First Lady Michelle Obama Tells It Like It Is At Bowie State University Graduation

It's college graduation season, with young men and women all over the country receiving their degrees after four (or more) years of hard work. Many of them are lucky in that their commencement addresses are delivered by high profile, inspirational, and successful people (Lou Holtz spoke at my college graduation 11 years ago...man, I'm getting old). Of the news clips of graduation speeches I've seen so far this weekend, First Lady Michelle Obama's commencement address Friday at Bowie State University stands out the most.

Credit: whitehouse.gov

Both the First Lady and President Obama have to walk fine lines when talking about race. As the United States' first-ever African-American First Couple, when discussing the all-important-yet-sometimes-overly-sensitive topic of race, they run the risk of black people feeling they don't address race enough and white people thinking they talk about it too much. I'm generalizing here to make a point, but I think you understand what I'm saying.

So I'm happy to see that when Mrs. Obama spoke in front of the 2013 graduating class at the historically black university in Maryland, she delivered a message they needed to hear (and thanks to the Internet, the whole world can hear it). Below are a few of her notable remarks (click here for the full transcript):

• For generations, in many parts of this country, it was illegal for black people to get an education. Slaves caught reading or writing could be beaten to within an inch of their lives. Anyone -- black or white -- who dared to teach them could be fined or thrown into jail. And yet, just two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, this school was founded not just to educate African Americans, but to teach them how to educate others... And since then, generations of students from all backgrounds have come to this school to be challenged, inspired and empowered.

• So back then, people were hungry to learn. Do you hear me? Hungry to get what they needed to succeed in this country. And that hunger did not fade over time. If anything, it only grew stronger. I mean, think about the century-long battle that so many folks waged to end the evil of segregation...

• But today, more than 150 years after the Emancipation Proclamation, more than 50 years after the end of “separate but equal,” when it comes to getting an education, too many of our young people just can’t be bothered. Today, instead of walking miles every day to school, they’re sitting on couches for hours playing video games, watching TV. Instead of dreaming of being a teacher or a lawyer or a business leader, they’re fantasizing about being a baller or a rapper. Right now, one in three African American students are dropping out of high school. Only one in five African Americans between the ages of 25 and 29 has gotten a college degree -- one in five.

• But let’s be very clear. Today, getting an education is as important if not more important than it was back when this university was founded. Just look at the statistics. People who earn a bachelor’s degree or higher make nearly three times more money than high school dropouts, and they’re far less likely to be unemployed. 

• And as my husband has said often, please stand up and reject the slander that says a black child with a book is trying to act white. Reject that.

Preach!

Watch the video below of the First Lady's full commencement speech.

I often hear (or read in the comments section of online articles) people questioning the need of HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities) today, or assertions that the continuation of black colleges is discriminatory or racist. This is an example of where healthy and honest discussions are needed. To answer that question simply, as the First Lady pointed out, Bowie State was founded in the mid-1800s when that was only the way blacks could get a higher education. So, after the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, were those universities, with their rich histories and traditions, supposed to close down since black students could finally attend college practically anywhere? (And don't forget, blacks continued to face resistance at many mainstream colleges on through the 1970s). Secondly, most HBCUs today, like Bowie State and Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte (Civil Rights icon and former Congressman and U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young spoke at JCSU's commencement this morning), aggressively recruit students of all races. The reason they're referred to as HBCUs is because they're "historically black" (I didn't attend an HBCU, so I don't need to defend them other than to speak the truth). We can't deny history; let's embrace it and move forward. And focus on the alarming statistics the First Lady stated.

By the way, Bowie State is a member of the CIAA, which holds its annual basketball tournament in Charlotte. Institutions of higher learning make up the CIAA, despite all the partying and debauchery the events surrounding the tournament have become known for.

Who spoke at your college graduation? Was it memorable?

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Happy Birthday Anthony Foxx. The Best Is Yet to Come for You--and Hopefully Charlotte

Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx turns 42 years old today. If you've even slightly paid attention to news in Charlotte over the last 24 to 36 hours then you know that Foxx has been nominated by President Obama to become the next U.S. Secretary of Transportation, to replace outgoing secretary Ray LaHood.

Credit: whitehouse.gov

Foxx as Obama's latest cabinet pick is being written and opined about everywhere. Here are a few links to what the national media is saying:

What You Need to Know About Obama Transportation Pick Anthony Foxx - National Journal

Meet Anthony Foxx, Obama's Next Transportation Secretary - The Atlantic

President Obama announces Anthony Foxx pick - Politico

Obama Diversity Promise Makes Second Cabinet Like First - Bloomberg Businessweek

Locally, The Charlotte Observer has done great reporting since news leaked on Sunday that Obama would nominate Foxx the following day. The story is the main feature on today's front page.

So, you have plenty you can read up on about Foxx as far as news is concerned. Here's what I'd like to add.

In 2009, when Foxx was running for his first term as mayor of Charlotte, I wrote here on Grown People Talking: "10 Reasons Why Anthony Foxx Will Be Charlotte's Next Mayor." In that blog post, the first nine reasons I listed described the attributes that made Foxx very electable, the strength of his campaign, the political climate in 2009, and even a couple of comparisons of him to Obama. Then in the tenth point on my list, I said:

He's a Charlotte native with a terrific story. Not only do we not encounter many Charlotte natives these days (I always say that only 2 out of every 10 people I meet in Charlotte are actually from here), but we have even fewer in leadership positions. Foxx has a great story that shows what a person can accomplish with hard work, talent, and ambition. As he remarked last evening, he grew up in a neighborhood off Beatties Ford Road, where he wasn't expected to succeed. After graduating from West Charlotte High School, he then went on to graduate from Davidson College (where he served as student body president), and got his law degree from NYU. He's been a successful attorney for the last 13 years, and a city councilman since 2005.

Today, Washington's gain is Charlotte's loss. Foxx was a great fit as this city's mayor. You might not agree with all of his policies, but you have to acknowledge that not many people actually care as much about this city as he does, or are as personally invested as he is. I ran into, met with, interviewed, and wrote about Foxx several times over the next four years, including that time I proclaimed "Mayor Foxx Is Charlotte."

I had plenty of interaction with him during the year I wrote The DNC In The CLT blog about the 2012 Democratic National Convention, including this Q&A published last May and the video below I captured of a DNC press conference last April when Foxx welcomed the mayor of Los Angeles to the city.

Then when I ran into Mayor Foxx about three weeks ago, after speculation had been swirling that he was being considered for the Obama cabinet position, after he announced that he wouldn't seek reelection as mayor, we had this brief exchange:

Ran into @mayorfoxx last night. He said "Jarvis, writing about anything exciting?" I said "Not as exciting as what you have going on." #CLT
— Jarvis Holliday (@HollidayInk) April 12, 2013

At 42 years old, and with the opportunity to serve in a high-profile position in the Obama Administration for the next three and a half years, Foxx's national political success will be his for the taking. And for all the kids attending west Charlotte schools today, who may feel like they have too many obstacles to overcome to be successful in life, they can point to a guy in the White House who used to attend schools along the Beatties Ford Road corridor too.

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'I Want to Take a Look One More Time. I'm Not Going to See this Again.' Neither Will I...

"Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber," it is believed to have been said by Greek philosopher Plato more than 2000 years ago. He truly was a genius to have foreseen the world of politics we live in today. I write a lot, as my profession requires, and I have strong views on things, which my blogs afford me the opportunity to express. And while I cover politics among the many different topics I write about, I don't engage in political rhetoric, nor do I challenge others on their political views (I'm not FOX News or MSNBC). Yet, I'm more intrigued by politics today than ever.

I've long been a news junkie, since I became engrossed in my courses at the J-School at the University of South Carolina more than a decade ago. But it was when I began covering the 2012 Democratic National Convention that my interest in politics reached new heights. As you might have seen me reference before, I wrote "The DNC In The CLT" blog for Charlotte magazine for an entire year, from September 2011 to September 2012. It was a tremendous experience for the city of Charlotte to host the DNC, as well as for us local journalists who jumped at every press release and announcement from the Democratic National Convention Committee, which was comprised of  a couple hundred staffers, many of whom had relocated to Charlotte from other parts of the country and lived here for more than a year, and from the Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee, which were the mostly-local officials. All things considered, they put on a great convention (my recap), regardless of whether you supported their renomination of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.

President Obama being sworn in Monday at the inauguration. Credit: facebook.com/barackobama

Over the last few weeks, I received daily emailed press releases from the press office of the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Committee, just as I had for months from the DNCC and Charlotte in 2012. It made me miss those days of Charlotte being a pivotal part of the national political landscape. Reading the PIC announcements of committee co-chairs, guest speakers and performers, special events, parties, and galas, and high-profile politician and celebrity attendance (including many who came to Charlotte for the DNC), only reminded me how special an opportunity it was for Charlotte to have played a central role in the presidential election process.

The way I see it, there were three key components of the 2012 election, in terms of milestone events: the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte in September (and Republican National Convention in Tampa in August), the presidential election in November, and this week's 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C.

I feel about the entire 2012 election cycle the way President Obama felt about the inauguration:

"I want to take a look one more time. I'm not going to see this again."—The President pausing at the Capitol yesterday twitter.com/BarackObama/st…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 22, 2013

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7-Election 2012 Is Underway

Several convenience stores in the Charlotte area recently converted to 7-Eleven franchises. There's one about a mile from my house that made the switch in July, and since then I've frequented it for the cappuccino and occasional snack. I stopped by there today and saw that the front windows were plastered with signs promoting “7-Election.” 

I visited 7-Election.com just now, where you can find details on the promotion. "Ask not what 7-Eleven can do for you—ask what 7-Eleven can brew for you," reads the tagline. In the 7-Eleven stores you can purchase coffee in either a blue Obama cup, representing President Barack Obama and the Democratic Party, or a red Romney cup for presidential challenger Mitt Romney and the Republican Party. By choosing one of the cups, you're "casting your ballot" in the unscientific poll. Every four years, 7-Eleven unveils custom coffee cups for the Democratic and Republican presidential nominees and tracks customers' votes through purchases. The convenience store chain says it has correctly predicted the presidential election for the past three election cycles: 2000, 2004, and 2008. 

According to the website, Obama is currently leading Romney 60% to 40% in 7-Election 2012. You can also see how the results breakdown state by state. Voting in this election runs until the real Election Day, which is November 6.

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The Democratic National Convention Has Arrived

It's been more than a year and a half--19 months to be exact--since Charlotte won the bid to host the 2012 Democratic National Convention. All of the hard work and planning from DNCC and Host Committee staffs, volunteers, local businesses, media, and everyone in between, comes to fruition as the festivities begin.

For the past year, on Charlotte magazine's "The DNC In The CLT" blog, I've been chronicling what Charlotte has done to prepare for hosting the convention, in which President Barack Obama will formally accept the Democratic Party's nomination for reelection. This week, there will be more activity than ever on the DNC blog, with Charlotte magazine staffers contributing, and you can check out all of the magazine's related coverage at www.charlottemagazine.com/dnc.

Time Warner Cable Arena, where the major television news networks will broadcast this week, has been transformed into the Democrats' mecca for the convention. 
Credit: facebook.com/demconvention. 

One particular blog post you'll want to check out, if you haven't already, is a list of dozens of DNC Week events I compiled that are open to the public, ranging from free events like Monday's CarolinaFest in Uptown, to Tuesday's party at The Westin with President Bill Clinton and will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas for $150 a ticket, to Wednesday's Victory reception at Dressler's (where I'm being honored with a Rising Star award), put on by the Young and Powerful Group, to closing night of the Democratic National Convention at Bank of America Stadium where President Obama will speak, but not until after the crowd is entertained by Foo Fighters, Mary J. Blige, Earth, Wind and Fire, James Taylor, Marc Anthony, and more. It's all on this list.

And finally, you can check me out on a couple of television appearances this week, sharing my insight about the Democratic National Convention. Watch me Monday, September 3, shortly after 6:30 a.m., on WCNC NewsChannel 36 (Charlotte’s NBC station), on the morning show. And Tuesday, I'll make an appearance on WCNC's Charlotte Today, which airs at 11 a.m. Set your DVR!

My appearance a week and a half ago on WCNC's morning show.

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President Obama Shouts Out Jackie Bray, Charlotte, Siemens, and CPCC in 2012 State of the Union

If you watched last night’s State of the Union address by President Barack Obama, then you saw the great face time a local woman received. About 17 minutes into his hour-long speech, President Obama touted Jackie Bray’s success story. He told how Jackie, from Kings Mountain, was laid off from her job as a mechanic. But thanks to a partnership between Siemens' new gas turbine factory in Charlotte and Central Piedmont Community College, the company paid Jackie's tuition; then hired her full-time.

Jackie was seated next to First Lady Michelle Obama, and the national television cameras cut to her about a half-dozen times. She was clearly overwhelmed by the fact that the POTUS was saying her name repeatedly.

"I want every American looking for work to have the same opportunity as Jackie did," President Obama said. "Join me in a national commitment to train 2 million Americans with skills that will lead directly to a job. My administration has already lined up more companies that want to help. Model partnerships between businesses like Siemens and community colleges in places like Charlotte, and Orlando, and Louisville are up and running."

Below is a two-minute video clip of Jackie's face time. It's also great publicity for CPCC, which is already a thriving community college system, and for Siemens, which comes off looking like a great corporate citizen.

You can watch the full 2012 State of the Union address by clicking here.

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A Few Photos from 2012 Democratic National Convention Kick Off

The 2012 Democratic National Convention Kick Off was held today at Time Warner Cable Arena in Uptown Charlotte, commemorating that the convention is officially one year away. I'm going to be covering all-things-DNC in a new blog launching soon. But in the meantime, I thought I'd briefly share a few photos I snapped at today's pep-rally-style event, which drew more than 2,000 people. In the photos you'll see the large crowd, the newly revealed 2012 Democratic National Convention logo, Charlotteans clamoring to buy official merchandise (which sold out), and Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz (with her signature curly hair) surrounded by media.

You can find more details on the 2012 Democratic National Convention website, www.demconvention.com, and the Charlotte Host Committee website, www.charlottein2012.com.

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Obama Name-Drops Charlotte in Libya Speech

Like millions of Americans this evening, I tuned into the 7:30 p.m. nationally televised address from President Barack Obama on military operations in Libya. Since news stations had spent the last few days discussing and predicting what Obama would talk about, there wasn't much "new" information in his speech. But when he mentioned Charlotte, it caught my attention.

"We knew that if we waited one more day, Benghazi--a city nearly the size of Charlotte--could suffer a massacre that would have reverberated across the region and stained the conscience of the world," Obama said, about six and a half minutes into his prepared remarks.

For those of us who live in Charlotte, this is a big deal. First off, the president simply said "Charlotte" and not "Charlotte, North Carolina." This seems to indicate that he expects that you know where Charlotte is. I remember a time when people from other parts of the country wouldn't know if Charlotte was in North Carolina or South Carolina, and would often confuse it with Charleston.

Secondly, Obama could've compared Benghazi to other similar-sized U.S. cities like, say, Chicago in comparison to land size, or Detroit for population.

Most importantly, perhaps, this continues to show that Charlotte is on Obama's radar. The city is still reveling in last month's announcement that Charlotte will host the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Having your city be a favorite of the United States president can only be a good thing. In fact, The Washington Post published an article yesterday about "Obama rewarding local stations in battleground states with biggest ‘get’ in TV news." The article featured a photo of WSOC anchor Natalie Pasquarella interviewing Obama in the White House a little more than a week ago.

Below is a clip of Obama mentioning Charlotte in his speech this evening.

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Charlotte Wins Bid for 2012 Democratic National Convention ... LOL!

Today, those of us who live in Charlotte got a taste of what it would be like if the Carolina Panthers would happen to win the Super Bowl, and said Super Bowl happened to have been played in Charlotte. Okay, I'm exaggerating, but there are a lot of people celebrating in and around this city after news came this morning that Charlotte had won the bid to host the Democratic National Convention in 2012.

I won't write about that news here right now because all the other media outlets--near and far--are doing a great job reporting on how the decision was made and what we can expect--everything from hundreds of millions of dollars pumped into the local economy to never-experienced-before heightened security when the convention comes to Charlotte the week of September 3rd, 2012. The Charlotte Observer did an excellent job with its news coverage throughout the day. By noon, its website had several links on the homepage. You can read much of that news coverage by clicking here.

You can read First Lady Michelle Obama's lovely letter announcing Charlotte as the host city, and praising our "southern charm, warm hospitality, and an 'up by the bootstraps' mentality," by clicking here.

You can keep up with future developments by visiting the Charlotte In 2012 organizing committee's website at charlottein2012.com, which also links to their Facebook and Twitter pages.

Photo from facebook.com/barackobama.

Now here's the funny part.

I've been reading news stories online throughout the day about Charlotte landing the Democratic National Convention. And after reading all of the proficient and in-depth reporting, I stumbled across a hilarious blog post on Complex.com, the frequently updated website of Complex Magazine. It's titled "Congratulations Charlotte! 5 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About the Host City of the 2012 Democratic Convention." According to writer Jack Erwin, those five things are:

1. "Charlotte" also refers to the name of a haircut.
2. Charlotte loves Bojangles.
3. Charlotte hates GWAR.
4. Juwanna Mann and Shallow Hal were both set in Charlotte.
5. Charlotte is the birthplace of Billy Graham and both K-Ci and Jo-Jo, and was also the one-time home of Carson McCullers.

But you have to read the article yourself to see how Erwin explains each point (along with a couple of amusing photos). Click here.

Now I hope none of my fellow Charlotteans gets angered by Erwin's remarks. I found them funny (and we do love our Bojangles'). And anyone who reads Grown People Talking knows how huge of a supporter of Charlotte I am. Besides, stuff like this reminds us to be proud, but to not take ourselves too seriously. Just like we shouldn't take anyone seriously who doesn't recognize that having the DNC come to Charlotte is good for the entire city and its residents, regardless of party affiliation or political views (so ignore the "anonymous" commenters on news websites and blogs).

Cheers to 2012!

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Read About It: You Should Listen to Tavis Smiley

Syndicated radio and TV host Tavis Smiley is leading a free event on financial empowerment today at the Charlotte Convention Center. The Nationwide On Your Side Tour event starts at 10 a.m. and will include guest speakers and seminars aimed at educating you on how to make good decisions regarding your finances (click here for more info on the event).


Last week, I got the opportunity to interview Smiley for Creative Loafing. If you've ever heard him speak, then you know he's a fast-talking (not Michael Eric Dyson fast, though), truth-telling, politically active, and socially conscious man who doesn't bite his tongue. I didn't even have to ask him many questions, because he knows what he's trying to convey, particularly to African-Americans. He's bringing a message of accountability. And unlike many African-Americans, he has no qualms about criticizing President Barack Obama. But like it or not, Smiley is fair and rather objective in his criticism. He would probably congratulate Obama on winning the Nobel Peace Prize.

Click here to read my interview with Smiley on Charlotte's Creative Loafing website.

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Olympics Don't Pick Chicago; Jordan Chooses Charlotte

President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, millions of Chicagoans, and Americans everywhere are licking their wounds after Chicago's bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games was rejected yesterday. I was actually watching live coverage on CNN when Chicago was eliminated. Later that day, Rio de Janeiro was chosen as the host city. (I'm predicting now that the USA's usually dominant men's basketball team will not when gold in 2016 because they will be distracted by all the sights of beautiful Brazilian women.) So the star-studded, politically powerful caravan led by Obama and Oprah wasn't enough to impress the International Olympic Committee. Some have criticized another famous Chicago figure--Michael Jordan--for not taking the trip to Copenhagen to present to the IOC.

But Jordan had something more important to do this week: Attend the opening of the Charlotte Bobcats training camp. People, ranging from Charlotte sports fans to national sports writers, have often criticized Jordan for what they consider not enough hands-on involvement with the team. Last year, USA Today scolded him for attending a celebrity-filled celebration in Dubai for the opening of an exclusive resort ("USA Today Disses Jordan for Ditching Bobcats") when they say new head coach Larry Brown needed him. Jordan is a part owner, and as managing member of basketball operations he calls the shots.


Still, and as I have detailed often on this blog, including after I saw Jordan speak at a Charlotte Chamber event last year, he has a lot of obligations. Well, this week he made the Bobcats his top priority. At a time when his loyal Chicago Bulls fans needed him and his country's Olympic hopes rested on the shoulders of powerful people like him, he chose Charlotte. And for that, I think we should say thank you.

Thank you MJ.

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Charlotte's Economy Thanks Joe Wilson

Republican Rep. Joe Wilson's "You lie!" outburst during President Barack Obama's speech before Congress nearly two weeks ago continues to have rippling effects. Wilson, who represents my home state of South Carolina, has pretty much been basking in his newfound limelight and has reportedly raised upwards of $2 million for his campaign since he heckled the president. But he could also be costing the Palmetto State money, and one of the latest moves will benefit Charlotte.


The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), also known as the Black Press of America, has decided to move its 2010 convention from Charleston, S.C., and now plans to hold it in Charlotte. The nearly 70-year-old organization is made up of more than 200 black community newspapers from across the United States.

South Carolina can't afford to lose conventions, which are instrumental to the multi-billion dollar tourism industry, that creates jobs and generates millions in tax revenue. Also, it should be noted, the NAACP has had a now 10-year economic boycott on South Carolina because of the state's refusal to remove the Confederate flag from the statehouse grounds. I was a student at the University of South Carolina, which is in Columbia where the campus sits less than a mile from the statehouse, when all of the ugly debating and protesting was going on over the Confederate flag. In what was supposed to be a compromise, in 2000 the flag was removed from atop the capitol building (yes, it used to fly atop the dome along with the U.S. flag and S.C. flag) and placed near a Civil War monument that's in the front yard. Many blacks said they wouldn't be happy until the flag was removed completely and placed at a more appropriate place like a museum.

NNPA, as some black organizations have begun doing, decided to overlook the NAACP boycott when it planned to hold its convention in Charleston. Some organizations have been going to places like Charleston and Myrtle Beach, but definitely staying out of Columbia where you're almost certain to drive by the site of the Confederate flag waving. But after Wilson's remarks and subsequent defiance, NNPA Chairman Danny J. Bakewell Sr. said this in a statement:

"Rep. Wilson’s remarks were racist, disrespectful, and a disingenuous violation--not only of President Obama--but to the institution of the presidency and only solidified our position and the importance in not spending black dollars where black people are not respected. The continued public and blatant disrespect of President Barack Obama by members of Congress will not be rewarded with our dollars nor will a state that continues to uphold America’s shameful past by flying the Confederate flag."

Click here for the full statement.

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10 Reasons Why Anthony Foxx Will Be Charlotte's Next Mayor

I attended the "Young Professionals for Anthony Foxx Meet and Greet" that was held at Loft 1523 on last evening. A crowd of about 150 young professionals turned out to mingle, network, and hear Foxx discuss his platform.

Foxx speaking at a campaign event earlier this year.

Based on what I heard and saw last evening, here are 10 reasons why I believe City Councilman Anthony Foxx will be elected Charlotte's next mayor this November.

• Foxx and his campaign are taking several pages from President Barack Obama's campaign playbook. And the most important chapter is on the importance of mobilizing people on the ground.
• Not to draw too many Obama comparisons, but Foxx is talking a lot about change, which is something that struck a chord with voters last November.
• Foxx is a Democrat, and that party is ascending in Charlotte.
• This election, unfortunately, will end up being about race. Race won't be the only factor, but it will play a pivotal role. Foxx is seeking to become just Charlotte's second African-American mayor, a feat not accomplished since Harvey Gantt was elected in 1983. Charlotte's voting demographic has changed a lot since then, which will work in Foxx's favor. He will easily garner the African-American vote and from what I could see from the enthusiastic crowd last evening, he'll probably get a large percentage of the white vote as well. The Hispanic vote may prove to be the deciding factor in this election.
• No more McCrory. Pat McCrory, a Republican and Charlotte's longest serving mayor in history, announced last year that he would not be seeking an eighth term. This not only propelled Foxx to decide to run, but with the unbeatable McCrory (in mayoral elections anyway) out of the picture it has opened the door for a Democrat to take the seat, which they haven't held since Gantt.
• Foxx is young (38) and will be able to connect easier with the all-important 18 to 35 vote. Charlotte, by the way, is the third fastest-growing city for people ages 25 to 39.
• His platform, as he talked briefly about at the event, focuses heavily on creating opportunities for all Charlotteans, creating jobs, improving education for children, and preaching social responsibility. While Foxx's opponents will also talk a lot about job creation, which will resonate with residents during this recession, his other issues show that he wants to unite people and I think that's what Charlotteans want right now.
• His campaign video is inspiring.
• He has a beautiful family (a wife and two kids).
• And the number one reason Anthony Foxx will be elected Charlotte's next mayor: He's a Charlotte native with a terrific story. Not only do we not encounter many Charlotte natives these days (I always say that only 2 out of every 10 people I meet in Charlotte are actually from here), but we have even fewer in leadership positions. Foxx has a great story that shows what a person can accomplish with hard work, talent, and ambition. As he remarked last evening, he grew up in a neighborhood off Beatties Ford Road, where he wasn't expected to succeed. After graduating from West Charlotte High School, he then went on to graduate from Davidson College (where he served as student body president), and got his law degree from NYU. He's been a successful attorney for the last 13 years, and a city councilman since 2005.

For more on Foxx's campaign, visit www.anthonyfoxx.com.

If you want to learn about his opponent, Republican John Lassiter, visit www.votelassiter.com.

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Michael Jordan Still Matters

Charlotteans may continue to have a love/hate relationship with Michael Jordan, Charlotte Bobcats part-owner and managing member of basketball operations, but to the rest of the world he's still MJ. His Airness ranks fourth on the quarterly Davie Brown Index's (DBI) list of Highest Regarded Celebrities, released today.

Here's how the top ten rounds out:

1. Barack Obama

2. Tom Hanks

3. Will Smith

4. Michael Jordan

5. Morgan Freeman

6. George Clooney

7. Denzel Washington

8. Michelle Obama

9. Oprah Winfrey

10. Tiger Woods

The DBI, which comes out four times a year and lists more than 1,500 celebrities, is used by brand marketers and advertising agencies to determine a celebrity's ability to influence consumer brand choice and affect purchasing decisions. I guess Jordan ranks so highly because of the continued success of his sneakers (It's gotta be the shoes). Speaking of, there's a very cool Jumpman 23 billboard hanging inside Time Warner Cable Arena. I saw it a few days ago while on Trade Street. As I've said before, if the Bobcats want to increase ticket sales they should start raffling off Air Jordans at home games.

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Smooth Transition of Power

I'm trying to make GrownPeopleTalking.com the best blog in Charlotte, so nearly all of my posts are about local people, places, and events. But they say all politics is local, too, so that means this image I received in an email this afternoon is relevant. Regardless, I just had to share it (if you haven't received it in an email yet, I'm sure it'll make its way to you). This image represents the smooth transition of power from President George Bush to President Barack Obama.

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Bad News About the Big Banks

After watching picturesque, historic, and inspiring images of President Barack Obama's inauguration and celebration all day yesterday, I awoke to much of the same this morning. But CNN broke a little from the round-the-clock coverage and recap of the events to offer some other news, though still related. When talking about the troubling economy Obama has inherited and that we're all facing, CNN flashed a simple graphic that contained this information:

Bank stock prices decline since election day
Citibank 81%
Bank of America 79%
Wells Fargo 59%

That's how much value the three big banks have lost in just two and a half months. While analysts (and loud talkers) like Suze Orman stress that the state of the stock market is separate from the state of the economy, saying that Americans shouldn't rest their everyday economic concerns and fears on how Wall Street is doing, you can't help but worry. Especially here in Charlotte. We've all been anticipating the previously announced job cuts at Bank of America due to their acquisition of Merrill Lynch, and cuts at Wells Fargo because of their purchase of Wachovia. With BofA and Wells Fargo's stock prices continuing steep declines since their major deals, it's only reasonable that we should expect even more changes than previously announced.

If you paid attention to Obama's inaugural speech yesterday, he told us it's only going to get worse before it gets better. I say it's time we all got serious about this economy. Serious, not scared. Do things differently than you had in the past. The partying is over. And I don't think Obama will even get a honeymoon.

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Pepsi's 'Dear Mr. President' Viral Videos

Pepsi has launched a "Dear Mr. President" viral video series as part of its Refresh Everything marketing campaign. It features celebrities, including Eva Longoria, Will.i.Am., and Lady Gaga, speaking to Barack Obama about an issue they care about. But regular folks like you and I can submit videos, too. The best ones are selected and featured on the Refresh Everything YouTube site.

As the guidelines state: "All videos should begin with the words Dear Mr. President and end with your first name and where you are from. What you put in between is up to you."

One other celebrity speaking to the president is a NASCAR driver who talks about kids battling cancer. He signs off simply, "Jeff. Charlotte, North Carolina."

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Obama Hit Me On the Hip Again

I received a text message from President-elect Barack Obama this evening. It's been weeks since he hit me on the hip. While the days leading up to the election, he was blowing me up. "Remember to vote." "Take a friend." "Do you know where your polling place is?" The text I received from him this evening came at 6:56 p.m. I was eating dinner, man. But I ain't tripping. We cool.

Here are the contents of the message: "Help President-elect Obama renew America w/service projects around the Inauguration. Txt SERVE to 56333 for info. For Inauguration updates txt HISTORY to 56333.

During Obama's run for the presidency, millions of Americans joined his mobile campaign. Many did it to receive updates and get news first, such as when Obama was announcing his VP pick. I wasn't intrigued by all of that. I don't care to receive mobile alerts, unless one of my homeboys is texting me to say that the club is full of honeys (Man Law). I actually got on Obama's mobile phone list when it was announced that Jay-Z was coming to Charlotte for a rally during the weekend before the election. I texted his campaign to get special access to the event, and they've had my number ever since (even though the Jay-Z rally was cancelled due to them being unable to secure a venue at the last minute).

I don't mind getting texts from Obama now, though. They're few and far between. And I'm actually interested in seeing how he continues to use this 21st century technology once he takes office. But I also wonder if I'll continue to get text messages from him if the Secret Service does indeed force him to give up his BlackBerry.

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See Who's Giving Money to Obama's Inauguration

Barack Obama's Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) has created a website to post all of the financial contributions over $200 it's receiving. And the dough is rolling in.

I spent a few minutes perusing the site, which lists each donor's name, employer, city, state, zip code, and dollar amount given. I found four Charlotteans on the list. Three of them gave contributions of $250, $500, and $1,000. And the fourth, Robert Perkowitz, who is employed by Paradigm Management, Inc., gave $25,000. Also on the list is Mary Wheeler of Cornelius, who gave $50,000--the maximum amount allowed. There are 17 North Carolinians on the list so far.

Also on the list, which I'm sure will continue to grow leading up to the inauguration, are several big businessmen, oil and pharmaceutical company executives, married couples who contributed separately--usually the maximum amount--and celebrities. Finding celebrities is the most interesting. Those on the list include Halle Berry (she lists her employer as Bumper Inc.--I wonder if this has anything to do with her hit-and-run from a few years ago...that was a cheap shot, I know, but I love Halle!), Jamie Foxx, and Earvin "Magic" Johnson (that's how he listed his name). Each of them gave $50,000.

It doesn't appear that the recession is hurting Obama too much. But you have to give him credit for this level of transparency. You can check out the list at www.pic2009.org/page/content/donors.

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What Chicago Says About Us All

The Chicago Tribune is publishing a three-part series titled "Separate Chicagos" and part one is "Chicago, America's most segregated big city." It's a very introspective look into the racial make-up of one of our country's largest cities, forty years after the end of the Civil Rights Movement and on the eve of the inauguration of our first black president. Some of the info in the article is surprising, but then again it's not. As the article surmises, discriminatory practices and prejudice once spawned segregation, but now that's replaced by personal preferences and economics.

I've had this exact conversation with friends recently about how voluntarily segregated our society seems to increasingly be, and I was speaking particularly about Charlotte since this is where I live. I pinpointed how when I go to events, they're usually nearly all-white or all-black in attendance, and these are events that aren't targeting any particular race. The reasons, again, are personal preferences and economics.

I think that was certainly the case as to why there seemed to be fewer than 20 blacks out of about 700 people at the Power Breakfast I attended last month. This popular annual business event, put on by the Charlotte Business Journal, was open to the public. Tickets cost $65, which is where the economic factor comes in. But I believe personal preference trumped that because, albeit a much smaller event, about 75 blacks attended the State of the African-American Business Breakfast held a couple of weeks later. This event was put on by Black Pages.

I could talk a lot here about the intertwining of race, economics, politics, and all the things that contribute to our social patterns, but I'll defer to the experts, which is why I suggest you read the Tribune article. Part one of the series talks mostly about the segregation of neighborhoods, which is where most segregation is sprung. Where you live influences where you shop, hang out, eat dinner, who your neighbors and potentially friends are, and where your kids go to school.

Here are a few interesting excerpts from the article that show how diverse and racially complex Chicago is:

• Blacks make up about 35 percent of Chicago's population of nearly 3 million and are largely concentrated on the South and West Sides. Whites make up nearly 28 percent, largely located to the north and in slivers of the South Side, while Hispanics, about 30 percent of the population, are scattered to the Northwest and Southwest Sides of the city center.
• To truly integrate Chicago, 84 percent of the black or white population would need to change neighborhoods, the data show.
• The calculations paint a starkly different picture from the ones broadcast across the nation during Barack Obama's Election Night rally last month, when his hometown looked like one unified, harmonious city.

And the article briefly references Charlotte: "Another factor that separates Chicago from other places is its age. Older cities in the Midwest and Northeast were established before restrictive housing policies were outlawed. Experts say more newly developed cities—such as Austin, Texas; San Jose, Calif.; and Charlotte, N.C.—are likely to see higher levels of integration."

And in case you were curious, this is Charlotte's population breakdown according to the 2007 American Community Survey performed by the U.S. Census:

• 50.3% White
• 34.9% Black
• 10.6% Hispanic or Latino
• 4.4% Asian

Now ask yourself, where do you go that you see these numbers reflected in you every day life--neighborhood, work, church, school, social events?

Click here to read part one: "Chicago, America's most segregated big city."

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