Saturday, August 30, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Obama's Night
Hello family. Well today is the day! I have not felt a nervous excitement like this since my first child was born. You know it’s going to happen and you have anticipated it for a long time, but when the day finally arrives, it still seems to catch you by surprise. The Delegate breakfast seemed like a mere formality that I wanted to hurry and get out of the way.
I wanted to be at the stadium as soon as possible, so that I could begin to take in the whole experience. I arrived to the entrance of the stadium at about 2pm. As a Delegate, I had a pass that gave me complete access to the floor of the stadium. As I descended to the stadium floor, I felt as though I was moving towards sacred ground. Trying to look as though I belonged (which is a little hard for me, lol), I made my way to the stage. As I stood at the foot of the stage, I closed my eyes, and silently recognize the presence of my ancestors. As the sun shined on my face, it was as if my God was acknowledging me and me alone at this moment. I felt like screaming, but with security all around me, I chose to scream only on the inside. I thought to myself, “This is the place where history will be made and destiny fulfilled!”
Activity was buzzing all around me. Practically every major news reporter I’d ever seen on TV, was now circling around where I was standing. I called Tiffany as I made my way over to CNN’s live broadcast. I told her to call the children to the TV and watch. There I was on live TV behind Wolfe Blitzer, as he is conducting his live show. Yemaya told me to hold up rabbit ears behind Blitzer’s head. Although tempting, I decided to play it cool. Nancy Pellosi, Howard Dean, Jesse Jackson, Jr., James Clyburn, and many other national leaders moved about the floor in a very relaxed manner.
The area was sectioned off by huge signs indicating where each state’s Delegation should be seated. My seat within the Maryland Delegation, was next to PG County Exec. Jack Johnson and Baltimore City Mayor, Sheila Dixon. In front of me was Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, Rep. John Sarbanes (who I’m hearing will be making a run a Baltimore Mayor), and Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger. The formers Governor, Parris Glendenning and Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy-Townsend also sat in front of me during the event.
The convention began with performances by a number of musicians. Of note, were John Legend and the great Stevie Wonder. The event sort of became a party with everyone dancing and singing as the music played. I tried to play it cool until they play, “Ain’t No Stoppin Us Now.” Tiffany and the kids said they saw me dancing. Yemaya said, “shake and bake daddy!” So I did...it was pretty exuberating.
The speakers then began to make the case for this historic moment. Al Gore and others received a meteoric applause as they set the stage for Obama. Finally, Obama took the stage and delivered what both supporters and critics are calling the greatest speech ever. It began with an applause that seemed to last forever. Each time he attempted to begin to speak, the applause became louder. Eventually the crowd settled in allowed him to begin. He began his speech in a declarative mode and never let up. At one point, as he spoke of what he described as the old politics of Republican trappings, he yelled, ”Enough!” This was the moment…the moment that seemed to declare the new beginning was here. It was a WOW moment in the stadium that seemed to catch everyone off guard. When it was realized what had just happened, there was a ruckus approval. He later moved to recognize the historical implications of the moment, by acknowledging the anniversary of Dr. King’s speech. In the end, I felt I had witnessed a truly remarkable moment. He closed his speech to roaring applause and standing ovations which was sealed with fireworks. Family, the rest is history.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
On Hillary's Speech
Our delegation was greeted by John Kerry at the morning breakfast. He spoke for about 15 minutes about the need for Maryland to continue to mobilize support for Obama. He laid out the party talking points about why Obama was the right choice for America. He also outlined the problems we’ve faced over the last eight years under the direction of the Bush administration. There were many cameras and reporters in the room. The morning breakfast attendees included the governor, mayors, congressmen, senators, delegates and many other elected officials.
Many people expressed nervousness leading up to Hillary’s speech later on that day. It was thought to be a watershed moment that would either bring the party together, or fracture the party further threatening our chances of winning in the General Election. I personally disagreed with a lot of the tactics Senator Clinton used during her campaign in an attempt to win the nomination. I thought they were divisive, misleading, and in many ways Republican like in nature. Of course, her supporters felt the same way about Obama’s campaign. This derisive campaign certainly caused a great divide between the supporters of the both candidates. With the spoils going to the victor, Obama, many Clinton backers were adamant about not supporting Obama in the general election. I can tell you first hand that after the Primaries were over, there was much animosity in the Maryland Delegation leading up to the convention. Would Hillary’s appearance fan the flames of discontent or help her supporters finally get behind Obama as the nominee?
On all accounts from those present, she did exceedingly well giving the message that the Democratic Party will be united going into the general election against the Republican opponent. She approached the podium with a confident strut and within the first moments declared her support for Obama. She further stated that all who supported her in the primaries should strongly do the same for Obama in the general election. At that moment, I could sense a collective sigh of relief in the auditorium from both Hillary and Obama supporters. I happen to be sitting next to a Hillary supporter who stated, “I can finally clap for Obama with no guilt!” In her speech, Hillary quickly began to layout that she and Obama were in agreement on just about everything and that their view for the direction that America needed to go, was one and the same. She then spoke of the stark difference between Obama and McCain and how America needed to choose Obama. The crowd enthusiastically applauded whenever possible and gave her many standing ovations. I believe she left the stage having done what was needed to unite the party. There was euphoria in room. Until the next, remember that All great minds think for themselves, question what you know, and be the change you want!
A New Frontier
Hello family. As this week has progressed, I am reminded of how far we have truly come as a nation. My father was the first man in my family to dawn a suit and attempt to go downtown and carve a place in a contemptuous white environment. For those of you who don’t know, prior to the 1970’s black people could not participate, in a meaningful way, in urban economic and business industries, which were located in the center of major cities across this country. We have grown to refer to this place as “Downtown.” As a result of the Human Rights (Civil Rights) movements of the 50’s and 60’s, black people gained new access to parts of American life that were previously forbidden. Given my father’s life experience through the fifties and sixties, when the level of overt racism was experienced daily, it’s amazing me that he was really the first generation of black American men to march toward this unknown frontier. To think of the amount of courage and fortitude it took to face his oppressors for the first time in a downtown office environment and compete. Of course, he did not compete on a level playing field, but he was not discouraged and no less up to the challenge. He is indeed my Jackie Robinson.
As a young boy, I watched my father rise daily and put on a neatly press suit and tie, grab his leather brief case and head out the door for long day of work. On occasion, my brother and I would even get to go to his office downtown with him. I watched my father interact with white people in that setting and I remember feeling very peculiar for a few reasons. Firstly, up to that point I had not been around white people much at all and certainly not in an office setting. It was just different. Secondly, my father spoke in this strange vernacular that I had not heard before. It was English, I thought, but why is he saying his words like that? This was emblematic of the great dichotomy of the black man in America. My father was naturally one way at home, but developed another aspect of himself, needed to achieve success in the business world downtown.
You might be asking, how is this relevant to the Democratic National Convention? It’s relevant because there could have been no such thing as a Barack Obama without a Thomas W. Rich, Jr. You see, success for my father was not the corner office with the skyline view, or an appointment to the Board of some big corporation, but rather, that his son could go to the Democratic National Convention, with a nappy head in all (Locks), and play the game on a more equal playing field. It is through the efforts of the Thomas Rich’s of America, that Kwame Baraka Rich can sit next to world leaders and feel as powerful as them but more importantly, nominate a Black Man as president of the United States of America. There are a lot of Thomas W. Rich Jr's here representing Maryland at the DNC. I pay homage to all of the Thomas W. Rich, Jr.’s of the world. I love you dad!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Popular talk show host Michael Baisden broadcasting live from the Convention
Maryland's Congressional Delegation left to right: John Sabanes, Dutch Ruppersberger, Steny Hoyer (at mic), Donna Edwards, and Elijah Cummings.
Pics under "Hillary's Night"
Roland Martin (CNN) and Kwame
Speaker of the House Nancy Pellosi
Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon at Breakfast Meeting
Massachussetts Governor Deval Patrick at Breakfast Meeting
Nancy Pellosi at breakfast meeting getting Team Maryland Jersey (she's from East Baltimore)
Other Pics from 8/27/08
Radio talk show host Michael Baisden
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Michelle's Night
Hello family. Sorry about the delay but it's been pretty hectic the last day and a half. Let me start by putting a word on last night at the convention. There were many moments worth mentioning but two that stood out. We witnessed in Ted Kennedy, a man somewhat broken in body but never stronger in spirit. His speech was forceful, powerful, and set the stage for the whole convention. It was as though he was proudly passing the torch to the Obama's. Kennedy has been an unwavering ally to the issue of the poor and down-trodden. He proclaimed that despite his sickness, he will definitely be there in January, when Barack is sworn in a President of the United States.
As for Michelle Obama's speech, in a word,"RIVETING!" Michelle Obama took the stage with what had to feel like the whole world on her shoulders. It would be an understatement to say she rose to the occasion. The whole Pepsi Center audience was on the edge of their seats from the moment she took the stage. It wasn't the appropriateness of the words she chose but rather the passion and feeling behind the words that seemed to have a trance like command over the emotions of the audience. She gave an account of her life that described her humble beginnings in a working class family in the south side of Chicago. Her family was short on money but long on love. She articulated how her parents adorned her with encouragement while impressing upon her strong family values. According to Mrs. Obama, these values of working hard to improve yourself and caring for others, are ones that she shares with her husband, Barack. The floor in the area where I was sitting was wet with tears. None of which belong to me of course, lol.
I could not help but think of how proud my ancestors, including my deceased grandparents, would be watching Michelle Obama take command of our collective future, and run with it. What a time to be alive! Great job Michelle. Please take a bow and know we love you.
The other memorable moment of the night belonged to Ted Kennedy. We witnessed a man somewhat broken in body but
Monday, August 25, 2008
Monday Morning (Day 1 of Convention)
I just left the breakfast gathering hosted by Governor O'Malley. Former presidential aspirant Gary Hart was a speaker among others. Once again, Congressman Cummings brought the house down with an inspiring speech. The highlight of my morning was an opportunity to meet and converse with Wayne Curry, former P.G. County Executive. Will say more about that later. I'm off now to the Convention Center for Black Caucus meeting. Don't know what to expect but will fill you guys in later.
Until then, remember that All great minds think for themselves, question what you know, and be the change you want!
Peace,Kwame
Hello family. Greetings from ground zero of the Democratic National Convention. It’s really exciting to be here amidst all the buzz and electricity in the air.
During the evening the Maryland Delegation was invited to welcoming ceremony hosted by Congressman Elijah Cummings. It was a who’s who for Maryland politicians. Everyone from Governor Martin O’Mally to Baltimore Mayor Shelia Dixon was present. The keynote address was given by Congressman Cummings, who is an electrifying speaker. He was followed by John Kerry and few other national and local politicians. I have had opportunity to meet many of these state officials.
That’s it for today. In the morning, at 7:30am, I am attending a breakfast hosted by Governor O’Malley before we head over to the convention sight. I will post an entry whenever I can to keep you guys informed. Until then, remember that All great minds think for themselves, question what you know, and be the change you want!
Peace,Kwame
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Biography
Kwame Baraka Rich was born and reared in Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Rich is a product of Baltimore City public schools graduating from Baltimore City College High School in 1989. He went on to study Psychology and Business at Messiah College in Pennsylvania. For the past 15 years, The Regeneration Project, which he co-founded with his partner Rod Stokes, has targeted urban youth and families deemed at-risk. The organization emphasizes strengthening families and developing holistic skills necessary to be successful members of the community. Mr. Rich’s objective is to help politically disenfranchised members of his community, particularly men and fathers, find their political voice and become actively involved in their government and community.