Rebuild Springfield

Yesterday Rebuild Springfield Together held a forum at the JC Williams Community Center located at 116 Florence Street in the Six Corners area of Springfield. The goals of the forum were to get vested community members together to brainstorm ways to redevelop our community so that it is stronger and better than ever before. The room was packed with a diverse group people from all walks of life who, despite their differences, all agreed with one thing: We need to change the landscape of Springfield and the quality of life for ALL of it's citizens. City Councilor Melvin Edwards was present and made it clear to attendees that "this is is only the beginning of this process". He also emphasized the importance of people sticking with this process even if they become frustrated along the way. The meeting at the JC Williams Center was one of many meetings that are scheduled. Other meetings will be held throughout the week at various locations in Springfield. For more information about Rebuild Springfield Together, go to their website at http://www.rebuildingtogetherspringfield.org/

Father's Day

As I was reflecting on "Father's Day" and what that day means to me...I came across a powerful poem that I want to share with you all...

A father never wants to see
His child go astray
Everyday he tries his best
To help you on your way

Knows at times you'll have to fail
Learn things on your own
No matter how it hurts to see
His baby bird has flown

Protector of a youthful heart
Consoler of all pains
A hero in the eyes of love
The blood within your veins

Child love your father now
Give him all your praise
Our time in life is limited
Wisely use these days

Give back all he's given you
This love is something rare
It's flow is unconditional
Strength beyond compare

During this month and throughout the year...take time to reflect about the important men in your life whether or not they are you father. Strong and wise men are needed to help push our world forward and they should be acknowledged for all of the hard work that they do.

Mother's Day Celebrations

Mother's day is fast approaching and many of us are preparing to celebrate with our mothers, grandmothers, aunts and other important women in our lives. What do you plan to do this year for the important women in your life? Share your thoughts...

Economic Stimulus Plan

Recently, the United States Senate and House of Representatives agreed on a version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which is the official name for the economic stimulus plan that Barack Obama initiated. According to Senate Majority Leader Henry Reid, "this middle ground creates more jobs than original Senate bill, and spends less than the original House bill." According to CNN, the middle ground bill consists of $780 billion that will be distributed as follows:

• 35 percent of the bill would be tax cuts, 65 percent would be spending.
• Tax breaks for workers that had been set at $1,000 per family or $500 per individual would be scaled back to $800 per family and $400 per individual.
• $44 billion in aid to states, including money for education and other services.
• More funding to help people buy health insurance through the federal COBRA program.
• $6 billion to $9 billion for modernizing and repairing schools.

The bill is expected to be on the president's desk by President's Day, which is next Monday 2/16/2009.

What do you think about the approved bill? Do you think that it will actually "stimulate" the economy? Share your thoughts, concerns, suggestions etc.

Recesssion and Education

Are there any jobs that are recession proof? According to cnn.com education is the #1 field that is recession proof. "With more teachers retiring and an increasing number of students enrolling in grades K-12, the demand for skilled teachers is rising. The National Center for Education Statistics predicts that in the next eight years, 2.8 million teachers must join the existing 3.2 million teachers because of retirements, higher enrollment and teacher turnover. Other thriving jobs in education: Administrators, independent consultants and sales executives to supply text books and other learning materials." In light of all the talk about budget cuts and the effects that those will have on education, I wonder how safe jobs in education are. What do you think?

Can Barack Obama Do It?

There has been a lot of speculation about the new administration's, particularly Barack Obama's, ability to help those who really need it? Some say that everything will pan out over time and the economy will show improvement, which will result in new jobs etc. Others question his ability to follow through with his promises. What do you feel about this debate?

An African American Point of View

The purpose of this blog site is to receive news and opinions from and about the Afro-American community and from others who are interested in the Afro-American community and to encourage discussion and expressions of opinions about the same. The blog is an extension of our Website, "An Afro-American Point of View," which is an extension of our monthly newspaper of the same name. We invite local participation and participation from around the country and the world.