Your Black Bloggers

Golfing superstar Tiger Woods plans to speak to reporters at the Masters. This will be the first time Woods has taken on the broader media since his scandal in November, 2009 that earned him world-wide and unwanted attention. The press conference will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 5, according to a tentative interview schedule issued by Augusta National.
Typically, only moderately newsworthy golfers hold press conferences on Mondays. Woods would be the exception to the rule, possibly generating enough media attention to undermine the NCAA championship game, to be held later on that evening. This would also be an excellent way to maximize ratings for the Masters tournament to begin later during the week.
"Our focus that Monday will be on crowning the next national champion," NCAA spokesman Erik Christianson said.
Golfing legend Arnold Palmer argues that Woods should be more open with reporters.

Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University

Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers

Dr. Boyce Watkins on AOL Black Voices – 3/23/10

March 24, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

Tea Partiers Deny The Use of Racial Slurs

There are conflicting claims emerging from the allegations last week that members of the Tea Party … Read More
By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Mar 23rd 2010 11:54AM | Comments (2)

Rush Limbaugh Back Pedals on Pledge to Leave the Country

Conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh gave America reason for hope recently, when he made a … Read More
By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Mar 23rd 2010 9:44AM | Comments (223)

Michael Steele Looks Even Worse as a Black Man Defending Tea Partiers

The Tea Party Protesters might need a little bit of brand management to overcome the growing … Read More
By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Mar 22nd 2010 5:43PM | Comments (74)

Police Officers Charged with Beating Celebrated with Free Beer

Eight Philadelphia police officers were charged with kicking and beating three murder suspects. … Read More
By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Mar 22nd 2010 12:10PM | Comments (1)

Jesse Jackson Jr. Presides Over The Health Care Debate

While standing in the hallway off the House floor Sunday night, Rev. Jesse Jackson was able to … Read More
By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Mar 22nd 2010 10:16AM | Comments (2)

Young Mom’s Body Found in Bed Frame of a Hotel Room

Sony Millbrook was a mother of five children. Her body was found stuffed in a hotel room bed frame, … Read More
By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Mar 20th 2010 9:15AM | Comments (20)

Categories: african american bloggers, african american news, african american politics

Dr. Boyce Watkins: Tiger Makes His First TV Appearance

March 23, 2010 Staff 1 comment

Tiger Woods chose ESPN and the Golf Channel as the venues for his first interviews, since his sex scandal began four months ago. He gave the interviews with the requirement that they be only five minutes long.
"If you limit it to five minutes, when you account for structure, there’s not much time to get into anything, which is probably best," said Syracuse University professor and pop culture expert Robert Thompson.
Woods had to be careful to ensure that the interviews were done in a such a way that they did not overshadow the PGA event being played this weekend. Woods has been able to transcend the game of golf in ways that no player in history has been able to accomplish. His presence (or lack thereof) can make or break a golf tournament’s financial outcome.
"We really had two main things that were most important," said an ESPN spokesman. "No. 1, no restrictions on questions, and No. 2, we chose the interviewer."

Click to Read

Categories: african american bloggers, african american news, african american politics, black bloggers

African American News – 3/22/10

March 23, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

Dyson and Bernard debate Obama’s lack of a ‘black agenda’

By theGrio

4:22 PM on 03/22/2010

VIDEO – PBS host Tavis Smiley held a public meeting with black leaders and activists in Chicago calling on Obama to embrace policies specifically for African-Americans…

> MORE
4-year-old shot and killed in carjacking

By theGrio

3:28 PM on 03/22/2010

VIDEO – Investigators said a family of four was in their car when a man approached with a semiautomatic weapon and demanded the keys…

> MORE
16-year-old arrested for ‘all black people’ leave Wal-Mart prank

By theGrio

2:18 PM on 03/22/2010

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (AP) – "This was an extremely disturbing event on many levels," Gloucester County Prosecutor Sean Dalton said at a news conference."…

> MORE
Ex-Bobcats owner calls Charlotte anti-black business

By theGrio

11:50 AM on 03/22/2010

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – Billionaire Bob Johnson told a group of mostly black business people the Carolinas’ largest city doesn’t do enough for black-owned businesses…

> MORE
South Africa marks 50th anniversary of Sharpville

By theGrio

10:54 AM on 03/22/2010

JOHANNESBURG (AP) – Family members of victims raised flowers to the sky and placed them on gravestones to mark the 50th anniversary of the massacre that became a turning point in the anti-apartheid struggle and drew world condemnation…

> MORE
PETA feathers ruffled by Mike Tyson pigeon show

By theGrio

8:53 AM on 03/22/2010

NEW YORK (AP) – An animal welfare group wants New York City prosecutors to investigate Mike Tyson’s reality television show about pigeon racing…

> MORE

Categories: black beauty, black bloggers, black business, black celebrities

Dr. Boyce Watkins: Michael Steele Bows to the Tea Baggers

March 23, 2010 Staff 1 comment

The Tea Party Protesters might need a little bit of brand management to overcome the growing perception that they represent a racist, homophobic, extremist fringe of disgruntled voters. The most recent incident of very bad PR came this week, as a small group of Tea Party protesters gathered on Capitol Hill and yelled "n*gger" and "f*ggot" at members of Congress as they walked past the crowd. The group has taken heat for the actions of those who don’t know how to be cordial in their discourse, and it’s not good for the Republican Party.

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele was put in yet another awkward position, trying to defend that which is not defensible. A man who appears to be disrespected at every turn by his own party, Steel dismissed those using the n-word within the Tea Party group as "idiots out there saying stupid things." Of course, Steele was not in a position to dismiss the Tea Partiers themselves, likely because they would have put him in a pile with the other black people they hate the most.

Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers

A letter you send or email to your Democratic Congressman – cut and paste if you wish

March 22, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

To whom it may concern,

I am writing because I am disappointed that you did not support the historic health care reform bill that was recently passed in the House of Representatives. I would like you to know that as a fellow Democrat, I am incredibly disappointed with your decision, and you will no longer be receiving my support.

As a member of the YBW Coalition, it is my expectation that elected officials within the Democratic Party will do what is best for their constituents and not give in to special interest groups. I do not plan to support your candidacy in the mid-term elections. Also, I plan to forward a list that includes your name along with other Democratic representatives who stood with Republican obstructionism on health care reform legislation.

Categories: Uncategorized

List of Democrats Who Voted Against the Health Care Reform Bill

March 22, 2010 Staff 4 comments

Democrats who voted against the health care bill included the following Congressmen and Congresswomen:

Rep. John Adler (N.J.)
Rep. Jason Altmire (Pa.)
Rep. Michael Arcuri (N.Y.)
Rep. John Barrow (Ga.)
Rep. Marion Berry (Ark.)
Rep. Dan Boren (Okla.)
Rep. Rick Boucher (Va.)
Rep. Bobby Bright (Ala.)
Rep. Ben Chandler (Ky.)
Rep. Travis Childers (Miss.)
Rep. Artur Davis (Ala.)
Rep. Lincoln Davis (Tenn.)
Rep. Chet Edwards (Texas)
Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (S.D.)
Rep. Tim Holden (Pa.)
Rep. Larry Kissell (N.C.)
Rep. Frank Kratovil (Md.)
Rep. Dan Lipinski (Ill.)
Rep. Stephen Lynch (Mass.)
Rep. Jim Marshall (Ga.)
Rep. Jim Matheson (Utah)
Rep. Mike McIntyre (N.C.)
Rep. Mike McMahon (N.Y.)
Rep. Charlie Melancon (La.)
Rep. Walt Minnick (Idaho)
Rep. Glenn Nye (Va.)
Rep. Collin Peterson (Minn.)
Rep. Mike Ross (Ark.)
Rep. Heath Shuler (N.C.)
Rep. Ike Skelton (Mo.)
Rep. Zack Space (Ohio)
Rep. John Tanner (Tenn.)
Rep. Gene Taylor (Miss.)
Rep. Harry Teague (N.M.)

Categories: african american bloggers, african american news, african american politics, black bloggers

ESPN SportsCenter Exclusive Interview with Tiger Woods

March 22, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

Tiger Woods took questions from reporters for the first time in four months Sunday, saying “I’ve done some pretty bad things in my life” and that he doesn’t know what kind of reception he’ll get when he returns to competitive golf at the Masters. .

Categories: Uncategorized

Dr. Boyce Breaks Down the Tavis Smiley Forum

March 21, 2010 Staff 8 comments

Tavis Smiley has a problem. The problem is one that is rooted in egregious miscalculation, poor target selection and mild delusions of self-righteous grandeur. As Tavis plans his symposium this week to define the black agenda in America, most of us are wondering if it’s Smiley’s agenda that will be highest on the priority list. While Smiley presents himself as a consistent political figure who has held all politicians equally accountable, many view his gathering this weekend in Chicago as a Barack Obama bashing festival.

Let’s be clear: It’s not easy to objectively criticize President Obama when his approval ratings in the black community remain above 90 percent. At least half of my articles about Obama have been critical, and I always have to make sure that I am not haunted by the ghostly spirit of Obama-mania, which is just as bad as Obama-haterology. Dr. Julianne Malveaux and Rev. Jesse Jackson have done a very good job of holding Obama accountable in a way that does not appear to be driven by personal motivations or latent hostility. Tavis Smiley, however, can’t shake the perception that he has a personal vendetta against the president, for it is quite rare to see a prominent public figure so obsessed with the career of another person.

The Your Black World Coalition monitors the political mood of our supporters when it comes to issues that matter to African-Americans. With 60,000 African-American members nation-wide, we have the ability to put our fingers on the collective pulse of black America through various forms of statistical sampling. In our analysis, a few things remain abundantly clear: Most of our followers love Barack Obama (probably more than they should), and a large percentage of them, to be quite frank, can’t stand Tavis Smiley. What makes matters worse for Smiley is that many of those who refuse to buy his books were once loyal fans – meaning that he has engineered the double loss of turning many of his friends into enemies. This is enough to make any publishing house or corporate sponsor run in the other direction, undermining the power of the Tavis Smiley brand. With such a terrible approval rating, Smiley wouldn’t even be invited to sell predatory loans for Wells Fargo.

Categories: african american bloggers, african american news, african american politics, black bloggers Tags: tavis smiley

The Attacks Of Marcelas Owens

March 20, 2010 Staff 2 comments

Marcelas Owens and his Grandmother Gina about the Criticism the boy is receiving from some members of the Media.

Categories: Uncategorized

Syracuse Professor Dr. Boyce Watkins on TheGrio.com – 3/19/10

March 20, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

11-year-old caught in the middle of health reform mudslinging

3:00 PM on 03/19/2010

OPINION – Marcelas Owens’ story can bring realism and relevance to a debate that has been about posturing, bickering and mid-term elections…

Presidential disrespect goes prime-time in Obama’s Fox interview

11:22 AM on 03/18/2010

OPINION – Republicans should realize that when they disrespect the presidency, they are disrespecting themselves…

Clarence Thomas’ wife’s Tea Party ties are supremely disturbing

9:20 AM on 03/16/2010

OPINION – When you sleep next to someone who openly states they want to undermine the president’s "hard left agenda" you can hardly call yourself impartial…

Democrats’ crack-cocaine compromise is still ‘racist’

9:00 AM on 03/15/2010

OPINION – While some might call this political pragmatism, others might describe this outcome as the modern-day version of the Three-Fifths Compromise…

Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers

African American Social Commentary from TheGrio – 3/19/10

March 19, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

Author and Finance Professor at Syracuse University

11-year-old caught in the middle of health reform mudslinging

3:00 PM on 03/19/2010

OPINION – Marcelas Owens’ story can bring realism and relevance to a debate that has been about posturing, bickering and mid-term elections…

Rani G Whitfield

The Hip Hop Doctor

Colorectal cancer doesn’t discriminate

8:14 AM on 03/19/2010

OPINION – African-Americans are less likely to receive CRC screenings, especially if they are uninsured…

Suzanne Rust

Book critic

An ‘Immortal Life’: How one woman’s cells helped cure a generation

11:31 AM on 03/18/2010

REVIEW – The cells of a poor black woman from Clover, Virginia, a descendant of free slaves, led to major breakthroughs in everything from polio to Parkinson’s…

Author and Finance Professor at Syracuse University

Presidential disrespect goes prime-time in Obama’s Fox interview

11:22 AM on 03/18/2010

OPINION – Republicans should realize that when they disrespect the presidency, they are disrespecting themselves…

Marcus Vanderberg

Sports and social commentator

Baller-in-chief: Obama’s ‘March Madness’ bracket scores well

8:16 AM on 03/18/2010

OPINION – As much as I would have loved to see the president go out on a limb and pick the Baylor Bears to win it all, it’s hard to argue against the Jayhawks…

Karen Finney

Political analyst

Conservatives use abortion issue to court African-Americans

8:09 AM on 03/18/2010

OPINION – Conservative shock and awe tactics from anti-choice groups are a desperate attempt to win over voters and obscure the harsh realities that black women face…

Rashod D. Ollison

Cultural Critic

Will Michael Jackson’s new music be a thriller for fans?

9:00 AM on 03/17/2010

OPINION – Would he have done something different? Did he mean for that note to be there? Would he have approved this final mix?…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YRcBTq6T4A

Categories: african american bloggers, african american news, african american politics, black bloggers

Black News: McDonald’s Ads Called Racist – Do you Agree?

March 18, 2010 Staff 3 comments

From Dr. Boyce Watkins: CNN just called me for an appearance on American Morning. They wanted to know if I think that these McDonald’s ads are racist. Please watch them and tell me what you think:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBq7Ver15IA

Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers

Dr. Boyce: Obama Attacked on Fox News

March 18, 2010 Staff 1 comment

The Democrats must pass health care reform. If they pass the legislation, they are still going to get hammered in the mid-term elections. If they don’t pass the bill, the hammering will only multiply in its intensity. Right now, our Congress finds itself in a terribly complex situation, with terms like "reconciliation" and "deem and pass" being thrown around like profanity against a growing backlash from a portion of the American public. If we could go back in time, President Obama would never have taken on this issue.

I watched President Obama’s interview with Brett Baier on Fox News with intrigue. I wondered why Obama would want to appear on a network that has spent hundreds of millions of dollars undermining the White House. I then realized that Obama’s appearance is likely in line with the White House strategy of taking on the Republicans face-to-face. Rather than appearing to be an elitist leader who hides from his adversaries (as George Bush might have done), Obama is walking into one lion’s den after another, making his presidency even more interesting than it was when he arrived. Also unlike President Bush, Obama is savvy and intelligent enough to debate 100 Republicans in a single bound, the way Tiger Woods can dominate a golf course with scores of non-black competitors. Barack Obama is his own greatest asset.

Categories: african american bloggers, african american news, african american politics

President obama fights with Fox News

March 18, 2010 Staff 2 comments

President Obama sits down with Fox News’ Bret Baier to discuss his healthcare reform bill. Obama describes their conversation as “a little frustrating.”

Categories: Uncategorized

Dr. Boyce Watkins: Clarence Thomas’ Wife and Ethical Issues

March 16, 2010 Staff 1 comment

by Dr. Boyce Watkins

When I heard that Clarence Thomas’ wife Virginia was launching a Tea Party group, I wasn’t really shocked. I was, however, confused that the Thomas family would allow for such a blatant revelation of their political biases. Not only is Clarence Thomas seen as a profound disappointment to the African-American community, he has now further embarrassed the legal profession and undermined the integrity of the bench. When you sleep next to someone who has openly admitted that she wants to undermine the president’s "hard-left agenda," you can hardly call yourself impartial.
In Virginia Thomas’ words, "I have come to know and love the Tea Party patriots. It has been a privilege to become a bit of an ambassador of sorts for the national board."
NYU Law Professor Stephen Gillers says that Virginia breaks no rules by becoming a Tea Partier, "Ideological issues, as opposed to monetary ones, are not a subject of concern." A judge’s spouse, he said, "can have a full political life, and take positions on political issues and legal issues, even ones that come before his or her spouse."

Dr. Boyce Watkins and Rev. Al Sharpton Discuss The Senate's Refusal to end the crack sentencing disparity on the Syndication One News-Talk radio Network

Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers

Black News – 3/16/10

March 16, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

Obama woos wavering Dems on health vote

By theGrio

9:28 AM on 03/16/2010

VIDEO – Days away from a make-or-break vote on his fiercely contested health care overhaul, President Obama is turning up the pressure on wavering Democrats…

> MORE
Heavyweight to featherweight: Tyson races pigeons

By theGrio

9:09 AM on 03/16/2010

NEW YORK (AP) – Former world heavyweight champ Mike Tyson will take flight on Animal Planet with a new sport — pigeon racing…

> MORE
Obama seeks to reassure seniors on health care

By theGrio

5:20 PM on 03/15/2010

VIDEO – With a fresh sense of urgency, President Obama sought to reassure seniors Monday about health care legislation approaching a final vote in Congress…

> MORE
Appeals court upholds conviction in KKK killings

By theGrio

4:24 PM on 03/15/2010

JACKSON, Mississippi (AP) – A federal appeals court has upheld the 2007 conviction of a reputed member of the white supremacist Ku Klux Klan in the kidnapping…

> MORE
NCAA graduation rates between blacks and whites widening

By theGrio

3:37 PM on 03/15/2010

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – The disparity in graduation rates for white and black players on NCAA tournament-bound men’s basketball teams grew this year…

> MORE

Categories: african american bloggers, african american news, black bloggers

Dr. Boyce Watkins and Rev. Al Sharpton Discuss The Senate’s Refusal to end the crack sentencing disparity

March 16, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

Categories: Uncategorized

Your African American Social Commentary from TheGrio – 3/15/10

March 15, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

Author and Finance Professor at Syracuse University

Democrats’ crack-cocaine compromise is still ‘racist’

9:00 AM on 03/15/2010

OPINION – While some might call this political pragmatism, others might describe this outcome as the modern-day version of the Three-Fifths Compromise…

Earl Ofari Hutchinson

Journalist, author and broadcaster.

California police stop proves racial profiling is alive and well

8:37 AM on 03/15/2010

OPINION – In an address to a joint session of Congress in 2001, then President Bush blasted racial profiling, "It’s wrong and we will end it in America." It hasn’t…

Talia Whyte

Journalist & Activist

Is the average single black woman really worth just $5?

9:02 AM on 03/12/2010

OPINION – If this disturbing new study doesn’t prove once and for all that America isn’t ‘post-racial’ I don’t know what does…

Christopher Chambers

Professor of Journalism at Georgetown University

Prison shouldn’t be a publicity stunt for Lil Wayne

8:22 AM on 03/12/2010

OPINION – If Lil Wayne regards his cell as an extension of his studio or his label’s offices, he will suffer…

Author and Finance Professor at Syracuse University

‘March Madness’ isn’t amateur, it’s big league exploitation

8:17 AM on 03/12/2010

OPINION – The amount of money made during March Madness exceeds that which is earned in the playoffs for the NFL, NBA or Major League Baseball…

Dr. Janet Taylor

Psychiatrist

Too many Tigers, not enough Trojans

7:05 AM on 03/12/2010

OPINION – What’s notable is reportedly not only did Woods not wear a condom, but his partner’s didn’t insist upon it…

Author and Finance Professor at Syracuse University

Why African-Americans are more optimistic despite fewer jobs

11:10 AM on 03/11/2010

OPINION – A new study shows that blacks are more economically optimistic than whites, with 36 percent stating that we expect our financial future to improve…

Dr. Janet Taylor

Psychiatrist

How black women can combat genital herpes crisis

10:42 AM on 03/11/2010

OPINION – According the Center for Disease Control nearly half of all African-American women are infected with the HSV-2 virus…

Marcus Vanderberg

Sports and social commentator

Torii Hunter is right about blacks in baseball

8:57 AM on 03/11/2010

OPINION – By associating Dominican players with blacks, it disguises the fact that MLB has a long way to go in competing with the NFL and NBA in urban communities…

Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University

Categories: black bloggers, black business, black celebrities, black celebrity gossip

Boyce Watkins: Crack Disparity Law Should Have Been Changed More Effectively

March 15, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

When I was a teenager, a police officer explained to me how the "War on Drugs" took place in his hometown. The officer candidly described how every policeman in the city knew what boats contained drugs and when those boats would arrive in the city’s major port. But he also knew that officers were not expected to show up on these boats to make arrests, and that they were not to deter the progress of the product when it hit the port. Instead, they were instructed to allow the drugs to get to the inner city, where they were given authorization to make as many arrests as necessary. In other words, his job was to arrest the small fish, not the big ones.

The misleading, ill-conceived and terribly racist set of drug policies which defined the Reagan era has been absolutely devastating for the African-American community. The existence of gang warfare in South Central Los Angeles has left hundreds of thousands of youth with post-traumatic stress disorder, as the CIA was oblivious to the fact that drugs and guns were being openly delivered to a community that no one cares about. The Anti Drug Abuse Act of 1986 was the product of America’s broad-stroke reaction to increased drug use of the 1980s. The law gave a sentence 100 times greater for possession of crack cocaine (more likely to be possessed by blacks) than the one given for powder cocaine (possessed in greater proportion by whites), creating a black incarceration rate of holocaust proportions.

After sitting on the books for decades, the law was finally modified this year. Democratic Senator Dick Durbin and Republican Jeff Sessions did black people the "favor" of agreeing to reduce the sentencing disparity from 100-to-1 to 18-to-1. So, instead of getting a prison sentence that is 100 times longer for the same crime, we only get one that is 18 times longer. Gee thanks. I’m supposed to be happy about that one, huh? So, we’re not good enough to demand true equality, and are instead forced to accept dysfunctional compromises with Republicans from Alabama? While some might call this political pragmatism, others might describe this outcome as the modern-day version of the Three-Fifths Compromise.

Categories: african american news, african american politics, black bloggers

Your Black News – 3/14/10

March 15, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

Lesbian sgt. discharged after police outed her to Air Force

By theGrio

8:04 AM on 03/14/2010

OMAHA, Nebraska (AP) – Jene Newsome played by the rules as an Air Force sergeant: She never told anyone in the military she was a lesbian…

> MORE
African-American named nation’s only female HS football coach

By theGrio

7:28 AM on 03/13/2010

VIDEO – A petite, unassuming young science teacher made history when she became what’s believed to be the only female high school head football coach in the country …

> MORE
Democrats look to resurrect ambitious college aid plan

By theGrio

6:49 PM on 03/12/2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – Congressional Democrats want a stalled overhaul of college aid programs to get strapped onto a fast-track health care bill …

> MORE
Yemen terror suspect worked at five US nuke sites

By theGrio

3:15 PM on 03/12/2010

HADDONFIELD, NJ (AP) – Before he was rounded up in a sweep of suspected al-Qaida terrorists in Yemen, Sharif Mobley was a laborer at five nuclear plant complexes…

> MORE
Abandoned 6-year-old escapes locked school bus

By theGrio

12:50 PM on 03/12/2010

VIDEO – First-grader Tevin Smith said he fell asleep during the ride home from Estabrook Elementary in Ypsilanti, Michigan and woke up to find the bus parked in a bus yard…

> MORE

Categories: african american bloggers, african american love, african american news, african american politics, black bloggers

Black News: Jay – Z Gets PushBack on His New Stadium

March 14, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

by Dr. Boyce Watkins

I curiously watched the press conference held last week to celebrate the New Jersey Nets (well, not quite New Jersey anymore) stadium set to be built in Brooklyn. A group of investors, led by Bruce Ratner, were joined by many prominent New York public figures to celebrate the ground-breaking of one of the highest impact economic endeavors in the history of Brooklyn. Jay-Z is part of the group of investors who bought the Nets, so of course he attended the ceremony.

The excitement of bringing a professional sports team to a city is overwhelming. Teams can bring out a sense of community spirit and unity which ultimately helps provide a little meaning in a complex world. Cities compete to bring teams to their town because the fans want them. Cities give teams extensive tax subsidies and even offer to use eminent domain to take property away from residents who are not willing to sell their homes in order to have the stadium built. Sounds terrible, doesn’t it? Well, sometimes it can be.

Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers

Ernie Els is Glad that Tiger Woods is Gone

March 13, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

MIAMI – There was a time in his career when Ernie Els seemed to be finishing second to Tiger Woods at every major.

Maybe that’s why the Big Easy seems to be peaking again. He could have a chance to get even.

"I think it’s a good opportunity for a lot of players to basically try and strike now," Els said Friday after a bogey-free round of 66 on the Blue Monster moved him into a one-shot lead in the CA Championship at Doral.

He didn’t say why. He didn’t have to. With Woods’ extended absence, there’s no telling what kind of game the world’s No. 1 player will bring to the majors and whether he might go another year without winning one.

The door is open and Els is feeling it.

"I feel that the golf courses we are playing this year in majors, I love them," Els said. "I’ve done well at Pebble (Beach – U.S. Open). I’ve done well at St. Andrews (British Open) and I did well at Whistling Straits (PGA). I feel if I have my game there, I could have a good chance."

Chance was on his side Friday.

Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers

Your Black Bloggers on Newsone.com – 3/11/10

March 12, 2010 Staff 1 comment

Rev. Al Sharpton

Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), Rev Sharpton is one of most-renowned civil rights leaders in the country. Pres Obama called him “the voice of the voiceless and a champion for the downtrodden."

Dr. Boyce Watkins

The Bottom Line

Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Professor at Syracuse University and author of the book, "Black American Money." For more information, please visit www.YourBlackWorld.com.

RK Byers

Rich’s Rant

Novelist, screenwriter and edtor RK Byers has spent a career speaking his mind on all topics from sports to news. His work has appeared in consumer publications including The Source and GIANT.

Elon James White

This Week In Blackness

"This Week in Blackness" is a satirical look at race, politics and pop-culture in a so-called “post-racial” America.

Warren Ballentine

Radio host Warren Ballentine, "The People’s Attorney," will provide you with all the legal and financial advice you need to keep up in today’s fast-paced world. Visit his website at www.thetruthfighters.com.

Categories: african american bloggers, african american news, african american politics, black bloggers

Report: African Americans More Optimistic About the Future than Whites

March 11, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

by Dr. Boyce Watkins

According to a recent survey by Experian, African-American consumption grew by over 50 percent from the year 2000 to 2008 ($590 billion to $913 billion), and it is expected to grow to over $1.2 trillion dollars by the year 2013. The study also shows that blacks are more economically optimistic than whites, with 36 percent of us stating that we expect our financial future to improve, as opposed to 31 percent for all adults.

The Experian study says a couple of things: First, it says that black people love to consume and that we are getting better at it. In fact, black people have historically been very good at buying things and working hard to get them, but we are not very good at production, investment and saving our money. We grab our tax refunds and run to the mall. We become highly paid corporate lawyers in order to purchase the house and car we really can’t afford. We are chubby kids in the economic candy store, accelerating our collective addiction to the monetary engines controlled by corporate greed.

Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers

Shaq’s Divorce Finalized and More

March 11, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

Shaq and His Wife Reach Divorce Settlement

TMZ is reporting that Shaquille O’neal and his estranged wife, Shaunie have reached a divorce … Read More
By Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD on Mar 11th 2010 4:21PM | Comments (0)

Jamie Jungers Wins Howard Stern’s Tiger Woods Beauty Pageant

One of Tiger Woods’ mistresses, Jamie Jungers, was the winner of a peculiar beauty contest the … Read More
By Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD on Mar 10th 2010 11:05PM | Comments (0)

Allen Iverson’s Life is Reportedly Falling Apart

Several sources in the NBA are stating that basketball star Allen Iverson is having serious … Read More
By Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD on Mar 9th 2010 12:57PM | Comments (11)

Tiger Woods Reportedly Preparing for a Comeback

It looks like Tiger Woods may be back on the golf course sooner than most of his critics expect. … Read More
By Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD on Mar 8th 2010 12:25PM | Comments (19)

Categories: african american news, african american politics, black bloggers, black business

Black News – 3/11/10

March 11, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

Foreclosure rates up by smallest amount in 4 years

By theGrio

10:40 AM on 03/11/2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – The foreclosure crisis in the U.S. isn’t over, but the pace of growth may finally be slowing down…

> MORE
Chicago woman maintains massive black history archive

By theGrio

4:46 PM on 03/10/2010

VIDEO – The carefully constructed, three-hour interviews open a window not only onto black America, but also onto the human condition…

> MORE
Wife of Rep. Conyers sentenced to 37 months in prison

By theGrio

4:15 PM on 03/10/2010

DETROIT (AP) – As guards cleared the packed courtroom, Monica Conyers yelled that she planned to appeal…

> MORE
Senate passes jobless aid, business tax breaks

By theGrio

3:54 PM on 03/10/2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate voted Wednesday to extend a host of soon-to-expire elements of last year’s economic stimulus measure…

> MORE
LA Angels’ Hunter calls black Latino players ‘imposters’

By theGrio

3:44 PM on 03/10/2010

PHOENIX (AP) – Torii Hunter has called black Latino baseball players "impostors" when it comes to the appearance of the number of African-Americans in the major leagues…

> MORE

Categories: african american bloggers, african american love, african american news, african american politics, black gossip

News: Kansas City To Close Half Its Schools

March 11, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Facing potential bankruptcy, the board that governs the once flush-with-cash Kansas City school district is taking the unusual and contentious step of shuttering almost half its schools.

Administrators say the closures are necessary to keep the district from plowing through what little is left of the $2 billion it received as part of a groundbreaking desegregation case. The Kansas City school board narrowly approved the plan to close 29 out of 61 schools Wednesday night at a meeting packed with angry parents. The schools will close at the end of the school year.

Although other districts nationwide are considering closures as the recession ravages their budgets, Kansas City’s plan is striking. In rapidly shrinking Detroit, 29 schools closed before classes began this fall, but that still left the district with 172 schools. Most other districts are closing just one or two schools.

Emotional board member Duane Kelly told the crowd of more than 200 people Wednesday night, "This is the most painful vote I have ever cast" in 10 years on the board. Some chanted for the removal of the superintendent, while one woman asked the crowd, "Is anyone else ready to homeschool their children?"

Roger Ross Williams Has Second Chance At Speech After Being ‘Kanye’d’ At The Oscars

Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers

Your Black News – 3/9/10

March 9, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

10-year-old becomes health care reform lobbyist

By theGrio

3:44 PM on 03/09/2010

VIDEO – Marcelas Owens has been campaigning for changes in the health care system since his mother died after she fell ill and lost her job and her insurance…

> MORE
Allen Iverson going through ‘tough times’

By theGrio

3:20 PM on 03/09/2010

PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Exiled Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson says he’s experiencing "tough times" a week after it was decided he would not return to the NBA team and his wife filed for divorce…

> MORE
McNabb, T.O. teaming up again – for TV show

By theGrio

1:54 PM on 03/09/2010

PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Donovan McNabb will be throwing passes to Terrell Owens again…

> MORE
Haiti’s president heads to Washington to talk aid

By theGrio

12:49 PM on 03/09/2010

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) – Haitian President Rene Preval is heading to the U.S. to discuss what is needed to rebuild his shattered country…

> MORE
Washington weddings begin for same-sex couples

By theGrio

11:50 AM on 03/09/2010

VIDEO – Tuesday, March 9th is the first day same-sex couples can pick up marriage licenses and tie the knot in the city…

> MORE
Obama nominates African-American to head the TSA

By theGrio

11:49 AM on 03/09/2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama said he wants a former senior Army official with a career in intelligence to lead the Transportation Security Administration…

> MORE
Secretary of Education pledges to promote equality in schools

By theGrio

9:48 AM on 03/09/2010

SELMA, Ala. (AP) – Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Monday the federal government will become more vigilant to make sure students have equal access and opportunity to everything…

> MORE
‘Fired up’ Obama pitches health care reform to public

By theGrio

4:32 PM on 03/08/2010

VIDEO – Stirring memories of his campaign for the White House, President Obama made a spirited, shirt-sleeved appeal for passage of long-stalled health care changes …

> MORE
New moms in Chicago get an extra helping of joy

By theGrio

4:05 PM on 03/08/2010

VIDEO – Nearly four thousand babies are born at Chicago’s Mt. Sinai Hospital each year. To each mother, any gift, even a simple baby gift, makes a difference…

> MORE
Hundreds massacred with machetes in Nigeria

By theGrio

3:58 PM on 03/08/2010

VIDEO- The killers showed no mercy: They didn’t spare women and children, or even a 4-day-old baby, from their machetes…

> MORE
Paterson seeks to show he’s still in charge

By theGrio

3:48 PM on 03/08/2010

NEW YORK (AP) – Gov. David Paterson is adamantly in the business of governing, taking questions from the public and trying to make clear his authority to negotiate a state budget…

> MORE

Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers, black gossip

The Latest in Black Voices – 3/9/10

March 9, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

Oscar-Winning Beauty: Get Mo’Nique’s Academy Awards Hairstyle

Oscars Red Carpet: Look for Less

Oscars Red Carpet: BV’s Best in Beauty Awards

Inner City School Gets 100% of Its Black Men Into College

Ed Gordon: Returning To BET News

Black Market Booty Injections Hospitalize Six Women

Tiger Woods Reportedly Preparing for a Comeback

Black Professor Becomes Major Media Entrepreneur

Parents Pimped Out 14-Year-Old Daughter to Used Car Salesman to Avoid Monthly Minivan Payments

Categories: african american bloggers, african american love, african american news, african american politics, barack obama

Black News: All Black Male Charter School Sends 100% of its Graduates to College

March 9, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

There is one public, all-male, all-African American high school in the city of Chicago. That school is called The Urban Prep Academy for Young men, located in Englewood. The school recently got the attention of Mayor Richard Daley and Chicago Public Schools Chief Ron Huberman when they were able to get all of their 107 seniors accepted into 72 different colleges across the country.
Huberman had this to say:

"All of you in the senior class have shown that what matters is perseverance, what matters is focus, what matters is having a dream and following that dream."

Click to read more

Categories: Uncategorized

Republican Tom Delay Says People Want to be Jobless

March 8, 2010 Staff 1 comment

If I were President Barack Obama, I would be break dancing in the Oval Office. Former Republican House Majority Leader Tom Delay applauded the actions of his Republican colleague Jim Bunning, who chose to block the extension of unemployment benefits for millions of Americans. In his comments, Delay effectively argued that Americans want to be unemployed, because having unemployment benefits gives them no incentive to go out and look for a job.
Yes, I was stunned to hear these words. But then again, perhaps Delay has decided to officially marginalize himself and say all the things he wanted to say when he actually had a position of relevance within the federal government. Instead, he has allowed us to peek in to the minds of his colleagues, who are probably thinking the same way. Here are Delay’s words based on his interview with Candy Crowley:

Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers

Black Scholars Debate Barack Obama

March 8, 2010 Staff 2 comments

A number of academics speaking over the weekend at Tufts during a two-day symposium “Barack Obama and American Democracy,” which gathered leading scholars to assess the implications of President Barack Obama’s presidency, expressed their belief that Obama has not sufficiently addressed race issues.

While Friday’s panels mainly discussed foreign policy, the conversation on Saturday turned to domestic issues.

University of Louisville Professor of Political Science Ricky Jones criticized the President for his unwillingness to speak out about race, which, he said, was characteristic of a general shift.

“Black leadership is becoming increasingly conservative and less willing to speak about specific racial issues than they have in the past,” Jones said.

Jones, who spoke at one of Saturday’s panels titled “Hope and Change?: Assessing Obama’s Domestic Policies,” focused on the implications of Obama’s presidency for racial minorities or those of low socioeconomic status.

Professor Boyce Watkins from Syracuse University expanded on what Jones said, noting that Obama avoids discussing political solutions to racial problems even when speaking to audiences with a black majority.

“He gives the same ‘pull yourself up by your own bootstraps’ that my pastor says to me,” Watkins said. “I need you to say what you’re going to do as president.”

Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers Tags: barack obama, black scholars, tufts university

Your Black News on TheGrio – 3/8/10

March 8, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

US troops withdrawing en masse from Haiti

By theGrio

9:02 PM on 03/07/2010

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — U.S. troops are withdrawing from the shattered capital, leaving many Haitians anxious that the most visible portion of international aid is ending…

> MORE
Former Birmingham mayor gets 15 years for bribery

By theGrio

4:23 PM on 03/07/2010

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) – Former Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford was sentenced Friday to 15 years in federal prison for taking clothes, Rolex watches, loan payments and cash worth more than $240,000…

> MORE
Are the Oscars finally colorblind?

By Adam Howard

8:52 AM on 03/07/2010

Do the nominations of Sidibe, Mo’Nique, Daniels and Freeman herald a real shift in the Academy Awards’ rocky reputation with the black community?

> MORE
Slideshow: 20 films that uplifted black America

By Courtney Young

3:10 PM on 03/06/2010

Whether or not African-Americans make history at the Oscars, we can look back proudly on these films and performances…

> MORE
‘Precious’ dominates Spirit Awards with five prizes

By theGrio

10:17 AM on 03/06/2010

LOS ANGELES (AP) – ‘Precious’ took the best picture prize as it dominated the Spirit Awards, winning four other honors that included trophies for stars Sidibe and Mo’Nique…

> MORE
Paterson refuses to resign, pledges to clear his name

By theGrio

4:36 PM on 03/05/2010

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) – New York Gov. David Paterson says he expects to clear his name soon in two scandals threatening his administration…

> MORE
White man posing as black doctor, makes house calls

By theGrio

1:38 PM on 03/05/2010

VIDEO – There is clearly no resemblance, but police in say that didn’t stop 54-year-old Patrick Lynch from telling patients for months that he was Doctor Andrew Nelson…

> MORE
Obama to meet with Haitian president at White House

By theGrio

12:07 PM on 03/05/2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – The White House says Obama and President Rene Preval will meet on Wednesday…

> MORE

Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers

Black News: Myron Rolle Told He’s Too Smart for the NFL

March 8, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

by Dr. Boyce Watkins

You would think that Myron Rolle, the NFL super-stud who also happens to be a Rhodes Scholar, would be the kind of man who makes us proud. You would expect that his status as being the man who represents the future of the black athlete in America would make the NFL happy to have him on the roster of one of their teams. Not only is Rolle brilliant, but he is also tough as nails and fast as lightning. The man has the whole package.
But at least according to some NFL coaches, Rolle may not be committed enough to be a part of their league.
"We’ll have to find out how committed he is," an NFC assistant coach said, repeating the sentiment of five other NFL officials who said the same thing.

Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers Tags: Black Athletes, myron rolle, rhodes scholar

Dr. Boyce Watkins: U. Missouri Cotton Ball Racism Raises Questions

March 6, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

by Dr Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University

One of my friends, Dr. Tommy Whittler, is a very talented and prominent Psychologist. Dr. Whittler once told me that when he was training rats in the lab, he would sometimes become frustrated with the fact that the rats would not do what he believed he’d trained them to do. His mentor would always correct him with a reminder that when the rats do things that deviate from his intended outcome, it was likely due to the fact that he may not have done his job properly. His mentor would say to him, “There is no such thing as a dumb rat. There are only dumb trainers.” Dr. Whittler went on to become an outstanding scholar because he learned how to properly critique his own behavior.

While human beings are certainly not lab rats, a similar analogy can be applied to college professors working with their students. Sometimes, college students do things that disappoint us: Some choose to drink till they puke every weekend and become lifelong alcoholics. They might commit violent acts against each other, sometimes as a result of excessive alcohol consumption. Some choose to engage in irresponsible sexual choices and end up with venereal diseases and unplanned pregnancies. Also, they sometimes say or do things that are terribly ignorant, racist and insensitive.

Dr. Boyce Watkins: The FAMU Sex Tape May be a Big Ol Lie

March 5, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

From NewsOne.com

TAGS: FAMU, HBCUs, sex scandals

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Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers, black news, black scholars

Dr. Boyce on Money: Checking Your Financial Security

March 5, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

by Dr Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University

I’d like to ask you a quick question that I ask my students here at Syracuse University. It is also a question I had to honestly ask myself when I thought I was on top of the world after spending 12 years going through college and graduate school to earn a PhD in Finance (which was unbelievably difficult). The question is this: Do you have financial security? If you don’t have financial security, do you at least have job security? If you believe your job is secure, then how many jobs do you have?
If you are like most Americans, you probably have just one job. I am not here to tell you that this is wrong. But, I am here to tell you that you might want to rethink what it means to be economically secure.
At worst, economic security is not provided by just having a high income. In fact, in some ways, having a high income can make you less secure, since you are more likely to have higher monthly expenses. To some extent, having a high income from just one job can fool you into believing that you are financially secure, when the truth is that you might be one paycheck away from economic disaster.

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Brought to you by The Great Black Speakers Bureau, the top black speakers bureau in the world and Your Black World where you can get black news and black social commentary from Dr. Boyce Watkins and other leading black scholars.

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Categories: african american bloggers, african american news

Black News from TheGrio – 3/4/10

March 5, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

In DC, blacks were crucial to gay marriage debate

By theGrio

6:14 PM on 03/04/2010

.WASHINGTON (AP) – Gay and lesbian couples will soon be able to marry in Washington, but the debate over same-sex marriage has sounded different here…

> MORE
Campbell’s driver regrets calling police on model

By theGrio

6:05 PM on 03/04/2010

NEW YORK (AP) – The driver who accused British supermodel Naomi Campbell of assaulting him said Thursday through his lawyer that he "got angry and overreacted"…

> MORE
Burglary suspect flees crime scene on child’s pink bike

By theGrio

4:18 PM on 03/04/2010

VIDEO – A 12-year-old girl is being credited with stopping a burglary suspect from coming into her Missouri City, Texas home…

> MORE
Oscar winner Gossett, Jr. addresses prostate cancer stigma before Congress

By theGrio

4:02 PM on 03/04/2010

VIDEO – As health care reform continues to dominate the agenda in Washington, a hearing today focused on prostate cancer…

> MORE
Paterson’s spokesman quits amid scandal

By theGrio

2:55 PM on 03/04/2010

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) – The top spokesman for New York Gov. David Paterson is resigning and says he can’t in good conscience continue to serve…

> MORE
Closing of Ebony Fashion Fair means end of an era

By theGrio

1:03 PM on 03/04/2010

ATLANTA (AP) – Long before the nation obsessed over the sleeves of its black first lady, Eunice Johnson was shining a spotlight on black beauty and style…

> MORE
Pet owner’s pitbulls mistakenly euthanized

By theGrio

12:25 PM on 03/04/2010

VIDEO – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control, in North Carolina, mistakenly euthanized a family’s dogs and is now conducting an internal investigation to figure out what went wrong…

> MORE

Categories: african american bloggers, african american love, african american news, african american politics, barack obama, black bloggers, black business, black celebrities, black celebrity couples

Black Social Commentary from TheGrio – 3/4/10

March 4, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

Gabe Pressman

Senior correspondent for WNBC-TV

The twilight of Harlem’s ‘Gang of Four’

9:49 AM on 03/04/2010

OPINION – ‘The Gang of Four’, consisted of David Dinkins, Charles Rangel, Basil Paterson and Percy Sutton. But that old gang is breaking up. Its power is largely gone…

> MORE
David A. Love

Writer and human rights advocate

Will Dems heed Obama’s eleventh hour call for health care reform?

9:10 AM on 03/04/2010

OPINION – Obama has come closer than any president to passing comprehensive health care reform, yet he has much more work to do…

> MORE
Earl Ofari Hutchinson

Journalist, author and broadcaster.

College officials flunk in face of repeated racist incidents

8:43 AM on 03/04/2010

OPINION – The propensity of some students to slander, slur, mock and insult black and Latino students mirrors the hate acts that occur virtually daily in society…

> MORE
Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III

Political Scientist & Radio Host

Obama’s health care reform efforts stymied by politics of prejudice

9:01 AM on 03/03/2010

OPINION – At the heart of this debate is partisan politics, inept leadership and racial prejudice…

> MORE
Shamara Riley

Editor of BookerRising.net

Homophobia in Africa raises serious questions about foreign aid

8:25 AM on 03/03/2010

OPINION – Uganda’s controversial anti-gay legislation illustrates tension between foreign donors’ expectations and African cultural values…

> MORE
Marc Morial

President and CEO of the National Urban League

National Urban League launches ‘I Am Empowered’ campaign with theGrio

8:24 AM on 03/02/2010

This week, the National Urban League celebrates its Centennial year with a call to action…

> MORE
Dr. Boyce Watkins

Author and Finance Professor at Syracuse University

Rhode Island teacher firing exposes sorry state of our schools

8:15 AM on 03/02/2010

OPINION – You don’t have to go to college to know that America’s educational system is as embarrassing as our bloated, expensive health care system…

> MORE
Earl Ofari Hutchinson

Journalist, author and broadcaster.

Why African-Americans have given President Obama a pass

8:12 AM on 03/02/2010

OPINION – Black leaders have at times lightly chided Obama to do and say more for African-Americans, but they’re also realists…

> MORE
Dr. Boyce Watkins

Author and Finance Professor at Syracuse University

Three reasons why Obama should take small steps to save jobs

8:39 AM on 03/01/2010

OPINION – By creating bills with manageable price tags, the president can deviate from the Congressional gridlock of 2009…

> MORE

Categories: Black Athletes, black beauty, black bloggers, black business, black celebrities

Your Black News: Tiger’s Caddy is Mad at Him

March 4, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

by Dr. Boyce Watkins

Tiger Woods’ caddie, Steve Williams, told "60 Minutes" that he knew nothing about Tiger’s extramarital affairs and was angry with him about the scandal. He also said that he was bitter about the reaction that the media had toward Tiger.
"It’s been the most difficult time of my life, no two ways about it, because every single person believed that I should know or did know or had something to do with it," Williams said. "I knew nothing, that’s my answer. I don’t have to clarify or extend that answer, I knew nothing."
Williams, who is from New Zealand, has been Tiger’s caddie for the past 11 years. He said that he would have said something to the public if he’d known about Tiger’s behavior.
"If the shoe was on someone else, I would say the same thing. It would be very difficult as a caddie not to know but I’m 100 percent telling you, I did not know, and that’s that," he said. "I’m a straight-up sort of person. If I had known something was going on, the whistle would have been blown."
While Williams expressed his disappointment with Tiger, he said that he didn’t feel that it was his job to berate him.

Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers

Black News: Was this Racist?

March 4, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

Three teachers at a South Los Angeles elementary school have been suspended for allegedly encouraging students to celebrate O.J. Simpson, Dennis Rodman and RuPaul during Black History Month, officials said Wednesday.

Children at Wadsworth Avenue Elementary School were carrying pictures of the men at a parade Friday on the school playground, said Los Angeles Unified School District spokeswoman Gayle Pollard-Terry.

Was Ciara Mistaken For A Stripper?

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Categories: african american bloggers, african american news, african american politics

Black Celebrity News – 3/4/10

March 4, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

NYC Courthouse Still Closed, Weezy Sentencing Delayed Again

Guru Issues Statement About Heart Attack

Regina King Excited & Frustrated About Return Of The Boondocks

Lil Wayne Performs At Jay-Z Concert For Last Night Of Freedom

St. Louis Rapper J-Kwon Is Missing

BP Member Spotlight: Paper Dolls Radio

Khia Says Trina Got That "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle"

Sources: Jackson Kids Tried Stunning Blanket

Allen Iverson Out For Rest Of Season

Arsonist Who Burned Gamble & Huff Studio Gets Bail Reduced

Jamie Foxx: "I Like â€˜Em Thick In The Waist & Cute In The Face"

Rihanna Is Being Sued By Her Personal Trainer

Mo’Nique’s Secret To A Happy Marriage? An Open One

Naomi Campbell Wanted For Allegedly Beating Up Her Driver

NAACP Image Award Trends: Blacks, Nudes + Plum Shadow

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Categories: african american bloggers, african american news, black bloggers

Did Famu students put out a group sex tape?

March 3, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

Famu students in a sex tape? Perhaps they should give their students more homework? Well, the sex tape is the rumor these days, but we don’t know if it’s true or not. Here’s the link.

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Categories: african american news, black bloggers

Dr Boyce Watkins: The NCAA is a Billion Dollar Sweatshop

March 3, 2010 Staff 1 comment

by Dr. Boyce Watkins

I was invited this week to speak to the Stanford University NAACP about whether or not college athletes should be paid. When I am asked whether I think college athletes should be compensated for their labor, I simply respond to the question with another question: “Why shouldn’t they get paid? Did they not earn the money? Is someone else earning money from their labor? Is the labor of the athlete essential to the revenue-generating process?” Answers to these questions help us to understand how insane it is that athletes earn billions of dollars for coaches, but aren’t entitled to any of that money for themselves. I’ve seen race horses get better deals than that.

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Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers

African American News: David Paterson Has Ethics Problems

March 3, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

The state Commission on Public Integrity charged Gov. David A. Paterson on Wednesday with violating state ethics laws when he secured free tickets to the opening game of the World Series from the Yankees last fall for himself and others. The announcement came as the governor, already mired in scandal, met with his cabinet and insisted he would stay in office.

In addition to violating the state’s ban on gifts to public officials, the commission found that Mr. Paterson falsely testified under oath that he had intended to pay for the tickets for his son and his son’s friend. The commission determined that Mr. Paterson had never intended to pay for the tickets and only did so after inquiries from the media, after which he submitted a backdated check as payment.

The commission had referred the case to the Albany County District Attorney, P. David Soares, as well as Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo, for further investigation. Mr. Cuomo is already investigating Mr. Paterson’s role in allegedly trying to suppress a domestic-violence case involving a close aide, David Johnson.

Mr. Johnson also attended the Yankees game in question and was involved in soliciting the tickets from Yankees officials. The tickets, with a face value of $425 each, seated them a few rows behind home plate.

********Join Your Black World for the latest in Black News and commentary from Dr. Boyce Watkins!

Categories: african american news, african american politics, black bloggers Tags: David Paterson

The Smartest Kids in Britain are Black

March 3, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

from AOL Black Voices

Paula and Peter Imafidon are just like any other nine-year-olds. They love laughing, playing on the computer, fighting with each other. What sets these twins apart from their peers, though, is that they are, hands down, prodigies, who are about to enter high school and make British history as the youngest to do so.

Categories: african american bloggers, Black Children

Black News: OJ Simpson’s Suit Rejected by the Smithsonian

March 3, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, AOL Black Voices

Remember the suit that OJ Simpson wore when he was acquitted of murder in 1995? I’m sure you do. The images of OJ breathing a sigh of relief after his acquittal were viewed all around the world. You probably remember exactly what you were doing at that precise moment, similar to the 911 attacks. Well, the Smithsonian Institute has announced that they do not want OJ’s suit, claiming that it is "inappropriate for their collection."

The announcement came after a 13-year legal fight over what to do with the suit. Since that time, it has been in the possession of Simpson’s former sports agent, Mike Gilbert. Fred Goldman, father of one of the men Simpson was accused of killing, has been fighting for the suit since the 1990s. Simpson told authorities that the suit was stolen from him.

The suit was also part of the reason that Simpson is in prison right now. OJ was arrested and convicted for an incident in which he robbed men in Las Vegas in order to reclaim memorabilia that he believed to be stolen. He’d been told that the suit was among the list of things being offered for sale.

The Smithsonian used these words on its website:

Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers Tags: O.J. Simpson

Dr. Boyce Watkins: Rhode Island School Firing: Was it Justified?

March 3, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University

You don’t have to go to college to know that America’s educational system is as embarrassing as our bloated, expensive health care system. Such wide-scale dysfunction inevitably undermines the integrity of America’s competitive future. The only thing more frightening than what we see today is the realization that the products of this system will eventually control the wealthiest, most powerful country on earth.

Some would argue that only radical change will improve the problems in our schools. Apparently, Frances Gallo, Superintendent of the Central Falls Rhode Island Public School System, got the memo. In a shocking move that has received national attention, Gallo instantly fired 93 teachers and other staff from Central Falls High school, a failing school with a 48 percent graduation rate.

The move was cheered by Education Secretary Arne Duncan, who said that school administrators are "showing courage and doing the right thing for kids." The decision also got the militant attention of teachers unions everywhere, who some believe to be standing in the way of education reform. As expected, many union leaders thought the move was outrageous, insensitive and hurtful to the student body.

Superintendent Gallo didn’t have to use the "nuclear option" on Central Falls High School. She actually had four options provided to her by the Obama administration. She could have closed the school down completely or had it taken over by a charter school. She also could have "transformed" the school, with longer days and other demands placed on faculty and staff. Instead, she went with the "turnaround" option, giving her the authority to boot teachers out at her discretion.

Categories: african american politics, black bloggers, black business

Boyce Watkins Addresses Stanford University NAACP

March 2, 2010 Staff Leave a comment

Dr. Boyce Watkins, faculty affiliate at The College Sport Research Institute, is going to speak to the Stanford NAACP on Wednesday, March 3. The topic of the conversation will be “Does the NCAA Represent an Opportunity or Exploitation?”

Dr. Watkins is one of the leading authorities on NCAA compensation. He has advocated for college athletes to be paid, and founded the group ALARM: The Athlete Liberation and Academic Reform Movement. He is also the founder of the Your Black World Coalition, with 60,000 members nation-wide.

Categories: african american bloggers, african american news, black bloggers

Black News: Regina King Talks Boondocks

March 2, 2010 Staff 1 comment

While promoting her upcoming comedy ‘Our Family Wedding,’ actress Regina Kingcouldn’t contain her excitement for the return of the hit Cartoon Network series ‘The Boondocks.’

She also talked about her frustration too.

After a more than two-year hiatus, post-production is underway for the third season of the beloved show, which should be airing in coming months.
Although the Cartoon Network has yet to send out an official announcement confirming a premiere date for the new season, ‘Bonndocks’ creator Aaron McGrudersaid via his social networking site that it should air March 28. The news coincides with his previous Twitter message on Christmas Day, in which he wrote, "Finally got an airdate for Season 3. Not sure if I’m allowed to put it out yet, so I’ll just say you got about three months."

King, who voices two of the show’s lead characters, brothers Huey and Riley Freeman, has been a little peeved about how the show’s producers are handling the long-awaited return.

"I am so happy that it is coming back," King told BV Newswire, but added, "I wish there was some Web site that people could send [a message] to Sony [Television Entertainment] … and say ‘What are you doing?’" she charged.

"’Boondocks could be so bigger than what it is," the former ’227′ actress furthered. "If I had the money to buy ‘The Boondocks’ off Sony, I would because all of you would be wearing ‘Boondocks’ T-shirts and there would be Huey and Riley dolls. I would capitalize off of that, and I would be a very rich woman."

King cited Sony’s lack of experience with animation as a reason for the show’s delay and its failure to capitalize on ‘Boondocks’ merchandise.

The 38-year-old ‘Ray’ actress says her work on the show, based on McGruder’s popular comic strip of the same name, is her most popular to date.

"Actually more than any other project that I have done, that’s the one that I get asked about the most," King revealed. "For a show to take two and half year hiatuses and people still want it to come back, that’s big," she said.