Those of you who live in the Washington, DC metropolitan area know the increase of gun violence this past year. Majority of those of African Americans. Specifically, this past month DC has seen a number of shootings and homicides, including ten earlier this month alone. This outrageous ruling by the Supreme Court may have increase that number. The 5 to 4 ruling opinion asserts that individuals had the right to own guns for self-defense and for hunting.
Washington Post's reported that DC Mayor Adrian Fenty "Expresses dismay about the ruling and "more handguns will lead to more handgun violence." And I agree.
While the ruling is geared toward guns in the homes and not out in the street, the ruling seems to open doors for more African Americans being killed. I understand the Second Amendment in the US Constitution giving Americans the right to bear arms, however, since the Amendment gives little interpretation this is what we get. An absolute disaster.
What does this have to do with African American women lives? Well most of the victims and criminals are children, spouses, nieces/nephews, cousins, siblings of Black women. They will have to pick up where their deceased or jailed relatives have left off. They have to take care of their children, they have to take time off work to deal with the courts and thye lawyers. They have to go and with deal the funerals. They have to mourn, grieve, and cry. Many will go into depression, they will have to sacrifice, bail someone out when funds are already low.
I wonder what the rest of the Summer is going to be like. Hmmm. You know the answer.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
New McCain Ad on Energy Security
McCain released a new ad on his energy policy. Very interesting position. TAKE A LOOK.
Do you think his policy is better than Obama's?
Do you think his policy is better than Obama's?
Commentary on the Whole Gloucester Pregnancy Issue
By: Tonyaa Weathersbee, BlackAmericaWeb.com
Commentary: Black Girls Get Pregnant and Get Scorned; Why Do the Gloucester Girls Get Tea and Sympathy?
Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2008
By now, another racial stereotype ought to be biting some big-time dust.
It seems that in Gloucester, Massachusetts, a fishing town described as white, Catholic and blue collar, students who walk the halls of the local high school this fall may find themselves bumping into classmates who will be returning with their own bump. Seventeen girls at Gloucester High School are pregnant -- more than four times the number of pregnancies that the school of 1,200 has had in a year.
Time magazine recently reported that the pregnancies may have been part of a pact that the girls entered into to give birth to and raise their children together. But the principal of the school, Joseph Sullivan, has been silent since making that assertion -- possibly to quench the media firestorm ignited by that sordid tale. The mayor of the town, Carolyn Kirk, is vigorously denying that there was any pregnancy pact -- saying that Sullivan now claims his memory of the details is foggy.
Me, I believe Sullivan’s memory is just fine. It’s his courage that has lapsed.
But Kirk and others needn’t worry too much about the town’s reputation because ultimately, the Gloucester girls will receive more of society’s sympathy than its scorn. The fact that the media is focusing on whether there was a pact and whether the girls are victims of a celebrity culture that spawns movies like “Juno” and “Knocked Up,” says that when white kids do something that smacks of antisocial behavior, people are quick to dig for explanations.
When black kids do antisocial things, people think that all they need are sermons.
By now, everyone should know that becoming pregnant isn’t a wise career move for any teenager. Despite anecdotes of how some teenage mothers, like the singer Fantasia and others, grow up to become successful, studies too numerous to name here show that children who are born to teenage mothers are several times likely to grow up in poverty -- and to suffer all the problems that come with that package.
Yet it seems that over the years, as black teenage births continued to grow, many people seemed content to treat it as some kind of inner moral deficit; as part of blacks’ inability to control their sexual urges. As a columnist at a daily newspaper, I can’t begin to tell you about the numerous calls I get from whites -- racists who have found a new best friend in Bill Cosby -- who are convinced that black immorality is the sole reason for our teenage pregnancy epidemic.
One caller, who claimed to be a middle school teacher, once left a rambling message on my voice mail about how disgusted she gets with all the little black girls in her class who gleefully share pictures of their sonograms with each other.
I wonder if she’s as disgusted by what the Gloucester girls did.
Chances are she isn’t. Because chances are sociologists, psychologists and all other manner of experts will be trying to explain why those girls happened to get pregnant at the same time. They’ll talk about the influence of popular culture, which brought us Jamie Lynn Spears, and phrases like “baby bump.” It’s a culture which treats the public and vulnerable girls to aisles full of magazine racks with covers of the latest, unwed celebrity mom-to-be.
They’ll probably even coin this debacle as “The Gloucester Syndrome,” when it’s imitated at other, mostly-white high schools. It’ll be treated as a trend, not as a depravity.
Hopefully, at some point, the talk will turn to the truths behind teenage pregnancy. One truth is that teenage girls, regardless of race, will make a baby if it they think it means love and acceptance.
Another truth is that they tend to get love and esteem in stable families; families whose influence is a buffer against all the silliness that they absorb from their peers and popular culture. Another truth is that economic instability, such as the type that has hit Gloucester and that has plagued black, inner-city neighborhoods for decades, makes growing stable families difficult.
Maybe then, that talk will force more people to see that black girls in inner-city schools wind up pregnant for many of the same reasons that the Gloucester girls did. They do it to follow their peers and the culture that they’re left to work with, not because they are immoral or stupid.
Or beyond redemption.
Commentary: Black Girls Get Pregnant and Get Scorned; Why Do the Gloucester Girls Get Tea and Sympathy?
Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2008
By now, another racial stereotype ought to be biting some big-time dust.
It seems that in Gloucester, Massachusetts, a fishing town described as white, Catholic and blue collar, students who walk the halls of the local high school this fall may find themselves bumping into classmates who will be returning with their own bump. Seventeen girls at Gloucester High School are pregnant -- more than four times the number of pregnancies that the school of 1,200 has had in a year.
Time magazine recently reported that the pregnancies may have been part of a pact that the girls entered into to give birth to and raise their children together. But the principal of the school, Joseph Sullivan, has been silent since making that assertion -- possibly to quench the media firestorm ignited by that sordid tale. The mayor of the town, Carolyn Kirk, is vigorously denying that there was any pregnancy pact -- saying that Sullivan now claims his memory of the details is foggy.
Me, I believe Sullivan’s memory is just fine. It’s his courage that has lapsed.
But Kirk and others needn’t worry too much about the town’s reputation because ultimately, the Gloucester girls will receive more of society’s sympathy than its scorn. The fact that the media is focusing on whether there was a pact and whether the girls are victims of a celebrity culture that spawns movies like “Juno” and “Knocked Up,” says that when white kids do something that smacks of antisocial behavior, people are quick to dig for explanations.
When black kids do antisocial things, people think that all they need are sermons.
By now, everyone should know that becoming pregnant isn’t a wise career move for any teenager. Despite anecdotes of how some teenage mothers, like the singer Fantasia and others, grow up to become successful, studies too numerous to name here show that children who are born to teenage mothers are several times likely to grow up in poverty -- and to suffer all the problems that come with that package.
Yet it seems that over the years, as black teenage births continued to grow, many people seemed content to treat it as some kind of inner moral deficit; as part of blacks’ inability to control their sexual urges. As a columnist at a daily newspaper, I can’t begin to tell you about the numerous calls I get from whites -- racists who have found a new best friend in Bill Cosby -- who are convinced that black immorality is the sole reason for our teenage pregnancy epidemic.
One caller, who claimed to be a middle school teacher, once left a rambling message on my voice mail about how disgusted she gets with all the little black girls in her class who gleefully share pictures of their sonograms with each other.
I wonder if she’s as disgusted by what the Gloucester girls did.
Chances are she isn’t. Because chances are sociologists, psychologists and all other manner of experts will be trying to explain why those girls happened to get pregnant at the same time. They’ll talk about the influence of popular culture, which brought us Jamie Lynn Spears, and phrases like “baby bump.” It’s a culture which treats the public and vulnerable girls to aisles full of magazine racks with covers of the latest, unwed celebrity mom-to-be.
They’ll probably even coin this debacle as “The Gloucester Syndrome,” when it’s imitated at other, mostly-white high schools. It’ll be treated as a trend, not as a depravity.
Hopefully, at some point, the talk will turn to the truths behind teenage pregnancy. One truth is that teenage girls, regardless of race, will make a baby if it they think it means love and acceptance.
Another truth is that they tend to get love and esteem in stable families; families whose influence is a buffer against all the silliness that they absorb from their peers and popular culture. Another truth is that economic instability, such as the type that has hit Gloucester and that has plagued black, inner-city neighborhoods for decades, makes growing stable families difficult.
Maybe then, that talk will force more people to see that black girls in inner-city schools wind up pregnant for many of the same reasons that the Gloucester girls did. They do it to follow their peers and the culture that they’re left to work with, not because they are immoral or stupid.
Or beyond redemption.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Obama held a discussion with working women in Albuquerque, NM on June 23, 2008.
Obama made a strong appeal to working women as part of his economy tour. Yesterday, Obama was in New Mexico where he told an audience of majority women that he supports legislation to ensure equal pay for women, expanding family and medical leave as well as the tax credit for children and dependents and his plans to offer more after-school and early education programs. Obama supported legislation by co-sponsoring a bill -- the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act -- that would have reversed a Supreme Court decision last year that made it harder for women to challenge pay discrimination.
To hear his speech, please see video below. What is your position? Do you think both McCain and Obama will have what it takes to ensure equal pay for equal work among working women?
To hear his speech, please see video below. What is your position? Do you think both McCain and Obama will have what it takes to ensure equal pay for equal work among working women?
McCain's Energy Sufficiency Policy
Yesterday, Senator John McCain discussed his energy policy that calls on the Federal government to set an example by purchasing more gas efficient vehicles as a way to save tax payers dollars. Additionally, McCain also called on the federal government to provide incentives to states that permit offshore exploration with the exception of offshore drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Please see his discussion here....And you decide what is best for your pocketbook....
Is it sufficient?
Please see his discussion here....And you decide what is best for your pocketbook....
Is it sufficient?
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Donna Edwards - New Member of Congress
From the Washington Post
Edwards was sworn in today to be the first African American women to serve in Congress from the state of Maryland.
A sister who cares about African American women issues and concerns. To learn more about Donna Edwards go to www.donnaedwardsforcongress.com.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Michelle Obama on The View
Michelle Obama showed grace and beauty on The View this morning. She address every question about her husband's campaign, her relationship with her children and how the media is treating her. POWERFUL!!!
GO HEAD MICHELLE !!!
GO HEAD MICHELLE !!!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
John McCain's Proposed Energy Policy
Presidential contender Senator John McCain is in Houston, TX today mending fences with the oil industry. He is calling for a diverse energy policy. This includes the end to offshore drilling ban. McCain wants to lift the federal ban of offshore drilling in much of the oceanic coasts and the eastern Gulf of Mexico.
McCain also calls on being more energy sufficient by using alternative clean fuels to reserve energy.....
McCain also calls on being more energy sufficient by using alternative clean fuels to reserve energy.....
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Obama calls on Black Fathers To Be Accountable
Today in Chicago, Obama called on African American men to be more responsible and active in their children's lives. He used his experience as growing up in a single parent home where his mother raised him and his sister. He also reflected on how he is there for his two daughters.
He discussed the challenges facing the African American community but he also challenged the Black community to take responsibility.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Is McCain best choice for the Economy?
Please review the article and express your thoughts on which candidate is better for the economy.
Reuters -
By Jennifer Ablan NEW YORK (Reuters) - Republican presidential candidate John McCain's tax policies have given him an edge as the better man for the economy, various Wall Street experts said at this week's Reuters Investment Outlook Summit........
Reuters -
By Jennifer Ablan NEW YORK (Reuters) - Republican presidential candidate John McCain's tax policies have given him an edge as the better man for the economy, various Wall Street experts said at this week's Reuters Investment Outlook Summit........
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Michelle Obama is No Ones Baby's Mama, She is Malia and Sasha Mother
Yesterday, FOX News made a bad call when they referred and labeled Michelle Obama's as "Obama's baby mama." FOX News apologized for the label, however; what is sad is the ongoing stereotypes of African American women in mainstream media.
It is especially disturbing how media organizations attack on Black women continues as if we do not exist.
The ongoing debate on the news this week is whether presidential candidates wives, especially Michelle Obama is fair game on attacks. I wonder if this would have been the case if a white Democratic candidate held the nomination. I do not remember this in 2000 or 2004. No one said anything like this about Laura Bush. How dare someone say that? It would be consider blasphemy. What about Cynthia McCain? They have already stated that she is no ones baby mama.
So why is it okay to do that to Black women? Why do the media feel as if it is okay to say that about Black women?
Whatever your political position, the attack on Black women must cease. It seems that the media can "carry" us without thinking. It is not okay to do that. It is downright outrageous and insulting.
It is also an attack on Black love and the Black family.
This country has not seen a real life Black couple who actually loves and cares for each other. Their relationship is not the stereotypical one that is blasted on primetime tv, cable and movies. It is not a political marriage. It is a real marriage, a real partnership. And this society can not handle it. It can not handle it at all.
Review of Op-Ed Piece on Michelle Obama by NYT Columnist Maureen Dowd
New York Times Columnist Maureen Dowd cause a stir yesterday in her op-ed piece on Michelle Obama. Dowd suggest that Republicans may turn their attention to Michelle Obama negatively.
Read the article and provide your insights. Do you think Dowd is right? If so, why? Will race play a role?
Mincing Up Michelle
Read the article and provide your insights. Do you think Dowd is right? If so, why? Will race play a role?
Mincing Up Michelle
Sunday, June 8, 2008
OK People
So now Clinton endorsed Obama and we are now finally on our way to a historical presidential campaign. Like CNN says, "Something is happening here" and I am happy to be alive to see it all and be a part of it. Never in my wildest dream I thought that I would see something like this.
But we must give credit where credit is due.
Let us all remember Shirley Chisolm. She was the first African American and first woman who ran for president in 1972, she set the foundation. She was the first woman to received most convention votes for a female candidate in U.S. history.
Of course, there is Rev. Jesse Jackson in his two presidential bids in 1984 and 1988 that paved the way for more Black elected officials and open the door for African Americans in important political decision-making positions.
We also had sister Lenora Fulani. She ran for president in 1988 and 1992.
There was also Alan Keyes. He ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 1996 and 2000. And finally Carol Moseley Braun and Rev. Al Sharpton in 2004.
Black people, continue to make history, American History.......
But we must give credit where credit is due.
Let us all remember Shirley Chisolm. She was the first African American and first woman who ran for president in 1972, she set the foundation. She was the first woman to received most convention votes for a female candidate in U.S. history.
Of course, there is Rev. Jesse Jackson in his two presidential bids in 1984 and 1988 that paved the way for more Black elected officials and open the door for African Americans in important political decision-making positions.
We also had sister Lenora Fulani. She ran for president in 1988 and 1992.
There was also Alan Keyes. He ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 1996 and 2000. And finally Carol Moseley Braun and Rev. Al Sharpton in 2004.
Black people, continue to make history, American History.......
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
In Our Voice: An African American Woman Perspective on Presidential Politics
At this moment, this country has just made history. We have an African American male as the Democratic nominee for the President ofthe United States. At this historic time, we as African American women have a crucial role and voice in impacting policy to create a better reality, not only for ourselves for generations to come. Our vote can change the discourse and impact the policy direction of our country. To do this, we must be knowledgeable and aware of the facts around the 2008 presidential elections. Whether you identify as conservative or progressive; grassroots or affluent; feminist orwomanist; Republican, Independent, Green Party or Democrat this maybe the most significant presidential election of our lifetime.
What really happened at Last Saturday's Democratic Party Meeting, What is Happening Now? And Why It is Important to Black Women
To Be or Not To Be Counted: The Democratic Party Rules and Bylaws Committee Decision
Over the last several weeks this country has endured intense political pulse among the candidates regarding seating both Florida and Michigan delegates to the Democratic National Convention to be held in August 2008. Both campaigns argued that Florida and Michigan should be seated. However, the disagreement was how many. So, how did it come to this? Where is this Election headed?
In August 2006, the party voted to approve rules on the selection of delegates to the convention and on the timing of primaries and caucuses. The party also decided to add rules condemning any state that jumps before the timing. The party decided to add four states (Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, and South Carolina) to hold their primaries and caucuses before February 5, 2008. Why Nevada and South Carolina? This decision was based on including states that reflect the socio and racial demographics of the country. Historically, Iowa and New Hampshire started the schedule of caucuses and primaries, and decided the nominee. As we know, both Iowa and New Hampshire are predominately white. So the party decided to include Nevada for its growing Latin@ American community, Asian American and Pacific Islanders, labor and the voice of the entire western region. Then the party decided South Carolina to include African Americans. Once the rules were approved, Democratic presidential candidates at that time including both Clinton and Obama pledged that they will not campaign in these states prior to Super Tuesday.
Nonetheless, both Florida and Michigan decided in 2007 to hold their primaries before February 8, 2008 in spite of the DNC primary and caucus schedule and rules. As a result, in August 2007, the DNC rules and bylaws committee decided to withhold all 210 delegates from Florida. In December 2007, the committee also decided to withhold of156 delegates from Michigan. In defense of Florida, the decision to hold the primary before February 8th was decided by a Republican controlled state legislatures. In April 2006, Michigan applied to be considered to be one of the states alongside Iowa and New Hampshire. Michigan State Party adopted a plan for the 2008 Delegate Selection based upon February 9, 2008 state-party run primary. In June 27, 2007, legislation was introduced in the Michigan legislature to move the date of the primary to January 2008. This led to a violation of DNC rules.
On January 18, 2008, Michigan held its primary and Obama, John Edwards, Senator Joe Biden and Bill Richardson removed their names from the ballot. Clinton remained on the ballot. According to reports, Obama asked his supporters to vote "uncommitted" on the ballot to give him votes. However, Clinton won the Michigan primary with 55% of the vote to 40% uncommitted. On January 29, 2008, Clinton won the Florida primary with 50%, while Obama had 33% and Edwards 14%.
Now for a candidate to be considered the party's nominee, the candidate will need majority of delegates attending the Democratic National Convention. Thus the nominee will need 2,118. Clinton has argued that both Florida and Michigan should be seated and counted at the 2008 Democratic Convention. This is due to Obama being ahead of Clinton in delegates. In March 2008, Florida Democratic members decided to challenge the national party's rules seeking to reinstate Florida's delegation. In April 2008, the party decided that some delegates from Florida and Michigan will be seated. At the same time,a DNC member files a challenge seeking to reinstate Michigan's delegates. As a result, the Democratic Party's rules and bylaws committee decided to meet on Saturday, May 31, 2008 in Washington, DC. The hearing was to hear Florida and Michigan arguments to appeal the ruling to invalidate its delegates.
The committee heard arguments from Florida State Democrats including US Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) and African American female Florida State Senator Arthenia L. Joyner (D-FL). The committee also arguments from Michigan Democrats including US Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) and Former Congressman David Bonior (D-MI).
After hours of deliberation, the committee decided to seat all of theFlorida and Michigan delegates giving them half votes. To the dismay of Clinton supporters, Clinton received 38 delegates in Michigan and 56.5 in Florida. This did not give her enough to clinch the nomination. Obama received 32 delegates in Michigan including committed super delegates (elected officials) and 36 in Florida. Clinton supporters argued that her votes were given away to Obama since he was not on the ballot in Michigan. Obama supporters felt that the process was fair.
Sisters at the decision table -
Democratic Party Rules and Bylaws committee consists of thirty members including the following African American women: 1. Alexis Herman Co-Chair (Virginia) 2. Donna Brazile (Washington, DC) 3. Hartina Flournoy (Washington, DC) 4. Yvonne Atkinson Gates (Nevada) 5. Janice Griffin (Maryland) 6. Alice Huffman (California)
Each of them had their say during the meeting. They are the movers and shakers in this country that will be even more powerful sinceObama has enough delegates to claim the nomination. This means that more African American women will be at the table to reflect our interest and concerns.
What it means to African American Women
This whole process was not decided by the usual suspects of whitemen. It was decided by a diverse group of people that cuts across all socioeconomic, gender, racial demographics. This decision and the campaign to follow will be affected by people of color. The power is shifting. This country is moving into a new direction. Policy making will change. We as black women will need to stay on course to be part of this change and make our voices heard during the election and afterwards. In the next few weeks, a new blog will be created to continue and expand this dialogue.
Womenfolk is a blog for and by African American women to review, analyze and express concerns not only with issues within the Black community, but also national and international issues from an African American female perspective. We are not monolithic. Our views are vast. We are not silent on the issues. We are well versed and ready to address the tough issues.
The 2008 presidential race is the catalyst for the discussion on this blog. The media and other electronic avenues of public opinion have presented a perspective of the issues and candidates. Now, we are here to present ours. Stay tuned for more details as we prepare to move toward a more inclusive America!
What really happened at Last Saturday's Democratic Party Meeting, What is Happening Now? And Why It is Important to Black Women
To Be or Not To Be Counted: The Democratic Party Rules and Bylaws Committee Decision
Over the last several weeks this country has endured intense political pulse among the candidates regarding seating both Florida and Michigan delegates to the Democratic National Convention to be held in August 2008. Both campaigns argued that Florida and Michigan should be seated. However, the disagreement was how many. So, how did it come to this? Where is this Election headed?
In August 2006, the party voted to approve rules on the selection of delegates to the convention and on the timing of primaries and caucuses. The party also decided to add rules condemning any state that jumps before the timing. The party decided to add four states (Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, and South Carolina) to hold their primaries and caucuses before February 5, 2008. Why Nevada and South Carolina? This decision was based on including states that reflect the socio and racial demographics of the country. Historically, Iowa and New Hampshire started the schedule of caucuses and primaries, and decided the nominee. As we know, both Iowa and New Hampshire are predominately white. So the party decided to include Nevada for its growing Latin@ American community, Asian American and Pacific Islanders, labor and the voice of the entire western region. Then the party decided South Carolina to include African Americans. Once the rules were approved, Democratic presidential candidates at that time including both Clinton and Obama pledged that they will not campaign in these states prior to Super Tuesday.
Nonetheless, both Florida and Michigan decided in 2007 to hold their primaries before February 8, 2008 in spite of the DNC primary and caucus schedule and rules. As a result, in August 2007, the DNC rules and bylaws committee decided to withhold all 210 delegates from Florida. In December 2007, the committee also decided to withhold of156 delegates from Michigan. In defense of Florida, the decision to hold the primary before February 8th was decided by a Republican controlled state legislatures. In April 2006, Michigan applied to be considered to be one of the states alongside Iowa and New Hampshire. Michigan State Party adopted a plan for the 2008 Delegate Selection based upon February 9, 2008 state-party run primary. In June 27, 2007, legislation was introduced in the Michigan legislature to move the date of the primary to January 2008. This led to a violation of DNC rules.
On January 18, 2008, Michigan held its primary and Obama, John Edwards, Senator Joe Biden and Bill Richardson removed their names from the ballot. Clinton remained on the ballot. According to reports, Obama asked his supporters to vote "uncommitted" on the ballot to give him votes. However, Clinton won the Michigan primary with 55% of the vote to 40% uncommitted. On January 29, 2008, Clinton won the Florida primary with 50%, while Obama had 33% and Edwards 14%.
Now for a candidate to be considered the party's nominee, the candidate will need majority of delegates attending the Democratic National Convention. Thus the nominee will need 2,118. Clinton has argued that both Florida and Michigan should be seated and counted at the 2008 Democratic Convention. This is due to Obama being ahead of Clinton in delegates. In March 2008, Florida Democratic members decided to challenge the national party's rules seeking to reinstate Florida's delegation. In April 2008, the party decided that some delegates from Florida and Michigan will be seated. At the same time,a DNC member files a challenge seeking to reinstate Michigan's delegates. As a result, the Democratic Party's rules and bylaws committee decided to meet on Saturday, May 31, 2008 in Washington, DC. The hearing was to hear Florida and Michigan arguments to appeal the ruling to invalidate its delegates.
The committee heard arguments from Florida State Democrats including US Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) and African American female Florida State Senator Arthenia L. Joyner (D-FL). The committee also arguments from Michigan Democrats including US Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) and Former Congressman David Bonior (D-MI).
After hours of deliberation, the committee decided to seat all of theFlorida and Michigan delegates giving them half votes. To the dismay of Clinton supporters, Clinton received 38 delegates in Michigan and 56.5 in Florida. This did not give her enough to clinch the nomination. Obama received 32 delegates in Michigan including committed super delegates (elected officials) and 36 in Florida. Clinton supporters argued that her votes were given away to Obama since he was not on the ballot in Michigan. Obama supporters felt that the process was fair.
Sisters at the decision table -
Democratic Party Rules and Bylaws committee consists of thirty members including the following African American women: 1. Alexis Herman Co-Chair (Virginia) 2. Donna Brazile (Washington, DC) 3. Hartina Flournoy (Washington, DC) 4. Yvonne Atkinson Gates (Nevada) 5. Janice Griffin (Maryland) 6. Alice Huffman (California)
Each of them had their say during the meeting. They are the movers and shakers in this country that will be even more powerful sinceObama has enough delegates to claim the nomination. This means that more African American women will be at the table to reflect our interest and concerns.
What it means to African American Women
This whole process was not decided by the usual suspects of whitemen. It was decided by a diverse group of people that cuts across all socioeconomic, gender, racial demographics. This decision and the campaign to follow will be affected by people of color. The power is shifting. This country is moving into a new direction. Policy making will change. We as black women will need to stay on course to be part of this change and make our voices heard during the election and afterwards. In the next few weeks, a new blog will be created to continue and expand this dialogue.
Womenfolk is a blog for and by African American women to review, analyze and express concerns not only with issues within the Black community, but also national and international issues from an African American female perspective. We are not monolithic. Our views are vast. We are not silent on the issues. We are well versed and ready to address the tough issues.
The 2008 presidential race is the catalyst for the discussion on this blog. The media and other electronic avenues of public opinion have presented a perspective of the issues and candidates. Now, we are here to present ours. Stay tuned for more details as we prepare to move toward a more inclusive America!
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