responsiblegovernmentpg

Working for strong schools, safe streets and smart development in my local community as well as the state of Maryland and America. Supporting legislation that can transform the lives of marginalized communities (black/brown people girls/women disabled/elderly). I believe that one person can make a difference!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Ain't I A Woman Too!











Sojourner Truth (1797-1883)Abolitionist, Suffragist Sojourner Truth was freed when New York abolished slavery in 1828. She successfully sued for freedom for a son who had been sold illegally. Already a forceful speaker for abolition, she attended a Women’s Rights Convention in 1850 and became a strong voice for women’s rights and suffrage with her famous speech in Ohio in 1852, "Ain’t I a Woman?" After the Civil War, she tried to get Congress to provide land in the West for newly freed blacks.Sojourner Truth's story continued today as her statue was unveiled in Emancipation Hall of the U.S. Capitol. What a day! I was the guest of my representative Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. The program began with Yoland Adams, Dorinda Clark Cole and Lomax Spaulding preforming "Nothing But the Truth"My Bishop, The Right Reverend Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie gave the Invocation.The Honorable Hilary Clinton, the Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee, gave remarks, followed by Ms. Cicely Tyson's monologue, " Ain't I a Woman"The students from the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, GA performed "Sojourner's Truth".This was followed by the Honorable Nancy Pelosi and our belovedFirst Lady, Michelle Obama. The Benediction was given by Rabbi Amy Schwartzman.I forgot! There were some men speakers: The HonorableJohn Boehmer, The Honorable Mitch McConnell and the Honorable Harry Reid.I am attaching photos and a video to commemorate the auspicious occasion.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

EARTH DAY 2009
















Vice-President Biden was welcomed to Prince George's County (New Carrollton) by Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards to celebrate Earth Day and announce/celebrate money that Maryland will receive to purchase more fuel efficient public transit buses. Senator Ben Cardin and Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley were also on hand to thank the Obama Administration for linking energy and ecology with the economic recovery. Click on link to see video: