Polite On Society: Cornel West and Tavis Smiley Discuss American Poverty by Marc W. Polite
(HARLEM - April 29, 2012) - Poverty and what it means in our time is a huge social and political issue. With the Great Recession and the drab economy of the last few years, there is an increased focus on what some see as a widening chasm of inequality. On Friday (4.20.12), Cornel West and Tavis Smiley spoke at Hunter College on poverty and how it is a social problem for America. Promoting their new book The Rich And The Rest of Us, this work is an extension of their poverty tour of Summer 2011.
The two social activists have subtitled their book as a poverty manifesto, and they intend to raise awareness of the depths of the new American reality. According to recent statistics, 150 million Americans are either poor or near poor. Citing how easy it is to fall into poverty, Mr. Smiley noted that those in the middle class who have lost their jobs now comprise part of the new poor. Joining the persistent poor, often referred to as the underclass, and the working poor, its important to see the now broader social dimensions of what was thought of as a marginal problem.
Whether or not one agrees with this focus on poverty or not, it is very interesting to see the political conversation around this in contrast to other issues. One telling thing that Dr. West raised in his part of the presentation is that there seems to be always money found for national defense and building prisons, but none for social programs and education. Expressing support and solidarity for Occupy Wall Street, he railed against oligarchy. With their calls for the political system to focus on this tragic reality, West described himself and Mr. Smiley as ”poverty abolitionists” Indeed a bold declaration, especially in the context of today.
The Bible says that the poor will always be with us. So is it realistic to think that we as a country, or any country can eliminate poverty?
Read more at www.PoliteOnSociety.com
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Fourth Political Mondays :: June 24th @ SOCIETY LOUNGE, SILVER SPRING :: Marc Clarke & Troy Johnson :: Sponsored in-part by www.bmorenews.com:
SOCIETY LOUNGE :: 8229 Georgia Ave Silver Spring, MD 20910 :: (301) 565-8864 :: www.societyss.com
Montgomery County Council, County Exec, House of Delegates, State Senate: All candidates running for office in Montgomery County
are welcome to attend and participate.
Come and tell us why YOU should get OUR vote!
Candidates can RSVP to Marc Clarke:Call 301.728.6695 or email marcclarke@mac.com.
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Frederick Douglass Statue To Represent District at U.S. Capitol - As Douglass Descendants Continue Fight To End Slavery:
Amongst the members of Congress, historians, popular personalities and national press, the descendants of Frederick Douglass will be in attendance during the unveiling ceremony. Nettie Washington Douglass is the Abolitionist’s great great granddaughter as well as the great granddaughter of Tuskegee University Founder and renown educator, Booker T. Washington. She is Chairwoman of Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives (FDFI), an Atlanta-based, non-profit organization dedicated to ending the many forms of slavery that still survive in the world today.
“We are so proud that the Congress of the United States has chosen to honor Frederick Douglass in this way,” said Ms. Douglass. “We especially want to thank Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton of the District of Columbia for her outstanding work on making it a reality.”
Join Us! Gwynn Oak Amusement Park: 50 Years Later :: Sunday, July 7, 2013:
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Pete O'Neal: Documentary on Gwynn Oak Amusement Park 50 Years Later:
Mr. Pete and his wife (Beverly O'Neal) record Black History documentary; Jewish community's involvement
The Rabbi Gilda Ruskin Interview with Doni Glover: Gwynn Oak Amusement Park 50 Years Later:
An interview with a fascinating lady on WOLB 1010 AM's "Empower Hour"
Family Health Fair from Infancy to Elderly on Saturday, July 22, 2012 from 10:00 – 4:00 at the Druid Heights Community Ctr.:
The Druid Heights Community Development Corporation, residents of the Fr. Charles R. Uncles Senior Plaza and Druid Heights invite you to join us for a Family Health Fair from Infancy to Elderly on Saturday, July 22, 2012 from 10:00 – 4:00 at the Druid Heights Community Center – 2140 McCulloh Street @ Gold Street.
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