Archive for the ‘Black politics’ Category

The Glover Report: Racism, Mayor, Police, State’s Attorney, Black People, White People, Baltimore: WHO WILL LEAD?

Posted by dglover on Monday, January 24th, 2011

The Torbit family appeared for the first time at a recent press conference called by WFBR 1590 AM's Daren Muhammad and BMORENEWS.com

By Doni Glover, www.bmorenews.com

(BALTIMORE – January 24, 2011) – What happens when more and more upwardly mobile whites live in a majority black city where many blacks are economically, politically, and socially stuck? Welcome to Baltimore!

It’s a discussion that few are willing to have: RACE. W. E. B. DuBois stated at the end of the 19th century that color would be the problem of the 20th century. Seemingly, it remains so still today.

In light of the two major incidents that have engulfed the minds and spirits of the people, race – once again – raises its head.

Many white people, I imagine, might question why the black folks are all up in arms about an 8-year veteran police officer, William H. Torbit, Jr., being gunned down in the streets like a dog. Black people, on the other hand, don’t have to wonder at all. Black people, for the most part, recognize that if the police have the license to unload on Torbit, they will surely do it to us – hands down – no question.

While Torbit’s case is currently in the Baltimore City Police Department’s hands, another case is a little further down the road. That would be the case of Eliyahu Werdesheim and his alleged attack on the Northwestern High School student walking through an upper Park Heights neighborhood. The youth is black; Werdesheim is a white Jewish man, and apparent member of the Shomrim security patrol. First degree assault charges (a felony) were dropped against Mr. Werdesheim last week. Then, in an interesting twist of events, his brother, Avi, was charged. Additionally, there is one other suspect who has not been charged.

This incident also wreaked ill feelings among Baltimore’s black population. And, to say the least, the new State’s Attorney for Baltimore, Gregg Bernstein, only responded to questions last week with a “No comment.”

This didn’t go over well to black leaders either.

And so, on this brisk Monday morning, the community leaders have organized a press conference in front of the Mitchell Courthouse downtown where Bernstein’s office is located. Clearly, these leaders want an intelligent and mindful response from the newly elected official who beat out Patricia Jessamy, a black woman who held the post for the past 16 years.

Bernstein is white; further, he is married to Sheryl Goldstein. Goldstein runs the City’s Criminal Justice division, a seemingly integral part of the City’s law enforcement policy making body.

In short, there is an historic mistrust by citizens, many of whom are black, of the police and the entire criminal justice system in Maryland – especially in Baltimore.

Hence, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and the Police Department and the State’s Attorney’s Office might do well to pull together a message for the people because right now, the citizens are restless. There is a strong consensus that City Hall is out of touch with the black citizenry.

One might also note that since Torbit’s killing, Rawlings-Blake has come under fire by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) for calling for an independent investigation of the double homicide that involved all-police gunplay.

Some wonder who is running the City and whether the mayor, the police, and the State’s Attorney are all on the same page.

 The Spectator reported in March of 2009:

For a department that has been controversial and under fire, including repeated inquiries from the Justice Department and ongoing investigations of widespread corruption, officer misconduct, and institutional racism, knowing who is actually in charge is very important. Public trust and confidence in the Baltimore Police Department is at an all time low.
Well, nearly two years later, public trust and confidence is even lower – particularly with the shooting of Officer Torbit by four other officers and the obvious hate crime initiated on the Northwestern High School student by war-tested members of the Shomrin security patrol in Upper Park Heights.
In both incidents, race plays a key factor. Furthermore, whether it is covert or overt – institutional or flagrant – racism eats at the core of American society. While The Sun pointed out that most undercover officers killed on duty in America, like Torbit, are black – the fact remains that race is still at the core of the matter. As for the black high school student attacked in the white, Jewish dominated part of the Park Heights community, again, the obvious issue is race.

What’s most fascinating to me, the quintessential political junkie, is that this is a citywide election year. To say the least, as the candidates – one by one – step to the mic to tell us why they want to be the mayor for the next four years, I am curious as to who will exemplify leadership to the masses in light of the racial earthquake that still sends tremors across Baltimore.

Who will step up and speak the words of healing so desperately needed in times like these? Who will allay the fears and concerns of the average citizen afraid of both the good guys and the bad guys? Mayor Blake? Otis Rolley, the man who recently called on Bill Cosby as he announced his mayoral intentions? State Senator Cathy Pugh, the current chair of the Black Caucus of Maryland who has been noting as of late that black people constitute 30% of the population of the State of Maryland and are long overdue for their fair share of the pie? Or, will Kweisi Mfume give some breaking news?

Time will tell, no doubt. However, the people are hurting now and are in need of a healing now. Folks on the street see the criminal justice system in Baltimore as one focused purely on “just us.” Until that perception changes, until leadership arises that will speak truth to power, until the hearts and souls of the people are touched and inspired as only a leader can – racism will continue to fester and wreak its wicked head on an otherwise forsaken population.

When is ‘enough’ enough?

Posted in Baltimore City Politics, Black politics, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Police, State's Attorney | No Comments »

TGR: Bartenfelder for Baltimore County; BCo Matriarch Ella White Campbell Endorses Bartenfelder

Posted by dglover on Thursday, September 9th, 2010

Baltimore County Councilman Joe Bartenfelder, candidate for County Exec

By Doni Morton Glover, www.bmorenews.com

(LOCHEARN – September 9, 2010) – As a youngster, I spent many weekends with my older siblings in Randallstown. My late mom and I were even snowed-in once; it had to be around 1980 or so. A mean blizzard came through while we were visiting. I remember it especially because my elder brother, Teddy, and his wife, Lillian, gave up their bed.

Yep! I can tell you some stories about my treks out Liberty Road via bus, bicycle, and even on foot; back in high school, my Herculean accomplishment was jogging from Coppin to Liberty and Rolling Rd. Oh, the invincibility of youth!

Well, time moved on; but, my love for my weekend get-away only got stronger. And as the journalism thing would come to fruition, I’d even get the opportunity to serve as Editor of the Northwest Voice newspaper. That was a monthly put out by advertising guru and Scott Donohue supporter Kenny Brown a couple years back.

Although short-lived, that opportunity brought with it an even more intimate schooling on the workings of Baltimore County. For instance, people like County Councilman and former Development Credit Fund banker Ken Oliver would tell me about how the County’s way of doing business is more conservative than how we get down in the city.

During my Northwest Voice tenure, I’d come to question certain things, and I’d also come to understand the power of the black vote in the northwest area. From Woodlawn to Lochearn to Randallstown to Owings Mills and Pikesville, I’ve learned that this area is the wealthiest part of Greater Black Baltimore. African Americans in this neck of the woods are quite often homeowners, college educated, and gainfully employed.

As the publisher of www.BMORENEWS.com, we have focused on 5 core areas in our 8 years of covering the news: public education, black business, ex-offender services, affordable housing, and universal access to health care.

Hence, I’ve always attempted to bring some intelligent dialogue to my columns on Northwest Baltimore County – especially since my three siblings and most of their children and grandchildren are products of the Baltimore County Public School system.

For the uninitiated, many of the residents of this segment of Baltimore County hail originally from Baltimore city. Thanks to integration, African Americans who desired a more suburban lifestyle flocked to this area – particularly over the past 40 years.

With this urban flight, however, came certain consequences. For instance, many people kept on voting in their old neighborhoods. Also, County living caused some African Americans to become less connected. And when it comes to politics, some African Americans in Baltimore County have fallen into an abyss – having no idea of who Jim Smith, the current County Exec, is.

Many times on our weekly WOLB 1010 AM radio show, I have tirelessly toiled to encourage African Americans in the Northwest to become engaged in the affairs of Baltimore County, for example, by going to the County Council and School Board meetings held in Towson. However, truth be told, by the time people get home from work, help their kids with homework, and water their lawns – the last thing one ponders is heading to Towson.

However, given the enormity of African American wealth in this part of the state (I refer to the Northwest as Baltimore’s Prince George’s County, the wealthiest black jurisdiction in the country) – this is inexcusable.

African Americans have far too much invested to not have a say in the goings-on of this voter-wealthy part of Maryland.

In short, Northwest Baltimore County is the swing vote in this year’s County Exec race. Don’t get it twisted! Others will suggest the battlegrounds are elsewhere, however, all one need do is listen to Kevin Kamenetz’s barrage of radio commercials on Radio One’s four stations – and on Heaven 600 AM – targeting the black community in the Northwest corridor.

So, here’s the skinny: State Senator Delores Kelley, who flip-flopped support on County Councilman Ken Oliver 8 years ago – has done it again. Back then, N. Scott Phillips and Penny McCrimmon were forces with which to be reckoned. However, despite tepid support from Kelley and the 10th District Democratic Club, Oliver prevailed.

Honestly, I don’t think Oliver ever forgot what happened 8 years ago. I tend to believe that when loyalty is broken, the scenario is irreparable. Trust goes out the window!

In any event, Oliver has done well as the first African American on an otherwise all-white male County Council. Windsor Mill Middle School and the Randallstown Community Resource Center and the new athletic center are demonstrative of his accomplishments.

Interestingly, Kamenetz represented Liberty Road for 8 years, and would suggest he did so much for my County brethren. He even insinuated yesterday on WOLB that he was the force behind helping this area get its first black Councilman.

Wrong!

Ask Ella White Campbell, also a matriarch of this part of the County. The long-time advocate for African Americans told BMORENEWS.com in an exclusive interview on Tuesday night that it was because of her pressure that Kamenetz ‘did the right thing.’

 

This leads me to the whole notion and stench left in my mouth and ears when I hear Kamenetz touted as something just shy of the second coming of Christ. Gimme a break!

Common sense suggests that when you have been there for people and have done the right thing, your work will be self-evident.

Has the Kamenetz campaign been genuine? Has he really been an advocate for blacks in the County? I don’t think so.

 

Sure, he has been briefed on how people out Liberty Road want a nice sit-down restaurant – like a Ruth’s Chris’ Steak House or a Cheesecake Factory! Sure, he can pontificate on the preponderance of group homes in this super-saturated part of Maryland! Sure, he knows something about New Town High School and how many students there come from two and three hundred thousand dollar homes in Owings Mills.

But the question remains: Does he really care about black people?

As for me, short of Jesus coming on the radio touting Kamenetz – it really doesn’t matter who endorses this man. I like County Councilman Joe Bartenfelder, a man’s man.

Like Oliver told me early on, Bartenfelder will look you in the eye and speak his mind.

Over the past several weeks, I have come to find him to be a man of his word. He has not made a promise he has not kept. He doesn’t mind rolling up his sleeves, nor getting his hands dirty. More importantly, I have yet to hear him tear down Kamenetz so as to prop up himself.

Where I come from, that is commendable. Your word is all you have. And your values serve as your guiding light in a world so filled with darkness. While none of us is perfect, we all know that lying is not good.

Like the old folks say, if you lie – you steal; if you steal – you cheat; and if you cheat – you ain’t no damn good!

Bartenfelder for Baltimore County Exec! Go, Joe!         

Posted in Baltimore County, Black politics, MD's 2010 Statewide election, black business, political economy | No Comments »

TGR: MD Poli10: S.A. Candidates’ Forum at UB Sums It Up

Posted by dglover on Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

The final Baltimore State's Attorney forum was held yesterday (9.7.10) at UB

(BALTIMORE – September 8, 2010) – For me, yesterday’s candidates’ forum at the University of Baltimore pretty much summed up the fight between Baltimore City State’s Attorney Pat Jessamy and attorney Gregg Bernstein. A third candidate, Sheryl Lansey, was also present and shared great insight as to why Baltimore is so violent.

The moderator was Prof. Byron Warnken.

There was a packed audience, and I’m quite sure one can find their opinions online. However, as for me, I couldn’t take another minute of Bernstein’s approach.

If the only way he can look good is to attack and tear down Jessamy’s office, he has truly robbed himself.

While I was not feeling Bernstein before the forum, I did go with an open mind to hear for myself – in person – what solutions this candidate might offer. Yet, when the opportunity to demonstrate his leadership potential appeared, each time he swung and missed.   

Instead, if you let Bernstein tell it, State’s Attorney Jessamy and her office have done nothing right and is solely responsible for Baltimore’s violent nature.

One thing that repeatedly has crossed my mind – even as this forum was happening – is how 44% of America’s prison population (in the most incarcerating nation on the planet) is black and male – like me.

And so, as I’m listening to Bernstein, and as I reflected on how so many people I grew up with are locked up, all I can see in this man is a desire to lock up more people.

Veering off of this race a bit, the solution for Baltimore’s violence is very simple. Jobs! And schools!

But, no! Baltimore gets two new prisons, instead.

Really and truly, I understand why Baltimore is so violent. Not at all making excuses, but in order to understand the violence, one must understand the conditions out of which the violence emanates: Fractured, if not broken families; single mothers trying to raise sons; absent fathers and selfish step-fathers.

Add empty pockets on top of that in a world so tuned-in to the mass media’s commercial onslaughts, and what do you get: Frustration!

In any event, it’s as if Bernstein shoots himself in the foot every time he speaks. Personally, I need to hear more about solutions and less tearing down of the major opponent – even if she hasn’t done the best possible job.

Often, Bernstein was obnoxious with his attacks, and seemed more focused on what Jessamy did wrong than on providing tangible solutions so as to help make Baltimore a safer place to live, work, and play!

Posted in Baltimore City Politics, Black politics, MD's 2010 Statewide election, State's Attorney, political economy | No Comments »

TGR: MD Poli10: One Week Until the DC/MD Primary

Posted by dglover on Monday, September 6th, 2010

MBE Advocates

Doni Glover and Baltimore County MBE leader Ron Harvey

Who’s Still Standing in Baltimore County? Pt. 2: County Exec Bartenfelder, Councilman Oliver, 10th and 11th District Teams

By Doni Glover, www.BMORENEWS.com

(BALTIMORE – September 6, 2010 ) – Let’s go to Baltimore County – particularly the NW. That would be Woodlawn, Randallstown, Owings Mills and Pikesville. For the County Exec race, BMORENEWS is of the belief that the Joe Bartenfelder camp philosophy is simply more genuine than that of Kevin Kamenetz. The people we’ve interviewed on the ground in NW Baltimore County have told us repeatedly that Kamenetz didn’t do anything memorable for blacks when his district included the black part of the county, i.e. Liberty Road.  

While his radio commercials do the name-dropping maneuver featuring prominent voices from the black community pretty well, we’re simply not buying it. We need more than some election-time attention over the airwaves of Radio One and Heaven 600. Those in the know in NW Baltimore County have told us that they would prefer a down-to-earth Bartenfelder over the charismatic Kamenetz. And this is not because Councilman Bartenfelder sells collard greens on Sundays at The Farmers’ Market (I’ve yet to try them).

He just doesn’t appear to be a man who says something he doesn’t mean. In politics, as with most everything else, character defines an individual.

Further, we have yet to figure out why certain politicos in NW Baltimore County endorsed Kamenetz so early in the process. Typically, endorsements come out in the latter part of the game after some negotiations, agreements, and promises have been made – in good faith.

Understand, it is not enough to tell people you are going to look out for them; in 16 years, one ought to have a track record to point to that includes a little bit more than putting in surveillance cameras at area malls.

During a recent interview with Joe Bartenfelder, we feel he effectively showed who he is, that he is mindful of the power of the black vote, and that he sincerely plans to work with the African American community in the future. And he is a sports enthusiast who wants to see all people grow and develop.

Additionally, with the support of Baltimore County Councilman Ken Oliver, we tend to believe that Bartenfelder is even more likely to do what he says. After all, it is all about relationships.

Being forthright, I have to say that Bartenfelder touched my soul last Tuesday when he said on our WOLB 1010 weekly radio show that he wanted to see a Negro Leagues Museum in the NW part of the county.

Segue from Bartenfelder to Oliver, Bartenfelder’s ever-supportive black connect
Oliver, the first African American on the Council, has done a lot more for black Baltimore County than most in history. From the areas with well water to the areas with running water, Oliver literally understands the lay of the land. And the former banker has clearly demonstrated that he can work with those of other ethnicities. Despite a faux pas, he has a respectable track record, understands County politics, and has brought resources and services to an otherwise forsaken part of Baltimore County in an unprecedented manner.

So, while we’re in the county, it should be known that we believe Ken Oliver deserves re-election.

Lastly, be mindful of the undercover game being manipulated for the sake of Bethel AME Church. Although they legally won the right to put a church in Granite, no mega church needs to be in this rural area, one loaded with bunny rabbits, foxes, and deer. Environmentalist and conservationists should be outraged that someone seeks to destroy the rural element in Granite – all for the sake of a mega church which began in Baltimore City.

Besides, Bethel has vacant properties in its block on Druid Hill Avenue – and has had them for years. Doesn’t charity start at home? Furthermore, the blend of politics and church business is questionable at best … in our modest opinion.

Bottomline: Joe Bartenfelder for Baltimore County Exec. Ken Oliver for re-elect. 10th & 11th Teams Re-Elected
As for the 10th district team, they will all be re-elected. State Senator Delores Kelley is a staple, having led over 100 bills into law. Speaker Pro Tem Adrienne Jones is way on top of her game to be toppled; also, she knows the pulse of the community, answers her phone, and makes a lot of things happen behind the scenes. Del. Shirley Nathan-Pulliam, a strong black woman with Jamaican roots, has the blessings of the ancestors and the heart of the constituents. Further, her “nursing” nature is just too powerful; she innately cares about all people. And finally, Del. Rev. Emmett Burns is a force all by himself; you gotta love that!

The 11th District Team, featuring State Senator Bobby “wear my t-shirt” Zirkin and the three delegates, Dr. Dan Morhaim, Dana Stein, and Jon Cardin: They, too, glide back into office without a bump in the road.

For the record, I think Dr. Morhaim, a surgeon at Sinai Hospital and a volunteer at Baltimore City’s Healthcare for the Homeless, is one of the greatest people in the world: Hands-down! He understands relationships. He understands politics. He understands business. He doesn’t sugar-coat the truth. He calls ‘em like he sees ‘em. And he is a loyal to his family and friends. What more could one ask for?

Posted in Baltimore County, Black politics, political economy | No Comments »

Wayne’s World: A Curry Gubernatorial Candidacy? Over 3,000 attend birthday celebration

Posted by dglover on Friday, January 22nd, 2010

Wayne's World: An unprecedented show of support for former Prince George's County Executive Wayne Curry (2nd for right), inclusing former US Congressman Al Wynn (l), US Congresswoman Donna Edwards, Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson, and Attorney Hassan Murphy, Esq. and Baltimore Delegate Jill P. Carter, Esq.

Wayne's World: An unprecedented show of support for former Prince George's County Executive Wayne Curry (2nd for right), inclusing former US Congressman Al Wynn (l), US Congresswoman Donna Edwards, Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson, and Attorney Hassan Murphy, Esq. and Baltimore Delegate Jill P. Carter, Esq.

Montgomery County’s former Exec Doug Duncan as lieutenant governor? Republicans, including Dick Hug,  in the same room with leading black Maryland Democrats in Prince George’s County? Just a birthday celebration?

Welcome to “Wayne’s World”! 

Peep this clip … http://www.bmorenews.com/video/wayne-curry-mds-1st-black-governor.shtml

Posted in Black politics, MD's 2010 Statewide election, Maryland General Assembly | 1 Comment »

Kelly Fox insists “Jack” Young ought be next Council Prez

Posted by dglover on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

Kelly Fox, candidate for House in the 43rd, likes Jack Young for Council President

Kelly Fox, candidate for House in the 43rd, likes Jack Young for Council President

There is a battle underway – albeit silent to most of us – down at City Hall. The lines of demarcation have been drawn. The disingenuine, the faithful … the traitor, the loyal: At the end of the day, where will the Baltimore City Council stand?

For the uninitiated, there appears to be two camps: One for long-time public servant Council Bernard “Jack” Young; and the other for the guy Congressman Elijah Cummings and Gov. Martin O’Malley helped to replace the seat left vacant by Keiffer Mitchell in the 11th district – Bill Cole.

Some say the split is 7 to 7. Some say Jack had it 12 to 2 and now is at 10 to 4.

And then there are those who note that Mayor Designee Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has the most say in this very interesting City Council development.

Peep the following clip and see what loyal Young supporter – Kelly Fox (running for House of Delegates in the 43rd) – has to say: http://www.bmorenews.com/video/kelly-fox-candidate-for-house-in-the-43rd-says-yes.shtml

Posted in Black politics, City Council President, Mayor Designee Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, political economy | 1 Comment »

Baltimore: More than HBO’s “The Wire”

Posted by dglover on Friday, January 8th, 2010

Mayor Designee Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

Mayor Designee Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

Despite the latest corruption scandal that has finally gone to bed, Baltimore is more than just a conglomeration of pamper content.

We are resilient. We are loving and kind. We are resourceful. Hard-core to the bone, yet we have a sense of humanity and an affinity for that which is good … and genuine.

Yep, real recognizes real in this part of the world. And yesterday’s press conference by Baltimore’s new Mayor Designee Stephanie Rawlings-Blake gave – for those who attended – an inside peep at the true stuff we Baltimoreans are made of.

A day after Mayor Sheila Dixon resigned (http://www.bmorenews.com/video/baltimore-mayor-sheila-dixon-steps-down-1610.shtml), Rawlings-Blake took the stage as a true professional who has been groomed her whole life for a career of public service. I submit, it was refreshing to see the essence of Baltimore in action.

The legendary Mary Pat Clarke was in the house – showing her support ( http://www.bmorenews.com/video/baltimore-city-councilwoman-mary-pat-clarke-commen.shtml. Legendary? Yes! This is the woman who spent the night in the projects – and many of us will never ever forget that. Plus, she loves Bmore!

Another legend spoke to us (www.bmorenews.com). That would be Baltimore City Councilman Bobby Curran (  http://www.bmorenews.com/video/baltimore-city-councilman-bobby-curran-comments-on.shtml). Uncle Bobby gave it to us like only he can – a man with so much knowledge of this city and even more love for it. He said, among his thoughts on the mayoral transition, that the budget is still the beast to be slayed.

And there were others who gave their notions and hopes, including the new kid on the block – Baltimore City Councilman Bill Cole. A white guy running a black district, Cole certainly has his eyes – let’s say – on higher heights and deeper depths.

Ok, ok. Wanna know if he is running citywide in 2011? Click here  http://www.bmorenews.com/video/baltimore-city-councilman-bill-cole-comments-on-ma.shtml.

In short, the press conference demonstrated more than anything Baltimore is headed back on track … without missing a beat. Great job, folks!

Posted in Black politics, Mayor Designee Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Sheila Dixon, political economy | 1 Comment »

A Chat with “The Bear”: Clarence Mitchell, III Up close and personal

Posted by dglover on Friday, November 27th, 2009

(BALTIMORE – November 27, 2009) – I was blessed earlier this week to have a conversation with a local political icon whose lifelong body of work has had an impact on the nation. Clarence Mitchell, III, also known as “The Bear”, has been a political godfather to me and countless others for years. His honesty, compassion, and willingness to serve the people are unsurpassed. His love for Baltimore and its people is unparalleled and deserving of many, many accolades. Clearly, I had to get his thoughts on what is happening on the political scene here in Baltimore. With the mayor, our first African American woman in the top post, under fire for some otherwise petty reasons, the whole climate – in my mind – begs the question of what is happening to black leadership. With the passing of Delegate Howard “Pete” Rawlings and state Senator Clarence Blount, black political leadership seems terribly absent. Again, in a majority black city like Baltimore, it leaves one wondering just what has happened to black political power.        

 

Soon about to turn 70 years of age, The Bear told me, “It’s extremely disappointing. Very few of our elected officials are really advocating on behalf of the people.”

 

He said that, in his book, only a couple are actually carrying the ball.

 

“[Del.] Jill Carter. [Del.] Nat Oaks. If you go down the roll call, [Del.] Ruth Kirk is doing her best, but she is almost 80. Ruth was always an outspoken advocate for the people,” he said.

 

Reflecting on his days in the Maryland General Assembly, The Bear recalled more inspiring times. He spoke of days when politicians “got it” and truly understood why they were in position.
 

Mitchell said, “When I was in the legislature, I lit a fire under all of our delegates in the 44th. But I didn’t have to light up a fire under Larry [Young]. During my last 8 years, it was the Mitchell-Young team. I could call Larry at midnight and we were both working in our offices, we were both making sacrifices for the people. Today, we don’t have elected officials that have an ongoing organizational forum where constituents can express themselves, complain, or talk to the elected officials. I always had my delegates and myself at those meetings. We had an office open 7 days a week for them to make complaints or express themselves about what we should be doing. If you don’t include the people on an ongoing basis in your activity and give them access, then you are not serving the people.”

 

In talking to The Bear, I am reminded of my own purpose and the need to make personal sacrifices – that is, if I want to see the necessary change manifest. Also, in talking with him, I am reminded that with all of our 6-figure incomes, $70,000 cars, and $200,000 homes, blacks today seemingly have less common sense that blacks fresh out of slavery.

 

He continued, “When we had 11 black legislators, we got more done with people like Frank Conaway and Lena K. Lee. We have more than the 40 black legislators in Annapolis now. We need serious people to run [for office today] to put a fire under people who are already down there. We need people who are visible in the community. When I was elected at the age of 22, I knocked on 7,000 doors from sunup to after sundown. I was able to beat the Jack Pollack organization with the help of the Afro and Verda Welcome, first woman black senator in the nation. We put together a ticket and I ran number 1. At that time, it was the 4th district. We had six delegates and 1 state senator. Then, things changed. They reapportioned the districts and gave all of the districts 2 state senators. That was 1966.”

 

Mitchell said that some how, an individualism has crept into the bowels of public service. Some how, it is no longer about serving the people. It is more about serving oneself.

 

Read in full

Posted in Black politics | No Comments »