April 25, 2007
U.S. Rep Keith Ellison (D-MN) makes it clear to anyone who will listen, he does not favor the War in Iraq.
During a recent interview, Rep. Ellison said that America is in a war it should never have been a part of.
“This war is wrong and we’re a country bent on war. War is the enemy of the poor,” he said. “It makes us a meaner country.”
Unfortunately President George Bush does not agree as he continues to push forward with efforts to increase the U.S. manpower in Iraq and threatens to veto any bills that come across his desk that do not support his agenda.
“We’ve got to get out of this war,” continued Rep. Ellison. “We’ve got to bring it to a close. We’ve got to put some deadlines in place.”
Expressing his support and love of America, Rep. Ellison, said the American people are “good, decent people” but not the present administration.
“Our leadership does not reflect the same generosity and spirit.”
When Judge Maryellen Hicks talks about the fresh-man Congressman she points out that he was the first African American elected from Minnesota and the first Muslim elected to the House of Representatives --sworn in with the Qu’ran owned by former president Thomas Jefferson—but her accolades don’t stop there.
“He’s a family man, a lawyer” she said during her talk show on KKDA-AM, Sunday morning. “I’m so excited that he is coming here because he’s knowledgeable and informed about the issues. I applaud his stand on the war.” Congressman Ellison will be the keynote speaker for Africa-Care Academy’s 10th Educational Banquet on Fri-day, April 27 at the Beckley-Saner Recreation Center.
In celebration of the 10th anniversary, Africa-Care Academy and area African American school board trustees are hosting an “educational summit” Saturday, April 28 at A. Maceo Smith High School, 3030 Stagg Road, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The summit luncheon keynote speaker will be the Rev. Dr. F.D. Reese, Senior Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Selma, Ala.
“This is an historic gathering,” said Thomas Muhammad, who organized the summit. “Dr. Reese, a science schoolteacher and President of the Dallas County Voters League in Dallas County in Alabama in 1965, convinced a reluctant Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) to come to Selma and lead the “Voting Rights” movement.”
Mr. Muhammad said that Alabama State Troopers and Sheriff Deputies beat Dr. Reese, along with other marchers, on what became known as “Bloody Sunday” as they marched across the Edmond Pettus Bridge in Selma. That march brought about the passing of the 1965 Voting Rights Act and changed the political make up of America forever.
Other participants include noted educator Dr. Raymond Winbush, author of the “Warrior Method,” which some consider to be one of the premier books on educating young African American males and activist Conrad Worrill.
“Africa-Care Academy was established to provide an African-centered education for our youth,” said principal and founder Debora Ibitayo Muhammad.
Cheryl can be reached at csmith@dallasweekly.com
|
