BMORENEWS.com

I was blessed earlier this week to have a conversation with a local political icon whose lifelong body of work has had an impact on the nation. Clarence Mitchell, III, also known as “The Bear”, has been a political godfather to me and countless others for years. His honesty, compassion, and willingness to serve the people are unsurpassed. His love for Baltimore and its people is unparalleled and deserving of many, many accolades.

Clearly, I had to get his thoughts on what is happening on the political scene here in Baltimore. With the mayor, our first African American woman in the top post, under fire for some otherwise petty reasons, the whole climate – in my mind – begs the question of what is happening to black leadership.

With the passing of Delegate Howard “Pete” Rawlings and state Senator Clarence Blount, black political leadership seems terribly absent. Again, in a majority black city like Baltimore, it leaves one wondering just what has happened to black political power.  

NEW DATE: December 7, 2009

Registration: 7:30 a.m.

Program: 8:15 - 11:30 a.m.

Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel

101 West Fayette Street Baltimore, MD 21201

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will have a significant impact on small businesses and on the credit crunch, providing tax incentives and financing opportunities that will help them create jobs.

Declines in SBA lending volume last year, which are continuing in FY 2009, reflect problems in the broader credit markets, and present a significant hurdle to small business seeking credit.  This tightening is due to a variety of factors, including a deteriorating economy, a lack of liquidity in the banking system, the reluctance of many lenders to extend new loans, weaker finances at small businesses, and uncertainty about taking on new debt on the part of many entrepreneurs.

The State's Attorney for Baltimore City, Pat Jessamy, will deliver comments at the March Soiree '09 at the New Baltimore Hilton. RSVP to 443.223.8759.

Born in Hollandale, Mississippi, on July 26, 1948. Jackson State University, B.A. (history & political science), 1970; University of Mississippi School of Law, J.D., 1974.