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Take Action! Philly NAN Members February 2022 Newsletter

Jan 31, 2022

 

Stay in the Action with News & Updates you can use!
Join the network that provides you the most current unfiltered news and events occurring within the state and local counties.  It’s a nationwide hook up!
“Voting is the foundation stone for political action.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

THE NEXT MEETING ON
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH 2022 at
11:00 AM  EASTERN TIME

Topic: NAN Monthly Members

JOIN NAN’S ZOOM MEETING

Meeting ID: 821 3643 1888
Passcode: 744598

Dial by your location

+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

DUE TO THE PANDEMIC

NAN Office is Open on Tuesdays & Thursdays
From 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

You can:
Volunteer your time
Renew & Bring New Memberships
Pick Up& DROP OFF Voter Registration Forms
Please call in advance of arrival.
SEND MAIL TO:  Philadelphia NAN
Office: 215-769-1511 or 1513
ALWAYS CHECK YOUR NAN ALERTS &
READ YOUR NEWSLETTER. 
Renew & Bring New Memberships
SEND MAIL TO:  Philadelphia NAN
PO BOX 3553 Philadelphia, PA 19122
Office: 215-769-1513
This Month in Black History

CAROL LANI GUINIER was born on April 19, 1950, in New York City,  to Eugenia “Genii” Paprin and Ewart Guinier. Ewart, who was born in Panama to Jamaican parents and raised in Panama and Boston, was one of two black students admitted to Harvard College in 1929. He was forced to drop out in 1931, unable to afford school after he was excluded from financial aid and campus housing, but he ultimately returned to Harvard as a professor and the first chair of the Afro-American Studies Department in 1969. Paprin, a civil rights activist, who was Ashkenazi Jewish, graduated from Hunter College in 1939.   Guinier’s parents met in Hawaii Territory and were both members of the Communist Party of Hawaii and the Hawaii Civil Rights Congress. Guinier’s father was also a national officer for the United Public Workers of America, a Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) union.[7] Her uncle is real estate developer and social activist Maurice Paprin.

Guinier moved with her family to Hollis, Queens, in 1956. Guinier has said that she wanted to be a civil rights lawyer since she was twelve years old,[10] after she watched on television as Constance Baker Motley helped escort James Meredith, the first black American to enroll in the University of Mississippi.  After graduating third in her class from Andrew Jackson High School, Guinier received her B.A. from Radcliffe College of Harvard University in 1971 and her J.D. degree from Yale Law School in 1974. She clerked for Judge Damon Keith of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, then served as special assistant to Assistant Attorney General Drew S. Days in the Civil Rights Division during the Carter Administration. She was admitted to the District of Columbia Bar in 1981, and after Ronald Reagan took office, she joined the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) as an assistant counsel, eventually becoming head of its Voting Rights project.  She was a highly successful litigator for LDF, winning 31 of the 32 cases she argued.[13] She also worked on the successful extension of the Voting Rights Act.

In her publications, Guinier suggests various strategies for strengthening minority groups’ voting power, and rectifying what she characterizes as an unfair voting system, not just for racial minorities, but for all numerical minority groups, including fundamentalist Christians, the Amish, or, in states such as Alabama, Democrats. Guinier has also stated that she does not advocate any single procedural rule, but rather that all alternatives be considered in the context of litigation “after the court finds a legal violation.”

Some of the ideas she considered are:

  • cumulative voting, a system in which each voter has “the same number of votes as there are seats or options to vote for, and they can then distribute their votes in any combination to reflect their preferences”—a system often used on corporate boards in 30 states, as well as by school boards and county commissions.
  • multi-member “super districts,” a strategy that “modifies winner-take-all majority rule to require that something more than a bare majority of voters must approve or concur before action is taken.”
Guinier’s idea of cumulative voting was taken up by Roslyn Fuller as a potential way of protecting minority rights without compromising One Man, One Vote principles.
From 2001 until her death, Guinier was active in civil rights in higher education, coining the term “confirmative action” to re-conceptualize issues of diversity, fairness, and affirmative action. The process of confirmative action, she said, “ties diversity to the admissions criteria for all students, whatever their race, gender, or ethnic background—including people of color, working-class whites, and even children of privilege.
Memorable Moments in Black American History


The Fight Against the Pandemic in PA

Vaccine

  • In Philadelphia, at least 93% of residents 12 and over have gotten one or more vaccine doses, and 73% are fully vaccinated. Of Philly kids 5 to 11, at least 34% have one dose. [PDPH]
  • Across Pennsylvania, at least 71% of all residents have gotten at least one vaccine dose, and 61% of all residents are fully vaccinated. [Pa. DOH]

Cases

  • Philadelphia’s rolling average is 1,968 new cases/day, 41% lower than a week earlier. Positivity rate is averaging 22.5%, down 12 points from a week prior. [PDPH]
  • Statewide, the rolling average is 221,948 new cases/day, 19% lower than a week ago. At last report, statewide positivity rate averaged 31%, down four points from a week prior. [Pa. DOH]

Hospitalizations + deaths

  • In the city, 1,181 people are hospitalized with COVID (averaging 7% more than a week ago), including 156 in the ICU. Overall, 4,531 Philadelphians are known to have died of the disease, including 105 reported in the past seven days. [PDPH]
  • Statewide, 6,339 people are hospitalized with COVID (averaging 4% more than a week ago), including 1,026 in the ICU. Overall, 39,538 Pennsylvanians are known to have died of the disease, including 919 reported in the past seven days. [Pa. DOH]

“Portrait of Arthur Alfonso Schomburg, bibliophile”
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Photographs and Prints Division, The New York Public Library. “Portrait of Arthur Alfonso Schomburg, bibliophile” The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1900–1935.

About the Schomburg:

Have you ever wondered how the Schomburg Center got its name? Our namesake, Arturo Schomburg, was an Afro-Puerto Rican archivist and activist, who embodied our mission to both preserve Black history and share our liberatory message with all who seek it. When he was in primary school, a teacher told him that people of African descent had no culture or history to document. Young Arturo knew that was absurd, and he dedicated his life to making sure no child could be told that lie again.

Mr. Schomburg’s collection of artifacts and his scholarship formed the foundation of the Schomburg Center, and his vision provided the driving force behind our mission to preserve and share Black culture and history.

Mr. Schomburg’s initial vision has expanded to encompass an unparalleled archive, a slate of engaging programming, and a legacy of community, scholarship, and liberation that continues to grow.

We need you Member to become more engaged with your Action organization. Choose One to support a day, each month with your presence.
  • Crisis Committee
  • Comfort Committee
  • Resource/Fundraising Committee
  • Educational Advocacy Committee
  • Health& Wellness Committee
  • Political Advocacy Committee
  • Youth Huddle
  • Veterans Committee
  • Men’s Auxiliary    

Get in the Action!

We need you in 2022!
ACTION COMMITTEES
ALL COMMITTEE MEETINGS WILL BE HELD VIA CONFERENCE CALL, PLEASE BE ON TIME AND DIAL: 1-515-604-9300 PASSCODE: 616970#
Political Advocacy Committee
Meets the 2nd Tuesday
6:00 PM
Contact: Deacon Smith
267-973-5555
Contact: Paula Peebles
215-485-8322Comfort Committee
Meets the 2nd Thursday
6:00 PM
Contact: Mary Kennedy 215-518-8823
Contact: Emma Kelly 215-548-1062

Black Clergy
Meets the 3rd Thursday
9:00 AM
Contact: Reverend Jerome Fordham
215- 696-0424

Veterans Committee
Meets Every 2nd Monday                        
6:00 PM
Andrew Brazington
Contact: 610-368-0006

Youth Committee
Meets every 5th Saturday
11:00 AM
Contact: Deacon Smith
Co-Chair-Janae’ Calhoun, youth

Membership Committee
Meets the 3rd Saturday
11:00 AM
Contact: Rev. James Wright, Sr.
267-444-5461

Resource & Development Committee
Meet the 3rd Wednesday
6:00 PM
Contact: Paula Peebles
215-485-8322

Criminal Justice Committee
Meet the 3rd Sundays
3:00 PM
Contact: Deacon Smith
267-973-555

Education Advocacy
Mrs. Laura Dijols
215-339-0188


Men’s Auxiliary Committee
Meets the 4th Saturday
11:00 AM                            
Contact: Drew Jones-215-960-5023
Contact: Deacon. Charles Hart
215-837-5543
                              
Housing Committee
Meets the 4th Saturday
11:00 AM
Contact: Toni Johnson
215-593-4259
FEBRUARY COOKING
Vegetarian Matzo Ball Soup With Caramelized Cabbage

By Sarah Jampel for Bon Apetit

Hearty and packed with caramelized cabbage, this vegetarian matzo ball soup doesn’t miss the chicken.
“Matzo ball soup is typically a first course during Passover, consisting of matzo balls, chicken broth, and some carrots and celery. But this (vegetarian! dairy-free!) matzo ball soup is more than a starter (and might enter your rotation all year round). Instead of relying on store-bought vegetable broth, which can be hit or miss, the flavor foundation comes from cooked-down cabbage. Be patient—you want the cabbage to caramelize not burn, and the lower and slower you go, the greater your reward. We recommend heating only as many cooked matzo balls in the soup as you’re going to eat and storing the leftover balls separately. Otherwise, they may get waterlogged and fall apart.”

Ingredients

6–8 servings

4 large eggs, beaten to blend

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for serving

¼ cup finely chopped chives, plus more for serving

2½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1½ tsp. Morton kosher salt, divided, plus more

2½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided, plus more

1 cup (120 g) matzo meal

1 small savoy or green cabbage (about 2 lb.), thinly sliced

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

4 garlic cloves, crushed

2 large leeks (about 1 lb.), white and pale green parts only, thinly sliced

8 oz. peanut or other very small potatoes, halved

½ cup (packed) coarsely chopped parsley, plus more for serving

1–2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Whisk eggs, ¼ cup oil, ¼ cup chives, 1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt, 1 tsp. pepper, and ¼ cup water in a medium bowl to combine. Add matzo meal and mix until no dry spots remain. Mixture will be loose. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes and up to 3 hours.

Step 2

Heat ¼ cup oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium. Add cabbage, onion, garlic, and 1½ tsp. pepper and cook, tossing (tongs help here!) until coated in oil and starting to wilt. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and cook, stirring every 10–15 minutes, until cabbage is dark and starting to stick to pot, 45–60 minutes. (If cabbage is starting to stick too much before it’s done, add 1–2 Tbsp. water and scrape up brown bits stuck to bottom of pot.) Scoop out about ½ cup cabbage and set aside.

Step 3

Meanwhile, working with damp hands, divide matzo mixture into 20 pieces and roll each into about a ½”-diameter ball. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop in matzo balls and reduce heat so water is at a simmer. Cover pot and cook until matzo balls puff, rise to the surface, and are tender throughout (cut one open to check), 15–20 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a large plate or rimmed baking sheet.

Step 4

Mix leeks, potatoes, and 1½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 tsp. Morton kosher salt into cabbage mixture and add 6 cups water. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer gently, adding any matzo balls you will be eating in the final 5 minutes, until potatoes are tender, 10–12 minutes. (Any matzo balls that you’re not serving should be stored and reheated separately.) Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup parsley and 1 tsp. lemon juice. Taste soup and season with more salt and add remaining 1 tsp. lemon juice if needed.

Step 5

Ladle soup into bowls, then top with more chives and parsley and reserved cabbage. Season with pepper and drizzle with a little oil.

Do ahead: Matzo balls can be cooked in water 5 days ahead. Cover and chill. Reheat in soup just before serving

Sweetheart Dessert🤎

Lemon and White Chocolate Mousse Parfaits with Strawberries
By Betty Rosbottom for Bon Apetit

Makes 8 Servings
Ingredients

5 large egg yolks

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

4 teaspoons finely grated lemon peel of salt

1/4 cup plus 2 2/3 cups chilled heavy whipping cream

1 3.5-ounce bar high-quality white chocolate (such as Lindt or Perugina), finely chopped

5 cups sliced hulled strawberries (about 2 pounds)

Preparation

Step 1

Whisk egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, lemon peel, and salt in medium metal bowl to blend. Set bowl over saucepan of simmering water. Whisk until mixture is very thick and thermometer inserted into center registers 160°F to 170°F, about 6 minutes. Remove bowl from over water. Cool lemon mousse base to room temperature.

Step 2

Combine 1/4 cup cream and white chocolate in another medium metal bowl. Set bowl over saucepan of barely simmering water. Stir constantly until chocolate is soft and almost melted. Remove bowl from over water and stir until white chocolate is melted and smooth. Cool white chocolate mousse base to room temperature.

Step 3

Beat remaining 2 2/3 cups cream in large bowl until firm peaks form. Divide whipped cream between both mousse bases, folding in 1 cup at a time (about 3 cups for each).

Step 4

Layer scant 1/4 cup lemon mousse in each of 8 parfait glasses or wineglasses; top with 2 tablespoons strawberries. Layer scant 1/4 cup white chocolate mousse over strawberries. Repeat layering 1 more time. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with plastic wrap and chill. Cover and chill remaining strawberries.

Step 5

Spoon strawberries over top of each parfait, if desired, and serve.