Cedric Hendricks speaking about John Conyers, Jr.'s new initiative on Jazz Preservation and Education at the 25th Calvin Jones BIG BAND Jazz Festival (April 2011).
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Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Postal Service to Issue Miles Davis Stamp
January 25, 2012 3:49 PM ET
Miles Davis
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
This year, the Kind of Blue trumpeter will be immortalized in a collection of musically-themed stamps that will also honor the singer Edith Piaf, according to The Telegraph. They will be released in partnership with the French postal service, La Poste.
"This is a fitting honor," said Lee Barham, chairman of the steering committee for the Miles Davis Jazz Celebration. "Before Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley, there was Miles Davis."
Davis, one of the most innovative figures in bebop and jazz fusion, died in 1991 at age 65. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
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Saturday, January 28, 2012
Michigan's Supreme Court once again insists judge honors Rosa Parks' wishes
Michigan's Supreme Court once again insists judge honors Rosa Parks' wishes
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| Rosa Parks worked for U.S. Representative John Conyers, Jr. |
The high court on Friday gave Judge Freddie Burton Jr. 28 days to reinstate the pair. Steele was Parks’ longtime assistant and caregiver; Shakoor is a retired 36th District Court judge.
Burton had asked the state Supreme Court on Jan. 17 to relent from its Dec. 29 directive ordering him to put Steele and Shakoor back in control, saying, in part, that Steele had previously violated his court orders.
Steele’s attorney, Steven Cohen, denied those charges and urged the Supreme Court a few days later to remove Burton from the case.
Cohen called Friday’s order a significant victory. Even though the high court didn’t remove Burton, he said, it rejected his accusations.
“This reverses three years of Judge Burton’s rulings,” Cohen said Saturday. “We undertook the entire appeal process to ensure that Mrs. Parks’ long-held and deeply felt wishes were going to be carried out.”
Alan May of Troy, who represents the two court-appointed lawyers Burton put in charge of the estate, John Chase Jr. and Melvin Jefferson Jr., said Burton still could give them a role in the estate.
“He could appoint Steele and Shakoor, or he could appoint all four,” May said.
Parks sparked the modern civil rights movement in 1955 by refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Ala., bus.
She died in 2005, leaving most of her estate to the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development, which she created with Steele.
After she died, Parks’ nieces and nephews challenged her estate plan, and Burton replaced Steele and Shakoor with Chase and Jefferson. The institute, Steele and the relatives eventually settled their differences, but Chase and Jefferson remained in place.
Cohen asked the Supreme Court to intervene in July, saying the two lawyers, with Burton’s approval, had drained the estate of nearly $243,000 and fabricated phony charges that Burton used to order the institute and Steele to forfeit their share of Parks’ vast memorabilia collection, potentially worth $8 million. Burton indicated in court documents that he planned to give the forfeited share to a charity of his choice.
Chase and Jefferson have denied any wrongdoing, and the Michigan Court of Appeals has praised their work on behalf of the estate.
Their lawyer, May, and Cohen agree that the Supreme Court’s Dec. 29 order voids Burton’s forfeiture order. The bulk of the profits from the eventual sale of the memorabilia is expected to go to the institute.
Rosa Parks Estate Court Order January 27, 2012
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Youth group, volunteers help to warm and feed Detroit's homeless
Youth group, volunteers help to warm and feed Detroit's homeless
Detroit — Dozens of the city's homeless residents received blankets and soup Saturday from a youth organization and other volunteers at Cass Park.The event, Project: Warm Detroit, not only provides the homeless with goods, but also teaches the young volunteers to be thankful for what they have, said Tony Weston, president and founder of the Mentoring Youth Network. The network, which began in 2008, mentors students at Rutherford Academy and Stewart Learning Academy.
"We show them we have to give back in order to be successful," Weston said.
The homeless were made aware of the event through fliers passed out in Cass Park area including the Neighborhood Service Organization. Recipients lined up to receive blankets, soup and water prior to the 10 a.m. giveaway.
The efforts were a collaboration of the Mentoring Youth Network, UAW Local 163 and Women's Interactive Network.
Rahzel Heath, 12, and Tionne Dewberry, 11, both sixth-graders at Stewart Learning Academy, said Saturday they enjoyed helping the homeless.
"You have that feeling inside to be nice to other people," Rahzel said. "I think it's helping so many people in Detroit who don't have a home."
Tionne agreed.
"I think it's great for homeless people to get blankets and food they don't get on the streets," she said.
For information, visit http://www.mentoringyouthnetwork.com.
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Friday, January 27, 2012
Obama hits close to home - education costs
Obama hits close to home - education costs
President Obama at the start of his speech mentioned that "Denard is in the audience," referring to UM football quarterback Denard Robinson, who stood up to acknowledge the President and set the crowd cheering. (Daniel Mears / The Detroit News)
Ann Arbor— President Barack Obama took the stage at the University of Michigan Friday before thousands of college students, delivering a rousing 40-minute speech that touched on an issue near and dear to their hearts — the need for making higher education more accessible and affordable.
His message closely followed themes from his State of the Union speech he delivered Wednesday. But this time, it was a message tailored in many ways to his Michigan audience.
"The reason I'm here today, in addition to meeting (U-M quarterback) Denard Robinson, is to talk with all of you about what most of you do here every day," he said. "That is to think about how you can gain the skills and training you need to succeed in this 21st century economy. This is going to be one of the most important issues that not just you face but everyone in the entire country faces."
School officials estimated the crowd at Al Glick Field House to be roughly 4,000. Many of those in attendance had waited hours in line overnight Wednesday to get their tickets the following morning. And many others began lining up in the rain and snow for Friday's general admission appearance the night before.
Drawing on his own experience and that of first lady Michelle Obama, the president told that crowd: "Your president and your first lady were in your shoes, not that long ago. We didn't come from wealthy families. The only way we were able to achieve what we achieved is because we got a great education. We could not have done that unless we lived in a country that made a commitment to opening up that opportunity to all people."
Among the non-students on-hand were Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Detroit City Councilwoman JoAnn Watson, U.S. Reps. John Conyers and Hansen Clarke, and Sen. Debbie Stabenow.
"At a time when middle-class families are struggling to make ends meet and students are graduating with mountains of student loan debt, we must do everything we can to make sure college is affordable for Michigan families," Stabenow said in a statement released after the speech.
Despite the political star power, much of the president's message was aimed directly at his younger audience.
In his State of the Union address Wednesday, Obama called for the extension of the tuition tax credit to make education more affordable. Friday, he reiterated his called for states to find new and creative ways to stop rising tuition costs.
"We're telling the states if you can bring down the cost of college and find ways for more students to graduate ... we will give you additional federal support," he said
Tuition costs are an item of concern for many who attend the University of Michigan. For in-state undergraduates, full-year tuition is $12,440 for freshman and sophomores, and $14,046 for juniors and seniors. Certain programs, such as engineering, business and kinesiology, cost more. U-M has one of the highest tuition bills relative to the state's median household income.
Rory Crook, 30, a U-M graduate student at university's School of Public Health, was impressed with Obama's message about the revival of the auto industry.
"I was really happy when he saved the auto industry. I know there was a lot of rebuttal and agitation in the past about it being bailed out, but we needed it, and it was a good thing," Crook said following the speech.
From jobs and education, the president turned his attention to fuel efficiency and the environment.
"No matter how much oil we produce, we've only got 2 percent of the world's oil reserves. That means we have to focus on clean, renewable energy — and that is good for our economy. That creates jobs, but is also good for our environment. It also makes sure that this planet is sustainable. That's part of the future you deserve."
Obama also called for further extension of the payroll tax cut that has been a sticking point in Congress before addressing his views on income tax rates in America.
"We've got to choose," he said. "When it comes to paying our fair share, I believe we should follow the Warren Buffet rule. If you make more than $1 million a year, then you should pay a tax rate of at least 30 percent. On other hand, if you go into a less lucrative profession … if you make less than $250,000 … then your taxes shouldn't go up."
While Obama was the morning's featured attraction, a few locals took the stage first. Following the national anthem and the pledge of allegiance, DeAndree Watson, president of the university's school assembly, offered up a thematic taste ahead of the president's speech.
"If we didn't live in a world that invested in higher education, I wouldn't be here," he said. "As a student from Detroit's east side and a product of the Detroit school system, I am here today to seek a world class education - something that would not be possible without (investment in education)."
Christina Beckman, a sophomore from Grand Rapids, introduced the president.
Abel Nieto, 42, who works at a management company in Ann Arbor, was also among the thousands who scored a ticket to listen to Obama speak.
"It was awesome that he included all of the community colleges in the community, not just Michigan, but that he acknowledged all of the hard work community college students do so they can eventually transfer," Nieto said.
Outside the field house before the speech, dozens of people who identify as belonging to the Republican and tea parties lined up carrying signs protesting the policies of Obama.
Protesters, such as Sam Shrago, 18, a U-M engineering student, said Obama's administration is killing jobs.
"We're gathered here because we feel he's here to garner electoral support instead of addressing the issues," Shrago said.
Obama's appearance came just two days after his wide-ranging State of the Union address. During Wednesday night's address, Obama targeted rising tuition costs as one of the biggest obstacles to education and training beyond the high school level for future workers.
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Thursday, January 26, 2012
More than 200 protest at DTE headquarters over utility shutoffs
More than 200 protest at DTE headquarters over utility shutoffs
Police mounted on horses stand by as protesters march outside DTE headquarters. (Serena Daniels / Detroit News)
Two Detroit police officers mounted on horses stood by and three city police squad cars parked in front of the headquarters located at One Energy Plaza.
Organizers said a handful of labor organizers wearing neon orange stocking caps were inside the building, prepared for arrest, and asked to meet with DTE President, Chairman and CEO Gerard Anderson, who they were told, was not in the building.
Among concerns among protesters was that the utility is getting tax breaks even as it is increasingly shutting power off to customers. In 2010, DTE posted a $640 million profit, but received a federal tax refund of $172 million — a negative tax rate of 27 percent, according to claims made by Good Jobs Now, a coalition of concerned citizens, clergy leaders and organized labor groups, which helped coordinate Thursday's protest efforts.
In response to such claims, DTE spokesman Alejando Bodipo-Memba said the utility pays its fair share of taxes.
"If you add up the state, federal, payroll and property taxes between 2008 and 2010, DTE paid over $1 billion in combined taxes," Bodipo-Memba said. "DTE utilized federal investment incentives designed to spur investment and create jobs, which we have done. (President) Obama and the U.S. Congress authorized these incentives in response to the economic crisis over the past few years."
Bodipo-Memba added DTE invested $1.6 billion in capital spending last year, a lot of which went toward investing in renewable energy incentives like power plant improvements and wind farms.
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Michigan Celebrates 175 Years of Statehood
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Date: Thursday, January 26, 2012
Contact: Matthew Morgan – 202-226-5543
Michigan Celebrates 175 Years of Statehood
(DETROIT) – Representative John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) made the following statement celebrating the State of Michigan’s 175th birthday. On this day January 1837, Michigan became the 26th state to enter the union.
“Over the past 175 years, generations of Michiganders have built this state into a center of American industry, learning, and culture. As a center of American manufacturing and the developer of the modern assembly line, Michigan and its people have influenced the course of modern history. Michigan’s many world class educational institutions educate people from across the country and the world. And as the heart of the American automobile industry, Michigan continues to have a profound influence on the Nation’s economy and culture. I am proud to join my fellow Michiganders in celebrating this great milestone and encourage people to take a moment to reflect on our state’s heritage and contributions.” Voting is beautiful, be beautiful ~ vote.©
Conyers: Emergency Manager Not a Solution to Highland Park School District Budget Problems
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Date: Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Contact: Matthew Morgan – 202-226-5543
Conyers: Emergency Manager Not a Solution to Highland Park School District Budget Problems
(DETROIT) – Today, Representative John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) released the following statement in response to Governor Rick Snyder’s January 20th letter to Highland Park School District parents advising that the district is in jeopardy of closing within the next few months due to budget shortfalls and informing them that he has appointed an independent financial review team to examine the district’s finances.
“I appreciate that the Governor has stepped forward to provide some immediate financial assistance. It is important to ensure that young people in the Highland Park community have a stable and secure learning environment. However, I believe the best way for our community to move forward is for stakeholders at all levels of government to work together to solve this problem. Any discussion by the Governor of employing a emergency manager in Highland Park is premature at this time.”Voting is beautiful, be beautiful ~ vote.©
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Conyers: People Must Know Who is Flooding the Airways with Anonymous Political Ads
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For Immediate Release
Date: Friday, January 20, 2012
Contact: Matthew Morgan – 202-226-5543
Conyers: People Must Know Who is Flooding the Airways with Anonymous Political Ads
(WASHINGTON) – Today, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) released the following statement in advance of the second anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission, which falls on tomorrow January 21. The Supreme Court’s decision in the Citizens United case wiped out a century of legal precedent, granting corporations the same free speech rights as individuals and allowing for unlimited spending by corporations and special interests on political campaigns.
“Two years ago, the Supreme Court opened the floodgate on unlimited, anonymous corporate money that distorts elections and accords giant corporations the same free speech rights as real people. In order to address this dangerous decision, my colleagues and I introduced a narrowly crafted constitutional amendment, H.R. Res 78, to ultimately undo the damage the Citizens United decision wrought on the democratic process. However in the meantime, Congress must immediately take up disclosure legislation similar to H.R. 5175, the DISCLOSE Act, which passed the House last Congress. People have a right to know what entities are responsible for the anonymous ads flooding the airwaves. And until the Citizens United decision is overturned, Congress must ensure that all the facts are available to voters before they make a decision at the ballot box.”
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Friday, January 20, 2012
Highland Park Schools makes pitch to avoid emergency manager
Highland Park Schools makes pitch to avoid emergency manager
Lansing — Highland Park Schools officials accused state officials of contributing to the district's financial crisis and implored them not to install an emergency manager at a hearing on Friday."The district does have a plan to alleviate the crisis — it's called a Deficit Elimination Plan and it gives us targets to accomplish over a four-year period," said Randy Lane, financial director for the district. He testified before state treasury officials and members of an independent review team, which determined a financial emergency exists at HPS.
"An emergency manager is not needed in Highland Park Schools," Lane testified. "We have a competent staff that reflects the community that can solve problems."
Lane said the state has been well aware of financial problems in the district dating to 2007, and district officials have reduced the budget by 48 percent since 2009.
But over the last year, Lane said the state chose to use "a heavy hand" with the district, pulling money back when enrollment came in lower than projected, denying a request to defer state aid to avoid cash shortages and losing federal dollars. Those actions created some of the district's cash shortfalls, he argued.
"But no matter how hard we tried, the state decided not to work with us," Lane said.
Members of the state review team defended the report, saying the state simply followed the law on pupil counts and making adjustments, which it does to all districts, that the Treasury office made a $4.1 million payment to HPS, which it declared a hardship in July and was on site recently to help resolve a food service contract issue.
"While you are valiantly trying to save the district, you are going in the opposite direction," Carol Wolenberg, a review team member, said.
On Jan. 2, a review team recommended to Snyder that an emergency manager be installed to take over the district's finances. Last week, Snyder declared a financial emergency the same day the state Department of Treasury was forced to give the district an advance of $188,000 to make payroll.
The district's deficit has increased from $6.6 million to $11.3 million over the past fiscal year. Last week, the district told state Treasurer Andy Dillon it needed an extra $3.4 million — on top of $4.2 million it got in August — to get through the rest of the school year.
Jan Ellis, spokeswoman for the Michigan Department of Education, said the meeting is not a fact-finding hearing.
"The purpose is to afford district officials an opportunity to indicate whether the findings of the Review Team report were supported by competent, material and substantial evidence," Ellis said.
Following the hearing, a record of the proceedings will be transmitted by the hearing officer to the governor, who will make the final determination as to whether his original determination stands that a financial emergency exists, Ellis said.
During the hearing, district attorney George Butler asked the state to send the review team back to look further at the progress the district has made and will make if it's given the opportunity.
Deputy Treasurer Roger Fraser said he would file a report with the governor by the end of the day Monday. The report will agree or disagree there is a financial emergency in HPS. The governor then will issue a decision on installing an emergency manager.
Terry Stanton, a treasury spokesman, said Fraser does not have the option of asking the governor to send the team back.
Highland Park Schools President John Holloway said the district needs more time and money to correct its financial problems. Holloway said he believes the state is seriously considering consolidating the district with a nearby school system. Detroit Public Schools and Hamtramck Schools are two likely candidates, observers have said.
"I'm a traditionalist. We'd like to remain a separate entity, but let's face it — many communities cannot afford to exist. They can't afford themselves," Holloway said.
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Michigan Republican Primary Ballot, February 28, 2012
Wayne County Michigan Republican Primary Election list included questionable ethical decision to allow for option of Democratic Candidates on this ballot. There is no Democratic Primary in Michigan. Caucus to be May 5, 2012. This information was excluded from ballot.
Proposals are on the ballot for the new 13th Congressional District are: Redford Township, River Rouge, Wayne, and Westland.
Wayne County, Michigan Republican Primary Election and Certain Cities Proposals for February 28, 2012
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Proposals are on the ballot for the new 13th Congressional District are: Redford Township, River Rouge, Wayne, and Westland.
Wayne County, Michigan Republican Primary Election and Certain Cities Proposals for February 28, 2012
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Thursday, January 19, 2012
Telegraph From John Conyers, Jr. To Martin Luther King, Jr.
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| Telegram from John Conyers, Jr. to Martin Luther King, Jr. |
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Wikipedia to shut down Wednesday in SOPA protest
Wikipedia to shut down Wednesday in SOPA protest
Anger grows against online-piracy bill
Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales has announced that the "encyclopedia anyone can edit" will go dark this Wednesday in protest of the Stop Online Piracy Act, aka SOPA, that's dividing Washington DC – not to mention pitting online content providers against ISPs, search-engine sites, civil libertarians, and others.
Wales tweeted on Monday that the English-language version of Wikipedia would go down at midnight this Wednesday, Eastern standard time (5am in the UK), and come back up in 24 hours.
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Conyers Praises President Obama’s Decision to Reject Keystone Oil Pipeline
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Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Contact: Matthew Morgan – 202-226-5543
Conyers Praises President Obama’s Decision to Reject Keystone Oil Pipeline
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Representative John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) released a statement praising President Obama’s announcement that the State Department will deny a permit allowing construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline to begin.
“Republicans insisted that President Obama make a decision on the Keystone pipeline deal before a thorough review weighing the economic benefits and environmental costs of the project could be conducted,” said Conyers. “I fully support President Obama’s decision to forestall current plans for the oil pipeline. The Congress must work towards achieving energy independence that focuses on renewable resources and research into green technologies. There is a finite amount of oil in the world’s reserves and it is running out. If America is to thrive in the 21st Century and beyond, Congress should invest research dollars into clean energy technologies that will create jobs now, lay the groundwork for future industries to employ America’s workers, and cure America of its addiction to foreign oil.”
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Conyers and All House Democratic Michigan Members Urge Construction of New International Bridge
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Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Contact: Matthew Morgan – 202-226-5543
Conyers and All House Democratic Michigan Members Urge Construction of New International Bridge
(Washington D.C). – Today, Representative John Conyers, Jr. (D-M14.) and Representatives Hansen Clarke (D-M13), John Dingell (D-M15), Dale Kildee (D-M05), Sander Levin (D-M12), and Gary Peters (D-M09) sent a letter to Speaker of the Michigan House Bolger, Michigan House Minority Leader Hammel, Michigan Senate Majority Leader Richardville, and Michigan Senate Minority Leader Whitmer urging the Michigan legislature to prioritize the passage of legislation authorizing the construction of the New International Trade Crossing (NITC) project early in the 2012 legislative session.
The NITC project will create a world-class international bridge and secure a transportation corridor with Michigan’s largest trading partner, Canada. It will create 10,000 new construction jobs for Michigan workers and generate more than $2 billion in federal matching highway funds for Michigan roads.
The letter is attached as a pdf and the text follows below:
January 18, 2012
The Honorable Randy Richardville
Majority Leader
Michigan Senate
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909
The Honorable Gretchen Whitmer
Minority Leader
Michigan Senate
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909
Dear Speaker Bolger and Leaders Richarville, Whitmer, and Hammel:
As you prepare for the 2012 session of the Michigan Legislature, we write to urge you to prioritize the passage of legislation that will allow work to begin on the New International Trade Crossing (NITC) project. Michigan desperately needs the 10,000 construction jobs and $2 billion in federal matching highway funds that would be immediately provided by this project. Additionally, the NITC will strengthen our nation’s bond with Canada – Michigan’s largest trading partner – by providing a secure alternative route to Ontario and significantly increasing the capacity for increased trade between our two countries.
Constructing a second bridge at the Detroit-Windsor crossing will help grow the 237,000 Michigan jobs that depend on trade with Canada. The NITC would provide six new lanes, bringing the total to ten between Detroit and Windsor, while also directly connecting 1-75 to Highway 401. These additional lanes will help prevent the delays that cost Michigan’s shippers and manufacturers millions of dollars each year. Chrysler estimates that current delays at the Detroit-Windsor crossing add more than $600 to the average car manufactured in our region. Without a second bridge, these delays will likely grow worse, with truck traffic across the border expected to double by 2035.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has stated that Canada’s $550 million investment in the crossing’s customs plaza will allow Michigan to receive nearly $2 billion in matching for road construction projects across the state. If the NITC project is approved early in the 2012 legislative session, construction projects across the state could begin putting thousands of Michiganders back to work this year fixing our state’s highway infrastructure and speeding our state’s economic recovery.
We believe the case for moving forward with the NITC project is clear. The NITC project poses no fiscal risk to the state, as the cost of this $1.3 billion dollar investment in Michigan will be borne completely by private investors and the U.S. and Canadian governments. Further, should the tolls collected from the bridge fall short of the dollars needed to repay Canadian or private investors, the Canadian government has agreed to cover any revenue short fall. In short, this project is no risk, all reward for Michigan taxpayers.
Construction of the NITC will ensure that Michigan keeps its edge and continues to be a leading conduit for the $62 billion in annual bilateral trade between the United States and Canada. We urge you to pass authorizing legislation as soon as possible so that we can begin to transition the Detroit-Windsor crossing into a modern, multi-modal system that creates jobs in Michigan and guarantees safe, secure, and efficient commerce across our northern border.
Sincerely,
John Conyers, Jr.
MEMBER OF CONGRESS
John D. Dingell
MEMBER OF CONGRESS
Sander Levin
MEMBER OF CONGRESS
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Monday, January 16, 2012
John Conyers, Jr. sharing personal story about Martin Luther King, Jr.
John Conyers, Jr. addressing the 2011 graduates of the CBC Political Boot Camp by sharing a personal story on Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Through Service
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Through Service
Monuments are built to those who change the course of history. It is right and fitting that a memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. now stands in the heart of our nation’s Capital. Even as we renew our understanding of Dr. King’s legacy by visiting this beautiful monument; we can honor the legacy of Dr. King by following his example, by serving and volunteering in our communities.Dr. King called service the “new definition of greatness.” He believed that the work we undertake on behalf of others is the most important work of all. He devoted his life to this notion – advancing equality, social justice and economic opportunity for all Americans. Dr. King challenged all of us to do our part to build a more perfect union.
That is why, for nearly two decades, the nation has marked the life of Dr. King with a national Day of Service. Today, Americans from every state will deliver meals, refurbish schools and community centers, collect food and clothing, sign up mentors, support veterans and military families, and more. Thousands of AmeriCorpsand Senior Corps members will lend a hand to community-based projects. Individuals and groups, of all ages and backgrounds, will come together – as Dr. King would have wanted – in service.
Today, President Obama and the First Lady took part in this nationwide effort, participating in a service project at a local elementary school in Washington DC. Alongside volunteers from YouthBuild, the Latin American Youth Center, Mission Serves, and the Mission Continues, they lent a hand at a local Big Brothers Big Sisters project, helping to improve the school library. Together with a large group of volunteers, they cleaned, painted and organized books generously donated to the school by First Book and demonstrated the power of an individual to make an impact.
One of the most inspiring responses to some of our most pressing problems is for individual citizens to take a look around them, identify a need, and roll up their sleeves to help. The President believes that the answers do not come from government alone. He has called on all Americans to participate in our nation’s recovery by volunteering in their communities, by working alongside their neighbors, by making an impact in the lives of others.
We need not be policy experts to make a difference. It does not take comprehensive legislation to provide a decent meal, a place to sleep or tutoring to someone in need. As Dr. King said, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”
America’s story is the story of volunteers. Since the early days of our nation, volunteers have helped us meet our greatest challenges: patriots who fought for our founding ideals, women who reached for the ballot, civil rights foot soldiers who risked their lives for equality, first responders who rushed into burning towers, and ordinary citizens who came to the aid of a hurricane-stricken coast.
As we mark Dr. King’s life, we can visit his memorial, read his prolific writings, and listen again to his stirring words. But the best way to honor Dr. King – the best way to live up to his definition of greatness – is by serving.
Visit www.serve.gov to find an opportunity near you.
Cecilia Muñoz is the Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council.
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From the Archives: Dr. Martin Luther King at the White House
From the Archives: Dr. Martin Luther King at the White House
Posted by on January 16, 2012 at 9:00 AM EST
Martin Luther King, Jr. leaves the West Wing after meeting with President Johnson. August 5, 1968. Abbie Rowe, NPS: National Archive and Records Administration. (by Abbie Rowe, NPS: National Archive and Records Administration) 
President Lyndon B. Johnson meets with Civil Rights leaders Martin Luther King, Jr., Whitney Young, and James Farmer in the Oval Office. January 18, 1964. . (by Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library) See the slideshow on Flickr
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President Obama and Dr. King
President Obama and Dr. King
President Barack Obama tours the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial in Washington, D.C., Oct. 14, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) It's been 29 years since President Reagan signed the law to create a national holiday in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.
This year for the first time, however, those who wish to honor Dr. King on the holiday will be able gather in celebration at his memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC.
Seven years ago, then-Senator Obama spoke at the groundbreaking for the memorial.
And back in October, the President spoke at its dedication, where he described the way that Dr. King continues to inspire new generations to work to fulfill his legacy:
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Posted by on January 16, 2012 at 8:00 AM EST
President Barack Obama tours the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial in Washington, D.C., Oct. 14, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This year for the first time, however, those who wish to honor Dr. King on the holiday will be able gather in celebration at his memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC.
Seven years ago, then-Senator Obama spoke at the groundbreaking for the memorial.
And back in October, the President spoke at its dedication, where he described the way that Dr. King continues to inspire new generations to work to fulfill his legacy:
He would not give up, no matter how long it took, because in the smallest hamlets and the darkest slums, he had witnessed the highest reaches of the human spirit; because in those moments when the struggle seemed most hopeless, he had seen men and women and children conquer their fear; because he had seen hills and mountains made low and rough places made plain, and the crooked places made straight and God make a way out of no way.Watch the video of President Obama's remarks:
And that is why we honor this man –- because he had faith in us. And that is why he belongs on this Mall -– because he saw what we might become. That is why Dr. King was so quintessentially American -- because for all the hardships we’ve endured, for all our sometimes tragic history, ours is a story of optimism and achievement and constant striving that is unique upon this Earth. And that is why the rest of the world still looks to us to lead. This is a country where ordinary people find in their hearts the courage to do extraordinary things; the courage to stand up in the face of the fiercest resistance and despair and say this is wrong, and this is right; we will not settle for what the cynics tell us we have to accept and we will reach again and again, no matter the odds, for what we know is possible.
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Obama Administration Responds to We the People Petitions on SOPA and Online Piracy
Obama Administration Responds to We the People Petitions on SOPA and Online Piracy
The White House has responded to two petitions about legislative approaches to combat online piracy. In their response, Victoria Espinel, Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator at Office of Management and Budget, Aneesh Chopra, U.S. Chief Technology Officer, and Howard Schmidt, Special Assistant to the President and Cybersecurity Coordinator for National Security Staff stress that the important task of protecting intellectual property online must not threaten an open and innovative internet.Combating Online Piracy while Protecting an Open and Innovative Internet
By Victoria Espinel, Aneesh Chopra, and Howard SchmidtThanks for taking the time to sign this petition. Both your words and actions illustrate the importance of maintaining an open and democratic Internet.Right now, Congress is debating a few pieces of legislation concerning the very real issue of online piracy, including the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), the PROTECT IP Act, and the Online Protection and Digital ENforcement Act (OPEN). We want to take this opportunity to tell you what the Administration will support—and what we will not support. Any effective legislation should reflect a wide range of stakeholders, including everyone from content creators to the engineers that build and maintain the infrastructure of the Internet.While we believe that online piracy by foreign websites is a serious problem that requires a serious legislative response, we will not support legislation that reduces freedom of expression, increases cybersecurity risk, or undermines the dynamic, innovative global Internet.Any effort to combat online piracy must guard against the risk of online censorship of lawful activity and must not inhibit innovation by our dynamic businesses large and small. Across the globe, the openness of the Internet is increasingly central to innovation in business, government, and society and it must be protected. To minimize this risk, new legislation must be narrowly targeted only at sites beyond the reach of current U.S. law, cover activity clearly prohibited under existing U.S. laws, and be effectively tailored, with strong due process and focused on criminal activity. Any provision covering Internet intermediaries such as online advertising networks, payment processors, or search engines must be transparent and designed to prevent overly broad private rights of action that could encourage unjustified litigation that could discourage startup businesses and innovative firms from growing.We must avoid creating new cybersecurity risks or disrupting the underlying architecture of the Internet. Proposed laws must not tamper with the technical architecture of the Internet through manipulation of the Domain Name System (DNS), a foundation of Internet security. Our analysis of the DNS filtering provisions in some proposed legislation suggests that they pose a real risk to cybersecurity and yet leave contraband goods and services accessible online. We must avoid legislation that drives users to dangerous, unreliable DNS servers and puts next-generation security policies, such as the deployment of DNSSEC, at risk.Let us be clear—online piracy is a real problem that harms the American economy, threatens jobs for significant numbers of middle class workers and hurts some of our nation's most creative and innovative companies and entrepreneurs. It harms everyone from struggling artists to production crews, and from startup social media companies to large movie studios. While we are strongly committed to the vigorous enforcement of intellectual property rights, existing tools are not strong enough to root out the worst online pirates beyond our borders. That is why the Administration calls on all sides to work together to pass sound legislation this year that provides prosecutors and rights holders new legal tools to combat online piracy originating beyond U.S. borders while staying true to the principles outlined above in this response. We should never let criminals hide behind a hollow embrace of legitimate American values.This is not just a matter for legislation. We expect and encourage all private parties, including both content creators and Internet platform providers working together, to adopt voluntary measures and best practices to reduce online piracy.So, rather than just look at how legislation can be stopped, ask yourself: Where do we go from here? Don’t limit your opinion to what’s the wrong thing to do, ask yourself what’s right. Already, many members of Congress are asking for public input around the issue. We are paying close attention to those opportunities, as well as to public input to the Administration. The organizer of this petition and a random sample of the signers will be invited to a conference call to discuss this issue further with Administration officials and soon after that, we will host an online event to get more input and answer your questions. Details on that will follow in the coming days.Washington needs to hear your best ideas about how to clamp down on rogue websites and other criminals who make money off the creative efforts of American artists and rights holders. We should all be committed to working with all interested constituencies to develop new legal tools to protect global intellectual property rights without jeopardizing the openness of the Internet. Our hope is that you will bring enthusiasm and know-how to this important challenge.Moving forward, we will continue to work with Congress on a bipartisan basis on legislation that provides new tools needed in the global fight against piracy and counterfeiting, while vigorously defending an open Internet based on the values of free expression, privacy, security and innovation. Again, thank you for taking the time to participate in this important process. We hope you’ll continue to be part of it.Victoria Espinel is Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator at Office of Management and BudgetAneesh Chopra is the U.S. Chief Technology Officer and Assistant to the President and Associate Director for Technology at the Office of Science and Technology PolicyHoward Schmidt is Special Assistant to the President and Cybersecurity Coordinator for National Security Staff
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Sharpton to protest Mich. emergency takeover law
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| Al Sharpton, Charles Williams, John Conyers |
The protest is scheduled on Martin Luther King Day at Snyder's home in Washtenaw County's Superior Township, near Ann Arbor.
The protesters plan to march Monday afternoon to a gatehouse outside the private subdivision that includes the governor's home.
Sharpton and U.S. Rep. John Conyers talked about the protest Sunday at a news at a Detroit church.
Organizers say the law seems to target mostly black communities. Snyder has said the law isn't racially motivated.
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Activists invoke spirit of MLK
Activists invoke spirit of MLK
King would oppose EM law, pastor says
"I have a Dream" speech debuted in Detroit: Mike Smith, archivist at Wayne State's Walter P. Reuther Library, talks about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic speech at Cobo Arena.
Now 30, Williams plans to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day by following the civil rights icon's example and protesting what he sees as injustice.
The pastor of Detroit's Historic King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church will lead a demonstration today outside the Ann Arbor residence of Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder against Public Act 4. The measure, enacted last year, allows the state to appoint emergency managers to oversee struggling municipalities and school districts.
Williams says the law is an attack on the voting rights of African-Americans, whose communities have been mostly affected by the law. Public Act 4 gives emergency managers broad powers to alter or cancel contracts.
"I believe if Dr. King were alive today, he would not be concerned about chicken dinners and other celebrations," said Williams. "He would be most concerned about the issues of the day."
Williams is among many local young activists who say they were inspired by King and other civil rights leaders to pursue a career of community organizing.
As the nation observes the birthday of the late civil rights leader, renewed focus is being placed on the future of the modern-day civil rights movement and who will take up the mantle of the movement.
For Williams, King's dream of racial equality is one that still requires work and dedication even more than half a century since the beginning of King's career as a civil rights advocate.
"We still have a long way to go," said Williams. "We are not at all in a post-racial era."
Today, numerous marches and other celebrations locally and around the nation will celebrate King's legacy. The federal holiday honoring the slain civil rights leader is observed on the third Monday in January.
King, who would have been 83 on Sunday, was shot to death April 4, 1968, on the balcony of a motel in Memphis, Tenn., by James Earl Ray. King, then 39, had gone to the Southern city in support of striking sanitation workers.
There are more than two dozen local events honoring King today. At Oakland University, the rapper and activist Common will be the keynote speaker at the Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Awards celebration.
Other local young activists such as Ryan Bates said King and others in the Southern civil rights battles of the 1950s and 1960s have spurred their own peaceful protests.
Bates, 28, is the executive director of the Alliance for Immigrants Rights & Reform/Michigan Organizing Project.
"I am inspired and encouraged by the incredible works by the civil rights movement," said Bates. "It shows people can win and justice can be achieved (and) we can do it through hard work and hope."
Bates said the legacy of King and those who worked with him proves "regular people" can do extraordinary things.
"They were sick and tired of being sick and tired," Bates said.
Nadia Tonova said the King legacy and the lessons learned from the modern civil rights movement have helped in her work with local Arab-Americans and Muslims. Tonova, 28, is the director of the National Network of Arab American Communities, a national project of the Dearborn-based ACCESS organization.
"The Arab-American and Muslim communities are facing their own civil rights (battle). Certainly, Dr. King and the African-American community are a huge inspiration in how we move our own movement forward," said Tonova.
The National Network of Arab American Communities is involved in bipartisan voter registration drives and other community projects.
Today, it will bring together local Arab-American and Muslim youngsters to feed Detroiters in need and pass out coats to the poor during A Day of Service. The service event will begin with a rally from 9-11 a.m. at 500 E. Lafayette Blvd.
"The way (Dr. King) really reached out on a grass-roots level and helped people to realize their own power and their own role in making change is something we definitely try to do in our own work," said Tonova.
Veteran labor activist William Lucy marched with King in Memphis to help the sanitation workers get better working conditions and pay through a new labor contract. To him, young activists will help define the future of the civil rights movement.
"The occupy (Wall Street) crowd is playing a big part," said Lucy, 77, who's in town as part of the AFL-CIO's annual "We Are One" King Day observance.
Lucy, also the president of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, said the King legacy is "stronger than ever before."
"People are still very conscious of his ideals and projects," he said.
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