Showing posts with label Charleston SC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charleston SC. Show all posts

Saturday, October 24, 2015

9 days until Election Day 2015 - #ONECharleston - #GregorieforMayor


Whew ... 9 days left until Election Day 2015!!!
Ive been meaning to get to this ‪#‎BrainPhart‬ ...The whole process is about to come to a head and YOU play a great part in that. ‪#‎CHSMayor‬
Ive been praying for many months now... for our various community leaders; from the POTUS on down to all our mayoral candidates here in Charleston.
Ive been praying for clarity in their actions, words and deeds; for their sanity, emotional and physical as well as spiritual health.
Any political campaign is no joke ... it's a relentless yet rewarding process.
I pray for campaign workers, and poll workers. Most of all.. I pray that the people of Charleston SC (America) would come out on their General Election days and that they exercise their ‪#‎RIGHT2VOTE‬
Most of all Ive prayed for the people of Charleston SC as we have experienced the unimaginable, where love and faith abounded and dismissed hatred yet left the wound of reality wide open. The people of Charleston have risen above it all and I pray will continue to do the right thing.
There are something like 90 precincts at some 42 polling stations...
Im going to need y'all to act like you give a damn about your life and this city.
We've got to do more than come out for the presidential election years.. your local municipalities needs your involvement as well. ‪#‎GETINVOLVED‬
Things can't change unless YOU get involved. ‪#‎ROCKTHEVOTE‬ Nov 3rd
The past few months have been challenging and absolutely awesome.
Though you havent seen evidence of my presence, i.e. photographs or videos, I have been "listening" to Charleston SC.
I have learned so much that Im indeed armed with a knowledge that is quite transferable. We'll see where it takes me.
The spirituality of Charleston SC allows for one to grow if they are open to life. Let the reclamation of Ancestral Energy be received.
I've seen many changes in this city in the past 5 plus years that Ive been here.
Ive had the opportunity to see Charleston from many points of view in the company of many terrific and engaging people.
They are Been Ya's or Come Ya's like myself. We are ‪#‎ONECharleston‬!
I think of the spirit that would arise in people if William Dudley Gregorie is elected Mayor of Charleston. The ripple effect of such an appointment by the people would be felt across the entire nation and world.
Charleston SC is Da Root!! .... it is truly essential to the core of the United States of America as we know it.
Opportunities and experiences afforded myself and those around me could have never happened on another campaign.
I come from a people whose credo is "we likkle but we talawa" ... I carry this same energy into working for the Gregorie for Mayor campaign.
I BELIEVE IN MY CANDIDATE... The Man, The City Councilman, The HUD Executive, The Church Trustee, The Son of ... Brother of ... Uncle of ... Cousin of .. Friend of... Burke, Benedict, Howard, and so on.. grin emoticon
We all know Im not the easiest person to get along with, so imagine having to school me on the nuances of tasks that I must assist with.
The Man has patience to teach me of all people.. he is open to learning, exploring new ideas and has the arsenal of knowledge and experience to bring projects to fruition.
I look at the field of candidates and logically, spiritually, morally and respectfully William Dudley Gregorie is the right person to take Charleston through the transition period of a 40 year regime and encourage the inclusiveness and diversity and opportunity of all, in all aspects of life, work and play!! #ONECharleston
My Vote is cast... Yes, for Gregorie For Mayor.
Im honored to do what I do during this time of change. I know how I came into this city. I've seen not only myself, but others come into their own during their involvement with the #ONECharleston campaign. The ripple effect is amazing..
I embrace the humility which allows me to serve as campaign assistant to the next Mayor of Charleston SC William Dudley Gregorie

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Next mayor’s goal should be ‘#OneCharleston, a city for everyone’ by William Dudley Gregorie

Next mayor’s goal should be ‘One Charleston, a city for everyone’ - The Post and Courier Editorial
Oct 20 2015 12:01 am
BY WILLIAM DUDLEY GREGORIE
As an incumbent City Councilman, I am uniquely qualified to be the next mayor of Charleston. My ongoing involvement with city budgets, programs, City Council, the mayor, public and private partners and neighborhood associations puts me in a unique position to guide the city through a stable transition.
If you elect me as mayor of our city I will step into that enormous responsibility not only prepared to understand and execute current programs and Charleston’s future ambitions but also to protect the precious Charleston Brand that is known around the world.
As an incumbent City Councilman, I have consistently demonstrated that I have the courage to lead and build coalitions. I understand budgets and will hold spending within limits and bring projects to fruition. I’ve been a part of a City Council whose fiscal responsibility has continued to maintain the city’s AAA bond rating with no negative audit findings in any of the city departments. All of these qualities are vital to the continued growth of our city and the mayor’s job description.
Charleston’s vested projects will proceed as planned under my leadership. They include the West Ashley Senior Center, extension of the River Walk, the International African American Museum, Colonial Lake, drainage projects, the WestEdge/Horizon project, Magnolia redevelopment, West Ashley future redevelopment, Higgins Pier and Upper Peninsula/Morrison Drive redeployment.
I am no newcomer to public service. For 32 years I served with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C., and in Columbia, where I was the agency’s highest-ranking official in the Palmetto State. In that position, I saw to it that our city benefitted significantly from HUD funding by creating hundreds of jobs, housing and services for local residents.
I have a proven record. After winning a seat on City Council from District Six, I immediately made history as I steered significant sustainable urban development to my district. I am again standing on another historic threshold to write a new chapter in Charleston’s political history and to make my dream of “One Charleston, a city that works for everyone” a reality.
It is more than just a political slogan. As mayor I will expend my energy on a wide range of issues that are as familiar to me as my boyhood home on the Westside of the peninsula. My experience has helped me to prepare a leadership agenda for Charleston.
After taking the oath of office in January, I will use my 32-year experience in housing and community development to place in the pipeline by the end of my first term 500 to 1,000 affordable units in the tri-county. These units will be built near employment centers for all income levels in conjunction with regional partners. In addition I will work regionally to implement a 10-year plan to end chronic homelessness. One step toward accomplishing these goals is through jobs and real, livable wages. As a councilman I have supported raising the entry-level wage for city employees to $10.16 an hour. I will approach other public and private entities to voluntarily do the same.
I will create Choice Neighborhoods that transform distressed neighborhoods into viable and sustainable mixed-income communities linked with appropriate services, schools, public assets, transportation and access to jobs.
We must continue to grow our economy, especially in the technology sector so that we can truly become a Silicon Harbor. We have already seen the success of our city’s Flagship Technology Incubator that has yielded tech companies such as People Matter and Boomtown. As mayor I will continue this economic development effort to diversify business opportunities.
Transportation and land use planning are high priorities for me. Over the next decade the region will continue to experience tremendous growth. As a result, we must protect our natural resources and rural lands. We must be serious about transportation infrastructure needs to serve a region of one million people. We must develop better rapid, public transit and employ new technologies. And we must built rapid transit to connect Charleston with other Southeastern cities. In the short term, however, we will need a robust regional plan to realistically and appropriately fund public transit and encourage the state and the county to look at all options related to I-526. But not all transportation requires a rapid movement of masses of people. Some transportation is slow by nature, such as bikes and the simple act of walking. We must focus on pedestrian and bike paths, bike rack improvements and other recommendations as outlined in the Mobility Plan prepared by urban planner Gabe Klein.
Public safety is an essential element to sustain and improve the quality of life for all Charlestonians and visitors. We need to re-educate our citizens to assist police in making their communities safer, and give our police officers the tools to prevent and solve crimes along with the ability to expand to accommodate our growth. The same holds true for our Fire Department, which under this current City Council regained its accreditation.
I would create an office of education that would seek funding and work with community-based organizations to provide early childhood and childhood subsidies so single mothers and families can be assured of high-quality early childhood education. We must use the city’s influences to tap into the engineering, science, art and mathematics communities to emphasize the STEAM program for not just minority students but for all of our children with a focus on girls in particular.
I will continue to implement the vision, community and heritage policies in the 2007 40-year preservation plan adopted by the city that suggest updates to the city’s preservation ordinance to reflect contemporary concepts of preservation. In addition, I will implement the goals and objectives of the 2015 Tourism Management Plan to maintain the critical balance between Charleston’s residential quality of life and the tourism economy, while preserving Charleston’s authenticity and sense of place. If we do otherwise, we’ll run the risk of looking like every other city in the country. I pledge to be a responsible steward and not allow that to happen to our city. I will ensure that the city’s growth is controlled and assimilated into appropriate areas. We must offer tax incentives to assist businesses to remain in their locations and allow them to continue to have a seat at the table of prosperity.
As mayor I will prepare a transition plan with input from the business community, neighborhoods and citizens to protect the Charleston Brand. Anything short of this could be chaotic with negative effects on preservation, livability, growth and economic prosperity — locally, regionally and globally.
The recent record-setting rainfall reminds us that drainage will consistently be a problem in low-lying Charleston. I am not a newcomer to this and other issues. As mayor I will complete all existing drainage projects. As funding permits, I will continue to implement other stormwater improvements, increase investment in drainage efforts and apply necessary updates to the Master Drainage and Flood Plain Management Plan.
Disaster preparedness and recovery experience are essential for the mayor’s office. Having worked in emergency management for several disasters across the country, including hurricanes Hugo and Katrina, I will be ready from day one to provide disaster management for our city, if necessary.
Diversity and inclusion are essential to Charleston’s future. Promoting minority- and women-owned businesses will remain my focus. I will establish a level playing field for these businesses through business incubators. Tax incentives and zoning bonuses to developers that provide affordable commercial space to these businesses are important options.
Taken as a whole, my vision for Charleston embraces my dream of “One Charleston, a city that works for everyone.” If I am fortunate to be your next mayor, I want my legacy to reflect my vision for the present and beyond. I want every citizen to feel as though they are part of this wonderful city we call home. For too long, Charleston has only been thought of as just the peninsula. James Island, Johns Island, Daniel Island, West Ashley, Daniel Island and parts of Cainhoy deserve to have their concerns addressed with the same vigor that we tackle issues downtown.
The tragedy at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church recently brought us all together as a community. I have been touched by the support extended to me for the loss we suffered at Emanuel, my home church. That tragedy tested us all and in that moment of sorrow I was tested, too. I have bonded with others who are helping Emanuel and all of us heal.
I have been tested on City Council, too, and now I am ready to step onto a much larger stage to complete the “Mayor and Council’s Vision” while implementing “change.” It will be a delicate balancing act, but I know I am able to move Charleston forward as a world-class treasure, and as “ONE CHARLESTON.”
William Dudley Gregorie is retired from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and represents District 6 on Charleston City Council.

https://www.facebook.com/Gregorie-For-Mayor-202858919754237/

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

One Charleston: Where Do We Go From Here? by William Dudley Gregorie





One Charleston: Where Do We Go From Here?

“Mother” Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church is my church. It is where I was christened as a child, and it is where I learned many of the values I take with me daily on this life’s journey.

Those principles of perseverance, kindness to others, respect, Godliness, and leadership were all kindled and nurtured within the hallowed walls of her sanctuary. It is there that I learned the resolve that has allowed us all to deal with the tragic events of June 17, 2015, with grace, love, and forgiveness.

It is with this spirit of resolve and leadership, that I feel compelled to write this to you.

We will eventually heal, but we will never be the same.

I am a trustee at Emanuel. It is a role that I cherish and one that I feel that I must work at daily to fulfill my appointed duties. As a trustee and life-long member of Mother Emanuel, I want to thank you for the kindness and love you have shown to our congregation. Everyone that offered a kind word or simple, heartfelt gesture, please know it did not go unnoticed, and it was right on time.

Mother Emmanuel has a history of overcoming tremendous adversity, and for over 200 years she has stood steadfast, her steeple serving as a beacon for those in need. She will once again stay true to her congregation and survive this terrible ordeal.

But she will never be the same. From the strength of her members, we can all learn some very important lessons.

We must come together, stay together and work together to show the world that we will once again prove that Charleston will be the standard-bearer as a city.

We are in our collective time of prayer that should never end. But as we pray and as we think, we must develop our plan. As this plan takes shape, we will develop policies to “protect our people.” Policies that will make sure this “City Works For Everyone.” Policies that will mean that we will stay forever united and focused on doing what is best for everyone, on every block, in every neighborhood, in every zip code of our city.

This is what the events of June 17 have shown us. That we can do all of these things. A people united as “One Charleston” is the most formidable force this state and country has seen. Out of tragedy we have found a light and a way. We must dedicate ourselves to ensuring this spirit of “One Charleston” remains intact and resolute.

So that the lives of the Emanuel Nine were not lost in vain, we must all see to it that this remains the reality for generations to come.

Monday, July 6, 2015

CHARLESTON SC - #MissingJuvenile Precious Angel Settles, 14

CHARLESTON SC - #MissingJuvenile Precious Angel Settles, 14 WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!! Missing since 7/2 Thurs. Downtown Charleston area
Precious is described as 5' 01", weighing approximately 105 pounds. 
She has black hair, brown eyes, and black framed eye glasses.
She left home around 12:25 a.m. on Thursday, 7/2 authorities say. According to a report, she was last seen wearing a white shirt, blue shorts, and gray tennis shoes.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Charleston PD Detective M. Magwood at (843) 720-2360, or the on-duty central detective at 743-7200.



Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Y'all have a blessed day

There are times when we really have to take stock of who we have been aligning ourselves with.
The superficial flow of some smiles in the heat of recent events has proven to take a toll on some "friendships".
Knowing Agape Love allows one to even have concern for those who have truly caused harm to our spirit, no matter what manner.
it is difficult in these times to have one's ears perked and eyes at a squint... everything and damn near everyone is suspect.
We've been blindsided by global events that seek to destroy the local fabric of life.
As we continue to pray for the Mother Emanuel Church members, the City of Charleston, we must include ourselves.
We must ask for guidance for our tongue and peace in our hearts.
As CC always says .. I come in Peace ...
I have to go a step further... my peace may not be your peace, simply understand.. we are in the middle of a revolution... what is pleasing to my eyes, ears and heart just might not be acceptable in thy sight.
My family makes a Benetton ad pale in comparison.. we are international and unless you know our lines ... you just dont know.
I dont always have to put honey on my tongue, not when it comes to the human race. Loving and embracing the forces of nature allows me the privilege of also embracing the forces within a human being .. I engage with the spirit of a person.
I no longer "carry weights on my shoulders" which would suck the life out of me. I have to walk MY Walk in order to persevere and be of use in the future.
My heart is with many, yet my body is in control. There are those of us who have to "Be Still"
I truly wish I had a home, I'd like to break bread with some who truly need to get some things off their chests and want to expand their heart reach.
Y'all have a blessed day ... make a friend. 1 heart emoticon

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Gregorie for Mayor - History being made in Charleston SC



Ive been working on the William Dudley Gregorie​ for Mayor of Charleston SC campaign.. it's an awesome feeling to be involved this in historic endeavor!!

Meet the candidate Monday 4/20 6 pm - 8 pm at Republic Garden & Lounge​!!

GET INVOLVED FOLKS .. it's the only way to be a part of the solution.
For my young folks... it's great community and political process learning ground.

Encourage others to REGISTER TO VOTE it has to be done within 30 days of Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015




If you want to join/donate/support the campaign .. 
Contact me at brenda@dudleygregorie.com 843 819-6252

Thanks in advance :-D

Friday, October 3, 2014

Oh Yeah... my retrograde Mercury

Natal Mercury .. Retrograde... I just looked at the calendar.. other than PT.. aint a damn thing on the calendar.. until swing back time ... early Nov...which means I get to edit these videos that Ive shot in the last TWO weeks.... Yipee....
At one point I was documenting an event or number of event every other day. thats a lot of footage.. this is what I mean when I say.... customs and traditions.
Though Ive attended but a few.. MOJA Arts Festival. the immersion of culture,cross generational fun and spiritual upliftment that Ive experienced and witness others give in and go with the flow of even sweet harmonic energies... unbelievable. -
The craziest of circumstances led me here. but aint no one more grateful about living in Charleston. I can breathe.
No I dont live a fancy lifestyle.. heck I have $11 until next month but bills are paid.. food in the fridge AND MY INTERNET IS UP AND RUNNING!!!!
My life has always been an intense study of "things" .. whether it's 30 books for the weekend for the weekend... for massive visual study.. or like now...
Ive always had a camera .. darkroom at 14.. yearbook teaches you to shoot everything!!!! You take it ALL into consideration.
These occasions and events.. festivals of all cultures and customs... fortunately there is no such thing as spiritual overload for me.
Absorbing all this and fortunately being able to share the experiences.. see we bridge gaps when we are able to visit each others world.
Sometimes we can't physically get there.. then you have.. Tada "Da Visual Griot"
I ran with it... it fits.
This is Mercury in Retrograde's effect on me... the depth of discussion will go directly to the root.. there is no time for fat.. the party is nearly over.. the feast and finales are this weekend ..
then you go in and truly see what happened.. this is the editing of the videos..
They are always a different view from the pictures... at times they may align other times... both hands work as if Im dancing camera collecting opposing views.. action and reaction..
Yes.. here is a method to my madness. .
Dont inquire as to what it might be. Im simply Being Obedient to My Spirit
 
LikeLike ·  · 

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Pray for me.

Ok.. Yesterday was PHENOMENAL..... #GuineaExchangeinCharleston

Julie Dauberman Staveley-O'Carroll hosted One World Dance & Drum on a whirlwind weekend in Charleston....

Sarah Lee Parker Mansare guest instructed at WoSe of Charleston's African Dance & Drum's weekly 9 am class at Dancefx Charleston!!!

Charleston audiences had time to sit and appreciate the Master Flute playing of Mamady Mansare!!!!

Guinea's Mamady Mansaré - Artist for Les Ballets Africains dates his family all the way back of 1235... His stories and spirit were gifts to our lives.!!!!

In the evening the experience was enhanced with food, festival and finery at Circular Congregational Church, Charleston; where he would play this morning before departure...

The aroma of Guinea food filled the air as the drums beat. The finery and craftsmanship of the articles created by Guinea Exchange were on sale yet providing the flavor against white sunlit walls...

A great day!!!! So you know there are a serious amount of pics and videos..

The roll out begins shortly being published on several different pages... they all have different audience bases.. 

Compressed pics on Facebook, HD pics on GoogleTumblr
Videos - YouTube and Vimeo

and most definitely featured on my little corner of the web 

http://msbjpeart.strikingly.com/

Pray for me.

Friday, June 7, 2013

JUST FLOW - A Wind Dance with STORMYRAYNE

This initial piece was shared on my Fb page and turned into a collaboration with StormyRayne!!!!

Can't you feel the Hurricane Andrea's coming breezes
She's got that mixture of heat and cool
'causing atmospheric and human internal pressures to rise and fall
She's got these trees dancing in her winds
Sway and to and fro all in a Mama Oya Twist & Turn
Don't you know the twirl, the one that makes a lady in a dress or skirt put her hand to her kitty kat all out in public just so you don't see
for them winds don't care,
they will lift, wig or weave, or skirt tail
make a hat fly,
send a tie on a spin
why can't you feel the breeze
She's got these branches bending down low
like the bear the burden of royalty ready to step off and hit the ground
She's got the leaves sweeping the ground....
Oh No... that for the snapped, dead branches
Not for the living
Whip, turn fast, pulled back into the flow... WHAAAP
that was a quick snap back
Ooops, The Tree reminds the branch... "You can't go to far without me"
For the day that you fly away from these roots
You become "of me"
Son of, Daughter of, Child of...
I pray that there are seeds of growth in your path
that you may find new ground
Roots down, Shoots up, Fruit Bear
Growth
So dance with the wind
dance in the wind
JUST FLOW

couple hours later... the Sun came out

it has slowed up for a minute...
They must have been doing laundry in Heaven yesterday
Today... air dry
but we aint faked by the funk
drop water by the bucket
Charleston Sun come out and dry it up and
then 1 hour later you need a canoe just to get through
The Historic streets of Downtown
Where the Civil War battles left cobbles which
become damn slick when wet

damn this Gemini air play is fly
got me vibing and scribin'
SWEET

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  • Lorraine Stormy Watt .... Love the flo' rain rain rain and more rain here on NYC.
    16 hours ago via mobile · Unlike · 1
  • Brenda Jennifer Peart it has slowed up for a minute...
    They must have been doing laundry in Heaven yesterday
    Today... air dry
    but we aint faked by the funk
    drop water by the bucket

    Charleston Sun come out and dry it up and
    then 1 hour later you need a canoe just to get through
    The Historic streets of Downtown
    Where the Civil War battles left cobbles which
    become damn slick when wet

    damn this Gemini air play it fly
    got me vibing and scribin'
    SWEET
  • Lorraine Stormy Watt ... The twins frolicking ... 
    16 hours ago via mobile · Unlike · 1
  • Lorraine Stormy Watt I guess spinning to choose who's blues .. Hues, the sky to loose less rain drops or dews.. That spew wonders of laughter on forbidden muse ,gets used... Now bruised windstorm and battered love lorn refuse , untampered in the wind that ooze ..,her fury of mayhem to defuse the heart perpetual fountain of youth...just purge to merge again.and again......
    15 hours ago via mobile · Unlike · 1
  • Brenda Jennifer Peart aye Ya.... yet this gift of twirls I take with me to the sea...

    just after the Sun rises we shall join the many along the banks of waters around the world
    We shall sing and merge
    dance and merge

    give offerings and merge
    at 12 high noon as they will across the world
    libations pure
    and we will again merge
    for in that moment
    that call to duty
    all African Spirit RISE
    15 hours ago · Like · 1
  • Brenda Jennifer Peart At the end of the blues is the laughter
    All the pain done been sung and danced out
    Then we're ready
    Damn STORMYRAYNE you gonna make me have to find local "mergin'!!!!! LOL
    15 hours ago · Like · 1
  • Lorraine Stormy Watt ... Oya doing her ting mi Hal...