Don't forget to vote on November 2nd. |
Stay tuned for details of a November 17 Brown Bag presentation by poet, author
and teacher, Gloria Burgess.
 Yolanda King – “Open My Eyes, Open My Soul”
By Libby Graham
Denise Murillo and I had the great honor of hearing Martin Luther King, Jr.’s eldest daughter, Yolanda King, speak at a “Forum on Race” entitled “It’s Time to Talk” at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in downtown Seattle. This program was initiated by the Urban Enterprise Center of the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce. The forum was born out of a growing sense that although we have made progress, relations among people of different races still threaten to divide America. These relationships continue to be troubled in complicated ways. The thought behind “It’s Time to Talk” is that if we got to know each other better, to try to really understand each others experiences, we could create a more civil society by eliminating barriers that foster racism.
Yolanda began with an awe-inspiring poem by Maya Angelou and followed with the words, “Dr. King, my father, never lost faith in America.” She focused on his ‘table of brotherhood’ message where we can learn from one another, and the color of love and commonality can bring us together. Yolanda was extraordinarily dynamic in incorporating poetry and dance (to Stevie Wonder no less) into her program. She had such directorial, extemporal and choreographic skills at an early age when she put on productions for family and friends by the time she was 8 years old. Later in life, after receiving a B.A. degree with honors from Smith College in Northampton, MA, she moved to New York and obtained a Masters degree in Theater at New York University. She performed in productions throughout New York and the Tri-State area. She has to this day continued to affect personal and social change through the arts by producing her newest play “Achieving the Dream.” Here she portrays several characters in the movement for civil and human rights. Sharing her message on the importance of embracing diversity and our common humanity, she has sounded the call from the halls of the United Nations to venues in Moscow and Munich. She has been widely acclaimed for her ability to inspire people from all walks of life to reach higher ground; to motivate people to move forward and to empower people to make a difference. Hence, she has started her own production company, “Higher Ground,” symbolizing her mission of self-love and greater Peace on Earth.
Yolanda is also the co-author of “Open My Eyes, Open My Soul” – an anthology of stories, poems and anecdotes from teachers, doctors and peace advocates from all walks of life. This book demonstrates her commitment to raise awareness and enhance understanding about the importance of diversity.
Yolanda discussed the fact that there is a growing trend of diversity awareness and action among top ranked companies in America. By 2040, one half of the entire population will be a minority and she says, because of this, now is the time for businesses to incorporate diversity initiatives to keep on track with the future. She emphasized that we are more alike than unalike and that 6.4 billion of us form a great work of art that is humanity. A scientific fact states that only 1% of DNA separates one person from another so that the most important parts of us are the same. We need to celebrate differences until it does not make a difference any more.
Yolanda calls on each one of us to build a house for diversity. Individuals can make it happen in homes, schools, churches and at work. We need to be understanding and involve everyone so that every person feels valued. In the famous words of Martin Luther King, Jr., “We must live together or perish together as fools.”
As a way of bringing these ideals to the “table,” everyone at our lunch table made introductions and talked about our feelings on diversity and how we have made contributions to the cause. We delved into new possibilities for how we can get along and work together better. It was a very positive way to celebrate the hour and connect with people who share similar dreams and goals.
Ms. Yolanda King is truly an inspiration and has given our nation a reason to be optimistic about racial tolerance and prosperity. I am so very happy to be given this wonderful opportunity to hear her speak and encourage you to learn more about her vision and purpose for a better world. As Stevie Wonder so eloquently says, “Love’s in need of Love today” – let’s spread some love around!
November is American Indian Heritage Month
Wilma Mankiller
On November 18, 1945 , Wilma Pearl Mankiller was born in Tahlequah , OK . She and her large family lived there happily, without modern conveniences like indoor plumbing or electricity until the drought of the 1950’s forced the family to move to San Francisco .
Wilma graduated from high school and began her higher education at San Francisco State . In 1969, Wilma’s interest and commitment to Native American issues were ignited when a group of university students occupied Alcatraz Island in order to attract attention to tribal issues. Wilma worked tirelessly developing and supporting programs to benefit her people.
In 1983, Wilma Mankiller ran for the position of deputy chief of the Cherokee nation. In 1987, she became the first female in modern history to be elected chief of a major Native American tribe. In 1991, Chief Mankiller was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Dartmouth University . She has exemplified leadership in task commitment, risk taking, and perseverance. She is a noteworthy role model, having vision and the ability to compromise when necessary for the Indian Nation. She also works for the advancement of females, in general. She is known as a spiritual presence for her nation and her people.
Will Rogers
On November 4, 1879, Will Rogers was born in Indian Country, later known as Oklahoma. Known as the “Indian Cowboy,” Will was to become the most popular and best loved American of his day. He was successful in many types of ventures, from fancy rope tricks at Wild West shows to movies to journalism. In 1934, Rogers was voted the most popular male actor in Hollywood. His political commentary in the press and on the radio influenced many Americans. He was instrumental in the election of Franklin Roosevelt in 1932. He declined the nomination for the governorship for the state of Oklahoma, but served as mayor of Beverly Hills. Will Rogers died in an airplane crash over Alaska in 1935.
Alcatraz Occupation
On November 20, 1969, a group of American Indians led by Richard Oakes took over Alcatraz Island, site of a former federal prison, demanding that the island be made available to Indians as a cultural center and declaring that all federal surplus property must by law revert to Native Americans. The occupation lasted until June 11, 1971, and dramatized the long-standing grievances of American Indians against the federal government. This occupation signaled a new activism among native people.
November Dates of Interest
November 2 – (The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November) - General Election Day in the U.S.A. DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!
November 6 – John Philip Sousa (Portuguese-American) was born in 1854. He is famous for the inspirational and enduring marches he composed. Sousa died in 1932 at the age of 77.
November 7 – National Day of Accord and Reconciliation ( Russia, Ukraine ).
This day commemorates the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. The Russian Revolution was a political movement that climaxed with the overthrow of the provisional government that had replaced the Tsar system. This led to the establishment of the Soviet Union, which collapsed in 1991. The Russian Revolution can be viewed in two stages. The first was the February Revolution of 1917 which displaced the autocracy of Tsar Nicholas II and sought to establish a liberal Republic. The second stage was the October Revolution (actually culminating on November 7) in which the Soviets, under the influence of Lenin’s Bolshevik Party, seized power from the provisional government.
November 10, 1969 – “ Sesame Street ” premiered on PBS.
November 11 is Veteran’s Day in the U.S. Originally, this date was set aside to observe the anniversary of the Armistice which was signed by the Allies and the Germans in 1918, ending World War I. Over the years, the day has evolved to a day for observing and recalling the sacrifices and valor of all service people in all of America ’s wars.
November 14, 1908 – Einstein presents his quantum theory of light.
November 16, 1907 – Oklahoma becomes the 46th state.
November 17, 1913 – Panama Canal opens.
November 20, 1873 – Rival cities of Buda and Pest unite to form the capital of Hungary .
November 22, 1842 – Mt. St. Helens erupts.
November 26, 1956 – “The Price is Right” debuts on television.
November 29, 1953 – American Airlines begins first regular commercial NY-LA air service.
Joe DiMaggio 
November 25 marks the anniversary of the birth of one of the greatest baseball players of the century, Italian-American Joe DiMaggio. During his career (1936-1952) playing for the New York Yankees, he won 3 Most Valuable Player awards and led the team to 8 World Series championships. In the 1941 season, he had a 56 game hitting streak, a record that may never be broken. DiMaggio retired at 37 with a lifetime batting average of .325. He will be remembered for his complete command of center field, which he patrolled with graceful, gliding strides that earned him the nickname “The Yankee Clipper.” He entered baseball’s Hall of Fame in 1955.
Louis Brandeis 
On November 13, 1856 , Jewish-American lawyer and jurist, Louis D. Brandeis was born. Through his career, and particularly during his service on the Supreme Court from 1916 to 1939, Brandeis was known for his vigorous defense of civil liberties of those threatened by the activities of large corporations, as well as his insistence that legal issues be viewed in their economic and social context. Judge Brandeis died in 1941.
Benjamin Banneker
Benjamin Banneker, an African-American, was born on November 9, 1731 . Banneker was a mathematician and astronomer who was largely self-taught. He mastered math, mechanical principles and the use of astronomical and surveying instruments. As a young man, Banneker designed and carved an accurate wooden clock. In 1971, he assisted the surveyor of the site where the new national capital city was to be built. After teaching himself to predict eclipses, Banneker published a widely-read almanac.
Robert F. Kennedy
 Robert Francis Kennedy was born on November 20, 1925, the 7th child of Joseph and Rose Kennedy. His career was illustrious and all too short. He distinguished himself as an advocate for underrepresented and underprivileged people, while also taking on corruption in labor unions and government. He was the architect of his brother John’s successful run for the presidency in 1960, and was rewarded with the appointment to the position of Attorney General of the United States. In that role, RFK had pivotal influence on such events as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Civil Rights movement. After his brother’s assassination, Kennedy was elected to the U.S. Senate and later launched a campaign of his own to become President. Among his most important positions had to do with abolishing poverty and hunger in the U.S. and putting a halt to the escalation of the Vietnam War.
Robert Francis Kennedy was assassinated in 1968, at a political rally in Las Angeles, following a victory in the California primary election. He was 42.
JFK's Assassination
 November 22, 1963 is a day that anyone much over 40 is likely to remember with painful clarity. It was on that day, that John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.
In a very real way, America lost her innocence that day. JFK represented progress, culture and hope, He was the youngest person ever elected president. Kennedy supported civil rights, the exploration of outer space, and the arts. He initiated the Peace Corps, and confronted major challenges by the Soviet Union in Cuba and Berlin. Kennedy had planned to withdraw from Vietnam without escalating American involvement, but died before he could do that. The world mourned the loss of this progressive and charismatic leader.
Many Americans don’t believe that the truth about the assassination has ever been exposed.
Unique Thanksgiving Recipes
For many of us, Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday – the sole purpose is to share time and good food with people you care about. It’s a time for reflection and community. While each family probably has some “standard” dishes for Thanksgiving, the following recipes put a tasty spin to some classics:
Upside Down Pumpkin Cake
Ingredients
1 28-ounce can pumpkin puree
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
salt to taste
3 eggs
1 can (12 ounces) can evaporated milk
1 package yellow cake mix with pudding
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup butter, melted
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees,
2. Blend pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves, salt, sugar, eggs and milk. Pour mixture into a 9x13 inch baking pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix and nuts over the batter. Pour melted butter over the cake.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes and let cool. The cake will be “liquidy” at first, but will set up as it cools.
Cranberry Salad
Ingredients
2 (3 ounce) packages of cherry Jell-O
1 (16 ounce) can whole cranberry sauce
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese
1 cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
Directions
1. Drain crushed pineapple and save ¼ cup of the juice. Dissolve gelatin in 2 cups hot water. Stir in cranberries and crushed pineapple. Pour half the mixture in a bowl and leave at room temperature, set the other ½ in the refrigerator until firm.
2. In a separate bowl mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, reserved pineapple juice and chopped pecans. Spread mixture over set gelatin. Place in refrigerator for 10 minutes. Pour the room temperature over the top of the cream cheese layer and refrigerate until set.
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Please greet our new Quality Improvement Manager, Karl Kraber. Karl replaced Kate Riley at the end of September, and has really “hit the ground running.” Karl brings an interesting and diverse set of skills and interests. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the 6th of six children. He’s a graduate of the University of Akron, Ball State and City University .