tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35599505362578012132024-03-21T05:05:06.886-07:00Baraka for BarackBaraka for Barackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219505830317022187noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3559950536257801213.post-56786134970431324052008-08-30T01:46:00.000-07:002008-08-30T04:37:27.398-07:00John Legend 2<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwNLcU6XFFdPNM9M2QZ0MfFCqHx23pWsV2pwAku2iZZf-rNF1mJ8rIfuIsOSNkM1xDho9-YR-1UWQ49htyt7Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Baraka for Barackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219505830317022187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3559950536257801213.post-60445287256176293092008-08-30T01:22:00.000-07:002008-08-30T01:46:09.500-07:00John Legend Video<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dziTuf8afWXA0iS2xnIKqRnxH223A3bT68x-u3kTAR0MYtMPhaSgLM2MYrO-nK0Bjmzcv54jjzytU9xn_8MZQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Baraka for Barackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219505830317022187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3559950536257801213.post-16441346974269004772008-08-29T22:53:00.000-07:002008-08-30T01:22:00.690-07:00Jennifer Holiday Singing National Anthem<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwVIWo_eYMG2wq2nr8pjbv6HXKgRYWx2Lp407Xmq6HD9b0Xj0jh3B22ZF_x3ocvpU99Y8a9p8w5vX0FMgHcbQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Baraka for Barackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219505830317022187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3559950536257801213.post-11270225059167474422008-08-29T22:51:00.001-07:002008-08-29T22:52:22.231-07:00Obama's Night<h3 style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Hello family. Well today is the day!<span style=""> </span>I have not felt a nervous excitement like this since my first child was born.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>The Delegate breakfast seemed like a mere formality that I wanted to hurry and get out of the way.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></h3> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I wanted to be at the stadium as soon as possible, so that I could begin to take in the whole experience.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>As I descended to the stadium floor, I felt as though I was moving towards sacred ground.<span style=""> </span>Trying to look as though I belonged (which is a little hard for me, lol), I made my way to the stage.<span style=""> </span>As I stood at the foot of the stage, I closed my eyes, and silently recognize the presence of my ancestors.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>I thought to myself, “This is the place where history will be made and destiny fulfilled!”<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Activity was buzzing all around me.<span style=""> </span>Practically every major news reporter I’d ever seen on TV, was now circling around where I was standing.<span style=""> </span>I called Tiffany as I made my way over to CNN’s live broadcast.<span style=""> </span>I told her to call the children to the TV and watch.<span style=""> </span>There I was on live TV behind Wolfe Blitzer, as he is conducting his live show.<span style=""> </span>Yemaya told me to hold up rabbit ears behind Blitzer’s head.<span style=""> </span>Although tempting, I decided to play it cool.<span style=""> </span>Nancy Pellosi, Howard Dean, Jesse Jackson, Jr., James Clyburn, and many other national leaders moved about the floor in a very relaxed manner.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The area was sectioned off by huge signs indicating where each state’s Delegation should be seated.<span style=""> </span>My seat within the Maryland Delegation, was next to PG County Exec. Jack Johnson and Baltimore City Mayor, Sheila Dixon.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>The formers Governor, Parris Glendenning and Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy-Townsend also sat in front of me during the event.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">The convention began with performances by a number of musicians. Of note, were John Legend and the great Stevie Wonder.<span style=""> </span>The event sort of became a party with everyone dancing and singing as the music played.<span style=""> </span>I tried to play it cool until they play, “Ain’t No Stoppin Us Now.”<span style=""> </span>Tiffany and the kids said they saw me dancing. <span style=""> </span>Yemaya said, “shake and bake daddy!” <span style=""> </span>So I did...it was pretty exuberating. <span style=""> </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal">The speakers then began to make the case for this historic moment.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>It began with an applause that seemed to last forever.<span style=""> </span>Each time he attempted to begin to speak, the applause became louder.<span style=""> </span>Eventually the crowd settled in allowed him to begin.<span style=""> </span>He began his speech in a declarative mode and never let up.<span style=""> </span>At one point, as he spoke of what he described as the old politics of Republican trappings, he yelled, ”Enough!”<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>This was the moment…the moment that seemed to declare the new beginning was here. <span style=""> </span>It was a <i style="">WOW</i> moment in the stadium that seemed to catch everyone off guard.<span style=""> </span>When it was realized what had just happened, there was a ruckus approval.<span style=""> </span>He later moved to recognize the historical implications of the moment, by acknowledging the anniversary of Dr. King’s speech.<span style=""> </span>In the end, I felt I had witnessed a truly remarkable moment.<span style=""> </span>He closed his speech to roaring applause and standing ovations which was sealed with fireworks. <span style=""></span>Family, the rest is history.</p>Baraka for Barackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219505830317022187noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3559950536257801213.post-28601420358512914562008-08-29T08:55:00.000-07:002008-08-29T21:10:34.119-07:00mother of Kieffer Mitchell Jr. from the from Maryland's "1st Family on Civil Rights (Parren, Clarence)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjv7-O675L9DrZo5kvvRVNDchKllFB4z2kBP4lCv8xLILp3iO133CRbqpbom8k5Gq1aYtsjQR_HgmxaBDIJPEyUWdbHJlVHwxnm2HFXF95t1iZa4ygwqfVVzix8CrkpFoI_HrRBqJ-7FA/s1600-h/DSC00127.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; 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float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvi-IOmcWmJlhRrSQZVmQGHPyYoJyERNvN1wyrHg4-C6YySDqk2IpmYAVj64kXu-XvtvnE9Wtydbd9VK_MtXI-bC9nrnWaF_79fEYMEI0HVIkAy5fAMpLc2U_lSyuUGwo5eiJ7Is_ss4/s200/DSC00158.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239980256049689394" border="0" /></a>Baraka for Barackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219505830317022187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3559950536257801213.post-19943611177435804332008-08-29T09:23:00.000-07:002008-08-29T09:33:05.908-07:00Baraka for Barackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219505830317022187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3559950536257801213.post-19869358679751523312008-08-29T09:12:00.000-07:002008-08-29T09:23:14.860-07:00From the Floor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ55XEW-u07M_LwuuDLRyiL5WzfPocd_yaawveIDlBO3DnsU7wgco7elD5-JuHfhhHfkwIUhD-MTU5WL2reLwiB2V5g_24-LYglZA6VqpPUMC9o0X4XCmTQi8xN2Q8ND6b6RtJA-35pwI/s1600-h/DSC00131.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; 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float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWN4PcnhPmhLOBghtL24Df0RNqKQuD7IogL4ImMnfjWtWxvI6fgQR-OOTfnvjNHiFIW7IyjwAkQOyBAqCBoAAKD68dHz1Ign1IJoDJn3tjwFyUZxntyDPQu0qM93MyDmymJk9J3mv2-E/s200/DSC00135.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239974950877742130" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdjnmMrn0_AOKGjlXyK5NoGcrIxXdNztGgNsvH2Xd4yRKyp9Stw8x9oBAJi706o4snkvB8yIc0gFaJGsSLeeSDrodVtjjGGWmA-bN7tsRDep3eYxHfgp-TLbIDSIoFqD2c2BbpB7RoPk/s1600-h/DSC00138.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdjnmMrn0_AOKGjlXyK5NoGcrIxXdNztGgNsvH2Xd4yRKyp9Stw8x9oBAJi706o4snkvB8yIc0gFaJGsSLeeSDrodVtjjGGWmA-bN7tsRDep3eYxHfgp-TLbIDSIoFqD2c2BbpB7RoPk/s200/DSC00138.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239974956662702242" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0OsqXAz_D6eBznipecnt1eszzIQxmoWXApIqEvmRUScyGaFRH4UoJTVbYhm12yE_DWYcEMID49YBOfUYE2hZ0ixk76K52_PkYPNS4VTvVK-yDt_VOIrgPs-s0pG8eWLwRqlgVT2cRdQ/s1600-h/DSC00141.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0OsqXAz_D6eBznipecnt1eszzIQxmoWXApIqEvmRUScyGaFRH4UoJTVbYhm12yE_DWYcEMID49YBOfUYE2hZ0ixk76K52_PkYPNS4VTvVK-yDt_VOIrgPs-s0pG8eWLwRqlgVT2cRdQ/s200/DSC00141.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239974959954029410" border="0" /></a>Baraka for Barackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219505830317022187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3559950536257801213.post-68614454402109771312008-08-29T09:02:00.000-07:002008-08-29T09:05:37.741-07:00CNN's Susan Malvo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfsP7YiSWYy6XSnfQ857QPeeErW3cjc_O893KRhqACDsivo4Ri-zIE-FRd9WAbXhb_OrjcCcf-3Uph7eQXdPhOPqdjzUmW0CQ_zMT7WqFVy7AwYSr3Zlv26NJ2pLFHdlE-7RFEkK1cfw/s1600-h/DSC00130.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfsP7YiSWYy6XSnfQ857QPeeErW3cjc_O893KRhqACDsivo4Ri-zIE-FRd9WAbXhb_OrjcCcf-3Uph7eQXdPhOPqdjzUmW0CQ_zMT7WqFVy7AwYSr3Zlv26NJ2pLFHdlE-7RFEkK1cfw/s200/DSC00130.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239971120236324834" border="0" /></a>Baraka for Barackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219505830317022187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3559950536257801213.post-35699497433852776182008-08-28T10:46:00.001-07:002008-08-28T10:54:18.424-07:00On Hillary's Speech<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" >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. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" >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? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" >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, </span>remember that <i>All great minds think for themselves, question what you know, and be the change you want</i>!</p>Baraka for Barackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219505830317022187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3559950536257801213.post-36249337401250359092008-08-28T09:54:00.000-07:002008-08-28T09:58:28.007-07:00A New Frontier<p class="MsoNormal">Hello family. As this week has progressed, I am reminded of how far we have truly come as a nation.<span style=""> </span>My father was the first man in my family to dawn a suit and attempt to go <i style="">downtown </i>and carve a place in a contemptuous white environment.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>We have grown to refer to this place as “Downtown.” <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>Of course, he did not compete on a level playing field, but he was not discouraged and no less up to the challenge.<span style=""> </span>He is indeed my Jackie Robinson. <span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">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.<span style=""> </span>On occasion, my brother and I would even get to go to his office <i style="">downtown </i>with him. <span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>It was just different.<span style=""> </span>Secondly, my father spoke in this strange vernacular that I had not heard before.<span style=""> </span>It was English, I thought, but why is he saying his words like that?<span style=""> </span>This was emblematic of the great dichotomy of the black man in America.<span style=""> </span>My father was naturally one way at home, but developed another aspect of himself, needed to achieve success in the business world downtown.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">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. <span style=""></span>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.<span style=""> </span>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!</p>Baraka for Barackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219505830317022187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3559950536257801213.post-49712203010330889392008-08-27T22:35:00.000-07:002008-08-28T09:54:25.429-07:00Video of Nancy Pellosi at Maryland Delegation Breakfast on 8/27/08<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy1q_AmvcEm8oSoKYezqO8A8ceQr0UZMnvEEly9fiMZIMzWBlt377CpH4JP6s8qWEDdBMOOU5PBjzwiIL1mMg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Baraka for Barackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219505830317022187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3559950536257801213.post-71042412578063745212008-08-27T22:14:00.000-07:002008-08-27T22:34:40.798-07:00<span style="font-weight: bold;">Pics under 8-27-08</span><br /><br />Popular talk show host Michael Baisden broadcasting live from the Convention<br />Maryland's Congressional Delegation left to right: John Sabanes, Dutch Ruppersberger, Steny Hoyer (at mic), Donna Edwards, and Elijah Cummings.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pics under "Hillary's Night"</span><br /><br />Roland Martin (CNN) and Kwame<br />Speaker of the House Nancy Pellosi<br />Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon at Breakfast Meeting<br />Massachussetts Governor Deval Patrick at Breakfast Meeting<br />Nancy Pellosi at breakfast meeting getting Team Maryland Jersey (she's from East Baltimore)<br /><br />Other Pics from 8/27/08<br /><br />Radio talk show host Michael BaisdenBaraka for Barackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219505830317022187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3559950536257801213.post-13466415023868121162008-08-27T21:47:00.000-07:002008-08-27T21:56:13.734-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSKbS9C-SK3kiZY7WXTiEeEdXbVCqe866ZkZMosJoEM0sGOqOVEK_bLmRa4AFcxd7-KrlgiVHUxpAzaeKaSeD1f8_ENrCo7DmMrE_MlgCQsLN7k4zYEzeNFUWgyCf9RcX9X3cBITGErs/s1600-h/DSC00007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; 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float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiwaKlLshNrNJUhlv1NT5hYLwlZn2BY6mZozQj64Z_b_I0Gkb8obL5rJ1xpk9MPfT98PYgD_tdavIUEb5kp6QfImxYD8HhNt16I_4SbSWtH6lvT8cFanH5JOW25mzSFtv881KoWKPYCn0/s200/DSC00066.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239427729065429890" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_qrapelm51IDyDaWwxpYJbqWsGP1fEeTM-us8gpdcVpo4oHlP7LakqAeLnVgAT_7S8c7y-7TjitEFOjOeVgGR8UZsurMkBq4Evm2lHppqcjuJ0sZ7esAR0O6wNwOPKNuSw1Q0cOFNLQ/s1600-h/DSC00068.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_qrapelm51IDyDaWwxpYJbqWsGP1fEeTM-us8gpdcVpo4oHlP7LakqAeLnVgAT_7S8c7y-7TjitEFOjOeVgGR8UZsurMkBq4Evm2lHppqcjuJ0sZ7esAR0O6wNwOPKNuSw1Q0cOFNLQ/s200/DSC00068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239427731650728418" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0_Zt7ujnIfZdO8-vtgKDE5dZdY6gOJdmRUQhxVUrYyMbYZeXym4hjDBRaVGLZSOW3RMbX2rCDH5-BTHzkWUDHst_MrPHDOJudxB_4RMj3T_8eCiENGgRKhHUIJV_TONcA5vZiHgNU3o/s1600-h/DSC00060.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0_Zt7ujnIfZdO8-vtgKDE5dZdY6gOJdmRUQhxVUrYyMbYZeXym4hjDBRaVGLZSOW3RMbX2rCDH5-BTHzkWUDHst_MrPHDOJudxB_4RMj3T_8eCiENGgRKhHUIJV_TONcA5vZiHgNU3o/s200/DSC00060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239427736300642834" border="0" /></a>Baraka for Barackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219505830317022187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3559950536257801213.post-26906123780741297612008-08-27T10:02:00.000-07:002008-08-27T21:47:00.073-07:00Hillary's Night<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMC6D39IaECXJ1S-aKC9PWaONYhixFshUuyugePEqtwdD3DZePoYoxd4t0h8NoJQSzVfklbbyVkLet47XEcnfjZL8Lc4rmzAq0MItS9K8G5LAkBb-93CTBugMcndbjjwb7aOKITIPtJy8/s1600-h/DSC00008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMC6D39IaECXJ1S-aKC9PWaONYhixFshUuyugePEqtwdD3DZePoYoxd4t0h8NoJQSzVfklbbyVkLet47XEcnfjZL8Lc4rmzAq0MItS9K8G5LAkBb-93CTBugMcndbjjwb7aOKITIPtJy8/s200/DSC00008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239424928756183586" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSamSs0jCrOb6bkvljlkf1xCFgwd4QQn0U0-mXKEe8Kyis7gyaO-o67F9-vnApse4sHb5YT1hX7VaP7IFVU5j4IW777trk2D3RZvq3HMjSWpDDjAzH4KTXno76DztDBUtdUhZGhldLFq0/s1600-h/DSC00025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSamSs0jCrOb6bkvljlkf1xCFgwd4QQn0U0-mXKEe8Kyis7gyaO-o67F9-vnApse4sHb5YT1hX7VaP7IFVU5j4IW777trk2D3RZvq3HMjSWpDDjAzH4KTXno76DztDBUtdUhZGhldLFq0/s200/DSC00025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239424932823257474" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwukL3orjazjAoGJtZ8-urtgAol4JzJjV7c1cPQ6f0c9r_TzHt_wjbZ9_Lem6aaJ7IoVxBX6IhmcT8yQU_pbCDPKmXJ6276dH99Q_frEdbJRYaNP_erUvUlb7q9ytosU1IK2rzErYcLGk/s1600-h/DSC00071.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwukL3orjazjAoGJtZ8-urtgAol4JzJjV7c1cPQ6f0c9r_TzHt_wjbZ9_Lem6aaJ7IoVxBX6IhmcT8yQU_pbCDPKmXJ6276dH99Q_frEdbJRYaNP_erUvUlb7q9ytosU1IK2rzErYcLGk/s200/DSC00071.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239424937880185890" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUtV1ydXag17eG_0w01NSbPOBYDamzV0IfcmQPMXh0VGSqSNyjzJDT3rK-i9Hb645jNRWcHIfWTGt-VbbsK-yxPUKUeZV7vRNpZ6_2rKRlUjVBCiKTbt3JYsm6taFbcodBxsuw3acPWk/s1600-h/DSC00077.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUtV1ydXag17eG_0w01NSbPOBYDamzV0IfcmQPMXh0VGSqSNyjzJDT3rK-i9Hb645jNRWcHIfWTGt-VbbsK-yxPUKUeZV7vRNpZ6_2rKRlUjVBCiKTbt3JYsm6taFbcodBxsuw3acPWk/s200/DSC00077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239424940375903650" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliq8QY2HsMUEJXOUup8yDPLoB5xz0E3v_rJ_Ok3Qlx-fzkdwsWblCSAuyabmuHh4DPiBBGSM7F0JRpMIBFnk9uYmlNvqiN0dsPYjjLa1vOBaVV7cYBtbq-6znuJ2pT6ALJou32DP80-Y/s1600-h/DSC00080.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliq8QY2HsMUEJXOUup8yDPLoB5xz0E3v_rJ_Ok3Qlx-fzkdwsWblCSAuyabmuHh4DPiBBGSM7F0JRpMIBFnk9uYmlNvqiN0dsPYjjLa1vOBaVV7cYBtbq-6znuJ2pT6ALJou32DP80-Y/s200/DSC00080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239424949308008018" border="0" /></a>Baraka for Barackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219505830317022187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3559950536257801213.post-33340895723023589852008-08-26T22:22:00.000-07:002008-08-27T00:14:16.404-07:00Michelle's Night<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNacbexAkzJ56lmqzfYEJVw8IvD_uoFywiRio6LwY0aedU1k0OsgOhmQNFFkI0fi9iXNAhYLN7P-B8TRl8DCbGTT_B5762YM7LNIjR-u-k0lYbfFywcCWD4DA-Tyw4a-GFX7C7XWtiXmg/s1600-h/DSC00037.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNacbexAkzJ56lmqzfYEJVw8IvD_uoFywiRio6LwY0aedU1k0OsgOhmQNFFkI0fi9iXNAhYLN7P-B8TRl8DCbGTT_B5762YM7LNIjR-u-k0lYbfFywcCWD4DA-Tyw4a-GFX7C7XWtiXmg/s320/DSC00037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239092077055238290" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgsEao9Ulmta3YwCf3V18lrj4AkLhfJXVG0IVRMiTL6GNtqE0G0iZSSxS7ouTIVTR4sUQvJ4L4txS0etEqE-mrRwGrT629iAAcfUaSL-3OwTmMwn8TUOJiX8bArhE1k85Sk1xhr3EdfQ/s1600-h/DSC00040.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgsEao9Ulmta3YwCf3V18lrj4AkLhfJXVG0IVRMiTL6GNtqE0G0iZSSxS7ouTIVTR4sUQvJ4L4txS0etEqE-mrRwGrT629iAAcfUaSL-3OwTmMwn8TUOJiX8bArhE1k85Sk1xhr3EdfQ/s320/DSC00040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239092080100352610" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBH-6jcIlwW3xx7pgp4gTdYNsKOAjAkvkvBX3xjtMeLP6cNZeHPMyq8glYaqgc_5GBf_uX3YpQuDjrlaQJDA7bZuaVxH9kX37zyY2I5jgT6nXskhyphenhyphen5mhFpweETlZzYDe84YnzbB0FuO2c/s1600-h/DSC00036.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBH-6jcIlwW3xx7pgp4gTdYNsKOAjAkvkvBX3xjtMeLP6cNZeHPMyq8glYaqgc_5GBf_uX3YpQuDjrlaQJDA7bZuaVxH9kX37zyY2I5jgT6nXskhyphenhyphen5mhFpweETlZzYDe84YnzbB0FuO2c/s320/DSC00036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239092086363289346" border="0" /></a><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The other memorable moment of the night belonged to Ted Kennedy. We witnessed a man somewhat broken in body butBaraka for Barackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219505830317022187noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3559950536257801213.post-82017288189320553442008-08-25T09:12:00.000-07:002008-08-25T09:54:20.260-07:00Monday Morning (Day 1 of Convention)Good morning family. Let me start this message by paying tribute to someone who I consider to be a true friend, Senator Jim Brochen. I've known him long before his days as a state representative but I can truly say that his encouragement and prodding me to get more involved is the reason that I am here in Denver. We disagree on many things politically, strongly I might add, but I respect his integrity as a person and his willingness to say to me, "if you don't like it, change it."<br /><br />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. <p class="MsoNormal"><span></span>Until then, remember that <i>All great minds think for themselves, question what you know, and be the change you want</i>!</p>Peace,<br />KwameBaraka for Barackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219505830317022187noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3559950536257801213.post-37690114956776217842008-08-25T00:04:00.000-07:002008-08-25T00:15:45.541-07:00<p class="MsoNormal">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.<span style=""><br /></span></p>There wasn’t very much official business lined up for Sunday. The only thing required was to register to get my official Delegate badges so that I could get into to all of the events this week. <span style=""> </span>I spent the afternoon taking in downtown Denver. What a spectacle it was.<span style=""> </span>There was every kind of protest you could imagine.<span style=""> </span>The Anti-War demonstrators were the largest group numbering in the hundreds. They were dressed in all types of colorful outfits with large banners and signs intended to make their point.<span style=""> </span>There were Anti-Abortion demonstrators who also had large signs, some of them had pictures of aborted fetuses on them.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>The animal rights activists and earth preservationist were present in large numbers also. The police presence was tremendous. They were on hand in riot gear and weapons drawn. The whole scene was rather chaotic at times as people got really fired up.<span style=""> </span>Besides a number of shouting matches from people with differing view, it was peaceful. Not sure how much of this will get shown on the news. <p class="MsoNormal">During the evening the Maryland Delegation was invited to welcoming ceremony hosted by Congressman Elijah Cummings.<span style=""> </span>It was a <i style="">who’s who</i> 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.<span style=""> </span>He was followed by John Kerry and few other national and local politicians. I have had opportunity to meet many of these state officials. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">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. <span style=""> </span>Until then, remember that <i style="">All great minds think for themselves, question what you know, and be the change you want</i>!</p>Peace,<br />Kwame<br /><p class="MsoNormal"></p>Baraka for Barackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219505830317022187noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3559950536257801213.post-22378606843772766052008-08-23T22:00:00.000-07:002008-08-23T22:07:17.923-07:00Biography<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBmo4-ewCkBBr3TvPrfGTNsyuVU9iCjy8xSbCnBUsHKbB4ugE1afy5KeVUKdrGPeTLzJwbmtngcXZvsTl8mzaItV2zImj6FhACBxmMh8beb2aTJfdKfMLFKPsUfVx5MGHSzRNTzfIsus/s1600-h/Kwame+Rich+Head+Shot.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBmo4-ewCkBBr3TvPrfGTNsyuVU9iCjy8xSbCnBUsHKbB4ugE1afy5KeVUKdrGPeTLzJwbmtngcXZvsTl8mzaItV2zImj6FhACBxmMh8beb2aTJfdKfMLFKPsUfVx5MGHSzRNTzfIsus/s320/Kwame+Rich+Head+Shot.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237946010907665666" border="0" /></a><br />Kwame Baraka Rich was born and reared in <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1219554216_0">Baltimore, Maryland</span>. Mr. Rich is a product of <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1219554216_1">Baltimore City public schools</span> graduating from <span style="border-bottom: medium none; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1219554216_2">Baltimore City College High School</span> in 1989. He went on to study Psychology and Business at <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1219554216_3">Messiah College</span> in <span style="border-bottom: medium none; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1219554216_4">Pennsylvania</span>. 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.Baraka for Barackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219505830317022187noreply@blogger.com0