Category Archives: International
Double-Latte Project – August 2011 Generation Enterprise
This month’s Double-Latte Selection is:
Why Generation Enterprise?
Well one of my focus’ for this year’s Double-Latte selections is people in my network and one of the founders of Generation Enterprise is a member of a fellowship program that I did, the Institute for International Public Policy (IIPP). I met Clara Chow in 2005 as I was serving as the assistant, traditionally an older fellow, for IIPP’s Summer Sophomore Institute.
In addition to the network connection, I am highlighting Generation Enterprise because I really enjoy that they are working to help “street kids” by not just giving them handouts but by giving them tools to build a better life in the long term. I also enjoy that these young adult philanthropists not only lived their experiences, either where they grew up or where they studied abroad or worked, they have decided and acted to make the world a better place then they found it.
What does Generation Enterprise Do?
We are the Generation Enterprise leadership team, an all-volunteer group of young community leaders working on four continents to realize one revolutionary vision: that street youth in the world’s biggest cities and most formidable slums can become socially responsible business owners and pull their communities out of poverty.
In 2009, we launched a pilot project in Lagos, the world’s fastest-growing megacity. Our business training and incubation program, YouthBank, equipped homeless and unemployed youth to build viable, sustainable businesses that would allow them to leave gangs, prostitution, odd jobs, and criminal activity.
Now, we’re working with partners in the public, private, and social sectors to create a network of incubators focused on drawing at-risk youth out of the shadows and into the formal economy.
To get a visual about what this great organization is doing, check out this clip from a documentary being produced about their work!
Why is Generation Enterprise’s Work is Important?
Because Generation Enterprise takes what I call a “Teach a Man to Fish” approach, the effects of their program are more long lasting and more likely to keep program participants out of poverty. Youth that are a part of their program receive loans to help them start a business but they also receive training, in a fellowship like format from my understanding, so that participants do not just receive funds and are left on their own.
Also, because the businesses and ventures that these young people take on are local it also assists in the sustainable development of towns and countries around the world and prevents the occurrence of brain drain.
Final Thoughts
Highlighting this organization and others in my network like Shea Yeleen is a lot of fun. It is also a reminder for me of some of the amazing and great people in my network.
I am really proud of the great people around me who have done more than talk about their dreams and wishes and have taken the time to do something! Its motivation for me to do the same!
Thank you for reading! Please take time to connect with Generation Enterprise on LinkedIn and on Facebook!
The Double-Latte Project February 2011 The Abyssinian Fund (Event 25 Feb 2011 & More About The Fund)
If you are in the New York City area check out The Abyssinian Fund at the Harlem Fine Arts Show this weekend:
At
The 2nd Annual Harlem Fine Arts Show
Friday, February 25th — 6pm to Midnight
Saturday, February 26th — 11am to 10pm
Sunday, February 27th — 11am to 7pm
Riverside Church
490 Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10027
All proceeds from the sale of 18 paintings will be used to further the work of the Abyssinian Fund in the rural farming community of Chaffee Jeneta, and to promote economic development in Ethiopia.
Tickets to the 2nd Annual Harlem Fine Arts Show may be purchased by clicking here.
I also wanted to take this time to share a few articles that have been written about the Abyssinian Fund and the success they have had in the short time they have been in existence. Check out From a 542-square-foot office above a bustling intersection in Harlem, the Rev. Nicholas S. Richards is building what he hopes will be a 7,000-mile bridge to the eastern highlands of Ethiopia. There is also the Wall Street Journal article “A Gift in Harlem Helps Farmers in Africa” as well as this review of The Fund’s first fundraising event.
The Double-Latte Project February 2011: The Abyssinian Fund
The Double-Latte Project is my new personal philanthropy project. To read more about the Double-Latte Project visit the Double-Latte page on this blog.
This month’s Double-Latte Project selection is my way of honoring Black History Month on the global level as this month’s organization connects Africa with the African Diaspora. The Abyssinian Fund is a new People of Color run NGO which focuses on sustainable development in Ethiopia.
Why The Abyssinian Fund?
I heard about the Abyssinian Fund about a year ago when I went to visit New York during a discussion with the Director of the organization, Nicholas Richards. A few weeks later I attended a fundraiser for the new project with a friend and I really enjoyed the personal touch that the Abyssinian Fund is taking with its mission. The Fund has formed a personal relationship with a village in Ethiopia and is working with the people there to improve their lives.
I am really looking forward to seeing The Abyssinian Fund expand and grow across Ethiopia. Due to its personal touch and commitment to sustainable development I have chosen to include this organization in the first round of The Double-Latte Project.
About The Fund
The Abyssinian Fund according to their website, “partners with communities who agree to reinvest a specified percentage of their increased revenue to support the cost of health, education, and water programs. As the income of the local community increases from greater capacity and skills, residents take ownership of the resources The Abyssinian Fund helps to create, leading to sustainable development.” The Fund focuses on four areas: Water, Health, Education and Economic Development. To learn more I encourage you to visit their website!
Links of the Week 17 September 2010
Dream Act Special Feature
So I recently heard via a Political Science listserv I am on (Thank you Race & Ethnicity APSA Section) that Senator Reid is working on moving the Dream Act out of committee and on the floor for a vote. Below are some links that were shared via the listserv about the recent movement in the movement (:D). Without going into too much details, there are a lot of links this week, I support this Act because I think it is wrong to harm children who had no say in the matter of their parents decision to come to the United States illegally. If they can show that they can be “good” citizens then I think they should get an opportunity to become citizens. To learn more about the Dream Act and what you can do to help visit: www.dreamactivist.org.
For the sake of the DREAM Act students, Latinos must come together
Students Spared Amid an Increase in Deportations
Sen. Reid comments on the issue [Dream Act] at the Netroots Nation Conference in Las Vegas
Top Five
For First time, more women than men earn PhD
Tim Wise: Imagine if the Tea Party Was Black
Briefing: Melissa Harris-Lacewell on Covering Progressive Causes
Library of Congress – Hispanic [Latino] Heritage Month
The 9/11 media legacy I will never forget: “buy Snow White on DVD”
Quote of the Week
“Impacts from agriculture are expected to increase substantially due to population growth increasing consumption of animal products. Unlike fossil fuels, it is difficult to look for alternatives: people have to eat. A substantial reduction of impacts would only be possible with a substantial worldwide diet change, away from animal products.” from More evidence for going vegan from the UN Environment Programme & UN urges global move to meat and dairy-free diet.
Photo of the Week
You write the caption for this photo
This week’s photo is from Christine O’Donnell upsets Mike Castle in Delaware Senate primary [Author note: the photo now at this link has changed & is somewhat better...but not by much] and I have to say when I looked at this photo the first thing I thought was they (the media) would have never taken a picture of a male politician like this. Then I thought some more and realized maybe a few men…the media did help kill the Howard Dean campaign by looping that yelp he had in that primary win. But the photo did remind me of the countless photos of women politicians and businesswomen that depict them in unfavorable or questionable manners and what that all means. I don’t say these comments in a way that is endorsing or not endorsing O’Donnell’s candidacy (I was raised in DE but I now hold my state residency somewhere else so I’ll leave the matter in the hands of Delawarians to decide what they want) but I say this comment to make you all [whoever is reading this] to think about the role media plays in perpetuating stereotypes of all kinds. How would you caption this photo? What do you think the photo says?
Women and Politics
WUFPAC Fall Fundraiser – Thursday 30 September 2010 in Washington, D.C.
I’ve said this before but its worth saying again: WUFPAC was one of my best discoveries while doing a school assignment. If you are in the D.C. area I highly recommend that you attend this event. Not in D.C. visit www.wufpac.org to donate today!
Ticket photo of the week: Michele Obama takes to the gridiron
Dilma defende Lula e afirma que disputa por hegemonia política é saudável
Politics
How Adrian Fenty lost his reelection bid for D.C. mayor
DE-Sen: Help me keep Delaware’s seat blue
U.S. Intervention Sought for Newark Police Abuses
Mike Castle won’t endorse Christine O’Donnell for Senate, citing ‘smears’
Vincent Gray beats Adrian Fenty: What does it mean for school reform?
Lessons for Obama in Adrian Fenty’s Defeat
Other
AFL-CIO takes stand against NFL owners
Report Reveals Salaries of Megachurch Pastors
Gabourey Sidibe in Elle: Light, Bright and Almost White
Afroreggae forma 150 jovens que participaram de oficinas
La Presencia Africana en Mexico y América Latina African Legacy in Mexico and Latin America
Unfortunately, this event is in Atlanta but if you are in Atlanta I HIGHLY recommend that you go. From the event website, “In collaboration with Spelman College, and in recognition of Latino Heritage Month, the Auburn Avenue Research Library will present, La Presencia Africana en Mexico y América Latina: African Legacy in Mexico and Latin America, an exhibition which explores Africana culture in Latin America. This exhibit features the photography of Tony Gleaton from the Spelman College Archives.”
Movie: In Whose Honor – American Indian Mascots in Sports
Oldies But Goodies
Friends share in D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty’s good fortune
With the recent loss of Fenty in the Democratic Primary I was linked to this article. I have to say I think way more politicians than not do similar acts and are not discussed like they are here. Finally, I think information like this in combination with Fenty not being able to relate to his constituents contributed to his loss. Best of luck to you in the future Mayor Fenty – I hope you not only reflect on your contributions but reflect on and move forward from your mistakes.
Links of the Week 27 August 2010
Top Five
Mosque Demagoguery Is Bipartisan
Fiske Names Spelman College a 2011 ‘Best Buy’ School
A Different Way of Ranking Colleges
Armstrong Williams Misleads as He Cheers on GOP Women
Women & Politics
Eleitores de Dilma estão mais decididos sobre voto, mostra Datafolha
Small Business Bill Cannot Wait – Voice Your Support, This Bill MUST Pass!
Women & Girls
Breaking the Model Mold: Australia’s Samantha Harris
Trabajadoras domésticas inmigrantes en EU son blanco fácil de los abusos
Politics
One Liberal Voice Dares to Say, Cut the Budget
Putting Voters in the Driver’s Seat in 2010
PIMW (Public & Independent Media Watch)
We Are Sean Bell, Way Down in the Hole, and Sharon Jasper
International
Why is Pakistan Being Left Behind
Other
Links of the Week 25 June 2010
Author’s Note: This weeks links are shorter as I was traveling last week. Also links for Summer 2010 will be in Portuguese as I am learning this language this summer and am not allowed to communicate in English. If you have Google Chrome as your browser you can use their translate feature if you wish. If not see you in late August when my Links of the Week will return to their normal muli-lingual mostly English & Spanish format.
Top Five
Spelman College President Gives Opening Address at UNCF ICB Green Building Institute
I saw this threw the research methods camp I am attending & it made me see just how serious this spill is & the long term effects it will have for the animals that live there as well as the people that depend on the water to survive i.e. tourist organizations, farmers & fishermen/women.
Buffett to Ultra-Rich: Meet Me Halfway
This is the article that got General McChrystal fired from his post in charge of the troops in Afghanistan.
General McChrystal and ‘Rolling Stone’: There’s So Much More to the War in Afghanistan
Why everyone was worried about who got fired in Washington, Pundit Mom reflects on what is missing in the inside the beltway talk about Afghanistan
Women & Politics
Un bastión argentino contra las cuotas femeninas
Partidos evaden la cuota de género
U.S. Education Secretary Duncan Commemorates 38th Anniversary of Title IX
Other Politics
UPDATED: EPA Reveals What’s In Gulf Oil Spill Dispersants
Other
Can Conscious Consumerism Really Save the World?
30 things to do before you turn 30
Oldies But Goodies
Links of the Week 19 Feburary 2010
Black History
First Black Ice Skating Pair to Compete in Winter Olympics
Top Five
Children’s Messages of Hope for Haiti
This is a link to an interesting art exhibit by an Iranian artist. She uses an interesting use of fabric and everyday household items to make her point.
Johnetta B. Cole Explains the Power of the Noah Principle
“Haiti – The Politics of Rebuilding”
Women and Politics
This is a schedule of Running Start’s 2010 Path to Politics Series. This is a great program to check out if you are in the DC Metro area.
Politico
Canadian Officials: Man Breached Security, Got Close to VP Biden
Rap star says Romney got physical with him on the plane
Other
David Stern projects $400 million in losses for the NBA
Wanted: Volunteers, All Pregnant
When Children Are Overweight, Changes for the Whole Family
Médicos y choferes: hermanos de profesión
Morehouse Alumnus’ Short Film Speaks Volumes
Why Magic Johnson Should Buy Ebony & Jet?
Oldies But Goodies
Recycling Discarded Flip-Flops
I had an old pair of flip flops break this past week and when I googled recycling flip-flops this article came up. If you have old flip flops check out the organization listed, grab some friends and split the cost of shipping!
What the “Big 6″ Won’t Share About Haiti
These days its hard to go twenty-four hours without hearing a request to donate to some non-profit to support their efforts in Haiti. It is also hard, though getting easier…or so I have heard, to go twenty-four hours without some news footage from the “Big 6″ aka ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, MSNBC & Fox New that does not showcase some “poor impoverished little brown child” to show what is going on in Haiti. However, a quick study of the history they do not teach you in US classrooms will highlight that the devastation in Haiti is not just about a poor country with a government that cannot “take care” of its people but it will reveal the negative and significant role that the United States, the first independent nation liberated by slave owners, and “The West” had in getting Haiti, the first independent nation liberated by slaves in the Americas, to its current state.
I wish this post could be about the role of the International System/”The West” in debilitating Haiti’s ability to develop as a nation from its inception but I do not know enough about Haitian history. I do know more about the history of the Dominican Republic, Haiti’s neighbor, and the fact that that country has survived three US military invasions. This knowledge allows me to imagine how and what the US has done to Haiti historically and the irony of its current pleas to help Haiti now.
Moving away from blame and pointing fingers, I have to say that the out-pour that the US and other countries have shown to the people of Haiti in their time of need is refreshing and a welcomed shift. My big hope and prayer is that this out-pour is not a temporary thing but leads to real quality sustained development for Haiti based on the interests of the Haitian people.
To get back to the main focus of this post, please read below some links that expound upon information that you should know about Haiti that you will not get from the “Big 6.” In addition to supporting continued assistance to the Haitian people consider giving to the organizations, specifically the independent media outlets, that authored some of the stories below.
Enjoy,
DNMP
What You’re Not Hearing About Haiti But Should Be
Why Haiti and The Dominican Republic Are So Different
Continuing To Address The Needs In Haiti From A Gender-Informed Lens
Haiti 2010: An Unwelcome Katrina Redux
La Lección de Haití or in English The Lessons of Haiti
Tè Tremblé: Journey to the Epicenter of the Earthquake
Bill Clinton Named New UN Envoy to ‘Stabilize’ Haiti, a Country He Helped DeStabilize
