From left to right: Charles Oakley, Vinny Harris, Charles Grantham, Darrell Walker, Patrick Ewing, MJ Pedone, Trent Tucker, Kris Humphries, Andy Thompson. Photo credit: courtesy of MJ Pedone.

AIRS (AIDS Interfaith Residential Services) hosted its 11th Oscar Night® America Baltimore Gala. Photo credit: Ibrahim Dabo.

The Academy Awards is not only about celebrating the accomplishments of professionals thriving in the film industry but the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also gives non-profit organizations across the US an opportunity to host an Oscar Night® America event and raise funds to support their programs.

On February 26, AIRS (AIDS Interfaith Residential Services) hosted its 11^th Oscar Night® America Baltimore Gala, one of 49 official parties sanctioned by the Academy to host an official Oscar® telecast viewing party on Oscar Night. Ib Talk Online caught up with some of AIRS executives at the gala to find out how the organization is doing.

F.T. Burden, president of AIRS/Empire Homes speaking at the 2012 Oscar Night America Baltimore Gala. Photo credit: Ibrahim Dabo.

There has been some major progress with the activities of AIRS in Baltimore, two years after my first exclusive interview with F.T. Burden, president of AIRS/Empire Homes.

 

One such development, according to Burden, is his foundation’s ability to really entrench themselves with their work with homeless youth in the area of permanent housing.

“We’re dealing with kids that are aging out of foster care.  We do residential and non-residential programs,” Burden said.

AIRS’ housing program called City Steps, targets homeless and unstably housed youth between the ages of 14 and 24.

The non-residential programs also target youth between age 14 and 24 who get connected with various services such as counseling.

Oscar Night® America Baltimore Gala. Photo credit: Ibrahim Dabo.

Burden said some of the youth are homeless for a number of reasons. For example, some suffer from neglect or abuses in the home, while others age out of the foster care system but still look out for some kind of support.

“We have a host of clinical services that are provided that deal with mental health issues to help youth suffering from trauma and abandonment,” Burden said, adding that AIRS addresses physical health issues as well.

He said AIRS is also involved with sensitization programs in the area of HIV/AIDS such as encouraging youth to get tested and know their status, and protecting themselves and their partners.

Nancy Strohminger, executive vice president of programs for AIRS, told Ib Talk Online that her organization is not just looking into more family housing options but will also determine which types of services to offer each population after the completion of such housing projects.

Strohminger said AIRS will strengthen its programs and establish benchmarks as part of goals to build self-sufficiency within the population they target. She said they also provide this population with life skills education, which is seen as an effort to restore hope to homeless youth in Baltimore.

Also see:
. F.T. Burden, President and CEO Of AIRS/Empire Homes Of Maryland, Sits Down With Ib’s Blog For An Enlightening Chat On HIV Prevention And Housing As A Stabilizing Factor For Baltimore City Residents
. Annual Oscar Night Baltimore Gala Celebrates Noteworthiness And Raises Funds For The City’s Homeless

Model and Designer Alek Wek gave the keynote at the ceremony. Photo credit: Ibrahim Dabo.

Report by Ibrahim Dabo (@IbDabo)

UN refugee agency, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), on Nov. 15 commemorated its 60^th anniversary at a ceremony held in New York City’s Plaza Hotel. The celebration brought together leaders and guests who play a leading advocacy role on refugee issues.

Model and Designer Alek Wek gave the keynote. She spoke about her experiences growing up in her native country, South Sudan, in a town called Wau, and how the war affected her and her family.

Wek said hope played a vital role during those tough times when everything else seemed lost.

Alek Wek escaped the civil war in South Sudan. She's now involved in humanitarian activities and raising awareness about refugee issues. Photo credit: Ibrahim Dabo.

“It wasn’t very easy,” said Wek. “It was very tough and we finally ended up going to seek refuge in London.”

She talked about her modeling career and how she is using her celebrity status to raise more awareness about some of the troubling circumstances refugees face.

“The most incredible and very humbling thing my career has given me is the voice to advocate for refugees. I truly believe that collectively, as people, we can make change,” Wek said.

“I’ve always stressed the importance of what the refugees are going through,” she said, citing examples she went through during the war in South Sudan such as being hungry, homeless, living in the bush and losing her father.

“I’ve seen firsthand what UNHCR really does in the ground,” she said, commending the refugee agency for putting the lives on their personnel in harm’s way to help save another fellow human being.

George Okoth-Obbo, Director of UNHCR Africa Bureau. Photo credit: Ibrahim Dabo.

George Okoth-Obbo, Director of UNHCR Africa Bureau talked about some of the challenges some 2.6 million refugees in 37 African countries face as they look up to UNHCR in many different ways for help.

“Their needs can be as basic as safety from risk and abuse and exploitation,” Okoth-Obbo said.

He added that food, shelter, water, healthcare and education are among the basic needs refugees lack and cited Somalia, Ivory Coast, Sudan as few countries where there has been major refugee needs this year.

“Life and livelihood can be recreated, and hope can be reached for and realized,” Okoth-Obbo said. He urged people “to be energized by action to make a difference.”

“That is the critical factor in all of what we do,” he said, calling for support to UNHCR and its partners.

Omar Bah, a journalist from The Gambia who arrived in the U.S. in 2007 as a refugee said, “It’s such a great gathering tonight and I’m happy to be a part of it. There is a lot of diversity in the hall: refugees, women, celebrities to name a few.”

In August, Bah attended the UNHCR Refugee Congress in Washington, D.C. where he said, “We talked about refugee settlement, cultural orientation, skills development and housing, rights of refugees in the U.S. and how to improve the funding on resettlement in various states.”

Another refugee active with the UNHCR, Pedro Ndong, hails from Equatorial Guinea. He said, “Being at this event tonight means a lot to me. There’s diversity and it feels good to meet with people from all over the world.”

Co-founder and President of The Max Cure Foundation David Plotkin speaks exclusively to Ib Talk Online about pediatric cancer and his foundation's effort to combat the disease. Photo Credit: Ibrahim Dabo.

On November 10, 2011 during the launching of a new initiative―Max Cure Beyond Barriers―of The Max Cure Foundation, an organization committed to research rare pediatric cancers, improve treatments and find cures that save children’s lives, Ib Talk Online Executive Editor Ibrahim Dabo (@IbDabo) caught up with Co-founder and President David Plotkin to talk about why the foundation was started and how they are making a difference.

IBRAHIM DABO: Tell us a little about The Max Cure Foundation

DAVID PLOTKIN: The Max Cure Foundation is a pediatric cancer foundation. We are dedicated to funding the development of less toxic treatment for children battling cancer. Today, chemotherapy and radiation are the effective treatments; however, the side effects of those treatments are harsh. There are long-term side effects that could result in more cancers forming down the road for these children or other diseases developing such as heart diseases, liver and kidney diseases. What you quickly learn when you are going through treatment is that there are so many families that are under physical and emotional stress along with financial stress. Max Cure is also now about lending support to local families that are in need.

IBRAHIM DABO: What inspired you to found The Max Cure Foundation?

DAVID PLOTKIN: My son Max on May 2, 2007, the day before his fourth birthday, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and we quickly learned how underfunded pediatric cancer research is and we decided to make a difference.

IBRAHIM DABO: What does it mean to you and the families you reach out to help in different ways and bring a glimmer of hope in their lives?

DAVID PLOTKIN: I just think that when you are a child living in Brooklyn, Harlem or wherever you may be living and you’re battling a disease that could potentially take your life, it is really important to have not only the support of your family and friends but to have the support of others that could actually help make a difference. The people here tonight are people that are embracing this cause because they are inspired and each and every one of them have single-handedly raised awareness and they’re raising money. It is very important that we raise awareness because pediatric cancer is the number one leading cause of death amongst children in the United States.

Also See:
. Max Cure Foundation Launches ‘Beyond Barriers’ Initiative To Help Fight Pediatric Cancer
. IB TALK ONLINE SPECIAL COMMENTARY: A Review Of President Obama’s Congressional Black Caucus Speech

Far right: Co-founder and President of The Max Cure Foundation David Plotkin speaks at the event. Photo credit: Ibrahim Dabo.

Report and Photos by Ibrahim Dabo (@IbDabo)

The Max Cure Foundation on November 10, 2011 launched an initiative, “Max Cure Beyond Barriers,” as part of an effort to fight against pediatric cancer. Two families from New York have been named to benefit from this initiative. The event, hosted at Theory store in New York City, saw guests participate in an exclusive shopping spree with 20% of proceeds going to The Max Cure Foundation for Pediatric Cancer Causes.

Founded in 2008, the foundation is committed to research a cure for rare pediatric cancers, improve treatments of less toxic medications that cures and  saves children’s lives.

John Franco is a supporter of The Max Cure Foundation. Photo credit: Ibrahim Dabo.

“We are here to raise money and awareness for a great cause,” said former NY Mets Relief Pitcher, John Franco, shortly before he introduced co-founder and President of The Max Cure Foundation David Plotkin.

In his opening remarks, Plotkin said when a child is diagnosed with cancer, there are barriers that both the child and their family must face. These include language, income, geography and or cultures, he said.

“Understanding first what it’s like to have a child with cancer and the emotional, physical and financial stress that comes with the diagnosis, we at The Max Cure Foundation have started a new initiative which will now become part of our mission and will define who we are,” Plotkin said.

The new initiative, Max Cure Beyond Barriers, will benefit two families, one from Harlem and another from Brooklyn, New York.

“As these families struggle to cure and treat their children, we will be there to lend financial support and provide them with hope, courage and remind them to be brave on this journey,” said Plotkin.

NBA NY Knicks and World Champion Chicago Bulls, Trent Tucker, attended the event and told Ib Talk Online in an exclusive interview that it is an honor to be a part of The Max Cure Foundation team.

Trent Tucker has been named Circle of Pride Ambassador for The Max Cure Foundation. Photo credit: Ibrahim Dabo.

“What they are trying to do is very special in terms of giving back to help children with cancer,” Tucker said.

Tucker has been named the Circle of Pride Ambassador for the foundation. Talking about what role he will play, he said: “There probably will be multiple roles but whatever role they ask me to do, as much as I can, I’m willing to do it.”

He asked for more concerted efforts to help fight against cancer, adding that the more the awareness, the better chance it is for getting information to help those suffering from the deadly disease.

MJ Pedone, President of Indra Public Relations, added that it has been such a great experience to work so closely with the Plotkin family on their mission to find a cure for Pediatric Cancer and identify families that will benefit from the support of the Max Cure Foundation.

MJ Pedone (center) is helping to raise funds through her network to fight against cancer. Photo credit: Ibrahim Dabo.

“My firm will wear many hats for the Max Cure Foundation and I’m personally excited about presenting the cross marketing opportunities of working with my celebrity clients to help raise awareness and money for this underfunded cause,” said MJ.

“David and I have become such a great team and we are constantly brainstorming on the next event and mission.  September 2012 will be one of the most exciting golf tournaments in NY as Trent Tuckers All 4 Kids Foundation and The Max Cure Foundation unite and host the 2^nd Annual All 4 Kids Celebrity Golf & Dinner Gala.”

When asked if Trent Tucker’s good friend Michael Jordan will be attending, MJ responded “that the date is an affirmative in his calendar as well as for many other celebrity participants.“

“My team and I are already working on this event and guarantee that next year will break our fundraising goal,”she said.

CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT

Also See:
. IB TALK ONLINE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Max Cure Foundation Boss David Plotkin On The Challenges Associated With Pediatric Cancer In The U.S.
. IB TALK ONLINE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: R&B Star Mario Inspires Youth Through The Mario Do Right Foundation
. Exclusive Interview Part II: NBA Champion Trent Tucker to Host Celebrity Golf Tournament & Dinner Party in New York to Raise Funds for Charity
. Exclusive Interview Part I: NBA Champion Trent Tucker Empowers Youngsters to Focus on Education through the All 4 Kids Foundation
. EXCLUSIVE FEATURE: NBA Champion Trent Tucker to Host Welcome Dinner in New York City & Celebrity Golf Outing in New Jersey
. CCBF “Breakthrough Ball” Benefit Gala Raises Funds to Help Aid Treatment for Cancer and Blood Diseases; Katie Couric and Others Honored

'Mob Wives' star Renee Graziano joined "Food Network Star" finalist Chef Chris Nirschel on Oct. 15 at a Taste and Toast for Hunger in New York. The pair led a cooking class at Copia NYC with proceeds from the benefit going to the NYC Food Bank.

Renee Graziano and chef Chris Nirschel at the Taste and Toast Benefit. Photo credit: Ibrahim Dabo.

“I did an event a while ago in New York City Food Bank at the Hamptons and it’s a great cause because the government cut the funding about 70 percent,” Nirschel told Ib Talk Online in an interview.

Nirschel plans to donate about $800 to the NYC Food Bank and added that the Toast & Taste Benefit was just a build-up to a bigger event on Christmas eve.

He said as a chef, it makes sense to raise funds and donate to a food organization such as the Food Bank.

“I’m in food and it all makes sense, so why not,” he said

“I think you should always give to what you believe in. If I can bring something to the table I will. There have been times in life that I haven’t been able to. I’m going to keep doing it.”

Michelle Munoz, an aspiring chef who helped Nirschel at the Toast & Taste, described Nirschel as a nice humble man who is very patience in showing her different techniques in preparing food.

Former Golden Gloves champion and Olympic boxer Eric Kelly and Olympic Bronze medalist speed skater Allison Baver were also in attendance.

“Right now I’m living a loving life doing everything fun and sober. I’m having fun tonight,” Kelly told Ib Talk Online.

Click here for photos from the event

Martin Luther King III on the importance of the memorial to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Photo credit: Ibrahim Dabo.

 Interview by Ibrahim Dabo (@IbDabo)

Speaking exclusively to Ib Talk Online ahead of the official dedication of the memorial to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Martin Luther King III said the occasion means a lot not just to his family.  

“It’s important, certainly to our family, but I believe the most significant part of the memorial itself is that generations yet unborn will be inspired by what it represents,” Martin Luther King III told Ib Talk Online.

He said there really is still a lot of work to be done but it’s quite amazing that in the arena where historically there have been presidents and war memorials, there now is a man of peace.

“It is really very amazing and I don’t think we yet realize this moment but over time I think it will become more appreciated,” he said.

“The other thing is that it also diversifies the history of America. We’ve never had an African American on the mall and now we do.”

Thousands of people attended the dedication on October 16 including civil rights leaders such as Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. President Obama gave an address during the ceremony.

Hip-hop artist Common (left) listens while his mother, Dr. Mahalia Ann Hines (right), talks about their relationship and some of the values she passed on to him. Photo credit: Ibrahim Dabo.

By Ibrahim Dabo (@IbDabo)

American hip-hop artist and actor Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr, fondly known as Common, now a New York Times best-seller for his autobiography “One Day, It’ll All Make Sense,” talked exclusively about his book and how his story can be of inspiration to people of all ages, especially young people.

Common, along with his mother and educator, Dr. Mahalia Ann Hines, spoke at a special question and answer session at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. in September.

Common hopes his book “One Day, It’ll All Make Sense” will inspire others when they read about his life's experiences. Photo credit: Ibrahim Dabo.

They both shared positive examples of their past in an effort to motivate young kids and their parents, and also for them to embrace the value of education and how it can make a difference in their lives.

Talking about the purpose of writing his book Common said: “My purpose is definitely beyond just making music and acting and doing art. Through art I want to uplift, but also through literature I know I can uplift.”

Common said he felt if he could share some of his experiences and stories, they will hopefully inspire somebody and also allow us to be honest with ourselves because “part of this book was just me being able to be honest with myself.”

Some of these experiences he highlighted include dealing with the fears he had, doubts and heartbreaks, his relationship with God, Chicago, and his mother.

Notably, during this session, Common shared how his strong bond with his mother greatly helped shape his upbringing, part of which translates to the success the star enjoys today.  

Common’s Relationship With His Mom

One of the most important things you can get in life, Common said, is love and one of the first things he knew from his mother was love.

Common and his mother. Photo credit: Ibrahim Dabo.

This he described as, “love that came in a pure way, a disciplinary way, and one that came just from a mother loving her son.”

He said spending the first seven-and-half years of his life with his Mom meant a lot and the love she showed him came strong and it taught him to love in a special way.

“It taught me to love myself and gave me a great foundation,” Common said.

“Along with that, I got to see my mother as an educator, as a teacher who went beyond just being a teacher. She tried to help students on an extra level and she helped my friends who did not have mothers, who had lost their mothers or whose mothers had been on drugs.”

Part of the “great foundation” Common got from his Mom was taking him to church. The rapper recalled how his pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, helped shape the mind of a young black man who needed to know that he should be unapologetic and unashamed to be Christian.

“That was a beautiful thing for me to understand and my mother set that foundation for me,” Common said.

Favorite Books

Common said his favorite books are The Autobiography of Malcolm X and the Holy Bible.

Common and Ib Talk Online Executive Editor Ibrahim Dabo. Photo credit: Ib Talk Online.

“I read the Bible and I start understanding that the more I experience life, I apply it [the Bible] to everyday life and not just see it as stories that happened back then or just some words,” he said.

“I start saying this is the Living Word, we’ve got to live it and interpret it,” Common said, adding that he’s doing his best to understand it at a high level.

Most Challenging Chapter Of His Book

Common said one of the most difficult chapters to write in his book deals with his relationship with Erykah Badu because he had to be open and share all his experiences from that relationship.

“I think she’s a strong and incredibly beautiful woman but I told my perspective of how that relationship affected me because it taught me a lot about myself,” Common said, adding that his relationship with Badu and their breaking-up reminded him of how he was willing to give his life for somebody else, a move he is now cautious of.

“You really can’t do that with anything or situation,” Common said. “I don’t care who you’re around.”

“You can be around somebody that you admire the most but it’s not necessary for you to give your life for them in a relationship, with family members or whatever. God gave you your life and you let that life shine on the world, and that’s what I learned from that relationship,” he said.

Common said it’s worth sharing this experience because “I knew that lesson will be powerful for somebody else.”

The Grammy award-winning artist also talked about growing up as a young boy, when he would return home from school, play basketball, rap, and spend some time studying and doing homework.

Also see:
.  SPECIAL REPORT: March With Me And Press On, Obama Said In Congressional Black Caucus Speech
. IB TALK ONLINE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: R&B Star Mario Inspires Youth Through The Mario Do Right Foundation
. Exclusive Interview Part I: NBA Champion Trent Tucker Empowers Youngsters to Focus on Education through the All 4 Kids Foundation

President Obama talks about challenges and success of his adminstration at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Phoenix Dinner and counts on faith in the days that lay ahead. Photo credit: Ibrahim Dabo.

By Ibrahim Dabo (@IbDabo)

Ib Talk Online Executive Editor Ibrahim Dabo reviews U.S. President Barack Obama’s speech at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Phoenix Dinner last year and this year.

In Saturday’s speech, President Obama, while maintaining optimism, made it very clear that times are hard, and cautioned the black community to “stop complaining, stop grumbling, stop crying” and “march with me and press on.”

He said so many people are still hurting and many are still barely hanging on.

“And too many people in this city are still fighting us every step of the way,” Obama said.

“Times have been hard,” he said, adding that we've needed faith over these last couple years to overcome the challenges we face.

In an effort to get the economy moving with the creation of more jobs, President Obama in September unveiled his jobs bill proposal, dubbed the American Jobs Act, which he hopes Congress will soon pass.

“I’ve got the pens all ready.  I am ready to sign it.  And I need your help to make it happen,” Obama said.

He shared some positive developments by his administration, which range from investing in early childhood education and community college and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), overcoming years of inaction to win justice for black farmers, pouring money into a broken system and building on what works.

President Obama said against all sorts of setbacks, when the opposition fought his administration with everything they had, his administration finally made clear that in the United States of America nobody should go broke because they get sick.

“Today, insurance companies can no longer drop or deny your coverage for no good reason.  In just a year and a half, about one million more young adults have health insurance because of this law.  One million young people.  That is an incredible achievement, and we did it with your help, with the CBC’s help,” Obama said.

In his final words, President Obama said: “I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself.  I don’t have time to complain.  I am going to press on. I expect all of you to march with me and press on. Take off your bedroom slippers, put on your marching shoes.  Shake it off.  Stop complaining, stop grumbling, stop crying.  We are going to press on.  We’ve got work to do.”

This year’s speech is a little different than last year’s. The president made it very clear on Saturday that times are hard and called on the black community to join him "to press on."

While he also acknowledged many challenges in last year's speech, President Obama talked about many positive developments ranging from helping U.S. auto industry to become profitable again, passing health insurance reform, the role of his administration in ending combat mission in Iraq and helping Haiti rebuild following a devastating earthquake.

President Obama sounded optimistic that his administration will continue to fight off the challenges and build on its successes, though he remained cautious about timing.

“We understand it is going to take time,” Obama said. “It is not going to happen overnight.”

President Obama reiterated similar comments at this year’s Phoenix Dinner saying, “We knew at the outset of my presidency that the economic calamity we faced wasn’t caused overnight and wasn’t going to be solved overnight.”

“Throughout our history, change has often come slowly,” Obama said. “Progress often takes time.”

Time will tell what the future holds for this great nation but I think it’s important for all Americans to continue to pray for their country, its leaders and the decisions they’re making. Especially at a time when the economy is struggling to fully recover, unemployment is high and big money continues to be spent on wars overseas, the ability of leaders to work collectively toward a common goal and make solid decisions will really help determine how soon things can turn around for the better.

President Obama knows he cannot do the job all by himself. I think he made that point clear in Saturday’s speech. Over and over, the president expounded on the importance of squarely facing our national challenges while focusing our expectations on what we’re doing–really, on what we’re trying–to usher in long-term growth and prosperity for the U.S. Certainly, this will involve some adjustments in how we live, and embracing challenges as a nation we have long put off. But I believe he is on the right track.

Also see:
.  SPECIAL REPORT: March With Me And Press On, Obama Said In Congressional Black Caucus Speech
. SPECIAL REPORT: Obama Determined to Finish Plan on Strengthening U.S. Economy

“I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself. I don’t have time to complain. I am going to press on," said President Barack Obama. Photo credit: Ibrahim Dabo.

By Ibrahim Dabo (@IbDabo)

WASHINGTON, D.C.— President Barack Obama in his speech at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Phoenix Dinner on September 24, 2011, in Washington, D.C., told blacks to quit complaining and "put on your marching shoes" to follow him in the fight for jobs and a brighter future. He said change is never easy but “you can’t stop marching.”

Challenges and Faith

President Obama often referenced the importance of faith in the journey through challenges leading to better days ahead.

“What this weekend is all about is, you and me, we're all a little bit crazy, but hopefully a good kind of crazy.  We’re a good kind of crazy because no matter how hard things get, we keep the faith; we keep fighting; we keep moving forward,” Obama said.

“We've needed faith over these last couple years.  Times have been hard.

President Obama: "We're all a little bit crazy, but hopefully a good kind of crazy." Photo credit: Ibrahim Dabo.

“It’s been three years since we faced down a crisis that began on Wall Street and then spread to Main Street, and hammered working families, and hammered an already hard-hit black community,” Obama said, adding that the unemployment rate for black people went up to nearly 17 percent―the highest it’s been in almost three decades.

He mentioned almost 40 percent of African American children are living in poverty.

“Fewer than half [are] convinced that they can achieve Dr. King’s dream,” Obama said. “You’ve got to be a little crazy to have faith during such hard times.”

“It's heartbreaking, and it's frustrating,” Obama said, adding that he ran for president and the members of the CBC ran for Congress to help more Americans reach that dream.

“We ran to give every child a chance, whether he’s born in Chicago, or she comes from a rural town in the Delta. This crisis has made that job of giving everybody opportunity a little bit harder,” he said.

“We knew at the outset of my presidency that the economic calamity we faced wasn’t caused overnight and wasn’t going to be solved overnight.  We knew that long before the recession hit, the middle class in this country had been falling behind―wages and incomes had been stagnant; a sense of financial security had been slipping away.  And since these problems were not caused overnight, we knew we were going to have to climb a steep hill.”

Success and Hope

“We’re attacking the cycle of poverty that steals the future from too many children―not just by pouring money into a broken system, but by building on what works―with Promise Neighborhoods modeled after the good work up in Harlem; Choice Neighborhoods rebuilding crumbling public housing into communities of hope and opportunity; Strong Cities, Strong Communities, our partnership with local leaders in hard-hit cities like Cleveland and Detroit,” Obama said.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Ib Talk Online Executive Editor Ibrahim Dabo at the dinner. Photo credit: JKK/Ib Talk Online.

He said today, insurance companies can no longer drop or deny people coverage for no good reason.

"In just a year and a half, about one million more young adults have health insurance because of this law.  One million young people.  That is an incredible achievement, and we did it with your help, with the CBC’s help,” Obama said.

“We’ve got more work to do.  So many people are still hurting.  So many people are still barely hanging on.  And too many people in this city are still fighting us every step of the way,” he said.

“I need your help," Obama said, adding that we have to do more to put people to work right now.

"We’ve got to make that everyone in this country gets a fair shake, and a fair shot, and a chance to get ahead. And I know we won’t get where we need to go if we don’t travel down this road together.  I need you with me,” he said.

American Jobs Act

President Obama said he talked about the American Jobs Act when he visited Congress a few weeks ago and sent the bill to Congress a few days later.

Guests at the Phoenix Awards Dinner. Photo credit: Ibrahim Dabo.

“Now I want that bill back―passed.  I’ve got the pens all ready.  I am ready to sign it.  And I need your help to make it happen,” Obama said.

Obama said there are millions of unemployed Americans and young people looking for work but running out of options.

"So this jobs bill says, let’s give them a pathway, a new pathway back to work.  Let’s extend unemployment insurance so that more than six million Americans don’t lose that lifeline,” Obama said.

“Let’s also encourage reforms that help the long-term unemployed keep their skills sharp and get a foot in the door.  Let’s give summer jobs for low-income youth that don’t just give them their first paycheck but arm them with the skills they need for life.”

Change Is Never Easy

President Obama said throughout our history, change has often come slowly and progress often takes time.

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama walk across the stage. Photo credit: Ibrahim Dabo.

“It’s never a straight line.  It’s never easy.  And I never promised easy,” Obama said. “Easy has never been promised to us.  But we’ve had faith. We’ve had that good kind of crazy that says, you can’t stop marching.”

Pressing On

President Obama said the future rewards those who press on and with patience and firm determination, he will press on for jobs and equality.

“I'm going to press on for the sake of our children.  I'm going to press on for the sake of all those families who are struggling right now,” Obama said.

“I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself.  I don’t have time to complain.  I am going to press on.

“I expect all of you to march with me and press on.  Take off your bedroom slippers, put on your marching shoes.  Shake it off.  Stop complaining, stop grumbling, stop crying.  We are going to press on.  We’ve got work to do.”

Also see:
SPECIAL REPORT: Obama Determined to Finish Plan on Strengthening U.S. Economy
IB TALK ONLINE SPECIAL COMMENTARY: A Review Of President Obama’s Congressional Black Caucus Speech