UNT Dallas and Education is Freedom announce $2.5 million scholarship program to benefit Dallas ISD youth

Posted on March 31, 2009 by Shawn Williams

DALLAS (Mar. 30, 2009) — Dallas ISD students involved in the Education is Freedom (EIF) nonprofit program got a big boost today as the University of North Texas Dallas Campus announced plans to offer $2.5 million in scholarship assistance for tuition, fees and other costs at the future UNT Dallas between 2010 and 2015. The financial aid program comes at a critical time, as money for college continues to tighten. Any student who successfully completes EIF’s rigorous program and meets the admission requirements of the UNT Dallas Campus will be eligible for the scholarship funds.

Read EIF CEO Marcus Martin’s Paycheck is only one benefit of college from Monday’s Dallas Morning News.

“This is great news for Dallas ISD students involved with EIF,” said David Biegler, EIF’s Chairman of the Board. “For many urban youth, going away to college isn’t a viable option because scholarships typically cover tuition and fees only, but not room, board and living expenses. For Dallas ISD students to be able to live at home and still get a terrific education at our city’s only public four-year institution will be truly impactful.”

Education is Freedom is a nonprofit organization designed to eliminate the barriers to higher education and promote equality of opportunity in college attendance. The program prepares middle and high school students for college by requiring that they maintain a strong grade point average, participate in Advanced Placement courses, minimize absences and participate in other preparatory activities. In return, students receive guidance, mentoring and assistance finding scholarships and financial support for their college careers.

Currently, Dallas ISD offers EIF Program services at three high schools — W.H. Adamson, North Dallas and James Madison High Schools – with plans to expand to an additional five Dallas ISD schools in the next several years. Recognizing that the earlier the “college seed” is planted in the minds of students the more likely they are to stay in school, graduate and go on to college, EIF has launched its drop-out prevention/college-readiness programs in five Dallas ISD middle schools — Billy E. Dade, Thomas A. Edison, Thomas J. Rusk, Alex W. Spence and Hector P. Garcia Middle Schools.

“Education is Freedom and the University of North Texas Dallas Campus share a common goal — that of educating the young people of the Dallas-Fort Worth area and the larger North Texas region,” said Vice Chancellor John Ellis Price, president designate of the future university. “Now, as we partner together to help raise scholarship funds toward this effort, we will share a common task. This partnership will help us develop a culture of education in Dallas and a belief in the transformative power of education, and this investment now will pay substantial dividends in the future as we seek to raise the high school graduation and college-going rates in our area.”

“This partnership is critically important because it removes many of the barriers that keep kids from attending college,” said State Senator Royce West, an EIF Board Member. “It’s a beneficial union for both groups — EIF students will have exposure and access to a four-year college program, and the UNT Dallas Campus will see an enrollment boost from quality young people who’ve spent years preparing to succeed in college.”

UNT Dallas Campus and EIF officials have committed to work together to raise the funding for the scholarship program. For more information about the program or to make a donation, please contact Marti Howe, executive vice president of Education is Freedom, at 214.432.8355 or mhowe@educationisfreedom.org. For more information on the UNT Dallas Campus, and the future UNT Dallas, contact Joseph Breshears, J.D., executive director of development, at 972.780.3617 or joe.breshears@unt.edu.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc – North Dallas Suburban Alumnae Chapter hosts 8th Annual Golf Tournament

Posted on March 31, 2009 by Shawn Williams

Delta Sigma Sorority, Inc.
North Dallas Suburban Alumnae Chapter

and

North Dallas Suburban Foundation
present their

8th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Saturday, May 30th, 2009

Riverchase Golf Club, Coppell, Texas

Republican Road to Recovery offers “Zero” as alternative to Obama/Democratic Budget

Posted on March 31, 2009 by Shawn Williams

I received the above DNC commercial yesterday regarding Republicans recently released alternative budget plan. In the commercial, Democrats borrow from the Sesame Street theme by saying that it is brought to us by the number “zero.” They hit the zero theme over and over, asserting the Republican budget is without numbers.

So I went to the 19 page Republican Road To Recovery document to see if the Democrats were exaggerating their claims against their rivals. With all the noise the GOP has made regarding the Obama budget, surely they offered a concrete plan in helping to dig America out of what their plan calls “the worst (economic) storm since the 1970′s” (no doubt a dig at President Jimmy Carter).

ZERO actually sums up the Republican Road To Recovery. I went through their proposal line by line, and it offers nothing new by way of ideas or proposals. They simply wrote down the rhetoric and complaints levied against the President and his party over the last few weeks. All this time they been telling us they were working on an alternative budget, and this is what they came up with?

In the Road to Recovery document, Republicans say they will provide universal access to health care, secure entitlements, end bailouts, create jobs, and break America’s dependence on foreign oil. But they don’t say how they’re going to pay for any of it.

Amazingly, their budget alternative doesn’t offer any numbers. Well I take that back, they do offer a few numbers relating to tax code:

Republicans propose a simple and fair tax code with a marginal tax rate for income up to $100,000 of 10 percent and 25 percent for any income thereafter, with a generous standard deduction and personal exemption. Republicans would allow any individual or family satisfied with their current tax structure to continue to pay those rates, while dropping the two lowest rates by 5 percent to provide every taxpayer with a tax cut. Republicans would also permanently fix the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) so that millions would no longer have to fear the possible imposition of a huge, new tax each year.

Republican Road to Recovery

I’m not sure which is more funny, the DNC commercial or the GOP budget without numbers. Maybe they thought peppering their document with words like reckless and wasteful spending, reconstruction in the Hamas-controlled Gaza strip, ACORN, and Freddie and Fannie would cause Americans to overlook the fact that there’s nothing to their plan.

And to think, John Boehner, Eric Cantor, Mike Pence, Pete Sessions, and other Republican leaders actually put their signature on this Road to Recovery. First there cause was no pork, and now they offer no beef. What a waste of time.

VIDEO: Little Obama (aka my son) takes 1st Place in 1st Grade Oratorical Contest

Posted on March 31, 2009 by Shawn Williams

I have to say that I was moved by my son and his effort in the Frederick Douglass Academy Oratorical Competition. Isaiah took 1st place in the 1st grade division. He recited a portion of Barack Obama’s Inaugural Address, and now they’re calling him “Little Obama” at school.

When we were looking through the some of President Obama’s campaign speeches, I couldn’t get my son to bite on any of the ones I liked. He said no to the Iowa victory speech, no to the pivotal speech on race, and no to the Democratic acceptance speech. But when we read through the Inaugural Address, he said “that’s it.”

We started with about 4 lines and 2 paragraphs. I mean he is in first grade right? But he asked for more so we went further into the speech.

In the next line, Obama talked about “petty grievances”, “recriminations” and “worn out dogmas.” I remembered this to be my favorite part of the address, but was unsure if I wanted to put the pressure on him to recite what I thought would be a difficult passage.

I looked at a word I might substitute for recriminations and though I might strip out the dogmas part all together. Why was I reluctant to challenge him?

I guess what I’m trying to say is that we are selling our kids -especially our black boys- short. If Jay-Z and Notorious B.I.G. can remember complicated rhyming patterns without writing them down, why can’t our boys remember passages of scripture, portions of speeches, and geometric theorems?

We’ve got to challenge our boys in more places than the sports arena. It hasn’t been much of a problem for me as a father, but at that moment (and some others), I found myself willing to settle.

Isaiah added another line that made for a better closing and practiced his speech dozens of times to anyone who would listen. I thank my mom, mother-in-law, his teacher, and of course my wife for helping to prepare Isaiah for the contest. Needless to say, I’m a proud papa.

What We’re Doing Recap’s Dallas Furniture Bank’s 40 under 40

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Shawn Williams

One of the best blogging couples you’ll find @ What We’re Doing updates Dallas Furniture Bank’s 40 under 40. According to WWD, ” 40 Under 40 was a two-pronged affair, combining a baking challenge with the celebration honoring young civic leaders. The Beat Condos pool and cabana area and its spectacular view of the Dallas skyline was the perfect backdrop for the event.”

Click here to read the rest of the post, including the recognition of Catherine Cuellar and Eric Johnson.

The Coalition to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis looks to increase DVT awareness

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Shawn Williams

Did you know that in the United States, DVT affects up to 2 million people annually? DVT-related PE is the most common cause of preventable hospital death and complications from DVT kill more people each year in the U.S. than breast cancer and AIDS combined.

I kind of missed DVT Awareness month, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t become more aware about a preventable complication that strikes so many each year. Check the YouTube below and visit www.preventdvt.org for more information.

The Coalition to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis and its National Patient Spokesperson, Melanie Bloom, widow of NBC news correspondent David Bloom who died in Iraq due to complications of DVT, fulfilled their commitment to educate Americans about the dangers of DVT by putting word on the street through a mobile campaign, Driving to Reduce the Risks of DVT. This included a stop at Methodist Dallas Medical Center last week.

President Obama lays out plan for ailing auto industry

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Shawn Williams

In a statement directed at Americans nervous about the auto industry, President Barack Obama outlined his administrations further involvement in helping the struggling auto makers. That includes the Obama administration forcing GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner to resign.

The President said that the plans formerly submitted by GM and Chrysler are unacceptable, and he wants them to take another run at it. In the meantime, they will have to submit to guidelines set by the federal government in order to receive additional federal funds. Obama said GM and Chrysler will have “limited additional periods of time” to produce plans that inspire confidence from the American citizens who their are asking to give them aid.

He also called on others to make concessions, including auto workers and their unions, auto dealers, and suppliers. Though much of the news is bleak, Obama cited GM producing the 2008 North American Car of the Year (Chevy Malibu), and Chrysler for the Buick’s recognition in the area of reliability.

Obama said that the business plans submitted to the government were “not strong enough” and additional measures were necessary for them to become viable once again. The first step to that end was his auto task force pushing Wagoner out as CEO.

The government will give GM 60 days of working capital to try to push through it’s financial situation. He paused to emphasize the fact that the government has “no intentions in running or interest in running GM.”

Obama said the situation at Chrysler is “more challenging” and that the company may not survive without a partnership with Italian automaker FIAT. The Obama administration is giving Chrysler 30 days to work out a deal with FIAT in order to receive up to $6 Billion in additional government aid.

After detailing the state of the trouble car companies, Obama acknowledged that bankruptcy is still an option. He look to soften the effects of the ‘B’ word by saying that neither company would be broken up and sold off if bankruptcy codes were used. Obama listed four steps his administration is focused on relating to the auto industry:

Ensuring relief funds get to designated entities as soon as possible.
Increasing credit flow
Alerting consumers of tax benefits for cars purchased between Feb. 16th and year end.
Pursuing a program with Congress that offers tax incentives to those purchase energy efficient cars to replace less efficient models.

Obama ended his statement by underscoring the importance of the auto industry in the United States. He said that it wasn’t important just to the the Midwest which has been hardest hit, but all Americans.

Photo credit CNN.com

SI SE PUEDE PAC TO LAUNCH WEBSITE ON MARCH 30

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Shawn Williams

Dallas, TX, March 28, 2009- On Monday, March 30th, Si Se Puede PAC will unveil its new website, www.sisepuedepac.com . As Texans continue to struggle with a financial crisis exacerbated by ineffective politicians like Governor Rick Perry, Si Se Puede PAC seeks to advance a progressive agenda that improves the quality of life in the Lone Star State.

“My wife, Nakita, and I created Si Se Puede PAC in order to give progressive Texans from all backgrounds a real voice in their government,” said Si Se Puede PAC co-founder and Dallas attorney Eric L. Johnson. “Now through our website, progressive Texans will have a forum in which they can discuss politics, learn about volunteer opportunities in their communities, and support state and local political candidates who share their progressive views on issues like education, health care, criminal justice, the environment, and of course, the economy.”

The website currently features a profile of Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez, who was supported and endorsed by Si Se Puede PAC in 2008. Additionally, Si Se Puede PAC will regularly blog about politics and public policy with the hope of creating a positive dialogue towards finding progressive solutions to the problems that plague our state.

Si Se Puede PAC was founded in March of 2008 and supports progressive state and local candidates in Texas. For more information, visit www.sisepuedepac.com.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Roundup

Posted on March 28, 2009 by Shawn Williams

I like to keep up with what U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson is doing in Washington, but don’t always have a chance to share all of the info. I’ll periodically post a Congreswoman Johnson Roundup where I can get a little bit more of her work out to the family.

CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL RELEASE OF FUNDS TO DALLAS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS

Washington, D.C. – (March 27, 2009) Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson today announced that Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic and Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Clinic, both community health centers in Dallas, will receive hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic will receive $522,803 and Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Clinic will receive $238,685. The grants are for expanding services at existing community health centers.

“Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic and Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Medical Clinic offer one-stop medical and dental care for people of all ages, no matter whether they are insured or uninsured,” Congresswoman Johnson said. “Both clinics employ extremely committed staff members who go above and beyond every single day. I am proud that these two community health centers are in my Congressional District, and I am pleased to announce that both clinics will receive hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional funding.”

CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON’S AMENDMENTS PASS IN SCIENCE COMMITTEE

Washington, DC – (March 25, 2009) Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson today offered three amendments to two bills being marked up in the House Committee on Science and Technology. Congresswoman Johnson offered two amendments to H.R. 1580, the Electronic Waste Research and Development Act, and one amendment to H.R. 1145, the National Water Research and Development Initiative Act of 2009. All three amendments passed.

“Advances in science and technology have given us televisions, computers, cell phones and other products that have a positive impact on our daily lives,” Congresswoman Johnson said. “Unfortunately, once products become obsolete, they become electronic waste. By making electronic waste research findings available on a government website, we will enable individuals to learn how to address the electronic waste in their own lives in an informed and responsible way.”

Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson to Introduce the CRA Modernization Act of 2009 at NCRC conference “Roadmap to a Financially Inclusive Society”

Washington, DC – On Thursday March 12, Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson introduced the CRA Modernization Act of 2009, announcing the bill on Capitol Hill before hundreds of community organizations gathered at the annual meeting of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC). The legislation includes strong accountability measures for a broader set of financial institutions than previously covered, including enhanced public hearings, expanded data reporting requirements and the creation, for the first time, of a national foreclosure and loan modification data collection system.

“In recent months, we have seen the catastrophic effects that unsound loans can have on families and communities,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “Today we take another step toward ensuring that financial institutions lend responsibly, while continuing to encourage them to invest in all the communities in which they operate. The Community Reinvestment Act has a long record of benefiting low- and middle-income neighborhoods and the banks and thrifts that lend in those neighborhoods. Expanding CRA to cover all financial institutions will make this good law even better.”

“Creating more accountability for financial institutions is critical to restoring integrity and trust in the financial system,” said John Taylor, president and CEO of NCRC. “Had the accountability measures in this bill applied to the lending institutions that issued the preponderance of subprime and other risky loans in recent years, it would have given us an earlier warning of the foreclosure crisis. CRA shines a powerful public spotlight on the lending practices of financial institutions. We applaud Representative Johnson for introducing this important piece of legislation.”

Ryan Moats showed phenomenal restraint in the face of thug cop

Posted on March 27, 2009 by Shawn Williams

The only thing that truly matters is the behavior of Dallas Police Officer Robert Powell. His behavior towards Houston Texans running back Ryan Moats, as captured on his own dashboard camera, is simply unacceptable and indefensible.

View Dallas Morning News Story on Kunkle apology here.

Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle did not accept the actions of Ofc. Powell nor did he try to defend it. At a press conference on Thursday, Chief Kunkle rebuked Powell in the strongest possible manor. It took too long for this to come to light and it’s troubling that a Plano police officer is reported to have initiated the action, but I don’t know enough to comment on that part of the story.

I feel strongly that after a complete investigation, the offending officer will be fired for detaining Moats from spending those last precious moments with his mother-in-law and not allowing him to be there for his wife who was witnessing her mother die.

Chief Kunkle was asked how are officers trained to handle a situation such as Powell’s. “I don’t know how you train for these circumstances, other than to hire people with common sense and good people skills,” said Kunkle according to the Dallas Morning News. It doesn’t look like DPD did so in the case of this 25 year old cop.

In the exchange that took place between Officer Powell and Mr. Moats there is nothing that suggests race was a factor, but it doesn’t mean that we can’t look at where race fits in. When I look at how Mr. Moats was treated by Officer Powell, I think about all of the black men who have been harassed by the police i.e. Trey from Boys in the Hood.

I look at the restraint that was shown by Mr. Moats in the face of this belligerent cop. How he was able to compose himself as Powell made up laws and threatened actions while the tape continued to roll. I think of how the moment a black suspect gives in to the rage caused by a rogue officer, he basically gives them an excuse to take it to the next level.

It shows just how powerful video is as a medium for ensuring justice in the interaction between law enforcement and the citizens they are sworn to protect and serve. How different would things have been in Oakland when a BART Police Officer shot Oscar Grant in the back and killed him, had it not been recorded by citizens recording the incident on their phones?

I can tell you how different it would have been. The plights of Moats and Oscar Grant intersect in Bellaire, Texas where baseball player Robbie Tolan was shot by local police officers in his own yard. And while Bryant Gumble did an excellent story on HBO’s Real Sports, the Tolan shooting did not garner near the press coverage as the plight of Mr. Powell here in Dallas , because there were no video cameras around.

I can appreciate Chief Kunkle for his swift response –administrative leave for the offending officer- and harsh words. But there is a systemic problem here that links the shooting of Tolan and Grant, with the harassment of Moats, to the dozens of unnecessary Taser incidents involving black men and women. Keep those cameras handy, because you never know when you or one of your fellow citizens may need them.