phxsoul.com

White House Officials Host Hispanic Community Summit in Phoenix

Submitted by PhxSoul.com Correspondent Heather Jackson

Illegal immigration, the Dream Act, and Health reform are just some of the issues that plague the Hispanic community in Arizona and nationwide.

As they battle for rights and justice, the White House join them on the front lines. The Obama Administration sent White House officials to Phoenix on January 28 for their White House Hispanic Community Summit.

This gave the Hispanic community a chance to talk with officials personally and problem solve for some of the issues closest to them.

PhxSoul.com is particularly interested in the White House Hispanic Community Summit because our President is going to be making a strong push to win over Arizona during this election year.

African Americans and Latinos must put our historically strained relations behind us and work together to understand our similarities and differences. Ultimately, if President Obama can gain the confidence of Hispanics in our state, not only will he carry Arizona, but he can help us address and solve the problems that have long affected our communities.

And yes, we will keep you informed on President Obama's efforts to bond with African Americans in Arizona!

 

 

February 2012 Black History Month Activities, Events in the Phoenix Area

February is Black History Month!

If you are looking for activities and events in the Phoenix area that pay tribute to our heritage and forefathers, please stay tuned to PhxSoul.com's 2012 Black History Month section.

PhxSoul.com is still receiving announcements about festivals, forums, legislative conferences, poetry nights, concerts and much more.

PhxSoul.com encourages the community to come out and support these celebrations because Black History Month shouldn't just be taught in our schools. Hopefully, we can network and build the types of partnerships that will allow us to host more events that recognize and honor our Black History throughout the year.

Again, stay tuned to PhxSoul.com's 2012 Black History Month section so you won't be left out!

Time for Arizona to "Point" Gov. Brewer Toward the Door! Her Disrespect of President Obama Is Unpardonable!

Before President Barack Obama made his fifth visit to Arizona on January 25, 2012, I made this prediction ...

"My Brothers and Sisters ... I'm hoping for the best, but I'm afraid that you're going to see the good, the bad and the ugly in Arizona. Please brace yourselves for an interesting roller coaster ride!"

Gov. Jan Brewer did her best to make my prediction come true!

First the Good ...

I attended his speech at Intel and it was thrilling to be surrounded by THOUSANDS of people who support our President and his mission for job creation and getting America on track. We sat in the sun for hours while waiting for Obama to arrive but the atmosphere was very positive. When he arrived, the place was electric and he did not disappoint the crowd! He genuinely seemed excited to be in the Valley. Among the many topics he discussed during his 21-minute speech, he made a strong push for job creation and praised Intel for being an excellent model for how we can revive America's economy.

The BAD and the UGLY ...

While we were in the crowd, most of us had no idea that President Obama and Gov. Brewer exchanged some heated words at the airport just minutes earlier.

From all accounts, she started the BAD and the UGLY when she asked Obama if he read her book in which she trashed him. She also has a history of dogging him about illegal immigration - an issue that started long before Obama took office.

Bottom line, Gov. Brewer is not one of the President's favorite people and he let her know how he felt.

She exchanged words with him because she was surprised that Obama fired back at her and she had the nerve to point her finger at him! A CLEAR SIGN OF DISRESPECT!!

It's about time that our President gave his critics a piece of his mind. People have been taking shots at him for far too long and he has to get tougher with them in order to gain their respect. They still may not like his policies but they'll be a lot more careful about blasting him publicly!

I'm truly disgusted with Jan Brewer and I've got a feeling that African American leaders are going to be calling for her to step down much like Sheriff Joe Arpaio. PhxSoul.com will support that effort!!

Click on the "Comments" link below to share your thoughts!!

 

See President Obama's Speech at Intel in Chandler on January 25!

Reginald Bolding, Arizona State University Instructor and South Phoenix Community Leader, to Run for Arizona State Representative (LD-16)

This week Reginald Bolding (D) announced his candidacy for Arizona House of Representatives in District 16, which expands across Downtown, South Phoenix and Laveen.

Reginald is an education reformer who will ensure that education is the top priority in the State Legislature. Reginald is a dedicated teacher, public servant, and proven leader. He has spent his entire professional career serving the students and citizens of Phoenix. Reginald is a faculty member at Arizona State University and also serves as the Founder and President of Future Leaders of Arizona, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides internships in law firms, corporations, non-profits, and other fields to high school and college students in South Phoenix. At ASU, Reginald prepares college students majoring in education to become highly effective teachers in our public schools. Reginald also sits on the Community Development Review Committee for the City of Phoenix.

Reginald, a former Roosevelt School District teacher said, “it is completely unacceptable that for the past few years the legislature has cut millions of dollars from education with the intention of balancing the budget on the backs of students who need resources the most.” 

Thirty-four percent of children in LD16 live in poverty according to the Children’s Action Alliance 2011 Legislative Report Fact Sheet.

“No matter what neighborhood you’re born in, all students deserve an excellent public education.”

Reginald says, “as a first-generation college student I understand how education can improve peoples’ lives, provide them economic security, and improve our community. We need to elect a dedicated teacher and proven leader, not a politician to represent our students and community down at the State Capitol.”

He believes all communities need to be represented and have a voice in state government. Currently, there are no African Americans in the Arizona House of Representatives.

Reginald will focus his campaign primarily on improving Arizona’s education system, creating jobs for all South Phoenix residents, healthcare, and improving the housing crisis affecting so many downtown and south Phoenix families.

Reginald said, “South Phoenix has gotten the short end of the stick for far too long and as our State Legislator I will work tirelessly to make sure that doesn’t continue to happen.”

Reginald says, “instead of the legislature focusing on guns on campus they need to focus on providing resources for our students and getting people in our community back to work.”

Reginald received his Master of Education degree from Arizona State University. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati and he is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Education Policy from Arizona State University.

Note: According to the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission Tentative Final Map, upon approval District 16 will be the new District 27.

For more information, please visit boldingforarizona.com.

African American Leaders in Arizona Call for Sheriff Joe Arpaio's Resignation

Submitted by Opal Tometi, National Organizer, Black Alliance for Just Immigration

PHOENIX, AZ - After reading the Press Release of the Department of Justice titled, “DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE RELEASES INVESTIGATIVE FINDINGS ON THE MARICOPA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE,” dated December 15, 2011 and reading the letter from Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez dated December 15, 2011 to Bill Montgomery, Maricopa County Attorney, African-American leaders unite with other justice-loving citizens and organizations calling for the resignation of Sheriff Joseph M. Arpaio.

During a meeting with Assistant Attorney General Perez, as he briefed a diverse group of community leaders on the afternoon of December 15, 2011, Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr., Senior Pastor of the First Institutional Baptist Church, Phoenix, Arizona, made the following remarks, “This Department of Justice Press Release is like déjà vu. Fifty years ago this was happening to African-Americans all over the country and especially in the Deep South. All we have to do is to substitute African-Americans for Latinos in this document and it reminds us of how Blacks were treated during the Civil Rights Movement era (and often continue to be prejudged because of skin color even today). ... Those of us who believe in justice and the Constitution of the United States of America will not be silent. We must call for the Sheriff’s resignation. We must speak to the powers that be, the Maricopa County Supervisors, and put pressure on them that the Sheriff needs to go. This document is proof that we have become the Alabama of the 21st century. It’s like Sheriff Bull Connor has come to Arizona.”

According to the findings of the Department of Justice, Assistant Attorney General Perez remarked, “... this is the worst case of racial profiling seen in the U.S. in the last 40 years.”

Therefore, we call for the resignation of Sheriff Joe Arpaio. We will not be silent! Although the Department of Justice plans to work with the MCSO to fix the unjust practices and problems existing in that office, we do not feel that the problems noted in the findings of discriminatory policing, unlawful retaliation and discriminatory jail practices can be corrected with Sheriff Arpaio remaining at the helm of the MCSO. He has been the unapologetic, “in-your-face” perpetrator of mean-spirited actions and attacks on members of the Latino community far too long.  He has become a malignant cancer that must be removed if the body politic of the MCSO is to ever become healthy and properly functioning again.

Millions of taxpayer dollars have been wasted as a direct consequence of Sheriff Arpaio’s unfair, vindictive, arrogant attitudes and actions violating human and civil rights. Moreover, Arpaio’s victims have been fellow human beings created in the image and likeness of God, regardless of their skin color, language of preference and national origin.

Consequently, we, African-American leaders, in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Cesar Chavez, join our Latino brothers and sisters, and persons of every race, ethnicity, creed, color, class and political persuasion who believe that we are “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all” in calling for Sheriff Joseph M. Arpaio to resign.

Community Leaders Support List

• Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr., Senior Pastor, First Institutional Baptist Church
• Wilbert Nelson, State President, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
• The Reverend Oscar Tillman, President, Maricopa County Branch of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
• Phoenix City Councilman Michael Johnson
• Henry M. Wade, Arizona Association of Real Estate Brokers
• George Dean, Executive Director, Greater Phoenix Urban League
• Pastor James N. Harris, Jr., Moderator, Central District Missionary Baptist Association
• Cloves C. Campbell, Jr., Arizona Informant Newspaper, Former State Legislator
• Michael Berry, National Association of Minority Contractors
• Former Phoenix City Councilman Calvin C. Goode
• Senator Leah Landrum Taylor, Arizona State Legislature
• Gene Blue, Arizona Opportunities Industrialization Center
• Mel Hannah, Chairman, African American Legislative and Leadership Council
• Bishop Henry L. Barnwell, Full Gospel International Fellowship
• Bishop Harvey T. Young, Arizona Churches of God in Christ
• Pastor James N. Preston, Bethesda Community Baptist Church
• Superintendent Felton King, Emmanuel Church of God in Christ
• Pastor Aubrey L. Barnwell, Senior Pastor, First New Life Missionary Baptist Church
• Bob Boyd, Chairman, Combined Fraternal Organization of South Phoenix
• Opal Tometi, National Organizer, Black Alliance for Just Immigration
• Dr. George Brooks, Jr.
• Tonya Norwood, Community Leader
• Gail G. Knight, Community Leader
• Michael Williams, Educator

OIC of America Aims to Raise $100 Million for African American Entrepreneurial Mindset Initiative

Philadelphia, PA (BlackNews.com) -- During President Barack Obama's January State of the Union Address, he challenged Americans to "do big things." OIC of America, Inc. (OICA) is taking big action. For generations, African American unemployment and underemployment have been at least double that of white Americans. While there have been gains in education, the wealth gap between African Americans and other groups has not closed.

Given the proven correlation between self-employment and wealth creation, OICA, in a groundbreaking move, announced today that it is launching a focused initiative designed to encourage more African Americans to think like and become entrepreneurs. The organization expects to reach over one million people in the years to come.

The Entrepreneurial Mindset Initiative will be funded perpetually by an endowment, raised in two parts. The first $10 million will come from the community nationwide through "OIC-10," a funding initiative designed to turn 1 million, one time, ten-dollar contributions into a $10 million endowment. The remaining $90 million will come through "challenge grants" from foundations and interested individuals.

The endowment will fund grassroots programs that encourage, train and support individuals in their quest to become successful business owners. OIC of America has trained over two million people nationwide since its origin. OICA's visionary founder, the late Reverend Leon H. Sullivan, was a force in African American entrepreneurship and self help when, in 1968, he started Progress Plaza. The North Philadelphia shopping center was the first black owned enterprise of its kind in America. Philadelphia citizens, who invested in Reverend Sullivan's 10/36 Plan, funded the project. The plan involved thousands of individuals and families contributing small sums of money to accomplish a goal.

In keeping with 21st century technological advances, OIC of America also introduced a mobile giving option for OIC-10. Cell phone users can make their donation by texting the keyword "OIC" to "41010" from their mobile phone. This convenient option allows a wider audience to make their $10 donation and support the Entrepreneurial Mindset Initiative.

In addition to announcing the Entrepreneurial Mindset Initiative, OIC of America also announced that it has appointed business executive and entrepreneur Stanley H. Greene as National Director-Entrepreneurial Mindset Initiative. He will oversee both the fundraising initiative and the implementation of the training initiative.

"I am excited to take on this important initiative," said Greene. "I have been involved in many projects over the years, and this is the most challenging and potentially rewarding for communities nationwide."

OIC of America Chairman, Art Taylor added, "Consistent with our history, OIC of America will not wait for someone to wave a magic wand and eliminate the economic disparities for African Americans. It has not happened in the past and will not happen in the future. We are happy to have Stanley Greene on board as we make a big and bold move to help people make it in this economy."

President and CEO, Howard Sullivan added, "The foundation for economic success for African Americans was built close to 50 years ago. It is especially gratifying to me that we are launching this initiative today and using the simple but powerful principles my father put in place to help move African Americans forward."

Go to the OIC of America website at www.oicofamerica.org and click on "OIC-10" to make your $10 donation today.

African-American Pro-Immigrant Group Defends Birthright Citizenship and Condemns Attacks on 14th Amendment

Submitted by Opal Tometi

For the past year Arizona has been in the spotlight because of its harsh attacks on migrant populations and people of color. From the signing of the most far reaching anti-immigrant law (SB 1070) that legitimizes racial profiling, to its ban on Ethnic Studies (HB 2281), Arizona is rolling back the clock on the gains that the civil and human rights movements made in the United States of America. In addition to these legislative measures, Arizona recently banned affirmative action (Proposition 107) in the November 2010 election.

Sadly, Arizona’s Governor Jan Brewer and other government officials, like State Senate President Russell Pearce, are relentless in their attack on the migrant community, attacks that also impact the African American community. Pearce’s current foray is on the 14th amendment, an amendment that is well known for both the Citizenship Clause and Equal Protection Clause.  It is now threatened because, after over one hundred years in existence, Pearce wants to ascribe a new interpretation.

The 14th amendment to the Constitution was written when slavery was finally outlawed in the United States. It granted formerly enslaved Africans in America full citizenship, and overturned the Supreme Court’s 1857 decision in the historic Dred Scott v. Sanford case. In plain speak, the 14th Amendment was meant to ensure that all people born in the United States would be treated as equal citizens under the Constitution. However, Pearce is trying to strip away the citizenship rights of children who were born in the U.S. to parents who are not recognized as legal residents.

Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI) Executive Director Gerald Lenoir explains that, “attempts to undermine the 14th amendment are unconstitutional and are part of the tradition of racism and xenophobia that our ancestors have fought hard to dismantle. Furthermore the term ‘anchor baby’, which has become associated with this bill is pejorative and is used to criminalize children of immigrants, especially those of color.”

This attack on the rights and dignity of children demonstrates a sad shift in the trajectory of the national discourse on immigration. The assault on birthright citizenship through distortion of the 14th amendment and the reversal of gains made through the  struggles for civil rights, only aims to disenfranchise the growing number of people of color in this country.

Arizona State Senate President Pearce, the key author and principal in pushing forward this legislation, has been known to fraternize with white supremacists. This is not the kind of thinking that we should allow to shape our nation. In this day and age when black and brown communities are continually marginalized and disenfranchised, we cannot allow for a reinterpretation of the 14th amendment that would only create a new caste of second-class noncitizens with no rights in any country. We cannot allow for the normalization of this type of anti-migrant policy that further institutionalizes xenophobia, racism and injustice in the U.S., as well as dismisses the gains of the civil rights movement.

As Martin Luther King, Jr. poignantly said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”  The Black Alliance for Just Immigration will stand with immigrant communities in Arizona and across the country in opposing the reinterpretation of the 14th Amendment and in asserting the birthright citizenship rights of children of undocumented immigrants.

Opal Tometi was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and is the National Organizer for the Black Alliance for Just Immigration. The Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI) is an education and advocacy group comprised of African Americans and black immigrants from Africa, Latin American and the Caribbean. BAJI engages African Americans and other communities in dialogue that leads to actions that challenge U.S. immigration policy and the underlying issues of race, racism and economic inequity that frame it. The Black Alliance for Just Immigration's articles do not necessarily reflect the views of PhxSoul.com.

PhxSoul.com Thanks Arizona Residents for Voting! What Are Our Thoughts on the 2010 Election?

By now you know that November 2 was bloodbath for Democrats in the state of Arizona and across the nation.

The election clearly showed that millions of Americans are unsatisfied with President Barack Obama even though he's had less than two years to correct all of the mistakes that were made by George W. Bush during his eight years in the White House.

The Republican Party has taken over most local offices and has a stronghold on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

How will President Obama be able to successfully lead the country for the rest of his term(s) while having to deal with so many politicians who oppose his policies and efforts?

Will the Republicans really do a better job of getting this country "back on track?" If they can't, will they continue to blame President Obama? If you thought FOX News made you sick before, enjoy the next few years!! 

Here are some of the key election contests that PhxSoul.com was focused on:

• The controversial and tongue-tied Jan Brewer will serve as Arizona's governor for the next four years (55 percent of the vote).
• U.S. Senator John McCain collected more than 58 percent of the vote to remain in office.
• Ben Quayle captured more than 52 percent of the vote to become Congressman in District 3. Remember him? He said Obama was the "worst President in the history of the United States!" I hope our President orders a major audit of Quayle's taxes in 2011!
• Good to see that State Senators Kyrsten Sinema (Distrct 15 - Democrat) and Leah Landrum (Distrct 16 - Democrat) remained in office. Also, I'm happy to see that Ruben Gallego (Democrat) will be one of the District 16 State Representatives. He's a good guy.
• Cody Williams destroyed his competition in the South Mountain Justice of the Peace race.
• Betty Thompson stayed on as a Roosevelt Elementary School District Board member. Unfortunately, Wilbert Hill and Dr. George Brooks, Jr., lost their bids to be on the Phoenix Union High School District board.
• Sherry Williams ran a commendable campaign for the Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court post but was denied - party politics got in the way! She did a great job getting the word to the community though.
• It came as no surprise that Proposition 107 passed. Yep, race- and minority-based preferences in government contracting and programs are gone! Will be interesting to see how this affect us in the next few years. 
• Fortunately, Proposition 302 was rejected so Arizona will retain the Early Childhood Development and Health Board and programs and keeping any money in the early childhood development and education fund.

PhxSoul.com encourages you to visit the Arizona Secretary of State Website and azcentral.com for results on other races that appeal to you.

Also, be sure to share your Comments below!

Sources: Arizona Secretary of State Website and azcentral.com

VIDEO: Ward Connerly States His Case for Getting Proposition 107 Approved in Arizona @noaz107

See His One-on-One Conversation with PhxSoul.com Intern Heather Jackson

It is the moment we have all been waiting for ... Ward Connerly finally came out to Phoenix to speak about Prop 107.

Connerly, who is Black, has been a staunch opponent of affirmative action and has been endorsing efforts to implement legislation that would ban race- and gender-based programs in Arizona.

On October 14, the Goldwater Institute hosted the debate and open forum which pitted Arizona State House Minority Leader David Lujan against Connerly.

During the debate, Lujan did an admirable job of pointing out the numerous reasons why Arizonans should reject Proposition 107. Connerly used the debate as an opportunity to explain why he feels Arizonans should approve the Proposition in the November 2 election.

After the debate, Connerly took time out to give PhxSoul.com's Heather Jackson a private interview.

Although we don't agree with his viewpoints on Proposition 107 and affirmative action, we appreciate his willingness to address our questions.

VIDEO: August 31 Forum Helps Educate ASU Students About Proposition 107 @noaz107

"Arizona Civil Rights Initiative" Will Be on the November 2 Ballot - Vote NO!

Submitted by Heather Jackson, PhxSoul.com Intern

Arizona State University's National Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC) wanted ASU students to make an informed decision before voting on the November 2 mid-term ballot which will include Proposition 107.

Thus, the NPHC hosted a forum on August 31 at the Tempe Campus to further educate attendees about the proposition and how it would affect ASU students if it passed.

They also clarified which minority- and gender-based programs would be eliminated. For more information about Proposition 107, please visit www.protectarizonafreedom.com.

Please view Heather's Jackson's report below:

President Obama's Administration Awards Additional $45 Million to Stabilize Arizona Neighborhoods Hard-Hit by Foreclosure

Third round of NSP grants to build on efforts to confront abandonment and blight
 
PHOENIX – U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today awarded an additional $45 million in funding to Arizona communities struggling to reverse the effects of the foreclosure crisis. The grants announced today represent a third round of funding through HUD’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) and will provide targeted emergency assistance to help local Arizona communities acquire, redevelop or demolish foreclosed properties (see attached chart).

HUD’s Assistant Secretary, Dr. Raphael Bostic announced Arizona’s new funding with Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and a group of local elected officials at the home of one Phoenix family which benefited from NSP assistance.

“These grants will support local efforts to reverse the effects these foreclosed properties have on their surrounding neighborhoods,” said Donovan. “We want to make certain that we target these funds to those places with especially high foreclosure activity so we can help turn the tide in our battle against abandonment and blight. As a direct result of the leadership provided by Senator Chris Dodd and Congressman Barney Frank, who played key roles in winning approval for these funds, we will be able to make investments that will reduce blight, bolster neighboring home values, create jobs and produce affordable housing.”

Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon added, “It’s no secret that Phoenix is one of the hardest-hit cities in our country in terms of foreclosed and abandoned homes.  Here in Phoenix, we’re using all the tools in the NSP toolkit to fight blight and stabilize our neighborhoods.”

The funding announced today is provided under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. To date, there have been two other rounds of NSP funding: the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA) provided $3.92 billion and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) appropriated an additional $2 billion. Like those earlier rounds of NSP grants, these targeted funds will be used to purchase foreclosed homes at a discount and to rehabilitate or redevelop them in order to respond to rising foreclosures and falling home values. Today, 92 cents of every dollar from the first round of NSP funding is obligated – and is in use by communities, buying up and renovating homes, and creating jobs.

State and local governments can use their neighborhood stabilization grants to acquire land and property; to demolish or rehabilitate abandoned properties; and/or to offer downpayment and closing cost assistance to low- to moderate-income homebuyers (household incomes not exceed 120 percent of area median income). In addition, these grantees can create “land banks” to assemble, temporarily manage, and dispose of vacant land for the purpose of stabilizing neighborhoods and encouraging re-use or redevelopment of urban property.

NSP 3 will take full advantage of the historic First Look partnership Secretary Donovan announced with the National Community Stabilization Trust last week. First Look gives NSP grantees an exclusive 12-14 day window to evaluate and bid on properties before others can do so. By giving every NSP grantee the first crack at buying foreclosed and abandoned properties in these targeted neighborhoods, First Look will maximize the impact of NSP dollars in the hardest-hit neighborhoods – making it more likely the properties communities want to buy are strategically chosen and cutting the traditional 75-to-85 day process it takes to re-sell foreclosed properties in half.

NSP also seeks to prevent future foreclosures by requiring housing counseling for families receiving homebuyer assistance. HUD seeks to protect future homebuyers by requiring States and local grantees to ensure that new homebuyers under this program receive homeownership counseling and obtain a mortgage loan from a lender who agrees to comply with sound lending practices.

In determining the allocations announced today, HUD, as it did with NSP1, followed key indicators for the distribution formula outlined by Congress. HUD is using the latest data to implement the Congressional formula. The formula weighs several factors to match funding to need in the 20 percent most distressed neighborhoods as determined based on the number and percentage of home foreclosures, the number and percentage of homes financed by a subprime mortgage related loan, and the number and percentage of homes in delinquency. To estimate the level of need down exactly what to the neighborhood level, HUD uses a model that takes into account causes of foreclosures and delinquencies, which include housing price declines from peak levels, and increases in unemployment, and rate of high cost and highly leveraged loans. HUD also considers vacancy problems in neighborhoods with severe foreclosure related problems.

In addition to a third round of NSP funding, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act creates a $1 billion Emergency Homeowners Loan Program to be administered by HUD. This loan program will provide up to 24 months in mortgage assistance to homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure and have experienced a substantial reduction in income due to involuntary unemployment, underemployment, or a medical condition. HUD will announce additional details, including the targeted areas and other program specifics when the program is officially launched in the coming weeks.

More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov.

SB 1070 Protests Further Demonstrate the Fact that Arizona Is In a State of Chaos

Photo by Puente Arizona

Submitted by DaVaun Sanders

Citizen protests against Senate Bill 1070 continued to escalate this week, as the law was set to go into effect on July 29th. Demonstrators took to the streets all across Arizona and the country on Thursday. In downtown Phoenix, organizers engaged in several acts of civil disobedience in addition to rallies, vigils and prayer gatherings.

Protesters marched on downtown after an early morning prayer service at Trinity Cathedral. Their numbers grew gradually into the thousands throughout the day in the face of triple-digit temperatures and humid weather.

The actions continued despite U.S. District Court Judge Susan Bolton's order on the day prior, which essentially deprived the bill of its race-profiling teeth. Governor Jan Brewer filed for an appeal of the federal injunction on Thursday, but must wait until November for a ruling, as her request for an expedited hearing was denied.

"We need to explore any and all options, including the possibility of tweaks to SB 1070, to get the legislation implemented as soon as possible," Brewer stated in comments reported by the Arizona Republic.

This admission by the Governor may serve to fuel demonstrators from the Puente Movement, the National Day Laborer's Organizing Network and the Unitarian Universalist Association. Puente demonstrators, including civil rights leader Salvador Reza, have already been arrested going into the weekend.

The events in downtown Phoenix represent a paradigm shift in America, as generations, social media and political awareness conjoin to shape an uncertain future. Immigrant rights are often portrayed as a solely Hispanic cause in Arizona, but the Thursday rally did not reflect that preconception.

Predominantly white baby boomers and elders were also on hand, wearing bright orange t-shirts, several with white clerical collars visible beneath. Upon arrival from the morning march, they sang “This Land is Your Land” in Cesar Chavez Plaza. Hispanics made up the larger contingent of rallying youth, some wearing teal Puente Arizona t-shirts, leading chants and pounding away on drums. The merging of these distinctly different groups, peppered with more ethnicities in between, proved to be striking.

Chants resounded through downtown as the rally gathered momentum, echoing through the adjacent Wells Fargo plaza, where curious employees looked on from their cigarette breaks. Plainclothes officers and  Puente organizers meandered through the crowd like rival generals, observing and reporting with walkie talkies or cell phone Twitter updates.

“Stop the injustice, stop the hate—we don't want your police state!” Youth shouted through megaphones. Inevitably the crowd spilled into the streets. “Arrest Arpaio, not the people!”

Acts of civil disobedience ensued as dozens of intimidating Phoenix SWAT filed into the street in riot gear. Officers warned the crowd to remain on the sidewalk, or face arrest. Reporters and cameramen swarmed everywhere for any signs of escalation, lending a frantic air to the scene as arrested demonstrators were pulled into awaiting vans. The overpowering media presence played an indelible role here, creating a feedback loop of hype.

There were moments of potential ugliness that nearly bubbled into the more carefully orchestrated aspects of the day. Several frazzled officers and rifle wielding deputies at the downtown jail dragged away protesters who chained themselves to the building, and attempted to disperse the crowd several times before finally gaining control of the street. Officers arrested some of the people with visible relish, however restrained.

“Cops and the Klan go hand in hand!” Crowd members chanted defiantly. “This is what a police state looks like!”

Back near the Wells Fargo Plaza, a pair of incredibly brave (or incredibly foolish) minutemen attempted a feeble counter-protest. The two were quickly enveloped in argument by the anti-SB 1070 crowd, and eventually escorted away by police for their own safety.

Many Americans will conclude that Arizona remains trapped in some peculiar time warp, where Sheriff Joe Arpaio is this generation's Bull Connor. Yet away from sensation hungry cameras, moments of levity occurred among the people who fell on different sides of the law's enactment.

“I have no opinion on that, sir,” said one SWAT officer when asked about the law, immediately pointing out the public information officer for media queries. “He's the only guy out here wearing a tie.”

As the SWAT officer monitored the sidewalk from behind reflective black sunglasses and bulletproof vest, he added thoughtfully, “People should be allowed to say what they think, though.”

Some zealous, high school-aged protesters were quick to hurl 'Nazi' and raise middle fingers to police, in addition to the Klan epithets. Several of these instances were redirected by stern-faced elders, or equally zealous—but somewhat more conscious—college age members of the protest.

Elsewhere, a group of police gave each other wry grins after accepting water from a passing protester. Their 'thank-you's' were sincere. A Hispanic onlooker and White SWAT officer both held sweat drenched and angry expressions, but also shared a laugh when an enterprising cameraman scrambled atop a van to record the arrests on Washington Street. Puente volunteers picked up empty water bottles throughout the demonstration, even as their movement leaders were arrested.

These sorts of moments will likely go unnoticed in the drama surrounding SB 1070 until the appeal process is complete. The potential for Arizona to move forward is ultimately reflected in the individuals on either side of this legislation, who chose to remain quietly, beautifully human during the protest of an inhuman law.

Follow DaVaun Sanders on Twitter @davaunwrites

 

Video of the SB 1070 Protests by DaVaun Sanders

Photos of the SB 1070 Protests by DaVaun Sanders

The Arizona I Once Adored Will Die Once SB 1070 Is Officially Born on July 29

For the Latest News Regarding SB 1070, visit azcentral.com

Submitted by Tremaine Jasper, Owner/Editor of PhxSoul.com

Arizona, brace yourself for July 29 - the day SB 1070 goes into effect!

This is a day when the eyes of the world will be fixated on our state! If you thought the criticism was bad when Gov. Jan Brewer signed the bill on April 23, 2010, wait until July 29, 2010 when the law is OFFICIAL!

Critics say the law could lead to racial profiling (PhxSoul.com agrees). Supporters argue the law is necessary because the federal government hasn't done enough to curb illegal immigration.

Groups in Phoenix and around the nation will be hosting "marches, rallies, religious events, and decentralized acts of civil disobedience" on July 29 (and beyond).

The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit that claims SB 1070 is not constitutional. U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton implemented an injunction on July 28 that takes the teeth out of several major portions of the law. Unfortunately, Judge Bolton didn't completely overturn the law. Read azcentral.com for more SB 1070 updates.

No matter what happens in regards to SB 1070, Arizona will come out as a loser. Our state has lost millions in tourism dollars and it has been branded as a backwards, racist place to live.

I've always done my best to defend Arizona and I don't ever plan to leave, but I will certainly shed a tear of shame for my beloved home on July 29.

And I believe that U.S. Senator John McCain, State Senator Russell Pearce, Gov. Brewer and all Republican politicians who bash President Barack Obama and support SB 1070 should be ashamed too.

Why?

Because they know deep down in their hearts that the only reason why this law was proposed is because they didn't want a Black Democratic President to get all the credit for stopping the "illegal immigration problem" in Arizona.

How many years has McCain been in office? Since 1982? It's taken him 28 years to make immigration a top priority! He's a Congressman! He couldn't influence the Federal government to stop people from crossing Arizona's border illegally before President Obama came into office? Illegal immigration isn't a "problem" that was born yesterday.

Do these Republicans remember that President Obama has only been in the White House for less than two years? Do these Republicans understand that President Obama must focus on a million other issues that affect our nation? How can they expect him to fix everything that's broken into our country immediately?!

Eventually, President Obama was going to get it done but he and his team needed more time to develop a Federal solution. SB 1070 is a joke!

Charges Dropped Against Councilman Johnson, Phoenix Police Officer ... So What Now?

Wow ... after all of the madness surrounding the Michael Johnson "police abuse" incident in March 2010, guess what happened?

Nothing! Not a damn thing!

According to a June 11 article on azcentral.com, authorities dropped a criminal investigation into Phoenix City Councilman Michael Johnson and the Phoenix police officer Brian Authement accused of violating the councilman's civil rights after the two "resolved the matter and are committed to moving forward."

Neither will be charged with a crime, U.S. Attorney Dennis Burke said in a statement released Friday. A separate federal probe into potential civil-rights abuses also has been closed, Burke added.

So what does this mean now? 

How do we make sure that law enforcement is treating Valley residents - especially those in south Phoenix - fairly and respectfully?

Will the Phoenix Police Department still launch its proposed "task force" that is supposed to examine the troubled relationship between its officers and members of the south Phoenix community who have been making claims of harassment for many years?

Will Councilman Johnson remain as a leader in the effort to make sure that the 400 Precinct receives "additional training" for symptomatic problems such as "excessive use of force" and "verbal abuse and use of racial slurs?"

I still have a great deal of respect for the officers who patrol our Valley streets because I know they have an incredibly tough job! I have friends on the force and I've heard some scary stories!

However, I really hope these allegations of police mistreatment don't get swept under the rug just like the cases against Authement and Johnson.

What are your thoughts PhxSoul.com readers? Feel free to leave your Comments in the area below this article!

HB 2281 Is a Lesson for African Americans in Arizona - We Need to STAY Informed about the Legislative Process!

Submitted by Tremaine Jasper, Owner of PhxSoul.com

Have you read HB 2281? The official document is only five pages long and I strongly encourage African Americans to become educated before speaking out against it.

HB 2281 prohibits schools from having courses which "promote the overthrow of the United States government," "promote resentment toward a race or class of people," "are designed primarily for pupils of a particular ethnic group," or "advocate ethnic solidarity instead of treatment of pupils as individuals.

This bill specifically targets an ethnic-studies curriculum in the Tucson Unified School District that supposedly teaches La Raza studies (Mexican-American studies) that has "promoted resentment toward one race" according to Tom Horne, the state superintendent of public instruction.

Depending on the media slant that you read, this ethnic-studies program is academically successful and students of all races are actively involved in the classes OR it is a one-sided ethnic class that promotes a “radical separatist agenda” and “revolutionary curriculum.”

Since there are so many opposing views, it's difficult to tell who's right and who's wrong!

I haven't sat in the classes to see if the teachers are spewing hate against white people. If so, this program is dead wrong.

However, if you read comments from the actual students, the classes aren’t designed for just one race. The classes consist of students of all ethnicities and races. One pupil even says, “We’re not planning any revolutions. We’re not being anti-American. So far, all I’ve seen is patriotism in the class; our love for the U.S.” Read this article for the students' perspective on the Tucson's ethnic studies program.  

For everyone who says that the school won't be allowed to teach African American history, HB 2281 clearly states that it DOES NOT "restrict or prohibit the instruction of the holocaust, any other instance of genocide or this historical oppression of a particular group of people based on ethnicity, race, or class."

In other words, African American history classes are still OK.

But HB 2281 is extremely damaging because it will make our teachers extremely apprehensive about how they educate our youth about our history and our current accomplishments. Teachers are already handcuffed by reduced budgets - now they have to worry about whether their curriculum will offend our sensitive white politicians! That's just ridiculous!

I'm absolutely disgusted with how our state government is introducing all of this racially motivated legislation! It's clear to me that certain politicians are waging all-out war against Hispanics! They are not concerned how Arizona's citizens and the rest of the world will react to their ignorant ideas. As a result, Arizona is losing millions of dollars due to boycotts and reduced tourism!

Moreover, I'm disturbed at how these proposals seem to just creep up on everyone! Believe it or not, the media provided news coverage about SB 1070 and HB 2281 well before both laws were signed by Gov. Jan Brewer.

We're still not out of the woods ... more racist agendas are on the way! We need to learn from SB 1070 and HB 2281 and do a better job or reading our newspapers and watching news programs so we can stay in the know. And then we need to challenge our politicians - especially our African American politicans and the Arizona African American Legislative and Leadership Conference - to stand up and put a halt to these misguided laws!