Children's Defense Fund Hosts "From Cradle to Prison Pipeline" Summit in New Orleans

11/03/08
Louisiana Weekly

Recently, the Louisiana Children’s Defense Fund hosted a “From Cradle to Prison Pipeline Summit” where Marian Wright Edelman, the Defense Fund’s founder, served as keynote speaker. The event took place on the campus of Dillard University of New Orleans.

The summit consisted of panelists who ranged from Orleans Parish students to internationally known child experts/advocates. Registrants traveled from all over Louisiana and other southern states to involve themselves with the “Cradle to Prison Pipeline” campaign.

During a panel discussion on juvenile crime, retired state judge, Calvin Johnson argued that there is no correlation between the growing number of incarcerations and lowered crime. He went on to argue that imprisonment should be left for serious criminals and not those who need healthcare.

Young children spoke out about their concerns, mainly profiling and education. One young man asked, “If I wear dreads, are they going to get me?” State Rep. Cedric Richmond (D -101) said that he would continue to fight in the House to ban assault weapons. Other community leaders urged adults to become more involved in the lives of children and offered suggestions on how to dismantle the pipeline.

The campaign is a national call to action to detour the path that sends many children, most of whom are minorities, to lives filled with crime, arrests, incarcerations and death. Race and poverty are the most common factors among most children associated with the pipeline. Many children are pulled into the pipeline before they ever have a fair chance of becoming successful, healthy, happy, law-abiding adults.

During her address, Edelman charged the audience to invest and take ownership in the responsibility in America’s children. “Nobody raises a child alone...we need to reweave the fabric of family.” She went on to say that children, in particular young males of color need society’s help the most. “What’s happening to our children is a national tragedy, what’s happening to our Black and Hispanic children is a catastrophe.”

She added that we must become educated voters and demand that our delegation’s votes reflect our needs and concerns. Edelman pointed out that Louisiana congressional leaders, are not the most supportive when it comes to the needs of the country’s children, pointing out that Sen. David Vitter overwhelmingly does not vote in best interest of children.

“How is it that they could not find $70 billion to insure all of America’s children last year, but they so quickly found $700 billion to bail out Wall Street?”

Other notable speakers included: ; Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff, Marlin Gusman; State Representative J.P. Morrell; Derwin Buton, Director of Juvenile Regional Services; Opelousas mayor Don Cravins, Dr. Natacha Blain, Director of Children’s Defense Fund National, “American’s Cradle to Prison Pipeline” Initiative; Sedrick A. Muhammad, Founder/ President of Models for Success, LLC; Rev. Torin Sanders, Orleans Parish School Board President; Dana Kaplan - Executive Director, Juvenile Justice Project of Louisiana; Dellona Davis - Executive Director, CASA; Cindy Bishop - President, LA Child Care Association; Rep. Joe Salter - Community Affairs Representatives Louisiana Department of Education; Todd Battiste, Vice President, Community Impact Division, United Way GNO; Darryl Kilbert - Superintendent, Orleans Parish School Board and other child advocates, community leaders, parents, social workers, faith leaders and elected officials.

City Councilman reflects on Democratic Convention

Arizona Informant (Phoenix)

Phoenix city councilman Mike Johnson knew that he needed to attend this year’s Democratic National Convention. Although he would have been excited to spend the week in Denver if Clinton had won the nomination, it wouldn’t have been the same as witnessing a black man accept the Presidential nomination from a major party.

“This is one of the most historic events, as an African American, to attend in life. Having an African American male Democratic nominee for President; this is for me, my children, my parents, my grandparents and their parents,” he added.

Like many, Johnson thought the convention was “excellent, exciting and well put together.” Speakers including Michelle Obama, Hillary and Bill Clinton, Beau Biden (Joe Biden’s son), a list of veterans and other service members all put the convention into perspective and reminded people of the goals Democrats are working towards.

Obama’s nomination is extremely important because it goes to prove that you really can do whatever it is you put your mind to. “My mother always told me that I could do whatever I wanted to do, but now I really see that there are no limitations,” reflected Johnson. “I never thought I’d actually see this day come.”

He went on to explain that this gives children the opportunity to see an educated, well spoken man as a role model instead of them looking up to just athletes, actors/actresses or rappers.

It was hard to find many complaints about the convention, but one was that the hotels were too spread out which prevented delegations from getting to know other states that weren’t housed in their hotel.

The Arizona Delegation had breakfast at 7:30 each morning where they had speakers who focused on issues not only important to the state and the party, but what was important to the country as a whole. Where the country needs to go and how to get it there, fixing the economy, uniting the Democratic Party and making changes in the country are a few topics that were discussed.

For Johnson, the highlight of the convention was Obama’s acceptance speech and Michelle Obama’s opening night speech. He found them inspirational because they gave insight into how they grew up and the power that believing in yourself brings when it comes facing obstacles.

He was so moved by the speeches that he wanted to share the experience with this three children so he sent them text messages from the convention. “I just wanted them to know that I love them and how proud of them I am.” He says of his 36, 35 and 28-year-old children. As parents, we make so many sacrifices so that the next generation can do better than the previous one.

This was Johnson’s first convention and although he doesn’t expect to ever witness something of the same magnitude, he looks forward to participating in many conventions to come.

Johnson says that although Arizona is McCain’s home base and Clinton won the primary, he believes that it is possible, with lots of hard work, for Obama to win The Grand Canyon State. “The last time I checked, McCain was only up by 7 points. If we work hard enough, we can absolutely beat that.”

Louisiana Delegation attends the Democratic National Convention in Denver

Gambit Weekly (New Orleans)

Hurricane Katrina and the Rebuilding of New Orleans

Though 1,400 miles away, New Orleans and the Gulf coast were on the minds of many in Denver during the 2008 Democratic National Convention. As we approached the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina “Why,” and “How can we prevent this from ever happening again,” were questions repeatedly asked as several attempted to answer.

Mayor Nagin says that having a good relationship with a concerned administration will make a huge difference. “I keep in contact with Sen. Obama and he will handle things differently if we ever find ourselves in that situation again.”

Several programs were held in Denver to study, speak on acknowledge Hurricane Katrina and the devastation that happened afterwards. Speakers, including Sen. Mary Landrieu and Marge Perez, reminded people of the failure of the current administration and the promise that an Obama presidency would provide in regards to protecting the Gulf.

“America can’t afford to let John McCain drown our hopes in more of the same failed policies,” was the sentiment of Jazz singer, Marge Perez, and what she shared with millions of people as she described her experience with a flooded New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

The need for an effective FEMA was the highlight of Sen. Landrieu’s speech Tuesday evening at the convention. “It's been three years since hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the failure of the federal levee system devastated New Orleans, the region, and parts of the Gulf coast. The Bush White House, the Republican leadership, and FEMA showed up not just late, but unprepared. America deserves a FEMA that works. A FEMA that understands the best ways to leverage the private sector and non-profits. A FEMA that will rebuild our communities with respect, dignity, and determination.”

On Tuesday morning, a media round table to discuss Katrina recovery was moderated by Ted Koppel. The panel included Sen. Mary Landrieu, Donna Brazile, Douglass Brinkley; James Perry, Executive Director of the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center; Rev. Tyronne Edwards, Executive Director of the Zion Traveler Cooperative Center of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana; Martin Gutierrez, Executive Director of the Neighborhood and Community Services of Catholic Charities in New Orleans, and others.

Later that evening, the Democratic National Convention Committee hosted an event to recognize Friends of New Orleans (FONO), Oxfam America and other organizations affiliated with the Gulf Coast recovery and rebuilding effort. The second part of the event, New Orleans All-Star Jam-Balaya, featured well known jazz musicians and world famous Louisiana cuisine and generated financial support for charities and organizations that have been working to rebuild communities in the Gulf Coast region.

“This anniversary is too important to pass by unnoticed. We are one country, and we stand together in good times and bad,” said Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Governor Howard Dean. “Nearly three years after Katrina, we want the nation to know that rebuilding New Orleans and the Gulf Region is not just a local issue but a national one. The voices of those who were affected by Hurricane Katrina have not gone silent, and it is critical to make sure those who live there and those who were displaced are not forgotten.”

Party Unity at Historical Event

Louisianans whole-heartedly participated with last week’s events from chanting “Who dat say they gonna beat Obama” or giving the Fox News reporters a friendly taunt of “No to Fox,” during Thursday night’s outdoors event.

There’s no such thing as a stranger with these people. Those who started the week as strangers ended it by being friends. Obama supporter from day one or deferred Hillary backers, everyone in the delegation loves Louisiana and champions the causes that are in her best interest.

A void of inspiration was a largely unheard complaint, but many people noted how much it’s been a life-changing event. “History” was the most commonly used word to describe this convention. Many first time convention attendees were able to appreciate that they in person experienced likely one of the greatest moments in American history.

There were many celebrating points at the convention including: finally an end to the Bush administration, the idea that America and Americans can progress from a damaging racist past, Clinton and Obama giving proof that glass ceilings are meant to be shattered and the strengthening of Democratic unity.

Speaker Pro Temp Karen Carter Peterson believes that the convention provided a place for healing that fostered party unity. “I undoubtedly believe this will provide party unity,” she said, “Some people had to go through a grieving period but at the end of the day we fundamentally believe the same things in regards to health care, education, the war and tax breaks.”

Some Clinton supporters wanted to cast their ballots for her before moving on to supporting Obama. One delegate said that he was elected to do that so it’s what he did. But he also went on to note his appreciation for Obama and the candidate’s focus on issues that were important to him.

Demographics of Representation

Louisiana had 76 Delegates. 41 for Obama, 24 for Clinton, 10 Super Delegates and one unpledged add-on. 29 African Americans and one Asian American supported Obama, while 10 supported Clinton. Eight whites supported Obama, 14 for Clinton. 21 women supported Obama, 13 women supported Clinton.

Several delegates and participants from Louisiana were under the age of 36 including delegates Ashley Scott of Shreveport and Brian Thomas of Opelousas. In addition, the Young Democrats of Louisiana (YDL) sent three of its Executive Committee members (Ralph Johnson – President, Katrina Rogers – National Committeewoman and Ricardo Malbrew – Southern Regional Representative) to participate in the Young Democrats of America convention and work with the Louisiana delegation.

Both organizations work towards driving youth participation within the Democratic Party. YDL is open to all Louisiana registered voters who are under the age of 36.

Summary

The weeklong event was one of reaffirmation, renewed energy and re-dedication to the causes that are important to the Democratic Party and the Louisiana Democratic Party.

Statistics of Black Support with the Democratic National Convention

9/1/08 Sacrament Observer

Historically, African Americans support Republican Presidential candidates at a much lower rate than they support Democratic candidates, especially since 1960. In all likelihood John McCain will have a significantly low black voter turn out for several reasons.

A. McCain is running against Barack Obama, the first black nominee of any major party. B. McCain doesn’t have that great of a political relationship with blacks, many associate his candidacy with him not supporting Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. C. Some blacks will look at McCain as an extension of George W. Bush, an unpopular President within the African-American community.

There are 208 more participating African American delegates than in the 2004 convention. That is 23.9 percent more black delegates than four years ago. This year, almost one quarter of the delegation was African-American. More black delegates are women (594) than men (485).

There are 41 states with more black delegates this year than in 2004. Several states had significant increases including Massachusetts with an increase of 75. Colorado and Connecticut both increased by 71.4 percent. Virginia had an additional 58.1 percent and Indiana added 50 percent.

Only two states had no black delegates as opposed to six states in 2004. The five states with the largest percentage of black delegates were Mississippi (68.3), Alabama (61.7), Louisiana (59.7), Georgia (58.8) and South Carolina at 50 percent.

In addition to a rise in black participation at this year’s convention, there was also a higher number of blacks in convention leadership roles. Atlanta mayor, Shirley Franklin served as the convention’s Co-Chair, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick was the Co-Chair of the Platform Committee, Alexis Herman served as the Co-Chair of the Credentials Committee, Lottie Shackelord was the Democratic National Committee Vice-Chair and the 2008 Democratic National Convention CEO was Leah D. Daughtry.

According to the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, 80 percent of African Americans have identified themselves as Democratic since 1980. Until Franklin Roosevelt’s introduction of the New Deal, many African American’s supported the Republican Party. The significant shift came in 1964 for Lyndon B. Johnson’s Presidential bid and in support of the party’s pro-civil rights stance.

Resent surveys note that the main concerns for African American voters are high gas and energy prices; along with health care and the war in Iraq.

According to the Census Bureau’s 2004 voting and registration report, there were more black than white voters in Georgia, Mississippi, Illinois and California. For many states that had more whites than blacks voting, the difference was very small.

About a week before the convention, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick said, “The convention will be in perspective of the campaign. This is our campaign and our opportunity to change the course of the country. American people want change delivered by a President who is not afraid to do it. There’s a hunger for change and that transcends party.”

The Obama campaign started with the slogan “Change you can believe in,” but the effort has grown into change you can actually see. “Twenty-five percent of elected Delegates for this convention are African-American,” says Shirley Franklin, “that’s five percent more than in 2004 and a whole lot of percentages more than in 1960.”

Obama's Historic Speech

8/29/08
The Shreveport Sun

The 2008 Democratic National Convention made history in a number of ways beyond the obvious, an African-American accepting the nomination. Blacks, overall, participated in the convention far more than any other convention in the past.

When Barack Obama made his acceptance speech on August 28^th, he did it 45 years after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led the March on Washington and delivered his “I Have a Dream Speech.” It was also 44 years after Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party member, Fannie Lou Hamer, testified before the Democratic Convention’s Credential Committee.

Without Hamer and King blazing those trials more than four decades ago, there would be no Barack Obama accepting the Democratic nomination in 2008. And that’s what makes Obama’s official nomination so special. Though he didn’t mention race during his acceptance speech, the tears of joy and smiles of accomplishment of those witnessing history said it for him.

State Rep. Barbara Norton says the event brought tears to her eyes. “I knew it was going to happen, I just had no idea that it would happen today…it validated the strength of this country,” she added.

Obama’s nomination is not only proof that the Democratic Party has changed but that the country has changed as he is not only the first black Democratic nominee, he also has a great chance of becoming the next President of the United States, something many could not imagine they would witness within their lifetime. Without a doubt, with our hard work and determination, Barack Obama will be elected the next President of the United States on November 4.

As he noted in his acceptance speech, “Four years ago, I stood before you and told you my story - of the brief union between a young man from Kenya and a young woman from Kansas who weren't well-off or well-known, but shared a belief that in America, their son could achieve whatever he put his mind to…It is that promise that has always set this country apart - that through hard work and sacrifice, each of us can pursue our individual dreams but still come together as one American family, to ensure that the next generation can pursue their dreams as well….It is why I stand here tonight.”

And because of him standing there on August 28, 2008, accepting the nomination to become the Democratic Presidential candidate, many more generations of African Americans will be able to stand there in the future.