practical politics

David L. Horne, Ph.D.  |   OW Contributing Columnist
Jun 14 2012

Practical Politics

Although clearly the 17th and 18th centuries were crucial to American history—bringing the Mayflower Compact, the House of Burgesses home rule, America’s first constitution called the Articles of Confederation, the Declaration of Independence, then the Constitutional Convention and the Constitution itself—the 19th century was the most foundational for the American character.

David L. Horne, Ph.D.  |   OW Contributing Columnist
Jun 7 2012

Practical Politics

As the June gloom of no-Lakers-in-the-title games resumes from last year, we of sturdy heart don’t cry in our beer when there are other sports to cheer. Hockey? Hey, not really, but just for tonight, OK? A first-time Stanley Cup victory for the Kings in Los Angeles? They even have the Raiders’ old silver and black and the Raiders’ bravado! Yeah, yeah, yeah! Another big-time victory party in L.A. in 2012. Well, all right!

These are the times we need more cheers. We’ll cry with you later, Lakers.

David L. Horne, Ph.D.  |   OW Contributing Columnist
May 24 2012

Practical Politics

PRETORIA, South Africa—Yesterday, I was provided a golden opportunity to address the Pan African Parliament, one of the permanent organs of the African Union, and the entity that will begin making enforceable legislation for all of Africa within the next four years. Currently, the PAP is an advisory, consultative body comprising representatives from virtually all 54 AU member countries. The PAP presents its findings, resolutions and recommended suggestions to the Executive Council and the Assembly Heads of State for AU action.

David L. Horne, Ph.D.  |   OW Contributing Columnist
May 17 2012

Practical Politics

OK, here comes a little clarity. No, I’m not talking about President Barack Obama’s soulful elucidation about gay marriage. More than enough has already been said about that—essentially a lot of sound and fury signifying emotion but little substance.

David L. Horne, Ph.D.  |   OW Contributing Columnist
May 10 2012

Practical Politics

The last time this column visited the affairs of state Attorney General Kamala Harris she was fresh from scoring a significant negotiated victory for beleaguered California homeowners in the federal omnibus settlement with mortgage banks. What has she been up to lately? She has followed up that triumph with a principled, relentless political effort to convince California legislators to pass a Homeowners Bill of Rights.

Across Black America

Here’s a look at African American people and issues making headlines throughout the country.

California
San Diego college students and volunteers will carry out their sixth home restoration project on Wednesday, July 10 through Sunday, July 14. as part of the “Healing our Heroes’ Homes” (H3) program created by the nonprofit Embrace. The five-day effort will take place at the home of medically retired Marine Corps Capt. Sarah Bettencourt. Bettencourt served with many different units across the country during the Global War on Terrorism and developed a rare neurological disorder in 2008. With a focus to restore the homes of disabled veteran homeowners, H3 falls in line with Embrace’s mission to mobilize college-student volunteers and community members to serve less fortunate members of civilian and veteran communities. The project for the Bettencourts’ home includes kitchen and bathroom remodeling, building ADA-compliant disability ramps, widening their driveway to ADA standards, widening doorways and landscaping.
 
District of Columbia
The 2013 Smithsonian Folklife Festival will showcase its five-year community research project on African American identity with the program “The Will to Adorn: African American Diversity, Style, and Identity.” This multicity collaboration examines the history and culture of the aesthetics of African Americans. The festival will be held June 26-30 and July 3-7, outdoors on the National Mall between Seventh and 14th streets. “Whether we realize it or not, we are all dress artists. The way we compose our look is a creative expression of our ideas about who we are and who we aspire to be,” said Diana N’Diaye, program curator. “This program explores the diversity of African American traditions of style, but also teaches young people the importance of documenting their own culture and saving that information for themselves and future generations.”