress has yet to act on this responsibility.

via NPR:

by Julie Rose

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the settlement last month, saying, "The USDA is excited about this opportunity to turn the page on what has been a troubling chapter for our department."

As part of the agreement, Congress was to allocate $1.25 billion for the late-filing farmers by March 31. Vilsack and President Obama promised that would happen. But it hasn't. A handful of lawmakers raised the alarm in a press conference last week, as their colleagues packed for Easter recess.

"Congress must act immediately," Sen. Kay Hagan (D-NC) said. "As William Gladstone said, 'Justice delayed is justice denied.' "

You can read the full article here.