The Field Poll: California’s Diversity a Mixed Blessing

The election of President Obama opened a new chapter on race relations in the United States. Race relations acquire a new sensitivity in states like California where minorities are now the majority.

A new poll of California voters found a majority embrace the state’s growing diversity. But, while most accept that their neighbors don’t look the same as they do, some view the growing mix of nationalities, races, religions, and lifestyles with some misgivings.

According to a new six-language survey released by The Field Poll, 24 percent said the state’s tremendous diversity was an advantage, while 14 percent viewed it as a source of problems. The dominant view held by 58 percent, said Mark DiCamillo, senior vice president of The Field Poll, was that diversity brought both “pluses and minuses.”

About three times as many Latinos, Chinese Americans, Korean Americans and Vietnamese Americans as African Americans see the state’s diversity more as an advantage than a challenge.

L.A. Civic Officials host Black History Month Celebration

On Friday Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, the Los Angeles City Council, City Controller Wendy Greuel and City Attorney Carmen Trutanich are hosting an opening ceremony for the 2010 African American Heritage Month Celebration. The event will be held on January 29th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m at 200 North Spring Street in Los Angeles.

The theme of this years celebration is “African American Empowerment: Remembering the Past…Writing the Future.”

A program and reception will follow the opening ceremony on the South Lawn. The celebration will include performances by Nailah Porter, the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and Mary Mary. Traditional African attire is encouraged.

To RSVP for the event email SP-RSVP@lacity.org or call (213) 922-9762.

Civic Center Haiti Relief Fund Drive hosted by Council Members

Council Members Bernard Parks and Jan Perry are hosting a Civic Center Haiti Relief Fund Drive today Thursday January 28, 2010. The event started at 6 a.m. today and ends at 6 p.m. Volunteers are needed to collect donations to be used by those from Haiti in need. NBC 4, Hot 92.3, AM 570, KIIS FM, 98.7 FM & the Salvation Army are also partners for the event. Those interested in more information or who want to volunteer should contact David Cano at (213) 473-7009 or via email at david.cano@lacity.org.

Congressman Rush to host citywide observance for Haiti on Sunday, Jan. 17 at 4 PM at Dusable Museum; Haiti Consul General, Haitian American religious leaders, many others to speak

CHICAGO –  U. S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush (D-IL01) will convene  and host an “All Chicago Unity Observance for the Earthquake Victims in Haiti” on Sunday, January 17 at 4 PM at the Dusable Museum of African-American History, 740 E. 56th Place, in an effort to galvanize support for relief efforts in Port-au-Prince.  He will be joined by several prominent government, civic, arts and business leaders, as well as Haiti Counsul General Lesly Conde, Haitian Congress President Lionel Jean Baptiste and ecumenical leaders from Chicago’s large Haitian immigrant community.

Flying While Black: New Face of Terrorism

New America Media, Commentary, Jasmyne A. Cannick, Posted: Dec 30, 2009

As America closes out 2009, we usher in the New Year with a newly refreshed and heightened sense of panic. After last week’s would be attack by 23-year-old Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, whose failed attempt to ignite an incendiary device aboard a Northwest Airlines flight from Amsterdam to Detroit, we are being reminded why we need our government to impede on the last of personal freedoms when traveling by air.

The latest madness that travelers were subjected to included staying in their seat for the last hour of their international flight, and on some flights, passengers were told to keep their hands in plain sight, a feat that most kindergartners couldn’t pull off even with the threat of federal prison time hanging over their head, much less adults who contrary to popular belief by the Transportation Security Authority (TSA) and Homeland Security, can’t control their bladder when it’s that time to go.

But as we so obediently subject ourselves to even longer lines and even more scrutiny while traveling through the nation’s airports, I have to tell you, none of it makes me feel any safer.

Kwanzaa Books for Children

There are a variety of books that discuss the importance of Kwanzaa.

Maulana Karenga a professor of Black Studies at the California State University of Long Beach created Kwanzaa in 1966. The week long holiday starts December 26 and ends on New Years Day. Each day is celebrated by one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Those principles include Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith). (More)

Nigerian Americans Do Double Take on Terrorism Suspect

New America Media, News Report, Edwin Okong’o, Posted: Dec 30, 2009

When Herbert Igbanugo heard that a Nigerian man had been arrested for allegedly attempting to blow up a plane on Christmas Day, he didn’t think the suspect was born in the West African nation.

“Talk about surprise,” said Igbanugo, a Nigerian-born immigration attorney and founding partner of Minneapolis-based Igbanugo Partners International Law Firm.

Igbanugo said his initial inclination was that Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the suspect, must have originated in another country and fraudulently obtained a Nigerian passport for the trip to Detroit.

The Best Websites for Kwanzaa E-cards

Kwanzaa is a holiday that was created to celebrate African-American culture. The week long celebration starts December 26th and ends on News Year’s day. The holiday was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga.
There are a number websites that offer online e-cards for Kwanzaa. (More)

Kwanzaa Gifts for Children

Parents should incorporate the principles of Kwanzaa when giving gifts.

When children receive gifts for Kwanzaa it’s important that those gifts reflect the African-American culture and heritage. Gifts should incorporate the seven principles of Kwanzaa when possible as well as African and African-American culture. (More)

Pan African Studies 40th Anniversary Gala

Founding faculty, alumni, students and the community are invited to take part in tributes and poetry acknowledging four decades of the PAS department at Cal State Northridge.

The Pan African Studies Department will celebrate its 40th anniversary and commemorate its founding faculty from 9-4p.m. on today, November 7th at the University Student Union, Grand Salon. The event will include entertainment, poetry reading, tributes to founding faculty and free refreshments. There is not cost to attend.

“This event will recognize the struggle, determination and commitment of those who sacrificed to create this department,” said Tom Spencer-Walters, chair of the Pan African Studies Department. “These founding faculty and members of the Black Student Union made a way for the founding of black studies programs and Chicano studies programs throughout the country.”

Program Schedule

9:00-9:30 a.m.

Drumming Circle, African Libation, Native American Blessing

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9:30-10:00 a.m. Opening Ceremony
Welcome – PAS Chair, Dr. Tom Spencer-Walters and
Associate Dean, Dr. Christina Von Mayrhauser
Keynote Address: Dr. Adewole Umoja

 

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10:00-11:00 a.m. LA City Recognition
Mayor Antonio Villairagosa’s (or designee’s) Presentation
Historical Retrospective Video: “Storm at Valley State”
Cross Generation Open Discussion – with members of the old and new Black Student Union

 

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11:00-11:20 a.m. Founding Members of the Department Recognition Awards
Presented by Dr. William Watkins
Honorees Include:
Dr. Adewole Umoja (formerly Archie Chapman), Rev. Bill Burwell, Mr. Arthur Jones, Dr. Jerome Walker (Posthumously)

 

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11:35-11:50 a.m. Charter and Emeritus Faculty Recognition Awards
Presented by Prof. Emeritus, James Dennis
Honorees Include:
Verne Bryant, John Bland, Bill Burwell, James Dennis, Sarah Foley, David Fulton (posthumously), Rehema Gray, Eleazu Obinna, Hubert Palmer, Rosentene Purnell, Barbara Rhodes, Tiyo Soga (posthumously), Corky Urris

 

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11:50-12:00 p.m. Recognition of Alumni
Presented by Shante Morgan, Managing Editor, Newspaper

 

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12:00-1:00 p.m. Tribute to Professor Tiyo Soga
Mayor’s Office Award- Presented to widow, Mrs. Muriel Soga
Video Tribute: A historical biography of Tiyo Soga III, by PAS Professor Dr. Darryle Gatlin
Amazing Grace Gospel Choir

 

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1:00-2:30 p.m. Lunch catered by Grandpa Fred’s BBQ
Address by VP for Academic Affairs, Dr Harry Hellenbrand
Student DJ Dewayne Leblanc – music from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. African dance, poetry reading, and singing.

 

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2:30-3:40 p.m. ”The Karen Lo Project”
Professional entertainment and Gospel Singers

 

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3:40-4:00 p.m. Closing Acknowledgements
Dr. Joseph Holloway, Professor, Pan African Studies

 

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4:00-5:30 p.m. Business Meeting with Alumni
Professor James D. Dennis
To be held in the PAS Writing and Computer Center