Other social/political action topics to possibly address

[ashford.hughes]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/supreme-court-stops-use-of-key-part-of-voting-rights-act/2013/06/25/26888528-dda5-11e2-b197-f248b21f94c4_story.html

 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/06/25/voting-rights-act-ruling-heres-what-you-need-to-know/

 

I think a topic that the community needs to be aware of is the new changes to the voting rights act that occurred a few weeks back.. At least some information and education about what occurred and what the Supreme Court cited as the reason for making the changes.

 

Another topic that I think would be educational and informative is a series and discussions about how government works. From Metro on up to the state legislature and the importance of understanding local government. Just two ideas that came to mind over the weekend.

 

ARH

 

 

[Gerry George]

 I was thinking the same thing

 

 

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[Dannelle Walker]

How can we get this out to the membership?

Dannelle F. Walker, Esq.

"La vita e' bella"

Sent from iPhone 

[Gerry George]

Seems like we would have to do some sort of infomercial about what the voter's right act is and why it is important

 

[Ashford Hughes]

What I think would be cool, if at least on every first Sunday we had a segment on the jumbo screen that was like 3-4 minutes mins called, "In the Know" (or something to that matter) that gave a brief overview of the latest happenings in Metro, across TN and in the Nation that would be affected the Mt.Zion community and the surrounding communities.

--

Ashford R. Hughes

(615) 289-9749

ashford...@gmail.com

[Dannelle F. Walker]

Sounds like a great idea. Let's see what Dacari thinks...

[jgdavis007]

I like all the ideas, especially the "In the Know" piece.  We also need to develop a process for not only getting out the word to other ministry members, but also the MZ membership.

Of more immediate concern is the recent verdict in the Zimmerman trial, and how we respond to it.  Does anyone have any ideas on what we should do to inform membership??

[Dannelle F. Walker]

What immediately occurs to me is a listening session. People are clearly angry over this and need a lawful and supportive avenue to vent. I say we hold a session just to hear what people's thoughts and emotions are about this and then formulate a plan of action as to how the church will move forward and make an impact.

Dannelle F. Walker, Esq.

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." H.D. Thoreau

Twitter: DannelleFWalker
Dannelle blogs her fabulous musings on education at dannellefwalker.com!

[jgdavis007]

So, we should bounce this off Dacari, and if he agrees, we reserve a room, and make an announcement of time, place, and issue??

[Dannelle F. Walker]

Hey everybody! Have you heard of Marissa Alexander?  In 2012, the FL resident was convicted of aggravated assault and sentenced to 20 years in prison for firing a warning shot into a wall in an effort to protect herself from her abusive husband. Attorneys for Alexander attempted to raise the "Stand Your Ground" Defense, but the judge did not allow her to use the defense, noting that she could have run out of her home to escape her husband. Alexander's warning shot injured no one, except the dry wall in her home; yet she was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

In light of the acquittal of George Zimmerman, where clearly a life was taken, surely Alexander, who took no life, deserves her freedom.

I created a White House petition for the President to issue her a pardon. Please SIGN and SHARE it via email and with your social media networks.

Thanks!

Dannelle F. Walker, Esq.

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." H.D. Thoreau

Twitter: DannelleFWalker
Dannelle blogs her fabulous musings on education at dannellefwalker.com!

[Dannelle F. Walker]

Dacari has given the green light to plan the listening session. Let's throw out some dates...

Dannelle F. Walker, Esq.

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." H.D. Thoreau

Twitter: DannelleFWalker
Dannelle blogs her fabulous musings on education at dannellefwalker.com!

On Mon, Jul 15, 2013 at 11:33 AM, jgdavis007 <jgdav...@bellsouth.net> wrote:

[James Davis]

Almost any date is good for me right now.  What do you feel are good dates.  We need to do it soon, while this issue is hot.

JD

[James Davis]

I know about this one.  Florida clearly has a justice system for whites and an injustice system for African Americans.  If there ever was a case for "stand your ground," it is Ms. Alexander's and not Mr. Zimmerman's.  Statistically in Florida, blacks are far less allowed to use it as an affirmative defense than whites.

Maybe we can discuss this one at the listening session also.

JD

[Dannelle F. Walker]

Would the first or second weekend in August be too soon to get the word out?

Dannelle F. Walker, Esq.

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." H.D. Thoreau

Twitter: DannelleFWalker
Dannelle blogs her fabulous musings on education at dannellefwalker.com!

[Dannelle F. Walker]

Maybe we can have a trial lawyer and Rep. Gilmore give some opening remarks and then just take comments from the audience.

Dannelle F. Walker, Esq.

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." H.D. Thoreau

Twitter: DannelleFWalker
Dannelle blogs her fabulous musings on education at dannellefwalker.com!

[Dacari Middlebrooks]

I'm thinking the second or third weekend would be ideal. That would give us enough time to make that happen. Do you think Antioch or Jefferson St would be the best Forum? 

Sent from my iPhone

[Dannelle F. Walker]

I think it really depends on what day. In the past, we held a forum after the 5pm Bible Study at Antioch.

However, I think the total MtZion membership may want to have the opportunity to participate. So, a Tuesday or Thursday evening or a Saturday morning may be best. I like the idea of having it at Jefferson St.

Dannelle F. Walker, Esq.

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." H.D. Thoreau

Twitter: DannelleFWalker
Dannelle blogs her fabulous musings on education at dannellefwalker.com!

[James Davis]

The third weekend in August is not good for me, as I am scheduled to preach in Virginia that weekend, and will be there the entire weekend for an annual event.

On another note, we should help MZ and other parents by putting out a "What to do when stopped or followed by police or other authority figures or civilians" advisory statement.  We could use the one issued by the ACLU at this site as a guide:  http://www.aclu.org/drug-law-reform-immigrants-rights-racial-justice/know-your-rights-what-do-if-you.  

Maybe the outcome would have been different if Trayvon had been instructed to call 911 in such situations.

JD

[James Davis]

I think Antioch would be the best Forum.  I also like the Idea of having a trial lawyer and Rep. Gilmore to kickoff the discussion.  The trial lawyer should be one who is experienced in trying criminal cases and is knowledgable in criminal law.  All my trial experience is in civil court.

JD

On Jul 16, 2013, at 12:35 PM, Dacari Middlebrooks <dac...@gmail.com> wrote:

[James Davis]

So, are we looking to do this on the second weekend of August?  If so, we need to complete a plan of the forum for Bishop Walker.

JD

[Ashford Hughes]

Are we looking to include Rep. Gilmore because she is a State Rep? I think we can overuse our elected officials that we always get to come and speak. I think we need to switch it up with different voices or other elected officials. I like the idea of an attorney. We need to make certain that at the end of the forum/discussion that we construct a "next" steps or a "plan of action" so to speak. Let's not just come and let people vent but then we offer no solution and people are sent away having just let out frustration and no solutions..IMO

[James Davis]

The original concept as suggested by Dannelle does have the objective to "formulate a plan of action as to how the church will move forward and make an impact."  So, the plan is for it to be more than a vent session.

I agree that we may over use elected officials.  On the other hand, we may also offend them by not inviting them to participate in a public forum at their own church.  Rep. Gilmore is a MZ member, and should at least be notified, if not invited, to attend and participate as a matter of courtesy at her option.

JD

[Dannelle Walker]

Yes, my intent was for it to be a productive session. I suggested Rep. Gilmore b/c she is a MZ member. But I'm sure we can think of others. I agree that she should at least be personally invited. Maybe she may have a suggestion on someone to include.

I'm thinking the format could be as follows:

- Welcome- SPAM Ministry Member (1 min)

- Prayer- Bishop (if he attends) or Dacari (2 mins)

- Opening Remarks- Rep. and Lawyer (3 mins each)

- Listening Session- Audience (25 mins)

- Guided Discussion- Facilitated by SPAM Ministry Member (20 mins)

- Closing Remarks- Bishop (if he attends) or SPAM Ministry Member (1 min)

Other suggestions?

Dannelle F. Walker

General Counsel

TN State Board of Education

[Ashford Hughes]

I think that within the Guided Discussion at the end of it we should establish like 3 things that we as a MZ family want to work on in our community...

[James Davis]

We should add "Action Items" to the format to denote when in the discussion we will develop or brainstorm some next steps for action.

JD

[Dannelle Walker]

Guided Discussion/Action Item

Dannelle F. Walker

General Counsel

TN State Board of Education

[Dacari Middlebrooks]

Ok. So here is our to-do-list:

1. Put a constructive plan together 

2. Have a date, either a Tuesday Night (J.Street), Saturday Morning (Antioch)

I say J.Street because it's in center of the city/community, and J.Street is almost always available.

3. Reach out to lawyers, city council representatives

4. Get the marketing and promotion out by the Fourth Sunday

5. Develop name for this event, maybe something we could use quarterly, not just about Trayvon, but other things that affect our community. 

Side note: Lets change the name of this ministry ASAP: it could be SAM, Social Action Ministry

-I could be missing something else, but we can begin here.

Dacari

Sent from my iPad

[Dacari Middlebrooks]

Second weekend would be ideal! 

Sent from my iPad

[Davis, James Gordon]

Next steps-

Meeting plan - 

Date:  2nd Saturday in August (8/10)

Location:  Antioch

Contact lawyers, politicians:  SOMEONE NEEDS TO HANDLE THIS

Marketing/promotion/EVENT NAME :  WHO CAN TAKE THE LEAD ON THIS?

Forum agenda:

- Welcome- SAM Ministry Member (1 min)

- Prayer- Bishop (if he attends) or Dacari (2 mins)

- Opening Remarks- Rep. and Lawyer (3 mins each)

- Listening Session- Audience (25 mins)

- Guided Discussion- Facilitated by SPAM Ministry Member (20 mins)

- Closing Remarks- Bishop (if he attends) or SPAM Ministry Member (1 min)

Thanks,

JD

[Ashford Hughes]

I can reach out to political figures and an attorney or two.

[LaToya Marlowe]

I am happy to assist whom ever takes the lead on the marketing and promotions.

LaToya

[Dacari Middlebrooks]

Ok!

We can't have it the 2nd Saturday. It was just announced in our Staff Meeting that our Leadership Training is set for that Saturday. Now we can go back to that Tuesday Night, or the following week. I'm thinking a week day would be better. 

Dacari 

Sent from my iPhone

[James Davis]

OK, Thanks, Ashford.

[Dannelle Walker]

In regard to the name: What about the Mt. Zion Action Ministry?

Dannelle F. Walker, Esq.

"La vita e' bella"

Sent from iPhone 

[Dacari Middlebrooks]

I think it's need to have the social component in it in order to identify what we mean when we say Action Ministry.

Maybe Social Action Ministry? I don't know...

Sent from my iPhone

[Dannelle Walker]

Well by just saying "social action", we don't take into account the political action. We'll keep thinking...

Dannelle F. Walker, Esq.

"La vita e' bella"

Sent from iPhone 

[Dacari Middlebrooks]

Understood. Let's keep the convo going 

Sent from my iPhone

--

[LaToya Marlowe]

What about S. P. A. R. C. (Social Political Action Resources Committee)?

[Dacari Middlebrooks]

I really really like the Acronym, but we're a ministry and not a committee. How can we incorporate the ministry aspect? 

Sent from my iPhone

[James G. Davis]

When we last discussed this matter, the  decision was to drop the acronym and go with Social and Political Action Ministry.

JD

Sent from my iPhone

[James Davis]

I've been out of town for a few days at my uncle's funeral, and just got back early this morning.  Where are we on the forum?  Are we going to have it on Tuesday Aug. 5 or 12 at Jefferson Street?  Also, who is doing what to prepare for it?

Thanks,

JD

[Dacari Middlebrooks]

So, we really need to finalize this prior to Friday, if we're still looking to do this in August.

[Dannelle F. Walker]

I thought the consensus was Tuesday Aug. 5th at J-Street in the evening.

Dannelle F. Walker, Esq.

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." H.D. Thoreau

Twitter: DannelleFWalker
Dannelle blogs her fabulous musings on education at dannellefwalker.com!

[Dacari Middlebrooks]

Ok. I thought we said the second week. The 5th would be too soon to gather the announcement and create a slide. Our only option for promotion is First Sunday. 

[Dannelle F. Walker]

Could we have it on the following Tuesday, 8/13?

Dannelle F. Walker, Esq.

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." H.D. Thoreau

Twitter: DannelleFWalker
Dannelle blogs her fabulous musings on education at dannellefwalker.com!

[James Davis]

That's fine for me.

[Ashford Hughes]

Let me know and get me the marketing piece so I can invite the Political peeps. We also need a tic-toc of the event(Time outline), how we want it to flow and the rolls everyone needs to play..

Sent from my iPhone

[James Davis]

OK, We need to move forward with this forum:

Forum plan - 

Date: Tuesday, August 13

Location: Jefferson Street

Time:  6:00pm

Contact lawyers, politicians:  Ashford Hughes to invite politicians, attorneys.

Marketing: LaToya Marlowe to assist lead.  We still need a lead person for this piece. 

Forum agenda:

 

- Welcome- SAM Ministry Member (1 min)

- Prayer- Bishop (if he attends) or Dacari (2 mins)

- Opening Remarks- Political Official and Lawyer (3 mins each)

- Listening Session- Audience (25 mins)

- Guided Discussion/Action Items - Facilitated by SPAM Ministry Member (20 mins)

- Closing Remarks- Bishop (if he attends) or SPAM Ministry Member (1 min)

Please advise on next steps.

Thanks

JD

[Dacari Middlebrooks]

Sounds good to me Deac. Let's get some confirmations by next Tuesday on Guest. I will work with the media team to get this moving forward. However, I will need a catchy title to submit this information. 

[James Davis]

Thanks, Dacari.

Does anyone have any ideas for a catchy forum title?

JD

[Dannelle Walker]

How about: "Real Talk: A Discussion on Trayvon Martin"

Also, I'm happy to moderate the listening session and discussion. I also think we need someone there actively taking notes. It may be a good time to connect people to services within the community.

Dannelle F. Walker, Esq. 

"Laughing all the way" - Jingle Bells

Sent from my iPad

[Dacari Middlebrooks]

Alright Jeezy: "Real Talk" lol. But that's fine with me. 

Sent from my iPhone

[James Davis]

Sounds good to me.

[Gerry George]

seems like we aren't the only ones with this idea - I hope we all mobilize and make a change

 https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/photo.php?fbid=10201087814972574&set=a.1925291247030.2110201.1084603665&type=1&theater

 

[Ashford Hughes]

I'm going to make several ask today and update everyone. I want to make 100% sure that we are set on date/time/location? Thanks all.

[Dacari Middlebrooks]

The date, time and location is set. 

Tuesday: August 13, 2013

Time: 6:00pm

Location: 6:00-8:00pm

Dacari 

Sent from my iPhone

[Ashford Hughes]

BET!

[Ashford Hughes]

As of today I have reached out to all our Reps. at the church. (Brenda Gilmore and Karen Johnson and Erica Gilmore) I have yet to get a confirmation. I will be calling back through to them all today. I hope to have one of our members locked down no later that Tuesday close of business.  I will also be contact Rev. Harold Love, who is also a State Rep.,  and Councilman Lonnell Matthews at noon today.

 

I have asked Attorney Brian Winfrey to be our attorney on site but if anyone knows of another attorney who is a member, please feel to reach out to them with an ask as well.. If there are any other political people you all think I need to make an ask of please let me know by this afternoon as I will be in the Mayors office and the council committee meetings this afternoon. Thanks..

 

Ashford

[James Davis]

OK, Thanks Ashford.

[Ashford Hughes]

Rep. Gilmore will be out of town, Rep. Harold Love is checking his schedule for me. Erica Gilmore is 50% a yes. She has to see if she can move something around. More details to come at noon. Thanks.

[Dannelle F. Walker]

Can we have a conference call soon to make sure we're on the same page for next Tuesday?

Dannelle F. Walker, Esq.

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." H.D. Thoreau

Twitter: DannelleFWalker
Dannelle blogs her fabulous musings on education at dannellefwalker.com!

[Dacari Middlebrooks]

Set it up, and let's do it.

[Dannelle F. Walker]

Are yall available for a call on Friday at 11a?

Dannelle F. Walker, Esq.

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." H.D. Thoreau

Twitter: DannelleFWalker
Dannelle blogs her fabulous musings on education at dannellefwalker.com!

[Dacari Middlebrooks]

I'm available.

[James Davis]

Lets have one Thurs. to avoid conflict with bible study tomorrow.  Dacari, can u set that up?

Thanks,

JD

[Ashford Hughes]

I'm available..

Sent from my iPhone

[Gerry George]

I'm available 

Sent from my iPad

--

[Dacari Middlebrooks]

Thur or Fri? Dannelle mentioned Friday at 11am. 

Sent from my iPhone

[James Davis]

11 Friday is good for me.

[James Davis]

So, are we set up for an 11 Friday conference call?  Please confirm.

JD

[Dannelle F. Walker]

Hey everyone! I set up the conference call for Friday at 11a. Check your emails for an email from FreeConference.com.

Dannelle F. Walker, Esq.

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." H.D. Thoreau

Twitter: DannelleFWalker
Dannelle blogs her fabulous musings on education at dannellefwalker.com!

[James Davis]

OK, Thanks, Dannelle.