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Why was Prince Harry invited to give a speech about Nelson Mandela?

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2 years ago

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The British royal offered an insipid, cliché-laden take that only further watered down the anti-apartheid icon’s story.

The United Nations General Assembly observed Nelson Mandela International Day on Monday morning with a series of speakers celebrating the legacy of South Africa’s first Black president and its most famous anti-apartheid freedom fighter. And the keynote speaker was … Britain’s Prince Harry.

That’s pretty weird!

While the event helps Harry in advancing his tortured pivot to socially conscious royal, it’s unclear why he was invited to speak in the first place. As a member of the British royal family, he’s a figurehead of colonialism and has no record of commitment to the kinds of ideas that Mandela stood for. Unsurprisingly, Harry’s remarks were an anodyne homage that avoided reckoning with the historical figure’s political goals and strategic decisions, and instead relied heavily on clichés about bravery.

By Zeeshan Aleem, MSNBC Opinion Columnist

Harry spoke for about 15 minutes, but little of what he said was insightful or memorable. He briefly mentioned that Mandela — who fought apartheid through nonviolent protest and guerrilla warfare before being imprisoned by South Africa’s apartheid government for 27 years — suffered “state-sponsored brutality” and “racism.” But he said virtually nothing of Mandela’s upbringing, his different political phases, his management of the immensely complex demands of integrating South Africa into a multiracial democracy in the 1990s or the lessons he learned as he evolved from protester to powerful politician. Today, as the country continues to grapple with deeply entrenched inequality, the South African left debates Mandela’s efficacy as president and whether or not he made too many concessions to vested interests.

But in Harry’s telling, Mandela was most notable for surviving imprisonment — a remarkable feat indeed, but also the easiest part of his life story to depoliticize as a tale of personal endurance. Focusing on Mandela’s imprisonment allowed Harry to make use of faux-profundities like “hope is the fuel that courage requires.” And when he did mention Mandela’s great deeds, the prince said “that doesn’t mean he was perfect. No. he was something better. He was human.” I’m not sure what that meant, but I do know it allowed Harry to sound reverent without really saying anything.

Harry committed an all-too-common sin among Western liberals who frame Mandela as a kind of prophet rather than a political figure. As Gary Younge’s reflection on Mandela’s legacy in The Nation in 2013 warned: “[T]o make him a saint is to extract him from the realm of politics and elevate him to the level of deity. And as long as he resides there, his legacy cannot be fully debated or discussed, because his record is then rooted not in his role as the head of a movement, but in the beatified soul of a man and his conscience.”

It’s also not too surprising that Harry — still sixth in line to the throne of a royal institution that once oversaw the biggest empire in global history — did not discuss the role of colonialism in creating the horrific injustices Mandela and his countrymen endured.

Harry is a fratty member of the British Royal family who in earlier years used racial slurs, dressed up as a Nazi at a costume party and boasted about killing Afghans well after the war in Afghanistan became a neocolonial nation-building project. One would not expect him to be able to appraise Mandela’s legacy in a sophisticated manner, nor confess to the origins of the white supremacy that reigned in South Africa. Which again raises the question of why he was invited as a keynote instead of a real activist or politician who works within anti-colonial traditions. Perhaps the calculation was that Harry’s celebrity would draw attention to an important historical figure. But the price of such a vulgar wager is that Mandela’s extraordinary legacy was watered down even more.

♦Culled from the MSNBC

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Anthony Obi Ogbo

The HISD Nightmare – Superintendent Mike Miles Must Go

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21 hours ago

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May 19, 2024

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“Initially brought in to facilitate a solution, Miles is now seen as the problem“ —Anthony Ogbo

________________________

Since assuming the role of Superintendent of the Houston Independent School District in June of 2023, Mike Miles has consistently been making headlines, albeit for all the wrong reasons. Despite his responsibilities in organizing, leading, directing, policy-making, and execution, Miles has failed to pass every test required to excel in his position. Month after month, he finds himself under fire, with the latest allegations accusing him of misusing Texas public school funding. An investigation by Spectrum News revealed that Miles allegedly funneled public school funds from the state to a Colorado Charter School. This scandal comes at a time when the district is facing a projected $450 million budget shortfall, leading to proposed position cuts, including teacher layoffs and benefit reductions.

In response to the accusations, Superintendent Miles defended his actions, claiming that such financial arrangements are common between charter schools and their management organizations. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has initiated a review of the matter. Meanwhile, State Democrat Ana Hernandez has called for Miles to be removed from his position and for a thorough investigation to be conducted.

The challenges facing Miles go beyond the current scandal, as he struggles to lead the largest school district in Texas and the eighth-largest in the United States. Teachers are feeling distressed and uncertain about their roles, parents are worried about their children’s future, and students are losing interest in their education. The situation at HISD is dire, and it is clear that a change in leadership may be necessary to restore trust and stability within the district.

Just last week, displeasure among parents worsened as some pushed back against layoffs while others protested recent budget cuts. Despite the opposition, Superintendent Miles remained steadfast in his proposal to lay off employees, although he did not disclose the exact number of individuals who would be affected. The board had previously approved a comprehensive list of positions, spanning nearly 20 pages, that were at risk of layoffs, including teachers, principals, and custodians. HISD leaders emphasized that the teacher cuts were based on performance rather than budget constraints.

Miles acknowledged that he was unable to provide specific figures regarding the number of teachers or principals facing job loss, but assured that this information would be available in the coming weeks. Several teachers reportedly received notices to attend a Zoom call to discuss their future employment with the district, although the purpose of this call was not clear.

The contentious relationship between Miles and the HISD community seemingly began when he assumed his position. In July 2023, just a month after taking office, Miles disclosed during a virtual forum that the district’s central office was reducing its staffing levels by over 2,300 positions. This reduction included the elimination of 1,675 vacant positions and the layoff of 672 employees. Miles attributed this decision to the central office’s excessive growth over the past decade, despite a significant decrease in student enrollment by 27,000 students.

In August 2023, The Houston Federation of Teachers filed a lawsuit against Miles and the board, accusing them of violating Texas Education Code requirements in the development of teacher evaluations. The teacher’s union alleged that Miles had created an illegal evaluation system without input from teachers and other stakeholders. The lawsuit was later dropped after the board of managers decided to use the state’s appraisal system for teachers instead of Miles’ system.

One of the key issues with Miles is his failure to thoroughly analyze the HISD operational environment before proposing his solutions. This lack of understanding often results in his recommendations being disconnected from the reality of the situation. Without a comprehensive assessment of the unique challenges and intricacies within the district, his strategies failed to effectively address the underlying issues and even led to unintended consequences. Indeed, Miles did not take the time to gain a deep understanding of the complexities of HISD before implementing his changes.

In any school district, the primary stakeholders are the teachers, students, and parents. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that other stakeholders also play a vital role in the success of schools. These include administrators, support staff, community members, and local businesses. Each of these groups brings unique perspectives and resources to the table, all of which contribute to creating a positive learning environment for students. By fostering collaboration and valuing the input of all stakeholders, school districts can enhance their ability to meet the diverse needs of students and support them in achieving academic success. This approach stands in stark contrast to the leadership perspectives held by Miles, which do not prioritize such inclusive and cooperative practices.

Initially brought in to facilitate a solution, Miles is now seen as the problem. He was thought to be the key to resolving the issue at hand, given his expertise and experience, making him the obvious choice to lead the team. However, as time passed, it became evident that Miles was hindering progress rather than aiding it. His stubbornness, lack of communication, and unwillingness to consider alternative perspectives were causing tension within the group and impeding any real solutions from being reached. It was increasingly clear that Miles himself was the primary obstacle standing in the way of a resolution.

HISD would need to address this issue with TEA if they are ever going to move forward and achieve their goals. Removing Miles from his position would allow for a fresh start and a more collaborative approach to problem-solving, ultimately benefiting the students, teachers, and community as a whole. It is time for HISD to move forward without Miles at the helm.

♦Publisher of the Guardian News, Journalism and RTF Professor, Dr. Anthony Obi Ogbo, is on the Editorial Board of the West African Pilot News. He is the author of the Influence of Leadership (2015)  and the Maxims of Political Leadership (2019). Contact: anthony@guardiannews.us

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Navigating Bias and Ethics in AI-Powered Cybersecurity: The BRACE Framework Approach

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1 month ago

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April 17, 2024

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In the dynamic landscape of cybersecurity, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) systems has ushered in a new era of technological advancements and capabilities. However, with the increasing reliance on AI for cybersecurity operations, the prevalence of biases and ethical dilemmas within these systems has emerged as a critical concern. To address these challenges and foster more trustworthy and reliable AI technologies in the cybersecurity domain, the BRACE framework encapsulates a structured approach encompassing key components focused on bias identification, mitigation, ethical considerations, collaboration, and engagement. This framework serves as a cornerstone for stakeholders to navigate the complex terrain of AI ethics and biases, ensuring that AI systems in cybersecurity align with principled guidelines and societal expectations.

The BRACE framework presents a comprehensive and integrative approach towards enhancing the functionality and ethical integrity of AI systems operating within the realm of cybersecurity. Let’s delve deeper into the key components outlined within this framework:
1. Bias Identification: The foundational step of bias identification involves a meticulous examination of various facets of AI systems – from their design to the data they ingest, and the decision-making processes they employ. By scrutinizing these elements, potential biases can be unearthed, thereby shedding light on any factors that may impede the system’s performance.
2. Bias Mitigation: In the wake of identifying biases, the subsequent phase revolves around formulating tailored strategies to effectively tackle and mitigate them. This may encompass initiatives such as retraining algorithms with more inclusive datasets, fostering transparency in decision-making algorithms, and embodying oversight mechanisms to swiftly identify and rectify biases in real time.
3. Ethical Considerations: The incorporation of ethical considerations forms a pivotal component of the BRACE framework. This entails ensuring that AI systems adhere to a set of principled guidelines ranging from fairness and transparency to accountability and privacy. Moreover, a conscientious evaluation of the potential societal repercussions stemming from AI systems in cybersecurity is imperative to prevent any adverse effects on vulnerable communities or the perpetuation of existing disparities.
4. Collaboration and Engagement: An emphasis on collaboration and engagement with a broad spectrum of stakeholders is advocated within the BRACE framework. By fostering dialogue and partnerships amongst cybersecurity experts, AI researchers, policymakers, and affected communities, a diverse array of perspectives can be harnessed to cultivate robust solutions that effectively address biases and ethical concerns within AI systems utilized in cybersecurity.
Ultimately, the overarching objective of the BRACE framework is to establish a structured and holistic approach towards fostering the reliability and trustworthiness of AI technologies operating within the cybersecurity domain. By systematically addressing biases and ethical dilemmas through a synergistic blend of proactive measures and collaborative efforts, the BRACE framework endeavours to fortify the ethical foundations and operational efficacy of AI systems in cybersecurity.
In conclusion, the BRACE framework emerges as a beacon of guidance in the realm of AI systems in cybersecurity, offering a roadmap for navigating the intricate landscape of biases and ethical considerations. By illuminating potential biases, devising tailored mitigation strategies, incorporating ethical principles, and fostering collaboration, the framework paves the way for the development of AI technologies that not only excel in performance but also uphold ethical standards and societal values. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, the integration of the BRACE framework stands poised to shape a future where AI systems operate with transparency, fairness, and accountability, ultimately instilling confidence in their reliability and ethical integrity. Through the concerted efforts of diverse stakeholders and the adoption of structured frameworks like BRACE, the cybersecurity community can stride towards a future where AI technologies serve as trusted allies in safeguarding digital assets and upholding cybersecurity standards.

♦ Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola is a Nigerian Professor of Cyber Security and Information Technology Management, and holds a Chartered Manager Status, and by extension, Chartered Fellow (CMgr FCMI) by the highly Reputable Royal Chartered Management Institute.

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The Call for Reform: Embracing Chief Awolowo’s Vision for a Better Nigeria

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2 months ago

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March 22, 2024

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As we celebrate the 115th Posthumous birthday of Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Oyeniyi Iyanda Awolowo, GCFR, it is essential to reflect on the valuable lessons that today’s politicians can learn from his exemplary leadership. Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a visionary and transformative leader, left a lasting legacy of progressive governance, innovative policies, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of Nigeria. Chief Awolowo’s emphasis on reform to drive progress, development, and prosperity for all Nigerians remains as relevant today as it was during his tenure. In honouring Chief Awolowo’s birthday, it is fitting to consider how his principles can guide policymakers in navigating the complexities of modern governance and leading Nigeria toward a brighter and more sustainable future.

Reflecting on the indelible mark he left on Nigeria through his visionary leadership, particularly his groundbreaking free education policy, Chief Awolowo’s legacy continues to resonate with many Nigerians, myself included. Personally, I owe much of who I am today to the opportunities afforded to me through this policy. In honour of Chief Awolowo’s birthday, it is fitting to explore and celebrate his attributes that today’s politicians can emulate for the betterment of our nation.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo was a visionary leader who played a key role in shaping modern Nigeria. His commitment to the principles of justice, equity, and progress made him a champion of the common man and a symbol of good governance. As we celebrate his 115th Posthumous birthday, it is important to reflect on his legacy and the values he stood for.

 

♦ Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola is a Nigerian Professor of Cyber Security and Information Technology Management, and holds a Chartered Manager Status, and by extension, Chartered Fellow (CMgr FCMI) by the highly Reputable Royal Chartered Management Institute.

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