Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Michelle and Barack Obama Move Black Love to Main Street
Far too long, black love has always taken the back seat. Showing Blacks on mainstream media as affectionate, sexy and beautiful people was . . . well let's say so out of fashion since Bill Cosby and the Huxtables.
Instead, images of black love has been replaced with outrageous stereotypes of blacks, particularly black women: overly aggressive, over-bearing, overweight, druggie. Black men, on the other hand, have been portrayed as little gangsters running around, regardless of their educational level, with serious commitment issues and lacking the ability to love their own.
While the inugural activities this weekend resonated with so many on different levels, one very significant thing it did was move Black love to mainstreet. Now, blacks and especially black young boys and girls, have a positive image of black love that can be their realities.
See images below for the public display of affection [PDAs] displayed by the Obamas throughout the weekend.
The Obamas Dance their First Dance at the Neighborhood Ball
The image of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama dancing their first dance at the neighborhood ball was simply powerful and priceless.
They shatter stereotypes and show love, black love, family, an affectionate and intelligent man and woman.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Jonas Brothers Performs to the Obama Kids Delight
We are all very engaged here at Ladybrille with the inauguration activities and hope you have been enjoying yourself as well.We've got members of our team on the ground in DC and we will be bringing you all the fun from the inauguration soon.
Friday, January 16, 2009
President Bush, A Legacy of Strong Aid to Africa
President George W. Bush recently gave his farewell speech to the nation. The reaction to his speech on social media, television and radio has been most calling him the "lame duck," the "dumbest President ever," etc. While President Bush absolutely gets an F for invading Iraq and leaving a gaping hole in the pocket books of most Americans, when it comes to Africa, he gets a B+ if not A-. President George W. Bush has been good to Africa and arguably, the growth and exodus of African professionals back to the continent has a lot to do with the kinds of trade policies and partnership President Bush instituted during his reign with Africa. We think great minds can agree to, objectively, give credit where credit is due. As such it is only fitting we point out his track record with respect to Africa and let it do the talking.
BUSH'S AFRICA LEGACY/RECORD
First President to meet with twenty five African head of States in the first two years of office.
30% increase in assistance to Sub-Saharan Africa from fiscal year 2001-2003.
Under his administration and support, debt canceled for twenty seven African states.
The first and largest contributor to donate over $500 million to Global HIV/AIDS Fund.
Under his adminstration and support, $34 billion debt cancelled for 27 countries in Africa.
Very relevant to what we do here at Ladybrille, implemented the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, a trade peference program that provides for beneficial tarriff opportunities for imported products from Africa. 90% of products imported from Africa to the USA are duty free. See Ladybrille's interview with the United States Trade Office on AGOA.
Directly responsible for the North-South peace deals in Sudan. Also directly involved in helping facilitate the ending of wars in Sierra Leone and the Congo.
Initiated the USA Malaria initiative that has halved Malaria in fifteen African countries.
The list goes on and might we add that even on a domestic level, he remains the President with the most diverse cabinet, yet. He was the first President to have a Black Secretary of State, Colin Powell. He was also the first President to have a Black woman as the Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice [First Black woman and second African American to hold the position]. His administration was filled with a very diverse staff, from the Chief White House photographer who is a Black man to the current Chef who is a minority woman, among many.
Again, while we agree that the US had no business in Iraq, it doesn't diminish the positive and strong work this President has done for the less fortunate in a place that really matters, Africa.
Resources: Center for Global Development
BBC News, 'Has Bush Been Africa's Best Friend? '[Jan. 16th, 2009]
The Sullivan Foundation, "Bush Record on Africa, Hard to Follow." [Oct. 2007]
President Bush, Africa Policy, White House Website
The list goes on and might we add that even on a domestic level, he remains the President with the most diverse cabinet, yet. He was the first President to have a Black Secretary of State, Colin Powell. He was also the first President to have a Black woman as the Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice [First Black woman and second African American to hold the position]. His administration was filled with a very diverse staff, from the Chief White House photographer who is a Black man to the current Chef who is a minority woman, among many.
Again, while we agree that the US had no business in Iraq, it doesn't diminish the positive and strong work this President has done for the less fortunate in a place that really matters, Africa.
Resources: Center for Global Development
BBC News, 'Has Bush Been Africa's Best Friend? '[Jan. 16th, 2009]
The Sullivan Foundation, "Bush Record on Africa, Hard to Follow." [Oct. 2007]
President Bush, Africa Policy, White House Website
Monday, December 8, 2008
Ghana Votes in Rare Example of African Democracy
ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — Election officials began counting ballots late Sunday in one of Africa's rare democracies, where voters are painfully aware of the example they are setting on a continent better known for coups, rigged elections and one-man rule.
In courtyards throughout the capital, election officials put police tape around the plywood tables where they began sorting ballots. Hundreds of onlookers formed walls around the counting tables, standing on chairs to get a view and whooping as the stack of their candidate of choice grew taller.
The count capped a long day in this humid capital. The election began the night before, as hundreds of voters slept on the pavement outside their polling stations in an effort to be first. Voters spoke of carrying the burden of the continent's numerous failures as they waited to vote.
"We will never disgrace our country. We know that the whole world is watching us," said Beatrice Mantey, a retired school teacher who spent the night on the concrete outside her polling station. ~By RUKMINI CALLIMACHI
Read the rest here.
Watch the video here.
Read More
In courtyards throughout the capital, election officials put police tape around the plywood tables where they began sorting ballots. Hundreds of onlookers formed walls around the counting tables, standing on chairs to get a view and whooping as the stack of their candidate of choice grew taller.
The count capped a long day in this humid capital. The election began the night before, as hundreds of voters slept on the pavement outside their polling stations in an effort to be first. Voters spoke of carrying the burden of the continent's numerous failures as they waited to vote.
"We will never disgrace our country. We know that the whole world is watching us," said Beatrice Mantey, a retired school teacher who spent the night on the concrete outside her polling station. ~By RUKMINI CALLIMACHI
Read the rest here.
Watch the video here.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Are You Planning to Attend President Obama's Inauguration 2009?
Are you planning to attend the inauguration of President Obama on January 20th, 2009?
If so, check out http://inaugural.senate.gov/index.cfm for all your inauguration needs. Have a brilliant weekend!
Read More
If so, check out http://inaugural.senate.gov/index.cfm for all your inauguration needs. Have a brilliant weekend!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Michelle Obama Sculpture Pepertuates Stereotypes of African and Black Women.
Artist Daniel Edwards' sculptures above are scheduled to be exhibited at New York’s Leo Kesting Gallery in October.The artist describes his work as "an accessorized mannequin bust of Obama that foregoes the conventional pearl necklace, and provides for her a “signature look” to take to Washington.The goal is to create a look for Michelle Obama that eliminates excessive comparisons to Jackie Kennedy.”Really? My thoughts
Is Edwards creating similar sculptures for Cindy McCain, Laura Bush etc.? Further, arguably, his work is art and subject to diverse interpretations/point of view. However, a different point of view does not negate calling stereotypes out when we see one. In a very tough political climate where a qualified black man could potentially be the next president of the United States of America, this art, in my view, feeds on fears and stereoptypes of the millions of Americans already apprehensive about a black man leading the nation.How?
First, the person the artist calls Michelle Obama is seen with an African/Nefertiti hair style. [A beautiful thing in Africa but in this part of the world, a cause for alarm, especially among whites, for a potential First Lady].
Second, Michelle is seen wearing large hoop earrings. Wow! Next, she has an afro pick in her hair. How much more unrefined does the potential first lady seem? It gets better. The artist has our potential First Lady with a branded American flag on her chest, black skin and saggy/droopy breasts-much like that depicted for aeons on the discovery channel of African tribal viallage women, of which supposively represents every African woman.
The above factors lead me to the following conclusion: depicting an image that purports to be Michelle Obama with the aformentioned characteristics feeds on stereotypes of Africans and Black women. It says to the racist man/woman already apprehensive about electing a qualified Black man to office,"Look, at the end of the day, when Michelle Obama is done wearing her designer dresses and being lauded a fashionista with a law degree etc., if you strip her to her true nakedness, she is one of the black Africans you hear and see on your discovery channel. America, Obama is married to this black African woman. Is this who you really want in office?"
I can't help but read it that way, especially by virtue of a title that says, "Michelle Obama's Makeover for America" and the artist stating its a "signature look for her to take to Washington."
Uduak
Monday, May 26, 2008
African models, designers promote peace in Kenya
NAIROBI, May 25 (Reuters) - Scores of top African designers and models held a show in Nairobi National Park at the weekend to raise money for victims of Kenya's post-election violence and show a different face to their continent.
The "Fashion for Peace" event drew mainly West and East African models onto a catwalk in a marquee under the moonlight on savannah usually known for its lions and rhinos.
"Fashion for Peace will not change the world, although it does aim at changing people's negative perceptions of Kenya and Africa in other countries," organisers said in a statement.
Read the rest here.
Read More
The "Fashion for Peace" event drew mainly West and East African models onto a catwalk in a marquee under the moonlight on savannah usually known for its lions and rhinos.
"Fashion for Peace will not change the world, although it does aim at changing people's negative perceptions of Kenya and Africa in other countries," organisers said in a statement.
Read the rest here.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Historic Super Tuesday-Go out and VOTE!
We are SO excited about today, SUPER TUESDAY as 24 states nationwide get to cast their votes for the Presidential nominee for their respective parties. There is NO EXCUSE for not being involved in the political process. Go out and VOTE. Also, be informed about the issues including the date you have to vote.
Don't let this happen to you: Voters in Virginia showed up to vote today and it turns out their polling places were closed. The Voters got so outraged and called their government officials. Turns out, they are supposed to vote tomorrow! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. LOL! Teeeew funny! But, it's great to see people are that juiced about voting. Moral of the story, go VOTE and GET THE DATE RIGHT. Check out this video circulating "Yes We Can" by musicians such as John Legend, Common, Tatiana Ali and more for Senator Obama. Interesting ain't it?
Read More
Don't let this happen to you: Voters in Virginia showed up to vote today and it turns out their polling places were closed. The Voters got so outraged and called their government officials. Turns out, they are supposed to vote tomorrow! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. LOL! Teeeew funny! But, it's great to see people are that juiced about voting. Moral of the story, go VOTE and GET THE DATE RIGHT. Check out this video circulating "Yes We Can" by musicians such as John Legend, Common, Tatiana Ali and more for Senator Obama. Interesting ain't it?
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