Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "activists"

Kudos to the Power within Sacramento

2010-05-27T20:51:37Z

Kudos to Sacramento Community Members, Activists, Soldiers.

Today I read a comment made to me from Marion Millian. The comment touched me so very much. I attempted to respond to her on the article she posted it on. However, the comment is too long and I will submit it here.

This is not a news article. This may not be newsworthy to many. This is about how a comment made, by Marion to me who I've never had the pleasure to meet in person or talk to outside of this forum, has forever touched my heart..

This is about love; reaching out in the spirit of love. This is about how she reached out to me in the Spirit of Love and how I am reaching out to her in the Spirit of Love.

I apologize in advance if this is something that you may feel you wasted your time reading. I warn you this is not news. You may see it as blah, blah, blah. So you might want to stop reading it at this point.

Marion, I don't want to sound all mushy but the truth is I cried when I read your comment. I cried because I am so very grateful to have been blessed to see so much activism in the midst of so much pain.

You say you like my humor. The truth is I haven’t had humor in a long time. I laugh because I walked a long, hard, painful road often alone. I was afraid to get to know more people because the people would often disappoint me by their deceit. To quote a song, "The smiling faces showed no traces of the evil that lurked within" But the evil would be revealed. That was painful.

Oh, I'm crying as I write this. But these are happy tears, I am rejoicing for being blessed, through this pain, to see so much community engagement. When I often seen en"GAG"ment. l am glad for the typo.lol

I laugh because there have been times, more often than not, when I cried, seeing so many people holding their tongues with one hand and holding out their other hand to get money.

You touched my heart; a heart that was broke is now repairing. A heart that was swollen feeling as though it was bursting with pain is filling with love.

I use to only see engagement when money was available and people came as leprechauns to get their share of the pot of gold. To see a rainbow, of so many community members responding, participating, offering so much insight, knowledge, passion after a storm is so beautiful; it’s worth crying for.

You have inspired me beyond my wildest dreams. It's been a long hard painful road that I chose to walk sometimes in the dark alone because I kept being ambushed by special interests.

I was often afraid of the special interest monsters, the greed and deceit, of so many overwhelmed me. But I knew the reward would pay off if I kept going. I found my way here, on SacPress, to see soldiers standing against deceit, trickery and the games often played within the political hell many have lived in.

I am no longer fearful of the man behind the curtain; because I see so many standing not in the audience but on the stage waiting to disarm the deceit.

Good overshadows bad, love overshadows hate, truth overshadows deceit and engagement overshadows lack of public concern. Oh and then there is change.

After reading your comment to me and after reading various articles and responses from active community members/ genuine activists engaged in the plight of this community; I am whole, not broken.

I feel like I'm walking on air. I feel peace around me.

I don't deserve the praise. I give God all the honor, glory and praise for taking me to where I needed to go, showing me what I need to see, allowing me to receive love by you, people I have never personally known

And God deserves the praise for letting me know I am not alone. I can awaken from this nightmare and see a sweet dream of what the future can hold.

I am blessed to see beyond myself and see the stream of community awareness, community support, community engagement and community soldiers/ activists.

I want to thank you Marion and all of the people who contribute insightful, knowledgeable and sometimes colorful discussions; in the Spirit of Love from my heart.

More people have awakened. What was dead for some has been resurrected; the Spirit of genuine activism is very much alive in Sacramento, California.

I also give thanks to Sacramento Press for this forum to release the voices of Sacramento’s community soldiers.

The power of change is not in elected officials. The power of change is in the people.

People on the forum may not always agree but we hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal on this forum. We all have a voice. This is wonderful. Thank you all for showing me the love, passion, soldiers within the city of Sacramento.

I want to thank you all for being an inspiration to me at a time when I so desperately needed to see and believe in the power of the people!

I want to give special thanks to a genuine community activist, a strong community soldier, Marion Millin because it was the comment you wrote to me which released much pain from my heart.

Kudos to the Community members, community activists, and community soldiers so actively engaged in Sacramento politics and politicians.

The Power in Sacramento is within the People!

In the Spirit of Love and Peace
Rhonda Erwin

Our reaction to the news is as important as the news

2010-05-25T20:45:29Z

I’m not a journalist. I have no desires to be a journalist. And I do have great respect for many journalists. Heck, to be an effective journalist is easier said than done and I won’t pretend I have journalism skills.

I do not want to write the news of the day. I want to write how the news, the actions of those within the news, affects our lives. I'll leave journalism to the professional and citizen journalist.

I’m proud to say, I am an activist. I have labored long and hard without pay for what I believe in; truth and transparency are among those beliefs. I labor to do my part and try and make life better for many of us in Sacramento who are often overlooked, overshadowed or just plain ignored.

I'll admit, I don't labor unselfishly, my own pain is real and my heart is heavy knowing the pain of so many others. But it is a labor, if committed; we should do unselfishly; looking at others, even if we are in the midst of our own pain.

I'm not trying to be a journalist nor a politician. My only desire is to live in a city with far less pain than I have felt in the past. But during the times of budget and elections my heart saddens and my pain deepens as the city becomes a free-for-all for deceit, greed, trickery.

I often, more often than not, feel as though I am suffocating with deceit all around me. It is a horrible feeling. Sometimes it feels like it will leave me breathless. But I labor because if I die of a broken or swollen heart. I want more to know how we lived and just how we died. I am not alone; it is a feeling that so many of us experience.

Contrary to the belief of some in office, or seeking office, many of us are not ignorant; we’re simply ignored.

It is important that journalist bring the news to residents. But I also feel it is important that elected officials and people in general know how that news affects the lives of the residents.

It is equally important that we have an avenue to vent, to rant, to release the animosity that the deceit and games played by some in public office and some wanting to get in public office, can cause us.

I don’t want to bring you the news; I want to bring you what's equally important, the reaction and how the people, often politicians, in the news affects us. Their brochures, commercials, campaigns will often times paint a pretty picture with smiling residents.
But many of us are not smiling we are crying, frowning, miserable, angry at those in office or attempting to get in office.

Today two articles caused me both concern and pain. I could see what strongly feels like a hidden agenda. 1) Council could see new strong mayor plan in June. 2) Rhee urges top school officials to get political, find supporters.

I was going to write my reaction to what I read but then I read the remarks from naga, bbbbmer, fifthgensacramentar, William Burg, heidimclean and a burden was lifted from my shoulders. I genuinely felt relief. They are genuine activists. They shouldn't be confused as critics. They unselfishly labor to make Sacramento a better city. http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/27877/Council_could_see_new_strong_mayor_plan_in_June
http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/27874/Michelle_Rhee

When I read the news today it wasn't an elected official which eased my burdens. It was naga, fifthgensacramentar, bbbbmer, William Burg, heidimclean who showed me the love, commitment and determination to make Sacramento a world class city of truth and transparency. I just wish that during election and budget times we could vote for the people – who are the genuine activist- of the city of Sacramento. Not self absorbed politicians.

Heck, to make Sacramento a strong city we don't need Mayor Johnson with more power as a strong mayor. We need more strong residents, more strong activists such as fifthgensacramentar, William Burg, naga, bbbbmer, heidimclean and others holding elected officials feet to the fire.

My heart was heavy when I read of the people in the news; but it was no longer heavy when I read the comments of genuine activists who posted.

I want to add; District One candidate Angelique Ashby is continuously paraded in front of us as an activist. I do not make light of her past efforts and labor in the Natomas district. However, I now openly criticize her current behavior of putting her activism of protecting the people aside to protect herself and get into office.

I don’t care if it’s the norm or how many others will use deceit, close their mouths as deceit and dirty games are played. If you walk with the title activist; then you better be prepared to talk the talk and open your mouth and speak up when things are wrong.

It’s painful to watch people fall from the pedestal some will put them on and move from unselfish labor to selfishness.

I believe activism is a life-time commitment of serving others. It is not a fly- by-night, any way- the way- blows, overlook, dismiss, and ignore doing what is right, to get- oneself- into public- office- commitment.

I think with activism there is no room for selfishness to the point that you become those who you are to stand against and protect people from.

I’m going to be honest. My life has been hell in the city of Sacramento and I don’t labor for fame or glory. I do so for truth and transparency so that we can have less pain. I labor for the quality of life and freedom.

It is by the Grace of God that I have the ability to stand when I’ve fallen to my knees on so many occasions never wanting to get back up. I’ve gone to sleep sometimes not wanting to awaken to another day having to face the deceit, greed, lovelessness and peacocks, such as our Mayor, who parade around this city as representatives of the people and they merely represent themselves.

By the Grace of God and if it’s the will of God; I am not going to bring you the news. I hope to bring you the reaction in hopes that one day; the deceit and games played during budget and election times will finally be done in the Spirit of Love and the Spirit of Truth.

Because as it stands for many of us our lives are painful but they become horribly painful watching all the deceit and trickery during times of elections and budgets. I appreciate the news, news reporters and I appreciate the reaction and actions of the people of the city.

In the words of Dr Martin L King, ‘We are all woven from the same garment what affects one of us directly; affects all of us indirectly.” The lack of a painless quality of life can affect the quality of life of others. The lies rampant throughout this city can bring a dark cloud of hopeless which translates into lawlessness. So it is important for us to have the news and it is important for more to see how those in the news can affect our lives.

In the Spirit of Love
Rhonda Erwin

Disclosure: I am not a journalist. I am not seeking public office. I have no desires to be a politician. I am a resident of Sacramento who for the life of me, wants, desires, insists on living with less pain. I'm given the title of activist and for me it’s a life-time commitment until contentment. Unlike Angelique Ashby who stated she's honored to be endorsed by Johnson, SPOA..... (people with an agenda, where one hand washes the other) I am honored to see so many genuine activist and I would be honored to be endorsed - as a caring individual- by genuine caring individuals- the real activists of the city- whose agenda is making Sacramento a world class city of truth and transparency.

Marriage Equality Rally and March at the Capitol

2009-11-06T22:16:36Z

Over 200 people gathered Wednesday night]at the California State Capitol for a rally and march which marked the first anniversary of the passage of Proposition 8.

The event, “A Day of Smiles, Tears and Action,” was led by Equality Action NOW, a grassroots civil rights organization, along with several supporting organizations. The event also followed relevant elections in Maine and Washington on Tuesday.

In Washington, voters approved Referendum 71, keeping a law that expanded state benefits to same-sex domestic partners. In Maine, voters rejected a law passed by the state's legislature and signed by the governor that would have allowed same-sex marriages. Maine is now the 31st state to reject same-sex marriage in a popular vote.

Proposition 8 amended California law to recognize marriage only between a man and a woman.

Last year was not the first time that California voters were presented with a vote to narrow the definition of marriage. In 2000, Proposition 22 passed, approving the same language, “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”

During his speech at the event, EAN volunteer and Camp Courage representative Chris Hauck pointed out the positive difference between the two propositions. While Proposition 22 won by over 22 points, Proposition 8 won by less than five points. Hauck also noted that Proposition 8 was not supported by a majority of voters in areas like Santa Barbara and Irvine, areas where an overwhelming majority supported Proposition 22 almost a decade ago.

Proposition 22 was eventually overturned by the California Supreme Court, allowing gay marriage for approximately five months before the passage of Proposition 8. Proposition 8 was upheld in the California Supreme Court last May in Strauss v. Horton.

As the ongoing judicial and legislative battle ensues, national groups including the American Civil Liberties Union are discouraging further legal action, saying it could do more harm than good. Instead they recommend making changes at the ballot box.

Jennie Reiken, Sacramento field manager for Equality California, strongly encouraged attendees to start canvassing. She encouraged people to educate those around them by having one-on-one conversations about their relationships.

“While the event was held to commemorate the passing of Proposition 8 and the resulting year of inequality, the rally was held to encourage people to get involved in any way they can and provide ample volunteer opportunities," EAN spokesperson Hilary Hodge said after the rally.

Following the march, several organizations made sign-up sheets available to participants. EAN recognizes there is a difference of opinion between marriage equality activists on whether to try voters again in 2010 or 2012. Whenever the issue returns to the polls, Tina Reynolds, co-founder of EAN has stated, “(EAN) does not take a stand one way or another since choosing a date has worked to polarize our community. We will be there whenever a rally, a vote, a stand needs to be made, and we will support all of our brothers and sisters in solidarity.”

In the near term, grassroots efforts in Sacramento continue, including an intensive two-day training called Camp Courage Sacramento this Saturday and Sunday. The training is designed to teach community organizing skills for marriage-equality activists. Registration information is available here. A fundraiser for Camp Courage will be held this tonight at Head Hunters located at 1930 K Street in midtown Sacramento.

A brief timeline:

March 7, 2000 – Proposition 8 passes in the Primary Election

May 15, 2008 – Proposition 22 overturned by California Supreme Court (in re: marriage cases)

Nov. 4, 2008 – Proposition 8 passes in the General Election

May 26, 2009 – Proposition 8 upheld by California Supreme Court (Strauss v. Horton)

Local Civil Rights Group On Watch Today

2009-11-03T15:59:29Z

Sacramento, CA – Today is election day across the nation and members of Equality Action Now, a local volunteer grassroots organization are watching three key areas who’s outcome could impact the struggle of the LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transsexual, Questioning, Intersex) community here in California.

While Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now, and her army of volunteers are preparing for tomorrow’s “One Year Ago” rally and march at the state capitol to call attention to California’s gay community and their own struggle to overturn Prop 8, they will be paying close attention to elections in the states of Maine, Washington, and the city of Kalamazoo Michigan.

The first and most important battleground for supporters of is in the state of Maine. Mainers will be the first in any state with the chance to repeal or uphold a law passed by their state Legislature and signed by their governor, legalizing same-sex marriages. The ballot measure, Question One, results from Maine’s provision for a “people’s veto”, which means any newly passed law can be subject to repeal by voters if enough signatures can be obtained to trigger a referendum. Last minute polls indicate that support of same-sex marriage is squeaking ahead but it is still too close to call.

The state of Washington is a voting mail-in state so while their Referindom 71 has already been decided, the results will not be in until later today. Referindom 71 would expand the rights, responsibilities, and obligations accorded state-registered same-sex and senior domestic partners to be equivalent to those of married spouses, except that a domestic partnership is not a marriage. The bill reads that same-sex couples, or any couple that includes one person age sixty-two or older, may register as a domestic partnership with the state. Registered domestic partnerships are not marriages, and marriage is prohibited except between one man and one woman. This bill would expand the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of registered domestic partners and their families to include all rights, responsibilities, and obligations granted by or imposed by state law on married couples and their families.

Today the citizens of Kalamazoo Mishigan will be voting on the Kalamazoo “Non-Discrimination Ordinance”. The City Commission passed the inclusive non-discrimination ordinance on June 29 after five public forums were held to hear comments about the ordinance. The final ordinance, which simply adjusts current employment and housing/accommodations law to protect gay and transgender people as it currently protects people based on race, gender, and religion, includes revisions proposed during the public forums. If passed, the city ordinance could be a template other cities could adopt in the future.

All three elections may or may not have an impact close to home here in California. In any case gay and civil rights activists across the state have already been actively supporting the three other elections by fundraising, phone banking, and as with the all important Maine vote, sending trained organizers to key cities to lend support on the ground. This is a good indication that activism is growing and many individual organizations, big and small are pooling their resources to support common issues.

Here in Sacramento, Tina Reynolds, fresh from attending the National Equality March in Washington DC is reflective and defiant saying,“November 4 will be the one year anniversary when California’s LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transsexual, Questioning, Intersex) community lost our equality and it will be the day after the vote in Maine, Washington and Kalamazoo. We will stand on our own state capitol steps in solidarity with our brothers and sisters fighting for their civil rights everywhere. We will celebrate with them or join arms and continue to gain strength to fight on a national level with them!”

Whatever the outcome in other states, it is likely that California will continue to be an important battleground for gay rights and same-sex marriage.