Closing the Racial Digital Divide

Dr. Robert Johnson, shared with us a few of the statistics that supports the fact that there is a racial digital divide, and cited what must be done to narrow the divide. This must be a threefold action plan. We must out selves have access to a computer, learn to use it for efficient production. Computer knowledge is required in all professions. We must lobby our political figures to have them realize that there is a racial divide and get them to fund programs that will address this phenomena, and thirdly, partitioning our social institutions to include steps to address this, i.e. schools, computer training must be required in schools, churches, social organizations.

The longer we delay to take action, the greater the divide will become.

Reducing the Digital Divide ---- Is it Possible?

This week (7/30/07), Reducing the Digital Divide ---- Dr. Robert Johnson, Instructor at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, stops by the newsroom --- locale of the Called2Action radio program. Is it possible to reduce the great digital divide? If so, how?

Next Week, author of the book, You Can Have It All, Arnold Patent.

You can listen to Called2Action via the internet each week. See the link on the left.

Does The Christian Religion Empower or Imprison African Americans?

Guns loaded and ready to fire, my guests came out shooting right from the hips tonight. Some disagreement among them on the subject matter. One viewpoint was that the religion has always been a tool to imprison us. Another viewpoint Churches have accomplished much. Though we are not where we can be, "the glass is half filled from a spiritual point of view. My guests, the loquacious and colorful Adhim Deveaux, (bottom left) Julius Thompson, (bottom right) and soon to be best selling author Jimmy Dumas, author of the book 24 Reasons Why African Americans Suffer, were dynamic and knowledgeable in their presentation.

A Taste of Good Etiquette

Good Etiquette is the acceptable practices within a culture/group etc. ---- my own definition. Betty Collins, retired Home Extension public servant share with us a few examples of good etiquette. Here are a few examples, you always introduce the person of a lower "rank" to a person of a higher rank, i.e. Mr. President, I'd like to introduce you to Ms. Sallie Mae. When having a mulitple course dinner, always start with the folks on the outside and work your way in towards the plate. Do not begin to eat until everyone at the table is ready to eat, and eat at the same pace as everyone else. Be on time. Though my guest says this changes in different cultures, I say be on time all the time.

The Coming Haitian Revolution

Mr. Habacuc Pepion, of our Haitian Community, talked about the many complications Haitian immigrants face in coming to this county. Haitians come to America for a financially better way of life. Challenges with communications and interacting with the larger African American community is a major problem. Unlike the Hispanic community, who have been rallying together under the guidance of Salisbury University, the Haitian community remains unsupported by any primary group. A plea was made to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, (an HBCU), to provide similar support to the Haitian community. I have offered my assistance to Mr. Pepion. We briefly layed out several strategies to help them to get going. Mr Pepion and other members of the community will join me the first weekend in October 2007, to discuss their progress. We're going to make this thing happen ---- Are you on-board?

Coming Called2Action

Tonight 7/8/07 The Coming Haitian Revolution
Week of 7/15/07 The Power of Knowing Good Etiquette.
Week of 7/22/07 Religion Does It Empower or Imprison? (Business Unfinished)

A Look At Unequal Justice

Is it still just-us? Well.....well.....well. Former 25 year State Police Officer ---- former because of his retirement status ---- Bill Harden stopped by to discuss the facts, visions for addressing, and a few thoughts we should be aware of. Bill shared with us the statistic of disparities in sentencing along racial lines for drug usage. In particular, cocaine and the derivatives thereof. The statistics are indicting of our whole society, in particular African Americans. A number of factors, poor legal representation, non-familiarity with the working of our judicial system. We talked about the numbers in prison, for eg. in a prison site in Delaware, census about 3,000, 90% of the confined inhabitants are Black men.

There's been information circulating that says the CIA was instrumental in having cocaine traverse our communities --- reason not discussed ---- don't know if that's important. Regardless, we do not have to give our minds to anything that will control it, whether it be drugs or diabolical ideas clothed in nuances of sophistication. Thanks Bill.

Editorial Update

Our July 1, 2007 discussion with Arnold Patent has been postponed. No fault of Mr. Patent or myself. I was informed late last night (6/30) that some of the equipment in the Clear Channel's holdings were hit by lightning, resulting in our phone lines being scrambled. Mr Patent was joining us via telephone. Though the lines may be unscrambled by air time, I could not take a chance that it would be and had to move to an alternate plan. A rescheduling date of the interview has not been set, ----- as of yet. Stay tuned. ----- I'll get it in within a few weeks.

You Can Have It All... Says Who? Says Arnold Patent

Arnold Patent, author of the book “You Can Have It All”, will be my guest this week (7/1/07) on the Called2Action radio program. We will be discussing the basic laws (principles) of the universe. These principles have been recognized for many years, but relatively few people know them and even fewer use them in their daily lives, per Mr. Patent. He has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey TV program, and several of the major morning TV programs. He’s conducted these type trainings for 18 years throughout the US and the world.

He will be joining me my telephone. This gentleman is dynamic in his thought process, and will have much to share that can be applied to everyone’s life.

A Bird's Eye View On Maryland's New Laws

The Honorable Delegate Rudy Cane, Maryland's 37A district discussed several major new laws that will be going into effect October 1, 2007. Upon briefly discussing the structure of our government the following new laws were discussed: 1) Expungements - Someone that is arrested but not charged, record will be automatically expunged. 2) Maryland has passed an expression of regrets for Maryland's role in Slavery, 3) Living Wage law is being considered, 4) others new law areas discussed were identity theft, Smoking Ban - Clean Indoor Air Act, Higher Education Tuition Freeze, Health Care Access, Electricity - Solar Energy. To read each of these laws and many others passed this year visit this link to the Maryland Legislature.

Fathering or the Lack Thereof In the African American Community

Soon to be best selling author, Jimmy Dumas, author of the book 24 Reasons Why African Americans Suffer, joined me from Alabama this past week, (Fathers Day) to discuss this important topic. We both congratulated the men in our communities who have regarded their children more important than themselves. They have supported them emotionally and financially, and they have likewise supported the mother of their children. These fathers have been pillars in the African American community. Their influence on their children have been long benefiting of our community.

On the other swing of the pendulum are those fathers who do just the opposite. They are absent in the lives of their children. Brother Dumas shared the following bits of information from the book "America Has Lost A Generation of Black Boys" by Phillip Jackson. Black men in Jail have become as common place as Apple pie. Other countries are looking at America and adopting America's social policies that encourage the incarceration and destruction of young men. More worst is the passivity that exist in the African American Community. On the program we discussed the Black Star Project, and how they are addressing the problem. We also discussed the church's role in this "mess". The statistics (see link) of our failures are astonishing. I should take time and cite the statistic here, but use the link above for more details. Great job Brother Dumas.

Does Religion Empower or Imprison?

Isaac White, (in studio) and Adhim Deveaux (in Mt. Vernon, N.Y.) discussed this interesting topic this past week. The subject matter remains unfinished, but was definitely headed in the direction that religion as is practice has done more to hurt us than it has to help us. Churches are the wealthiest institution in the black community, but we must still go across town to borrow money at high interest rates; Most women in the church are obese. Obesity leads to many illnesses. The church does not address these things. Who do Christians follow in the Bible? Can you look at them and tell? An interesting discussion that will continue during the third week of July 2007. Stay tuned, if you haven't been tuned then get tuned.

Does The Church Empower or Imprison Its Congregants?

Does the Church Empower or Imprison...? What do you think? We address that issue this weekend, (6/10/07). The persons that will be on the program this weekend will take a definite position on the topic. No responses along the line of it depends. Why haven't we been able to achieve more in our personal and corporate lives? Why aren't we able to heal? Why are so many of our people obese? Why do we suffer more from all of the maladies of life and attend church more regularly? What is the role of the church in the lives of the people? This should be a lively discussion.

Juneteenth Is On The Way

A Few Comments on Juneteenth ----- June 3, 2007 Radio Program --- with guest Organizer Kimberly Dumpson, Esq.

clipped from www.juneteenth.com Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society. © 1996-2007 Juneteenth.com.

Juneteeth Celebrations Throughout Our Nation

Attorney Kimberly Dumpson will be in the studio this week (6/3/07) to talk about Juneteeth, What is It? Why Do We Celebrate it? What is it's historical significance? Why is this event of signigicant importance to African Americans? Sunday night at 8:00pm on Clear Channel's Magic 98.9.

Thanks to Our Veterans

Tom Kimball, the Maryland State Commander of the of the Veterans of Foreign War, gave me an opportunity to representatively say thank you to all those who have served our country so well over the many years of our American history. Tom joined me on Memorial Day weekend. One of the questions I directed at Tom was, why do we have Black VFW's and White VFW's? Tom dispelled the notion by saying, essentially, that veterans all work together to support each other. He also cited a few examples. Thanks Commander Kimball.

"Fight The Power...Company"?

John Allen, Vice President of Delmarva Power - the premier Power Company in the Del Mar Va area, joined me this week on Called2Action. I wanted to talk to John to have him address the high rate of our electric bills. Though John explained the difference roles at play -- the distributors and suppliers --- the bottom line is the same --- our electric bills are higher. Within the last year our electric bills have increased by 70% or better. John shared with us that electric rates have been frozen for a while, and the higher rates are now enabling Delmarva Power to function in a manner that's consistent with existing expenses. He also share that there have been six companies approved in Maryland by the Public Service Commission to provide power in this area. Interested persons should contact the Public Service Commission to find out more about how they can go about signing up for another power sources.

Upcoming Called2Action Program

Tonight's Program ----- A Tribute to Mothers with Councilwoman Shanie Shields and Alethia Nichols (joining us from Detroit Michigan)
Next Week ---- Delmarva's Power Company's Vice President --- John
Allen (scheduled)
Memorial Day Week End---- A Tribute to Our Soldiers - Tom Kimball Maryland State Commander of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars (Previously Taped)
First Sunday In June ------ The Historical and Contemporary Implications of Juneteeth with Kimberly Dumpson, Esq.
Second Sunday in June ---- Have We Allowed the Church to Emprison or Empower Us As We Work towards Justice in the Social, Political and Economic Order of Things? This will not be a philosophical middle of the road discussion. It will however be thought provoking.

Strenthening Our Community: A Charter School Approach

Ordinarily I take these pixs with my high priced Canon camera, after before or during each radio program. However, on this program that dealt with Strenthening our Community: A Charter School approach, I used by cell phone to take pixs. In looking at the pix's quality I was pleasantly surprised. Anybody want to buy a high priced camera?

Now for the subject at hand. My guests this week were Rev. Julius Thompson, and Dr. Bess McAllister. These folks are spearheading starting a charter school in Somerset County Maryland. They are in the process of appealing a rejection to a request to start a charter school. The intent of this school is to offer an alternative to the public school system. A system in which our young children are behind in every educational aspect. Currently there are 23 charter schools in Maryland, with 10 additional prospective schools, (source of this information is the State Board of Education's Website). None on Maryland's Eastern Shore. On the program we defined what a charter school is, the process for becoming a charter school, and the challenges from Boards of Education and "our people" in trying to get it going. An interesting program. Stay tuned.

Securing the Right To HealthCare and Well Being

I initially met Peter Stanford, MPH, PA-C at a State of the Black Union conference in Easton Maryland in September of 2006. He spoke on the topic , "Securing the Right to Health Care and Well Being", the topic he addressed on this week's Called2Action radio program.

We cited a number of statistics that shows Af-Am suffer from all kinds of illnesses more than their counterparts.

On this week's Called2Action program we discussed a few solutions --- exercising daily, eating fruits daily, stop smoking, encourage health agencies to capture statistics locally that shows racial and gender differences. For additional information read the chapter by the same name in the book, The Covenant, or email my brother at pmstanford@umes.edu.