5th Annual Intergenerational Empowerment Atonement Extravaganza
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5th Annual Intergenerational Empowerment Atonement Extravaganza |
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August 27, 2011 marked the 48th Anniversary of the March on Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Famous "I Have A Dream" Speech. On this weekend, Tropical Storm Irene moved up the east coast knocking out power, causing apocalyptic flooding, and leaving catastrophe in its wake. This was only a few-days after an earthquake struck our nation's captial. During this said weekend, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Monument was to be unveiled in Washington, D.C., but due to inclimate weather, the opening was postponed. The U.S. is fighting two wars simultaneously costing the taxpayer nearly $450 Billion Dollars, a jobless rate nearing 10% with 0 jobs being added in the month of August, the wealthy and major corporations refusing to pay their fair-share of the tax burden, thus, many social programs are going unfunded. Because of the current downturn in our economy, the African American Community is in the midst of a major depression, if not worst. It appears Dr. King's vision for our country seems to be in peril, (see picture - word gallery (top)).
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In contrast, CRC INC. held its 5th Annual IGE called the Empowerment Atonement Extravaganza with this year's theme being - "You Are The World-Your Time Now" and the title - " The Total Package - Vision, Dream, Hope, Service, and Committment". With a bustling crowd of supporters, the event began with remarks given by Event Coordinator - Mrs. Wilhelmina P. Johnson with the invocation being offered by Minister Antwuan Richardson. The event's genesis - round table town hall meeting - focused on the word - Atonement - leading to a discussion on reparations. Both Native and Japanese Americans received financial settlements for genocide and wrongful internment during World War II, respectively, but African Americans, on the other hand, is the only ethnic group having been unjustly maligned and incarcerated for over 200-years never receiving an apology or settlement from this country. How could this happen in a democratic country? Largely upon skewed scientific and philosophical data supported by secular law and theology for financial profitability. For this free labor, what was the economic windfall vauled at? Waldron H. Giles, Ph. D., valued their free labor in 2006' Dollars at a staggering $20.3 Trillion Dollars funding Fortune 500 Companies such as JP Morgan!! In relation to the individual African American living in the U.S., it amounts to $563,450.00 per individual!!!! Despite failed promises and detrimental programs - 40 acres and a mule and welfare, African Americans have survived largely on faith and hope in God co-joined with hardwork. This magnanimous people sojourned the south's terrible redemption period, segregation, integration, and lastly, the dissolution of our communities to three main factors - Lack of vision, knowledge, and knowing one's history. Furthermore, man and woman - societies' first ordained government established by God - is continually under assault leading to single teenage mothers hovering around 60% in our county, leading to increased school drop-out, homelessness, and poverty. African American Males have not fared any better with a 39% graduation rate leading many to limited job prospects, the prison industrial complex, or the burgeoning drug trade unless preventive measures are quickly implemented. One retired teacher and community sage, Mrs. Elizabeth Cleveland, admonished all in attendence that we should be more involved in our children's education. A measure she practiced, with parental involvement, sorely lacking in our school system today. A former elementary teacher in Elloree, S.C. during the late 50s, Mrs. Cleveland was an active civil rights participant rather than resign her NAACP Membership, she along with many others, collectively resigned their position as school teachers!!! Now that is integrity and courage seldom found in today's society. With the breakdown of the family and community leading us to ponder why we have come to such a state - lack of love for self and our neighbor, lack of education, etc. All such points are valid, but how can we stop this steady decline - if my people which are called by My Name would humble themselves and seek My Face...and repent. This would be a good start!!! |
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With a daunting economic future, many U.S. Workers are having to pay nearly $1,500.00 up front for medical procedures which in times past only required a minimum $25.00 premium. This may be attributed in large to an adversion to President Obama's Healthcare Plan or the current economic climate. Is this a reactionary move on behalf of HMOs requiring this heavy stipend from those whom are able to pay, while the unemployed and uninsured, will likely pay nothing? This point led to a heated discussion, and afterward, brunch. The evening session focused on CRC INC.'s Financial Status and the establishment of the Subcommittee for Revitalization and Foreclosure Prevention (SRFP). SRFP Board members were subsequently elected and its primary objective given - To market CRC INC. to the community and provide opportunities for citizens to make use of its facilities, thereby, bringing forth revenue that can support the immediate need of preventing foreclosure. |
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Lastly, all attendees were given the opportunity to participate in The Total Package Entertainment Showcase where many provided readings and meaning behind old family heirlooms. Others would offer historical character portrayals of notable personalities - Harriett Tubman and an old cotton field worker - by Janette Gee. Each act was given a five minute time period. Winning participants were given a cash prize but all received a standing ovation by those in attendance. |
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In conclusion, the 5th I.G.E. Festival sought, if only briefly, in providing a place of refuge for all attending from life's many troubles, negative persuasions, and ills. A place of vision and hope as duly noted by the many testimonies offered during this outing. For hope is eternal and our salvation. For this is community. |
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The Darlington County Cultural Realism Complex, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit Corporation with both state and federal state tax exemptions and duly registered with the provision of the South Carolina Solicitation of the Charitable Fund Act. To learn more about CRC INC., visit us at http://www.culturalrealismvision.com.
Phillip M. Johnson
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Copyright 1973 - 2012, CRC INC. All rights reserved. |
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