Black Education (Cont.)

Here is what I wrote on Wormtowntaxi.com regarding the arrest of Henry
Louis Gates, Jr.:

I'm glad I'm not alone in thinking the "disorderly conduct" ploy was
just that, a ploy.

As I wrote about this incident on the Worcester Is MAJOR! blog, the
fact that it was Mr. Gates,Jr.'s neighbor, who has lived 2 houses down
from him, that called the police, says something about us not knowing
who our neighbors are in our neighborhoods.

This incident has garnered alot of media, and I'm tired of it now, but
racial profiling, WWB or DWB (read: Walking While Black and Driving
While Black) have been going on for years, and I'm afraid won't end
anytime soon.

We've become such a politically correct society that we don't talk to
one another like we did years ago. The technology that was intended to
"bring people together" has, in some respects, created a further
divide amongst human beings.

Risking It All

Sometimes living in Central Massachusetts is seen as "risky", but I
tend to disagree, because while there are other cities that are
dealing with their own share of budget woes, Worcester and City
Manager, Michael O'Brien, are "workin' with what we have", and that's
not alot.

Yes, the playground that is being built at the Providence Street
School is a waste of $400k; there's the ice skating rink that has
doubled as a "cafe-like meeting place" that beautifies the rear of
City Hall. (if only all 'rears' could be beautified in such a manner,
we'd have a much better looking city.)

Then there's the forthcoming elections where Konnie Lukes is running
as the incumbent and is being challenged by Gary Rosen, Kate Toomey,
and John O'Brien. Thank goodness we have a great race slated, but it's
not going to be a drama-filled race similarly to the Preakness, because
we know that Worcester residents don't turn out to vote because many
feel,"that the people may change, but the same things go on in the
City." (Yes, apathy runs rampant and those running for City Council
know this.)

Then there's the issue of the Seniors who get silenced more than Mike
Vick at his trial hearing. They, the Seniors, show up to City Council
meetings in vast numbers and take their seats only to be kicked out of
a meeting because they get a little rambunctious. Don't they deserve to
let their voices to be heard?Haven't they earned it?

So, as July winds to a close, I think it's only appropriate to write
that as the election season ramps up, and back-to-school shopping
leads to thought of a dreaded winter, we must take solace in knowing
that those in charge are, "workin' with what we have"!

Black Education: Cambridge Police missed that class

When I heard the news about Henry Louis Gates, Jr.'s arrest, I immediately recalled meeting the great professor at Bryant College, now a University, in the fall of 1993. Then, I was quickly enamored by his wit, ability to command a room, and for a man that stands all but 5-feet 7-inches tall, he was a BIG man in the sense of intellect and compassion.

I could only imagine and wondered out loud what it was that Mr. Gates, Jr. did that would warrant him being arrested by Cambridge Police? When I heard the news that one of his neighbors, and I use the word "neighbor" loosely, called the Cambridge Police Department to report a possible break-in taking place at a house in Cambridge.

I truly wonder, what would I have done, had I been questioned by police offers while standing in my house having just returned from an overseas trip?

As I prepare to watch Black In America 2 tomorrow night, I think the issue of "profiling" is thrust into the frontal lobe when many think that because the United States of America has a bi-racial President, there no longer is a need to discuss racism, sexism, or any other "ism" that exists.

The entire issue should make great dinner time conversation and certainly the City of Cambridge has some damage control to be done.

Getting warped

At one point, there was talks at Vans to change the venue and possibly
bring the 15th Anniversary of the Vans Warped Tour to the WORC DCU
Center, but I guess Boston and the TD Bank North put the full-court
press on them and they decided to return to Beantown.

The interesting thing is, the Warped Tour 2009 would have been a
welcomed event, yes from a revenu standpoint for WORC, but it would
have changed the minds, and overall percepition of many of WORC's
youth that WORC is a place that enjoys and likes to see kids outside,
playing, skating and enjoying the City.

There's always next year, right? Or is that wishful thinking?
Optimism shines through! Get your skate ON!