Cornelius: 365 Black

Do any of you remember this graphic that I used way before today's Super Tuesday "His/Herstory" mash up? Well, of course not, right? Long before the Bouncing Obama or Hillary " in it to win" Clinton announced their intentions, I was talking about these two dynamic forces as the ultimate "change" that the country could use. Now, here we are facing a coast to coast's vote- a-rama that will start to reveal who will be the next Democratic nominee. Exciting as this election cycle has become. I can't help but interject a Black History reflection as I recall past cycles which featured prominent men and women seeking the presidency. Yes, Virgina, there have been notable African Americans both women and men reaching for the prize. I was in awe of Shirley Chisom who blazed a trail that caused a sensation but no nomination. Her outspokeness was well before her time and let me know that speaking to power takes lots of guts and brains. Years passed and my political learning curve improved while the next force was on the horizon. I can't forget the impassioned convention speech of presidential candidate Jesse Jackson or his hopeful mantras of "keep hope alive" admist the bold pronouncement of "Run Jessie Run." Yet, his message of inclusion and peace also fell short of a nomination. I certainly can't foget the quirkiness, fiery rhetoric and tell it like it is of Rev. Al Sharpton's bid for the presidency which was another important African American making a statement that the quest for the Oval office should always continue to be a possibility. On the republican side, Alan Keyes was a tour de force mix of factoids and figures that didn't connect with me personally nor allowed him a nomination nod from his party. And now candidate Obama has arrived full circle with the mantle, charged with the courage, tenacity and vision that could culminate in him being the nation's first person of color president. I feel so blessed to have watched history, find my place within it and look forward to the history making events to come. I say bring it on!

National Black History Month 2008 -

Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism
Artist Hubert Sam created this years image which depicts the National Theme for Black History Month 2008 "Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism". Known as the "Father of Black History," Carter G. Woodson holds an outstanding position in early 20th century American history. Woodson authored numerous scholarly books on the positive contributions of Blacks to the development of America. He also published many magazine articles analyzing the contributions and role of Black Americans. He reached out to schools and the general public through the establishment of several key organizations and founded Negro History Week (precursor to Black History Month). His message was that Blacks should be proud of their heritage and that other Americans should also understand it.

Just how much is a Trillion Dollars anyway? Does anyone really know? President Bush has submitted a budget with so many "zero's" that most folks, including myself are wondering "what in the world is he thinking?" Or better yet, what in the world are we all thinking that a 400 Billion Dollar( yes that's with a "B") plus- plus deficit is just simply, alrighty. What's really eye opening is that this mega- budget doesn't even include the upcoming "economic stimulus" plan with all those other dead presidents to flood the economy. All I can say is, Wow!