March 8 is International Women’s Day. It is a time to celebrate the collective accomplishments of women worldwide. International Women’s Day has been celebrated since the early 1900’s to celebrate the accomplishments of women and to acknowledge achievements that are yet to come. In 1908, 15,000 women marched in New York City for shorter working hours, larger pay and voting rights. Today with several countries having elected women presidents, women CEO’s in the boardroom and greater freedoms for women worldwide, some may wonder why we need International Women’s Day. Some Millennials believe that women have already reached the top of the mountain. The sad reality is that women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women's education, health and the violence against them is worse than that of men. And we do not need to go abroad to see the disparity in women’s rights; we can … [Read more...] about International Women’s Day 2013
Archives for March 2013
Banks “Too Big to Fail” Get Away with Crimes
There’s a criminal law saying that “if you do the crime, you should do the time.” U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder was cited in the Financial Times, March 7, 2013 as admitting to Congress that some banks are just “too big” and may impede criminal prosecutions. Attorney General Holder says he’s aware of the “negative impact” on the economy of prosecuting banks, including HSBC who admitted to drug money laundering. Apparently, the statement of “doing the time” applies to black men who are incarcerated but not to big banks that commit criminal violations including money laundering violations in this country. It’s ironic that the Supreme Court in Citizens United says that corporations are people when it comes to spending an abundance of money in elections to elect politicians. But when it comes to criminal wrongdoing, some banks are not like people and are too big to do the time. This is particularly disheartening to me since many African American men are subject to another … [Read more...] about Banks “Too Big to Fail” Get Away with Crimes
Sequester Cuts Will Hit Hardest on Blacks, Women and Youth
The $1.2 trillion cuts over 10 years known as the sequester will hit hardest on women and African Americans according to accounts being released by Democrats including the Congressional Black Caucus. A disproportionate number of women and blacks work in public service and government—where the hits will hit hardest. On other levels, with unemployment almost twice as high among African Americans, any cuts to spending programs which assist those in need will affect African Americans on a much greater level. Women who need assistance on WIC programs which assist with simple milk and food for children in need will be affected. And for those youth who are excitedly receiving admission letters and financial aid letters for college, they will be receiving decreased aid as a result of the sequester. Some colleges and universities are trying to avoid having to cut programs and aid. Others will have no choice but to cut financial aid due to sequester. Our children are our future. … [Read more...] about Sequester Cuts Will Hit Hardest on Blacks, Women and Youth
Florida A&M Hazing Case Gets Casey Anthony Prosecutor
The prosecutor in the Florida A & M University (“FAMU”) hazing case gets a new face with the lead prosecutor who tried the Casey Anthony case. State’s Attorney Jeff Ashton who tried unsuccessfully to convict Casey Anthony of first degree murder in a death penalty case became the State’s Attorney in January after an election in November. And just like in the Casey Anthony case, the prosecutor has now overcharged with adding manslaughter in the FAMU case. The FAMU Band case stems from the hazing death of Robert Chestnut, a drum major, age 26 who died in November, 2011, during a hazing incident while on a bus following a FAMU game played with Bethune- Cookman. Chestnut sustained bodily injuries to his upper body and died of internal injuries. His death was ruled a homicide. Ten players were originally charged with third degree felony hazing. Twelve band players have now been charged with second degree manslaughter. No one knows who inflicted the blows which killed Chestnut. Two … [Read more...] about Florida A&M Hazing Case Gets Casey Anthony Prosecutor
Honoring the Centennial Women’s Suffrage March
Sunday, March 3 marks the 100th anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage parade in Washington, DC. On that date 100 years ago, 5,000 women came from all over to Washington to march for the right to vote. The suffrage march was a pivotal point in the movement for women to obtain the right to vote and passage of the 19th amendment. It took another 7 years before women were given the vote. And 100 years later on March 3, thousands of women from across the country and around the world came to Washington, DC to re-create the march renamed the Delta Centennial march. Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in observance of the 100th anniversary sponsored the march. And along with members of approximately 15 other leading women’s groups, including American Association of University Women (“AAUW”), National Council of Negro Women, National Organization for Women (“NOW”), Sewall-Belmont House Museum and UniteWomen.org re-created the suffrage march from the West lawn of the U.S. Capitol to the … [Read more...] about Honoring the Centennial Women’s Suffrage March