Dream Come True

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If fighting for the rights of others,a prolonged and demonstrated concern for the plight of our forgotten communities and taking a hard won place in history makes Barack Obama a celebrity,no one can deny he is worthy.The thing speaks for itself.

Today marks a monumental and historic milestone and is to millions,particularly African Americans, a "dream come true".Barack Obama will be the first African american to accept the nomination of a major political party in the history of America and it is movingly also the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech.Barack Obama delivers his historic acceptance speech this evening in Invesco Field before a crowd of 75,000. 45 years ago, on this very same date in 1963,Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his 'I Have A Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial before a crowd of 200,000 supporters.

Find the video of Dr. King's historic speech below.Barack Obama's will be added in a new blog post once the video is available online:



Enjoy Obama's speech.I plan to be surrounded by friends and family when I watch it live this evening.Keep the event lifted up in prayer and positive thought.It is sure to be a "dazzler",one truly worthy of the highest order of celebration.

I dedicate the poem I wrote,"Dream Come True" to this triumphant time.Last nights action on the convention floor nominating Obama by acclamation is proof positive that dreams do come true. His acceptance speech tonight is icing on the cake.Patience,endurance and the long fight for justice will prevail.

As the word and the song goes:"Wait on the Lord and be of good courage. He shall strengthen thine heart.Whom shall I fear?"


Peace,

Cynthia Wilson
The Chaplain of Pop

In Memoriam:Leroi Moore-Weekend Inspiration Blast from the Past-Creativessel Inspirations: A Good Combination

Leroi Moore Performing at New York's Roseland Ballroom
May 9,2005-Photo Source

Creativessel Inspirations: A Good Combination



This week's Weekend Inspiration is in memory of Leroi Moore,saxophonist for the Dave Matthews Band who passed away this past Tuesday afternoon,August 19, due to complications from an ATV accident in late June. He was 46.

I thought I'd lift this blog posting from last year's benefit concert for Virginia Tech featuring Dave Matthews Band,John Mayer,Nas and Phil Vassar as the "Weekend Inspiration".It serves as an example of what happens when musicians get together to play music to "uplift and encourage" a traumatized and grief stricken community.This post and the related blogs below which contain music from the concert or associated videos makes up the playlist.

Enjoy reminiscing.It really was a wonderful show.how do I know?I was there...

Thanks for the music,Leroi. Rest in peace.

Cynthia
The Chaplain of Pop

Another Kind of Green at Jones Beach

More to come jk

What's Happening in N.O.L.A Now?

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With all the hoopla about Presidential hopeful,Republican candidate John Mccain's recent trip to New Orleans... " McCain has been touring poor neighborhoods where the likelihood of his winning votes is nil. In New Orleans, devastated by Hurricane Katrina, he stood with the new Republican governor, Bobby Jindal, and pledged to the residents of the 9th Ward, "the people of New Orleans, and the people of this country that never again, never again will a disaster of this nature be handled in the terrible and disgraceful way it was handled"(more). Today there have been reports of New Orleans residents being required to pay money back to the government which was received for rebuilding efforts(more..).

In light of all this,and my desire to bring to light the perspectives of eyewitnesses to the "big mess",I am lifting these series of blogs which I wrote as a rescue worker and minister back in 2006 as part of documenting the mission trip of over forty(40) scholars and students from Union Theological seminary and Columbia School of Social Work.

I hope today's story is not true.If any of the resident's have to pay anything back,I trust that equitable measures will be taken so that further insult is not added to injury.The residents of New Orleans have suffered enough. Don't you think?

Katrina has been called the worst disaster in U.S. history.It seems to be turning into the worst human fiasco as well.

By the way, take a look at some of the related blogs with accompanying photos and articles below. I also recommend reading the book "Katrina:Listening With Our Hearts" to which I was a contributor.

Here's an entry from the Heavier Octaves blog dated January 13,2006:












Photo Credits:(1-5) Lower Ninth(9th) Ward-New Orleans,LA.
All pictures taken by Michael Lee, except #5.

As our time in New Orleans progressed we saw and experienced more devastation. Above are some pictures of what we saw.Members of our team did what we could to help in whatever way was possible. Some team members either talked with residents or helped to strip drywall. This area of the city is uninhabitable. Many of the residents are living in other cities and states along the Gulf Coast. Some have moved as far away as California and North Dakota.
More to come...


___________________
Let's keep the residents of New Orleans lifted in prayer.Also,write stories,call and email your congresspersons and stir up some concern on this matter.I am not Republican nor am I planning to vote that way,but I appreciate the attention Senator McCain is bringing to the matter.

I also want to lift up the musicians who are currently appearing at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival including:

Stevie Wonder
Irma Thomas
Aaron Neville
Carlos Santana

and

John Mayer at the Jazz Festival on May 6,2008 at the fair grounds


Related Katrina Blogs

Working Class Hero Bruce Springsteen Endorses Barack Obama

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Today rockstar and working class hero Bruce Springsteen endorsed Senator Barack Obama as his candidate of choice for the Democratic presidential nomination.

In a letter posted on his web site today, the musician known by his fans as "Brrruuuuuucce" endorsed Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) for president, siding with the first-term senator as "head and shoulders above the rest" -- (more...)

In the face of all the frenzy,distortion and media "beat-down"that Senator Obama has been experiencing lately,this undoubtedly was a welcome turn of events in the Obama camp. The pundits and some media experts are downplaying the impact such an endorsement can have. I believe it wise not to underestimate the rock star brand,especially with a musician whose music is ingrained into the fabric of small town America.It will be interesting to see how this develops.

Thumbs Up to Bruce.

Peace,

Cynthia


Related Blogs:

Cynthia D. Wilson Speaks and Writes...: The Times They Are A Changin'-Happy Birthday Dr. King--the Fight Continues On A Higher Level...

Dr. Martin Luther King Anniversary Recap: Barack Obama Speaks on the 40th Anniversary of the Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Part of Barack Obama's Speech:

Today represents a tragic anniversary for our country. Through his faith, courage, and wisdom, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. moved an entire nation. He preached the gospel of brotherhood; of equality and justice. That's the cause for which he lived – and for which he died forty years ago today. And so before we begin, I ask you to join me in a moment of silence in memory of this extraordinary American.

There's been a lot of discussion this week about how Dr. King's life and legacy speak to us today. It's taking place in our schools and churches, on television and around the dinner table. And I suspect that much of what folks are talking about centers on issues of racial justice – on the Montgomery bus boycott and the March on Washington, on the freedom rides and the stand at Selma (More...).

I believe the 40th Anniversary of Dr.Martin Luther King's death was well covered this past weekend.There were a good number of quality television shows about it,including the documentary "King" by Tom Brokaw which broadcasted on the History Channel on Sunday.

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson,author and professor at Georgetown University and Former King aide,friend and confidante Ambassador Andrew Young ,did an excellent job of commemorating King's legacy and dream on MSNBC's Meet the Press with Tim Russert. Check it out if you can,get the television show transcript or read Dyson's and Obama's books below.


Peace,

Cynthia

Reading:

Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama

The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama

April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Death and How It Changed America by Michael Eric
Dyson

Watching:

King documentary by Tom Brokaw

Meet the Press segment on King with Tim Russert

Related blogs:

The Times They Are A Changin'-Happy Birthday Dr. King -the Fight Continues
On a Higher Level...

Happy Birthday Dr. King-Global Day of Action
Against Poverty Revisited

My Prayer for ...

Thought I'd lift up today this audio podcast entitled "Poetic Blessing" for a friend who is always there for others and a blessing to them in so many ways. In case he has forgotten in the face of the challenges and tear downs that seem to have reached epidemic proportion in today's society whether in fever pitched political campaigns or in the barb wired gossip industry, there are some people who do really care. Many don't always express it as consistently and vigorously as they ought. Love and praise can most times,if not ultimately, neutralize or counteract "tear downs",misrepresentations and "snark attacks". Let this poem serve as a gentle reminder that you are the best and that you remain in my prayers.

Entitled "My Prayer for John",it is included in the closing segment of a podcast recorded on February 20,2008 entitled "Poetic Blessing".

Here is the link.

Spread some hope and encouragement today.It couldn't hurt.



Peace,

Cynthia