CBC Workshops on Blacks in Military, D.C. Statehood Attract Crowds

Blacks in the military and the voting rights of District citizens appeared to generate the most interest among a series of workshops held Sept. 22 during the Congressional Black Caucus's Annual Legislative Conference at the Washington Convention Center.

Later, D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) presented a workshop on a topic that she 's championed since her election to the Congress in 1990: D.C. statehood. Dozens of people showed up to learn the latest surrounding the District's quest to become the 51st state in the Union.

However, some came just for clarification on what D.C. statehood means.

"I am a political scientist from Indianapolis and I wanted to know the criteria for [the District] being a state," said Ramla Bandele, who teaches at Indiana University. "I think that D.C. should have voting members in both houses of Congress."

Norton, 74, moderated the event with statehood activist Anise Jenkins, Ilir Zherka, executve director of DC Vote and Johnny Barnes, executive director of the Washington area chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Zherka said that tactics used in the past -- such as peaceful marches, high-profile arrests and information sessions -- will have to change in order for statehood to be a reality.

"We have to use the power of resistance," Zherka, 44, said. "We have to take civil disobedience to another level."

Norton said the movement for D.C.'s full representation is an "over 200-year struggle." She added that "it has been difficult for me because most of my time in Congress has been under Republican rule."

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