Stephanie Tubbs Jones: Empowered Public Service In Action

This is a special tribute to Ohio’s Democratic Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, who died on August 20th of a brain aneurysm. She was 58 years old, a widow and the mother of one adult son. Her memorial service was held today at the Cleveland Convention Center. President Bill Clinton, Senator Hillary Clinton, and Senator Barack Obama all spoke at the service.


Photo left to right: Congresswoman Carolyn Kilpatrick (D) Michigan, Carole Copeland Thomas, and Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D) Ohio at the Delta Sigma Theta Legislative Luncheon, Washington DC, February 2007

If I had just known her from her television interviews or debates on the small screen, I probably would have formed another opinion of her. Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a fierce party loyalist and very, very loyal to Hillary Clinton. Since I had been an Obama supporter since June 2007, we backed different presidential candidates for very different reasons. For some, her unwavering support for Clinton became a turn off, even though she transferred her allegiance to Barack Obama at the end of the primaries in June. She was unapologetic, confident, and assured that her candidate was the best person to serve the American people.

Fortunately I had several years to form my own opinion of Congresswoman Tubbs Jones, long before the race to the White House became front page news for the American people.

I knew her as my sorority sister, a loyal and steadfast member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, one of the oldest African American public service organizations in the country (1913). Soror Stephanie was a member you could count on, depend on and trust for political guidance and socio-economic wisdom. She was a reassuring reminder that there were bright leaders running our government. Leaders with integrity, stamina, and persistence who realized that our nation’s legislative pitfalls should not determine where our country could go in the future.

I met Soror Stephanie in February 2004 when I attended my first Delta Legislative Conference in Washington DC. (This event is known as Delta Days In The Nation’s Capital, and I have represented my chapter for the past five conferences.) She was a member of our national Social Action Commission and the point person for all things about Capital Hill. Soror Stephanie made many of the arrangements for us to easily navigate our way while visiting our congressmen and senators. She opened her congressional office as a friendly hospitality center as we made our way around the congressional buildings on the last day of our conference.

Soror Stephanie spoke on our general session panels and was the point person when we needed to invite key Washington notables to address the nearly 1000 women who attended the conference each year.

Congresswoman Tubbs Jones made special arrangements for Hillary Clinton to address our group this February during her presidential primary campaign. (All of the presidential candidates were invited, yet the relationship between Senator Clinton and Congresswoman Tubbs Jones yielded Clinton’s presence at our event.)

Through the years I have taken several pictures of Soror Stephanie. She was never too busy, abrupt, or impatient to stop and let your camera capture her image. At our legislative luncheon this past February, Soror Stephanie made special arrangements for me to take a picture with Congresswoman Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-Michigan) and her.

In March 2007 I interviewed Soror Tubbs Jones and broadcast the interview on my radio program. Again she graciously made time for me during the legislative conference so that her political perspective could be heard on my radio show.

Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones demonstrated her love for this country by serving the nation with commitment, courage, and compassion. I was deeply saddened when her untimely death was announced on the airwaves. My heart goes out to her son, family members, and friends whose love for her knew no boundaries.

She served her country well, and was a living example of how one public servant can make a significant difference in our world.

For more information on the memorial arrangements and profile of
Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, visit www.cleveland.com

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NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release Ella McNair
August 20, 2008 Director, Programs/Publications and
Public Relations (202) 986-2400

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority mourns beloved and devoted member, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones

WASHINGTON—Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., mourns the loss of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Soror Stephanie Tubbs Jones was the only member of Delta Sigma Theta currently in the United States Congress. She was a powerful representative for her constituents, her Sorority and all of humankind. Soror Tubbs Jones was full of vigor and always worked tirelessly to affect change at all levels of government.

Throughout her career Soror Tubbs Jones accomplished a long list of firsts. She was the first African-American woman elected to the United States House of Representatives from Ohio and to chair the House Ethics Committee. Soror Tubbs Jones was the first African-American and the first woman to serve as the Cuyahoga County, Ohio prosecutor. She was also the first African-American woman to sit on the Common Pleas bench in
the State of Ohio.

Soror Tubbs Jones was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in 1982 through the Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter. She was an active member of the Sorority’s National Social Action Commission and was a very responsive resource to the Sorority on governmental issues and affairs. She is one of few to have graced the cover of Delta Sigma Theta’s official publication, The Delta Journal, where she is captured delivering a
speech at a rally to end violence and discrimination against girls and women. The rally was held at Howard University during the Sorority’s annual legislative conference. In recognition of Soror Tubbs Jones’ many achievements and contributions, the Sorority awarded her the prestigious Patricia Roberts Harris Medallion for Excellence in Government Service Award in 2004 at its National Convention.

“A passionate leader, with a vibrant personality, Soror Tubbs Jones will be missed as a mother, friend, get-it- done legislator, activist and beloved sister in Delta Sigma Theta,” said Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre, National President of Delta Sigma Theta. “We join the nation in mourning the loss of this phenomenal woman. Her legacy will inspire us to work toward affecting change with the enthusiasm and devotion that Soror Stephanie
embodied.”

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1913 on the campus of Howard University to promote academic excellence; to provide scholarships; to provide support to the underserved; educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy; and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communities. Today Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has over 200,000 members and over 900 chapters worldwide. The Sorority uses its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust of economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement to create its national programs.

Prayers For Those In The Path of Hurricane Gustav

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those in the path of Gustav, now a Catetory 5 hurricane. I was JUST in New Orleans two weeks ago speaking at the American Public Works Association's national convention.

I have dear friends in New Orleans who have already evacuated to Alabama and Mississippi and will stay there until Hurricane Gustav passes through the area that it might possibly hit. The homes of these friends were nearly destroyed in the path of the levee breaks following Hurricane Katrina's damage three years ago.

This storm looks very fierce and is expected to intensify as it hits the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. As you know this is the 3rd anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and no-one wants to repeat what happened during that dreadful time.

Your prayers are welcomed for those already victimized in Haiti, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands. Pray for those who might be impacted by the hurricane in Cuba, Mexico, coastal Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.

I commend FEMA for acting fast and preparing for the worst as the hurricane barrels up the Gulf of Mexico.

-Carole

Day Four Democratic National Convention

Thursday August 29, 2008

Filed at 10:00 a.m. on August 29th


The first thing I did yesterday was to pick up the phone, call my dear friend Juanita Abernathy and thank her for this moment. The moment, 45 years after the March on Washington where her husband's best friend, Martin Luther King, Jr spoke from the heart and cast his "I have A Dream Speech" onto the troubled waters of a racially divided American soul. Juanita, who has been a trusted friend for more than 30 years, was not home, perhaps at the Denver stadium with the other 80,000 cheering fans of Obama. I left a message instead and thanked her, her husband the late Dr. Ralph David Abernathy, the late Coretta Scott King, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for the pain, jail time, suffering, and anguish they endured so that millions of people around the earth could enjoy the splendor of the acceptance speech of Senator Barack Obama...

The Democratic Nominee for the President of the United States.

The second thing I did was pick up my flag, my Obama sign and dance around my house throughout the closing day's program. It was that important to show my ancestors that their blood sweat and tears helped to produce this moment. The moment when a black man would top the ticket in America's presidential race to the White House. This ceremony is normally reserved for my house dance on July 4th. But yesterday was too significant to pass up.

I danced for my children...my daughters who have prospered and my son who has gone on to heaven.

I danced for my new son in law who has a compelling immigrant story of his own...from the mountains of Jamaica to the suburbs of Philadelphia.

I danced for my brand new granddaughter who is too young to understand the significance of this day but will be taught of its importance as she grows into her own.

What a joyous chapter in American history where multiculturalism meets the masses to write a NEW chapter of America's FUTURE.

Day Four Reflections:

Barack Obama NAILED his acceptance speech. It was concrete yet hopeful. It commanded each American to roll up their sleeves and march toward the future of this thing called CHANGE.

Obama spelled out what he means by change:

1. Tax Cuts for 95% of all working families
2. End Middle East oil dependency in 10 years
3. World Class Education for all American children with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education
4. Healthcare for All Americans

Over 30,000 text messages were sent from the stadium to friends, family, and colleagues everywhere. The Obama campaign in using 21st century technology to write the new chapter of American history.

Obama SLAMMED John McCain without assassinating his character. He threw out the first punch and told McCain to bring on the debates.

His message was CONCRETE yet hopeful. Strident, yet focused.

It announced the marching orders for the NEW AMERICA.

We'll continue our discussions when the Republicans open their convention on Monday.

God Bless The United States Of America.

-Carole

Day Three Democratic National Convention

Tuesday August 26, 2008

Filed at 1:30 p.m. on August 28th

This will probably be my shortest entry. (But I kept writing and it got longer.) Last night I had a television taping to promote my upcoming Multicultural Symposium Series when the convention took place. I watched the Biden speech live, and the rest as television replays or on YouTube.

Shift In Convention Tone: National Security Matters
The tone of the convention took on a more sharp turn as many of the featured speakers showcased the military strength of this country. Support of the troops was a common theme yesterday, while objection to the Iraqi War a loud and resounding theme.

One of the most heroic speeches was delivered by Tammy Duckworth, a Purple Heart Veteran badly wounded in the Iraq war. Shot down while piloting her helicopter, Duckworth is a double amputee who also lost the use of her right arm during that fateful mission. Duckworth also narrowly lost an Illinois Congressional race in November 2006.

With courage and conviction, she stood at the podium last night and with unwavering support defended the strategy of Barack Obama, who was against the Iraqi War, yet has called for a troop build up in Afghanistan.

John Kerry Speaks
During his address my Senator John Kerry also voiced complete support for Obama, with special emphasis on not getting swift boated during the General Election. ...A direct reference to his 2004 presidential defeat.

Historic Roll Call Vote

The pomp and circumstance mattered most when the 50 State Roll Call began. Yes, Hillary Clinton's pledged delegates did cast their votes for her. But when New York was called, it was Clinton herself who cast all 282 New York delegate votes for Barack Obama. The rules were suspended, and her pronouncement gave

Barack Hussein Obama enough votes to secure the Democratic Nomination for President of the United States.

Obama became the FIRST African American in the history of this country to represent a major political party in the race for the White House.

...On the eve of the 45th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington where Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous I Have A Dream Speech.

WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE.

President Clinton Seals The Deal

It was the matter of fact, slam dunk keynote address, delivered by the husband of the candidate who lost her bid to the White House. President Bill Clinton paid tribute to his wife, her warrior-like campaign that generated 18 million supporters, and then acknowledged that victory had not been on the side of Hillary Clinton. Victory had favored her opponent, Barack Obama. President Clinton then in an artfully Clintonesque-way pledged his complete support to Obama, one commander in chief to an emerging one.

The Biden Factor

Just weeks away from being deployed to Iraq Beau Biden lovingly and reverently introduced his father, Senator Joe Biden, to the convention delegates. What a resilient family they are. Joe Biden's first wife and infant daughter killed in an auto accident. Sons Beau and Hunter critically injured but survived. Marries Jill Jacobs in 1977 and welcomes the birth of another daughter. A commuting Joe Biden takes the train from Wilmington Delaware to Washington DC the entire 35 years he's serves in the senate. The love and compassion this son has for his father exudes in every word he utters.

Front and center enters the Vice Presidential nominee Joe Biden. In the course of his speech he pays tribute to his mother, Catherine Finnegan Biden who sits in the audience and his late father, a hard working blue collar man who moved the family from Scranton, Pennsylvania to Wilmington Delaware. Joe continued with his message validating his love for his family, his country, and his fellow man. His mother taught him that no-one is better than you. He's practiced that philosophy throughout his life. Even though his Freudian slip mixed up George Bush's name with John McCain, he played out the kitchen table vignette scenes of countless American families who are quietly discussing how to make ends meet in an increasingly softened economy.

And most of all, Biden, in his foreign policy litany and full grasp of domestic issues, pledged his full support and commitment to Barack Obama, his campaign, and his candidacy.

As a surprise at the end of his message, Barack Obama stepped out on the stage to congratulate Biden on his message and his years of service.

What a team they will make. What a team.

See you tomorrow.

If at all possible, listen to tonight's broadcast of the DNC convention.

It will be history in the making.

Barack Obama will no doubt deliver the speech of his life.

-Carole Copeland Thomas

Day Two Democratic National Convention

Tuesday August 26, 2008

Filed at 11 a.m. on August 27th

The tone of Day Two of the Democratic National Conference changed to reflect the frustration and anger toward John McCain, the Republican Party, and the failed policies of the Bush Administration. The gloves came off and the accusations began.

The Democrats are ready for the fight, and ready to take the case for winning all the way to the White House.

Full Slate Of Convention Activities

Having attended the 2004 DNC convention, I know that countless meetings, meal functions and strategy sessions are being held throughout the week before the 3p.m. Mountain Time gavel announces the start of the day's program. There is a full slate of activities, followed by the general sessions at the Pepsi Center, and then endless parties, concerts and after parties to complete the day.

Four years ago I spoke to the Hawaii Delegation at the Boston Breakfast meeting, not realizing I was the warm up act for the meeting they would have that afternoon with their beloved Barry...Barack Obama. The convention is filled with powerful people converging at a single site to craft out the political agenda of the new season.


Tuesday's Agenda

I marveled at how Governor David Patterson, the New York governor who is legally blind, was able to stay on script, deliver his attacks on McCain, and gracefully walk off the stage without missing a beat. Yes, he is a skilled orator, but he seemed to be especially polished at yesterday's session.

I especially appreciated hearing the remarks from Cecile Richards, the daughter of the late Governor Ann Richards. She is following in the footsteps of her mother (who was one of my role models) in her commitment to public service and upholding the rights of women.

Memorial Tribute

The Congressional Black Caucus, 42 members strong, paid special tribute to the late Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, who died earlier this month from a brain aneurysm at the age of 58. I knew Stephanie, have taken pictures with her, had her on my radio program, and am deeply sadden by her loss. My commentary about her death was a tribute feature in my electronic newsletter, Empowerment Today.

Following their tribute to Tubbs Jones, there was a video tribute to the fallen heroes of Congress, congressional administrators, former presidential candidate Shirley Chisholm, and political journalist Tim Russert.

Dennis' Wake Up Call

Whoa! The sleeper of the day's speechmakers was former presidential candidate and Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich. His short and fiery message moved the crowd to their feet. His speech should have run during prime time...it was that good. After shouting out the failed policies of the Bush administration and their alignment with John McCain, he very effectively created a repetitive chorus of "Wake Up America," followed by a second chorus of "Up With Fair Trade, Up With Education For All!" In addition to his effective call to arms, I especially appreciated his lapel button with a smiling picture of the late Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, who served with Kucinich as an Ohio congressional representative.

Needed More Practice

John Sweeney, President of the AFL-CIO needed extra practice with the teleprompter. He struggled with the speed of the text, greatly reducing the impact of his introduction of the American workers on stage with him.

Ouch! Note to the DNC convention producers: Make sure you have each presenter run through their speech a second time so that the will be comfortable delivering their message to the masses.

76 Cents On The Dollar

Lily Ledbetter...the displaced and disgruntled Goodyear Tire worker...what a gutsy women she was. Found out after decades of service that she was consistently paid less than her male counterparts and sued her company for restitution. She lost, even though the case went all the way to the Supreme Court. What a sad commentary for equal pay in the workplace. Women are still worth 76 cents on the dollar. What a shame.

Warner, Patrick, Clinton

I related to keynote speaker Virginia's Governor Mark Warner who shared his story of business setbacks to the corner office in Richmond. He was the first to go to college in his family. His first business failed in 6 weeks. His second failed in 6 months. Finally his third idea took off like a rocket: car cell phones. Now that's a great business story.

What a wash of pride that came over me when my governor, Massachusetts' own Deval Patrick addressed the crowd. Telling his signature growing up poor story...from the projects of Chicago to the halls of Harvard...Patrick reminded me why I rolled up my sleeves and went to work to get him elected in 2006. He is staunchly aligned with Barack Obama and publicly declared his support on the convention floor last night. He and Obama have been friends for years, and their campaign strategies are very very similar. Stay tuned for Patrick to serve in a significant role in the Obama administration.

The show stealer was Senator and former Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton. With a moving video introduction narrated by her daughter Chelsea, she captured the hearts of most who heard her message and her declaration as a Democrat and staunch supporter of Barack Obama. Truly her greatest speech yet, Clinton nailed shut the notion that she wants to rain on Obama's parade. Clinton paid tribute to the late Congresswoman Stephanie Tubb Jones who was one of her most staunch supporters and signaled out her son Mervyn, Jr. who sat next to President Clinton in the audience. She also paid tribute to the late Arkansas Democratic Party Chair Bill Gwatney, whose widow, Rebecca, sat to the left of President Clinton. With moving metaphors and a tribute to her own mother, born before women could vote in contrast to her daughter, Chelsea, who cast her vote for her mother in the 2008 presidential primary, Clinton blew away the notion that she is a spoiler.

Her one liners were priceless.
--No Way! No How! No McCain!
--Barack is my candidate and he must be our president!
--The traveling pantsuit society!
--John McCain and George Bush in the Twin Cities next week...it will be hard to tell them apart!
---Tribute to freedom fighter Harriet Tubman...when you hear the dogs...Keep Going! Keep Going! Keep Going!

That was an in your face, bring in on speech. Direct, Forceful, and Focused. The best unity speech she could have ever delivered.

Now, will the Hillary holdouts stop acting STUPID and vote for your interests as a Democrat??? Party Unity is the only way Obama will win in November...so it's time for the sore losers to fall in line and vote YOUR interests.

See ya tomorrow.

-Carole

Day One Democratic National Convention

Monday August 25, 2008
11 p.m.

As I watch the festivities of today's opening session of the Democratic National Convention I reflected on the excitement I felt four years ago, Tuesday July 27, 2004 when I sat in that arena in Boston thrilled by the speeches that led up to the first nationwide speech by Barack Obama. And now, four years later as he stands on the verge of a historic nomination, tonight I have watched a moving tribute to Obama, his wife, his family, and his vision for this country.

It's no secret that I have supported Obama since June 2007. I saw the possibility of his victory last year, just as I had seen that same possibility when our own Governor Deval Patrick decided to run for the highest office in our state in January 2005. And now to see what has happened - Governor Patrick becoming the first African American leader of our state--and what will soon happen--Obama marching forward to the White House--my hope remains anchored in faith, possibilities, and outrageously courageous leaders who have a vision for a promising future.

Of note this afternoon and evening at the Democratic National Convention:

Margie Perez sharing her personal story of survival and courage as a Hurricane Katrina survivor.
The video vignette of Habitat for Humanity featuring the work of President Jimmy Carter.
President and Mrs. Carter were recognized for their years of service to America and beyond.

Maya Soetoro-Ng, half sister of Barack Obama recognizing the strength in character of her older brother.

The soul stirring comments of Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, who paid tribute to both her uncle, Ted Kennedy and Barack Obama.

I cheered with applause when Senator Kennedy not only walked with purpose on the stage but delivered a message of hope and promise for Barack Obama. Cancer could not keep him from the convention stage tonight. His speech echoed "The dream lives on" as he promised to continue with his service in the Senate when Obama is inaugurated in January 2009. The speech brought tears to many in the audience...and to me, too.

MICHELLE OBAMA removed ALL DOUBT and hit a home run with her moving and soul-stirring speech. What a moment. What an important speech. What a way to finally show the American public who she is really is...a loving, caring, wife and mother who deeply loves her country and supports her husband in his quest for the White House. She artfully tied in the love she has had for Barack through the years with the 19 month journey she has been on during the campaign trail.

Her brother proudly introduce her as his little sister.

Her mother, Marian, glowed with every word Michelle uttered.

Michelle referenced the anniversary of women's right to vote and Martin Luther King's 45th anniversary of his I Have A Dream Speech. She paid tribute to the contributions of both Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden.

And to close her winning message, Sasha and Malia, the Obama children joined their mother on stage and chatted easily with their dad via satellite as he had watched her speech in the living room of a Kansas City, Missouri family.

What a great way to begin the Democratic journey. No doubt the nuts and bolts of the issues will be in full play on Day Two of the convention.

Doesn't matter. This night will be remembered for Ted Kennedy's resilience and Michelle Obama's grace and dignity.