Blog
Black Youth Vote HealthCare Reform Letter to Speaker
By on 09/29/2009 @ 11:38 AM
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
H-232, US Capitol
Washington, DC 20515
September 23, 2009
Dear Madame Speaker:
We are writing on behalf of millions of Black youth across America who will be affected by health care reform. Comprehensive reform must take place and must address the many concerns of Black youth, one of the most underinsured and uninsured groups in the country according to the 2000 Census. According to additional information released, Black youth end up in emergency rooms and clinics at an alarming rate, essentially putting a heavier toll on the healthcare system and aids in rising costs. As the U.S. House of Representatives continues to craft health care legislation, we hope that you will consider the impact reform measures will have on Black youth.
Along with many other youth groups in our strong network, we applaud efforts to provide universal coverage, contain costs through caps on deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses and co-pays, reform the insurance industry by ending discriminatory practices (especially pre-existing conditions and gender discrimination) and other abuses, provide better employer-based coverage, and focus on preventative care. There are a number of additional provisions that are critical to earning the support of younger Americans:
- Allow young adults to remain on their parents’ insurance policy until the age of 26. This provision is not currently included in the House bill and it must be added. This could provide coverage for one out of every three uninsured young Americans.
- For those who are not claimed as dependents, older than 25, or uncovered by their employers, there must be a competitive insurance exchange – including a public option – that provides quality coverage options and keeps down the cost of individual plans.
- Make coverage more affordable for young people by lowering the cap on the percentage of income individuals would pay for premiums. Affordability is the greatest barrier to obtaining coverage, and it must be addressed in a more robust way.
- End barriers to coverage for Black youth with pre-existing medical conditions.
Thank you Speaker Pelosi for your diligence and leadership on healthcare reform. Black youth are in desperate need of reform and we are counting on you to deliver on the promise of reform and a better future for Black youth in America.
Sincerely,
William Kellibrew IV
National Coordinator
Black Youth Makes Medical Breakthrough
By on 08/13/2009 @ 02:49 PM
Tony Hansberry II, a 14-year-old, African-American high school freshman, has developed a surgical stitching technique that can ease post-surgery complications and lessen the chance of errors among physicians, Black America Web reports.
Tony Hansberry has been working with Bruce Nappi, the administrative director at the University of Florida's Center for Simulation Education and Safety Research, on a new technique for sewing up hysterectomy patients.
"I've always had a passion for medicine," he told reporter Jackie Jones in a recent interview. "The project I did was, basically, the comparison of novel laparoscopic instruments in doing a hysterectomy repair.”
The youth presented his findings in April at a medical conference at the University of Florida before an audience of doctors and board-certified surgeons.
"I just want to help people and be respected, knowing that I can save lives," said Hansberry, who attends Darnell-Cookman, a special medical magnet school that allows him to take advanced classes in medicine. He hopes to become a neurosurgeon some day.
One of his teachers at Darnell-Cookman, Angela Tenbroeck said, "He's an outstanding young man, and I'm proud to have him representing us."
Hansberry was an intern at the University of Florida's Center for Simulation Education and Safety Research at Shands Hospital in Jacksonville when he came up with the concept. At the time, he was responding to a challenge to improve on an “endo-stitch” procedure used in hysterectomies.
“It took me a day or two to come up with the concept,” Hansberry said. His discovery earned him second place at the regional science fair in February 2009.
Tony's mom is a nurse and his dad pastors an African Methodist Episcopal church.
Violence Rips Through North Carolina and Massachusetts
By William Kellibrew on 03/31/2009 @ 06:37 PM
VIOLENCE SURVIVORS UNITE TO SUPPORT VICTIMS OF THE CARTHAGE, NORTH CAROLINA NURSING HOME MASSACRE AND THE BRUTAL MURDERS IN MILTON, MASSACHUSETTS
The William Kellibrew Foundation and ROOT Inc. (Reaching Out to Others Together), on behalf of all victims of crime nation-wide, would like to send condolences to the people of Carthage, North Carolina and Milton, Massachusetts.
The gruesome killing of eight innocent victims in this North Carolina nursing home is incomprehensible. The brutal murder of a five-year-old child and a seventeen-year-old makes plain the notion that no one is immune to violence.
William Kellibrew, IV, National Coordinator for Black Youth Vote for the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation said, “These senseless acts of violence take a toll on our community, but with resolve, we can work to ensure that victims receive adequate attention to get through these tough times.”
Kenneth E. Barnes, Sr., MS, founder and CEO of ROOT Inc, an organization committed to helping communities take a proactive approach to reducing gun violence, stated, "Deplorable assaults on our safety are taking place far too often in America. We must work steadfastly to ensure the eventual cessation of these preventable, unspeakable crimes."
These are immensely challenging atrocities having overwhelming ramifications that will resonate through devastated communities. Violence can occur in homes, businesses and even religious institutions.
A stronger more steadfast commitment to the prevention of crime through parole regulations, offender rehabilitation and violence prevention education is critical to bringing an end to the senseless violence that plagues all Americans and citizens around the world. We stand in unity and in full support of the people of Carthage and Milton; but specifically for the family members who lost loved ones in Carthage and the grieving family that will bury three of its closest members in Milton.
Tomorrow: House to Vote on Legislation to Expand Service and Volunteer Opportunities for Students
By William Kellibrew on 03/17/2009 @ 06:37 PM
EDUCATION & LABOR COMMITTEE
Congressman George Miller, Chairman
Advisory for Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Press Office, 202-226-0853
TOMORROW – House to Vote on Legislation to Expand Service and Volunteer Opportunities for Students
Legislation Answers President Obama’s call for Americans to Serve
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tomorrow, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on legislation that provides the most significant expansion of national service and volunteer opportunities for college students in generations. The bill, titled the GIVE Act, will help our nation get through the economic crisis by making Americans of all ages a part of the solution to the many challenges we face.
The legislation comes as nearly 65,000 college students prepare to volunteer and serve on alternative Spring Breaks this year – up 11 percent over last year. Young Americans are serving in record numbers – and facing a difficult job market in today’s economy. Of the 1.2 million jobs lost last year, 60 percent were held by workers under the age of 25.
National and community service and volunteerism among college students is especially high. From September 2001 to 2006, the overall percent of college students who volunteer has increased to over 30 percent, exceeding the volunteer rate for adults. According to a 2006 report by the Corporation for National and Community Service, college students are twice as likely to volunteer as Americans of the same age who are not enrolled in an institution of higher education.
Specifically, the bill (H.R. 1388) will more than triple the number of volunteer opportunities for Americans, from 75,000 to 250,000, in key areas like education, clean energy, health care, and assistance for veterans. The bill will also increase the education reward they receive from $4,725 to $5,350 for next year, the same as the maximum Pell Grant scholarship award. The education award will be linked to match future boosts in the Pell Grant scholarship in order to keep up with rising college costs.
President Obama called for Congress to take quick action on legislation to strengthen service. This bill answers his call. It is expected to be passed with bipartisan support in the next month in both the House and Senate – putting it on track to be one of the next major initiatives President Obama signs into law. For more information on the bill, click here to view the PDF.
Copy of Tomorrow: House to Vote on Legislation to Expand Service and Volunteer Opportunities for Students
By William Kellibrew on 03/17/2009 @ 06:37 PM
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tomorrow, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on legislation that provides the most significant expansion of national service and volunteer opportunities for college students in generations. The bill, titled the GIVE Act, will help our nation get through the economic crisis by making Americans of all ages a part of the solution to the many challenges we face.
TOMORROW – House to Vote on Legislation to Expand Service and Volunteer Opportunities for Students Legislation Answers President Obama’s call for Americans to Serve
The legislation comes as nearly 65,000 college students prepare to volunteer and serve on alternative Spring Breaks this year – up 11 percent over last year. Young Americans are serving in record numbers – and facing a difficult job market in today’s economy. Of the 1.2 million jobs lost last year, 60 percent were held by workers under the age of 25.
National and community service and volunteerism among college students is especially high. From September 2001 to 2006, the overall percent of college students who volunteer has increased to over 30 percent, exceeding the volunteer rate for adults. According to a 2006 report by the Corporation for National and Community Service, college students are twice as likely to volunteer as Americans of the same age who are not enrolled in an institution of higher education.
Specifically, the bill (H.R. 1388) will more than triple the number of volunteer opportunities for Americans, from 75,000 to 250,000, in key areas like education, clean energy, health care, and assistance for veterans. The bill will also increase the education reward they receive from $4,725 to $5,350 for next year, the same as the maximum Pell Grant scholarship award. The education award will be linked to match future boosts in the Pell Grant scholarship in order to keep up with rising college costs.
Last President Obama called for Congress to take quick action on legislation to strengthen service. This bill answers his call. It is expected to be passed with bipartisan support in the next month in both the House and Senate – putting it on track to be one of the next major initiatives President Obama signs into law. For more information on the bill, click here to view the PDF.
Winding Down Only to Wind Back Up
By William Kellibrew on 12/11/2008 @ 05:37 PM
Things are certainly winding down here at Black Youth Vote, but that is only the beginning. After the Black Youth Vote Civic Leadership Training Conference held in November, participants helped to give direction to the future of the program as well as enlist themselves in the preparation of preparing recommendations to the Obama transition team/administration and the 11th Congress. We are currently working on that plan now. You will hear more soon.
If you are interested in helping to draft this very important document, do not hesitate to contact me at blackyouthvote@ncbcp.org.
Also, we are planning a Pre-Inaugural Black Youth Vote Mixer, if you will. We still haven't formally named the event, but it is sure to be a "not missed" opportunity to meet a few important people and be important yourself.
I look forward to seeing you there.
William
Sleeping Out for Victims and Survivors for Peace
By William Kellibrew on 12/04/2008 @ 05:37 PM
Last night was the most amazing night of my life. After 24 years of trying to make sense of my mother and brother's deaths, I finally came to the conclusion that their deaths meant peace for the entire world starting with peace in my own local community.
The entire day of Tuesday, December 2, I simply could not wait until 8:00 p.m. when I was to start the "Victims and Survivors for Peace Sleep Out". I was not sure who would show up, but I knew I was. I arrived at 7:00 p.m. with my good friend and brother Tommy from Scotland. I laid my blanket down and propped my pillow on the wall, directly in front of a sign indicating that it was the John Wilson Building. You may not know, but Wilson committed suicide during Sharon Pratt Dixon's term as mayor of the city. I knew this going into this movement and wanted to correlate Wilson's death with what is transpiring today and the need for bringing attention to violence, not just domestic violence.
I dialed into the Bev Smith Show and was elated to speak to such a dynamic person. She vowed her support for peace throughout our world and pledged that she would called Congressman Conyers this morning encouraging and requesting a hearing in Congress to show the impact of violence. She also mentioned that she would sit with me while testifying. I am forever grateful for her love and support.
There were more news trucks than I can count coming throughout the night to capture our movement. I was thrilled about getting the word out, but I cannot forget why we were there. When all of the crowds and cameras are gone, we are still here with our pain and grief. But, we have to turn this into resolve and that is what we are doing by holding sleep outs.
I am really thankful for all those who showed up to sleep out, who reached out, and the media for putting our story out there. Thank you to all.
Today, I report that there were no murders last night in the District of Columbia. This is certainly a good start to our peace movement.
Currently reading page 1 of 5.