By: Dr. John E. Warren While many are watching developing court cases and the treatment of Blacks and people of color as both victims and perpetrators in the judicial system, we must not lose sight of the coming changes around us designed to both distract and disable. I speak specifically of the following: (1) the redistricting or redesigning of all the Electoral Districts in the United States, based on the 2020 Census; (2) the new Voter Suppression laws in over 22 states restricting voting hours, locations, and conduct while waiting to vote; (3) the local campaigns against Critical Race Theory resulting in the removal of books in school libraries and restrictions on how issues of race can be taught; and (4) a very close look at all people running for office in 2022 and where they actually stand on the issues just mentioned. The Conservative Right, with all its Trump supporters, is counting on low voter turnout as a result of the above-mentioned restrictions. They are also putting those who are in agreement with them in key positions within each state’s vote count and certification process. The greatest weapon we have is our ability to engage the process at every level. We must now start serious voter registration; we must now look very closely at the new electoral boundaries and changes in all districts, from Congressional Districts to State Legislative, County, Municipal, and School Board Districts. We must start now and begin looking at the impact of these proposed changes. In some cases, it is already too late to engage the Redistricting Commissions for final changes. Many of these commissions sought to use the internet as a substitute for outreach and citizen engagement in the process. Many of these commissions, both here and around the country, were appointing and stacking the commissions even before the Bureau of the Census released its report. As a result of those activities, we must now engage in the five “P’s” if we, as the potential victims, are to overcome the “changes”. The “P’s” are: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance. We must start planning now […]
Preparing for Coming Changes Read More »
By: Dr. John E. Warren While a great deal of time and attention is being given to the many sins and acts of evil by Republicans and the Ultra Right who believe that their privileges are greater than our democracy, it is important to remember that “We the People” hold the keys to our own deliverance. There are more of us than them as evidenced by the last election which placed President Joe Biden in the White House instead of a second term for Trump. The Bible says “we have not because we ask not, and when we ask, we ask for the wrong things”. Lawrence O’Donnell, an MSNBC Commentator, recently pointed out that “we” are responsible for Donald Trump being able to appoint three judges to the U.S. Supreme Court. As he indicated, it started when we, the democrats, didn’t bother to vote in past presidential elections that allowed the Regans, the Bushes and the Trumps to be in position to stack the Court with conservative right wingers. You will remember that when Trump was running against Clinton, the Christian Right and Ultra Conservative Right were not concerned with his sexual sins, only having him in position to appoint judges to the Highest Court in the land because it would influence policy for decades to come. Now the ball is back in the court of “We the people”, if we choose to take it. We the people out number the conservative Ultra White element that would end democracy. We the people, whether Democrat or Independent, have sufficient numbers to out vote any conservative wave and laws of voter suppression are now being put on the books. It was this kind of voter turnout that elected two Democratic U.S. Senators from the State of Georgia, in spite of the Trump effort to undermine the voter turnout of the state. When we look at the characters that are holding the U.S. Senate hostage and refusing to live up to their oath to “Protect and Defend the Constitution of the United States”, then we have an obligation to organize and vote them
“We the People”: The solution to our problems Read More »
By: Dr. John E. Warren The State of Texas has become the model of how to kill democracy, enhance voter suppression, expand open carry gun laws in spite of mass murder at a Walmart store, ban abortions and gerrymander future election districts to reduce Black and Brown voter influence in the election of office holders. This is the state that placed bounties of $10,000 on the heads of all those aiding and abetting abortions in the state. All while reducing the number of voting sites and collection boxes for ballot returns. Add these state legislative actions to a Donald Trump-appointed majority on the United States Supreme Court, along with a Mitch McConnell bottle neck of the United States Senate’s Republican membership, and the United States has gone from a Constitutional form of government with a three branch check and balance system to a one party Congress and a President that can not get any legislation to his desk because the Senate refuses to act, just because it can. This is a Senate Republican Party that refuses to act on any legislative agenda of this President, a Democrat, just as it did with President Obama, also a Democrat. The connecting link in all this is that the parties refusing to act are mostly conservative white male and some female Republicans. Although these people, as office holders on the state and national levels, have taken an Oath of Office to protect and defend their Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic, their allegiance to Donald Trump, the man, is greater than to the offices they hold. When the Congress no longer works under the Constitution that created it, because men have abandoned what it stands for as evidenced by Republican behavior towards a man rather than their office; when the U.S. Supreme Court has been stacked with men and women more loyal to the idea of White Privilege than to democracy and the balance of power they are supposed to represent; when states elect as their legislative voice men and women who owe allegiance to the idea of White Privilege over our
The Deconstruction of American Democracy Read More »
By: Dr. John E. Warren The conviction of Derek Chauvin on all three counts in the death of George Floyd represents a much needed breeze of change, but it is neither the storm or whirlwind needed to correct the malignant, cancerous attitude of law enforcement against not only Black men and women and people of color, but a society which says it’s alright to be judge, jury and executioner of those having contact with police in particular. The prosecution and its witnesses in the trial made it clear that the issue is not police training, nor is it about anything other than treating people with the respect and dignity the police would expect if they were in the shoes of those who have become their victims. We know that crime does exist, that there are people who must be apprehended and not all can be done without use of force; but those selected to wear a badge and gun must know the difference and must no longer be able to hide behind such legal myths as “qualified immunity” which has excused so much of what so many police officers should be held accountable for. The verdict is a good start, but let’s not think it solves our problems. In the midst of celebrating, let us keep our eyes on the national war before us which finds Republican legislators at the Congressional and State legislative levels mounting a relentless battle for “voter suppression.” They are attempting to do to people of color what Derek Chauvin did to George Floyd. Their knee is being placed on our neck of democracy and we cannot breathe without fighting back. Let’s identify not only those Republican legislators in each state pushing such legislation, but mount people to run against them. At the same time, let us withhold our dollars from those corporations who refuse to stand up and speak out with their dollars against those very elected officials they have funded for so long. There are still more trials to come. Let’s stay vigilant, for the struggle continues.
COMMENTARY: The Verdict, The Nation, and Us Read More »
October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
