UrbanLife.se – The home of Black culture in Sweden

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Afro-culture, Sweden

Andy Collins has launched a great website about Black culture in Sweden.

Andy, a brother from the UK has worked tirelessly to put together an excellent product.

Take a look at UrbanLife.se and if you like it, share it with others.

And yes, there is Black culture in Sweden!

Obama’s Greatest Political Devil In His New Age of Political Englightenment

Brotherpeacemaker dropped an interesting post on President-elect Obama’s overtures to his former political foes entitled: “Forgiveness In The New Age Of Political Bipartisanship”.

His thought-provoking article inspired this comment from me:

Interesting post.

There is no surprise on my part on the current policy positions and appointments of President-elect Obama. “There is none so blind as he who will not see”… and during Obama’s 2 year presidential campaign, most people… especially African-Americans… turned a “blind eye” and a “deaf ear” to whom President-elect Obama was truly courting and speaking to in his bid to become President. He spoke loudly and clearly to the political and economic establishment to reassure them that they had nothing to fear from him, regardless of all his beating the empty rhetorical drum about being a “candidate of change”. He made certain that they understood that he would be their “man friday” if elected to the White House and would do everything in his power to protect their interests (as we saw in his support for the bailout of the financial institutions and his current support of a bailout for the auto industry). I give him a lot of credit as a politicain… the “old school” political establishment, especially the Clintons… under-estimated his political savy, skills and strategy during the campaign. Once he won the demoncratic nomination though, there was no doubt that it was all over for the McCain and the republicans.

From his first appointment of Rahm Emanuel as his chief of staff, which wasn’t really a surprise if you ever listened/read his policy positions, it confirmed that he was going to rule from “right” of the political centre. So it is really no surprise that he has appointed former Clintonistas… centrists and right of centre policy honks to his cabinet and inner circle of advisers. There is no doubt about their qualifications (and more importantly, their commitment) to substantively maintain the current status quo.

So Obamas overtures to Clinton, whom he had refered to as “Bush-light” during the democratic campaign; to McCain, whom he had warned if elected would represent a third term of Bush policies; and to Joe Lieberman, the most right wing Democratic in the party, can be understood as not all that surprising if seen in the same vein. They all play and compete in the same sandbox like school children… so at the end of the day, regardless of what is done and/or said among them… all is forgiven and forgotten…. everyone shakes hands and are friends again the next day.

Except in the case of Rev. Wright. He refused to play “nice” in the sandbox with the others. He refused to jump on the train and get swept away on the “magical mystery tour”. He refused to sell his soul for the proverbial 30 pieces of silver and betray the truth. He refused to play by the rules of the sandbox… like Clinton, McCain, Lieberman, Obama and even Bush… so for Rev Wright there is no forgiveness in Obama’s new age of political enlightenment. In Obama’s world, Rev Wright is the “greatest political devil”.

There are excellent and insightful articles over at Black Agenda Report about the inner workings Obama and the political establishment for those interested in devlving a little deeper… or just being exposed to another point of view.

Read This Or Else?!

One of my favorite people, the blackest white woman I know, the author I quote the most, the lady who turned me out and into a black vegan….drumroll please….ladies and gentleman, allow me to introduce without any further fanfare, Ms. Pattrice Jones – through the email that she sent me today:

Do you still write for Afrosphere? I wonder if you could get that blog to link to the new collective blog for my composition students? As you know, I teach at an HBC/U. All of my students save one are Black (mostly African American but several African) and the one non-Black student is Latino. None are required to write for the blog individually (although there will be some postings of in-class group work) but most are electing to use the blog for an assignment requiring them to write something meaningful for an audience other than me and their classmates. A few are also going to be posting earlier assignments of which they are especially proud. A few posts are up now, a few more will go up this week, and then they’ll be going up furiously until the end of the semester.

I want them to have readers (and feedback) from off campus) so I would be deeply appreciative if you and/or Afrosphere could give us a mention or a link.

http://readthisorelse.wordpress.com

pattrice!

Done, sistah, done!!

Please ya’ll, visit this beautiful website through the Afrospheric link to your right.  We need to encourage our young folk to think critically, freely, think outside the dominant paradigm that seeks to keep them on the “XBox plantation.” And I betcha WE can learn some new things by opening our mind to a perspective far more alive than ours.

English translation of al-Zawahiri’s message to President-elect Obama

In the Name of Allah, and all Praise is due to Allah, and Prayers and Peace on the Messenger of Allah and on his family, Companions and allies.

Muslim brothers everywhere: Peace be upon you and the Mercy of Allah and His blessings. As for what comes after:

Barack Obama has won the presidency of the United States of America, and on this occasion, I would like to send several messages.

A letter of congratulations, support and hope to the U.S. President-elect from a Muslim world leader

November 6th, 2008.

“In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Mr. Barack Obama

President-elect of the United States of America

I congratulate you on having gained the majority of the votes of those who took part in the election. As you know, the chances that God gives to his subjects pass swiftly. They can be used for the perfection of humanity and to the benefit of nations or, God forbid, to the detriment of nations.

I hope you will choose to honor the real interests of people and justice and equity over the insatiable appetites of the selfish minority. Use this chance to serve to the extent you can. And leave a good name behind for yourself.

People expect an immediate and clear response to the pressure for fundamental change in the American government’s policies, both foreign and domestic. This is the desire of all the world’s nations and of the American nation as well, and it should be the objective and basis of all your future government’s programs and actions.

On the one hand, the American nation, which has spiritual inclinations, expects your government to focus its energy and will on serving the people; dealing with the current economic crisis; restoring the country’s standing, morale and hope; eradicating poverty and discrimination; and renewing respect for individuals, their safety and their rights. It also expects policies that will strengthen the foundations of the family — part of the teachings of the holy prophets, who are also revered in America.

On the other hand, the nations of the world expect an end to policies based on warmongering, invasion, bullying, trickery, the humiliation of other countries by the imposition of biased and unfair requirements, and a diplomatic approach that has bred hatred for America’s leaders and undermined respect for its people. They want to see actions based on justice, respect for the rights of human beings and nations, friendship and non-intervention in the affairs of others. They want the American government to keep its interventions within its own country’s borders.

In the sensitive Middle East region, in particular, the expectation is that the unjust actions of the past 60 years will give way to a policy encouraging full rights for all nations, especially the oppressed nations of Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan.

The great civilization-building and justice-seeking nation of Iran would welcome major, fair and real changes, in policies and actions, especially in this region.

If steps are taken in the path of righteousness, toward the goal of carrying out the teachings of the holy prophets, it is hoped that almighty God will help and that the enormous damage done in the past will be somewhat diminished.

I ask the high God to grant all of humanity and all nations health and happiness, honor and prosperity, and to grant rulers and officials the ability to learn from the past and to use every chance to serve, to spread love and kindness, to eradicate oppression, to do justice and to follow the holy guidelines.”

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad                                                                              President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Inaugural Events

Link to continuously updated list of Inaugural Ballas.

Link to State Society Balls.

Friday, January 16, 2009

A “Dreams Do Come True” Dinner – Georgia Brown’s Restaurant -$130.00* per person
950 15th Street, N.W.– 9:00 p.m. – 12:00 midnight. Attire: Business dress

*Not including transportation and accommodations.

To register and get more information:
R O D G A I N E S E V E N T S . C O M

ActBlue – Obama 44/44 Ball

This Presidential Inauguration deserves to be celebrated by all Virginians. The election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States marked the first time in 44 years that a majority of Virginians has voted to elect a Democrat for President.

The Democratic Black Caucus of Virginia (DBCV) is proud to announce a grassroots celebration of this historic 2008 election by hosting the 44/44 GRASSROOTS PRE-INAUGURAL BALL. We are happy and proud to be joined by The Virginia Association of Democratic Chairs (VADC) as hosts. Together we invite you to join us for great food, music and dancing.

Crystal Gateway Marriott
1700 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, VA 22202
Saturday, January 17, 2009, 6.30pm

Purchase your tickets before midnight on December 17, 2008, and get the Grassroots VIP price.
Grassroots VIP $130 – 1 ticket if purchased by December 17, 2008
Grassroots VIP Couples $250 – 2 tickets if purchased by December 17, 2008
All tickets purchased December 18, 2009, or later will be $150.00 each.
Final date to purchased tickets is January 5, 2009 or until sold out!

Purchase through this link.

National Association of Minority Government Contractors presents:

Barak Obama, 44th President of the United States of America

Pre-Inaugural Kick-Off Celebration!

Date: Saturday, January 17, 2009

Time: 8:00pm to 2:00am

Attire: Semi-Formal (Black Tie Optional)

Open Bar from 8pm to 9pm, Dinner and Dancing

Location: Tuscana West, 1350 I (eye) Street, NW
Washington DC 20005

www.tuscannalounge.com

Invited Guests: President Elect-Barak and Michelle Obama, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes-Noton, DC Councilman Marion Berry

Purchase Tickets Prior to December 1, 2008

Price: $80.00 per person

Purchase Tickets after December 1, 2008

Price: $135.00 per person

VIP Ticket s

Price $200.00 per person (includes: Reserved Seating, Bottle Service, Open Bar from 8 to 10pm, Hors d Oeuvres, Dinner and Complimentary Champagne).

Visa/MC Accepted, *No Refunds or Exchanges

Purchase Tickets Now at www.NAMGC.org

Saturday, January 17, 2009

A Salute to First Lady Michele Obama Luncheon

B. Smith’s Restaurant – Union Station – $75* per person

12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Attire: Business dress

*Does not include transporation and accomodations.

To register and get more information:
R O D G A I N E S E V E N T S . C O M

Saturday, January 17, 2009

The“ Audacity of Hope” Party and Celebration Ball

Four Seasons Hotel – Georgetown – $300* per person

2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.– 8:00 p.m. -1:00 a.m. Attire: White Tie

*Does not include transporation and accomodations.

To register and get more information:
R O D G A I N E S E V E N T S . C O M

Sunday, January 18, 2009

“2 Degrees of Separation” – “Obama on Mount Rushmore” Champagne Brunch
Fairmont Washington Hotel – Georgetown – $85* per person

2401 M Street, N.W.– 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Attire: Business dress

*Not including transportation and accommodations.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

National Bar Association Inaugural Ball

JW Marriot Hotel, Washington, DC

Grassroots Ball

January 19, 2009

Welcome to the Grassroots Inaugural Ball (and Vigil)–the gathering of MYBO volunteers in our nation’s capital to celebrate our victory…and get fired up for the hard work to come!

The Ball will take place on the evening of January 19, 2009 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington D.C.

More information through this link.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Presidential Swearing in Ceremonay and Inaugural Parade

US Capital/Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC

12:00 noon

Some European Leaders Voice Their Dislike of President-elect Obama

Jürgen Gansel, a party leader and an elected lawmaker in the German state of Saxony, blamed Obama’s victory on “the American alliance of Jews and Negroes.”

In Poland Artur Górski, a legislator from the Law and Justice party, called Obama “the black messiah of the new Left” and a “crypto-communist” who would undoubtedly prove a “disaster.” He added: “Al-Qaeda is rubbing their hands with glee that the new president wants peace, not war.”

“This marks the end of the white man’s civilization,” he said. “America will soon pay a high price for this quirk of democracy.”

Read more in a Washington Post article.

730 newspaper front pages from 66 countries

The Newseum has a collection of front page images from 730 newspapers on 5 November 2008:
http://www.newseum.org/…rchive.asp

It is interesting to see how many made Obama’s victory a front page story.

It may be safe to assume that there would have been front page coverage of the election results in as many papers if the outcome would have been different.

What is interesting is the headlines used when reporting on Obama’s victory. I like the headline from one of the papers in Syndey: "Everyone’s a Winner".

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