Norton Takes on Self-Promoted Black Stereotypes (9/26/07)

Norton Takes on Self-Promoted Black Stereotypes on Imus Panel
Black Astronaut, D.C. Native, Featured Guest at Norton Reception
September 26, 2007

Washington, DC-Honoring D.C.'s native-born astronaut Colonel Alvin Drew, and moderating a provocative discussion on the negative images of African Americans in top media, often generated and accepted by African Americans themselves, will be the focus of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton's (D-DC) Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference (CBCF ALC) events this week. Following the Don Imus controversy over offensive remarks about the African American women on the Rutgers basketball team, Norton's panel will turn the mirror on the black community as she presents an issue forum: "Is It Imus or Us: Can Blacks Find Freedom from Stereotypes - Given, Accepted, or Self-Promoted?" on Thursday, September 27th, 4 to 6 PM in Room 144 B/C of the Washington, Convention Center. The panelists will be EZ Street, radio personality on 93.9-FM/WKYS; Dr. Julianne Malveaux, the President of Bennett College for Women; Dr. Beverly Tatum, President of Spelman College; and Michel Martin, journalist and host of Tell Me More, a one-hour daily NPR news/talk show. Norton also will speak to ALC participants at the opening ceremony at 6 PM today in Ballroom A of the Convention Center.

In choosing this year's subject Norton said, "Don Imus deserved all the criticism that he got for making a career of demeaning statements about blacks and other minorities. But he is the tip of an iceberg of continuous and accepted media insults to African American women and men that appear to be accepted by our community, despite their reinforcing effect on the worst and most harmful racial stereotypes." She said that African Americans are long overdue for self-examination concerning black involvement, complicity, and acceptance of demeaning language and images, not only in hip hop, but in virtually all other forms of media today. A strong opponent of censorship, Norton believes that what is needed is a "national conversation among ourselves" that she hopes her forum will encourage throughout the country on the harm to the larger African American community that comes from making racial stereotypes acceptable in a society where racism is still widespread. The panel is free and open to the public and will include a question and answer period.

Norton's special guest will be Shuttle Endeavour Astronaut Colonel Alvin Drew, who was born and raised here and will be present at a CBCF ALC reception, sponsored by Pepco Holdings, Inc. in her honor. Pepco has chosen "Honoring Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton upon Passage of the D.C. Voting Rights Bill in the House and Her Achievements in Promoting Diversity in Business and Business Growth in D.C." as the theme of the reception on Thursday, September 27th from 6:30 to 9 PM at the Acela Club of the Verizon Center (invitation only/but open to press coverage upon RSVP). However, Norton said, "I will be honored, in turn, to pass the honors to Colonel Drew and his achievements in space and science. I want to introduce our ‘hometown boy' to my constituents at the reception and the ALC dinner to encourage residents and our kids to see for themselves the rewards of education and hard work in school."

Even more than the CBCF events, Norton is looking forward to taking Col. Drew to Ronald H. Brown Middle School on Monday, October 1st at 2 PM, where he will speak to students about his studies in school and his experience as a U.S. Air Force pilot and NASA astronaut. Norton said that these students are at the right age to be encouraged to take science and math courses that can get them interested in science related careers. "Each year our CBCF reception gives me an opportunity to thank D.C. residents and businesses who have worked beside me in the fight for voting rights and other benefits won for the city," Norton said. "With the D.C. House vote getting so close to becoming reality, I plan to tell my constituents not to take down their signs and to continue to ‘Demand the Vote!'" Norton also wants reception attendees to meet and congratulate Col. Drew for his accomplishments.