Today, in Washington D.C. Barack Hussain Obama will become the 44th President of the United States of America.
In a city, where every important monument was built by black slaves, the American people will celebrate a dream. Not just a King's dram, but a dream that was felt throughout the black world for nearly 600 years.
A story dreamed so long ago that it survived only because it was so real and so prophetic. It is a dream of a people for equality. This is the true American dream.
We can clearly see the finish line. And it is beautiful.
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Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Black Man Kept Out of the Senate Floor
Roland Burris, lawfully appointed Senator from the State of Illinois was kept out the the Senate floor today because of the man who appointed him _ disgraced and defiant Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. "Blago" is under investigation for soliciting personal gains in exchange for the appointment of the seat once occupied by President- -Elect Barack Obama.
Today, Roland Burris a black man, without the proper signatures from Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, and was unceremonially denied entrance to the senate floor by Senate Majority Leader Dem. Harry Reid. In a time, when celebrities with no experience get nominated into the US Government, a proven black leader is kept out of the process.
Burris, born August 13, 1937 was the first Black person to hold the office of Attorney General in the State of Illinois. He has had a stellar career in government, and once he beats Reid, will become once again the only Black Senator. He has not been tied to any wrongdoing involving Governor "Blago", who by the way, has vowed to fight the federal charges against him.
The senate is so far acting within the boundaries of the law, but the Jesse White is not. He is defying the appointment of a seating governor. As for the Senate, once the Illinois Supreme court forces White to sign all documents, they will not be able to block Burris' entrance into the Senate Chambers. Any further maneuvers will be seen by all as unjust and unconstitutional. And by some extremists, as pure Racism.
The United States Senate is the most prestigious club in the land. Out of a total of 100 Senators, minus one, with the departure of President-Elect Barack Obama, Senators, none are black. It is the ultimate good old boy network.
Today, Roland Burris a black man, without the proper signatures from Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, and was unceremonially denied entrance to the senate floor by Senate Majority Leader Dem. Harry Reid. In a time, when celebrities with no experience get nominated into the US Government, a proven black leader is kept out of the process.
Burris, born August 13, 1937 was the first Black person to hold the office of Attorney General in the State of Illinois. He has had a stellar career in government, and once he beats Reid, will become once again the only Black Senator. He has not been tied to any wrongdoing involving Governor "Blago", who by the way, has vowed to fight the federal charges against him.
The senate is so far acting within the boundaries of the law, but the Jesse White is not. He is defying the appointment of a seating governor. As for the Senate, once the Illinois Supreme court forces White to sign all documents, they will not be able to block Burris' entrance into the Senate Chambers. Any further maneuvers will be seen by all as unjust and unconstitutional. And by some extremists, as pure Racism.
The United States Senate is the most prestigious club in the land. Out of a total of 100 Senators, minus one, with the departure of President-Elect Barack Obama, Senators, none are black. It is the ultimate good old boy network.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
The "bambus soltus" of Brockton
In the city of Brockton (USA), 2008 ended the way it began. Perforated by bullet holes, decorated with baby mamas dramas, and "bambus soltus" parading ours streets.
Incredulously, a teen is shot an killed during a Christmas party in a city's West side neighborhood. The vic, was killed by a gunshot wound following a mayhem that included an accidental baby dropping, a fight with his baby mama, then for the customary gun fire by a ghost. Yes a ghost, because, once again "nobody saw nothing, nobody said nothing."
According to data made available by the FBI and the Boston Police, it is becoming more obvious that Cape Verdean lawless teens shoot to kill. What they cannot find out is why such hate and vicious intent to kill one of our own.
I am however more interested in why so many "bambus sta soltus"?
Incredulously, a teen is shot an killed during a Christmas party in a city's West side neighborhood. The vic, was killed by a gunshot wound following a mayhem that included an accidental baby dropping, a fight with his baby mama, then for the customary gun fire by a ghost. Yes a ghost, because, once again "nobody saw nothing, nobody said nothing."
According to data made available by the FBI and the Boston Police, it is becoming more obvious that Cape Verdean lawless teens shoot to kill. What they cannot find out is why such hate and vicious intent to kill one of our own.
I am however more interested in why so many "bambus sta soltus"?
Monday, July 21, 2008
Dr. Aminah Pilgrim_Professor at UMass Boston
I would like to congratulate my friend _ Aminah Pilgrim, UMass Boston Professor_ on her immense success in achieving her Doctorate Level Degree in Philosophy from the Rutgers University. Her dissertation was based on the Cape Verdean diaspora to the United States.
In the short amount of time that I have known her, I am left with an impression that she chose this topic because she is genuinely looking for answers that have eluded us all. who are we as a people? What is our true ethnicity? How have we evolved? Where are we headed?
I met Aminah amid a disagreement brought upon by mistakes and misrepresentations by the Brockton Enterprise. I was mildly critical of her point of view, as printed by the newspaper, but I am glad to say that I made a mistake in my judgment as many many readers of the article. For details please read prior blogs at cvflafla.com.
I was present at a beautiful celebration this weekend that was organized by her loving family. I will only say this, it is clear where she gets her honesty, brilliance, and commitment. I am proud to say that Aminah will continue to shine among us, I just hope to be able to interpret it for all of you, my friends.
CVflafla
In the short amount of time that I have known her, I am left with an impression that she chose this topic because she is genuinely looking for answers that have eluded us all. who are we as a people? What is our true ethnicity? How have we evolved? Where are we headed?
I met Aminah amid a disagreement brought upon by mistakes and misrepresentations by the Brockton Enterprise. I was mildly critical of her point of view, as printed by the newspaper, but I am glad to say that I made a mistake in my judgment as many many readers of the article. For details please read prior blogs at cvflafla.com.
I was present at a beautiful celebration this weekend that was organized by her loving family. I will only say this, it is clear where she gets her honesty, brilliance, and commitment. I am proud to say that Aminah will continue to shine among us, I just hope to be able to interpret it for all of you, my friends.
CVflafla
Monday, October 22, 2007
Fidjus Terra Wins the Rhode Island Soccer League
Fidjus Terra Soccer Team has won the RISL Over30 for the second consecutive year. They clinched the title on October 14th after a convincing victory over Berdianos at Tolman High School in Rhode Island by a score of 3-1. The Goal scorers for Fidjus Terra were Tchatchu, Pina, and Ney. Additionally this past Sunday, Fidjus Terra Over30 “velha guarda” beat the Pumas of Mexico by 3-2 and are now headed to the RISL Over30 Cup Final against Inteligencia on October 28.
Fidjus Terra is now automatically qualified to compete in the Regional Phase of the U.S. National Over30 Championship set for the spring of 2008. The team will proudly represent our Capeverdean communities and the Rhode Island Soccer League Over30 in the national competition. This has been a historic year for Fidjus Terra Club, as they celebrated their 15 year anniversary this past September. Hundreds of people flocked to the PIC Park in Brockton to commemorate the two day tournament which featured top Capeverdean soccer clubs; such as Imigrantes and Vera Cruz from Florida.
In August 2007, Fidjus Terra Men’s Open Age team won the Massachusetts State Cup. In NELASA competition, however, they finished the season with only one trophy for most points during the 2007 regular season. Despite having entered the Playoffs and the Cup phases as the clear favorite to win it all, the team was not able to satisfy its huge fan base.
The Successes achieved by Fidjus Terra Over30 comes to me as no surprise and it maintains the first class “Soccer name” of the club. Being lucky enough to have played with most of the players, I can say that historically, this team features some of the best Capeverdean players in the United States. Therefore, I believe that they should have little trouble in winning the RISL Over30 Cup and then go deep into the Regional Phase of the U.S. National Over30 Championship.
Sam Araujo
Fidjus Terra is now automatically qualified to compete in the Regional Phase of the U.S. National Over30 Championship set for the spring of 2008. The team will proudly represent our Capeverdean communities and the Rhode Island Soccer League Over30 in the national competition. This has been a historic year for Fidjus Terra Club, as they celebrated their 15 year anniversary this past September. Hundreds of people flocked to the PIC Park in Brockton to commemorate the two day tournament which featured top Capeverdean soccer clubs; such as Imigrantes and Vera Cruz from Florida.
In August 2007, Fidjus Terra Men’s Open Age team won the Massachusetts State Cup. In NELASA competition, however, they finished the season with only one trophy for most points during the 2007 regular season. Despite having entered the Playoffs and the Cup phases as the clear favorite to win it all, the team was not able to satisfy its huge fan base.
The Successes achieved by Fidjus Terra Over30 comes to me as no surprise and it maintains the first class “Soccer name” of the club. Being lucky enough to have played with most of the players, I can say that historically, this team features some of the best Capeverdean players in the United States. Therefore, I believe that they should have little trouble in winning the RISL Over30 Cup and then go deep into the Regional Phase of the U.S. National Over30 Championship.
Sam Araujo
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Cape Verde Will Soon Produce Atomic Energy
Cape Verde was accepted as a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) during its 51st General Conference (Sep’07) in Vienna, Austria. But it warns that IAEA’ s final decision to allow atomic energy production, will be happen once key safety concerns are addressed and resolved. Among them, health welfare, public safety concerns, bi-product waste disposal, and anti-terrorist defense mechanisms. The European Union’s blessing and financial backing were keys to the success of this mission.
A report published in June’07 by the IAEA, states a pledge of nearly €7 million (Euros) to its Nuclear Security Fund (NSF) earmarked for African Countries. In total, the sum donated to date, is at $53 million (Dollars) by 26 counties and organizations since March of 2002. NSF was created after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 in the United States, to promote safekeeping of nuclear energy technology.
http://www.iaea.org/NewsCenter/News/2007/nuclsecafrica.html
Cape Verde, along with five other countries, will receive a portion of the €7 million to help their national governments create legislations and regulatory bodies to bolster safe nuclear programs. The path for Cape Verde to begin production of Atomic Energy has been laid out and it will illuminate its economic future. Cape Verde has been growing at a record pace since 2006, registering at approximately 7% GDP annual growth.
The economy is being fueled by a booming tourism industry and new housing construction. In order to sustain the growth necessary to accommodate tourists and developers, Cape Verde cannot continue to use fossil fuel as a primary source of energy. As shown in recent developments in Praia, where a deficient energy production and poor sanitary conditions and services by Eletra, Cape Verde’s main Public Works Company, setting protests, road closures and clashes between protesters and the authorities. The workers at Electra perform small miracles every day to keep the economy afloat with very little in terms of good working equipments.
Tourists are flocking to Cape Verde, gaining ground on the Canary Islands due to its proximity to the tropics from Euro and its vast natural yet untapped beaches and country side. But I can assure you, that Europeans’ ideas of rustic living must still require running water, dependable energy sources, and functioning sewer systems. All of which, will benefit with the introduction of a nuclear energy source in Cape Verde.
http://www.afrol.com/articles/24742
http://www.asemana.cv/article.php3?id_article=26578
Atomic energy is relatively cheaper than fossil fuel, and few modern day nations have successfully grown out of the third world without turning to it as the primary energy source. Cape Verde is doing the right thing by pursuing it through its membership with the IAEA. It greatest challenges will be in selling the idea of Atomic Energy as a safer, cheaper, and better alternative than fossil fuel to its public in general and the world. As a IAEA reporter covering the conference said, nuclear energy is a pathway to peace and prosperity, not one that should be feared as is the case for its weapons grade versions which cause wars and destructions of human lives.
Cape Verde has the backing of the European Union, the IAEA and NSF, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO), and many Capeverdeans throughout the world, who want to see a prosperous Cape Verde.
S.A.
http://www.cvflafla.com/
A report published in June’07 by the IAEA, states a pledge of nearly €7 million (Euros) to its Nuclear Security Fund (NSF) earmarked for African Countries. In total, the sum donated to date, is at $53 million (Dollars) by 26 counties and organizations since March of 2002. NSF was created after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 in the United States, to promote safekeeping of nuclear energy technology.
http://www.iaea.org/NewsCenter/News/2007/nuclsecafrica.html
Cape Verde, along with five other countries, will receive a portion of the €7 million to help their national governments create legislations and regulatory bodies to bolster safe nuclear programs. The path for Cape Verde to begin production of Atomic Energy has been laid out and it will illuminate its economic future. Cape Verde has been growing at a record pace since 2006, registering at approximately 7% GDP annual growth.
The economy is being fueled by a booming tourism industry and new housing construction. In order to sustain the growth necessary to accommodate tourists and developers, Cape Verde cannot continue to use fossil fuel as a primary source of energy. As shown in recent developments in Praia, where a deficient energy production and poor sanitary conditions and services by Eletra, Cape Verde’s main Public Works Company, setting protests, road closures and clashes between protesters and the authorities. The workers at Electra perform small miracles every day to keep the economy afloat with very little in terms of good working equipments.
Tourists are flocking to Cape Verde, gaining ground on the Canary Islands due to its proximity to the tropics from Euro and its vast natural yet untapped beaches and country side. But I can assure you, that Europeans’ ideas of rustic living must still require running water, dependable energy sources, and functioning sewer systems. All of which, will benefit with the introduction of a nuclear energy source in Cape Verde.
http://www.afrol.com/articles/24742
http://www.asemana.cv/article.php3?id_article=26578
Atomic energy is relatively cheaper than fossil fuel, and few modern day nations have successfully grown out of the third world without turning to it as the primary energy source. Cape Verde is doing the right thing by pursuing it through its membership with the IAEA. It greatest challenges will be in selling the idea of Atomic Energy as a safer, cheaper, and better alternative than fossil fuel to its public in general and the world. As a IAEA reporter covering the conference said, nuclear energy is a pathway to peace and prosperity, not one that should be feared as is the case for its weapons grade versions which cause wars and destructions of human lives.
Cape Verde has the backing of the European Union, the IAEA and NSF, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO), and many Capeverdeans throughout the world, who want to see a prosperous Cape Verde.
S.A.
http://www.cvflafla.com/
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Cape Verde's African Status in Jeopardy
A recent topic of a forum in http://www.forcv.com/ dealt with the location of the Cape Verde Islands. I know we have seen it in a world map and it is clear that it is off the west coast of Africa . More precisely, 500 km or 311 miles away from the coast at the 16 00 N, 24 00 W coordinates.
It challenged not only their location, but also their nature; which the author locates them in the Macaronesia Ecoregion of the North Atlantic Ocean . This is explained in full detail on Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Verde , where Cape Verde is associated geographically with the Azores (over 1,000 miles from Africa), Madeira (360 miles from Africa), and Canary Islands (67 miles from Africa ). The Word Macaronesia is Greek for "Fortunate Islands ."
I must admit, that this is the first time that I have heard the term Macaronesia. But ok, now that we know about it, let us look at its significance. We know that we are a people of many cultures and ethnicities, but primarily we are Africans and Europeans. Besides our appearances, what will tie us the most to our African roots now that this idea of Macaronesia is gaining ground?
Once you establish your beliefs, whatever they may be, you will need to see beyond the sentimentality of the location of Cape Verde and the significance of this new reality. A main implication is the calling for Cape Verde to become a part of the European Union. Former Portuguese Premier, Mario Soares has been a vocal proponent the Cape Verde induction into the E.U. Many others are sighted saying that Cape Verde is more European than many current E.U. member states; because of its freedoms, customs, economics, and culture.
http://www.afrol.com/articles/16293
http://rfmcdpei.livejournal.com/825014.html
The economic value of Cape Verde to Europe is a vastly untapped territory. Look at the pace of foreign investment coming into the country in terms of housing, tourism, and search of natural resources. Nearly one third of Cape Verde Islands is now owned by foreign investors, primarily, the Italians, the Chinese, the Germans, and the British. In agreements with foreign governments, the Cape Verdean government has reached proposals to begin natural gas explorations. And in land dealings, most of Cape Verde ’s once pristine beaches and mountains are now in the hands of hoteliers, Golf developers, and other tourist financiers. http://www.macauhub.com.mo/en/news.php?ID=1354
A military goldmine location is another reason for this new interest in Cape Verde . North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has for many years now, have been attracted by the islands for its geographical location in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean . In June of 2006, roughly 8,000 NATO troops were granted permission to conduct military war games exercises over Cape Verde ’s airways and waterways. In turn, Cape Verde is looking for better economic ties and the possible inclusion into the European Union.
http://www.nato.int/shape/issues/shape_nrf/sfjg_06.htm
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=839315&C=america
http://www.afrol.com/articles/18640
Sooner rather than later, Capeverdeans will be forced to decide if we are Africans or Europeans. In the meantime, the Capeverdean government has already taken a stand and it is leaning towards Europe . This is where the Macaronesia idea once again becomes crucial, as Europeans will be sold this notion that Capeverdean are the same as the Azoreans, Madeirense , and the Canary Islanders. Meanwhile, African nations will soon cry fowl, because, they are in their own rights, looking to devise the plans to create a United States of Africa.
http://unitedstatesafrica.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_of_Africa
From an immigrant point of view, our hearts tell us that Cape Verde should remain militarily and economically independent. Or if a choice must be made, then we should remain African. But reality is very different for our brothers and sisters on the ground, so the recent moves by the Capeverdean government are a reflection of how they perceive the world today. The world is divided now into many economic clusters, such as: The North American Free Trade Agreement, The European Union, and The South Asia Free Trade Agreement, etc.
Capeverdeans do not feel that that have the luxury of time to wait for Africans to make up their minds and organize their intentions. My feeling is that we will call ourselves European before the end of the next decade. And race has little or nothing to do with the final outcome.
S.A.
http://http://www.cvflafla.com/
It challenged not only their location, but also their nature; which the author locates them in the Macaronesia Ecoregion of the North Atlantic Ocean . This is explained in full detail on Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Verde , where Cape Verde is associated geographically with the Azores (over 1,000 miles from Africa), Madeira (360 miles from Africa), and Canary Islands (67 miles from Africa ). The Word Macaronesia is Greek for "Fortunate Islands ."
I must admit, that this is the first time that I have heard the term Macaronesia. But ok, now that we know about it, let us look at its significance. We know that we are a people of many cultures and ethnicities, but primarily we are Africans and Europeans. Besides our appearances, what will tie us the most to our African roots now that this idea of Macaronesia is gaining ground?
Once you establish your beliefs, whatever they may be, you will need to see beyond the sentimentality of the location of Cape Verde and the significance of this new reality. A main implication is the calling for Cape Verde to become a part of the European Union. Former Portuguese Premier, Mario Soares has been a vocal proponent the Cape Verde induction into the E.U. Many others are sighted saying that Cape Verde is more European than many current E.U. member states; because of its freedoms, customs, economics, and culture.
http://www.afrol.com/articles/16293
http://rfmcdpei.livejournal.com/825014.html
The economic value of Cape Verde to Europe is a vastly untapped territory. Look at the pace of foreign investment coming into the country in terms of housing, tourism, and search of natural resources. Nearly one third of Cape Verde Islands is now owned by foreign investors, primarily, the Italians, the Chinese, the Germans, and the British. In agreements with foreign governments, the Cape Verdean government has reached proposals to begin natural gas explorations. And in land dealings, most of Cape Verde ’s once pristine beaches and mountains are now in the hands of hoteliers, Golf developers, and other tourist financiers. http://www.macauhub.com.mo/en/news.php?ID=1354
A military goldmine location is another reason for this new interest in Cape Verde . North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has for many years now, have been attracted by the islands for its geographical location in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean . In June of 2006, roughly 8,000 NATO troops were granted permission to conduct military war games exercises over Cape Verde ’s airways and waterways. In turn, Cape Verde is looking for better economic ties and the possible inclusion into the European Union.
http://www.nato.int/shape/issues/shape_nrf/sfjg_06.htm
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=839315&C=america
http://www.afrol.com/articles/18640
Sooner rather than later, Capeverdeans will be forced to decide if we are Africans or Europeans. In the meantime, the Capeverdean government has already taken a stand and it is leaning towards Europe . This is where the Macaronesia idea once again becomes crucial, as Europeans will be sold this notion that Capeverdean are the same as the Azoreans, Madeirense , and the Canary Islanders. Meanwhile, African nations will soon cry fowl, because, they are in their own rights, looking to devise the plans to create a United States of Africa.
http://unitedstatesafrica.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_of_Africa
From an immigrant point of view, our hearts tell us that Cape Verde should remain militarily and economically independent. Or if a choice must be made, then we should remain African. But reality is very different for our brothers and sisters on the ground, so the recent moves by the Capeverdean government are a reflection of how they perceive the world today. The world is divided now into many economic clusters, such as: The North American Free Trade Agreement, The European Union, and The South Asia Free Trade Agreement, etc.
Capeverdeans do not feel that that have the luxury of time to wait for Africans to make up their minds and organize their intentions. My feeling is that we will call ourselves European before the end of the next decade. And race has little or nothing to do with the final outcome.
S.A.
http://http://www.cvflafla.com/
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