Much obliged to Villager who maintains a list and ranking of all of the Black Blogs in the blogosphere. How he manages to keep up with this growing list, I'll never know; but I am certainly glad he does. Because you see, there are not just a couple or even a few hundred Black Blogs - there are 1, 629 Black Blogs. And each and every one of them are listed in Villager's Black Blog Rank List.
In the #1 spot of Black Blogs is Pam's House Blend . Numbers 2 thru 10 are: Bossip.com, Nah Right, Concrete Loop, Oliver Willis, Young, Black & Fabulous, Sandra Rose, Crunk & Disorderly , Jack and Jill Politics, and The Angry Black Woman. Completing the top 25 Black Blogs are: The Field Negro*, How To Split An Atom, Real Talk NY Provides The Latest Hip Hop News, What About Our Daughters*, AfroBella, La Shawn Barber's Corner, Necole Bitchie, Crunk & Disorderly, Angry Black Bitch, Entre mes Lignes, Love B. Scott, Raw Dawg Buffalo, Too Sense, Keith Boykin and Ill Doctrine.
Where's Sojourner's Place, you ask? Well we're holding on at #60. And I'm just tickled pink? Absolutely! A year ago, we were #405! Much obliged, Sojourners for keeping SjP's on the radar.
Obliged to you for hearing me,
and now old SjP ain't got nothin' more to say...
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
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> > >SjP's truth continues
My how time flies! I can hardly believe that it's been a year since Sojourner's Place was bestowed the highest blogging honor - in my opinion - in the entire blogosphere. Being admitted into the AfroSpear one year ago today was and remains truly an honor.
I must give a "much obliged" to the Villager who reminded me of this day on my FaceBook page. I remember going over to Electronic Village a year ago for my daily dose and seeing his post welcoming into the Spear. My heart jumped for joy as I ran and told My Best Half that I had been admitted.
Being a member of the AfroSpear remains a great honor. It has allowed me an opportunity to use my blog voice in a collective advocacy in such a manner that makes an important impact on our lives. It provides me with an opportunity to stay informed or what is happening in the world in which I live.
Much obliged to the AfroSpear for considering the voice of SjP worthy of such a powerful voice in the blogosphere.
Obliged to you for hearing me,
and now old SjP ain't got nothin' more to say...
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
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I am simply tired of racist images and comments being passed off as something other than what they are. RACIST. You can call it a joke...you can call it a parody...you can even call it part of your history or tradition. But you know what? Just like a rose by any other name is still a rose; RACISM is still RACISM even when you're trying to convince me that its a rose!Stimulus package and a crazy a$$ chimpanzee my a$$. A parody! Give me a break! And can somebody - anybody - tell me why - if it was suppose to be a political parody - the chimp was killed on a city street? And just WTH does the sign on the light pole say about a "dog". But, it wasn't intended to be racist. Yeah! Right! Give me a break!
Damn it! I'M TIRED OF THIS CRAP! I'm feeling a real rant coming on and right on the heels of my latest rant against those ugly racist a$$ creatures deemed by some as cute little dolls that are a part of their culture, history, and tradition...OH WELL NAW! A rant filled with a lot of four letter words that would shame the most shameless sailor.
WHEW! Thank God that out here in the Afrosphere, there is someone who is able to discussed the GD cartoon in such calm and smooth manner! Much obliged Baratunde, aka Jack Turner, for giving us the 411 about "your interview on MSNBC today.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
You said everything I wanted to say without the "color". You were cool, calm, and collected. Like someone else we all no who just does not succumb to the drama around him!
Obliged to you for hearing me,
and now old SjP ain't got nothin' more to say...
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
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Fight Against these Effigies of Racial Hatred!
> > >SjP's truth continues
I love being a weekly contributor at Michelle Obama Watch blog, founded by Gina of What About Our Daughters. If you've not had the opportunity to visit MOW, I strongly encourage you to do so. The posts provide a wealth of up-to-date information and commentary on all things about First Lady in Waiting, Mrs. Michelle Obama.
Ofttimes, the posts evoke debate between commenters and contributors. While such debate is often "lively", I do my best to be as "restrained" as possible when posting and commenting. It is simply my way of showing due respect for the blog's namesake and the purposes under which it was founded. But, This is SjP's Place, and I'm about to blow over comments made on a recent MOW post entitled, Chicanery and Foolishness: Huffington Post Calls Sasha Obama “SASSY”.
As Gina, the writer of the post, so aptly states "Where I am from “sassiness” when applied to a child is pejorative. Sassiness would get you a green switch." Yet, there were many who saw nothing wrong with the characterization of Sasha as "sassy". The following comments simply got my blood boiling.
“sassy” is a positive word about women who speak their minds.
Oh really? Let's try calling a woman (Black or White) "sassy" in the workplace one time. Just how quickly can you say "sexual harassment"? As a professional African American woman, I have to struggle each day to make sure that I am taken seriously, that my opinion matters, and that I am a meaningful and integral part of the operation. I speak my mind and for doing so, I am more times than naught called "aggressive" and yes even an ABW. I can deal with that - but, NEVER would I ever allow anyone to characterize me as "sassy" to my face.
If anyone out there in the blogosphere can name me one woman (Black or White) who has ever been characterized as "sassy" who was honestly taken seriously, I might be able to be talked down from this rant - but, I doubt it. Why? Because, I suspect that if there has ever been a woman - living, dead, Black, White, blue, grizzly or gray - who was considered "sassy" that she was NEVER taken seriously. And in the event that there came a time that she was taken seriously, I doubt that she was ever characterized as "sassy" again.
...negative sense as well as in the positive sense. No one would raise an eyebrow if a black person called a white person sassy these days…unlike years ago. Sassy is now an equal opportunity word.
"Sassy" is how I might describe a hat, dress, a handbag, a pair of shoes, or a child who thinks it appropriate to talk back to an adult or suck his/her teeth when an adult is talking to him/her. A "sassy" hat, dress, handbag, or shoes I'd wear. A sassy kid - well let's just say that my eyebrow would be the last thing I would think about raising if that kid were mine.
"Sassy" is not something that I would call a woman of any color who was not on the silver screen, television, or stage portraying a character akin to Carmen Jones, Holly Golightly, Margaret 'Maggie the Cat' Pollitt, or Lady Eloise. Personally, I consider "sassy" as inappropriate as calling a woman a b*tch - which is now an equal opportunity word used by many women much younger than myself. But I will say this, everyone as an "equal opportunity" NOT to call me either.
I think its [sassy] cute and endearing.
Cute and endearing? Oh! Like the N-word "sassy" is now a term of endearment. A term that is appropriate to call women and young girls. I think not! It is neither cute or endearing. To paraphrase Gina, sassiness will get you a switch at best (and let me add) or a very clear view of the palm of my hand at worst.
In a positive gesture to move us forward (and I am dead serious here), perhaps you could collaborate on an article — what are the 50 worst words, phrases, comments that today’s writers (predominantly white, of course) could use that are considered offensive to readers of Michelle Obama Watch.
Now this last one took the cake! Once again "we" are called upon to open the lines of communication in an effort of educating those who continue to stand behind the excuses of "I just didn't know" or "It was just a joke. Why are you so offended?". These are ofttimes the same folks who want to "touch my hair" or expect me to be the "spokeswoman" for all things African American.
But, lets just say that this exercise were to be done. O.K. But, remember, you can only come up with the 50 worst words, phrases, and comments for today's writers (predominately white, of course) should not use for fear of being offensive. Open up the lines of communication - but only by the rules pre-set and determined by you? Typical! I think not!
Look! I'm sorry - but it is not my job or my inclination to educate you about being Black in America. But, I will give you one piece of advise in your quest to not be offensive. When you want to use a word, phrase, or comment to describe an African American or an African American characteristic, "Google" it first. If you don't see the word, phrase, or comment you want to use portrayed on any one of over one thousand Black blogs used in a positive light - DON'T USE IT.
As I said at the beginning of this post, I love being a contributor at Michelle Obama Watch. Therefore, I have to remember my "home training" and "be good" when I'm out in public.Obliged to you for hearing me,
> > >SjP's truth continues
and now old SjP ain't got nothin' more to say...
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
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"Obodo N'ezu Ezu Azu Nwa"We have all heard the English translation of this Igbo Proverb: "It takes a whole village to raise a child." Yet, on any given day, across this great Nation, over 1 million children the street is their village. They are hungry. They are vulnerable. They are helpless. They are homeless.
Far less wealthy industrialized countries have committed to end child poverty, while the United States is sliding backwards. We can do better. We must demand that our leaders do better. ~~Marian Wright Edelman, Children's Defense Fund
For several weeks now, we have woken up to the news of yet another American company, industry, or bank requesting their slice of the "bailout pie" appropriated by Congress. We have seen the Big Three auto company CEO's plunge their hands into the cookie jar in an effort to preserve their standard of living and protect their sometimes 6 figure golden parachutes. We have cringed with fear as our neighbors, associates, friends, loved ones, or even ourselves on face the loosing their homes - or worst - loose their homes. All the while the mortgage companies and banks garner riches from us the tax payer and do nothing to help keep roofs over the heads of our citizenry. They stand there watching the tornado-like destruction of lives and do nothing. Yet, for those whose roofs have been hurled from over their heads, there are no "ruby red shoes" to click three times but they do know that "there is no place like [a] home"; for they have none.
Even before the economic melt down this fall, nearly 800,000 children were without homes in America. Whether runaways, throwaways, or part of a family unit the fact remains that they are homeless. Today, nearly 40% of the homeless population. If "children are our future" then how can we as a society turn a blind eye to them?
Although counting the exact number of homeless children is difficult, a consensus is emerging among researchers. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, 1.2 million children are homeless on any given night. Supporting this figure are estimates from the U.S. Department of Education that report almost 400,000 homeless children were served by the nation's public schools last year. Since more than half of all homeless children are under the age of 6 and not yet in school, a minimum of 800,000 children can be presumed to be homeless. On the basis of these data, the National Center on Family Homelessness concludes that more than one million American children are homeless today. (Source)
According to Anne-Marie O'Connor of the LA Times:
Homeless people have nothing to lose, and the very experience of homelessness is one of feeling abandoned and rejected. The forces that are exerted on homeless people, ...all work to the effect of reducing the self-esteem of those individuals who become homeless, ultimately putting the great majority of them at risk of developing mental illness and drug addiction.
The end result are people who are reduced to the level of animals determined to survive, who will resort to desperate means such as crimes which cross the thin veneer of what it means to be civilized.
If we don`t stand up for children, then we don`t stand for much. ~~Marian Wright Edelman, Children's Defense Fund
The National Center on Family Homelessness
reports, from their recent research, the impact of homelessness has on children. I am sure that the list below is in no way exhaustive or truly illustrates the issues and dangers these children face on a daily basis.
Homelessness makes children sick
Homelessness wounds young children
Homelessness devastates families
Homeless children struggle in school
To this list, I would add the following at minimum:
Homelessness makes children vulnerable to predators
Homelessness denies children a sense of well-being
Homelessness robs children of their innocence
Homelessness robs children of their lives - both literally and figuratively
It Takes a Whole Village To Raise a Child...Obodo N'ezu Ezu Azu Nwa
Photo credit: Stone Soup Station
Video credit: America's Homeless Children from ModelShootist
Sojourner's Place joins with other bloggers on the 27th day of each month in denunciation of human rights violations across the world, and particularly Darfur. As part of the Am I Not Human? campaign, information and tools are provided throughout the blogosphere to bring to the forefront the atrocities that continue to occur in our world.This Campaign continues until such time that measurable, sustained, and progression changes occur. Please go to Roots of Humanity, this Campaign's Virtual Headquarters for more information or you may email organizers at: Virtual Campaign headquarters can be found at: RootsofHumanity@gmail.com.Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old SjP
ain't got nothin' more to say...
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
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...and that's just the first page of the Google Search on Human Rights Obliged to you for hearing me, ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ Technorati ~ ~ Del.iciou.us ~ ~ Digg This! ~ ~ StumbleUpon ~ ~ Twitter ~ ~ My Good Towels ~ ~ FeedBlitz ~ ~ Email SjP
On a day set aside in America for Thanksgiving, our news today is riddled by the terror attacks in Mumbai, India. At least 125 have been killed while 327 more have are wounded. What is it about our world that causes our citizens to conspire and execute such violence as a tactic of protest? In this latest incident of terror, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh suggests that the sole purpose of the attack was a "single-minded determination to create havoc in the financial capital of the country". And in creating this havoc, Americans and Brits were targetted and are no doubt among the dead and wounded.
Yet, it does not really matter the citizenry of these latest victims. What matters is that we live in a world that because of greed, jealousy, and selfishness we are unable to live together in harmony and peace in the world given to us by God. At what point do we as human beings realize that our actions are not in keeping with God's law to love one another as we love ourselves? Are we NOT human?
Googling the term "human rights", results in 71,400,000 references. Yes! 71,400,000 about human rights! That boggles my mind. Why are we as HUMANS so greedy, so jealous, so selfish that we would do all in our power to dehumanize those with whom we do not agree - those with whom we share this world?
Below are just snippets of the last 24 hours in Human Rights in the world in which we live:
Algerian human rights lawyer convicted for denouncing violations:Amine Sidhoum, Algerian human rights lawyer, has openly denounced human rights violations, including the systematic incommunicado detention of terror suspects in secret locations, torture and other ill-treatment, denial of fair trial guarantees and the failure of the judicial authorities to investigate allegations of torture and other ill-treatment.
Weekly report on Israeli human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territory 20 - 26 Nov 2008: Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) and a Serious Humanitarian Crisis in the Gaza Strip Due to the Closure of Its Border Crossings.
UN Warns Human Rights Violations Increasing in DR Congo: A new United Nations report shows there has been a recent increase in human rights violations in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with civilians being mistreated by both government military and rebel forces.
Congolese President Kabila Had Opponents Tortured, Group Says: Donor nations and other international actors have given little attention to the grave human rights violations of the first two years of the Kabila government.
HRF Denounces Violations of Freedom of the Press and Asks OAS Secretary General--for the Third Time—to Activate the Democratic Clause: HRF is an international nonpartisan organization devoted to defending human rights in the Americas. It centers its work on the twin concepts of freedom of self-determination and freedom from tyranny. These ideals include the belief that all human beings have the rights to speak freely, to associate with those of like mind, and to leave and enter their countries.
Terrorism mad violator of human rights: Terrorism is a mad violator of human rights. A terrorist has no religion. He does not believe in the tenets of religion because no religion preaches such insane violence. Therefore, terrorism of whatever hue must be unequivocally condemned by all,” the commission said in a statement.
Human Rights Commission eliminated from ‘09 budget: Once again, the Dutchess County Executive has eliminated the funding for the Dutchess County Human Rights Commission, office and staff, from the budget for 2009. He has not only eliminated the vacant position, he has eliminated the two existing positions, the Executive Director and Human Rights Assistant, who is Spanish speaking. Child-Sex Case Grips Turkey Amid Religious Young-Brides Split: Huseyin Uzmez denies having sex with a 14-year-old girl. He just defends a man’s right to marry one.
Iran fails to halt UN assembly rights resolution: Western nations claimed a success on Friday when a U.N. General Assembly resolution condemning human rights violations in Iran passed through a key committee more easily than in the past.Mhlanga and Zarganar win arts awards for human rights: A Zimbabwean playwright who has repeatedly challenged the Mugabe regime and a Burmese comedian who has recently been sentenced to 45 years in prison have been honoured with international awards. Sojourner's Place joins with other bloggers on the 27th day of each month in denunciation of human rights violations across the world, and particularly Darfur. As part of the Am I Not Human? campaign, information and tools are provided throughout the blogosphere to bring to the forefront the atrocities that continue to occur in our world.This Campaign continues until such time that measurable, sustained, and progression changes occur. Please go to Roots of Humanity, this Campaign's Virtual Headquarters for more information or you may email organizers at: Virtual Campaign headquarters can be found at: RootsofHumanity@gmail.com.
and now old SjP ain't got nothin' more to say...
The faces of poverty are not limited by race, creed, gender, or color. The faces of poverty are not limited to geographical areas around the globe. The faces of poverty are not democrat, republican, independent, socialist, or communist. The faces of poverty are real...The faces of poverty ARE HUMAN.
Where are our priorities? Billions of dollars to bail out the greed of corporate America. Billions of dollars a month in an attempt to secure oil now sold to China. Millions of dollars a week spent to elect a president. How many of the world's homeless, the world's hungry, the world's sick could have been sheltered, fed, or healed with even one-tenth of the billions of dollars spent in just the last month? Yet, the world's homeless, hungry, and sick remain homeless, hungry, and sick. They care not that the stock market crashed or about the cost of Sarah Palin's makeover wardrobe. They care not about what happens on November 4, 2008. They ask: "Am I not human?" and they are answered "Out of sight...out of mind".
If the past several weeks should have taught us all, that the faces of poverty are real. The faces of poverty ARE HUMAN and our faces could very well be among them - Out of Sight and Out of Mind? Sojourners, through the teachings of our Lord, we are told to "be our brother's keeper" and to "feed his sheep". In obeying these teachings, we must remember to do so following the greatest commandment of all:
And one of the scribes came,...asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. The Gospel of Mark the 12th Chapter beginning with the 28th verse.
Sojourner's Place joins with other bloggers on the 27th day of each month in denunciation of human rights violations across the world, and particularly Darfur. As part of the Am I Not Human? campaign, information and tools are provided throughout the blogosphere to bring to the forefront the atrocities that continue to occur in our world.This Campaign continues until such time that measurable, sustained, and progression changes occur. Please go to Roots of Humanity, this Campaign's Virtual Headquarters for more information or you may email organizers at: Virtual Campaign headquarters can be found at: RootsofHumanity@gmail.com.
Obliged to you for hearing me,
and now old SjP ain't got nothin' more to say...
~~~ ~~~ ~~~
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> > >SjP's truth continues
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Sojourner's Place joins with other bloggers on the 27th day of each month in denunciation of human rights violations across the world, and particularly Darfur. As part of the Am I Not Human? campaign, information and tools are provided throughout the blogosphere to bring to the forefront the atrocities that continue to occur in our world.
This Campaign continues until such time that measurable, sustained, and progression changes occur. Please go to Roots of Humanity, this Campaign's Virtual Headquarters for more information or you may email organizers at: Virtual Campaign headquarters can be found at: RootsofHumanity@gmail.com.
The crisis in Darfur continues. Yet, we continue to hear little if anything about it in mainstream media. We are thankful, however, that the United Nations recognizes the need to continue efforts to bring peace, justice, and a cessation of human rights violations occurring in Darfur.
Senior UN, African Union Officials Outline Worsening Situation in Darfur
| On Monday of this week, September 22, top UN and African Union officials met in New York to review the political, security and humanitarian situation in Darfur. Included in their deliberations were the ongoing efforts to deploy a joint peacekeeping mission to the war-torn Sudanese region. Held at UN Headquarters, focus was also brought on the recent decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo to seek an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. Read more here. |
The Role of the UN Security Council in the Darfur Investigation
September 19, 2008 United Nations Press Conference: There would be “no peace without justice in Darfur”, and any delay by the International Criminal Court in prosecuting the President of the Sudan would be devastating to the peace process in the region, Sudanese opposition Member of Parliament Salih Mahmoud Osman said at a Headquarters press conference. The press conference, sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein to the United Nations, was held jointly by Mr. Osman; Richard Dicker, Director of the International Justice Programme at Human Rights Watch; Osman Hummaida, a Sudanese human rights researcher and campaigner; and William Pace, Convenor of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court. It was held prior to the general debate of the sixty-third General Assembly session to provide more information on the implications of an Article 16 deferral of the President’s possible prosecution by the International Criminal Court. Read more here. |
Secretary-General Welcomes Establishment of Ministerial Committee on Darfur
September 12, 2008: The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon: The Secretary-General welcomes and supports the establishment of the Ministerial Committee on Darfur under the joint chairmanship of the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr Al-Thani, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States Amr Moussa, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Jean Ping, which will carry out its work in close collaboration with the African Union-United Nations Joint Chief Mediator, Djibril Bassolé. |
Speak the Truth!
Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old SjP ain't got nothing more to say. > > >SjP's truth continues
Sojourners! THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE IS DIFFERENT IN EVERY STATE! BUT, IT IS APPROACHING QUICKLY! It is imperative that we get the word out BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY!
This election is far too important to be denied the opportunity to vote for the candidates of your choice simply because YOU DID NOT REGISTER IN TIME. The deadline in my state is October 4th in others its October 20. We need to get the word out and make sure that everyone we know and everyone they know is registered to vote. If you don't know the deadline for your state, Rock the Vote has a complete list. Go there today! Please! Don't Delay!
And when you vote, I strongly suggest that you take every bit of identification you have, along with your voter's registration card. Birth certificate, drivers license, passport, first grade report card - Any and Everything that can prove who you are and your right to vote. This is serious business and not to be taken lightly. Folks will do anything to keep you from voting in this election - don't let mistaken or unverifiable identity be one of them.
Check out this recent Newsweek article about how the Republicans intend to deny your right to vote in selected states and counties.
The motive here is political, not racial. Republicans aren't bigots like the Jim Crow segregationists. But they know that increased turnout in poor, black neighborhoods is good for Democrats. In that sense, the effort to suppress voting still amounts to the practical equivalent of racism.
While I might take issue with the Republicans aren't bigots line, it is true that the Republicans intend to win this election and will do nothing short of fraud to do it. Its not like we've not been thru this before.
So, let's STOP THEM IN THEIR TRACKS!
1. Go to Rock the Vote to find out the deadline to register and file an absentee ballot for you state.
2. Find your voter's registration card. Don't rely on the fact that your name appeared on the voting roll of your precinct when you voted or caucused during the primary season.
3. Find out exactly what identifications are necessary for you to vote. If you need a drivers license - GET ONE! If you don't have an identification card for your state - GET ONE!
4. Make sure that everyone you know who is of voting age - young and old - are registered and has the proper and necessary credentials to go to the polls.
5. If you or you know someone who was convicted of a felony, that doesn't necessarily mean that you can't vote. This table at USA Today, shows a complete list of voting restrictions by state. If I interpreted the table correctly, folks in Maine and Vermont can vote even while incarcerated. Just a word to the wise, though, I'd just double-check and verify the info provided in the table.
6. IF POSSIBLE, TAKE NOVEMBER 4 OFF FROM YOUR SIDE OF THE PLANTATION TO TAKE FOLKS TO THE POLLS. PARTICULARLY THE ELDERLY AND FIRST TIME VOTERS. The elderly and first time voters will no doubt be targets because they may be unfamiliar with the process.
WE HAVE TO DO THIS BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY!
Speak the Truth! Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old SjP ain't got nothing more to say.
In a Country whose very foundation was built on community activism, seems strange to have to justify its importance and impact. Yet, on this 8th day of September in the year 2008, we find ourselves having to do just that.
Why is it be necessary to remind our Nation- or at least a segment of our Nation - of communities organized by individuals who sought a "More Perfect Union" resulting in the Great Experiment known as The United States of America. Why is it be necessary to remind our Nation- or at least a segment of a nation - of communities organized by individuals who sought freedom for those enslaved by its citizenry? Why is it be necessary to remind our Nation - or at least a segment of our Nation - of communities organized by individuals who fought for the right for us to vote regardless of race or gender? Why is it necessary to remind our Nation - or at least a segment of our Nation - of communities organized by individuals who marched, boycotted, and in many cases died for the right to "Have a Dream"?
Why is it necessary? It is necessary because our Nation - or at least a segment of our nation - has forgotten the ideals on which this Nation was founded: E unum pluribus...Out of Many One. They have forgotten, or see no significance, in community-based movements that have changed our Nation and our World. Whether it be HIV/AIDS or Apartheid in South Africa or genocide in Darfur or Voting Rights, community organizers have played an integral part and had significant impact these issues and instigated change. To discount the significance and importance of Community Organizers, is to discount the significance and importance of what it means and is to be American.
For it is the Community Organizer who accepts the challenge and ofttimes thankless and dangerous position to go up against the status quo. It is the Community Organizer whose very life is dedicated to leaving the pile higher that it was found regardless of the cost. Yet, it is the Community Organizer who finds him or herself in the throes of ridicule, obstacles, and obstructions. It is the Community Organizer who is well aware that his or her success is measured solely on the success of the beneficiaries of his or her commitment and dedication. It is the Community Organizer who strives for a "More Perfect Union" where its citizenry - endowed by The Creator with the inalienable rights of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness - can live the American Dream.
It is for this reason, that Sojourner's Place has joined with other AfroSpear and Afrosphere on this Day of Blogging for Justice in support, recognition, and gratefulness for the work and dedication of those who have made life better for us all. Those who are "just" Community Organizers.
Please visit other bloggers blogging for justice today: Electronic Village 411Mania.com African American Opinion African American Political Pundit African Path Afro-Netizen Allegory in a Chokehold Ancestral Energies Appetite for Equal Rights A Slant Truth BarackObama.com Black Looks BlackPerspectives.net Black Political Thought Brave New Films California Now Citizen Jane Community Organizers Against Sarah Palin CripChick's Weblog Dallas Progress Dallas South Blog Eddie G. Griffin (BASG) Elaine Vigneault Electronic Village Elle, PhD eVIPlist Feministing Community Fort Wayne African-American Independant Woman Francis L. Holland Blog From My Brown Eyed View greenUPGRADER Hey Shae! I'll Offer You Eternal Bliss Illvox: Anarchist of Color InkogNegro 1.75 Jack & Jill Politics Jump Off The Bridge Keith's Space Labor Is Not a Commodity Living Life Abundantly MicroBrother MOMocrats Monroe Anderson NYCweboy Pirate Satellite PlanetSave Production Not Reproduction Professor Kim's News Notes RaceWire Radical Russ via Pam's House Blend Regina's Family Seasons Something Within Springer's Journal The 'D' Spot The 'D' Spot Redeux The Hillary 100 The Jose Vilson Blog The Safer Blog The SuperSpade This is Not My Country UltraVioletUnderground USA Today Vanessa Unplugged We Are All Community Organizers What If Where the Revolution's Gonna Begin Wichita NAACP Blog WoC.PhD Write Black Young Black Professional Guide
Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old SjP ain't got nothing more to say.> > >SjP's truth continues
The Francis L. Holland Blog: Day of Blogging for Community Organizing Justice: "I Am a Community Organizer" "The AfroSpear and afrosphere have heeded the call for community organizing within the Black community, both online and in our day jobs, as teachers, church deacons, and in other community building efforts. We condemn statements that criticize community organizing - statements that challenge the value of the "one thousand points of light" volunteerism, non-profit and charitable work that George H. W. Bush made a centerpiece of his social programs. Rather than attempt to score political points by attacking charitable and non-profit sector efforts, those who seek to lead America should join those community organizers in churches, schools, PTA's, Girls and Boys Clubs, and all those who work tirelessly to make America a better place, every day of the week.
The Francis L. Holland Blog: Day of Blogging for Community Organizing Justice: "I Am a Community Organizer"
Sojourner's Place answers the call of Fellow AfroSpear blogger, Francis Holland, to participate in a day of blogging for Community Organizing Justice. I am inviting all Sojourners to join us on Monday, September 8 to remind Sarah Palin, the Republican Party, and the rest of the world of the impact that community organizers and organizations have had on our society.
We in the AfroSpear and afrosphere therefore dedicate this Monday, September 8, 2008 to highlighting at our blogs the crucial community-building efforts of people online and in our own communities. Even a church choir is a community organizing effort and no one should belittle such efforts to score political points."
The AfroSpear
Speak the Truth! Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old SjP ain't got nothing more to say.
In February of this year, hundreds of children were unaccounted for, following militia attacks on villages in Sudan's West Darfur region.
This Wordless Wednesday post is in conjunction with the Am I Not Human? Campaign initiated by Roots for Humanity to fight against man's inhumanity to man throughout the globe and particularly in Darfur. For more information on this campaign, please read the post below.
Speak the Truth!
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Sojourner's Place joins with other bloggers on the 27th day of each month in denunciation of human rights violations across the world, and particularly Darfur. As part of the Am I Not Human? campaign, information and tools are provided throughout the blogosphere to bring to the forefront the atrocities that continue to occur at the hands of the Chinese government in Darfur and Tibet.
This Campaign continues until such time that measurable, sustained, and progression changes occur. Please go to Roots of Humanity, this Campaign's Virtual Headquarters for more information or you may email organizers at: Virtual Campaign headquarters can be found at: RootsofHumanity@gmail.com.
The Campaign Organizers:
To educate yourself, additional information and resources are provided below.
Educate
Reports and Studies
Reports and Studies
Five Years On: No Justice for Sexual Violence in Darfur: This is a full report by the organization Human Rights Watch available online as well as a pdf file.
Trip to Darfur Travelogue: The Res Publica Team that runs Darfurgenocide.org conducted a six-week trip to Darfur and the surrounding areas. This travelogue describes their encounters with the Darfuri people, political leaders as well as the Sudanese Liberation Army.
Creating a Peace to Keep in Darfur - A Joint Report by the ENOUGH Project and the Save Darfur Coalition : This is a very detailed report suggesting real and tangible suggestions on ending the genocide in Darfur as well as healing her.
News Items and Commentaries
UN Peace Missions Falter in Africa: This article explains that the United Nations along with the African Union currently have 7,467 troops in Darfur but are being strangled into incompetency due to the lack of donations from UN member states. Kofi Anaan warned that the United Nations has taken on too many peacekeeping missions with too limited support from member countries.
Rape widespread in Darfur: This article demonstrates that women and girls [as young as 11] live in constant fear of sexual violence and rape in Darfur. These most shameful acts of violence are committed by Sudanese military as well as.
Facts and Stats
Sudan - The Quick and the Terrible: A Frontline presentation gives a history of the region and crisis.
International Crisis Group - Crisis in Darfur: A plethoria of information about Darfur with reports, action suggestions, news reporting and so much more.
You can let your voice be heard right now! Just go to Dream for Darfur! All of the actions listed below are available at that site.
Speak the Truth!
Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old SjP ain't got nothing more to say.
Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old SjP ain't got nothing more to say.
Heavenly Father,
We pray for those whose lives are lived on the margins of nations and suffer from the wars that others fight around them. We pray for the warring factions, that they may see themselves under the gaze of God and those who suffer for their cause. We pray for the peoples of Darfur who are haunted by fear of violence, hunger and hopelessness, that they may continue to be fed, visited and defended. We pray for the work of peacekeepers, negotiators and the humanitarian organisations that security may prevail. We pray for the Government of Sudan and for her unity. We pray for peace in the name of him who is the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
This prayer was offered by The Archbishop of Canterbury on September 15, 2006. His introductory words continue to ring true nearly two years later: We do well to reflect on that experience of southern Sudan as we pray for Darfur today. We are all under judgement in how we exercise the power we have, whether it is great or small. When in Matthew’s gospel the disciples asked Jesus when they visited him in prison, or when they saw him naked or hungry, he replied, “When you clothed, visited and fed the least of your brothers and sisters you did so to me.
So my prayer as a Christian is that we may live internationally as we seek to live locally: that we are all children of God, with no more or less value in the eyes of God than those whose names and villages we do not know.
For today's Sunday Inspiration, in conjunction with the Am I Not Human? Campaign, I urge all Sojourners to remember our fellow men, women, and children who are fighting for not only their freedom but their very lives in Darfur. Find out more information about the Am I Not Human? Campaign at Sojourner's Place and Roots of Humanity.
Sunday Inspiration Participants:
Afroamericawriter - Bria - Georgia's Angels - Hagar's Daughter - Marvalus - msladydeborah - Villager - Mrs Grapevine - Talulazoeapple - The78MsJ
Speak the Truth! Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old SjP ain't got nothing more to say.
Photo Credits:
Prayer for Darfur* by annieA on Flickr
Darfur Prayer by n_alcedera on Flickr
> > >SjP's truth continues
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Who I Be?
- SjP
One Christian, African-American, Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Professional, Sorority Woman just Sojourning for the Truth and not afraid to tell it!
Welcome to Sojourner’s Place!
Created with the professional African-American woman in mind, the scope of Sojourner’s Place evolves every day. So glad you stopped by and I hope you will be inspired, informed, motivated, and energized!
Once again, welcome and much obliged for stopping by. Come back soon!
SjP
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