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March 15, 2013
By: Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony
If ever the words of the Declaration of Independence authored by Thomas Jefferson were screaming out loud today in the state of Michigan – and more specifically in the city of Detroit – it is now! In case you have forgotten, let me remind you what the framers of our Constitution and ultimately these United States declared to the world:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”
The key phrase here is “consent of the governed”!
The Governor of the state of Michigan has imposed upon the citizens of Detroit what amounts to be one man with the power to dictate their very future and quality of life in this city. Mr. Governor, you did it! And now you must own it!
Mr. Kevyn Orr has credentials that any mother or father would be most proud to claim for their own. It is not the man, it is the plan and the process by which he has arrived in town. Lest we forget - 2.3 million Michiganders by a margin of 52% - voted to repeal Public Act 4!
The Governor of the state and certain members of the state legislature went against the consent of the people, changing the law to suit their own purposes and to enshrine a repeal-proof law in which the people would have no say. Yet the people will always have their say!
For those who say that democracy and the right to vote is not a factor in this equation: You are totally wrong! Read your constitution! Remember how we got here in the first place! Many folks stayed home and did not vote from around the state. Many voted against their own interests leading to policies which are choking the quality of life out of their communities today.
One cannot reduce the value of the right to vote today and then expect to motivate the people on the value of their vote tomorrow! Mr. Orr knows that voting matters because he worked with the Obama campaign during the last election on the issue of voter protection. How can he now ignore the fact that the city of Detroit – under his tenure – may very well become the nation’s “Olympics” of voter suppression. City services such as public lighting, police, fire, water, education, economic access are all vital to our community. They are obtained and provided in many cases by the public policies of those whom we elect to office. Our right to elect public officials to represent our community should not be traded on the bargaining table of economic distress. For many, this is a new poll tax. One can simply make the argument that based upon your inability to pay your bills, you should – in fact – lose your right to engage in the electoral privileges of our nation.
Where will this slippery slope end? Will some legislature introduce a bill that suggests that since some municipality is under financial distress that they should no longer be able to participate in national elections? Are we headed down the road to suggest that due to economic distress, you are not entitled to the educational benefits, national healthcare or the guarantees of the Constitution of the United States?
Emergency managers perform 3 particular functions: Cut, Slash and Sell! Our city cannot cut its way into the future or slash its way into stability or wind up selling every asset that it has to stimulate growth in the economy. What in Detroit will you sell to the highest bidder? Will the time for the Emergency Manager be extended for 18 months at a time because the Governor does not like the plan of the City Council when submitted, thus eliminating the Emergency Manager?
Mr. Orr represents Wells Fargo – one of the nation’s largest banks engaged in foreclosures in the United States. At least 7,800 foreclosures are occurring right now on Wayne County’s new list. Mr. Orr represents the Amway Corporation – in which Richard DeVos, a founder – was a lead voice in implementing the right to work effort which is now law in the state of Michigan. Coming from the Jones Day law firm with at least 828 partners and 2400 attorneys throughout the United States, Europe and Asia – they are among the world’s most prominent firms.
Yet on the issue of diversity in the state of California, their firm was given an F for diversity by the Greenlining Institute for having one black partner in the state. In their Washington, DC office – a city with a majority of African American residents - where 239 attorneys practice, they only have 4 African American partners and 2 African American associates.
In the city of Chicago, with a major African American population – out of 179 attorneys, they have one black partner and one black associate. It is important to remember when coming to a city like Detroit with a majority African American population that diversity does matter and that input from the community is essential.
As we travel down this road of emergency manager, we must remember that the Chrysler Corporation – which Mr. Orr helped to restructure - had 2 ½ financial bailouts going back to Lee Iaccoca and President Jimmy Carter. The second beginning with President George W. Bush on his way out and being enhanced by President Barack Obama during his first term in office - providing billions of dollars in aid to the corporation. No, we do not regret or resent the auto companies for any loans or aid they received. We support the US auto industry – just as they were instrumental in supporting our nation during a time of war where Detroit was known as the arsenal of democracy. Mr. Orr also was a key factor in the restructuring of the banking industry leading to 1.7 trillion dollars in bailout monies (TARP) supposedly to be invested in financially distressed communities which has not yet found its way into cities like Detroit.
If Detroit is truly “the Olympics of Restructuring,” according to Mr. Orr then where is the bailout money for this city? Anyone who attempts to restructure Detroit must also engage in some restructuring of the banks, the job providers, the state legislature and the Wall Street bond investors. Where is the new revenue? Where are the new jobs? 18 months is not long enough to erase a 50-100 year problem. The issues that confront us must not result in the creation of 2 Detroits; a Detroit for those who have and another Detroit for those who have not. Our security lies in citizens being prioritized, their voices being heard, and their quality of life being budgetarily made the number one issue. Mr. Orr appears to be a nice gentleman. But this is not about a nice, efficient, articulate and U of M Wolverine named Kevyn Orr.
Everyone must be at the table! Everyone – particularly the citizens of Detroit who have never left this city – must be included! The people have a right to protest, declare unfair and challenge this imposed dictatorship on the city of Detroit. Remembering the words of Marvin Gaye where many Detroiters have simply caught the Inner City Blues which “which makes you wanna holler and throw up both of your hands.”
Let us be clear: The individual whose hands are directly tied to the future of our city is the Governor of the State Rick Snyder. Mr. Orr may be out front, but behind the scenes calling the tune is our dear friend “The Nerd” - Governor Snyder!
Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony is president of the Detroit Branch NAACP.
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NAACP Civil Rights Advocacy Training Institute comes to Detroit |
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The Michigan State Conference is very pleased to announce that the NAACP Midwest Region III Civil Rights Advocacy Training Institute (CRATI) will be held March 21-24, 2013 in Detroit, MI. The theme for this year’s conference is “Changing the Game.” The NAACP field and training teams have designed a slate of activities that will allow Region III attendees to participate and enjoy the beautiful City of Detroit and State of Michigan. NAACP leaders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Wisconsin will be in attendance.
The rich history of African-Americans in Region III is a story unlike any to be found in the United States. The Region III Planning Committee has planned sessions that will both inform and train our activists on key programmatic areas, including: civic engagement, climate justice, criminal justice, education, economic empowerment, and health. The Michigan State Conference will host a Health and Wellness Fair and onsite Legal Clinic which will be free and open to the public.
We humbly invite you to attend the NAACP Region III CRATI. You can reserve accommodations at the Embassy Suites Detroit-Southfield, 28100 Franklin Rd, Southfield, MI 48034. There will be shuttle buses to the meeting banquet facilities as follows:
Thursday March 21, 2013:
Fellowship Chapel Church
7707 West Outer Drive, Detroit, MI 48235
Agenda:
10:00 AM - “Faith Health and Justice” Workshop (Helping health and religious affairs leaders address social issues)
12:00 PM - Ministers’ Luncheon, Speaker: Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, President of Detroit NAACP. (Tickets $25 ea.)
5:00 PM - Soul Food Dinner (Tickets $15 ea.)
7:00 PM - Gospel Extravaganza (Free and Open to Public)
Friday March 22 & Saturday March 23, 2013:
Hope United Methodist Church
26275 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield, MI 48076
Agenda:
Sessions begin at 8:00 AM both days.
Labor Luncheon - Friday @ 12:00 PM, Speaker: Mr. Miguel Foster, Director of UAW Civil & Human Rights Department. (Tickets $25 ea.)
Youth Leadership Luncheon - Saturday @ 12:00 PM, Speaker: Mr. Sammie Dow, National Director of NAACP Youth & College Division. (Tickets $25 ea.)
Other invited guests include NAACP President & CEO Benjamin T. Jealous, NAACP Chairwoman Roslyn Brock, NAACP Executive Vice President Hilary Shelton, Vice President of NAACP Stakeholders Rev. Nelson B. Rivers, III, NAACP General Counsel Kim Keenan and many others. You do not want to miss this year’s conference.
To register and/or to request additional information, please call (517) 371-2199 or click here. |
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Their Legacy Paved the Way
By: Roslyn M. Brock
Posted: February 12, 2013 at 12:39 pm
One hundred and four years ago, on February 12th, W.E.B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells, and a handful of dedicated rights activists joined together to form the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Their mission: to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons. From ending legal lynching and school segregation to the passage of the Voting Rights Act, the NAACP has stood at the forefront in the battle for equality for over a century. Today, even as our nation's first black president prepares to give his State of the Union Address, there is still significant work to be done on several fronts to achieve the equality that our founders envisioned.
Despite signs of a recovering economy, African American unemployment remains disturbingly high at 13.8 percent -- nearly double the national average. For our nation's economy to thrive again for all communities, a greater focus on closing the racial economic divide must be a priority. As we did 50 years ago during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, we will push for economic policies that ensure opportunity and access to employment as well as protection from predatory lending practices. The NAACP will also continue to work directly with communities through job fairs and financial planning workshops.
As a nation, we must also address one of the most pressing social justice issues of our time -- the HIV/AIDS epidemic and its impact on the black community. It is painful to know that while blacks make up only 14 percent of the country's population, our community represents nearly half of the newly diagnosed HIV infected individuals each year.
For too long, discussions of HIV/AIDS in our neighborhoods have been rendered mute in order to avoid uncomfortable conversations or fear of judgment. We must summon the courage to confront our fears and attack this crisis head-on. The NAACP intends to lead the way in this battle, bringing together leaders in health, faith, and civil rights to raise awareness about the disease and to create an atmosphere for open and honest dialogue about HIV/AIDS.
However, raising awareness about this disease is not enough if our health system does not provide access to information, insurance, prevention, and quality treatment. That is why the NAACP will push for full implementation of state health exchanges developed as a part of the Affordable Care Act. We believe these exchanges are a critical first-step to ensuring those at or below the poverty line -- as are a disproportionate number of people of color -- have access to health insurance and health care.
In addition to the new battles we face, we must also defend the achievements of our predecessors, including voting rights. The NAACP's history is filled with those who sacrificed their most valued resources, and in some cases their lives, to ensure unfettered access to the ballot box. It is the foundation these advocates built that led to record-breaking participation by African Americans in the 2008 election. Unfortunately, this swell of participation also led to the implementation of voter suppression tactics in the years that followed. Though we were able to slow or stop the most egregious of these voting restrictions in 2012, the battle for voting rights is far from over. We will recommit to this fight in 2013 and beyond until discriminatory barriers to voting are removed.
On the anniversary of our founding, we honor those who donned the mantle of civil rights 104 years ago. Their legacy paved the way for our present success and will serve as our inspiration as we raise our voices together to tackle the obstacles ahead -- education reform, gun violence and comprehensive immigration reform. We are a generation of power and we will not rest until the mission of our founders is met because courage will not skip this generation.
Roslyn M. Brock is Chairman of the National Board of Directors for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She made history in February 2010 when she was unanimously elected as its 14th Chairman. She is the youngest person and fourth woman to hold this position.
Click here to view 2013 NAACP Founder’s Day video. |
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Stand Up Michigan and Fight Back! |
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Take Action: Michigan workers are facing a legislative attack similar to the fight that shut down the state capitol in Madison, Wisconsin last year. Last week, under the cover of a locked down Capitol, a so-called “right-to-work” law, Senate Bill 116, was passed in the Michigan House and Senate. Call Governor Rick Snyder at (517) 373-3400 and urge him to veto this bill that attacks Michigan workers and families statewide.
A Stealth Attack on Michigan Workers:
Workers’ rights opponents are trying an “any means necessary” approach to make Michigan the next so-called “right-to-work” state. On Thursday, December 6, an anti-workers’ rights bill narrowly passed (58-52) the Michigan House, while its Senate counterpart passed (22-16) as well, despite bipartisan opposition.
Especially troubling is that this took place during the lame duck session of the legislature without going through the usual legislative processes. These bills were never subject to public scrutiny. No committee hearings were held, and when supporters of workers’ rights found out what was happening and arrived at the state Capitol on Thursday, they arrived to find the doors locked in order to prevent demonstrators from entering. Although a court injunction stated that the Capitol should be re-opened, some demonstrators were arrested and pepper-sprayed.
Why So-Called “Right-to-Work” Legislation Doesn’t Work:
Though Governor Snyder refers to his agenda as “pro-worker,” a quick glance at studies of “right-to-work” legislation reveals an altogether different impact on workers. In fact, the governor’s legislation is an assault on workers, as it would weaken unions and protections by draining their resources.
Advocates Rally Tomorrow to Reclaim the People’s House:
In the face of these attacks on workers, Michiganders are standing up for working and middle class families. Tomorrow, Tuesday, December 11, supporters will gather at the State Capitol in Lansing, Michigan, wearing red in solidarity to peacefully rally against Senate Bill 116.
Show your support by engaging your family and friends in Michigan. Forward this alert and spread the word!
Take Action: Michigan workers are facing a legislative attack similar to the fight that shut down the state capitol in Madison, Wisconsin last year. Last week, under the cover of a locked down Capitol, a so-called “right-to-work” law, Senate Bill 116, was passed in the Michigan House and Senate. Call Governor Rick Snyder at (517) 373-3400 and urge him to veto this bill that attacks Michigan workers and families statewide.
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NAACP Mourns the Loss of President Emeritus Carl L. Breeding |
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It is with great sorrow that the Michigan State Conference NAACP acknowledges the passing of our beloved leader and colleague, Mr. Carl L. Breeding, President Emeritus of the Michigan State Conference National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). While Mr. Breeding’s passing is a huge loss to us all, his legacy remains as a fearless giant and devoted champion of social justice, defending the freedom of all persons, regardless of age, race, gender, views or economic situation. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this very difficult time.
The following resolution is offered in honor of the Life and Legacy of President Emeritus Carl L. Breeding. . .
Whereas, Carl L. Breeding is a Golden Heritage Life Member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and
Whereas, Mr. Breeding is the longest serving president of the Michigan State Conference having served for three decades (30 years) between 1971-1975 and 1977-2001 as a grassroots volunteer and foot soldier in the NAACP’s military, and
Whereas, in 2001, because of his tireless commitment and dedication to the NAACP, to his people and to his community, the delegates of the Michigan State Conference NAACP 65th Annual Convention unanimously elected Carl Breeding president emeritus. The following year, Mr. Breeding received the prestigious NAACP Midwest Region III Julius Caesar Hope Hall of Fame Award for his leadership in the Association at the local, state and national levels, and
Whereas, Carl left such an indelible impression on everyone he touched for more than a half-century, that he shaped and created hundreds of emerging leaders in the NAACP, in his community and in the classroom where he was an algebra and mathematics teacher in the Jackson Public Schools System for over 28 years, and
Whereas, he was a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors and a NAACP Special Contributions Fund Trustee, having served as Vice Chair of the Board and was a very active member and advocate of the NAACP National Education Committee, and
Whereas, in addition to his work with the NAACP, Carl Breeding was a strong and powerful civil rights leader in the Jackson community, serving on the Jackson City Council as a voice for the people in the First Ward, never missing one single meeting and never afraid to challenge an issue or ask that tough question. In 1999, Carl was selected by the Jackson Citizen Patriot Daily Newspaper as one of thirty most influential Jackson citizens of the century and he is a former member of the Jackson Human Relations Commission.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Michigan State Conference of NAACP Branches and Youth & College Division extends their deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of President Emeritus Carl L. Breeding. He will truly be missed throughout the entire civil and human rights community. Carl’s leadership, hard work, commitment and dedication to improving the quality of life for ‘all’ Americans will never be forgotten, for he has carried that blood-stained banner, he has “belled the cats” of social injustices, he has fought the good fight and now the trumpets have sounded and God has called him home. Thank you Carl Breeding for a job well done! May the peace of God be with you always.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the original copy of this resolution be presented to the Family of President Emeritus Carl L. Breeding, a copy given to the Jackson County, MI Branch NAACP, a copy be presented to the NAACP National Board of Directors for adoption and a copy placed in the permanent records of the Michigan State Conference NAACP.
Adopted and Presented on this 1st Day of December, 2012 at 12:08 PM.
Jackson Public Schools System will broadcast a live stream of the funeral service for Carl L. Breeding. The broadcast can be accessed on Saturday, December 1st at 12:08 p.m. using the following link: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/carlbreeding
The following arrangements have been made:
Songquake Celebration (A celebration in song and words which includes a public community viewing) is scheduled for Friday, November 30, 2012 at 7:08 PM, Lily Missionary Baptist Church, 1117 West G Wade Drive, Jackson, MI 49201.
Funeral Service will be held Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 12:08 PM, Jackson High School Auditorium, 544 Wildwood Avenue, Jackson, MI 49201
Please send all plants, flowers, cards and/or condolences to Lily Missionary Baptist Church; 1117 West G Wade Drive; Jackson, MI 49201; (517) 783-5568; www.lilybaptist.org
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