Rejoice Magazine January/February 2014 by REJOICE Magazine

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R E J O I C E

M a g a z i n e

PO Box 153 Oakland, FL 34760 (407) 900-9569 editor@rejoicemagazine.net www.rejoicemagazine.net

Temia Brinson is the President and CEO of Rejoice Magazine, which is a Faith-based, Christian Lifestyle Magazine. The magazine highlights the latest news, aggregated from multiple sources and attracts visitors daily on its website RejoiceMagazine.net.

Temia Brinson, President Rejoice Magazine

She is a radio personality and host of The Rejoice Magazine Radio Show, heard locally in Orlando, Florida on WOKB 1680AM and globally via rejoicemagazine.net, wokbradio.com, and mobile application Tune In Radio, tunein.com.

Ms. Brinson has interviewed and worked with several notable names such as State Representative Perry Thurston, State Senator Geraldine Thompson, Mayor John Christian, Commissioner Tiffany Moore Russell, Dr. Sheila J. Spencer, Dr. Jamal Bryant, Bishop Willie J. Matheney, Dr. Randolph Bracy, Jr., Dr. Samantha Phillips, Prophet Corvell Brown, Dr. Larry G. Mills, Pastor Derrick McRae, Pastor Alexis Stephens, Javis Mays, and Thomas Ware, just to mention a few. She is a Motivational Speaker and the host of two seminars: “Single, Saved & Satisfied; Are You Really?” and “Reinvention of the Black Woman”. Ms. Brinson attended Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida and served as a member of the Bethune-Cookman Gospel Choir. Now, she currently serves as Minister of Music at Wootson Memorial Church Of God In Christ, where Elder Eullas Brinson, Jr. is the pastor, under the leadership of Western Florida Jurisdictional Prelate, Bishop Willie J. Matheney. In addition to being a voice in the community, Ms. Brinson also has familiarity with corporate America. As a person having worked in the financial sector for the past 12 years, Ms. Brinson has experience in dealing with several government agencies such as State Attorney Generals, Members of Congress, State Regulatory Agencies, and the newly formed Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. She is also a member of the Vote Out Loud committee, which is in partnership with Innovations Middle Charter School. For Bookings & Interviews, email us at editor@rejoicemagazine.net

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PUBLISHER THE PROGRESS FOUNDATION PO BOX 153 OAKLAND, FL 34760 EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF TEMIA BRINSON SENIOR EDITOR PASTOR EULLAS BRINSON, JR. ASSOCIATE EDITOR NELLIE RICE EDITOR@REJOICEMAGAZINE.NET CONTRIBUTING WRITERS BRYAN L. COBARIS JOHN X. POLK SHARLENE R. PRINCE JIMMIE SMITH GRAPHIC DESIGNER TEMIA BRINSON

Table of Contents INSPIRATIONAL Bryan L. Cobaris: Bless this… Mess?? ….……………………….….…...…....…8 Temia Brinson: To the African American Clergy …………………………....…18 Sharlene R. Prince: Women On The Run To Live………………………………22

POLITICS John X. Polk & Jimmie Smith: Same Sex Marriage….…….…………...…......…6 Take The Poll: Should Same Sex Marriage Be Allowed In America?..…....….…6 SEIU: Immigration Reform.....................................................................................7 African Americans and the Democratic Party……….………………….……….16

THE NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE Articles and News Stories in relation to the National Urban League….................4

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE Articles and News Stories in relation to the NAACP…………..……………10-11

NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE MANAGER EULLAS BRINSON III ADS@REJOICEMAGAZINE.NET

DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION CHURCHES, CONFERENCES, NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS & ISSUU.COM

Articles and News Stories in relation to National Action Network…………..…21

COVER STORY Carlos Smith: Newly Elected Chair of the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee…………...……...…………………………………………..……12-14 WHY SUBSCRIBE? Rejoice Magazine is a Lifestyle Magazine which provides the latest news in Politics, Social Justice, Religion, Gospel Music and much more. Published bi-monthly, the magazine is distributed digitally to approx. 30,000 recipients online via issuu.com; a media plug-in which can be embedded to any public domain, personal website or social media. We offer unique content that is designed to engage a healthy discussion of today’s issues. If you would like to continue getting REJOICE Magazine, subscribe today. Your subscription begins with the next published issue. To ensure this most valuable magazine arrives in your email, subscribe online at www.RejoiceMagazine.net or Issuu.com

FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER DARRYL CHANDLER CHANDLER PHOTOGRAPHY (727) 359-6386 DARRYLJ1711@YAHOO.COM www.dchandlerphotos.smugmug.com

www.rejoicemagazine.net Rejoice Magazine is published bimonthly by The Progress Foundation Inc. POSTMASTER: send address changes to PO Box 153, Oakland, Florida 34760. Opinions in Rejoice Magazine are those of the individual writer and not necessarily those of Rejoice Magazine. Letters, graphics and photos sent to the magazine are subject to editing and become property of the magazine.

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President and CEO of the National Urban League Marc H. Morial, and other civil rights leaders met today with retail outfits such as Barneys and Macy’s to resume talks concerning retail racial profiling. According to Rev. Al Sharpton, the retailers agreed to a customer “bill of rights”. The bill of rights states that the participating retailer “strictly prohibits unreasonable searches and/or the profiling of customers by an employee”. Click here to view a copy of the Customer Bill Of Rights in its entirety.

Statement From Marc H. Morial, President & CEO Of The National Urban League, Regarding The Nomination Of Sharon Bowen To The Commodity Futures Trading Commission We applaud President Obama’s nomination of Sharon Bowen to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Bowen’s professional success and her track record of achievement on behalf of Americans as Vice Chair of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation make her an incredibly strong choice – and as the first AfricanAmerican woman nominated to the CFTC, a historic one as well. Bowen is a highly regarded lawyer whose career spans a successful corporate, corporate finance and securities practice. As a respected professional and community leader, Bowen possesses deep knowledge of financial markets, the regulatory requirements and disclosure obligations. She undoubtedly brings the know-how, diligence, integrity and leadership that will be required to continue to ensure that the CFTC fulfills its mission to protect market users and the public from fraud, manipulation and abusive practices and foster financially sound markets… Read the full statement here Source: iamempowered.com

Related Story: Marc H. Morial Meets With Retailers To Discuss Racial Profiling by Rejoice Magazine at 12/9/2013 9:04 PM | Add Comment

President & CEO of the National Urban League, Marc Morial Joins FFEU in Condemning the “Knockout Game”

National Urban League President & CEO Marc Morial: Knockout Gameover (via The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding) President and CEO of National Urban League Marc Morial joins FFEU in Condemning the "Knockout Game" by Rejoice Magazine at 12/4/2013 6:44 PM | Add Comment

Urban League Busy Helping People Signup For The ACA

by Rejoice Magazine at 12/27/2013 8:00 AM | Add Comment

Retail Racial Profiling Agreement Reached Between Retailers, National Urban League Marc H. Morial and Others

Urban League busy helping people signup for the ACA (via Repost Video News Many Americans are still trying to figure out how to enroll for the Affordable Care Act. Now, a Wichita group is trying to help.

National Urban League Marc H. Morial: Meeting on Retail Racial Profiling

by Rejoice Magazine at 10/13/2013 6:30 PM | Add Comment

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TAKE OUR POLL

Should Same Sex Marriage Be Allowed?

Should Same Sex Marriage Be Allowed In America?

By John X. Polk

By Jimmie Smith

Since this is being written from a Christian point of view, I think a few things need to be established.

Now as the good Christian folk that we are, we say of course not. God ordained marriage and he says being gay is a sin so it should not be allowed in this good Christian country. Right there lies the fallacy of the argument “good Christian country.” First, we are not wholly a Christian country, people are allowed to practice whatever religion they choose in this nation. Secondly, Christians according to the bible will sin and are allowed to ask for forgiveness when they fall. Last but not least, nowhere in the Constitution does it state laws should be created based on good Christian values. I understand the good Christians believe marriage is ordained by God and I agree but it has also been taken out of the hands of the church and given rule by our government, who now polices what is or is not a marriage. So if that same government chooses to recognize the marriage of two people of the same sex, the church does not have a leg to stand on.

Christian simply means Christ-like. If one is going to consider themselves a Christian, they would have to be governed by the standards of the Bible - which is VERY clear on this subject matter. In accordance with the governing standard of Christianity, "Gay Marriage" is an oxymoron. The Bible clearly defines marriage as an institution between man and woman; therefore, a proposed union between 2 people of the same sex is without any doubt inordinate and cannot thusly be defined as marriage. I do not believe that 2 people of the same sex should be allowed to "marry". God gives us free will; even He does not force them to think, live or love a certain way so neither will I. However if it is an individual's personal choice to think, live or love out of order, there should be no legal means available for them to do such any more than there should be means for an individual to marry a piece of wood if that's their choice. I do think there is a religious prejudice against homosexuality; and some of it is constituted. If God hates a thing, I can completely understand Christians likewise hating it. However I do think that Christians mistake hating the individual versus hating the condition; this is where, in my opinion, we error. Are we trying to make the Bible law? Well, essentially, much of the law is the Bible. Albeit much of the law of the Bible, like the law of the land, is broken. But laws are in place for us to be governed by; and when one makes the decision to break the law they must be prepared for the consequences. I reiterate, we cannot force individuals to think or feel as we believe but that DOES NOT mean that we should make provision for them either. John X. Polk is a GFA Radio 1580 AM On-Air Personality at My Pure Television. He is also the Founder/Leader of JP & 1Voice, which is a contemporary praise & worship group. Additionally, John is a Graphic Designer at Black Love United. You can follow him on Twitter @imjohnpolk and on Facebook at John X Polk

At the end of the day what the government can’t approve is the doctrine of the church. They cannot force the church to recognize gay marriage as ok in the Lord’s eyes. They cannot make being gay not a sin. They cannot change the words of the bible to mean what they feel. They cannot change the hearts and minds of millions of Christians. The government will do what it wants to do, business as usual. The bottom line the LBGT community is mobilized and has put their money to back their desires. Real talk, what it goes to show you is what I already knew, finding politicians who are saved, sanctified and filled with the holy ghost are few and its gonna take that type of person to push back against this agenda. What the church can and will do is pray for those that have gone astray and hopefully that will find their way back to God until then, remember this isn’t about the church this is about government and in government money talks and anything else is just………….. Jimmie “J Real” Smith is the host of REAL FAMILY TALK. Real Family Talk is a radio program on WOKB 1680 AM and can be listened to at wokbradio.com that airs every Tuesday at 9pm. You can follow him on Twitter @realfamilytalk, on Facebook at Real Family Talk, visit the site realfamilytalk.weebly.com or email him at realfamilytalk@gmail.com

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Bless this... Mess?? By Bryan Cobaris As a child of the 80’s and 90’s, I looked around my world and concluded that the future was so bright I would have to wear shades. Even though I was about as socially conscious as any young person during that era, which means not very, I had no reason to believe that the world was evolving into a social utopia filled with opportunity, racial equality, harmonious cultural awareness, and the dawn of industries that thrive on ingenuity and creativity. Think about it. The economy was healthy. The Cold War was over. The Berlin Wall was brought down. Affirmative Action was balancing the scales for deserving minorities who were qualified for, but denied, advancement. Businesses were booming, technology was growing and the family unit was still in tact. The Cosby Show was on the air and on its way to becoming one of the #1 television shows of all-time. Even churches began establishing themselves as the backbone of the AfricanAmerican community. Do you see what I mean? It would be at this point, where you say, “Cobaris…what does any of this have to do with the title?” Well I’m glad you asked. As children we dreamed that the new millennium would usher us into a Jetsons/Star Trek era, complete with flying cars, living robots, and whatever else was on television at the time. What has the year 2000 brought us? A mess? What has it left us in? A mess! The economy is in the toilet and it teeters on collapse with a top heavy system where the top 10% of our population controls the majority of the wealth. Greed became the weeds that choked the fiscal fruit in the garden of opportunity. More people are out of work, out of homes, and out of any type of disposable income. Wars and rumors of wars permeate the globe in a constant struggle between the haves and the have-nots. Where conflicts used to be fought for righteous reasons, every dust-up that we involve ourselves in is met with a “side-eye”, as we still try to figure out why we toppled our last two regimes. And then there’s us. The family unit as we know it has been decimated. Affirmative Action is obsolete because we’ve stopped trying to excel in the workplace...if we’re working at all. Not only does our choices for entertainment (i.e. Music, movies, reality shows, etc.) lack any type of moral compass, conviction, or call for personal accountability, we have become equally irresponsible for contributing to the degradation by creating and spreading uncensored vulgarity

through social media. And the churches which used to be a guiding light to the masses, and somewhat a farm where leaders where harvested, have become rudderless. Preachers of L.A. may not represent the average church, but its also doing nothing to combat the negative images that were quietly assumed as legit by those who were already biased to the concept of God and organized religion. Whose fault is it? Yours. Mine. Ours. We owe this generation more than to leave it morally, financially, and (most importantly) spiritually bankrupt. The generations before us sacrificed everything to give us....what exactly? Did Harriet Tubman dedicate her life to see us enslave ourselves in debt, prisons, and poor choices that restrict our lifestyles and chances for improvement? Did Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., turn every cheek on his body while facing more scrutiny from his own people, just to see AfricanAmericans get victimized and die by more AfricanAmericans than any other race? Did Jesus look down from the cross and say to Himself, “One day, this will all have been worth it because they will judge, condemn and destroy each other to the point where the devil won’t have anything to do.”? I don’t have all of the answers, but I do have one question: Do we really want God to bless our mess? We got ourselves into this. The key reason why our generation fell so hard and so fast is the same reason why the devil can have so much control...free choice. We had more freedom, more access, more choices, and more motivation to do everything we were big and bad enough to do. In that wide open space, we learned to let the devil limit us by robbing us of the time, talent and treasure that would have been multiplied immensely had we put it in the hands of the Lord, as opposed to whatever we did with it. Freedom is a beautiful thing, when its in the right hands. Don’t believe me? Imagine this. You’re suffering from a heart attack and the only person available to assist you is a child who has two things in front of him: a phone with 911 on speed-dial and the newest X-Box One video game system. Which will he choose? What factors would go into that choice? What are you doing to shape good choices for this generation now? You are very important. You can’t save the world, but you can make a difference. Start small. Start locally. Just start. Don’t quit! Don’t give up! With this brand new surge of empowerment you go out there, help others and become who God made you to be…now’s the time. Stay encouraged! Bryan Cobaris is the Executive Director of Faithful FEW Motivations which provides motivational speaking, youth leader/counselor training, and Master of Ceremony service for events and activities. He has over 20 years of experience in youth ministry, Christian education, youth counseling, mentoring and recreation. His post-secondary education includes a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice from the renowned Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University. For more information call (407) 484-5942 or email faithfulfewmotivations@gmail.com

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“Congress is taking a positive step in the right direction by moving forward on a budget deal,” stated Lorraine C. Miller, Interim President and CEO of the NAACP. “However, we are still deeply concerned that the emerging deal fails to extend long-term unemployment insurance. Millions of outof-work Americans depend on the safety net of unemployment insurance, especially in this season of giving.” ... Read the full statement here

NAACP Releases New Report Examining Energy Policies (Washington, DC) – The NAACP has released a new report that assesses energy policy in all 50 states from a civil rights lens. Titled “Just Energy Policies: Reducing Pollution and Creating Jobs,” the report provides analysis of each state’s energy sector policies based on both the environmental and economic impacts. “Our report is a call to action for our community and our leaders,” stated NAACP Interim President and CEO Lorraine C. Miller. “This is both a monumental moment and an opportunity for civic engagement. The decision made about energy by public utility boards and local officials have a direct impact on our community. We must know who the decision makers are and spur them into action with our votes.” The report assesses states on five different criteria: Renewable portfolio standards, Energy Efficiency Resource Standards, Net Metering Standards, Local Hire Provisions, and Minority Business Enterprise provisions. Additionally, the report lays out the potential for each state to become a leader in clean energy... Read the full article here Source: NAACP.org

Source: NAACP.org ### by Rejoice Magazine at 12/18/2013 11:05 AM | Add Comment

NAACP Statement On Resignation Of Miami Gardens Police Chief (Miami Gardens, FL) – One day after the Florida State Conference of NAACP Branches and its Miami-Dade County Branch asked Attorney General Eric Holder to direct the Justice Department to review the practice of intimidation by officers of the Miami Gardens Police Department against African American residents, Miami Gardens Police Chief Matthew Boyd resigned amid allegations that officers in his department have systematically committed civil rights violations against residents of city. “The Miami Gardens community deserves a police department that is committed to stopping crime and preserving justice,” stated Adora Obi Nweze, President of the NAACP Florida State Conference. “This is a good first step toward that goal, but hardly the last step. The systematic allegations of police intimidation did not happen because of just one person; they were the result of a sustained lack of oversight. We hope that the Miami Gardens Police Department will continue to work with the community on a fairer and more just system.”

### by Rejoice Magazine at 12/23/2013 10:00 AM | Add Comment

NAACP Calls Progress On Budget Deal Important Step; Implores Action On Unemployment Benefits

Many Miami Gardens residents have faced and continue to face harassment and misconduct carried out by the Miami Gardens Police Department, related to a program called the Zero Tolerance Zone Initiative. Public records contain 27 video recordings from one store owner, Alex Saleh, who also filed a complaint with the internal affairs commander, Gary Smith. These recordings show police regularly questioning, frisking, and arresting people who not only have permission to be on the property, but also have not committed any crimes... Read the full statement here

(Washington, DC) – In response to the Senate moving forward on a long-term budget deal today, the NAACP released the following statement:

Source: NAACP.org by Rejoice Magazine at 12/13/2013 10:00 AM | Add Comment

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NAACP Commends Sea-Tac, Seattle and New Jersey On Victories In Minimum Wage Fights (Washington, DC)– The NAACP released the following statement commending the city of Sea-Tac, Washington and the state of New Jersey on its victories in raising the minimum wage. Sea-Tac voters approved Proposition 1, which raises the minimum wage to $15 an hour for travelrelated industries in the airport and in the city and calls for annual increases tied to inflation, paid sick leave and tip protection. Employers are also required to offer part-time workers more hours before hiring additional part-timers and to keep employees for at least three months after an ownership change. New Jersey voters approved raising the minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.25 an hour and also voted to amend the state Constitution to tie future increases to inflation. New Jersey becomes the 20th state to establish a minimum wage higher than the federal minimum. From Lorraine Miller, Interim President & CEO of the NAACP "In this economy, Americans must earn a living wage to attain a higher living standard, make ends meet and support their families,” stated Lorraine Miller, Interim NAACP President & CEO. “Raising the minimum wage is a necessary step to address our country’s record level income inequality and to build an economy that works for everyone. We are encouraged by Sea-Tac and New Jersey’s victories for workers’ rights and will continue to move onward in our fight for economic justice and fairness for all.” ... Read the full press release here Source: NAACP.org ### by Rejoice Magazine at 11/15/2013 10:00 AM | Add Comment

NAACP Brokers Groundbreaking Agreement To Close School To Prison Pipeline In Broward County (Fort Lauderdale, Fl.) -- The NAACP has brokered a groundbreaking collaborative agreement on school discipline with Broward County Public Schools, law enforcement and its community partners. The agreement will serve as a model for school districts nationwide that aim to end the school to prison pipeline wreaking havoc in communities of color.

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The collaborative agreement establishes proven alternatives to arrest for misdemeanor infractions by students that include common sense approaches such as counseling and mentorship. The historic agreement leverages the support of Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) and local law enforcement by reducing student suspensions, expulsions and arrests, while maintaining safe learning environments for students. “We have worked tirelessly for eight years to close the school to prison pipeline in Broward County,” said Marsha Ellison, president of the NAACP’s Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Chapter. “Today’s groundbreaking agreement to end the school to prison pipeline will save Broward County children from the type of disciplinary action that thwarts their professional growth and development by preventing them from getting a job, going to college, joining the military or becoming the successful adults they deserve to be. Children should be educated, not incarcerated.” The agreement highlights the role of school officials in determining when student infractions warrant an arrest versus school disciplinary measures, particularly for minor misbehavior/offenses. The collaborative agreement is part of the national movement to end the schoolhouse to jailhouse pipeline... Read the full press release here Source: NAACP.org ### by Rejoice Magazine at 11/6/2013 12:00 PM | Add Comment

NAACP Statement On Marissa Alexander Retrial (Jacksonville, FL) – Today an appellate court granted a retrial to Marissa Alexander, the African-American woman who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for firing a warning shot in a wall of her home during a dispute with her husband. NAACP leaders made the following statements: “This is a welcome development in a case that represents the double standards in our justice system,” stated NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous… “ Read the full statement here Source: NAACP.org ### by Rejoice Magazine at 9/29/2013 2:15 PM | Add Comment

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African Americans And The Democratic Party In Orange County In a recent article on CommunitySteeple.com, it claims that there is a stifling of progress and minority outreach within the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee (OCDEC). Rejoice Magazine is indifferent with the premise of this article, but it prompted us to take a look at the dynamics between African American voters and the OCDEC. We sent a list of three short questions to a couple of members of the OCDEC. Additionally, in an effort to present viewpoints from all sides, we presented the same questions to the Chair of the Affirmative Action Committee, but the interview was declined. Please note that we do not edit the answers but provide a forum to speak to our readers in their own words.

elections and public policy. When Mayor Hood resigned in 2002, The DEC was able to mobilize in the general election to help Buddy Dyer win over the republican candidate. Some people complain because it’s a nonpartisan election that political parties shouldn’t be involved in nonpartisan races on the municipal and county level. I say BS. It makes a difference who is greeting the plane in Presidential years- Do you want Mayor Dyer riding in Air Force one with President Obama or Mayor Jacobs greeting Gov Romney on the tarmac. There are no nonpartisan candidates One no-party candidate ran last year and outspent his R opponent $180K to $40K and loss. It is the DEC’s job to identify Democrats in these nonpartisan races. It did a good job last year with slate cards with candidates and positions on the ballot initiatives.

Doug Head

Rejoice: How do you feel about the work the OCDEC has done in the past? Head: The DEC has done good work in many election cycles, but – over time and as campaigning has become more technically complex – has begun to depend on instructions from outside consultants and interest groups, rather than the voices and efforts of the activist volunteers it is designed to be. Good volunteers can return it to the former status as a true voice of the Democrats on the street. Rejoice: Most of Rejoice Magazine readers are African Americans. How is the OCDEC's relationship with African American voters? Head: The relationship is weak because far too few African Americans are involved in the organization. Their voices are consequently muted in determining what we do. Most elections for single member Districts in majority Black neighborhoods involve contests within the Black community. But the rules say that the DEC as an organization can’t do much in those contests. However, more Members with access to voters can make the elections more faithful to the real interests of the community. Political education is vital to this. Rejoice: With a newly elected Chair, How do you feel about the future work of the OCDEC? Head: I am hopeful that there will be a new mood of openness and real listening which can move the DEC forward. It can’t happen if there is not a real effort by the organizational leaders and by its critics to make it work, to bring it back out of the suites and to the street.

Lonnie Thompson

Rejoice: How do you feel about the work the OCDEC has done in the past? Thompson: The DEC has done great work when it has been able to coordinate its limited resources and make differences in

Rejoice: Most of Rejoice Magazine readers are African Americans. How is the OCDEC's relationship with African American voters? Thompson: I don’t think there is a relationship for the most part. There are 100,000 Black Democrats in Orange County and less than 20 African-American DEC members. There are a few who see the importance of the position. Each precinct in the County is entitled to one precinct committeeman and woman. If the precinct has more than 1000 Democrats there would two men and two women. President Truman said the most important position he ever held was precinct committeeman. In 2008, when the presidential primary was close everyone wanted to know who these superdelegates were. That process starts at the County party level and voted on by precinct committeemen/women, who select the State Committeeman/woman, who select the Democratic National Committee members, who are the super delegates. When Earl K Wood died after the primary, the DEC chose who would replace him if he won the general election. Commissioner Moore-Russell was interested in the position but she could count the votes and see she probably wouldn’t be successful with so few African-Americans on the committee. I think the biggest obstacle for more participation by African-Americans is the lack of influence the party has on the westside of the County. The DEC can’t or shouldn’t take sides when there are two Democrats facing each other. Republicans are usually smart enough not to challenge African-American elected officials in heavy minority areas to suppress the vote in general elections. There probably won’t be a Republican candidate in County District 6 or State House District 46 race. So those Democratic candidates/elected officials don’t ever get any help from the DEC. I think regular citizens should step up and participate. The job of the precinct committeeperson is to organize their neighbors to get out to vote. Imagine the improvement we would see if folks took the time to get to know their neighbors and learn about the issues in the community. Any Democrat can join the DEC by attending a meeting held on the third Monday of the month or by emailing ocdec.membership@gmail.com Rejoice: With a newly elected Chair, How do you feel about the future work of the OCDEC? Thompson: I don’t know. I know Carlos and he is a bright young man. I always say the job of DEC Chair is like herding cats or trying to lead a group of the smartest people in the world because they all think they know best. I think new leadership should be given a chance to prove themselves. I will be able to gauge what type Chair he is based on who he chooses for committee chairs and what he proposes for a budget to see where his focus will be in 2014. If he chooses to include some of the outside factions and give them assignments or let them lead some committees, he will do well. People can’t complain if they don’t do anything to help improve the situation if asked.

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Temia Brinson to the AfricanAmerican Clergy: Re-defining Your Religion Is Not The Answer It has been widely reported that a group of African-American Pastors are campaigning against President Barack Obama based on his position on same-sex marriage. Instead of stating the obvious, the fact that the President's position has no merit in terms of becoming law, these pastors are biblically incorrect. When looking at the religion of Christianity, it is clear that God gave mankind a choice. Just look at the story of Adam and Eve. He placed them in the Garden of Eden along with the tree of Knowledge of good and evil. God placed the tree of life in the garden as well. Then God gave Adam and Eve a choice. He said that they can eat from either tree, but each tree has a consequence. Just as God gave Adam and Eve a choice, so should people have a choice today. Christianity teaches that God seeks a relationship with mankind. Like any other relationship or romance, it is based on love, shared goals, and shared beliefs. Because of God's love for his creation, he sacrificed his only son's life so that mankind could have eternal life. Even after displaying the greatest act of love thru his death, Christ still wants people to accept him of their own free will. This is not a religion thru force of will or acceptance. In fact, the entire protocol of Christianity is based on the lure of love. It was Christ that taught his disciples to travel the world and spread the faith. How should they spread the faith? It is thru love. Specifically, Christ said to "teach all nations", not "legislate" all nations. There is no reference in the bible where Christ says to make his teachings law. It seems clear to me that some Christians today, who are so adamant about making Christianity a law, are using the legislative process as an excuse to get out of their religious responsibilities. Indeed, this is a slippery slope to use the law as a tool to force Christianity on others and it is certainly not the intention of Christ. Excluding the element of free will is a distortion of Christianity and it will turn this Democracy back into a Theocracy. Believe it or not, America was a Theocracy where laws were based on distorted religious views. History has proven that religion can be distorted and brought into law, with the sole purpose of controlling a group of people. For years, Christian leaders have incorrectly taught that women should be silent and not allowed to speak. This teaching was based on scriptures that were taken out of context, misinterpreted, and used to control women for decades. Subsequently, these distorted religious views shaped a culture of male dominance and denied women their right to vote. Women rights are not the only example of America as a Theocracy. Dare we forget the enslavement of an entire race based on religion? It was the interpretation of the bible that was used to justify the free enterprise of slavery. Brainwashing people into thinking they were cursed by God, werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t human enough to have any rights and should be grateful for their mere existence had its benefits. Are these the days of Theocracy that you are so valiantly advocating for? To become a nation of forced religion and disrespect for God's requirement of free will? In essence, you are high jacking your own religion. When you exclude the very foundation of a religion (love/free will), and then claim your actions are because of religion.. You have re-defined that religion.

problem." Although he made this statement, Bryant did say in another report that he would vote for President Obama. However, I take issue with his first statement. It is the Christian "church" and their failed responsibilities that is "at the heart" of the problem. According to their faith, Christians have a responsibility to love, teach, convert, and pray for those that do not believe. How does the problem rest with President Obama when he is only a president? He cannot be the President of the United States and the Pope at the same time. Although he is President for all, he cannot be "Christ" to all. No, that's your job. Since you are claiming to be a leader in your faith, it is your duty to show Christ to all. This is a classic case of apples and oranges. By demanding an apple (President Obama) take the characteristics of an orange (Religious Leader), you are shifting responsibility and re-defining your own religion. Another report by Mother Jones says that "In late July, Rev. William Owens, head of the Coalition of African-American Pastors, appeared at the National Press Club to denounce President Barack Obama's support for same-sex marriage, which he claimed enabled child molestation. "If you watch the men who have been caught having sex with little boys, you will note that all of them will say that I was molested as a child," he declared. "For the president to condone this type of thing.is irresponsible."" If there is ever an example of distorting what a person condones based on what was actually said, this is definitely that example. The President's statement did not condone, nor did it reference anything other than adult relationships. It is this type of biased thinking that makes it so dangerous for a religion to become law. Just as previous generations have misused the scriptures to gain cheap labor, so is Owens using spin to advance his own agenda. The same report from Mother Jones indicates that Owens is a conservative and one can only guess that he may soon be the "go to guy" for when conservatives reach out to the African-American community. Of course, reaching out to African-Americans may come with a very generous honorarium. For some religious leaders, the power of positioning may be a much better payoff than actually leading their flock to the path of righteousness. This may have more to do with the Almighty Dollar and less to do with the Almighty God. The right to vote is the very fiber of our democracy. Remembering the bloodshed it took for women and blacks to have the right to vote in this country should be enough to encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote. It is offensive to learn there are AfricanAmerican clergy who are actually encouraging their parishioners not to vote. In fact, according to the Daily News, "Some black clergy see no good presidential choice between a Mormon candidate and one who supports gay marriage, so they are telling their flocks to stay home on Election Day." The recklessness of these pastors in misleading their flock is not only offensive, but shows a lack of character and wisdom. This is not the time for pastors to mislead their followers and to play politics when there is so much at stake during this election cycle. It is possible that the next president may fill several vacancies on the Supreme Court. The next president could appoint an attorney general that will either fight voter suppression or move it forward. In reality, there are movements within this country that have the sole purpose of turning this democracy back into a theocracy. Temia Brinson is the President & CEO of Rejoice Magazine, which is a Faith-based, Christian Lifestyle Magazine that is published online. For more information visit www.RejoiceMagazine.net

There are some religious leaders who are indeed, re-defining their religion. The Miami Herald reported Rev. Jamal-Harrison Bryant as saying, "the president's position on marriage is "at the heart" of the

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Sharpton, Barneys CEO Discuss Racial Profiling (via AP Video) Civil rights activist Al Sharpton said he and other community leaders had "a very candid" meeting with the CEO of Barneys New York on Tuesday to discuss allegations of racial profiling at the high-end retailer. (Oct. 29)

Boycott Threatened After Racial Profiling Claims at Macy’s & Barneys

### by Rejoice Magazine at 11/1/2013 2:00 PM | Add Comment

Rev. Al Sharpton and MLK III Move To Chicago To Help End Gun Violence

Boycott Threatened After Racial Profiling Claims At Macy's, Barneys(via Repost Video News) The Reverend Al Sharpton and other civil rights leaders in New York on Monday threatened a holiday season shopping boycott after meeting with Macy's Chairman Terry Lundgren to discuss accusations of racial profiling of shoppers. Sharpton, who held a …

Rev. Al Sharpton and MLK III Move to Chicago to Help End Gun Violence (via http://celeboftea.com)

Read the full story here ### by Rejoice Magazine at 11/8/2013 10:00 AM | Add Comment

By Cory Alexander Haywood *The black community in Chicago recently welcomed two new, high-profile residents– Rev. Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King III. The duo made good on their promise in July to move to the Windy City to help eliminate gun violence… ###

Sharpton, Barneys CEO Discuss Racial Profiling www.rejoicemagazine.net

by Rejoice Magazine at 10/23/2013 2:00 PM | Add Comment

Women On The Run To Live By Sharlene R. Prince There are so many women that are running from their abusers in order to live another day. I have met in Central Florida alone a great deal of women that left their families, and their homes just to have a life with safety and peace. The daily fear of the moods of your abuser, and whether or not he will make this your last day is a constant fear. The fear of Law Enforcement not making it to you in time and your life being cut short is frightening. Many people ask why women do not leave their abusive situations, without realizing that the exit can make the abusers anger escalate even more, with a plan of murder in the works. These women fear for their lives daily, and many of them have just cause in believing that today might be their last day. Can you imagine loving someone with all of your heart and then they beat you? There are many times when women are in so much shock that they cannot even believe what just happened. The abuser believes that in his haste to control he can convince you to be obedient. These perpetrators somehow continue to get away with their abuse even after being reported. There is one woman who has been fighting in court back and forth to get child support and any type of assistance from her soon to be ex husband. This man has told her many times that she will end up dead and there is nothing that anyone can do about it. She has reported these threats to the police and they ask her if she has any proof; she said the only proof I will have is my death after he kills me. Who really stands up for these women? What can we as a Community do, when this rein of violence bestows upon women? Domestic Violence and Domestic Abuse affect 1 in 4 women daily. In Countries like Pakistan they are throwing acid in the faces of women and distorting them for the rest of their lives, some believe this to be the same fate as death. If society as a whole cannot protect women in danger, what do they do? The pattern of abuse can begin with just little steps toward isolation. You might hear things like I cannot imagine my life without you and I just want you all for myself and I do not want to share you with others. Initially many women believe this to be love and assume that this is the real deal when it comes to love, unknowing that it is a tactic to get in your mind and in your heart.

into the web of control by being fearful of not following all rules to keep the peace. He leads you to believe that if you Love him as much as he loves you, and then you would not have a problem with these rules that are meant to keep your relationship strong. The first time that you are hit is an extremely crucial period; this is where your reaction determines what will take place in the future. Some women are in shock and feel that it was their fault; while other women may say I am not the one to tolerate or accept abuse, and the relationship terminates immediately. Now in the latter case some men me feel betrayed and threaten the woman if she plans to leave, and if she does some men will execute them for not staying in the relationship. Have you ever heard if I cannot have you no one else can? Well that is an old saying to take seriously, especially when so many men literally men it. This is not cute and harmless especially when the words are actually spoken in truth. To be a Woman on the Run trying to find shelter and not be too obvious in her hideout it takes commitment and skill. You must always have a security kit in your trunk for the emergency getaway; which will include important documents and the basic essentials for everyday survival and life. Now before all of this transpires you will get the tears and the apology. You mean the world to me, and you are my destiny, and my life means nothing without you. When you fall in love of course you feel obligated to compromise and make certain allowances for the relationship on a whole. You ignore your intuition and ignore the evident signs as you know that you do not want to be treated this way, I mean he is ordering your dinner, telling you when you can and cannot drink, as well as who to talk to and when; you know something is not right. Many of us women when we are excited about a new relationship or just merely maintaining our current relationships we tend to get amnesia; as we ignore the relationship warning signs. We do not want to believe that our investment in this relationship failed or has short comings. In a relationship there is give and take, love and disagreements, but when everything is always your fault and you are being blamed for the abuse, there is something wrong with this picture and you must wake up. It is not your fault that someone beats you, and no matter how much fear you experience, get a grip and get out. Always report your abuse, keep records and get an order of protection. We will share the step by step process of getting to safety and the various signs to alert you when abuse is evident. In abusive situations you cannot run to your motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house or a close family member, because you in turn place them in danger. The first place your abuser will check for you is by family and you must be very careful. Domestic Violence does not discriminate and it can attack the home of anyone from any economic status, so never feel it is just you. You are not to blame and domestic violence is not acceptable on any level. The time to leave is now. Sharlene R. Prince is the President at The Women Rising Above Group, Inc and Founder, President & CEO at The Women Rising Above Group, Inc. She is also an Author and Advocate For Domestic Harmony.

There is also the constant questioning of your whereabouts and who you have spoken with; as well as checking your phone and calling you constantly, with the expectancy of immediate answering of all calls, even when you are at work. You begin to fall

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