on the black hand side has moved!
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Monday, December 31, 2007
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Atlantic Records Tries to Turn 14yr Actress Into Lil Kim
By bruce Banter playahata.com
Keke Palmer, is the 14 year old girl who played Akeelah, in the movie, Akeelah and the Bee. She and her mother Sharon have a huge problem with the upcoming record deal they signed with Atlantic Records in March of 2006. The problem is that the record label wants to market the 14 year old as a sexpot but she does not want that image.
Keke admits "From the very beginning Atlantic's A&R representative tried to get me to record inappropriate music, and my parents and I resisted."
Soon Keke and her mom became tired of fighting the negative images that the label kept trying to force on her, and they started looking for a management company that could deal with the situation. They settled on DAS Entertainment, a management company out of New York.(John Legend label. One problem, the label has been blocking the efforts!
Atlantic kept telling them that "Keke is "urban", and should be singing urban music". Keke's mom Sharon got her in touch with Mr. Edmonds
(Babyface) and he and Keke worked really well together and came up with a good commercial R&B song, but when it came time to pay for the song the label said no, he was "too expensive".
Paul Porter of www.Industryears.com says "Keke Palmer is the poster child for what's wrong with the music industry. Imagine being 12 year's old and Atlantic Records trying to mold Keke in the mold of Lil Kim or Foxy Brown."
The problem with the corporate hip hop machine is more than black and white. Unfortunately white America enjoys seeing and hearing about cultural misogyny, sex and violence. They honestly believe black America is the mix of lyrically challenged artist they promote.
The industry spin on Keke is nothing new. When you fail to promote or market a new artist they often fail. If Keke recorded a Jibb type "Chain Hang Low" or say a Plies "Shorty" BET and radio would be all over it. In my eyes Atlantic Records for now has simply passed on one of the most talented artist to come around in decades. Keke Palmer is no one hit wonder.
Who's behind this nonsense? Well the Senior A&R rep, Mike Caren, was the main antagonist, he kept on saying, " Keke is urban", so as long as they refused to record the raunchy tracks that he sent them, he refused to pay for the good clean music they brought him.At one point he even stopped Keke from recording by not paying for studio time.
Unfortunately, Das Entertainment the Management co was also ineffective in dealing with the label, they now began to codify the intent by repeating , " we will not promote her unless she records urban music".
This statement confused Keke and her mom.They are unsure of what is really being said indirectly.
Just for the record Keke is from the south side of Chicago. She began singing in her church's choir at the age of five, and she auditioned for a stage production of The Lion King at the age of nine. She grew up listening to Brandy, Aaliyah and TLC, so it was not like she was recording rock music! She was recording good music, with great beats, with good positive lyrics, her music is what all kids want to hear no matter where they live. She was blessed to have worked with some of the top producers in the business, some even cut their price down so that the label would not have an excuse not to pay for the songs.
The only thing she and her parents could figure out was that the subject matters that she chose to sing about were not as, " urban " and they would have preferred.
She is only 14 years old, and when she signed the deal she was only 12 years old, "what did they think she would be singing about?" Anyway, they kept their word and did very little to promote her cd. They refused to provide marketing reports, even when Das management kept asking.Then on Sept 14th they received the report, 4 days before her cd release date of Sept 18th.
Needless to say, it was not a good report, there was absolutely no plans to pay for a national announcement to tell kids that her cd was even being released! They kept their word and did not promote Keke because she was too clean, she refused to go " urban", and sing words that disrespect her and other young girls.
Keke's parents tried to promote the release in Chicago(her hometown), they called the press on their own, and managed to get on some morning shows, but that was only in Chicago. Her debut cd that she worked so hard on sold 1,325 copies, the label supposedly shipped 69,000 copies.
She was on a Disney Channel movie called, JUMP IN, that over 8 million households tuned in to watch it's debut, also the soundtrack to that movie debuted at #5 on Billboard. She was the only artist to have 2 songs on that soundtrack(she can sing). The Akeelah DVD sold 1.2 million copies and on that DVD she has a music video, so her audience, kids from 8-15 know who she is. She also sung the end title credit to the block-buster movie NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM, which grossed over 270 million, her voice is the first voice you hear coming out of the movie. Fox tried to get Atlantic to go half on a music video for Keke, but Atlantic declined stating,
"that song is NOT "Keke's image" so we will not pay, of course they regretted that after the movie grossed so much! This was way back in February, 2007, this was a forshadowing of events to come!
Last week Keke's mother, Sharon, received a call from an employee of Atlantic Records, a confidential call off the record. The caller told her mother that the president of the label is so disappointed with low sales that she may pull Keke's cd off the shelf. The caller was so upset by this statement that she wanted Keke's parents to know what was being said behind closed doors. She was disappointed that the label refused to promote Keke, and now they are blaming her for poor sales!
Keke was informed that Congress was working to make the labels promote positive music, well her music is positive, but the label will not spend a dime to promote it because she refused to sing raunchy lyrics, and dares to call herself Pop/R&B and not urban / Hip-Hop.
Keke admits "I am only a kid, my parents would kill me if I sang stuff like that". Ask yourself would they want their daughters to sing negative music?
They knew her age when they signed her, they came to her after seeing Akeelah and the Bee, and begged her to sign, so why did they not think that she could really be like Akeelah, a good girl?
In closing, we are asking our audience, should Keke just let it go, accept the fact that this label will not promote this album. Or should they try to get the message out on their own?
Keke wants to try to get the message out because they worked extremely hard on this music and it is good, and the early reviews online are good.
Go to www.kekepalmer.com and listen for yourself.
I think the kids would like it if they knew that it was out. Her parents are so tired of fighting the label. They are not rich and to launch their own promotions would cost a lot of money , so her parents don't want to go broke trying to push a cd that the label should be pushing, they go broke to break the album, and the label just becomes richer.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Mychal Bell Jailed Again
The Jena 6 situation is getting uglier and uglier.
This is yet another shameful move that continues to show the terror under which Blacks live in, not just in Jena, but the entire United States of America. Nooses being hung on college campuses on on job sites, it's way past time for this madness to stop.
Just so there's an accurate picture of the judge's decision, Bell has been placed in a juvenile detention facility. It's not an adult prison but he's still incarcerated.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Fort Pierce Police Officer punches and pepper sprays 15 year-old girl in Florida
Video of a Fort Pierce, Florida police officer subduing a 15 year-old girl with a punch to the face and pepper spray has led to calls for the officer's suspension. The incident occurred in July of this year as Shelwanda Riley was arrested for a curfew violation. No one 17 years or under can be out on city streets in Fort Pierce from midnight until 6 a.m. seven days a week, unless accompanied by an adult. The young woman is set to face charges of resisting arrest and battery on a police officer.
It's easy to second guess how the officer should have handled the situation but I don't think the girl will prevail in this case. I've never been a cop but it's discomforting to know that the he couldn't easily subdue a petite 15 year-old girl.
Monday, October 8, 2007
How safe is the food you eat?
E. coli and an extensive beef recall have forced the closing of the Topps Meat Company. Topps was one of the largest meat processing companies in the United States. If the safety of the food supply in the United States doesn't cause you some concern, I don't know what will.
If there was ever a time to consider the switch to vegetarianism, this would be it. If Topps sold tainted beef, isn't is reasonable to assume other companies are guilty of the same? It wasn't the company, it was the beef.
I know of a gentleman who died recently from e. coli tainted beef bologna. After a hospital stay and surgery, he was sent home and died a few days later in the arms of his daughter. I'll spare you the description of his body's reaction during his last moments but let's just say that it was horrific and disgusting to the point that I'm considering the ultimate transition to a vegan lifestyle.
By far, the most comprehensive and informative site is GoVeg.com sponsored by the folks at PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). Yes, those are the same folks that went a tad overboard regarding the Michael Vick case but be sure to check out their website for shocking facts on nutrition and the food industry.
Going vegetarian is easy. Grocery stores are always stocked with colorful vegetables and plenty of other vegan foods. Almost all grocery stores now carry delicious faux meat products, too—from veggie burgers and veggie hot dogs to vegetarian chicken nuggets, ribs, steak strips, and more. With all these great products available, it's easier than ever to whip up delicious meat-free meals at home. Going out to eat couldn't be easier too! With more and more people becoming vegetarian these days, most restaurants now offer great-tasting, healthy vegetarian selections.
Watch more videos at PETA.org
Jena, Take Your Nooses Down
I've seen blog posts about John Mellencamp's powerful song about Jena, Louisiana and the Jena mayor's unhappiness about it. Now that I've seen the video, I can understand why the mayor would be upset. When a major recording star such as Mellancamp pens such a critical song, the story of the negative environment blacks endure in Jena finds an even larger audience.
The fact that Mellencamp is Caucasian also frames Jena and the trials and tribulations of the Jena 6 as a wrong or right issue, not just a black or white issue. Unfortunately, many will think the song is only about Jena when it's actually about any situation of racial injustice.
The news has been filled with too many reports of racial violence and threats. As in the previous post, "Here a Jena, there a Jena…"
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Here a Jena, There a Jena…
James Clingman writes an excellent commentary on the environment Black folks are dealing with lately…
Here a Jena, there a Jena, everywhere a Jena, Jena
By James Clingman, NNPA Columnist
October 8, 2007
In case you haven't noticed, Black people are under full attack in this country. The Jena Six case is just another in a long line of travesties heaped upon Black people by our so-called criminal justice system. All over this country there are cases of gross injustice against Black people, so much so that we could conduct a march every week if we chose to deal with them all. Maybe that's the point: I wonder how many of those who went to Jena, Louisiana, have similar situations in their own cities. I also wonder if they have marched and protested in their own backyards about that injustice.
Let's put it right out there, brothers and sisters. Black folks are a mere afterthought in this country. The following is an excerpt from my book, Black Empowerment with an Attitude - You got a problem with that? Read it and think about our standing in the U.S.A. [Continue reading…]
Friday, October 5, 2007
Why Is this Song so Popular?
I'm for anyone getting their fame when the opportunity arises but just why is this song so popular?
Are we all under a spell or something? I don't get the Soulja Boy viral video and dance. I can't understand most of the lyrics and those that I can understand are not all that cool to repeat.
I hope the young man behind Soulja Boy, DeAndre Ramone Way, is being properly compensated because his song and dance are number one in the country. Soulja Boy was on The Jimmy Kimmel show Thursday night. I could only feel as the young man is being exploited. He may be "getting paid" but the concern for developing him as an artist and a human being was obviously lacking.
On the bright side, watching so many people enjoy dancing is fabulous. The group dances are especially pleasing because of the creativity, coordination and teamwork involved in the presentation. Go to You Tube to see what I mean.
13 year-old Kills Brother, 8
A 13 year-old Orange County, Florida boy beat his 8 year-old brother to death over a dessert. Demetrius Key beat his brother, Levares, because the younger boy ate a dessert that he wasn't supposed to eat. Demetrius, fearing he would be blamed, beat his brother's head against the floor and hit the boy with the metal broom among other violent attacks.
The boys' mother, Tangela Key, was arrested in the incident. She has seven children and left Demetrius in charge of the children while she visited another apartment. Tangela has a less than stellar history as a parent. She initially lied to police about what happened to Levares.
The deceased boy's body bore signs of repeated physical abuse. The other children are in the care of the State. Demetrius may be charged as an adult.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Marion Jones Admits to Steroid Use
Olympic track star Marion Jones admitted to using steroids. Surprise…surprise. Jones is one of my favorite female athletes but her steroid use was apparent when she started looking so masculine a few years back.
Since I'm not a professional athlete, I can't fathom putting those foreign substances in my body to win a competition. Although Jones blames her trainer for giving a substance referred to as "flaxseed oil" she had to know something was amiss.
No amount of weightlifting or other exercise would have caused Jones' breasts to dissolve into the mass of muscle that became her chest. Jones sued Victor Conte, head of Balco, for defaming her character when he publicly accused her of steroid use. Now, she had to admit to her family and the public that many of the awards she won were the assistance of performance-enhancing substances.
That's such a shame but as you sow, so shall you reap. Marion Jones may have to do time for lying to investigators and for accepting funds that may have been a part of a financial fraud ring. This does not look good for Jones but at least she's finally being a woman about it.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Missing Black Women Matter Also
Today's Chicago Sun-Times points out the typically disparate media coverage given to missing Black women. The search for missing pharmaceutical sales rep, Nailah Franklin just may be the tipping point for change in media coverage for missing women who are Black.
Before Nailah's case, a blog authored by Deidra over at Black and Missing but not Forgotten, was posting information on many Black women who'd been reported missing. Thanks, Deidra.
Nailah means "one who succeeds." In a very bizarre way, Nailah succeeded in capturing the hearts and minds of many so that missing Black women will matter to the media also.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Nailah Franklin Update
The remains of Nailah Oliani Franklin were identified today. There was obviously trauma in her transition from the physical world. I am so deeply saddened by this loss of life that there are no words to convey the myriad of feelings I am experiencing.
Nailah's death is yet another reminder of how sacred life is and how we must cherish each moment and each other. As her family prepares to celebrate her life, let's keep them in prayer. More information will likely be released as the homicide investigation progresses. I pray that her killer is caught. Ashe'
Sunday, September 23, 2007
The Racial Politics of College Newspapers
By Justin Elliot, September 14, 2007
Why college newsrooms are often neither diverse nor racially sensitive.
(Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on CampusProgress.org)
When the Kansas State Collegian failed to send a reporter to cover the Big 12 Conference on Black Student Government in 2004, the school's Black Student Union didn't take the snub lightly -- after all, the event had attracted 1,000 participants to K-State's campus. The controversy soon escalated. Meetings were held between minority groups and the white editors of the Collegian, who apologized repeatedly for their misstep. Complaints about a pattern of poor coverage persisted and eventually the administration reassigned the paper's longtime faculty advisor. That action led to a free press lawsuit against K-State that is still pending. "The staff can be all white, for all I care," Natalie Rolfe, the Black Student Union president, said at the time, "but they need to be diverse in their minds."
Was she right? Can a college paper composed entirely or mostly of white reporters and editors ever adequately cover communities of color on campus? Today that's a very real question for student dailies across the country. [Continue reading…]
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Two students shot at Delaware State University
Delaware State University administration quickly shut down access in and out of campus after two students were shot early Friday morning. Both shooting victims are 17-years old.
The shooting occurred on the Campus Mall between the Memorial Hall gymnasium and Richard S. Grossley Hall, an administrative building. It is likely that the male victim may know the shooter. The female victim is in serious condition. Click here for info from Yahoo News. Click here for photos.
Southern Illinois University Students March for Jena 6
Black balloons marked the site and a message was sent.
Injustice will not be tolerated.
The highly publicized ordeal began when white students hung three nooses from a tree on the high school campus after seeing black students sitting underneath it the day before.
The SIUC chapter president of Generation Change, Christina Colon, said she was upset that she only heard about this a few weeks ago.
"We get five minutes, if that, about racial discrimination going on," Colon said. "We felt we needed to do something about it."
Melodi Green, a third-year law student from Peoria and partial organizer of the march, said this injustice will not be tolerated.
"Stop the injustice. Stop the injustice now," Green said.
Organized as part of the Jena 6 National Day of Action, the march began at 6 p.m. The group gathered on the front lawn of the School of Law, where participants were able to take signs to carry and sign petitions for the support of the Jena 6. These petitions will be sent to the Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco and the Jena District Attorney, Reed Walters.[Continue reading…]
Operation Hope for Jena 6 was seen throughout campus Thursday evening as about 100 Carbondale community members marched in support of the six black high school students from Jena, La., who are being charged with second-degree aggravated battery and second-degree attempted murder, after many racial incidents beginning in August 2006.
Friday, September 21, 2007
MISSING: Nailah Franklin
NAILAH O. FRANKLIN
DOB: 04.12.79
HEIGHT: 5'2
WEIGHT: 110-115 POUNDS
EYE/HAIR COLOR: BROWN
COMPLEXION: MEDIUM BROWN
BUILD: PETITE
CAR: 2005 BLACK CHEVY IMPALA IL PLATE #1957855
MISSING FROM CHICAGO , IL: 09.18.07
TIPS? INFO?
PLEASE CALL CHICAGO POLICE: 312.746.9259
Nailah (Nigh-eel-luh) Oliani (Oh-lee-ahni) Franklin, 28, has been missing from her University Village (near south side of Chicago) condo and from her job as a pharmaceutical sales representative for Eli Lilly since Tuesday evening, Sept. 18, 2007. She has not been heard from since Tuesday afternoon/evening, missed an important "ride-around" meeting with her sales manager on Wednesday, and has not responded to numerous attempts to contact her via phone, email, text message and visits to her condo. Her company car, a BLACK 2005 Chevy Impala is missing, as are her personal and work laptop computers.
Nailah is a graduate of 1997 Homewood-Flossmoor High School and a 2001 graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is a successful professional, home owner, doting aunt, loving daughter, sister, cousin, niece and friend and would NOT just up and disappear on her own, or go without contacting anyone for days. Please spread the word about this case, especially if you live in the Chicago area. If you have any information, call Chicago Police at 312-746-9259.
Related links:
Family, Chicago police looking for missing woman
After the Jena 6 March: Now what?
Today is the day after the big protest in Jena, Louisiana. Now, what happens? When will Mychal Bell be released? What happens to the people of Jena? Surely, these incidents, considered blown out of proportion, have affected residents forever.
Prayerfully, the U.S. Department of Justice will investigate this situation. There is something very wrong when the DA threatens students by telling them he can ruin their lives. How is it that Jena residents see no problem with that? It is mind-boggling.
Everyone in Jena needs to check themselves. It is a racist town. Is every white person in the town racist? Probably not but when a student at a public school feels as though he must ask permission to sit under a tree considered to be the "white tree", that's evidence of a racist environment.
When nooses are hung on that tree and principal's decision to suspend the white students is overturned, that's a racist environment. It's important to note that those students received a three-day indoor suspension according to CNN. Indoor suspension means they came to school every day but not allowed to attend their regular classes.
Justin Barker was attacked by black students but Robert Bailey was attacked by whites two days before the attack on Barker. Barker attended an activity hours after the attack so how severely could he have been beaten? Two wrongs don't make a right but sometimes you just get tired of being sick and tired.
The black teens were subjected to guns drawn on them and whites not being punished. How can that be justified?
After these incidents, the parents of some of the Jena 6 allowed their sons to play in the championship football game for Jena High School. Why? What's the lesson there? The teens were not arrested until after they helped win the championship for the school. That's a shame; talk about misplaced priorities.
I've lived in a small Southern town so I understand the mindset. The white Jena residents actually believe they've done nothing wrong and this incident is blown out-of-proportion rather than seeing it as exposing the ugly truth.
There's a saying that "you can't fix what you don't face." All of the folks in Jena need a reality check and an honesty session. Jena needs to live what it professes because it's not happening now and it wasn't happening back in August 2006 when racism reached a boiling point.
I was so moved by the historical pilgrimage made by blacks and whites. Eyes must remain on Jena; let's not allow it to become the cause of the moment.
To the people of Jena, I pray for understanding, tolerance and respect in your town. You can overcome this if you truly open your hearts and minds.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
How the Black Blogosphere Has Driven the Jena 6 Protest
Today, protesters will descend upon Jena, Louisiana by the thousands. Those unable to attend in person will wear black to symbolize support for the Jena 6 and unity with the marchers. The awesome significance of this latest demonstration may be lost on many but is captured by Howard Witt's latest article in the Chicago Tribune. Do click here to check it out. You see, the methodology of civil rights protest has forever changed and the internet is the reason for the paradigm shift.
I joined a group of bloggers, the Afrosphere Jena 6 Coalition, in the Day of Blogging for Justice back on August 30. I've never met these folks in person or even talked to any of them on the telephone but the positive change effected, without a "meeting", was awesome. Witt is so correct in framing the position of traditional civil rights leaders like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton and organizations like the NAACP. For them, the Jena 6 issue was a game of catch up.
Well before the traditional civil rights leaders got involved, folks like Yobachi over at Black Perspective and Villager at the Electronic Village had sent up the drum call to black bloggers and black bloggers answered. Similar actions were the reason Paris, Texas teen, Shaquanda Cotton was released.
I will not be in Jena, Louisiana today and I will try to keep abreast of the day's happenings. Most definitely I am wearing black. I send up prayers of love and peace for those who make the journey to Jena.
Here's an excerpt of Howard Witt's article...
Tribune senior correspondent
September 19, 2007
JENA, La.
There is no single leader. There is no agreed schedule. Organizers aren't even certain where everyone is supposed to gather, let alone use the restroom. The only thing that is known for sure is that thousands of protesters are boarding buses at churches, colleges and community centers across the country this week, headed for this tiny dot on the map of central Louisiana.
What could turn out to be one of the largest civil rights demonstrations in years is set to take place here Thursday, when Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton, Martin Luther King III, popular black radio talk show hosts and other celebrities converge in Jena to protest what they regard as unequal treatment of African-Americans in this racially fractured Deep South town.
Yet this will be a civil rights protest literally conjured out of the ether of cyberspace, of a type that has never happened before in America -- a collective national mass action grown from a grass-roots word-of-mouth movement spread via blogs, e-mails, message boards and talk radio.
Jackson, Sharpton and other big-name civil rights figures, far from leading this movement, have had to scramble to catch up. So have the national media.
As formidable as it is amorphous, this new African-American blogosphere, which scarcely even existed a year ago, now includes hundreds of interlinked blogs and tens of thousands of followers who within a matter of a few weeks collected 220,000 petition signatures -- and more than $130,000 in donations for legal fees -- in support of six black Jena teenagers who are being prosecuted on felony battery charges for beating a white student. [Click here to read more…]
Related links:
Chicago Tribune articles on the Jena 6 case: Trouble in Jena
chicagotribune.com
TRIBUNE UPDATE
Bloggers inspire new civil rights wave
Jena 6 protest nurtured on Web
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Alpha Kappa Alpha Demands Justice for the Jena 6
Chicago, Illinois – September 17, 2007 - The decision by the Louisiana Court of Appeals to overturn the conviction of Mychal Bell, one of the "Jena 6," confirms the long-held belief by Alpha Kappa Alpha's international president, Barbara A. McKinzie, that the charges levied against the young man were motivated by "prosecutorial overzealousness." She said the dramatic turn of events should strengthen the resolve to demand "justice in Jena."
To that end, she urged Alpha Kappa Alpha's 200,000 members—and all fair-minded citizens—to fire off letters to Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco and Attorney General Charles Foti and demand that they wield their constitutional power to call for a new trial. McKinzie said that on behalf of the membership, she is sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice asking that federal officials intervene and investigate this issue to make sure the constitutional rights of these young men are protected.
She also asked all members to wear black on Thursday, September 20—the day of unity set aside to show support for the Jena 6.
McKinzie cautioned those hailing the decision to "stop celebrating" since the fates of the six young men still hang in the balance.
"Driven by a racist dynamic in the city of Jena, Louisiana, the district attorney who levied the charges is guilty of prosecutorial overreach," declared McKinzie. "Because lives are at stake, we demand that the governor, the attorney general and the U.S. Department of Justice launch an immediate investigation and right this judicial abuse of discretion. These boys are entitled to their constitutional right to fairness. Right now, the scales of justice are heavily tilted against the young men."
McKinzie said the meting out of punishment that is disproportionate to the "crime" has marked the entire Jena 6 saga.
She noted that the decision to lower the punishment against the white youth who hung nooses on a tree in an apparent protest of a black youth sitting under the "whites-only" tree set the tone of unfairness that has marked the entire series of events surrounding this case.
"Levying a light punishment against these whites and dismissing it as a 'prank' while imposing harsher charges against the black students illustrates an unfair mindset of which school authorities and prosecutors are guilty," McKinzie said. "An investigation will, hopefully, expose this imbalance and will result in a reexamination of this matter and a dismissal of all charges."
She also took the occasion to place culpability on school authorities, the district attorney and parents for relinquishing their responsibilities and allowing this matter to escalate to a "national disgrace."
"The Jena 6 case illustrates misplaced values, erosion of morals and relinquishment of parental responsibility. Because these principles lie at the core of Alpha Kappa Alpha's platform, we must address these issues if we are to engage in an honest dialogue and learn the lessons that this case presents."
McKinzie said that lost in the furor swirling around this case is the fact that the incident for which the students were eventually charged happened prior to the football championships.
"Some of the students charged were members of the winning team and were allowed to play so they could be used for their athletic prowess," she noted. "Once the championship was secured and the trophy hoisted, the boys were no longer of use to the school. That's when the prosecutors descended upon them and the charges were levied."
McKinzie said that the "glorification of athletics" outweighed the alleged crime and minimized the incident until the boys had been used for the school's athletic gain.
"If the charges had been that severe, the LaSalle Parish district attorney would have arrested the youth prior to the game rather than wait until afterward. This is symptomatic of a larger societal dynamic that glorifies athletes when it's convenient and then derides them when their purpose is met. It is a double standard that sends a mixed message about our priorities."
McKinzie also faulted the parents on both sides of the issue for not being vigilant and for not monitoring their sons' behavior.
"Parents are empowered with the task of raising their sons and teaching them character and infusing in them values that would help them avoid situations like these. If the parents had been doing their jobs, this would not have imploded to the level where the boys' lives and futures are at risk," she said.
McKinzie declared that "as a community, we must reclaim our value system."
These realities notwithstanding, McKinzie said Alpha Kappa Alpha is committed to uplifting youth through its Black Male Initiative. The Sorority is also devoted to strengthening the black family. Inspired by this, she said that the specter of these six boys spending years in jail is a dire outcome that is disproportionate to the alleged crime. She also noted that the young men have promising futures and their lives deserve to be spared.
McKinzie said, "The future of the black family hinges on the African American male being an integral part of the family unit. If the judicial system removes these young men from their families and sends them to prison on suspect charges, more than six families will be impacted.
An entire community will be affected and a nation that could benefit from their talents will also be victimized by these actions."
McKinzie added that New Orleans has been the beneficiary of the world's humanity. With chapters in Louisiana and driven by the Sorority's credo to "provide service to all mankind," members donated money to Katrina survivors. Responding to the call to address the need to rebuild homes in the region, Alpha Kappa Alpha members recently sponsored and built two homes for evacuees in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. She added that, in collaboration with the organization Feed the Children, members passed out food to 400 residents. Most significantly, she said Alpha Kappa Alpha decided to cancel a Hawaiian cruise and instead host its Leadership Conference in New Orleans. In making this change, the Sorority pumped $5 million into the economy.
"Louisiana has been the beneficiary of Alpha Kappa Alpha's treasure, time and talents and we have provided a boost to its economy," she said.
McKinzie said that the Jena 6 scenario threatens to cast a bad light on the state. "This can be reversed with a commitment to fairness and with a resolve by officials to see that justice prevails for the Jena 6."
Addresses for the principals:
Hon. Kathleen B. Blanco
Governor, State of Louisiana
P.O. Box 94004
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Hon. Charles C. Foti, Jr.
Attorney General, Department of Justice
P.O. Box 94005
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Website: http://aka1908.org/
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Kanye West Lost It in More Ways than One at the VMAs
I didn't watch this year's MTV Video Music Awards. From reports, Kanye West was nominated for five awards but didn't win any. Here's raw footage of his rant. Can someone provide more background on this? I'm not understanding why this is that a big of a deal to him.
This is not the first time West has spazzed out in public. It's so unprofessional and denigrates his talent. West is not the best rapper or hip-hop artist. He sells truckloads of albums and that should be enough for him. Common is a far better rapper than Kanye yet he did not react this way when he's been shut out of well-ddeserved awards.
When an artist creates to win awards, we end up with the so-called music we have today. Anyhoo, somebody fill me in if I missed a salient point behiind the VMAs and Kanye's public meltdown.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Did Oprah give up her right to endorse a political candidate? I don’t think so.
Regardless of whether you're an Oprah fan or not, she is one bad sister. Wanna know how bad she is? Some White folks are ticked off at her for endorsing Barack Obama's candidacy for president of the United States. Oh, yeah, check it out.
I expect such talk from All-Spin, All-the-Time, FOX News but I was shocked to hear "The View" co-host Joy Behar actually say that Oprah shouldn't endorse a candidate because she's "too powerful." Huh? Talk about a double standard, I expect such a statement from the pregnant blonde chick on the show…what's her name?...Elisabeth? Anyhoo, I would not expect such an asinine statement from Behar.
So, let me get this straight…it's quite acceptable for Michael J. Fox or Jon Bon Jovi to endorse John Kerry and it's perfectly fine for Ron Silver and Stephen Baldwin to endorse George Bush, it wasn't a problem when Madonna endorsed Wesley Clark but Oprah shouldn't endorse anyone? In the words of Whitney Houston…hell-to-the-naw! Oprah has as much of a right as anyone else to endorse whomever she pleases. Oprah is a talk-show host and businesswoman, not a journalist.
New co-host of "The View", Sherri Shepherd, jumped in when she could on that topic and others. With Sherri Shepherd and Whoopi Goldberg at the table, I predict more fireworks for the women on that show. That's the way I see it and I'm out!
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Spotlight on Spelman College
Spelman at a Glance
Profile: Private, independent, liberal arts, historically Black college for women, founded in 1881.
Goal: Spelman ALIVE is an initiative that promotes: Academic Excellence, Leadership Development, Improving Our Environment, Visibility of Our Achievements and Exemplary Customer Service.
Atlanta University Center: Spelman is part of the largest consortium of historically Black institutions of higher learning in the world. Its four partner institutions include Clark Atlanta University, the Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College and Morehouse School of Medicine. Spelman shares cross-registration with its undergraduate partners. They also share the Robert W. Woodruff Library.
Campus: A historic campus of 32 acres, dating back to 1883, five minutes west of downtown Atlanta. There are 25 buildings, including Sisters Chapel, Giles Hall, Packard Hall, Rockefeller Hall and Reynolds Cottage. The Camille O. Hanks Cosby Academic Center was dedicated in 1996, and a new state-of-the-art Science Center houses classrooms and labs.
Student Body: More than 2,100 students from 41 states and 15 foreign countries.
Ranking: As a result of the dedication of its faculty and staff, Spelman College has gained an excellent national reputation and consistently high rankings in the media's annual college guides.
The College ranks among the top 75 Best Liberal Arts Colleges according to U.S. News & World Report, 2007 edition. Washington Monthly Ranks Spelman No. 1 for Social Mobility; and Black Enterprise ranks Spelman No. 5 on its list of best colleges for African Americans. Read more on Spelman's Rankings
Majors
More facts about Spelman College
ROLONDA WATTS (C'80) – Noted journalist, actor, writer and talk show host; President/CEO of her own production company, Watts Works Productions. She has guest starred in several television shows from West Wing and The District to Yes, Dear and The Bold and The Beautiful. She also landed the role of "Jena Rutherford" in Rikers, a feature film starring DL Hughley.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Eddie Griffin’s Routine Halted for Use of N-Word
During a recent performance at the 14th Annual Black Enterprise Magazine Golf & Tennis Challenge in Miami, stand-up comedian and actor Eddie Griffin was summarily dismissed because his routine was heavily peppered with the word "nigger."
More than 1,000 registered for the event and BE publisher Earl Grave received an ovation when he had Griffin's mic shut down and apologized to the audience.
"We at Black Enterprise will not allow our culture to go backward," Graves said. "Black Enterprise stands for decency, black culture and dignity."
The NAACP "buried" the N-word at its annual convention this past July. Whatever made Eddie Griffin think he could get away with such a performance before the high-brow is crowd is a surprise.
While Graves is to be commended for axing Griffin's performance, It's also time for Graves and his associates to seriously move toward building a hotel owned by blacks. Donahue Peebles' attempt to do so on South Beach was doomed for so many reasons but that is another post for another time. Miami's black community could also benefit from outreach activities by the BE participants.
Friday, September 7, 2007
“All-American Presidential Forums on PBS” moderated by Tavis Smiley - Ticket Information
Thank you for your interest in the "All-American Presidential Forums on PBS" moderated by Tavis Smiley. The Republican Forum will be held on Thursday, September 27th at 9pm at the Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center on the campus of Morgan State University. Because the Forum was created to address the issues most important to all of us, a limited number of free tickets are available. To attend the Republican Forum, each audience member must have a ticket. • Tickets will be available for pick up on a first come, first served basis at 10am on Monday, September 17th at the Murphy Fine Arts Center box office located at 2201 Argonne Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21251. LIMIT 2 TICKETS PER HOUSEHOLD. • Out-of-Town guests may request/obtain tickets, by calling the Murphy Fine Arts Center box office at (443) 885-4440 during business hours (Mon-Fri: 10 AM - 7 PM; and Saturdays: 10 AM - 4 PM) starting at 10 AM EDT Monday, September 17th. To be added to the ticket "reservation" list, you will be required to provide your name, phone number, and address (name and address must match name and address on government-issued photo ID). Tickets WILL NOT be mailed. LIMIT 2 TICKETS PER HOUSEHOLD. All guests must show a valid government-issued photo ID (i.e., driver's license, passport, etc.) in order to pick up tickets; all reserved tickets not picked up by 6pm, Thursday, September 27th will be made available to the general public. Once again, thank you for your interest in the "All-American Presidential Forums on PBS" moderated by Tavis Smiley. http://www.covenantwithblackamerica.com
Saturday, September 1, 2007
The Power of the People and the Campaign to Free the Jena Six
I am pleased to have been a part of the Afrosphere Jena 6 Coalition and the Day of Blogging for Justice. I know that we'll never capture the actual breadth of the campaign because many of my friends over at Yahoo 360 participated but didn't add their names to the list of Bloggers for Justice. My research also showed folks from throughout the U.S. blogging about this injustice.
As of this post, more than 139,000 people signed the petition on petitiononline.com and almost 130,000 have signed the petition over at colorofchange.org.
Surely the powers that be are trying to figure out the win-win situation that satisfies blacks and the supporters of the Jena 6 while not alienating the racist whites that obviously influence Louisiana politics and politicians. Three nooses hanging from a tree is not a prank, it's a terrorist act. Call it what it is and punish the culprits.
The Jena 6 situation makes the U.S. look bad especially in light of other injustices such as Genarlow Wilson, Martin Lee Anderson, Marcus Dixon, Shaquanda Cotton, etc. As much as I love animals, when so much coverage is given to Michael Vick and animal cruelty and the Duke Lacrosse Case, why doesn't the media cover the Jena 6 and Genarlow Wilson?
Well, just as the mainstream can get on board when movements take a life of their own, so will traditional journalism. Remember how many times you received that hoax e-mail about Sinbad dying or that Tommy Hilfiger said he didn't want black to wear his clothes? Well, it will take that kind of enthusiasm to share independent news but we can do it.
Before I end this, I must give props to Yobachi over at www.blackperspective.net for spearheading the Day of Blogging for Justice and keeping us updated with info.
Peace.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Day of Blogging for Justice: Free the Jena 6!
Most of this post is from one of my entries a couple of weeks ago I am re-posting it today as August 30th has been established as a Day of Blogging for Justice to focus attention on the disparate, shameful punishment of six black students in Jena, LA.
This case of the Jena Six began almost a year ago and the media coverage has been abysmal, at best. If you are not familiar with this case, read the enitre post below and be sure to check out the videos. After you've done that, sign the petition online (I'm #24417) and spread the word about The Jena Six.
The Jena Six: An American Tragedy and a Shameful Reality
Six black students from Jena, Louisiana have been incarcerated since December of last year because of a protest and violence that ensued as a result of one black student sitting under the "white tree" at their high school. The "white" tree --- such a throwback in time. Many using the internet today will not understand or even get the significance of asking "permission" to do something that one takes for granted in the United States. We live in America where we all have rights, don't we?
Yeah, many of you black and white, especially if you're 40 years old or younger, probably thought 'old people' were just tripping behind all this racial stuff. You probably didn't want to read 'Roots', forget about watching it on television. Black people have Oprah with her millions of dollars, top-rated television show and other enterprises, right? Shoot, Denzel, Queen Latifah and Will Smith make millions from the big screen and Barack Obama is positioned to become the next president of the United States.
Then the reality checks kick in. Remember the derogatory words of Don Imus, murder of Martin Lee Anderson, incarceration of Genarlow Wilson, Marcus Dixon, Shaquanda Cotton and the Jena 6. Wake up. This is the real deal. This is the same shameful treatment of black Hurricane Katrina survivors portrayed as 'looting' for food and white Hurricane Katrina survivors 'finding' food. Give me a break. Remember Rosa Parks? Well, the Jena 6 is this century's Rosa Parks.
In Spike Lee's movie about Hurricane Katrina, When the Levees Broke, actor Wendell Pierce made a statement about a permanent underclass in Louisiana. By this Jena 6 situation, I understand how the blatant, inhumane mistreatment of blacks occurred so easily in the New Orleans area immediately after Katrina. The courageous young black people in Jena took a stand. Right-minded folks must stand with them. Expose this shameful situation to the world. Ask the presidential candidates about the Jena 6 and Genarlow Wilson.
Watch the videos below for background information and to get brought up to speed on the Jena 6 case. Take action and spread the word about this story.
Call and write. Let your voice be heard. The Jena 6 Defense Committee PO Box 2798, Jena, LA 71342 jena6defense@gmail.com
Murphy McMillan, Mayor P.O. Box 26 Jena, La. 71342 Phone (318) 992-2148
To contact District Attorney Reed Walters directly:
Reed Walters, District Attorney 28th Judicial District PO Box 1940 Jena, Louisiana 71342-1940 (318) 992-8282 Fax: (318) 992-4731
Please contact: Senator Mary Landrieu webpage contact link (202) 224-5824 Senator David Vittner webpage contact link Phone:(202) 224-4623 Rep Bobby Jindal webpage contact link Phone: (202)-225-3015 Rep William Jefferson Phone: (202) 225-6636 Rep Charlie Melancon webpage contact link Phone: (202) 225-4031 Rep Jim McCrery webpage contact link Phone: (202) 225-2777 Rep Rodney Alexander webpage contact link Phone: (202) 225-8490 Rep Richard Baker webpage contact link Phone: 202-225-3901 Rep Charles Boustany webpage contact link Phone: (202) 225-2031
Jena High School bans 'Free the Jena 6' T-shirts
JENA, La. (AP) - The LaSalle Parish schools superintendent says T-shirts supporting six black students accused of knocking out a white student, then kicking and stamping on him are a "threat to the order of the campus" at Jena High school. [MORE]
Did Civil Rights movement pass Louisiana by?
Racist incident leads to harsh justice for black students
August 30, 2007
When I ran across a tale on the Internet about six African-American teens from Jena, La., who are facing decades of prison time for allegedly beating up a white classmate, I couldn't believe their ordeal started with a tree.
A tree holds powerful symbolism for black people. While traveling in the South, legendary singer Billie Holiday saw a tree that inspired her to write "Strange Fruit," a song which contains references to lynching.
Still, it is difficult to comprehend that in 2007, black students at any high school in America felt compelled to go to a school official and ask if it would be OK to sit in the shade of a tree usually enjoyed by white students.
There's no dispute that is what happened on Aug. 31, 2006 in Jena, a town with a population that is about 85 percent white and 12 percent black.
A vice principal apparently told the students they could sit "wherever they pleased." And the next day, Sept. 1, 2006, three nooses were found hanging from said tree.
Just three years ago the nation celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education, the Supreme Court ruling that declared racial separation was inherently unequal. Yet, Jena High School seems stuck in the pre-civil rights era. [MORE]
Afrosphere Bloggers Ask Media to Cover Jena 6
The Afrosphere Jena 6 Coalition “ask that the mainstream traditional media step forward and discharge their duty to provide coverage of this vitally important event to their viewers and readers and act as “the fourth institution” of governmental “checks and balance” that constitutional framers intended the press to be.”
List of Bloggers for Justice
1. Wayne Hicks electronicvillage.blogspot.com/ Cincinnati, OH
2. D. Yobachi Boswell http://www.blackperspective.net/ Nashville, TN
3. Daz Wilson purplezoe.blogspot.com/
4. Francis Holland afrospear.jconserv.net/
5. Jim D. Walton www.blackinbusiness.org/
6. Cooper wonderlandornot.net
7. Yolonda ebonymommy.com/blog/
8. Vanessa Byers vanessabyers.net/ Miami, FL
9. Sincere sincere-thoughts.blogspot.com
10. Pia courtingdestiny.com
11. Adrianne George blackwomenineurope.blogspot.com/ Sweden
12. Eddie Griffin http://www.eddiegriffinbasg.blogspot.com/ Fort Worth, TX
13. PB http://www.savantwriter.blogspot.com/ Kansas City
14. Tom Autopref automaticpreference.wordpress.com/
15. Dave J. wanderingether.blogspot.com/ Haslett, Michigan
16. B. Medusa www.mnemosyne-blog.net/
17. Shawn Williams http://www.dallassouthblog.com/ Dallas, Texas
18. Deidra blackandmissing.blogspot.com Baton Rouge, LA
19. AAPP http://www.africanamericanpoliticalpundit.com/ & http://www.africanamericanopinion.com/
20. Invisible Woman invisible-cinema.blogspot.com/ San Fran, CA
21. Plez pajoyner.blogspot.com Atlanta, GA
22. Shanikka www.maatsfeather.com/frontPage.do
As expected, the media picks up Mychal Bell's juvenile history to distract from the nooses hanging from the "white" tree and the punishments applied to the black students and no punishment for the white students.
Prosecutor: "Jena Six" defendant had four juvenile convictions
| 8/25/2007, 6:36 p.m. CDT The Associated Press |
JENA, La. (AP) — The teenager convicted of beating a student at Jena High School in December 2006 had been convicted as a juvenile for attacking someone a year earlier, then committed three more crimes while on probation for that one, prosecutors say.
That makes Mychal Bell's aggravated second-degree battery conviction his fifth conviction for a violent crime, state District Judge J.P. Mauffray Jr. said Friday.
Because of that record, the judge said, he will not reduce the $90,000 bond he set for Mychal Bell, one of six black students arrested in the attack which left a white student bleeding and unconscious.
"We shall have to repent in this generation , not so much for the evil deeds of the wicked people, but for the appalling silence of the good people.” --- Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
New Orleans: Still Water-logged
Fifteen years after Hurricane Andrew, I can still remember the horrible sound as it moved through my neighborhood. Our immediate area was spared major damage but lost many sprawling trees and thick foliage. The death and destruction will likely not be forgotten by anyone old enough to remember.
Almost seven years ago, a no-name tropical storm caused flooding on my street and my house was one of those completely flooded. My family walked throughout the house in thigh-high boots, it was unbelievable. Family memories were ruined and our home has never really recovered. To this very day I remember the water filling our home and there was nothing we could do but try to put things on counter tops to try to salvage them. I still get minor anxiety attacks when the water level covers our sidewalks during heavy rains. Not to mention one of the cats we never saw again when we had to move out of the house for a few days.
The second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina is fast approaching; has the Gulf Coast been rebuilt? No. I can only imagine the trauma the Katrina survivors experienced and the nightmares they must have.
Here's my tribute to the FEMA victims and Hurricane Katrina survivors. They are both re-mixes of the Kanye West song "Golddigger" by Houston-based rapper, The Legendary K.O. They are both powerful videos and there is profanity in the lyrics.
To all Gulf Coast residents, go back home as soon as you can and don't sell your land no matter how much the Trump land-grabbers offer. This is an opportunity to make New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Coast better.
***WARNING: EXPLICIT LANGUAGE***
By the way, I think George Bush doesn't care about broke people, regardless of their ethnicity.
Friday, August 24, 2007
“All-American Presidential Forums on PBS” moderated by Tavis Smiley - Republican Forum
The Republican candidates have the floor at the "All-American Presidential Forums onPBS" to be held onThursday, September 27th at 9pm at the Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center onthe campus of Morgan State University. The events are moderated by Tavis Smiley.
Because the Forum was created to address the issues most important to all of us, a limited number of free tickets are available. To attend theRepublican Forum, each audience member must have a ticket.
• Tickets will be available for pick up on a first come, first servedbasis at 10am on Monday, September 17th at the Murphy Fine Arts Center box officelocated at 2201 Argonne Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21251. LIMIT 2 TICKETS PER HOUSEHOLD.
• Out-of-Town guests may request/obtain tickets, by calling the Murphy Fine Arts Center box office at (443) 885-4440 during business hours(Mon-Fri: 10 AM - 7 PM; and Saturdays: 10 AM - 4 PM) starting at 10 AM EDT Monday, September 17th.
To be added to the ticket "reservation" list, you will be required to provide your name, phone number, and address (name and address must match name and address on government-issued photo ID).Tickets WILL NOT be mailed. LIMIT 2 TICKETS PER HOUSEHOLD.
All guests must show a valid government-issued photo ID (i.e., driver'slicense, passport, etc.) in order to pick up tickets; all reserved tickets not picked up by 6pm, Thursday, September 27th will be made available to the general public.
Once again, thank you for your interest in the "All-American PresidentialForums on PBS" moderated by Tavis Smiley.http://www.covenantwithblackamerica.com
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Secrets and Lies: PFC LaVena Johnson was RAPED and MURDERED While Serving in Iraq MORE THAN TWO YEARS AGO; Why did the US Army lie about her death?
The post below is an excerpt from i've stopped counting. I am furious upon learning of the death of PFC Lavena Lynn Johnson. Where is the public outrage regarding another incident of violence against women?
Pictured above is LaVena Johnson, born on July 27, 1985. She grew up with three older brothers and a younger sister, all of whom attended Hazelwood Central High School - 'Home of the Hawks' - in Florissant Missouri, a northern suburb of St. Louis. A "cheerful, honest, and full of life person" who "made an impact on everyone that she came in close contact with," LaVena played the violin, donated blood, and volunteered for American Heart Association walks. For her volunteer work and grades, she "received commendations from members of the Missouri Senate and Congress." She was an honor roll student who earned straight A's her senior year, graduating in 2004 as a "top-notch" student.
Her aspirations didn't vary from that of her three older brothers, who graduated from Central and went on to college. She wanted to travel and go to college, but when her parents told her that they could come up with the money for school, she said, "No, I want to do this on my own."
In the main entrance of her high school is a plaque "in memory of the Hazelwood graduates who died serving their country." I doubt LaVena expected that plaque to also apply to her before her twentieth birthday.
Instead of being a junior in college, or anything else, LaVena now resides in South St. Louis County at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Among over 150,000 others on the 331 acre site, her burial place is marked with a cross and these words:
LaVENA LYNN JOHNSON PFC US ARMY PERSIAN GULF IRAQ JUL 27 1985 JUL 19 2005 LOVING DAUGHTER WE WILL MISS YOUR SMILE AND HUMOR
When her father left the army after three years of service, the army helped pay for some of his college education. And after that, he didn't have to make a down payment on his first home. The recruiting brochure found in LaVena's room said that through the Army, she could "earn $25,000 toward college." And she was told it was 'highly unlikely' she'd end up in Iraq, so it only made sense to join the Army before continuing her education and starting her life. Recruiters got her contact information as part of No Child Left Behind, apparently the only aspect of that law that functions. When her younger sister became a senior, recruiters started calling for her too, despite LaVena already having been killed. Continue reading…
Sometimes I think I must be in The Twilight Zone. How could this have happened to a soldier…an American…a young woman serving in the United States Army? How could she have become a victim at the hands of fellow American soldiers? It is obvious that American military conspired to cover up the truth about this young woman's death. Her death certificate indicated suicide but her body told a tale of violence. How many other soldiers' deaths have been falsified?
Never forget that the military lied about the death of former pro football player Pat Tillman. To have the truth of sexual assault, beating and desecration of the body of an almost 20 year-old female soldier by fellow soldiers would be a public relations nightmare for the United States military, President Bush and the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).
Just as the Bay County medical examiner was fired for lying about the death of Martin Lee Anderson at the hands of guards at his juvenile detention center, those involved in this cover-up must be punished also. Let the chips fall where they may.
Don't sleep on this. Don't allow Lavena's death to be in vain. Spread the word about the cover-up of this woman's death and the military's refusal to investigate the death of PFC Lavena Johnson.
An excerpt from a petition for a fair investigation onto the death of PFC Lavena Johnson reads as such.
"…While it is possible to disagree generally over the war in Iraq, we are unified in our respect for the men and women who serve us in dangerous places, and in our concern for the families who give them up in our name. The very least we owe families of the fallen is an honest accounting of how their loved ones died."
Who can argue with that? Please read and sign the petition online, contact your congressman and spread the word about the death of PFC Lavena Johnson.
Related links:
Father of Mysteriously Murdered US Soldier in Iraq: "Why Cover Up A Crime Like This?" [VIDEO]
Mirror On America: New Developments In The LaVena Johnson Case ...
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Florida attorney filed lawsuit against several tobacco companies accusing them of targeting black consumers. Are YOU eligible to join the lawsuit?
If either you or anyone in your family was diagnosed with cancer, due to smoking, prior to Nov 21, 1996, you may be eligible to join a billion dollar lawsuit filed on behalf of Gloria Tucker of Coral Springs, Florida, a black woman whose mother and grandmother died of health problems related to smoking.
See article featured in the Broward Times newspaper Suit claims tobacco companies targeted black smokers.
If there is any interest in this subject matter individually or for a group, contact:
Rose Reeder
Public Relations
reeder33015@yahoo.com
Monday, August 20, 2007
Morris Dees and Richard Cohen take on the Klan in vicious beating of 16 year-old boy.
Southern Poverty Law Center
Aug. 20, 2007
SPLC Taking on the Klan
Dear Friend,
SPLC Founder Morris Dees and SPLC President Richard Cohen invite you to join them for a live webcast - a 30-minute audio chat with Morris Dees, hosted by Richard Cohen, about our recent lawsuit against the Imperial Klans of America for the vicious beating of a 16-year-old boy. Morris and Richard will be taking your questions by email about this lawsuit and our other groundbreaking work putting hate groups out of business.
Date: Friday, Aug. 24, 2007
Time: 2 p.m. Eastern
How to participate: Register here and you'll receive a reminder email the day of the webcast.
Read more about our lawsuit against Imperial Klans of America.
Morris Dees and Richard Cohen will talk about the IKA case and why it should be of concern to all those who wish to fight hate in America. They will respond to questions submitted during the webcast and sent in advance by email.
EMAIL MORRIS DEES AND RICHARD COHEN A QUESTION NOW
We look forward to your participation on Friday. Your friends at the Southern Poverty Law Center
We welcome your feedback.Contact us online.Or by mail:Southern Poverty Law Center400 Washington Ave.Montgomery, AL 36104
If you no longer wish to receive e-mails from us, please send an e-mail to:unsub_center@newsletter.splcenter.org
Check out my blogs!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Knowledge is Power: Congratulations, Candine S. T. Roberts!
Antiguan graduates with honors from Florida A & M University
Saturday August 18 2007
Candine S. T. Roberts, daughter of Milton and Coralita Roberts, was among five hundred and sixty-six (566) students who graduated from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee Florida on Friday, 3 August 2007.
Candine, a licensed pharmacist, graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Management.
During her tenure at FAMU, Candine was one of the recipients of FAMU’s prestigious Presidential Scholarship Award and she was also an active member of the White and Gold Honour Society and the Golden Key International Honour Society.
She was on the Dean’s list throughout her period of studies. Recently, Candine was the recipient of an award for academic excellence and highest grade point average from her professors in the Division of Health Care Management.
Candine was also the only student who graduated with the distinguished honour of summa cum laude from FAMU’s School of Allied Health Science.
Candine is now attending graduate school and has received a full scholarship from Penn State University’s Department of Health Policy and Administration.
She is now pursuing a master’s degree in health policy and administration.
Source: Sun Weekend
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Remembering Dr. Asa Hilliard
Atlanta, GA - Dr. Asa Grant Hilliard, III, world renowned Pan-Africanist, educator, historian, and psychologist, passed from this life on August 13, 2007 in Cairo, Egypt. Dr. Hilliard was in Egypt to deliver a keynote lecture at the annual conference of the Association for the Study of Classical African Civilization (ASCAC), an organization he helped found. He was also lecturing for a study trip led by Reverend Jeremiah Wright of Chicago. The cause of death is attributed to complications from malaria. "Dr. Hilliard was in his favorite place, with his favorite person - our mother, when he died," said his daughter, Robi Hilliard Herron. Dr. Hilliard was married for nearly 50 years to the Born in Galveston, TX on August 22, 1933 to Asa G. Hilliard, II and Dr. Lois O. Williams, Dr. Hilliard graduated from Manual High School (1951) in Denver, CO. He received a B.A. from the University of Denver (1955) and taught in the Denver Public Schools before joining the U.S. Army, where he served as a First Lieutenant, platoon leader, and battalion executive officer in the Third Armored Infantry (1955-1957). He later received his M.A. in Counseling (1961) and Ed.D. in Educational Psychology (1963) from the University of Denver. In pursuit of his education, Dr. Hilliard worked in many occupations including teaching in the Denver Public Schools, as a railroad maintenance worker, and as a bartender, waiter and cook. The professional career of Dr. Hilliard spans the globe. He was on the faculty at San Francisco State University; consultant to the Peace Corp in Liberia, West Africa; superintendent of schools in Monrovia, Liberia; and returned to San Francisco State as department chair and Dean of Education. At the time of his death, Dr. Hilliard was the Fuller E. Calloway Professor of Urban Education at Georgia State University in Atlanta where he held joint appointments in the Department of Educational Policy Studies and the Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education. Dr. Hilliard was a board certified forensic examiner and diplomate of both the American Board of Forensic Examiners and the American Board of Forensic Medicine. He served as lead expert witness in several landmark federal cases on test validity and bias, including Larry P. v. Wilson Riles in California, Mattie T. v. Holliday in Mississippi, Deborah P. v. Turlington in Florida, and also in two supreme court cases, Ayers v. Fordice in Mississippi, and Marino v. Ortiz in New York City. Dr. Hilliard has lectured at leading universities and other institutions throughout the world, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Geographic Society. As a distinguished consultant, Dr. Hilliard has worked with many of the leading school districts, publishers, public advocacy organizations, universities, government agencies and private corporations on valid assessment, African content in curriculum, teacher training, and public policy. Several of his programs in pluralistic curriculum, assessment, and valid teaching have become national models. Dr. Hilliard designed the approach and selected the essays that appeared in The Portland Baseline Essays (Portland, OR.) which represent the first time that a comprehensive global and longitudinal view of people of African ancestry has been presented in a curriculum. In 2001, Dr. Hilliard was enstooled as Development Chief for Mankranso, Ghana and given the name Nana Baffour Amankwatia, II, which means "generous one." Dr. Hilliard spent more than thirty years leading study groups to Egypt and Ghana, as part of his mission of teaching the truth about the history of Africa and the African Diaspora. He co-chaired the first national conference on the Infusion of African and African- American Content in the School Curriculum in Atlanta. Dr. Hilliard was a founding member and first vice president of the Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations and a founding member of the National Black Child Development Institute. Dr. Hilliard was also a key advisor for the African Education for Every African Child Conference, held in Mali and sponsored by the government of Mali. He is survived by his wife, Patsy Jo Hilliard and four children: Asa G. Hilliard, IV, Robi Hilliard Herron, Dr. Patricia Hilliard-Nunn and Michael Hakim Hilliard and seven grandchildren. For those friends and colleagues who wish to give comments and expressions about the life and works of Dr. Asa G. Hilliard or to give remembrances to the family, you may do so at www.asaghilliard.com. Dr. Hilliard's family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Per Maat Foundation, Inc., P. O. Box 357171, Gainesville, FL 32635. The Per Maat Foundation is a non-profit public foundation created to educate people about African and African Diaspora history and culture. All contributions are tax deductible. Funeral Arrangements:
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Lay in state: 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Acclamation of Legacy & Community: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel Thursday, August 23, 2007
Celebration of Life: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel
# # #
source:
First Class, Inc.
450 Hickory Glen Lane , SW
Atlanta, GA 30311
www.fclassinc.com
404-505-8188 (office)
Honorable Patsy Jo Hilliard, former mayor of East Point, GA and former school board member for the South San Francisco Unified School District.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Portia N. Gifford, Miss SCSU 2007-08, named “Most Impressive” at HBCU leadership conference
ORANGEBURG – Portia N. Gifford, Miss South Carolina State University 2007-2008, was named, "Most Impressive" during the Leadership for Queens and Kings Connection conference, held July 12-15, 2007, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
The Leadership for Queens and the Kings Connection is a three-day conference for the queens and kings who will represent Historically Black College and University (HBCU) campuses in the upcoming academic year. The conference is designed to enhance, support and train young women and men to become dynamic campus representatives, as well as expose them to business and etiquette skills that will enhance their abilities to market their campuses and communities. At the conference, participants attended workshops where trained professionals discussed articulation, stage presence, etiquette, confidence and professionalism. Dr. Tonea Stewart, best known for her role as Aunt Etta in television's In the Heat of the Night and director of Theatre Arts at Alabama State University, was among the presenters. Click here to read more.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Uppity Negro: The Real Deal
Commenting on a 360 buddy's blog made me remember a website that I had not frequented for quite some time --- Uppity Negro. Initially, I was a bit taken aback by the term. I mean, I have been called that before and it was not a compliment. Of course, that usually accompanied ignorant a** comments (never to me directly or within earshot) about high-yellow AKAs but I won't go there now.
When I visited the Uppity Negro website, and read the definition as well as the other interesting pages, I learned that Uppity Negro is a compliment. More important, it very accurately described my personality.
I am an UPPITY NEGRO. My parents are UPPITY NEGROES, my grandparents were UPPITY NEGROES and my friends are UPPITY NEGROES also. I just didn't know it until later in life.
Thank you to everyone who helped make me an UPPITY NEGRO, especially my favorite teacher from junior high school, Mrs. Aura Krueger. She's a short Jewish woman and I didn't know it but she was uppity too.
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UPPITY NEGRO™
Not a joke. Not to be associated with the stereotypical “FOR SALE” Uppity Negro a.k.a. “bourgeois” or the punk*** social brokers a.k.a. “political pimps”
GENERATION NEXT VERSION(syn. MAVERICK) 1. A FEARLESS black person who by social definition is “not in their place”.
UNAPOLOGETIC. VAINGLORIOUS. MULTIFARIOUS. JUST. AUDACIOUS.
2. A black person who knows his or her American legacy, his or her actualized social status, and his or her social and emotional plights with still the identical high regard to self as an equally entitled American due the same privileges, attitudes, concessions, and respectability of THE ENTITLED.
3. Conscious of his or her impressive yet awkward esteemed existence throughout the evolution of America’s prescription to annihilate, denigrate, ignore, placate, satirize, extort, ostracize, and water-down the institution of the Uppity Negro; immune to The Entitled’s reverse psychological guilt of the legacy.
SURVIVOR.
4. Conscious of the debt owed by the country to the legacy.
5. Equally conscious of the debt owed by blacks to blacks.
6. APPRECIATIVE of the expensive price paid by ancestral Uppity Negroes for the presumed entitlement claimed.
ADAMANT. Never whining, never begging. DEMANDING. NEVER ASHAMED. COCKY (rightfully).
7. COMMITTED with imperial passion to define “their place” as equal (if not BETTER.)
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THE UPPITY NEGRO SITE IS DOWN.
NOTE: Various items can be purchased on the UPPITY NEGRO online store at http://store.uppitynegro.com/store.html. Just so you know, I am in no way affiliated with the UPPITY NEGRO website other than just being an UPPITY NEGRO. However, if you contact the owner or place an order, let her know you heard about it here.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
The Jena Six: An American Tragedy and a Shameful Reality
Six black students from Jena, Louisiana have been incarcerated since December of last year because of a protest and violence that ensued as a result of one black student sitting under the "white tree" at their high school. The "white" tree --- such a throwback in time. Many using the internet today will not understand or even get the significance of asking "permission" to do something that one takes for granted in the United States. We live in America where we all have rights, don't we?
Yeah, many of you black and white, especially if you're 40 years old or younger, probably thought 'old people' were just tripping behind all this racial stuff. You probably didn't want to read 'Roots', forget about watching it on television. Black people have Oprah with her millions of dollars, top-rated television show and other enterprises, right? Shoot, Denzel, Queen Latifah and Will Smith make millions from the big screen and Barack Obama is positioned to become the next president of the United States.
Then the reality checks kick in. Remember the derogatory words of Don Imus, murder of Martin Lee Anderson, incarceration of Genarlow Wilson, Marcus Dixon, Shaquanda Cotton and the Jena 6. Wake up. This is the real deal. This is the same shameful treatment of black Hurricane Katrina survivors portrayed as 'looting' for food and white Hurricane Katrina survivors 'finding' food. Give me a break. Remember Rosa Parks? Well, the Jena 6 is this century's Rosa Parks.
In Spike Lee's movie about Hurricane Katrina, When the Levees Broke, actor Wendell Pierce made a statement about a permanent underclass in Louisiana. By this Jena 6 situation, I understand how the blatant, inhumane mistreatment of blacks occurred so easily in the New Orleans area immediately after Katrina. The courageous young black people in Jena took a stand. Right-minded folks must stand with them. Expose this shameful situation to the world. Ask the presidential candidates about the Jena 6 and Genarlow Wilson.
Watch the videos below for background information and to get brought up to speed on the Jena 6 case. Take action and spread the word about this story.
Call and write. Let your voice be heard. The Jena 6 Defense Committee PO Box 2798, Jena, LA 71342 jena6defense@gmail.com
Murphy McMillan, Mayor P.O. Box 26 Jena, La. 71342 Phone (318) 992-2148
To contact District Attorney Reed Walters directly:
Reed Walters, District Attorney 28th Judicial District PO Box 1940 Jena, Louisiana 71342-1940 (318) 992-8282 Fax: (318) 992-4731
Please contact: Senator Mary Landrieu webpage contact link (202) 224-5824 Senator David Vittner webpage contact link Phone:(202) 224-4623 Rep Bobby Jindal webpage contact link Phone: (202)-225-3015 Rep William Jefferson Phone: (202) 225-6636 Rep Charlie Melancon webpage contact link Phone: (202) 225-4031 Rep Jim McCrery webpage contact link Phone: (202) 225-2777 Rep Rodney Alexander webpage contact link Phone: (202) 225-8490 Rep Richard Baker webpage contact link Phone: 202-225-3901 Rep Charles Boustany webpage contact link Phone: (202) 225-2031
Friday, August 10, 2007
Thurbert Baker must go. Free Genarlow Wilson!
Here's an op-ed piece from the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker his dubious application of the law. I don't know what's up with this guy but Georgians definitely need to make sure he doesn't hold office again.
Vanessa
News
Posted on Thu, Aug. 09, 2007
Can't have it both ways
An article in Tuesday's Fulton Daily Report about Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker and the Legislature's 2006 amendments to Georgia's sex offender law reminded me of an African proverb: His opinions are like water in the bottom of a canoe, going from side to side.
"The defense of Georgia's sex offender law has placed the state's attorney general in the awkward position of arguing to the state Supreme Court that the law cannot be applied retroactively, while arguing in a separate case in federal court that the law's retroactive provisions are legal," the Daily Report, a publication for lawyers, reported.
In the highly publicized case of Genarlow Wilson, Baker is seeking to uphold a 10-year sentence imposed on Wilson for having unforced oral sex with a 15-year-old girl when he was 17 years old. In June, Baker weighed in after a judge in Monroe County granted Wilson's civil habeas petition, the Daily Report reported:
"Citing a 2006 amendment to the sex offender law that reduces aggravated child molestation in some cases of consensual oral sex from a felony to a misdemeanor, Monroe County Superior Court Judge Thomas H. Wilson (no relation to Genarlow Wilson) reduced the now 21-year-old Wilson's felony sentence to a misdemeanor and ordered his release."
Baker appealed. He argued the judge didn't have the authority to apply the misdemeanor statute retroactively.
"Meanwhile, for the past year, Baker has been defending another of the 2006 amendments to the state sex offender law -- arguing that the Legislature had the authority to enact a new law that retroactively bars anyone on the state's sex offender registry from living, working or loitering within 1,000 feet of a school, bus stop or church," the Daily Report reported.
The fact that Baker offers different arguments about retroactive application of a law is revealing, said B.J. Bernstein, Wilson's lawyer, said in a telephone interview.
"That's the problem with saying, 'I'm just applying the law.' It shouldn't be about mechanical applications of law -- but about justice," she said. "The attorney general said he had to appeal Genarlow's case, yet in fact, he didn't have to appeal Genarlow's case. And he has personally said that he doesn't think what happened is correct. Yet he says he's compelled to do this. This article is revealing a different position."
Bernstein said she doesn't think the public gets upset when lawmakers or law enforcement factor in "doing the right thing." When laws conflict, the true duty is justice.
"I'll trust in the Supreme Court, but the truth is the attorney general could withdraw the appeal now. Still in Genarlow's case, there is no decision," she said.
Inspired by the Wilson case, Bernstein founded the My5th, a non-profit organization named for the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution. Bernstein takes her "Ignorance of the Law is No Excuse" program to high schools -- especially male students. For more information go to my5th.org
Contact Kaffie Sledge at 706-571-8585 or ksledge@ledger-enquirer.com
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Stepha Henry is still missing; please help find her
May 29, 2007 is the last time Stepha Henry was seen or heard from. Vacationing in the Miami area from New York for Memorial Day weekend, there have been conflicting reports about the last moments she was seen.
Stepha is an honors graduate from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York with a promising future as a lawyer. Stepha's mother has pleaded for her return on South Florida television news but there has been limited media coverage.
A new anonymous witness claims to have seen Peppers nightclub in Sunrise with two females. The last time her voice mail was checked was 4:13 AM, May 29. Please help find Stepha Henry.
Related links:
New Witness Comes Forward in Case of Missing Woman
America's Most Wanted Missing Data File for Stepha Henry
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Obama calls for justice in teen sex case
Associated Press - August 4, 2007 10:24 PM ET
ATLANTA (AP) - Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama said tonight that the jailing of a young man for ten years for having consensual sex with another teenager is an "injustice" when White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby was pardoned from his prison sentence.
Speaking at an awards banquet for the Atlanta-based Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Obama said "How is it Scooter Libby isn't behind bars and we've got a young man in jail right now sentenced to ten years for something that isn't even a felony?"
He called for America to "turn the page" on a White House that would pardon Libby after he was convicted to two 1-year prison terms for lying and obstructing the investigation into the leak of a CIA operative's identity.
He also called for justice for young black men, like 21-year-old Genarlow Wilson, who was convicted of aggravated child molestation following a 2003 New Year's Eve Party at a Douglas County hotel room where he was shown on videotape having oral sex with a 15-year-old girl. He was 17 at the time.
Though his sentence was overturned by a judge who called it a "grave miscarriage of justice," Wilson is still in jail waiting for the state Supreme Court to hear the appeal of his case.
The long punishment has prompted angry protests and led the state last year to change the 1995 sentencing law used in his case. The new law makes it a misdemeanor rather than a felony for teens close in age to have oral sex, but the Supreme Court ruled the change could not be applied retroactively.
Greenville NAACP to investigate jail hanging death
The Associated Press
GREENVILLE, S.C. Greenville's NAACP says it will conduct its own inquiry into the hanging death of a 25-year-old man in the Fountain Inn jail.
Police said Richard J. Johnson hanged himself with his long-sleeve T-shirt while he was in a holding cell alone July 29.
Johnson's family says the man had just gotten a new job and was engaged to be married, said Clarence Echols, president of the Greenville chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
"There was no indication that he would do anything to take his own life," Echols said.
The NAACP is helping the family raise the $3,400 needed for a second autopsy.
Fountain Inn police Chief Keith Morton said Johnson was arrested with a co-defendant and did not show any "signs of distress or odd behavior." Morton said Johnson died about an hour after being charged with possession of crack cocaine.
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Information from: The Greenville News, http://www.greenvillenews.com
What We Can Do to Help Black Children
A few weeks ago I posted a poem by Margaret Burroughs titled What Shall I Tell My Children Who Are Black. The poem was in tribute to the young Blacks that have endured or are enduring disparate treatment by the American judicial system…Shaquanda Cotton, Genarlow Wilson, etc. At this point I could also add The Jenna Six to that group, let's remember these young ones, but that's not really the point to this post.
The post was motivated by a speech I had the privilege of hearing at a job related activity. To understand the significance of the impact of the speaker, you must know that her speech was given right after our lunch break. Yes, we were tired. The day had been enjoyable but long. We were not the crowd I'd like to have been a speaker for. Of course we weren't rude, but the speaker would have to be dynamic to get and keep our attention. Dr. Adams spoke to an audience of about 120 people, about 90% women and 80% ethnic minorities. After her introduction, she took control over everyone with her voice. It wasn't a loud, booming, overpowering voice; it was the voice of a teacher with excellent classroom management skills. She commanded everyone's attention as she proceeded to share a bit of her life story with us. You see, she was born in the Carolinas in a large family to parents with very little formal education. Adams was the youngest child. As was and still is the case with many Black children, society's messages to her were not positive, encouraging and nurturing. She suffered from a negative self-image and low self-esteem. One particularly traumatizing experience was a teacher that gave a math assignment that Adams could not do. Adams went to the teacher before class started and told her that she didn't do the homework assignment because she didn't know how to do it. She went on to say that her parents couldn't help her ad requested assistance from the teacher. The teacher told her to take her seat. When the class began, the teacher asked for volunteers to come to the board to do the first homework problem. In spite of volunteers, the teacher called on Adams to go to the board. Embarrassed, Adams made her way to the board, she couldn't do the problem so she ran out of the classroom in tears. She went to a counselor who told her she didn't have to go back to that class . For the next two years she spent her math class period with students that were on indoor suspension. When she graduated from high school, much like the rest of the young people from her small town, she went to work in the local peach factory. For at least eight hours a day, she and many other women stood on an assembly line and sorted out the bruised, rotten peaches from those to be sold. She did that until she could sort out the peaches without actually looking at them; she could tell by just feeling them. Then she found out she could make more money by working in the blue jeans factory. So for many months she worked the assembly line at the blue jean factory. Her job was to mark the place on the fabric for the five buttons on the jeans. That was her job, marking the place for the buttons. Someone else put the hole in the fabric for the button and someone else sewed on the button. You get the picture. Again, that was her job for at least eight hours a day until one day she sneezed and the mucus was blue. She wondered if her insides were becoming blue also. When she went home, her parents told her that she could do more with her life. She had two choices: college or the military. The military was definitely out so she applied to college just to satisfy her parents. She knew she would not be accepted but her parents wouldn't bother her anymore and she'd be fine. She didn't know anything about college and completing an application. Her grades weren't that good but lo, and behold, she was accepted to South Carolina State College in Orangeburg, SC. Her parents drove her to the college and dropped her off. They didn't make sure she found her way to the right room or help her get settled in. They dropped her off with her luggage, said goodbye and drove off. She didn't know anything about college but she made her way to her room. Her roommate was there with her family --- her father was a school principal and the mother was a professional also. They'd decorated their daughter's side of the room with all sorts of pretty frilly things. For two weeks Adams didn't leave her room; she was paralyzed with fear. Her roommate came to her one day and told her she couldn't live with her like that, she had to get up and go to class. She confessed to the roommate that she didn't know what to do. The roommate told her to go see Mr. Briggs, she heard that he helps students. Adams went to see Mr. Briggs. He was a kind but stern man. She told him her story and he agreed to help her on one condition, she had to take the courses he told her to take. Briggs registered her for classes and gave her class schedule. Adams was a math major. She was nurtured through her math phobia and graduated magna cum laude. Adams is the first in her family to graduate from college. Her parents explained that they dropped her off at college the way they did because they didn't know what else to do. Neither of them had graduated from high school, they didn't know how to help her. Adams' message was that all children have "it". We must make sure they know they have "it". They can succeed and be whatever they choose to be. We must encourage them in spite of societal messages to the contrary. Regardless of gender, ethnicity, skin color, language, family background and economic status, we must love them, nurture them, guide them and help them reach their full potential. I have condensed Dr. Adams' story, but you get the picture. We have the power to lift children up and tear them down. Look around your neighborhood or in your family. Send positive messages to our children. If they believe, they really can achieve.
The speaker was Dr. Thomasenia Lott Adams, Associate Professor & Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Florida. Dr. Adams is a thin, petite, dark-skinned Black woman with expressive eyes and shoulder-length black hair. Her academic and research credentials are impressive and belie her youthful appearance.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Unless Michael Vick’s lawyer can channel Johnny Cochran, Vick is toast!
Tony Taylor, one of the co-defendants in the Michael Vick dog fighting case, has pleaded guilty. He goes so far as to say that Vick bankrolled the operation. Based on media reports, there is little reason to believe anything else.
Vick supporters rallied recently in Atlanta but this is not looking for him. There have been cautions not to rush to judgment and accusations of making this a racial issue. Please, let's not go there, Black people. If the race card is gonna be played, let it be for an important issue, not an athlete in a dog fighting case.
Some folks have claimed racism and then in the next breath, cited how Ray Lewis was allowed to play in spite of those murder charges. The last time I checked, Ray Lewis is Black just like Vick.
One thing is certain; Michael Vick knows his involvement in this case and he has to live with that regardless of the outcome of his case. Where is his lawyer? One of the first things Vick should do is to stop talking to the media. Shut up…be quiet…zip it. Stay off the radio and stop talking until he can work out a plausible and well thought out media relations strategy.
Right now I think Vick is guilty but I'm also willing to allow the judicial process to run its course.
Let the Michael Vick situation be a lesson to all athletes, especially the Blacks. You are a commodity. You are your own brand. You are a role model whether you like it or not. You get paid well. Shut up, grow up and be a PROFESSIONAL athlete.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
DL Hughley and Don Imus: Double Standard or Freedom of Speech?
Comedian DL Hughley has received some flak about comments made on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Those comments revived the Don Imus 'nappy-headed hos' controversy but to a much lesser extent than the outrage Imus generated.
Thus far, the only major show of dissatisfaction with Hughley's comments was in Texas where protests led to the cancellation of Hughley's performance. Check out the clip below. Did Hughley get a pass or are some Blacks off point on this one?
Friday, July 13, 2007
Texas Justice: Shaquanda Cotton’s Conviction Stands
In March of this year, Chicago Tribune journalist, Howard Witt, reported the case of a 14 year-old Black girl who had been convicted for up to seven years for shoving an employee at her Paris, Texas public school. Details of disparate disciplinary practices and decisions by the Texas judicial system mobilized bloggers to bring attention to the case of Shaquanda Cotton and demand her release. There were protest marches and protests in cyberspace. Talk shows featured the situation and Shaquanda was eventually released.
Last week, the 6th Court of Appeals in Texarkana upheld Shaquanda's conviction and didn't address the racial disparity in treatment of students and sentencing. Understandably disappointed, hopefully Shaquanda and her mother will continue to fight this.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-cotton_frijul06,1,4706376.story?track=rss
How do you feel and what do you think when you hear this?
Warning: This video is not politically correct. As a matter of fact, it's a very sensitive subject.
I don't know anything about the video other than the Black guy is Ice-T. I do remember the song from back in the day; it was originally recorded by Sly & the Family Stone. What do you think of it? Be honest. It's been a while since I've heard it. It could be considered shocking to some. It could make some folks angry. That's the beauty of music and other forms of artistic expression. Be respectful but do share.
You can't fix what you don't face.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
The Covenant’s Presidential Election Blog Series
I received the information below via e-mail. It seems like a great idea because the more people communicate, the better relations tend to be. Perhaps that's just me being female and supposedly we talk too much but that's another topic for a different blog.
Anyhoo, I confess that I have not visited the Covenant with Black America website since it started but you may want to check this out...
America's Premier Scholars and Public Intellectuals Discuss Issues of I. Securing The Right to Healthcare and Well-Being The Covenant's blog series will present a fresh new voice each week, After the Democratic Presidential Forum—broadcast live on PBS, June 28, Angela Glover Blackwell, President and CEO of PolicyLink, a national Since the relaunch of The Covenant site late last year, there has been a ###
National Concern
Contact: Glenda@covenantwithblackamerica.net
June 29, 2007 – The Covenant with Black America has launched its
presidential election season blog series, featuring lively, thoughtful and
provocative discussions around the ten covenants:
II. Establishing a System of Public Education in Which All Children
Achieve at High Levels and Reach their Full Potential
III. Correcting the System of Unequal Justice
IV. Fostering Accountable Community-Centering Policing
V. Ensuring Broad Access to Affordable Neighborhoods that Connect to
Opportunity
VI. Claiming Our Democracy
VII. Strengthening Our Rural Roots
VIII. Accessing Good Jobs, Wealth, and Economic Prosperity
IX. Assuring Environmental Justice for All
X. Closing the Racial Digital Divide
leading up to the Republican Presidential Forum, September 27, at Morgan
State University in Baltimore, Maryland. Each blogger will focus on one
of the above covenants and discuss where the Democratic and Republican
presidential candidates stand on the issues. Each will also make policy
recommendations to ensure that a brighter future lies within reach for
Black America and all of America.
2007 and hosted by Tavis Smiley—California Endowment President and CEO
Robert K Ross wrote eloquently about the need to fix the American system
through prevention, poverty, and place. "Want to improve America's
productivity, competitiveness and school performance for kids? Want to
reduce the crushing burden of skyrocketing health costs? Want to cut back
on the enormous sums we're spending to incarcerate Americans, particularly
young men of color. Think of the 3 P's…We must build healthy communities
by preventing disease and eliminating poverty."
research and action institute, has also added to the intellectual
discussions taking place on the site. "I was encouraged by Clinton's
calling for a 10-point Gulf Coast recovery agenda; and Obama's call for
additional resources from the federal government. All the candidates
agreed that the federal government has let Louisiana down and that New
Orleans should be treated like the national treasure that it is." She
continues, "It will be up to us and other Americans who are ready for
change to hold these candidates accountable. It was refreshing to hear
this opening dialogue about inequality in America. Let's keep it going."
plethora of engaging blogs from scholars such as Cornel West, Princeton
professor Eddie Glaude, and Stephanie Robinson from the Jamestown Project.
This new series will continue to bring fresh new ideas and engaging
dialogue to solve some of our nation's most pressing problems. Check out
http://www.covenantwithblackamerica.com and join the conversation.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Sharpton to Join Protest of Genarlow Wilson Case
Douglas County, Georgia officials had better prepare for the Genarlow Wilson Case to go national with the heat brought by The Rev. Al Sharpton and his nationally-syndicated radio show. It's too bad Genarlow is not a friend of President Bush; perhaps he would have commuted his sentence or maybe even pardoned him. We know what the President did for friend, Scooter.
Friday, June 29, 2007
For Genarlow Wilson, Shaquanda Cotton, Marcus Dixon and others: What Shall I Tell My Children Who Are Black
For the last two days I've had the privilege of participating in a retreat. It was job-related, very enlightening, informative and exhausting. My brain is somewhat fried from information overload and I will share some of the wonderful ideas, thoughts, movements, etc. that I took away from the activity.
The poem below was recited by one of the speakers and I'll definitely introduce you to her very soon. But, in light of all that is happening to Genarlow Wilson and happened to Shaquanda Cotton, Marcus Dixon and many others, this poem is very fitting...
What Shall I Tell My Children Who Are Black
What shall I tell my children who are black
Of what it means to be a captive in this dark skin?
What shall I tell my dear one, fruit of my womb,
of how beautiful they are when everywhere they turn
they are faced with abhorrence of everything that is black.
The night is black and so is the boogyman.
Villains are black with black hearts.
A black cow gives no milk. A black hen lays no eggs.
Storm clouds, black, black is evil
and evil is black and devil's food is black...
What shall I tell my dear ones raised in a white world
A place where white has been made to represent
all that is good and pure and fine and decent,
where clouds are white and dolls, and heaven
surely is a white, white place with angels
robed in white, and cotton candy and ice cream
and milk and ruffled Sunday dresses
and dream houses and long sleek cadillacs
and Angel's food is white... all, all... white.
What can I say therefore, when my child
Comes home in tears because a playmate
Has called him black, big lipped, flatnosed and nappy headed?
What will he think when I dry his tears and whisper,
"Yes, that's true. But no less beautiful and dear."
How shall I lift up his head, get him to square
his shoulders, look his adversaries in the eye,
confident in the knowledge of his worth.
Serene under his sable skin and proud of his own beauty?
What can I do to give him strength
That he may come through life's adversities
As a whole human being unwarped and human in a world
Of biased laws and inhuman practices, that he might
Survive. And survive he must! For who knows?
Perhaps this black child here bears the genius
To discover the cure for... cancer
Or to chart the course for exploration of the universe.
So, he must survive for the the good of all humanity.
He must and will survive.
I have drunk deeply of late from the fountain
of my black culture, sat at the knee of and learned
from mother Africa, discovered the truth of my heritage.
The truth, so often obscured and omitted.
And I find I have much to say to my black children.
I will lift up their heads in proud blackness
with the story of their fathers and their father's fathers.
And I shall take them into a way back time
of kings and queens who ruled the Nile,
and measured the stars and discovered the laws of mathematics.
I will tell them of a black people upon whose backs have been built
the wealth of three continents.
I will tell him this and more.
And knowledge of his heritage shall be his weapon and his armor;
It will make him strong enough to win any battle he may face.
And since this story is so often obscured,
I must sacrifice to find it for my children,
even as I sacrifice to feed, clothe and shelter them.
So this I will do for them if I love them.
None will do it for me.
I must find the truth of heritage for myself and pass it on to them.
In years to come, I believe because I have armed them with the truth,
my children and their children's children will venerate me.
For it is the truth that will make us free!
By Dr Margaret Burroughs (http://www.thehistorymakers.com/biography/biography.asp?bioindex=39&category=artMakers), the founder of
the DuSable Museum of African American History and Art in Chicago, IL,
the first Black museum in the United States
Thursday, June 28, 2007
All-American Presidential Forum
Overall, the All-American Presidential Forum was interesting. There were no jaw-dropping comments except the last one by Mike Gravel. Why is he in this race anyway? I was pleased with most of the answers from the candidates.
They are not extremely different from each other but I must say that Chris Dodd got my attention with his answers. I don't think he has a snowball's chance in hell of winning the nomination this time but he is definitely one to watch. I must research him to find out what he's about.
There were a few technical dificulties but the questions were on point. The one minute and then 30 second responses didn't allow sufficient time for candidate response.
The candidates I'd give the nod to continue are --- in no particular order --- Obama, Clinton, Edwards and Dodd.
The Republican Forum is scheduled for September at Morgan State University.
***Notes on Live Broadcasst***
The All-American Presidential Forum is live. The expected introductions have been made, camera shots of a few well-known Blacks have been shown and a citizen was allowed to ask a question about racism. Cool.
9:28 PM - DeWayne Wickham asks a question about poverty. Most of the answers are ho-hum and expected. Obama elicits the best response thus far as he takes a potshot at NCLB (No Child left behind) and speaks to treating children as our own.
Senator Dodd speaks of his record. Interesting. Hillary admits that they have failed our children. Good answers.
9:39 PM - Michel Martin asks question about fighting HIV/AIDS. She also quotes alarming statistics about the number of African-American teenagers with AIDS.
Gov. Richardson kinda flubs this question.
John Edwards cited the alarming number of African-American women with AIDS. Need to fully fund finding a cure, need to fund Ryan White bill so that everyone can get treatment and Medicare.
Sen. Obama agreed with Edwards and added a need for education on the issue. Poverty, lack of health care are all interconnected.
Rep. Kucinich - It's time to get serious about health care. We have to end for-profit health care.
Sen. Gravel - Tries too hard to stir up emotion. Education - Yes. Health care - Yes. Put pressure to "end war on drugs which is ravaging your community."
Sen. Dodd - Minority community suffers from a lack of access; it's bigger than just AIDS.
Sen. Clinton - Applause to Hillary on this one. If HIV/AIDS affected white women at the same level it affects Black women, there would be outrage.
Sen. Biden - Policy of neglect on denial. Spoke of efforts to educate and talk about it.
9:51 PM
Reuben Navarette: Economic Disparity
John Edward: Get rid of George Bush's tax cuts. Honor work not just wealth.
Barack Obama: Are we willing to make the investments in genuine opportunity in this country?
Dennis Kucinich: Wealthy need to pay their fair share and the war needs to end.
Sen. Gravel: Tax system where everyone knows what others pay.
Chris Dodd: This guy is giving good answers.
Hillary Clinton: Economy was better in the 1990's. Tax system must be changed.
Bill Richardson: Tax incentives to middle class and businesses. Globalization must work for middle class.
Joe Biden: For the first time in our history there was a shift of tax burden to wage-earners.
DeWayne Wickham: Crime & Punishment
These questions are limited to 30 second answers now. They are coming way too fast to keep up with individual answers.
Issues touched on mandatory minimum sentencing, disparity between sentences for crack and powder cocaine, non-violent criminals and application of law equally. Richardson mentioned necessity of ways to deal with poverty. Edwards admitted that justice system is not color blind. He mentioned drug counseling and other options.
Michel Martin: New Orleans/Hurricane Katrina - Right to Return (I am so digging her hair.)
Hillary has 10 point plan for Gulf coast recovery. Residents treated unfairly. There is nothing to return to now.
Richardson said it is the most disgraceful episode in America helping its people. Force insurance companies to insure Gulf coast residents.
Edwards will appoint someone to cover New Orleans recovery.
Obama mentioned companies (Haliburton) getting rebuilding contracts and not using New Orleans residents to help rebuild. Must have president who understands reality that people of New Orleans were being neglected prior to Katrina.
Reuben Naverette: Outsourcing Jobs
I really like Chris Dodd's answers, he's on point.
Hillary Clinton: Prepare Americans to compete globally. Great answer.
Richardson: Must upgrade science and math skills in this country. So true. Invest in high-tech industries.
Edwards: Eliminate all tax breaks for all companies that take jobs overseas.
For the most part, Barack Obama concurred with previous answers.
Kucinich: Cancel NAFTA and WTO.
DeWayne Wickham: Crisis in Darfur
OK, who is the Chris Dodd guy? I like him.
Hillary: No fly zone.
Biden: We should have imposed no fly zone two years ago.
Richardson: Find ways to stop massive rapes. Did not really answer though.
Edwards: Part of bigger question.
Obama: No fly zone, having protective force is good but what about trade and investment. Great answer.
Kucinich: Stop looking at Africa as a place to exploit people. Stop giving Sudan a pass.
Gravel: Must have president who has moral judgment; most of the people on the stage do not have moral judgment. What an answer to end on without opportunity for response.
Georgia Judge Declares Genarlow Wilson Ineligible for Bond; Georgia, Stop the Madness!
After businessmen raise $1 million for a bond, a Douglas County (Ga.) judge cancels a bond appeal hearing. It is obvious that the State of Georgia is hell bent on keeping one young man locked up for receiving oral sex from a 15 year-old when he was 17. For the life of me I don’t want to shout racism but what is the damn problem here? Listen folks, you can be in denial if you want, but teenagers are engaging in oral sex and all sorts of behavior not condoned by parents or the law. That's what they hear in their music and see on televsion or at the movies. Guess what? The incarceration of Genarlow Wilson will not stop teenagers from having sex; they’ll just conceal it from the authorities for fear of being jailed.
Oh yeah, those same teenagers that will keep their sexual behavior a secret for fear of being jailed will likely spread and contract sexually-transmitted diseases because they haven’t gotten proper medical attention, because why? They don’t want to be jailed. Georgia, please turn on a light and come out of the dark ages. Genarlow Wilson has served 28 months of a 10 year sentence that he does not deserve. He should not be required to register as a sex offender. The fact that his friends accepted a plea deal should not prevent Georgia law from doing the right thing for Genarlow. I don’t blame Genarlow or his attorney for declining those so-called plea deals offered by Douglas County DA David McDade. They are insulting to say the least. Besides, the longer Genarlow is in jail, the more Georgia’s reputation is damaged. Just a few days away from a July 5 bond appeal hearing, Douglas County Judge David Emerson declared that Genarlow is ineligible for a bond. Give me a break; this situation is just inhumane. It’s time for some folk to put a spotlight on his situation and turn up the heat even more than before. With serious issues that Georgia has to deal with, it’s incomprehensible that oral sex between two teenagers would result in such a waste of taxpayer resources. This case not only makes Georgia look like a racist, backwater State, it makes the USA look like backwater, knuckle-dragging hypocrites. If Georgia AG Thurbert Baker, DA David McDade, Judge David Emerson and Gov. Sonny Perdue really want to apply the law equitably, Georgia should just lock up all of its teenagers guilty of engaging in oral sex under the age of consent. If honesty prevailed, there’d be few teenagers in school and most of them behind bars. When all is said and done, I pray that Genarlow continues to stand on principle and doesn’t allow these men to break his spirit.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Tavis Smiley to Moderate Presidential Forum Live from Howard University Tomorrow Night
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL FORUM AIRS JUNE 28 ON PBS STATIONS NATIONWIDE
Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Christopher Dodd, John Edwards, Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinich, Barack Obama and Bill Richardson will participate in the “All-American Presidential Forums on PBS,” moderated by Tavis Smiley, on June 28, 2007, from 9:00-10:30 p.m. ET at Howard University in Washington, DC.
Questions to the candidates will be posed by Smiley and journalists Michel Martin of National Public Radio, nationally syndicated columnist Ruben Navarrette Jr. and USA Today and Gannett News Service columnist DeWayne Wickham.
The event will be televised live on PBS. “All-American Presidential Forums” on PBS, moderated by Tavis Smiley, marks the first time that a panel exclusively comprised of journalists of color will be represented in primetime. The candidates will be asked about issues ranging from healthcare and housing to Katrina relief, the economy and the environment, among others outlined in the #1 The New York Times best-seller, Covenant With Black America. A second forum for Republican presidential candidates will be held on September 27, 2007, on the campus of Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland.
“We are encouraged by the enthusiasm of all parties for this historic event,” said Smiley. “From the title to the format, the ‘All-American Presidential Forums’ was created to provide fresh perspectives and an unprecedented level of inclusion for all Americans in general, and people of color in particular, in these critical discussions about our country’s future.”
“The Forums will give voice to vital questions the American public wants to have answered in this crucial election process,” said John Boland, PBS chief content officer. “Kicking off an ambitious line-up of content on multiple platforms for PBS Election 2008, we are proud to help facilitate this important dialogue, which truly represents the mission of public broadcasting.”
Immediate public feedback on the performance of the candidates will be conducted by noted pollster Frank Luntz, who will also appear on “Tavis Smiley” on PBS the following evening to discuss his findings. The PBS Democratic Forum will be simultaneously webcast on PBS.org, and video of both events will be archived for download and viewing on the Web site.
The Web site (pbs.org/tavissmiley) will include additional coverage of the presidential candidates and their positions on key issues of the campaign, including past interviews, backgrounders, viewer polls and a forum blog and election resources. Visitors will be able to submit their own questions for the candidates, read commentary and share their own opinions.
FREE GENARLOW WILSON: $ 1 Million Can't Buy Freedom
Businessman, Whitney Tilson, founder and Managing Partner of T2 Partners LLC and the Tilson Mutual Funds, convinced 9 of his friends to join him in a contribution towards a $1,000,000 bond for the release of Genarlow Wilson. He was successful in his fundraising endeavor but Genarlow Wilson still remains behind bars.
Make no mistake that some Georgians applaud AG Thurbert Baker's handling of this situation while others criticize his staunch effort to keep Genarlow Wilson incarcerated. Baker has been accused of not exercising the same zeal in other situations. Whether that is true or not is beyond me as I did not know of Baker until the Genarlow Wilson case.
With that in mind, the focus on the bond issue should rest squarely with Douglas County DA David McDade, not AG Thurbert Baker. McDade can easily put this situation to rest but he chooses to offer B.J. Bernstein, Wilson's attorney, little consolation to compromise. It is in the State of Georgia's best interest to keep AG Baker in the spotlight to diffuse charges of racism. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see what's going on and it won't diminish the cries of racism either.
It's also important to note that Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue supports Baker's position. Perdue may prefer to watch from the sidelines but the media and Georgia voters should make sure that he does not avoid public scrutiny and/or outrage either.
Maybe it's just me but I still think that this entire situation could have been avoided early on in the case. In spite of the antiquated Georgia law under which Genarlow was convicted, judicial and law enforcement officials could have tried to salvage this young man's collegiate academic and athletic career potential. The mother of the victim has already proclaimed the sentence too harsh --- talk about overkill. Baker, McDade and Perdue also could have avoided another black eye against the State of Georgia; you'd think Georgia law enforcement would have learned after the Marcus Dixon case but I guess old habits die hard.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Thinking Blogger Award
I have been tagged by ndpthepoetress, of Binding Ink, with the Thinking Blogger Award. Thank you… thank you… thank you, oh great Muse. I am indeed humbled and honored.
In keeping with the purpose and directive of this award started by ilker yoldas, I am to select 5 blogs that make me think. Hmmm…five blogs, huh? That may prove difficult as there are some really great blogs in the blogosphere, but I’ll give it a try.
The participation rules are simple:
1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think,
2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme,
3. Optional: Proudly display the 'Thinking Blogger Award' with a link to the post that you wrote (here is an alternative silver version if gold doesn't fit your blog).
Interestingly, I found that several blogs I would have selected have already been tagged with the Thinking Blogger Award. I guess great minds think alike. Without further ado, in no particular order, are five blogs I’m tagging with the Thinking Blogger Award.
AfroBella: AfroBella is also known as Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik, a reformed tomboy from Trinidad. AfroBella is a website dedicated to product reviews, ruminations about style, and interviews with women all shades of beautiful.
Now That’s What I’m Talkin’ About!!!!: The purpose of this site, by Theo Johnson, is to inform, educate and have a little fun on the side. He covers a variety of topics ---social issues, politics, black history, business, technology and entertainment.
Young Black Professional Guide: YBP Guide is a forum of multiple perspectives and advice to support the many challenges that Young Black Professionals face. Their mission is to empower Young Black Professionals with the knowledge and inspiration to foster progression and productivity in the Black community.
YBP Guide was started by Kimberly Michelle and Fredric in October 2006. While they are the editors of the Young Black Professional Guide, many of their peers often contribute articles.
MartyBLOGs: Martin Lindsey’s blog challenges you to change your life with an ‘actionist’ attitude. An actionist is not hung up on opinions but interested in forging ahead and doesn’t get fixated on placing blame, just finding a solution. Handle business, take care of things, then move on. That’s the actionist way.
David McQueen: David believes we are all born magnificent, and each have a right to express that magnificence for our benefit and our communities.
He is a speaker, writer, youth worker and mentor and a Christian with a keen passion for education and youth development.
That’s it, folks. I hope you enjoy the thoughts on the pages of these wonderful bloggers. Be sure to check them out and let me know what you think.
Thank you, again, ndpthepoetress!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Who is Genarlow Wilson and why should we care about him?
By now, you may have heard the story of Genarlow Wilson, a young man incarcerated in a Georgia prison for receiving oral sex from a 15 year-old girl. Genarlow was 17 when the incident occured. There was a video of the sordid shenanigans that took place in a motel room between Genarlow, his friends and several girls.
Although the female victim in this case was not forced to commit the act, she was under Georgia's age of consent which is 16. Genarlow refused the plea bargain that his friends accepted and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He would also be labeled a child molestor. The antiquated Georgia law has been changed but Genarlow and the seven other prisoners convicted as teenagers were not grandfathered in. Genarlow has been incarcerated almost 29 months.
Recently, A Georgia judge voided Genarlow's conviction thus freeing Genarlow from prison. The Georgia Attorney General appealed the judge's decision and Genarlow remains in prision.
The Genarlow Wilson case has received major media coverage recently. Many have expressed outrage at his sentence and the Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue is beginning to feel the heat.
The mother of the victim feels that Generlow's sentence was too severe. She also spoke of Gestapo-like tactics used by Georgia's State Attorney's Office. As this continues to unfold, hopefully the Georgia legislature, ACLU, NAACP and other organizations will make sure that the Douglas County DA and Georgia Sate Attorney's Office are investigated.
Genarlow Wilson and his friends were irresponsible for engaging in sexual activity the way that they did. Filming the acts was reprehensible. The young girl willingly performing a sexual act in the presence of others and allowing it to be filmed was nauseating.
This case is bigger than Genarlow Wilson, it exemplifies the moral decline of American society and our utterly ridiculous show of surprise that such an incident occured in the first place.
'on the black hand side' gets face lift and new address
As you can see, 'on the black hand side' has moved from blogspot.com to its own domain and has been renovated so to speak. Although I've moved Vanessa: Unplugged to Typepad, 'on the black hand side' will continue with the Blogger format.
Anyhoo, I hope you enjoy the new look and the more frequent blog posts. Smooches...
Monday, May 28, 2007
Think you know why so many Black men are in prison? Straight talk... prisonsucks.com
Knowledge is Power. Power…empowered…that’s the feeling that stayed with me after listening to That’s What I’m Talkin’ About with Theo Johnson. Brother Theo does this show that’s podcast. No, I still haven’t taken the time to figure out that works but this I know, there’s a lot of knowledge being dropped over there. Check the link to his show on Black men and the criminal justice system. The straight talk between Theo, Morgan State University professor Dr. Eric Durham and Attorney Byron O’Neal should be required listening. The subject has been dealt with many times but these brothers were raw and real. No vulgarity intended, their conversation reminded of the times when I was a kid and I went to the barber shop with my Dad. Anyhoo, I’ve passed the link to the podcast to my e-mail friends. Hopefully, you’ll feel so inclined after you listen. Link: http://podcast.theojohnson.net/2007/05/what-im-talkin-about-23-052707
Sunday, May 27, 2007
It's Memorial Day Weekend so Why All the Traffic on South Beach?
It's Memorial Day Weekend and South Beach is crazy like always at this time of the year. The crowd, from what I see on the news and hear from conversations, is noticably smaller than past years.
Guess what that means to me? Nothing. I don't travel in that direction if I can help it. Traffic is way too congested. I've never so many scantily-clad females and loud, obnoxious males in one place. It's amazing, embarrassing and sad.
Memorial Day Weekend reminds me of the spending power of Black people or perhaps I should refer to it as the mis-spending power --- on Miami Beach. Not, Miami, the city where most Blacks live and have a rich history. You know, the city that is one of the poorest in the United States now, yeah, that one. It's a damn shame.
This wan't supposed to be that kind of blog, but for the life of me I don't understand how folks can support someone else's neighborhoood while allowing their own to crumble. Sure, there aren't fancy hotels in the predominantly Black neighborhoods anymore. There aren't likely to be any either if the dollar doesn't circulate in the Black community.
Cash, cars and plenty of bling will be the norm for the young people who want to lay and play in the South Beach sand and surf this weekend. Celebrity sightings and alcohol. The madness will be over soon. Until next year.
Since we don't teach our children history as we should, they are being raised by rap stars and designers. It's not really their fault anyway. How many of them really know what Memorial Day is about?
Thank you to all the men and women in the armed forces who protect us in the U.S. and others around the world. The price of freedom is not free. Ashe'
Friday, May 11, 2007
A Dental Dynasty in the Making
Jacksonville, FL (BlackNews.com) - In the 21st century when many African American families have lost their identity and relationship with their parents, children and grandparents, Dr. Leroy R. Polite and his wife of 40 years, Helen Poe Polite, have spent their lives working hard to maintain family ties and much more. The Polites formed a bond "on the hill" at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. Leroy earned a degree in Pharmacy and later a Doctor of Medical Dentistry from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia. Helen earned a Nursing degree from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia and a degree in Health Education from Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Florida. They are the owners of Economy Dentures of Jacksonville, Florida and South Daytona Beach, Florida and Dunn Dental Laboratory. [MORE]
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Florida judge reassigned for racist remarks
From WSVN Channel 7: Judge reassigned following accusations he made racist comments in court
Related Links
Video: Judge's status under review
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- Broward's chief criminal judge has been granted his request to move to civil court after defense attorneys complained that he openly made racial remarks regarding an attempted murder case two weeks ago.
The defendant and all six of the victims were are African-American, and, according to the defense attorney on the case, Judge Charles Greene sleighted that fact after a not guilty verdict. "The judge said, 'You know, NHI,'" said attorney Tom O'Connell. "When I first heard it, I didn't know what it was or what it meant."
Actually the three letters have a deep and dark history referring to racial inequality. "I've been around a long time. For those of us who have been in criminal justice, we know exactly what 'NHI' means," said Broward attorney Howard Finkelstein, "and it means, 'No Humans Involved.'"
Finkelstein said incorporating such a term on the bench deminishes the value of that case for all parties invovlved. "This is a very insidious cancer, and the reason that it's insidious is once someone that's a judge can render an ilk of people as subhuman, then no longer is it necessary for a judge or anyone else to work as hard because no humans are involved," said Finkelstein.
Upon learning the term's meaning O'Connell confronted Judge Greene, who apologized. "It's a racial epithet. It's inappropriate," said O'Connell, "and, like I said, at best it's inappropriate, at worst it's racist."
Finkelstein, who is not only 7's legal analyst but also a Broward County Public Defender who has the responsibility of defending the poor in the county, called for Judge Greene to step aside. "Even though he may have a good heart, and I believe he has a good heart, when you're a judge, you're held to a higher standard," said Finkelstein. "The only issue here is: what do poor and minority feel when they walk into that courtroom? Do they feel they can get a fair shake?"
Facing the firestorm Judge Greene agreed with that argument and asked to be reassigned to civil court saying, in his request to Chief Chief County Judge Dale Ross: "... I made a statement without knowledge of any racial implication or overtone, but commenting solely on the lack of credibility of the witnesses ... I was shocked and astounded to learn, for the first time, that there was any racial overtone to my comment."
O'Connell is pleased with Greene's move to take responsibilty for his comment. "I'm confident that Judge Greene made the right decision by voluntarily removing himself as Chief Criminal Judge and also asking to be moved out of the criminal division," said O'Connell. "Equal protection, due process under the law, and it strikes at the very core of who we are as a nation."
Judge Ross has accepted Greene's request to move to civil court on a temporary basis. A permanent reassignment will come at a later date.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
MUST READ: An Open Letter to African-American Men
A wonderfully stimulating conversation with new buddies, Marty, Char and John led me to share this commentary by one of my favorite columnists, Leonard Pitts, Jr. If you're not familiar with his writings, I invite you to check out his website at http://leonardpittsjr.com and The Miami Herald.
February 2, 2004
An Open Letter to African-American Men
The Game of Justice is Rigged
By LEONARD PITTS, Jr.
This is an open letter to African-American men.
I suppose I could as easily have addressed myself to the broader world, but I know how the response to that would go. Folks denying, rationalizing and arguing that facts are not truly facts.
That's how it always is when the subject is crime and you.
Earlier this week, The Miami Herald ran a jaw-dropping series called ''Justice Withheld.'' It detailed the abuse of a legal procedure called a withholding of adjudication. This is a tool Florida judges can use at their discretion that allows felony offenders to avoid a conviction.
Receiving a withhold allows you to legally say you've never been convicted of a crime, even though a court found you guilty. There are many benefits: You retain your right to vote and hold office and you don't have to put the crime on your application for a job or a student loan.
THEORY VS. PRACTICE
In theory, withholds are handed out sparingly to deserving people in extenuating circumstances. The Herald found that in practice, they are handed out like Halloween candy.
Four-time losers get withholds. Rapists and car thieves get withholds. Drug dealers and batterers get withholds.
If you commit fraud or forgery, you've got an even chance of getting one. Abuse or molest a child and your chances are actually better than even.
All those folks enjoying all that judicial mercy. Guess who gets left out?
Yup. You.
Even if you commit the same crime and have the same record, a white offender is almost 50 percent more likely to get a withhold than you are. Some folks say that's not a function of racism but of socioeconomics. Meaning that whites are more often able to afford private attorneys, less likely to have to rely on some overburdened public defender.
There are two answers to that. One: socioeconomics can't be disconnected from racism where black people are concerned; the disparity in black and white accumulated wealth is hardly an accident. And two: The Herald report shows that, even when you adjust for type of attorney, African-American defendants are still much less likely to receive withholds.
So I have a question for you:
Can we please stop being such good customers of the American injustice system? I am sick to my soul of watching shaggy-haired black boys and men in orange jumpsuits led into courtrooms to be judged for doing some stupid and heinous thing. I'm weary of the truth in that old Richard Pryor line about how he went to court looking for justice and that's what he found. Just us.
NO BREAKS
Contrary to what society has told us, to what so much of our music claims and to what too many of us have internalized, the reason isn't that we carry some kind of criminal gene. No, it's that we don't get second chances, don't have the same margin for error a white guy would. One strike, and you're out.
We need to recognize this. Need to make sure our sons and brothers recognize it.
The Herald report is not the first, the fifth, or even the 10th to come back with results like these, results that codify the painfully obvious: the injustice system sees no value in us, is comfortable throwing us away like so much used tissue. It doesn't give a damn about us.
But our children do. Our women and mothers and fathers do. So let us love them -- and ourselves -- enough to stay as far from that system as humanly possible. Because once you're in it, you're like a dinosaur in a tar pit. Dragged down.
No, it's not fair that we are held to a different standard. Say that loudly and clearly. Fight to make it right. But do not stop there.
You see, when you discover that a game is rigged against you, you have every right to complain that you're being cheated.
But a smart man does one thing more:
A smart man stops playing.
Leonard Pitts, Jr. is a columnist for the Miami Herald.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Happy to be Nappy
If I hear one more supposedly intelligent, educated Black person say that someone has “good” hair I think I’m going to scream. “Good” hair, of course, being hair that is straight.
In light of the Don Imus “nappy-headed ho’s” comment, to hear Black people not appreciate their own natural hair is all the more frustrating. Most of the time, the people I hear making such statements are parents so it’s very likely they’re passing that negativity and self-hatred on to their children.
My hair is nappy…coarse…kinky…and I am proud of it. Before I locked it, the strength of my hair allowed me to inflict seemingly limitless trauma to it from coloring it from jet black to honey blonde; straightening it with an old school straightening comb heated on the stove; perming it (lye and no-lye); jheri curling it; used the afro blow-out kit; braiding it; weaving it (sewn in and bonding glue); and cutting it so short you could see what was on my mind. My nappy, coarse, kinky hair has to be “good” to survive all that.
It’s 2007, how much longer will it take Black people to wake up and truly love themselves?
“No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Remembering Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald
Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald, a seven-term Democratic House member from southern California, died late Saturday (April 21, 2007) of cancer. She was 68. Her chief of staff, Bandele McQueen, said she had been receiving hospice care.
Mrs. Millender-McDonald had recently worked on issues including election reform and opposing the genocide in Sudan.
She is survived by her husband, James McDonald Jr., and five adult children.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has 14 days to set a date for a special election to fill the seat.
Ashe'.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
MUST SEE VIDEO: This is how troops are trained in Germany!
The video below was recently made public although it was filmed last year. It is of racist language used in training German military. Listen to the narration during the clip to get the whole story.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Thank You, Jackie Robinson
Today is the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s breaking the race barrier in major league baseball in the United States. Several players will wear Robinson’s #42 in tribute to him during today’s games.
It is difficult to imagine the stress Robinson endured as he changed the face of major league baseball and paved the way for Blacks and other minorities. Today’s generations of Blacks were not born in segregation and Black history is not taught or shared to the extent it should. Perhaps if Black parents made sure their children were taught Black history, folks like Don Imus would not feel as though they had permission to disrespect Black women as he did. That’s another subject but you get my drift.
As a child, and the only child for almost eight years, my Dad’s sports vocation and hobby forced me to learn about Jackie Robinson, Larry Doby, Joe Black and others. At the time I didn’t view my exposure to baseball as a lesson; I was just hanging out with my Dad.
Of course my parents shielded me from discrimination as much as they could but that didn’t change the reality of life for Blacks and women during that time.
I appreciate Jackie Robinson so much more as an adult. I now fully understand the impact of his sacrifice on my life and the lives of folks who are not Black. Can you imagine baseball history without Roberto Clemente, Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds or Dontrelle Willis? The courage, conviction and persistence in his role as a ball player changed the world.
Jackie Robinson was actually bigger than baseball, we all benefited because of him and we are all indebted to him.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
What do you know about Duke Ellington?
By the time of his passing, he was considered amongst the world’s greatest composers and musicians. The French government honored him with their highest award, the Legion of Honor, while the government of the United States bestowed upon him the highest civil honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He played for the royalty and for the common people and by the end of his 50-year career, he had played over 20,000 performances worldwide. He was The Duke, Duke Ellington.
Edward Kennedy Ellington was born into the world on April 29, 1899 in Washington, D.C. Duke’s parents, Daisy Kennedy Ellington and James Edward Ellington, served as ideal role models for young Duke, and taught him everything from proper table manners to an understanding of the emotional power of music. [MORE]
Bill to compensate parents of Martin Lee Anderson moves through Florida legislature
TALLAHASSEE, FL (AP) -- The process to compensate the parents of Martin Lee Anderson for their son's death is moving forward in the Legislature.
A bill was introduced in the Florida Senate today to give a $5 million payment to Anderson's parents. The teen died after being hit and kicked by guards in a juvenile boot camp in Bay County last year.
Meanwhile, the Senate president and House speaker agreed their chambers will hold special hearings together on the proposed claims bill. Usually, a claims bill can take years before it passes the Legislature. But in this case, Governor Crist had asked legislative leaders to expedite the process.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
SHAQUANDA RELEASED!
Now, 15 years old, Shaquanda Cotton was released from the Texas Youth Correctional facility where she spent the last year of her life for shoving a teachers aide at her school. Prior to her release, Shaquanda's plight took a life of its own via hundreds of internet bloggers throughout the world.
How a child could be adjudicated up to seven years for such an incident where the adult was not injured is shameful and embarrassing not only to the people of Paris, Texas but to the entire United States. Some who choose to deny the racial bias displayed in this case have been proven wrong when Shaquanda's situation and the plight of other Black students in that county is under federal investigation.
Moreover, Shaquanda was confined to a facility that is now under investigation of sexual abuse by at least one guard. He has since resigned.
Please check the Chicago Tribune for Howard Witt's coverage and update on Shaquanda's release.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Diversity Inc covers Shaquanda's plight
Here is coverage of Shaquanda Cotton’s plight by Diversity Inc magazine. The more her story is told, the better chance for her release and an unbiased investigation of the Paris public schools. Shaquanda Cotton's Sentencing Exemplifies Rehabilitation Gone Bad By Yoji Cole
Sentencing a 14-year-old to seven years in prison for shoving a school hall monitor doesn't sound fair. That the girl in question was sentenced by a judge who three months earlier sentenced a 14-year-old white girl convicted of arson to probation seems criminal.
But that's the horrific predicament Shaquanda Cotton faces—seven years in the Texas Youth Commission (TYC). Cotton was convicted of assaulting a public servant because she shoved a 58-year-old hall monitor at Paris High School.
"Race played a major factor in this case because if Shaquanda was a young, white female there is no way they would allow such a heightened charge to go forward," says Gary Bledsoe, an Austin, Texas, attorney and president of the NAACP Texas branch. "Even if you take what the teacher's aide said to be true ... all she said was that Shaquanda lightly pushed her ... you're telling me that's a felony?"
Paris has a bloodied history when it comes to race. The city, with a population of 26,000 (Census 2000 counted 73 percent white, 22 percent black, 4 pecent Latino, 0.95 percent Native American and 0.66 percent Asian American), was the site of several public lynchings of black Americans in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Paris public schools are also being investigated by the U.S. Education Department following repeated complaints that administrators discipline black students more frequently and harshly than they do white students. U.S. Education Department representatives confirmed an investigation is under way but were unavailable for comment.
Currently, Cotton is being held at TYC, which is also under investigation for sexual and physical abuse of inmates. Moreover, the facility makes clear in its "Family Guide" for relatives of juveniles that "You may have heard about adult prisons, where once you 'do the time,' you go home. It does not work this way at TYC." That's because of TYC's "resocialization" program that the prison says "enhance[s] personal accountability of delinquent youth." Parents of incarcerated youth, however, report that the rule effectively keeps kids in prison indefinitely.
One of the rule's steps is to admit guilt in order to be considered for parole. But Cotton says she was defending herself from being hit by the hall monitor when she shoved her, so she doesn't believe she is guilty.
"She can't go from step one to step two until she admits guilt, so you have to swallow your beliefs or stand up for your principals," says Bledsoe, who added that Cotton's time in TYC has already been extended because she violated a resocialization rule. She had one more pair of socks than is allowed. "We're trying to get them to invalidate the rule," says Bledsoe.
Cotton's mother, Creola, reported that her daughter is in jail because she has protested and filed complaints against the school and police department. Prosecutors argued during the punishment phase of the trial that Creola Cotton is an unfit mother, according to reported a story on the district attorney's web site.
"Shaquanda came from a very structured home. She didn't run around; she didn't get out in the street; she didn't do drugs; she didn't drink alcohol; she didn't do any of those things because I didn't let her," Cotton was quoted as saying in the story. "The only reason that they could give that Shaquanda should be removed from my home is that I filed complaints against the school and the police department. So how does that make me an unfit parent?"
A spokesperson for the district attorney's office, Allan Hubbard, was not available to speak to DiversityInc.com, but in the story that appeared on the district attorney's web site, Hubbard was quoted as saying Cotton's case "is not a racial issue."
"There are people who commit crimes and there are people who do not agree with the way those crimes are handled and the process. This is not a racial issue with this office," Hubbard said in the story. "There will always be people who object to the level that we pursue something for prosecution."
Now Cotton's future rests in the hands of Bledsoe and others who have taken up her cause.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
FREE SHAQUANDA COTTON - Update #2: Worldwide Prayer, Sat. March 31st!
BlackAmericaWeb published Shaquanda’s story today. A march and rally calling for her immediate release are scheduled for next Tuesday. The event is organized by Citizens Concerned for Racial Equality and radio talk show host Rickey Smiley. Read more on the BlackAmericaWeb site. On Saturday, March 31st from noon – 1 p.m. CST, gather all your prayer warriors to touch and agree and pray for Shaquanda’s immediate release. Wherever you are at that time, stop and pray for Shaquanda. Pray that Shaquanda Cotton’s mind, body and spirit are strengthened by this experience. Pray that Shaquanda truly knows the love of God and his awesome power. Pray that Shaquanda knows that angels have been sent to watch over her and protect her; she has nothing to fear. Let Shaquanda feel the love of many who lift her in spirit and bless her holy name. Amen. Continue to spread the word about Shaquanda's ordeal.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
"White" couple sues over Black Baby
A New York couple is suing a fertility clinic because of a sperm mix-up. Their youngest daughter is not the offspring of the husband. She is noticeably darker than the rest of the family.
I’ve read of several problems with fertility clinics recently from sperm samples being lost to some discarded in error. The desire for a child is a serious matter. I don’t trivialize it but take a look at another issue regarding this latest family.
The couple claims to be white although the mother is from the Dominican Republic. It seems as though this might be a major problem for this entire family. Although they proclaim their love for the child, there is an obvious denial that the mother is Black. I know a lot of Dominicans. I don’t know one that I would consider white. Black is a color not an origin. Get over it. Denying your Blackness doesn’t change who you really are.
How mentally healthy is that home environment for this young child? Just looking at the photo of the family, it’s clear that the mother is not white. She says she is but she is not.The child needs to be taught to be proud of her Blackness and so does the mother. That’s the way I see it.
Do you know this man?
If you don't know who this man is, you should. I'll blog about him in a later post. For those of you who do know who he is, let's hear about in a comment. Peace.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Moments in Black History: March 22
http://www.momentsinblackhistory.com/
History was made on this day March 22
1846 First Black poetry anthology, Les Cenellies, appears in print.
1873 Slavery is abolished in Puerto Rico. Hastened by slaves, "cimarrones," who had escaped into the mountains, increasing the number of slave conspiracies and political radicalism to end forced labor.
1956 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is found guilty of violating the boycott statute and is sentenced to pay a fine of $500 or serve 386 days of hard labor. His conviction is appealed.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Ultimate Wealth Builder
A.G. Gaston: Rough Road to Riches
By James C. Johnson
As the civil rights movement swept through the South during the late 1950s, certain moments captured the bravery of those on the front lines. When Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested in Birmingham, Alabama, for marching without a permit, march organizers knew his immediate release was crucial to keep the struggle alive. The call for help went out to Arthur George Gatson, the city's most prominent black entrepreneur, who posted the $5,000 bail for King's release. [MORE]
A. G. Gaston's 10 rules for success
1. Save a part of all you earn. Pay yourself first. Take it off the top and bank it. You'll be surprised how fast the money builds up. If you have two or three thousand dollars in the bank, sooner or later somebody will come along and show you how to double it. Money doesn�t spoil. Keep it.
2. Establish a reputation at a bank or savings and loan association. Save at an established institution and borrow there. Stay away from loan sharks.
3. Take no chances with your money. Play the safe number, the good one. A man can't afford to lose has no business gambling.
4. Never borrow anything that, if forced to it, you can't pay back.
5. Don't get bigheaded with the little fellows. That's where the money is. If you stick with the little fellows, give them your devotion, they'll make you big.
6. Don't have so much pride. Wear the same suit for a year or two. It doesn't make any difference what kind of suit the pocket is in if there is money in the pocket.
7. Find a need and fill it. Successful businesses are founded on the needs of the people. Once in business, keep good books. Also, hire the best people you can find.
8. Stay in your own class. Never run around with people you can't compete with.
9. Once you get money or a reputation for having money, people will give you money.
10. Once you reach a certain bracket, it is very difficult not to make more money.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Never forget Hurricane Katrina!
We are fast approaching the two-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. If you have not seen Spike Lee’s documentary “When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts”, you are not aware of the story behind the Hurricane Katrina disaster. The film is 4 hours and 16 minutes long.
I was struck by the shabbiness involved in constructing the eye-walls, not levees, that gave way when the waters became too strong. Too many people died needlessly. The victimization of News Orleans residents at the hands of FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers and the United States government is shameful.
Because of the formally large Black population in New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina victims are most often pictured as Blacks. Hurricane Katrina definitely wasn’t only a Black thing. There were some angry white folks in the documentary and some of them had guns. I got a big chuckle out of the guy that heckled Vice-President Cheney. The gentlemen who spoke of the oil revenue owed New Orleans residents and the temporary show of recovery when Cheney visited was incredible.
The depth and breadth of this documentary is amazing. If you haven’t seen this film, do so right away. If you have seen it, see it again. I caution you that some of the bodies floating in the water or along the side of the road were disturbing so you may not want young kids to see the film. As shocking as the visuals are, you must remember that these things actually happened.
I pray daily for the survivors and that Blacks will return to New Orleans and not relinquish their property to land-grabbers. More important, the rich history of New Orleans should never be lost.
P.S. Click the photo above to purchase the DVD. Do not purchase the DVD through the HBO website, you will pay twice as much.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
The Steve Harvey Morning Show is No. 1
It was just a matter of time until the infectious humor of Steve Harvey and his crew captured the hearts, minds and ears of the most listeners throughout the United States and a few countries. Through humor, Harvey frequently puts a common sense spin on real life issues. I'm looking forward to waking up with Steve again in the morning; you should try it too.
FREE SHAQUANDA COTTON – Update #1: Black or White, It's Just Wrong!
Check link below for contact information to help free Shaquanda Cotton from prison. Please spread the word. Vanessa: Unplugged: FREE SHAQUANDA COTTON – Update #1: Black or White, It's Just Wrong!
Friday, March 16, 2007
FREE SHAQUANDA COTTON
I am pulling this information directly from a couple of spots in the blogosphere. I am not taking the time to try to re-word the info or put my slant on the situation. That would require too much of my time and most important, it's not really necessary. Ayoung girl's life is at stake, please read this and take action.
Remember Genarlow Wilson and Cory Maye? FREE SHAQUANDA COTTON! When will the madness end?
Please spread the word!
From http://ybpguide.com
the one thing i love most about reading online is the ability to find little nuggets of information or interesting stories without having to flip through a giant stack of recyclable paper with messy ink. yesterday was no exception when i stumbled upon a story in the tribe (may need free signup) about a small town in texas that seems to relish in its violent racial past.
paris, texas is the home of the Paris Fairgrounds, a stage where thousands of white ’spectators’ would gather to burn and lynch blacks as if at some sort of carnival. today, it is a highly segregated town that has implicity dared anyone to question how it chooses to treat blacks that live in the area.
the facts:
“black parents have filed at least a 12 discrimination complaints against the school district with the federal Education Department, asserting that their children, who constitute 40 percent of the district’s nearly 4,000 students, were singled out for excessive discipline”
the paris public schools are under investigation by the U.S. Education Department
19-year-old white man, convicted last july of criminally negligent homicide for killing a 54-year-old black woman and her 3-year-old grandson with his truck, was sentenced in Paris to probation
judge chuck superville sentenced a 14-year-old white girl, convicted of arson for burning down her family’s house, to probation
a 14-year-old black freshman, shaquanda cotton, shoved a 58-year-old teacher’s aide at paris high school in a dispute over entering the building before the school day had officially begun. she was tried in march 2006 in the town’s juvenile court, convicted of “assault on a public servant” and sentenced by the same judge chuck superville to prison for up to 7 years, until she turns 21
yes, you read that last part right. i’ll let it sink in for a second.
so its 2007, one state is drafting formal legislation to apologize for slavery, and another is trying to flex its ‘dont mess with texas’ ego. while i complained earlier of how dismayed i was that some black blogs tend to be angry, this type of reality justifies that sentiment, and rightfully so. while i’ve never been the most articulate when it comes to expressing the complete shock of ‘in plain view’ racism, i can honestly say that this type of white arrogance and hate needs to be called out and handled swiftly. but how? the article mentions that naacp is on the case (rolling eyes), but i feel like more, MUCH MORE needs to be done.
if you get to the end of the article, the turmoil suffered by shaquanda in juvenile prison, where 95% of the offenders are repeat and violent (read: real crimes), has caused her to attempt suicide on her life 3 times. 3 times! a 14-year old, my little sister, is trying to kill herself because a racist bigot of a judge put her in prison for shoving someone. SHOVING!
so what can be done? link to this article. publicize this story. let’s see what blogging black can really do. go to the governor’s page at http://www.governor.state.tx.us/contact and let him know how you feel and how this is completely bullshit.
free shaquanda cotton. NOW!
i ask that some of my more articulate readers post a statement in the comments that we can all use on the contact form on the texas governor page.
[update 1]: looks like we’re getting the word spread. a fb group has started.
[update 2]: i started a thread over at topix. interesting pov’s, without question. i’ve also gotten word from a few friends that we have connections to ebony magazine and cnn that are being explored. keep spreading the word!
[update 3]: a site has been setup for her at http://freeshaquandacotton.blogspot.com/
Thursday, March 15, 2007
A moment in Black history
"On the Black hand side" is an old school term. Most simply, it was the way Blacks gave dap to each other back in the late sixties and early seventies. A few folks still do it today but it's become more of a style thing than understanding its origin.
The Black hand side is kinda like the opposite of "high five." Instead of only slapping the palm side of hands, greeters actually touched the top side of the hand also and slowly slid the hands away from each other. It was cool for that period of time.
The term came from a movie, which was derived from a play by Charlie Russell (Bill's brother) called Five on the Black Hand Side. That movie was about a Black family in L.A. was supposed to be the comedic response to blaxploitation films viewed as derogatory at the time. Do check it out.
Check out these links:
Internet Movie Database
The Unknown Movies
Click here to purchase Five On The Black Hand Side
Is Black Really Beautiful? [RE-POST]
Say it loud, I’m Black and I’m proud!
Say it loud, I’m Black and I’m proud!
I distinctly remember hearing that James Brown song in the mornings on my way to school and in the afternoons on my way home. That was “back in the day” as the kids say now. I was too young to really understand its significance back then, but I do “get it”now.
Almost forty years later, do Black folk really believe that song or was it just lyrics over a tight beat? If we are truly Black and proud, why in the year 2007 do we continue to have conversations about light skin vs. dark skin and good hair vs. bad hair?
Inarguably, there are realities beyond our control and history that cannot be changed. We can make tremendous change, however, if we would simply stop perpetuating self-hatred, negativity and ignorance. One person at a time; no mass marches, rallies or boycotts required.
BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL - AS LONG AS IT'S TAMABLE By Nicole Sealey
In response to the question, do Black women who wear their hair in its natural state do so for genuine political reasons?, Talitha Coverson, a recent FAMU graduate, said, "In the 1960s and 70s the political statement was defiance and recognition of Black beauty. Today, it does serve as a political statement; however, it is more indirect not necessarily intentional, but by all means the end result is highly political." With some exceptions, prior to and following the 1960s and early 1970s, there really was no such philosophy as "Black is Beautiful." The very concept, in terms of Black and White thought, was in itself an oxymoron. Black was far from beautiful and Black attributes even further. In popular "beauty culture", natural Black hair was and is perceived as an insignia of inferiority.
The "politics" of Black hair is an extremely controversial subject matter. Black people, for the most part, are as hair-struck as they are color-struck and suffer from as many hair-complexes as they do color-complexes. Black men and women alike have internalized Western notions of beauty, particularly in regards to "good" and "bad" hair. Black males are certainly not exempt from criticism when it comes to Black women's hair. The ways in which Black women desire to -or not to- wear their hair is a direct result of not only centuries of their colonial conditioning, but of Black men's conditioning as well. Essentially, Black men influence beauty culture, particularly Black female hair culture. In general, Black men are mostly attracted to light-skinned, long straight-haired women. Due to Black men's socialized preference, Black women, seeking both approval and love, transform themselves accordingly.
In response to the question, how do Black men influence the ways in which Black women wear their hair?, Rashad Broomfield, a senior at the University of South Florida, answered "In general, women do their hair to reflect what men want and vice versa." Black women seem to bear the brunt of these racist superficial Eurocentric standards. In Hair Matters: Beauty, Power, and Black Women's Consciousness, author Ingrid Banks notes, "What is deemed desirable is measured against white standards of beauty, which include long and straight hair (usually blonde), that is, hair that is not kinky or nappy." To live up to these standards -or rather limitations- of beauty, Black women, unconsciously enthused, straighten/perm or hot comb their hair. Black women's preoccupation with Eurocentric beauty culture is reflected in, not only the amounts of bleaching products that Black women purchase, but also in the sales of hair straightening merchandise (i.e. African Pride, Dark & Lovely, Just 4 Me, Soft & Beautiful, et cetera).
There is a lot of power in words and greater politics in vocabulary and the meaning of language. The Brand names of the previously mentioned straightening agents suggest, African/Black inadequacy. The Brand name African Pride is a critical paradox. How can one take pride in their culture, yet seek ways in which to abandon and/or undermine it? Dark & Lovely insinuates that if one is in fact "Dark," since Blackness is a characteristic of otherness/ugliness, there is a slight hope that they can be a tad "lovely" by straightening their hair. Just 4 Me is neither for me nor my Black/African sisters because it censures rather than celebrates natural Black hair. Natural Black hair has been and is already Soft and Beautiful. There is no need for chemically false softness or socialized beauty.
These agents reiterate and illustrate a black/white dichotomy wherein white is the standard by which people of color, Black people in particular, are critically and aesthetically assessed. Ayanla D. Byrd and Lori L. Tharps, authors of Hair Story: Untangling the roots of Black hair in America, comments "The pervasiveness of what bell hooks terms th[e] 'dull dish that is mainstream White culture' has succeeded in keeping many people unaware of the… unique culture of Black hair." Although the majority of Black women who have chemically processed hair have from a very young age had their hair chemically "treated," most Black women who chemically "treat" their hair claim that they do so for both "manageability" and "versatility;" however, their argument is misleading because at such young ages one generally is not afforded the opportunity of choice and if one made such a choice it would be reflective of and influenced by their peers. Therefore, they cannot know how manageable and/or versatile their hair, in its natural state, really is. Furthermore, they cannot argue that it is their "personal choice" when in fact they were not given a choice and if so were not cognizant of the choice chosen.
When asked, do Black women who wear their hair in its natural state demonstrate that they are more "conscious" than the average Black woman?, Nyota Lormine, a junior at the University of South Florida, replied "In a way they do, but at the same time there are those sisters that do it for fashion. Some chemically processed sisters are "conscious," but they choose not to take themselves out of that particular prison for "manageability." Nonetheless, the straightening of Black hair does not necessitate nor indicate lower levels of "consciousness." Black people, Black women specifically, must understand the justifications, implications, and ramifications of chemically processing their hair. Historically and inadvertently, hair has been a tool used to justify African otherness, which subsequently warranted enslavement and later disenfranchisement. Due to the above mentioned historical context, natural Black hair is indicative, consciously or unconsciously, of a political/subversive agenda. Black hair is not only an indictment of mainstream beauty mores, but also symbolizes self-confidence. Black women who wear their hair naturally tend to exude higher levels of self-assurance.
When asked, what does wearing your hair natural mean to you?, Heru Holloway, a former FIU student commented, "It is an expression of self. It is also rooted in an acceptance of who I am mentally. Being that standards of beauty are Eurocentric, for me wearing my hair naturally is a conscientious undertaking." Traditionally, Western beauty mores have been utilized to excuse the treatment of Africans by Europeans. Although standards of beauty are such that they exclude African/Black people, being knowledgeable of these artificial and biased standards and recognizing that Black, in its natural state, is, in fact, beautiful allows for a paradigm shift -or dissolution- that includes all people. This very necessary paradigm shift, develops and gains momentum with every kinky, curly, wavy, and nappy natural.
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Generations of Cool: Harry Belafonte and Common
Okay, let’s kick this blog off in tribute to two generations of cool Black men. That would be the honorable Harry Belafonte and Common. Now I ain’t making no secret of my thing for Common. Way too much hotness! He is handsome and fine but first and foremost he is humble and intelligent.
I don’t know whose idea it was to pair these two awesome gentlemen but that was excellent. From this experience with Mr. Belafonte, I do hope that Common realizes his true gift and his ability to make change in the world. I’d like to see him return to his straight underground hip-hop roots I do also understand that each of us must evolve and hopefully grow in the process.
Before I noticed how fine he is I dug his lyrics on his raps. The brother is deep. He gave me a deeper appreciation for the Minister Louis Farrakhan and powerful positive messages that I missed in the recent past. This blog is about celebrating Black folks and prayerfully educating and entertaining in the process. Let’s see if this works. I’ll do a few posts on Common’s lyrics that you may have missed. Holla at a sister and let me know what you think.
For the most part, I related Harry Belafonte as being Shari’s dad. I had no idea of his involvement in civil rights and activism until recent years. He is a down brother and still as handsome as he was in Carmen Jones with Dorothy Dandridge.
I advise everyone to read the EBONY article on these two gentlemen. Belafonte took me to a different place. I felt as though I was seated at the foot of an elder and trying to absorb all the knowledge he released.
One of the key points Belafonte touches and I hope it’s not lost on folks, is the fact that Blacks were able to accomplish so much in the sixties because their role models --- Paul Robeson, Dr. Dubois and Jackie Robinson all lived in the Black community. I sincerely believe the abandonment of the Black community by the Black middle and upper class has significantly led to the deterioration of the black power base.
Now little June Bug and Shakisha want to be drug dealers and gang members because that’s what they see where they live. It’s a simple solution but Blacks have become so brainwashed that we don’t see nor have the will to change our plight. Anyhoo, let me get off that soapbox.
He also spoke prolifically of the impact of rap and hip-hop during their infancy. The power to educate while entertaining was strong. Then, the minute the big boys saw that there was money to be made, its origin was eradicated and the music transformed into to something negative. Blacks allowed that to happen. A few benefited financially. The rest of us are doing very little to reverse that cycle.
I don’t want to give away too much on the article. Just check it out in the March 2007 EBONY.
Behind the scenes video of EBONY photo shoot with Harry Belafonte and Common
Behind the scenes photos of the EBONY photo shoot with Harry Belafonte and Common
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