Blog
October 20, 2009
A Great New Article on CUNY Leadership Academy
CUNY Matters, the City University of New York news, published a great article that focuses on our Fellows Program. They highlight a few of this year's Fellows, but if they had space they could have written other great pieces on each and every Fellow - they are a remarkable group of students.
Click here to read Nurturing Students Who Take the Lead
October 3, 2009
Verizon Grant to Fund 25 Scholarships for CUNY Leadership Academy Fellows
At our Annual Opening Ceremony & Reception for the CUNY Leadership Academy, this year’s Fellows were surprised when Theresa Torres from Verizon announced that the Verizon Foundation would provide each of them with $5,000 scholarships. Click here for the Verizon Press Release.
I met Theresa Torres, Director of Diversity & Employee Experience at Verizon, through the Association of Latino Professionals in Accounting & Finance (ALPFA). ALPFA is a great organization that we are partnering with to create a number of opportunities for CUNY students. Theresa became an extraordinary advocate within Verizon and with the Verizon Foundation, working tirelessly to make possible this incredible grant of $125,000 to support our students.
The event was a truly humbling experience for me, and an important one. It was humbling just to see the leaders that were there in the room. The highest levels of leadership at CUNY were there; including Chancellor Goldstein, Senior Vice Chancellor Jay Hershenson, my new boss (Interim) Vice Chancellor Peter Jordan, and two members of the CUNY Board of Trustees as well; Vice Chair Philip Berry (our awesome keynote speaker) and Freida Foster-Tolbert.
Also in the room were a number of my extraordinary peers in Student Affairs and Leadership Development from across CUNY – VP’s, Directors, faculty and so on. Alberto Flores from Deloitte, who is a strong leader within ALPFA, was among many important community leaders and political insiders that were also in the mix. They have all been incredibly supportive, and are remarkable leaders at CUNY and beyond – and anyone that knows me knows I wouldn’t say that if I didn’t mean it.
So just being in the presence of folks that I know to be such strong leaders was humbling. Forgetting my notes, getting the worst case of stage-fright I’ve had in 20 years, and having issues with the Power Point Presentation certainly humbled me further. You would think that after all of the speaking engagements I’ve done that I would have been fine in front of a group smaller than many classes I’ve taught. Like I said, it was humbling.
At the end of the day though, of course, it wasn’t about me and my fumbling about at the podium. It was about our great students and their potential to develop into positive global leaders.
It meant a lot to our new Fellows to hear so many established leaders say that they are impressed and excited about them; to know that we had worked so hard to get them scholarships to make it easier for them to fully engage in the Fellows Program, and of course to hear from Theresa that Verizon was proud to sponsor their scholarships.
So, I am grateful to Theresa Torres, Verizon, and the Verizon Foundation. I am also grateful for the support and guidance that we got from the Invest in CUNY office, and for the work of our grant writer Toby Newman. I’m always grateful for the professionalism of my team; their work is what is putting the Academy on the map. Finally, and most importantly, I am grateful for the alumni of the program. The alumni bios were used to illustrate the quality of our Fellows, and that was the most critical information in our grant proposal. Thank you all.
Onward and upward – our next event is today. Our Fellows will engage in a day-long workshop on innovation with the Medici Group. The Medici Group, which is the team that grew out of the book The Medici Effect, has a high level interactive experience focused on diversity and innovation planned for them. The goal for the day is for the Fellows to determine what they will do as a major community service project for the year. It should be interesting.
September 9, 2009
Aversive Racism a Silent Factor in Anti-Obama “Outrage”
When we were campaigning for Barack Obama, two things were obvious. Race was a major factor, and it was important that it not become the issue if he were going to win the election. Candidate Obama, the smart politician, recognized this and played the game – and won. What he won, in addition to the Presidency, was the opportunity to be the biggest target for racist “opposition” on the planet.
To be clear, I’m not saying that everyone that opposes President Obama and/or his initiatives is racist. So for anyone who tightened up already, I’m not saying that. I am saying that racist opposition is playing a significant role in the current political discourse in the United States.
Of course we have more than our share of overtly racist Americans who are aware and proud of their racist views, but they are a small minority of who we are as a nation. I’m not referring to those, frankly, stupid people. We always have to factor in a small percentage of idiots whose arrogant ignorance manifests itself in white robes, swastikas, and acts of hatred.
Far more common are aversive racists. Aversive racism, a term coined and concept studied by Dovidio and Gaertner, describes those people who both publicly and privately ascribe to non-racist views, and believe themselves not to be racist, but whose racism manifests whenever they can explain it away as something else. In other terms, aversive racism is a sort of passive-aggressive form of racism that is often unconscious.
There are many studies on the subject, so I won’t ramble on about the examples of classroom manifestations, the debate on Affirmative Action, or emergency responses to people in need. There are many “Google-able” and scholarly articles on the topic. A current example of this is how some white folks continue to question President Obama's citizenship.
I do want to point out the role that aversive racism is playing in the vitriolic reactions that many white Americans are having, and openly expressing, over President Obama’s efforts to reform healthcare. I understand the passion that the discussion of healthcare evokes. Even for those of us who have “very good” health insurance, there are absolutely inexcusable practices by insurance companies that can easily boil the blood in the most mild mannered of us. So, it is not the passion in general that points toward aversive racism.
Healthcare has been, to some degree, a benefit of white privilege. However, insurance companies have wronged white Americans as well as Americans of color. Many of the white folks who are protesting most vehemently have experienced the ugliest side of our current healthcare system. So, you would think, that they would be in favor of reform.
For some, it is not the idea of reform that is the problem, it is who they see leading the charge on reform. The (often unconscious) fear of the loss of privilege is real, and a trigger for aversive racism. In this case, the fear stems from seeing a Black man, our President, making decisions on this reform. The fear is that the President may take away some of their privilege by making healthcare available to everyone. So, rather than focusing on how reform may improve their own family’s healthcare by doing away with the “pre-existing condition” clause for example, some folks are blinded by their fear that what they have experienced as a lousy system even for those with white privilege may actually get worse if the resources have to be shared in a more equitable manner.
Many Americans have experienced poor healthcare facilities, decisions made by insurance companies based on cost rather than medical advice, and in many cases financial ruin due to the way that for-profit insurance companies are allowed to treat the chronic illness of one or more members of a family. My family, in fact, is in serious financial trouble. Not by any fault of our own, but because of the extremely high cost of health insurance as well as healthcare and prescription drugs that are not covered by health insurance.
I will admit to being extremely angry with our current system, and with my parents’ insurance provider in particular. I understand and share this anger with many Americans. Unfortunately, distortions and coded language is being used to scare people and misdirect their anger toward the President. These scare tactics, in many cases, are designed to trigger the aversive racism that hides under the surface of too many of our white brothers and sisters. This misdirected anger has become a factor, and is manifesting itself as anti-reform outrage that is more about who our President is than what he is proposing.
As the wealthiest and most powerful nation on Earth, and the best effort at democracy that the planet has known, it is a disgrace that so many of us are without health insurance, dropped by insurance companies, or denied insurance.
We are talking about real people’s lives, real people’s suffering, and real people’s deaths. We are talking about all of us, and all of our loved ones. People are talking about many of the hang-ups that are interfering with progress; aversive racism is just one of many. Others include extreme partisanism, fear of change in general, fundamentalist capitalism, powerful lobbies, and more concern about re-election than progress. In my opinion, we should be conscious of all of the issues that keep us from an honest dialogue because our health as individuals, and as a nation, are important.
I believe that we are all capable of doing better. It will take leadership, on both sides of the aisle and by each of us as citizens.
August 30, 2009
The wedding was simple, kinda funny, and we both said "I do." Actually, Kecia said, "Yes" until she realized that the judge was waiting for an actual "I do." There were a few funny interruptions, but I won't call anyone out.
We got married at a courthouse, with our mothers, brothers, and a few of Kecia's family and friends. It was quick; the whole thing probably took about 15 minutes. Most importantly is was us.
The honeymoon was great, we had so much fun. We even had a "honeymoon mascot!" Now how many folks can say that? I'll admit, it was my idea, but check out "Big Blue, the honeymoon mascot" - you gotta love him! (see below).
We went to Montego Bay, Jamaica for the first time. We stayed at a fancy resort, had a private spot on the beach, and even had butler service. We didn't really know what to do with the butlers, but they were cool. They would leave rose petals all over the bed, or make a surprise bubble bath, or set up dinner on the beach. It was very relaxing and all "romantical" as I like to say.
The most important thing for me is that we had fun and made a formal commitment with our families' blessings.
My family loves Kecia. Dad never used to say anything about anyone I was dating, until after it was over. It was different with Kecia though. He fell in love. He told me, "I know I never say anything, but you're an idiot if you don't marry this one." Gradma said, "Now she's a keeper," after spending time looking at old pictures with her and "talking story" as my friend Cathy would say. Mom is so happy, and said that she finally has the daughter that she's always wanted. And B-J even calls her "sis," and his boys are excited that they can now "officially" call her Auntie Kecia.
My friends love Kecia too, even the friends that don't actually like each other. Many of my friends and mentors have become family to me, and it has been unanimous. And now, Kecia is family too. I know it sounds cliché, but I feel like a very lucky man.
So, here we go. A new chapter in life - married life. Should be interesting.
Oh, and to answer the big question...click here for some pictures.
July 1, 2009
Wedding Announcement & Website
It is with great joy that I announce that I will be marrying Ms. Kecia Chivonne Brown on August 6th, 2009 in a civil ceremony in her hometown, Los Angeles, CA.
Mom is excited and proud, and I know Dad would be too. They both love Kecia like a daughter. Although Dad wouldn't be as interested in the actual wedding (he was never a fan of weddings), I know he would be happy. He even helped me plan the proposal.
You can view our Announcement online, and visit our Wedding website as well.
April 15, 2009
Launch of the CUNY Leadership Academy Website
It has been just over a year since I joined the City University of New York (CUNY), and I can honestly say that I have grown to love CUNY. If you had asked me about CUNY a little more than a year ago, the best I would have been able to do is name a few of the colleges - Hunter, City College, Brooklyn College, and maybe a couple others.
Today I know that the 23 institutions of higher education that make up CUNY all have a distinct character all their own. Each shares the overall CUNY mission, but takes it on in different ways. From the students to the faculty, the local communities to the administrations, they each represent the best of higher education.
The CUNY Leadership Academy (CLA) has begun to develop its own character, its own place among the giants of CUNY institutions. The three areas that I had hoped would become the foundation of the Academy - Service, Advocacy, and Leadership - have manifest in our three programs: The CLA Fellows Program, the CUNY Ambassadors Program, and the new and exciting CUNY Corps.
Although website cannot capture the full range and depth of an institution, it is important because it is often the first place that people go to learn about it. I'm excited about the new website. I think that Jessica Perilla and her team at Jessica Perilla Design did a great job designing the site, and I think it begins to capture a snapshot of who we are and what the Academy is about. So, I invite you to check out the new CUNY Leadership Academy website!
There is a lot going on at the CUNY Leadership Academy, so check out the new website and get involved. If you are a CUNY student, faculty or staff member, we need volunteers, participants, mentors, and your ideas. Even if you have no affiliation to CUNY, we need your involvement as well. We need partners, donors, and your wisdom. Please, don't hesitate to get involved.
Of course, I have a million ideas for how we can improve the site already! So, please check back often. And don't forget to check out the Academy on the Web section to see us on Facebook, Linked In, LibraryThing, Picasa, and our online store at Cafe Press!
April 8, 2009
CONGRATULATIONS, Dr. Stuart C. Lord, President of Naropa University
Today my great friend and mentor, Stuart Lord,was appointed as the new President of Naropa University. The last time I saw Stuart we were on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. awaiting the Inauguration of Barack Obama as President of the United States. While we were trying to find my fiancee Kecia, who said she'd be right back an hour ago, we spoke about Naropa University. He was excited about the possibility of joining the Naropa community as their next President.
This evening, as I listened to Stuart talk about the day, I couldn't help but share in his excitement as the possibility has become reality. What a great day!
I've known Dr. Lord for a number of years now, and I know him to be a man of great integrity and vision. He is one of those exceptional folks. One of those people that you know is going to have an impact on your life the moment you meet him.
In addition to being an inspirational friend and mentor, Stuart has an extraordinary ability to lead an institution toward realizing its greatest potential. As I read his inaugural speech online I found myself nodding my head, responding to his words, and feeling excited about Naropa University. Although I had honestly never heard of Naropa before, now I can't wait to visit and get to know the people that have so deeply impressed my friend.
Congratulations Stuart, and congratulations to the Naropa University community. I can't wait to see what wonderful contributions you'll make to our world together.
Read more and view pictures on the Naropa University website.
March 1, 2009
Leadership Education at CUNY
The City University of New York (CUNY) has a rich history of producing leaders. Each of the colleges has a list of alumni who have gone on to become well known in their academic fields, in business, and in politics. Although CUNY's list is impressive, it is not altogether unique.
Over the past couple of decade or so, colleges and universities have been working to develop leadership programs in order to take a more developmental approach to teaching leadership. What is unique at CUNY is the ways the University approaches
January 17, 2009
Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama
We are headed for Washington, D.C. today. We'll be meeting about 50 students, and a number of staff, from the City University of New York (CUNY) including the CUNY Leadership Academy Fellows. We will be there. We will be there for that moment when Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States and makes his way from the Capitol to the Presidential Residence.
I'll also be attending the HBCU Inaugural Ball the night before the big event (Monday, 19th). We hope to see you there as we celebrate the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday and the Inauguration of Barack Obama together.
December 6, 2008
In Memorium - Dad
Raymond J. "Mike" McManus, my Dad, passed on September 24th. Dad taught me how to be a man, about the importance of family, about entrepreneurship, and not to be afraid to lead. Of course these are only the things that come to mind at the moment. I have always been blessed to have a great relationship with both my Mom and Dad, and they have guided me every day of my life. 
I could write for days about my Dad. I miss him far more than I know how to put into words. More than anything, I miss our chats. Whether we were taking a ride, sitting on the couch watching tv, working in the garden, out on the pond, at a game, or talking on the phone nearly every night, I always looked forward to our chats and honestly appreciated every moment.
There would be a lot for us to chat about today, there always was actually. I would have loved to have been able to have watched Barack Obama's election night speech together. He would have great insights about the economic issues that we are facing, and the advice I need during these challenging financial times. He'd also be happy to know that Kecia and I are engaged. Mom helped me design the ring, and Dad and I conspired on how I would propose. I did it the way we'd planned. He would have loved to have heard how Kecia freaked out when I got on my knee at the land by the pond. They would have celebrated together.
Dad had been fighting Cancer, Ulcerative Colitis, liver disease, and so many other health challenges for so long that I was always worried about losing him. One might think that I might have been prepared, but I wasn't. I don't think I could have ever been prepared to handle such a profound loss. Everyone that knows me, knows that my family is always first with me and that for me that isn't just something that I say, it is how I live. I've never been able to handle losing anyone I love, especially family.
I wish that everyone could have known my Dad. He was a great man, with a huge heart. Dad was truly his parents' son. Hard working, caring, a critical thinker, incredibly smart, and focused on family. He was my Dad, my friend, my coach, my mentor, and the man I've always wanted to impress and emulate.
This is so difficult to write, but I've promised folks I'd write something. There is no way to capture how much I love Dad in writing. I promised him that I would one day write a book, and I hope to write it about my family. The challenge, and what scares me about taking on that responsibility, is that when it comes to writing about my family I always feel inadequate. How do you write something that does justice to the most beautiful people you have ever known?
Dad had taken to saying, "Have fun" in place of saying goodbye over the last few years. He and Mom were always working, and Mom is still working. We always had fun working together, maybe because we can usually chat while working. He didn't want me, or anyone, to work to the exclusion of fun though. Work can be fun, but he also wanted us to learn that it is important to take time to have fun outside work, with family and friends.
One thing that Dad helped me with was living through great loss. When my brother Kacey passed, Dad knew that I needed time away and he made it happen. He helped me understand that what is important is honoring those that have passed by loving those that are still with us.
Dad taught me everything from basketball to business. He inspired me to study, travel, and try to change the world. We had fun.
I hope that Dad is with Kacey, Grandma, Grandpa, and all of the family and friends that passed before him. I hope they are having fun.
August 28, 2008
Yes!
Tonight was historic. On the 45th anniversary of the March on Washington and the pivotal moment in our history when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered the "I have a dream" speech, we have nominated Barack Obama as the nominee for President of the United States of America. A U.S. American leader of the highest caliber, and the first person of African descent - the first in so many ways.
The text messages were flying after Obama spoke. I called Dad. He had just returned from the hospital, and missed the speech. He wanted to hear all about it. He put it in perspective for me; the world hasn't changed, but this is a turning point, an important moment in global history.
Red, blue, or otherwise; across all of our lines; tonight marks a moment for which we all should be proud. We cannot lose focus on our great need for progressive change toward our collective dream of living up to the yet to be realized American promise. We can however recognize the real step forward that we are currently taking as a nation. However lofty this may sound, especially coming from me - as cynical as I can be - I truly believe that we are taking an important step as a nation. I hope this will help us to hit a real stride, toward a future of unity, equity, and justice.
We can lead. Tonight my thoughts are darting back and forth from embracing the moment and hoping for a better future to appreciating the literally millions of people who struggled to lead us here and wishing that my brother Kacey, my Grandma and Grandpa, my friend Marvin, and so many other loved ones that have passed on were here to take in this moment with us.
Tonight was historic and I feel excited that another historic day is coming soon.
June 21, 2008
The CUNY Leadership Academy
It has been less than five months since I started my new job as head of The Leadership Academy at the City University of New York (CUNY), but it has already been quite a ride. There was a lot of work done before I showed up for my first day at the Central Office, that's for sure. And since I started, it has been non-stop. I still haven't made it to all of the Colleges that make CUNY the largest urban university system in the US, but I have been doing my best; learning the city, and the subway, in the process.
What is most amazing to me, and those that know me, is that I’m still excited about my job. I haven't enjoyed working anywhere this much since my years teaching at Florida A&M University. I always love working with students, but the bonus is that I actually respect my boss, enjoy my co-workers, and get energized doing my job and even just talking about the Academy.
I suppose none of that is interesting to anyone besides my Mom. That’s alright; she may be the only person who reads my blog! What might be interesting to others is how we are taking on the challenge of developing a world class leadership academy at the City University of New York. My boss, the Vice Chancellor, has charged us with providing “world class” leadership development opportunities for all of the more than 450,000 students at CUNY. Of course, my first reaction to hearing this was that this guy must be crazy! Then, when I realized that he was serious and almost as impatient as I am, we went to work.
CUNY is amazing. As I mentioned, it is the largest urban university system in the nation. It is basically a state university system, but rather than all of the campuses being spread around a state, they are all located within the five boroughs of the City of New York. This provides us with the unique opportunity to bring together students from across all of the campuses regularly for a wide range of academic and co-curricular experiences.
CUNY is also the most racially and ethnically diverse university in the U.S., an extraordinary opportunity to create an equally diverse leadership program. We won’t rest on being diverse; we will address diversity issues and incorporate curricula and practices that are critically multicultural and culturally responsive. Big picture, it is my hope that this type of leadership development, being done at CUNY and other similar universities around the world, will help to challenge the elitist nature of our current leadership development pipelines.
For the past few months we’ve been building our team (we have open positions by the way), bringing together a Board of Advisors, developing curricula, and bringing together the folks who are already doing extraordinary leadership development work at the CUNY colleges. We’re also developing partnerships with great organizations like the United Nations University, mtvU, and the Diversity Leadership Academy to name a few. It has been exhausting, but it has been that good kind of exhaustion.The ’08-’09 academic year is going to be exciting, and of course critical to the success of the Academy. There will be seminar series, conferences, service learning projects, international experiences, the launch of our website, and all sorts of events bringing together leaders from around CUNY and the world. It is going to be a busy summer!
Ok, I’ll stop rambling. I tend to do that when I’m excited. Oh, one more thing…there is an article about The Leadership Academy on the CUNY website.
Wait, one more thing... GO OBAMA!
May 26, 2008
Raising the Discourse
This week I'll be attending the National Conference on Race & Ethnicity in American Higher Education (NCORE), which is being held in Orlando, FL this year. There are a couple of notable keynoters scheduled; Angela Davis and Manning Marable are both scheduled to speak. More than anything I look forward to the fellowship that is an important part of any conference. I look forward to spending time with friends, colleagues, and other folks who are new to me that are thoughtful about issues of diversity in higher ed.
Of course I also look forward to the random workshop that addresses an issue from a perspective I haven't heard a thousand times. My experience has been that most major conferences produce and reproduce the same workshops in different packaging over and over again. Much like our refereed journals, which produce the same old studies over and over because folks need to publish in order to get tenure, these conferences don't usually produce cutting edge presentations.
There is always that one that got through the process, that one session that pushes the envelope or challenges the canon. I look forward to that opportunity to engage and learn.
I'm also looking forward to the free time in between conference sessions. I have no interest in Disney, but hopefully friends from my time at Florida A&M University and Florida Tech will be able to find time to get to Orlando. I'm really looking forward to seeing extended family and great friends.
So, it's off to sunny Florida for the week. Considering all of the political maneuvering regarding the Democratic primary, it does make me think about the current situation. Senator Obama is continuing to move forward in the Democratic primary. Hopefully, by the time we return from the Sunshine State, Obama will be the official nominee, following the meeting of the Rules Committee. My hope is that they will not be bullied by the Clinton machine into changing the rules. This is another place where race is an issue, as many people believe that if Obama were a white man there would be no consideration of changing the rules that all of the candidates agreed to on day one.
Regardless of the drama, I am still energized by Obama's attempt to take our nation's political discourse to a bit higher level. I actually bought a poster to put out by our front stoop. I've never been a "believer" so to speak, when it comes to politicians. This is a first for me, actually believing that a candidate is demonstrating real leadership, and could potentially be a great President. We certainly could benefit from a great president at this time in our history.
I think it is a fitting tribute to the memory of those that have served, and died in service to our nation, to be headed to this conference to engage in dialogue about how we might continue on the path toward becoming the nation we aspire to be. During this time I think not only of those that have served in our military, but also those that have been soldiers in our internal struggles for freedom, equality, and justice. I feel a real sense of responsibility to do my part in building on their legacy.
April 2, 2008
Conference on White Privilege
This year marks the 9th annual White Privilege Conference, being held this year in Springfield, MA. I have the distinct honor of presenting a session on multicultural leadership development with Catherine Wong. I look forward to seeing you at the conference!
March 28, 2008
Leadership Development for the 21st Century
There is an organization in Atlanta doing some great work to develop the next generation of leaders with particular focus on diversity, equity, and cultural competence. The American Institute for Managing Diversity has been doing diversity management work with corporations for years. This is their first serious venture into youth leadership development. The program is called the 21st Century Leadership Council and aims to work with rising H.S. juniors and seniors.
I mention this not as an advertisement, but because it relates to the work I'm doing at the City University of New York (CUNY). As we work to develop a world class leadership academy at CUNY, of course we are intently focused on issues of what is often called inclusive excellence as well as how best to have both a community focus and a global perspective.
The "21st Century" reference seems to be common now, as if multicultural leadership, or leadership with a global perspective or social conscience wasn't needed prior to this century. I'll let that go, and accept it for how it is meant which I believe is as a reference to forward thinking.
My point, and yes there is one in my ramblings here, is that it is encouraging to me to see programs like the one being developed by the folks at AIMD, and many others at schools and universities across the nation, that focus on leadership development with very specific and explicit attention to social justice, diversity and equity.
What is key is that these programs, which often use the Social Change Model as their foundation, are mostly designed with a broad definition of leadership in mind. There are a few that are still stuck on the idea that leadership development in the academy is for student government and other "official" type student leaders. Certainly they need multicultural leadership education, I'm not denying that. However, it is critical that leadership be recognized as more than about positional power.
The Leadership Academy at the City University of New York is the most exciting academic opportunity of my professional career. We are working to develop what we hope will be the premier leadership program for college students in the nation. A lofty goal, but only because we have such a unique opportunity. CUNY is unique in a number of ways. First, CUNY is the largest urban university system in the United States. With more than 400,000 full and part time students spread across 23 colleges and professional schools, all within the five boroughs of New York City, the central university offices have a unique opportunity to do direct work with students across the entire system. We are in the position to build upon the best practices in leadership development at each of our campuses.
In addition, we are in many ways the most diverse university system in the nation. The student population includes African Americans, Latino, and European Americans each making up more than a quarter of the student body, and Asian Americans more than 15%. Our students represent 172 countries and speak 131 languages, and nearly half of our students have a first language that is not English. Nearly half of our students work more than 20 hours per week, and almost a quarter are parents. Of course the description could go on, but the point is that we have an awesome array of diversity that reflects our extended campus of New York City.
What an environment to dream and actually develop a leadership program in. What an opportunity for those of us who believe in the inherent beauty of our diversity and who understand how important it is for us all to lead and participate in social change is to our future.
I could not be more excited, or energized, or more in need of your help. I want to encourage you to contact me and my colleagues at CUNY so that we can collaborate, share resources, and find ways to work together. I'm excited to learn from you and your experiences in leadership development. We will be participating in the LYNX exchange of leadership development programs, and are open to any other opportunities to connect with folks that are working to create great co-curricular leadership programs.
February 12, 2008
Inspiring Leadership
As Barack Obama continues to build momentum across demographic groups, it has become more apparent how much U.S. Americans want to believe that we can come together as a nation.
As a nation we have never lived up to the unity that, during our best moments, we aspire to. Socioeconomics, race, religion, sexual orientations, and political affiliations are among the many divisions that have come to define our culture.
I have always believed that we can do better, but often doubt that we will. If we are going to become the great nation that all of the candidates like to say we already are, then it is going to take leadership on all levels. Barack and Michelle Obama have the potential to inspire us to greatness as a nation, as a people, as a culture.
It is important to note that an Obama presidency would not instantaneously end racism and other forms of ignorance and oppression in the U.S. It would be a remarkable step toward the eradication of the American brand of racial oppression, but only if it inspires the rest of us to step up as well.
February 6, 2008
Unity v. Division
As I continue to listen to the candidates, both Democrat and Republican, I have come to the following conclusion: Our choice is between a new path toward unity, or the well worn road to division.
The divide and conquer strategy has been used to oppress people all over the world. It has been used to maintain a system of white privilege in our nation; and it has been used by both political parties to negate and suppress the voting power of "minority" groups.
This time around the Clintons have worked to divide African Americans and Latinos, effectively using the two groups to cancel each other out. This is an old tactic, from a couple of old school politicians.
We do not have to be divided. White folks, Black folks, Latino folks, Asian folks, First Nations folks, LGBTQI folks, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Atheists, Agnostics, urban folks, rural folks, and suburban folks; all of us - we can live out the promise of the United States of America.
We can become united. We can lead. Yes, we truly can.
February 2, 2008
Yes We Can! - Si Se Puede!
Check out the Yese We Can! - Si Se Puede! music video featuring Barack Obama's words; Will-I-Am, Kareem Abdul-Jabar, Tatyana Ali and many others.
Click on the image above for the video
January 26, 2008
Obama Wins BIG in South Carolina
Barack Obama won the Democratic primary in South Carolina in a landslide today. Kecia and I spent the evening watching the results, and a truly inspirational victory speech, at a Harlem for Obama event held at the Moca Lounge. We were among friends and fellow Obama organizers and supporters as we watched the nubers come in.
We all cheered the victory, and were further energized by Barack Obama's words as he continued to push us all to take the next step in healing our nation by crossing the many divides that have been cultivated by those with power for generations.
For me, and many of my peers, Barack Obama is the first political candidate that has inspired us to be involved beyond simply voting. I have always voted, but almost always against someone rather than for anyone. I had never contributed to a political campaign until I heard Barack Obama speak and I had never attended a rally for a political candidate until I felt connected to Michelle and Barack Obama's message.
For the first time in my life I am inspired by a presidential candidate, and I actually believe that we could elect a leader rather than a politician. My cynicism has begun to give way to hope. Si se puede! Yes we can!
January 22, 2008
Clintons Allies of Convenience Not Conviction
The past few weeks have been telling. I have truly been disappointed in Bill Clinton. I have not had high expectations of Hillary, as she has shown her mean spirited partisan ways many times since running for public office. Bill, on the other hand, had convinced me that although he hadn't actually delivered on issues of race and diversity, at least he cared. Now I doubt his concern about diversity issues, and wonder if both he and Hillary have simply taken People of Color, and particularly African Americans, for granted and simply said what folks wanted to hear in order to get elected.
Over the past few weeks, both Hillary and Bill Clinton have distorted the truth (check the facts here) and attempted to smear Barack Obama publicly and through surrogates - who should be ashamed of themselves in my opinion. They are using the "crabs in a barrel" phenomenon and internalized racism as weapons in their campaign against Obama. Much to my disappointment, I strongly believe that this is an indication of the truth about the Clintons - like so many others they are allies of People of Color by convenience, not conviction.
I hope you will join me and others who believe that we can do better as a nation, and vote for Barack Obama!
January 4, 2008
Barack Obama
Barack Obama is proving the skeptics wrong. He is more than a viable candidate, he is a real answer to the divisions in Washington, our nation, and the world. Learn more about Senator Obama at www.barackobama.com
November 5, 2007
This year's National Association for Multicultural Education conference, held in Baltimore, MD, brought together a remarkable group of educators. From October 30th through November 4th, educators from P-12 through higher education will came together to address diversity issues related to curriculum development, pedagogy, educational leadership and advocacy for diversity and multicultural education.
This conference is always a great opportunity to connect with multicultural education theorists, researchers, practitioners and activists, and this year was no exception. Of note this year were keynotes by Cornel Pewewardy (One of NAME's founders and professor at Fresno City College), Freeman Hrabowski (President of the University of Maryland Baltimore County), and Francisco Rios (Assoc. Editor of Multicultural Perspectives from University of Wyoming). Other speakers and presenters represented a wide range of P-16 education.
If you didn't make it this year, I'd like to encourage you to review this year's conference program and consider participating in next year's conference in New Orleans, LA.
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