I just finished watching Oprah and Jill Biden broke the truth that her husband Joe Biden had a choice of either being Vice President or Secretary of State. Boy oh boy! Joe looked over at “wifey” and she just didn’t get it, but Oprah, Joe, and Jill just went with the flow. I love live television. She can’t take that back. The crowd erupted in laughter and my hubby and I looked at each other, and I was like “Dang! Hillary Clinton got sloppy seconds in her appointment as Secretary of State.”
I’m headed to DC. No special tickets or invites (although I welcome them!), but I know I just want to be in DC to catch the spirit of this historic inauguration. Not to worry, I will have my cameras and hopefully even get a hold of a video camera, too, so expect some reflections and footage to be posted in the next week or so.
If you’ll be in DC, I will see you there. If not, enjoy this moment from the warmth of family and friends around you.
~Affrodite
As The Impressions featuring Curtis Mayfield said in 1965, “People Get Ready.” It’s Obama time!!!
I know that you’ve both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn’t have let you have. But I also know that it hasn’t always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn’t make up for all the time we’ve been apart. I know how much I’ve missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.
When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me—about how I’d make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn’t seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn’t count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that’s why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.
I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential—schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college—even if their parents aren’t rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.
I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you’ll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.
Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country—but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free—that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.
That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something.
She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better—and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It’s a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be.
I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you’ve had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much—although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.
These are the things I want for you—to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That’s why I’ve taken our family on this great adventure.
I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.
Love, Dad
Every time I think of how amazing Barack is on so many levels, it just brings tears to my eyes. I’m so glad to bear witness in my lifetime.
I was in Atlanta for New Year’s and you couldn’t miss all of the news clips of Ron Clark telling the story of how he received a donation to the Ron Clark Academy from Oprah for $365,000. A heartwarming story, and those kids are absolutely adorable. From the message boards, it seems like there’s a little bit of a split on how people are feeling about the Ron Clark Academy’s rise into the spotlight. I question it, to some extent, but am choosing to believe the best of intentions. I’d love to see these kids grow up and do fantastic things with their lives given the positive exposure they’ve received from their “You Can Vote However You Like” song during a historically significant election.
I don’t know Ron Clark, and I don’t anymore about the school than what I’ve seen from these kids on tv, but I think some black folks are tired of seeing the great white savior swoop into the inner city and “save” the poor underprivileged black children. That’s where I think some of the controversy is rooted.
An educator named Ron Clark almost didn’t notice the whopping check, which was included in a letter from the talk show host. Clark opened the private academy in 2007 in one of the poorest neighborhoods of South Atlanta. Most students rely on private donations to pay the $14,000-per-year tuition.
“We teach school all day and fundraise at night,” Clark told the Associated Press. “To have an unsolicited gift come like that is incredible.”
Clark says the donation will pay for 26 students to attend the 80-student middle school for one year…
…The check came from the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, which handed out $4 million to educational programs in 2008.
I know from my own experience, and just life in general, that you have to hustle to get your voice heard, and if Ron Clark is milking his school’s 20 seconds of fame for the benefit of the school, then you can’t knock that hustle. I mean he worked the kids into the media circuit at a time that the nation was opening up themselves to change. Children are the best representation of all things are possible. Something warms our hearts to see kids tackle grown-up issues like the election from that happy “sky is the limit” perspective. Besides, the election was followed by Christmas so you just have to embrace the joy. I love Oprah to death, but I know she’s an opportunist with the financial means to justify it. God love her for writing that check, but I hope she stays in touch with Ron to see how the students are doing…and not just the shiny stuff like “We are the world” type jingles.
Well, the latest single from the children of Ron Clark Academy is “Dear Obama.” You can hear it in the YouTube clip below by skipping to about 3:35 in the clip…unless you want to hear Ron’s heartfelt story again told in the voice of “Kenneth” (comedian Jack McBrayer) from “30 Rock.” Maybe that joke is in poor taste given the subject, but I just want to know if any of you were thinking the same thing when you saw this on tv?
I personally think it’s absurd to pay $1000/night to stay at a condo, house, or whatever…PERIOD.
Are you all kidding me? Who can actually afford that?
The problem is that the people who really want to bring their families to witness history are not going to be comprised of a majority of upper class people with disposable income.
There’s a limit to charging a premium to witness history and simply ripping people off. It’s almost ironic, don’t you think?
Excerpt below from The Washington Post…
D.C. CONSUMER AFFAIRS
Property Rules Eased for Inauguration Rentals
By David Nakamura
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, November 21, 2008; Page B03
Mayor Adrian M. Fenty signed an executive order yesterday suspending District regulations and allowing residents to rent their properties for the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama without obtaining a business license.
The move, which also suspends requirements for property inspections, will be in effect from Jan. 13 through 27. It is aimed at satisfying the record demand for housing from out-of-town visitors who plan to attend the Jan. 20 swearing-in ceremony and parade. Some city officials said it is the first time they can remember the licensing requirement being suspended…
I’ve been surfing the net wondering if people are writing about how all these DC area folks are suddenly looking to make their annual salaries from renting their lived in home or condo for a few days.
…”The Green Ball: Inauguration of a New Green Economy” will be held Jan. 19 at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington.
A draft version of the invitation, obtained by The Washington Times, urges people to join Mr. Gore to “bring together a diverse coalition of environmentally-forward organizations, entrepreneurs, scientists and advocates, celebrating a commitment to growing the New Green Economy.”
More than two dozen environmental organizations are listed on the invitation…
…Meanwhile, a second group is planning a “green inaugural ball,” calling it the first “eco-friendly” inaugural celebration. It is planned for Jan. 17 at the Andrew W. Mellon auditorium in Washington.
A press release issued Wednesday notes the catering will be “100 percent organic” and that the bars will feature both local and organic beverages. The food waste and floral arrangements will be composted and the lighting scheme will be energy efficient. The group will also pay for wind power offsets and carbon credits to make the event carbon neutral…
…The schedule of events includes:
Sunday, Jan 18: A welcome afternoon event open to the public.
Monday, Jan. 19: Mr. Obama, Vice President-elect Joe Biden and their families “will participate in activities dedicated to serving others in communities across the Washington, D.C., area.” Those activities will be in connection with congressional recognition of the King holiday as “a national day of community service.”
Tuesday, Jan. 20: Traditional inaugural ceremonies, including the swearing-in on the West Front of the Capitol, a lunch in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall, the 56th Inaugural Parade and official inaugural balls in the evening.
Wednesday, Jan. 21: Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden will participate in a prayer service.
Hosted by Actress Gabrielle Union, “THE BET HONORS” Recognizes the Accomplishments of Tyler Perry, Mary J. Blige, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, B. Smith, Judith Jamison and Congressman James E. Clyburn Inaugural Ball to Support America’s Promise Alliance and Washington, D.C.’s Dunbar High School And the Duke Ellington School of the Arts
Last update: 12:08 p.m. EST Dec. 15, 2008
NEW YORK, Dec 15, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — BET Networks kicks off the inaugural festivities in Washington, D.C., with the second annual BET HONORS on Saturday, January 17 and concludes with BET’s first-ever Inaugural Ball on Tuesday, January 20.
Hosted by world renowned actress Gabrielle Union, THE BET HONORS will celebrate legendary songstress Mary J. Blige (Entertainment), groundbreaking filmmaker Tyler Perry (Media), celebrated dancer and choreographer Judith Jamison (Education), businessman, philanthropist and basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson (Corporate Citizen), entrepreneur extraordinaire B. Smith (Entrepreneur), and the Honorable Congressman James E. Clyburn (Public Service). The second annual event will take place at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, January 17 and premiere on the network during Black History Month on Monday, February 9 at 9:00 p.m.*
“We are thrilled to kick off this historic inauguration weekend with the return of THE BET HONORS, a truly inspirational event that pays tribute to extraordinary individuals in our community,” said Debra L. Lee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, BET Networks. “And it couldn’t have worked out more perfectly that THE BET HONORS and the Inauguration are happening within days of each other, as President-elect Barack Obama epitomizes all that we had in mind when we first put this show together. I’m certain that this year’s BET HONORS will be even more poignant and powerful than we could have ever imagined.”
“THE BET HONORS recognizes excellence in achievement and celebrates inspiration,” said Stephen Hill, President of Programming, BET Networks. “Last year’s inaugural show had a number of leave-your-seat performances dedicated to our honorees. This year, we’re finding new ways to musically pay tribute so look forward to fresh, unforgettable moments. The pride will show.”
During the historic weekend and following THE BET HONORS, BET Networks will host its first-ever Inaugural Ball and will air a one-hour special, YES WE WILL! BET’S INAUGURAL CELEBRATION, on BET on Tuesday, January 20. Taking place at the Mandarin Oriental hotel, the Ball will be in support of our next generation of national and local leaders, with proceeds benefiting America’s Promise Alliance, the nation’s largest non-profit alliance dedicated to the well-being of children and youth founded by Colin and Alma Powell.
Additionally, the Ball will support two institutions that are committed to the education and advancement of today’s youth in Washington, D.C. – Dunbar High School and the Duke Ellington School of the Arts.
“As we celebrate this historic inauguration and begin a new chapter in our nation’s history, it’s important that we stay focused on our most precious resource — our children and youth,” said Alma J. Powell, chair, America’s Promise Alliance. “We are deeply honored to partner with BET to raise awareness of the challenges facing our young people — and applaud those making a positive difference in their communities. We cannot afford to stand still as more than a million students drop out of high school every year.”
About THE BET HONORS
Last year’s honorees included Alicia Keys, Tyra Banks, Dr. Cornel West, Richard Parsons, the Honorable Maxine Waters and Janice Bryant Howroyd. Hosted by Cedric “The Entertainer,” the first annual event boasted performances and presentations by Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott, Wyclef Jean, Gladys Knight, Brian McKnight, Blair Underwood and Vivica A. Fox, just to name a few.
Stephen Hill, President of Programming, BET Networks, and Lynne Harris Taylor, Vice President of Specials, BET Networks, are the show’s executive producers, along with John Cossette of John Cossette Productions.
For up-to-the-minute and archival press information including releases and photographs, visit BET’s press-only Web site at www.bet.com/pr.
*All times ET/PT
About the 2009 BET Honorees
MARY J. BLIGE – Mary J. Blige is an eight-time Grammy Award-winning and Golden Globe-nominated singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer, and actress who has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide.
TYLER PERRY – Tyler Perry is a remarkable playwright, screenwriter, actor and director and producer known for his very funny yet poignant plays and movies. Over the years, many credited Perry with resuscitating (and reinventing) African-American theater. Perry’s first eight plays reportedly earned a cumulative gross of more than $75 million in ticket and video sales.
EARVIN “MAGIC” JOHNSON – Earvin “Magic” Johnson is Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises. Through strategic investments, partnerships and endorsements, Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE) provides products and services that focus on ethnically diverse urban communities. As Chairman and Founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation, he is dedicated to developing programs and supporting services that address the educational, health and social needs of those residing in minority communities. Mr. Johnson is universally known for his 13 year career in the NBA. His honors include: five national championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, three MVP awards, 12 NBA All-Star games, a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain and induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Mr. Johnson is also Vice President and part owner of the Los Angeles Lakers.
CONGRESSMAN JAMES E. CLYBURN – Congressman James E. Clyburn is an illustrious politician and House Majority Whip, the third-ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives. In 1992 he became the first African American elected to the House of Representatives from South Carolina since 1897. He proudly represents South Carolina’s 6th Congressional district, the state’s only majority-black district, which includes Florence, Sumter and large portions of Columbia and Charleston. He is second African American (behind Bill Gray of Pennsylvania) and the first South Carolinian to serve as Majority Whip.
JUDITH JAMISON – Judith Jamison is a celebrated dancer, choreographer, and artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, now celebrating its 50th anniversary, and recognized by the U.S. Congress as a vital “American Cultural Ambassador to the World.” One of the most renowned figures in modern dance, she has led the Ailey organization to new heights with the opening of a permanent home in New York City — the nation’s largest building for dance. Dedicated to asserting the prominence of the arts in our culture, Ms. Jamison is an author and a recipient of a primetime Emmy Award and many of the nation’s most prestigious honors given to artists.
B. SMITH – B. Smith is a former fashion model turned restaurateur, television host, author, entrepreneur and entertainer extraordinaire who is widely regarded as an expert when it comes to casual but elegant living. A seasoned culinary expert who was recognized by Elle DA(C)cor as one of America’s 10 most outstanding non-professional chefs, Smith is the owner of three successful B. Smith restaurants in New York, Washington D.C., and the scenic Long Island Hampton village of Sag Harbor.
About America’s Promise Alliance
America’s Promise Alliance is the nation’s largest partnership alliance comprised of corporations, nonprofit organizations, foundations, policymakers, advocacy and faith groups committed to ensuring that children receive the fundamental resources — the Five Promises — they need to lead successful, healthy and productive lives and build a stronger society. Building on the legacy of our founder General Colin Powell, the Alliance believes the success of our children is grounded in experiencing the Five Promises — caring adults; safe places; a healthy start; an effective education; and opportunities to help others — at home, in school and in the community. For more information about America’s Promise Alliance, visit www.americaspromise.org.
About BET Networks
VIA.B, is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 87 million households according to Nielsen Media Research, and can be seen in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET Digital Networks – BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, an extension of BET network programming for global distribution.
50% of your donation (less Pay Pal fees) will go to Emerge Global charity (http://emergeglobal.org/). The other 50% funds the sweat equity I put into my work for your enjoyment. My hope is that one day I will be able to donate 100% to charity.
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