Wael Ghonim, the Google executive who turned hero during the Egyptian protests, says “women empowerment is key to the new Egypt.” In Egypt, women are often nameless and faceless. News sources told us of women protesting alongside of men in Tahrir Square, with little mention of names. Egyptian women are seen but rarely heard to express their views. And the media does little to change the perception. There were at least 2 named women helping to lead the revolution in Egypt. Asmaa Mahfouz, a 26 year old, is credited with having a lead role in organizing the mass protests of millions in Cairo. She used the Internet to organize, mobilize and post the video that went viral, urging Egyptians to come to Tahrir Square, or now known as Liberation Square, on January 25. She is not alone in her woman led efforts. Amal Shareef, a 36 year old teacher and single mother, whose name means “hope” in Arabic, ran an office of approximately 10 men volunteers, to spearhead major efforts for the … [Read more...] about Will Egyptians Let Women Lead?
Archives for February 2011
Progressives United
Former Democratic Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold launched Progressives United. Feingold fought for the rights of the underrepresented. Instead of moving to a lucrative lobbying job after he lost his election, he chose to continue fighting for the causes he supports. This time, he is taking on big corporation. Feingold says he wants to hold politicians accountable to people instead of big dollar donors. Ironically, it is probably big corporation that cost him his senate seat. Progressives United will engage in online mobilization, grass roots efforts to support progressives’ issues and fight against the effects of Citizens United. Its PAC will help to fund progressive candidates on the local, state and federal level. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA7BqhZQKZo One year ago, on January 21, 2010, the Supreme Court decided Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission which turned our election campaign laws on their heads and overturned almost 100 years of campaign finance law. … [Read more...] about Progressives United
John Lewis Receives Medal Of Freedom
Fifteen recipients received the Medal of Freedom by President Obama. The Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to national interests, world peace or other significant public or private endeavors. Among those receiving the award on February 15, 2011 were Rep. John Lewis ( D. GA). Congressman John Lewis was a leader in the civil rights era history who fought bigotry, segregation and hatred in the south and risked his life to do it. He was beaten violently on numerous occasions while peacefully fighting for the civil rights of blacks in America. I recently had the pleasure to speak with him at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Avoice celebration. I thanked him for the efforts that he undertook so that I and other blacks could go on to pursue education and enjoy the liberties that we enjoy today. Rep. Lewis was a foot soldier during the marches in the south against segregation and for the dignity of … [Read more...] about John Lewis Receives Medal Of Freedom
What Will the Obama Legacy Mean for Blacks?
Midway through President Obama’s term, many African Americans are wondering what the Obama legacy will means for them. Many are frustrated at what is perceived as President Obama’s failure to specifically address their needs and concerns. Some are saying that Obama has not done enough for blacks. In his State of the Union address, President Obama did not mention blacks, although he spoke about gays and immigrants. With 16.9% unemployment at times, now down to 15.7%, higher foreclosure rates than for whites, African Americans are feeling the brunt of the economy more than others. Seeing the president as one of them, many African Americans expect the president to do more for them. Others view that there is a balance to the president being able to overtly address their concerns mainstream and risk alienating other segments of society. So, is the President stuck between a rock and a hard place? Many of the Obama administration’s accomplishments for blacks are primarily in the area of … [Read more...] about What Will the Obama Legacy Mean for Blacks?
Dems to GOP: When Are The Jobs Coming?
After winning over Congress in the midterm elections, Republicans said they understood that the American people want jobs. Since the midterm election, the Lame Duck session and the swearing in of the new 112th Congress on January 5, 2011, there has not been one single jobs bill to be introduced by our new Republican Congress. Instead, the Republican Congress has been busy introducing bills to end health care reform, end health insurance for pre-existing conditions, and change the definition of rape and other unrelated job measures. From the beginning, Republican legislators made clear that they went to Washington to undo things instead of going to do things. Back when the Republicans were campaigning, they constantly talked about jobs, jobs and jobs. But, since starting on January 5, 2011, the Republicans have done nothing to create jobs. Republicans held votes on 11 bills and not a single one of those votes created a single job for a single American. Senate Minority Leader Mitch … [Read more...] about Dems to GOP: When Are The Jobs Coming?
Songs To Celebrate The Egyptian Revolution
The Egyptian Revolution took 18 days to topple 30 years of President Mubarak’s reign. In 1970, Gil Scott-Herron wrote the lyrics that “the revolution will not be televised.” But, the Egyptian Revolution was televised, tweeted, You-Tubed and text 24 hours a day for 18 days. Yes, the 21st century revolution was televised. During the French Revolution which began in 1789, songs were the one form of communication that was expressed by all the people. I’ve chosen songs to celebrate the Egyptian people’s revolution. Bob Dylan’s 1963 Blowing in the Wind expresses the heart and sentiment of the Egyptian people. He poses questions about peace, war and freedom. Dylan wrote and sang: How many roads must a man walk down before you call him a man?….How many years can some people exist before they’re allowed to be free? The answer my friend is blowin’ in the wind. How many times can a man turn his head, pretending he just doesn’t see? The answer my friend is blowin’ in the wind. The … [Read more...] about Songs To Celebrate The Egyptian Revolution