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2 The Gavel SUMMER 2010 Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus PLBC 2010 Scholarship and Awards Weekend On May 1, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus held its 2010 Scholarship and Awards Banquet and awarded $22,500 in scholarships to nine deserving students from across Pennsylvania, and paid tribute to three community leaders who embody the pioneering spirit of the founders of the PLBC. It was a tremendous success by all accounts! The weekend-long program began with a fellowship reception at Dave and Busters for the scholarship recipients, their families, and members of the PLBC. The next day there was a career workshop and breakfast with professionals in law, education and health. It was culminated with a jazz reception and banquet featuring actress and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph as the keynote speaker. The 2010 scholarship recipients included: Shernai Banks of Norristown, Asia Carlton of Chester, Jessica Grier of Philadelphia, Christine Le of Lancaster, Beth Marie Lugo of Lancaster, Nia Nicholson of Norristown, Brittany Paris of Philadelphia, Stephanie Tran of Philadelphia, and Cynthia Thomas of Lancaster. In addition to the scholarships presented, we wanted to recognize community leaders who have exemplified the principles of our caucus’ founders. We felt it fitting to carry on the legacy of the Irvis Dinner by incorporating the significance of the distinction by awarding those who have shown tenacity, dedication, leadership and a strong work ethic throughout their careers. Awardees included: Robert L. Archie Jr., chairman of the Philadelphia School Reform Commission, recipient of the K. Leroy Irvis Award; Lynette M. Brown-Sow, chairwoman of the Hardy Williams Education Fund, recipient of the Hardy Williams Award; Dr. Edward W. Robinson Jr., president of the Pan-African Federal Organization, recipient of the David P. Richardson Jr. Award; and Kenny Gamble, president of Philadelphia International Records and chairman of Universal Companies, recipient of the Corporate Award. The collective efforts of these individuals have contributed significantly to the progression of our community-at-large, paving the way for generations of leaders to come. It is critical that we continue to uplift our leaders and our youth as they strive toward their educational and career endeavors in the future. For more information and photos from this event, please visit our website at www. pahouse.com/plbc. Sen. Williams, Lynette Brown- Sow, and Chairman Waters. Sen. Vincent Hughes and Sheryl Lee Ralph. Scholarship recipients with Keynote Speaker Sheryl Lee Ralph. Scholarship recipients with PLBC members. PLBC Scholarship and Awards Banquet. Chairman Ronald G. Waters, Rep. Tony Payton, and PLBC Director David Love photographed with scholarship recipients and workshop presenters.
3 The Gavel SUMMER 2010 PA backs Haiti PAbacks HAITI The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, the governor’s office and House Leadership announced a bipartisan drive to assist in the efforts to provide relief to Haiti earthquake victims at a Capitol news conference on January 27th. Joining the PLBC at the news conference were the Philadelphia Haitian Coalition and Young Haitian Professionals. Since the news of the earthquake was first reported, PLBC members collectively worked to organize a drive to gather medical supplies, personal hygiene items, school supplies and other needed goods to help those affected. In a reference to the earthquake, PLBC chairman Rep. Ronald Waters said, “This natural disaster has had a catastrophic effect on the people of Haiti. However, the efforts of emergency responders, relief workers, volunteers, the military, and government are testimony to the innate goodness of Americans and people worldwide.” The items were collected at drop off points throughout the Capitol Complex and also at the district offices of state Rep. Kevin Murphy, state Rep. Kenyatta Johnson, and state Rep. Vanessa Brown. PLBC members applaud Kagan swearing in as Supreme Court justice Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus members said they believe Elena Kagan’s confirmation and swearing-in as a Supreme Court justice marks a landmark victory for women. Kagan is the fourth woman in history to serve and is now the 112th U.S. Supreme Court justice, despite not having served as a judge during her career. The U.S. Constitution does not impose any kind of prior work experience on potential justices. “The swearing-in of Elena Kagan means that we’re starting to level the playing field for women on the Supreme Court,” said PLBC member Sen. Shirley M. Kitchen, who is the second African-American woman to be elected to the Pennsylvania Senate. PLBC chairman Rep. Ronald Waters said he congratulates President Obama on the fact that the United States will now have three women, Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Elena Kagan serving on the Supreme Court at the same time. “I believe these three women will bring a sense of a mother’s wit and will see some of these cases from a different perspective. This will help to improve the way our justice system works,” Waters said. Kitchen said Kagan’s confirmation is not only a victory for women but also for our justice system. (continued on page 6) Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus PLBC Black History Month Celebration The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus celebrated Black History Month on February 9 with its annual Black History celebration in the Capitol Rotunda. This year’s program paid tribute to African-American pioneers in Pennsylvania’s history who all won historic elections in 2009. Honorees included Harrisburg’s first African-American mayor, Linda Thompson, York’s first- African-American mayor, Kim Bracey, and Pennsylvania’s first African-American district attorney, Seth Williams. Entertainment for the event was provided by the Haitian quartet, “Messengers of Hope,” who performed authentic Haitian gospel songs and also featured singers Daniel Moses and Yonda Spradley. Immediately following the program, a soul food luncheon was held for all attendees. Front to back, left to right: Mayor Linda Thompson, Rep. Rosita Youngblood, Mayor Kim Bracey, Rep. Ronald Waters, Rep. Babette Josephs, Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown, Rep. Thaddeus Kirkland, and Rep. Tony Payton. Daniel Moses Messengers of Hope
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