Glenda Westerfield: So, CNN Thinks that the Face of Welfare is Black?

by Glenda Westerfield, JD

Sec. Gates Unlikely To Authorize Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

Elliot Millner

In a move that is not likely to sit well with an important group of potential voters for President Obama, it has been reported that retiring Defense Secretary Robert Gates is unlikely to authorize the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” prior to leaving office.

TSA To Implement Less Intrusive Pat Down Policy for Children, Elderly

Elliot Millner

After receiving outraged responses for conducting pat downs of small children, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that it will change the policy it uses for screening young children, and in some cases the elderly.

Texas Executes Possibly Mentally-Disabled Black Man

Elliot Millner

Milton Mathis, A Black man in Texas convicted of the murder of two people and of critically injuring another, was recently put to death, despite strong indications that he was mentally disabled. 

Possible “Blunder” In Healthcare Bill May Allow Millions of Middle-Class Access To Medicaid

Elliot Millner

In news that may send many Tea Partiers into cardiac arrest, It was recently discovered that a portion of the recently passed healthcare reform bill would allow millions of middle-class Americans to receive Medicaid by mistake.

More Drama in Detroit: Two Resign From Mayor’s Staff, Allegations of “Chaos”

Elliot Millner

It would probably be bigger news if a week went by without some type of drama coming out of Detroit, Michigan. Two members of Detroit Mayor Dave Bing’s staff recently resigned. The resignations come just days after a lawsuit was filed by a former mayoral staffer alleging wrongful termination.

Van Jones Challenges Glenn Bleck To Debate

Elliot Millner

Van Jones, President Obama’s former “green jobs” czar, has recently produced a television ad sponsored by MoveOn.org in which he challenges soon-to-be leaving Fox News host Glenn Beck to a debate concerning Beck’s attacks on “millions of hardworking Americans who just wanna(sic) give their kids a better life”.

College Board Study Shows Blacks, Other Minorities, Still Lagging Academically

Elliot Millner

A recent study by the College Board sheds more light on the massive divide in education achievement between minority males and minority women and white men.

Years Later, North Carolina Struggles With History of Forced Sterilization

Elliot Millner

Approximately 35 years after the fact, the state of North Carolina is coming to grips with its dark history of forced sterilization. Although many states in the U.S. had varying forms of eugenics programs during the early 1900′s, most of those programs were abandoned post-World War II, because of the negative associations with Nazi Germany’s efforts at racial purity. However, unlike most states, North Carolina not only continued its program of forced sterilization, it expanded its program until the early 1960′s.

College Costs Continue To Skyrocket, While Salaries Remain Stagnant: Time To Consider Other Options

Elliot Millner

The standard perception of a college degree as the key to success continues to take a hit. In a recent study, it was shown that while the median income in the U.S. has continued to remain around $33,000 for approximately the past decade, average college tuition and fees have more than doubled in the same time period.

Dems Demand GOP Condemn “Most Racist, Sexist Ad Ever”

Your Black World Staff

It’s election season, so you know what that means: More racist (and in this case, sexist) ads from the Republican Party!

GOP Budget Plan: Cut Programs for Low-Income Women and Children

Elliot Millner

In news that should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the standard positions of Republican lawmakers, the GOP-controlled House plans to propose large cuts to programs aimed at assisting low-income women and children. This while the House Appropriations Committee plans to pass a measure that will increase the Pentagon’s operating budget (while slightly cutting costs for overseas military operations).

Republicans Decide to Attack Obama at Debate, Save Each Other for Later

Elliot Millner

In the first of what will be many debates, the seven Republican candidates present generally avoided taking swipes at each other (and particularly supposed front-runner Mitt Romney), and focused the majority of their energy attacking the polices of President Obama.

Gucci Lawsuit: Boss Made Jokes About Blacks Being 3/5 of Human Beings

Elliot Millner

Details relating to the lawsuit filed by a former Gucci attorney alleging racial discrimination continue to emerge. Although the suit initially garnered attention because the company allegedly attempted to swindle more money out of singer Rihanna, now even more disturbing allegations have been revealed.

The Reality of Uncle Tom’s Cabin: Why Reading Is Fundamental

Elliot Millner

In this recent Op-Ed piece, the author provides an excellent account of how Uncle Tom’s Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe, went from being considered by proponents of slavery as one of the most dangerous books written, to having one of its main characters, Uncle Tom, become synonymous with cowardly, traitorous behavior.

Prince George’s County, Maryland: “Most Affluent Black County” Suffering Massive Foreclosures, Other Problems

Elliot Millner

According to a recent story, Prince George’s County, Maryland, long considered the most affluent Black county in the U.S., is now suffering a foreclosure crisis that is by far the worst in the state of Maryland. Foreclosure sales in the county have jumped from 34 percent in 2009 to 51 percent so far this year. The rise in foreclosures is having a negative impact on other areas of life in the county as well.

FBI Giving Agents More Powers: Should We Be Concerned?

Elliot Millner

According to a recent report, updates to a FBI manual (Domestic Investigations and Operations Guide) will provide the FBI’s approximately 14,000 agents with even more authority in searching and keeping surveillance on American citizens. These new powers will include searching organizational databases, expanded usage of lie detector tests, and extra leeway in going through household trash.

Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Jr.: One Of The First “Thrown Under The Bus” Continues To Speak Out

Elliot Millner

In a sermon given recently at Shorter Community A.M.E Church in Denver, Colorado, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Jr. touched on several issues, particularly those relating to Black men and the various “mess ups” we can find ourselves involved in.

Here We Go Again: Cleveland Police “Find” Missing Jail Video That Provides Proof of Them Lying

Elliot Millner

In a shocking and never before seen turn of events, the Cleveland Police Department recently “discovered” a missing video of a Black man being abused while being arrested. Prior to Jalil Anderson’s trial, the prosecutors’ office subpoenaed the police department for the video; however, they were told at that time that the video no longer existed.

Rep. Elijah Cummings Nephew Murdered at His Off-Campus Apartment

Your Black World Staff

The nephew of long time Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-MD) was murdered at his off-campus apartment recently. Christopher Cummings, 20, a student at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, was a Criminal Justice major with a 3.5 GPA. His roommate, Jake Carey, was also critically wounded in the shooting.

(White) Americans Are Popping Rx Drugs Like Skittles: Where’s The War On Them?

Elliot Millner

A recently story details the unneeded and illegal prescribing of prescription drugs, particularly various painkillers, to a certain demographic of Americans. Let’s be real here, the vast majority of the pain pill poppers are white. And, despite the fact that the White House recently stated that the rate of deaths from accidental prescription drug overdoses now exceeds the overdose rates from the crack cocaine epidemic of the 80′s and the black tar heroin craze of the 70′s combined, the response seems to be very different.

Supreme Court: Fleeing the Police Is A Violent Felony

Elliot Millner, J.D.

The Supreme Court ruled late Thursday that fleeing from the police in an automobile constitutes a violent felony. In a 6-3 decision, the majority opinion, drafted by Justice Anthony Kennedy, stated that “the risk of violence is inherent to vehicle flight”. Dissenting to the ruling were Justices Scalia, Kagan, and Ginsburg.

U.S. Border Patrol Agents Bribed with Money, Sex By Drug Cartels

Elliot Millner

In another proud moment in the failed travesty known as the “war on drugs”, it has been “revealed” that Mexican drug cartels are bribing U.S. Border Patrol Agents with “cash and sexual favors” in exchange for the agents allowing unauthorized immigrants to cross the border, leaking sensitive information, and even acting as escorts and protectors for the drug traffickers. This disclosure was made by the acting Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security while testifying before a Senate Subcommittee.

Unemployment Benefits Disappearing, No Jobs On the Horizon: What Exactly Are People To Do?

Elliot Millner

The news just keeps getting worse for those who are unemployed or underemployed. According to a recent report, despite the fact that the jobless rate in the U.S. continues to rise, many of those newly unemployed people will likely be limited to 26 weeks of state unemployment benefits, at best. This is because the deadline to file for extended federal unemployment benefits expires in December 2011, meaning that if a person hasn’t filed for benefits by approximately July 1, federal benefits won’t be an option.

Add this news to the recent report that the numbers of those chronically unemployed(unemployed from six months to a year or longer) is on the rise and it begs the question: What exactly are these people supposed to do? With Republicans in control of the House of Representatives, and looking to cut spending, the likelihood of any unemployment benefits extensions are slim to none.

Herman Cain Won’t Sign Any Bill Longer Than Three Pages (???)

Elliot Millner, J.D.

You have to give it to Republican Presidential candidate Herman Cain; he knows how to keep his name in the news. At a recent speech in Iowa, Cain criticized the lengths of bills that are passed by Congress, particularly the 2,700 healthcare bill. He stated that these bills were too long for average people who had other responsibilities to read. Cain stated, “That’s why I’m only going to allow small bills..three pages. You’ll have time to read that one over the dinner table.”

I’ll give Mr. Cain the benefit of the doubt and assume that some of this was just campaign talk, and that he didn’t actually mean three page bills. Maybe I’m assuming too much, but I’d like to think that Mr. Cain knows that it is not possible to include all of the information necessary for a bill(any bill) governing the entire country to fit into three pages.

It Had to Be Alabama: Proposed Bill Would Ban Abortions In State

 Elliot Millner, J.D.

A bill presently before the Alabama legislature would ban all abortions in the state. The bill (Senate Bill 301) defines a human life from the point of fertilization and implantation, thus making it a crime to have an abortion at any point, for any reason.

It should come as no surprise that something as backwards as this is coming out of the state of Alabama. No offense to all my friends who live or are from there, but let’s be real. Abortion is definitely a controversial issue, and there are reasonable people who disagree on both sides. But there are also completely insane, irrational people who think that it has to be their way or no way, and most of those people seemed to be grouped together on the anti-abortion side.

What is sad is that the most lunatic fringe of anti-abortion supporters almost always use religion and the Bible as their crutch. They care so much about life, that they are going to force a woman to have a child, no matter the circumstances surrounding the impregnation. Incest? Gotta have it. Rape? Gotta have it. Why should the woman have any say in the matter? And why should these same people care what happens to the child once they are born? That’s not their problem, and would require too much, you know, thinking. And the irony is that if the child happens to go down a particularly bad path and end up on death row, many of these same people would be the first ones ready to perform the lethal injection.

More Police Behaving Badly: Police Attempt to Destroy Video Taken By Innocent Bystander

 Elliot Millner, J.D.

Two witnesses to a fatal shooting on South Beach in Miami involving police allege that the police officers involved attempted to intimidate them, and when that didn’t work, threw them to the ground and destroyed their camera. What the officers failed to realize is that one of the witnesses had already removed the sim card from the camera and hid it in his mouth. The video can now be seen on YouTube.

Most states have laws concerning interfering with a police officer’s ability to perform his/her job, usually stating you have to keep a certain distance away from them or something to that effect. Some states also have laws against secretly recording police during an interaction. However, in most places, it is perfectly legal to openly record(from a safe distance) the actions of police officers. But, this doesn’t stop many police officers from doing things such as what happened to these two witnesses.

Republican Presidential Hopeful Calls Obama “Champion Practioner of Class Warfare”

Elliot Millner, J.D.

In a recent speech given at the University of Chicago, Republican Presidential hopeful Tim Pawlenty took several shots at President Obama, including calling him a “champion practitioner of class warfare”. He also went on to say that the President needed to enter “economic rehab” and proposed a “google test”, meaning that if people can go on google and find a good or service, then the “federal government probably doesn’t need to be doing it”.

Given that a lot of people are probably saying “Who is Tim Pawlenty?”, that tells you a lot about his remarks during this speech. Tim Pawlenty is the Governor of Minnesota, and a Republican presidential candidate. Despite being in the public eye for several years, Pawlenty has been having trouble making a name for himself among Republican voters in his quest for the nomination in 2012. It seems that no matter what he does, people just don’t think of him as one of the frontrunners for the Republican nomination. Maybe it’s because Pawlenty (at least up until now), hasn’t shown the requisite amount of craziness and factual distortion to appeal to the extreme right of the Republican Party. Based on this speech, it seems that he is looking to fix that problem.

Former Presidential Candidate John Edwards Indicted: A Long, Ugly Fall

    Elliot Millner, J.D.

Two-time former presidential candidate John Edwards has been indicted on six federal charges of conspiracy, illegal campaign contributions(4 counts), and making false statements. The charges relate to his affair with former campaign videographer Reille Hunter and the child that was produced from that affair. Edwards allegedly used payments from various sources to conspire to keep the child he had with Hunter a secret during his second run for president, including relocating Hunter and the child during the 2008 election in order to avoid detection by the media.

Although nothing should be surprising when it comes to politics and politicians, this situation is particularly disturbing and despicable. Of course we know that legally-speaking a person is innocent until proven guilty, but the majority of the dirtiest parts of this case are public record and have been (reluctantly) admitted to by Edwards himself. He admitted that he had an affair with Hunter, and that he got her pregnant. He also eventually admitted to publicly denying he was the father for an extended period of time, to protect his image and aspirations. He also allegedly had former campaign staffer Andrew Young claim to be the father of the child, to deflect suspicion from himself. Oh, and all of this was taking place while his wife Elizabeth Edwards was battling cancer, a battle she unfortunately lost last year.

Aside from the ugliness relating to the affair and child, the other aspect of this that is unfortunate is that from a political perspective, John Edwards likely would have been a powerful force within the Democratic Party, whether as president or in some other capacity. He was easily the more natural Progressive than current President Obama, who was always more of a moderate (despite what the Tea Partiers and Fox News would like you to believe). Edwards focused on issues relating to poverty and criminal justice far more than any of the other well-known Democratic candidates during both of his runs for president.

Now, regardless of what comes of the impending trial, his political career is over. Although he would have lost a lot even if he had been truthful about the affair and child from the beginning, he would not likely be facing serious felony charges, and the damage to his image and reputation may have been repairable. In politics people tend to have short-term memories bordering on amnesia. There are plenty of current well-known politicians who have had affairs, children out-of-wedlock, solicited prostitutes,etc. Edwards hurt himself most by attempting to cover-up the truth, which we have learned can be viewed worse than the actual wrongdoing. Hopefully he has learned some lesson from all of this, and(regardless of the trial outcome) will move on in a more honest, productive manner.

 

Two Parties Serving the Same Master..What Are Black People To Do?

Elliot Millner, J.D.

In this recent magazine article, the author provides a fairly detailed timeline of how and when they feel that the Democratic party (still considered by most of the general public to be the “party of the people”, and more interested in working for the interests of the poor and middle-class) lost its way and became more similar to the Republican Party in its subservience to the super-wealthy and corporations.

Although I won’t go as far as some and say that there are no differences in the two major parties, especially on social issues, increasingly the economic policies put forth by the Democratic Party largely serve the interests of the business community and wealthiest 1% of the population. Democrats increasingly do just enough to make sure that they are able to get enough votes to maintain their seats. Take for example the extremely watered-down health care reform bill. Despite all the raucous debate surrounding it, the final product is a shadow of what could have been given the fact that Democrats held the presidency and both houses of Congress. Is it better than nothing? Yes, but that should not be the standard when you are in control, and when you claim to represent the interests of everyday working people.

The question that goes unanswered is this: What are the alternatives? If, as the author suggest, the Democratic party had no choice but to run to the super wealthy and corporations for support given its loss of a base with labor unions, what new or other base can come along to change that? There is mention of the fact that Black people have consistently been the most loyal voting block to the Democratic party, however is this continued loyalty the best plan of action given the ever decreasing returns on that loyalty?

Politically-speaking, there is much more value in being a free agent than in being a known loyalist to one party. I’m not promoting a mad rush to the Republican party, however at least having the bluff of large numbers of Black voters NOT blindly voting Democrat may be the only option we have left. Third party options should also be considered. Many immediately shoot down the idea of supporting third-party or independent candidates because they view them as wasted votes incapable of winning. However, is supporting a longshot worse than supporting a party that shows less and less interest in the needs of its most loyal constituents? Politics is not like everyday life. Loyalty is great with friends and family. Politically-speaking however, blind loyalty is foolishness. It is nearly impossible to advocate for things you desire when those you are negotiating with know that no matter what, you’re voting democrat. This is especially true now, given how outraged many Black people get at even the slightest criticism of President Obama.

Does President Obama receive a lot of unwarranted, often racially-motivated criticism? Absolutely. However, it doesn’t follow logically that Black people shouldn’t demand that he address issues that are specifically relevant to us. On some issues, the argument that “he’s everybody’s president, what he does for everyone helps us” may work, but on others it doesn’t. Mass incarceration of Black males and the causes and effects of it is of particular interest to us; so is the disparity in the unemployment rates for Black people, males in particular. So are the cuts in the funding of many programs that particularly serve and help mostly impoverished communities of color. It is mind-boggling how defensive some people get about President Obama, while showing no concern for those in most need. President Obama is already a millionaire; whenever he leaves the White House, he’ll probably write books, give speeches, and make millions more. He’s going to be ok. He’ll still have his Secret Service detail.

It is one thing to support, another to follow and/or worship. Here is your measuring stick: If you can articulate things that President Obama has done in his presidency that you agree and disagree with, then you are probably a supporter. If you can’t think of a thing that Obama has done wrong since he’s been in office, then you need to get up off of your knees. Obama has an entire staff to defend his interests; we need to work on preserving our interests while there is still something left to preserve.

Global Council on Drug Policy Says What Black People Have Known For Years: “War on Drugs” Is a Failure

 Elliot Millner, J.D.

In a recently released report, the Global Council on Drug Policy (which includes former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, as well as former presidents of Mexico, Brazil, and Columbia) state that the decades long so-called “War on Drugs” has been a complete failure, resulting in almost no progress in decreasing the global demand for illegal drugs, while at the same time helping to destroy entire communities, in the United States and around the globe.

In addition the Council concluded that “arresting and incarcerating tens of millions of these people in recent decades has filled prisons and destroyed lives and families without reducing the availability of illicit drugs or the power of criminal organizations.” The report also references how drug cartels around the globe are thriving off of the profits made supplying illegal drugs to the world’s number one consumer..the United States.

Although the idea may be controversial to some, legalizing various drugs in some fashion should at least be given consideration. Continuing the failed drug policy of the past several decades is not an option. The devastation inflicted on poor Black communities by drugs is unspeakable, and the damage done in the supposed effort to remove the drugs from those communities has been worse. It would be naive to think that simply legalizing drugs will solve all of the problems of impoverished communities; however, alternatives to repressive policing and excessive sentencing must be enacted. The years of blatantly racially and socioeconomically biased drug policy must end.  If a white person in the suburbs receives treatment and support for their drug problem, then so should a Black person from a poor inner-city neighborhood.

Although changes in U.S. drug policy are desperately needed, we must remember this is only one part of a larger picture. The “War on Drugs” was just the most recent excuse used to target communities of color and people of color for excessive arrest and imprisonment (because we definitely aren’t the main drug users, or the main suppliers). Injustice in the criminal justice system as a whole has existed long before the drug war, and won’t simply disappear, even if every drug is legalized.

 

Open Letter to President Obama: Let’s Deal with Black Unemployment Right Now

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

Dear Mr. President,

I write this letter with all due respect to yourself, as well as the office of the presidency. Your historic rise up the political ladder has been nothing short of inspirational, and your extraordinary vision has positioned you as one of the most celebrated leaders in the history of the United States. As a fellow scholar and African American male, I applaud your achievements. I am especially excited about how you, Michelle, and your beautiful daughters present such a magnificent image of the African American family.
While the black community remains inspired by your achievements and overwhelmingly sympathetic to your challenges from conservatives, there are concerns that the economic plight of black Americans has not been a priority for the Obama Administration. To be sure, opinions on this matter are far from unanimous. But the numbers tell a story that needs to be heard.

 

Click to read.

State AG Wants to Take Fisk University’s $74M Art Collection

• 

• Valuable Fisk University Art May be Repossessed by the State

  1:24 PMSep 13

  Source: BV Black Spin

  This week, Tennessee state Attorney General Bob Cooper asked a judge to allow the state of Tennessee to take possession of a 101-piece art collection owned by Fisk University. The collection was donated to the university by the late Georgia O’Keefe … Read More

• John Boyd, President of the National Black Farmers Association: Black Farmers Deserve Justice Now

  1:15 PMSep 13

  Source: BV Black Spin

  When John Boyd steps before a crowd and talks about the indignities and discrimination that black farmers have had to endure from the federal government, he’s not just speaking from a script. Boyd, who raises beef cattle, corn, wheat and soybeans in … Read More

• Nicki Minaj Has Lady Gaga Swag, Laurie Ann Gibson Says

  12:32 PMSep 13

  Source: BV Black Spin

  Could Nicki Minaj be the next Lady Gaga? Laurie Ann Gibson certainly thinks so. Choreographer extraordinaire Gibson worked with Gaga to create the dance chemistry in Gaga’s MTV Video Music Award-winning "Bad Romance" video and also put together … Read More

• 10 Ways the NFL Can Punish Reggie Bush Properly

  12:00 PMSep 13

  Source: theBVX.com

  New Orleans Saint Reggie Bush may be stripped of his Heisman Trophy soon for NCAA violations during the 2004 and 2005 seasons while attending University of Southern California. But, is that all? We can think of ten more ways the NFL can punish Bush … Read More

• Dr. Boyce Video: Meet Bruce George, Creator of Def Poetry Jam

  11:48 AMSep 13

  Source: BV on Money

  PRODUCTION PLAYER! DO NOT DELETE. … Read More

• Daily SMH: Jennifer Hudson’s Brother-In-Law Exploits Tragedy

  11:00 AMSep 13

  Source: theBVX.com

  Some people will say anything to get their rap career off the ground. Jennifer Hudson’s brother-in-law and the father of her slain nephew is no exception to the rule. … Read More

• MTV Video Music Awards Red Carpet Rundown

  9:00 AMSep 13

  Source: BV on Style

  The 2010 MTV Video Music Awards — one of the most anticipated awards show of the year — has come and gone. However, many of the outfits from last nights show are still fresh in our minds. Fun, short and flirty dresses, high platform heels, and … Read More

• Black Man’s HIV Status Leads to Breakthrough in Research

  2:21 AMSep 13

  Source: BV Black Spin

  According to scientists, HIV research is undergoing a "renaissance." Recent developments can lead to a plethora of new drugs to fight a disease that has crippled the black community. The most interesting part of it all is that much of the progress … Read More

Prof. Ronald Walters Dies at 72 Years Old

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University 

I woke up today to find that the sun would shine a little bit less brightly than it did the day before. The first email I read was one telling me that Ronald Walters, a noted black Political Scientist at The University of Maryland, had died. He was 72 years old.

Dr. Walters was the director of the African American Leadership Institute. He was also the Campaign Manager for the presidential run of Rev. Jesse Jackson in 1984. I knew Ron as a mentor and friend. He was also on the faculty here at Syracuse University at one point in his career, long before my own. He was one of the most respectable and accomplished black scholars I’ve ever met, and he was appreciated by nearly everyone. His advice on leadership, activism and black empowerment was second to none.

I reached out to a few friends to get their takes on Professor Walters and many of them were very happy to reply. They were saddened to see the end of Ron’s life and career, but most of them understood the urgency of continuing his meaningful work. I haven’t been able to catch up with Rev. Jesse Jackson yet, but I’ll be on his show Sunday morning. Ron and I have been on Rev. Jackson’s show together in the past, and few people were impacted more by Dr. Walters than Rev. Jackson himself.

 

Click to read.

Dr. Boyce: Why Regina King Is Right About Hollywood Racism

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

I recently read an open letter written by Regina King, the famous actress who seems to be in every major black film and TV show I can think of. Ms. King is a black female version of Harrison Ford, the kind of actress who has been in more movies than we can name, yet unappreciated for the magnitude of her gifts to the industry.
Regina King’s recent challenge to those who hand out little meaningless trophies called Emmy Awards was a very telling reminder that racism knows no boundaries. The Hollywood streets and screens that have been traditionally denied to us as a people continue to be granted to others who have exclusive racial access. Just like during the days of slavery, we do much of the work, but get very little credit.

 

Click to read.

Was Eddie Johnson Really Breaking the Law?

Dr. Boyce Watkins

Author and Finance Professor at Syracuse University

Eddie Johnson’s actions are par for course in today’s politics

7:58 AM on 08/31/2010

OPINION – But there is a deeper, more relevant question to be asked about the allegations against Eddie Johnson: Even if she broke the rules, is she clearly less ethical than other…

> MORE

Sharpton, Beck Holding Rallies on the Same Day

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University 

Glenn Beck and Al Sharpton Hold Rallies on the Same Day?

• I was all set to go to Washington DC this weekend to participate in the rally to commemorate the … Read More
• By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 28th 2010 10:06PM | Comments (0)

Computers Now Predict Who Will Commit Crimes

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Scholarship in Action 

It is being reported that law enforcement officials in Washington DC plan to use a new computer program that claims to be able to predict which citizens are most likely to commit crime. The concept conjures up images of the Tom Cruise film, "Minority Report," in which agents were able to predict "pre-crime": Crime that hasn’t happened yet, and is set to occur. But far from science fiction, this program is based on reality.
The program was developed by Richard Berk, a professor at The University of Pennsylvania. The first version of the program was used to predict future murders among parolees, but it is being argued that the software can be used for all kinds of crime.
"When a person goes on probation or parole they are supervised by an officer. The question that officer has to answer is ‘what level of supervision do you provide?’" Berk told ABC News.
The program could have real implications, including determining the amount of a person’s bail or how long they are to remain in a halfway house upon their release from prison. The program works by using a large database of crimes and other factors, including geographic location, age, prior offenses and the criminal record of the person being considered.

Click to read.

Black Athletes Under Siege by the NCAA

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University Scholarship in Action 

Mark Emmert, the new president of the NCAA, plans to endorse a system for collegiate athletics that disallows players to play one year and head to the NBA. Instead, Emmert wants a system in which the age limit is removed (which is what kept players like Carmelo Anthony from going pro right out of high school) with players being forced to decide whether they wish to declare for the NBA draft or go to college. If they choose to go to college, they are not allowed to play in the NBA for either three years or when they turn 21, whichever comes first. In the face of the new rule, players are pushed to make the decision sooner, and are locked into that decision for at least three years.
Bethlehem Schoals and Tom Ziller of Fanhouse.com write on the racial dimension of this issue in the following way:

 

Click to read

Dr. Boyce Watkins – Wyclef Can’t Be President: Is that Good or Bad for Haiti?

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University Scholarship in Action 

 

I just returned from Haiti, a country that continues to be devastated by the recent earthquakes that rumbled the soil in it’s capital, Port-au-Prince. Haitians lived under an umbrella of tragedy long before the earthquakes took place, and the suffering has only intensified since the media has left its shores. One thing that most of us believe, including myself, is that Wyclef Jean loves Haiti. His candidacy for president of Haiti was met with open arms by some, and folded arms by a few others. The evidence of disdain was presented to me personally when Wyclef had to cancel an appearance on my show due to the number of death threats he’d been receiving.
The mixed response to Jean’s announcement reflects the multitude of perceptions that various stakeholders have when it comes to the idea of Wyclef becoming president. I have spoken privately to friends in hip hop who’ve assured me that Wyclef has an infinite supply of love for his home country and wants to do what’s right. But I’ve also met with friends who feel that Wyclef is a beacon of self-promotion who cares far less for Haiti than for his own bank account.

 

Click to read.

Black News: Wyclef Not Eligible to Run for President of Haiti

Hip-hop artist Wyclef Jean said Friday that he accepts Haiti elections officials’ ruling that he is not eligible to run for president. "I respectfully accept the committee’s final decision, and I urge my supporters to do the same," Jean said in a statement. FULL STORY

Prison Rape, Eric Holder and Why We are Not Paying Attention

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Black Scholarship in Action  – Syracuse University 

Community advocates recently accused Attorney General Eric Holder of "dragging his feet" on the issue of prison rape. The AG has been asked to set national standards to keep inmates from being subject to sexual abuse during their time in prison.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, roughly 4.5 percent of all prison inmates report being victims of sexual assault during their time in prison. It is also reported to happen to roughly one out of every eight juveniles who are incarcerated.
Pat Nolan, Vice President of Prison Fellowship, argues that setting standards would be a good way to reduce the problem of prison rape. He mentions that increasing the lighting in the prisons, screening staffers and having independent supervision of facilities can make a tremendous difference.

Click to read.

Black Comedian George Wilborn from Michael Baisden Show Was Refused a Home Because He is Black

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Black Scholars United

 

Serious charges of racial discrimination have been laid out against a Chicago couple for refusing to sell their home to a black comedian and his family. Apparently, the family’s real estate agent informed government officials that the couple chose not to sell their home to the comedian because he is black.
George Wilborn is not only the victim of the couple’s discrimination, he is also a co-host of The Michael Baisden Show. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced on August 10 that they will charge Daniel and Adrienne Sabbia, as well as their real estate agent Jeffrey Lowe with violation of fair housing laws.
According to HUD, the family and their agent stalled negotiations with Wilborn and even took the home off the market in order to avoid selling it to him. Wilborn and his wife Peytyn offered $1.7 million for the house, which was the highest offer the couple had received in two years. Lowe, the real estate agent, admitted that the couple did not want to sell the home to the Wilborn family because they are black.

Click to Read

The Latest from the Atlanta Post – 8/11/10

Black Economics

How To Permanently Cut High Black Unemployment

DR. BOYCE WATKINS

Black folks are being naïve to expect that we might have the same unemployment rate as whites in this economy, in this nation, as it exists today. This is what we need to do right now.

Politics

The Curious Case of the Black Tea Party Leaders

ANTHONY JERROD

I could never fathom an African-American that would support or aspire to be a leader in the Ku Klux Klan. What an extreme thought! But, it appears that there may be a few African-Americans who are walking toward this road…

Politics & Society

Why Is Pro-Black Being Attacked? The Unintended Consequence of Political Correctness

YVETTE CARNELL

We’ve been forced into a corner where we’re no longer allowed to be pro-black because according to the short-sighted notions of political correctness, to be pro-black is to be anti-white.

Wall Street Strategies

A Captivating Future?

CHARLES PAYNE

I still marvel at the thought our economy is going to be pulled out of the doldrums and catapulted into the next decade via solar and wind power.

Your Black News – 8/5/10

• 
  

  Mi. serial stabber may be targeting black men

  By theGrio

  12:19 PM on 08/05/2010

  VIDEO – Police are searching for a white male who is believed to have stabbed 15 black men since May 2010, five have died…

  > MORE

• 
  

  Court rejects ‘not the white man’s b**ch’ candidate

  By theGrio

  11:09 AM on 08/05/2010

  MADISON, Wisconsin (AP) – A federal court has rejected a lawsuit filed by an independent candidate for the state Assembly who wants to use a racially charged phrase to describe herself on the ballot…

  > MORE

• 
  

  Big trouble lurks for black members of Congress

  By theGrio

  10:18 AM on 08/05/2010

  WASHINGTON (AP) – These were supposed to be heady days for African-Americans in Congress…

  > MORE

• 
  

  Waters asks for ethics trial before November elections

  By theGrio

  9:37 AM on 08/05/2010

  WASHINGTON (AP) – The California Democrat has been charged with ethics violations for asking regulators to help a bank in which her husband had a financial interest…

Your Black Video – 8/4/10

More Details about the Lorenzen Wright Murder

Singer Steph Jones Weighs in on Dark vs. Light

Bill Cosby is Still Very Much Alive

Black News from Madame Noire – 8/3/10

• 
  

  NEWS

  Rep. Maxine Waters Charged with Ethics Violations

  Another black political figure under investigation.

  Read More

• 
  

  NEWS

  Lady Gaga Admits to Cocaine Use a “Couple of Times a Year”

  She reveals who elevated her at her lowest point.

  Read More

• 
  

  HOW TO

  Learn to Cook 30-Minute Mediterranean!

  Preparing international cuisine can be a little intimidating in the beginning, but…

  Read More

• 
  

  PARENTING

  Discussion of the Day: Are You Ever A ‘Bad Mommy’?

  Hey, we’re not perfect!

  Read More

• 
  

  STYLE & BEAUTY

  Five Fabulous Women Who Rock the Baddest Curves

  Check out our extraordinary list of women who turn heads.

  Read More

• 
  

  LOVE & MARRIAGE

  My Partner Wants to Do What? Where? (‘Girl On Top’ Column)

  This is kind of tricky.

  Read More

• 
  

  NEWS

  Do You Like Barack Obama’s Man Sandals (a.k.a. Mandals)?

  He stepped out in man sandals, a.k.a. “mandals” today.

  Read More

• 
  

  LOVE & MARRIAGE

  Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz Married

  We now pronounce you Mr & Mrs Beatz!

  Read More

• 
  

  STYLE & BEAUTY

  Top 12 Sisters Who Rock Short Hair

  Short hair is definitely a ‘do’ on these ladies!

  Read More

• 
  

  NEWS

  Raphael Saadiq Remakes the Spinners “It’s a Shame”

  New music for those who appreciate classics.

  Read More

• 
  

  PROFESSIONAL

  The Woman Who Campaigned for Obama

  Our ‘Page Flipping’ book columnist reviews the latest work by author Pearl Cleage.

  Read More

• 
  

  PROFESSIONAL

  All Career Women Must Have a Side “Hustle”

  “This year has been a hell of a journey,” our writer says.

  Read More

• 
  

  NEWS

  This Week in Review (from the Editors!)

  What we’re loving and not so loving about this week.

  Read More

• 
  

  INTERVIEWS

  Obama’s Message to Essence Magazine Readers

  Sound familiar, Essence readers?

  Read More

• 
  

  LOVE & MARRIAGE

  Top Five Love Lessons

  Past mistakes can make for future love success.

  Read More

• 
  

  INTERVIEWS

  Raheem DeVaughn Tells ‘Madame Noire’ Why He Loves You

  DeVaughn dishes on love (literally)…at a vegan restaurant in New York City.

  Read More

• 
  

  HOW TO

  10 Busy-Girl Breakfast Ideas

  Think you’re too busy to be healthy in the morning? Think again, Madame!

  Read More

• 
  

  LOVE & MARRIAGE

  Bilal Tells 7 Sins Your Man Won’t Forgive

  BOOM! Blat-tat-tah-tat! Kow! The relationship is over. Let me tell you why.

  Read More

• 
  

  INTERVIEWS

  Goapele Talks About Her “Victory” and Upcoming Album

  The “Closer” singer talks about her new full life.

  Read More

• 
  

  STYLE & BEAUTY

  Keston Karter – Mouthwatering Man of the Week

  If you want beef, madames, then by God, we’ve got it…

  Read More

Are All Black Women Angry about Essence White Fashion Editor, or Just One?

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, TheLoop21.com

It seems that the world has grown irritated with Essence Magazine for hiring a new white fashion editor. Michaela Angela Davis, a former employee, has blasted the organization for effectively betraying its constituents with the non-traditional hire. She cites mass discrimination that has historically occurred within the fashion industry and seems disappointed that “our space” no longer belongs to us.

I certainly empathize with Davis’ point. Davis is a strong and direct black woman (I had her on my show), one who has very little tolerance for those who deviate from what she perceives as righteous ideology regarding women and minorities. Her passion for the issues that affect us seems to come from a genuine place, like a black woman who has seen enough and refuses to allow herself or anyone like her to be victimized by a clearly racist and sexist society. 

 

Click to read.

Black News: 13-Year Old Boy Murdered in Case of Mistaken Identity

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Your Black World

Theresa Lumpkin was, until yesterday, the mother of 13-year old Robert Freeman Jr. of Chicago. Her tenure as his parent ended with the young boy was shot and killed on the South Side of Chicago in what many believe to be a case of mistaken identity.
Witnesses say that the murder was deliberate, as the gunman shot the young boy multiple times.
"My baby was just lying there,” said Lumpkin. "He tried to get up. He tried to fight for his mama. He tried to fight for his life.”
Neighbors who saw the incident did not want their names to be published.
"I was running out [of] the door to say, ‘Stop shooting that baby,’" one neighbor said.
Robert had 22 bullet holes in his body, according to doctors. The people of the community say that he was apparently targeted because he had the same complexion, height and hairstyle of another boy who was the actual target. Police are investigating whether the shooting was due to a dispute over drugs or money.
This was the fourth teen shooting in the area this week.

 

Click to read.

Your Black News – 7/28/10

• 
  

  Rihanna and Eminem team up for ‘important’ new song

  By Lana Schupbach

  5:59 PM on 07/27/2010

  VIDEO -She’s also taken on the task of planning Katy Perry’s bachelorette party…

  > MORE

• 
  

  Hard-hitting former Raider Jack Tatum dies at 61

  By theGrio

  3:47 PM on 07/27/2010

  COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Nicknamed "The Assassin," Tatum died of a heart attack Tuesday in Oakland, according to friend and former Ohio State teammate John Hicks….

  > MORE

• 
  

  Obama says he still supports major climate legislation

  By theGrio

  2:33 PM on 07/27/2010

  WASHINGTON (AP) – Last week, Senate Democrats abandoned plans for a sweeping measure that would cap greenhouse gases blamed for global warming…

  > MORE

• 
  

  Black Eyed Peas’ Taboo protests AZ immigration law

  By Trenae McDuffie

  2:00 PM on 07/27/2010

  VIDEO – Taboo, a Mexican-American, says the video was inspired by his personal experiences, too…

  > MORE

• 
  

  Rangel, ethics panel lawyers talking deal on charges

  By theGrio

  1:13 PM on 07/27/2010

  WASHINGTON (AP) – Earlier negotiations broke down when Rangel would only admit to some allegations — not enough to satisfy the committee lawyers…

  > MORE

• 
  

  Embattled ex-football star Clarett back in class at Ohio

  By theGrio

  12:33 PM on 07/27/2010

  COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Clarett says in a statement that it is a "surreal feeling to be back at Ohio State" and that he doesn’t want to be a "distraction or nuisance" to the football team or other students…

  > MORE

• 
  

  Aretha and Rice make music for inner-city youth

  By theGrio

  11:01 AM on 07/27/2010

  PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Condoleezza Rice is no stranger to the whims of royalty. So when the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, decided the two should get together to play a song or two for charity, it was decreed…

  > MORE

• 
  

  NFL: No change in Vick’s playing status

  By theGrio

  10:06 AM on 07/27/2010

  BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) – Michael Vick said Monday that he cried following the shooting after his 30th birthday bash, but not because he had done anything wrong…

  > MORE

• 
  

  Immigrant groups criticize fingerprint initiative

  By theGrio

  9:38 AM on 07/27/2010

  DENVER (AP) – The program has gotten less attention than Arizona’s new immigration law, but it may end up having a bigger impact…

  > MORE

• 
  

  GOP invites Breitbart to fundraiser for Steele

  By theGrio

  9:08 AM on 07/27/2010

  WASHINGTON (AP) – Breitbart was behind an edited video clip of a former Department of Agriculture official that suggested Shirley Sherrod, who is black, denied a white farmer aid…

  > MORE

• 
  

  Rapper DMX begins 90-day jail sentence in LA

  By theGrio

  9:00 AM on 07/27/2010

  LOS ANGELES (AP) – DMX has been repeatedly arrested and jailed in the past decade, recently serving a sentence in an Arizona jail for violating probation by failing a drug test…

  > MORE

• 
  

  Michelle and Sasha Obama to visit castles in Spain

  By theGrio

  8:05 AM on 07/27/2010

  WASHINGTON (AP) – The White House says Mrs. Obama will pay an official visit to Spain’s King Juan Carlos and Queen Sophia…

  > MORE