Who Is Oseola McCarty?

"Oseola McCarty, an aging washerwoman who had lived alone since 1967, felt at eighty-eight years of age that her life was nearing its completion. Since she had no living relatives, she decided to give $150,000- her entire life savings, putting away one dollar at a time- to the University of Southern Mississippi.

Oseola did this simply because it seemed the right thing to do. Her generosity touched so many people that she found herself flying across America, accepting humanitarian awards and meeting many famous people, including Whoopi Goldberg, who knelt at her feet; and Roberta Flack, who sang for her. Harvard University gave her an honorary degree; President Clinton asked to have his picture taken with her; she even carried the Olympic torch a little ways. Oseola McCarty's portrait now graces the wall in the administration building at the University of Southern Mississippi- the first portrait of a Black person to do so. She appeared on Good Morning America. Her story was on the front page of The New York Times. Barbara Walters named her one of the ten most interesting people of 1995. She was also featured in numerous magazines, such as Ebony, People, Guideposts, and Glamour. She even even appeared on British Television.

Other donors have followed Oseola's gift with more than $250,000 to her original endowment, all due to the generous heart of a hardworking woman who wanted to make a difference before going to the next world." -From, "Everyday Enlightenment" By: Dan Millman

I Would Like To Commend The MTA...

After several inter-borough errand runs turned into what felt like out-of-state trips due to a ridiculous amount of bus-wait time, I did some research concerning who to contact at the MTA to complain about certain buses running grossly off-schedule.

To the credit of the workers at the MTA bus complaint line (especially one lady in particular), I am pleased to report that the MTA Bus Complaint Representatives have verbally responded to my complaints several times.

They have assured me that they are diligently working on my issue of the timeliness of the bus service (especially as it relates to the B48 line). I look forward to seeing continued results.

Kudos.

If you are a NYC MTA bus rider you can program the following numbers into your cellphone, so you are always prepared to let the MTA know that you are waiting an inordinate amount of time for the arrival of a bus. [SIDEBAR: If you aren't tapped into the cellphone matrix, please keep these numbers stored in a convenient location]:

(718) 927-7499 (The MTA Bus Investigation Line)
(718) 330-1234 (The MTA Directions Line. PLEASE NOTE: Although this number is for rendering directions, If you press "0" and wait to speak to a customer service operator, they have the responsibility to take your complaint and forward it to the proper supervisors).

Call the aforementioned numbers if your bus is unreasonably off schedule. You don't have to give your personal information to the MTA operator if they request it. You can make an anonymous complaint if that is your preference.

New York Passes The Safe Harbor For Exploited Youth Act

New York Governor David Paterson recently signed The Safe Harbor For Exploited Youth Act into law. The Governor's website describes the act as one that, "requires local [New York] districts to provide crisis intervention services and community based programming for exploited youth. Currently, individuals under the age of 18 who are arrested for prostitution or other illegal activities of a sexual nature enter the criminal justice system with the legal presumption that they are juvenile delinquents. This bill would decriminalize child prostitution, recognizing these children as victims, not criminals, and provide them with necessary social services."

David Paterson made the following statement, regarding why he thinks this law is so important: “As a society we must do everything in our power to prevent sexual exploitation, but when it does occur we must be prepared to assist our youth with appropriate outreach services. For too long we have been disciplining young children who are the victims of brutal sexual exploitation instead of providing them with the necessary services to reintegrate them into society and ensure they receive adequate crisis intervention. This law establishes a Safe Harbor Act which will ensure that sexually exploited youth receive counseling and emergency services as well as long term housing solutions.”

We Need One Of These In Every Neighborhood...

Last week in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, there was a groundbreaking for a cultural center that is slated to be completed by 2010. The cultural center will be home to a new learning facility, and a performance arts theater. The outdoor area of the center has already been unveiled. The open-air courtyard was designed by Brooklyn teens, and is designated for use by the community's senior citizens.

The location of the yet-unnamed cultural center is in a part of Bed-Stuy that is rich with history. This particular section of Bedford-Stuyvesant is called, "Weeksville." It derived its moniker from James Weeks. According to the Weeksville Society's website, James Weeks was an African American who purchased the land- which now bears his name- in 1838. He brought the land from Henry Thompson, who was also a "free African American."

Weeksville was the residence of many pioneering African Americans, including: the first Black female doctor in New York, and NYC's first Black police officer. Weeksville is also noted for being a prosperous, self-sustaining community. According to www.Weeksvillesociety.org, "Weeksville had its own schools and churches, an orphanage, an old age home, and one of the first African-American newspapers- the Freedman's Torchlight. During the violent draft riots of 1863, the community served as a refuge for hundreds of African-Americans who fled Manhattan."

The Right Person In The Right Position..."Let Me Re-Introduce Myself..."

This afternoon, history was made when New York inducted it's first African American Governor. David Paterson is also the first physically visually impaired Governor.

It is rare to see a politician with such a positive glow surrounding him. It is also rare to see a politician emphasize their role as one of being a servant "in the interest of the people."

Governor Paterson has already won over so many of his political peers and constituents with his competence, wit, and good-natured persona. I'm wishing him a successful tenure in office; may his leadership set a positive example for future government officials.