THE HIJACKING OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT; JULIAN BOND TESTIFIES ON BEHALF OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

By Rev. Dr. Clenard H. Childress, Jr.

The perpetual slide down the slippery slope of irrelevancy for the NAACP was never more clearly seen then when Julian Bond testified before the New Jersey State Legislature on the behalf of Same-Sex Marriage rights. If LoJack could be installed on the legacy of the Civil Rights movement, the alarm would have surely sounded December 7th, 2009, and you would have found the engine running at that state's judicial hearing. It should be quite evident to all that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community, and its supporters, will go to no end to hijack the legacy of the Civil Rights movement to further their agenda. Such prostitution of those representing this legacy should outrage its members, and the demand for accountability of such, should now be at the forefront of discussion.

The obvious ploy to dupe the state legislators of New Jersey into being sympathetic to legislation for gay marriage by the mercenary -- Cha-Ching -- use of this iconic figure, was despicable. I say ‘obvious' due to this simple fact: the NAACP has taken no position on the issue! How could it when all sociological data overwhelmingly reveals that African-Americans oppose gay marriage by as much as 70%. The question was even posed to Mr. Bond by a legislator who asked, what was the position of the NAACP on gay marriage, which Bond sheepishly had to respond that the NAACP has taken no position.

What! Let us look at the absurdity here for a moment. The NAACP, a Civil Rights organization, the name of which means, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, which has not taken a position on gay marriage and the national board director of the organization, Julian Bond, is in Trenton brow-beating state legislators in the name of Civil Rights to pass the bill that the NAACP has not taken a position on... What!

There is more. It was also quite apparent the truth was of no consequence in the testimony of Mr. Bond, for in fact, his words were purposely misleading and deceptive. Mr. Bond testified erroneously that, Bayard Rustin and Dr. Martin Luther King, philosophically and morally agreed on the issue of homosexual rights and nothing could be further from the truth. Bayard Rustin, a practicing homosexual, was the chief organizer of the March on Washington, DC. When confronting Dr. Martin Luther King with the demand that he include homosexual rights in the platform, Dr. Martin Luther King vehemently refused and it was suggested that Bayard Rustin leave the movement. Subsequently, in the March on Washington, there was not one single step taken for homosexual rights. To further this travesty, Mr. Bond tragically made the absurd comment that, “We boycotted the funeral of Coretta Scott King due to the fact it was at a church that did not recognize gay marriage.” What!

I would ask, “Who is we?” Who boycotted Coretta Scott King's funeral: The NAACP or Julian Bond? Was this personal boycott due to fact the event could not be manipulated for self serving purposes?

The funeral was at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church at the request of the family where Bishop Eddie Long is Pastor. Bishop Long, as well as being a close friend of the King family, is a clear voice of truth and a pillar of the church internationally. It does not surprise me at all there would be opposition by the fading vanguard of the status quo. Mr. Bond, you do not give Civil Rights to sexual orientation simply due to the fact one's orientation might be flawed. Civil Rights are granted based on birth rights, not mores, habits, or predilections we conform to. Race is immutable; sexual preferences can change.

In Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King's keynote address in front of the Lincoln Memorial at the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom in 1957, King stated: “What we are witnessing today in so many northern communities is a sort of quasi liberalism which is based on the principle of looking sympathetically at all sides. It is a liberalism so bent on seeing all sides that it fails to become committed to either side. It is a liberalism that is so objectively analytical that it is not subjectively committed. It is a liberalism which is neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm.”

Once again the word of this contemporary Prophet transcends generations and speaks so clearly and profoundly to us today, we need to take heed. Dr. King references a passage in the Book of Revelation directed at the Laodicean Church who had lost their moral compass, had become lukewarm, and sought compromise at the sake of their values. They attempted to play both sides against the middle and wound up irrelevant and lost, eventually paying for it with their culture.

Dr. King in his sermon, facing the challenge of the new age, said: “The urgency of the hour calls for leaders of wise judgment and sound integrity -- leaders not in love with money, but in love with justice; leaders not in love with publicity, but in love with humanity; leaders who can subject their particular egos to the greatness of the cause!”

At this crucial moment in history, I think all the world is in harmonious agreement: we need those leaders.

Dear Nekki, Tri-City Medical Center along with the Vista, Carlsbad, Oceanside, and San Marcos Chambers of Commerce and the San Diego North Economic Development Council will sponsor the Business Emergency Response Initiative (BERI) Workshops 2010 at Tri-City Medical Center. BERI Workshops 2010 are a direct response to the BERI Symposium that occurred in 2008.   Following an eight-hour overview on disaster preparedness for the business community, participants agreed that a series of business-focused, hands-on workshops were needed.  While the workshops are designed to be taken as a series, participants can attend single sessions, if desired.  The following sessions will be offered at Tri-City Medical Center in Assembly Room 1. Session 1 Understanding and Developing a Hazard Vulnerability Assessment January 15, 2010 8:00am - 11:00am  This workshop focuses on the first step in developing a corporate emergency response plan, the Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (HVA).   This assessment will identify issues and threats a business has that could impact its operation during and following a disaster.   During this session, business leaders will better understand the elements of an HVA and how to identify operational risks.  Presenters will show specific examples of how to prepare an HVA and will provide a working template for attendees.  At the end of the session, attendees will learn the key elements of an HVA and will be provided the tools necessary to prepare a basic HVA. Presenters: Craig Lawyer Corporate Safety Officer TCMC Leslie LukeSan Diego County Office of Emergency Services No Cost to Attend!   Session 2 Understanding and Developing a Business Emergency Operations Plan February 19, 2010 8:00am - 11:00am This workshop will combine what you learned about your business's threats through your Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (HVA) and how to develop an emergency response guide that protects your employees and assets, and ensure your business is prepared for a disaster.  Presenters will provide specific examples and hands-on tools needed to develop an effective disaster plan for your business.  At the end of this session you will better understand the scope and elements of a basic plan, and will be given the tools to begin the process of developing and implementing a disaster preparedness plan. Presenters:  David Harrison Emergency Preparedness Manager City of Carlsbad Ken Matsumoto Division Chief Oceanside Fire Department Eileen TurnerAir Products No Cost to Attend! Session 3 Understanding and Developing a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) March 19, 2010 8:00am - 11:00am In this three-hour, hands-on workshop, you will learn the basics for building an effective disaster recovery or business continuity plan (BCP).  You will pull together the information received on preparing an HVA and an Emergency Disaster Plan and will better understand the key elements needed in a BCP.  Experts with extensive knowledge of continuity plans will guide you through the process.  At the end of this session, you will better understand the importance and structure of a resumption plan, and will be given the basics needed to begin the process of developing a plan tailored to your company. Presenters:  Deb Beddoe Consultant Continuity Planning Chris Draper General Manager Sheraton - Carlsbad No Cost to Attend! For more information, please contact Courtney Berlin at (760) 940-5757.

SOULOFAMERICA.COM NAMES 12 TOP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN 2010

-- Award-Winning Website Directs Travelers to the Best Locations in America to be Enlightened by the Cultural Heritage of Black People --

Web site screenshot - [Click To Enlarge]

Torrance, CA (BlackNews.com) -- SoulOfAmerica.com today unveiled its annual list of “12 Top Travel Destinations for Black History Month.” Culled from the website's more than 18,000 pages of black travel content, the list provides links to hundreds of museums, theaters and other cultural places, many off the beaten path.

“Most travelers and culture buffs know where to find the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center in Atlanta or the Apollo Theater in Harlem,” said SoulOfAmerica.com's Founder and Publisher Thomas Dorsey. “But for those who don't and for those seeking the gems of black travel destinations that still remain hidden treasures, SoulOfAmerica's list and photos are a goldmine.”

For 2010, “SoulOfAmerica.com's 12 Top Travel Destination Guides for Black History” (listed in alphabetical order and including links to their Black cultural sites) is:

* Atlanta – Atlanta is home to True Colors Theatre Company, the Soul Food Museum, the UniverSoul Circus and the Atlanta University Complex (of three historically black colleges). www.soulofamerica.com/atlanta-cultural-sites.phtml

* Baltimore – The Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Museum displays artifacts from the earliest successful Black-owned ship repair business in the nation. The Eubie Blake Jazz Museum & Cultural Center documents the life of the famous ragtime pianist, vaudevillian and jazz composer. www.soulofamerica.com/baltimore-cultural-sites.phtml

* Birmingham – A major backdrop to the civil rights struggle, this city boasts the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, featuring a statue of Rosa Parks courageously sitting in the front of a bus in Montgomery and Miles College, number one in enrollment growth among all 41 UNCF member institutions. www.soulofamerica.com/birmingham-cultural-sites.phtml

* Chicago – Home to the President and First Lady, Chicago lays claim to the building that housed Chess Records, immortalized in the film of the same name starring Beyonce, the Muntu Dance Theatre Group and the Bronzeville Academy & Military Museum, honoring the only WWI infantry unit completely staffed by Black officers. www.soulofamerica.com/chicago-cultural-sites.phtml

* Cincinnati – Cincinnati boasts this country's most comprehensive museum chronicling U.S. slavery, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and Elementz, possibly the first Hip-Hop Youth Arts Center. www.soulofamerica.com/cincinnati-cultural-sites.phtml

* Houston – The achievements of African-American members of U.S. Armed Forces – from the Civil War to the Gulf War – are featured at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. The Ensemble Theatre is one of the only regional theatres that offers works portraying the African-American experience. www.soulofamerica.com/houston-cultural-sites.phtml

* Memphis – Sun Records Museum, Stax Records Museum, Rock n' Soul Museum and even Graceland provide insight into how the three genres of Black Music – Blues, Rock ‘n Roll, and Soul – originated and propagated throughout the world. www.soulofamerica.com/memphis-cultural-sites.phtml

* New Orleans – Backstreet Cultural Museum features permanent exhibits on Mardi Gras Indians, Traditional Jazz Funerals and Second Line Parades in an earthy neighborhood of Faubourg Treme' that is felt more than seen. www.soulofamerica.com/new-orleans-cultural-sites.phtml

* New York City – The Big Apple is home to the Langston Hughes Community Library & Cultural Center and the Billie Holiday Theatre. www.soulofamerica.com/new-york-city-guide.phtml

* Philadelphia – The African-American Museum of Philadelphia constantly re-invents itself with new exhibits and the Blue Horizon Boxing Club, is a historic facility where you can train like the legendary prizefighter, Joe Frazier. www.soulofamerica.com/philadelphia-cultural-sites.phtml

* San Francisco & Oakland -- Museum of the African Diaspora, African American Historical & Cultural Society and African American Museum & Library of Oakland let you explore the best of Black History in the Bay Area. www.soulofamerica.com/san-francisco-oakland-cultural-sites.phtml

* Washington, DC – Though nothing beats having Barack Obama in the White House, D.C. also offers a slew of museums, including the National Museum of African Art and the Black Fashion Museum, the latter being the only one of its kind in America, www.soulofamerica.com/washington-cultural-sites.phtml

To find all of SoulOfAmerica.com's U.S. City Guides, visit www.soulofamerica.com/us-city-guides.phtml

Publishing online since 1997, SoulOfAmerica.com is the first, only comprehensive, most quoted, highest traffic and award-winning Black Travel Website. In a poll of over 100,000 voters, BlackWebAwards.com named SoulfOfAmerica.com the “2007, 2008, 2009 Best Travel Destination Website.”