Obama’s Approval Rating Drops

President Barack Obama’s approval rating is falling on concern unemployment is rising and the budget deficit will grow, a Quinnipiac University poll shows.

Exactly half of the registered voters surveyed from July 27 to Aug. 3 by Quinnipiac said they approve of the job Obama is doing, compared with 42 percent who disapprove. That’s down from 57 percent approval and 33 percent disapproval in a poll taken in late June, according to results released today.

Americans are upset about rising unemployment and worried that health-care plans making their way through Congress will add to the U.S. budget deficit, said Peter Brown, assistant director of the Hamden, Connecticut-based polling institute. The combination has helped drive down the president’s ratings.

 

Click to read.

Suspected Killer of Vernon Forrest goes to Court

By theGrio

As his grandmother sat nearby weeping, a 20-year-old man charged with killing ex-boxing champion Vernon Forrest had his first appearance in court Wednesday morning.

Demario Ware, who turned himself in to authorities Tuesday night, is charged with murder, aggravated assault, armed robbery and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

He appeared at a jailhouse hearing in front of Fulton County Magistrate Sylvia McCoy, who read him the charges. Wearing a navy blue jail jumpsuit and handcuffs, Ware said nothing other than "yes, ma’am" and kept his eyes on the floor. He is being held without bond.

Ware’s grandmother, Rose Thomas, sat in the courtroom crying.

"He wasn’t raised up to do the thing he done," she said after the hearing. "I’m sorry to the gentleman that got killed and his family. I know if I’m hurting like I am, then I know they’re hurting."

Police say Forrest, 38, was shot to death July 25 after he chased a man who robbed him of his championship ring and Rolex watch. No other arrests have been made in the case, but police do not believe Ware is the person who shot Forrest.

The investigation continues into the shooting.

Click here to read more

Rihanna’s Mom Speaks on Her Relationship with Chris

The picture above is of Chris Brown as he left the court house yesterday where he was suppose to be given his community service time, but that court date has been changed to another date.  In other Chrianna (haven’t seen that in a while) news Rihanna’s mom has spoke with Star Magazine about her concerns of Rihanna still wanting to be around Chris.

I’m devastated, but what can I do? We love her but can’t stand to see her play Russian roulette with her life. Chris has a bizarre power over her. She still loves him and he knows it. In her eyes, he’s a god. Even after what he did, it’s not diminished.

Black Congressman Convicted

Former U.S. Rep. William Jefferson of Louisiana was convicted Wednesday on 11 of the 16 corruption charges against him in a case that included the discovery of $90,000 in his freezer.

Former Rep. William Jefferson arrives at U.S. District Court with his wife, Andrea, on June 9.

A federal court jury convicted Jefferson on four bribery counts, three counts of money laundering, three counts of wire fraud and one count of racketeering. He was acquitted on five other counts including wire fraud and obstruction of justice.

Jefferson, a 62-year-old Democrat, was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 4, 2007, about two years after federal agents said they found the cash in his freezer. Authorities said the cash was part of a payment in marked bills from an FBI informant in a transaction captured on video.

Jefferson had pleaded not guilty. He faces a maximum possible sentence of 150 years in prison, with sentencing tentatively set for October 30.

After the verdict on the fifth day of jury deliberations, U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis turned down a prosecution request for Jefferson to be taken into custody, ruling that he posed no flight risk.

The verdict showed that "no person, not even a congressman, is above the law," said U.S. Attorney Dana Boente of the Eastern District of Virginia. Asked what might have turned the case in the prosecution’s favor, Boente said: "We always thought that a powerful piece of evidence in this case was $90,000 in a freezer."

Click to read.

Analyzing the “Jungle Monkey” Lawsuit

Dr Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University

I did some commentary on CNN last week about Justin Barrett, the cop who referred to Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates as a "Banana eating jungle monkey" in an email. You can imagine my surprise when I found out that the officer is suing the city of Boston, claiming that they violated his civil rights.

As part of my assignment for media work I was doing on the topic, I read through the email by officer Barrett very carefully. The email was not written by a disciple of David Duke, a man with gallons of racism flowing through his veins. Rather, it was written by a man who seemed to hold a great deal of anger and resentment toward almost everyone. In one sentence, he was critiquing the grammar of the journalist who wrote the original Gates article. In the other, he was degrading Professor Gates in ways that a police officer should never degrade the citizens he/she is sworn to protect.

I am not angry with Barrett, I feel sorry for him. In fact, when it comes to Barrett, I offer the following thoughts:

1) There is the broader constitutional issue of whether or not Officer Barrett has a right to say what he said. We do have the First Amendment, and no one seems to clearly understand the great social price we must pay to uphold these rights. Personally, I feel that Barrett has the right to say whatever he wants, but revealing such bias while serving as a police officer becomes a completely different issue. At the same time, should it be ruled by a court that Barrett has the right to say what he says, then I would stand behind his rights as well. I guess if someone calls you a "banana eating jungle monkey," you should just say, "ya mama."

Click to read.

NBA Baller Accused of Gang bangin on Twitter

Hours after The Denver Post raised questions about whether his tweets were written in a way commonly associated with street gangs, Nuggets guard J.R. Smith pulled the plug on his Twitter page on Tuesday. He presumably didn’t think it was worth all the bad publicity.

His last message to fans before it was closed late Tuesday afternoon: "ok people i love all of my fans im sorry but this will be my last tweet you know why but it is what it is love all an tke Care"

Smith’s tweets raised print eyebrows after someone noticed he was occasionally replacing words that would have a "C" in them with a "K," giving some the impression of an association with the Bloods street gang. (Kudos for the capital "C" jab above, kid.) Smith tried to correct the issue in a tweet late Monday night, but ultimately decided to close the account, according to The Denver Post.

Click to read more.

The “Jungle Monkey” Email….Full Text

“Jungle Monkey” Cop Sues Boston

A Boston police officer is suing the city after he was suspended for referring to a black Harvard professor as a "banana-eating jungle monkey" in an e-mail.

Boston police Officer Justin Barrett apologized for his e-mail about Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

"If I’m charged with a crime I want a chance to answer. I want the chance for a fair hearing," Officer Justin Barrett told CNN on Tuesday.

Barrett has apologized and denied he is a racist.

His lawsuit claims his civil rights have been violated; Barrett’s lawyer said the words referring to Henry Louis Gates, Jr. were misinterpreted.

"The choice of words were poor; but they weren’t meant to characterize professor Gates as a banana-eating jungle monkey," attorney Peter Marano said. "They were meant in a response to behavior and characterizing the behavior. Not the person as a whole."

Marano said the city had effectively fired Barrett, though he is officially suspended with pay.

He said it was fair to hold Barrett to a higher standard than the general public because he is a police officer, but that he was still entitled to express his opinions.

"Being held to a higher standard shouldn’t eradicate his right under the First Amendment for free speech. That is part and parcel of the lawsuit," the lawyer said.

Gates was arrested at his house last month when a neighbor called police after she thought she saw a man trying to break into Gates’ home. The man turned out to be Gates himself, who was attempting to free a jammed door.

Click to read.

Think Tank Reaches Out to Black Males

 

Call for Solutions

The Think Tank for African American Progress – to be held in Memphis from October 14 to October 16, 2009 – seeks solutions to challenges confronting Black boys and young men. We are inviting scholars, activists, and advocates to join us for the 2009 Think Tank with the theme “What is the Future of Black Boys?”. Practitioners, community activists, and researchers whose efforts are related to the following thematic areas are invited to submit a solutions proposal in relevance to one of the 4 thematic areas: (1) Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (S.T.E.M); (2) Education/Youth Development; (3) Community/Economic Development, and (4) Health.

The Think Tank will feature opportunities for practitioners, researchers, policy makers, and, Black youth themselves to: (a) dialogue about solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing our communities; (b) think about strategies to resolve these challenges; and (c) design methodologies by which to implement solutions. We will consider formal, applied program evaluations as well as papers that integrate theoretical perspectives to better inform local, state, or federal policies.

Those wishing to participate in the Think Tank should submit a 750 – 1000 word proposal summary detailing a specific challenge facing Black boys and young men, along with an outline of suggested solutions. The summary should outline specific solutions or strategies for an issue in one of the previously mentioned areas. It should also include a rationale for the proposed solution(s), and strategies that a target audience (i.e., practitioners, parents, educators, and policy makers) could feasibly implement. In addition, applicants should identify what resources are needed in the implementation of the proposed solutions. First authors of accepted proposals will receive free registration to the Think Tank to present their paper in a poster presentation. In addition, there will be publication and collaboration opportunities (e.g., special issues in peer-reviewed journals and funded workgroups) from the Think Tank.
Potential Topics

Click here to read the rest

Black News: Dr Boyce on Anderson Cooper 360 – 8/1/09

Dr Boyce Watkins of Syracuse University and Anderson Cooper talk about the Obama Administration.

Click here to watch!

Wilmer Leon Talks About the Health Care Crisis

 

In this interview Wilmer Leon speaks with Dr. Brenda Griton-Mitchell and Anastassia Zinke about the health care issue in the United States.  They discuss the problems with the health care system and what can be done to improve it.  Click the above image to hear the interview.

Anti-Gay Violence higher in African-American Communities

By Kenyon Farrow

 

The recent shootings in a Tel-Aviv LGBT center that left 2 dead and 15 injured understandably shocked the world. Though incidents in the black community usually receive little or no attention, we have our own problems with homophobic violence here in the U.S.

On July 26th in New Orleans, a 21 year-old born with the name Eric Lee, who dressed in women’s clothing and went by the name "Beyonce" was found dead of multiple stab wounds in his apartment. According to The Advocate.com, Lee had been arguing with the three young women who were later arrested and charged with his murder.

With the exception of the accused being women, this story is all too familiar. According to the most recent report for the Anti-Violence Project, while bias violence against LGBT people increased only 2% from 2007-2008, the number of murders jumped 28% over the same period and were at their highest level since 1999.

Of all reported bias violence, 20% were people of African descent. According to the Gay & Lesbian Straight Education Network report one-third of all African-American LGBT students surveyed experienced some form of physical violence in school due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, and were the among the least likely of all students of color to report incidents to parents or other school authorities.

Black LGBT children also learn at an early age that to be queer can be mean violence, even if you have a supportive family, which I was lucky to have. But a protective family may not help you in the outside world.

Click here to read more

Dr Boyce and Roland Martin Go at it Again on CNN

Click here to watch Dr Boyce Watkins of Syracuse University debate Roland Martin on CNN.

Method Man Being Accused of Shooting a Fan

A fan of Method Man is suing the rapper for supposedly shooting her with a air gun back in 2008.  The fan Mary Anderson claims that  she approached Method Man after his show asking for an autograph and he then pulled out a air gun and began shooting her with the pellets.  HMM…Something isn’t making sense, I am convinced that a lot of the details are missing.

What? a $90 Dollar Pizza?

The colossal new Dallas Cowboys Stadium is living proof that everything is bigger in Texas. The menu in the luxury suites proves that things there are more expensive too.

Those enjoying a Cowboys game from a luxury suite at the new stadium will have to shell out $90 for pizza and $66 for a 12-pack of domestic beer, reports Steven Sipple of the Lincoln Journal World. Ninety bucks for pizza? That’s almost as much of a rip-off as Roy Williams. 

It costs $800,000 per year to lease one of those luxury suites, a hefty sum that doesn’t include game tickets. On the bright side, the stadium’s official Web site says that "having your company’s name on a suite makes an important statement about your success" and can help make an impression on clients. (Namely that they’re paying you way too much money.)

 

Click to read more.

First Look at Kimora and Djimon’s Son

This is one of the first public pictures of Kimora and Djimon’s son Kenzo and he is such a cutie, it looks like he is may look more like Djimon but it is still to early to tell.

Halle Berry Vows to Never Marry Again

Hollywood star Halle Berry has vowed that she will never get married again.

The twice-divorced 42-year-old actress is currently dating Gabriel Aubry, a French-Canadian model ten years her junior, and the couple has a daughter called Nahla.

However, Berry insists that a third marriage is not going to happen.

"I’m so not the relationship go-to girl. But I’m much clearer about what a relationship is, which is why I will never marry again. Gabriel and I have a great partnership and a lovely daughter,” the Daily Telegraph quoted her as telling The Mail on Sunday newspaper.

 

Click to read.

Paula Abdul Decides to Leave American Idol

Paula Abdul announced via Twitter that she will not be returning back to American Idol, not that this is much of a surprise.  In the tweets she did not explain the reason why she is leaving the show but I would guess that it has something to due with money.  Considering Ryan Seacrest makes about $40 million an episode, and Simon Cowell makes about $100 million an episode, and she only receives about $4 million an episode I would leave too.

Rapper “The Game” Gets Sued

VIA DX:

In July 2008, Compton rap star The Game made headlines when he assaulted a cousin while attending his sister’s July 5 funeral in California. Charges were immediately said to be pressed.

Over a year later, TMZ.com now reports that the cousin, Robert Kirkwood, has officially filed against the Interscope emcee and Black Wall Street CEO. The suit includes four other people, and states that the rapper got physical after the millionaire was confronted about not helping to pay funeral costs.

Click to read.

Black Educators Plan to Challenge Obama

Leaders from the nation’s 105 historically black colleges have complained privately that President Barack Obama has allowed deep cuts in funding to black universities at a time when many of these institutions are struggling to survive.

At a meeting in Atlanta this summer, where presidents and senior administrators from more than 30 black colleges gathered, sources told BlackAmericaWeb.com that many participants grumbled about an $85 million reduction from the 2010 budget, funds that were specifically earmarked for historically black colleges.

The money is needed in large part to help keep some black colleges from possible foreclosures and others from considering staff layoffs, so representatives from black colleges say they will turn up the heat on Obama starting this month.

"They plan to lobby the White House in a more concerted effort," said one black educator who attended last month’s meeting of black college presidents.

 

Click to read.

News: Michael Disses His Daddy in a leaked phone call

Click here to listen to the leaked conversation by Michael Jackson where he is dissing his daddy.  Interesting.

What a Poster!

Someone made this poster of Barack Obama, mocking him and saying that he is the joker of socialism.  Does this look racist?  Not quite sure.

Love and Relationships: Women Kidnap cheating man

Three women are facing charges after conspiring with his wife to lure him to a hotel room and kidnapping him.  Oh yeah, they put crazy glue on his “sensitive body parts.”  Damn

Click here to watch.

Dr. Wilmer Leon and Dr. Mack Jones Analyze Obama’s speech to the NAACP

 

Drs. Mack Jones, Robert Smith and Wilmer Leon do an in-depth analysis of President Obama’s speech to the NAACP.  Click here to listen!

Dr Boyce Watkins and Rick Sanchez Debate Race on CNN

Click here to watch Dr Boyce Watkins of Syracuse University speak with Rick Sanchez of CNN.

Michelle Williams: Big Things Poppin

Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child made her West End stage debut in the über -hit musical ‘Chicago’ at London’s Cambridge Theatre on July 13.

As part of VisitBritain.com’s Transatlanticism Campaign (www.transatlanticism.org), BV Buzz traveled to London to see the R&B star ‘razzle dazzle ‘em’ as the first African-American woman to play femme fatale Roxie Hart on the West End.

"It feels awesome to be in a year of firsts! There’s the first Black president and first lady in the US, here in the UK for the first time a young black woman got the crown of Miss UK, and here I am the first black woman to play Roxie Hart. I am honored! I know that I am blessed! God’s been awesome and has shown great favor," she exclaimed.

In a bobbed wig and black lace dress, Williams is seductive in the starring role of the Kander and Ebb musical set in prohibition era Chicago.

Click to read more.

Rapper Nas speaks about his divorce

"It’s unfortunate when business is out there about your personal shit, especially when you’re really not the guy to be having his shit out there," Nas said. "The sad thing is, you’ve got to get used to it. My skin is so thick that I probably need to write a book for people who are not ready for anything crazy."

"I heard that I was a cheater," Nas told Straight.com. "It almost sounds like I was a bad husband. Not to say I was the greatest—I’m not perfect in anything I do—but I think I deserve a fucking trophy. If I do say so myself, without sounding too cocky, I gotta say I was a hell of a husband and a hell of a dad."

Black News from the Grio – 8/4/09

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  Hillary Clinton arrives in Kenya, begins 7-nation Africa tour

  By theGrio via AP

  1:35 PM on 08/04/2009

  U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is bringing a message of tough love to Kenya: you are a key American friend in east Africa, but you must rein in graft and follow through on political reform.

  > MORE

• 
  

  Teacher caught on tape choking student gets suspended

  By theGrio

  12:36 PM on 08/04/2009

  A Jacksonville, Florida high school teacher has been suspended after choking a student in class.

  > MORE

• 
  

  California GOP not as diverse as California

  By theGrio via AP

  11:58 AM on 08/04/2009

  The California Republican Party has failed to keep pace with the most populous U.S. state’s evolving demographics over the past 30 years, signaling further trouble for a party that has been slipping in popularity, according to a poll released Tuesday.

  > MORE

• 
  

  Burglary suspect shot ‘dead’ — and lives

  By theGrio

  10:01 AM on 08/04/2009

  A burglary suspect shot by Baltimore police is pronounced dead. But he isn’t. EMT’s declared 51-year-old Michael Quarles dead after he was shot inside a convenience store early Saturday…

  > MORE

A new plan to focuses on the adoption of African-American children

Rosemary Armstrong fondly recalls the first time she met her daughter Micayla, then 2, at her foster home.

The African-American toddler screamed when the caseworker tried to pick her up, but she happily sat on Armstrong’s lap and smiled.

Micayla didn’t talk at all to most people, but during their second meeting, she started communicating: "It was ‘Mommy’ and ‘Daddy’ from day one," Armstrong says. "It was so fast."

Armstrong and her husband, Terry, also African-American , decided to adopt from foster care after discovering they could not have a child biologically.

They met Micayla in April 2008, and her adoption was final in February 2009. Micayla, who turned 4 on Monday, bonded quickly with their two other children, Armstrong’s son, Jaiere, 7, and goddaughter Alexis, 14.

‘A perfect parent’

While blacks account for 15% of U.S. children, they make up 32% of the 510,000 kids in foster care, according to a May 2008 report by the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, a private research group. The report is based on 2006 data, the latest available. It shows that black children in foster care, especially older ones, are less likely than white ones to be adopted.

To help deal with that imbalance, a federally funded ad campaign is to be unveiled today. It is aimed at encouraging blacks to adopt from the foster care system. The ads will appear this fall on radio, TV and in newspapers.

"They’re long overdue," says Adam Pertman, executive director of the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute.

A 1994 federal law, the Multiethnic Placement Act, prohibits denying or delaying an adoption because of race but requires "diligent" efforts to recruit parents of the same race.

The new ads, developed by the Advertising Council, are part of a series that began in 2002 to promote adoption from foster care. The ads, like prior ones, are humorous and carry the same tagline: "You don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent."

Click here to read the entire article

Happy Birthday President Obama

Yup that’s right President Barack Obama turned 48 today, but he won’t be celebrating his day with his family or friends.  Instead he will be partying it up with the Congressional Democrats talking about health care and the state of the economy, sounds like fun!!!

Shemar Moore Gets Ran Over

This past weekend while riding his bike in L.A. the actor was hit by a car, but luckily he only suffered a broken leg.  So no worries because I am sure he is still looking as good as ever.  Get well soon Shemar!!!

Black News: 50 Cent Gets Sued Again

» by DANIELLE CANADA   Aug 1 2009, 13:07 pm

50′s getting no love on an International level. In the second international lawsuit aimed at the MC in a matter of weeks, his booking team is now being sued by a German concert promotion company. Major Movez concert promotion is suing 50′s booking agency, William Morris Endeavor for compensation of a breach of contract. Major Movez gave the agency a $125,000 negation fee to set up a 50 cent concert in Graz, Austria. The fee did not guarantee a concert but according to Major Movez if the deal didn’t go through, “WME would return the entire amount.” William Morris Endeavor did not return the

Dr Boyce Watkins and Pastor Eugene Rivers on MSNBC

Click here to watch Dr Boyce Watkins of Syracuse University with Pastor Eugene Rivers on MSNBC.

Shanelle Walker: Repping her HBCU Well

Shanelle Walker is the former student body President at Kentucky State University. She wrote this amazing poem to encourage African American youth to get out and vote for President Barack Obama. Not only is she a political activist, she is a writer, leader and emerging media personality. Is she one of the dopest young black poets in America? You be the judge! Rather than reading the poem, I recommend that you watch her perform it. The performance is on the video link below.

Click to read more.

MJ’s Mom Gets the kids

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) — Michael Jackson’s mother was given permanent custody of the singer’s three children Monday.

Katherine Jackson has accused the executors of her son Michael’s estate of "keeping her in the dark."

Katherine Jackson, was appointed permanent guardian of Michael’s three children — Michael Joseph "Prince Michael" Jackson Jr., Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince Michael II (known as "Blanket") — by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff.

A hearing is scheduled for October to look at some remaining issues.

Katherine Jackson was in the courtroom Monday with three of her children: Rebbie, Randy and LaToya.

An agreement last week between Katherine Jackson and Debbie Rowe, the mother of the two oldest children, cleared the way for an uncontested custody hearing.

Rowe, who was briefly married to Michael Jackson, agreed not to fight for custody in exchange for visits with the children as recommended by a psychologist.

The agreement does not involve any financial payments to Rowe "apart from the continuation of spousal support payments" that Michael Jackson personally agreed to make to Rowe after their divorce, their lawyers said in a joint statement.

Click to read.

Obama Tries to Regain His Ground

After a trying two-week run, President Barack Obama got back on message during his weekly Internet address to the nation saying the dark clouds over our economy are beginning to brighten.

For Obama, the message must feel like a welcomed return from the wilderness.

He has spent too much time entangled in an unwanted and distracting discussion of race that has consumed his messaging over the past two weeks. …

Click to read more.

Henry Louis Gates Jr. Jokes about Arrest

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Black Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. on Sunday joked about his arrest by a white police officer, but also described receiving death threats and dreaming about being arrested at the White House

In his first public appearance since having a beer at the White House on Thursday with the officer and President Barack Obama, Gates said the national debate over racial profiling sparked by his arrest shows that issues of class and race still run "profoundly deep" in the United States.

"They have not been resolved at all," he said, speaking to a crowd of more than 150 who came to see him at the Martha’s Vineyard Book Festival.

Gates was mostly light-hearted during his speech and even poked fun at himself after a man in the crowd told him he admired his sense of humor.

"I should have been funnier in the kitchen of my house on July 16," he said.

But Gates also described how the incident and the subsequent national debate affected him personally. He said he had to shut down his public e-mail and change his cell phone number after receiving numerous death and bomb threats, including one that read, "You should die; you’re a racist."

Click here to read the rest and watch the interview

movie Trailer for Chris Rock’s Good Hair

Earlier I posted an article about the right way for us to take care of our children’s hair so I found it only fit to show the trailer for Chris Rock’s new documentary called Good Hair.  Click the image below to watch the trailer, and it definitely seems like a must go see.

How to Take Care of Your Child’s Hair

Your little girl is an angel most of the time… until you sit her down between your knees to comb her hair. Then it’s tears and squeals and tantrum time.

I don’t have kids myself, but trust me, I know. I was once that little girl. And I can tell you from experience, there’s a right way and a wrong way to care for your child’s hair.

I first learned about this story via The Root, in Teresa Wiltz’s essay Beauty, the Brush, and Black Girl Pain. I can barely stand to watch this now-infamous YouTube video (click the picture of the little girl to watch), which raises more questions than it answers.

For example, does this mother think she’s actually making an efficient and effective attempt at combing her little girl’s hair? Because she isn’t. In fact, she’s doing just the opposite.

Click here to read more

Questioning Black Leadership: If Barb’s In Charge — Should You Watch Your Wallet?

By Dr. Debbie Stroman

As a leadership scholar and proud member of the Black Greek Nation, I find it quite appropriate to comment on the sad state of affairs regarding the recently filed Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority lawsuit. President Barbara McKinzie and the executive director are being charged by eight sorority members of financial impropriety to the extent they want them removed immediately from leadership. Since the case has not been heard in a court of law, one should only share opinions (humor permitted) on the specifics of the allegations. However, since this latest announcement seems to suggest a pattern of inadequate leadership in some of our most cherished Black non-profit organizations, I write because I am very concerned about why our community continues to cling on to leaders who repeatedly demonstrate an inability to be accountable, effective and in touch with today’s reality. A few years ago another Barbara, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s president Barbara Moore, was charged with similar activities and the smoke has yet to clear on the internal damages inflicted on the organization. Moore did finally admit to using the sorority’s funds for her own needs though. Both sororities are purposed as charitable organizations to foster sisterly love and service to others yet find themselves dedicating dollars and time to legal matters and media hysteria. Sisters are blogging and posting vitriolic comments about who’s to blame, why the organizations are even relevant and necessary, other sorority options and even thoughts of why the lawsuit doesn’t even matter. If only we can generate this type of intense dialogue to find practical solutions to important matters like our educational needs in the Black community.

Read More

Dr Boyce Watkins, Rev Jesse Jackson Talk Sunday Morning

Dr Boyce Watkins  of Syracuse University will be on Keep Hope Alive with Jesse Jackson Sunday morning at 8:30 am.  For a list of affiliates, please visit www.keephopealiveradio.com.

He will also be on Kiss FM in New York City at 10 am on Sunday.  For more information, please visit www.BoyceWatkins.com.

Letting Go in a Relationship

After a break-up with with your spouse, significant other or love of your life, you might try to remain friends with your ex, slowly cut off contact, or torch every last relic of the relationship.

But one thing is inevitable: Eventually you have to move on. So why is it that some people have a hard time letting go, months or even years after ending a relationship? Although it’s natural to mourn the loss of a relationship, some people take such feelings too far.

One example at the extreme end of the spectrum, is Lisa Nowak. The former NASA astronaut and married mother of three was accused earlier this year of trying to kidnap the woman who was dating Nowak’s former lover, Navy Cmdr. Bill Oefelein.

Nowak — who is awaiting trial — pleaded not guilty to attempted kidnapping, battery and assault, and the defense has filed notice of intent to claim temporary insanity by citing obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, insomnia and a brief psychotic disorder.

Click here to read more

Search Warrant Looking for evidence of Drug Addiction in Michael Jackson Case

Search warrants filed Thursday in court in Clark County, Nevada, and carried out at properties of Michael Jackson‘s doctor imply that investigators looking into his death believe the singer was a drug addict.

The warrants, signed by District Judge Timothy Williams and given to CNN by Las Vegas affiliate KTNV, say "there is probable cause to believe" that searches would uncover evidence at the Las Vegas home and office of Dr. Conrad Murray of excessive prescribing, prescribing to an addict, excess treatment or prescribing, unprofessional conduct, prescribing to or treating an addict and manslaughter.

They cite "probable cause to believe" that the premises contained "records, shipping orders, distribution lists, use records relating to the purchase, transfer ordering, delivery and storage of propofol (Diprivan)."

A source told CNN on Monday that the Texas-based cardiologist allegedly gave Jackson the anesthetic propofol — commonly known by the brand name Diprivan — in the 24 hours before he died.

Click here to read

Kanye West Denies Saying He Is the King of Pop

Kanye West may have made a lot of boasts in his career, but claiming to be the new King of Pop following the death of Michael Jackson is not one of them.

The superstar rapper hit his official Web site to shoot down rumors that he’s taking the title from the late Michael Jackson.

"I was just listening to [radio host] Wendy Williams and heard some quote about me saying I’m the new King of Pop," he wrote. "Not only did I not say that, I haven’t said anything."

Kanye also blogged that it upsets him that people would think he would make such a statement following Michael’s death.

Click here to read more

Black News – 8/1/09

Madea goes to Disney World with Philly pool kids

By theGrio

3:05 PM on 07/31/2009

A group of kids from Philadelphia who said they experienced prejudice firsthand arrived in Orlando, Florida on Friday for an all-expense paid trip courtesy of actor Tyler Perry…

> more

Donated animals bring wealth to Africans

By theGrio

1:57 PM on 07/31/2009

Beatrice Biira fosters educational partnerships between the US and Africa. The Ugandan is currently studying at the Clinton School of Public Services in Arkansas, and it all began with the gift from Heifer International.

> more

NFL player battling leukemia halts comeback

By theGrio via AP

1:07 PM on 07/31/2009

MANKATO, Minn. (AP) — Kenechi Udeze’s comeback from leukemia served as an inspiration to his Minnesota Vikings teammates. The announcement of his retirement will not diminish that.

> more

Boston cop says he’s "not a racist" for Gates slur

By theGrio via AP

12:47 PM on 07/31/2009

BOSTON (AP) — A Boston police officer who was suspended for using a racial slur to describe black Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. apologized for his comments and declared he is not a racist.

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Reverend Ike dies at 74

By theGrio via AP

12:46 PM on 07/31/2009

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Rev. Frederick J. Eikerenkoetter II, who preached the gospel of material prosperity to millions nationwide as Reverend Ike, died Tuesday. He was 74.

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87-year-old woman lives in leaky shack, prays for help

By theGrio

9:21 AM on 07/31/2009

An 87-year-old woman, living alone, in a 160-year-old shack about three miles south of Lena, Mississippi says she has no one to help her get out of the deplorable conditions. Every room in her shack leaks, except for the living…

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Black cop at Gates arrest: I’m not an Uncle Tom

By theGrio via AP

8:11 AM on 07/31/2009

A black sergeant who was at the home of Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. when he was arrested says he’s been maligned as an "Uncle Tom" for supporting the actions of the white arresting officer.

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News: Roland Martin, Dr Boyce Battle it out on CNN

Dr Boyce Watkins of Syracuse University speaks with Roland Martin and Rick Sanchez of CNN.  The conversation gets quite heated.  Click here to watch the video!

AKA President Accused of Misallocating Funds

Members of the country’s oldest black sorority are suing to remove their president, alleging that she spent hundreds of thousands of dollars of the group’s money on herself — some of it to pay for a wax statue in her own likeness.

In the suit filed in Washington, D.C., the Alpha Kappa Alpha members also alleged that international President Barbara McKinzie bought designer clothing, jewelry and lingerie with the sorority credit card. She then redeemed points the purchases earned on the card to buy a big-screen television and gym equipment, the lawsuit said.

"This is extraordinarily shocking if not illegal conduct," Edward W. Gray Jr., an attorney representing the plaintiffs suing the Chicago-based sorority, said Wednesday.

McKinzie denied what she called the lawsuit’s "malicious allegations," saying they were "based on mischaracterizations and fabrications … not befitting our ideals of sisterhood, ethics and service," according to a statement issued this week by the sorority.

The lawsuit also accused the sorority’s board of directors of signing off on spending funds on McKinzie without the required approval by the group’s membership. For example, the lawsuit says the board approved a monthly "pension stipend" of $4,000 for four years after she leaves office and purchased a $1 million life insurance policy for her. The suit demands McKinzie be fired and return money to the sorority.

 

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Dr. Wilmer Leon Teaches us on the “Teachable Moment”

By

Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III

This afternoon, President Obama, Sgt. James Crowley, and Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. will sit down at the White House to “clear the air.” The President’s objective is to bring the parties together and through their personal interaction move the national dialogue on race forward. In the President’s “Teachable Moment” what should we learn? We should learn how one’s perceptions can color their reality. We should also learn the danger of trying to contort a non-race based issue into a dialog or valuable lesson on race.

In all of the accounts of Dr. Gates’ arrest there has never been any indication that Sgt. Crowley used racial slurs, epithets, gestures or any other means to inject “race” into the arrest. Even Dr. Gates’ attorney, Charles Ogletree, when asked about racial profiling during a CNN interview said, “I’ve never said anything about racial profiling; you’ve never heard those words from me, it’s a case of bad judgment…we won’t know about the race element until all of the facts are in.”

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Dr. Deborah Stroman Speaks on Higher Education: Right or privilege?

by Dr. Deborah Stroman

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Get Real! That’s my kind response to the critics of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) recent academic reform policy that eliminates the minimum SAT and ACT scores for admission. This well-thought out and crafted course of action finally gives colleges the academic freedom and independence to do what they do best – make decisions as to which students they want on their particular campus. Not the NCAA, the athletic leagues, or any other sport-related governing body has the right to tell an academic institution who is most deserving of the opportunity to sit in their classrooms and learn. Although our country promotes a spirit of education for all, the reality is that higher education is for the privileged. And those with the financial resources receive more access and resources. With a wink and a nod though, the student-athlete can oftentimes bypass this necessity if one possesses the talent to throw a tight spiral or shoot a silky-smooth jumper.

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