Why do so many blacks back Biden?

Why do so many blacks back Biden?

— Seattle woman succinctly ‘splains

This post by Seattle resident Laurie Goff goes a long way to explain why black people are willing to overlook some troubling aspects of former Vice President Joe Biden’s political career. In less than sixty seconds she gets closer to the heart of the matter than so many of the talking cable heads:

“Let me explain something to you about Joe Biden and why some of the shit that he’s done in his past doesn’t matter. This old rich white man played second fiddle to a black man. Not just any black man, but a younger black man, a smart black man. Not just for a day. Not 1, not 2 but eight years. He took his cues from this black man who had more power than him and was virtually unknown when he took the presidency, and Joe Biden had been around forever. He was willing and proud to be his wing man. Not once did he try to undermine him, this black man. Instead Joe walked in lockstep with him, he respected him, he loved and trusted him. He was led by him and he learned from him. And Joe did not have a problem with it. You tell me what 40+ year “establishment” white politician has ever done that. Joe Biden is cut from a different cloth. And black folks understand that and for good reason. He has shown it. This is what showing up and being an ally looks like. When black people say they know Joe, this is how we know.” 

— Laurie Goff

# # ## # #

Struggle to create county Crisis Diversion Centers draws closer to goal

Greater Cleveland Congregations nears success in drive to create diversion centers

The mental health centers that were a key demand of the community’s progressive leaders during the intense political battle over the financing of renovations to Quicken Loans Arena seem closer to being born following the Criminal Justice Action mass meeting orchestrated by Greater Cleveland Congregations this past Thursday at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church.

Over one thousand GCC members from dozens of area congregations across the county packed Olivet’s sanctuary, located in the heart of Cleveland’s Fairfax neighborhood, for updates and action on what has largely been an under the radar struggle over the past three years to secure the necessary political and financial support to reimagine and reform the county’s broken justice system.

The assembly heard from their leaders, celebrated their power, received testimony from mothers of two young men whose lives might have been saved by a more enlightened justice system, approved a roadmap to create two new crisis diversion centers, and at the end, received endorsements and pledges from community health leaders and key public officials to make the centers a reality.

Citizens and experts agree that crisis diversion centers would keep people out of jail who don’t belong there, and also save lives and money. But public policies don’t get implemented just because they make sense, even where government is progressive. And moving the public apparatus of a defensive, decentralized, dollar-strained and often dysfunctional county government is no easy task.

GCC’s efforts in 2017 to secure the crisis centers were joined and supported by noteworthy allies, including the SEIU, AFSCME, and ATU labor unions, along the Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus, were insufficient to galvanize the community into addressing the issue at that time.

On Thursday, as the coalition of forces, including key public officials in the criminal justice and health systems who have since come aboard, appears on the brink of establishing the centers, GCC paused to acknowledge its early allies in the struggle.

It is now clear that the initial rebuff by the array of private and public interests against creating the centers was not the end of the discussion. Seated front and center on stage were the present and former presiding and administrative judges of the county court system, the county prosecutor, and the chief of staff for the county executive. The public systems they represent are all now at the table, working to make the diversion centers a reality.

[This post will be updated momentarily. Thank you for your patience.]

# # ## # #

ZACHERY T. ELDEMIRE, 26

Zachery Tefari Eldemire, OCTOBER 17, 1993 – FEBRUARY 2, 2020

Software engineer had bright future

Zachery T. Eldemire, age 26, a graduate of University School Class of 2012 and Miami University Class of 2016, died suddenly at his home February 2, 2020 in Florissant, MO, where he was employed as a software engineer for Boeing. The cause is unknown at this time, but is believed to be related to complications arising after he had oral surgery.

Survivors include his parents, Marlene and Gauntlett S. Eldemire, Jr., two siblings, Antoinette and Gauntlett III, and a host of extended family members and friends.

Zachery was born October 17, 1993 and grew up in Shaker Heights. Consistent with the high value his family placed on education, Zachery  was a University School lifer, attending University School from kindergarten through his high school graduation in 2012. He played varsity soccer there, lettering as a junior and senior. Standing a good 6’3”, his long legs enabled him to stride speedily across the field to thwart attacks on his team’s goal.

Notwithstanding his good looks and athletic prowess, Zachery was happiest nurturing his  passion and exceptional talent for computer programming. He had a penchant for showing up unannounced to help a friend, sometimes departing so swiftly the “thank you” would still be wafting in the air.

Once, when his sister called home from Chicago to say she had to move unexpectedly, Zachery, without alerting a soul, jumped in his car and drove 300+ miles, sleeping in the car until she arose the next morning. He proceeded to help her pack, move, and get settled, before returning home the same day.

Zach’s love of video games fueled his early interest in computers and technology. It wasn’t long before his computer skills and technical expertise were recognized. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 2016, he headed off to St. Louis where he was rising rapidly as a software engineer. He was planning on returning to school this fall to obtain a master’s in computer science.

Zach’s best friend, Kendall Pleasant, describes him as a quiet sort, somewhat shy until he got comfortable in his surroundings. An independent spirit, Zach enjoyed an occasional night out with friends over a good steak and a beer.

The family will receive friends Saturday, February 22 at 11am at Horizon Health Services, 13001 Cedar Rd. [44118], followed by a Celebration of Life service at noon. Arrangements by E. F. Boyd & Son Funeral Home and Crematory, 25900 Emery Rd.[44128].

Zachery loved his pit Bexley. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Zachery can be made to the Stand Up for Pits Foundation, https://standupforpits.us/

Members of the Eldemires' Hathaway Brown and University School families have set up a page to assist Zachery's family with the immediate expenses related to his unexpected passing.  Any amount is appreciated. Visitors to the page are invited to contribute any amount, share the link and/or leave a memory or message of love and support for the Eldemire family.

# # ## # #