CLICK HERE to learn more about the 2010 IMPACT Leaders

Alisha Thomas Morgan is respected throughout her home state of Georgia, and throughout the United States, as an impassioned political leader, rousing motivational speaker, fearless ambassador for youth and role model for female leaders and young professionals. Ms. Morgan is also our IMPACT Leader of the Month for August!

She began building her profile as a trailblazer and at the young age of 23, when she defeated the odds (and scores of naysayers) to become the first African-American to serve in the Georgia House of Representatives for Cobb County. Elected to her fifth term in July 2010, winning over 73% of the vote, at age 32 Morgan remains the youngest female member of the entire Georgia General Assembly.

While she is known and respected for many things, many of Morgan’s most noteworthy accomplishments are in the area of her key passion: education. Blazing trails in education, Morgan has become a state and national leader in the movement for education reform–forging a bipartisan coalition to pass a law in 2009 that empowers parents to access more options within the public school system. In February of 2010, Morgan was selected to participate in a national bi-partisan group of legislators to work under Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and with senior staff at the US Department of Education (DOE) on the reauthorization the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, formerly known as “No Child Left Behind” (NCLB). She is also a newly appointed board member of the Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO), a national education advocacy organization.

Morgan has been named, one of “America’s Young Civil Rights Heroes” by AOL Black Voices, one of fifteen women of the “New Power Generation” by Essence Magazine, and one of the Nation’s 30 Leaders who are under 30 by Ebony Magazine. She’s been featured in the New York Times, The Washington Post, and on both CSPAN and BET. In Fall 2010, she will release her highly-anticipated debut book, No Apologies: Powerful Lessons in Life, Love & Politics.

Morgan is a graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta, Ga. where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Sociology and Drama. She resides in Austell, GA with husband David, a member of the Cobb County School Board, and daughter Lailah.

 In 2006, USA Today named him one of the top 20 college students in the country and the governor of Florida awarded Darius a Points of Light Award for his community service.  While in Florida, Darius created Books All Around, Inc., a non-profit youth literacy organization that has created small libraries in community centers and distributed over 3,000 new books to children in several states.  Darius has served on the board of directors of the McCullum Youth Court in Oakland, CA and currently serves on the board of trustees of the Institute for Responsible Citizenship in Washington, DC.  Darius is originally from Charlotte, NC and is currently an attorney in private practice in Washington, DC.

Racial inequalities in access to healthcare and the quality of healthcare has cost the U.S. more than $50 billion a year over a four-year period, according to a study by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. The study found that more than 30 percent of direct medical expenditures for African Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanics were excess costs linked to health inequalities. Researchers from Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland estimated that eliminating those inequalities would have saved the U.S. economy $1.24 trillion.

According to the Office of Minority Health, minority and low-income populations have a disproportionate burden of death and disability. African Americans have the highest rate of high blood pressure and tend to develop it younger than other ethnic and minority groups. Cancer is the second leading cause of deaths for African Americans. HIV infection is the fifth leading cause of death for people who are 25-44 years old in the United States, and it is estimated that 850,000 to 950,000 U.S. residents are living with HIV infection, one-quarter of who are unaware of their infection. HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death for African American men ages 35-44 and African American women were eighteen times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV in 2003 than white women. According to the Center for Disease Control, suicide rates among African American men are higher than those for other ethnic and minority groups. Overall, low-income and minority communities suffer from both mental and physical health disparities at a significantly higher rate than other communities.

This month’s newsletter examines some of these health disparities. Guest contributors Christopher Chauncey Watson and Clarence Fluker discuss HIV/AIDS in the African American community while Larissa Estes discusses Maternal Mortality among African American women in Texas. Ph.D./M.D. student David Myles discusses life as a medical student and how he took theory to practice. IMPACT Leader of the Month, Joshua Moore, is a medical student who is using his passion for medicine to improve conditions in Haiti.

IMPACT LEADER | May 2010

Joshua Moore

Hailing from Port Saint Lucie, Florida Joshua Moore is a 26 year-old Medical Student at the University of Miami Miller School Of Medicine. Mr. Moore is the epitome of an IMPACT Leader. He is dedicated to empowering communities of color through his work in the medical field. He is passionate about working to eliminate health disparities among Black Americans and other marginalized groups, especially in regards to cardiovascular health. After medical school, he plans to pursue a career in Cardiothoracic Surgery and eventually plans to one day open a total heart health clinic providing care to the disadvantaged and medically underserved.

Mr. Moore is entering his third year of medical school and is already a rising star in the medical field. Throughout his medical school career, he has proven to be an effective student leader and has held various student government positions.

Most recently, Mr. Moore was appointed to the University Of Miami Board Of Trustees, where he will have full voting privileges. Previously, he served as both Freshmen and Sophomore Class Student Government President of at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Maternal Mortality in Texas and Minority Women

By Larissa Estes

A chance encounter with the Texas State Epidemiologist in 2008 encouraged my pursuit to conduct public health research affecting minority women. During a short walk, he asked me what I wanted study for my dissertation. At the time, I was not sure about my dissertation topic but I knew it would involve women and minority health disparities. The State Epidemiologist rattled off several statistics combining my two interests. One statistic stood out, “In Texas, black women are more likely to die from pregnancy related causes compared to white women.”

Maternal mortality is often used as a measure of health and well being of women across the globe. In industrialized countries with lower levels of poverty, more accessible health care systems, and programs in place to support pregnant women, one can argue that the maternal mortality ratios (MMRatios) should be the lowest possible. This is particularly true for the U.S.A., which spent $2.2 trillion on health care expenses in 2007According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the MMRatio for the U.S. was 11.0 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2005. In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cited the MMRatio as 15.1 deaths per 100,000 live births. Despite the discrepancy between the WHO and CDC, the U.S. MMRatios for 2005 are higher than the MMRatios for Bosnia and Herzegovina (3.0 deaths per 100,000 live births), Canada (6.0 deaths per 100,000 live births) or the United Kingdom (8.0 deaths per 100,000) for the same time period. During 2005, 60 maternal deaths were reported in Texas resulting in an MMRatio of 15.5 deaths per 100,000 live births, higher than either the CDC or WHO MMRatios of 15.1 deaths per 100,000 live births and 11.0 deaths per 100,000 live births, respectively. There is rising concern regarding maternal mortality in the U.S. particularly after Amnesty International released its 2010 report “Deadly Delivery: The Maternal Health Care Crisis in the USA.” This report describes minority women often encounter barriers (e.g. discrimination, socioeconomic status, uninsured/underinsured, transportation, etc.) that prevent them from receiving quality maternal care

A State of Emergency: HIV/AIDS impact in the African American Community.

By: Christopher Chauncey Watson

Within the past decade rates of persons living with HIV/AIDS in the United States has steadily increased to epidemic proportions. We can attribute this increase partially to amplified efforts around awareness and testing within communities. Additionally, to some extent, we know more because we are looking more effectively. HIV/AIDS continues to affect the African American community at disproportionate rates—more than any other racial and ethnic group in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control, African Americans account for 51% of newly reported infections annually, but this population only makes up 12% of the total US population. This disparity may exist due to various barriers including inadequate access to healthcare and stigma associated with this population. African Americans are most commonly affected through heterosexual intercourse with HIV positive persons or those at high risk of HIV, intravenous drug use, or sexual contact with other men. The estimated annual HIV/AIDS diagnosis rate among black males was 124.8 per 100,000 population and 60.2 per 100,000 among black females, both higher than the rates for all other racial and ethnic populations2. An impact of this magnitude constitutes a declaration for a state of emergency within the African American community to combat this disease.

Power from Boardroom to Bedroom

by Clarence J. Fluker

African American young professionals continue to storm the boardrooms of our nation and move up the career ladder. The next generation of policy makers, business leaders, nonprofit executives and academics navigate the road to professional success with skills like discipline, steadfastness, confidence, intelligence and a sheer will to take control and power of career destiny. Unfortunately, the power to take control over ones professional destiny is not always transferred to ones personal destiny as it relates to sexual health.

From Practice to Policy: A Medical Student’s Perspective

By David E. Myles

When I was considering applying to medical school I learned that the word “doctor” translates to “teacher” in Latin. Although my medical school curriculum had no formal classes in which we learned how to teach, I spent many Friday afternoons and weekends mentoring and teaching local public elementary, middle, and high school students. Midway through our half mile walks from their school to the medical school I would notice that several of the students lagged behind. It became apparent to me that it was not lack of interest but rather that too many of my students had excessive weight gain and asthma which likely made this mild form of exercise intolerable. Working with these students and providing services for the adult and pediatric patients during my clerkships significantly shaped my vision for the type of medical career I will pursue. I plan to intentionally execute a multilevel approach to prevent the diseases from which my patients and students suffer. To do this, I need to continue learning how to provide anticipatory guidance and vaccinations to, advocate for, treat, and address the social situations of my future patients. Prevention is at the core of the practice of pediatrics and is an effective way to provide healthcare at a societal level and to achieve the goal of my life’s work on a personal level. It is my aim to implement the optimal biological, psychological, and social conditions that will allow each of my patients to realize their full potential. By extension, changing the social conditions that lead to the poor health and educational outcomes of my patients and students has become of increasing interest to me.

April is the month when spring really makes its introduction. Sporting activity takes off with the seasons of most professional sports overlapping at some point this month. This means that the lens through which many young professionals see the world will likely include a reference to sport. Frequently, people believe that athletes, professional or amateur, could and should do more to improve the communities that support athletes and the sports in which they participate.

This month’s Newsletter focuses on a few of the ways that athletes reach out to improve their community, both locally and abroad. Athlete’s like Jonathon Prince, IMPACT Leader of the month, who is responsible for starting a movement to get more people active by running across the country not once or twice but three times. The Newsletter also includes an article, written by sports executive Shavannia Williams, providing sound tips to communicate with sports teams in your area to leverage the philanthropic capacity of both athletes and athletic organizations. Additionally, this newsletter includes family duo, two writers and active participants in sport. Brian Yeldell took the time to remind us about the importance of teamwork while his nephew Kyle Yeldell contributed an article about sticking to your core mission and brand when pursuing business relationships with athletes and teams.

As the nation focuses on physical activity, nutrition and wellness IMPACT encourages you to be thoughtful about what you eat and to make health decisions that lead to an active and healthy lifestyle. 

IMPACT Leader – Jonathon Prince

Jonathon Prince, the youngest of three boys, was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. The product of a single mother household after the divorce of his parents, Prince excelled academically, earning acceptance into Clark Atlanta University (CAU). While at CAU, Prince became homeless, was robbed at gunpoint and was the victim of a hit-and-run accident. In spite of these challenges, Prince refused to give up on his dreams of entering the television and film industry.

Upon completing college, Prince moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams. However, in 2005, he became overwhelmingly inspired by the effect Hurricane Katrina had on the residents of New Orleans. He decided to make a cross-country run to inspire those residents as their stories had done to him. First, Prince ran from Studio City to Atlanta. Months later, he continued his running from Atlanta to New York City. Prince has also run from California to Washington, DC with the hope that President Barack Obama would run the last mile of his journey with him and while that did not happen Prince continues on. Through these experiences Prince raised $100,000 in-kind donations that he used to support organizations rebuilding the Crescent City.

However, Prince was not done with his empowering movement. Throughout his life, Prince has been in tune with his community, but he has used this motivation to build his philanthropic spirit. Prince has inspired a physical and social movement—one that should be celebrated and supported.

TEAMWORK: Scoring the Support of Professional Teams & Athletes

By Guest Contributor, Shavannia Williams

Many organizations, in particular, non-profit organizations would like to secure the support of a professional sports team or athlete. Partnerships with professional athletes and teams can enable non-profits to gain visibility, solicit sponsorships and drive event traffic. Teams and athletes welcome these opportunities because they provide for ways to improve community relations, and achieve marketing and public relations objectives. However, competition for these partnerships is limited. To gain support do some research to understand the process and differentiate your request from other organizations.

All professional teams have a community relations and public relations strategy and goals. These strategies and goals often include partnerships with community-based organizations. Research these efforts to understand how teams currently work in the community; what issues are important to the organization and programs they have supported. Once you are knowledgeable about the teams’ efforts, you can better market your partnership goals by demonstrating how your event and organization will help them achieve their objectives. The same research should be done to prepare for soliciting sponsorship and support from individual players, many of whom have private foundations and charities.
The next part of your research should be the teams’ schedule, personnel and players. During the playing season, players are committed to practices, games and community programs organized by the team or that particular sports league. These programs include events such as reading to children, visiting hospitals and feeding the homeless. For this reason, most player appearances are conducted during the off-season. Familiarizing yourself with this information will allow you to position your request for an appropriate time, increasing your chances of success. 

Once you have an understanding of the teams, identify the ways that the organization can benefit your organization. Many organizations limit their request to player appearances and tickets to the games. Consider fundraising by working events, exposure during a game or in-kind donations such as paraphernalia, facility space or sports equipment. To submit your request, be sure to visit the teams’ website, complete the correct form(s), and submit the form(s) with all requested information to the listed contact person. 

Don’t stop once your request was granted and your event was a success! (You scored!) Leverage the experience and work to build a relationship with the organization by following up after the event. Send a note to thank the player(s) or the organization for support and explain how the partnership was beneficial and what was accomplished as a result of their support. Remember that teams want to establish and maintain a positive rapport with the communities in which they operate. Ensuring visibility of the team and its players in the community protects the team’s interest in long term viability. When you follow up, you are providing details that demonstrate that they are accomplishing these goals.

To earn the support of a team or athlete takes work, but with preparation, clear objectives and flexibility, you can “score” the support and develop an ongoing partnership that is a win-win for you and them.

***
Shavannia Williams is President of SW Group a marketing firm in Washington, DC that uses media, events, technology and sports to help businesses grow. Prior to starting SW Group, she gained experience in marketing, sponsorships and communications with teams in the NBA, NFL, NHL and WNBA. She was also a Co-Chair for the 2009 NCAA Men’s Final Four Public Relations Committee. She can be reached at sw@theswgroup.net

WINNING IN CRUNCH-TIME: THE SPORTS INDUSTRY LEADS IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY
By Guest Contributor, Edgar Burch

As sports fans, far too often we focus on the negative behavior of a few high profile athletes and fail to recognize the efforts of many within the sports world who work tirelessly to serve individuals and communities in need. Their work deserves recognition and praise. When called upon to perform, athletes and sports leagues have continuously shown their ability to rise to the challenge to serve the communities that have consistently showered them with adulation and unwavering support. 

As amazed as we are by athletic feats, it is clear that sports have had a much greater and more profound impact on society than what we sometimes see in Sports Center highlights. From Jesse Owens’ dominant performance in the 1936 Olympics to Jackie Robinson’s integration of Major League Baseball in 1947, athletes and sports leagues have served as examples of leaders creating change. Sports have the unique ability to bring individuals together from diverse backgrounds to support a common cause. It is these attributes that allow local Pop Warner football teams and NFL stars alike, to create lasting change when engaging in community service or philanthropic efforts.

During the global response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, we again witnessed the power of the sports world in addressing the needs of those in dire situations who require extensive resources and support. Major professional sports leagues, players’ unions, and the NCAA, in particular, quickly responded to the call for assistance by raising and pledging millions of dollars to support rescue and rebuilding efforts in Haiti. In addition to taking a leadership role in assisting a nation in need, this tragedy was also very personal to the various sports leagues as a number of professional and amateur athletes were born and raised in Haiti. With the increased globalization of athletics, sports entities will be in a unique position to bring awareness to a variety of societal issues and coordinate efforts to serve communities throughout the world.

In addition to the community service oriented campaigns that have been launched by various sports organizations, many professional and amateur athletes and coaches have utilized their notoriety and networks to raise awareness and resources for a variety of causes. Examples include: Indiana University Purdue University’s Men’s Basketball Coach Ron Hunter who has coached barefoot to support the efforts of Samaritan’s Feet (an organization which works to bring awareness to the 300 million children throughout the world who are without shoes) and Major League Baseball player Derek Jeter, who established the Turn 2 Foundation(which supports a number of youth leadership, scholarship, and after-school programs promoting positive lifestyles).

We should remember these things while celebrating and criticizing our athletes and teams. There is much more giving that often goes unnoticed. 

***
Edgar Burch currently serves as the Assistant Director of Government Relations for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). In this capacity, Edgar serves as an information resource on issues pertinent to college athletics and student athletes for Members of Congress and their staffs, the Administration, and education associations.  Edgar received his JD from the University of North Carolina School of Law.  He is licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois.  Edgar also holds a BA from the University of Michigan.  

Sticking to Your Core Brand: Philanthropy with a Passion and Purpose
by Kyle Yeldell

With the recession affecting not only our wallets, but also our psyche, many entities and individuals have slashed their budgets exponentially. This is also true for, usually starting with the community outreach programs. There may be a way to incorporate sports into those community programs in a way that will not blow up the budget because there is always a need for community involvement. Outreach is important to not only be a difference in their surrounding communities, but it also helps the companies and individuals achieve the desired return on investment as each new community involvement project can create new customers, reinforce a brand and grow market-share. 

As consideration is given to the need for outreach and growth, it is important that any community outreach is done within the auspices of focused mission to avoid what some experts describe as “mission creep”, the act of straying from a core mission and values. The likelihood of mission creep is heightened during a down economy as entities scramble to increase their revenue and market share by grabbing whatever fad the marketing wizards say is in style at the moment. This is seen a lot with people reaching out to sports teams and players to include in a campaign as a band-aid or quick fix but problems arise when that campaign in not truly connected to the product, the entity or the end user. Sure face recognition and an alignment with a popular sports brand will give anything a shot in the arm but that alone will not likely sustain long-term growth. 

The search for those answers must start internally. Look around a find a community initiative that is already in place or naturally attached to the target audience of the company or product for such a solution. This attachment helps build passion, focus and familiarity while allowing the company to be genuine in its approach. But just looking for a quick fix, like reaching out to a sports team to serve as a marketing or brand ambassador will not solve all problems. This can also lead to a prime example of “mission creep” as a sports entity has no true connection to the product or company. NBA players advertising for a hover-round may look cool but that will not help them sell more products alone. However, this sports entity can host a basketball game for students with straight A grades or perfect attendance, which is a perfect merger of sports tackling an education issue – how to motivate students to achieve better grades – without adding much to the bottom line of the education budget.

Companies need to learn where he challenges are in connecting with the target audience for the products or services offered by the same and find how to use normal day-to-day operations to improve that connection. If those same companies or individuals want to see a change and want to use sports as a vessel for delivery that change, a plan should be developed that remains close to the vision of that company. A failed attempt at community outreach is often based in a company not sticking to the original focus but rather allowing a marketing tool to take away from that vision and that can have a strongly negative effect on future business. 

***

Kyle “Scoop” Yeldell is a Master’s candidate in the Sports Industry Management program at Georgetown University, focusing on Business, Management and Operations. An alumnus of Morehouse College, he is a professional writer for WooEB.com, continuing on his passion for the written word. His professional writing career began when he was 14, serving as the youngest national high school basketball writer in the nation for his website PrepHoops.com. He can be reached at kyle.yeldell@gmail.com.

Teamwork from a different perspective
By Guest Contributor Brian S. Yeldell

I have run into many people who have made the mistake of thinking that they need to do something MAJOR to be a contributing member of society. To a large extent, that is because so many and so much in society is about the big splash or the big accomplishment, but, there is something to be said for the people who do the little things that make the big stuff possible. 
Have you ever gone to a great event and said, “WOW!”? You walk in and everything is so well put together. There is the entrance, the décor, the food, the neatness, the servers are extremely courteous and helpful and the food is delectable. Well, you may take these things for granted, but a whole lot of folks pitched in to make that event an overall success. Frequently the emcee or event sponsor receives the credit. The “little people”, the event organizer, interior designer, cleaning crew, wait staff, chefs and so many others also do a whole lotta work to make such events successful. 
It is important to think about how the work the little people do. 
There are many people who are selfless and not in need of recognition, These are the people who value and take pride in what they do—even when they don’t receive credit or accolades for their contributions. More of us should be like and remember to acknowledge the little people. As a DC native, I think about Chuck Brown and the words to one of his songs, “whatever you do, big or small, do it well, or don’t do it at all!” That’s something we can all celebrate. 
Through this article I hope to recognize and show appreciation for the “little people” who make all of the big things possible. br>
Brian Yeldell is a graduate of Morehouse College and the Darden School of Business at UVA. After a successful career as an investment banker, Brian decided to focus his business acumen on helping smaller companies securing financing through micro loans and venture capital financing.

On January 20, 2009 the world held its breath, or at least breathed slowly, with patience, hope and anticipation. President Barack Obama was inaugurated and sworn into office. On February 17, 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed into law—a multibillion dollar mix of tax cuts and investments designed to fill gaps and encourage innovation. This month’s IMPACT newsletter features articles from contributing authors reflecting on the Administration—its actions to date and thoughts for the future.

This month we have assemble a great group of young professionals to give us perspective on the work done by the Obama Administration in its first full year of operation.

We feature Melanie Roussell as our IMPACT Leader of the Month. Melanie is responsible for managing communications for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Melanie has worked on Capitol Hill as well but to many she is best known for her work in the community. As a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Melanie has been familiar with the requirements of service and does not shy away from it. 

IMPACT Leader – March 2010

Melanie N. Roussell is currently serving as the Press Secretary for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan. Specializing in crisis communication and management, Roussell has spent nearly seven years inside the Beltway crafting messages and developing communication strategies for political principles.

Roussell first came to Washington, DC as a CBCF intern in 2001 for former Rep. William Jefferson and returned as his staff assistant in 2002. She later served as Public Information Director for the New Orleans District Attorney, where she began to specialize in daily crisis management.

Raising the Bar(s)

By Guest Contributor Ashley Finigan

Today, the United States has the dubious distinction of having the largest prison system in the world. According to a study by the Pew Center on the States, we now have over 2.3 million people living behind bars at a great cost to the states, the federal government and the future human capital of the nation. While punitive minimum sentencing—three strikes laws and the discrepancy between crack/cocaine offenses have all contributed to the ballooning prison population—none have helped to boost our global standing in educational attainment or achievement.

Moreover, strict sentencing laws have not done much to improve rates of recidivism, as many inmates habitually relapse into crime. Many who go to jail on drug charges come out hardened by the experience and continue the cycle of crime and self-destruction.

Connecting Threads: The First Lady’s First Year and Beyond

By Guest Contributor Sherrae M. Hayes

First Lady Michelle Obama, in the words of 23-year old New York University Ph.D. student Carmen Phillips, is a “one-woman stimulus package”, singlehandedly boosting the pride of professional women of color. Amidst declining approval ratings for President Obama, a potential overhaul of healthcare, and a deep recession – one thing remains unchanged: Mrs. Obama has retained her status as a vibrant leader, inspiring professional women of color through her fashion and more importantly, her fortitude.

On the surface, one can easily trace increased sales for wider belts, bolder colors, single-strand pearls, and assorted sleeveless dresses back to the First Lady, but the threads run deeper and connect professional women of color to a greater sense of hope. Tiffany Norman, 32, an established fashion/event producer originally from Washington DC, has been orchestrating Mercedes Benz Fashion Week shows from behind the scenes for several seasons.

Gov 2.0: Weaving Tech Through the Basket of Government

By Guest Contributor Kate Krontiris

There has been much talk of Obama’s “tech presidency” – and not just because he refused to give up his Blackberry. President Obama himself is a digital native, but the use of social media and information technology at all levels of government is what has really launched the federal infrastructure into the era of Gov 2.0. The administration has its first-ever “Chief Technology Officer” (Aneesh Chopra) and has commenced the Open Government Initiative, a directive requiring federal agencies to immediately commit to specific actions for greater transparency, participation, and collaboration. Technology is obviously a key component of this new policy.

Let’s Move

By Guest Contributor Hope Goins

According to the White House official website, Michelle Obama is first and foremost Sasha and Malia’s mom. During her time as First Lady, however, Mrs. Obama has shown a genuine concern for America’s children, and most recently has become the leader in America’s fight against childhood obesity, which affects approximately one third of America’s children.

On February 9, 2010, President Obama issued a memorandum naming a task force on childhood obesity. In this memorandum, the President stated that First Lady Obama will lead a national public awareness effort to tackle the epidemic of childhood obesity. This public awareness effort by First Lady Obama is Let’s Move. With Let’s Move, Mrs. Obama is not only partnering with senior executive branch officials, but also community leaders, teachers, physicians, and other parents throughout the country to change the lifestyles of America’s children.

President Obama is in Office, Now What?

By Guest Contributor Diana Vega

I work for a non-profit organization and spend much of my time going into DC Public Schools. When I enter schools I am greeted with murals of Barack Obama, posters of Obama, large cut outs of Obama. Teachers and school officials have buttons, pictures, and other Obama paraphernalia at their desks or on bookshelves. One day I asked a student, “What did you learn in school today?” “We learned about President Obama,” he said. While Obama has served as an inspiration to people of all ages, races, and walks of life, it is perhaps in these hallways where he means more than one could imagine. With his physical presence just miles away from where DC school children learn, his proximity to some of the most under-resourced schools in the region serves as an example of how much work there is to do to improve the quality of public education for low-income and minority children in DC and throughout the country.

The Impact of a Reauthorized Workforce Investment Act

By Guest Contributor Ryon Lane

“America cannot lead in the 21st Century unless we have the best educated, most competitive workforce in the world.”—President Barack Obama, April 24, 2009 
Congress writes a variety of federal legislation with the intention of regularly revising it (i.e., reauthorizing) in response to ongoing societal changes. That is to say, as time progresses and our national needs change, some of our laws are designed to change with us. Without such change, it’s easy to conceive of how stagnant laws might hinder national, communal or even individual development and growth.

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) was signed into law in 1998 and was scheduled for reauthorization in 2003. However, that reauthorization never took place (while the House and Senate drafted and voted on reauthorization proposals in committee politics prevented the bills from being passed out of either chamber). WIA now operates on a “continued” basis, meaning that the last three sessions of Congress have simply renewed the legislation under generally the same terms which it was initially passed rather than passing an amended reauthorization of the legislation in order to make it more effectively meet our current needs.

Maintenance Man

By Guest Contributor Christian Boulden

Many consider President Barack Obama to be a Maintenance Man, as it’s been nearly a generation since we’ve seen our country in the peril that is our current reality. While many past presidents get the opportunity to establish their agenda and maintain in cruise control, President Obama has had to come in with his boots and tool-belt on, working to undo in one term what has been developing since the 1980s.

As we near the halfway point of our president’s tenure, Americans, as much as any other time in recent memory, has been paying close attention to the progress (or lack thereof) that America has made since January 2009. What we’ve seen is that America has a long way to go before it can pat itself on the back and say, “Job Well Done”. Our economy still leaves a lot to be desired, we’re still at war, and unemployment is at levels reminiscent of the Great Depression—particularly in communities of color. There is a great deal of work to be done but there are few things that should rank at the top of the priority list.

A Review of Financial Stability in the Obama Era

By Guest Contributor Fabrice Coles

When President Obama took office, he pledged to lead the United States out of the economic doldrums that had befallen it. When he took the oath of office, over three million jobs had been lost in the previous year, banks had ceased to lend to families and small businesses, and economic uncertainty hung over the nation like a heavy rain cloud. Now that a little more than a year has passed since his inauguration, it is possible to perform an objective assessment of the impact to date of the Administration’s proposals.

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Unemployment is one of the largest issues impacting the nation and everyday more and more people are losing jobs. Communities of color are feeling the effects of the job crisis the most. To tackle this issue, the Department of Labor has announced three new grant opportunities totaling $193.2 million. These grants are available for community-based job training ($125 million), trade adjustment assistance ($1.2 million) and Indian and Native American Employment and Training programs ($67 million).

Radio and politics, the new spin for young voters

By Guest Contributor Meredith Chase-Mitchell

“Yes, we can”, a slogan we all know well, a slogan that people across the globe know, regardless of age, race and socio-economic class. Some may say it’s a pledge that rings in the ears of people everywhere, who for the first time in 2008, believed that America is the land where dreams come true. The innovative, ground breaking and historic Presidential campaign of our President Barack Obama, tapped into all demographics and resulted in a victory for all to remember. How did one man, who many thought the odds were against, manage to appeal to so many? How did one man accomplish securing the most powerful voting age group in America? Simple, music.

Where Obama, and the Country, Goes From Here

By Guest Contributor Jason Parham

I sat watching Van Jones, the environmental activist, accept a NAACP President’s Award on television some three or four weeks back. Jones, standing bespectacled in his black-and-white tuxedo at the podium, said something that I have been thinking about since. This was the same man who spent months in the headlines when his checkered background came into question as “Green Jobs Czar” to President Obama (mostly for his involvement with STORM and his support of Mumia Abu-Jamal, a death row prisoner). Standing before the rapt crowd he said, among other things: “I still believe in the politics of hope.” Jones, idealistic to the core, was referencing not only the platform a once bright-eyed and black-haired Senator Barack Obama from Illinois had run on, but his own belief that the economy and unemployment and, really, America would turn around for the better. I sat, in cynicism, wondering how Jones could so wholeheartedly believe in hope after the year we had endured: education rapidly turning into a dying industry, a healthcare bill built up only to be torn down by a wily group of red herrings, unemployment surging like an unhinged rollercoaster. Thankfully, in the midnight hour on March 22, 2010, healthcare reform was approved by a majority vote of 219 to 212 in the House of Representatives. What the Senate will do with it next is a good a guess as any. I have learned not to get my hopes up.

Happy Black History Month! It has been a phenomenal year in Black History. On November 4, 2008, the United States of America made history by electing the first Black President, Barack H. Obama. On that day, black children all over the country truly embraced the fact that one day, they too could become President of the USA. The words “hope” and “change” went from distant dreams to realities…but now what?

At the time of his election, Obama warned us that the work was just beginning–that is indeed the truth. As we look at how this recession is severely impacting the African American community (not just a recession but it is indeed a DEPRESSION in many areas with large black populations, as we face the reality that healthcare reform is an uphill battle while members of our community continue to suffer with ailments that are readily solvable with basic coverage, as we think about the disproportionate numbers of black males that populate jail cells and fail to matriculate from our nation’s colleges and universities–the work is indeed far from over. So, now what?

What will you do to make an IMPACT? To make history? To realize that the work remaining is not up to the President, his Administration, or elected officials alone? What will YOU do? We know what has been. We recognize the great contributions of change agents of the past and present, but we have SO much more to do. It is time to move forward. In wealth management, financial advisors tell clients about the importance of succession planning. The riches that exist within our community and the struggles endured overtime demand the need for a succession plan!
As Black History Month comes to an end, I hope and pray that our rich history paves the way for an even brighter future. This month we are celebrating the role that young advocates of color have played in advancing our communities. The mission and membership of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) recently came under attack by an under-researched, hyperbole-filled blog post by Boyce Watkins. Many of my colleagues read in disbelief trying to understand who in the world he met. Many NBLSA Alumni went into under-paid public interest positions to protect the members of our community who have suffered from a lack of advocacy for years. We start law firms where we can take cases that may be rejected in majority firms, we advocate for hiring and retaining people of color at large firms, we engage in community service activities—from pro bono law practice to serving at food banks, we start organizations—like IMPACT—to fulfill our obligation to our peers to always create access and opportunity.

Here are just a few examples of some of the great things NBLSA members have and continue to do:

Charmain Admiral: In an effort to ensure the greatest resources are provided with compassionate, quality legal services her solo practice specializes in juvenile defense. She tailors services to the individual child in an effort to ensure that their first experience with the criminal system is their last. Her mantra is: Protecting liberty while providing second chances.
Christopher Chestnut: Founding The Chestnut Firm four years ago, he has focused his practice on large scale class actions that have an adverse impact on the African American community—tobacco first and now, Avandia which is a drug disproportionately given to African Americans suffering from diabetes. In addition to the abundance of community service done by the firm—from turkey give-a-ways during Thanksgiving to gas tank fill-ups during this economic recession—Chris has made sure that serving the community by providing access to justice and resources is top priority. The firm’s three offices in Jacksonville, Miami, and Gainesville are guided by its mission: Justice Because YOU Deserve It.

Raqiyyah Pippins: After participating in a six-month pro bono rotation with the Children’s Law Center during which she helped find permanency for kids in (or on the verge of entering) the neglect system, she joined Kelley Drye Warren LLP as an food and drug and advertising associate with a focus on food marketing to children.

I have been afforded the opportunity to start IMPACT with some of the greatest advocates in the world! I serve as Senior Advisor and Counsel to the House Committee on Homeland Security where Congressman Bennie G. Thompson is Chairman, and he has created a platform for me to focus on assisting disenfranchised, small minority owned businesses with understanding how to access contracting opportunities with the Department of Homeland Security. Prior to working for the Committee, I was blessed with the opportunity to work for the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) as the Coordinator of Advocacy and Legislative Affairs. I was charged with advocating for the issues of 120 historically and predominately black colleges and universities on Capitol Hill.

NBLSA instilled in us the importance of the Charles Hamilton Houston mission: be a social engineer, not a parasite to society. This Black History Month, we celebrate individuals who are true social engineers—making an IMPACT within their communities and all over the world. Our IMPACT Leader this month, Attorney Bizunesh Scott is the Founder and Of Counsel at Advice & Counsel PLLC. Additionally, Attorney Shomari Wade shares important principles in government contracting law. IMPACT Intern, Michiel Perry shares the important headway attorneys of color are making in technology law, while Attorney Youshea Berry provides counsel on what to look for in new office space for solo practicioners.

February 2010 IMPACT Leader of the Month: Bizunesh “Biz” Scott

Bizunesh “Biz” Scott provides strategic legal advice and counsel on general business matters, corporate compliance, cost-reductions, litigation, contracts, electronic discovery management, document retention, talent management, and diversity initiatives. She has specific experience in the retail, financial services, entertainment, and professional consulting industries. Ms. Scott frequently speaks at legal seminars and conferences on issues ranging from compliance to diversity and mentoring.

She is currently serving as Interim General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Golfsmith International Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOLF). At Golfsmith, she manages all legal functions of the business including oversight of legal issues related to retail real estate, contract drafting and negotiations, human resources, securities and governance, intellectual property, compliance, and overall corporate strategy.

She has also been a Deputy Associate Counsel (White House Associate Program) for the Executive Office of the President of the United State’s Office of Presidential Personnel. Before starting Advice and Counsel LLP, Ms. Scott practiced at both Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and Latham & Watkins. As outside counsel, she has defended clients during government agency investigations, criminal investigations, class actions, civil actions, and with respect to changes in management.

More specifically, her civil representation includes complex state and federal civil actions alleging securities fraud, RICO violations, False Claims Act violations, breach of contract, wrongful termination, fraud, and breach of fiduciary duties. She has represented businesses and individuals that were under government investigation for a variety of allegations including accounting fraud or improprieties, FCPA violations, improper trading, market manipulation, and consumer fraud.

Ms. Scott also spent six months on a rotation at the Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia, defending eviction actions in the Landlord-Tenant Branch of the D.C. Superior Court and administrative proceedings at the D.C. Housing Authority. Ms. Scott clerked for the Honorable Emmet G. Sullivan on the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Ms. Scott earned her J.D. from University of Michigan Law School, a member of both Michigan Law Review and Journal of Gender and Law. She also competed in three moot court competitions, Michigan Law School Campbell Moot Court competition, Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition, and Jessup International Moot Court Competition. Ms. Scott is currently pursuing an L.L.M. at Georgetown Law School.

Past IMPACT Leader featured on Essence.com

Michelle C. Thomas, provides insight in the March issue of ESSENCE, a nationally distributed magazine, regarding finances and how single parents can plan for and protect their children’s futures.

Many times, government contractors are in the news for all of the wrong reasons. Familiar examples include private security contractors operating in Iraq and Afghanistan pushing the limits of military law and incredibly complex accounting practices where a hammer can cost upwards of $400. Major news organizations tend to focus on the exotic, rare occurrence in the field. However, the vast majority of government contracts are fairly ordinary, supplying services such as janitorial services and office supplies. There are, of course, those multi-billion dollar procurements reserved for a few massive corporations to design warplanes or complex, space age weapon systems. As government contracts attorneys, we assist companies large and small with doing business with the government. True expertise is needed to navigate the complex rules and regulations that govern the nation’s federal procurement system. Perhaps most rewarding is seeing the small minority owned, woman owned and veteran owned businesses grow from start ups to accomplished, successful corporations.

The United States government is the largest single purchaser of goods and services in the world. Every year, the Government issues an overwhelming number of contracts valued at approximately $250 billion dollars. The Government, understandably, developed a highly complex regulatory and administrative regime that determines how it procures goods and services from contractors. Unlike commercial contracting, which is governed by the Uniform Commercial Code and common law, the federal government procurement system is governed by a vast array of regulations and statutes. These regimes restrict how a federal agency can solicit bids on contracts, how the agency can award the contract and, most importantly, how much the Government can reimburse a contractor for the work performed.

The Federal Acquisition Rules (popularly known as the FAR) contain a myriad of rules, policies and procedures that govern acquisitions by all federal agencies. Developing an expertise in the FAR is essential as a government contracts practitioner. It governs practically every aspect of procurement, from labor law, to accounting systems, to appeals processes. It also codifies statutes, such as the Buy American laws.

The Government’s Affirmative Action policies for small, minority owned businesses are also included in government contracts law. A Small Business Administration program known as the 8(a) Program is responsible for fostering minority and woman owned businesses participation in the government contracts sector. Companies have nine years to compete for special set aside contracts. In nine years time, successful companies graduate from the program with the experience and resources to compete with traditional companies. Additionally, the Government offers incentives to businesses that are located in historically underutilized locations (HUBZones), such as blighted urban areas or economically depressed rural communities.

Not being your typical commercial customer, the Government imposes a high ethical responsibility on contractors. What is considered to be tough negotiating in the private sector may be illegal in the government contracts world thanks to the Truth in Negotiating Statutes. If the Government relies on a false statement when making an award, that contractor may be subject to civil and criminal liability. Also, lax invoices may also subject a contractor to a False Claims liability. Doing business with the United States government is complex and challenging. However, with diligence and hard work, government contracting can provide a great opportunity for small companies looking to grow. Likewise, as an attorney practicing government contracts law, I’m exposed to a varied, fast paced practice that I immensely enjoy.

Shomari Wade, Esq. is an associate at Troutman Saunders. He focuses his practice on government contract matters such as contract formation work, which includes negotiation of teaming agreements, formation of joint ventures and developing small business subcontracting plans. He works extensively in small business programs such as HubZone, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business and 8(a). Shomari has an active litigation practice which includes bid protest and claims before the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals. Shomari is a graduate of Tulane University Law School and Howard University.

Attorneys of Color Making Headway in Bridging the Legal Digital Divide, But More is NeededBy IMPACT Intern, Michiel Perry

Technology is quickly becoming the most important and fastest growing part of the economy, even amidst the economic slowdown. One of the biggest legal and policy decisions of our lifetime will be acted upon in a matter of weeks. The Federal Communications Commission is devising the broadband policy plan, which is slated for release on March 17, 2010. This plan will address many issues, but (1) broadband accessibility and (2) internet openness are of significant importance to communities of color. These two policies will affect communities of color substantially, with broadband access having the ability to close the high speed digital divide and internet openness keeping internet entrepreneurship a reality for people of color. Yet with all of this talk about technology and the Internet in the legal and policy world, there are relatively few lawyers of color engaged the discussion.

Currently, African Americans compose a small proportion of the number of internet and technology lawyers. Doing research for this article was both informative and disturbing. In spite of my efforts, I was not able to find statistics on the numbers of attorneys of color doing tech/internet law. Despite dismal numerical representation and lack of avenues for people of color to gain access into this industry, attorneys of color are still making an impact in the tech and internet world.

Many know Google as the premier search engine, but very few know that its legal department is headed by an attorney of color: David Drummond, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and the Chief Legal Officer of Google. In this role, he leads Google’s global teams for legal, government relations, corporate development (M&A and investment projects) and new business development (strategic partnerships and licensing opportunities). Drummond’s experience in the legal world of technology is unmatched, as he was a former partner at Wilson Sonsini, working with a wide variety of technology companies to help them manage complex transactions such as mergers, acquisitions and initial public offering.

Google also touts another shining star in internet/tech law world, who just so happens to be an attorney of color, Harry Wingo, who currently serves as legislative counsel at the company. Wingo has a shining resume which includes a stint as counsel for the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, legal adviser at the Federal Communications Commission, and serving the USA as a Navy SEAL.

As we all know, technology does not solely mean working for a dot com firm, but it also involves firms such as internet service providers and cellular service providers. In this realm, another attorney of color has managed to become a leader in this industry. As Senior Vice President of Federal Government Affairs at Verizon Wireless, Marie Sylla, a former hill staffer and graduate of Catholic Law School, handles congressional and executive branch lobbying efforts the company. In this role, she handles issues such as net neutrality, intellectual property and accessibility.

Although there are some brilliant attorneys of color in the legal world of the tech industry, there are far from enough. Internet and technology are arguably the most innovative sectors of the economy, yet attorneys of color are few and far between. It will take both a concerted effort by black lawyers to promote the tech/internet legal industry and an industry initiative to increase the numbers of attorney of color in the tech/internet sector, If you are a current or aspiring attorney of color, I urge you to learn more about the tech/internet industry and look at is a possible career path and to use the knowledge and access you gain to make an IMPACT on communities of color by helping to alleviate the Digital Divide of legal representation in these industries.

What to Look for in Office Space for Your Law Practice By Youshea A. Berry, Principal, Law Office of Youshea A. Berry

fice space for your business can be a daunting task. It can overwhelm and unnerve even the most levelheaded professional who is trying to juggle the practice of law and other professional and personal commitments. In many ways, finding office space for the first time is like renting an apartment: you must determine, from the limited amount of information given to you by the management company, if that is a suitable place where your business can rest its corporate head. Of course, since it is an endeavor that is undertaken while you continue to practice law (and run a business), and since office moves are often borne out of necessity (e.g. current least term is about to expire, firm is expanding), there is usually a time element that adds significant stress to this decision.

Alas, there is hope. There are several factors that can be considered when you are looking for office space for your new (or existing) business. I recently went through this process myself, and am happy to offer to you my list of things to consider when looking for office space. I categorized each set of points for easier reading, but this is by no means a one-size-fits-all solution for every law firm. Keep in mind that these are all things that I found helpful; your own firm may have more (or fewer) needs to consider in your quest for the perfect space. Happy hunting!

Youshea A. Berry, Esq., is the principal of the Law Office of Youshea A. Berry in Washington, D.C. Her practice is focused on the areas of real estate and business law. She provides legal counsel to individuals, businesses, corporations, non-profits, and churches in the District of Columbia and in Maryland.

Behind the Music…Attorney Behind the Scenes By Anthony Jones, Managing Partner, The Jones Firm LLP

Behind the screen, behind all the glitz and glamor of the entertainment industry lie the unknown individuals that make the industry what work. Although less acclaimed than the artists, films and television shows that receive the majority of the attention, behind the scenes people such as agents, writers, producers, managers, and attorneys are the backbone of the exciting industry. Much like a starving artist trying to get his or her album some attention, building a successful career behind the scenes can also be a difficult journey. Now in my sixth year as practicing entertainment attorney, I realize that my road wasn’t an easy one, but it is the passion for what I do and producing an end product consisting not only of a creative concept, but a solid business and legal foundation, fuels me to make a positive impact in the industry and leave a lasting impression. I began as a young wanna-be artist slash producer slash DJ, carrying crates of records to parties that I was probably too young to attend. In my spare time, I would check into a freestyle cypher, write a rhyme or two and occasionally hop on the turntables to rock a party, all while developing a first hand appreciation of the determination it took to be a successful talent.

Soon after, figuring out early on that my college basketball career and suburban upbringing would be a “tough sell” as a rap star, I made my first A&R decision and decided not to pursue the lime light, but instead, to look elsewhere to find a synergy where I could express my creativity and use my business acumen. I began to immerse myself into everything I could get my hands on that had to do with the ‘music business’. Eventually, this self education gave me the confidence to take on managing artists and songwriters, and eventually starting an independent label, subsequently procuring a distribution deal with Sony; all while I was still in law school.

As a practicing attorney in this industry, a changing landscape in entertainment, media and technology provides a ripe ground for the creative brand of law and consulting that my firm, The Jones Firm, endeavors to deliver. From its inception, I wanted The Jones Firm to just ‘feel’ different than most attorneys and firms offering legal services. I’ve incorporated many of the skills I learned as a music manager, record label executive and most importantly, as an entrepreneur, to fashion a fresh brand of interactive law practice geared toward making a worldwide impact in entertainment.

With offices in New York City, Honolulu and Buffalo, I’m proud to say my firm’s clients have worked for everyone from Beyoncé, Jay-Z, P.Diddy , Notorious BIG, John Legend, Jennifer Lopez and many others in music, film and sports. We are also focusing on creative ideas using entertainment, or ‘edutainment’ as a way to improving our educational methods in the school system and international deals raising financing opportunities for businesses in developing countries.

Breaking into the entertainment industry as talent or behind the scenes will always be an elusive and challenging journey, but with the fuel of creativity and never losing the mentality of the artist hustling to make his first ‘big break’, talent and business professionals can find a way to success through the obstacles.

Mr. Jones is Managing Partner of the Jones Firm LLP. He has over 10 years in the entertainment business as a manager, record executive, producer and entertainment attorney. Currently Mr. Jones represents Grammy nominated, platinum and multiplatinum recording artists, producers and record labels throughout the US and overseas and on the film side he represents film directors and producers who have worked with award winning productions.

USDA and Department of Justice Announce Historic Settlement in Lawsuit by Black Farmers Claiming Discrimination by USDA

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the successful resolution of the longstanding litigation known as Pigford II. The settlement agreement reached today, which is contingent on appropriation by Congress, will provide a total of $1.25 billion to African American farmers who alleged that they suffered racial discrimination in USDA farm loan programs. The settlement sets up a non-judicial claims process through which individual farmers may demonstrate their entitlement to cash damages awards and debt relief.

Below is a statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack:

“USDA has made it a top priority to ensure all farmers are treated fairly and equally. We have worked hard to address USDA’s checkered past so we can get to the business of helping farmers succeed. The agreement reached today is an important milestone in putting these discriminatory claims behind us for good and in achieving finality for this group of farmers with longstanding grievances.

“Because this Administration firmly believed that a full and final class-wide settlement was possible, the Administration requested $1.15 billion in the 2010 budget, on top of the $100 million already provided by Congress, to facilitate a settlement. I now urge Congress to provide the funding necessary to ensure that that these farmers and USDA can close this sad chapter and move on.

“As I testified before Congress during my confirmation hearings last year, the USDA under the Obama Administration has made civil rights a top priority, which is why we are working to implement a comprehensive program to take definitive action to move USDA into a new era as a model employer and premier service provider.”

Below is a statement from Attorney General Eric Holder:

“Bringing this litigation to a close has been a priority for this Administration. With the settlement announced today, USDA and the African American farmers who brought this litigation can move on to focus on their future. The plaintiffs can move forward and have their claims heard – with the federal government standing not as an adversary, but as a partner.”

In 1999, the USDA entered into a consent agreement with black farmers in which the agency agreed to pay farmers for past discrimination in lending and other USDA programs. Thousands of claims have been adjudicated, but thousands of other claims were not considered on their merits because the affected farmers submitted their claims after the settlement claims deadline. To address the remaining claims, Congress provided these farmers another avenue for restitution in the 2008 Farm Bill by providing a right to file a claim in federal court. The total amount offered by the federal government in the agreement announced today, $1.25 billion, includes the $100 million appropriated by Congress in Section 14012 of the Farm Bill.

Last May, President Obama announced his plans to include settlement funds for black farmers in the FY 2010 budget to bring closure to their long-standing litigation against the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The settlement is contingent on Congress appropriating the $1.15 billion that the President requested. Following the appropriation, class members may pursue their individual claims through a non-judicial claims process in front of a neutral arbitrator. Claimants who establish their credit-related claims will be entitled to receive up to $50,000 and debt relief. A separate track may provide actual damages of up to $250,000 through a more rigorous process. The actual value of awards may be reduced based on the total amount of funds made available and the number of successful claims.

A moratorium on foreclosures of most claimants’ farms will be in place until after claimants have gone through the claims process or the Secretary is notified that a claim has been denied. The claims process agreed to by the parties may provide payments to successful claimants beginning in the middle of 2011. Ensuring equitable treatment of all USDA employees and clients is a top priority for Secretary Vilsack.

He has issued a clear policy and a comprehensive plan to improve USDA’s record on Civil Rights and made it clear to all employees that discrimination of any form will not be tolerated at USDA. Some of the actions taken to transform USDA into a new era as a model employer and premier service provider include:

• USDA revamped the program civil rights complaints system to improve the complaint process. For the first time since 1997, USDA now has investigators on staff to do the field work needed to investigate complaints.
• After a competitive bidding process, USDA has hired outside, private firm to do an independent external analysis of the department’s service delivery programs to identify problem areas and fixes. The firm will consider programs at USDA to identify barriers to equal and fair access for all USDA customers.
• In April, USDA suspended all foreclosures in the Farm Service Agency’s loan program for 90 days to provide an opportunity to review loans that could have been related to discriminatory conduct.
• USDA’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights has initiated a series of unprecedented civil rights trainings for USDA field leadership teams and required trainings for all political appointees and senior departmental leadership.
• To try and resolve internal disputes and conflicts early and to enhance the use of alternative dispute resolution at USDA, the department is also establishing a congressionally mandated Ombudsman office to improve dispute resolution efforts.