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This year's Black Histoy Month celebration is in alignment with the leap year! Perhaps that is a sign of progression. Meanwhile, it permits more time to learn, share, and grow culturally. In continuance of our theme housing and accessibility, we highlight the contributions of Dr. Robert Clifton Weaver.
Robert C. Weaver was born December 29, 1907 in Washington, DC. He is the first Secretary of the United States Department of Housing Urban Development, and the first African American appointed to a cabinet position in the U.S. government. Weaver was the great-grandson of a slave and educated at Harvard University. In 1960, President John F. Kennedy appointed Weaver to head of the new Department of Housing and Urban Development. In 1937, the U.S. Housing Act was passed providing for subsidies to be paid from the U.S. government to local public housing agencies to improve living conditions for low-income families. By 1965 the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act creates HUD as cabinet level agency to assist with the President Johnson's plan of total elimination of poverty and racial injustice. The department was to develop and execute policies on housing and metropolises. In 1966, Rober C. Weaver becomes the first HUD Secretary on Jan 18. Considering 1960 marked the birth of the first mail-out Census, it was also the debut for this techniques as a primary method for the collection of population and residential data. The postal service delivered questionarires to every occupied housing unit. At the time Weaver's was in office, this was the first Census of population and housing in the United States. The electronic systems division was responsible for the maintence and operation of the electronic data processing equipment (FOSDIC). FOSDIC computers and high speed printers also provided general programming materials, trained programmers. Only 5 items of population data were collected on a 100% basis in all parts of the country- relationship to head of household, age, sex, color, o race and martial staus. Citizenship was collected on a 100% daily basis but only in New York States and Puerto Rico. A family was defined as two or more persons who were related to each other by blood, marriage, or adoption. The primary family was composed of head of household and all other person in household related to the head. In 1968 riots in major cities follow after the assisnation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Fair Housing Act also known as the Civil Rights Act of 1968, outlaws most housing discrimination and gives HUD enforcement responsibility. The Housing Act of 1968 established government National Mortage Association (Ginnie Mae) to expand availabilty of mortage funds for moderate income families using governtment guarnteed mortgage backed securities. During the 106th Congress H.R. 1236 was introduced to designate the headquaters building of the Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, DC as the Robert C. Weaver Federal Building in honor of the first Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Weaver went on to write many books such as "Negro Labor, a National Problem (1946)," and "The Negro Ghetto (1948)." He also served as chair of the NAACP and directed the fellowship program of John Hay Whitney Foundation. The Political Science Quartely describes housing in the uraban north, characterized by high cost, over crowding, physical deterioration and general social disorganziation. The development of "single class and racially restrictive neighborhoods" is a block to the solution of both the problem of adequate shelter for all people and the problem of racial harmony.
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Deanwood Library recently hosted a very vitalizing and charismatic Black History Lecture Series "Fierce Sister's, African American Women in WW I and WW II" presented by author CR Gibbs. This lecture is timely, considering the celebration of Black History month is still going on - a great learning experience, such monumental women, mostly forgotten, but now is the time to get familiar.
Author CR Gibbs gave a genuine introduction for envisioning a time period such as World War I (1914-18) and II (1939-45). During WW II the population was estimated to be 10 million people, and at a time when more black women labored, and one-third were women. In the 1900's labor market data reflected that women held occupations in the agriculture, professional occupations such as dentist, journalist, artist, school teachers, domestic and personal service, trade, transportation, manufacturing and mechanical sectors. At the time America entered the war April 1917, President Wilson urges to rescue humanity and make the world safe for democracy. The Black women were essential to the black communities mobilization towards the war, and its conduct during the war and played a significant role in bridging the gap between war and peace at the end of the war. It wasn't an easy task for the Black women during WWI, especially among the racial tension in America. There were lynchings, denied political rights, and even murdered. The whole black family was lynched in some cases, age nor gender was spared for the black bodies. War seemed as a great opportunity to prove citizenship and commitment to be recognized members of American society. Many blacks became leaders during WWI. Mrs. Mae Belcher, and Alice Dunbar Nelson are some of the women leaders recognized for their war work and strength during times of battle. Many would eventually leave the south to work in the north for the war industry. However, many black nurses would soon learn of their own fight to get into the military during World War I. Moreover, groups like the American Red Cross were vital in help blacks obtain employment. Later on, Marcus Garvey would establish the Universal Negro Improvement Association with women wearing the leadership hat. Malcolm X's mother was a member of UNIA. World War II occurs during a social transition among Black America, with the birth of the Black Women's Club Movement. Not sitting back waiting for change using their voices speaking up while being proactive about the conditions and treatment and wanted more for black women. Nannie Helen Burrough was very instrumental in making a change, even writing it would be character and not color to carry the Black women on. The YWCA was also a pillar during times with providing shelter, and the building located on Rhode Island Ave in Washington DC is still in operating. What were some of the thing Black women did? Canning, preserving, and sewing. They were generally involved in war work on both state and city levels during World War I. The Army Nurse corps didn't want to enlist black women as nurses and slow to do it during World War II. There was an outbreak of influenza at the end of World War I. To partially maintain segregated communities the army enlisted a mail number of black nurses. Despite many trying times and conditions there were some moments of joy, love, and fellowship during the war. Black women at the time like "Queen of the Trumpet," Valaida Snow who was a celebrity in Europe and was performing in Scandinavia when the Nazi' s invaded. Then they put Valaida in a camp. She lost weight, only 70 pounds and passing away in 1956. People are rediscovering her genius. Lena Horne fought the good fight during World War II and emphasized she wouldn't perform infront of Jim Crow audience, and showed in film that black women can be more than maids and servants. Black women did what they could to support the war efforts, and carried on the fight of Jim Crow. It wasn't an easy process, but opened up the opportunity for blacks in defense and training industries. The war put some pressure on the political spectrum sounding off that the racist tension had to end. The Roosevelt Administration took advantage of black brain power with helping address some of the problems blacks were faced with. Mary McCloud Bethune was the only women in the Roosevelt cabinet. The conditions and barriers from World War I didn't continue into World War II, black women were afforded the opportunity to enlist in the military. The Women's Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC) would later grow to be very large. While training was segregated, women fought a two front war against Jim Crow. WAAC expedited soldiers mail. World War II would see the largest use of black women then. Willa Brown helped train the Tuskegee Airman. At the end of World War II, continuing to address the concerns of the black community and fighting Jim Crow remained the essential core values along with celebrating peace for the women in service. The line was rather lengthy leading into the Department of Justice summit session "Section 230- Nurting or Fostering Unaccountability," held at the FBI auditorium on February 19, 2020 in Washington DC. Not sure how many seats are available but from the looks of the line, the workshop was at capacity. United States Attorney General William Barr is by far the most fascinating speaker in the city currently, so that was certainly a treat for all in attendance. Moreover, the workshop had 3 panels with distinguished guest during all discussions.
A very timely workshop summit session. Considering the vast swift shift into high gear cloud computing technology has placed on society and the role it has played in consumer's daily lives. Certainly, 25 years ago no one could order grocery from their smartphones and Amazon delivers them. Needlesstosay, many were using the payphone back, and not many psalm devices pairing to the car back then. In fact, in '95, there was barely a redial phone setting feature. Furthermore, it was possible a star call block feature was circulating since caller ID was arriving on the hotline. Now, not too many people have a landline, but many have smartphones. Which means all contacts and access to the internet functionality is combined for consumers use. Not just the smartphone, in '95 you couldn't walk into Bestbuy to purchase a 24 inch flat screen computer monitor, more like asking an associate where are the floppy disk. As we can see from those few moments in time, the technological components have even transitioned. However, what still has latency and much disconnect in 2020 is Section 230 of the Telecommunications Act with a pig in a blanket coverage of the Communications Decency Act. Under the 104th Congress, enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives, the Communications Decency Act was introduced to protect the public from the misuse of the telecommunications network and telecommunications devices and facilities. It is the policy of the United States to preserve the vibrant and competitive free market that presently exists for the internet and other interactive computer services. There is protection for "Good Samaritan," included in the clause for blocking and screening of offensive material. Now this can be interpreted in many ways considering Facebook had some concerns with the Declaration of Independence. Section 230 also places liability in a limbo depending on extensive factors. If liability is the reason for such latency in a better corporate responsibility approach, then perhaps update the structure and design with accountability from start to it reaches the end user. With limited to no regulations and lazy oversight, it is sort of unrealistic to assume technology would stay the same without any need of advancement in accordance with accountability. Suppose if one is providing a service they shouldn't be required to maintain its quality of service is what it is suggesting to the consumer. To dive deeper in the databanks, with all of the data derived from 1995 and none of these companies saw some prospective data point that would lead to leveling up their structure and design to align with the change. Currently, many of these tech companies such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have implemented community guidelines to safeguard users against anything they deem as obscene, harmful, hate speech, nudity or insensitive. On the other hand, YouTube sends users copyright notices and Facebook will lock users out of their account if frequent violations occur. It seems as though some screening mechanism has been in place so therefore, section 230 doesn't need to apply. Moreover, it's time for the corporate responsibility to measure up to the vast amounts of products and services these technology companies provide. FBI Director Christopher Ray expressed during the summit workshop the internet is largely in private hands, currently that leaves vital public safety questions in the hands of private corporations. Will they build platforms that ensure they can identify victims of child sexual exploitation? To stop abuse will they help guard our elections against malign foreign influence? These are vital societal questions with impacts for families all across America, far beyond any company's bottom line. "Let me be clear we have to ensure that our business can continue to innovate, their creativity is one of our country's greatest strengths. We know that we can have both spirited entrepreneurial internet and safe secure online," shared Mr. Ray. He also stated "we can find solutions to the dangers we face while supporting our industries by working together." During his opening remarks, Attorney General Barr emphasized that section 230 is a topic that been on the radar over the past year. The Department of Justice's interest in section 230 arose in the course of their broader review of market leading online platforms which was announced last summer. The Department recognizes that not all of the concerns raised about online platforms squarely fall in antitrust. These concerns are often complex and multidimensional, and so DOJ is taking an holistic approach in considering how they should act in protecting citizens and society in this sphere. "A driving motivation behind our broader perspective of online platforms including section 230 is the need for the Department's enforcement efforts to keep up with rapidly changing technology," stated Attorney General Barr. The Department of Justice has the responsibility to keep up with changes in technology to protect the citizens from these new harms, while at the same time preserving the benefits of this technology. Panel 1: Litigating Section 230 was moderated by Claire McCusker Murray, Principal Deputy Attorney General. The distinguished guest included Patrick Carome, Partner WilmerHale, Carrie Goldberg owner CA Goldberg PPLC, Annie McAdams founder of Annie MsAdams PC, Professor Benjamin Zipursky of Fordham University School of Law, and Professor Jeff Kosseff, US Naval Academy. Here's a few talking points highlighted during the workshop panel discussion: - Section 230 is to promote robust free speech and remove disincentives for online platforms. - The absent knowledge of content that needs to be taken down. - Principle theme, when we deal with area of law in the American system. Dealing with state tort law before leaping to the 1st amendment. - Tort version with regards to section 230 is a great deal of bringing about harm and stopping others to bring about. - Section 230 is broken, putting us all in danger. Plaintiff has no access to justice with product liability claims. The PPL Center was certainty the place to be last Saturday, February 8, as Gary Russell Jr. and Tugstsongt "King Tug" Nyambayar were scheduled for 12- rounds in the ring. The Showtime premier boxing champions card was stacked with 10 bouts for the night powered by TGB Promotions and Kings Promotion.
WBA World Super Featherweight Eliminator 12-round bout featuring Jamie Arboleda from Curundu, Panama with 13 KO's, and his opponent Jayson Velez from Caguas, PR with 21 KO's was a great match. In the round 6, Velez was almost knocked out by Arboleda. By round- 10, both boxers were rather tired, and Jamie Arboleda went down in the 11th round but it was a mistake. When Arboleda went down in round 12 the crowd in the PPL Center stood on their feet. Jamie Arboleda won. The WBA World Bantamweight Championship 12 round bout featuring Guillermo Rigondeaux from Santiago de Cuba with 13 KO's took to the ring against Liborio Solis of Maracay, Ven with 14 KO's. During the first round Solis came out swinging with jabs to the body of Rigondeaux. Guillermo Rigondeaux did a great job with blocking the blows Liborio delivered. Guillermo is a very patient boxer, not rushing while in the ring. His opponent was moving very fast, appearing tired. Round 7 had more action, Solis needed to slow down and not tire himself out. Furthermore, there was much tapping of gloves during a few rounds with the crowd shouting "thrown some damn punches." It was now time for the main event of the night "Mr" versus "King Tug". The crowd was ready for this fight. Gary Russell, Jr. from Washington, DC with 18 KO's defending his WBC World Featherweight title against Tugstsogt Nyambayar from Ulan-Bator, Mongolia with 9 KO's. This was an incredible while rather intense match. So much so that the crowd started chanting "USA, USA" then the chants for "King Tug" were followed. You couldn't take your eyes off the ring during this match. Gary Russelll had a few slips but he recovered and the crowd yells "Gary, Gary." In Round 11, Russell came out much stronger going blow for blow with "King Tug." And "Mr" Gary Russell remains the champion and title holder (118-110, 117-111, 116-112) was the final score card for that 12-round bout match. All of the Russell brother's showed up and showed out in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Gary Antuanne Russell knocked Jose Marrufo of Aqua Prieta, Mexico out in the first round with only 2 minutes and 12 seconds into the 10- round bout match. Gary Antonio Russell deafeated Jesus Martinez of Monteria, Columbia with Jesus being disqualified in round-6. Click here to watch the interviews. The State of Our Union is stronger, a torn speech, and slow Twitter connectivity during the address2/6/2020 Tuesday night, the ultimate test of a man's true character exceeding the Twitter threads; in the midst of Impeachment trial trying times- President Donald J Trump delivered his 3rd State of the Union Address. Because America is leading the way, creating new technology advances, it was very appropriate to watch the State of the Union Address from a LIVE Twitter thread feed. After all, accessibility is all that matters for historic events such as this.
Before the address began, I went to pay $11 towards my smartphone bill to avoid any service interruptions. That was smart thinking or wishful thinking, moreover I was ready for the big moment, the State of the Union Address. It appeared that everything was on cue except for certain LIVE Twitter feeds. A few accounts were still attempting to connect. Everyone wants to see the moment President Trump walks into the chambers, and having Twitter connectivity concerns is not fitting for the celebratory moment. Luckily, no encounter of latency around 9:05 pm, "Madam Speaker, the President of the United States," announced Sergeant At Arms of the US House of Representatives, Paul Irving. At that time, C-Span's Twitter account had roughly 13.4K people watching, but for whatever reason there was much latency, so had to proceed to the next best feed. CBSN had about 3K people on their LIVE feed, however the connection experience much delay. Then switching back to C-Span, the count was at 20.1K people watching their LIVE feed. By that time, President Trump was discussing the lowest unemployment rate in America in many years. Not sure why that wasn't a standing ovation overall in the chambers, but some Congressional officials might not consider that good enough for the economy. The address spoke of some bipartisan efforts to bring forth change in the criminal justice system, signing the First Step Act into law. Mr. President acknowledged the people in the room at the State of the Union got it done. President Trump stated "we are not going back," during his address. Although the achievements for African Americans are projecting great results, the Opportunity Zones are a great building block for more economic vitality in those communities. "The years of economic decay are over," stated Mr. President. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was present at the State of the Union dressed in the purest white skirt suit a designer can stitch. She along with many other women in Congress wore white to show ongoing support for the ongoing fight to achieve equality for women across the country, according to her Instagram social media post. There were many connectivity delays awhile watching the State of the Union on Twitter. Moreover, President Trump's address message gave the power back to the American people, and this was on display with his distinguished guest list. So many beautiful heroic American stories. Perhaps, some people needed a tissue while watching the moment when the soldier was reunited with his family after deployment in Afghanistan. Tuskegee Airman Charles McGee was also a distinguished guest of the President. Retired Brigadier General Charles McGee is from Bethesda, Maryland, and flew a total of 409 areal fighter combat missions during 30 years of military service. It was during those precious moments, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, proceeded to rip in half the State of the Union speech. That was such a speechless act on a national level while wearing white, what an honor for that mark on history. President Trump reminded the people that he is "pro-American," during his speech. The State of the Union Address was a shifting moment for America, restoring the power back to the people, and the Great American comeback is now. "It's a true honor to give it," President Trump stated from the White House on Thursday afternoon of the State of the Union. Department of Justice and State Attorney General meeting minutes continue bipartisan cooperation2/5/2020 On Tuesday, February 4, 2020 the Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen, Associate Deputy Attorney General Ryan Shores, and members of the Department of Justice Antitrust Division met at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building with State Attorneys General to continue strengthening their multilateral antitrust law enforcement cooperation concerning technology markets. This meeting took place six months after the initial announcement of the Department of Justice’s review of market-leading online platforms. The Department of Justice looks forward to continued bipartisan cooperation with the States.
It's that time to celebrate Black History month in America! Giving honor and glory to Carter G. Woodson for his innovative thinking, preserving the contributions of Black America, we can now celebrate the entire month. The central focus for this month's celebration is more accessibility in healthcare and housing markets for Blacks in America. Those are two critical human services, imperative for their survival which has lacked behind in the Black population for many years. In 2020, we celebrate in the theme of foundation and stability as it relates to healthcare and housing, with recognizing those pioneers, and institutions, for their groundwork we continuously build upon to this present day.
In 1876, the first medical school for blacks was founded, Meharry Medical College located in Nashville, Tennessee. The college was built on as act of kindness - paying it forward. At the age of 16, Samuel Meharry was hauling a load of salt on his wagon while in Kentucky, and the wheels slid into a muddy pasture. Samuel eventually saw a black family who was recently freed from slavery, and sought food and shelter. With no account of who this black family is, they made sure Meharry could continue his route by fixing his wagon while risking their recent freedom. The roads traveled and experience in mind, Meharry and his four brothers founded the college with $30,000.00 in cash and real property. Today, Meharry Medical College is a global academic health sciences center advancing health equity through innovative research, transformative education, exceptional and compassionate health services and policy - influencing thought leadership. Robert Fulton Boyd entered the medical department in 1880, and graduated with honors in 1882. He later returned to Meharry as adjunct professor of chemistry. Robert Fulton Boyd is an African American doctor and educator who opened Mercy Hospital in 1900. |
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