Alabama Centennial By Naomi Long Madgett

In honor of Black History Month and the struggle for civil rights in America, I must post one of my favorite poems.

ALABAMA CENTENNIAL, by Naomi Long Madgett

They said, "Wait." Well, I waited.
For a hundred years I waited
In cotton fields, kitchens, balconies,
In bread lines, at back doors, on chain gangs,
In stinking "colored" toilets
And crowded ghettos,
Outside of schools and voting booths.
And some said, "Later."
And some said, "Never!"

Then a new wind blew, and a new voice
Rode its wings with quiet urgency,
Strong, determined, sure.

"No," it said. "Not 'never,' not 'later."
Not even 'soon.'
Now.
Walk!"

And other voices echoed the freedom words,
"Walk together, children, don't get weary,"
Whispered them, sang them, prayed them, shouted them.
"Walk!"
And I walked the streets of Montgomery
Until a link in the chain of patient acquiescence broke.

Then again: Sit down!
And I sat down at the counters of Greensboro.
Ride! And I rode the bus for freedom.
Kneel! And I went down on my knees in prayer and faith.
March! And I'll march until the last chain falls
Singing, "We shall overcome."

Not all the dogs and hoses in Birmingham
Nor all the clubs and guns in Selma
Can turn this tide.
Not all the jails can hold these young black faces
From their destiny of manhood,
Of equality, of dignity,
Of the American Dream
A hundred years past due.
Now!

[From Star by Star by Naomi Long Madgett.]

Why Blacks won't necessarily back Obama

Mr. Earl Ofari Hutchinson has written an impressive article at The Christian Science Monitor about why Black voters won't necessarily support Barack Obama's campaign for POTUS. Below is an excerpt. I think he brings up some good points and starts a dialouge about Black voters and Obama that isn't dealing with Sen. Obama's "Blackness"

Why blacks won't necessarily back Obama
As recent history proves, political interests trump race.
By Earl Ofari Hutchinson

LOS ANGELES - Political interests trump race. That's the hard lesson likely 2008 presidential candidate Barack Obama will soon learn. Those who think black voters will automatically support one of their own need to think again. Recent history proves that point.

A survey in January 1996 showed that the so-called black president, Bill Clinton, nosed out Jesse Jackson and Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan in popularity among blacks. Eight years later, when Al Sharpton made his presidential foray in the South Carolina Democratic primary, he barely nudged out eventual Democratic presidential contender John Kerry among black voters. State and national black leaders put their muscle behind Senator Kerry or John Edwards.
In the 2006 midterm elections, Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, pro football great Lynn Swann in Pennsylvania, and Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele – all Republicans – banked heavily on getting black voter support to beat their white Democratic opponents in state races. They failed miserably.

Blacks were enraptured with President Clinton and have supported white Democrats for good reason. They believed these seasoned politicians would deliver on their promise to fight for jobs, education, and healthcare. And they either held office or were good bets to win. Interests and electability trumped color.

The same rules apply to Senator Obama. Blacks may puff their chests with pride at the prospect of him breaking racial barriers, but they'll shttp://www2.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=9820158till judge him on two crucial questions. Can he deliver on bread and butter issues? And can he win?

(Click Here for the Entire Article)

Norwood Declines Further Hospital Treatment, Returns to Augusta Home

Congressman Norwood's Office has issued a Press Release stating that he has refused further treatment for lung cancer and will return home and set up hospice care. My prayers are with his family, friends, and staff.

Focus on Prevention Rally!

This was taken from Bernita over at BFD.

Planned Parenthood of Georgia
Put Prevention First!

What: 2007 Legislative Lobby Day, Press Conference, and Rally

When: Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Where: 9AM: Meet & Energize-State Capitol, Room 230

10AM: Press Conference & Rally-Steps of the Capitol

11AM: Lobby Training & Legislative Briefing-State Capitol, Room 230

11:30AM: Lobby your Legislators!!

RSVP: Rashad Taylor at 404-688-9305x317 or email at rashad.taylor@ppfa.org

My take on Joe Biden

Ok...I hope I only have to write/discuss this once. Everyone has been talking about Joe Biden and his Obama Goof. Let's really look at this....

Did he say the wrong thing? Yes. Was it intentional Yes. Can it be construed to be condescending? Yes Do I give a damn? No

What I belive the Senator meant to say was that Barack Obama is the first mainstream candidate who can articulate the Party's message without sounding like the "Black Candidate" or looking like a radical leftist.

I think we should look beyond that mishap and just work as a party on building a message and policy to win in '08.