First Lady Michelle Obama addressed a rousing audience, of more than 1000 students at Howard University, on January 18, 2011, about President Obama’s 100,000 Strong Initiative. Students welcomed her to a standing ovation as she entered Crampton Auditorium. Before the event, I spoke to students who spoke about First Lady Obama as their role model. Students from area schools, colleges and universities heard Mrs. Obama speak about the importance of study abroad. The 100,000 Strong Initiative seeks to increase the number of diversity students studying in China. Mrs. Obama, in keeping it real, recognized that many minority students do not have the means to study abroad. She talked about how as a first generation college student, she focused on getting into college, staying in college and getting out with a degree. She didn’t focus on study abroad. But, today she urges students to take advantage of the “100,000 Strong Initiative” where China will support 10,000 scholarships for … [Read more...] about Michelle Obama Keeps It Real In Talking About China Study
Archives for January 2011
If Martin Luther King Were Alive Today
If Martin Luther King, Jr. were alive today, he would be 82. As we honor his legacy, let us remember what he stood for. His principles are just as relevant today as they were 42 years ago. He stood for justice everywhere and spoke out against injustice everywhere. If he were alive today, he would speak on health care reform, the Dream Act, against the Afghanistan war, on jobs and the economy and the lack of civility in our political process, to name a few. Here’s what I believe he would say based on his previous teachings, writings and speeches. Health Care Reform Martin Luther King would unequivocally support universal health care reform. He knew that “injustice anywhere was a threat to justice everywhere”. Denying access to health care for over 31 million uninsured Americans, those with pre-existing conditions, victims of domestic abuse, and young adults is an injustice. Afghanistan War and Iraq War Martin Luther King opposed the Vietnam War. In 1967, he spoke against the cost … [Read more...] about If Martin Luther King Were Alive Today
America’s Next Chapter
Join Tavis, Arianna Huffington, Cornel West & others discuss America’s Next Chapter Join me as I along with 7 other influential and prominent bloggers moderate the online discussion of: This live program will air live on C-Span on Thursday, January 13 from 6-9 pm at George Washington University, Lisner Auditorium at 21st and H Street, NW, Washington, DC. You may also watch live online and join in the online conversation via Twitter or Facebook @AmericasNextChapter. Or join Twitter directly using the hashtag #AmericasNextChapter. The discussion will re-broadcast on January 18, 19 and 20th on PBS on Tavis Smiley. After President Obama's Tucson memorial speech on January 12, and half way through President Obama's term, America's Next Chapter live discussion is coming at the perfect time to discuss the challenges facing our nation. We all have a role to play in shaping our country's future. Listen in, tune in, watch, join and participate in America's Next Chapter. … [Read more...] about America’s Next Chapter
America’s Next Chapter
As we approach the half way mark of President Obama’s term, the timing is right to assess America’s next chapter and the direction that the country is headed in. On Thursday, January 13, 2010 from 6- 9 p.m. , Tavis Smiley and the Smiley Group will present America's Next Chapter at George Washington University in Washington, DC with panelists Princeton University professor Cornel West, Arianna Huffington, founder of the Huffington Post, David Frum, former speech writer for President George W. Bush, Dana Milbank, lead political columnist for the Washington Post and a host of other thought leaders. The 3 hour panel discussion will air with live coverage on C-Span. Panelists will discuss the economy and many of the tough topics facing the country today. Notably missing from the panel are any politicians. I had the opportunity to interview Tavis Smiley on Thursday, January 6, 2011. In the interview, Mr. Smiley said the omission of any politicians was an intentional one and not an … [Read more...] about America’s Next Chapter
Republicans Commit Possible Ethics Violations in Week One
With the convening of the 112th Congress, Republicans pledge to bring investigations, commit to the work of the Constitution, work for the American people and repeal everything that the Obama Administration has passed. In their first week, Republicans have skipped taking their oath of office to attend a fundraiser, voted without being sworn into office and solicited major corporations to inquire how they might best help them. Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R. PA) and Rep. Pete Sessions ( R. TX) missed the swearing in to attend a fundraiser in the Capitol Visitor Center for Fitzpatrick. They claimed that they watched the swearing in on television. Somehow, they initially failed to realize the stupidity of their act. Subsequently, they sent a letter to all members of Congress apologizing for their act. And now several watch dog organizations are looking into the legality of their holding a fundraiser in the Visitor’s Center. Apparently, lawmakers are prohibited from holding any … [Read more...] about Republicans Commit Possible Ethics Violations in Week One