ChrisRabb.comhttp://www.chrisrabb.com/The official website for Christopher M. RabbenSun, 06 Dec 2009 11:19:31 PSTTypePad http://www.typepad.com/© 2006 Christopher M. Rabb All rights reserved.Chris,Rabb,,Christopher,Rabb,,Afro,Netizen,,entrepreneurship,,e,coaching,,organizational,dynamics,,diversity,,progressive,,netroots,,social,enterprise,,politics,,blogging,,new,media,,Visceral,Ventures,,African,American,,genealogy,,family,history,,public,sSociety & Culture/Personal Journalspodcast@chrisrabb.comChristopher M. RabbChristopher M. RabbnoChris,Rabb,,Christopher,Rabb,,Afro,Netizen,,entrepreneurship,,e,coaching,,organizational,dynamics,,diversity,,progressive,,netroots,,social,enterprise,,politics,,blogging,,new,media,,Visceral,Ventures,,African,American,,genealogy,,family,history,,public,sThis podcast series features Chris Rabb, writer, consultant, new media advocate, genealogist and "serial entrepreneur".This podcast series features Chris Rabb, writer, consultant, new media advocate, genealogist and "serial entrepreneur".We must not let Big Telecom segregate the Internethttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/nQzgRXWL54k/we-must-not-let-big-telecom-segregate-the-internet.htmlCivic/advocacyMediaPolitics/Civic EngagementWritingsactivismAfro-Netizenbig telecomblogospherebroadbandcivil rightsdigeratidigital dividedigital inclusiondigital literacyGlenn Beckgrassrootsinternet freedomLou Dobbsmedia consolidationmedia democracymedia justicemedia reformnet neutralitynetrootsNetwork neutralityonlineopen internetsegregationpodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Sun, 06 Dec 2009 11:19:31 PSTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c0dc653ef0128761ff6ee970c

By Malkia Cyril, Chris Rabb and Joseph Torres

Originally published on The Huffington Post and cross-posted elsewhere

When Fox News’ Glenn Beck called President Barack Obama a racist this past July, the online advocacy group ColorOfChange.org launched a campaign to convince advertisers to boycott the show. To date, some 280,000 people have joined the effort, and more than 60 companies have pulled their ads.

CNN parted ways with Lou Dobbs last month after civil rights groups and Presente.org mobilized thousands of Latinos online to call on CNN to dump the talk show host for spewing hate against immigrants for years.

None of this — not these advocacy efforts, not countless small business success stories, not even the election of President Barack Obama — would have happened without a free and open Internet. For communities of color, the Internet provides us with a unique opportunity to speak for ourselves without first seeking the approval of gatekeepers or having to secure major funds to do so. But the big telecommunications companies like AT&T, Verizon and Comcast want to create an effectively segregated online community where they will act as our gatekeepers.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is now considering new rules that could protect the fundamental principle of “Network Neutrality” once and for all. Net Neutrality prohibits Internet service providers (ISPs) from blocking, discriminating against or deterring Internet users from accessing online content and applications of their choice — such as e-newsletters, blogs, social networking sites, online videos, podcasts and smart-phone apps.

It is not that network owners are secretly plotting to stifle free speech – at least not usually.  But they have an undeniable, rational interest in creating a pay-for-play model for the treatment of communication on the Internet.  Commercial websites that pay will get speed and quality and the non-commercial uses of the Net will be collateral damage – relegated to the slow lane.  It’s not necessarily that they want to block our speech for political reasons; it’s that our speech is not important to them because it’s not going to make them money.

Many of the most valuable things we do online

are non-commercial; they exist because the Internet is

the first mass media system with no gatekeepers

to dole out privilege to the highest bidder.

The Internet provides our communities with a medium to access services, find jobs, connect to friends, make inexpensive international phone calls to family members, and to advocate for social change.  Many of the most valuable things we do online are non-commercial; they exist because the Internet is the first mass media system with no gatekeepers to dole out privilege to the highest bidder. That freedom and openness is what makes the Internet different from broadcasting and cable.  It makes it valuable to our communities.  We can’t allow Comcast, AT&T, Verizon and other broadband providers to deliver substandard Internet service to our communities.


Telecom Companies Want to Create Second-Class “Netizens”

But the big phone and cable companies want to get rid of Net Neutrality and control how the public accesses the Internet. These companies want to charge websites extra tolls to secure the fastest speeds online, while favoring their own content and services over their competition’s. Those unable to pay will be banished to the slow lane online, becoming second-class “netizens” without the same freedoms given to those with more money and influence.

This threat to Internet freedom isn’t hypothetical. Verizon got caught blocking text messages sent by the pro-choice group NARAL to its own members – though they backed down immediately under public pressure. Comcast has also illegally interfered with file-sharing on its network, a practice that earned them a rebuke from the FCC.

OpenSecretsAT&T Even though President Obama pledged he would “take a back seat to no one” on Net Neutrality, the big phone and cable companies are pulling out all the stops to derail it, including deploying Karl Rove¬–style scare tactics within our communities and using their massive resources to block Obama’s agenda. In the first nine months of 2009, they employed nearly 500 lobbyists and spent some $74 million to influence Congress and the FCC. Their misinformation has even convinced Glenn Beck that Net Neutrality is an attempt by President Obama to take over the Internet.

Who will protect the online rights of marginalized communities against the raw profit motive of big business? We urge leaders in our community not to yield to the underhanded scare tactics that corporations like AT&T have used on our communities.

We Must Reject a Separate but Unequal Online World

One of those scare tactics is the claim, pushed by phone and cable companies, that Network Neutrality poses a threat to digital inclusion. Nothing could be further from the truth. Not only does Net Neutrality expand media diversity and access by ensuring fairness and nondiscrimination by big corporations, it will prevent the kind of media consolidation that has happened in the broadcast industry by helping our communities develop a diversity of civic and commercial online enterprises on a scale that represents our growing online numbers.

It’s not necessarily that they want to block

our speech for political reasons;

it’s that our speech is not important to them

because it’s not going to make them money.

A primary reason for the digital divide is that the cost of fully engaging in the online world is just too expensive for many in our community. Broadband in the United States is among the slowest but most expensive of any industrialized nation. After years of consolidation, the largest telecom companies have gotten away with price-gouging our communities because of a lack of competition in the broadband market. More choices for broadband service – not permitting more discrimination – are the key to bringing down costs.  Scrapping Net Neutrality in order to consolidate control over the Internet by cable and phone companies is not the answer. More market control won’t give them more incentive to sell low-cost high-quality services to low-income communities.  Our communities will still be subject to the same business case that have marginalized us in the first place –households that don’t have a lot of money to spend.  Shareholders aren’t charities, and we are foolish to expect otherwise. 

But more importantly, we should not be sacrificing an open Internet to bribe phone and cable companies not to practice forms of red-lining.  The answer to the digital divide cannot be to deliver a second-class, closed Internet to our communities. 

The historic fight against discrimination by groups like the NAACP and the League of United Latin American Citizens has led to great societal change, laying the groundwork for the election of a president of color. We urge our colleagues in the civil rights community to fight with us to ensure that telecom and cable companies are not allowed to discriminate against our communities or interfere with our capacity to speak for ourselves without first asking AT&T, Verizon or Comcast for permission.

Several civil rights groups have spoken out in favor of passing Net Neutrality regulations, including the National Hispanic Media Coalition, UNITY: Journalists of Color, and ColorOfChange.org.

[W]e should not be sacrificing an open Internet

to bribe phone and cable companies

not to practice forms of red-lining.

We are living through a critical moment in our nation’s history. The FCC is going to decide whether the Internet will remain an open platform that allows for the greatest number of voices to participate in our democratic society, or whether it will be a closed network controlled by the big telecom companies.

We are concerned about the dire consequences of living without Internet freedom. It would create a separate but unequal online world where our communities are unable to use the Internet to compete or to advocate for justice when we have been wronged.

We need civil rights, media justice, community-oriented and grassroots organizations to stand together to make sure effective Net Neutrality regulation will protect our communities from the predatory practices of the phone and cable industries.

[L]iving without Internet freedom . . . would

create a separate but unequal online world

where our communities are unable to use

the Internet to compete

or to advocate for justice

when we have been wronged.

As with past civil rights struggles that successfully expanded access, thwarted discrimination, destroyed legalized segregation, and created broad opportunity, so too will the cause for Internet freedom.


Malkia Cyril is the executive director of the Center for Media Justice. Chris Rabb is the founder of the online community Afro-Netizen and is a visiting researcher at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. Joseph Torres is the government relations manager of Free Press and former deputy director of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

]]>"[L]iving without Internet freedom . . . would create a separate and unequal online world where our communities are unable to use the Internet to compete or to advocate for justice when we have been wronged."no"[L]iving without Internet freedom . . . would create a separate and unequal online world where our communities are unable to use the Internet to compete or to advocate for justice when we have been wronged."Christopher M. Rabb"[L]iving without Internet freedom . . . would create a separate and unequal online world where our communities are unable to use the Internet to compete or to advocate for justice when we have been wronged."Chris,Rabb,,Christopher,Rabb,,Afro,Netizen,,entrepreneurship,,e,coaching,,organizational,dynamics,,diversity,,progressive,,netroots,,social,enterprise,,politics,,blogging,,new,media,,Visceral,Ventures,,African,American,,genealogy,,family,history,,public,shttp://www.chrisrabb.com/2009/12/we-must-not-let-big-telecom-segregate-the-internet.htmlhttp://cloudfront.mediamatters.org/static/flash/player.swfRabb keynotes at 9th Annual CHAS Black and Latino Male Conference at Skidmore Collegehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/7TQ_qB14AIQ/rabb-keynotes-at-9th-annual-chas-black-and-latino-male-conference-at-skidmore-college.htmlPresentations/speaking engagementsachievementBlack malesCHASChris Rabbcollegediversitygenderhigher educationinclusionLatinoLatinosSkidmoresuccesspodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:51:50 PSTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c0dc653ef0120a66e98e0970bCHASlogo On Sunday, November 15, 2009, Chris Rabb is the keynote speaker at the closing plenary for the 9th Annual Coalition for High Achievement & Success (CHAS) conference at Skidmore College.

The title of the speech is: "Don't Fear Success; Redefine It!"

A video of this speech (or parts thereof) may be uploaded to this site in the coming weeks. To be alerted when the site has been updated, simply add your e-mail address in the box to the right of this entry. (Your contact information will not be sold, rented or otherwise shared.)

]]>On Saturday, November 15, 2009, Chris Rabb is the keynote speaker at the closing plenary for the 9th Annual Coalition for High Achievement & Success (CHAS) conference at Skidmore College.http://www.chrisrabb.com/2009/11/rabb-keynotes-at-9th-annual-chas-black-and-latino-male-conference-at-skidmore-college.htmlChris Rabb joins Princeton as visiting researcher at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/eYaOzrIaYFc/chris-rabb-accepts-appointment-as-visiting-researcher-at-princetons-woodrow-wilson-school-of-public-.htmlBooksEntrepreneurshipPress roomSocial policyTechnology/InnovationChris Rabbcultural capitaldigital capitalentrepreneurshipinnovationInvisible CapitalMalcolm Gladwellnew venture creationOutliersPrincetonsocial capitalsocial enterprisesocial entrepreneurshipsocial inequalityWoodrow Wilson Schoolpodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:46:42 PSTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-68176311PrincetonWWSlogo I have accepted an appointment at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University as a visiting research collaborator.

In this capacity, I will be working on my forthcoming book, Invisible Capital: How Unseen Forces Shape Entrepreneurial Opportunity, to be released in Fall 2010 by Berrett-Koehler Publishers, and related projects centered on entrepreneurship, inequality, and democracy.

My faculty sponsor is renowned professor of sociology Paul DiMaggio, who is known for his work analyzing social inequality. Prof. DiMaggio is also affiliated with, among other organizations, the Center for Information Technology Policy.

]]>PrincetonWWSlogo I have accepted an appointment at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University as a visiting research collaborator. In this capacity, I am working on my forthcoming book, Invisible Capital: How Unseen Forces Shape Entrepreneurial Opportunity, to be released in Fall 2010 by Berrett-Koehler Publishers.http://www.chrisrabb.com/2009/07/chris-rabb-accepts-appointment-as-visiting-researcher-at-princetons-woodrow-wilson-school-of-public-.htmlChris Rabb inks deal with Berrett-Koehler Publishers to write book on entrepreneurship called Invisible Capitalhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/sJlk3iMNSbw/chris-rabb-inks-deal-with-berrettkoehler-publishers-to-write-book-on-entrepreneurship-called-invisib.htmlEntrepreneurshipMediaPress roomSocial policyTechnology/InnovationWritingsbooksbusiness enterprisesChris Rabbcultural capitaldigital capitalentrepreneurshipinclusionInvisible Capitalnew venture creationshared prosperitysocial capitalsocial enterprisesocial entrepreurshipsustainabiltytriple bottom linepodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:01:00 PDTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-68173559BKPubLogo1 I have just signed a publishing agreement with the good folks at Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc. to write a book to be published next year tentatively titled, Invisible Capital.

The book will analyze the unseen forces that shape entrepreneurial opportunity in America. It will also delve into how we as a nation can level the playing field for future generations of new ventures towards greater sustainability, inclusion, and shared prosperity.

To be the first know when Invisible Capital will be released, please subscribe to my e-newsletter which will be automatically sent out whenever this site is updated. Or, if you are on Facebook, please consider joining the Chris Rabb fan page to get updates.

Finally, stay tuned for the launch of InvisibleCapital.com!

]]>The book will analyze the unseen forces that shape entrepreneurial opportunity in America and how we as a nation can level the playing field for future generations of new ventures towards greater economic and environmental sustainability, inclusion, and shared prosperity.http://www.chrisrabb.com/2009/06/chris-rabb-inks-deal-with-berrettkoehler-publishers-to-write-book-on-entrepreneurship-called-invisib.htmlChris Rabb becomes Fellow at New York-based think tank, Demos, focusing on entrepreneurial policyhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/rWdgCoRCopU/chris-rabb-becomes-fellow-at-demos.htmlCivic/advocacyEntrepreneurshipPress roomSocial policyWritingsChris RabbDemoseconomic developmenteconomic inequalityeconomic opportunityentrepreneurshipfellowshipInvisible Capitalmicroenterprisenew venture creationraceracial wealth gapsmall businesssocial enterprisesocial entrepreneurshipsocial policypodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:30:23 PSTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-68179137

DemosLogo1 I have joined the Manhattan-based think tank, Demos, as a fellow focusing on issues of entrepreneurship, prosperity and opportunity.

Demos is is a non-partisan public policy research and advocacy organization founded in 2000. Headquartered in New York City, Demos works with advocates and policymakers around the country in pursuit of four overarching goals:

  • a more equitable economy with widely shared prosperity and opportunity;

  • a vibrant and inclusive democracy with high levels of voting and civic engagement;

  • an empowered public sector that works for the common good;

  • and responsible U.S. engagement in an interdependent world.

The Fellows Program supports scholars and writers whose innovative work influences the public debate about crucial national and global issues. The program offers an intellectual home and communications platform for more than 20 fellows from diverse backgrounds: emerging public intellectuals, journalists, distinguished public figures, and academics whose research can be used to inform the policy world.

My efforts will focus on completion of my book, Invisible Capital: How Unseen Forces Shape Entrepreneurial Opportunity, to be released in the Fall 2010 by Berrett-Koehler Publishers. I will also be working on initiatives that promote progressive entrepreneurial policies as well as crafting and advocating for innovative economic development programs on local, state, regional and national levels.

]]>I have joined the New York-based think tank, Demos, as a Fellow focusing on issues of entrepreneurship, prosperity and opportunity. My attention will center on completion of my book, Invisible Capital, and related activities around creation of and advocacy for progressive entrepreneurial and small business policy and economic development initiatives.http://www.chrisrabb.com/2009/02/chris-rabb-becomes-fellow-at-demos.htmlChris Rabb joins the board of directors of the Applied Research Center (ARC)http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/-tFEU-qL5n4/chris-rabb-joins-the-board-of-directors-of-the-applied-research-center-arc.htmlCivic/advocacyPress roomApplied Research CenterChris Rabbcolorlinesprogressiveraceracewireracial equityracial justicethink tankpodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:12:54 PDTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-68175895

I am proud to announce that I have joined the board of directors of the Applied Research Center (ARC) based in Oakland, California. I have been an admirer of ARC's work for a number of years and am excited about new service in the role as a director of this wonderful organization committed to "racial justice through media, research and activism".

]]>I am proud to announce that I have joined the board of directors of the Applied Research Center (ARC) based in Oakland, California. I have been an admirer of ARC's work for a number of years and am excited about new service in the role as a director of this wonderful organization committed to "racial justice through media, research and activism".http://www.chrisrabb.com/2008/12/chris-rabb-joins-the-board-of-directors-of-the-applied-research-center-arc.htmlChris Rabb interviews Obama pollster David Binder at ARC's 2008 Facing Race Conferencehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/JtK3iUy25T4/chris-rabb-interviews-obama-pollster-david-binder.htmlMediaPresentations/speaking engagementsPress room2008 electionBarack ObamaBradley effectChris RabbDavid Binderdiscriminationelectionspollingpollspresidential campaignraceracismvotingpodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:24:25 PDTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-58764836

The following video clips featuring me interviewing Obama pollster David Binder at the 2008 Facing Race Conference in Oakland, CA are courtesy of the Applied Research Center (ARC) on whose board of directors I proudly serve.

Part 1 of 2 . . .

Part 2 of 2 . . .

]]>The following video clips are courtesy of the Applied Research Center (ARC) on whose board of directors I proudly serve. noThe following video clips are courtesy of the Applied Research Center (ARC) on whose board of directors I proudly serve. Christopher M. RabbThe following video clips are courtesy of the Applied Research Center (ARC) on whose board of directors I proudly serve. Chris,Rabb,,Christopher,Rabb,,Afro,Netizen,,entrepreneurship,,e,coaching,,organizational,dynamics,,diversity,,progressive,,netroots,,social,enterprise,,politics,,blogging,,new,media,,Visceral,Ventures,,African,American,,genealogy,,family,history,,public,shttp://www.chrisrabb.com/2008/11/chris-rabb-interviews-obama-pollster-david-binder.htmlhttp://www.youtube.com/v/xBCo19tfBiU&hl=en&fs=1&Chris Rabb delivers keynote address at the 2008 ConvergeSouth conference in Greensboro, NChttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/A2I-b_osdN4/chris-rabb-delivers-keynote-address-at-2008-convergesouth-conference-in-greensboro-nc.htmlCivic/advocacyMediaPolitics/Civic EngagementPresentations/speaking engagementsPress roomSocial policyTechnology/Innovation2008 presidential racecampaign financecampaignsChris Rabbcivic engagementConvergeSouthelectionsGreensboroJohn McCainmedia consolidationmedia democracymedia diversitymedia reformNC A&TnetrootsObamapoliticssocial mediavotersvotingpodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:17:44 PSTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c0dc653ef0120a9032300970b

To view the rest of the address, click here.

]]>On October 16, 2008, Chris Rabb delivered the keynote address at the ConvergeSouth conference at NC A&T in Greensboro, NC. The subject of his presentation was on social media, civic engagement and the 2008 presidential election.http://www.chrisrabb.com/2008/10/chris-rabb-delivers-keynote-address-at-2008-convergesouth-conference-in-greensboro-nc.htmlChris Rabb delivers interactive presentation/workshop to top business executives in Ossining, NY on identity, community & leadershiphttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/fT6oITMCKeA/interactive-p-1.htmlPresentations/speaking engagementsancestryChris Rabbcultural identityexperiential learningfamily culturefamily treeFortune 500genealogyheritageinnovationinteractive presentationleadershipleadership developmentorganizational dynamicsparticipatory learningproductivityteam developmentpodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:54:26 PDTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-40425746

Rabbtalk090507 On September 5, 2007, I addressed a group of 200 senior African-American business executives in Westchester County, NY on issues of identity, community and leadership. Little did I know that I would be in the company of Gen. Colin Powell, the summit's keynote speaker later that same day. (Fortunately for me, I did not have to follow General Powell!)

My address focused on the various factors that influence how we choose to self-identify as well as how we define "community" towards understanding one's purpose as an individual and a leader in an organization.

I was invited to present at this summit by the event planners who coordinated this gathering. They saw the 2006 Black Enterprise article that featured me, and inquired if I could talk about leadership through the lens of genealogy and family history.

After weeks of collaboration, I was able to craft a highly interactive presentation that included compelling visual aids including family photos, diagrams and customized exercises that I facilitated at the conclusion of my talk.

The audience was warm, very much engaged, and surprisingly vulnerable (in the best sense of the word) for top managers of a Fortune 100 company and its key vendors. As a result of my participation at this gathering, I received invitations from various attendees to speak elsewhere and have maintained in contact with a number of people I met there.

This engagement was as much a learning experience for me as it was for my audience, and I find that I am still drawing lessons from my time in Ossining.

]]>Rabbtalk090507 On September 5th, I addressed a group of 200 senior Black business executives in Westchester County, NY on issues of identity, community and leadership. Little did I know that I would be in the company of Gen. Colin Powell, the summit's keynote speaker later than same day. (Fortunately for me, I did not have to follow General Powell!) My address focused on the various factors that influence how we choose to self-identify as well as how we define "community" towards understanding one's purpose as an individual and a leader in an organization.http://www.chrisrabb.com/2007/10/interactive-p-1.htmlPresentation at the Illinois Humanities Council panel on genealogy and geneticshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/mzZ_m8GKmFg/presentation-at.htmlGenealogy/Family HistoryPress roomSocial policyTechnology/Innovationpodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:19:00 PDTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-34359284

On Thursday, June 28, 2007, the Illinois Humanities Council hosted the event: Where Did You Come From? Genetics and Genealogy at the Newberry Library centered on a moderated panel featuring myself, author Ronne Hartfield and geneticist Dr. Rick Kittles.

This event, presented in partnership with the Afro-American Genealogical and Historical Society, American Medical Association, the Center for the Study of Race, Politics and Culture at the University of Chicago, the DuSable Museum of African American History, The Historymakers, The Newberry Library, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, was also taped by the crew of 60 Minutes and the Illinois Channel.

Due to various technical difficulties that panelists experienced and limited time, I was not able to give my formal presentation that included my prepared remarks and aligned slideshow. That said, I adjusted my comments accordingly, and this is what ensued . . .

Click here to listen to my presentation.

]]>On Thursday, June 28, 2007, the Illinois Humanities Council hosted the event: Where Did You Come From? Genetics and Genealogy at the Newberry Library centered on a moderated panel featuring myself, author Ronne Hartfield and geneticist Dr. Rick Kittles. This event, presented in partnership with the Afro-American Genealogical and Historical...noOn Thursday, June 28, 2007, the Illinois Humanities Council hosted the event: Where Did You Come From? Genetics and Genealogy at the Newberry Library centered on a moderated panel featuring myself, author Ronne Hartfield and geneticist Dr. Rick Kittles. TChristopher M. RabbOn Thursday, June 28, 2007, the Illinois Humanities Council hosted the event: Where Did You Come From? Genetics and Genealogy at the Newberry Library centered on a moderated panel featuring myself, author Ronne Hartfield and geneticist Dr. Rick Kittles. This event, presented in partnership with the Afro-American Genealogical and Historical...Chris,Rabb,,Christopher,Rabb,,Afro,Netizen,,entrepreneurship,,e,coaching,,organizational,dynamics,,diversity,,progressive,,netroots,,social,enterprise,,politics,,blogging,,new,media,,Visceral,Ventures,,African,American,,genealogy,,family,history,,public,shttp://www.chrisrabb.com/2007/06/presentation-at.htmlhttp://www.chrisrabb.com/files/il_humanities_council__where_did_you_come_from___panel_presentation_at_the_newberry_library_6_28_07.mp3Take Back America 2007 conference panel on media reform http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/Egw30-AyieU/take_back_ameri.htmlMediaPolitics/Civic EngagementPresentations/speaking engagementsPress roomSocial policyTechnology/Innovationpodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Tue, 22 May 2007 10:33:43 PDTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-34359822On Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at 11am, I will be on a panel at the Take Back America conference entitled "Media Reform on the Rise: Building a Bigger Tent".

]]>On Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at 11am, I will be on a panel at the Take Back America conference entitled "Media Reform on the Rise: Building a Bigger Tent".http://www.chrisrabb.com/2007/05/take_back_ameri.htmlPersonal Democracy Forum Conference panel on "is cyberspace colorblind?"http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/r0GUFk6L7Wo/personal_democr.htmlMediaPolitics/Civic EngagementPresentations/speaking engagementsPress roomSocial policyTechnology/Innovationpodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Sat, 19 May 2007 10:26:00 PDTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-34359588

On Friday, May 18, 2007, I participated in a spirited panel at the ever-growing Personal Democracy Forum Conference at Pace University in New York City.

Read more here. But the short answer to the panel's question is: Yes, the Internet is color-blind, but the people on it are not. (That's an opinion, not necessarily a criticism.)

]]>On Friday, May 18, 2007, I participated in a spirited panel at the ever-growing Personal Democracy Forum Conference at Pace University in New York City. Read more here. But the short answer to the panel's question is: Yes, the Internet is color-blind, but the people on it are not. (That's...http://www.chrisrabb.com/2007/05/personal_democr.htmlEncore presentation at Penn Bookstorehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/HlqXlj4uSIA/encore_presenta.htmlGenealogy/Family HistoryPress roompodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Tue, 03 Apr 2007 09:36:42 PDTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-32465242

Pennbookstore022607 On April 19, 2007 at 7pm at the Penn Bookstore, I will be doing a second, genealogically-oriented presentation based on my forthcoming book, Rivers to the Soul: An American Genealogical Odyssey.

]]>On April 19, 2007 at 7pm at the Penn Bookstore, I will be doing a second, genealogically-oriented presentation based on my forthcoming book, Rivers to the Soul: An American Genealogical Odyssey.http://www.chrisrabb.com/2007/04/encore_presenta.htmlRabb moderates workshop on leveraging new media in the fight for racial justicehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/1pQZbQE0yNE/rabb_moderates_.htmlMediaPolitics/Civic EngagementPress roomSocial policyTechnology/Innovationpodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Tue, 20 Mar 2007 08:33:57 PDTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-31890116

Facingracebanner On Saturday, March 24th at 11:15am, I will be teaming up with uber-geek and blogdiva Liza Sabater of CultureKitchen and other blogliciousness to moderate a 90-minute workshop humorously called: BYOB: Build Your Own Blog at the Applied Research Center's annual Facing Race conference, to be held this year in New York City.

This workshop will not be about trite speeches or boring PowerPoint presentations. On the contrary, Liza and I have planned a highly informative, interactive and fun session for participants that will discuss not just how to build a blog for your organization or cause, but 1) why/if one should do so in the first place, and 2) what is the broader new media/netroots landscape for doing so and 3) the much larger socio-political context for leveraging this new, powerful activist tool.

]]>On Saturday, March 24th at 11:15am, I will be teaming up with uber-geek and blogdiva Liza Sabater of CultureKitchen and other blogliciousness to moderate a 90-minute workshop humorously called: BYOB: Build Your Own Blog at the Applied Research Center's annual Facing Race conference, to be held this year in New...http://www.chrisrabb.com/2007/03/rabb_moderates_.htmlRabb on NPR's 'Radio Times' to discuss genealogy, slavery and identityhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/jWH3NQpuZSw/rabb_on_nprs_ra.htmlGenealogy/Family HistoryMediaPress roomTechnology/Innovationpodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Sun, 04 Mar 2007 12:01:17 PSTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-31176076

On Monday, March 5th at 10am, I was interviewed on host Marty Moss-Coane's  radio show "Radio Times' on WHYY-FM to discuss genealogy,  slavery and cultural identity in the wake of recent news about Rev. Al Sharpton and Sen. Barack Obama's family ties to slavery.

My interview can be heard here in its entirety. (My interview was also videotaped and aired on Comcast Cable Channel 242 in the Philadelphia area.)

]]>On Monday, March 5th at 10am, I was interviewed on host Marty Moss-Coane's radio show "Radio Times' on WHYY-FM to discuss genealogy, slavery and cultural identity in the wake of recent news about Rev. Al Sharpton and Sen. Barack Obama's family ties to slavery. My interview can be heard here...http://www.chrisrabb.com/2007/03/rabb_on_nprs_ra.htmlRabb delivers genealogy presentation at Penn Bookstorehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/TDlUoXwFoWU/rabb_delivers_g.htmlGenealogy/Family HistoryPress roompodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Mon, 26 Feb 2007 12:04:00 PSTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-31177182

On Monday, February 26th, I delivered a genealogical presentation based loosely on my forthcoming book, Rivers to the Soul: An American Genealogical Odyssey, at the University of Pennsylvania bookstore.

I will be back for an encore presentation on April 19th at 7pm.

]]>On Monday, February 26th, I delivered a genealogical presentation based loosely on my forthcoming book, Rivers to the Soul: An American Genealogical Odyssey, at the University of Pennsylvania bookstore. I will be back for an encore presentation on April 19th at 7pm.http://www.chrisrabb.com/2007/02/rabb_delivers_g.htmlRabb added to Fast Company's 'expert blogger' rosterhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/gUKNWhrTJbs/rabb_added_to_f.htmlEntrepreneurshipMediaPress roomSocial policyTechnology/InnovationWritingspodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Tue, 30 Jan 2007 12:26:01 PSTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-15522926

Fcblogscreenshot1As of January 2007, I have become a contributor to the newly formed Fast Company Expert Blogs.

My weekly posts will focus on the theme of social responsibility. As a social commentator, consultant, "serial entrepreneur" and life-long student of organizational dynamics, I will use this national platform to advocate for an essential, new touchstone that represents the confluence of culture/ethnicity, civic engagement/politics, technology/media, and entrepreneurship/organizational innovation.

]]>As of January 2007, I have become a contributor to the newly formed Fast Company Expert Blogs. My weekly posts will focus on the theme of social responsibility. As a social commentator, consultant, "serial entrepreneur" and life-long student of organizational dynamics, I will use this national platform to advocate for...http://www.chrisrabb.com/2007/01/rabb_added_to_f.htmlCitizen Journalism Panel at the National Conference for Media Reform in Memphishttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/8Aw9RxSeyf0/panel_presentat.htmlMediaPolitics/Civic EngagementPress roomSocial policyTechnology/Innovationpodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Sat, 13 Jan 2007 08:09:00 PSTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-32461938

On Saturday, January 13, 2007, I participated on a panel called Citizen Journalism: Making an Impact in a New Media Landscape" at the 2007 National Conference for Media Reform in downtown Memphis, Tennessee, hosted by Free Press.

To listen to my opening remarks, please click here.

]]>On Saturday, January 13, 2007, I participated on a panel called Citizen Journalism: Making an Impact in a New Media Landscape" at the 2007 National Conference for Media Reform in downtown Memphis, Tennessee, hosted by Free Press. To listen to my opening remarks, please click here.http://www.chrisrabb.com/2007/01/panel_presentat.htmlThe Crime of Breathing While Blackhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/U-5Yp-pjjUg/breathing_while.htmlWritingspodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Sat, 02 Dec 2006 17:59:43 PSTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-14431226

By Christopher Rabb
The Nation

There is nothing like being made to feel like a nigger. Just having to verbalize it or commit such a thought to text is gut-wrenching. Janitor or journalist, if you're black in America, that feeling is both unmistakable and more familiar than it ever should be so long after the the visible successes of the civil rights movement. But despite the greater prospects, opportunities and privileges earned for and by many of us over the decades, the default has remained the same: The power dynamics that exist in this country at any given time may render us niggers.

I have often joked that if you ever want to see a modern-day Uncle Tom, look no further than me in the vicinity of a white police officer. The reality is, that is how I have been conditioned to behave around the police for pure self-preservation reasons, having grown up black in Chicago with parents who wanted their boys to live to adulthood. But the other reality is that whatever newfound liberties I have experienced, and all too often have taken for granted, I don't ever want to be made to feel like a nigger--something far, far worse than its utterance. It is a status whose roots form the tree from which we are lynched. Without the corollary lack of humanity and powerlessness, lynching could not occur, in all of its modern iterations, " contagious shootings" included.

Read more

]]>By Christopher Rabb The Nation There is nothing like being made to feel like a nigger. Just having to verbalize it or commit such a thought to text is gut-wrenching. Janitor or journalist, if you're black in America, that feeling is both unmistakable and more familiar than it ever should...http://www.chrisrabb.com/2006/12/breathing_while.htmlThe Young Turks radio show/webcasthttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/WRI2qfutpZE/the_young_turks.htmlPress roompodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Tue, 28 Nov 2006 20:59:00 PSTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-14420432

Cmryoungturks112806On November 28, 2006, I was a guest on Air America Radio's "The Young Turks" show.

To listen to the radio spot, click here.

To watch the video version, click here.

]]>On November 28, 2006, I was a guest on Air America Radio's "The Young Turks" show. To listen to the radio spot, click here. To watch the video version, click here.noOn November 28, 2006, I was a guest on Air America Radio's "The Young Turks" show. To listen to the radio spot, click here. To watch the video version, click here.Christopher M. RabbOn November 28, 2006, I was a guest on Air America Radio's "The Young Turks" show. To listen to the radio spot, click here. To watch the video version, click here.Chris,Rabb,,Christopher,Rabb,,Afro,Netizen,,entrepreneurship,,e,coaching,,organizational,dynamics,,diversity,,progressive,,netroots,,social,enterprise,,politics,,blogging,,new,media,,Visceral,Ventures,,African,American,,genealogy,,family,history,,public,shttp://www.chrisrabb.com/2006/11/the_young_turks.htmlhttp://www.theyoungturks.com/audio/chrisraabTYT.mp3Chris Rabb featured in November 2006 issue of Black Enterprise Magazine on genealogy and DNA testinghttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/C9bZUpnAU50/rabb_featured_i.htmlGenealogy/Family HistoryMediaPress roomTechnology/InnovationBlack EnterpriseChris Rabbcultural identitycultureDNAfamily historygenealogygeneticsraceracial identitypodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:02:26 PDTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-14015281

Bemagdnastorynov06web

I'm featured in Black Enterprise Magazine's November 2006 issue on page 118.

The article is called "Cracking the Genomics Code" in BE's Science & Technology section.

The article features my picture in front of a very cool adaptation of an intricate pedigree chart I designed for presentations on this subject.

The piece is less about me and my story, and more about highlighting the work of various Black pioneers in the field of genetics.

]]>Bemagdnastorynov06web I'm featured in Black Enterprise Magazine's November 2006 issue on page 118. The article is called "Cracking the Genomics Code" in BE's Science & Technology section.http://www.chrisrabb.com/2006/11/rabb_featured_i.htmlRabb weighs in on alma mater's complicity in the slave tradehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/M_78PWpm0zY/rabb_weighs_in_.htmlPress roompodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Mon, 30 Oct 2006 14:10:00 PSTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-14015569

Monday, October 30, 2006
Slavery complicates University's history

By Pamela Shen
Staff Reporter
Yale Daily News

StainedglasswindowccslavesChris Rabb '92, co-founder of the Yale Black Alumni Network, said the administration has not taken leadership in substantively addressing this issue, since Yale has benefited from the money generated from the slave trade, played a historic role in the aftermath of the Amistad revolt and is located in New Haven, a city with a large impoverished black community.

"I think the silence is deafening as a black alum of a predominantly white institution," he said. "It heightens my long-standing suspicion of the extent to which the University is sensitive to its various constituencies."

Read more

]]>Monday, October 30, 2006 Slavery complicates University's history By Pamela Shen Staff Reporter Yale Daily News Chris Rabb '92, co-founder of the Yale Black Alumni Network, said the administration has not taken leadership in substantively addressing this issue, since Yale has benefited from the money generated from the slave trade,...http://www.chrisrabb.com/2006/10/rabb_weighs_in_.htmlWritten in the Bloodhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/jS2Ojqyej10/written_in_the_.htmlWritingspodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Fri, 01 Sep 2006 20:08:00 PDTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-12804100

September/October 2006 Edition

By Chris Rabb
Contributor
ColorLines Magazine 
Republished online via Afro-Netizen

My genealogical quest to untangle ancestry and heritage.

Colorlinescover906IN JUST OVER TWO YEARS OF DNA TESTING, I may have become the most genetically well-documented Black person to date.

I have cajoled and convinced relatives to assist me in this quest by swabbing the inside of their cheeks in furtherance of the family good. After more than a decade of intensive research in the tradition of our family's elder genealogists going back three generations, I've been able to identify 10 distinct African lineages coursing through my body. I've been able to uncover what for so many descendants of enslaved Africans is a tragically elusive piece of our family history. What I initially thought was a potential means by which government agencies and eugenicists could harvest and misuse people's genetic code, I eventually saw as a powerful tool to delve deeper into the cultural diversity of my African ancestry.

Read more

]]>September/October 2006 Edition By Chris Rabb Contributor ColorLines Magazine Republished online via Afro-Netizen My genealogical quest to untangle ancestry and heritage. IN JUST OVER TWO YEARS OF DNA TESTING, I may have become the most genetically well-documented Black person to date. I have cajoled and convinced relatives to assist me...http://www.chrisrabb.com/2006/09/written_in_the_.htmlRabb participates in 'Seize the Moment' Conference's Netroots panelhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/_gXhDyGiQAU/rabb_participat.htmlPress roompodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Fri, 01 Sep 2006 20:04:00 PDTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-12804061

On Saturday, September 9, 2006, I will participate (virtually) on the Netroots panel at 3-day conference in Washington, DC entitled: Seize the Moment!: A National Activists Conference on the Public Financing of Elections.

Read more

]]>On Saturday, September 9, 2006, I will participate (virtually) on the Netroots panel at 3-day conference in Washington, DC entitled: Seize the Moment!: A National Activists Conference on the Public Financing of Elections. Read morehttp://www.chrisrabb.com/2006/09/rabb_participat.htmlRabb elected to public office in City of Philadelphiahttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/chrisrabb/~3/SaYiGi901_I/rabb_elected_to.htmlPress roompodcast@chrisrabb.com (Christopher M. Rabb)Tue, 16 May 2006 14:14:00 PDTtag:typepad.com,2003:post-10633239Ward9mapwebOn Tuesday, May 16, 2006, Christopher Rabb was elected as one of two Democratic Committeepeople for Division 1 of Philadelphia's 9th Ward representing 500+ registered Democrats in his East Mount Airy neighborhood. He serves a four-year term, representing the smallest, most grassroots unit of a political party's organizational structure.

]]>On Tuesday, May 16, 2006, Christopher Rabb was elected as one of two Democratic Committeepeople for Division 1 of Philadelphia's 9th Ward representing 500+ registered Democrats in his East Mount Airy neighborhood. He serves a four-year term, representing the smallest, most grassroots unit of a political party's organizational structure.http://www.chrisrabb.com/2006/05/rabb_elected_to.html© 2006 Christopher M. Rabb All rights reserved.Christopher M. Rabbnonadult