National
They Kill Trees: When and Perhaps Why Congressman Fauntroy Fell
Special to the NNPA from The Washington Informer
Congressman Fauntroy is the only living individual in that famous photo of President Johnson signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with Dr. King by the President’s side. In the spirit of Daniel, he stood up to Congressman John Macmillan of South Carolina and paved the way for D.C. Home Rule, proclaiming upon the defeat of Macmillan, “Johnny Mac ain’t comin’ back!”
He served as vice chair of the first appointed D.C. Council and was the first non-voting member of Congress, representing the District of Columbia. He chaired a sub-committee and participated in the full committee that investigated the assassinations of Dr. King and President Kennedy. Many Black elected officials throughout the South will give credit to Congressman Fauntroy for their ascension. By super majorities in the U.S. House and Senate, he played the central role in passage of a proposed constitutional amendment to provide senators and voting representatives for the people of Washington, D.C. He has been a constant critic of the policies and practices of the Federal Reserve Board. Long before Menachem Begin, the former Prime Minister of Israel, publically hugged Yasser Arafat, Congressman Fauntroy, consistent with his religious beliefs, did so. One Thanksgiving Eve he joined with labor leader Bill Lucy, then attorney now Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Activist Mary Francis Berry and Africa expert Randall Robinson, the latter two with Fauntroy surrendering themselves to arrest and all exposing the contradiction of apartheid in South Africa. With radio personality Joe Madison, he journeyed to strife torn Sudan, undaunted by the dangers there. Along the way, he made many friends. Along the way, he made many enemies.
As all of us, he is not without flaws. Nonetheless, the good Congressman Fauntroy has done surely far outweighs those frailties. He brought the promise of spring, the joy of summer and the awakening of fall to so many of us. Now that winter has entered his life, it is our turn to respond. Ironically, the project on which he is now working in the far away Middle East, the project that takes him from his family, friends and all of us, is aimed at ending world hunger and promoting a green planet. Chopping down D.C.’s tallest tree runs counter to those vital goals.
Upon his return, the inquiries can be made and the speculation can be addressed. For now, those of us who know the long legacy he has left and even those who do not can collectively ensure that his historic home continues to give comfort to his wife and will house him when he reappears.
Tax deductible contributions (check with your tax advisor) can be made payable through the National Congress of Black Women (NCBW) to the “Walter E. Fauntroy Family Fund,” 1250 4th Street, SW, Suite WG-1, Washington, D.C. 20024. All monetary donations will only be used to keep up the mortgage payments on the home and provide for needed repairs. If enough money is raised, the group organizing this effort will determine how a more permanent solution can be reached.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024
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Activism
Oakland Post: Week of April 17 – 23, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 17 – 23, 2024
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Barbara Lee
Congresswoman Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Deaths of Humanitarian Aid Volunteers in Gaza
On April 2, a day after an Israeli airstrike erroneously killed seven employees of World Central Kitchen (WCK), a humanitarian organization delivering aid in the Gaza Strip, a statement was release by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12). “This is a devastating and avoidable tragedy. My prayers go to the families and loved ones of the selfless members of the World Central Kitchen team whose lives were lost,” said Lee.
By California Black Media
On April 2, a day after an Israeli airstrike erroneously killed seven employees of World Central Kitchen (WCK), a humanitarian organization delivering aid in the Gaza Strip, a statement was release by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12).
“This is a devastating and avoidable tragedy. My prayers go to the families and loved ones of the selfless members of the World Central Kitchen team whose lives were lost,” said Lee.
The same day, it was confirmed by the organization that the humanitarian aid volunteers were killed in a strike carried out by Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Prior to the incident, members of the team had been travelling in two armored vehicles marked with the WCF logo and they had been coordinating their movements with the IDF. The group had successfully delivered 10 tons of humanitarian food in a deconflicted zone when its convoy was struck.
“This is not only an attack against WCK. This is an attack on humanitarian organizations showing up in the direst situations where food is being used as a weapon of war. This is unforgivable,” said Erin Gore, chief executive officer of World Central Kitchen.
The seven victims included a U.S. citizen as well as others from Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Palestine.
Lee has been a vocal advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza and has supported actions by President Joe Biden to airdrop humanitarian aid in the area.
“Far too many civilians have lost their lives as a result of Benjamin Netanyahu’s reprehensible military offensive. The U.S. must join with our allies and demand an immediate, permanent ceasefire – it’s long overdue,” Lee said.
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