Congresswoman Lee to Chair Congressional Black Caucus
November 19, 2008
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) was formally named Chair-Elect of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) at a press conference this morning on Capitol Hill announcing the organization’s leadership for the upcoming Congress.Lee, who served as a member of the CBC leadership team for the past six years, first as Whip and currently as First Vice Chair, praised the leadership of outgoing Chair Congresswoman Carolyn Kilpatrick. In the 111th Congress, CBC members will chair the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and the Ways and Means Committee, and numerous subcommittees. Congressman James Clyburn (D-SC) will serve as Majority Whip of the Democratic Caucus and President-Elect Barack Obama will become the first African-American President.
“I want to thank Chairwoman Kilpatrick who has done a phenomenal job in keeping our caucus together and for the many legislative victories achieved under her leadership and to congratulate our newly elected officers. The 111th Congress will not only present unique and difficult challenges, but also historic opportunities for our caucus. I look forward to working with all of our CBC members to craft and implement a unified and bold agenda for the 111th Congress,” said Lee. [Read more]
Lynum Elected President of the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials
November 17, 2008
Orlando, Fla. – Orlando Commissioner Daisy W. Lynum was elected 2009 president of the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) this week during the group’s annual membership meeting at the National League of Cities’ (NLC) Congress of Cities in Orlando.
The Congress of Cities is the National League of Cities’ annual conference for city leaders. It encourages city leaders to exchange best practices and new program ideas that provide economic opportunities, make available more affordable housing, ensure public safety, and allow more effective interaction with state and federal agencies.
Lynum was first elected to the Orlando City Council in 1998, where her primary focus for Orlando citizens has been quality of life through sustainable neighborhoods. She is a member of NLC’s Bo ard of Directors and the Florida League of Cities. [Read more]
Lee Calls Obama Victory a “Transformative Moment”
November 8, 2008
By Post Staff
Local Congresswoman Barbara Lee praised President-elect Barack Obama’s historic victory, saying the stage is set for the country once again to respect human rights, tackle poverty and promote opportunity.
Lee, who served as Western Regional Co-Chair of Senator Obama’s campaign, overwhelming won her own reelection campaign, receiving 86 percent of the vote.
“This is a transformative moment in United States history,” she said. “When Dr. King spoke a generation ago of the dream he held for America, he envisioned exactly this type of moment, where a man was judged by his character, his intellect and his hard work –and not by the color of his skin or his race or his ancestry. [Read more]
Lillie Cage, 108, Votes
November 8, 2008
Oakland resident Lillie Cage said “I never thought I would live to see the day when a Black man would become President. This is the day that the bottom rail has come to the top.” Cage, a retired nurse with an active drivers license, was assisted by Registrar Dave MacDonald. He also helped her son John Cage, 91, vote from her car. Elizabeth Cartwright, Cage’s assistant, said she voted the entire ballot. Photo by Gene Hazzard.
Mayor Ron Dellums and his wife Cynthia, above, shared election victories with Rebecca Kaplan (center). Photo by Godfrey Lee.
Progressives Keep SF Board Majority, Jackson Wins Seat on College Board
November 8, 2008
Election night celebration at Barack Obama San Francisco Headquarters
By Wade Woods
The progressive block on the Board of Supervisors maintained their majority on election night. Mayor Newsom and Downtown interests had hoped to replace supervisors in districts 1, 3, and 11 with moderate candidates more in tune with the policies of Newsom and the Chamber of Commerce. A huge TV campaign to paint Eric Mar, David Chiu and John Avalos as puppets of Supervisor Daly failed to stop their election on Tuesday night. First-time candidates Mar, Chiu, and Avalos were elected to the board.
In other Supervisorial contests, Carmen Chu won District 4 with 50.16 percent of the vote. In District 5, Ross Mirkarimi won with 77.56 percent of the vote. In District 7, Sean Elsbernd won with 69.86 percent of the vote. In District 9, David Campos won with 35.55 percent of the vote. [Read more]
Pastor J. Alfred Smith Sr. Endorses Rebecca Kaplan
November 1, 2008
In supporting Rebecca Kaplan for the Oakland City Council, at-large seat, Pastor J. Alfred Smith Sr. said, “I am proud to be supporting Rebecca Kaplan for the Oakland City Council. Kaplan will take action to help solve real problems and improve all of our lives - including in housing, jobs, safety, and respect for one another. I trust Rebecca to pay attention to our needs and make thoughtful decisions, to strive for an “understanding heart,” to do justice. I know Rebecca not only as a politician, but also as someone who, like myself, has studied, and has a love for, ancient Hebrew scripture. Spending time with Kaplan reminds me of the 133rd Psalm: ‘How good and sweet it is, to dwell together in unity.’ ”
Rev. J. Alfred Smith Sr., is the senior Pastor at Oakland’s Allen Temple Baptist Church, and past President of the Progressive National Baptist Convention.
Why You Should Join Black Women Organized For Political Action
October 31, 2008
By Brigette R. LeBlanc
My name is Brigette R. LeBlanc, and I am President of Black Women Organized For Political Action San Francisco-Peninsula Chapter. I invite you to consider joining BWOPA and to also extend that same invitation to your colleagues and family members. BWOPA is a state organization with seven chapters throughout the state of California with 1600 plus members. BWOPA is the oldest and most prestigious Black Woman’s Political organization of its kind in the state of California. We have now enjoyed over 35 years of activism, political action, leadership training and mentorship; with seven active chapters statewide. In addition to this, as a BWOPA member you join a network of professionals, grass roots organizers, Civil Rights activists, and community organizers who are unified in ensuring that issues that impact Black Women and their communities are identified and addressed in the political forum. [Read more]
Post News Group Endorsements
October 30, 2008
President/Vice President
Barack Obama
Joseph Biden
EBMUD Director
William Patterson
Peralta College Board
Marlon McWilson
Oakland City Council
Rebecca Kaplan
BART Board
Lynette Sweet
Alameda County Judge
Phil Daly
State Assembly
Sandre Swanson
State Senate
Loni Hancock
US Congress
Barbara Lee
Vote No on Proposition 8
October 30, 2008
By Alice A. Huffman
President, California NAACP
There comes a time when society’s values and mores are called into question and we must sort out what is important to the well being of humanity. Proposition 8 brings us to just such cross roads where we must cast a vote on November 4, on one side or the other. In arriving at our position we analyzed the issue from several angles and realized that there is no need for Proposition 8.
First we addressed the issue of “Marriage.” As we know, not everyone in our diverse community practice the same brand of religion and not all of us who profess faith in one denomination interpret the bible in the same way. The proponents will have us believe that marriage is a sacred union between a man and woman and they will use biblical quotes to back them up. The truth is, the sacred union of marriage is one performed in the church with believers in the doctrine of that church and practices its faith. Thus, the transference of the license to the sanctity of the church is a Christian choice made post the granting of the marriage license by the government. [Read more]
History!!
October 30, 2008
