You Are Invited to a Panel Discussion at National Archives this Thursday

One Hundred Years: From the Emancipation Proclamation to the March on Washington Explore the journey from slavery to freedom between the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation and the 1963 March on Washington. Thursday, April 11, 2013, 7:00 pm National Archives, William G. McGowan Theater 7th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC Metro: Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter John Franklin, Community and Constituent Services, National Museum of African American History and Culture, will moderate a panel discussion about the Emancipation Proclamation and the continuing struggle for freedom, justice, and equality during Reconstruction, as well as the Tilden-Hayes Compromise and Jim Crow laws. Panelists include: C.R. Gibbs, public historian, scholar, and author Clarence Lusane, professor of political science, American University Roger Davidson, professor of history, Coppin State University Frank Smith, director of the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum FREE ADMISSION For more information, visit www.archives.gov, send an email to public.program@nara.gov or call 202.357.5000.

Nearly 400,000 Square-feet! ::: Lonnie G. Bunch at The NMAAHC

Construction photo taken on February 13, 2013. Photo Credit: Michael R. Barnes, Smithsonian,NMAAHC It takes a big space to tell a big story. That’s why the National Museum of African American History and Culture will be nearly 400,000 square feet! As you read these words, the massive excavation effort continues daily at our prime location on the National Mall at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. When the foundation is ready, when the walls have risen, when the 3-tiered corona is in place — we take our place as the newest museum in the world-renowned Smithsonian family. I promise you that the history inside our doors will be as grand, exciting, and powerful as the building itself. As we move the Museum ever closer to its 2015 Grand Opening, I want to be sure you know how much we appreciate your financial support. Our task of raising $250,000 million from private resources and individuals is certainly ambitious. However, I am pleased to report that so far more than 47,800 members and donor share your desire to discover, explore and present the African American experience for visitors from around the world to see and understand. And we are adding more Charter Members every day! Now I am hoping you will continue to help us build this great museum by making a contribution today. We really do need your ongoing support to reach our goal. Together we are building a museum where exhibitions and public programs will inspire and educate future generations. Imagine seeing firsthand a PT-13 Stearman Bi-plane actually used to train Tuskegee pilots … viewing the shawl given to Harriet Tubman by Queen Victoria … or enjoying a music or dance presentation celebrating African American musical and cultural heritage. But before that day arrives in 2015, you and I must ensure that we are doing all we can to bring this new museum to our nation — and the world! So, please, help us meet our goal of $250 million and make your contribution to the Museum now. We truly appreciate it. Thank you. All the best, Lonnie G. Bunch Director P.S. Nearly 400,000-square-feet of power, pain, beauty, triumph and more — that is what Americans and visitors from around the world will find when they walk through doors of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Thank you so much for helping us build this fabulous museum!

The Journey to Emancipation: the Germantown Protest, 1688

Lonnie Bunch, museum director, historian, lecturer, and author, is proud to present A Page from Our American Story, a regular on-line series for Museum supporters. It will showcase individuals and events in the African American experience, placing these stories in the context of a larger story — our American story.A Page From Our American Story“Pray, what thing in the world can be done worse towards us, than if men should rob or steal us away, and sell us for slaves to strange countries; separating housbands (sic) from their wives and children.” — from The Germantown Protest (against slavery). In 1565, the Spanish colony of St. Augustine, in what is now Florida, became the first permanent European settlement in North America. Among the settlement’s population were some of the first enslaved Africans brought to the New World. The first permanent settlement of African slaves in British Colonial North America arrived in Jamestown, Virginia, via a Dutch slave trading ship in 1619. It wasn’t long before the American colonies found themselves economically dependent on slave trading and enslaved labor. Reproduction of the Emancipation Proclamation at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. More than two hundred years later, on January 1, 1863, in the midst of our civil war, Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation would free slaves in the rebellious southern states. The Proclamation, along with the voices and actions of individuals such as Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, William Lloyd Garrison, and others, would ultimately lead to the passage of the 13th Amendment two years later, ending slavery in the United States and freeing nearly four million African Americans. Reaching that milestone, however, was a long, painful, and bloody process. One of the earliest recorded actions toward ending slavery was taken by a small group of Quakers in Germantown, Pennsylvania Colony, in 1688. Before slavery truly became institutionalized in the colonies, some Africans were sometimes treated more like indentured servants who were freed once their service ended or debt had been paid, a practice employed at times by various early Dutch and Spanish explorers and settlers. However, this changed dramatically in 1641 when Massachusetts became the first British mainland colony to legalize slavery. From that time forward, colonial slave laws became more restrictive, further codifying the institution. Not everyone was blind to slavery’s immorality. Although slavery played a major role in the economy of colonial Rhode Island, there were some who tried to temper the practice with a 1652 law that placed restrictions on slave owning and prohibited enslavement of any person for more than 10 years. However, the effect was limited. Slave holders simply sold anyone nearing the deadline and took ownership of new slaves, thus continuing the cycle. Bas-relief portrait of Francis Daniel Pastorius, c. 1897. From the Library of Congress. In 1688, Francis Daniel Pastorius, and three of his fellow Quakers, drafted the first, formal anti-slavery resolution in America. The resolution raised objections to slavery on both moral and practical grounds during a period when Pennsylvania Quakers were nearly unanimous in their acceptance of the practice. The decree is referred to as “The Germantown Protest,” or “1688 Germantown Quaker Petition Against Slavery.” It articulated themes of justice and equality that would be echoed throughout the long, painful period of slavery in America. The authors’ premise was based on the biblical “Golden Rule” — treat others as you wish to be treated. Additionally, the authors recognized that colonial slave treatment mirrored the persecution Quakers had seen in Europe, and, to an extent, in the colonies. “There is a saying, that we should do to all men like as we will be done ourselves; making no difference of what generation, descent, or colour (sic) they are… To bring men hither [to America], or to rob and sell them against their will, we stand against.” Sadly, “The Germantown Protest” did not spark a significant change in the Americas against slavery. Even within Quaker communities the declaration was ignored, at least initially. But a seed had been planted. A belief shared silently by many was given voice. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. While it is tempting to view the Proclamation solely through the lens of Civil War events, in order to grasp the full context and importance of Lincoln’s decision, we must examine the issue of slavery in the North American colonies from its beginnings. From the Spanish colony in St. Augustine, to the first Dutch ship sailing into Jamestown, and to the Civil War waged to end it, slavery was a 300-plus year institution in America, leaving scars, fortunes, and repercussions we deal with still today. All the best, Lonnie Bunch Director   P.S. We can only reach our $250 million goal with your help. I hope you will consider making a donation or becoming a Charter Member today.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is

The President and First Lady Extend a Holiday Greeting and Thank our Troops for their Service

Weekly Address: The President and First Lady Extend a Holiday Greeting and Thank our Troops for their Service
In this week’s address, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, and thank our brave troops and their families for their service. The President and First Lady ask the American people to visit JoiningForces.gov to find ways to honor and support our veterans and military families, and say that we must all come together, as we always do, to care for each other during this holiday season.
Watch President Obama’s weekly address.
Weekly Wrap Up

On Sunday, President Obama traveled to Newtown, CT, and spoke at an interfaith vigil for the victims of the shooting and their families. “We can’t tolerate this anymore. These tragedies must end. And to end them, we must change,” he said. “We will be told that the causes of such violence are complex, and that is true. No single law — no set of laws can eliminate evil from the world, or prevent every senseless act of violence in our society. But that can’t be an excuse for inaction.”
On Monday, we published a list of resources specifically designed for parents and guardians to provide guidance on talking to children after a traumatic event. Get more information here.
On Wednesday, the President delivered a statement from the James S. Brady Briefing Room at the White House, where he discussed his commitment to reducing the epidemic of gun violence that plagues this country every single day. “We know this is a complex issue that stirs deeply held passions and political divides,” he said. “There’s no law or set of laws that can prevent every senseless act of violence in our society. We’re going to need to work on making access to mental health care at least as easy as access to a gun. We’re going to need to look more closely at a culture that all too often glorifies guns and violence. And any actions we must take must begin inside the home and inside our hearts. But the fact that this problem is complex can no longer be an excuse for doing nothing.”
On Friday, President Obama recorded a message for the hundreds of thousands of Americans who called for action to deter mass shootings and reduce gun violence using We the People. “I just wanted to take a minute today to respond and let you know: we hear you,” he said. The President reiterated his support for legislation to ban the sale of military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition clips, as well as measure to ensure that criminals can’t take advantage of legal loopholes to get their hands on a gun. He also discussed an effort he’s asked Vice President Biden to lead — to come up with a comprehensive set of proposals to help keep our children safe.

Attitudes about Middle/Lower class & the Poor … on Christmas eve

just another rant, but not exactly mine

While annoying attitudes about the Middle/Lower Class and the Poor linger we must all press on … educate motivate and recruit potential voters to put better Representatives for the People in Congress in 2013 – 2014 … not to mention better Governors; all of whom should do the People’s Business not for a small group of benefactors !

HIM:

In January of 2009, Joe Biden said the middle class was left out of the last economic boom in America and now suffer because of it and President Obama supposedly initiated a task force to improve the quality of life for the American Middle Class. ** Many such comments have been made by several administrations over the last several decades.

I think the best advice is not to impose federal programs/regulations that work toward transforming the middle class into the rest of a society that denies itself nothing regardless of the ability to pay for it. To truly help the middle class, start by reducing and limiting federal subsidies for the less fortunate and completely eliminate them for the lazy. At the same time scrap tax & investment programs only the upper crust can take advantage of. Reward fiscal responsibility by leveling the playing field (make the words “equal opportunity” mean something again).

Promote individual responsibility to mortgage only what can be repaid, applaud the ability to recognize the difference and put on a pedestal the integrity to put both in play.

Government cannot create jobs or wealth. You have seen first hand how command economies have run the rest of the planet into the ground while America became the envy of the world. What’s happened to us is corruption. Corruption with the size and scope to turn Freedom and Liberty asunder.

Harry, I am the Middle Class…. but it’s not a measure of my wealth – rather it’s a mind-set and it’s what’s in my heart. I rarely think about being rich because deep down inside I do believe it’s not possible to get that way without at some point wrongfully taking advantage of others and/or breaking the rules BUT I DON’T WANT TO BE POOR EITHER FOR EXACTLY THE SAME REASON. I don’t want to lead… I don’t want to follow…. I don’t want anything to do with politics. All I want is to be left alone to peaceably be responsible for myself and no-one else unless I see fit and I despise the desires of government to treat me otherwise. I am not your enemy nor am I an enemy of anyone… however you Sir, have proven a thousand times over to be mine.

ME:

I read and re-read your comment and while I believe what VP Joe Biden said is true; it is obvious that you do not and if I may take it even farther you sound like a Ron Paul supporter who I feel… let me say that again … whom I feel is an isolationist deep down and some other things that really have no place here.  I believe, the government is there when the People cannot do for themselves and if you have watched listened and heard what happened while George Bush was President you might side with me though he did prove without a doubt, he had absolutely no control of the government.  The idea that “he and his people”  waged 2Wars 2huge Tax cuts without a pay for then decided to wait until the very last-minute as Americans prepared to vote in 2008 Presidential election to let us know quite vaguely that our economy was at risk. I know I was not alone -wondering and sensing something was wrong and while Hank Paulson held several pressers telling everyone that we need $$ because our Countries economic stability was about to collapse or was and that taxpayers had to help the banks etc. because they were too big to fail and we cannot tell you how the money will be used or how much -which really meant that the Private Sector had done something and it wasn’t good.  The damage done need government intervention … maybe not the way Hank Paulson& George Bush handled it but the tangled weave woven of our monetary system is not only a national problem but an international one which is still at risk  … you may not have felt it …I did …my state government started laying off people and while it was not given a lot of PR … I have to say way too many co-workers working for the state lost half if not more of their 401S ….and the climb up was slow . The House of Bush lost its credibility by waging 2Wars and giving his rich friends 2 tax cuts and a lack of regulation by an unqualified 8yr tenure of spending …This could not have been recalibrated by the market or private sector … because they were the problem right they didn’t figure it in … bankers etc. org like country wide did some awful things and that dragged not just the middle class it managed to create ”the new working poor” unable to pay their housing mortgages …and though folks in the know say people should not have gotten into loans they could not afford a lot more to that story than meets the eye… BofA knows and so does country wide … Sir, there are at least 300 million people in the US of A and the Government thank goodness is there to take up where others cannot …I like and want FEMA,FDA regulations regulating food,FAA, the dirty air and water available for ALL Americans because I know I cannot regulate these things.  I am happy our Government takes care of those things and let us not leave out Teachers, Firefighters, EMTS or the Police … all usually government jobs. I am not a States Rights believer. I still cannot believe any state would and should privatize such important jobs …and to know that in this yr. of 2011,people who don’t or cannot pay for the protection of their homes or belongings gets absolutely no service while their house burns down is far beyond my understanding of any libertarian ideology and as far as corruption? I still feel like America got raped by our fellow Americans by the financial system and those JOB Creators the banksters abused their power and while VP Biden is your enemy he and President Obama has been our savior in my eyes. The governing body has had to put aside the status quo for trying something new, pushing, promoting a balanced call to action … Unfortunately, the status quo is far more acceptable than doing the right thing … We can all see that by tuning into the rhetoric from Republicans and the Tea party who just tried to take our economy and our Democracy down again. I am certain that we are our brothers keepers and with the right balance….

Capitalism will live on, hopefully in lower case c; If we have learned anything it is that absolute power can create absolute corruption …like banksters and anyone affiliated should be warned and our future better when the proper amount of regulations are implemented … so that AIG, BP, the Massey mine and disaster like it are regulated …and the keystone pipeline as well. I believe we need a Congress that is concerned about our fiscal issues but who don’t forget the past and the damage done … Republicans seem bent on the status quo and VP Biden and President Obama want ALL Americans to do well- I support that. It is all about balance … just think if in President Obama’s first few months or 2yrs in, Congress had acted for the good of ALL Americans instead of Republicans deciding to take the President down, or those blue dogs and yes some clintonites held grudges …imagine if all these members of Congress had done what we taxpayers actually pay them to do – put People over Profit, Country over Political Party. No task forces no filibusters no personal BS – I wager more regulation but balanced and a respect for the People’s vote in 2008- I do not live in an isolationist country though we all have the right to privacy. I would say that income inequality, racism, the war waged on worker and women’s rights are the enemy of mine

HIM:

Submitted on 2011/12/24 at 3:01 PM

No, quite the contrary…. the middle class has indeed been kicked in the teeth for nearly 5 decades. Year after year, decade after decade the middle class has lost ground to the wealthy and yet forced to pay more for the poor because government tries to feed, clothe and house them yet at the same time turns it’s back on corrupt manipulation of the economy. Both sides of the political aisle in the US have been equally vile and corrupt for a long long time. Until we address this and rid ourselves of it, we will never be able to right ourselves. Arguing Democrat vs Republican nonsense is just the rhetoric used to feed the fire… to keep your focus off all the criminal intent between Washington and business. There’s nothing wrong with honest Democrat/Republican doctrine/values. What’s going on today has little to do with with either and it’s time we grow up… face it…. and do something about it.

There are plenty of laws to provide for a decent and civil society as long as we are willing to enforce them. The problem today with asking our government to capture and punish the bad guys is that many in government ARE the bad guys. USA Today reports that 57 members of Congress are included in the top 1% of the wealthiest Americans. In fact the report says that in all, Congress holds 249 millionaires. Interesting that both Republicans and Democrats pretty evenly make up the list and gee what a surprise to find out that most of them amassed their wealth after taking office. We know these guys are all just astute investors/businessmen because they’ve told us so. There’s no taking advantage of non-public market information going on in Washington. This is America – remember…. the land of equal opportunity for all who are willing to work.

ME:

Submitted on 2011/12/24 at 4:28 PM | In reply to

Well, having read this response means you really did not read mine. I was agreeing that the Middle Class has suffered for quite some time. If I remember, you are against task forces to remedy the issue. I believe we agree on some of the issues but clearly disagree at how those issues can and should be dealt with.

I lean left. I believe that I am my brother’s keeper and as a person of colour it is in my own best interest to make sure that not only are minorities treated like others … with respect, equality and access to all the same opportunities to move up because it makes America an even better place and as far as Democratic or Republican rhetoric? there is a stark difference … getting money out of Washington if that is your main interest means starting on the local level. The status quo pays but it starts in your State where the best or most promising get courted. I have no problem with the idea …”getting money out of Washington” what I do take issue with is how folks act like it just started and blame President Obama for the ills of at least 20yrs of destruction having come to bear on his watch. I am upset Bush was allowed to skate without so much as a question … when did the bs really start ,why didn’t you implement a pay for the 2Wars waged 2Bush Bonus dollars . I read your comment …my question is … did you feel this much about it for the nearly 5 decades you state we have been kicked in the teeth for? I watch various pundits on cable yelling screaming and then blame the Obama Admin …where were they during the House of Bush… and unlike some I have no problem with that 1-2% of self-made million/billionaires who have tried to give back I do take issues with the Cantor, Boehner and McConnell’s clearly having a positive upward agenda for the 1-2% but not for the Mid-lower classes …like I said I have no problem with capitalism with a small c. I agree Congress is sometimes vile, greedy and speaks for the 1% … but that is usually when Republicans are out of control like Bush. I support President Obama but am not very happy with conservadems , conservative members of Congress , Tea Party members or Republican Governors throwing us under the bus – Ask a Republican … what kind of an America are they trying to move us into when they live ,love and push income inequality … class warfare – and just so you know … folks are willing to work yet those JOB Creators keep offshoring jobs making life unequal as more opportunities dry up.

HIM: I have no further comment other than to wish you a Merry Christmas.

ME: Thank You … and A Happy New Year to you …

Season’s Greetings : Donna De La Cruz, Reform Immigration FOR America

2012 is nearly over, and what a year it has been.

In the same year that we saw devastating levels of deportation and even more families torn apart, we also saw the White House issue administrative relief for DREAMers, and immigrant rights voters reelect the President on a mandate of finally passing immigration reform.

The President got the message—and so did Congress.

We must seize this moment. Humane, comprehensive reform is just on the horizon and the only way we will ensure that it becomes reality is by holding our leaders in Congress and in the White House accountable.

Help build our strength for 2013: Send a holiday greeting card to five friends asking them to join our movement.

Ask family and friends to take part in the fight to pass real reform that creates a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented Americans.

If we all take action to build our strength, we can make sure that by this time next year we will have the reform we’ve been fighting for. Send a card to your friends and family today!

Thank you, and Happy Holidays,

Donna De La Cruz Reform Immigration FOR America

P.S. If we each invite one more person to join in, we will increase the power of our movement by over one million people. Send a card today!

NMAAHC

As we gather with family and friends to share old memories and make new ones, everyone at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture wishes you and yours the happiest of holidays.We also offer our prayers and hopes for good health and prosperity for the New Year. Since we broke ground in February of this year, the construction at our site is proceeding full-steam ahead. In early 2013, the steel will start to rise,forever changing the landscape of the National Mall in Washington, DC. In the days ahead I promise to keep you fully informed of our progress. Finally, let me thank you for the support and commitment you have made to the Museum. You helped make 2012 a truly exciting year. I believe 2013 will surpass it, as together we speed toward the Museum’s grand opening in 2015. Thank you again. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! All the best, Lonnie Bunch Director

Protect BC,Canada Sacred Headwaters :: More than 1/2 Nation’s Produce goes to Waste

Success! Shell Blocked from the Sacred Headwaters in BC, Canada                                     For approximately ten years, activists have diligently worked to protect British Columbia’s Sacred Headwaters. In order to prevent oil corporation Royal… read more 5 Reasons That More Than Half of the Nation’s Produce Goes to Waste                                     I hate wasting food. I’m one of those moms who’s made a habit of assembling complete meals for myself out of my kids’ leftovers. As a… read more

Support : NMAAHC

I want to thank you for making 2012 an exciting year of progress for the Museum. It has been a busy, productive year. Our critically acclaimed new exhibition, Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: Paradox of Liberty, was enjoyed by tens of thousands of visitors. Our collections now number more than 19,000 historic objects and artifacts — and still growing! And since the membership program began in August 2009, more than 42,000 people throughout the nation — and around the world! — have joined in support of building the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Of course, the biggest event over the past 12 months was our groundbreaking in February. It was marked by a special ceremony attended by President and Mrs. Obama, and featured speeches by the President and other dignitaries. This event stands as one of our major milestones and accomplishments thus far. Today, our future site on the National Mall is a hive of activity. The bulldozers, backhoes and other construction equipment are drawing a lot of attention from people visiting the Capitol, the national monuments, and the museums that line the Mall. I cannot begin to tell you how excited we are knowing that in 2015, the National Museum of African American History and Culture will open its doors and take its place among the great family of Smithsonian institutions — provided we continue to progress on schedule. Your support is vital to the Museum. Now, before we ring in the New Year, I hope you will consider making a special year-end contribution and help ensure we stay on schedule. Remember, your gift is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law — so, while you are helping the Museum, you are benefiting with a tax deduction, too. You may want to consider becoming a Charter Member, if you have not done so already — it is a great program with some nice premiums. Regardless, however, we are genuinely grateful for your support and contribution to the Museum! Let me take this opportunity to wish you and yours all the best in the coming year. Thank you for your kind generosity to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture — and for making this dream a reality. Sincerely, Adrienne C. Brooks Director of Development

P.S. Please take a moment right now and make a tax-deductible contribution to help build our Museum. If you are not already a Charter Member, you can join right now. Or you can simply support the Museum with a generous contribution. Either way, we truly appreciate your commitment. Thank you once again.

a Message from Lilly Ledbetter

 

Join Me in Supporting the Center           Lilly Ledbetter with NWLC Co-Presidents Marcia Greenberger and Nancy Duff Campbell           Make a generous donation today — your gift will be doubled.                     You know my story: in almost twenty years of managing employees for a major company, I was paid far less than my male counterparts despite doing the same job. When I turned to the legal system for help, my case made it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court… where the Court (by a 5-4 vote) dismissed it on a technicality. But that wasn’t the end. Far from it! Joined by the National Women’s Law Center, I fought to change the law and make it easier for those of us who were the victims of pay discrimination to have our cases heard. And, I was deeply honored that the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act was the first major piece of legislation President Barack Obama signed in 2009. The Center was with me through those tough times. Its lawyers filed an important amicus brief in the courts, testified before Congress, advocated for the legislation, and were leaders of the coalition effort that finally got the bill passed in Congress and signed by President Obama. They were by my side when I needed them, from the Supreme Court to the White House! Will you stand by the Center’s side when it needs you now? Please donate $10 or more to support the Center’s work on fair pay and so many other issues vital to women and their families — thanks to a dollar-for-dollar match from the Center’s Board and Leadership 35 Committee, your gift will be doubled (to a total of $150,000). The Ledbetter Act was a step in the right direction, but we still have so far to go: even in 2012, a woman in the United States of America makes only 77 cents for every dollar paid to her male counterparts doing the same job. This situation simply isn’t right, and passing a comprehensive Paycheck Fairness Act is something we MUST do. I’m not stopping the fight, and neither is the National Women’s Law Center. Will you help? Please donate $10 or more to support the Center’s work on fair pay and so many other issues vital to women and their families. I am deeply grateful to the Center staff for all that they’ve done so far, and I know that they’re committed to seeing the struggle through to the end — when we’ll win. I hope you’ll continue to support the Center’s work to expand opportunities for women and their families. Please make a generous donation today — thanks to the dollar-for-dollar match, your gift will go twice as far. Thank you! Sincerely,   Lilly Ledbetter