RISE UP FOR OBAMA

2011-05-04T22:23:00.000-07:00

WHAT HAS HE DONE FOR ME LATELY!?

2011-04-11T23:56:00.000-07:00

http://blackwaterdog.wordpress.com/

Ever hear someone say that "Obama hasn't done anything good since he got elected!"?

Direct them to that blog!

Also.....
http://whatthefuckhasobamadonesofar.com/

OBAMA IS "IN"!!! 2012 is Coming Soon!!

2011-04-05T19:27:00.000-07:00

JOIN IN THE EFFORTS TO GET HIM RE-ELECTED!!

http://www.barackobama.com/obama-for-america-2012-campaign?source=OM2012_LB_FB_full_5_m_both_A_ju_ayi_5

As the 2012 election begins, we know grassroots support will be more important than ever before. President Obama is working every day to keep making America stronger – and together we’ve got an opportunity to get his back.

Sign up for campaign updates and see how you can help build on our progress.

Join us in the fight to keep building a better, more prosperous America. Are you in?

INAUGURAL T-SHIRT: LAST CHANCE!

2009-01-16T22:39:00.000-08:00

Contact me, joey brite, to see what sizes I have left.
There are only a few!

barackmyworld@earthlink.net

August 2007: Obama "Walked A Day In Her Shoes"

2009-01-01T09:15:00.000-08:00

If anyone wonders about Barack's concern for the 'common worker', view this piece taken in Oakland in August of 2007 when most people didn't even know who he was - RISE UP members involved in SEIU did:

SEIU Home Healthcare worker Pauline Beck and Barack Obama

"I AM" inspired by Barack Obama

2008-11-22T22:16:00.000-08:00

Thank you to All Who Supported Rise Up For Obama

2008-11-10T13:26:00.000-08:00

As Barack's advisors were saying on 60 minutes this past Sunday night, the campaign would never have been successful if it had not been for EVERY SINGLE individual who put time & energy and above all- a fervent belief that Barack could help be the leader that we all saw he was capable of becoming. Keep safe thoughts in mind to surround the Obama family in the months to come.

Obama Wins in Oakland- Celebration @Everett & Jones

2008-11-05T11:36:00.000-08:00

Dorothy King- owner of Everett & Jones Bar-Be-Que in downtown Oakland, California

joey brite here: I ran into Dorothy out on Broadway as the crowd grew so large on 2nd Avenue that it poured out onto the intersection as the evening went on. After sharing big hugs Dorothy says to me, "I've never stood out on Broadway and looked back at the restaurant! It's very nice, isn't it?"
Indeed...she was talking not just about her restaurant but really about the people: all ages, all races, many professions, gay & straight, different looks, different clothing AND....LOTS of Obama t-shirt wearing going on!

The crowd was so big that there were bouncers at the main doors and I was never able to go inside! The live music and people on the outside were great company though to be sharing this wonderful victory with. As the crowd grew out into the streets, the police came and helped guide the traffic- they were very kind and no hassles for anyone - just moving along traffic and safely allowing people to party into the wee hours. No fights, no drunken brawls- just smiling everywhere.

A couple at the celebration at Everett & Jones.

These kids will never forget this experience! They are soon-to-be voters! Go 'Bama!

After leaving the area I headed towards the Berkeley campus where helicopters were seen flying overhead. I found students and youth of Berkeley dancing in the streets....they seemed to come from all over...car horns honking in rhythm, people screaming out "O- Ba-Ma! O-BA-MA!" It's truly a new day ;)

Moving Forward with Obama: For the next few days.....

2008-11-04T09:28:00.000-08:00

(The following comes from the group "Jon Stewart and Obama Enthusiasts"):

"....stay at the center of the circle and let all things take their
course...." Lao Tzu

The year is 2016. We glance at the television one morning and see Barack Obama having another of his many press conferences. He has now been in office for almost 8 years.

It hasn't been perfect, but things are way better than when he took office in January of 2009. You notice that his hair has whitened and he still has that winning smile and that take charge/positive energy that he had when he was campaigning way back in 2008.

You remember back to how concerned you were about whether or not he would win in 2008 and you feel deeply contented that he has been safely in office for such a long time.

He and Congress have done much to address global warming, health care, development of alternative energy sources and a variety of other important matters to the country and the planet. You feel deep gratitude for the past eight years and how things have unfolded.

See it...

Feel it...

Breathe it....

Pass it on.

Lets stop fighting against McCain and Palin, and start working 'for' Obama-Biden. Lets stop driving ourselves crazy with all of the outrageous mind upsetting details about them and start remembering all of the wonderful reasons we want Obama.

THE CHALLENGE: take 30 seconds right now. Close your eyes and imagine exactly what our country will feel like with President Obama.

Imagine how good it will feel.

Imagine whatever it is about him that you desire.

Imagine the pride.

Imagine the diplomacy.

Imagine the peace.
Imagine the wind mills and the clean cars.

Imagine the citizen groups.

Imagine the earth being healed and revitalized.

Imagine being very proud of your country and its leader.

Imagine whatever it is that draws you to support Obama.

Imagine what your life will look like.

30 seconds. Do it several times a day. We can shift and change the vibration of this country with positive visions just like this. It's only 30 seconds a few times a day.

Obama Says "NO" to PROP 8

2008-11-01T22:27:00.001-07:00

Bay Area photographer Irene Young downloaded elements found on NoOnProp8.com to create this printable sign.
RISE UP is going to print several out immediately for distribution to Obama supporters so that they can turn them into bumper stickers & small hand-out fliers!

ireneyoungfoto.com

An Obama Halloween!

2008-10-27T15:07:00.000-07:00

This is an unusual post because it doesn't relate to a specific RISE UP FOR OBAMA activity- but it could end up being one!
This is joey brite and I run the RISE UP blogsite. It's a few days before Halloween and just one week 'til the elections and...well...someone shared this new site with me and I thought I'd share it with everyone who sees this prior to Halloween.
Last year I created very tiny "Vote For Obama" stickers that went onto Halloween candy bars. This Halloween, I'll do the same but I'm going to put creative juices into carving a Pro-Obama pumpkin, too! HAPPY HALLOWEEN and...
NO MORE TRICKS IN 2009!!

PHOTOS & VIDEO LINKS FROM OBAMA EVENT

2008-09-28T01:23:00.000-07:00

RISE UP raised $2,300 for Obama For America, registered 7 new voters, entertained and educated over 200 guests and connected audience participants as well as musicians to go out and make phone calls to the battleground states and try and register new voters daily.

Over one-quarter of the audience had never attended any Obama-related event before this one and about half of the attendees came from Oakland while the remaining people came from Richmond, San Francisco, San Rafael, Antioch, San Leandro, Castro Valley, Marin, South San Francisco, Benecia, San Lorenzo, El Sobrante, El Cerrito, Albany, Berkeley & Orinda.

(Check the post under this one to be able to view video clips put up on Youtube.com of the event!)

All still photos shot by Teri Williams of New Life 100 Imaging http://newlife100imaging.com 510.978.2225

RISE UP FOR OBAMA T-shirts that our group offers for sale. contact joey brite: barackmyworld@earthlink.net

DESTINY performed avant garde jazz with four others:
Apollo Macsen, local rapper/ Bay Area
Tarika Lewis, violin
Andrew Currier, upright bass
Steve Barry, drums
Mike D, keyboards

Destiny's CD's are available: http://harpistfromthehood.com

Their performance of Destiny's song, HOPE ON THE HORIZON can be seen in this Youtube clip:

Rapper Apollo joined in with DESTINY to provide some wonderfully unique music that combined rap, jazz & avant garde sounds.

To view this performance:

Coming from Pinole, sisters Alise Como & Tiffany Davis worked at registration all evening

Neomi Wesley joins Lakshmi Kerner for a photo op with "Barack"!

Bookstore owner, Marianne Braithwaite of 'Rebecca's Books' on Adeline in Berkeley came with her inventory of Obama & other political readings for purchase.

Custom T-Shirts by B.L. she can be contacted at: chemyst9@pacbell.net

Volunteer T'Moune and local artist & Reiki practitioner, Mitsuyo Moore helped work the event. Mitsuyo donated two lovely paintings to the silent auction. mitsuyomoore.com

An audience member looks on as DESTINY's band performs.

The surprise of the evening was our final speaker, Alicia Wright a former Marine Corps veteran & currently an employee of the Veterans Administration. She spoke to the crowd about her feelings about John McCain using his military record to promote himself and how he's stopped funding for vets and how disgusted she is about it. Alicia came along unexpectedly and was put on the program at the last minute. It was a powerful way to finish the event!
After delivering her impromptu speech, she gave this quick statement:

17 Jewels Salon on Telegraph Ave- one of our sponsors

Sculptor Sigrid Herr donated a total of three lovely pieces to the Silent Auction which garnered several hundred dollars for Obama For America:

http://herrsculptures.com

One month after the event, Sigrid sat with videographer DjoVida to talk about her feelings about the Obama campaign:

Comic, Nato Green did some comedy & MC'd the program
Nato's website: natogreen.com

Nick Buggs and brother Alex Buggs performed original rap as TECH & LOW
(A technical glitch occured & no video of TECH & LOW was captured ;(
They can be contacted & heard at: urbanopusmusic.com

Shanique S. Scott performed a 10 minute portion from PRISONS, one of her shows:

Opal Adisa & Maria Tanzillo called out Raffle Ticket winners

An unusual treat, 'String-Metal' or 'Black Metal' band, JUDGEMENT DAY wrapped up the performances of the event. They headed off on a two-month tour of the battleground states and will carry Obama visibility with them!
The sound quality was so off that no video footage was kept for their performance, but you can listen to them on their myspace page and click onto videos of them here: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=69363335

Here is a sample of their music in a clip on Youtube promoting a concert they did in San Francisco in December 2006:

Local Spoken Word poetess Roxanne Hanna-Ware read her piece, "This Is Just A Poem".

Olivia Hunter donated Sweetie Pie & Poppy's Authentic Southern Cuisine

Hazel Jones & daughter Annie

Khanti Alfonso:
" Has been an active part of the Bay Area's artist community since 2005, Co- producing and co- directing full scale productions with Lucid Dream Lounge, a not-for-profit theater production crew, orientated around pushing the boundaries of known realities through multimedia collaborations with local and traveling artisans. In addition to working with LDL, also acted as a supporting element in the Dreamtime circus. Umbrellaed under Fractured Atlas, a non-profit establishment geared towards environmental awareness, Dreamtime circus recently returned from participating in a six month tour of India, using performance and fire art as means of transporting the audience into the dream realms bringing messages of environmental awareness to under-privileged children. "

KT: "KT has been performing with dance and fire for almost nine years. Her background in classical dance and theatrical performance lends itself to her unique spin style in that she merges movement and tricks with a variety of fire tools and props. KT started her dance training with ballet at age seven and went on to earn a degree in modern dance and choreography from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Since graduating she has performed locally throughout California and the mid-west and as far away as Hawaii and Japan, with plans to go on tour next year. She participates in local annual events including Spinagouge, the Fire Arts Festival, and Burning Man."

To view their performance:

Eric Casher representing Young Lawyers For Obama

Eric's speech:

Adwoa Kutdoto performed with her daughter, Sena to open the evening with drumming to bless & protect Barack. There are no photos of this but video did capture their opening:

Alameda County Member of the Board of Supervisors, Keith Carson gave an impassioned speech early in the program:

After the event, Mr. Carson wrote the following:

"I had the pleasure of being one of the speakers at an Obama celebration/fundraiser on Saturday, September 20, 2008. The event was a wonderful mixture of diverse communities; a real rainbow of people. My first impression upon entering the celebration was that this is how life in our community should be integrated with people of varied ages, sexes, economic levels, races, and religious and non-religious backgrounds. There was a real energy coming from those in attendance, energy for creating change, and a recommitment to making a difference. I felt as though out of this campaign season, I have a passion for leveling the playing field, breaking the glass ceiling; an enthusiasm for giving hope back to our children, our seniors, and everyday people. I felt then, and still feel now that people are ready for a commitment to spending time daily, personally, with family, and community to enact change. "

Following Keith Carson was Councilwoman Desley Brooks - who was one of THE FIRST politicians in the Bay Area to endorse Obama EARLY on:

The California State Field Coordinator for STUDENTS FOR OBAMA is Ian Magruder:

'HOPE ON THE HORIZON' !

2008-07-26T18:29:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night September 20th, 2008, RISE UP FOR OBAMA and UPTOWN BODY & FENDER will hold a huge celebratory event in recognition of Senator Barack Obama's win as the Democratic party's candidate for President of the United States.

A very fun evening is promised for all with an eclectic mix of entertainment headed up by local musician DESTINY, aka Harpist From The Hood. The Master of Ceremonies will be comedian Nato Green, known for working with political comic Will Durst in the Bay Area. Local rappers, Nick & Alex Buggs, aka 'TECH and LOW' will perform original tunes and spoken word.

A brass quintet coming from BARS- The Bay Area Rainbow Symphony - will add some 'metal flavor': www.bars-sf.org

Live fire dancing will captivate the audience with flaming, spinning objects!

From Ghana, Master Female Drummer Antoinette Kudoto will open the show http://www.womanofrhythm.blogspot.com

Other entertainment includes performance artist, Shanique Scott and local band, 'Judgement Day'. Among the political speakers will be Councilwoman Desley Brooks and Supervisor Keith Carson. Representing Young Lawyers for Obama will be Eric Casher. Representatives from Latinos for Obama as well as Students for Obama will be present and DAvid P. Woods from CHISHOLM 72 will speak.

Also, there will be a theme of community organizing with tables at the event representing many options for becoming involved in local organizations such as Barack Obama was a part of in his early beginnings.

Organizations that will have tables at the event:

EAST BAY FOR EAST AFRICA

GLOBAL WOMEN INTACT

SUPPRESSED HISTORIES ARCHIVES- MAX DASHU

CHISHOLM 72
_______________________________________________________________________________

WHERE: UPTOWN 401 26th Street, (Bwt. Broadway & Telegraph), Oakland, Ca. 94612

WHEN: SATURDAY SEPT. 20th 6 to 10 pm
___________________________________________________________________________

Prior to this historic campaign, members and supportive friends of RISE UP FOR OBAMA already came from community organizing. However, since involvement in the Obama campaign and RISE UP FOR OBAMA, several more have either joined in community organizing projects, non-profits or are planning on beginning non-profits.

Celebrating all the hard work so many of us have done and will continue to do....all the excitement & promise for the future...all the HOPE to improve our lives in these challenging times - this is a wonderful opportunity to come together and share music, community, and give thanks to each and all who've contributed to help Obama get elected.

Stay tuned for more details about this upcoming event. Call: 510.459.6072 if you'd like to contribute something for our Silent Auction and/or Raffle where we hope to bring in lots of money for the Obama campaign!

Tickets can be purchased at three locations:

@ REBECCA'S BOOKS located at 3268 Adeline in West Berkeley

UPTOWN BODY & FENDER @ 401 26th Street, Oakland , Between Broadway & Telegraph Ave

A GREAT GOOD PLACE FOR BOOKS @ 6120 La Salle Ave., Oakland in the Montclair District

$20.00 in advance or $25 at the door.

REBECCA'S BOOKS will be offering a selection of Obama related as well as other political, autobiographical and poetic books for sale during the event.

A variety of Obama T-shirts will be available and RISE UP will offer our very own one for sale.
________________________________

CONTRIBUTORS FOR THIS EVENT :

BUSINESSES:

Main Food Donated By:

Sweetie Pie and Poppy's Authentic Southern Cuisine North Oakland, Temescal 5319 Martin Luther King Jr. Way

Appetizers Donated By Raymond Tang of AROMA in Alameda
AROMA
2337 Blanding
Alameda, Ca. 94501 510.337.0333 www.aroma-ca.com

SILENT AUCTION & RAFFLE PRIZES DONATED:

Mark's Paints (located in Alameda, Oakland & Pleasant Hill)

Lenn Keller Photography (specializing in portraiture & artist promotion)

Jacqueline Brown Staging

Uptown Body & Fender (extraordinary care for your vehicle- repair everything but the engine)

Mitsuyo Moore artist (paintings) www.mitsuyomoore.com

Cocina Poblana (Traditional Mexican food fine dining- Emeryville & Jack London locations)

The Grand Lake Theater

Laurel Books

Dr. L. Samarah Morgan, D.D., Cht.

Richelle Semenza photography

Jon's Music & Repair Shop

Elon Bartlett, Chiropractic, D.C.

Michael Grbich art

Ray Westergard custom chopping block

Opal Adisa photography

Chaya Spector photography

Sigrid Herr - Sculptor ( herrsculptures.com )

Lazarus Studio For Hair 3222 Adeline, Berkeley 94703

Parkway Movie Theater www.picturepubpizza.com

Dopo restaurant (Piedmont Ave)

KENNETH PITTS' MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY

Mary Goulart, Phd ROCKRIDGE HEALTH CLINIC

The Color Effect (color consulting/painting & interior redesign services)

Rebecca's Books (specializing in ethnic poetry & political themes)

Las Comadres Taqueria Located in Montclair

Mitsuyo Moore artist (paintings) www.mitsuyomoore.com

Serrahna fine clothing ( A boutique embracing textiles of India with styles pleasing to all global women.)

Oliver Crumb Wines

Eva Pettersson Music teacher: Sax & Piano

Jackie Thomason Reiki Practitioner jackiett@mindspring.com 510-332-5998

Sagrada Sacred Arts

Faith clothing & art sales http://faithrevived.blogspot.com/ Recycled fine fabrics, clothing, shoes & art

17 Jewels Hair Salon + Spa Located in Temescal District of Oakland ( http://www.17jewelssalonspa.com/ )

Beth Baron, CMT, CMTPT 'In Touch Therapies' - myofascial therapies and massage ( www.bethbaron.com )

The Nail Shop www.thenailshop.com

Barbara Tapella barbaratapella@gmail.com

Gail Chadbourne of BARK BUSTERS

INDIVIDUALS:

Sandra Weese

Tree Stuber

Jackie and Thomas Sullivan

VOTER REGISTRATION for BARACK JULY 5th

2008-07-06T22:57:00.000-07:00

ON SATURDAY JULY 5th, RISE UP CONDUCTED TWO VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVES IN RICHMOND & EL CERRITO.

Here's what Pamela Sims from Fremont, California said after taking part in her first time registering new voters for Barack with RISE UP @the DEL NORTE (El Cerrito) BART Station:

"I just want to thank you for the awesome opportunity you presented to me this past Saturday. For the first time in my adult life I feel compassionate enough to go outside of my immediate family, neighborhood, church and home to help make a change.

My Experience From Saturday July 5, 2008

My first step was asking people, "Are you registered to vote?". I've seen the craft done in the past and now it was my turn.
What I did learn was there are so many reasons why people vote or don't vote and many shared their positions.

- Oh, I'm registered

- Oh, I don't have time

- My guy didn't win the last time and so on

For the first 45 minutes I didn't get one person registered, but then the one appeared.

Having the first person say, "I'm not registered", sent chills. "Wow, how great". I watched her intently as she completed each question. She spoke with me the entire time telling me that she had never registered to vote, but Obama has inspired her. I shared with her how he has inspired me too. Our age difference was 18 years and we laughed about how a young man has so much wisdom to inspire the young and the seasoned American.

I realize that I can help make a difference one person at a time. I'm inspired and I'm glad you contacted me and I'm glad that I signed up!"

__________________

Note: Pamela signed up for this volunteer registering of voters when she met joey brite at another political event entiltled: "UNITED WE'LL STAND" that was coordinated with Sumi Paranjape. The event was held on June 28th at UPTOWN BODY & FENDER in downtown Oakland and pulled in an enthusiastic audience of over 80 people. The majority of those who attended were already Obama supporters but many others came who had originally supported Kucinich, Edwards, Biden, Clinton or Richardson and were looking to connect in solidarity with other Democrats to work together. Sumi and RISE UP will continue to produce more events like this in the East Bay over the course of these months ahead towards November 4th!
Thank you - once again! - to Giovanna Tanzillo of UPTOWN BODY & FENDER for making the space possible for us to unite for change!

VOTER REGISTRATION for BARACK JULY 5th

2008-07-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

RISE UP FOR OBAMA will conduct a Voter Registration drive on Saturday, July 5th from Noon to 2 pm in El Cerrito & Richmond

There will be two locations where voter registration will take place:

TIME: NOON - 2 pm

WHERE: El Cerrito
DEL NORTE BART Station
6400 Cutting Blvd.
El Cerrito, Ca., 94804

(off San Pablo Ave.)

__________________________________________________

Richmond
Richmond BART Station
1700 Nevin Avenue
Richmond, CA 94801
_________________________________________________

We would love to see others join us to help provide a BIG visibility. We are looking at our efforts to register in particular the youth and formerly-incarcerated populations that have not yet registered or don't believe that they can- we want to encourage them to become involved.

A large part of RISE UP's philosophy has always been to help do outreach to underrepresented populations in bringing Obama's profile to the masses. We believe in a strong presence and visibility in numbers at any given event as much as possible. We like to make our registration drives fun, safe and educational for all.

Please contact joey if you'd like to be involved this weekend: barackmyworld@earthlink.net

For more information:

Please contact either:

joey brite 510.459.6072

Barbara Gordon 510.334.7959

We want to be able to speak w/ you first to help coordinate the best location where you will be needed.

RISE UP members and friends Celebrate

2008-06-04T12:28:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night, June 3rd: At Everett & Jones Bar Be Que in downtown Oakland - BIG supporters of Barack- several RISE UP members gathered to watch- and celebrate - as cable stations ran live coverage of the speeches and outcome of the final Democratic primaries.

The following link (copy & paste to your browser) displays footage that was done by the Oakland Tribune and shows a range of emotions as the results brought out tears, laughter and roars of utter joy at the successful outcome for our candidate:

http://medianewsgroup.a.mms.mavenapps.net/mms/rt/1/site/
medianewsgroup-bang-insidebayare-pub01-live/current/launch.
html?maven_playerId=ibaallvideo&maven_referralObject=
11943d82-47ce-48c0-b2d7-6176a639f4c8

Barbara Gordon tells the camera how & why & what this Obama win means to her and her family. Enjoy!

A Barack Obama Mama’s Journey to a California Delegate Election Caucus

2008-04-15T14:55:00.000-07:00

RISE UP member Lakshmi Kerner was only one of several RISE UP members who tried for an opportunity to get elected for a seat as a delegate for Barack Obama at this August's Democratic Convention in Colorado. Although none of RISE UP members won a seat, the enthusiasm for Obama is stronger than ever, as witnessed in the article written by Lakshmi in the onine magazine CALIFORNIA PROGRESS REPORT:

http://www.californiaprogressreport.com/2008/04/a_barack_obama.html

OBAMA'S INTERVIEW WITH THE ADVOCATE

2008-04-10T07:49:00.000-07:00

http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail.asp?id=53285&page=1

RISE UP member on youtube.com

2008-03-10T17:48:00.000-07:00

RISE UP member Rosa Cabrera can now be seen on youtube.com.
It's titled, "Latina for Obama"

Her speech and the interview that followed Senator Obama's visit to San Francisco on Sept. 7, 2007 can now be seen:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Yfzb9tXae1Q

RISE UP's Lakshmi Kerner holds a PHONE BANK party

2008-03-02T22:36:00.000-08:00

Sunday March 2: California Calling Texas!!
"There were 8 of us all together, black, white, Asian, men,
women...a Barack Obama rainbow. Everyone was so nice and so happy to be supporting Barack. It was amazing. People were phoning in the livng room, dining room, kitchen, office, guest room and I even phoned from the bathroom! We made 180 calls and reached 99 people.

MoveOn,org provided us with great scripts and name sheets, very user
friendly. I wish I had twice as many call lists. We started
phoning a little after 4 pm and finished at 5:30".

OBAMA'S OPEN LETTER TO THE LGBT COMMUNITY

2008-02-28T02:05:00.000-08:00

For his complete letter:

http://www.davidmixner.com/2008/02/barack-obama-op.html

RISE UP URGES PHONE & EMAIL OUTREACH

2008-02-19T21:02:00.000-08:00

Anyone reading this: If you have relatives, friends, co-workers, former lovers- anyone who would listen to you & respects you who live in these states....PLEASE call them and send them emails in support of Senator Obama in their Primaries coming up on March 4th

Ohio, Texas, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

This personal touch can make all the difference. We're seeing this method being really helpful in all the states that have voted so far...undecided voters are making up their minds sometimes even at the last minute - and voting for Barack.

BARACK'S BIOGRAPHY

2008-02-13T21:22:00.000-08:00

A & E created a 45 minute Barack Obama Biography: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3545343528928314588

This is a great tool to use to send to your email contact list.

BARACK IS AHEAD BUT RISE UP STILL PRESSES ON!

2008-02-13T09:04:00.000-08:00

We want to encourage everyone to make phone calls and send emails to anyone who lives in the states where the primaries have not yet taken place.
Go directly to: barackobama.com to find out how YOU can help, even if you have never taken any political action moves until now.

WE ALL HAVE A VOICE!

Si Se Puede!

YES WE CAN!

Now- Let's Get To Work!

Obama on Feb. 12th, 2008:

"The voices of the American people have carried us a great distance on this improbable journey, but we have much further to go. Now we carry our message to farms and factories across this state, and to the cities and small towns of Ohio, to the open plains deep in the heart of Texas, and all the way to Democratic National Convention in Denver; it’s the same message we had when we were up, and when were down; that out of many, we are one; that our destiny will not be written for us, but by us; and that we can cast off our doubts and fears and cynicism because our dream will not be deferred; our future will not be denied; and our time for change has come. "

Full Content: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/samgrahamfelsen/C7CS

GOTV ON SUPER TUESDAY IN OAKLAND!

2008-02-06T00:26:00.000-08:00

RISE UP members Giovanna Tanzillo, Kimberlina McKinney, Lanon Gillins, Stanford Williams, Lily Carstens, Lakshmi Kerner & joey brite took to the streets in two parts of Oakland to gain more Obama visibility. Kimberlina held up a "Vote Today" sign as well and RISE UP handed out bumper stickers to anyone who wanted one.

The action took place during the morning hours leading up to lunch and happened at the intersection of 51st & Telegraph in the Temescal District of Oakland.

After leaving our first location we moved to downtown Oakland in front of the Federal Building and several blocks surrounding that area near Clay & 14th Street.

Michelle Obama Speaks at San Jose State

2008-02-03T23:00:00.000-08:00

On Sunday night February 3rd, Michelle Obama addressed a packed auditorium. Her approach spoke to & for the common person and she was personally vulnerable: she described both her own and Barack's upbringings and the hard decisions they've made regarding their employment choices and their relationship to money. She pointed out how specific things have become out of reach for ordinary Americans- a decent wage on which to raise a family, good accessible health care, etc.
She stressed the ideas that Barack has to change some of the fundamental obstacles that we face so that our lives can be improved in the coming administration.
She was an inspirational speaker and held everyone's attention for a solid 50 minutes.

Local videographer, DjoVida, captured her speech (in 7 parts):

PART 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 4:

Part 5:

Part 6:

Part 7:

RISE UP GOES TO VEGAS, BABY!

2008-01-18T08:30:00.000-08:00

RISE UP members Lakshmi Kerner & Barbara Gordon are in Las Vegas to caucus for Barack this weekend. John Kerry showed up to lend his support and encourage all the Democratic workers for Obama in Nevada.

(Fellow Bay Area grassroots organizer for youth is seen to the right of Kerry here - Annemarie Stephens - who has been gathering youth support for Barack for months now mostly in the Oakland area of the East Bay).

RISE UP RECRUITS BUSINESSES TO DISPLAY OBAMA SIGNS

2008-01-10T23:28:00.000-08:00

Did you know that when an individual displays a window sign with their candidate's name that the liklihood of neighbors and passers-by who feel a connection to that person or neighborhood will consider voting for that candidate? This opportunity increases even more greatly when a business displays a sign in their window. A lawn sign can draw even more attention.

RISE UP is actively seeking businesses to display window and/or lawn signs to promote their choice of Barack Obama as President in 2008. If you are a business owner, RISE UP will promote you- right here - on our blogsite!

The first business to display a lawn sign is ROCKRIDGE CLINIC - East West Healing Center - owned and operated by Mary Goulart, PhD. She also provides Chinese Herbs for her patients and has been practicing for many years as a nurse practitioner as well as an acupuncturist. Located at 5349 College Ave. in the Rockridge District of Oakland, Mary can be contacted at: 510.595.0527

HOUSE PARTY JANUARY 20

2008-01-09T13:23:00.000-08:00

Newcomer to the Obama campaign is Pastor Rick Guerrero and his wife Tanja who will throw a house party Sunday January 20th at their home in Hercules.

On January 14, Pastor Rick writes: "I've been running around at work and last night I went to a meeting for pastors in Richmond asking for Obama support. We got about 15 pastors to support Barack!"

The party will be Sunday Jan 20th at 3pm.

HOUSE PARTY ADDRESS:

121 Robin Court, Hercules CA 94547

For Details on Party: Pastor Rick
(m) 415.505.7552

Contact Rise Up member Barbara Gordon for more events in Richmond: 510.334.7959

Podcast of San Francisco's LGBT radio Show, SHAKE!

2008-01-07T21:36:00.000-08:00

On Sunday night January 6th, joey brite was a guest on progressive AM radio station GREEN 960 "The Quake" to promote Barack and his very positive policy ideas for LGBT folks.

While the show's news magazine format is usually on the "soft" side rather than being too serious in nature, this was the first show on the air after a long hoilday break and the topic of New Year's Resolutions was scheduled and the talk amongst the four hosts- two gay men & two lesbians - became quite serious. Although prepared for a more humorous tone for this show, joey also was ready for serious "Barack Talk" if it "went there" with these people.

When the topic of HIV/AIDS preceded her entrance to the studio to be live on the air, joey segued into Obama by bringing up the fact that Barack traveled to Kenya and publically took an HIV test to encourage testing and reduce stigma of the disease – while working to reauthorize Ryan White here at home. NOTE: joey comes in about half-way into the podcast strip:

http://www.queerchannelradio.com/cc-common/podcast.html

http://a1135.g.akamai.net/f/1135/18227/1h/cchannel.download.akamai.com/18227/podcast/SANFRANCISCO-CA/QCR-IP/KQKE%20AM_19-00-January%206th-hr%201.mp3?CPROG=PCAST&MARKET=SANFRANCISCO-CA&NG_FORMAT=personality&SITE_ID=3339&STATION_ID=QCR-IP&PCAST_AUTHOR=Queer_Channel_Radio&PCAST_CAT=Talk_Radio&PCAST_TITLE+Shake_Podcast

CALIFORNIA PRIMARY: JUST DAYS AWAY

2008-01-06T08:36:00.000-08:00

RISE UP IS NOT ONLY TAKING TO THE STREETS IN THE NEXT FEW PRECIOUS DAYS BEFORE THE PRIMARY TO GET OUT THE WORD ABOUT SENATOR OBAMA'S RUN FOR THE PRESIDENCY, BUT WE'RE ENCOURAGING OTHERS TO JOIN IN THE NATIONAL CAMPAIGN'S EFFORTS TO GET ON THE PHONE & MAKE CONTACT WITH POTENTIAL VOTERS.

IN THE EAST BAY: PHONE BANKING IS GOING ON @the HEADQUARTERS FOR 2 HOUR TIME SLOTS:

MONDAY Jan. 7 Thru FRIDAY JAN. 11 @ 5pm and 7pm

SATURDAY Jan. 12 & SUNDAY Jan. 13 @ 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7pm

CANVASSING IS ALSO GOING ON: SATURDAY Jan. 12 & SUNDAY Jan. 13

Also from the HEADQUARTERS starting w/ training @ 11am

CONTACT ORGANIZER Maggie Fleming 310-893-4421

Location:
Obama Oakland Headquarters (Oakland, CA)
436 14th Street, 3rd Fl
Oakland, CA 94611

The Oakland Headquarters is located between Broadway & Franklin Streets

___

WE ARE ALSO SELLING OUR T-SHIRTS TO HELP OBAMA VISIBILITY BEFORE FEBRUARY 5th.
CONTACT: barackmyworld@earthlink.net or call: 510.459.6072

RISE UP JOINS SISTAZ N MOTION in Richmond

2007-12-13T23:30:00.000-08:00

On Saturday Dec. 8, RISE UP presented at the monthly women's business networking group called SISTAZ N MOTION in the heart of Richmond.
Kimberlina McKinney (on the right) and Barbara Gordon (seen @left) each gave moving accounts of why they are putting their faith and their votes behind Barack in his run for the Presidency in 2008.

One of the many presenters was a woman named Scarlett Shepard (left) who runs the San Francisco Women's Film Festival. She was at SISTAZ to promote the work that she does as well as introduce her new partner in this business, a young filmmaker named Dorian (right). (On the far left corner of this photo, SISTAZ president, Yvonne Allen is seen taping the presenters as she does every meeting).
SFWFF Podcast:
Podcast features festival announcements and opportunities. Coming soon it will also feature interviews with filmmakers and professionals on a wide range of topics related to filmmaking. To listen and subscribe, please go to: http://sfwff.com/_pages/podcast.html

ABOUT SISTAZ N MOTION
Sistaz N Motion was founded in December 2003 for the purpose of educating and supporting women who aspire to become successful entrepreneurs.
We are committed to empowering women by equipping them with the knowledge, training, equipment and access to the information and services they will need to start their businesss. They engage entrepreneurs by providing opportunities to network with the business community, market their products and services, and participate in leadership roles both within the community and our organization. Sistaz N Motion encourages our membership body and sponsors to be a source of motivation and inspire women from all walks of life to seek independency, self-sufficiency, and entrepreneurism.
Sistaz N Motion serves as a common ground for all women in need of services that can help advance their business.

www.sistaznmotion.com

Sistaz N Motion
13350 San Pablo Ave., Suite A1 PMB 310
San Pablo, CA 94806

510.253.5469 Yvonne Allen

RISE UP HOUSE PARTY GETS MEDIA ATTENTION

2007-12-02T21:09:00.000-08:00

RISE UP's original Barack Obama Mama, Lakshmi Kerner, hosted a house party on Sunday December 2nd. It was an afternoon of political discussion, DVD viewing of Barack, covering issues related to the campaign and sharing hot chocolate!

During the party where over 100 neighbors were invited, a phone call came in from ABC TV News and they wanted to get Obama supporters reactions to Barack's leading in the Iowa polls. Reporter John Allston brought a cameraman and interviewed Lakshmi and one of her neighbors - an "undecided" voter.

(The link to the newscast shown @11 pm that night will be posted as soon as it's available)

FEEDING THE COMMUNITY: RISE UP donates time on Thanksgiving Day

2007-11-23T12:56:00.000-08:00

Oakland's BLACK CAUCUS and GEOFFREY PETE put on the FEEDING THE COMMUNITY Holiday event on Thursday, Nov. 22nd THANKSGIVING DAY. Over 400 people in need of a good meal dropped in on Geoffrey's Inner Circle @410 14nth Street in downtown Oakland from noon to 3 pm.

RISE UP had ten people showing OBAMA support before, during and after this community service event. Three young men visiting from Los Angeles came to support their friend, RISE UP member LaNon Gillins. They helped serve the peach cobbler - YUM! - as well as escort people to their dining room seats to receive a full plate of Thanksgiving food.

Driving from San Jose, RISE UP's newest member Maribeth Cambridge came to help because she always does community service on Thanksgiving and this event was THE ONLY one she found on the barackobama.com site to combine Obama exposure as well as community service volunteerism. As a shift nurse, Maribeth has precious time to donate for volunteering for the Obama campaign. She stressed that if she's going to spend a couple of hours or more, she needs for that time to be pro-active. RISE UP being involved in this event made her feel that she could help demonstrate Senator Obama's message of helping others AND building community.
Maribeth will be organizing a RISE UP event sometime in December for the San Jose area - stay tuned for the posting on the official Obama site under RISE UP FOR OBAMA: http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/RiseUpforObama
Note: Longtime Obama supporter, Darlene Brooks is also seen serving on the right-hand side in this photo.

Prior to serving the dining room full of hungry folks, Mr. Pete introduced a local Bishop Keith Clark to say a prayer & bless the food. Councilwoman Desley Brooks attended and spoke with people as well.

"Vamp" was one of the volunteers that RISE UP met at the event. Vamp is a Barack supporter and looks forward to participating in other RISE UP events.

Towards the end of the Thanksgiving meal, three new registered voters for Barack were gained and five new potential volunteers. A young woman from L.A. is going back to try and start up a Los Angeles chapter of RISE UP for OBAMA, too!

OUTREACH TO OAKLAND SENIORS

2007-11-18T00:08:00.001-08:00

On Saturday afternnoon Nov.17nth, RISE UP brought Obama's message to The Claremont House in North Oakland. With five of our members in attendance, we were able to bring some wonderful interaction with an audience made up of seniors that spends a majority of time alone in their rooms with the television on for company. We brought cupcakes (with Obama '08 decorations!), and ice cream for everyone.

Our most senior member Giovanna Tanzillo opened the two hour presentation by welcoming the audience of mostly octogenarians and sharing her personal story of inspiration and hope for a future with Barack Obama as President. She spoke about being a "Kennedy Girl" back in the early 1960's and why she works on Obama's campaign today.

Lily Carstens played guitar and sang and invited others to join her in sing-a-longs. She played some older standards and several audience members lit up and tapped their feet along to the music. This was a great way to help folks relax before launching into some political discussion.

LaNon Gillins stepped in to take on the majority of the talking portion of the presentation- telling his story of growing up in Dallas, Texas - as a kid who did not fit into either black or white society but had to find his own way in the world.

People really responded to LaNon as he spoke about several key issues related to seniors, social security & health care- all issues that were the "hot topics" of our visit. To our surprise, there were several audience members who threw out some really straightforward questions like, "Do you think that this racist country is ready for a black president?" and, "Can you explain the differences in the platforms of the Democratic candidates?" and, "How does Mr. Obama feel about the war in Iraq?"

All-in-all, there were over 35 people throughout the 2 hours that we were there, all but one person accepted or asked for literature on Obama's positions, and three people specifically said "He's got my vote", as it was wrapping up. It was a 99% Democratic audience and most were alert to engage with questions or comments. Everyone was appreciative that we came to talk about our passion for Obama and we were asked to return before the February 5th Primary.

Lily can be heard: www.myspace.com/hearlilyplay

RISE UP T-SHIRTS FOR SALE

2007-11-15T08:12:00.000-08:00

RISE UP member LaNon Gillins sports our signature T-Shirt at a recent canvassing in East Oakland.

While this picture shows our Mission Statement on the back of the "T", the front image looks like this:

They cost $20.00 if purchased directly in the Bay Area, or $20.00 plus shipping to wherever!

Contact : barackmyworld@earthlink.net to purchase
most sizes available, Men's & Women's

When Barack was in town on November 14nth, LaNon was able to meet him and give him a RISE UP T-Shirt!
LaNon Gillins can be contacted at: 214.293.2427 lanongillins@gmail.com

San Francisco Bay Area African Drum & Dance Festival

2007-11-11T22:41:00.000-08:00

Barbara Gordon helped table along w/ Darlene Matthews and joey brite (not pictured).
RISE UP created a huge OBAMA presence in a crowded foyer on the third floor of the Malonga Casquelourde Center for the Arts in downtown Oakland. On Saturday November 10, we handed out free literature on Barack, sold t-shirts, gave out stickers & buttons, sold window signs, signed up 3 volunteers, and got committments from over 20 people to attend the Bill Graham Auditorium on Wednesday Nov. 14 to hear Barack speak.

Corinthia Peoples is one of the organizers of this event which not only provides a venue for drummers & dancers to come from all over (many were from West Africa, others from Los Angeles, Santa Cruz and North County), but helps to educate people about female genital mutilation in parts of the world.

For more information: http://www.celebrateclitoris.com/SFafricandance.html

Jewelry maker Kay Niles was one of the many vendors that gave a wonderful feel like one would see at an outdoor "market" with original, handmade goods for sale.
She can be reached at: 917.402.5597 or Cosmicessence@hotmail.com

EAST BAY HOUSE/NEIGHBORHOOD PARTY

2007-10-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, October 28th, RISE UP collaborated with Stanford Williams to create a very successful House Party for residents in a large neighborhood of East Oakland. Situated near the Mills College area, this neighborhood in the 94605 zip code is populated by several faith-based residents as well as very active Democratic seniors.

Stanford talked with 19 year old Robert Hughes and his mother, Maude, about his passion for Barack as well as college opportunities in the area. Robert's mother was encouraging her son to become more involved in the political process and Barack's campaign specifically and they both registered to vote for Barack.

Stanford screened the 2004 Democratic Convention speech by Obama on two different ocassions during the day to a full room of first-time viewers. He answered questions regarding the campaign and issues important to Barack and encouraged everyone to get involved at the level that they felt comfortable with. He stressed how every single individual is important in this campaign for change and how everyone has a voice.

Councilmember (District 6) Desley Brooks popped by to chat with her constituants and support this effort in an area often overlooked by previous Presidential candidates and their campaigns.

Hazel Jones (on the left of Councilwoman Brooks), played a pivotal role in making this House Party for Barack as successful as it was. Her home (where we held the event) has been the source of many a "Neighborhood Watch" meeting place for years as well as hosting the National Night Out Block parties every August. Hazel has "Block Captains" established throughout a 700 home radius and she called on her "troops" to help distribute fliers for this event on a very short notice.
Jones, a self-identified "Democrat from way back", told RISE UP member joey brite that she would be happy to learn more about Obama by allowing her home to be utilized for the party. Brite contacted Stanford who was looking for a venue for the House Party and together we recruited others to help flier the neighborhood residents and businesses in just 5 days.

Sunday's "100 House Parties to 100 Days To The Primaries" hosted over 50 attendees, registered 8 new voters for Barack (including a woman who thought she wasn't eligible because of prior felony convictions), and garnered over 30 new volunteers for Stanford's efforts in the East Oakland community.

Next target areas for RISE UP: West Oakland, West Berkeley, Senior facilities and.....?

Join us online today: http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/RiseUpforObama

Call: 510.459.6072 for general information on RISE UP for OBAMA grassroots team

Email: barackmyworld@earthlink.net

RISE UP helps San Mateo represent Barack @the Straw Polls

2007-10-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

BARBARA GORDON from Pinole, California was one of five members from RISE UP who showed up to help out April Vargas from San Mateo (CD 12) to table and represent for Barack on Sunday October 21st in San Mateo's hosting of The Straw Polls. Kimberlina McKinney represented Oakland at the Straw Poll and helped with staffing the Obama table as well.

Sitting at the table was also a man named Micheal Collins who was the first person to put up a website (October 22, 2006), supporting Barack before the official Obama site went up months later: www.victory2008.net

Although Barack did not come in first place (he came in third), the Obama crowd was a real force to be reckoned with.

RISE UP FUNDRAISING: CURRENT STATUS

2007-10-13T06:16:00.000-07:00

As of October 13, 2007 RISE UP has raised $7,589.00 towards helping the OBAMA FOR AMERICA campaign.

If you'd like to contribute to the campaign THROUGH RISE UP, please:

Make out your check to: OBAMA FOR AMERICA

mail to: PO Box 5283 Berkeley Ca. 94705

Thank you! We want to keep the funds coming through our grassroots efforts.

RISE UP MEMBER IS A SELF PROCLAIMED "BARACK OBAMA MAMA"!

2007-10-08T15:34:00.000-07:00

"I invite the Women of America to share their special moments with Barack on my site. Together, we will support him in becoming the next President of the United States of America.

The Barack Obama Mama Store is open for business! Please check out my online store & help me raise money to support this magnificent man in his campaign for the 2008 Presidential election!"

www.barackobamamama.com

100% of the proceeds from all sales will be donated to Barack’s campaign.

Thank you,
Lakshmi Hannah Kerner
Oakland, Ca.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/cahome#top

RISE UP FUNDRAISER FEATURING DESTINY and A BAND OF ANGELS COLLECTIVE IN CONCERT

2007-10-06T22:05:00.000-07:00

DESTINY and A BAND OF ANGELS COLLECTIVE ROCKED THE HOUSE on SUNDAY SEPT. 30th in a fundraising event held at UPTOWN BODY & FENDER in downtown Oakland. At the end of the evening, RISE UP handed over $2,218.00 to Chris Young, the Northern California Field Representative for the OBAMA FOR AMERICA CAMPAIGN.
In the days that followed, RISE UP received another $201.00 in checks from this event as well as $100.00 online from a Jon Stewart Fan Club. A participant paid directly online to the Obama for America campaign another $70.00 for a silent auction item. This makes a total of $7,589.00 that RISE UP has contributed so far from grassroots organizing & promotion on behalf of Senator Obama's campaign for the Presidency.

Because RISE UP had been promoting this event for over one month, we were able to pull in around 200 participants in spite of having competition from two conflicting events within blocks of our fundraiser that drew larger crowds. Chris Young helped stimulate the audience and confirmed Barack votes by his rousing pep talk and winning smile.

Local writer Jennifer Richardson delivered some inspired Spoken Word to a very attentive and diverse group that seemed to represent a good cross-section of East Bay residents: seniors, disabled, wealthy, poor, youth, gays & lesbians, Christians, at least one Republican, small business owners, Muslims, Jews, Atheists, self-proclaimed Liberals & Radicals, African-American, Native American, White, Asian, biracial, those who rely on the streets for their home, and several from local political organizations serving various communities.
Councilwoman (District 6) Desley Brooks was in attendance as well as other community leaders who support Barack.

Among the decorations that adorned the interior of the venue was this handmade banner plastered up across the street onto another building. It stood out boldly next to the RISE UP banner proudly displaying our new logo and red, white and blue triangles were draped across the street joining the two buildings at two locations to emphasize the entrance.

Cake baker extraodinaire JUDY CHADWICK of TRUE CONFECTIONS donated this beautiful BARACK THE VOTE IN 2008 double-layered chocolate with chocolate cream filling, topped with a delicious cream cheese frosting!!

" OH MY GOD! IS THAT BARACK HIMSELF?!"

Well.....not exactly!! But still important.. In typical RISE UP style of bringing humor and good cheer to any political fundraiser that we do, RISE UP members Kimberly McKinney and Michael Seal created a stir towards the finale of the event when they whipped out this homemade mask that Kimberly created. Michael seems to be giving the "thumbs up" that Barack himself is famous for as if to say "Good job, RISE UP! Keep the funds a-flowin'".....

And so we will, Barack. And so WE WILL. RISE UP EVERYONE.

RISE UP!

Thanks everyone: Martha from Rico's in SF for catering great Mexican food on-the-cheap; Barry and Carolyn Alexander for donating bar-be-que from THE BRICK PIG's HOUSE; Mary Anne Braithwaite for bringing her Barack books & more from REBECCA'S BOOKS; Mary Forte for donating excellent tasting coffee from IT'S A GRIND; Jennifer Richardson for her words and spirit; Chris Young for showing up and supporting our event; Tony West & Desley Brooks for swinging by individually with their support; Sumi Paranjape & Sarah Daniels of UNITED FOR OBAMA for your support and promotion prior to and DURING the fundraiser- you women ROCK; Giovanna Tanzillo & Lisandro Allende for donating the venue; and DESTINY & A BAND OF ANGELS COLLECTIVE for donating one of the most amazing afternoon's of gorgeous, deeply inspiring and spirit-lifting music that the world could ever hear.

(For a list of all the Silent Auction donators, please contact joey: barackmyworld@earthlink.net)

RISE UP members who helped on-site and/or behind the scenes of this event: BIG PROPS go to Lisa Pintado-Vertner (Silent Auction coordinator); Qa'id Aqeel (MC); joey brite (Event Producer); Kimberlina McKinney (Signage & Graphic Design Work); Trevor Hunt (Logo creation); Jacqueline Brown (Stage Props); Giovanna Tanzillo (flowers, decorations, tables & chairs, wine); Cher Darice (selling the most tickets!); Darlene Matthews (Assistant-to-the-Production); Barabara Gordon (Registration & Sales); Lily Carstens (Event Support Staff); Rosa Cabrera (Event Support Staff & Promoter); Lakshmi Kerner (Registration & Sales); Stephanie Chan (Promotion on-and-off UC Berkeley's campus); Michael Seals & LaNon Gillens (MAJOR PROPS for all your enthusiastic support before, during and after the event); and lastly, Mitsuyo Moore and Nellie Christensen for your selfless & deligent labor all day ;)

BARACK REPRESENTATION on UC BERKELEY CAMPUS: FREE THE JENA 6

2007-10-06T21:53:00.000-07:00

On SEPTEMBER 20th, 2007:
UC Berkeley "Students For Obama" member Stephanie Chan engages other students who've come out to listen to the speakers at a ralley held in the famous Sproul Plaza located at the official entrance of the campus. RISE UP FOR OBAMA member, joey brite contacted Stephanie to join her in a quickly-organized act to get Barack Obama's FREE THE JENA 6 message to the students at the noon event.

Two similar fliers with quotes from Obama regarding the JENA 6 were passed out by hand to over 250 students. Many expressed support for the candidate and some wanted to engage in lengthy dialogue regarding their feelings of discontent and distrust in the entire system of our government. Many were impressed that RISE UP was there to represent Obama and it caused them to recognize that NO OTHER CANDIDATE- DEMOCRAT or REPUBLICAN - was represented at the ralley for support of the JENA 6 that day.

Over three hundred students looked on as some powerful speeches were delivered by youth from Berkeley High School, Youth Radio, UC Berkeley students and others from various Bay Area institutions.

DESTINY PERFORMS FOR AN OBAMA FUNDRAISING CONCERT

2007-09-09T21:24:00.000-07:00

DESTINY - Sound Sculptress
Known as the “Harpist from the Hood”, Destiny writes classical crossover and modern recordings for vocals and harp. Her performances include: a concert with Jazz Trumpeter Eddie Gayle; a concert collaboration of the compositions of John Coltrane and Elvin Jones at Yoshis Jazz & Supper Club; ESSENCE Magazine’s “Women Who Are Shaping the World Leadership Summit”, and the Monterey Jazz Festival.

THE CONCERT/EVENT:

WHERE: UPTOWN BODY & FENDER
401 26th Street (Bwt. Broadway & Telegraph Streets)

OAKLAND, Ca.

WHEN: SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 30th

3 to 6 pm

FOOD, RAFFLE PRIZES, a SILENT AUCTION & Representative TONY WEST & others from the Barack Obama National Campaign will speak about Senator Obama's attributes and ideals for the Presidential race in 2008.

TICKETS: $25.00 each (Discount for groups of 5 or more)

CALL: 510.459.6072 For More Information

Or EMAIL: barackmyworldin2008@yahoo.com

Rosa Cabrera speaking @Women For Obama in San Francisco, 9.7.07

2007-09-09T15:21:00.000-07:00

Democratic presidential hopeful U.S. Senator Barack Obama made a campaign stop in San Francisco to cultivate support from women and young voters. Sponsored by Women For Obama, the fundraiser was held @The Bill Graham Auditorium.

RISE UP FOR OBAMA's co-founder Rosa Cabrera, the daughter of Mexican immigrants (among many other things!), was the first woman chosen to begin the speeches before Obama took the stage for 33.5 minutes.

Rosa Cabrerra is seated on the left and RISE UP member, Stephanie Chan (to the right of Rosa) also gave a speech. Stephanie is a representative for Students For Obama (SFO) for UC Berkeley. (Seated next to Stephanie is SF Police Commissioner Kamala Harris- a fervent Barack supporter).

To view Obama's speech in it's entirety:
http://cbs5.com/video/?id=26530@kpix.dayport.com

Qa'id Aqeel @ Oakland's "Art Murmur"

2007-09-09T15:18:00.000-07:00

Downtown Oakland hosts a street fair on the first Friday of every month called "Art Murmur". Many artists open their studios for the public to browse their work and the streets are open for people to have tables containing informational materials about lots of organizations within the community.

RISE UP FOR OBAMA has had a regular spot in this monthly event. We provide voter registration, sign up volunteers for the Obama campaign, sell bumper stickers and give free handouts covering Obama's stand on many issues so that the public can become more informed about him.
We encourage dialogue with those who stop by and are proud to have gotten several committments from folks who had not previously made a decision about who they would cast their vote for!

Thanks to RISE UP's co-founder Qa'id Aqeel for arranging this important space for us in the art & culture community on a regular basis. We'll be coming back as long as the weather holds!

RISE UP FOR OBAMA: WHO WE ARE

2007-09-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

OUT OF OAKLAND, California:

We represent a diverse group of individuals who live & work in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Our focus is about bringing together different groups of people who have typically been underrepresented in the political process: youth, people of color, disabled, poor, seniors and LGBT folks.

We meet every week in Oakland as a core group with general monthly meetings that are open to the public.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: barackmyworld@earthlink.net 510.459.6072

TO SIGN UP FOR RISE UP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/RiseUpforObama

On August 9nth, 2007, a group of over 100 people crowded into a hotel in downtown Oakland across from Lake Merritt to watch the LOGO (LGBT cable channel) broadcast live coverage of several of the Democratic Presidential candidates. They each answered questions related mainly to the issue of same-sex marriage. It was an HRC (Human Rights Commission) sponsored event that seemed to favor Hillary Clinton by the way it was set up- and indeed, it was later revealed that the HRC had endorsed Clinton. Barack handled himself well in responding to the issues raised and hopefully put to rest the misconception that he's against same-sex partnering. His strong views on Civil Rights in every arena would help make the concept of same-sex unions a non-issue within a few years should he become President.

RISE UP was there to represent and sign up volunteers in the LGBT community.

RISE UP FOR OBAMA

WHAT HAS HE DONE FOR ME LATELY!?

OBAMA IS "IN"!!! 2012 is Coming Soon!!

INAUGURAL T-SHIRT: LAST CHANCE!

August 2007: Obama "Walked A Day In Her Shoes"

"I AM" inspired by Barack Obama

Thank you to All Who Supported Rise Up For Obama

Obama Wins in Oakland- Celebration @Everett & Jones

Moving Forward with Obama: For the next few days.....

Obama Says "NO" to PROP 8

An Obama Halloween!

PHOTOS & VIDEO LINKS FROM OBAMA EVENT

MORE VIDEO CLIPS on Youtube.com

'HOPE ON THE HORIZON' !

VOTER REGISTRATION for BARACK JULY 5th

VOTER REGISTRATION for BARACK JULY 5th

RISE UP members and friends Celebrate

A Barack Obama Mama’s Journey to a California Delegate Election Caucus

OBAMA'S INTERVIEW WITH THE ADVOCATE

RISE UP member on youtube.com

RISE UP's Lakshmi Kerner holds a PHONE BANK party

OBAMA'S OPEN LETTER TO THE LGBT COMMUNITY

RISE UP URGES PHONE & EMAIL OUTREACH

BARACK'S BIOGRAPHY

BARACK IS AHEAD BUT RISE UP STILL PRESSES ON!

GOTV ON SUPER TUESDAY IN OAKLAND!

Michelle Obama Speaks at San Jose State

RISE UP GOES TO VEGAS, BABY!

RISE UP RECRUITS BUSINESSES TO DISPLAY OBAMA SIGNS

HOUSE PARTY JANUARY 20

Podcast of San Francisco's LGBT radio Show, SHAKE!

CALIFORNIA PRIMARY: JUST DAYS AWAY

RISE UP JOINS SISTAZ N MOTION in Richmond

RISE UP HOUSE PARTY GETS MEDIA ATTENTION

FEEDING THE COMMUNITY: RISE UP donates time on Thanksgiving Day

OUTREACH TO OAKLAND SENIORS

RISE UP T-SHIRTS FOR SALE

San Francisco Bay Area African Drum & Dance Festival

EAST BAY HOUSE/NEIGHBORHOOD PARTY

RISE UP helps San Mateo represent Barack @the Straw Polls

RISE UP FUNDRAISING: CURRENT STATUS

RISE UP MEMBER IS A SELF PROCLAIMED "BARACK OBAMA MAMA"!

RISE UP FUNDRAISER FEATURING DESTINY and A BAND OF ANGELS COLLECTIVE IN CONCERT

BARACK REPRESENTATION on UC BERKELEY CAMPUS: FREE THE JENA 6

DESTINY PERFORMS FOR AN OBAMA FUNDRAISING CONCERT

Rosa Cabrera speaking @Women For Obama in San Francisco, 9.7.07

Qa'id Aqeel @ Oakland's "Art Murmur"

RISE UP FOR OBAMA: WHO WE ARE