September 1, 2008

DNC: Talk With Strangers

Posted by Jamilah King at 8:39AM

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Strangers have been on my mind a lot this week. It started in Denver, around the time that thousands began to descend onto Invesco field for Barack Obama’s democratic nomination acceptance speech. Our WireTap crew – meaning Kristina and I – got there bright and early at 10am, with one press pass, blisters and unbeatable determination.

After careful networking and a huge dose of luck, we were both able to get into the stadium. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Joseline Pena-Melnyk, perhaps our most memorable person from the convention. Optimistic and warm-hearted, Joseline spoke fondly about letting her kids in Maryland watch the speech on TV only if they finished their homework. After an hour of conversation she revealed herself as an elected official, and spoke candidly about her journey from the Dominican Republic to public office.

There were others – grandmothers from Harlem, rednecks from Missouri, anti-immigration activists from Colorado and anti-establishment writers from New York. Some I connected with, others I just listened to, but we respected one another despite our differences.

We lucked out with great seats, and began our ten hour wait in Denver’s unrelenting sun. There were celebrities and politicians, worthy political observations (secret service agents) and not-so-worthy ones (Al Sharpton’s perm). By the time night fell and the crowd of over 80,000 strong stood screaming and teary-eyed, I couldn’t help but think about the power of strangers brought together for one common unifying cause.

Inevitably, anyone can become family when given the chance.

It’s in this spirit that just days after the historic gathering of millions in Denver that we await Hurricane Gustav’s landfall.

It’s heartbreaking, to say the least, that around the 3-year-anniversary of Katrina, Gulf Coast residents must once again brace themselves for a potentially catastrophic storm. But there are ways to help:

Follow the storm:

Gustav Information Center: http://gustav08.ning.com/

Gustav Wiki: http://gustavwiki.com/wiki/Main_Page

Volunteer Info:

http://www.andycarvin.com/archives/2008/08/getting_involved_in_gustav.html

Incite! Women of Color Against Violence is also mobilizing support for Gulf Coast residents to evacuate safely if need be, stay safe for the duration of their evacuation, and return to the city as soon as possible.

Donations online are preferred because we can more quickly send the funds to our folks in New Orleans. You can send your donation to INCITE online by going to this website:
http://incite-national.org/index.php?s=137
. Click the Donation button and put 'New Orleans' in the "Purpose" line.

Or you can write a check directly to WHJI and send it to:


PO Box 51325

New Orleans, LA 70151

This money will go directly to supporting the hundreds of low income women of color that are the constituency of the New Orleans Women's Health Clinic.