Penn Greets Kweisi Mfume (Former NAACP CEO)

This weekend (4/22)I attended the Regional Democratic State Convention in Ocean City. At the convention policy statements were developed around the following areas, Growth, Development and Environment, Education, Health, and Jobs and the Economy. These policy statements will be shared with the region's Democratic Central Committees, who will develop action statements for implementaion.

Kweisi Mfume, (former Maryland Congressman and CEO of the NAACP) was the Luncheon speaker. He gave an insightful and passsionate speech. I thank God for him. This man deserves to be the next Senator from the State of Maryland.

What Is Required To Be An Effective Black Politician...?

Dr. James White, Jr. former Commissioner and President of the Princess Anne Town Council discussed some notions on What Is Required to Be An Effective Black Politician and What Do Blacks Experience When Elected to Office with Regards to Black Support?

Experience obtained through serving on boards and commissions, setting a specific political agenda, knowing what your community looks like and it's changing demographics, making a difference that benefits your constituents, effective interpersonal relationships, being
able to give and take with your colleagues. Black politicians don't always get the support from their Black constituency until something goes wrong.

It's quite a bit isn't it?

Am I Qualified To ....

Do African American Politicians face a tougher struggle in getting things done than their white counterparts? What does the individual need to know before running for political office? Dr. James White, a former politico, will join me this week as he answers these questions and a few other burning questions. Believe it or not I have my own thoughts on this subject. Will it be a battle royal or two church goers getting together to show how much we agree with each other? Dr. White is a long time friend, so I'm certain whatever comes out of it we will have some fun. I think you will too. Tune in on Saturday at 9:30am, on station WJDY AM 1470 to see if you're qualified to run for office.

Your Greatest Thought

Our current position in life is as a result of our greatest thought ----- acted upon. Not happy or satisfied with where you are in life, or what you have achieved, then assume a different thought process and/or begin to act on it. We were born from spirit into this world. We are always connected to God's Holy Spirit, which intends good and greatness for us. He is always speaking to us. When you stumped your toe, or hit your head on a sunken overpass , try to remember what you were thinking of the moment it happened. Don't focus on the bad, think about the good, and if acted upon the greatest that will come out of it. This very moment, you have achieved what you've wanted to achieve, because you are acting on your greatest thought.

The Media and The Minority Communities

Ms. Talibah Chikwendu, a freelance writer for the Afro-American Newspapers, a former writer and photograper for the Daily Banner, Editor of the Baltimore and Washington AFRO-American newspapers, and Mr. Jason Newton, anchor and reporter for WBOC TV 16 (CBS affiliate) paid us a visit this weekend (4/15) to discuss the media and the minority communities. We concluded that the media must report the news, and they report what they think is of most interest to the public.

The public can help to determine what's written or aired by 1) contacting the media (Editor's desk) to share news worthy information, 2) realizing the media is there to share information with the public and not to solve problems, 3) patronizing or do not patronize businesses that sponsor media stories, 4) being involved in your community 5) writing letters of appreciation or complaints to the reporters.

If we'd like to be treated a certain way by the media, we must make it happen. It won't happen my accident, or through someone else ----- where have I heard that before?

Thank you Ms. Chikwendu and Mr. Newton --- we'll be reading your articles and listening to you, ------- and taking your advise. 

The Crazy Media?

Everyone is trying to get you mind. If they have your mind, they’ve got you. Every day we surrender our thoughts and many times our belief systems to that which is espoused in the media. The styles we adopt. The products we use. The cars we buy. The lies and lives we live. The media affects us tremendously. Why do we allow this to happen? …and sometimes we don’t know it’s happening. I read a book one time called Subliminal Seduction. It tells us the purposeful actions the media has taken to manipulate our minds, and you don't even know about it. This week (4/15) on Called2Action, we’ll talk about this, what is the responsibility of the media in telling the story? How can we work with the media to help to achieve the ends that we’re striving to achieve?

I’ll be inviting some of the leading African American personalities in the media to discuss this topic.

Why Don't Minority Groups Vote?

In the major African American community in Salisbury, the voter turnout in the last election was higher than it's been in quite a while, (app. 34%). However, it was the lowest voter turnout in the county. In one precinct the voter turnout was 95%.

The attitude that "I can't make a difference", prevails with the majority. Councilman Ed Taylor, (picture in set), suggested on going need to show the relevancy to our youth. David, (my co-host) will try to fire up some of our youth people.

I shared some "late breaking" news this morning. It is anticipated the General Assemble will overturn the Governor's veto on Monday. If that happens, in September of this year Maryland voters will be able to vote at any precinct (any location) in the state of Maryland. Also voters will be able to vote for one week ----- the week prior to the typical election day going into Saturday. This should make things more accessible to all
persons. Now let's get our folks to the polls ----- after we get them to register to vote.

Called2Action Genre'

We talk issues that affects the disenfrancished. This we do every Saturday at 9:30am on radio station WJDY 1470AM. This is a show of empowerment. The first solutions to our problems must begin with the individual, but I would be less than knowledgeable if I did not share that there are public policy issues that must also be addressed.

Our goal on Saturday's is to inspire the uninspired, direct the undirected, irritate the comfortable, hold accountable the unaccountable, as we move across the Jordan. This I will do until I am no more.

The Man Said, "I Don't Care About Politics"

I will be taking to Councilwoman Shanie Shields and Councilman Edward Taylor this week on the radio program Called2Action. Why is it important to get involved in politics? Why should anyone put their stocks in any political party? What can politics do for anyone? A few questions I’ll volley at my guests.

Being A Haitian In America and Salisbury

Pastor Roosevelt Toussaint, was our guest on Called2Action this past week (4/1). Not surprisingly, we learned that the challenges the Haitian and Hispanic Community face are the same as that of African-Americans. We also learned that African American students are picking on the Haitian students in school, because of their cultural differences. When I first moved to the continental United States I found that African Americans were very narrow minded in attempting to understand different cultures, needless to say, appreciate other cultures. In addition the language barriers further compounds their problems.
What an amazement if the African American, the African Haitian and the Hispanic community would come together. Let's all start by trying to understand each others culture, particulary those that come to America.

The staff of the Called2Action program will be working on this with your help. Will we all come together? With God's help we will. Stay tuned... better still tune in, listen and let's get to action. Will you help us? May God continue to bless you.

Travis Smiley Comes To Delmarva?.... Stay Tuned.

I have been able to contact Tavis Smiley's staff and we are in the process of determining whether an interview with Mr. Smiley will be practical. Tavis will be in Baltimore this upcoming weekend espousing the book, "Convenant with Black America".

If all goes well we should have him on the show soon. My plans are to get it done during this week, (4/3). If you have not obtained the book, Convenant with Black America, pick it up. I understand that it is the number 2 book on the New York Times best selling list.

If we are able to get Mr. Smiley on the show we will discuss the evolution of the book, what the book is, how should the book be used and what happens next as a result of the book?

A Chat with the Haitian Community

I am determined --- with the inspiration, guidance and help from God --- to align our forces for the good of us all. I am interested in all, but there is a special passion within me to help the disenfrancised, (the spiritually and economically poor).

A couple weeks ago the Hispanic Community dawned the walls of the radio studio. This week the Haitian Community will spend some time with me. Pastor Roosevelt Toussaint, a Haitian, will join me to talk about the unique problems that Haitian's face when they come to the land of their dreams, ---- more particularly Wicomico County -- and what we can do to help them better assimilate into this environment. Wouldn't it be wonderful if African-Americans, Hispanics, Haitians and other such groups would address, at least, some of our common problems together. Let's begin by understanding each other; what's important to each other and the values that we cherish. Then let's develop common ground. We'll take about that this Saturday, (4/1), on WJDY 1470 AM at 9:30am.

Urgent Press Release

I received this urgent press release this morning. (See the attached article referencing schools takeover).


http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/bal-schools0329,0,7334326.story?coll=bal-home-headlines

What do you think?

Audio Taping of Interview with Dr. Charlene Boston

This is an excerpt from my interview with Dr. Charlene Boston.

An Interview with Superintendent Boston

Saturday morning gave us the opportunity to interview the head of our education system, Dr. Charlene Boston. As always she was gracious, and insightful in sharing with us her thoughts. We accomplished much under her leadership --- increased grades, a lower dropout rate, increased funding to our school system. Many sowable seeds have been planted. We must now water and fertilize these seeds with love, (sunlight) parental guidance, (pruning) and provide the required resources, (water).

She will be leaving us in June. We will miss her. We thank her for sharing with us what God has given to her. Hope you had the opportunity to hear the show.

In this blog I've included an audio excerpt from the show.

Has Our Educational Dreams Been Deferred With the Leaving of Our Superintendent?

Dr. Charlene Boston, recently announced that she would not be returning as Superintendent of the Wicomico County School System for the year 2006-2007. In several county's throughout the state of Maryland --- closest being Dorchester County,--- superintendents have opted not to return to lead their school systems. Our Superintendent was with us one contract term (4 years). Is this the start of a trend? Is too much expected of our Superintendents? Do they have to spend more time chasing the dollar, and less time pursuing a quality education for our children? Join me and the Superintendent this Saturday (3/25) as we discuss her accomplishments, her dreams for the county and what our communities should be doing to continue to strengthen our education system. Join me Saturday (3/25) at 9:30am on WJDY 1470am.

The Hispanic Community and the Challenges They Confront

We've began an appropriate dialogue on effectively resolving the problems that confront the Hispanic/Latino (His-La) communities. Our ultimate goal is to align the forces of the His-La communities with the African and Haitian communities. We have much in common, --- to begin, we are the have less, consequently we are the first to experience the maladies of society, i.e. access to health care and jobs, poor grades in schools, child care etc. My thanks to the ladies who took the chance to
be interviewed by me -- in Washington DC. Natali Fani, Leila Borrero Krouse, Nohora Rivero, and Mariana Padley, (see first photo to right).

Challenges Confronting the Hispanic Community

Nora Rivero will be joining me on this Saturday's (3/18) radio show. Nora will be accompanied by two guests. Nora is a community advocate for the civic and legal rights of Hispanics. Also scheduled to join me from Washington DC is Nataly Fani, (see article). I met Nataly about a year ago at a Hispanic meeting and was impressed with her insight and her energy. Nataly is my Micheal Jordan on addressing Hispanic issues statewide. (I hope Nataly doesn't mind the simile). Additionally, I've heard some good things about Nataly in our state capital. Nataly is a former Lobbyist and Organizer of CASA of Maryland. She is currently a Political Analysis for the Embassy of Venezula.

We know that the Hispanic community, and the African-American community experience similar social and political challenges, but there are some different challenges these groups experience. What are the challenges the Hispanic community confronts in Salisbury that we may not be aware of? I will ask the question, Are there Hispanic gangs in Salisbury? What role does the church foster in the Hispanic community? How can Hispanics and African-Americans align our forces to address our common problems. Aren't we better off addressing our common problems together? I am going to find out as much about this ethnic group as I can ------ and talk about working together ---- all this on Saturday on WJDY 1470 AM at 9:30 am.

Wealth Building in the Minority Community

Super show on Wealth Building (3/11). Our guest Dr. Jessie B. Brown, national best selling author on Investing in the Dream, (see website). Dr. Brown is a stock broker and financial planner and publishes a weekly newsletter, entitled "Pay Yourself First". He is also President of Crystal Investment Management in Chicago, Illinois. Our local guests were (young brothers) Gregory Townsend and Andre' (Gator) Henry. Mark has several properties in the area and Gator is the owner of a
salon business in Salisbury. These brothers are "rolling".

Some resulting thoughts --- wealth building differs from income generating in that wealth is transferable to generations. It starts with an attitude and continues to financial goal setting; on-going financial literacy training is important. Parents and schools must incorporated financial literacy in their curriculum. Place your money in things that increase in value, i.e. property. The Eastern Shore is furtile ground for purchasing property that will increase in value, because of its retirement genre. These are a few thoughts that came out of the program.

Dr. Brown has offered to provided anyone that contacts his office with a set of free information on "saving and investing". His contact number is
1-800-955-0418, or you may e-mail him at krystalinvest@yahoo.com.
For the folks in the Virgin Islands that reads this blog, this offer is also being extended to you.

Thank you Dr. Brown and Mr. Townsend and Henry.

Upcoming Radio Shows

Upcoming Radio Shows For the Month of March On Called2Action, (1470 WJDY AM -- 9:30am) All Shows are tentatively scheduled, contingent upon last minute guest schedule changes.

March 11, 2006 ---- Wealth Building In Our Community
We'll lay out a plan that will aid in building wealth. It all starts with a vision, driven by an attitude and strenthened with challenges. We all can be wealthier than we are, if we want to.
March 18, 2006 ---- Challenges Confronting the Hispanic Community
The Hispanic Community has a number of problems that we don't even think about. Have we turned our backs on the Hispanic Community?
March 25, 2006 ---- Wicomico County School Superintendent Charlene Boston
Dr. Boston recently announced she would not be returning as Superintendent. We'll talk about her accomplishments, and what direction we should be headed in, and foreseen challenges.
April 1, 2006 --- Convenent with Black America --- Discussion with Tavis Smiley or Staff.
Discusses the Implementation of the Convenant with Black America recently seen on the State of Black America aired on C-Span 2. (The guest for this show has not been finalized)

God's Plan Is Generational

God’s complete plan Is generational, and not limited to our time, or limited to us. For us to think that we are responsible for completing a phase or all of God’s Plan in our time may reveal more of our self centered-ness, than God’s spirituality. God’s plan may begin with us, or continue with us, but end in generations later. With that in mind, our preparation of those that God brings in our lives is paramount, particularly those that are younger. It’s not about us. It’s about GOD. Build a generation in the word of God, and not an ego-nation in the name of ourselves.

Does The Church Empower or Imprison?

Our topic on March 4, 2006 radio program. A few eminating thoughts. The church must first address the spiritual man. The leader must assist willing parishioneers to grow spiritually. The church must also address the personal needs of willing parishioneers. The church has been and must continue to be a liberator. The church should help our people to get jobs, build their wealth, educate them nutritionally, etc. People will not come together, until churches come together. The devil continues to be the enemy that effects us all. Our guest this week, see bottom picture, Dr. Brian Mitchell, Mr. Warren White, Pastor Craig Mathies, and Rev.
William Ross. We will have a follow-Up program in a few weeks that continues to address the church and its vital role in liberating the man.
Well, I can't write anymore. You should have listened to the show.

Do Sports Coaches Take Advantage of Our Kids?

The response on the Called2Action Radio Program was a resounding Yesssssssss. Winning at all cost has become the mantra. More Kids than fewer, are being exploited. They are not being taught the fundamentals of the game. Coaches pattern what they see on television. This week we had Kenny Luck, a multi sports record holder at the University of Delaware (see article) and a Washington Bullets draftee, Donnie Waters, a one time all time scoring leader at a local high school and from North Carolina Fred Whitted, author of the article Black Head Coaches: History vs. Reality (see article). Parents must be activitely involved in assuring their kids that education is primary, and sports should aid in this endeavor, not replace it. Chances of our children becoming pro athletics are slim to none.

In the first picture on this page is Radio personality Randi White, who has worked with us as a technical producer - engineer and on air commentator. Randi leaves us this week to go to another job. We'll miss you Randi. You've been wonderful to work with. We all influence each
others lives, Randi did ours. Take care sis. In the second pix, myself, on air guest Donnie Waters and Kenny Luck, and co-host David Miller.

Hip Hop Radio Posse'

Here is the Hip Hop radio posse' from Saturday's radio show on the
Hip Hop Culture. Kia Wallace and Allen George. Let's give them a round of applause for the job they did. If you see them in your travels, let them know.

The Hip Hop Culture

This week's show on the Hip Hop Culture and turning Hip Hop into a positive force was super. Our guest was Kia Wallace and Allen George, both students at Wicomico High School. Thanks to Principal Hughes for making this possible. Prior to the show my knowledge on the Hip Hop Culture was "ziltch". I now have a better understanding of it. They were very informative. We learned about the five, or so, different forms of Hip Hop. The Call2Action is that we must bridge the generation gap by learning more about hip hop through reading and trying hard to listen to the music. Discourage the media from airing negative hip hop and reward them for playing good hop. We must meet young people where they are. Hip Hop is here to stay. Stay tuned we may have a Hip Hop summit to come out of this.

Some of My Favorite Free Software

Many of the softwares that we spend money buying we can obtain free on the internet. Below are a few of my favorite free software program you can download from the internet.

Open office ---- www.openoffice.org

Can’t afford to purchase Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Well you can get a program that works as well as, and even better in some instances than MS Word, etc. and its free. It’s also compatible with MS Word. Check it out.

Picasa2 www.picasa.com

Great program. Catologs your pictures on your computer and allows you to edit them, among many other features.

Anti-Virus http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

Why purchase Norton’s or McAfees. Try this free antivirus program.

You may find other super free programs at:

www.komando.com/bestshareware.asp#avg

Planetary Politics

Thomas Jefferson was well aware of planetary cycles, configurations, and influences. His writings make repeated references to a twenty year cycle for “touching up” a revolution.

Jefferson 20 year cycle of change has worked itself out since 1840, in that every President elected on the cycle has died in office. The pattern began with William Harrison elected in 1840; Abraham Lincoln elected in 1860; James Garfield, elected in 1880; William McKinley, re-elected in 1900; William Harding elected in 1920; FDR, re-elected in 1940; John Kennedy elected in 1960.

It is no accident that July 4 was chosen as the birth of our county. The date represents highly significant planetary configurations. From July 4 other significant date in American tradition follow the astrological cycle of fours. Thus national elections are held in November, the fourth month following July and the original date for the inauguration of the president was March 4, the fourth month following November. Count four more months and you are back to the birthday of the United States.

Liberating the Improvished

Saturday's show on the Debilitating Effects of Poverty attributed poverty to several things. These things are 1) public policy 2) a number of ---isms, 3) personal choices 4) low paying jobs, and 4) lack of formal education --- tied into personal choices.

Our Call2Action, 1) be involved in shaping public policy by voting and holding leaders accountable, 2) turn your ---isms into achiev-ism. Turn you bads into good --- attitude is important, 3) stay away from paying high interest rates, predatory lending, spend less in buying things that do not appreciate in value, do not rent furniture, TV etc. 4) pursue furthering your education. We all are responsible for helping our fellow man. We are all improvished if we fail to help those that are. 

POVERTY IS FOR THE POOR?

On this weeks’ Call 2 Action radio program our guest will be Dr. William Spriggs, Chairman of the Economics Department at Howard University located in Washington, D.C. Dr. Spriggs has written in this month’s Crisis Magazine --- a publication of the NAACP ---- an article on poverty in America, and why the poor are getting poorer, (www.thecrisismagazine.com). We decided to address this topic because of the several shows that we’ve done thus far, being poor is a common underlying theme that is heard. Dr. Spriggs talks about causes and solutions. What he says may surprise you. Tune in on Saturday February 11, 2006 at 9:30 am on WJDY 1470 AM.

Also joining us will be our own Yvonne Terry. We will have our usual round table discussion and then we will share with the listening audience how to address this problem. You will find that we all contribute to the improvised state that many of our people are in, and therefore we all hold some responsibility for solving it. Mrs. Terry will tell it like it is, as she usually does. Don’t forget ---- Saturday February 11, 2006 at 9:30 on WJDY 1470 AM.

Where Is Mr. Progress?

The progress that any community or organization makes or doesn’t make begins with leadership. If you are not satisfied with the things that are happening in your community, you must always go back to those persons you have trusted into positions of leadership. The Bible tells us that in the last days men will be more concerned with self and money than they are concerned with the well fair of their fellow men.

The noble follower must clearly define, or have defined that which the leader must achieve that will benefit humanity, (the community). A leader that is engaged in efforts with no results is an ineffective leader. No progress being made in your community? Check out your leaders.

Your honor I rest my thoughts.

The Debilitating Effects of Poverty

On next week's radio show we will be discussing the Debilitating Effects
of Poverty, --- WoW. It's the common thread to the topics we have discussed thus far. We've made arrangements with a Professor from Howard University, who is an expert on the topic -- Dr. William Spriggs. He is the author of an article in this month's Crisis Magazine. He has already agreed to be on the show via telephone. I've just got to
make some arrangements to get him on air. We will be talking about the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer.

A Retake of Called 2 Action

A Picture from Saturday's Show on, Are There Gangs In Salisbury?
The experts say there are 10 to 12 gangs in Salisbury. Can you believe
it? We also concluded that early intervention is critical.

Colds and The Flu

I’ve noticed this year more than any other year, many more people than in years past have colds and the flu. Three of my friends that I have never seen with a cold, are struggling with colds this year. Strangely, I’ve also have noticed that the laser detector in my truck sounds more that it ever has. I have had the detector for about 5 or 6 years, and the laser alarm has scarcely ever sounded. Obviously, I’m not certain there’s a link, but I couldn’t help but put the two together. I do know that those things that are not as obvious to us, effects us more than the things that are obvious to us. Technology has become more sophisticated. In conclusion, I don’t believe the increase frequency of colds/flus are merely coincidental. Something is going on. What do you think?

Gangs In Your Community?

Gangs In Your Community? Do you know for a Fact that they exist or don’t exist? What is a Gang? Why are Gangs Formed? Is it more Likely you will be in a gang if you are poor?

These are many more similar questions will be explored on the Called 2 Action Radio Program on Saturday, February 04, 2006, at 9:30am. Two experts in our community will discuss this topic with me.