Leading Black Pastor Eulogizes Slain Ugandan Gay Rights Advocate David Kato

One of the leading African American ministers in the country stood in his pulpit to eulogize Ugandan gay advocate, David Kato, who was murdered after having a death threat against him published on the front page of a local newspaper. The Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, head pastor of the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, announced to the 150 people gathered at the memorial service on Monday, February 7, 2011, that he was “beginning the conversation” to engage Black church leaders to save the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender leaders such as David Kato.

"Tonight we make an important first step in bridging the chasm that separates gay & straight people in the church," Butts proclaimed. "This discussion on human sexuality should have happened a long time ago and if it had maybe Kato's and many many other's lives would have been saved."

Frank Mugisha, Executive Director of Sexual Minorities of Uganda, who worked closely with David, said, "Being here tonight inspires me and gives me strength to carry on David's work advocating for gays and lesbians, bailing them out of jail, providing financial support and protection. Before coming here I did not know that a religious leader could stand up freely and support gays and lesbians. In Uganda when a pastor did that he was excommunicated."

Uganda has been under international scrutiny as it continues to consider a law that would included the death penalty for gay people. Conservative Evangelicals have been documented spreading anti-gay sentiment to Uganda so that Ugandan LGBT people are now having to flee their homes due to threats and persecution.

"So long as these laws remain in force millions of people will continue to live their lives under the threat of arrest and in some cases even execution. These laws legitimize homophobia by giving it a government sanctioned seal of approval,” said Charles Radcliffe. "Our first challenge has to be the decriminalization of homosexuality." Mr. Radcliffe is the chief of global issues for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

New York City Speaker Christine C. Quinn, in a written statement read by a representative, called Kato's death "a reminder that every single individual has the power to promote equality and stand up against injustices both near and far.”

Pastor Joseph A. Tolton, Pastor of Rehoboth Temple and organizer of the service, praised Dr. Butts for his leadership in this critical moment. “The gay and lesbian African American community had a historic homecoming in this memorial service for David Kato. We found ourselves welcomed home to the cradle of the Black Church. We are clear that we all walk under the banner of love where our community will work together and not allow ourselves to be divided because of sexual orientation or gender identity. This is our first step in a long journey.”

The service, reminiscent of those held for the many martyrs who paid the ultimate price for freedom in the US, included a solitary portrait of Kato bearing the words "Demand Justice" positioned in the front of the church. Local church choirs and a featured solo from violinist Juliette Jones brought the gathered community to their feet with tears in their eyes. The memorial was one of two memorials held in New York City just two weeks after Kato was murdered in his home in Uganda. His death captured international attention and yesterday's memorial will certainly carry forward the discussion of homophobia in Uganda, the United States and the 70 countries that still imprison or execute gay and transgender people.

We Want Peace by Emmanuel Jal

On January 9th, 2011 a referendum will determine whether Southern Sudan should remain a part of Sudan. 80% of Sudan's oil fields are in the south, making it a prime battleground to displace the indigenous people. Both North and South are preparing for war, leaving innocent people at grave risk of major human rights violations. The last civil war between North and South – in which Emmanuel Jal fought as a child soldier – claimed over 2 million lives (including that of Emmanuel’s own mother). Take Action.

The time to prevent another genocide is now. The single We Want Peace is a call for peace, protection and justice for all in Sudan and also for an end to conflicts affecting innocent people all around the world.

Watch the video with Emmanuel Jal - We Want Peace Official Music Video feat Alicia Keys, George Clooney, Peter Gabriel, Former US President Jimmy Carter and more.

United Nations 65th Ordinary Session opens in NYC on September 14, 2010

COMING TO AMERICA

The 65th Ordinary Session of the United Nations, over which Swiss politician Joseph Deiss will preside, opens Sep 14 with a prayer. General debate runs Sep 23-25 and Sep 27-30. Sustained economic growth and sustainable development top the preliminary agenda for the debate. A review of UN peacekeeping operations and of UN efficiency are also listed for debate. Other expected topics are Iran's refusal to halt uranium enrichment and Israel's May 31 raid on Gaza-bound aid boats.

The United Nations launched its World Economic and Social Survey 2010 in June. Called "Retooling Global Development," it notes that the 2008/9 global economic crisis exposed systematic failures in the workings of today's financial markets and major deficiencies at the core of economic policy-making. The survey emphasized on the need to have major reforms in global economic governance and new thinking about global economic development.

The United Nations has peacekeeping operations in Africa, the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. The locations include Darfur in Sudan, Lebanon and Haiti. The outcome of debate about the budget is likely to determine the missions that will be scrapped, boosted or launched.

The Assembly also plans to assess how much progress has been made on resolutions passed at major United Nations conferences and summits in the economic and social fields. The exercise relates to the Assembly's planned review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations. A new round of UN sanctions were imposed on Tehran on Jun 9. Security Council Resolution 1929 includes tougher financial controls and an expanded arms embargo. The United States and some of its allies accuse Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Iran denies the charge.

Israeli commandos stormed the six-ship Freedom Flotilla on May 31 in international waters off the coast of the Hamas-run Gaza Strip as it carried some 10,000 tons of aid and up to 700 human rights activists to the Palestinian enclave. Nine activists were killed and dozens were injured. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for an international probe into the raid.

K’naan T.I.A.

T.I.A. – This Is Africa!

My brothers and sisters, life is too short for stress. So relax your brain with some of this great great great music.

Introducing K’naan hailing from the war ridden African country of Somalia. This is one of the best “how they got there” stories around.

K’naan growing up was in one of the worst areas during the Somali civil war which started in 1991, the neighborhood was referred to as the River of Blood civilians were dying left and right. K’naan’s father had left to drive taxi cabs in NYC and was wiring the money back to the family in Somalia. As the civil war worsened K’naan’s mother applied for a visa for their family, their visa was approved on the last day the US Embassy was in existence and K’naan and his family left the country on the last commercial flight leaving the country.

K’naan real name Kanaan Warsame

He arrived in Compton and then with his family reunited moved to a Somali sector of Canada in Toronto. Speaking absolutely no English K’naan learned how to rap by listening to artists like Mos Def and Nas copying their lyrical style and phonetic beats. A few years later he dropped out of his high school in Toronto to travel and rap at open mic events. After returning to Toronto he managed to secure a gig speaking in front of the United Nations Commissioner for refugees in whom he rapped about the UN failing to recognize the war in Somalia. His performance was seen by Senegalese Singer Youssou D’Nour who invited him to partake in his new album and travel on his world tour. K’naan obliged and on tour a small Canadian producer was blown away by the rhymes of K’naan and agreed to help the young artist produce his first album Dusty Foot Philosopher in 2005. The album somehow caught fire and K’naan, a Somali refugee who came to North America without knowing any English, worked his way to the top and released his second world recognized album earlier this year. CRAZY…. its amazing how talent finds its way to be recognized.

This is the first album from K’naan, Dusty Foot Philosopher. Some of the tracks are just simply jaw dropping. Enjoy!!!




K’naan also wrote the official song "Waving Flag" used for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

I LOVE NY 12 of 28 Places to Visit

The United Nation (UN)
Photos courtesy of Kennected

The United Nations is an international organization founded in October 1945 after the Second World War by 51 countries committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights. Due to its unique international character, and the powers vested in its founding Charter, the Organization can take action on a wide range of issues, and provide a forum for its 192 Member States to express their views, through the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council and other bodies and committees.

The Headquarters of the World Organization is located on an 18-acre site on the East side of Manhattan, 405 E 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017 (at 1st Avenue). It is an international zone belonging to all Member States. The United Nations has its own security force, fire department and postal administration. Visitors from all over the world often like to send postcards back home with United Nations stamps - these stamps can only be mailed from the United Nations.

The Headquarters consist of four main buildings: the General Assembly building, the Conference Building, the 39-floor Secretariat building, and the Dag Hammarskjold Library, which was added in 1961. The complex was designed by an international team of 11 architects, led by Wallace K. Harrison from the United States.

The work of the United Nations reaches every corner of the globe. Although best known for peacekeeping, peacebuilding, conflict prevention and humanitarian assistance, there are many other ways the United Nations and its System (specialized agencies, funds and programmes) affect our lives and make the world a better place. The Organization works on a broad range of fundamental issues, from sustainable development, environment and refugees protection, disaster relief, counter terrorism, disarmament and non-proliferation, to promoting democracy, human rights, governance, economic and social development and international health, clearing landmines, expanding food production, and more, in order to achieve its goals and coordinate efforts for a safer world for this and future generations.