Things You Don’t Know about Heather Ellis

by Dr. Boyce Watkins 

 

Jury selection for Heather Ellis continues

Heather Ellis case one in a long line of Missouri’s racial injustices

This Nov. 4, 2009 file photo shows Heather Ellis, left, arm-in-arm with her mother, Hester Ellis, exiting the Stoddard County Justice Center in Bloomfield, Mo. (AP Photo/Corey Noles, Dexter Daily Statesman, File)

This week, for the first time, I had the chance to speak with Heather Ellis.

Heather was not previously allowed to speak, since her attorney told her to remain silent. I can tell you that after speaking with Heather for nearly two hours, she is a fine young woman. She is NOT the kind of person who needed to spend any time in prison, and I am glad she took the plea deal from the prosecution. Let me explain a few facts about the case that you may not know:

1) Heather is not admitting guilt: Anyone familiar with the criminal justice system in America should understand that there are times when you have to plead in order to make something go away. There was no smoking gun implicating Heather Ellis; there was only the risk that the jury (which her high powered attorney, Scott Rosenblum, considered to be the worst jury he’d seen in 26 years of practice) was going to send her to prison or jail.

Like most of us, Heather is not a person who wants to go to jail for any significant period of time. I personally worried that she would be abused if left in the presence of the very officers who’d attacked her on the night of her arrest, not to mention the criminals she would be incarcerated with. If she were my daughter, I would have told her to take the plea.

The good thing was that her fight led the entire nation to talk about issues that we would never have discussed otherwise. Anyone who doesn’t agree with her decision needs to go put their own child on trial with up to 15 possible years in prison and see how much yapping you do then.
2) There is no evidence of an assault on an officer and she was not convicted of these felonies: According to Heather (whom I believe and I’ll tell you why in a second), there was one police officer who was dead set on the idea of pursuing and harassing her. He followed her closely out of the store, referring to her as a b*tch and a ho. He then told her to "go back to the ghetto." That is when Heather turned and asked him why he was harassing her instead of chasing real criminals. That is when he said, "Because I want to harass your stupid a**." That is also the officer who, without warning, tackled Heather and dragged her to the police car.

The reason Heather’s story is credible is because this officer had been fired from another job for sexual harassment and had lied on the witness stand in the past. Her attorney’s research uncovered the officer’s dirty past, and Heather discussed this issue in more detail in our conversation.
3) This was not a jury of her peers: Heather’s father, Pastor Nathaniel Ellis, told me that he had wanted to push the trial to the very end. What changed his mind, he said, was seeing his daughter break down in tears over the idea of going to jail or prison.

 

Click to read.

Dr. Boyce Watkins: KKK Rally at Ole Miss University

By Dr. Boyce Watkins 

I was intrigued by recent reports that the Ku Klux Klan had a rally on the Ole Miss Campus recently. It might surprise you to know that I am essentially unconcerned by their presence on campus. Don’t get me wrong, Klansmen are incredibly ignorant. Also, we cannot deny their historical reign of terror over people of color in America. But I can also give you a list of reasons that we should stop paying attention to the KKK.

1) They thrive off of attention: The KKK has very little power. They don’t do very much anymore, and even in this rally, it appears that there were only a few members present. The truth is that the klan only has power because we give it attention. They are like a grease fire: The more water you put on it, the more it grows. But if you starve the fire of oxygen, it eventually dies out. The klan must be starved of attention, and then they will go away. They only remain relevant because we want them to be.

 

Click to read.

Klan Rally Held before the Ole Miss-LSU Game

• Members of the Ku Klux Klan protest on the steps of Fulton Chapel at the University of Mississippi (AP Photo/The Clarion-Ledger, Ryan Moore)

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) — About a dozen hooded Ku Klux Klan members rallied briefly at the University of Mississippi before Saturday’s football game with No. 10 LSU.

The members of the Mississippi White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan spent about 10 minutes waving flags, displaying Nazi-style salutes and occasionally gesturing at a group of about 250 hecklers that included young children. They were protesting the school’s decision to drop a pep song that included "Dixie."

 

Click to read.

Another Hurdle Jumped for Healthcare Reform

WASHINGTON – A bruising debate on health care awaits the Senate after Thanksgiving now that the historic legislation has cleared a key hurdle over the opposition of Republicans eager to inflict a punishing defeat on President Barack Obama.

The bill would extend coverage to roughly 31 million who lack it, crack down on insurance company practices that deny or dilute benefits and curtail the growth of spending on medical care nationally.

In the final minutes of a daylong session, Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., accused Republicans of trying to stifle a historic debate the nation needed.

The Republican leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, said the vote was anything but procedural — casting it as a referendum on the bill itself, which he said would raise taxes, cut Medicare and create a “massive and unsustainable debt.”

Click to read.

Must See Video: Oprah Performing a Song at the age of 17!

Oprah Winfrey like you’ve never seen her before.

Heather Ellis Finally Speaks: Listen to her Side of the Story

Here is an interview that Heather Ellis did for AOL Black Voices – it appears that her side of the story is very different from the prosecution and she may have reason to sue the police department.

CNN Video on the Heather Ellis Plea Deal

Here is more CNN coverage, including final statements from Heather Ellis.

Jesse Jackson vs. Artur Davis

by Dr. Boyce Watkins 

I love speaking with Rev. Jesse Jackson.  He walks and talks like a man who has seen and heard nearly everything.  Our civil rights leaders are social hubs through which many members of our society must travel in order to reach their destinations.   You can’t call yourself a black man and not know the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Rev. Jackson took things a step further by stating recently at a Congressional Black Caucus function that,”You can’t vote against health care and call yourself a black man.”

RELATED: Jesse Jackson Says To CBC You Can’t Be Black And Be Against Health Care

This comment was aimed at Rep. Artur Davis of Alabama, the only member of theCongressional Black Caucus who does not support health care reform.   What is most interesting about Jackson’s comment is that he is right, but not quite.  You can certainly argue that Davis’ lack of support for the plan implies  that his interests are not in line with the majority of African Americans in this country:  Most of them love Barack Obama and are willing to support anything that he supports.  The other sad truth is that health care reform is so complicated that most Americans don’t have a clue about what’s going on.   In that regard, we can argue that it is difficult for Davis to say that he represents the black community when he votes in a direction that is not correlated with the majority of African Americans in the state of Alabama.

Click to read.

The Latest Black News from AOL – 11/20/09

It Ain’t Easy Being Green…During the Holidays

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White Women Wear Weaves Too! (And Other Revelations)

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Health Care Bill Update, Congressional Black Caucus & Oprah: Business News

• Black Caucus Stalls Finance Overhaul In one of the clearest examples of how the weak economy is … Read More
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Dr. Boyce: Yes, Heather Took the Plea, but I’ve Still Got Questions

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Black Planet 

I have been actively involved in the fight for Heather Ellis, the 24-year old school teacher now facing up to 15-years in prison for cutting line at a local Wal-Mart.  Although Heather has now reached a plea deal with prosecutors over her arrested, there are still questions that need to be answered.  No, she was not charged with cutting in line, but it was the cashier’s reaction to the alleged line cut which led to the relevant sequence of events.  Had the cashier been more professional and not refused to serve Heather, none of this would have happened (You hear that Walmart? Perhaps that’s why your attorneys are telling you to remain silent).

I have five simple questions about the trial of Heather Ellis:

1) If “no one was seriously injured,” why was she facing up to 15-years in prison?

In the opening statements of the trial, the prosecutor in the case, Morley Swingle (the dandy fellow with the Confederate flag on the cover of his book) stated that “There was no serious injury, but it did hurt,” when referring to the alleged assaults committed by Ms. Ellis.  If no one was seriously injured, does that constitute a Class-C felony?  This statement was quite telling when it comes to understanding the style of justice being administered in the Southeast Missouri area (which is why we are sending our reports to the Justice Department after the trial is over).  Given that Ellis appears to have been the only person to go to the hospital after she allegedly beat down all of these great big men, it would seem to me that perhaps she might be the one who is able to file an assault charge against the officers.  Additionally, the defense attorney on the case, Scott Rosenblum, presented evidence in court of there being blood in Heather Ellis’ jacket pocket from the night of the incident.  This would be consistent with her claim to the doctor the next day that she was assaulted by the police.

Click to read.

Heather’s Attorney is Ripping Witnesses Apart

It appears that Heather’s attorney, Scott Rosenblum, actually knows what he’s doing – the trial is getting interesting.

Heather Ellis Walmart Video Released on CNN

Does anyone see a smoking gun in this video?

Black News: Detroit Man Shoots His own Son in the Head!

Jamar Pinkney, Sr. of Detroit is accused of shooting his 15-year-old son

in the head execution style. The shooting occurred after his son, Jamar Jr., confessed that he’d done something inappropriate to his 3-year-old sister. Jamar Sr. came home, stripped his son naked, took him outside the house and shot him in the head.

Lazette Cherry, Jamar Jr.’s mother, said she wanted to get help for her son when he confessed to what he’d done with his sister. She claims, however, that there was no rape. She says that her son admitted that he knew that lying down on top of the little girl was wrong.

"He got on his knees and begged, ‘No, Daddy! No!’ and he pulled the trigger," she said. "There wasn’t nothing that my son wouldn’t do for his father. He loved his father so much."

Click to read more.

CNN’s Anderson Cooper Blog Weighs in on the Heather Ellis Case

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Heather Ellis is facing 15-years in prison for allegedly cutting line at a Wal-Mart store in Missouri.

Dr. Boyce Watkins, Your Black World  
Special to AC360°

Heather Ellis is in trouble. The 24-year old preacher’s daughter has spent most of her life doing the right things: Going to college, getting ready for medical school and staying out of trouble. What Heather didn’t realize is that even when you do the right things, your margin of error as a person of color in America is virtually non-existent.

When I wrote my book, “What if George Bush were a Black Man?” the key point was that America’s justice system has a difficult time understanding that punishments must match the magnitude of the crime that has allegedly been committed. The actions that a “frat boy” can get away with 20 times during college can send an African American to prison for the next 20-years. America is a country that has, without question, consistently over-charged, over-searched, over-incarcerated and over-sentenced African Americans for the past 400 years of its existence.

Given its ugly past, the criminal justice system has very little credibility, and even police reports are subject to being questioned – especially in a town like Kennett, MO. My father’s a cop, so I know how all this works. Even when black men were lynched 100 years ago, there were always “witnesses” and police reports to say that he was a bad person. Fortunately, lynching does not occur anymore (although a black boy – Walter Currie Jr. – was burned alive by his white classmate in the same area as Heather), but the noose has been replaced with the long prison sentence as the most typical and most devastating form of punishment. As a result, black men and women are filling up America’s penitentiaries at an alarming rate, and it is destroying the core of the black family.

Click to read.

Didn’t See the Rally? This Might Not be the last one

Heather Ellis’ case makes the top story on the Memphis news – the country awaits the verdict of her trial.

More Video Footage from Our Rally in Kennett

Watch video of our rally that was held for Heather in Kennett, MO.

Heather Ellis Case on ABC News

The prospect of spending 15 years in jail was probably the last thing on a Missouri woman’s mind nearly three years ago when she switched checkout lines at a Walmart store.

Heather Ellis, inset, could face up to 15 years in prison after allegedly assaulting police officers who asked her to leave a Walmart store in Missouri when she cut a line to be with her cousin.

(Courtesy Your Black World/Getty Images)

But jail’s a possibility for Heather Ellis, 24, who goes on trial today for charges stemming from a dispute at the Kennett, Mo., Walmart.

Ellis faces charges of disturbing the peace, trespassing, resisting arrest and assaulting police officers after she became"belligerent" when she was asked to leavethe store Jan. 6, 2007, authorities say.

The schoolteacher could face 15 years in prison, if convicted.

But Ellis, who is black, has said that the charges are racially motivated, and that she has been unfairly targeted, which authorities deny.

Click to read.

Shaniya Davis Case: Man Arrested for Kidnapping

Clarence Coe, 30, was arrested and charged with first-degree kidnapping, after a witness claims to have seen him taking 5-year-old Shaniya Davisout of a Fayetteville, NC trailer park. He claims he is not guilty of the charges against him.

Fayetteville Police Department spokesperson, Theresa Chance, told the Sun Herald this was “not a random occurrence.”

Coe has a criminal record, including a conviction in April for misdemeanor breaking and entering. In addition, he has prior convictions for assault on a female, larceny, robbery, felony breaking and entering, and several other charges dating back to 2001, according to the Herald.

Click to read.

Dr. Elaina George Says that Obama’s Health Care Plan is Going to Hurt

By

Dr. Elaina George, MD

The health care reform bill (HR 3962) that just passed the House of Representatives is bad on so many levels it is difficult explain. As it stands, it will destroy both the doctor patient relationship and change the practice of medicine as we know it.

We have one of the finest health care systems in the world. It has been built on a foundation of choice. Doctors were free to choose the care that they deemed necessary to treat their patients, and patients were free to seek the medical care of their choice. Initially, the foundation was shaken by the rise of the managed care system with capitation. However, over the past 10 years, capitated plans which limit access to specialists have given way to the rise in power of insurance companies. They have used their anti-trust exemption to craft a system that has used monopoly to increase profits on the backs of both doctors and patients.

Click to read.

Listen to Dr. Boyce, Roland Martin and Tom Joyner Discuss Heather Ellis

Given that Tom Joyner’s Show is sponsored by Walmart, this leads to a relatively awkward conversation!

Black News: Memphis Benefit Planned for Heather Ellis

Black News: Black Kids Told to Pick Cotton in front of their White Classmates

A history lesson that asked black elementary students to act like slaves has sparked protests from parents and teachers at a North Carolina school Wednesday.

During a field trip to Latta Plantation, three students from Rea View Elementary in Waxhaw were chosen by tour guide Ian Campbell to wear bags and mimic picking cotton while their white classmates looked on, WSOC-TV, Charlotte, reported Friday.

Many of the teachers and parents from the elementary school said they plan on writing the leaders of the plantation regarding the racially insensitive history lesson.

 

Click to read.

Black News: Special Prosecutor Assigned to the Heather Ellis Case

The Dunklin County prosecuting attorney has stepped aside in a criminal case with racial overtones, and Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle has been appointed as special prosecutor.

Swingle has been asked to prosecute Kennett resident Heather Ellis. In an incident at the Kennett Walmart in 2007, Ellis was arrested and charged with two counts of felony assault on a law enforcement officer, a count of misdemeanor peace disturbance and a count of misdemeanor resisting arrest.

A scuffle broke out in a checkout line at the store after she was accused of cutting in line.

Ellis’ attorney filed a motion Nov. 2 requesting Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Stephen Sokoloff to recuse himself from the case.

Sokoloff was accused by Ellis’ lawyers of "making extrajudicial comments that have a substantial likelihood of heightening public condemnation of the accused."

On Thursday, Judge Joe Satterfield denied the request, saying there was no legal basis for it.

According to the defense motion, Sokoloff replied to a story about the case written by Michael I. Niman of Progressive Populist, a twice-monthly publication.

Click to read.

News: Prosecutor Removes Himself from the Heather Ellis Case

Heather Ellis is shown alongside her mother, Hester Ellis, outside the Justice Center at Bloomfield last month following her pre-trial hearing in a case that has gained national attention. At right is Ellis’ attorney, Timothy Hunsaker from the St. Louis firm of Rosenblum, Schwartz, Rogers and Glass. Also pictured (at left) is an unidentified member of the American Civil Liberties Union.
(Staff photo by Noreen Hyslop)

A motion filed in a Dunklin County courtroom brings a new twist to the case against Heather Ellis, a case that has garnered national media attention.

Ellis, an African-American woman from Kennett, is charged in connection with an incident at the Kennett Walmart in 2007 during which she was arrested and charged with two counts of the Class C felony assault on a law enforcement officer, one count of the Class B misdemeanor peace disturbance and one count of the Class A misdemeanor resisting arrest. Ellis was charged as a result of a scuffle that broke out in a checkout line at the store, following Ellis being accused by associates employed by Walmart of cutting in line.

The motion in question, filed by Ellis’ attorney on November 2, involves Ellis’ legal representation requesting Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Stephen Sokoloff to recuse himself from the case.

Click to read.

Did the Black Pastors of New York Sell Out their Congregations?

A few weeks ago, the Rev. Calvin O. Butts III, the influential pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, came to a difficult decision, one he had wrestled with all summer.

Daniel Barry for The New York Times

"What could I say to a man who was mayor, and was supportive of a lot of programs that are importan to me?" said Rev. Calvin O. Buts III, the pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Manhattan.

He would not endorse William C. Thompson Jr., the city comptroller and a longtime friend and ally, for mayor, as he had promised Mr. Thompson last spring. Instead, he would endorse Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.

Mr. Thompson was furious at the betrayal. But what he did not know was that Mr. Bloomberg gave a $1 million donation to the church’s development corporation — roughly 10 percent of its annual budget — with the implicit promise of more to come.

“What could I say to a man who was mayor, and was supportive of a lot of programs that are important to me?” Mr. Butts said in an interview before he endorsed Mr. Bloomberg.

In his quest for a third term, Mr. Bloomberg has deprived Mr. Thompson of what many once regarded as his political birthright: the blessings of the city’s most powerful black ministers, who together preach to tens of thousands of congregants each week. And to win them over, he has deployed an unusual combination of city money, private philanthropy, political appointments and personal attention, creating a web of ties to black clergy members that is virtually unheard of for a white elected official in New York City.

Click to read.

Where are all the Female MCs? Here’s one you can’t miss

Check out Shanelle Walker, the pride of the Windy City

Sirius/XM Satellite Host Dr. Wilmer Leon Talks about Heather’s Case

Listen as Dr. Wilmer Leon speaks with Elliot Millner and Pastor Nathaniel Ellis about Heather’s trial.

Dr. Elaina George: What do we Make of the Health Care bill?

This show is an interview between Dr. Elaina George and Dr Emelita Breyer.  Dr. Breyer is from the Breyer Foundation, an independent organization dedicated to finding solutions to health care reform that does not add to the deficit, or raise money on the backs of the people through taxation.

She has a thorough understanding of the sanctity of the doctor patient relationship. And has real solutions that will protect the things that make the US healthcare system the best in the world.

Click here to listen!

Media Coverage on the Heather Ellis Trial Continues

CNN is going to interview Dr. Boyce Watkins on Friday, and Fox 5 has jumped on the case.

NY 1’s Dominic Carter’s Wife Calls 911

She is now saying that she made it all up when she called to report her husband beating her – does she sound convincing?

News: Buses Being Organized Nation-wide for the Heather Ellis Rally in Kennett

The rally is on!  Visit www.TheHeatherEllisCase.com for more information.   Dr. Boyce Watkins and The Your Black World Coalition are organizing the rally, along with the NAACP, SCLC and ACLU.  Come down to Kennett Missouri with us on March 16!

Living a Healthy Lifestyle

by Dr. Deborah Stroman, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 

Got Sugar in the Blood? Change Your Lifestyle Today!

Do you remember your elders speaking about “sugar in the blood”? Do you have a friend or family member who suffers from diabetes? The importance of understanding high blood sugar is critical to the management of our often fast-paced, unhealthy, and stressful lives. A few years ago I had the opportunity to visit the “Bodies – The Exhibition” and experienced the most engaging presentation on the anatomy and pathology of the human body. Cadavers, adult and fetus, were on display to showcase the miracle of the body and the importance of good health and exercise. This poignant visit, which highlighted all of our major bodily systems, provides the inspiration to urgently share information regarding sugar – the crack cocaine of the Black of the community!

Click to read.

Christopher Metzler Spars with Bill O’Reilly

Dr. Christopher Metzler at Georgetown University spars with Bill O’Reilly over President Obama’s position on race relations.

Michael Baisden Steps Up to Help Heather Ellis Case

by Dr. Boyce Watkins , AOL Black Voices 

Just when you thought black celebrities didn’t care anymore, the "Bad Boy of Radio,"Michael Baisden announced today that he is going to give $5,000 to the legal defense fund of the family of Heather Ellis, a 24-year old black female college student who faces 15-years in prison after cutting in line at a Walmart.

Click to read.

The Latest from AOL Black Voices – 11/2/09

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Anderson Cooper 360 Discusses the Heather Ellis Case

Heather Ellis’ case was debated on Anderson Cooper 360

Do Black Women Have any Say in the haircare industry?

Black women spend billions on hair but don’t own the companies that make it.

Are Women Left out of the Golf Outings that Drive the Old boy’s Club?

 

by Dr. Deborah Stroman, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 

The latest brouhaha over President Obama’s whereabouts now includes his golf endeavors. A seemingly innocent respite away from the White House arrows and darts has turned into a diatribe over women’s equality, inclusion, and diversity. And you thought golf was a boring game for old men! Ha!

The story began with a news report, which is debatable in its own right of being news, that described Pres. Obama’s recent golf outing with one of his senior leaders, Melody Barnes. Ms. Barnes, the nation’s chief domestic policy adviser to the president, was pictured sharply dressed lugging her golf bag. Golf is generally played in groups of four so the interest increased when it was determined that she was joining or barging in on the president’s regular team of men. Oh my! Katy bar the door!

People play golf for one (or a combination) of three reasons: exercise, sport competition, and business. The days of ill dressed overweight men with tires around their waists, who huff and puff on cigars as they tee off are long gone. In fact, it is now a fashion faux pas to dress less than professional (gym clothes are not welcome) and to smoke during a round. Sir Tiger changed the game in many ways and one of the most important is his devotion to fitness. His workout regiment to be the best golfer in the world motivates all ages to get in shape to improve their game. Avid golfers and wanna-bees are seeking Pilates, yoga, stretching, strength and core training customized golf programs to reduce the number of swings to get that little white ball in the hole. And now walking the golf course is more popular, so a stop at the gym or a jog around the neighborhood is no longer necessary. Exercise by strolling through a meticulously manicured lawn decorated with exotic foliage and 18 tee boxes — Yes!

Click to read more.

Dr. Wilmer Leon Argues that Heather Ellis Might Have Been Persecuted, not Prosecuted

Dr. Wilmer Leon, Howard University, Sirius/XM Satellite

One of the things that make America unique is its Constitution, specifically the Bill of Rights. In its original form, the Constitution did not include a list of basic civil liberties or guarantees to the individual. Many prominent Americans, including Thomas Jefferson insisted that a list of fundamental protections be included to restrain the national government from tampering with the fundamental rights and civil liberties of its citizens. The intent of the framers of the Constitution was to level the playing field. They felt it necessary to restrain the very powerful government, prosecutors, and police from arbitrary and capricious action against the less powerful individual. Over time these protections have been passed down to the state level.

The case of Heather Ellis is a perfect present day example of why individual American citizens need to be protected from over zealous capricious prosecutors and police. For a young woman to be facing up to fifteen years in prison for trespassing, disturbing the peace, and two felony counts of assaulting a police officer, all for allegedly cutting a check-out line at a Wal-Mart is unconscionable.

Click to read.

Obama’s Fed Chairman Makes Racially Embarrassing Remarks

by Dr Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University, Your Black World 

I’ve always had mixed feelings about Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke. I feel that he is better than the previous chairman, Alan Greenspan, but the Fed Chairmanship (like the presidency) is almost never given to the right man. Just the fact that it is almost always given to a man is problematic enough, and the truth is that only white men need apply for the job.
Well, when you are limited in your option pool for the top job, bad leadership and flat out ignorance can sometimes be the result. While Fed Chairman Bernanke might know some nuts and bolts about economics, he appears to be shockingly misinformed about economic disparities between blacks and whites. His embarrassing and highly inappropriate statements at Morehouse College serve as a significant case in point.
In a recent interview at Morehouse, the Fed Chairman was asked what he felt to be the reason for the wealth gap between blacks and whites. In response, Bernanke said that the gap was due to a lack of "financial literacy" and "financial education" on the part of African Americans. That’s all he mentioned.

click to read.

Dr. Elaina George: Ingredients for H1N1: What are they?

 

by Dr. Elaina George, Your Black World Medical Correspondent

There has been a lot of confusion about what ingredients are in the H1N1 Vaccine. In order to distill the information to make it easier for you to make an informed choice, here is a brief synopsis of the information provided by the manufacturers in their package inserts.

There are 4 manufactures who have been approved to sell H1N1 vaccine in the US. They are: Novartis, CSL, Sanofi/Pasteur and MedImmune

1. Novartis makes an injectable vaccine for ages 4 and above

Ingredients: Thimerosal (Mercury) both in the single dose and the multi dose vials

Antibiotics – polymyxin and neomycin (can be neurotoxic)

Manufactured with phenol (the chemical used on skin in cosmetic face peals to remove wrinkles)

Note: They recommend that children ages 4-9 get 2 injections one month apart. This would increase the risk from a reaction to the mercury (e.g, neurological damage such as Gullain-Barre or possibly Autism)

 

Click to read more.

Ander Cooper 360 Digs into the Heather Ellis Case

Editor’s Note: Watch Randi Kaye’s full report tonight on Anderson Cooper 360 at 10pm ET.

Randi Kaye| BIO
AC360° Correspondent

Is it a classic case of “he said, she said,” or is it a brutal case of racism? Whatever it is, it may land a Missouri woman, a preacher’s daughter who has never been in trouble with the law before, in jail.

It all apparently started at a Walmart store in Kennett, Missouri where according to police, customer Heather Ellis had cut in line to pay for her items. What followed is at the heart of a court case that may send Heather Ellis to jail for as many as 15 years!

Let me first say Ms. Ellis has pleaded not guilty. But here’s how police tell it: officers say they were called to the store after Ellis caused a “disturbance” at the cash register by “yelling and cursing.” Officers say when they tried to get her to leave the store, she turned and yelled at them, “I ain’t going nowhere until I get my (expletive) change back” but that even after she got her change, she continued to be “belligerent.” The lead officer says they tried to get her to remain calm and leave in a peaceful manner and told her they’d arrest her if she refused. That is when the lead officer says Ellis “issued a threat to assault” and said if the officer put their hands on her “she was going to beat my (expletive).” Well, it turned ugly according to police, who say she became “combative and began fighting.” The officers say Ellis “continued to fight, yell and curse” and was “completely out of control.” They say she “resisted arrest” and “stiffened her body” when they tried to put her in the police car. Read the full police report here.

Click to read.

News: Birmingham Mayor Convicted of Corruption

It’s hard to blame residents of Alabama’s most populous city if they’ve got the Birmingham blues.

An interim mayor took over Thursday after her predecessor, Larry Langford, was convicted on 60 felony counts for bribery and kicked out of office.

Across a park from City Hall, officials at the Jefferson County Courthouse are trying to avoid filing the largest municipal bankruptcy ever, a mark the governor says would stain the entire state.

Citizens are moving out of Birmingham by the thousands, and few are replacing them. The population has dropped to an estimated 209,639, down more than 13 percent since 2000. The state high school football championships even left town this year, abandoning decrepit Legion Field for the state’s two major universities.

Ronnie Coats, 42, has been living in Birmingham and volunteering in local politics for almost three decades, and says he’s disgusted.

"There’s a problem with government here. It’s called greed," he said.

 

Click to read.

Roberta Flack: Killing me softly

Remember this beautiful song?

Lawrence Watkins speaks at Cornell University

Listen to Lawrence Watkins speak on the secrets of business success.

Charlamagne Tha God: “Lil Wayne got what he deserved”

Charlamagne says that Lil Wayne got exactly what he deserves.

Michael’s Movie is Gooooood

Believe the hype. This Is It dispels any doubts about Michael Jackson’s creative genius.

Clearly separating him from other artists of his day, longtime collaborator and the film’s director Kenny Ortega emphasizes exactly why Michael Jackson earned his "King of Pop" title. Culled from more than one hundred hours of footage, This Is It goes beyond the best of Michael Jackson’s rehearsal reels. Instead, Ortega – better known now for directing the High School High Musical films than his many other achievements which include co-creating and co-directing Jackson’s Dangerous and HIStory world tours, elects to highlight Michael Jackson’s creative process and erases any doubt that what you saw with Michael came from anybody but him and God.

In a world of manufactured music where contemporary artists, many with big names, are unable to sing and dance simultaneously, This Is It reminds us that Michael Jackson was of a generation of cultivated and honed talent where practice did indeed make perfect. There was no resting on laurels with Michael Jackson. It wasn’t just magic. It was tireless work and effort – the two attributes that aren’t often applied to the genius of African-American performers so liberally.

Click to read.

Dr. Julianne Malveaux speaks on Dr. Niara Sudarkasa

by Dr. Julianne Malveaux, President: Bennett College

Dr. Niara Sudarkasa, the first woman President of Lincoln University, has a name that reflects her reality. Niara means woman of high purpose, and that she is, indeed. After leaving Lincoln University in 1998, she traveled and consulted, and has recently been scholar-in-residence at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Last week, she donated her papers and personal library, including more than 3800 books, 4100 issues of journals and periodicals, plaques and other collectibles, including the outfit she wore when she was enstooled as a chief in the Ife Kingdom of Nigeria. This is a sister and scholar whose name ought to be spoken frequently among African American people, especially those who have concerns about the African American family, and those who have interests in things African. We are more likely to know entertainers, however, than we are to know scholars. This is a scholar certainly worth knowing.

I had the honor of traveling to Fort Lauderdale to help salute Dr. Sudarkasa on the occasion of her very generous gift (valued at more than $270,000) to the library. In thinking about Niara’s life and career, I was especially focused on the work she has done as an Africanist and anthropologist, long before it was fashionable for African American people to look at our African roots. Indeed, Niara learned Yoruba as part of her doctoral work and studies the work that women did in African society for her dissertation. Her early work lays the foundation for contemporary work on linkages between Africa and the United States.

Dr. Boyce Watkins Discusses the Heather Ellis Case

Dr Boyce Watkins discusses the Heather Ellis Case, the rally and plans to find justice for Heather and her family.

Dr. Elaina George Discusses Swine Flu on Michael Baisden – 10/20/09

Dr. Elaina and Michael Baisden break down the hype and misinformation about the Swine flu.

Your Black News – 10/27/09

NFL Player Larry Johnson Apologizes For Using Anti-Gay Slur

By Associated Press October 27, 2009 5:37 pm

Read more about NFL Player Larry Johnson Apologizes For Using Anti-Gay Slur

TAGS: homosexuality, NFL

ENTERTAINMENT

Disney’s First Black Princess Arrives At Theme Park

By News One October 27, 2009 5:07 pm

Read more about Disney’s First Black Princess Arrives At Theme Park

TAGS: Disney

NATION

BIZARRE: Col. Sanders Bypasses Security, Enters United Nations

By News One October 27, 2009 4:38 pm

Read more about BIZARRE: Col. Sanders Bypasses Security, Enters United Nations

TAGS: bizarre news, Colonel Sanders, KFC, United Nations

NATION

HBCUs Quietly Wage War Against Gangsta Rap

By News One October 27, 2009 3:40 pm

Read more about HBCUs Quietly Wage War Against Gangsta Rap

TAGS: black students, HBCUs, hip hop, protests

NATION

OPINION: Three Reasons Spike Lee Is Wrong About Tyler Perry

By Dr. Boyce Watkins October 27, 2009 2:54 pm

Read more about OPINION: Three Reasons Spike Lee Is Wrong About Tyler Perry

TAGS: Movies, Spike Lee, Tyler Perry

NATION

RNC Under Fire For Racist Obama Facebook Picture

By News One October 27, 2009 2:12 pm

Read more about RNC Under Fire For Racist Obama Facebook Picture

TAGS: Barack Obama, facebook, GOP, racism

NATION

Morehouse President Responds To Dress Code Controversy

By News One October 27, 2009 1:50 pm

Read more about Morehouse President Responds To Dress Code Controversy

TAGS: HBCUs, Morehouse

NATION

Police: Man Charged With Stabbing Death Of UConn Player

By Associated Press October 27, 2009 1:28 pm

Read more about Police: Man Charged With Stabbing Death Of UConn Player

TAGS: campus violence, Jasper Howard, UConn, youth violence

Black News: Judge Herman Thomas Acquitted of All Charges

A former Alabama judge was cleared Monday of charges that he spanked and sexually abused male inmates.

Former Mobile County Circuit Judge Herman Thomas was found not guilty on seven counts after more than a week of testimony. Judge Claud Neilson threw out the remaining 14 charges.

Thomas wept and hugged his wife and supporters after the judge threw out the remaining charges. He left court without comment. As he left, one supporter threw her hands in the air and shouted, "Thank you Jesus." Other supporters gathered in a circle to pray.

Defense attorneys had painted the 48-year-old as a prominent civic leader who became a victim of felons who lied about him to manipulate the court system.

Click to read.

Black News: Rallies Planned for Heather Ellis Case

To join the Your Black World Coalition, please visit www.YourBlackWorld.com.

From Dr Boyce Watkins

www.BoyceWatkins.com

To the Your Black World family:

When the children of my assistant Shauntay (Justin and Journi) brought the case of Heather Ellis to me, I was in disbelief.  I was shocked that in 2009, a young college student, with no criminal record, could face 15 years in prison for cutting line at Walmart.  I was even more appalled by the threats from the KKK and allegations by local leaders that the town went as far as blacking out the local news coverage during the minutes that the family held a press conference in support of their daughter.  We sent information about the case to CNN and other media outlets, and they covered it (along with BET, Essence, ABC News and others), but I don’t feel this is enough.  We’ve decided that we aren’t going to take this sitting down, and we hope you won’t either

In honor of Justin and Journi, the two young visionaries who convinced me to take on this issue, we’ve created the "Journey for Justice," set to take place in Kennett, Missouri on Monday, November 16 at 11 am.  On that day, we are going to meet at the Walmart where the incident took place (1500 1st St., Kennett, MO) and march to the steps of the courthouse(Square 200 Slicer St.).  You can find out more information about the case and rally on the site www.TheHeatherEllisCase.com.  Given that the prosecutor in the case (Stephen Sokoloff) has asked for a change of venue (to Bloomfield, MO – a town with less than 20 black people), some of the details of the rally might change (I have no doubt that they are scheming to make this as difficult as possible).  But I can guarantee you this: On November 16, we are heading down there to fight against the madness occurring in this county, no matter what the cost.

Click to read.

Texas Southern University Removes Tavis’ Name from Building

A long-simmering disagreement between broadcaster Tavis Smiley and Texas Southern University ended Friday when the university’s governing board agreed to strip Smiley’s name from its communication school.

Smiley promised in 2004 to donate $1 million and to raise another $1 million for TSU. The school later created the Tavis Smiley School of Communication in his honor.

In return, Smiley made one $50,000 donation in mid-2005 and raised $250,000 from three corporate donors.

But he said Friday that he had intended to fulfill his personal $1 million pledge.

“Any institution that turns away a $1 million gift in this economy, I think ought to have good reason for doing that,” he said in a telephone interview.

He also said former university President Priscilla Slade offered to name the school for him before he pledged any money.

“I even made a joke, how much is this decision going to cost me?” he said. “She said, ‘This decision has already been made.’”

“It doesn’t feel good,” he said of the board’s decision. “My intentions were to help the students.”

 

Click to read.

Tyler Perry vs. Spike Lee

Watch Tyler Perry defend himself against Spike Lee’s accusations of buffoonery on 60 minutes

Double Take: Writer Claims Malcolm Was Not Quite Heterosexual

Peter Tatchell wrote a piece in the UK Guardian, called “Malcolm X Was Bisexual, Get Over It.”Tatchell writes that he is disappointed in the lack of recognition for gay and lesbian African Americans for Black History Month (Black History Month is in October in the UK). He writes:

Perhaps it is unintentional but Black History Month sometimes feels like Straight Black History Month. Famous Black LGBT people are not acknowledged and celebrated. Either their contribution to Black history and culture is ignored or their sexuality is airbrushed out of their biographies.

He goes on to write that one famous Black LGBT person is none other than Malcolm X:

A good example of this neglect is the denialism surrounding the bisexuality of one of the greatest modern Black liberation heroes: Malcolm X. The lack of recognition is perhaps not surprising, given that some of his family and many black activists have made strenuous efforts to deny his same-sex relationships and suppress recognition of the full spectrum of his sexuality.

Click to read.

Black News Hot off the Grio – 10/26/09

• 
  

  Hampton University basketball player in critical condition after shooting

  By theGrio

  3:20 PM on 10/26/2009

  HAMPTON, Va. – Senior Hampton University basketball captain and forward Theo Smalling was injured early Saturday morning in what a Hampton University (HU) Spokesperson called a senseless accident…

  > MORE

• 
  

  Uncle Remus museum still grapples with race issues

  By theGrio

  11:40 AM on 10/26/2009

  Elementary school students in the room shriek with delight at Wren’s Nest, the very house where newspaperman and author Joel Chandler Harris brought the mischievous characters…

  > MORE

• 
  

  Madonna plants tree to launch Malawi girls school

  By theGrio

  11:08 AM on 10/26/2009

  LILONGWE, Malawi (AP) — Madonna is marking the start of construction at her school for girls in Malawi…

  > MORE

• 
  

  23-year-old basketball player dies of heart attack

  By theGrio

  10:00 AM on 10/26/2009

  LISBON, Portugal (AP) – Kevin Widemond, a 23-year-old American guard, died of a heart attack during a Portuguese basketball tournament…

  > MORE

Cornel West on HNICs

When a white mayoral candidate in St. Petersburg, FL referred to the city’s black deputy mayor as an "H.N.I.C" on an Oct. 13 radio show, she was quoting Princeton professor Dr. Cornel West. "The time is past for black political and intellectual leaders to pose as the voice for black America….The days of brokering for the black turf–of posing as the Head Negro in Charge (H.N.I.C.) are over," West wrote in his seminal book on American race relations, ‘Race Matters.’

Click to read.

MediaMatters.org Steps in on the Heather Ellis, KKK Case

Racial injustice rears its ugly head again, this time in rural Missouri, where heavy-handed prosecutor Stephen Sokoloff is threatening to impose a lengthy prison sentence on a woman after an altercation at a local Wal-Mart almost three years ago.

In January 2007, 20-year-old Heather Ellis, then a student at Xavier University, and her cousin David went to a Wal-Mart in Kennett, Missouri, near the Tennessee border, in an area commonly known as the Missouri Bootheel.  Kennett, in rural and conservative Dunklin County, which boasts that it seceded from the Union during the Civil War, is overwhelmingly white.

At the check-out line, the pair split up in order to find the shortest line.  When Ellis left her line to join her cousin at a shorter line, customers complained and a store employee accused her of cutting, at which point an argument ensued and a manager notified a security guard, an off-duty Kennett Police officer.  The situation escalated from there:

In the Ellis version, she was shoved by another customer, had her items pushed aside by the clerk and then was short-changed when she finally was checked out. The police affidavit contends, at numerous times, Ellis became belligerent, loud, abusive and cursing when she was told to leave by the store’s assistant manager. Summoned by a frantic phone call from her son, as the pair walked out to the parking lot, [Ellis' aunt] Blackmon says she arrived in time to witness her niece being brutalized by police during attempts to place her in a squad car.

[...]

Ellis was charged with disturbing the peace, trespassing, resisting arrest and two counts of assaulting a police officer. Yet, curiously after being described in the police affidavit as "completely out of control" during her arrest, she was released to the custody of her parents to receive medical attention only 45 minutes after being jailed. However, her arrest triggered a whole series of problems. Although she returned to school in Louisiana, two months later, an attorney hired by the family tried to talk Heather into taking a plea deal offered by powerful Dunklin County Prosecutor, Stephen Sokoloff.

 

Click to read.

Girl Prep Hollywood: Getting Girls Pumped About their Future!

Check out Girl Prep Hollywood, where young women learn to become real women.

Walter Currie Lives Near Heather Ellis – Set on Fire by a White Kid

To give you a picture of the location in which Heather Ellis fights for her freedom, meet Walter Currie, a 15-year old in nearby Poplar Bluff, who was set on fire by his classmates with the attacker allegedly yelling the words “Burn nigger burn” while he did it – visit SaveHeatherEllis.com.

Updates on The Heather Ellis Case

Heather Ellis is a college student facing15 years in prison for cutting line at Walmart – visit www.SaveHeatherEllis.com for more details on the national protest to be held in Kennett, MO on November 14.

Black News: Barack Obama Declares National Emergency for Swine Flu

President Obama has declared a national emergency to deal with the "rapid increase in illness" from the H1N1 influenza virus.

"The 2009 H1N1 pandemic continues to evolve. The rates of illness continue to rise rapidly within many communities across the nation, and the potential exists for the pandemic to overburden health care resources in some localities," Obama said in a statement.

"Thus, in recognition of the continuing progression of the pandemic, and in further preparation as a nation, we are taking additional steps to facilitate our response."

The president signed the declaration late Friday and announced it Saturday.

Calling the emergency declaration "an important tool in our kit going forward," one administration official called Obama’s action

Click to read.

Dr Boyce Web Chat: Megan Williams is Definitely a Liar

No matter what, Megan Williams is definitely a liar – the question is what did she lie about?

Obama Declares Swine Flu a National Emergency

President Obama has declared a national emergency to deal with the "rapid increase in illness" from the H1N1 influenza virus.

"The 2009 H1N1 pandemic continues to evolve. The rates of illness continue to rise rapidly within many communities across the nation, and the potential exists for the pandemic to overburden health care resources in some localities," Obama said in a statement.

"Thus, in recognition of the continuing progression of the pandemic, and in further preparation as a nation, we are taking additional steps to facilitate our response."

The president signed the declaration late Friday and announced it Saturday.

Calling the emergency declaration "an important tool in our kit going forward," one administration official called Obama’s action

Click to read.

Will Physical Evidence Redeem Megan Williams?

CHARLESTON, W.Va. —  A woman imprisoned for her role in the 2007 kidnapping and torture of a black woman by seven white men and women said Friday the victim wasn’t telling the truth when she denied this week that the attack occurred.

Frankie Brewster told WCHS-TV in Charleston that multiple crimes were committed against Megan Williams during the attack in West Virginia’s rural Logan County, about 50 miles south of Charleston.

An attorney representing Williams said Wednesday that she is now recanting statements incriminating Brewster, her son Bobby and five others. All seven pleaded guilty and six are serving lengthy prison terms.

Brian Abraham, the Logan County prosecutor in 2007, also has dismissed Williams’ new story, saying the convictions were based on the defendants’ own statements and physical evidence rather than what Williams said.

Williams originally said her captors, including boyfriend Bobby Brewster, beat her, raped her, forced her to drink urine and eat feces, poured hot wax on her and taunted her with racial slurs in a trailer in Logan County. Williams was rescued after a passer-by heard cries from the shed where she was kept and an anonymous caller tipped off sheriff’s deputies.

Brewster is rejecting Williams’ new version of events.

"It did happen," Brewster said during the interview at the Lakin Correctional Center, where she is serving 10 to 25 years. "All of us participated."

Click to read.

Lil Wayne’s Cars: This is What He Had at the Age of 19!

Yes, it appears that Lil Wayne has made some money – we only hope he’s been saving it.

Chris Rock Good Hair: Did It Bomb at Theatres?

Chris Rock is very emotional about criticism he has received since releasing good hair, saying that he disrespects black women and said that Oprah Winfrey looks like a slave – is any of this true?

Michael Baisden and Elaina George: Do you Need a Swine Flu Vaccination?

Michael Baisden, Dr. Elaina George and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen

Warren Ballentine Tells Juan Williams to “Go Back to the Porch”

I have no idea why FOX News political commentator Juan Williams is defendingRush Limbaugh, perhaps the most divisive, hateful person in American media today. I’m not sure why Williams is letting FOX News use him in the same way Armstrong Williams has always trotted out to defend conservative issues. (It’s hard out there for a journalist.)
However, I do know that he does not deserve to be told to "go back to the porch," as radio talk show host Warren Ballentine said during a debate about Limbaugh last week.
The comments were made by Ballentine during a discussion with Williams on the ‘O’Reilly Factor’ about Limbaugh being dropped from a bid to purchase the St. Louis Rams football team. Williams and Ballentine disagreed about whether the ‘Barack the Magic Negro’ song that Rush Limbaugh played was "racial."
BILL O’REILLY: The reason that Limbaugh is not going to be able to buy in to the NFL is because a bunch of made-up stuff became legend, and he got hammered.
WARREN BALLANTINE: Okay, we won’t look at the made-up stuff. Let’s look at him playing ‘Barack the Magic Negro,’ and we’re going to say that’s just funny, that’s just a joke, that’s not racial either. It is racial to real black people.

 

Click to read.

Shocking Video: Man Barely Missed by Runaway Bus!

A man dodges a runaway bus by inches in this video.

The Beauty of Black Women

This video shows the beauty of black women – check it out!

Shocker: Man Arrested for Being Naked In His Own House?

You might want to think twice before getting naked in your house – a man faces a year in jail for being naked in his own house.

Your Black Health Tips: Avoid the Whites in Your Food

by Dr. Deborah Stroman, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Do you need a simple rule to begin a smart nutrition routine? Try to make a change in your diet by “avoiding the whites” – those additives that supposedly will make your food taste just right or have the right consistency. To live well and be healthy, we need to make changes that may feel uncomfortable at first and possibly illogical to friends and family.

Salt, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, accounts for nearly 150,000 premature deaths every year primarily due to complications from high blood pressure. We do need ~ 6g of salt per day to live. Sadly, the average intake of salt is between 9g and 10g a day! Salt is a commonly occurring mineral, the technical name of which is sodium chloride. It is the sodium part of salt that is important. Sodium helps to maintain the concentration of body fluids at correct levels. It also plays a central role in the transmission of electrical impulses in the nerves, and helps cells process nutrients.

Click to read.

Dr Boyce: the Megan Williams Story is Unbelievable

• Megan Williams, left, and her mother Carmen Williams stand outside of the Logan County Courthouse Thursday, March 13, 2008, in Logan, W.Va. (AP Photo/Jeff Gentner)

Megan Williams, an African-American woman who was allegedly raped, tortured and kidnapped by a group of seven white men in West Virginia two years ago at the age of twenty is now claiming that she was playing with our minds. It is a shock to hear that Williams is now saying that the story is a lie, a complete fabrication. She is set to recant her story in a press conference today.

The stomach-turning story that involved drinking urine and eating human feces while being raped repeatedly and subjected to racial slurs was something she apparently made up for fun. If Williams were playing with our heads, I only wish she’d come up with a less disgusting way to do it. The problem is that the prosecutor, Brian Abraham, isn’t buying Williams’ new story, and neither am I.

The prosecutor’s position is that he did not convict the defendants based solely on Williams’ testimony. Abraham has stated in published reports that he learned early on that Williams tends to exaggerate and embellish details, perhaps due to the fact that Williams has been described as being “mentally slow.”

Abraham also claims that he did what any good prosecutor should do: achieve a conviction based on physical evidence and the defendants’ statements. If there is evidence that a sexual assault occurred and proof that Williams endured kidnapping and torture, such evidence should certainly outweigh the significance of any statements made by Williams. There are also other possibilities in this case, such as the chance that Williams may be receiving threats that have pressured her to change her testimony.

Click to read.

Your Black News: Black Barbies Come Out – What do you think?

Grace, Kara and Trichelle were created to fill a void for young black girls who for so long have been playing with dolls that don’t look like them.

Stacy McBride-Irby, creator of the new Barbie, poses with the dolls.

more photos »

The new black Barbies released by Mattel have fuller lips, curlier hair and other features that the company says more accurately represent African-American women.

Some have cheered the new dolls. Others jeered them, saying they’re not black enough.

"I love the black Barbie. It’s about time," Jua Simpson said on CNN’s iReport, a user-generated news community. "But the hair is still a step backwards, since most of our hair is not straight and light brown."

Others disagree with critics who say the dolls should have had more natural black hairstyles, such as afros or braids.

"Many people have criticized the dolls for either having hair that’s too long or too straight, but I have long, straight hair that I straightened. But it’s my hair and a part of me," said Tanisa Zoe Samuel, an African-American iReporter from the Turks and Caicos, in the Caribbean. "Black women come in all shades, shapes and varieties that there is just no way to capture everyone with three dolls." iReport.com: Samuel shares her thoughts on the new Barbie

The dolls were created by Stacy McBride-Irby, an African-American who watched her daughter play with dolls and wanted to create a doll that looked more like her.

 

Click to read.

Woman Says She Lied about Being Gang Raped by Whites

• Megan Williams, 20, of Charleston, W.Va., stands outside of her home. (AP Photo/Jeff Gentner, File)

TOM BREEN,Associated Press Writer

CHARLESTON, West Virginia (AP) — A black woman at the center of a 2007 torture case that raised questions about racism in West Virginia now says she lied about being a victim.

The law office of Columbus, Ohio, attorney Byron L. Potts says Megan Williams will attend a Wednesday afternoon news conference there during which Potts or Williams will discuss why she lied about being assaulted by a gang of white people in Logan County.

click to read.

Man Shoots Boy for Having Sex with His Step Daughter

A man shoots the boy having sex with his step daughter and aimed for his pelvis.

Dr Boyce on Nas and His Tax Problems

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, AOL Black Voices, Syracuse University 

Hip Hop Wired is reporting that the rapper Nas is having some serious financial problems. In addition to owing his wife Kelis $44,000 per month in child support, it turns out that the artist also owes the federal government another $2.5 million in taxes. Here are quick thoughts about Nas, love and money:

1) Nas has a complicated life. His decision to marry the "love of his life" is going to cost him for the rest of his life. The rapper’s tax situation could be due to irresponsibility (as appears to be the case with Method Man and Nicolas Cage), or it could simply be a matter of using write-offs that were not allowed by the IRS. We can’t assume that Nas’ tax trouble automatically makes him into a horrible citizen.

Click to read.

McNair Had Another Lover

Update: Exclusive pictures of both Leah Ignagni and Sahel Kazemi have been released.

This week, Nashville, Tenn., police released an updated case summary on the murder-suicide of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair and his mistress, Sahel Kazemi. Police identified Leah Ignagni as McNair’s possible second girlfriend. Ignagni told police that she believed Kazemi had been following her in the weeks before McNair’s death. According to Kazemi’s roommate, Emily Andrews, Kazemi knew about Ignagni.
According to the report:
Andrews said that Kazemi told her that [Kazemi] found a tampon in the bathroom wastebasket in the Lea Avenue condo, and on another occasion, saw a female leaving the condo.

Police are not saying that the relationship played a role in the incident.

Click to read.

Barack Obama White House Address: Attacking Insurance Companies

In his weekly address, president Obama gets nasty with insurance companies.

Woman Teaches Kids in Jail How to Get It Together with Beats, Rhymes and Poetry

T. Denise Manning is emerging as a leader for at-risk youth and teaching them how to get it together using a microphone, pad and pen as their weapons of choice.

Only 13 years old? Basketball Player is Amazing

This kid is considered to be the best 13-year old basketball player in the country.

A 19 Pound Newborn Baby?

His mother thought she was having twins.

National Protests Planned in Heather Ellis Walmart Arrest

Kennett, MO. – Heather Ellis, a young college student out of Kennett, MO is now facing 15 years in prison if she is sentenced after being accused of cutting line at a local Walmart. Her case has gotten the attention of the nation, and has been the subject of extensive online protests.

Heather was in a Walmart store 3 years ago with her cousin. The two split up to find the shortest line. Since her cousin was in the shorter line, Heather joined him. That’s when the clerk accused Heather of cutting in front of the other customers. An argument ensued, leading to the manager and security guard being called, and finally the police.

The incident left Ellis, an honor student on her way to medical school, charged with disturbing the peace, trespassing and two counts of assaulting a police officer. After Heather refused to sign a plea agreement, Stephen Sokoloff, the town’s prosecutor, filed felony charges against Heather.

 

Click to read.

Black Healthy Living: Did you Know there are Natural Ways to Treat the Swine Flu?

In this episode of Medicine on Call, Dr. Elaina George speaks with Dr Maiysha Clairborne of Mind, Body, Spirit, Wellness.  we spoke about natural approaches to prevent and treat swine flu. Overall natural remedies to reduce stress and promote overall wellness.

Click here to listen!

Visit Your Black World for more black news!

Black News – Racism? Boy Gets Set on Fire by His Classmates

Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2009, 5:23 am
By: Denise Stewart, BlackAmericaWeb.com

A black Missouri teen, who last month was doused with gasoline and set afire by two white schoolmates, now faces charges himself as he recovers from burns over most of his body.

Walter Currie Jr., a 15-year-old in Poplar Bluff, Mo., was burned on June 13 after an exchange with two teens with whom he reportedly had a previous altercation.

The youth who allegedly doused him with the gasoline and lit the fuel has been charged with assault as a juvenile, Currie’s parents said. 
On July 6, several weeks after the incident, authorities gave Currie and his parents notice that he is being charged in connection with another incident where a teen related to the youth who set him afire was hit in the face, said Winonia Currie, Walter’s mother.

“All of a sudden, they decided to charge him with something that happened on June 10, but Walter said he didn’t have anything to do with it,” she said.

Because all of the people involved are juveniles, court officials in Butler County, Missouri said they can give only limited details on the incidents and cannot discuss names.

“I can tell you that there are charges against everyone involved,” Lesi Smith, chief juvenile officer for Butler County, told BlackAmericaWeb.com.

Click to read.

Balloon Boy Busts His Parents on National TV

The “Balloon Boy” hoax was revealed on CNN, as the boy blurts out the truth on national TV – his parents appear to be embarrassed.

Dr boyce: Is Serena Going to get Banned?

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University, AOL Black Voices

Serena Williams has been listed as a headliner for this year’s Australian Open. The problem is that it’s not clear whether she’ll be allowed to play.

Because of a recent outburst in which she threatened a line judge, Williams may be banned from at least one Grand Slam tournament. According to published reports, Williams told the judge, “You don’t know me. You better be right. I swear to God I’m going to take this ball and shove it down your throat.”Given that a ball going down your throat might actually kill you, the judge felt that Serena had threatened her life. Then again, Serena’s from Compton, a town that has become famous for finding creative ways to kill people. Serena does not, however, need to take “the hood” with her all the way to Australia.

To make matters more interesting, Serena recently got naked for the cover of ESPN magazine, certifying her status as an iconic and thought-provoking figure for the early 21st century. These two events, plus the fact that she just happens to be one of the most dominant female tennis players in history, makes her the kind of woman we’ll all be talking about for the next 100 years. Our great-grandkids won’t be talking much about the boring apolitical figure called Michael Jordan. We’ll congratulate Tiger Woods for being the first incredibly rich black man to consistently beat the crap out of the arrogant guys at the country club. Serena Williams’ name, though, will come up in classes on feminist theory, history and sociology. Like Muhammad Ali, Serena is becoming bigger than her sport, and my greatest hope is that her ability to transcend tennis is guided by a desire to serve all humanity, and not just herself. Her nude body on the cover of ESPN is her way of yelling to the world that she is more than a tennis player. I agree that she is.

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Baby Survives Being Run Over by a Train

A baby’s stroller falls under a train and the baby survives!

Method Man Arrested for Taxes, but Not Nicolas Cage?

Method Man was arrested for tax evasion, but not Nicolas Cage – What’s up with that?

Heather Ellis on CNN: Faces 15 Yrs For Cutting Line at Walmart

The KKK has threatened Heather Ellis,who faces 15 years for cutting line at Walmart.

Black News: Tom Joyner Pardons His Late Uncles for Murder

from TheGrio.com 

Nationally syndicated radio host Tom Joyner holds up the signed pardon given to him from Samuel Glover, right, director of the South Carolina Dept. of Pardon, Probation and Parole, as Harvard University professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., third from the right, smiles after a hearing Wednesday Oct. 14, 2009, in Columbia, S.C. A posthumous pardon was given to Joyners’ great-uncles Thomas and Meeks Griffin, who were wrongly sent to the electric chair for the 1913 murder of a Confederate Army veteran.

(AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Two great-uncles of syndicated radio host Tom Joyner, sent to the electric chair for the 1913 murder of a Confederate Army veteran, were unanimously pardoned Wednesday by South Carolina.

Officials believe the men are the first in the state to be posthumously pardoned in a capital murder case.

Black landowners Thomas and Meeks Griffin were executed 94 years ago after a jury convicted them of killing 73-year-old John Lewis, a wealthy white veteran living in Blackstock, a Chester County town 40 miles north of Columbia. Two other black men were also put to death for the crime.

"This won’t bring them back, but this will bring closure. I hope now that they rest in peace," Joyner said. "This is a good day."

Joyner, who lives in Dallas, and his attorney made a presentation to the state parole and probation board on Wednesday, then left the room while the board voted. Family members who flew in for the hearing included his wife and sons, of Dallas, and brother and his family, from Jackson, Miss.

Though he talks to roughly 8 million listeners on the radio daily, Joyner said facing the seven board members "scared me to death." When he was told how they voted, he said he waved his hands and hugged family members in a flood of relief and joy. He also called in to his radio show.

Joyner learned about his uncles’ fate two years ago during filming of the PBS documentary "African American Lives 2," which traced his lineage and 11 others’ through the research of Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr.

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Dr Boyce Watkins: MLK’s Angry Children

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University, Your Black world 

Martin Luther King is rolling in his grave. Yes, I said it. So sue me.

Well, you might actually do that if you were one of Martin Luther King’s children. In fact, yesterday Martin Luther King III and Rev. Bernice King – who were suing their brother Dexter for mismanaging the funds in their parents’ estates – avoided a jury trial and settled their longstanding feud. The three children had been the only shareholders in King Inc, the corporation created to control their father’s valuable legacy. Dexter is still the president and CEO of the estate, and had been, until late last night, its administrator.

Martin and Bernice had accused Dexter of wrongfully taking money from the family, alleging that he took "substantial funds" out of their mother’s estate and "wrongfully appropriated" money from their father’s. I am not sure what the difference between "wrongfully appropriating" money and good old fashioned stealing is, assuming that there is one, but perhaps I am not wealthy enough to know the distinction. Of course Dexter denied the accusations.

Click to read on MSNBC’s TheGrio.com

Black News: Bill Cosby dropping a CD

Many times we don’t want to listen to old heads when we know what they say is right. Bill Cosby has been holding a mirror to Black America over the last few years and rightfully so as teenage pregnancy, high school drop out rates and murders like that of Derrion Albert seem to become normal.

Now stepping into the music genre again, the famed comedian and Black activist plans to rekindle Hip-Hop’s socially conscious flame on “Bill Cosby Presents the Cosnarati: State of Emergency,” an album of music with messages reflecting today’s most critical issues affecting young people.

Created to engage listeners and lead them to take action, the CD’s empowering and dialogue-provoking themes will be spread throughout the Internet via the comedian/actor/author’s extensive social media network and an interactive new web site, billcosby.com, designed to build a grassroots campaign of activist-led house parties and town halls.

Click here to read more.

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Posted By LadyBaby to Your Black Gossip: The Official Source of Black Celebrity Gossip at 10/14/2009 07:25:00 AM

Martin Luther King’s Kids Won’t Stop Fighting

Dr Boyce Watkins analyzes Dr. King’s kids and their legal drama.

Black News Hot off thegrio – 10/14/09

• Jesse Jackson escorts kids to school after beating death

  By theGrio

  12:16 PM on 10/13/2009

  CHICAGO (AP) – After an honor student’s brutal beating, the Rev. Jesse Jackson is joining parents in escorting a group of students who attend a high school on Chicago’s South Side…

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  Detroit school sends kids home due to lack of teachers

  By theGrio

  11:48 AM on 10/13/2009

  VIDEO – Nearly 60 children went to Detroit’s McFarlane Elementary school Monday morning, only to be sent home because there were not enough teachers…

  > MORE

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  Jamie Foxx talks about ‘Law Abiding Citizen’

  By theGrio

  10:56 AM on 10/13/2009

  VIDEO – Jamie Foxx reflects on the initial fan reactions to "Law Abiding Citizen," his movie co-starring and produced by Gerard Butler….

  > MORE

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  Sharpton speaks with theGrio about Limbaugh’s bid for Rams

  By theGrio

  9:34 AM on 10/13/2009

  ST. LOUIS (AP) – The Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are attacking a bid by Rush Limbaugh…

  > MORE

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  Swastika and "Obama" carved into golf course green

  By theGrio

  9:32 AM on 10/13/2009

  VIDEO – Massachusetts Police along with the Secret Service are investigating a troubling act of vandalism at a Lakeville country club…

  > MORE

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  MLK’s children settle lawsuit over estate

  By theGrio

  8:50 AM on 10/13/2009

  ATLANTA (AP) – After more than 14 hours of discussion, the heirs of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. reached a settlement late Monday that will keep the family from a public jury trial…

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  Farm share grows cheap vegetables for low-income communities

  By Kumasi Aaron

  7:05 AM on 10/13/2009

  VIDEO – It’s Wednesday afternoon, and for Dominique and her son Dominick, that means one thing: fresh organic produce…

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  GOP uses ACORN to fight bank redlining law

  By theGrio

  3:47 PM on 10/12/2009

  WASHINGTON (AP) — Conservative Republicans are capitalizing on the troubles of community activist group ACORN — ranging from charges of voter registration fraud…

  > MORE

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  Obama song video prompts protests at NJ school

  By theGrio

  2:39 PM on 10/12/2009

  BURLINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) – It’s an elementary school where students were seen in a video from earlier this year, singing a song in praise of President Barack Obama…

  > MORE

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  Caught on tape: Bar brawl becomes gun fight

  By theGrio

  11:41 AM on 10/12/2009

  VIDEO – Police in Ohio are investigating a gunfight that broke out at a Toledo bar last week. The entire gun battle was caught on camera…

  > MORE

Dr. Julianne Malveaux Breaks Down Unemployment

The bureau of labor statistics issues a report, The employment situation, on the first Friday of every month (www.bls.gov). For the past several months, the report has contained no surprises. We know the jobless situation is getting worse, and we only wait for their statistical confirmation of our pain.

This month the unemployment rate rose to 9.8 percent. More than 200,00 jobs were shed, but more than that, more and more people are shrugging the labor market off, feeling that they can’t find work. The 9.8 percent for everyone translates into 9 percent for whites, 12.7 percent for Latinos, and 15.4 percent for African Americans. But the reported data are only part of the fact. According to BLS, the real overall unemployment rate is more like 17 percent. Using the same algorithm, the rate for African Americans is more like 27 percent.

Translation. One in six Americans is jobless. More than one in four African Americans cannot find work. Everyone else in the universe has been bailed out, especially the bankers and mercenaries of our world. What about the people, the ones who need their job to buy food, to pay for school supplies, to sustain families? These are the folk who have been ignored by the so-called economic recovery, the folks who have been shrugged off by the notion that the economy is in recovery.

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Hampton U Has a White Homecoming Queen

Last Friday, Nikole Churchill became Hampton University’s first non-black homecoming queen and the second non-black homecoming queen of any historically black college or university. Her crowning, by five judges, has caused controversy, as students and alumni debate whether Churchill deserves the distinction.

The 22-year-old Churchill is Hawaiian, with an Italian mother and a father from Guam. According to WTKR, she was chosen out of 10 applicants in the competition and reportedly built her win on the platform of mentoring girls ages 11–14 on topics including "self-esteem, body image, teenage pregnancies and nutrition."

Click to read.

President Obama Wins the Nobel Prize: Black Scholars Speak Up

Marvin Lynn, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Curriculum & Instruction
Faculty Affiliate, African American Studies
University of Illinois at Chicago

 

I think he deserves the award because, as they said, he has established a different tone in the world. Two years ago, America was despised around the world. This is not the case today. Of course people still have criticisms of our policies etc but our global neighbors hated Bush so much that it was making global travel a frightening experience for Americans. There has been a shift in how people see us. That is directly tied to President Obama’s diplomatic stance on a variety of issues.

 

 

 

Dr. Wilmer J. Leon

Political Science Professor at Howard University

Host of “On with Leon” – Sirius/XM Satellite

 

This is an incredible personal accomplishment for the Obama’s, a wonderful international recognition of the shift in American foreign policy, and a compliment to the intelligence of the American electorate The Nobel committee is acknowledging the positive shift away from the unilateral exclusionary foreign policy of the Bush 43′ administration to the multilateral inclusionary foreign policy direction of the Obama administration. The illegal invasions of sovereign nations, torture, and the ignoring of ecological issues of the Bush 43′ administration only brought instability and insecurity for America and the rest of the world. President Obama offers hope through honest diplomacy and open dialog. This is the true path towards peace and security for all.

KKK Gets Involved with Black Student’s Walmart Case

The Ku Klux Klan threatened the student who rallied in response to facing 15 years in prison for cutting line at Walmart.

Why Heather Ellis Might Get 15-Years for Jumping Line at Walmart

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University

In case you haven’t heard, there is a young woman in Kennett, Missouri who has gone through one of our worst nightmares.  Three years ago, Heather Ellis was in a local Walmart shopping with her cousin.  The two cousins decided to go in separate directions to find the shortest line.  After seeing that her cousin’s line was shorter, Heather went to join him.  That’s when things got strange.

Heather was accused of cutting line and the security guard was notified.  According to Heather, she and her cousin repeatedly informed the guard that they were together, but that didn’t seem to matter.  The police affidavit claims that Ellis was loud, belligerent and cursing when she was told to leave the store. 

After police arrived, Ellis was taken to jail in front of her family.  Her aunt, Lily Blackmon, arrived on the scene after receiving a call from her son about the incident.  According to Blackmon, her niece’s head was being slammed against the police car and the officer only said “she cursed,” when asked why she was being treated so harshly.

Ellis was charged with disturbing the peace, trespassing, resisting arrest and two counts of assaulting a police officer.  The young college student was then offered a plea bargain from Dunklin County Prosecutor, Stephen Sokoloff.  The felony counts were reduced to one misdemeanor of disturbing the peace.  However, Heather’s aunt believes that the offer was made so the family would not sue the police department.

Heather refused to take the plea deal, since she says she’d be lying if she admitted to committing a crime that day.  Eleven months after the incident, the misdemeanor was surprisingly dropped.  While this might seem to be good news, it wasn’t.  The misdemeanors have been replaced by felony assault charges, carrying a maximum sentence of 15-years in prison.

Heather believes that the pending felonies have cost her two jobs and the chance to get into medical school.  She still refuses to sign the plea deal.  Either way, she has a reason to fight, and I want to fight with her.   Heather’s case speaks to all of us: most of us have jumped the line at Walmart to be with a relative, and most of us know what it’s like to experience police abuse of authority.   No matter how much cursing Heather might have done that day, she doesn’t deserve to go to prison.  Also, if the prosecutor can reduce major felonies to one tiny misdemeanor, he could have dropped all the charges and let this woman go on with her education.

 

Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Professor at Syracuse University and founder of The Your Black World Coalition.  To follow Dr Boyce on Twitter, please click here.

Woman Faces 15 Years in Prison for cutting Line at Walmart

A college student in Kennett, MO faces 15-years in prison for cutting line at Walmart.

Your Black Money: Fenorris Pearson Talks to Steve Harvey about Reaching Your Goals

by Fenorris Pearson, CEO Global Consumer Innovation, Inc. 

If you measure some of today’s top performers by yesterday’s gold standards, they simply wouldn’t measure up. Industry icons, business mavericks and game changers like Bill Gates, Walt Disney, Richard Branson, Steve Jobs, Rachel Ray and Michael Dell didn’t finish school or have a great education; and based on those two metrics alone, no one could have measured their full potential. By focusing only on such metrics, you might be missing the most valuable components of a person’s engine of success.

As a guest on Steve Harvey’s show, I was recently talking about success, potential and the wide gap between good grades and pure genius. Steve said something that I’ll never forget. When coming up “the hard way” he would interview for jobs or audition for various roles and, based on purely measurable qualifications – school records, his one-page resume, or whether he has movie star looks – he never quite measured up. “But what they couldn’t measure,” said Steve Harvey, “was how big my dream was…”

What a difference the power of dreams can make. As the star of The Steve Harvey Show, Steve won four NAACP Image Awards as “Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series.” He also won an NAACP Image Award for his performance as host of the variety series It’s Showtime at The Apollo. In March 2001, Harvey received the ultimate honor: NAACP Image Award’s “Entertainer of the Year,” and now has a NY Times best-selling book on the market.

Click to read.

 

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Dr Boyce on Jack Johnson, Barack Obama, Michael Vick

What do Jack Johnson, Joe Louis, Barack Obama and Michael Vick all have in common?

Your Black News: Michelle Obama Gets Criticized for Her Staff Size

In the past it’s been almost a tradition for America’s first ladies to catch flack from their husbands’ political opponents over the size of their staffs, and Michelle Obama certainly hasn’t been exempt from that. Criticism of her "massive" staff has popped up on email chains, blogs, and chat rooms. But what are the facts regarding how many people are under her employ, and how does the size of her staff compare to that of past first ladies?

On July 1st of this year, the Obama White House posted the Annual Report to Congress on White House Staff on its official blog. A minor uproar over the first lady’s staff size ensued. One critic atCanadianFreePress.com accused the president’s wife of employing an "unprecedented number of staffers" for someone who "doesn’t perform any official duties," while a widely circulated chain email reported that "there has never been anyone in the White House at any time that has created such an army of staffers whose sole duties are the facilitation of the First Lady’s social life." Many other critics of the Obama administration expressed similar sentiments.

 

Click to read.

Black Money: Entrepreneurs Push their Own Recovery

Back in August, Federal Reserve officials suggested that the Great Recession was ending and the U.S. could expect "a gradual resumption of sustainable economic growth." But even with stock market indexes and the bottom lines of large financial firms bouncing back, small businesses can expect a longer slog to economic health.

"Small business performance is a lagging indicator of recovery in the same way that unemployment is," says Villanova University business school professor John Pearce II.

And it’s likely that small businesses will find this recovery even slower than previous ones. The downturn has especially hurt construction firms, retailers and food service providers, the vast majority of which employ fewer than 20 workers. To make matters worse, more than 110 banks have failed since early 2008, most of them community thrifts catering to the financial needs of local firms.

 

Click to read.

Dr. Boyce Speaks on Eddie Griffin’s New “Financial” Show

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University, Your Black World 

I had a lot of fun watching the new Vh-1 show, "Going for Broke," starring comedian Eddie Griffin. Griffin is one of the funniest comics in America, the comedian that Chris Tucker could have been (if he would simply stop disappearing between Jackie Chan movies).

On the show, Griffin gives insight into his personal life, which is both intriguing and disturbing. The show is called "Going for Broke" for a reason, because Eddie just might actually get there.
Here are some reasons that Eddie Griffin might actually become the broke celebrity that he is trying to become:

1) He spends like a damn fool. One of the easiest traps for an entertainer to fall into is the "infinite money trap." That’s when the person thinks that they’ve got an endless supply of cash, giving them ability to spend whatever they want on whatever they want. Apparently Eddie may have fallen into this trap, since his Bentley was being repossessed in an early episode of the show. Eddie’s conversation with his accountant was also revealing, as the words "all the accounts are empty" seemed to strike him hard. With all the success that Eddie Griffin has had, it is difficult to imagine that he would be completely broke. But the truth is that this kind of thing happens all the time.

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Restaurant Puts N-word next to Obama’s Name on a Sign

A restaurant owner puts a sign outside his door that says “Obama’s Healthcare plan, N*gger Rig it.”

Pregnant 12 – Year Old Found with Her Father

A pregnant 12 year old and her sister were allegedly abducted by their adopted white father.

Dr. Wilmer Leon: What Obama’s Nobel Prize Means to All of Us

Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III, Howard University, Your Black World 

With a decision that has shocked many around the world, on Friday October 9, 2009 the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced that President Barak Hussein Obama is the 2009 winner of the Nobel Prize for Peace. This announcement not only recognizes extraordinary accomplishments but also brings with it extraordinary expectations.

In 1895 Alfred Nobel bequeathed the largest share of his fortune to a series of prizes, the Nobel Prizes. His intent was to award a prize to "the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses." This year the Nobel Committee determined that President Obama, “…for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples… Obama has as President created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play. Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts.”

What President Obama has demonstrated on the world stage is that by themselves ideologies are not rational. They tend to focus on and confuse the imagery of the “should be” and “ought to be” with the practical “is.” Without people who are able to inject pragmatism and tie logic and reason to an ideology, it can take an institution, group or country down some very perilous roads. This is why ideologues (people who profess ideologies) make terrible politicians and ideology can make for very bad public and foreign policy. Ideologues are so focused on the “should be” that they fail to take into account the practical applications of the “how.”

Click to read.

President Obama Discusses Receiving His Nobel Peace Prize

Fighting Erupts at School Board Meeting

Residents of Detroit get angry over the closing of some public schools.

Black News: Pregnant 12-Year old Found: Father Accused of Incest

A few weeks ago, we reported on the story of two sisters, one of them a pregnant 12-year-old, who were missing with their adoptive father. Well, time reveals most mysteries, and this one has become a bit clearer.
The father of the two girls, Mathew Hess, has been charged with indecent liberties with a child, first-degree rape and felony incest between near relatives.The father has already been charged with child neglect and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Click to read.

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Dr. Elaina George Shares More Concerns about the Swine Flu Vaccine

by Dr. Elaina George, Your Black World 

I have had several patients ask me whether or not they should get the swine flu (H1N1) vaccine. My response has been the same. I will not be getting the vaccine because I don’t think it is safe.

I am an MD who was trained to practice medicine the old fashioned way. My education was based on understanding and treating disease. As a surgeon, I was taught that in some cases surgical correction is the most efficient and expedient way to fix a problem or cure a disease. In short, I have a healthy respect for the standard medical care that is practiced in this country.

However, over the past 10 years since I have been in practice, I have seen a disturbing trend that has become increasingly more common. Although we have the most advanced medical system in the world, the best trained physicians, and access to new and ever evolving medications, we as a nation and particularly the minority population are getting sicker at a younger age, and our quality of life is suffering. There are more people suffering from depression, anxiety, and learning disabilities than at any time in our history. Unfortunately, we have learned to manage diseases by taking a pill everyday instead of doing what it takes to prevent the illness in the first place. It is past time to look to good nutrition and prevention as a means of preventing and curing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and some cancers which have risen to epidemic levels.

When I made the personal decision to ask questions about the Swine flu vaccine, the answers that I discovered contradicted the mantra that has been championed by the media, government officials, and the vaccine manufacturers. What we are being told simply does not make any sense. The most important question that I have learned to ask (from the politics of healthcare to every other facet of our society that affects us as individuals) is – who stands to gain?

I will not be getting the swine flu vaccine because:

1. The vaccine makers have been given immunity from being sued for any bad outcome

After the deaths and injuries associated with the Swine flu vaccination campaign in 1976, the vaccine manufacturers lost billions of dollars in civil suits. That cannot happen this time around. Congress has since passed two bills that shield vaccine makers from civil suits. The first in 1986 protects vaccine makers from civil suits filed by people who have been injured by a vaccine due to ‘unavoidable side effects’. In 2006 another iteration of the shield law (The Epidemic Preparedness Act) was passed as part of the Patriot Act and extends the shield to include protection if the drug maker has ‘no willful knowledge’ that a vaccine may cause injury. In short, a maker of the Swine flu vaccine simply has to say they didn’t know the vaccine was going to cause harm then they cannot be sued. This won’t be hard to do since they have not fully tested the vaccine.

1. There are many ingredients in vaccines called adjuvants that are put in to stimulate the immune response

Click to read.

Fenorris Pearson: At the top of the corporate Ladder, the Only color that matters is Green

by Fenorris Pearson – CEO Global Consumer Innovation, Inc

Despite a growing number of women and minorities in the workplace, the directors of corporate boards remain mostly white and male, according to a new report on Fortune 100 companies. Women and minorities together account for less than a third of the directors on more than 60 percent of the boards examined, according to the report. African Americans represent 7% of all corporate board members.

In spite of these grim statistics, there is a great deal of hope for the possibility of women and minorities sitting in positions of authority. The more you perform and the higher you go up the corporate ladder, the less color matters. The truth is that corporations are seeking individuals who can enhance the bottom line. A good corporate manager doesn’t care if you are black or white, as long as you deliver the green.

Click to read.

Dr Boyce Web Chat: Obama Wins the Nobel Prize?

Dr Boyce chats about President Obama’s win with the Nobel Prize.

News: Condoleeza Rice is Recruiting football players?

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has been hanging out at Stanford University as a teacher and senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. In addition to teaching a graduate course this fall at the university, Rice is writing two books and is making her rounds on the speaker’s circuit. What folks may not realize, though, is that she’s also helping bring top football recruits to the university.

Click to read.

Dr. Wilmer Leon: Time to Change the Healthcare Debate

By

Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III, Howard University, Your Black World

According to 2008 US Census Bureau data, approximately 47 million, or 15.8 percent of the US population, were without health insurance during 2006 – a 4.9 percent increase. In 2005, census figures showed that 44.8 million people, or about 15.3 percent of the population, lacked health insurance coverage. According to a report released by the Institute on Medicine, the average cost of family health care coverage more than doubled from 1999 to 2008, from $1,543 to $3,354.

    Based upon these realities, presidential candidate Obama made health care reform a central theme of his campaign. He promised to achieve universal health care in his first term and to cut the average family’s health care health care costs by $2,500. In the on-going health care reform debate, it is very important to remember that as a result of this and other campaign promises, President Obama won the 2008 presidential election with 53 percent of the popular vote to Senator McCain’s 46 percent and 68 percent of the Electoral College vote to McCain’s 36 percent.

    According to a New York Times/CBS News poll taken in June, 85 percent of respondents said the health care system needed to be fundamentally changed or completely rebuilt. According to a June poll conducted by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, 83 percent of respondents favored and only 14 percent opposed "creating a new public health insurance plan that anyone can purchase." These numbers indicate that health care reform is very important to the American people.

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Dr. Boyce and Rev. Al Sharpton Discuss Michael Vick, Couples and Money

Dr. Boyce Watkins speaks with Rev. Al Sharpton about Michael Vick’s deal with Nike and why couples get divorced over money.

Twins – But Can They “Sang”?

Listen up to the singing twins – what you think?

Rapper Nas Releases Open Letter to Young Black Men

The rapper Nas has a lot to say about the death of Chicago teenager Derrion Albert.

Chris Rock Talks about Good Hair

The video shows Chris Rock checking out our haircare issues.

Your black health: High Vaccine Costs Lead Some Doctors to Stop Giving them

Parents who bring their kids to Dr. G. Andrew McIntosh for the chicken pox vaccine are out of luck.

The family physician, who has a solo practice in Uniontown, Ohio, doesn’t offer that shot because he can’t afford it. Most insurers won’t sufficiently cover the cost.

"It doesn’t do me any good. I am losing money on [them]," he said. The chicken pox vaccine runs about $115, but insurers only cover between $68 to $83 of that.

McIntosh has also cut back on a handful of other critical childhood vaccines for the same reason — including the measles, mumps and rubella, known as the MMR vaccine.

It costs him about $58 to buy an MMR shot, he said, while insurers pay about about $40.

 

click to read.

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The Corporate Climb: What Matters Beyond Your resume?

by Fenorris Pearson, CEO – Global Consumer Innovation, Inc. 

Education is critical for success, but when everyone has the same education from the same Ivy League schools with the same GPA… how do you stand out? Other factors beyond education – business etiquette, dress, playing well with others, teamwork and dedication are easy to measure and log. But what of those immeasurable traits that count for just as much in the corner office: passion, drive, commitment and stamina?

How can we measure the immeasurable?

When it comes to playing at the top, it’s often the intense, burning desire of the candidate that makes the difference between success and failure. At the end of the day, performance and results are two of the most important traits a top performer can possess. Work harder than your competition, and you’ll win the battle every time.

Another thing that people can’t measure with grades, paychecks, promotions or time cards is what’s inside your heart.

Click to read.

 

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Saturday Night Live Turns on Barack Obama

President Barack Obama was a favorite of the liberals on Saturday night live before the election, but not anymore.

Black News at TheGrio – 10/7/09

• 

  Dr. John D. Márquez

  Assistant Professor of African American and Latino Studies, Northwestern University

  To stop the growth of violence, understand its roots

  2:50 PM on 10/07/2009

  OPINION – Without a clear awareness of acts of violence in the past, we discount our ability to eradicate a lot of violence in the present….

  > MORE

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  Dr. Boyce Watkins

  Author and Finance Professor at Syracuse University

  Blacks will fall in line with Obama on Afghanistan

  9:50 AM on 10/07/2009

  OPINION – African-Americans will stick with Obama through the war. They will stick with him through health care. They will stick with him through hell, high water or the return……

  > MORE

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  Karanja Gaçuça

  Freelance filmmaker, writer, blogger and Political Consultant.

  Black men short-changed in the job market

  9:16 AM on 10/07/2009

  OPINION – Figures released last week revealed that the national unemployment rate has reached 9.8 percent, the highest rate in 26 years. An even more disturbing trend however is the unemployment rate of Black men. …

  > MORE

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  Derrick Boles and Hakim Hazim

  Derrick Boles is President of L.E.A.D.E. R.S.H.I.P. 1st LLC; Hakim Hazim is the founder of Relevant Now Consultancy.

  Why we need to start snitching

  9:15 AM on 10/07/2009

  OPINION – The "stop snitching" movement is a social construct enforced through various fears including fear of retribution……

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• 

  Kat Noel

  Multimedia blogger

  Our kids can’t see themselves on TV

  8:20 AM on 10/06/2009

  OPINION – Living in a society where life seems to imitate media and many young people emulate what they see, it should be no surprise that studies show that teens who……

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• 

  Javier E. David

  Writer

  Olympics bid squanders Obama’s political capital

  8:19 AM on 10/06/2009

  OPINION – President Obama’s dramatic intercession in Copenhagen and the awarding of the games to Rio de Janeiro has raised questions of whether the effort was an efficient use of taxpayer dollars and presidential prestige… …

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  Charlton McIlwain

  Professor, Author & Co-Director of the RaceProject.org

  Will race be Obama’s Achilles’ heel in 2012?

  8:19 AM on 10/06/2009

  OPINION – Last week, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty took his first steps toward a 2012 White House challenge, reminding us that it’s never too early to start looking ahead……

  > MORE

• 

  Lola Adesioye

  Deputy Editor

  Reality hits ‘Real Housewives’

  9:20 AM on 10/05/2009

  OPINION – It is becoming increasingly apparent that the lives of these Real Housewives are much more real than the ‘reality’ the TV show presents……

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• 

  Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr.

  Religion Contributor

  Our kids are a bigger threat to themselves than KKK ever was

  10:52 AM on 10/02/2009

  OPINION – Chicago, once a haven for black culture and economic progress, has become more dangerous for black youth than Mississippi was for their forebears……

  > MORE

Black News: Michael Steele being kept “on a short leash” by Republican Party

Turns out that some of Michael Steele’s GOP handlers are none too pleased with the outspoken leadership role Steele’s carved out for himself. In particular, Steele stepped out in front of the health care reform debate by issuing a "seniors health care bill of rights" before getting approval from Republican congressional leaders. That prompted those leaders to call Steele into a meeting and "check" him:

GOP leaders, in a private meeting last month, delivered a blunt and at times heated message to RNC Chairman Michael Steele: quit meddling in policy. The plea was made during what was supposed to be a routine discussion about polling matters and other priorities in House Minority Leader John Boehner’s office. But the session devolved into a heated discussion about the roles of congressional leadership and Steele, according to multiple people familiar with the meeting.Steele was taken aback by the comments from Boehner, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), Senate GOP Conference Chairman of Tennessee and Senate GOP Policy Chairman John Thune of South Dakota and grew defensive during the 10-minute discussion, according to two people in the room.Source: GOP Leaders to Michael Steele: Back off, Politico.com
First, the RNC stripped Steele of the authority to make big financial decisions. Now, GOP heavyweights are telling him to pipe down and do no more than what he’s told to do. And support for Steele does not appear to be growing:
There are larger issues at hand, though, beyond a tense exchange over strategy. Since Steele took over the party earlier this year, congressional leaders and their staff have often cringed at the voluble chairman’s gaffes and rolled their eyes at his unambiguous view that he alone leads the party.
"He’s on a short leash here," said one top House GOP leadership aide.

Click to read.

Black News: Remember Lisa Nicole Carson?

Finally out on DVD is the first season of ‘Ally McBeal,’ which ran on the FOX network from 1997 to 2002. The series starred Calista Flockhart in the title role as a young lawyer working in a fictional Boston law firm with other young lawyers whose lives and loves were eccentric, humorous and dramatic.

Among the supporting cast were Greg Germann, Jane Krakowski, Peter MacNicol,Vonda Shepard, and Lisa Nicole Carson.

Carson was a rising starlet in the mid-’90s, appearing in ‘Jason’s Lyric,’ ‘Devil in a Blue Dress’ and ‘Love Jones’ before settling in on two highly successful television shows.

The Brooklyn native played Ally’s friend and fellow defense attorney Renée Raddick from 1997 to 2002 (seasons 1–4) and made a guest appearance in the series finale. She also played Carla Reece, the on-again-off-again girlfriend of Eriq La Salle’s Dr. Peter Benton, in NBC’s ‘ER’ between 1996 and 2001.

Click to read.

Beyonce Breaks her silence over Kanye West

Beyonce Knowles is finally breaking her silence aboutKanye West storming the stage at the VMAs to declare that she should have won Best Female Video instead ofTaylor Swift.

"Well, I knew his intentions, and I knew he was standing up for art; and he told me before, when they said the nominees, he’s like, ‘You have this award,’" Beyonce, 28, told O: The Oprah magazine editor at large Gayle King (viaMTV News) at the Billboard Awards over the weekend, when she was named Woman of the Year.

See what the stars wore to the MTV VMAs

"When they didn’t call my name, he was, like, completely shocked," Knowles says. "And when he walked on the stage, I was like, ‘No, no, no!’ and then he spoke, and I was like, ‘Oh, no, no, no!’"

Knowles — who handed the mic over to Swift after winning Video of the Year later that night — continues, "But in the end, it ended up being a great night, and Taylor Swift did get her moment — and I didn’t have to make an acceptance speech."

Click to read more.

Tags: black celebrity gossip, black gossip, kanye west, beyonce

Professor Pushes for a One Week Boycott of Haircare industry

Atlanta, GA October 5, 2009 – Professor Devin Robinson, an economics professor at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, GA and best-selling author of Taking it Back: How to Become a Successful Black Beauty Supply Store Owner, will lead a one week long boycott against Non- Black Owned Beauty Supply stores.

Robinson stated, "Blacks make up 96% of the consumers of these stores, yet represent less than 5% of the retail ownership." As a previous owner of 3 locations, Robinson understands the industry inside out and offers comprehensive solutions for Blacks to recapture this industry. "The problem is with the distributors. Distributors are mainly Non-Blacks and they handpick who they will distribute products to. This oftentimes leaves aspiring black owners disenfranchised", said Robinson.

Click to read more.

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BET Co-Founder Sheila Johnson Embarrasses herself on Tape

Watch as the BET founder makes fun of a politician’s stuttering problem.

Black News: Judge on Trial for Allegedly Sodomizing Inmates

Judge Herman Thomas

The trial of a former US judge accused of having sex with male inmates in exchange for leniency is set to start in Mobile, Alabama.

Herman Thomas, 48, denies the charges, which include sodomy, kidnapping, extortion, sex abuse and assault.

Up to 15 current and former prisoners are set to testify against him at the jury trial.

He was once the Democratic Party’s choice to be the first black federal judge in south Alabama.

Mr Thomas resigned as a judge in 2007 following allegations that he spanked inmates in his private office at the county courthouse with a paddle.

 

Click to read.

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Dr. George Medicine on Call: What You should Know about the swine Flu Vaccination

Dr. Elaina George, MD, Your Black World Medical Contributor

With the H1N1 swine flu virus vaccine becoming available this month, there is a big push to vaccinate as many people as possible. However, whether

or not you decide to take the vaccine, there are important questions you should ask your doctor or other health practitioner to make sure it is the right choice for you and your family.

1. Does the Vaccine contain additives such as mercury or squaline?

Additives called adjuvants like mercury (thiamerisol) are added to inhibit bacterial contamination. However, some studies have

implicated mercury as a cause of autism and squaline as a cause of neurological damage respectively.

2. How can I avoid getting a vaccine that contains mercury?

Ask to receive your vaccine from a single dose vial. Unlike the multiple dose vials which contain thiamerisol, the single dose

vials do not contain that additive.

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Why Nike Isn’t Quite Done with Michael Vick

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University, MSNBC’s TheGrio.com 

Dick’s Sporting Goods recently made a decision that is bad for business. Taking one of the boldest, and perhaps silliest, stands of any corporation in recent memory, Dick’s decided not to sell Michael Vick jerseys in any of their stores.

Perhaps they earned a few dog-loving customers, but they lost the support of any shareholder who cares about making money. It’s one thing for lynch mobs to embrace vigilantism, but another for a corporation to engage in the same irrational behavior. Vick paid his debt to society; it’s time to move on with our lives.

The top brass at the Nike Corporation are smarter than the management at Dick’s Sporting Goods, but they too understand the need to stay away from Michael Vick, at least for right now. When asked to respond to rumors that Vick had signed a deal with Nike, the company gave an immediate and resounding "no." After the Nike denial, Michael Vick’s agent, Joel Segal, had to backpedal faster than an NFL defensive back to kill any indication that his client has re-signed with the "big swoosh." However, the confidence with which the signing was announced indicates that the relationship might be deeper than we think.

The truth is that I don’t believe a single word of the Nike dismissal. Like the big egos in Beyonce’s song, Nike’s swoosh is " too big, too wide, too strong" for them to sit idly by as one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the NFL makes his return to the game. Nike executives have seen Vick grace the cover of Xbox games and sports magazines and often refer to him as the man who "revolutionized the quarterback position." They know that Vick is not washed up, and that some of his best years may still be ahead of him.

Click to read.

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Eric Holder Visits Chicago to Discuss School Violence

Chicago will get a double dose of Obama Cabinet members next week in the wake of a brutal fatal beating of a Fenger High School honor student.

Attorney General Eric Holder will visit Chicago on Thursday to discuss youth and school violence. The new date contradicts first reports from the White House that the trip will be Wednesday.

Hannah August, a Holder spokeswoman, disclosed the new date today, saying final arrangements still are being made for his visit. It’s expected Holder will meet with school officials, students and community residents.
“I would anticipate him talking about not just violence in Chicago, but at a national level,” she said.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan speaks in Chicago on Wednesday at an education grant conference. He also plans to speak about school violence.

 

Click to read

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Black News from TheGrio – 10/5/09

• 
  

  School to be named after the nation’s first black priest

  By theGrio

  9:02 AM on 10/05/2009

  Columbia’s first Catholic high school will be named after the nation’s first known black priest. The Rev. Augustine Tolton was born into slavery in Ralls County in 1854…

  > MORE

• 
  

  Despite path to recovery, employers aren’t ready to hire

  By theGrio

  7:42 AM on 10/05/2009

  WASHINGTON (AP) – Job hunters will face long odds well into next year. As the unemployment rate inches closer to 10 percent, most businesses are nowhere close to hiring again…

  > MORE

• 
  

  NAACP holds rally in Rockford, calls for new investigation in shooting

  By theGrio

  7:17 AM on 10/04/2009

  NAACP president and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous returned to Rockford on Saturday for his second rally in the city about 90 miles northwest of Chicago…

  > MORE

• 
  

  ‘Housewives’ cast member’s ex-fiance dies in fight

  By theGrio

  3:30 PM on 10/03/2009

  ATLANTA (AP) — The former fiance of a cast member from "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" died Friday night after a fight outside an Atlanta strip club…

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• 
  

  Wyclef Jean goes back to school

  By theGrio

  4:54 PM on 10/02/2009

  BOSTON (AP) – Wyclef Jean is going back to school to earn a degree from Boston’s Berklee College of Music.

  > MORE

• 
  

  U.S jobless rate is the highest since June of 1983

  By theGrio

  11:18 AM on 10/02/2009

  VIDEO – The U.S. unemployment rate rose to 9.8 percent in September as employers cut far more jobs than expected…

  > MORE

• 
  

  Kanye West and Lady Gaga’s tour canceled without explanation

  By theGrio

  8:38 AM on 10/02/2009

  NEW YORK (AP) — Kanye West and Lady Gaga’s highly anticipated tour is over before it even began…

  > MORE

• 
  

  Meet Jay Leno’s new comedy queen

  By Todd Johnson

  8:03 AM on 10/02/2009

  VIDEO – Marina Franklin’s everyday comedy helped land her a spot on NBC’s "The Jay Leno Show" …

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Dr. Wilmer Leon: A Father’s Reflection on the Derrion Albert Murder

By

Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III, Howard University 

On this past Saturday, October 3, 2009 a 16 year old African American honor student, Derrion Albert was laid to rest in Chicago. This young man was beaten to death in the street while walking from school to the bus stop. Silvanus Shannon, 19, Eugene Riley, 18, Eric Carson, 16, and Eugene Bailey, 18, have all been charged with first-degree murder in Derrion’s death.

As I watched the video of this young man being beaten to death with a railroad tie I asked myself what could compel four young African American men to engage in such a wanton and willful murderous act? How could these young men have such disregard for another human being’s life that they would beat him to his death, in the street, in broad day light? What is the basis of their rage, their anger?

I then asked myself, where are their fathers? I made an assumption and came to the conclusion that their fathers must be absent, not active or engaged in their lives. This antisocial rage, this anger is probably in part a response to their being raised without the benefit of knowing the love of their fathers. If these young men were asked to explain what drove them to this act; they most likely would not be able to articulate a clear response. They probably do not know. If they do know, they would be too ashamed to say.

As a man who was blessed to be raised by two loving parents; I clearly understand the power of love. At the age of 50, I am still blessed to be able to talk with my almost 90 year old father every day (I lost my mother last March); hear his voice, seek his counsel; feel his love. As far as I have been able to come based upon knowing my father’s love, I can’t begin to imagine how dysfunctional I would be without it.

Click to read.

Your Black Money: Finding a Mentor in your company who can help you climb the corporate ladder

by Fenorris Pearson, CEO – Global Consumer Innovation, Inc. 

Even when I was a Vice President at Dell Computers, one of the most cutting edge companies on the planet, our problems remained the same. The variables changed, but the bottom line always came down to figuring out how to sell to one customer at a time. Reaching this critical objective becomes more complex as technology changes and the world becomes more advanced. As complacent as we’ve gotten with new technology and global opportunities, this much has become clear: what got you here won’t get you there. In fact, what positioned you here, might not even keep you here…

…At least, not without a sponsor.

These days competition isn’t just stiff, it’s rigid. You need every advantage you’ve got, particularly if you’re a recent grad, female or minority. Think hard work, an MBA and a well-rounded resume will get you to the top? Think again; that might be what got you here, but to get there – the proverbial corner office or CEO’s chair – you’ll need more than just a spotless resume and a 4.0 GPA; you’ll need a sponsor.

Click to read more.

Boyce Watkins Discusses Obama Death Threats on CNN

Click here to watch!

Dr. Elaina George: Prescription Meds are Becoming a Danger to Society

by Dr. Elaina George, Your Black World Medical Correspondent

According to a recent CNN report 7% of college students admit to using Adderall without a prescription. It is an amphetamine-like stimulant used to treat attention deficit disorders (ADD) and attention deficit with hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This drug, come to known as ‘vitamin A’, is taken by students to improve their grades. It is believed to help them study more efficiently by increasing the ability to stay awake and concentrate longer. It is more potent than caffeine or the old standbys No-Doze and Mountain Dew.

When prescribed by a physician for an individual with ADD or ADHD, Adderall is an effective and safe drug. Unfortunately, like many other prescription drugs such as Xanax, Valium, and Oxycontin, which have become easy to get on the Internet and on the black market, its ubiquitous use has taken away the fear factor. There is little regard for the potential side effects such as heart problems, stroke, tremors, and addiction.

In fact both prescription drugs and over the counter drugs have been reduced to quick fixes that are used to ‘make a problem go away’. There is a pervasive feeling that if it is a prescription drug or if it is sold over the counter, then it must be safe. This has been encouraged by the aggressive direct to patient marketing by the pharmaceutical industry.

Click to read.

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New Study: What Makes Women Want to have Sex?

From CNN

What makes a woman want to have sex? Is it physical attraction? Love? Loneliness? Jealousy? Boredom? Painful menstrual cramps?

Many women interviewed were having sex purely because they wanted the experience.

It turns out that woman have sex for all of these reasons and more, and that their choices are not arbitrary; there may be evolutionary explanations at work.

Psychologists Cindy Meston and David Buss, both professors at the University of Texas at Austin, decided that the topic of "why women have sex" deserved a book of its own. They’ve woven scientific research together with a slew of women’s voices in their new collaborative work, "Why Women Have Sex," published September 29 by Times Books.

"We do bring in men occasionally by way of contrast, but we wanted to focus exclusively on women so that the complexity of women’s sexualpsychology was not given the short shrift, so to speak," said Buss, a leading evolutionary psychologist.

The authors conducted a study from June 2006 to April 2009 that asked women whether they had ever had sex for one of 237 reasons, all of which had emerged in a previous study. About 1,000 women contributed their perspectives. Watch women answer The Question »

It turns out that women’s reasons for having sex range from love to pure pleasure to a sense of duty to curiosity to curing a headache. Some women just want to please their partners, and others want an ego boost.

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Real Housewives Star’s Fiance Dies in Strip Club Fight

Kandi Burruss, the newest cast member of the hit reality show, “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” is coping with the tragic death of her fiancé, Ashley “A.J.” Jewell, who appeared regularly on the show.

Burruss’ publicist, Lisa Nelson, confirmed to WSBTV.com reporter Brian Johnson that the incident has left the Atlanta "housewife" stunned and speechless. Burruss posted a message on her Twitter page Saturday expressing how the incident has left her devasated.

"I could never in a million years imagine this happening. Please pray for A.J.’s children … that’s who i’m the most concerned for. I’m about to give my swollen eyes some rest now. I just wanted to say thanks two everyone for their prayers," said Burruss.

 

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Shocking: Man Rapes and Beats His 8-Day Old Baby Daughter

An Arkansas Man was arrested for raping and beating his 8-day old baby daughter.

Dr. Boyce on AOL Black Voices – 10/2/09

 

Dr Boyce: Think Nike’s Done with Michael Vick? Think Again

• I was excited to hear that Nike signed Michael Vick again after his dog fighting ordeal. You can … Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV Black Spin | Comments (0)

Financial Lovemaking: Managing "Baby Mama Drama"

• Most of us know about "baby mama drama," since some of that drama may occur within your own home. … Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (0)

Dr Boyce and Farai Chideya Discuss Life as an African American

• In the video below, Farai Chideya and I are on NPR "News and Notes" discussing the economy of the … Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV Black Spin | Comments (0)

Dr. Boyce: Black Scholars Speak Out on the Sale of Ebony Magazine

• I’ve always felt that the role of black scholars is to speak up and out on issues of relevance to … Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV Black Spin | Comments (0)

Senate Finance Rejects the Public Option on Health Insurance

• Liberal Democrats chose not to inject the widely debated Public Option into the healthcare … Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in Black Voices Insurance | Comments (0)

Dr Boyce Money: Learning Entrepreneurship from Madam CJ Walker

• The other day, I caught up with Fenorris Pearson, CEO of Global Consumer Innovations. Fenorris is … Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (0)

The Cheapest Car in the World, but you can’t buy it in the US

• At $2500, the Tato Nano is the cheapest car in the world. But you can’t buy it in the US and some … Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in Black Voices Auto Insurance | Comments (0)

Financial Lovemaking: Who Keeps the Ring if the Engagement is Called Off?

• This video below answers an important question that many of us may end up confronting at some … Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (3)

Dr. Boyce and Rev. Al Sharpton on the Death of Derrion Albert

• I spoke with Rev. Al Sharpton in our weekly meeting on his radio show, which you can listen to … Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV Black Spin | Comments (13)

Company Makes Money from Deadly Urban Trend: "Sipping Syrup"

• You’ve probably heard the phrase "sippin syrup," used in reference to the act of mixing cough … Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (1)

What you MUST Know About Your Property Insurance

• Nippets of insurance news you can use: Things your property insurance doesn’t cover: In our last … Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in Black Voices Insurance | Comments (1)

Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian Get Married: Questions I’d Like to Ask

• Today, we are going to use an interesting story in black celebrity news to teach a short lesson … Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (30)

Dr. Boyce and Rev. Al Sharpton Discuss Barack Obama, Black Politics, David Paterson

• This week, Rev. Al Sharpton and I discussed President Barack Obama’s racialized fight with the … Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV Black Spin | Comments (2)

President Obama Talks Health Care at Congressional Black Caucus Conference

• In an appropriate show of respect, President Barack Obama addressed the Congressional Black Caucus … Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in Black Voices Insurance | Comments (9)

Don’t Let Your Spouse Control All of Your Finances

• Financial News Blast for the week of September 26, 2009 – Click on the link for the title to read … Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (1)

College Students Getting Hooked on Adderall

College students around the country are using the drug Adderall to get through their study day.

Financial News: Consumer Bankruptcies Soar During September

Consumer bankruptcies soared 41% from the previous September and climbed from August, as high unemployment and the housing market crash took their toll, the American Bankruptcy Institute said Friday.

September filings totaled 124,790, the fourth-highest month since the bankruptcy law changed in 2005.

Filings also rose 4% from August, even as recent reports indicated the housing market might be stabilizing and consumer confidence appears to be recovering.

September’s filings pushed 2009 consumer bankruptcies to 1.05 million, the highest for the first nine months of a year since 1.35 million in 2005.

The American Bankruptcy Institute said it expects consumer bankruptcies to climb to more than 1.4 million this year.

The U.S. unemployment rate rose to a 26-year high in September at 9.8%, according to government statistics released on Friday.

 

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Tiger Woods Becomes first Billion Dollar Athlete

Tiger Woods has become the first sportsman to break through the billion-dollar earnings barrier, Forbes magazine reported on Thursday.

The 33-year-old American, who has won 14 majors, reached the latest landmark of his career when he won a 10-million-dollar bonus for his FedEx Cup victory last weekend.

According to the magazine’s calculations, Woods went into the 2009 season on 895 million dollars which included prize money, endorsements, appearance fees as well as money earned through his golf course design business.

Even before picking up his end of season bonus, Woods had earned 10.5 million dollars on the USPGA Tour this year, winning six titles.

 

Click to read.

Black News: A Kid was Behind the Obama Facebook Death Poll

The Secret Serviceannounced today that a juvenile was behind the Facebook posting that asked whether President Obama should be assassinated, calling it a prank that would not lead to prosecution.

The agency declined to release the juvenile’s name, age or residence.

The Facebook posting, put up Saturday but since removed, posed a quiz to readers, "Should Obama be killed?" The options were no, maybe, yes, and "yes, if he cuts my health care."

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CNN Footage: The Beating Death of Derrion Albert

This video shows CNN footage of the beating of Chicago Teenager Derrion Albert.

Is the MBA Dead?

 

by Fenorris Pearson, CEO Global Consumer Innovation, Inc.

Once upon a time your MBA was the gold standard; a guarantee for eventual and all-but inevitable success in your chosen profession. Today the starting line has moved; an MBA is still crucial for the well-rounded, would-be consummate executive, but no longer the gold standard by which success is currently measured.

Even those reliable old yardsticks by which past business success was calculated – hard work, seniority and massive overtime – no longer ensure you the success you desire today. Many men and women have built their fortunes on these skills alone in the past, but times are changing at a critical pace, and it is important that you keep up. There are thousands of MBAs awarded every year, and the cookie-cutter approach to business success has evolved. How are you going to be different from every other MBA in the country when it comes to finding your path to success?

Here are some things you can do to rise above your MBA, make yourself relevant and prepare for the real world:

1) Never forget that the world is changing: With the increased used of technology, business models are adapting, corporations are changing their strategies, industries are rising and others are dying. Make sure you know where you fit in this bold, new world and don’t assume that you are living the same life you would have lived in 1989. The textbooks used in your MBA courses might have worked for business models in the 1990s, but they may become obsolete in the new millennium.

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YouTube’s Greatest Hits

Watch this video of YouTube’s Greatest Hits!

Dr Boyce Watkins and Al Sharpton Discuss Ebony Magazine and Black Politics

Dr Boyce Watkins and Rev. Al Sharpton wonder if Ebony Magazine can survive with new ownership.

Black News from theroot – 9/29/09

• 

  Blair Underwood Opens HIV/AIDS Clinic in DC

  The clinic looks to help hundreds in the District with free HIV/AIDS care…

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  • Comments (3)

• 

  VIDEO: Chicago Honor Student Fatally Beaten

  Derrion Albert, a 16-year old honor student, was was walking home from school when he was apparently dragged into a vicious brawl…

  • Read
  • Comments (14)

• 

  Loves School, Hates Freedom: Obama Wants Longer School Days

  President Obama wishes to infringe upon the civil rights of youth by insisting on more hours to educate them…

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  • Comments (43)

• 

  Just in Time for Elections, Al-Bashir Lifts Media Censorship in Sudan

  Newspapers are now allowed to dispense information without government pre-screening…

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• 

  Obama, Others Set to Put Shoe in Iran Over Its Nuclear Program

  Iran’s newly unveiled uranium enrichment facility "is inconsistent with a peaceful (nuclear) program," President Obama said today…

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  • Comments (29)

• 

  Black Lawmakers Adjust to Post-Inauguration Politics

  Some believe the president must work from a centrist position for change while others see his presidency as an opportunity to push through Democratic initiative beneficial to the Black community…

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• 

  Something to Shout About: Serena Williams Pens Book

  ‘On the Line’ details coming up in the shadow of Venus, the star’s failures and her triumphs…

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• 

  The (No) Nuclear Option: UN Rez Aims for Nuke-Free World

  The next order of business: Regulating transcontinental pig flight…

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• 

  Vaccine Shows Promise in HIV Prevention

  Researchers found that people who received a series of inoculations of a prime vaccine and booster vaccine were 31 percent less likely to get HIV, compared with those on a placebo…

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• Federal Worker Hanged, ‘Fed’ Scrawled Across Chest

  The FBI is investigating the hanging death of a U.S. Census worker near a Kentucky cemetery. A law enforcement official says the word "fed" was scrawled on his chest…

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• 

  Complexion for the Rejection: Philly Swim Club Fined for Racism

  The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission issued a finding of probable cause Tuesday that racism was involved in the decision last June by a suburban Philadelphia swim club to revoke privileges of a largely minority day care center…

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• 

  Obama to World: America’s Awesome, Still Can’t Fix Problems Alone

  "Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility," Obama said in a passage from a speech he was delivering Wednesday to the United Nations General Assembly…

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• 

  Ghosts of Timberlake: White Cop Told to Lose Cornrows

  And just when he was getting set to record a "21 Jump Street" track with Lil’ Wayne…

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• 

  Going for Two: Plaxico Burress Sentenced to 24 Months

  Defense lawyer Benjamin Brafton said, "This is a very real tragic case in many, many ways."

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The Senate Finance Committee Rejects the Public Option

 

Liberal Democrats failed Tuesday to inject a government-run insurance option into sweeping health care legislation taking shape in the Senate Finance Committee, despite widespread accusations that private insurers routinely deny coverage in pursuit of higher profits.

The 15-8 rejection marked a victory for Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., the committee chairman, who is hoping to push his middle-of-the-road measure through the panel by week’s end. It also kept alive the possibility that at least one Republican may yet swing behind the bill, a key goal of both Baucus and the White House.

"My job is to put together a bill that gets to 60 votes" in the full Senate, the Montana Democratsaid shortly before he joined a majority on the committee in opposing the provision. "No one shows me how to get to 60 votes with a public option," the term used to describe a new government role in health care. It takes 60 votes to overcome delaying actions thatRepublicans may attempt on the Senate floor.

 

Click to read.

somalis Surprised by Ambulance Service

Chaos and death on the streets of Mogadishu: unfortunately, it’s nothing new in the Somali capital.

 

 

Government forces are fighting against insurgents on this day in September in a bloody battle that leaves 30 dead. Dozens of wounded Somalis are taken out of the danger zone, some of them in the back of insurgents’ pick-up trucks.

One of the trucks races through the streets, zig-zagging to the echoing booms of the ongoing shelling. The truck comes to an abrupt halt, stopping at a rare sight in the Somali capital — an ambulance, waiting at the heart of the chaos to ferry the dead and the injured to the hospital.

The wounded are transferred onto the ambulance. People shout and run as the mortar attacks continue. One woman screams over and over for her son.

The ambulance is one of seven medical vehicles paid for with donated funds from local and expatriate Somalis. Residents can simply call for the ambulances without charge, and the vehicles will be dispatched to the scene.

"It is amazing," said Rufai Salad, one of the founders of the ambulance service in the Somali capital. "We have this toll-free number, 777, that you dial. Someone is giving you a free call and then coming and giving you free help.

"People here find it hard to believe it is real."

 

Click to read.

What? Sippin Syrup is now being sold in stores?

by Dr Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University 

AOL Black Voices, Your Black World 

You’ve probably heard the phrase "sippin syrup," used in reference to the act of mixing cough syrup, codeine, and soda together to create a relaxed feeling within the person who consumes the beverage. The "drank" has become quite popular, particularly in the south, as rappers have done their jobs of giving free promotion to an illegal product that has managed to make teenagers even less productive than many of them already are.
It was only a matter of time before corporate America stepped in to make money off the trend. Meet the new drink on store shelves: Sippin Syrup. The drink doesn’t use any illegal products, but produces the same "lean" effect that many young people seek from the cough syrup product on the street. Harmless enough, right? Not so fast.
Officers in the Houston area are concerned that the product sold on store shelves is nothing more than a gateway to an incredibly dangerous and addictive drug. The snazzy ad campaign fully leverages the power of the brand of "purple stuff" being sold on the streets already. Teenagers who can’t get the real stuff would likely be enticed by the substitute until the door is open for the actual product.

Click to read more.

 

If the above link does not work, please click here to see Dr Boyce articles on AOL Black Voices

Black News: Black Scholar Comments on pending sale of Ebony Magazine

Dr. Deborah Stroman, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

 

Business knows one only color – green. Whether one has a history of success or newfound fame, businesses must continue to make a profit. Unfortunately, the announcement recently made by Johnson Publishing Company, Inc. the world’s largest African-American-owned and-operated publishing company, reflects the simple fact that long-term financial projections reveal that there is more month left than money. A painful pill to swallow for many in the black community due to the legacy of this family and its mission; however, there are important 21^st century business lessons to highlight from this sad prospect. First, know and stay in tune with your audience. The graying demographic that historically supported Ebony can’t be relied upon for financial stability in recessionary times. New money is found in collaborative and results-based (not old school relationship) marketing.  Sadly, time is really, really money in today’s new economy. Second, embrace technology or get left behind. Experts have clearly articulated the dying of print media over the past decade. Those who chose to sleep in and ignore the warnings are now locking the doors and turning in keys. Americans want and deserve information fast and accurate. The Internet provides that medium. And lastly, in times of struggle God always provides an opportunity. The leaders at Johnson Publishing have a tremendous asset in their people. They are creative and passionate about their community and they should be given the chance to provide direction. This moment is not the time for consultants and clairvoyants with crystal balls to steer the way. Truly listen to the heart and soul of the company – the journalists and staff – and make the necessary decisions to be a viable institution for another 63 years.  Hey! No pressure but the Black community, avid readers or not, depends on it.

Dr. Deborah Stroman is a Professor at The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and an expert on Leadership.  To contact Dr. Stroman for speaking engagements or media requests, please click here.

Mayor of East Cleveland In Some “Interesting” Political Mess

Mayor Eric Brewer has to regret the day that he came out of the closet so to speak, lambasting a local television station for airing out his sequin-laced dirty laundry.

Coming less than a week before he faces poll goers via a voting booth, the mayor of East Cleveland has been sited in rare form; looking fabulous in an amber wig and Jimmy Choo’s.

In a move lambasted by Brewer, WKYC’s Channel 3 was the first media outlet to shed light on the startling revelation, sending the picture and subsequent mayoral race into the stratosphere.

Reading a statement outside his campaign headquarters, the incumbent mayor vented his frustration with the event via a statement that left more questions than answers.

“I had not seen any of the pictures until WKYC’s broadcast yesterday evening.” To date, he has refused to say or deny whether the person pictured is him.

Members of Brewer’s campaign have named his opponent, City Council President Gary Norton, as their chief suspect into their search to find whomever leaked and circulated the photos.

Mayor Brewer is also looking into whether police involvement may have played a part in the affair due mainly to the firing of multiple officers during his freshman term.

Former Mayor of East Cleveland, Saratha Googins, says that she knew of the picture for years.

Click here to read more.

Dr. Wilmer Leon: Michael is not “The Man of Steele”

Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III, Your Black World 

Not to be outdone, in response to America electing its first African-American President, on January 30, 2009, the Republican National Committee (RNC) elected Michael Steele, the former lieutenant governor of Maryland, as its chairman. It was a long and painful process, but on the sixth and final ballot, for the first time in its history, the Republican Party elected an African-American to manage its affairs.

    During his acceptance speech, Chairman Steele said, "To Americans who believe in the future of this country. To those who stand in difference with us, it’s time for something completely different, and we’re gonna bring it to them. We’re gonna bring this party to every corner, every boardroom, every neighborhood, every community and we’re gonna say to friend and foe alike: We want you to be a part of this, we want you to work with us, and for those of you who wish to obstruct, get ready to get knocked over."

    These were very powerful and encouraging words, especially coming from an intelligent African-American man who was speaking to a political party dominated by white men who are not used to African-Americans speaking to them so forcefully and directly. To bring forth "something completely different"; to take the party to "friend and foe alike," to "knock over" decades of neoconservative ideology and racism would take a Superman. Unfortunately, these encouraging and powerful words ring hollow when compared to the reality of Chairman Steele’s actions. Michael is no Superman. He’s not "The Man of Steele."

Click to read.

Company accused of selling a gateway drug for black teenagers

from TheGrio.com 

You see it all over television, celebrities endorsing "syrup," which is a combination of cough syrup with codeine and soda, two ingredients that can make for a lethal recipe.

Stores in Southeast Texas are now carrying the products that bear the names "drank" and "syrup", but with a different twist.

Drank and Sippin Syrup are two examples of a new anti-energy drink that is supposed to provide "extreme relaxation." There is nothing harmful in these products, in fact one of the main ingredients is Melatonin, a natural substance that helps you sleep.

18-year-old Jackie Robinson says he just started drinking this anti-energy drink because of the slogan, "sippin syrup."

"I ain’t gonna lie it really do," said Robinson Wednesday afternoon as he sipped his drink outside a Beaumont convenient store. "It probably attracts a lot of people from the name too."

 

Click to read.

Visit Your Black World for the latest news

Facebook Poll Asks Users If they Think Obama Should be Killed

The Secret Service is investigating a Facebook Poll asking people if they would like to kill President Obama.

"We are aware of it and we will take the appropriate investigative steps," said Darrin Blackford, a Secret Service spokesman. "We take of these things seriously."

The poll asked Facebook Users "Should Obama be killed?" The choices: No, Maybe, Yes, and Yes if he cuts my health care.

Facebook has made it clear that they did not create the poll, and that it was created in an application used by a third party.

"The third-party application that enabled an individual user to create the offensive poll was brought to our attention this morning," said Barry Schnitt, Facebook’s spokesman for policy.

"We’re working with the U.S. Secret Service, but they’ll need to provide any details of their investigation," Schnitt said.

Your Black Commentary from TheGrio – 9/26/09

From TheGrio.com, Your Black World 

• 

  Kristen Clarke

  Co-Director of the Political Participation Group at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund

  Local elections count as much as presidential ones

  8:00 AM on 09/28/2009

  OPINION – Turnout statistics from recent state and local elections around the country paint a rather bleak picture that is squarely at odds with the political energy and momentum witnessed last November….

  > MORE

• 

  Sala Udin

  President and CEO of the CORO center for civic leadership, Pittsburgh

  Black Pittsburgh struggles in the shadow of the G-20

  9:27 AM on 09/25/2009

  OPINION – For the most part, African-American Pittsburgh seems to be invisible, not only to the public relations hucksters who tout Pittsburgh’s successes, but we are equally invisible to the protesters….

  > MORE

• 

  Roland Laird

  Author of "Still I Rise: A Graphic History of African Americans"

  Broad attacks on ACORN are just plain nuts

  9:30 AM on 09/24/2009

  OPINION — Let me be clear, ACORN’s actions deserved to be exposed, and they deserve to be punished. But let me be equally clear, ACORN is not a big American problem……

  > MORE

• 

  Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr.

  Religion Contributor

  Racism’s roots in the Bible

  8:11 AM on 09/23/2009

  OPINION – Everyone in power had been raised in a religious environment that taught that blacks were the descendants of Ham who was cursed by his father….

  > MORE

• 

  Talia Whyte

  Journalist & Activist

  African-Americans need to ‘raise hell’ about climate change

  8:10 AM on 09/23/2009

  OPINION – Right here in the United States, there are serious climate issues that need to be addressed, and these problems disproportionately affect African Americans……

  > MORE

• 

  Cheo Tyehimba

  Author & Activist

  Spare the rod, save your child

  7:42 AM on 09/23/2009

  OPINION – A study of more than 2,500 toddlers found that, for poor children as young as one, spanking is not only commonplace but promotes more aggressive behavior by age two……

  > MORE

• 

  Charlton McIlwain

  Professor, Author & Co-Director of the RaceProject.org

  Shift in race discussion needed for our kids and our media

  8:50 AM on 09/22/2009

  OPINION – Even the youngest among us recognize and realize the utility in making racial distinctions. Should we be concerned? If so, by what, exactly? …

  > MORE

Dr. Boyce: Ebony and Jet May be Sold Soon

 

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University, MSNBC’s TheGrio.com, Your Black World, AOL Black Voices 

 

The black journalism students here at Syracuse often come to me to find out how the industry works. They sometimes instinctively wonder if their professors’ stories about being in a CBS newsroom in 1982 are going to help them survive in a world run by Twitter, Myspace and Facebook. The answer is a resounding "probably not."

While respecting the journalism professors teaching their classes, I simply use examples like Ebony Magazine to help them realize that black media is changing, and sites like theGrio.com, BlackVoices.com, and TheRoot.com, are examples of how black media has evolved. In fact, a journalist who doesn’t understand technology and business models is in danger of starting his/her career as a dinosaur.

When it comes to recent reports about Ebony Magazine being offered for sale, I admit that I was saddened, but not surprised. The Ebony Fashion Fair has become one of the most celebrated events in black America, and the magazine has been nothing less than a tremendous source of national pride since its creation in 1945. But in the age of the web, oversized bureaucracies can be crushed under the weight of their own arrogance. Bloated payrolls, pompous corporate functions and a sense of entitlement make them easy prey for quick, hungry and rapidly evolving competition.

In spite of the tremendous love we have for Ebony/Jet, the truth must be confronted when realizing that it is what radio was to TV or what the train was to the airplane. Like radios and trains, there is still a place for print media, but that role is no longer dominant. The current economic climate only accelerated the inevitable, since advertisers were eventually going to stop spending $50,000 for magazine ads when they can buy the same number of eyeballs for $5,000 or less.

I present the following 5 questions I’d like to ask out loud about both Ebony Magazine and the state of African American media:

Click to read.

Visit Your Black World for the latest in Black News

Your Black News: Author Writes a Book for Ex-Cons to Start Businesses

from AOL Black Voices, Your Black World 

In the first book published by her New York-based Resilience Multimedia, Sheila Rule delivers much-needed information to a segment of society that has long been ignored: the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated. In ‘Think Outside The Cell: An Entrepreneur’s Guide for the Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated’ by Joseph Robinson, readers learn vital information, including how to overcome obstacles that convicted felons face while trying to reenter society and find work.
Rule, who worked at The New York Times for 30 years before her recent retirement, was spurred to start her publishing company after writing to the incarcerated as a volunteer for the Riverside Church Prison Ministry. With funding from the Ford Foundation, she plans to publish next year the ‘Think Outside the Cell’ book series featuring real-life stories by the incarcerated, formerly incarcerated and their families. Rule takes time to talk about the book with AOL Black Voices.
AOL Black Voices: How did you come up with the idea for the book?
Sheila Rule: Joe’s book has been published amid renewed efforts to help the formerly incarcerated-who are disproportionately black and Latino-successfully reenter society. But Joe believes that the reentry programs being developed, while commendable, too often focus on finding jobs in a nation where, according to a Princeton University study, it is easier for a white person with a felony conviction to get a job than for a black person who has never been arrested. Joe believes that "Think Outside the Cell" presents a largely unexplored option-entrepreneurship-that can help give men and women leaving prison a realistic second chance

 

Click to read.

Dr Boyce Money: Big Money and Big Power at the G20 Summit

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University

From MSNBC’s TheGrio.com

Uncle Ben from Spiderman made the most prophetic statement of the entire film series in his dying days (I almost cried, but don’t tell anybody): “With great power comes great responsibility.” Most of us understood what Uncle Ben was trying to say, and that includes Barack Obama.

Uncle Ben should have been the keynote speaker at the latest G-20 Summit, taking place this week in Pittsburgh,PA. The G-20 Summit is a gathering of the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of the world’s 19 wealthiest countries, plus the European Union. These countries encompass 85 percent of the world’s gross domestic product, so they would probably meet Uncle Ben’s qualification for “great power,” at least when it comes to money.

The G-20 Summit’s primary objective is to achieve broad cooperation on the preservation of international financial stability. The motivations of the group, created in 1999, are seemingly noble and make perfect sense in light of the fact that the global economy has reached an unprecedented level of integration. If large nations do not work together, the world’s financial system will be subject to alarming amounts of volatility.

Not everyone can see the vision behind G-20 ambitions. Usually, the gatherings of the G-20 are as out of control as a frat party, as protesters have made a game out of disrupting the meetings as much as they possibly can. To prepare for this year’s economic fiesta, the city of Pittsburgh has brought in 4,000 police, 2,000 National Guard troops and 11 Coast Guard vessels.

Police, in an overwhelming show of force, declared Thursday’s march illegal almost as soon as it began, firing rubber bullets and canisters of pepper spray and smoke after small bands of anarchists responded to calls to disperse by rolling huge metal trash bins, throwing rocks and breaking windows. As of Friday morning, reports said nearly 70 people had been arrested and police were bracing for scattered protests around downtown.

President Obama, being the conflicted capitalist/black man/ex-community organizer that he is, made some telling comments about the demonstrators.

Click to read more on MSNBC’s TheGrio.com.

Dr Elaina George on How to Stay Healthy – Quick Tips

by Dr Elaina George, Your Black World Medical Correspondent

Instead of waiting for the outcome of the healthcare debate to decide your fate, use some simple common sense strategies to take back the power to control your own health.

1. Start exercising

An increase in activity of as little as 20 minutes 3 times a week can make a difference in your risk of heart disease,

diabetes and obesity. You don’t have to get fancy with a gym membership. Try taking the stairs at work instead of the

elevator, or park further from the entrance when you go to the market or mall.

2. Eat Smaller portions

You may not want to give up your junk food or fried food, but try to limit your portions. Instead of buying a six pack

of soda, buy a two liter bottle. You can better control the portions along with your intake of calories.

Click to read.

Read more at Your Black World, the top black news website in America

Black News: Why Michael Vick Has Been Good for Animal Rights

Maybe it was one of the times John Goodwin found a more receptive audience while lobbying politicians for stricter sentencing against dogfighting.

Maybe it was one of the times a law enforcement training session was packed with police.

Maybe it was while he was riding along on what is an increasing number of raids on dogfighting operations.

Whenever it was, there was a moment over the past two years that Goodwin, the anti-dog fighting expert at the Humane Society of the United States, realized that of all the unexpected things, a silver lining had formed in the ugly clouds of the Michael Vick(notes) scandal.

“People campaigned against dogfighting ever since the first dogfight ever happened,” Goodwin said. “But never had there been a spotlight put on this issue like when Michael Vick was involved in it.

Click to read more.

Your Black World

Gospel Singer Jumps out of the closet

from AOL Black Voices 

Earlier this month, clips of a taped television interview that gospel music sensation Tonex conducted for ‘The Lexi Show‘ (on the Gospel network) surfaced on the Internet and caused a heated frenzy within the black religious industry. During the revealing conversation, the internationally renowned music superstar (nee Anthony Williams III) talked candidly about his homosexuality, his failed marriage and his thoughts on the black church. As expected, when someone touches upon such a taboo subject, it strikes a chord among others. But as the multiple Stellar Award-winning virtuoso tells it, in his very own words, it was a lot more than he ever bargained for. Below is Tonex’s exclusive testimony to BlackVoices.com:

Okay, so now since it’s really gone mainstream, there is really no backpedaling is there?

Click to read.

Your Black Love: What if He’s Cheating on you?

from AOL Black Voices 

I just found out after 28 years of marriage that my husband had a seven-month affair with a co-worker. He would drink with her at a bar and then they would have sex. After a few months, she became pregnant, and my husband did not tell me. He didn’t have anything to do with her or the child. I am really confused and don’t know what to do. The child is now 9 years old.

Sandra
This is a very difficult and fearful situation, and it is exacerbated by the length of time that has passed since the affair took place. Over the years, partners grow and change, and you have to learn to love the new incarnations of themselves in the present. Your best choice is to take stock of who your husband is now based on the choices he has made in his life and who you are now, and ask yourself if he is still the man you want to be with. As for the child, your husband chose to relinquish his role as father so that you would never find out about the affair. This was not a choice he made to protect you, but rather to protect his position in your marriage. If he had wanted to protect you, he would not have had the affair. You have to ask him if he has changed and if he is remorseful for the decisions he made in his past. Then you have to ask yourself if his actions have proven that he has truly changed.

 

Click to read more.

Dr Boyce: Obama’s Falling Poll Numbers and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, AOL Black Voices, Syracuse University

In an appropriate show of respect, President Barack Obama addressed theCongressional Black Caucus Foundation Conference this weekend. His speech focused primarily on healthcare, which has become the latest battleground for our challenged new leader. In the eyes of the public, Obama is no longer the cool, hip politician he was a few months ago. He is now the guy considered to be too moderate to be liberal, too socialist to be conservative, too black to be white and too white to be “down.” Obama can’t quite be anything to anyone, which is the price he must now pay for trying to be everything to everyone.
Michelle Obama, as lovely as she is, arrived to the event with the president by her side. The couple, when appearing together, present an inspiring portrait of successful black love. Every black woman in America looks at Michelle and dreams of having her own political Mandingo accompanying her and her children to important social events.

Click to read more at AOL Black Voices

If the link doesn’t work, click here to find Dr. Watkins’ articles on AOL

Black News from thegrio- 9/26/09

• 
  

  Caught on tape: Safety officer chokes student

  By theGrio

  4:12 PM on 09/25/2009

  VIDEO – The Richmond County, Georgia Board of Education just released a video of a former safety officer choking a student at a high school football game…

  > MORE

• 
  

  Teenage crush may have motivated murder

  By theGrio

  3:34 PM on 09/25/2009

  VIDEO – U.S. Marshals pulled 16-year-old Shanovia Mack from Jupiter High School Thursday and charged her with 2nd degree murder…

  > MORE

• 
  

  Floyd Mayweather Jr. becoming pay-per-view king

  By theGrio via AP

  12:15 PM on 09/25/2009

  Mayweather’s victory over Juan Manuel Marquez last weekend generated an impressive 1 million pay-per-view buys, HBO Sports announced Friday…

  > MORE

• 
  

  Young woman’s disappearance baffles police, family

  By theGrio

  11:57 AM on 09/25/2009

  VIDEO – Last week, Mitrice Richardson entered an exclusive Malibu restaurant alone and was later arrested after she couldn’t pay her $89 bill…

  > MORE

• 
  

  Three burglars take baby on break-in spree

  By theGrio

  11:56 AM on 09/25/2009

  VIDEO – Police say two women and a man accused of breaking into homes in Houston took a baby along for the ride…

  > MORE

• 
  

  $258M in Haiti aid projects announced at the Clinton conference

  By theGrio

  9:03 AM on 09/25/2009

  PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — The Clinton Global Intiative is announcing $258 million worth of aid projects for this impoverished country…

  > MORE

• 
  

  Caught on tape: Officer strangles woman, punches man in the face

  By theGrio

  8:21 AM on 09/25/2009

  VIDEO – The video is shocking. It shows a young woman grabbed by her neck and pushed backward onto a table. It was that scene which caused another nightclub patron to approach the officer…

  > MORE

• 
  

  NFL receives A- grade for racial hiring practices

  By theGrio via AP

  8:05 AM on 09/25/2009

  AP – A study analyzed data provided by the league on the racial breakdown of players and coaches …

  > MORE

Did BET Go Too Far with Skank Robbers?

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Your Black World, Syracuse University, AOL Black Voices 

During the BET Awards, Martin Lawrence and Jamie Foxx did a skit called "Skank Robbers," which you can watch below. Some have argued that the video goes over the top, producing stereotypical images of black women to the point of being offensive. Referring to them as "skanks" was enough to draw the ire of many African Americans, but there was also a point in the video in which the narrator says, "From the producers of ‘Planet of the Apes’."

This video leads to the following questions as it pertains to BET:1) Who’s making the decisions? I’d love to see what thought process goes into deciding to make R. Kelly your keynote performer right after he is accused of creating child pornography, or having Lil Wayne sing about wanting to have sex with every girl in the world while underage girls are dancing on stage. I don’t hate BET, and I’ve done a great deal of work with them in the past, but I would like very much for them to explain to the public exactly how they operate.

 

Click to read more.

If this link doesn’t work, then please click here.

Your Black Money: No Property Insurance Can Bankrupt You

Christopher Chestnut (pictured above)

Your Black World, AOL Black Voices 

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University 

Most of us know very little about the ins and outs of property insurance. Christopher Chestnut is not in that category. As a prominent attorney out of Florida, Mr. Chestnut has taken on multi-million dollar cases and handled some of the most complex lawsuits imaginable. As one of the leading young black attorneys in America, Chestnut has been recognized by President Obama for his outstanding accomplishments.

I spoke to Chris this week about Property Insurance and what it can do to make your life a little simpler. Here is what he had to say:

1) If you rent, make sure you have renter’s insurance. Also, make sure your landlord has homeowner’s insurance, since renter’s insurance only includes the contents that are INSIDE the house

2) Check your landlord’s insurance regarding injuries on your rented property. Most people are unaware of the fact that the homeowner is liable in the event that someone is injured on their property. Even if the children across the street climb the fence to get into your yard, you are liable if one of them gets hurt. Find out how your landlord’s homeowner’s insurance would cover you if someone has an accident.

Click to read more.

Black News: ACORN mounts legal challenge

 

LOS ANGELES — Millicent Hill says God put her in her stucco home on East 92nd Street, but she believes she would have lost the house without ACORN.

Hill’s home is a center of after-school activity for kids in the Watts neighborhood in gritty South-Central Los Angeles. Children in her church-supported program can avoid the street, get a snack, work on a computer or get a hug.

LAST WEEK: House votes to defund ACORN

When "Mama" Hill, as she’s known, faced foreclosure, ACORN members showed up at a public auction to protest, prompting the lender to cancel the sale. ACORN then found a buyer who rents it back to Hill. "I wouldn’t be here without ACORN, and all of the kids would have to go somewhere else," says Hill, 69. "And they’ve got nowhere else to go."

Here and in other states, ACORN focuses on helping people with housing issues, supporting changes to health care and immigration policies, and registering voters.

ACORN — which has received about $53 million in federal funds since 1994 — has long been a target of conservatives because of its ties to Democrats. Attacks increased after its aggressive voter-registration and get-out-the-vote efforts for President Obama last year. Now, videos showing ACORN workers giving advice to conservative activists posing as a pimp and a prostitute are raising questions about its tactics and finances — and whether it can survive.

Click to read.

Please join the Your Black World Coalition at www.YourBlackWorld.com

News: Census Worker Lynched in Kentucky

A U.S. Census worker found hanged from a tree near a Kentucky cemetery had the word "fed" scrawled on his chest, a law enforcement official said Wednesday, and the FBI is investigating whether he was a victim of anti-government sentiment.

The law enforcement official, who was not authorized to discuss the case and requested anonymity, did not say what type of instrument was used to write the word on the chest of Bill Sparkman, a 51-year-old part-time Census field worker and teacher. He was found Sept. 12 in a remote patch of the Daniel Boone National Forest in rural southeast Kentucky.

The Census Bureau has suspended door-to-door interviews in rural Clay County, where the body was found, pending the outcome of the investigation. An autopsy report is pending.

 

Click to read.

The Real Deal on College: Is it Worth It?

Daily Orange – Syracuse University

No Easy Decision: Higher Education Requires High Contemplation
With the economy just now taking steps to recover from a recession that caused millions of jobs to be lost, the four words, "was it worth it?" have likely been uttered by thousands of debt-ridden college graduates.

According to collegeboard.com, the average yearly cost of tuition and fees at a four-year public college for the 2008-09 year was $6,585, while private schools cost an average of $25,143. The Syracuse University Web site lists its tuition for 2009-10 as $33,630, with its total cost of attendance reaching an estimated $50,100.

Four years later, does this $200,000 expense, whether the financial resources come from family, 40-hour workweeks or loans, guarantee a high-paying job?
As a student with hopes of getting a job whose success I can parlay into a long and happy career, I find college to be extremely important and value the opportunities it has given me. However, I strongly disagree with the notion that college is right for everyone.

 

Click to read.

Why You Might Not Want to Take the Swine Flu Vaccine

 

by Dr. Elaina George, Your Black World Medical Correspondent

Although the Swine flu virus has been identified in over 70 countries, it has not been as deadly as expected

• The world wide number of swine flu cases currently is 209,500 with 2,185 deaths

The common flu is more deadly

• In the US there have been 40,000 cases identified with 1,876 deaths. This is quite low when you compare the death rate to the typical flu virus which kills over 30,000 people per year.

Most cases of Swine flu have been mild

• Most people have had mild self-limited symptoms that resolve without any medical intervention.

Vaccines often contain additives that can be dangerous

• Vaccines contain ingredients that boost the immune response. They can be made from toxins like anti-freeze (ethylene glycol), formaldehyde, or chemicals like mercury (thimerasol) and squalene, a type of fat found in olive oil that is also present throughout the nervous system and the brain. These ingredients can be harmful to the body.

• Studies have shown that Mercury (thimerasol) may lead to autism. Specifically, a study in autistic children found elevated levels of mercury in their urine compared to children without autism.

• Soldiers who served in the gulf war were given anthrax vaccine which contained squalene. When squalene is injected it stimulates an aggressive immune response that causes an auto-immune reaction that can attack all cells that contain squalene. e.g., the nervous system. Studies found that soldiers who were diagnosed with gulf war syndrome received anthrax vaccinations that contained Squalene

Click to read more.

Dr Boyce on AOL – 9/23/09

Money Blast: What You Should Know about Credit Scores

• Financial News You need to know: What you need to know about credit scores: Get educated on what … Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (0)

Black Spin News Blast: Why Can’t Barack Obama Talk About Race?

• Why Can’t President Obama Talk about Race? : In this article, we discuss the catch-22 that the … Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV Black Spin | Comments (0)

ACORN Responds to Allegations from FOX News

• Beyond threatening FOX News with a lawsuit, ACORN, the organization that has been under fire for … Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV Black Spin | Comments (1)

Dr. Boyce Money: Don’t Throw Tavis Smiley Under the Wells Fargo Bus

• When I read about the predatory lending allegations against Tavis Smiley and Wells Fargo, I wasn’t … Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (7)

Yale Student Murder Symptomatic of Growing Workplace Violence

• The murder of Yale University Lab Technician Annie Le was sad, particularly because her body was … Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (15)

Wendy Williams and Dr. Boyce Talk Hip Hop and Money

• In this video, I was in studio with the great Wendy Williams. I’ve written about Wendy in the past, … Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV Black Spin | Comments (4)

Magic Johnson, Cornel West Appear with IMPACT organization at the Congressional Black Caucus event

Preview ’09 A Red Carpet Affair

Washington, DC – On September 24^th, 2009, IMPACT will bring together the most influential young politicos and professionals of color to honor emerging leaders during Preview ’09—a Red Carpet Affair.  This exclusive reception, held just blocks away from the White House at the St. Regis Hotel, will celebrate the contributions young professionals make to their communities and nation.

Each month IMPACT highlights young leaders excelling professionally while transforming their community.  The “IMPACT Leader of the Year” will be honored at Preview ’09 during the Annual Legislative Conference (ALC).  As these young African American professionals come to honor IMPACT leaders, new relationships will be forged and connections made to ensure that the pathway to excellence is available for every young African American to make an IMPACT.  More details below:

When: Thursday, September 24, 2009

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

To RSVP your attendance, please visit: www.impact-dc.com

Where:             St. Regis Hotel

16^th and K Street NW

Washington, DC

Who: Hosted by BET’s Jeff Johnson

Young African American Politicos

Honorary co-chairs include:

Senator Roland Burris

Congressman Gregory Meeks

Congressman Andre Carson

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke

Congressman Keith Ellison

 

Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Dr. Cornell West and African American Leaders to Examine the Role Emerging Leaders Play in Affecting Change

Evolution of Politics & Empowerment

As thousands of young African American professionals flock to Washington, D.C. for the Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation will host a Town Hall discussion on the evolution of politics and empowerment. Today’s emerging leaders will join elected officials, community activists, and professionals to dispel the myth of “young versus old” and advance the agenda to improve African American communities.

Join Congressman Bennie Thompson and leaders like Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Dr. Cornel West, Deputy White House Counsel, Cassandra Butts and others as they discuss the role emerging leaders play in advocating and affecting change. Panelists will also discuss strategies young professionals can use to navigate through politics, excel in corporate America, and influence public policy. More details below:

What: Evolution of Politics & Empowerment

Emerging Leaders Town Hall

To RSVP your attendance, please visit: www.impact-dc.com

When:            Friday, September 25, 2009

                        10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST

Where:           Washington Convention Center

                        Conference Room 202AB

Who:              Hosted by: Congressman Bennie G. Thompson

Moderated by: CNN’s Roland Martin

Panelists include:

• Earvin Magic Johnson
• Dr. Cornell West
• Deputy White House Counsel, Cassandra Butts
• NAACP’s, Stefanie Brown   
• Political Strategist, Sophia Nelson
• Fox News Contributor, Dr. Marc Lamont Hill,
• Music Executive, Aaron Arnold

 

A Discussion with Top Obama Administration Officials, Policy Professionals and Young Elected Officials

Washington, DC – Join us on September 23, 2009 as young professionals pack the Washington Convention Center to discuss the best ways to sustain careers in public policy. African American leaders from the Obama Administration, young elected officials and policy professionals will come together for a roundtable discussion on how to communicate with the White House, monitor and guide use of stimulus funds and promote civic engagement. More details below:

When: Saturday, September 26, 2009

                        11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

To RSVP your attendance, please visit: www.impact-dc.com

Where:           Washington Convention Center

801 Mount Vernon Pl NW

Washington, DC 20001-3614

Who: Panelist Include:

• Rick Wade, Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor
• Michael Strautmanis, Special Assistant to the President & Chief of Staff
• Ron Kirk, US Trade Representative
• Myesha Ward, Deputy Assistant, US Trade Representative
• Addisu Demissie, National Political Director, Organization for America
• Melanie Roussell, Press Secretary for Housing and Urban Development
• Andrew Gillum, Tallahassee County Commissioner
• Isador Hall, California State Assemblyman
• Gina Calder, New Haven Alderwoman
• Alan Williams, Representative, Florida House of Representatives
• Angela Sailor, Republican National Committee, Director of Coalitions

Your Black News off the Grio – 9/22/09

Actor Hill Harper talks relationships in his new book

By Jessica Shim

1:07 PM on 09/22/2009

Best known for his work on CSI: NY, Hill Harper is a New York Times bestselling author with two books under his belt with a third released this month…

> more

Extreme flooding across the southeast

By theGrio

1:00 PM on 09/22/2009

VIDEO- Driving rains continue to fall across the south. Storms over the last several days have created dangerous, and deadly conditions.

> more

Husband of slain wife and five children had history of domestic abuse

By theGrio via AP

11:30 AM on 09/22/2009

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — A Florida woman slain along with her five children endured regular abuse from her husband but seemed overwhelmed by trying to raise the kids herself and wanted him around as a father figure…

> more

NAACP supports Gov. Paterson

By theGrio via AP

1:15 PM on 09/21/2009

Beleaguered Gov. David Paterson is getting some support from a home town NAACP…

> more

Black News from TheGrio –9/21/09

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  6-year-old calls 911, saves dad’s life

  By theGrio

  10:01 AM on 09/21/2009

  A 6-year-old Seminole County… Brenden Williams made a life-saving phone call when he couldn’t get his father to wake up…

  > MORE

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  Man flees to Haiti after wife, 5 kids found dead in Florida home

  By theGrio

  8:32 AM on 09/21/2009

  NAPLES, Fla. (AP) – The husband of a woman found dead in a Florida apartment along with her five young children boarded a flight for Haiti…

  > MORE

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  Obama hits airwaves to discuss jobs, health care and ACORN

  By theGrio

  8:17 AM on 09/21/2009

  VIDEO – President Obama appeared on five Sunday news shows this week. On health care, he said requiring uninsured Americans to buy coverage is a needed fix…

  > MORE

• Teen and newborn daughter killed

  By theGrio

  8:10 AM on 09/21/2009

  A newborn delivered after her teenage mother was fatally shot at a school bus stop in North Carolina has died…

  > MORE

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  Cosby talks to theGrio about TV special, hip-hop, and women

  By David A. Wilson

  8:30 PM on 09/18/2009

  VIDEO — Dr. Cosby sat down with David A. Wilson, managing editor of theGrio, to discuss this groundbreaking television event and issues that affect the black community and the country…

  > MORE

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  First lady says US health care is unacceptable

  By theGrio

  5:51 PM on 09/18/2009

  VIDEO – Michelle Obama, speaking as a wife, mother and daughter — but not as a policymaker like a previous first lady — urged women on Friday to join her husband’s fight…

  > MORE

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  Sharecropper’s daughter becomes 1st woman to lead Army drill sergeants

  By theGrio via AP

  5:10 PM on 09/18/2009

  FORT JACKSON, South Carolina (AP) – Command Sgt. Maj. Teresa King can dress down a burly, battle-hardened sergeant in seconds …

  > MORE

President Obama’s Racial Catch – 22

Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University , MSNBC’s TheGrio.com 

A few years ago, Dr. Cornel West wrote an outstanding book called "Race Matters." In the book, he explains why a post-racial America is not yet a reality. Race certainly matters in our nation, and we don’t need to look any further than the anti-Obama lynch mobs to find evidence of this fact.

What is most interesting is that the people who hate Obama for being black don’t even realize that this is the reason they hate him. That’s how the social sickness called "racism" sneaks into the very fabric of the social infrastructure on which our country operates.

President Obama’s recent experience is yet another reminder that the disease of racism has its greatest impact on those who think they’ve been cured. In spite of his continuous efforts to "just get along" with those on the right wing, they have insisted upon engaging in some of the most pathetic, thug-like behavior imaginable, creating a climate unlike anything our country has seen in the last 30 years.

If you think this has nothing to do with Obama being black, you need to open a history book. Lynch mobs rarely attacked a black man just for being black. They attacked him for being black and doing something that white people found to be unacceptable.

Click to read on MSNBC’s TheGrio.com.

Your Black World: Did this man Kill His Young Children?

Florida authorities were searching Sunday for a 33-year-old man after his wife and five children were found dead in their Naples home.

 CNN

The bodies of Guerline Damas, 32; Michzach, 9; Marven, 6; Maven, 5; Megan, 3; and Morgan, 11 months, were discovered Saturday, Rambosk said.

Authorities have been unable to locate Mesac Damas, who possibly left the country Friday morning and may be in Haiti, Capt. Chris Roberts of the Collier County sheriff’s department said Sunday at a news conference.

"We don’t see at this point any indication of an individual out in the neighborhoods committing additional crimes or homicides, but certainly we will look at every opportunity," Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said at an earlier news conference.

There had been a "handful" of domestic disturbance calls to police since 2000 involving the Damas couple, with the latest resulting in the arrest of Mesac Damas in January, Roberts said. Mesac Damas pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor battery against Guerline Damas in June, and Roberts said he does not think Mesac Damas served any jail time for the crime.

Click to read.

Black News: Haitian Family Found Dead in Miami

USA Today

NAPLES, Fla. — Five young children and their mother were found dead in a Florida apartment, and authorities were searching Sunday for the woman’s husband, who had left the country.

Mesac Damas, 33, boarded a flight to Haiti from Miami International Airport on Friday, said Collier County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Michelle Batten. Damas has family from Haiti, she said. Sheriff’s officials said they want to talk to Damas, who is a person of interest.

The victims were identified as Guerline Damas, 32, and her children: Michzach, 9; Marven, 6; Maven, 5; Megan, 3; and 11-month-old Morgan. Batten would not say how they died, but according to the Fort Myers News-Press, Guerline Damas’ brother, Foren Dieu, said police told relatives that the victims’ throats were cut.

Family members contacted authorities Thursday saying they hadn’t heard from the mother. A missing person report was filed the next day, and on Saturday, the sheriff’s office entered the home in a gated community in Naples and found the bodies, Batten said.

Click to read.

President Hits a Sunday Media Tour

from CNN, Your Black World 

President Obama says that despite signs of economic recovery, the country will not see large-scale job growth until next year. In a wide-ranging interview broadcast today on CNN’s "State of the Union," Obama said reversing job losses from the recession will come at the end of the recovery period, not the start. full story

Black News from AOL Black Voices – 9/20/09

Yale Student Murder Symptomatic of Growing Workplace Violence

• The murder of Yale University Lab Technician Annie Le was sad, particularly since her body was … Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (2)

Wendy Williams and Dr. Boyce Talk Hip Hop and Money

• In this video, I was in studio with the great Wendy Williams. I’ve written about Wendy in the past, … Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV Black Spin | Comments (1)

Going Natural Sucks?

• Well, you probably already know that I don’t feel that way myself. But some recent transitioners on … Read More
• Posted by Patrice Grell Yursik in BV Hair Talk | Comments (6)

The Week That Was: Mo’Nique Moves on, Roxanne Shante Rings Alarm

• She may have been a no-show at the Toronto International Festival earlier this week, but Mo’Nique … Read More
• Posted by Karu F. Daniels in BV Newswire | Comments (0)

Hot or Not: Amber Rose

• Amber Rose Kanye’s main squeeze wore this futuristic silver number and weird alien contacts to … Read More
• Posted by Lauren Williams in BV on Style | Comments (6)

VIDEO: Jennifer Hudson and Stevie Wonder Do ‘VH1 Divas’

• Academy and Grammy Award winning vocal powerhouse Jennifer Hudson helped bring ‘VH1 Divas’ back with … Read More
• Posted by Karu F. Daniels in BV Newswire | Comments (1)

When Stars Had Daytime Jobs: Ruby Dee, Nia Long, Taye Diggs

• Today was the final airing of the longest running soap opera on daytime television; ‘Guiding … Read More
• Posted by Wilson Morales in BV on Movies | Comments (1)

Shemar Moore: Malcolm Winters Set to Return to ‘Young and the Restless’

• One of the soap opera world’s favorite characters is making a return this fall, but it won’t be … Read More
• Posted by Karu F. Daniels in BV Newswire | Comments (6)

Did Tavis Smiley Push Bad Loans to Blacks?

• Did Tavis Smiley help Wells Fargo herd black people into subprime loans? Yes, according to … Read More
• Posted by Carmen Dixon in BV Black Spin | Comments (18)

Semenya Gender Debacle Deepens

• Caster Semanya’s gender fiasco manages to get worse. E-mail correspondence found by the South … Read More
• Posted by Abena Agyeman-Fisher in BV Black Spin | Comments (9)

King Memorial Foundation Discovers Red Tape

• There is nothing more annoying than reading the word "urgent" in the subject line of an e-mail … Read More
• Posted by Carmen Dixon in BV Black Spin | Comments (3)

45,000 U.S. Deaths Caused By Lack of Insurance? We Need to Do Something Now

• A Reuters story posted yesterday serves up a shocking statistic: "Nearly 45,000 people die in the … Read More
• Posted by Alexis Stodghill in Black Voices Insurance | Comments (1)

Dr. Marc Lamont Hill Debates Ann Coulter over Obama

Dr. Marc Lamont Hill debates Ann Coulter on Fox News about Obama’s appearances in national media.  Click here to watch!

Errol Louis: ACORN Fiasco Not Over Yet

Employees from ACORN allegedly advised people posing as prostitutes and pimps how to cheat on taxes.

 

The videos shot and distributed by a pair of right-wing pranksters to discredit ACORNhad all the elements of a good political hit job: sleaze, sensationalism, sleight-of-hand.

James O’Keefe and Hannah Giles went from one ACORN community office to another posing as a pimp and his whore, pretending to seek help securing low-income housing and/or tax help to set up a brothel using underage illegal immigrants.

Not one ACORN outlet actually completed or filed illegal paperwork, but the video stunt worked like a charm anyway.

A few ACORN workers – out of a staff of 600 – gave the undercover filmmakers advice about ways to further their lurid prostitution scheme.

That is all it took. A full-scale witch hunt is underway against ACORN – and that means normal standards of proof, evidence and rationality get tossed out the window.

Biased and/or naive news producers and editors rushed one-minute excerpts of O’Keefe and Giles’ heavily edited videos onto national television without a thought, even when the pair refused to release the full tapes or answer questions on the air about how they were created.

Click to read.

Floyd Mayweather: He’s Still the Man

Money came back with a guarantee. Floyd Mayweather Jr. told the world he was still its best boxer despite taking 21 months off, and he backed up every boast with every jab in an impressive victory.

Although next time out, hopefully he’ll pick on somebody his own size.

Mayweather overpowered the smaller, lighter Juan Manuel Marquez for an unanimous decision Saturday night, maintaining his perfect record in his comeback from retirement.

Mayweather knocked down Marquez in the second round and then peppered him with countless damaging shots to remain unbeaten (40-0, 25 KOs). Still, his impressive effort couldn’t be viewed without weighing the obvious disadvantages in height and strength faced by the talented Marquez, a 130-pounder just 18 months ago who moved up two weight classes for this once-in-a-career payday at the MGM Grand Garden.

 

Click to read.

Black News: Well-Known Publicist Gives PR Advice to Kanye West and Serena Williams

 

from Your Black World 

Karen Taylor-Bass, a well-known publicist, decided to go out of her way to give some PR advice on how Serena and Kanye can save their damaged public images.  Read what she had to say:

Kanye West Latest Ego Trip

“Last night, I was watching the VMA with my 9 year old son, as he was packing his books for school.  As I was explaining to him the significance of the MTV Awards, as a former Music Publicist, the mood shifted from this is cool to … this is crazy.

Click to read more.

Your Black News: The Politics of Healthcare Reform

Your Black World 

Listen up as Dr. Wilmer Leon speaks with Dr. Pearl Ford about President Obama’s Healthcare Reform Plan.  Click here to listen to the latest exciting episode!

Both are graduates of Howard University’s Political Science Program

Dr. Boyce Watkins: The Big Money of the NCAA

by Dr. Boyce Watkins , Syracuse University 

MSNBC’s TheGrio.com 

The University of Michigan football team has a storied tradition when it comes to winning. The program is equally storied when it comes to making money by putting athletes on the field no matter what. This football factory rivals the other bastion of athletic exploitation down the road: my alma mater, The Ohio State University.

It was recently unearthed that The University of Michigan has been using "optional" practices as a way to push athletes against their will. Players and their families have reported that any athlete who doesn’t attend the "optional" practices has a strong likelihood of being punished by the team.

I have just one question: why is anyone surprised? The only thing surprising to me about the University of Michigan case is that someone is actually willing to testify against the university. I am simply stunned that the players are bold enough to stand up for their rights in light of the fact that there are extreme penalties for athletes who have the audacity to think for themselves.

For college athletes, loyalty to the NCAA is not a choice. The officials who run college sports serve as the judge, jury and executioner in all cases related to athletic conduct. Like Michael Vick’s pit bulls, athletes within the NCAAsystem are domesticated, indoctrinated and brainwashed from the minute they set foot on a college campus.

The same way that many major retailers look the other way when five year olds are employed in third-world factories, the NCAA doesn’t do a very good job of enforcing the standards within its very own rulebooks. The only standards that seem to be applied strictly are those that keep the athletes and their families away from the multi-billion dollar revenue-generating machine that pays for the massive salaries of college football coaches. This is nothing less than a slap in the face to the players and their families, who give so much on the field.

 

Click to read.

Tavis Smiley Accused of Helping Wells Fargo Milk Black People

 

from AOL Black Voices

Did Tavis Smiley help Wells Fargo herd black people into subprime loans? Yes, according to information contained in a lawsuit filed recently by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. The suit alleges that Smiley was the hook used to draw in potential customers for subprime mortgages.
You might be familiar with the "Wealth Building" seminars that Wells Fargo conducted beginning in the year 2000. Smiley was the headline speaker at these events, held in Baltimore; Chicago; Richmond, Va.; and San Francisco. The seminars were advertised aggressively in black media and aimed directly at black communities. They were a huge success. Often, standing room only audiences would hear Smiley speak about how he mostly disliked banks while strongly urging attendees to invest in real estate as a sound strategy to build wealth. …

Click to read.

Caster Semenya’s Story Gets More Interesting

Caster Semenya’s gender fiasco manages to get worse. E-mail correspondence found by the South African newspaper Mail & Guardian shows that her team doctor Harold Adams and athletics boss Leonard Chuene did indeed know that Semenya was tested in South Africa before the World Championships in Berlin but kept Semenya in the race even after they found out that her test results were "not good."
Semenya crossed the 800-meter finish line a full minute before her competitors. Her time, coupled with her supposed virile looks, prompted championship officials to order a gender test.

Click to read.

Shock Jock Michael Baisden gets with Dr. Elaina George to Ask Obama Hard Questions

from AOL Black Voices, Your Black World

Although many Americans have seen and heard the insane debate over healthcare, almost no one understands what’s going on. This is doubly true for the African American community, who is affected greatly by this debate and its outcomes. Most black bloggers aren’t talking about it and black doctors are too busy to inform the community.
Michael Baisden got with Dr. Elaina George, a prominent black physician in the Atlanta area, to break down the public option, healthcare and all related issues in the interview below.During the interview, Dr. George and Baisden answer some important questions:

Click to read.

Black Health News: Flu Vaccine Dos and Don’ts

by Dr. Elaina George, Medical Correspondent, Your Black World 

Although the Swine flu virus has been identified in over 70 countries, it has not been as deadly as expected

• The world wide number of swine flu cases currently is 209,500 with 2,185 deaths

The common flu is more deadly

• In the US there have been 40,000 cases identified with 1,876 deaths. This is quite low when you compare the death rate to the typical flu virus which kills over 30,000 people per year.

Most cases of Swine flu have been mild

• Most people have had mild self-limited symptoms that resolve without any medical intervention.

Click to Read.

Black News from The Grio –9/17/09

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  Newborn found in storm drain

  By theGrio

  2:14 PM on 09/17/2009

  VIDEO — An infant is recovering after spending two hours in a Georgia storm drain. The search began after an 18-year-old woman showed up at a Dekalb hospital…

  > MORE

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  Reactions to President Carter’s comments

  By Michelle Brown

  10:00 AM on 09/17/2009

  VIDEO – TheGrio went to the streets to see how people feel about what the former president had to say. Watch the video and then share your opinion with us…

  > MORE

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  Chris Brown begins community service in Virginia

  By theGrio

  9:07 AM on 09/17/2009

  VIDEO — Chris Brown cleared weeds and debris at police horse stables in Virginia on Wednesday for the first day of his 180-day court-ordered community service for beating ex-girlfriend Rihanna…

  > MORE

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  Ohio woman spanks a stranger’s child

  By theGrio

  8:19 AM on 09/17/2009

  VIDEO – Spanking a child in public usually won’t cause too much of a ruckus, unless it’s not your child. Gloria Ballard is accused of swatting a toddler’s behind…

  > MORE

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  Abercrombie & Fitch sues Beyonce over plan for fragrance

  By theGrio via AP

  3:42 PM on 09/16/2009

  COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Teen clothing retailer Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is suing singer Beyonce Knowles over her plans for a fragrance named after Sasha Fierce, her alter ego…

  > MORE

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  Caught on tape: Attempted home invasion

  By theGrio

  3:40 PM on 09/16/2009

  VIDEO – She claimed to be his mother’s cousin, but he didn’t open the door…

  > MORE

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  Detroit youth create anti-marijuana PSA

  By theGrio

  2:14 PM on 09/16/2009

  VIDEO — A group of Detroit teenagers are using their talents to create a PSA that will hopefully keep their peers off drugs. A recent study across Detroit…

  > MORE

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  Study: Patient care varies between races

  By theGrio

  6:46 AM on 09/16/2009

  VIDEO – Past medical research has shown that when it comes to a variety of nonemergency medical procedures and conditions, racial disparities exist

  > MORE

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  Caught on tape: Kid beaten on school bus

  By theGrio

  5:16 PM on 09/15/2009

  VIDEO – The 17-year-old victim was white and his 14 and 15-year-old assailants were black. Police released a video of the beating, which shows the victim being punched repeatedly…

  > MORE

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  Taylor Swift and Kanye West finally speak after outburst

  By theGrio via AP

  3:00 PM on 09/15/2009

  NEW YORK (AP) — It looks like Kanye West has finally given a personal apology to Taylor Swift. Representatives from "The View" say West called the country sensation after her appearance on Tuesday’s show.

  > MORE

Dr. Wilmer Leon: The Hypocrisy of the Republicans in the Joe Wilson Case

 

By

Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III, Your Black World 

Howard University

On Saturday September 12^th, at the U.S. Open semifinals, Serena Williams was caught in a “human moment” that she wishes she could change. After being called for a foot fault by a line judge Ms. Williams launched into an “f-bomb” laden tirade saying in part, “If I could, I would take this @#$#ing ball and shove it down your @#$#ing throat…" The resulting unsportsmanlike conduct penalty cost Ms. Williams the match.

On Monday September 14^th Ms. Williams offered a written apology. In it she said, "I want to sincerely apologize first to the lineswoman, Kim Clijsters, the US Tennis Association and mostly tennis fans everywhere for my inappropriate outburst … I really wanted to apologize sincerely…I think the lady was doing the best she could. She was just trying to do her job.”

Some have questioned Serena’s sincerity and others have questioned the timing of her apology. These questions may be valid but at the end of the day Ms. Williams did the right thing. She took responsibility for her behavior and apologized directly to all of those whom she attacked and offended.

On Wednesday September 9^th, Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) had his own “human moment.” During President Obama’s speech to a joint session of Congress on health care, Wilson shouted at the President “you lie”. Shortly after his outburst Congressman Wilson called the White House to offer his apology to the President. President Obama did not take his call. It was accepted on his behalf by Chief of Staff Rhom Emanuel.

Congressman Wilson has been asked by members of his own party as well as Democrats to formally apologize on the House floor. He has refused to apologize on the floor of the House saying, "I’ve apologized one time. The apology was accepted by the president, the vice president. … I am not apologizing again … I believe that is sufficient."

As a result of Congressman Wilson’s failure to apologize on the floor, the House passed a “resolution of disapproval” by a 240-179 vote. Congressman Wilson has now been duly punished for his outrageous and childish behavior.

Even though polls show a strong majority of American’s oppose Congressman Wilson’s actions, Republican Party leadership stands behind him. Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele said the House Democrats are guilty of “stunning…. Hypocrisy.” GOP leader John Boehner (R-OH) said that the action initiated by Wilson’s fellow South Carolina colleague, Democratic Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC) — is "patently partisan." Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) circulated a letter of support for Wilson.

Click to read.

Kanye, Serena and Race: Dr Boyce Watkins and Rev. Al Sharpton Talk America

by Dr Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University, Your Black World 

From AOL Black Voices

Were there any racial implications to the recent outbursts by Serena Williams and Kanye West? Yes, there were. In my latest conversation with Rev. Al Sharpton, we break down these interesting events, all of which occurred during the past week. We can agree, however, that there are certainly things more important than worrying about Serena Williams and Kanye West. But these situations, in light of the backdrop of Obama’s comments about Kanye, might provide true teachable moments regarding America’s tattered racial history.As I’ve written before, Serena and Kanye have a lot in common, but nothing in common, all at the same time. Serena’s actions were justifiable, given the intensity of the situation and the fact that the line judge made the wrong call. At the same time, most of us can agree that Serena went over the line by threatening to "shove the ball down the f**ing throat" of the line judge because of her mistake. Yes, Serena, you are from the hood. But you don’t need to take it back to the hood to make your point to a U.S. Open line judge.

Click to read.