Cleo Manago (left) shakes hands with Rev. Al Sharpton (right).
Left, Social architect Cleo Manago after receiving a standing ovation shakes the hand of Rev. Al Sharpton (right). Manago
presented on his theory, Logic Displacement and Behavioral Disorientation (LDBD) at the 11th Annual National Action Network
conference in New York City. The four-day event included Vice President Joe Biden, Reverend Run, D. L. Hughley, Star Jones
and Newt Greenwich.
LDBD as defined by Manago is a multi-generational coping mechanism and cultural stress disorder caused by chronic exposure
to structural violence, internalized and societal abuse. LDBD operates as a barrier to critical thinking and self-determination,
and is a major obstacle to building [Black] community capacity to address health disparities.
Manago informed on countering LDBD by intentionally, actively, purposely and consciously unlearning any anti Black notions
and the resulting abusive behavior between Blacks that can be based on complexion, sexuality, religion, cultural and class
differences and to acknowledge Black diversity. "It is crucial for Black people honor each other, unconditionally, at
every opportunity," says Manago.
Highlights included the Announcement that Sharpton, U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan, and Speaker Newt Gingrich will
conduct a 5-City Education tour, and the Supreme Court finding on the Execution stay of Troy Davis.
The tour of five cities will highlight the Obama administration efforts to reform public education, spur innovation and
discuss challenges facing Americas school systems. The tour, an outgrowth of their meeting with President Obama last spring,
will stimulate discussion and community engagement around issues of education reform.
Another major highlight coming out of the conference was the announcement that the United States Supreme Court granted
a delay in the execution of Troy Davis in order for the Judge to review more testimony. Since his 1991 conviction, NAN has
led support efforts around the case to get Troy Davis exonerated.
Delegates at the NAN Conference were joined by high profile clergy, government officials, activists, educators, and leaders
in business, and young people. Participants included Mayor Shirley Franklin, Martin Luther King III, Bishop Eddie Long, Rep.
Alisha Thomas Morgan, Rick Wade from the Department of Commerce, John Silvanus Wilson, Jr.., the Executive Director of the
White House Initiative on HBCUs, businessman Herman Russell, and many more.
Special plenary sessions addressed critical issues including, but not limited to, racial profiling, the HIV/AIDS epidemic,
escalating teen violence, the criminal justice system, justice for Troy Davis, the state of media, the gap in public education,
faith and education, and the future success of historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). At the Ministers Luncheon,
Bishop Eddie Long raised thousands of dollars to support the NAN education tour.
The Conference featured events that targeted the interests of youth. A Town Hall meeting with youth speaking out on critical
issues featured a panel of experts leading a discussion on such critical issues as peer pressure, bullying, gang violence,
teen pregnancy, and substance abuse. The event was co-hosted by hip-hop artist T.I. K.I.N.G. Foundation.
