Op-ed by Adeeba Folami

Big Pimpin' was the 2000 hit song by Rapper Jay-Z.

“We be big pimpin’, spendin’ cheese. We be big pimpin’ on B-L-A-Ds…,” rapper Jay-Z rhymed in his 2000 hit song “Big Pimpin.” Who knew that nine years later the song’s hook about “spendin’ cheese,” i.e., money, could very well be used as the theme for Barack Obama’s inauguration. The historic swearing in of the first Black president is being celebrated with five days’ worth of activities estimated to cost over $150 million despite the country being in an economic crisis.

Barack Obama is Big Pimpin' his presidential inauguration with its $150+ million price tag.

Many believe the significance of Obama taking office justifies the inaugural price tag and it is easy to imagine them joining Jay-Z in his chorus, “We be big pimpin’, spendin’ cheese. We be big pimpin’ on B-L-A-Ds…,” B-L-A-Ds being the 20-inch tire rims found on the rides of those who like to show off their status with the wheel accessories; each one costing thousands of dollars. Obama may not be big pimpin on those rims but he turned many heads during his Jan. 17 Philadelphia-to-D.C.-Big Pimpin Express train ride to Washington. Huge crowds of people were seen waving as the train made it’s way down the east coast stopping in several cities where Obama made brief speeches, casting out more of the promises made during his campaign. Similarly, Jay-Z’s Big Pimpin’ video has the rapper casting dolla-bills out to throngs of people as he’s standing atop an expensive yacht.

Unlike Jay-Z, who spends his own cheese when big pimpin’, taxpayers will primarily cover Obama’s inaugural costs; along with the near $30-40 million given by private donors, including many celebrities and corporate business executives. Plus, outgoing President George W. Bush declared the inauguration a “national emergency” so that federal emergency funds, which otherwise would be used (and may be in demand later) for natural or other disasters, could be released to help cover the millions needed to pay for adequate security. Initial estimates suggested that up to five million people would descend on the nation’s capital Jan. 20 to see Obama sworn-in but that number has been reduced to 2-3 million.

In some ways the number of singers, actors, rappers and “big names” who plan to attend activities make the event seem like another Hollywood production or awards show. Even Entertainment Tonight, the entertainment world’s number one TV gossip source, will be on hand to give a run down of who appeared with whom, what they were wearing and who should be crowned “best/worst dressed.” Of course, there is also the lengthy list of parties going on in addition to the 10 official inaugural balls the Obamas are scheduled to attend. Jay-Z even has his own concert scheduled, “An Evening with Jay-Z,” with admission tickets ranging from $100-500. Guess what his opening song will be?

After Bush’s 2005 inauguration, critics suggested the millions spent would have been better used to help victims of the Indonesian tsunami which devastated that nation in late December 2004; killing nearly 200,000 and leaving the country in much need of international help.

Four years later, some are questioning this year’s display of inaugural excess, i.e. “big pimpin,” during the time of America’s budget, economic and housing crises. Such unnecessary expense, critics say, is completely out of place given the increasing number of companies filing bankruptcy or shutting down and leaving thousands across the country unemployed. Not to mention that states like California are requesting financial assistance from Washington; the same kind given to banking institutions in last year’s “bailout plan.” Other states, like Colorado, are asking government employees to take time off without pay to help cut down on expenses yet Obama is riding into the White House on the promise of “change” but little change is apparent in the inaugural process.

What “change” it would have been if the incoming president had ditched the grand plans typically followed by those entering the White House and instead said, “The new first family wants to set the tone and example in these trying economic times and we’ve decided to have a simple swearing-in ceremony followed by an afternoon of feeding D.C.’s homeless population.” The homeless who, by the way, reportedly have been removed (i.e., cleared out), from the vicinity of the White House, Capital, and National Mall in preparation for the ‘big event.’ Could they not also benefit from Obama’s inaugural message? Maybe not since the “poor” were rarely mentioned during the campaign.

The homeless were kicked to the curb to make room for the production featuring the Obamas, Hollywood, vendors looking to capitalize, and thousands of supporters from near and far coming to cheer on and witness history. During the days of celebration, concert promoters will also benefit by taking advantage of all the singers gathered together in one location, and bars/night clubs will also gain by being the places where the “elite and their hangers-on” will gather each night for the “A-lister” after parties; not to mention the numbers of expensive hotels in D.C. and surrounding areas that will be filled to capacity.

The country’s collapsing economically and per the November words of Colin Powell a ‘generated international crisis’ is going to hit America on Jan. 21 or 22, (or within 6 months according to Joe Biden), nevertheless, “party on” and “big pimpin” seem to be the motto of the times. Maybe instead of a big celebration, Obama and Biden should be preparing the public for whatever it is they foresaw coming last fall. On the other hand, maybe the pair want to enjoy the cheers while they can, given this prediction Biden made weeks ago about how supporters would react to the Obama administration’s moves: “….. remember St. Peter denied Christ thrice … We don’t need anybody denying us, this is gonna be tough. There are gonna be a lot of you who want to go ‘whoa, wait a minute, I don’t know about that decision……’ Because it’s not gonna be apparent initially, it’s not gonna be apparent that we’re right…..”

 © 2009 – All Rights Reserved – The Black House News
Unlimited online distribution allowed with acknowledgement of bhonline.org as the source

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Tags: barack obama, george w bush's inauguration criticism, inauguration big pimpin, inauguration overspending, jay z big pimpin, obama express, obama inauguration

by Adeeba Folami

A fuzzy screen may be what many see Feb. 17 after major broadcasters switch from analog to digital signals.

Come Feb. 17, 2009, millions of Black TV owners may turn on their television sets and see a blank screen or hear only static-fuzz after major broadcasting companies switch from “analog” to “digital” only programming. Digital television (DTV) “enables broadcasters to offer television with better pictures and sound quality,” says the DTV website, dtv.gov, going on to explain that the transition will free up analog airwaves which then can be used to enhance systems currently used by public safety operations; i.e., police, fire and emergency rescue departments.

Once the transition takes place, only TV sets with digital broadcast capability will be able to receive and display transmissions. According to Nielsen, the ratings giant, many Black households are not ready for the Feb. change and, according to some activists, are on the verge of being left on the vacant side of the digital divide. This after many of them joined on to support and vote for Barack Obama, the first Black elected to the office of president, yet they may be left out in the technological cold; unable to keep up with news and information surrounding the historic president once he takes office.

“[Nielsen] shows that 12.5% of African American households are using analog television and are not ready for the digital transition,” wrote Wade Henderson, President/CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR), in a recent news release.

Since early 2008, a campaign has been underway to inform the viewing public of their options and how to prepare for the coming change. Those who wish to retain television service have three choices: (1) keep their analog TV (most which require “rabbit-ear” or rooftop antennas) and purchase a converter box which will translate analog programming to digital; (2) purchase a TV set which was made after Mar. 1, 2007 – the date that, per a Federal Communications Commission ruling, all new TVs had to have digital tuners; (3) subscribe to a cable or satellite TV service which do not require converter boxes for digital reception. Many cable companies are now offering special deals to new customers to prepare them for the February change; however, some companies may still require additional equipment for digital viewing. Consumers should inquire prior to contracting service.

Since January, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration has been in charge of a coupon program set to run through March, whereby households can request up to two coupons; each offering a $40 discount off the price of a converter box.

Due to the late date, only a relative few coupons are still available and even if requested now, given the six-week delivery time, a family might not receive them before Feb. 17, but the boxes can still be purchased and installed after that date. Coupons can be requested by mail, phone or internet and purchases can be made at local or online stores, or via phone retailers.

The manager of a Denver Radio Shack – one of the select stores authorized to sell converter boxes – said they are selling very well. Wishing to remain anonymous, the woman said that if government coupons run out, boxes can still be purchased at the regular $59.99 price. She then went on to explain that many customers come in with questions and are somewhat confused about what DTV is and why the change is taking place; questions her staff associates have undergone special training in order to answer. Additionally, some, she said, have also been given false information as to what kind of antenna they will need. She added that, along with the the converter box, analog viewers will also need a powered or amplified UHF/VHS antenna. The store is making many exchanges and upgrades to the powered antenna which ranges in price from $34.99 to 99.99.

Questions have also been raised as to whether senior citizens will be left behind when the switch happens but if a report from Denver’s Zion Senior Center is any indication, community elders have been ahead of the curve on the issue. Center Director Margaret McCaskill said approximately 30 seniors come to the center daily and those who are heads of household bought converter boxes and had them installed well before Thanksgiving. “We’re active in this,” she said.

Henderson wants no one to be left behind and encourages politicians, corporate, community and civic leaders to make sure their communities are informed. He went on to suggest the following activities: post community and office flyers; newsletter, bulletin and newspaper announcements; email all contacts in your address book, and organize or attend community conversion education events. To request converter box coupons and get more DTV information, visit www.DTV2009.gov; call 1-888-388-2009, or write DTV, PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208.

© 2009 – All Rights Reserved – The Black House News
Unlimited online distribution allowed with acknowledgement of bhonline.org as the source

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Tags: african americans dtv, analog digital, barack obama, converter box, digital tv transition, leadership conference on civil rights, margaret mccaskill, wade henderson, zion senior center denver

Rev. Jeremiah Wright caused some laughter with comments made prior to accepting his Legacy Award. Also pictured are (l-r) Min. Louis Farrakhan, Haki Madhubuti and Ron Daniels.

The Reverend Jeremiah Wright was on scene at the State of the Black World Conference (SOBWC) from the first day of meetings, Nov. 19.  Having come through months of abuse and negative reports from the mainstream media, political pundits and individuals trashing his name, the Christian minister was – more than once – commended by speakers at the conference and was one of several leaders honored with a Legacy award. Dr Ron Daniels, prior to presenting the award, said the Black church had been desecrated during the campaign season and that Wright, “one of our great thinkers,” had been used as a punching bag. He was glad to show – by the award – that Black leaders are not to be defined or selected by others.

The following are excerpts from comments Wright made just before accepting the award.

… I’m going to say one or two things because in many ways I’m really like John the Baptist and I’ll explain why. I really feel out of place when I look at these giants; when I look at these people I just keep wanting to say, “Help! How did I get up here?”

“]”]

An awards ceremony was held Nov. 22 where Legacy Awards were given to : Maulana Karenga, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Willie Ricks, Min. Louis Farrakhan, Haki Madhubuti, (seated) Susan Taylor, Dr. Adelaide Sandford, Amb. Dudley Thompson, Sonia Sanchez. (Standing far right: Ron and Mary Frances Daniels)

Sonia Sanchez and I were with the Honorable Minister Farrakhan 24 years ago in Libya. Maulana Karenga has been a mentor; an icon; someone you look up to. Someone you never think of being on a stage with. Ambassador Dudley [Thompson] is incredible. I’ve read about, heard about, talked about but never thought I’d be sharing this honor, this night. Haki [Madhubuti] and I go back to 1969 in Chicago; George Kent, Charles Long. Being honored along with them tonight means the world to me. I haven’t called my friend and brother’s name outside of saying we went to Tripoli with him; I’ll explain why.

Vincent Harding* in 1969 spoke to the Black Theologians and to Seminarians at the University of Chicago Divinity School and he talked about the Black World. He opened up, along with Charles Long, a vision of Blacks throughout the world – Blacks on the continent and throughout the Diaspora – and he challenged those of us who were in school studying to be clergy persons, no matter which discipline we were going into – not to buy into – because a lot of us had left the church. That’s why I tease you all the time. A lot of us had given up on the church but that which was within us would not be quiet and would not be still and we knew there was something more than what we were seeing around the nation.   It was only through that vision of Vincent Harding, the Institute of the Black World, Black Theology, and Charles Long – historian of religion, that we began to look at our tradition, our faith. Not as saved, sanctified, filled with the holy ghost Christians, even though there’s nothing wrong with being saved and sanctified with the Holy Ghost.

….. [Concerning the controversy surrounding his relationship with Barack Obama], I’m not worthy to tie the shoestrings of a greater hero than I in this election campaign. Yes he [Obama] sat in our church for 20 years, however, one of the things some of the media got mad at me about back in April, is that I would not let them define our leaders, I wouldn’t let them tell me who my friends were and because the Honorable Minister Farrakhan is a friend of mine; first of all, the Fruit of Islam provided security for me …. When the storm broke, Min. Akbar [Muhammad] was there in my hotel room and the brothers, Min. Farrakhan – the brothers have been with me as brothers and I’ll never forget.

A combination of a Caribbean, St. Kitts, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, his deep faith, his personality and the religion that he lives – not just talks about – prompted this giant, who’s very responsible …. I said I made folk mad in Washington when I said, ‘Name any other American in this country who could get one million people to come to Washington, D.C. There ain’t no other; other than the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. He chose – he doesn’t even know that I know it – Cornel West told me that he [Min. Farrakhan] cried; he shared tears of love and disbelief it was actually happening when he registered and cast his vote for Barack Obama. He never thought he would live to see that day and when they were using me as a whipping board they were waiting for him to say anything and he held his peace in order that Barack might be our president. My brother, we owe a debt of gratitude we can never repay.

*[Vincent Harding was one of several awardees not present.  Others included:  The Neville Brothers, Danny Glover, Jesse Jackson, Sr., John Conyers, Walter Lomax, Josef Ben-Jochannan, Imari Obadele, Grand Master Mele Mel, Kool Moe Dee.]

© 2008 – All Rights Reserved – The Black House News
Unlimited online distribution allowed with acknowledgement of bhonline.org as the source

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Tags: ambassador dudley thompson, barack obama, black theologians, black theology, charles long, dr adelaide sandford, george kent, haki madhubuti, legacy awards state of black world conference, mary frances daniels, maulana karenga, min. louis farrakhan, rev. jeremiah wright, ron daniels, sonia sanchez, state of the black world conference, susan taylor, vincent harding, willie mukasa ricks

by Adeeba Folami

 Dr. Ron Daniels deliberately set out to have youth leaders present and heard at the State of the Black World Conference (SOBWC), particularly during “The Future of the Black Freedom  Movement:  A New Generation of Leadership,” forum held Nov. 21 as part of the first Indaba or collective gathering.  Speakers included: Dr. Kimberly Ellis, Thenjiwe, Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, Davey D, Veronica Conway and Malika Sanders.

Kimberly "Dr. Goddess" Ellis

Ellis moderated and asked each panelist to answer three questions: (1) What is the state of your black world?, (2) Your thoughts or expectations of an Obama presidency; and (3) what are the challenges Blacks have to overcome?

Marc Lamont Hill

Hill, 29, a professor, author, and regular commentator for FOX News called this time a “peculiar moment” in that there is so much joy over Obama in the midst of Black suffering. He explained that his excitement will greatly decrease if Obama turns out to be only a “manager” of a system that he cannot produce change in for the masses. “The question isn’t, can one man make it; it’s can we all make it,” he said.

Veronica Conway

Conway, 41, the daughter of Veronza Bowers, an imprisoned former Black Panther, said Obama’s example and organizational skill should be studied and used by individuals who must take advantage of the moment. “Elect yourself,” she advised. “Get busy being masterful.”

 

 

Malika Sanders

 

Sanders, 35, of the Twenty-First Century Youth Leadership Movement in Selma, Alabama, expressed a similar comment declaring it time to return to excellence and for Blacks to become more systematic in their approaches.

 

 

Davey D

Davey D, a hip hop journalist, repeated admonitions from elders against falling for the Messiah complex and putting all hopes on one or two charismatic figures. He is paving the way in his own realm with the goal of buying a radio station rather than settling for having or owning a show on a station owned by somebody else.

 

Thenjiwe

Newark, New Jersey activist Thenjiwe, 23,  emphasized the need for many to expand their vision to see that “our struggle is global.” She added that confusion was the state of her world in that children are still suffering in ghettos of America and all over the world. Additionally, she said, political prisoners are still unjustly behind bars and so she cannot rest on an Obama victory. Instead, she sees the potential to capture the imagination and vision of youth as the president-elect did during his campaign. “Yes we can tear down dilapidated projects,” she said. “Yes we can make a better world for our children.”

After the youth panel, Daniels praised them and, in what seemed a farewell speech at times, indicated it was time to pass the torch. Hill, during his comments, mentioned that, unlike Daniels, some senior leaders in the movement appear to have a problem sharing the stage. They were in need, he said, of an “exit strategy,” since they had not yet figured out where else to go. “What you’ve seen is a tradition where senior members of Black freedom struggles have failed to bring in the new generation and properly prepare them to assume the front lines,” Hill said. “Part of the reason is that we haven’t done a good job of figuring out what to do with [them.] We need them desperately but they stay on stage and don’t let the children in.” His solution consists of having cross-generational conversations so elders know they are needed as advisors and “the conscience of the movement,” but are able to step back and allow new, younger ideas and approaches to come to the forefront of leadership. Daniels was overjoyed at the youth participation and said if SOBWC continues, those young voices will be key players in it.

Afterward, BHN spoke with Hill concerning his comments about senior leadership. 

(BHN) – In one of your comments, you said there needs to be an exit strategy for leadership but you didn’t mean that in a negative way. Can you expound on that?

(MLH) - I think too often, particularly over the last 50-60 years, what you’ve seen is a tradition where many members of Black leadership, particularly senior members of Black freedom struggles have failed to bring in the new generation and properly prepare them to assume the front lines of our struggle and I think part of the reason is that we haven’t done a good job of figuring out what to do with senior leadership. We can’t put them out to pasture, we can’t get rid of them, we need them. We need them desperately but because we haven’t come up with a sophisticated solution to the problem, they stay on stage and don’t let the children on stage because they don’t know anyplace else to go.

As a result, our struggle begins to spin our own wheels. New ideas, fresh approaches, new approaches, new world views get lost because the younger generation isn’t in leadership position. What we need to begin to do is have these conversations across generations so that the senior members know they’re still desperately needed as advisors, as leaders, as significant members, as the conscience of our movement. At the same time, we need to bring our ideas to the table and until we do that, we’re gonna have the same problems.

(BHN) – Some of Dr. Daniels’ comments sounded like farewell comments. At a certain point he said “IF” there is another conference. Your thoughts on that and do you all plan to step up and maybe take this over?

(MLH) - There absolutely will be another conference. Bro. Daniels has done an extraordinary job over the last 3 or 4 decades leading us and being an organizing, intellectual force in our community. At this historical moment we need him to continue to do whatever he wants to do but at the same time we need to carry our weight. We are a mature generation. It’s not enough for us to grow old, we must grow up and that means taking leadership and responsibility for this movement. … It’s time for us to pick up the reins and I think that’s what he was trying to signal.

(BHN) – Thank you.

********

Daniels also spoke with BHN about the tone of his words which made it seem his departure from the struggle was near.

(BHN) – Some of your comments tonight made it seem like farewell comments and you did say “IF” there is another conference.

(RD) - The reason why is because we don’t have the corporate sponsorships, we don’t have big foundation grants. Most of this is dependent upon the registration fees of people who come and small contributions. It’s very big and it’s hard to pull it off. So the economy was pretty rough on us, if we had been able to pull out of it we would have pulled out of this convention center and went somewhere else. It’s been rough. A lot of people who would have been here are not here because of the economy and yet we were counting on them because those registration fees, that’s our budget. Our budget is not based on huge corporate sponsorships and foundation grants. The more people who come quantitatively is what would help give us the kind of budget to move forward and beside, I was trying to say with the new generation coming on, I’m reaching a point where the next generation needs to take over and this is a huge – the amount of work that goes into it this, if you don’t have the foundation grants, the sponsorships, that means a lot of sweat equity. My wife, [Mary Frances], and I and others, volunteers working but it’s volunteers, not a fully staffed operation and whereas I could do that much better 25 years ago, it’s a lot of stress and straining.

So it is time for another – to take the concept and move it forward. It still seems to me in the next 4-6 years, it’s time for me to become the elder who’s respected, I hope, and can be honored at the program but this thing’s led by someone else. I’ve had a full life of leading important struggles across this country …. it is time to look at sharing that torch and then being the respected elder.

(BHN) – Were you pleased with the youth panel?

(RD) - Oh, outstanding! And that’s what we wanted. I insisted on that, I wanted to see the panel be up there first. That’s how we discovered [Kimberly “Dr. Goddess” Ellis]; she was somebody who came knocking on the door at the last conference; kept bugging me and bugging me; kept giving me references and I finally said, ‘Come on,’ and she came and blew it away. Now here she is. She’s a part of the secession. She’s here, she’s doing the work and that’s how it happens and we’re looking for others to move on.

(BHN) – Thank you.

(Photos by Lens of Ansar)

© 2008 – All Rights Reserved – The Black House News
Unlimited online distribution allowed with acknowledgement of bhonline.org as the source

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Tags: Add new tag, barack obama, black agenda, black president, davey d, kimberly ellis dr goddess, malika sanders, marc lamont hill, national black political agenda, ron daniels, state of the black world conference, thenjiwe, veronica conway