The Struggle Continues 44 Years After The March on Washington

On the 44th anniversary of the March on Washington, I found myself defending higher education at the Brookings Institution Poverty in 2006 seminar held at the National Press Club in downtown Washington, DC. Mayor Bloomberg, the keynote speaker, say some of the stupidest things that I ever heard: paying poor children for class attendance and good grades. As a first-generation college graduate whose paternal and maternal grandparents were on welfare even although all four held full-time jobs, the mayor’s so-called opportunity program was the dumbest thing economically and socially for New York City because giving children money is immoral. Regardless of social ranking, you were supposed to go to school for your own betterment. Since Bloomberg liked espousing the virtues of capitalism, let me break it down. Even though his opportunity fund was privately funded, that $50 million was a one-time deposit and all future income streams would be publicly raised. The fundamental problem with publicizing this program was that the parents would be doubled-taxed. For example, in FY2006 the parents’ property taxes were allocated to the school district which gave their child $500 for each standardized test and another $500 for perfect attendance. Say, that the kid passed all four parts of the merit assessment tests and achieved perfect attendance thereby receiving $2500. That $2500 would be reported as income earned by the child on his parents’ FY2006 tax form that they filed in FY 2007. That same $2500 would be taxed by the federal government again into perpetuity. Though well-meaning Mayor Bloomberg’s opportunity program was in direct violation of capitalism which was laissez faire of not allowing the federal government to intervene!

Seek and Ye Shall Find

Recently my preoccupation of women receiving invitations to join select clubs got the better of me (I am already a member of one but this one was more exclusive than mine; and, all of the time I wondered what they had that I did not. At age 30, I was an economist with two degrees earned by age twenty-five and possessed and was active in many social service organizations because higher education was my calling. I had even met some women who were members though they were in their mid-fifties.) Since I lived only three blocks from the headquarters I decided to walk in the drizzle during Saturday evening. During the trek I bypassed the nondescript building which was a sure sign that if I missed its importance then it really was not important in the first place. Returning home, one of a group of lost German tourists asked me for directions to their hotel off of Rhode Island Avenue, NW and I kindly guided them back to their destination. At the end of the journey they waive goodbye. Finally, making it to my apartment, I understood that I was seeking the wrong kind of attention and that experience made me realize the real reason why I would make a perfect for this and any organization: I had goodwill, kindness, and a sure sense of direction.

More Than Just Window Shopping!

Perusing the racks at the CUSP Georgetown store during its advertised luncheon (well, it’s more informal than that), makes me comfortable being around semi-luxury clothes. This was not always the case. In my Banana Republic working days, I felt ashamed of my working class origins (I never saw anything over $250 in a mall before!); Although still married to the sales rack (you’d find the best stuff on sale at Neiman Marcus and Saks!), I successfully managed to overcome it. Though I occasionally splurge on an item, I am still a bargain hunter at heart. While looking at certain prices (a $350 dress would net me an entire Ann Taylor suit and Marmi shoes or an entire New York & Company slack collection), I did love the $750 gold sequin dress which’ll make me look like Tina Turner! :)

Sage

Sage (n): a very wise man; especially an old man respected for his wisdom, experience, etc.

Sage advice
Helps the future steer clear of vice
So that they do not make the same mistakes twice
And live life without strife

Imparting my knowledge like my ancestors, the griots
So that the younger generation can keep it thorough for tomorrow
Dispensing my wisdom
Reaching everyone like the prism’s spectrum
Education and truth are my sanctums
Because when they know better
They do better

Dignity

Dignity is indispensable
To be invincible
It’s impossible to be respected
When your morals have been ejected
We need to correct it
Instead of neglect it
So when life gets hectic
We’ll arise as expected

It's Not the Kids, It's the Adults

The ignorance behind paying children for good grades being constantly proliferated throughout the media will cripple our society because kids will expect cash payment for every good deed. Honesty, integrity and morality are not for sale. Therefore, instead of fighting with nonsensical people, I’ll use this blog to espouse positive solutions to help children become better. Remember, they are our future!

Embracing all of Life's Possibilities

Embrace (verb): to readily accept.

I have embraced turning 30 with such a fervor that, I have no intention to be 18, 21, or 25 again. Finally I have a job in my major and am self-sufficient. Why go through it just to change some things. My goal is to be a mentor to the younger generation and fight for better access to opportunities. Education is the reason why I am here and I want to extend that to those who come behind me. During my fourth decade on earth, I will endow my book scholarship to ensure that other first-generation college students can afford books since they now costs in excess of $500 per semester. That’s a huge burden for many whose parents can barely afford life’s essentials let along lofty collegiate expectations. However, obtaining a college degree is indispensable in today’s society; therefore, it is imperative to provide a means of funding for these students since they are our future!

Hustle & Muscle: Being the Change That I Want to See in This World

Hustle (v.i.): to work, or act rapidly or energetically.

Muscle (v.): to make one’s way by sheer force.


During the previous two weeks, I have been passively waiting to witness this life-changing epiphany that comes with turning thirty years old; but have realized that in the words of Ghandi I must be the change that I want to see in this world. Nothing gets done by being on the sidelines and my economist is proof positive of that. I remember working numerous temporary jobs, scrapping money together to afford Greyhound bus fare and Independence Air tickets to fulfill my dreams by taking the BLS and BEA Assessment exams and spending days on end at the public library applying for jobs, reading trade materials and brushing up on MS Office skills. Oftentimes, I struggled financially and emotionally as I saw my peers ascend the corporate ladder (so I thought). During these years, I had two checking accounts in arrears and bad credit. However, holding steadfast to the dream of becoming an economist, I persevered. These adversities though leaving me battled-scarred has also molded me into an impenetrably steely resolved woman who can out-hustle and muscle and withstand anything and everything! And, this is how I will enter my thirties!

Self-Examination at Age 30

I am so happy that a person has read my blog and has considered me to apply for an online commentary blog job! That’s an honor because all I try to do is remain positive and optimistic in the face of adversity. My blog uplifts not berates people.

Honestly, I am apprehensive about applying for this position because of my strong opinions on illegal immigration. I want to write about economics, women’s history and higher education (Women’s issues are an available topic); however, I will apply and see what happens.

However it makes me realize how important my interests are to me; and, has inspired me to write more blog material. One of my main motivations for writing this blog is disproving to certain people that I possess adequate writing skills; however, as I approach thirty, appeasing people is not even on my agenda. Now self-development is my focus. My thirties will represent a ten-year window of opportunity to accomplish everything that I want spiritually, emotionally and educationally. By age forty, I will be closer to holistic truth than I am now by eliminating the noise (fear, hate, anger) around me.