Urban Knowledge

The College Hook-Up

2010-11-18T09:11:00.000-08:00

What is networking?

Meeting people who can be of help to you and being a help to them
The use of formal and informal linkages of people and resources for the purpose of facilitating access to services, skills, contacts, and knowledge

Why Network?

Job references
Letters of recommendations
Connection to employment opportunities
Access to resources that you could not afford (get FREE stuff)

Resources:
The College Hook-Up Presentation

Career social networking in college

25 Absolute Essentials for Networking Success

Marketing yourself amongst Fresno's high unemployment

2009-10-30T18:03:00.000-07:00

In an US News article, Fresno was noted as one of the cities suffering with some of the highest rates of unemployment. At over 15%, the city is in the company of other communities made up of younger people and immigrants such as Modesto, Stockton and Redding. On the other side, cities like Arlington, VA and Anchorage, AK have grown during the recession due to strong industries-- energy and government, respectively.

Before you pack your bags for Alaska to get a place where you can 'see Russia from your house', there are opportunities to better market yourself that will you help you snag that new job.

Just Pay 20%
The County of Fresno, Fresno Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and other organizations and agencies have teamed to implement the federal Economic Stimulus 80/20 Program. The 80/20 Program will pay 80 percent of the cost to hire a new employee for a year including salary, training, insurance and even uniforms. The employer pays the remaining 20 percent. The employer cannot have laid off workers in the past 90-days and the new employee must be a CalWorks recipient. Watch the ABC-30 News Story.

Market Tax Credit to Pay Your Salary
Depending on where you live and where you potential employer is located, you could be worth thousands of dollars of tax credit for that business. Search the Fresno tax credit map to see if you are eligible.

While times are tough, there are still thousands of jobs out here in Fresno. Sites like http://www.careersinthevalley.com has hundreds of locally posted jobs on a daily basis.

tate hill | Keyword Feed

2009-07-12T21:32:00.001-07:00

tate hill | Keyword Feed

Shared via AddThis

Michael Jackson

2009-06-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop died of a cardiac attack earlier today, June 25, 2009. Find out about Michael Jackson Tributes taking place in Fresno.

Share your comments and thought about Michael Jackson.

The Transparency, Accountability & Capacity Report: Assessment of Fresno Black Chambers of Commerce

2009-03-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

After the historical election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States and Ashley Swearengin as mayor of Fresno along with the economic down turn, business as we know it has changed. Even as our nation and city turn a new page, the stakeholders of Fresno’s African-American business community realize that the function and purpose of a black chamber becomes more imperative in maintaining a healthy business climate. After several years of discontent, a group of former members of the San Joaquin Valley Black Chamber of Commerce started the Central California Chamber of Commerce in 2007.

The status of two chambers has created an upheaval within the community- corporate partners are uncertain whom to support, government is tittering between both, and the black community is unclear as to which to best serves its interest.

After a 120-day evaluation and assessment process that incorporating reviewing Chamber programs and systems, interviews and surveys, The Transparency, Accountability & Capacity Report: Assessment of Fresno Black Chambers of Commerce presents observations and recommendations about how to best move forward.

As always, I welcome your comments and I have extended the offer to publish a written response from their of the chambers.

The Rock Obama

2009-03-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

What would happen if President Obama got ANGRY? Check it out (this was too funny to pass up)

Feb 24th Links- IPA Hearing & Obama Speech

2009-02-25T08:59:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Mike Rhodes, KFCF has archived the testimonies of the IPA Hearing on its website at

http://www.kfcf.org/archives/IPA/.

Also, if you missed President Obama's "state of the union" address, you can play or download a copy at KCFC's sister station KPFA's archives at http://www.kpfa.org/archive/id/48690 .

Pictures from DC

2009-01-23T17:26:00.000-08:00

The Spirit in Washington: Inauguration

2009-01-22T17:06:00.000-08:00

America made history on January 20^th, 2009. I was a part of history. I will be able to one day to look back and tell the story of where I was the day that the first black man was made president. Though this sound cliché’, these words were amongst many quoted and described by myself and other visiting universal citizens from across the globe that quickly filled the streets of Washington D.C.

The cold morning of waiting for the Green line Metro in Greenbelt Maryland started the morning of inauguration at about a windy 18 degrees. The line of patron reached half a mile to the back fence of the metro station. SheRee Johnson, my best friend, also from the Central Valley and me attended this historical event together.

Standing in line for over an hour and a half seemed like no time as we talked and fellowshipped with other visiting patrons. I was surprised to see people openly communicating with each other. I also was touched by the stories that I heard. D.C. reportedly had no arrest. That shows that what I am saying about the sense of family and peace promoted by President Obama was a valued ethic during the inauguration events. As each person openly stated on the train where they were from, and how cold the weather was or how they didn’t care that they took an unpaid day off work or even an AWOL was well worth attending this almost unbelievable day.

By the time I arrived to the National Mall, it was 8:15 a.m. The streets were full, and the air was almost unbearable. I recall wearing three pairs of thermal pants and a pair of jeans, four tops, a trench pea coat and a scarf. The weather was nothing to play with. There were people everywhere. I even saw people within the entertainment industry freely walking the streets of D.C. A statement that the Obama family was the celebrities of this event. I mean this was the most people I seen in my life at one event. I approached the capitol from the behind, with hopes of getting a good spot in front. But s authorities informed us the Mall had been closed well before 7 a.m. being that it was over capacity.

We traveled by foot 1.5 miles around the large crowds and finally reached the Metro Center Metro Station and traveled to a more urban neighborhood in D.C, known as U St. Which is also home to Ben’s Chilli Bowl, where Obama ate just 5 days prior to our arrival. Entering the door of the historic Busboys and Poets Bookstore/Restaurant we were met with hellos and tear filled eyes as the Clintons approached the seating area on the television screen and the ceremony came to a start.

We made friends, exchanged numbers, made toast and even cried with strangers as our first African American President was inaugurated. A feeling of equality can describe what I felt after the intense words of Obama’s speech. I felt no race, no color, no gender and others in the room felt the same way. As the tissues passed and champagne filled glasses everyone basked in the ambiance of hugs and on the spot utterance of their feelings after reality had set in.

I was in fact overjoyed that I was able to experience this historical moment. After being exhausted from the large crowds and heavy walking I retired as the rest of the world partied…………….to be continued.

Leonard Smith
Bowie State University '09
Hometown: Lemoore, CA

From Washington: Tuesday

2009-01-20T19:39:00.001-08:00

What a day was today!

The college friend I'm staying with in Washington and I left at about
6:45am, and headed to the Metro for a ride to the Capitol area. What
we found were subway trains already PACKED with exuberant
inauguration-goers. We found out later that the crowds were made
thicker by a half-hour delay on that line due to a passenger having
fallen onto the track. No word on any injuries, but apparently the
incident did cause a delay of about half an hour.

When we reached the destination station near the Congressional office
buildings, everything came to a standstill. The station exit simply
couldn't handle such a flood of people. Three trains arrived during
the time it took us to exit. The station operator was on the PA
system telling everyone to "walk straight through the gate" and "keep
it movin'". Eventually, being in an irrepressibly cheerful mood, the
crowd started to parrot these calls, and the words seem to take on a
political dimension. The station operator caught on too, and started
mixing in "yes we can" with her other instructions. This made a long
and frustrating wait thoroughly enjoyable. It was a remarkable
display of unity and the powerful of a joyful spirit.

We met briefly with friends from Fresno who had just flown from
Sacramento into New York, driven directly to Maryland, parked there
and made their way by subway into Washington. This was at about
7:30am, and they were already clocking a 24-hour day. We shared
tickets and split up from there. We didn't see them again because
they were on their way back to New York as soon as the ceremony was
over. What commitment! (And, ouch!)

The ceremony was fantastic. You saw it all on TV -- and you probably
had a better view than almost any of the 2,000,000 of us on the Mall.
Having tickets, we were able to get a little closer and could at least
see the Capitol (though we were too far away to see any individuals).
Mainly we relied on a Jumbotron, partially obscured by an
inconveniently placed tree, to show us the action. A 3- or 4-second
delay between the video and sound made the viewing a bit odd.

Later, walking away from that location, I realized how lucky we were.
Hundreds of portable toilet units were in place FAR from the Capitol,
near the Washington Monument. From there, depending on where you were
situated, you couldn't even tell where the Capitol was. Certainly
seeing the Capitol made things feel special.

The other special thing was the crowd. The Jumbotrons showed the
various celebrities and dignitaries filing in. There were strong
reactions -- positive and negative -- to the different figures. I was
particularly interested to hear impressions from some of the DC
residents about some of the national or local figures I didn't
recognize. It was a fun way to share a story with a friendly neighbor
and help pass the time. After all, speaking of passing the time,
things didn't really start until 11am, and we were in place by about
9. So, plenty of waiting. Not to mention being packed in so tight
that you felt pressure from your neighbors on all sides!

As chaotic as arriving was, leaving the Mall area was particularly
rough. My friend and I ended up walking several miles, sometimes in
circles, trying to escape the rush of the crowd, looking for a working
subway station, and navigating blocked streets, which were many and
seemed placed at random. By the time we reached our home station and
got ourselves to a restaurant, we had been on our feet for nine hours
straight -- all with almost no food or water. So you can understand
why we didn't stick around for the parade!

Those I've talked to all agree this is a historic occasion which we
would never have missed. However, at this point, I also agree with
those who say it's probably something I'll never want to do again!

Elliott Balch

From Washington: Monday

2009-01-20T19:11:00.001-08:00

I knew when I ran into -- who else? -- Lyle Lovett at Dulles airport
Sunday night that it would be a good trip to Washington. If Lyle can
marry country, gospel, and jazz, surely the nation can come together
for one day to celebrate a historic new beginning in its leadership.

And come together we have. At the Marriott next to my friend's
apartment near the Zoo yesterday, I passed part of a cohort of 5,000
university students in town for the national Inaugural Convention.
They were waiting for charter buses to take them downtown.

When I got downtown via Metro, I realized a bus would be the last way
I'd want to try to get around. Lines to get in the House Office
Buildings, which house the Representatives' personal offices, were
wrapped around the block. Just to get in the Rayburn Building, where
I was picking up inauguration tickets, the line was over quarter-mile
long and three abreast. It took two hours of standing in the cold
just to get in the building.

Once in the building, the scene was slightly chaotic. Not everyone
had arranged tickets through a Member of Congress, so folks were
storming the halls looking for any extras. Extras were hard to come
by, though. I got really lucky that Congressman Radanovich had a last
minute cancellation or two, freeing up a ticket for me.

Elliott B.

The Obama Inauguration

2009-01-20T13:41:00.001-08:00

I so was excited to watch the inauguration of the country's first black president this morning. CNN.com Online with Facebook broadcasted the entire ceremony live. The inaugural speech will reair this afternoon at 5, 7, and 9 PM EST.

Fresno Inaugural Events

2009-01-08T08:45:00.000-08:00

Fresno Inaugural Events

Join Fresno area residents of all ages for breakfast, Inaugural viewing & a celebration of our America's 44th President who is bringing CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN.

Contact the Democrats in Action office: 559-486-5422 fresnodemocrats@gmail.com

'We are the Change' Celebration

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

5-7 PM

African-American Museum of the SJV

1857 Fulton Street, Fresno, CA 93721

FREE

This is an opportunity to commemorate the life of King and the presidency of Obama at the local level through the

“We are the Change” Celebration . This event invites local elected officials, business and community leaders to participate in a day of festivities that will unite greater Fresno. RSVP your attendance, please contact Kimberley Jackson at (559) 243-1550 or at vbtalk@aol.com.

Day One

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

9 PM-1:30 AM

The Starline

831 Kern Street

Fresno, CA 93728

Fresno Swearing-In Ceremony

2009-01-06T13:42:00.000-08:00

Today, well wishers, the media and family members from as far away as Aspen, Greece gathered to welcome the change of the guard in Fresno's leadership. At the first council meeting of the year, the City Clerk swore in Council members Andreas Boregas and Lee Brand along with Mayor Ashley Swearengin. In a capacity filled chamber, Brian Calhoun, Jerry Duncan and now former-Mayor Alan Autry also said farewell and thanked their colleagues, staff and the residents of Fresno for the opportunity to serve.

In her usual get-down-to-business fashion, Mayor Swearingin took the opportunity to speak about her plans for her first 100 days in office. Of the number of task and initiatives she plans to employ immediately, here a few I found interesting:

Conduct a city efficiency analysis. This would be an update to a 2002 report comparing our city service to like cities
An in-depth department evaluation. Along with this evaluation, department are being asked to present budget scenarios with 4 and 8 percent reductions for the upcoming 2009-20 fiscal year.
Revamping and refocus of economic development department to the Downtown & Community Revitalization Department. Announce of the changes and its team was presented last week in a press conference at the Holiday Inn's Sky Room.
Revising and simplifying the city's procurement process that will favor local businesses
Partnering with community initiatives to increase resident's awareness and access to free earned income tax credit (EITC) services in the city.
Establishing the Fresno Citizens Academy, a voluntary program to educate and engage citizen leaders

Kudos the Mayor for demonstrating political class by recognizing her former campaign opponent and current council member, Henry T. Perea for his service while voicing her willingness to work with him.

In addition, the Council elected Councilmember Cynthia Sterling as the first African-American and woman to hold the position of Council President. The Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) presented flowers to both Sterling and Swearengin.

Like liquor stores, like payday... regulate them

2009-01-03T12:36:00.000-08:00

While I'm not a huge fan of payday lending and check cashing companies, I do believe they provide a needed service in low-income communities-- access to basic banking and lending services. The larger question is why are these companies doing so well in certain neighborhoods? It's because of the lack of traditional financial institutions in these neighborhoods.
Like liquor stores that concentrate where there are few grocery stores, these act as a viable alternative at a premium to their customers. Similarly, I believe the non-traditional financial industry should be regulated as state and local government does liquor stores in two ways:

(1) These non-traditional financial institutions should be required to get a city-issued condition use permit (CUP). Liquor outlets are required to get a CUP which requires to some form of resident oversight through entities like the District Implementation Committees or the Planning Commission.

(2) The City of Fresno Planning Department should restrict the number of pay-day loan and check-cashing services within a neighborhoods. The state Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) restricts the concentration of liquor outlets in residential areas. .

Lastly, the City can encourage/incentivise development of neighborhood banking. It was encouraging to see the City Council began to evaluate its financial/banking policy. With a near billion dollar budget, the City can influence the practices of bank through its deposit policy. The City's Bank of Fresno is a step in the right direction.

For more information on pay day loan services, consumer tips in using them and more, check out Americans for Fairness in Lending.

Fresno's New Focus on Downtown & Revitilization

2008-12-31T08:11:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Craig Scharton, Travis Sherdian & Elliott Balch as they began a new adventure at the City's newly formed Downtown & Community Revitalization Department. At the press conference held yesterday in downtown Fresno, Mayor-elect Swearengin announced that this new team will replace the Economic Development department.

Craig spoke to the team’s focus on great design & planning, increasing foot traffic and business districts in downtown, locally-owned businesses and community-led design in the surrounding neighborhoods (Lowell, Jefferson & West Fresno). These are all strategies mentioned in the Creative Economic Council Report that Craig along with others in Creative Fresno helped produce.

Ashley has assembled a great team with the passion and capacity to foster change in our city. Craig has been a man on a mission to revitilize downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods since being on the Fresno City Council in the 1990s. Since 2006, Craig has served as the CEO of the Central Valley Business Incubator and the Claude Laval WET Incubator that provides technical assistance for locally-owned businesses. Craig has also served as the executive director for Main Street Hanford and the Pleasanton Downtown Association, both organizations with the goal of developing and promoting the downtown community (more on Craig and the Incubator). Elliott is the current district director for Assemblymember Juan Arambula (D-31) and Chair of the Fresno Downtown Association. He spreadheaded the Association's successful Fulton Plaza Thursdays that brought thousands to the Fulton Mall for the local music & food festival. Travis is currently at the Central Valley Business Incubator with Craig as the Member Service Director and previous managed Public Relations at Astone. He is currentl the chair of Creative Fresno. But what have they gotten themselves into?

Downtown has many challenges. Fulton Mall foot traffic sometimes is one (depends on when you go). Others included finding the balance of viable businesses that respects the commitment current vendors have made while fostering an environment that encourages new enterprise into downtown.

There is a desperate need to integrate the surrounding neighborhoods into the plans for downtown as they impact the perspective and vitality of Fresno.

The Super Six?

The department will needed all the help they can get. Craig will be joined by Wilma Quan, Elaine Robles-McGraw and Elizabeth Johanson who will focus on redevelopment, neighborhood revitalization and multicultural marketing & enterprise. Elliott and Travis will focus on downtown and local small businesses. Members of the department will start on the same day Mayor Swearengin takes office on January 6.

Fresno's Black Buying Power?

2008-12-22T18:05:00.000-08:00

Annual Black Purchase Power in Fresno County?

$486 Million (Source: 2000 Census)

Based on the Selig Center for Economic Growth's estimation that national black buying would grow 34% over five years could have local buying power in 2007 more than $652 Million.

Selig estimated national black buying power to be $847 billion while minority toppled more than $2.1 trillion in 2007.

Who passed the Cheese?

2008-12-18T17:20:00.000-08:00

The community opposes an odorous milk & cheese waste processing plant in West Fresno

On Wednesday, December 17, a group of about 30 concerned citizens and organizations won their plea before the Fresno Planning Commission asking them to uphold the City's decision to not allow the southwest Fresno Cottonwood Creek South Gate facility to operate. Cottonwood Creek Consultants, a locally owned renewable technology company had operated a single cell protein production facility that processed water waste from milk and cheese industries into caloric feedstock for animals, appealed to the Commission about the revocation of their site plan.

Recently retired planning director, Nick Yovino had revoked the site plan that allowed them to operate this fall after working with Cottonwood Creek for eight months with no resolve on numerous solid waste and public nuisance violations and citations at the plant due to odor and overwhelming air-borne chemicals. The City's code enforcement department was asked by Yovino to investigate the situation after the former director, others members of city staff and the community went on a tour of the Darling International meat rendering plant in October 2007. The group noticed a significant odor that wasn't coming from Darling as it was not online at the time but from the adjacent city-owned South Gate Pre-Industrial Wastewater Plant. Yovino promised to have the situation investigated as the group noticed four uncovered pools of foaming water and milk products.

In the appeal case heard before the Commission, code enforcement officers testified under oath that the odor and the chemicals presence were so strong it was difficult for them to stomach staying on site but for a few minutes. The City also cited speaking to homeowners at the Habitat for Humanity subdivision at West & Church stating they could not open their windows due to the pervasive odor that persisted throughout the day. A neighboring business & property owner located at the corner Church & Walnut testified that he had difficult keeping employees and lost potential tenants because of the odor. The site plan was revoked due to violations of the conditions that the City was sold on by the owners that the operation would emit no odor.

The owners armed with the staff, consultants and the Central Valley Business Incubator spoke to the merits of the demonstration site and how it produced 200,000 gallons of recycled water a day available to water-starved Westland Water District for irrigation along with a resalable product from the milk waste-feedstock. One commissioner countered that the quantity of water was relatively small given that 27,000 gallons are needed to do a one inch irrigation of one acre of farm land (how did we calculate that?) and the Westlands is compromised of 600,000 acres.

The Incubator argued that the pain should be tolerated in order to support a locally headquartered company that would produce jobs (presently 18 employees) and build up the renewable/recycling industry. Members of the community countered that the smell was too profound especially in a one-mile radius of five schools (preschool-12), four churches, and hundreds of residents. Also Sarah Sharpe, Environmental Health Director from Metro Ministries and Edison High alumnus spoke to the potential unknown health hazards that the facility may present in its' open air biological processing.

The owner and regional investors also spoke to the $3 million investment they had made into the project, which they didn't expect to make a significant return for another eight years. Tate Hill, Chair of the District Three Implementation Committee stated the Edison/Southwest Fresno Merger II Advisory Planning Committee approved the project on the contingency that the site would do no harm. He was concerned about the odor's impact on the Housing Authorities' HOPE VI Project that has $20 million of federal funding along with the $100 million plus of potential commercial and housing development in the surround area.

Among the individuals that came out for the almost four hour agenda item included representatives from California Rural Legal Assistance, The Concerned Citizens of West Fresno and the National Network In Action that spoke in support of the city's action. At the end, the Commission agreed the City and voted unanimous to deny Cottonwood Creek's appeal.

Racial scapegoating: Are black voters responsible for the passage of Prop. 8

2008-11-24T18:28:00.000-08:00

Weeks after the fallout from California's passage of Proposition 8 that defines marriages between one man and one woman, opponents are blaming black voters for it's victory. According to exit polls (CNN Exit Poll), African-American's overwhelming supported the Proposition in conjunction with voting for the country's first president of color (well, let me rephrase that- self-identified black president as some argue that some past presidents had a mixed Anglo-African heritage). Black women (75%) next to Republicans (82 %), provided the most support of the proposition. So, should the victory or defeat be laid at the feet of African-American voters? Were they the deciding factor? Not really. Let's look at the facts.

Fact: Black don't control a major voting block in California. African-Americans only make 6% of the California electorate while white-Americans represent 70% and Latino and Asian-Americans compromise one out of five (21%) of the likely state voters (PPIC Just the Facts, August 2008).

Fact: All ethnic minorities aren't political liberal even if they identify themselves as Democrats. One of four African-Americans self-identity as conservative. Asian and Latino-Americans are more likely to identity themselves as moderates (39% of Asians) or conservatives (34% of Latinos) according to the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC Just the Facts, August 2008).

Fact: Ethnic minorities and white women with children supported Prop 8. According to exit polls, Asians (49%), Latino (53%) and mothers (61%) voted for the marriage definition proposition along with 49% of whites, who represent 63% of state voters (CNN Exit Poll).
There have been stories across the country and throughout the state about gay activists and proposition opponents claiming that blacks cost gay couples their civic rights. Melissa Harris Lacewell, a African-American political professor at Yale and outspoken Obama supporter, recently on MSNBC compares this proposition to the legality of civic unions vs. gay marriage to a Jim Crow's separate but equal policies.

But even blacks part of the NO for Prop 8 understood that groups that have experienced discrimination don't necessarily support all issues labeled as civil rights-orientated. "African Americans are treated with 'a presumption of civic obligation' to support other liberal causes", said Andrea Shorter, a No on 8 spokeswoman. Some black scholars refer to the phenomenon as "exceptionalism" - a mistaken belief that because African Americans went through slavery, Jim Crow and other systematic forms of oppression, that they automatically have greater moral understanding on all issues (SF Gate, November 16, 2008).

So, what explains why blacks voted for Prop 8? Religion and faith. According to the CNN Exit Poll, 82% of those who voted yes attended church on a weekly basis, with 65 percent proclaiming to be Protestant or Catholic. In numerous surveys, 92% of black Americans say that they practice some faith or identify themselves as 'religious' (81%). Blacks represent a large block in the Baptist church (9.8 million) and count for one of out every four Muslims in the United States (American Religious Identification Survey, 2001, The Graduate Center of City University of New York). When asked in a recent Pew survey, parishioners of historically black churches (46%) and Muslims (61%), believed 'homosexuality is a way of life that should be discouraged by society'. Even with this moral belief, a majority of them voted for or leaned towards democrats, 78 and 63 percent respectively (Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life , June 2008).

Californians continue to be split about this as a moral issue that will play itself out in the California Supreme court in the following months.

READERS: What should the CA Supreme court do? Do you see the gay marriage as a civic right or moral issue? Post your comments and thoughts here.

Where were you when President-elect Obama delievered his victory speech?

2008-11-05T09:31:00.000-08:00

I was sitting along Edison alumni Sarah Sharpe (Class of '96) in a crowd of about twenty at the Perea campaign party in the Tower District. We were huddled around a small television provided by one of the news camera crews listening with others including my Valley Black Talk co-host Julia Dudley-Najieb and Councilmember Cynthia Sterling.
There was a certain energy all about us as we cheered like other across the country that America--a country of dreamers-- made history with a resounding choice for change.

Share where you were and what you felt on Election Night.

YES WE DID: Obama Wins the Presidency!

2008-11-04T23:30:00.000-08:00

There were crowds of cheers, student streaming, and youth yelling "Obama" all across our city and nation when elections results came out that we as a country elected the first African-American as president of the United States (hear Valley Black Talk interviews on election night comments). Over 100,000 people filled Grant Park in Chicago as President-elect Barack Obama delivered a rousing acceptance speech that echoed "Yes We Can". Tears filled the eyes of one-time presidential candidate, Rev. Jesse Jackson who stood in the crowd celebrating an unquestionable victory for civic rights. Jackson later spoke to Robin Roberts of ABC's Good Morning America about the progress our country has made. "Once the walls [of race] are broken down, we can begin to build bridges". During Obama victory speech he stated that we will get there. It may be in the first year or the first term but that we will get there.

Some commentators questioned whether this election was a referendum on America's morals. Others argue with the statement that the Obama election restates the greatness of the country. This would be a great country no matter what happened but it's a better for it.

We as a country and a people are turning a new chapter in the history and evolution of America and I look forward to seeing what we will write.

Fresno Mayoral Poll

2008-10-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

Arizona Black Expo

2008-10-26T11:29:00.000-07:00

Last week, I traveled with BlackXChange.net (BXC) to the 2008 Arizona Black Expo in Phoenix, AZ. We took the BXC Tour RV there, which was my first RV experience. Dan Gambel was right... RVs are cool! We hit the Dock Weiler State beach near LAX airport before driving across state boundaries into Arizona. After capturing a great AZ sunrise, we headed into Phoenix.

The Expo attracted about 1500 visitors to the Glendale Expo Hall, which sits next to the University of Phoenix Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals. BlackXChange was one of about 150 vendors present along with a number of local performers from hip hop dancers, inspirational speakers, spoken word poets and new inspirational artist, Tarsha McMillian Hamilton.

BlackXChange was the official Expo internet and media host with an eight-station internet cafe and the VIP station. Hundreds learned how to connect with black-owned businesses not only in their community but across the nation as they approached the BXC station with the 38-foot RV backdrop. BXC staff video interviewed vendors and recording artist Anthony Hamilton and his wife that were broadcsted live on two huge projector screens.

Like many cities, we heard the complaints of a fragmented black community and concerns with B2B (black to black) business partnerships. For this reason, BlackXChange was well received as many signed up for free membership and several event coordinators asked when we would be back to AZ.

About Phoenix
Though Phoenix is a pretty large city (1.5 million), it has a relatively small black population at 5.1% according to the US Census. Black businesses only account for 2.1% of the approximately 92,000 firms or companies in the area.

Obama's Rap Biography

2008-08-08T07:26:00.000-07:00

Just when John McCain thought Senator Barack Obama couldn't get any more popular, someone does a rap biography about the presumptive Democratic nominee.

The song is informative... check it out

Obama 08 (Do the Knowledge)

Track credits:
Artist: Alpha
Title: Obama '08 (Do the Knowledge)
Producer: J. Brookinz
Engineer: Warren 'Three V' Harris
Website: myspace.com/alphaisforever
Blog: alphaisforever.blogspot.com
Encoding: Shadowkat Nightson

The Best of Black Fresno survey

2008-07-28T14:41:00.000-07:00

This past spring, In the Black e-newsletter, focused on providing an African-American perspective to local topics, conducted a survey administered by Constant Contact to its over 230 readers in a desire to gain an African-American perspective on leadership, civic participation, business and local market preferences. The survey entailed a series of questions asking participants to rate the performance, effectiveness and satisfaction with individuals, organizations and agencies in Fresno.

The Best of Black Fresno Survey Summary

Go to Blog Talk Radio to hear the radio program about the results that airs Monday, July 28, 2008 at 8 PM on KFCF 88.1 FM. Guest included Councilmember Cynthia Sterling and Keith Kelley.

No PAL takeover at Frank H. Ball Park

2008-07-26T23:05:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, July 19, 2008, Hester Ricks and other West Fresno residents looked on as they listened to Assistant City Manager Bruce Rudd and Parks & Rec. Director Randy Cooper who apologized on behalf of the City and assured listeners that Frank H Ball Park & Center would retain its services. The audience applauded as Rudd mentioned that Fresno Police Activities League (PAL) would operate in southwest Fresno but not at the Center.

Bruce Rudd compared the park's value in West Fresno to the Yankees playing in the Bronx. "Frank H Ball is like Yankee Stadium to the community", said Rudd demonstrated by the community's response to originally proposed changes.

Neighbors expressed their concerns about the maintenance of facility, new technology, and the need for staffing support. Within the hour plus of comments and suggestions, many expressed their frustrution that the City "...decides what's best for us" without consulting with the community.

"All the monies in West Fresno has been allocated to other part of Fresno. Oh course there's no money because you've built up other parts of the city and when you come here money runs out," stated Hester Ricks, a resident of the Golden West Side for over 50 years to many applauds. "We want what's due to us given to us." Hear Hester Ricks comments

Its starts today, vote Senator Obama

2008-02-05T08:01:00.000-08:00

We will possibly mark Tuesday, February 5, 2008 as the day that will change of course of American politics. Voters all across the country will exercise their rights in the ultimate democratic process. Over the years, many disenfranchised group within our society have felt alienated from the electoral process because they lacked representation that truly addressed the core of their needs while inspiring them to look forward to the future.

The 2008 Primary will act as an opportunity for individuals like you and I to support a candidate who challenges stereotypes and will transcend the social barriers within our country. One that will inspire both young and mature members of our community and mobilize them to see cast their vote with confidence that we are on the brink of change beyond just a catchy political phrase. I believe this candidate to be presidential hopeful, Senator Barack Obama.

One of the defining moments for me have been the numerous calls and conversations with young black men from the hood to the college campus following the details of the election— speeches, debates and previous primaries. Thousands of nontraditional voters and supporters are joining their enthusiasm in states like Idaho and Delaware where Obama drew crowds of 10-15 thousand people. But its’ more than record breaking rally attendance, raising $32M in January alone (2.5X more than Clinton) and the endorsement of the Kennedys, Oprah, and Maria Shiver. Obama has substantive plans regarding universal healthcare, access to equitable education, energy independence and a withdrawal of our troops from Iraq war that will boost our economy, provide and prepare generations to come with a higher quality of life and restore our global relationships.

But it all starts today with a casted vote for Senator Obama.

Fresno's Ethnic Professionals under 40: Changing the way we think about leadership

2008-01-23T23:01:00.000-08:00

Last week Business Street, a local business newspaper announced their list of “top business professionals in the private and public sectors in central California who are leaders in the community, and have experienced great success before the age of 40”. Of the 40 individuals listed, only nine were of color. This say one of two things: (a) this is another example of how ethnic minorities are excluded from mainstream media messages and the dominant culture’s concept of power and success; or (b) there is continued concentration of real power and influence amongst Caucasians in a community that is 55% comprised of Blacks, Hispanic/Latinos and Southeast Asians. One would hope those undesirable traits of previous generations would not be passed on as a rite of passage as our age bracket proclaims to stand at a higher level of equity and social justice.

Some satisfy their internal struggle of being perceived as socially equitable when developing comprehensive lists such as these or collecting community data by stating they aren’t aware of members of disconnected, disenfranchised or minority groups (it’s the same rationale used by those over 40 to exclude those under 40 from the conversation). OK….. why don’t you? With access to the internet, six local cambers and business associations of which four are ethnic based, and the thousands of ethnic business owners alone the age of ignorance is inexcusable. Even if none of those resources existed, one could make a good ol’ fashion telephone call to a few knowledgeable people of color in their network (there is an assumption there) as I did to come up with these individuals:

Debbie McKenzie, came to the Valley four years ago as a AmeriCore VISTA and now works under the County Administrator’s Office as the coordinator of the County of Fresno’s Gang Taskforce.

Dwayne Ferguson, owner of Overcolor Print & Design and developer of BlackXchange.net, a nationwide black business directory and search engine

Darrell Stamps & Veda Ramsay-Stamps, formerly the County Housing Manager and City Council Budget Analyst, they are now managing partners of Catalyst Development and The Ramsay Group whose clients include The California Endowment, City of Fresno, and The Redevelopment Agency and Fresno Works for Better Health. Veda is the co-chair of the City’s 10X10 Housing Taskforce.

Crystal Smith, City of Fresno management analyst who administered the City’s $9M CDBG funds now working in the Mayor’s Office as a budget analyst.

Terence Frazier, Frazier Realty. FSU and professional baseball athlete turned owner/broker/real estate developer. Terence seats on the board of the Central Valley Business Incubator.

Sandy Cha* is the local Community Development Officer for Wells Fargo Bank and sits on Wells Fargo Asian Business Services Strategic Advisory Board. Sandy is on the board of the Fresno County Women’s Chamber of Commerce and a graduate of Leadership Fresno.

Yammilette Gutierrez Rodriguez, government relations liaison for PG&E and the former Director of Admissions at Fresno Pacific University

Lawrence D. Garcia, since taking over his father’s business in 2000, he has grown AmeriGuard Security to a $4M private security company with 12 times the number of employees. AmeriGuard is one of the largest locally-Hispanic owned businesses that employs 180 Valley residents and has been featured on the Hispanic Business 500 List and in The Business Journal’s Book of List. Lawrence is the treasurer of the Central CA Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and a member of Chief Dyer’s Advisory Board.

Rev. Shane Scott* is the newly installed pastor of largest African-American church in the greater Fresno area, Saints Rest Baptist Church with over 1100 members. He is overseeing an onsite 20,000 sq. ft expansion that will include a new recreational and community center. Because of his work in the SF Bay Area before moving to Fresno, he is well connected and resourced nationally.

Silas Cha is the associate director at Fresno Center for New Americans serving the Valley’s 30,000 plus refugee community. Silas leads Hmong-American Concerned Citizens and is a recognized advocate in health care and refugee-related issues. This UC Berkeley alumus is a graduate of Great Valley Center’s IDEAL program and sits on the regional advisory board for the Central Valley Health Policy Institute.

Marcus Davis & Nickolas Crawford* of Creative Solutions Marketing Group is one of the upcoming marketing solutions firms being incubated by the Central Valley Business Incubator. But don’t think these guys are beginners. With clients from CSU Fresno, Cool Hand Luke’s and the National Baptist Convention of America. Not sure if you’ve their work? Think about the Bruce Bowne Foundation, FWCED or Cooper River Ranch websites, the website and materials for the Worlds Aparts, Future Together Summit (Fall 2006), CSUF Football tickets… that’s Creative Solutions.

Tate Hill*, former Vice President of Program Services at Fresno West Coalition for Economic Development who helped bring $1.1 M of new grants to southwest Fresno, finalized the West Fresno Association serving over 350 Empowerment Zone residents with access to the Fresno County Federal Credit Union and participated in the launch of African-American micro loan fund through Valley Small Business Corporation. Tate was the founding chair of Creative Fresno and member of the Mayor’s Creative Economy Council. Currently, he is the Central Valley Vice President for Youth Leadership Institute.

* under 30

Fresno MLK Events- 2008

2008-01-14T11:45:00.001-08:00

click poster for larger view

Graffiti Walls "What Will I Commit to do to Fulfill the Dream?"
Think of this Holiday as a day to ACT! Write your commitment to action on one of our Graffiti Walls.
Date(s): January 15-18 2008
Location(s): Free Speech Area, University Courtyard, USU Pavilion @ CSU Fresno

Dr. King's Birthday Tribute to Dr. King and Acknowledgement of the 100th Anniversary of the founding of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
(The Sorority of Coretta Scott-King)
Date: Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Time: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Free Speech Platform @ CSU Fresno
Speakers: University President John D. Welty, Associated Students President Juan Pablo Moncayo, Black Student’s United President Dalitso Ruwe and Assistant Vice-President Joyce Ester

Poetry Jam!
Come hear local and regional poets, musicians and performing artists give tribute to Dr. King.
Date: Friday, January 18, 2008
Time: 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Location: Satellite Student Union (SSU) @ CSU Fresno

Contact for CSU Fresno Events: Central Valley Cultural Heritage Institute at CSU Fresno

23rd Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Breakfast
Enjoy a delicious breakfast, wonderful speakers, and musical performances.
Start Date: 1/19/2008
End Date: 1/19/2008
Time: Breakfast: 8:30am, Program: 9:30am
Location: Clovis Veteran's Memorial Building Independence Room - 453 Hughes Ave.
Contact Info: Fresno MLK Unity Committee: Caroline Carlson - (559) 324-2416

23rd Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Candlelight Vigil
Enjoy a variety of community speakers and musical performances.
Start Date: 1/20/2008
End Date: 1/20/2008
Time: 5:00 - 6:00pm
Location: First Congregational Church, 2131 N. Van Ness, Fresno
Contact Info: Fresno MLK Unity Committee: Dr. David Howard - (559) 277-9552

23rd Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. March
Start Date: 1/21/2008
Time: March begins 9:30am,
Location: St. John Cathedral, 2814 Mariposa Ave to Saroyan Theatre, 700 "M" St.
Contact Info: Fresno MLK Unity Committee: March & Food Drive - James Lett lll - (559) 284-6420

23rd Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Program
Commemorate the contributions of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by marching from St. John Cathedral to the Saroyan Theater. Listen to local leaders honor Dr. King at the steps of City Hall and conclude with an inspiring program of local talent. The march also supports a food drive to end childhood hunger, with donated food being collected at the church.
Start Date: 1/21/2008
End Date: 1/21/2008
Time: March begins 9:30am, Commemoration Program 11:00am
Location: St. John Cathedral, 2814 Mariposa Ave / Saroyan Theatre, 700 "M" St.
Contact Info: Fresno MLK Unity Committee: Commemoration Program - Julia Dudley - (559) 352-1444

COGIC'S 100th Convocation

2007-11-12T20:07:00.000-08:00

On Thursday morning I arrived in Memphis, TN for the Church of God in Christ's (COGIC) 100th Holy Convocation. Since I knew very little about the city outside of that it was in the South, home to Graceland (no, I didn't take a tour) and headquarters for multiple Pentecostal denominations including COGIC, Memphis was larger and much more modernized than I anticipated.

Memphis has been larger than Fresno's current populations since about 1960 with over 650,000 within the the city and approx 850,000 in the greater area. The downtown area, like Fresno had suffered but now is in a boom with the recently constructed FedEx Forum, home of theNBA's Memphis Grizzles. The City has completed over $158M of private resident and mixed-use projects as part of a $3.1B development plan ($1.7B in progress). Adjacent to the Mississippi River, the urban center has several convention venues, a lively music scene, and plenty of good eats. To learn more about Downtown Memphis, go to downtownmemphis.com.

Saints from 61 countries came to participate in the celebration of one the oldest and largest Pentecostal organizations in the world. I attended the Thursday night 'Missions: International Day' that included representation of over 150 delegates from across the globe with music and singing in multiple languages. Even the COGIC anthem, 'Yes Lord' included renditions in Spanish, French and Japanese that were sung by approximately 17,000 at the service. All services at the FedEx Forum were broadcasted live via the internet (www.cogic.org). Missionaries from South Africa, Pakistan, and India were recognized for the service to the Church and people.

Hillary Hysteria?

2007-10-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

On Monday, October 22, presidential hopeful Senator Hillary Clinton made a campaign stop in the Central Valley. To a diverse crowd of nearly 1000 supporters and a few outskirt protesters, the former first lady of the White House touted her stance on the war in Iraq, health care, education and need to investment in renewable energy. Some of the platform speakers, which included Delores Huerta (co-founder of the United Farm Workers), Council President Henry Perea, Councilmember Blong Xiong and program emcee Cynthia Sterling, sang Mrs. Clinton’s praise and mentioned the Valley hadn’t been inspired to such Democratic-fever since the famed Robert Kennedy visit over forty years ago.

Four black leaders were on the platform in front of Fresno High School at Monday's rally including Rev. Shane B. Scott, the senior pastor of St. Rest Baptist Church. His support for Senator Clinton centers on the issues that are important to him and his congregation-- health care and education. "My support is based on qualifications over race", says Pastor Scott, when asked what drew him away from his early support of Senator Barack Obama. Like others, he had contacted Obama's staff about planning a visit to the Central Valley, only to be told the campaign preferred to utilize resources elsewhere in the state.

Where is Brother Barack?

As the campaign proceeds and Senator Clinton continues to command strong support national wide by African-American voters, the question is— where is Brother Barack? Given Senator strong showing, will he reconsider visiting Valleycrats, who tend to be more conservative than their counterparts in the Bay Area and Southern California? Can he appeal to the Valley’s younger demographic (age 18-34), where his support is the strongest?

Urban Legend: US Post Office to destroy Black Heritage Stamp series

2007-10-24T23:13:00.000-07:00

I love that the African-Americans braces technology and that we made great strides in using the Internet. At the same time, we have to savvy about the investigating the messages and information that comes into our INBOX.

Heard this one:

"The P.O. will DESTROY all remaining African American Heritage stamps at the end of the month instead of following their usual procedure of selling them"

This internet urban legend dates back to 2000, stating that the US Post Office will stop selling stamps depicting black American heroes and leaders and destroy the remaining in possession. The Post Office has made several official statements indicating that it has no intention of taking such actions against the Black Heritage Stamp series. On the contrary, on January 8, 2007 it issued its 26^th consecutive stamp commemorating Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.

But in the word of Reading Rainbow's Levar Burton, "don't take my word for it":

Snopes.com
(see the various forms of the hoax and the Post Office's multiple counter memos)

Break the Chain (letter)

Statement from US Postal Services

Localized Community Solutions to Support Fresno Black Athletes

2007-10-24T22:55:00.000-07:00

Black on Black Mentorship. Collaborate with local universities and colleges, to set-up an African-American male mentorship programs to provide psychology and social guidance outside of the campus environment. Where do we recruit these mentors? United Black of Men, Fresno Black Peace Officers Association, Black churches, and other local black professional organizations.

Community-campus networks. Black community organizations and concern citizens should connection to college athletic departments to create a social networks for the many black students recruited to our campuses, especially from outside the area who lack those relationships.

Black Enterprise. Invest into the athletes' academic and professional development with internship and employment opportunities with black-led organizations and businesses. Outside of the approximately 10-15 individuals who will continue with a professional athletic career, the remainder have an immediate need to focus on preparing themselves life outside off the field.

Black Athletes and Crime- Who's Responsible?

2007-10-24T22:52:00.000-07:00

Black athletes and crime—Who’s responsible?

There are countless stories of black college athletes posed with celebrity, potential wealth and promising professional careers only to have those opportunities taken away due to criminal behavior and/or poor decisions. From the recent FSU football player, Jason Shirley and convicted murder Terry Pettis to even the Edison High School and college student athletes killed the car attendance; these young black men have lost opportunities that many aspire to. Many ask the question: Are these results solely the responsibility of the young men or are others partly to blame? And if so, who?

Here are some responses to an article on www.blackprof.com . I though to extract information from the comments but I think some of the issues could not be better stated.

Personal Responsibility

“Why are we supposed to feel sorry for them when they break the law? Are they not adults? Are they not over 18? See, I have a hard time feeling sorry for them when they go out there and break the law. It should be common sense, after all, they do live in America, but I guess common sense isn't all that common anymore. But, someone needs to tell them the list of DO'S and DONT'S. And, if I knew that this was in place, then I REALLY wouldn't have any sympathy. Because, you and I both know that, because they are athletes, everything has been excused away for them, so when the REAL WORLD slaps them silly, it's a shock to them, and a shock that usually costs them their future.”

“I get it. They screwed up!!! They deserve whatever punishment they receive!!! You can't possibly see my posting as an apology for them. I always call for personal responsibility. But when schools make millions, they have a strategic opportunity to stop these boys from getting into trouble.”

Parents & Families

“Most people thus far as saying there need not be any community solutions because this is a ‘personal problem’. If they were raised properly by their parents by 18 they should be able to make some intelligent decisions. Some of the stuff these fools do is asinine.”

“Parents need to do their job. But let's deal with the reality on the ground. It's fair to call parents to do their job.”

In the recently published Come on People, co-authored by Bill Cosby it speaks to the lack of parenting and that many of the problems in the black family stem from absence of father and positive male figures. But is that the only possible response?

Universities

“Some believe universities have failed to supply young athletes with proper mentoring and active monitoring to protect them from over exposure and poor decision making. Of course, these young men bear responsibility for their actions as well. Yet, given the psychology of superstar status, celebrity and the rags to riches stories, most of these young men have in common, they are not nearly equipped to handle the transformation without guidance. Moreover, these young men generate, untold dollars in revenue for their respective schools. Surely, they can afford to expend a few dollars counseling and guiding them.”

“But, I also blame the colleges. The colleges need to have, on retainer, a hard middle-aged Black man that sits these folks down at the beginning of the semester and tells them the rules of LIFE for a Black Man.”

One reader, gave the following recommendations for colleges and universities to avoid further loss of life and livelihood:

1) Assign a guidance counselor and require check-ins.

2) Require counseling to explore their minds and make future recommendations tailored to their needs.

3) Require athletes to live on-campus in monitored facilities, in terms of going and coming. This would assist universities ability to limit the gift culture, access to alcohol, drugs and women.

4) Implement random drug testing and rehab for violations, not suspension.

It Takes a Village…

Why should young people be allowed to go down the wrong path because their parents' failed them? If others around them can see the problems ahead and take a few measured corrective steps to avoid calamity, where is the harm? It's wrong to watch someone go the wrong way if you can offer a word to steer them in the right direction.

I want you bloggers to consider the measured steps that can be taken to assist young athletes whose parents have failed them before they get into trouble. Remember when these young men go down, they take, in part, the dreams of many younger and older black boys and men with them. When we work together to help them, we help ourselves as well.

Double the Trouble? West Fresno meat rendering plant to expand

2007-10-15T16:51:00.000-07:00

Darling Intl. is seeking to expand the capacity of their West Fresno rendering plant (795 W. Belgravia, Fresno, CA 93706) from 855,000 lbs to 1,500,00 lbs per day. It has been a long time standing odor nuisance in southwest Fresno for over 50 years. It is in close proximity to several schools, public housing complexes, and single-family homes.

The SJV Air Quality Control District allowed Darling to install the equipment in 2006 but they weren't given permits to increase capacity as they are requesting now after public outcry. Since those permits were given, the HUD and City-funded HOPE VI housing development sponsored by the Fresno Housing Authority is slated to invest nearly $60M of housing surrounding the plant including the newly constructed LEED-certified preschool & community center. In addition, there are hundreds of new privately-funded housing units planned within 1 mi. radius of the plant.

We were initially told that the City has no legal jurisdiction in the matter though Sterling and the District 3 Implementation Cmte will submit opposition letters. In addition, the Control District may put the item on their board's consent calendar (no public comment unless posed by one of the board members) unless they receive significant comments (I don't know that's defined). Fresno City Council President Henry Perea Jr. is now on that Board along with Supervisor Judy Case. There is one other minority on the board from Arvin-- a local councilmember.

In August 2007, the Air Board approved their new Environmental Justice Strategy. Ray Leon (Latino Issues Forum/Asthma-Air Advocate) , Kevin Hamilton (Sequoia Healthcare/Asthma-Air Advocate), Metro Ministries, the Poverty Center among others were participants in writing it. The Board is in the process of selecting members to sit on a EJ Committee to advise the Governing board.

The Concerned Citizens of West Fresno that includes advocates such as Mrs. Mary Curry (former FUSD school board member) and Harlan Kelly (former vice-chair of Edison Planning Advisory Cmte and an origin FWCED board member) requested an 30-day extension of the public comment period from the Air Board, which was granted. That new deadline for public comment will end November 5th.

Councilmember Sterling office is coordinating a community meeting that is scheduled to take place before the November 5th deadline.

Public Notice (Sept 5, 2007)

SJVAQCD Environmental Justice Policy

Fresno Bee Article (10/03/07)

Sign a Petition

West Fresno Community Design Workshop

2007-10-15T15:50:00.000-07:00

October 17, 2007
5:30 PM Doors Open
6:00 PM Workshop

Location:
Cecil Hinton Center
2385 S. Fairview Ave
Fresno, CA 93706
(map)

Partner Introductions

Community Break-out Workshops

Come share your ideas about regarding :

Housing & commercial development

Public Transportation

Bicycle & Walking Routes

Open Green Park Space

Street Intersection Improvements

Event Host:
Fresno Housing Authorities
Event Partners:
Fresno West Coalition for Economic Development (FWCED)
Design Community & Environment
Strategic Energy Innovations

Refreshment & Beverages

Spanish & Hmong language services will be available

Fresno 6?

2007-09-29T16:05:00.001-07:00

Last week, during one of my regular barber shop conversations, I jokingly expressed to one barber that I was surprised they weren't in Jena participating in the protest. Straight faced they replied,

"Why go to Jena, when we have unresolved issues in Fresno?"

It raises a good question that I have posed to myself and now to you-- do we only get excited about those stories that make headline news?

Given the Valley's history of racial and social inequity, I'm sure there are many cases like Jena that receives to no press or protest but merit our attention. From to the Paul Perry lawsuit to everyday black men and women entangled in the system, our community cries out for individuals to plead their case.

Have you or someone you know experienced criminal injustice in our Valley? Feel free to share your story

Why black Fresnans need to participate in the awareness and prevention education of HIV/AIDS in our community

2007-09-11T17:48:00.000-07:00

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, in 2002, AIDS was the leading cause of death among African-American women ages 25-34 and the second leading cause of death for African American men ages 35-44
African Americans accounted for 50 percent of all AIDS cases diagnosed in 2004 in the United States, yet African Americans make up only 12 percent of the population
In California, as of December 31, 2006, there were 143,946 cumulative reported AIDS cases; 25,590 of these cases were African Americans. This represents over18 percent of all AIDS cases, yet African Americans constitute less than 7 percent of California’s population

Fresno AIDS Walk
October 6, 2007, 9 AM
Roeding Park

The 2006 Fresno AIDS Walk raised $5,000 with hundreds of walkers. The proceeds benefited several local programs including Community Center Hospital’s C.A.R.E. and Cornerstone Foundation’s (operated by Cornerstone Church) Red Ribbon AIDS Project.

A great resource for black pastors and churches: http://healingbeginshere.org/index.htm

Trusting Community Relationship = Good Communication

2007-08-27T16:58:00.000-07:00

What happens when in a relationship there is a sense of mistrust because of a perceived lack of sincerity, forwardness, and commitment to open communication? Without purposeful action to remedy such apprehensions, the relationship spiral towards a dismal end where both parties are viewed as adversaries centered on destroying the other. How is this problem magnified when this relationship is between a community and those that lead them— political and social leaders? This is a dilemma facing many urban and ethnic communities across the country and Fresno is no different.

Over the summer, residents of southwest Fresno have been bombarded with scenarios and real life situations that have heaped onto years of feeling neglected, unimportant, and disregarded by their representatives at all levels of government. From gang violence to the Running Horse ‘gone wild’, the attendance at recent town hall meetings demonstrates residents’ frustration with the circumstances surrounding their quality of life. At the most recent town hall meeting hosted by Councilmember Cynthia Sterling, residents repeatedly raised concerns about the lack of communication from City Hall. Their fears regarding the Trump Running Horse, redevelopment and eminent domain stemmed from mixed messages transmitted by mainstream media. These rumors and media stories were put to rest in a truth-telling setting where Sterling, Mayor Alan Autry and current owner, Mick Evans along with a host of city officials from police, redevelopment and city management provided the community with an in-depth explanation of past and current events surrounding Running Horse.

What I heard was not that residents’ were resistant to development but objected to the fact of not knowing. For most people, one of the greatest fears is uncertainty or unpredictability. It’s what drives the purchase of insurance of any type (reallocating risk) to the value of modern technology that allows accuracy and access to information. The politics of yester generations, where information was held tight and confidential by the government leaving citizens in the dark is over. Due to technology—instant messaging, camera phones, television/radio news, the internet along the Freedom of Information Act, people can readily obtain information on just about any subject within a short period of time thus demanding its government to respond respectively.

One good outcome from the last town hall meeting was the Mayor’s commitment to continuous communication and the establishment of a community communications taskforce. The taskforce compromised of Dr. Mary Curry, Keith Kelley, Les Kimber, LaVera Williams amongst others were charged to manage the governance of the taskforce including how to increase the composition of the group and act as a liaison between City Hall and the community. Some may ask, why is direct contact the form of communication key to maintaining a respectful relationship between leaders and an urban ethnic community? Despite today’s many mediums, leaders must not forget that direct oral communication is the one that leaves residents with a sense of sincerity and the opportunity to express their concerns.

Hopefully, the taskforce will take this as an opportunity to open a true channel of communication between an often disfranchised group of residents and those with the given authority to be their voice in our representative government.

West Fresno Town Hall Meetings: Two Down, One to Go

2007-08-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

In the past two weeks, there have been two community-driven Town Hall meetings:

August 3-dealing with police brutality. Facilitated by Rev. Floyd Harris
August 9- getting questions answered about Running Horse and eminent domain. Facilitated by Dr. Mary Curry and Gloria Ponche-Roderiguez.

Both were well attended by concerned residents and decision makers from the City of Fresno. The third planned Town Hall will happen this evening hosted by Councilmember Cynthia Sterling at Macedonia COGIC. The meeting's original scheduled guest included members of the Trump team before he withdrew his $30M offer. The meeting is scheduled to continue that will no doubt have carry-over questions from Augsut 9 Town Hall's crowd of 200+ residents (some attendees estimated the audience closer to over 300) about jobs, the petition to stop the closure of Kearney Blvd. or California Ave., eminent domain, and more.

To be honest I'm like many others who are on the fence regarding Running Horse and its project scope. I hope City leaders will take into consideration the overall socio-economic impact to current residents in the area, as southwest Fresno contains some of the highest levels of concentrated poverty in the country (Brooking Institute, October 2005). Will this concentration increase because low-income residents are relocated via the market or eminent domain, thus reducing the number of neighborhoods with available affordable housing? Will West Fresno become gentrified like West Oakland and the Fruitvale communities in Oakland, CA because of redevelopment where high rents forced long time residents out?

At the end of the day, the problem with being on the fence is the potential fall. Land one way and no development happens and the community remains as it has been for decades-- destitute of community amenities and deprived of economic growth. Land the other way and the community forever changes, forcing low and moderate-income families and individuals out, which perpetuates bad land use planning of the previous decades that has resulted in residents in 15 of the 26 census tracts south of Belmont living in extreme poverty (40%+) and all West Fresno tracts in moderate or extreme poverty by concentrating low-income, public and Section 8 housing into a small area. Neither has to be the case for West Fresno.

This project is a prime opportunity for us as a city and community to build a bridge between often polarizing neighborhoods through the policy and practice of mixed-income housing. This land use & development policy incorporates housing that people can afford while transforming a distressed community through the injection of market-rate housing and conscious economic development.

Running Wild... Horse

2007-07-31T22:22:00.000-07:00

On Monday's Valley Black Talk on KFCF 88.1 FM, the show talked about the current status of the Trump-Running Horse saga. In the program, Council District 3 Chief of Staff, Greg Barfield called in to talk about the current process, provide some facts addressing some of the rumors circulating in the community, and to speak about possible scenarios relating to Running Horse. As reported by the Fresno Bee, Trump has requested back the $1M deposit delivered earlier this month. Barfield stated those funds would be used to go after the seven (7) parcels needed but not owned to complete the Running Horse Project as currently planned. This doesn't mean Trump has completely back out of the deal, conversely it's the opposite.

In addition, Barfield touched a couple of issues that would explain for the some the added complications to the project:

All parcels needed to complete the development are not owned by the project

Some of the land within the project has owner options, of which some are owned by Mick Evans, the seller of the Running Horse

Most of the land encompassed within Running Horse does not nor will it incorporated under the scope of influence of the Fresno Redevelopment Agency (Project Area Map)

The third item is a major bump based on the conversations between the City administration and the Trump team. As stated by Barfield and reported in the Fresno Bee, we have known since 2003 that the Running Horse Project was outside of the redevelopment project area. According to the CA Redevelopment Association, a project area can't be expanded without amending the survey area that requires qualifying that proposed area as 'blighted'. The Fresno RDA recently reported, after being asked by the City administration to evaluate the possibility to incorporate Running Horse into the project area, that it would not qualify as blighted. This was done rightly so, backing up the the previous 2003 assessment that determined the area, which was primarily ag. land, did not "consist of the physical and economic conditions that caused a reduction of, or lack of, proper utilization of that area" (e.g. High business vacancies, low commercial leases /high turnover rates, odd shaped lots, or Unsafe access into buildings or parking lots).

The only possible thread to justify blight would be "incompatible adjacent or nearby uses of land parcels that hinder economic activity" or "vacant and underutilized land or buildings" as defined by the CA Redevelopment Association. If these assessments were made before the housing boom and the adaption of the 2025 General Plan that has pushed development southward, they may have worked. Time will tell, if Mayor Autry and the City will be able to influence state legislators to promptly move on incorporating the Running Horse into Fresno redevelopment project area. Again, redevelopment is never a quick fix solution and changes are mandated by the public process, taking anywhere from 12-18 months. If Trump has the patience and commitment as his daughter, Ivanka has stated, the change can happen to the project's overall financial benefit.

These are just some of the issues Councilmember Cynthia Sterling has to consider as she deals with the economic future of her district. Do you have thoughts, concerns or unanswered questions that you like to share with her or the Trump team? On Tuesday, August 13 you will have your chance. Sterling has arranged a town hall meeting for the project stakeholders-- the Trump team, the City and the community as reported on Valley Black Talk.

Running Horse Town Hall Meeting

August 13, 2007 - 6 PM

Greater Macedonia Church

1825 S. Delno, Fresno, CA 93706

(one block west of Fruit, between Kearney Blvd. Ave. and California Ave.)

7 Ways to Promote School Integration After Supreme Court Limits Race-Based Plans

2007-07-24T17:27:00.000-07:00

7 Ways to Promote School Integration After Supreme Court Limits Race-Based Plans

I thought this was an interesting article by Diversity Inc. Magazine that outlines seven (7) ways to promote diversity and equal access to schools along with five (5) legal questions for consideration posed by the NAACP Legal Fund about School Integration Plans.

In general Diversity Inc. has published some great articles on race and diversity in the work place. Here are an excerpt:

"You So Articulate" (March 2006)

"He commented on how articulate I had been in the presentation," recalls Perdue, now executive director of the Johnetta B. Cole Global Diversity & Inclusion Institute at Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C. Perdue, who is black, was the only woman at the company who managed major accounts. "I asked if he had ever commented to my three peers [all white men] that they were articulate and well-spoken ... He gasped."

Comments that reveal surprise at a black woman's intellect, question a Latina's ability to control her emotions or an Asian-American woman's aggressiveness remain all too frequent in corporate America. Moving up the ladder requires the ability to respond to these offensive stereotypes in a manner that educates the speaker and prevents further comments without appearing hostile or unapproachable.

What About Our Daughters: See What Happens When you Promote Blackface?

2007-07-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

What About Our Daughters: See What Happens When you Promote Blackface?

These blackface ads were published all across Europe by the United Nations (UNICEF), but they pulled them after some criticism.

Click on the link to view the ads and to read the story.

A West Fresno with Trump?

2007-06-28T11:10:00.000-07:00

So now that the Donald Trump deal with Running Horse is closer to being a reality, we have to begin to ask what will West Fresno look like with a billionaire touch? Members of the West Fresno community were excited five plus years ago when the prospects of the Running Horse first appeared that later spurred the interest of developers and land owners to potentially build a planned 3000 new homes in the area. Those dreams began to fade as the project continuously ran into financial woes. There seems to be a savior in the Trump offer. In a messiah-type fashion, it appears Running Horse has resurrected on the third offer. But will it bring redemption or damnation? In an effort to develop the area in true Trump style, it is said that he want a larger footprint that closer 5,600 acres. That area is more than 10 times larger than the current Running Horse project that would include both residential and commercial developments spanning from Fruit Ave to Brawley, Annadale to the south and Belmont to the north.

How would this happen given that are hundreds of homes and businesses within that landscape? There are two basic options: (1) Trump buys out each individual land owner; or (2) the City acquires the land and negotiates some deal with Trump to obtain it. In the first scenario, Trump would have to negotiate with possibly hundreds of land owners who could hold out for a big pay-day or refuse to sell out right. Mr. Deal Maker does not have the time or financial desire to engage in such activities. That’s where Option 2 becomes ideal. The City through the Redevelopment Agency could buy the land (all City-proper 93706 is a redevelopment area) from owners whether they desired to sell it or not through eminent domain. In turn, the City could sell it to Trump at the purchase price, the market value or at a discount like the GAP distribution center land sale for $1. But before I just leave the bad taste of eminent domain in your mouth, understand that it’s no quick fix. The process is lengthy, tedious and can be just as costly as a conventional real estate process due to the regulations imposed to protect the resident and/or current land owner.

A few other questions to ponder:

What could West Fresno look like?
We, as residents ask for the City and land developers to consider our community but are we willing to accept the changes to the community—demographics, social and neighborhood composition?
How can this become a win-win-win situation for the community, the city of Fresno and investors/developer involved?

There are individuals with legitimate fears of how these changes may affect their community and more specifically their livelihood. Those who have planted their families and businesses in West Fresno may refer to the glory day of the Golden West Side, where the community flourished with local retailers and businesses that catered to the area’s predominately African-American population due to social and civil limitation placed on that group. It was the same time when it was socially unacceptable for ethnic minorities to go north of railroad tracks leading into downtown Fresno without scrutiny let alone north Fresno or Clovis. Today, West Fresno is very different place—the community is reflective of the city, county and state with Latinos comprising 60% of the neighborhood along with a large Southeast Asian population (2000 Census); a much lower rate of homeownership over the history of the community and comparative to the rest of the city; relatively high rates of unemployment; and schools that lack the proper resources to prepare students for academic success and productive professional careers.

The community is in need of a drastic change

I am of the belief that a Trump development could be the catalyst to the economic resurrection of West Fresno. There are many unanswered questions that Trump, the City and West Fresno residents will need to resolve to make this a mutually benefit project. I hope all parties will move forward in a way to will allow productive and honest dialogue.

Thoughts? Am I completely off –base? I welcome your comments.

Riverdale- Next Steps

2007-06-15T17:49:00.000-07:00

So what now? There have been nearly 200 comments to this blog alone about the situation in Riverdale. At this point, it can’t be swept under the rug. We can’t pretend that it didn’t happen or impose our own wishes & hopes that the event was ‘educational’ after Principal Doug Spencer in both reports (Fresno Bee, Cover Page- 06/09/07 and CBS 47- 06/07/07) stated that is was a joke, a roast and mean to make fun of the students. We don’t have to dispute the content of the picture as the captions rendered by the photographer tell a greater story. We don’t have to wonder whether the church is embarrassed or feels some level of guilt after they removed the pictures and deactivated their church website. We don’t have to debate whether African-Americans/Blacks/ black Americans are offended when there have been several accounts through these comments. While there may be a few individuals with an African heritage who are not offended (I would ask those persons to evaluate their self worth, appreciation and regard for their culture, and their prospective of slavery), it does not negate the morally improper acts demonstrated at the ‘Celebration’. There are people who are the least offended with the terrible tragedies of 9/11, Columbine, VA Tech, the Holocaust, the Trail of Tears, or other periods in US or world history where hatred for one group by another lead to their near demise and destruction. Yet their lack of regard is not the measuring stick in which we judge what is right or wrong.

There is a false notion that one good deed should cover any bad ones. Does 364 days of good driving negate one’s guilt if they run one (1) stop light? You still get the ticket, go to court and pay a fine. Does 20 years of love, gifts, a home & car make one night of an affair excusable? While I applaud the outreach, ministries, and contributions of Riverdale AG, it does not exempt them from getting this situation straight. Think, would that be a justified answer to God on Judgment Day: I fed the poor, visited the sick, ministered to the fatherless so don’t pay attention to that ‘little’ thing over there—let that one go by.

No one ever has the excuse to do wrong because of the wrong actions of others no matter who they are—rappers, other churches, public figures, neighbors or even your family.

To those Christians that out there, you know better (right?)… who’s suppose to be the light?

Personally, I have mixed emotions about the situation. One part wants to be angry because I KNOW the situation was wrong. Because such situations just don’t happen. They were planned, thought out, and agreed upon by multiple adults who have been exposed to what is morally and socially right. These acts would not be found edifying, good or acceptable in any reasonable institution of sound beliefs—Christian or otherwise. Also, as a Christian—a believer in the Holy Bible and teachings of Jesus Christ, I am hurt that such incidents took place under the covering of the church and has blemished the work of His Kingdom. Unfortunately, because of the power of religion and the church, many have abused its place in our society to propagate many principals contrary to the Bible in an effort to manipulate its members and our culture.

RACISM, PREJUDICE and DISCRIMINATION are not principals supported by true Church of Jesus Christ.

But these are issues that the Church has been plagued with since its inception. St. Paul who was commissioned to reach the Gentiles, had to OPENLY confront many of the Hebrew Christians because they treated non-Jews as second class believers. Because these acts were done publicly, they have to be dealt with PUBLICLY.

On the other hand, I willing to forgive as are many, but we have to deal with it. There is a group of organizations including ministers and pastors, who desire to sit down with the staff involved and church leadership to figure how to move forward.

Some will say that we (me—again, it ain’t about Tate) are moving too fast or not fast enough on this situation. Well, problems that have brewed over years can’t be expected to be resolved over night. I don’t agree that with Douglas Spencer that “there's nothing I can do to make it better" (Fresno Bee 06/09/07). Beyond apologies and feeling sorry (feelings change), the school should incorporate awareness training in their faulty development in addition to the student’s curriculum. For those are who claim Christ justifiably, they will welcome the opportunity for the dialog, to come to an understanding, and to reconcile. Others—black, white, the unwise and otherwise— will only want to fuel hatred with racial slurs, profanity, and cloud the issue of what’s presently in this situation.

Note: I do not agree with just making allegations that have serious criminal circumstances against specific individuals without any proof. If those situations are truth, then they should be handled in a court of law. Also, its not an outsider's place to tell a congregation or its' pastor how to spend money donated to that church. I am sure the church and General Council have procedures for handling any internal matters and the offended should utilize those channels.

Think we are alone? This is happening all over the country, especially amongst college students (the next place the Riverdale graduates will go) from Clemson University to The University of Arizona throwing 'ghetto parties' to mock MLK Day. But some institutions choose to handle it differently. Here is an example of what Whitman College did after picture surfaced on Facebook depicting white students in black face.

Excerpt from Racialicious:

There was an outcry among the student body when photos were found of students who put on blackface to mimic the racially segregated cast of “Survivor: Cook Islands” at an off-campus party. ( Hum…where have we heard that?)

Instead of merely denouncing this act, Whitman College cancelled classes for an entire day and organized a full-day symposium on race relations which every single student had to attend.

And this wasn’t some lame “we are the world,” “there’s no race but the human race” crapfest. Take a look at the agenda. Some of the panels and workshops included:

The History of Blackface
Creepy Fun, Complicit Thoughtlessness, and Taking Action
On Being White in A Racist Society: A Workshop on Becoming An Effective Ally
Individual vs. Institutional Discrimination
“I’m Not a Racist”: Feigning Moral Blindness
Race, Class and Gender in Outdoor Sports and Institutions; AKA “Why is it Always White Dudes Leading Trips?”
The History of Race in the Greek System

Resources

All About Race. White Christian Creatives and Stereotypical Assumptions

Fresno Bee. “Riverdale Christian Academy staffers poked fun at slavery”

CBS 47 News. Thursday, June 7 2007

Lodi News. Riverdale Minstrel Show

Fresno Juneteenth Activities

2007-06-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

Juneteenth Kids Day

Friday, June 15, 2007 , 12:00pm to 5:00pm

Frank H. Ball Neighborhood Center, 760 Mayor
Fresno Parks, Recreation & Community Services
A celebration of Freedom. Free event open to the community, featuring music and entertainment, refreshments, contests, dominoes tournament, cultural education and crafts.
Wendi Danyluk
559-621-6608

29^th Annual Fresno Juneteenth Celebration

June 16, 2007

Parade @ 10 AM

Kearney & Fresno to Hinton Center via MLK Blvd.

Celebration: Food, Booths & Stage Entertainment@ 12 Noon- 6 PM

Where: Hinton Community Center

2385 Fairview (Church St.) just south of Edison Computech

Jerline Bishop 579-5274

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth originated as a celebration of the ending of slavery in Texas. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger and 1,800 troops of the Union Army arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that the Civil War had ended and all enslaved persons were free. Even though President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had gone into effect on January 1, 1863, freeing all enslaved persons in those states in rebellion against the United States, for various reasons the decree had not yet taken effect in Texas. For more info go to http://www.juneteenth.com/

This is nothing new under the Riverdale sun

2007-06-08T14:57:00.000-07:00

After reading several posts, I began to think... Is this ‘just my imagination running away with me’? Is this merely a case of ignorance that could be easily corrected with some awareness training and dialogue? Am I over exaggerating a silly joke that happened one time? I thought maybe until I received a call that clear these doubts.

I received a call from a local that expressed that there are several accounts that this skits or variations of it have been performed numerous times over the years. One graduate remembers particularly that a similar skit was acted out six years at the graduation after reminiscing from a school year book. But it case I’m still off base, the school should allow the media or some third party to review the multiple DVDs that were produced by the school staff or Jim Davis, the photo album originator and pastor’s son-in-law that are being recalled after the CBS-47 story.

In addition, from my understanding there is/was one (1) African-American student attending Riverdale Christian Academy. I hope she wasn’t present. I hope she hasn’t seen this ‘joke’ or other like it that depicting African-American only as slave to entertain her white peers. I hope that staff, administration/church leadership and other students didn’t continue this form of comedy after Graduation. Unfortunately, it light of the pictures, their captions and information that has surfaced since, I don’t have much hope.

Unlike the Imus situation, I hope we (the Fresno community) will not rant, fire someone and then forget about it. It's really not about protesting or just an apology (though a formally written apology is very much in line), the greater issues of race & religion and matter of race in the Valley must be dealt with for us to move forward.

True reconciliation can not start without forgiveness and true forgiveness require repentance. Repentance is more than saying 'sorry' but it must be accompanied by a change in one's action.

Here are some ways to accomplish that:

Declaration by sister Assemblies of God churches that such practice are not acceptable
The Church pastor, as the leader of the school and church formally apology denouncing such practices and resolving that such skits or any forms of racial depiction be removed from all church or school-sponsored activities
The school establish or enhance their non-tolerance policy
A series of open dialogues between the community (church leaders across racial/ethnic lines, educators, and community advocates-- civic and otherwise) and the church about race and why such scenarios are deemed inappropriate, and how to incorporate true diversity into the school's culture. This not a microwave result but it be the most fruitful.

Setting some things straight: Racism in Riverdale?

2007-06-08T14:33:00.000-07:00

Riverdale

The community of Riverdale is 22 mi. south of Fresno near the border of the county line making more identifiable with Kings County as only 14 mi from Lemoore. According to the 2000 Census, the community has a total black population of 30. In the neighboring communities of Laton, Helm and Caruthers there are 29 blacks combined. Even Easton, which is considered an extension of West Fresno (not the historical ‘Golden Westside’ of Fresno County that includes all of western Fresno County), has only 12 blacks in that community. Many of the black students that attend Washington Union High School, live just outside of the City of Fresno's sphere of influence and feed into that school district. If there are only 11 students in Riverdale Unified School District according the District’s Accountability Report, it’s likely that Academy (their demography information is publicly accessible since it’s a private school) has a few if any black students in attendance there.

The principal in the CBS-Channel 47 (View News Interview) stated that these were jokes and the skit was pointed to make fun of the students. That was the exact purpose of Blackface: to get a good laugh at the expense of blacks. How does whites painted to portray black slaves jest white and Hispanic students? The bigger question is would the same skits and characters if they had black students or black families in attendance? Hopefully, no. But their embarrassment demonstrates that they knew it was inappropriate and that that why the picture have been removed and the school site is ‘temporarily down’.

Does the presence of ethnic minorities diminish the opportunities for racism and prejudice?

No. In many southern states, there were (and still are) large percentages of blacks and Latinos but were home to the some of the most legally and socially segregated communities. Jim Crow started in the South it an effort to control the lives of the many blacks there.

The community can’t be racist because they have a large Hispanic/Latino population.

What? Have you been in Tulare County where they little to no Hispanics elected to County offices though they constitute roughly 50-60% of the population? By the way, the school is not 51% Hispanic, that's the ethnic composition of the community itself. The has approximately 40 Hispanic students (30.8%), which really irrelevant to practices.

My Riverdale Knowledge

I have been to Riverdale a few times, in high school and college because I had black friends whose family that lived there and still do. I even had an opportunity to visit Boro Farms that is headquartered in the community.

Assemblies of God & Church of God in Christ

Let me make this clear—this is not an attack on the denomination. However, given the historical background of that body that broke off its affiliation to a black-led organization due to racial tension; it is an action that must be dealt with to further the reconciliation process. Also, for setting the facts straight, I have reference several sources including Oral Robert University that note the historical separation and recent deliberate reconciliation process between the two church organizations

Assemblies of God- Wikipedia

The Assemblies of God, or A/G for short, was founded in 1914 at Hot Springs, Arkansas. The early founders were licensed white ministers of the Church of God in Christ, the largest African-American Pentecostal body founded by Charles Harrison Mason in 1897 [4]. Their affiliation with the Church of God in Christ was short-lived due to the racial climate of the Jim Crow Era in the United States. Subsequently, predominantly white representatives from 20 states and a few foreign countries gathered to form a fellowship of Pentecostal believers. A fellowship emerged that was incorporated as the General Council of the Assemblies of God. E. N. (Eudorus Neander) Bell (1866-1923) was elected the first chairman. Central Bible College was started in the basement of the Central Assembly of God church in Springfield, Missouri in 1922.

Oral Roberts University. “The Origins of the Pentecostal Movement”

“Since many white pastors had formerly been part of Mason's church [Mason was the founder of Church of God in Christ], the beginnings of the Assemblies of God was also partially a racial separation. In time the Assemblies of God church was destined to become the largest Pentecostal denominational church in the world, claiming by 1993 over 2,000,000 members in the U.S. and some 25,000,000 adherents in 150 nations of the world.”

A/G and COGIC rebuilding relationships- Charisma Magazine

COGIC historical dateline- BlackChristian.com

Blackface

There is truth in some comments that what was demonstrated was not blackface is its true or original form. Yet, if one looks back at the historical content of the practice, its purpose and its targeted audience you will find all of those elements present in the Riverdale incident.

Expert from “The Guardian”: http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,,1878318,00.html

Blackface is "a form of racist caricature invented by white Americans in the minstrel-show days of the 1800s," says American academic John Strausbaugh in his book, Black Like You. Blackface minstrelsy became one of the US's most popular musical styles. In this white imitation of black characters black people were portrayed as stupid, superstitious, lying, lazy and lascivious. By the late 19th century, minstrel shows regularly featured black performers - but they continued to black themselves up in darker hues for their white audiences.

"It was a deliberate attempt to suggest that black people had no humanity," says Caryl Phillips, whose latest novel, Dancing in the Dark, looks at the life of Bert Williams, a light-skinned Antiguan-born black man who became America's highest paid entertainer by blacking himself up and playing a dim-witted funnyman.

Other Resources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackface

Yellow Face http://www.brightlightsfilm.com/18/18_yellow.html

Bamboozled, A Spike Lee movie http://www.bamboozledmovie.com/minstrelshow/briefhistory.html

John Strausbaugh .Black Like You: Blackface, Whiteface, Insult & Imitation in American Popular Culture

Overall Thoughts

Yes, we are American have freedom of expression—to the laws limit. People can say and do what they want but its not without consequence. I am especially disappointed about this situation for three reasons:

(1) While a private school, it is still an educational institution. What examples, images or messages did the faculty, staff, church leadership send to those students, who already have few opportunities given the area's demographic, about black Americans?

(2) Whether one is Christian or not (am I and a member of Church of God in Christ), in general, we as a society hold churches as moral-teaching institutions. What morals were taught that allowed such practices to take place at an event purposed on celebrating the accomplishment of young men and women completing one phase of the educational careers?

(3) How do these images affect the way, we as a community-- the Central Valley viewed internally and externally? Obviously, the images have been distributed across the country within a short of time (this event happened just last week) and made their way back to the Valley. Now what are we going to do about it? Are we willing to face the issue or do we continue to sweep such situations under the race rug? Time will tell.

Racism in Riverdale?

2007-06-07T11:27:00.000-07:00

Are Whites still putting on blackface? Yes, right in our back yard--Riverdale, CA. White men and women had 'brown faces' depicting slaves during the Civil War at Riverdale Christian Academy's Senior Prom & 2007 Graduation Celebration. The skits and characters were part of the entertainment.

Riverdale, CA
Population: 2400 (2000 Census)
Ethnic Make-up:1.2% African-American, 51% Hispanic and 40.1 % White- non Hispanic.
Location: Approximately 20 miles south of Fresno, off Fwy 41 between Easton and Lemoore

The really sad part about this situation is that characters were performed at a church-sponsored event as the Academy is under Riverdale Assembly of God. Just when we think the we have truly begun the reconciliation process between the Church of God in Christ-COGIC and The Assembly of God (Assembly of God member-churches were originally a part of COGIC until they broke off in 1914 to establish a predominately-White denomination), we see that many still need deliverance from racism and prejudice. Racism and prejudice in the church has to be dealt with. John, one of Jesus disciples speaks false love for God in I John 4:20(NIV):

If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.

This is not merely a theatrical production emulating fictional characters, but a purposeful demonstration of disregard for the seriousness of the black American slave experience. It trivializes slavery, it celebrates the ungodly and unfounded Biblical justification of this Era (similar reasoning used in stripping land for Native Americans and the encampment of Japanese-Americans during WW II), and further characterizes rural and small town America as unwelcoming to people of color.

Charles Spencer is the Pastor of Riverdale Assembly of God, it appears that he and his wife were present at the event.

This type of behavior is totally unacceptable, especially when sanctioned by a church. I believe the church leadership, Academy administration & staff, the characters and students involved need to admit the action was wrong and prepare a formal apology to the African-American community.

Obviously, one of the Academy's staff though it was harmless enough to post the pictures of the event on the web [the albums and the account were deleted after this post]

http://www.bebo.com/PhotoAlbumBig.jsp?MemberId=324058667&PhotoAlbumId=4570626144&PhotoId=4570686461

Riverdale Christian Academy at The Riverdale Assembly of God http://www.rivdal.org/

A Mangled Use of the Justice System

2007-05-07T09:44:00.000-07:00

41 year-old Paul Perry, a victim of a demented use of the justice system to settle a personal vendetta, will be a guest of Valley Black Talk in follow-up to a Fresno Bee article detailing his horrible account of over 10-months of vicious unwarranted threats from Fresno County jail inmates. The threats were the results of letters from an unsuspecting guard to inmates full of racial slurs, derogatory comments, and slander against their families with the intent to enrage them to the point of wanting to retaliate against Paul Perry, his fiancé, her sons, and his mother. And for what….. to combat a civil lawsuit & at-fault car accident that the guard had with Perry?

Listen tonight at 8 PM on Valley Black Talk (KPFA/KFCF, FM 88.1), as he recounts the ‘nightmare’— the resistance he encountered with the Sheriff Department, the threats, and how this could happen to any of us.

Valley Black Talk- Monday, May 7, 2007 at 8 PM . KFCF 88.1 FM

Read the Story on BlackXchange.net Valley Black Talk
The Fresno Bee article- Sunday, April 29, 2007. "Living a Nightmare"

Question: Do you think that Alejandro Vital received a sufficient sentence for the crime committed? Could this be considered a hate crime and/or a intent to commit murder?

Imus- When will we have a real discussion on race?

2007-05-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

Its’ never just one time

Since April 4^th, mainstream media and Americans were reminded that as country have any issues surrounding the topic of race and gender. Comments from Don Imus referring to the predominately black Rutgers Women’s Basketball Team as "nappy-headed ho's" has rekindled the conversation about appropriate speech in the media, societal perception of black women, and deep-rooted sentiment of many whites toward blacks. Yes Don Imus apologized but this not a one-time ‘slip-up’. Over the years, he has made several demeaning comments toward respected black women and journalists from Gwen Ifill to William Rhoden (read the Market Watch article). Imus is an example of a disregard for decency within the media and entertainment towards humanity whether they be black, a woman, Christian, liberal or conservative.

Missed Opportunity?

As one of MSNBC's guest black commentator mentioned, is the firing of Imus a missed opportunity? While this has been a top story since the 4^th, I'm certain within a week’s time, it will have been forgotten. What would have happened if Imus in the Morning, due to the situation, helped to reopen the long overdue national conversation on race? Sometimes we are quick to punish the single act or to medicate the pain without searching out the root of the symptom. There are even greater and deeper questions about how we as African-Americans project negative images of ourselves through media— music, videos and TV that is internally accepted and then externally replicated. I believe it’s important not only that we demand that the Imus and Kramers of our society demonstrate civility but those who influence not only our youth but entire younger generations through their lyrics to communicate with responsibility and respect.

In the Black- 2006 In Review

2007-01-17T11:14:00.000-08:00

Black politics revived. In the city of Fresno , we had black candidates in almost level of office from County, City to school districts. Cynthia Sterling made history in 2002, as the first African-American woman elected to the Fresno City Council and in 2006 as the only the second African-American to be re-elected to the City Council (Les Kimber was the first). Cal Johnson defeated Luisa Medina, to the glee of many, to represent the Edison Area on Fresno Unified School District . Being the 4^th largest district in the state, Johnson has his work cut out for him from healthcare cost, dealing with a system producing one of the highest drop-out rates in the nation especially amongst black students, and much more. Dorothy “Dottie” Smith was re-elected to the State Community College District that includes Fresno City College (lead by Dr. Ned Doffoney- the first and only black college president in the Central Valley ). Activist Rev. Floyd Harris gave incumbent Eubanks a run for his money in the race for the Fresno County Board of Education.

Black Political Council- Change in leadership. Since January 2006, Audrey Redmond was elected to take the helm of the organization founded by the late Dr. Jackie Hodges. While the organization has not been without controversy (what would you expect, it’s a political organization!), people are again talking about it. During this past election cycle, the Council successfully received several written pledges from candidates—now elected officials that they would hire blacks within their offices. I hope the Council will hold those officials accountable to those promises.

The Fresno Black Caucus…. a new black think tank? The concept of the caucus is to be informal clearing house (no plans to develop a new 501c3) for addressing issues pertaining to education, economic prosperity, health and confronting Fresno ’s black community. The group included community heavyweights in all sectors and walks of life that are posed to bring resources and expertise to help tackle issue outlined in Smiley’s Covenant with Black America. Because the group is in its infancy, it’s too early to judge its product.

Hanford recognizes MLK Day. The civic pressure imposed on the Hanford City Council that resulted in them observing the Martin Luther King’s birthday as a paid holiday for city employees was the combined effort of multiple organizations and agencies in and out the Central Valley. I was proud to see the collaborative efforts between branches of the NAACP ( Fresno and Hanford ), the National Action Network and several others that helped the make the often discounted black voice of the South Valley heard.

Allensworth smothered by cows. One of the few locations that has a black historic value in the state might have get use to its new next door neighbor— 7,500 cows. In their wisdom, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors voted to issue a permit to Sam Etchegaray, a local dairyman to develop a tour-crushing 320 acre dairy adjacent to the Allensworth State Park . Etchegaray states the 60 jobs and the $20M boost will “usher impoverished minorities into the middle class” (LA Times, Dec. 8, 2006 ). Question: how many of those jobs will benefits residents of that community? You expect me to believe that I would walk in that dairy in find Latino and Black managers, agriculturists, and animal health specialists with benefits, 401Ks, and health care plans? The State Parks system is in negotiation with the owner to purchase a percentage of the land to provide a buffer between the two planned dairies and the park.

The Police. Wait before you just scroll through this one. I know there are many sides to police in the black community, especially in Fresno . From Block Parties to unnecessary force, we face the many ‘issues’. Allow me to paint a picture with statistics taken the quarterly demographics data report published this October 2006. I’ll let you do the interpretation:

City of Fresno Traffic Stops

	Blacks	Whites
Traffics Stops	1 for every 20 residents	1 for every 33 residents
Vehicle Searches because of traffic stops	1 for every 8 stops 2X more likely than Whites	1 for every 16 stops
Arrest resulted from stop	3 for every 100	1 for every 100

Source: City of Fresno Police Department- Crime Statistics, Traffic Stops Demographic Data (Qtr 3, 2006)

(http://www.fresno.gov/NR/rdonlyres/C2629BC5-75F5-4B7E-9E5B-5E8D305CF7CA/0/2006DDC3rdQuarter.pdf )

Some believe that a Police Auditor would put the City on the right track towards a resolution surrounding racial profiling and the highly publicized police-citizen incidents occurring in West Fresno. Others see the effectiveness of community policing tools used in southwest Fresno through the “Bringing Broken Neighborhoods Back Together” Block Parties with neighborhood churches. The jury is still out.

Black businesses excluded from Journal’s top list. As an avid reader of the Business Journal, the Central Valley’s premier business publication and publisher of the “Book of List” (also a great resource for fundraising, networking, new clients), I recognized no black businesses listed amongst the hundreds included. Even on the short minority-owned business list- no black businesses are indicated. Is this by design or are we just not taking advantage of this marketing opportunity? In speaking with the staff, they specifically desire to diversify the list to include black-owned but the Lists are composted by participating businesses. We have to participate. Metropolitan Fresno or Fresno MSA (Fresno, Clovis and Madera) black businesses contribute $60M (US Census- 2002 Economic Survey) to the region’s economy through payroll alone (this doesn’t include black sole proprietors, entrepreneurs or self-employers). The Book of List data is collected during the summer and published every October. For more information contact Robin Ogle at The Business Journal, 490-3400 or rogle@thebusinessjounral.com .

Black-On-Black Lending. In 2006, the African-American Coalition for Capital Access was launched with the help of Valley Small Business Development Corporation (www.vsbdc.org). Fresno West Coalition for Economic Development (www.fwced.org) and the San Joaquin Valley Black Camber of Commerce (www.sjvbcc.org) acted as the lead organizations to start the pilot program. According to Travis Smiley Covenant with Black America, one of the fundamental avenues for building community wealth is through entrepreneurship and micro enterprise. A major hurdle to that is capital—the funds, dollars, greenbacks, ‘scrilla’, paper, however you describe it—to start the business or take it to the next level. The program was launched as a peer-to-peer program that coaches businesses during and after the process with the intention to lead them to market credit worthiness. The program has successful approved four (4) so far and the word is getting out.

BlackXchange rearranging the way we communicate. Dwayne Ferguson is a bold brother. He officially launched www.blackxchange.net in February that has grown from a handful to over 1500 member-businesses and organization across the country. He then bought an expandable RV to promote the virtual business network designed for blacks and took it across the state and nation. Dwayne didn’t stop there and it taking it to the next level with a 5000+ sq. ft. black business incubator near the Fresno Yosemite Intl. Airport . Oh and by the way, he and his wife own and operate Overcolor, a web/design and printing company. Dwayne isn’t alone. He is just one of the brothers and sisters under 40 making a mark on the community by helping us “learn, grow and Xchange” TM.

Republished with the expressed permission of In the Black e-newsletter

What is California doing to assist small business?

2006-09-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

In a visit to Fresno, Sam Wallace- 56, a former business owner, African-American and the first appointee as the Small Enterprise Officer outlined some ways in which small businesses can access procurement contracts with the state. The three strategies for increasing small business capacity that will assist them in benefiting from the Governor's $107B Strategic Growth Pla n through Executive Order S-11-06 include:

Recognizing opportunities to do business without being a certified small disabled veteran, minority or women small business (must produce $10M or less in annual revnues)
Connecting small business with prime contractors (larger firms doing more than $10M)
Connecting the Office of Small Enterprise with the rest of the community- business, nonprofits and workforce/govt. agencies to get the word out

Wallace mentioned some interesting facts:

California has about 1.5 million firms/business

About 750,000 are eligible to participate in the state's small business program

Of those, approximately 2-3% or 15-20 thousand firms are certified in the state as a small or disadvantaged business (over 50% owned by veteran, ethnic minority or woman).

Only 42% of them are bidding on state procurment projects and approximately 2000 won a contract, which means only 1% of the qualified small firms are doing business with the state.

This causes a problem- it creates opportunities for out of state and foreign companies to access the billions of dollars procured through California. Even if we usedCalifornia's top 25 contsruction firms, they could only manage approximately 10% ($6.3B) of the state's planned $63B in construction and infrastructure contracts according to Wallace.

So how can small business participate with the state, which was the theme of the conference held in Fresno titled "2006 Contracting Connections"? Wallce, who previously contracted with the state is was the president of Williams-Wallace Managament Consultants. had three words of advice:

Focus in on the services you will provide
Connect with the agencies that best fit your expertise
Develop relationships with staff at the Agency you want to do business with

2006-01-13T11:04:00.000-08:00

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Holiday Celebration Calendar

Fresno, CA

Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don't have to have college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.

Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.

Friday, January 13, 2006

5:30-6:30 PM
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Evening Reception and Awards Presentation: Fresno City Hall, 2nd Floor Lobby & Council Chambers, 2600 Fresno Street.
Contact: Dr. Jean Kennedy (559) 270-1023 or Julia Dudley (559) 457-2780.

5:30 PM
A reception and awards program at the African American Historical and Cultural Museum, 1857 Fulton St.

Saturday, January 14, 2006

8-9 AM
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Breakfast will be held at the Clovis Veterans Memorial Building -Independence Room, 453 Hughes Avenue (corner of 5th Street & Hughes Ave.). Members of the Community are invited to enjoy a delicious breakfast is $5.00 per person. Fresno City College President, Ned Doffoney will speak.
Contact: Caroline Carlson (559) 324-2416.

Sunday, January 15, 2006

6PM
The Drum Major for Justice Award Banquet is hosted by the California Advocate Newspaper (http://www.caladvocate.com/Archives/DrumMajor2006/default.asp). Radisson Hotel Cost, $75. Reception is followed the awards banquet starting at 7 PM.

5:30-6:30 PM
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Candlelight Vigil at the Fresno City Hall Fountain, 2600 Fresno Street, Fresno.

Monday, January 16, 2006

9:30 AM- Assembly. 10 AM March Start
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March and Food Drive to End Hunger in Fresno. The event begins at 9:30 a.m. at St. John's Cathedral, 2814 Mariposa Ave.

11 AM
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Program Memorial Auditorium, Fresno Street between N and O Streets (across from the Fresno Water Tower). An inspiring and enjoyable program will be hosted by the City of Fresno's Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Committee.

Contact: Ed C. Bailey (559) 304-5772

Prespections, Poverty and Kayne West from a Vegas View

2006-01-05T17:03:00.000-08:00

Today, I read an editorial piece on Black Commentator , which highlighted a study of 1200 people (500 blacks & 700 whites) about their views on how race factored into the federal government's response to Hurricane Katrina. Unsurprisingly, there was a great disparity between blacks and whites on the issue. The article also asked those polled whether Kayne West comments about George Bush, FEMA, Hurricane Katrina and racial inequality were unjustified. The editor states that the difference in perception (9% blacks, 56% whites) demonstrates that race is still an issue in our country.

I guess what makes this article particularly striking is that I saw Kayne West after his concert on News Years Eve in Las Vegas. The capacity crowd of about 7500 ($75-300 a pop) was primarily white. Despite Kayne's clear message in his lyrics and on national TV about societal wrongs regarding race, poverty and urban repression he continues to garnish fans across ethnic and socio-economic lines. Is it because young white suburbanites are searching for ways to rebel against the cultural institutions established by their parents & families? Is it because people are tired of a federal government that is unresponsive to the needs of the people whether they are of seniors, veterans, international citizens, or black/African-American? Or could the fans like artists who just don't like George Bush? I say it could any or all above.

In Fresno where the concentration of poverty is greater than pre-Katrina New Orleans, race and poverty are issues swept under the old rug already plauged with a huge lupe of dirt. It kick up dust every time someone walks over it and acts as its not there. Maybe that's why we have bad air-- no one wants to clear the dust.

Creative Blender @ Storyland

2005-10-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

Storyland Map

Creative Blender on Huntington

2005-08-03T11:26:00.000-07:00

Downtown Living Continues!

August 5, 2005

3650 Huntington Blvd.
(between 6th and 7th Street, just east of downtown)

Right After Work- 5PM

If you've ever wanted to get a look at the inside of one those beautiful homes on historic Huntington Boulevard then this is your chance! That's right! Not only is this month's Blender being held at an amazing home in the heart of Huntington, it's the same home featured on the August cover of Fresno Magazine!

So bring a friend.....share ideas...... have fun!Map of 3650 E Huntington Blvd Fresno, CA 93702-2806

Blendin' @ Borgata

2005-06-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

Downtown Living is Here!

Dont Miss Creative Fresno's

Creative Blender

Poolside party @ Villa Borgata Condominums

The Friday after ArtHop

July 8, 2005

Catered Food by Grand Occasions with No-Host bar
Prizes- Stuff to Your New Condo!
Model tours available

We start right after work-- 5 to7 PM

Villa Borgata condominium complex in downtown Fresno is located on Huntington Blvd. just east of R St. behind the Old Fresno Hofbrau . Map

Michael Jackson: Not Guilty

2005-06-13T15:36:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well. It's the case everyone knows about and probably has talked about over the water cooler at some point. The verdict from the Michael Jackson was read this morning as not guilty on all ten (10) counts. Courtroom on-lookers said the courtroom was quiet, the Jackson family wassupportive, andfor the most part Michael was emotionless .

I really didnt know how the jury was going to rule in this case. Yet, I just couldn't see Michael in prison. Think about it: Michael in the prison throwing huge concerts for the officers and their families, wearing something other than his military state/princely attire, and an entourage of big black men that aren't a part of the security provided by the Nation of Islam. It would be even wierder than the already wierd life of Jackson. At the most I thought he would be convicted of at least one count with minimal sentencing (house arrest or probation).

The case does raise some interesting thoughts & questions about our society:
(1) Can wealth afford you freedom despite testimony & evidence?
(2) Are the tables of justice finally turning for men of color?
(3) How many would be out enjoying freedom if they had enough money for top lawyers and investgators?
(4) What does this case say about celebrities and those that get entangled in their lives?

Please share your thoughts & feelings.

Jackson Trial information (as if you really needed it):

E Channel Online
Court TV
AboutMichealJackson.com
CNN

2005-06-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

Fresno's 27th Annual Juneteenth Celebration & Festival

Gospel Night- June 17th @ 6 PM

Parade- June 18th @ 10 AM

Celebration: Booth & Stage Entertainment- June 18th @ 12 Noon- 6 PM

Where: Hinton Community Center, 2385 Fairview (Church St.) just south of Edison Computech

Host: City of Fresno- Parks & Recreation, The Office of Councilmember Cythnia Sterling, and Fresno West Coalition for Economic Development (FWCED)

For Vendor & Information Booth Reservation: Contact Tate Hill at FWCED (559) 485-1273 or tateh@fwced.org

What is Juneteenth all about?

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19^th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.
Today 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.

For more information: Juneteenth.com

Other California Juneteenth Events

Not finding "it" in Fresno?

2005-04-25T15:25:00.000-07:00

Are you new to Fresno or the Central Valley and how havent been able to make a connect to the urban and ethnic communities? Do you know where to find Starbuck's and an apple-raspberry muffin but you're dying for a good piece of sweet potato pie or a Vietnamese Ice-Coffee? Or maybe you are just looking for a little bit more "color". I hope you can get the information and resources you are looking for here. Feel free to express your thoughts, frustrations, or fears about your new town.