Heading Back Home From Boston To H-town

I've had a wonderful time here on my first trip to Boston for the NABJ convention, and the best part it is has been 15 degrees cooler than my home sweet humidity I love so well.

I'm in bed as you read this, and I get to write the words my fellow Houstonians love to see when the Air Marshal takes flight from the Lone Star State and I leave Harris County:  

I'm headed back home.

I have to get up early to catch my train and my 9:05 AM flight out of Logan back to H-town.  I was fortunate enough on the leg up here to get a non-stop that got here early, but no such luck on the return.  I will have to connect through MDW to get back home to HOU.   

That's airline codespeak for Chicago-Midway and Houston-Hobby airports.

I'll have a 1.5 hour layover in MDW, and if my laptop decides to recognize a WiFi connection along the way, will try to Tweet or comment about stuff on the return trip back.   Otherwise I'll just do it the old fashioned way and take notes for the recap post later.   

Air Marshal Takes Flight To Boston

I'm at Hobby again to take another jet plane. 

This time I'm headed to Boston for the National Association of Black Journalists Convention.

This trip will be one full of firsts for me.  In addition to this being my first ever time to Boston after multiple ones to western Massachusetts, it's also the first time I'll get the opportunity to be in the NABJ convention house. 

I have a panel discussion set for tomorrow, and I'm really looking forward to finally meeting Kellee Terrell after corresponding with her for several years on Facebook.   Looking forward to being in the same space with the awesome Kenyon Farrow again for the first time since that OUT on the Hill panel we were participating on together and seeing Tiq Milan again.

I get a nonstop nearly 4 hour flight (3 hours and :50 minutes on the schedule) for this opening leg of this trip but wasn't so lucky on the return.

On my return leg home I'll have to roll through Chicago Midway before I get back to my beloved Texas soil.

Assuming the Southwest flight is on time, I'll get there in the afternoon.    As always I'll be taking notes and doing a recap post concerning my latest travel excursion.   

Rep. Cleaver Takes DNC To Church

I was going to compile a post (and probably still need to) that put together the best speeches from the recently concluded DNC, but this one needed its own stand alone post.

It's from Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver (D-MO), the current chair of the Congressional Black Caucus who when he's not batting the Teapublicans is an ordained minister in Kansas City.

And he ditched his prepared remarks and took the DNC to church.


 

2012 DNC-President Carter's Speech

Unlike the Republican Party who are ashamed of their former presidents especially POTUS 43, we love, revere and still respect ours. 

One of the things that pisses me off is the hatred and lies pimped by conservafools about our 39th president, Jimmy Carter.   Until Bill Clinton came along, he was the POTUS who had the love and respect of the African-American community and still does.    He had the most diverse cabinet in US history, appointed many African-Americans to federal posts in his administration and the federal judiciary, and got Israel and Egypt to come to Camp David and sign a peace treaty that till lasts to this day.

You can also thank Jimmy Carter for the fuel efficiency standards on your cars, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and the shift in emphasizing human rights when it comes to conducting our foreign policy. 

So when the first night's events of the DNC occurred I was happy to see this video of our Nobel peace prize winning former president and world renowned humanitarian endorsing the current Nobel prize winning president in this video.

It also blew up the conservalie they were telling in their media that the Democrats would be 'scurred' to have President Carter make an appearance at this convention.  (snicker, snicker)

DNC 2012-Rep John Lewis Speech

"Today it is unbelievable that there are Republican officials still trying to stop some people from voting," he said. "They are changing the rules, cutting polling hours and imposing requirements intended to suppress the vote. The Republican leader in the Pennsylvania House even bragged that his state's new voter ID law is 'gonna allow Governor Romney to win the state.' That's not right. That's not fair. That's not just."

DNC 2012- Eva Longoria's Speech

I love Eva Longoria and enjoyed her DNC speech last night    I also love the fact this Corpus Christi born Tejana is a Democrat.  


There were rumors in Texas political circles that she was asked to run for the US Senate seat being opened up by the retirement of Sen Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R) in this cycle but declined it so that she could continue in her role as the co-chair of the Obama campaign.   

Here's the video of her speech




The Hateraid aimed at her by conservafools will commence in 5...4...3...2...1...

DNC 2012-Kerry Washington's Speech

Y'all long time TransGriot readers know how much I love actress Kerry Washington, and much of it stems from the fact she is a supporter and ally of trans women and had a major role in the 2008 Obama campaign

I particularly enjoyed one exchange I watched when she's appeared on Bill Maher's HBO show  in the closing days of the 2008 presidential campaign and eviscerated Michael Steele 

She spoke on stage during the DNC last night in Charlotte, and here's the video of the speech.

DNC 2012- President Obama's Nomination Acceptance Speech

The video of President Obama's DNC presidential nomination acceptance speech in Charlotte, NC.

DNC Trans Delegate Musing

We have one more day to go in this 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, sixty days to go until Election Day. and this DNC convention has been historic in many respects.  

It's the first one ever held in North Carolina and it is the first time we have ever had a Latino give a keynote speech.  I'm happy that San Antonio mayor Julian Castro, the person who made that historic speech is from my home state

The trans community has made history as well with not only our largest DNC delegate contingent ever at 13 people, it is also the most diverse one we have ever sent to any DNC convention.   It's remarkable progress considering that it was only 12 years ago that Jane Fee was the lone representative for our community at the DNC 2000 convention in Los Angeles.

From one solitary trans person in 2000 our numbers increased to six in 2004, eight in 2008 to thirteen in Charlotte out of the nearly 6000 delegates in the Queen City for the DNC. 

But I was reminded when Rep. Jared Polis of Colorado stepped to the podium Monday night and other GL delegates got the chance to speak about their partners of the one thing that didn't happen for our diverse trans delegation.  

We didn't get to see any of our trans delegates speak at the convention podium on the first or second nights of the DNC convention to the delegates in the hall.   It probably won't happen tomorrow night either since that night will belong to Vice President Biden and President Obama as they make their respective acceptance speeches and the convention will draw to a close after they are done..

So when the Democratic party in Charlotte is over and we head back to our different sections of the country to do the work to ensure that President Obama is taking the oath of office on January 20, we transpeeps will still have things to check off on our Own Our Power To Do list.

Besides getting the POTUS reelected, working to elect Democratic House and Senate majorities to help a presidential brother out, we trans people still have work to do in the Democratic Party ranks.   We need to garner inclusive acceptance in the ranks to the point the Democratic Party won't hesitate in terms of selecting a trans speaker to proudly stand in front of a future DNC convention floor with a national TV audience looking on.  

I'm hoping when that 2016 DNC occurs, we'll have more than thirteen delegates in another diverse contingent of transpeople.  

And for those of you who have asked if one of those 2016 transpeople will be yours truly, I'm seriously thinking about it.   Back in 1984 I tried to become a Texas DNC delegate and only made it as far as the state senate district convention level.  

If I'm going to make a serious run at becoming the first ever African-American trans Texan DNC delegate in 2016,  I'll have to get busy on that soon.. 

One of the things I'd like to see in that 2016 DNC transgender delegate contingent besides more people and continued ethnic diversity is that trans DNC delegation in 2016 and beyond include trans people who are elected to public office.  That would be in addition to the trans people already diligently working inside the various levels of the Democratic Party to ensure we have a voice in it at the policy formation tables.

We have four years to work on that trans community, so let's make it happen.

2012 DNC-Bill Clinton Speech

Once again 'Brother Bill' comes to a DNC convention and nails it on the keynote speech.   This was even better than the one he gave in Denver four years ago.

You have to see and hear this one.   Can't wait to see him eviscerating Republicans on the campaign trail.

DNC 2012-The Jane Fee Award Presentation

Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention, and video from today's LGBT Caucus meeting in Charlotte and the presentation of the Jane Fee Award.   It goes to the ally within the Democratic Party that has stood up for transgender inclusion. 

2012 NBJC Out On The Hill-I'm Part Of The Star Studded Lineup

Note to you peeps in the Washington DC area and beyond, I'm going to be in the Washington DC area for the 3rd annual edition of the National Black Justice Coalition's Out On The Hill.    Early bird registration at the discounted rate ends today, so get moving if you want to own your power, be at this powerful gathering of Black LGBT leaders and be fiscally responsible while doing so, too.

It'll be worth your time to attend Out On The Hill as well, and I'm not saying it because yours truly is taking part in two panel discussions.  I looking forward to meeting many of the people who will be there for this September 19-22 event and getting the opportunity to hang out with my NBJC family.

And I'll also be dropping an exciting announcement of my own during the conference as well. 

One of the panels I'll be participating in will be a September 21 one from 9-11:30 AM EDT moderated by Laverne Cox  entitled The System. The Reality. The Solution. Honoring and Protecting the Lives of Black Trans Women

OUT on the Hill will feature an unprecedented briefing of prominent Black trans women who are activists, media personalities and subject matter experts as they discuss why it is important to be intentional about including the "T" as we develop the national Black LBGT agenda. In the midst of adversity, this community of resilient, powerful sisters has managed to come together and demand a seat at the table. 

Some of my fellow panelists being invited to participate along with yours truly are my fellow Texan Rev. Carmarion Anderson,  Kokumo Kinetic, Danielle King, Valerie Spencer and Bali White       

NBJC Announces OUT on the Hill 2012 Star-Studded Line Up On September 19-22, over 200 Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) leaders and activists from across the country will gather in the nation's capital for the National Black Justice Coalition's (NBJC) 3rd annual OUT on the Hill Black LGBT Leadership Summit. OUT on the Hill attendees will participate in an inspiring week of discussion, strategizing and organizing as well as educating congressional leaders and federal agencies about Black LGBT public policy concerns. Openly gay ESPN/CNN columnist and commentator LZ Granderson serves as the 2012 OUT on the Hill national chair. Click here for the full schedule Early bird registration ends September 5, 2012. Register today!  HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK Black LGBT Leaders Day at the White House 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm     The OUT on the Hill Black LGBT Leaders Day at the White House will include presentations from the Obama Administration. Previous speakers include Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President for Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs; Gautam Raghavan, Associate Director of Public Engagement (LGBT Liaison), White House Office of Public Engagement; and Heather Foster, Director of African American Outreach, White House Office of Public Engagement.   Building Black LGBT Political Power in our Nation's Capitol  NBJC Issue Advocacy Day 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm    Issue Advocacy Day is an opportunity for the Black LGBT community to engage congressional offices on the issues that matter to our communities.  By empowering delegates to vocalize their personal stories and experiences with anti-LGBT discrimination in the halls of power, we will continue to build public support for pro-LGBT equality legislation in the Black community.  The System. The Reality. The Solution. Honoring and Protecting the Lives of Black Trans Women 9:00 am - 11:30 am OUT on the Hill will feature an unprecedented briefing of prominent Black trans women who are activists, media personalities and subject matter experts as they discuss why it is important to be intentional about including the "T" as we develop the national Black LBGT agenda. In the midst of adversity, this community of resilient, powerful sisters has managed to come together and demand a seat at the table.   Moderated by Laverne Cox, Trans Activist/Producer/Actress Invited Panelists Include: Rev. Carmarion Anderson - South Regional Minister, TransSaints Kokumo Kinetic - Performing Artist  Danielle King - Executive Director, National Aurora Campaign Monica Roberts - Blogger, TransGriot Valerie Spencer - Founder, Transcend Empowerment Institute  Bali White - Program Coordinator, Hetrick-Martin Institute How the LGBT Equality Movement Has Impacted Black America and the Media Landscape A Discussion with Media Experts about How the National Dialogue Has Changed Over the Last Year 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm NBJC will host its now annual LGBT-themed Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference issue forum, where prominent journalists and media experts examine how the president's affirmation of the freedom to marry has changed the media landscape, challenged the myth that Black people are 'more homophobic' than other racial groups, and opened up more doors to talk not just marriage, but other issues such as economic justice, HIV/AIDS, and job discrimination. Moderated by Jeff Johnson, Journalist/Political Commentator, BET Invited Panelists Include: Keith Boykin - Commentator, BET/CNBC Carolyn Brown - Senior Multimedia Content Producer, Black Enterprise Clay Cane - Entertainment Editor, BET.com Jonathan Capehart - Columnist, Washington Post Nelsan Ellis, Actor, True Blood  LZ Granderson - Contributor, CNN/ESPN Dee Rees - Filmmaker, Pariah The Great Recession Luncheon Harnessing the Collective Economic Potential of the Black LGBT Community 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm Keynote speaker Eugene Cornelius, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), launches "Many Faces, One Dream," the SBA's 13-city LGBT economic empowerment tour with the National Black Justice Coalition. The luncheon will be a collaborative dialogue about current challenges to employment security, economic empowerment, and financial literacy for Black LGBT Americans.    Invited Panelists Include: Kenyon Farrow - Communications Director, The Praxis Project   Monique Hall - Vice President, DCI Group   Julian High - Vice President of Business Development, Carrington and Carrington Katheryn King - Regional Vice President, US Bank

    

2012 DNC-Julian Castro Speech

We Texas Democrats have a long tradition of trailblazing personalities and politicians in our party giving keynote addresses at DNC conventions that launch them into the national consciousness and leadership spotlight . 

It happened twice for Barbara Jordan in 1976 and 1992.   After her 1976 speech she was seriously considered by Jimmy Carter to be his vice president in the wake of her DNC speech.   Bill Clinton considered her for a Supreme Court nomination when he got an opportunity to nominate a justice.

Ann Richards after her 1988 keynote speech went from being our state treasurer to our next governor two years later.  Now we have San Antonio mayor Julian Castro's historic turn as a DNC keynote speaker.

Here's hoping I just got a glimpse along with a national audience of our next governor, US senator or potential presidential nominee.    

The FLOTUS 2012 DNC Keynote Speech

President Obama has joked at times that First lady Michelle Obama is the better speech maker in their family.   Well, the POTUS might not be kidding about that.

This keynote speech was not only moving, but it was a kill them with kindness rebuttal to the Ann Romney speech and the other BS the RNC was spreading in Tampa last week.

2012 DNC Convention Starts Tonight

Now that lying season and that illusion of inclusion better known as the Republican National Convention is mercifully over, it's time for America to see what inclusion and diversity really looks like. 

The 2012 Democratic National Convention kicks off tonight in Charlotte with First Lady Michelle Obama being one of the keynote speakers this evening at the Time Warner Cable Arena along with San Antonio mayor Julian Castro.

Yes people, there are Texas Democrats, and you're about to find out we live up to that long, distinguished history of liberal-progressive Texas leadership. 

I miss Ann Richards and Barbara Jordan (sniff, sniff)

I'm happy to note this convention is making trans history on many levels.   We have the first African-American trans man delegate in TPOCC Executive Director Kylar Broadus, who is part of the most diverse trans delegate contingent to ever attend a DNC event.  Dr Marisa Richmond is also in Charlotte for her second consecutive DNC convention as a delegate representing Tennessee. 

So yes, Black transpeople are here owning our power and we couldn't have two better people representing our community.   But they are two of the 13 total transfolks representing our community.   Also wanted to note that Diego Sanchez is part of this diverse trans contingent and representing the Latino community.

Will be interested to hear over the next few days from the various trans participants as they discuss their experiences interacting with the various groups, and participating in the activities and caucuses they'll attend from September 4-6.  

But definitely looking forward to seeing the First Lady tonight and President Obama's acceptance speech on Thursday.

No, Patricia Carroll, This Racist BS Happened At The RNC Con For A Reason

Like other African-Americans inside and outside the blogosphere, I've been pissed about the ugly but not surprising incident happening at the just concluded Republican National Convention Klan Meeting in which peanuts were thrown at CNN camerawoman Patricia Carroll by RNC attendees with the comment "This is how we feed the animals."

Some of the comments Ms Carroll made in the one interview she has granted so far I agree with in terms of this incident being a wake up call to Black people.

But in her attempt to not politicize the issue, she unfortunately did precisely that by trying to claim that the incident could have just as easily happened at a Democratic convention. 

Yeah it could have- in any DNC convention prior to 1968. 

I have to call bull feces on that one.   The Democratic National Convention you will see unfold in Charlotte September 4-6 next week is not one in which you'll be able to count the non-whites in the convention hall.in each delegation on one hand.    At the 2008 DNC convention there were 1079 African-American delegates versus just 38 at the 2008 RNC one.   That was 24% of the delegate in attendance at the 2008 DNC.      

The Republicans have morphed into a monoracial party which has made it their racist mission to denigrate and disrespect the first African-American president, openly stated their goal was to make him a one term president and has executed Massive Resistance 2.0 to prevent him from getting anything done to help this country.   . 

It's a party that has the illusion of inclusion in terms of the speakers it parades on its stage but the only diversity it has is young white men, old white men, middle aged white men, Southern white men.young white women, middle aged white women....You get the picture

The racist crap repeatedly happens in the GOP ranks because since the late 1960's they have been the home of the Dixiecrats and have deliberately pimped white resentment, racist dog whistle code words and hatred of non-white Americans as a key component of their electoral campaign strategies.

That empowered the bigots in the RNC midst to feel their thought processes are validated and respected, no thanks to the race baiting of the Romney-Rayan campaign and the year long GOP primary one that engaged in it.  So now they're shocked, shocked and horrified that on cue the racist dogs heard the whistle and start barking accordingly.

So no Ms Carroll, I think it highly unlikely a racist peanut throwing incident would have happened to you in a DNC convention arena, and by trying to be evenhanded, you unwittingly fueled the false equivalency meme that conservatives will try to exploit to claim that racist incident never happened .