By George E. Curry
NNPA Editor-in-Chief
SELMA, Ala. (NNPA) – Throughout his campaign for the presidency, Barack Obama was dogged by one question: Is he Black enough? The question was repeated so often that after showing up late for an appearance at the 2008 annual convention of the National Association of Black Journalists in Las Vegas, Obama said, “I want to apologize for being late, but you guys keep asking whether I am Black enough.”
After a 33-minute speech Saturday in Selma, Ala. commemorating the Selma to Montgomery March and passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, nobody was asking: Is Barack Obama Black enough?
President Obama rarely discussed the issue of race in his first six years in office except in reaction to a major racial catastrophe such as the shooting deaths of Trayvon Martin in Florida and Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. or the arrest of Harvard University Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. for breaking into his own home.
On Saturday, however, President Obama seemed comfortable discussing race in public, showing he has a deep appreciation for the accomplishments of the Civil Rights Movement and quoting or referencing the Bible, Black spirituals, James Baldwin, Sojourner Truth, Fannie Lou Hamer, Langston Hughes, the Tuskegee Airmen, Jackie Robinson and even his favorite hip-hop artist Jay-Z.
While connecting with African Americans, President Obama also underscored the significance of civil rights warriors making America hold true to its creed.
“As John [Lewis] noted, there are places and moments in America where this nation’s destiny has been decided. Many are sites of war – Concord and Lexington, Appomattox, Gettysburg. Others are sites that symbolize the daring of America’s character – Independence Hall and Seneca Falls, Kitty Hawk and Cape Canaveral,” the president said.
“Selma is such a place. In one afternoon 50 years ago, so much of our turbulent history — the stain of slavery and anguish of civil war; the yoke of segregation and tyranny of Jim Crow; the death of four little girls in Birmingham; and the dream of a Baptist preacher – all that history met on this bridge.”
He made his comments with the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where civil rights marchers were attacked by Alabama State Troopers on “Bloody Sunday,” serving as a backdrop.
“It was not a clash of armies, but a clash of wills; a contest to determine the true meaning of America,” Obama said. “And because of men and women like John Lewis, Joseph Lowery, Hosea Williams, Amelia Boynton, Diane Nash, Ralph Abernathy, C.T. Vivian, Andrew Young, Fred Shuttlesworth, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and so many others, the idea of a just America and a fair America, an inclusive America, and a generous America – that idea ultimately triumphed.”
President Obama also acknowledged the contributions of thousands whose name will never be known to the public yet played a critical role in securing the right to vote.
“As is true across the landscape of American history, we cannot examine this moment in isolation. The march on Selma was part of a broader campaign that spanned generations; the leaders that day part of a long line of heroes. We gather here to celebrate them. We gather here to honor the courage of ordinary Americans willing to endure billy clubs and the chastening rod; tear gas and the trampling hoof; men and women who despite the gush of blood and splintered bone would stay true to their North Star and keep marching towards justice.
“They did as Scripture instructed: ‘Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.’ And in the days to come, they went back again and again. When the trumpet call sounded for more to join, the people came –- black and white, young and old, Christian and Jew, waving the American flag and singing the same anthems full of faith and hope.”
President Obama admitted what many, if not most African Americans have long accepted as fact – it was through their efforts that other groups obtained their rights. In fact, often ahead of Blacks.
“Because of what they [protesters] did, the doors of opportunity swung open not just for black folks, but for every American,” Obama said. “Women marched through those doors. Latinos marched through those doors. Asian Americans, gay Americans, Americans with disabilities – they all came through those doors. Their endeavors gave the entire South the chance to rise again, not by reasserting the past, but by transcending the past.”
The president said in order to be true to those who sacrificed to make America a better place, everyone – Black and White – has an obligation to address America’s unfinished business.
“First and foremost, we have to recognize that one day’s commemoration, no matter how special, is not enough. If Selma taught us anything, it’s that our work is never done. The American experiment in self-government gives work and purpose to each generation. Selma teaches us, as well, that action requires that we shed our cynicism. For when it comes to the pursuit of justice, we can afford neither complacency nor despair.”
He said, “If we want to honor the courage of those who marched that day, then all of us are called to possess their moral imagination. All of us will need to feel as they did the fierce urgency of now. All of us need to recognize as they did that change depends on our actions, on our attitudes, the things we teach our children. And if we make such an effort, no matter how hard it may sometimes seem, laws can be passed, and consciences can be stirred, and consensus can be built.”
Obama addressed two hot-button issues – the criminal justice system and voter disenfranchisement efforts – directly.
“With such an effort, we can make sure our criminal justice system serves all and not just some. Together, we can raise the level of mutual trust that policing is built on – the idea that police officers are members of the community they risk their lives to protect, and citizens in Ferguson and New York and Cleveland, they just want the same thing young people here marched for 50 years ago – the protection of the law. Together, we can address unfair sentencing and overcrowded prisons, and the stunted circumstances that rob too many boys of the chance to become men, and rob the nation of too many men who could be good dads, and good workers, and good neighbors. With effort, we can roll back poverty and the roadblocks to opportunity. Americans don’t accept a free ride for anybody, nor do we believe in equality of outcomes. But we do expect equal opportunity.”
Regarding Republican-led efforts to suppress the Black and Latino vote, Obama said: “Right now, in 2015, 50 years after Selma, there are laws across this country designed to make it harder for people to vote. As we speak, more of such laws are being proposed. Meanwhile, the Voting Rights Act, the culmination of so much blood, so much sweat and tears, the product of so much sacrifice in the face of wanton violence, the Voting Rights Act stands weakened, its future subject to political rancor.”
But the problem does not stop there, Obama said.
“Of course, our democracy is not the task of Congress alone, or the courts alone, or even the president alone. If every new voter-suppression law was struck down today, we would still have, here in America, one of the lowest voting rates among free peoples. Fifty years ago, registering to vote here in Selma and much of the South meant guessing the number of jellybeans in a jar, the number of bubbles on a bar of soap. It meant risking your dignity, and sometimes, your life.
“What’s our excuse today for not voting? How do we so casually discard the right for which so many fought? How do we so fully give away our power, our voice, in shaping America’s future? Why are we pointing to somebody else when we could take the time just to go to the polling places? We give away our power. “
Hip-hop artist Jay-Z’s remix of the song, “My President” has the popular line: “Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther could walk / Martin Luther walked so Barack Obama could run / Barack Obama ran so all the children could fly.”
In his speech, Obama had his own line that showed he was in tune with Jay-Z’s lyrics: “We honor those who walked so we could run. We must run so our children soar.”
He added, “And we will not grow weary. For we believe in the power of an awesome God, and we believe in this country’s sacred promise.”
By Kenneth D. Miller
Assistant Managing Editor
Incumbent Council President Herb Wesson Jr. demonstrated his own staying power in the Los Angeles City Council 10th District and his political influence propelled other candidates and Charter Amendments 1 & 2 in the general city-wide election on Tuesday March 3.
Although the final tally still has yet to be certified the veteran and dynamic public servant was sailing to victory over his closest rival Grace Yoo with more than 60 percent of the vote, avoiding a potential runoff and sending a clear and loud message that Wesson and his political machine are a force to be reckoned with.
As he arrived at his campaign celebration at Mavericks Flat on Crenshaw Blvd. where he was greeted by former City Councilman Nate Holden among others, Wesson felt confident in the election outcome where he backed candidates in other races and championed the Amendments that would increase voter participation and hold politicians accountable by joining municipal elections with federal elections.
The two Amendments strongly supported by Wesson soared to victory with Yes votes to the tune of an overwhelming 77.14 percent.
Wesson also supported Jose Huizar in Council District 14 who turned back former County Supervisor Gloria Molina with 64 percent to 24 percent. Many saw Molina if elected to the city council as a threat to Wesson’s Council Presidency, but Councilmember Jose Huizar who was strongly supported by the Council President proved to be too much for the Molina campaign.
Additionally, it was Wesson’s support of 8th District Council candidate Marqueece Harris-Dawson along with long time ally Congresswoman Karen Bass that led Harris-Dawson to a run away victory with more than 54 percent of the vote against three rivals.
“Every election is tough and that’s why we never take them lightly and I feel pretty good and I feel good for Marqueece and the Charter Amendments 1 & 2 are doing unbelievably well. This is the making of a very good night,” Wesson told the Sentinel.
Wesson explained that the election showed the importance of diversity and building coalitions.
“The sooner we can do that we will be even better,” he said.
Wesson, Jr. was unanimously elected president of the Los Angeles City Council on November 23, 2011 and officially took office January 2, 2012. He was elected to represent the 10th Council District of the city of Los Angeles in a special election in November 2005. The voters of the 10th Council District recognized Wesson’s long service to the community by giving him their overwhelming support – 80 percent of their votes. He was re-elected in 2007, and 2011 by wide margins.
In the City Council, he chairs the Rules, Elections and Intergovernmental Relations Committee.
He also serves as a member of the Housing, Community and Economic Development (HCED) Committee – with jurisdiction over the city’s economic development, housing, workforce investment and community development policies – providing him with a platform to shape the economic development not just for the 10th Council District but for the city of Los Angeles as a whole. As a member of the Exposition Metro Line Construction Authority, he helps oversee the construction of the light rail line.
Throughout his 20-year career in government, Wesson is well known for his ability to bring people together. He began his career as chief of staff to former 10th District Councilmember Holden and later as chief of staff to 2nd District Supervisor Yvonne Burke.
In 1998 he was elected to represent the 47th State Assembly District – a position he held until term limits forced him to step down in 2004. While serving in the Assembly, his peers accorded him the greatest honor by unanimously electing him the 65th Speaker of the California State Assembly – one of the three most powerful positions in state government. He was only the second African American to be elected Speaker of the California State Assembly. As speaker, Wesson fought to protect society’s most vulnerable and to pass groundbreaking legislation on the environment, education and healthcare.
By Kenneth D. Miller
Assistant Managing Editor
The Los Angeles Sentinel endorses Marqueece Harris-Dawson for Los Angeles City Council in the 8th District. He has emerged as the “people’s candidate” for the seat as he rallies over one hundred volunteers each week at his campaign headquarters, has won endorsements from leaders in all walks of life, and amassed the largest number of donations from residents in his district.
"I set out to run a campaign that involved the thousands of residents that I have worked with over the last 20 years to win changes in our schools and neighborhoods,” said Harris-Dawson. “I am proud to say my campaign is being driven by the residents of the district.”
Election Day is March 3rd. It is crucial that everyone exercise their right to vote, a right that, as the powerful new movie “Selma” portrays, was won only through protracted and hard fought struggle.
The LA Sentinel joins an impressive list of people and organizations that have endorsed Marqueece Harris-Dawson, President and CEO of Community Coalition. U.S Rep. Karen Bass; State Senator Holly Mitchell; nine sitting L.A. city councilmembers, including Council President Herb Wesson; Rev. Cecil “Chip” Murray; Bishop Charles E. Blake; John Mack; L.A. County Young Democrats and the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City have endorsed Harris-Dawson for city council.
A History of Accomplishment
Harris-Dawson learned the value of public service and the responsibilities of leadership from his father William Dawson, a minister, his mother Cheryl Dawson, a community leader and his grandfather, a small business owner. Like many others, his family migrated from the South and set down roots in South Los Angeles after World War II.
Harris-Dawson studied politics and leadership at Morehouse College and then joined the staff of Community Coalition, a community-based organization in South Los Angeles founded by Congressmember Karen Bass in 1990. His record at Community Coalition has been impressive.
“I have known Marqueece for more than ten years and he taught me that everyday people can change their community,” said Debra Lee, a South LA resident. Lee met Harris-Dawson during a campaign that won $80 million dollars for caregivers who care for their relative’s children and reduced County foster care rolls by over 20,000 children.
He led one of the organization’s first education campaigns where he won $153 million to repair public schools in South Los Angeles.
“The district planned to spend money to build swimming pools at wealthier schools, while Fremont High School had one working bathroom for 5000 students,” said Harris-Dawson. “We knew our kids were being disregarded because they were Black and Brown and from poor neighborhoods. We fought back and we won.”
Winning Resources for South Los Angeles
Harris-Dawson’s record of winning South L.A.’s fair share of services and resources distinguishes him from other candidates in the race. Most notable has been his success in holding the City accountable for code enforcement at businesses that operate as hubs for drug sales and prostitution in the district.
“We have made it our business to make it very difficult for businesses to profit from addiction and poverty in our community,” said Harris-Dawson. “We have taken the City to task for its failure to hold South L.A. businesses to the same standards that businesses in other parts of the City are required to meet.”
His willingness to challenge the political establishment is matched only by his ability to bring unlikely partners together to address neighborhood safety.
Harris-Dawson led efforts to bring former gang members, law enforcement and city departments together to reduce crime in the neighborhood surrounding Martin L. King Jr. Park on Western Ave, a park overrun with crime. The community partnership brought “Summer Night Lights”, a citywide gang violence reduction program, ongoing programming and city services to the park.
“We know that when you infuse programming at parks for seniors, families and young people, you will see a decline in violent crime,” said Harris-Dawson. “A one-time beautification project is not enough. We have fought to permanently shift public funding to youth programs, drug treatment and mental health services to get at the root causes of crime.”
He has left a footprint in the neighborhood. For the last three years, Community Coalition has sponsored an outdoor concert and community fair that connects nearly 2000 families to services. Then there is “Fresh Fridays”, a fresh organic produce stand, at Century Market, previously a target of the organization’s nuisance abatement work. But his impact is best demonstrated by the number of residents he has trained in community organizing. These resident leaders routinely testify at hearings to keep restrictions on nuisance businesses along Western Ave.
L.A. City Attorney Mike Feuer credits Harris-Dawson for helping to re-launch the Neighborhood Prosecutor’s program in South L.A. and reduce the number of nuisance businesses and illegal marijuana dispensaries in the area.
"His leadership and common-sense approach to improving the quality of life in local neighborhoods will benefit residents throughout the City of Los Angeles”, said City Attorney Feuer.
Challenges of the 8th District
The next city councilmember representing the 8th City Council District will need to build cooperation throughout the City to serve a district that has been plagued by crime and the chronic unemployment. The 8th District stretches from Baldwin Hills to Watts to the east and includes the Vermont Knolls, King Estates and Hyde Park communities. Councilmember Bernard Parks, who has represented the district on council for 12 years, leaves the district at a crossroads.
The construction of the Crenshaw line creates the potential for economic growth in the district; but many worry residents currently living in the district will not benefit from the budding economic development projects. Residents also complain of the open sex trafficking of young girls and boys along Western Avenue that has gone unchecked by law enforcement. Simultaneously, community –police relations in the district appear to be deteriorating with a number of police shootings of unarmed Black youth and men.
The District will need a strong voice in City Hall to tackle the problems of the district.
Many believe Marqueece Harris-Dawson has proven himself to be the effective leader the 8th District needs to return the district to a prosperous and thriving community. Indeed, he exhibits a confidence and optimism that inspires residents to believe change is possible in the district.
“It is remarkable to see the number of volunteers who are former youth and grandparents who fought side by side with Marqueece to improve their schools and neighborhoods,” said Congressmember Karen Bass. “Their investment in his campaign is a testament to the impact he has had in South L.A. and the promise of what he can accomplish for the 8th district.”
By Kenneth D. Miller
Assistant Managing Editor
By Amen Oyiboke
Staff Writer
Tritobia Ford, the mother of Ezell Ford who was fatally shot by LAPD officers on Aug. 11, 2014 in a tragedy that inspired a nation against police brutality, has agreed to join Los Angeles Sentinel Publisher Danny J. Bakewell Sr. on the anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X for the historical MARCH for Unity & Peace on Saturday February 21 beginning at 10a.m. at Southwest LAPD Headquarters on King Blvd.
“I will be there to participate to honor the legacy of my son,” Mrs. Ford told the Sentinel.
Led by The Black Leadership Coalition ‘THE MARCH for Justice & Unity” will gather members from many of the most powerful organizations in the nation and region, including Civil Rights Leader Bakewell Sr. (also Chairman of the Board Brotherhood Crusade), Pastor Xavier L. Thompson (Baptist Ministers Alliance), Bishop Charles Blake II (West Angeles Church of God In Christ), Pastor Edgar Boyd (First AME Church, Pastor Melvin Wade (Mt. Moriah Baptist Church), Joe B. Hardwick (Praises of Zion Baptist Church), Nolan Rollins (President Los Angeles Urban League), Charisse Bremond Weaver (President Brotherhood Crusade), Senator Isadore Hall III, Assembly member Reginald Jones Sawyer,, Dr. Maulana Karenga (Professor and Chair -Department of Africana Studies California State University, Long Beach), Rev. K. W. Tulloss (National Action Network), Bro. Tony Muhammad (Community Activist), SEIU President LaPhonza Butler, Activist Yolanda ‘Yo-Yo’ Whitaker’ and others.
“I cannot say enough about my co-chair for the March, Xavier Thompson. The leadership he has brought to this March and the vision he has brought in fighting for the lives of our community has been extraordinary. I am so grateful to all of the leadership council in making this event possible,” commended Bakewell.
This is the largest and most powerful contingent of Black organizations ever assembled in Los Angeles, and while the underlying theme is UNITY, they will also be advocating for the protection and preserving of Black life, education, economic progress among other issues that impact the quality of life for Blacks.
“I am elated that Mrs. Ford will join us on this historical occasion,” said Bakewell. “It is my hope that she can continue to heal emotionally and she offers hope that other families afflicted with such tragedy can also begin to mend.”
Leaders gathered in front of the Sentinel offices urging community members to stand up for justice.
The March will conclude with a rally in Leimert Park.
The demonstration is in response to the recent killings of LA local Ford, Ferguson’s Mike Brown, Ohio’s John Crawford, NYPD’s Eric Garner, Cleveland’s Tamir Rice and countless others across the country.
“Part of this will talk about the life of Ezell Ford. His mother weeps everyday and when she weeps we all weep with her,” Bakewell, Sr. said.
“I am excited to partner with a community icon Danny Bakewell, Sr. for the advancement of unity in our city and in context of the African American experience. We find ourselves in a season that things are happening all around us. We must speak truth with power, courage and build with our convictions without compromising our characters,” said Thompson. “We look forward to the call going out to working professionals, local organizations, public figures and faith based communities from all religious backgrounds. We are uniting together in an unprecedented fashion unlike anything this city has witnessed before. We are pushing for justice, equality and respect of black lives.”
Organizers are calling for demands in response to the police shooting deaths asking for special prosecutors, a civilian review board, a strengthening in community policing, demilitarizing the functions of police and changing the practices of police personal and professional practices.
Now more than ever, the voices of African and African Americans are imperative to the narrative of police relations, economic injustices and community development.
“We are morally outraged at the level of police violence directed towards our community. Also the general systemic violence and injustices that still shake our lives today as Black people that refraining us from the sense of community and opportunity that America has given us as citizens. We come together to reaffirm the unity as a community as a united spirit in the dignity of Black people, especially our right to live,” said Chimbuku Tembo from the African American Cultural Center.
Others participating at the March will include Rev. Rosalynn Brookins Walker -Temple AME; Dr. Shalamon Duke-The Guild Group; Marqueece Harris-Dawson Community Coalition; LaMont G. Jackson-Los Angeles Community College District; Marc Little Faithful-Central Bible Church; Tracy Mitchell-Mothers In Action; Khalid Shah-Stop the Violence; Pastor William D. Smart-Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC); Daniel Tabor-Southwest College Foundation; Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer-Faithful Central Bible Church; Rev. Melvin Wade Mount Moriah Baptist Church and Yvonne Wheeler-AFGF.