Archive
Beyond Scared Straight Uses The Threat of Rape to Get Kids to Not Go to Prison: Too Much?
New Jeans Help Brothers “Sag” a Little More Efficiently
Your Black World reports.
Be prepared to witness the “genius” of urban marketing. New Sagz jeans are built for those men who just don’t want to take the time to pull up their pants, but also want the mobility they would have if they actually did. The jeans come with built-in boxer shorts that clamp to the waste as tightly as a belt, but still give the world a chance to see your underwear.
Miami Police Dept. Has Killed Seven Black Men in Eight Months?
by Ayvaunn Penn, Your Black World
Some people in Miami are outraged over the treatment of black men by the Miami Police Department. According to reports, a victim by the name of Travis McNeil made for the 7th black male victim fatally shot by the Miami PD in just 8 months. The shooting of this 28-year-old was the last straw. The New York Times reports:
State AG Wants to Take Fisk University’s $74M Art Collection
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
Venus, Serena and Tiger Don’t Have Successors: What’s Going On with Black Athletes?
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
Most of us can appreciate, on one level or another, the tremendous achievements of Tiger Woods, Venus Williams and her little sister, Serena. They have all been, in one way or another, a tremendous source of pride for the African American community. Much of the reason we are so proud of them is because they’ve dominated like no other in sports that are not typically played by "us." I am personally more impressed with the Williams sisters than with Tiger, in large part because they’ve made it into a family affair, and seem to more directly embrace the idea of making their success into a "black thing." Tiger, on the other hand, seems to want to make his success into a "Caublinasian thing." I admittedly can’t get with that.
The Latest in Black News – 9/9/10
Denzel Washington, Halle Berry Among Aretha Franklin’s A-List Cast For Biopic
- The Queen has spoken and she wants the biggest names in Black Hollywood to star in her highly … Read More
- By Bridget Bland on Sep 9th 2010 6:25PM | Comments (4)
Pastor Terry Jones’ Koran Burning Cancelled
- Since Pastor Terry Jones (pictured above) was supposedly guaranteed on Thursday that the … Read More
- By Allison Monyei on Sep 9th 2010 6:16PM | Comments (7)
Around the Web: If Rappers Were Colleges, Jay-Z Signs Willow Smith + More
- What if rappers were colleges? Trying to explain your higher learning experience may be a lot … Read More
- By Journey Ade on Sep 9th 2010 5:30PM | Comments (1)
Spike Lee, Samuel L. Jackson to Honor Mary J. Blige, Others at Spelman College Fundraiser
- Academy Award nominated director Spike Lee and actor Samuel L. Jackson, who are both Morehouse … Read More
- By Bridget Bland on Sep 9th 2010 5:05PM | Comments (4)
Marvin Sapp’s Wife, MaLinda, Dies of Colon Cancer
- Prominent gospel music artist Marvin Sapp recently lost his wife, MaLinda Sapp, to colon cancer. … Read More
- By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Sep 9th 2010 4:46PM | Comments (9)
Marvin Sapp: Wife Dies of Colon Cancer
- One of Gospel music’s most beloved artists is mourning the loss of his wife. Marvin Sapp’s wife, … Read More
- By Bridget Bland on Sep 9th 2010 4:20PM | Comments (8)
Floyd Mayweather Jr. Suspect in Domestic Violence Case
- A former gal pal of boxing icon Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is claiming that she was assaulted by him … Read More
- By Ruth Manuel-Logan on Sep 9th 2010 4:15PM | Comments (6)
Black and Missing: Have You Seen This Person?
- Gloria Denise Damon Case Type: Disability, Endangered Date of Birth: October 9, 1966 Missing … Read More
- By Jeff Mays on Sep 9th 2010 4:07PM | Comments (5)
Around the Web: Hip-Hop Undergoes a Renovation, Beyonce, Homeless Kids, & Terry Jones
- Hip-Hop Undergoes a Renovation Tenants at the Bronx apartment building where DJ Kool Herc hosted … Read More
- By Laura Adibe on Sep 9th 2010 4:00PM | Comments (1)
Dwight Howard, Child’s Mother Royce Have a War of the Roses
- One of my favorite films of all-time was "War of the Roses," starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen … Read More
- By Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD on Sep 9th 2010 2:47PM | Comments (9)
Gabby Sidibe Covers Elle Magazine
- Go Gabby! Oscar-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe, best known playing the title role in ‘Precious,’ … Read More
- By Lauren Williams on Sep 9th 2010 2:13PM | Comments (3)
Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck Exploit 9/11 for Profit
- For all those people who thought the outrageous rhetoric coming from Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin … Read More
- By Jeff Mays on Sep 9th 2010 1:45PM | Comments (6)
Why Pastor Terry Jones ‘Koran Burning’ is Idiotic and Dangerous
- When Pastor Terry Jones lights his proverbial match on Saturday’s scheduled ‘Burn a Qur’an … Read More
- By Nida Khan on Sep 9th 2010 1:30PM | Comments (6)
15 Celebrities Who Should Insure Their Body Parts ASAP
- Last week, NFL superstar Troy Polamalu made an unusual decision, he insured his trademark … Read More
- By Chris Yuscavage on Sep 9th 2010 12:45PM | Comments (4)
T.I. in Jeopardy of Losing Axe Endorsement Deal
- From Hip Hop Wired: T.I.’s run-ins with the law may cost him more than a tarnished … Read More
- By Alexis Stodghill on Sep 9th 2010 12:43PM | Comments (3)
Reggie Bush, Just Give the Heisman Back
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
Anyone even remotely familiar with the sports world is well aware of reports that former USC star Reggie Bush is at risk of having his Heisman Trophy taken away from him. The return of the Heisman would likely be related to NCAA violations that allegedly took place within the USC program during the time when Bush played for them. Bush didn’t speak in detail on the issue when he was asked about it.
"At this point, it’s kind of out of my hands," Bush said Wednesday after practice with the New Orleans Saints.
Bush would not confirm or deny whether he spoke with the Heisman Trophy Trust about losing the award. Executive Director Robert Whalen said that no decision has yet been made.
Should Black Athletes Boycott the Heisman Trophy?
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
When I read about the possibility that Reggie Bush may have his Heisman Trophy taken, I became irritated beyond imagination. ”Here we go again,” I thought. “Another self-righteous group of hoity-toity NCAA administrators making value judgments about the character of black male athletes.”
If they can’t defeat them on the field, the game is then to create artificially contrived mechanisms for evaluating the worth of the athlete from a morality standpoint. The problem for the NCAA, however, is that when it comes to ethics, they have no room to claim the moral high ground. In fact, you might say they are crooks.
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.
Actress Regina King Goes Boondocks Over Hollywood Racism
Since the Emmy ceremony, I have been going back and forth about whether or not I should compose this letter. I try hard in my daily life not to engage in uncomfortable situations regarding race. But sometimes it’s very difficult to find other reasons that better explain why certain events play out the way they do. It is impossible for me to ignore the published statistics regarding the number of people of color mentioned, celebrated or honored in the history of the televised Emmys. Up to and including this year, there have been only 53 non-white actorsnominated for Emmys out of nearly 1,000 possible nominations in the top four acting categories for drama and comedy.
NFL Announcer Makes Terrible Comments about Hurricane Katrina
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
NFL Hall of Famer Dan Hampton has a great deal to apologize for this week. During a broadcast of an NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints, Hampton thought it would be funny to bring up that little thing called Hurricane Katrina. Making reference to the fact that the Vikings needed to show up with their A-game, Hampton said, "The Vikings need to go down there and hit that town like Katrina."
Bad move buddy, bad move.
There isn’t much to say about Dan Hampton other than the obvious. It didn’t take him long to realize that it might be inappropriate to make jokes about an event that led to the death and displacement of tens of thousands of people. Hurricane Katrina affected real lives in a very real way, and Hampton needs to understand that. Additionally, invoking Katrina into the fantasy world of professional football is only productive to the extent that the success of the Saints has helped to heal the hearts of New Orleans residents who’ve lost everything. So, if you can’t bring Hurricane Katrina up in a positive and uplifting way, please don’t bring it up as a joke.
African American Unemployment Rises 700% More Than White
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
This weekend, I was on the radio with Rev. Jesse Jackson. He’d just completed a march in Detroit, for jobs, peace and justice, only to find that his SUV was stolen upon arrival. But when I asked him if he was OK, his response was quite telling of the leader that he is: He simply said that the car doesn’t matter at all when there are so many people suffering across America.
Well, the nation-wide suffering for African Americans has just intensified with the recent unemployment data delivered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It’s most recent report showed that while white unemployment only went up from 8.6 percent to 8.7 percent, black unemployment went up from 15.6 percent to 16.3 percent. This increase of seven percent is at a rate that is 700 percent of the increase of white Americans.
Kodak Pays Millions for Discrimination
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Kodak Set to Pay $21.4 Million in Racial Discrimination Lawsuit
6:40 PMSep 4
Source: BV on Money
I’m not sure if the company’s executives would consider this to be a Kodak moment, but it’s certainly a moment in racial history. Kodak, the large film company based out of Rochester, New York, just had a racial discrimination suit settled for the … Read More
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Regina King to the Emmys: Racist as Ever
6:00 AMSep 4
Source: Blackvoices Main
From The Huffington Post: Since the Emmy ceremony, I have been going back and forth about whether or not I should compose this letter. I try hard in my daily life not to engage in uncomfortable situations regarding race. But sometimes it’s very … Read More
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Tom Joyner Helps HBCUs to Start Online Programs
12:35 AMSep 4
Source: BV on Money
Radio show host Tom Joyner has decided to start making investments in the educational arena. Joyner has announced that he will help found a company designed to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in their quest to create … Read More
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Sean Bell’s Fiancee May Run for City Council
8:26 PMSep 3
Source: BV Black Spin
Nicole Paultre-Bell, the young woman who lost her unarmed, would-be husband Sean Bell on the day before their nuptials nearly four years ago in an out-of-control hail of police bullets, is mulling over possibly running for the position of Queens City … Read More
Black Athletes, Hip Hop and Handguns: What Up with That?
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
Shaun Rogers, a Defensive Tackle for the Cleveland Browns, was fined $400,000 by the league for violating its personal conduct policy. Rogers was caught carrying a loaded gun inside an airport. The fine represents approximately 1/17th of his $6.9 million salary.
Some would say that Rogers got off easy, since it would have been no surprise to see him either suspended or sent to jail. The player was caught carrying a loaded semi-automatic handgun in his carry-on bag at Hopkins International Airport. There’s no indication regarding whether or not he realized that TSA agents actually have the ability to see inside of someone’s luggage with their x-ray machine. It’s hard to imagine what he might have been thinking.
Danny Granger of Team USA Says Europeans Smell Like Dead Donkeys
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
If I were an old man responsible for managing Team USA’s public image, I would be cursing Twitter every day of the week. Apparently, giving young, bold athletes instant access to media was a cruel joke orchestrated by both fate and Mother Nature. At any rate, the latest athlete to embarrass himself with his Twitter account was Danny Granger. Making reference to the fact that deodorant is not as popular in Europe as it is in the United States, Granger said that Europeans smell like "dead donkeys." Here are his exact words:
"i’m dying over here ..how come nobody in europe wears deodorant? guess they didn’t get the memo – smellin like dead donkey..no joke"
Black Male Homicide Rate in Detroit is Causing Alarm
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
African American males in Detroit between the ages of 15 and 24 are dying at a rate that is roughly seven times higher than the rest of the Detroit population. If they were dying at the same rate as everyone else, there would be one death every three weeks. Instead, there are two black men dying every single week.
This has set off alarm bells within the Detroit Police Department, which has taken heavy criticism for its policing of the black community. Their most recent embarrassment was the shooting of seven-year old Aiyana Jones during a police raid. But the Chief of Police, Ralph Godbee Jr., is concerned about black men killing one another.
Dr. Julianne Malveaux Speaks Up for Detroit Suffering
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Scholarship in Action
This week, Bennett College President and prominent black scholar Dr. Julianne Malveaux wrote a strongly-worded article about the economic suffering taking place in the city of Detroit. In the article, Malveaux describes Detroit as Ground Zero for the black economic experience over the past two years.
"Only one in four young black men graduates from high school in Detroit. The rest are lost and left out, swallowed by a city where urban blight, industrial desertion, and educational failure define daily life. Detroit is ground zero, exemplifying the absolute worst of urban life."
Dr. Malveaux goes on to highlight the problems that are caused in our communities by decaying schools and poor investment in urban infrastructure. She mentions that President Obama was quick to support the automakers in Detroit, yet there are quite a few urban citizens of the city who have yet to feel relief.
Crack Vs. Powder – Why Don’t States Make the Change?
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
Years ago when the federal government produced disparities in sentencing of crack vs. powder cocaine, many states followed suit. As a result, the black community was devastated with Draconian prison sentences, in which individuals with barely enough crack to weigh were given dozens of years in prison.
The federal government finally came to its senses and changed the law, making it marginally more equitable than it was before. The problem is that many states have not yet made the same change.
The arguments used to justify longer sentences are that the crack trade creates more crime and that the drug is more addictive than powder. Also, the tougher sentences were imposed in 1986, when basketball star Len Bias died from an overdose. It was originally reported that Bias had smoked crack, but a teammate later testified that Bias had snorted powder cocaine instead.
Dr. Boyce: Maurice Clarett is Back from Prison
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, The Coalition for Black Male Athletes, Syracuse University Scholarship in Action
Maurice Clarrett, the embattled former superstar of the Ohio State Buckeyes, is getting another chance to play football. Clarett just signed a one-year deal to play for the Omaha Nighthawks in the United Football League. This is the first time Clarett has put on a football uniform since spending three and a half years in prison for having a hidden gun and holding up a couple outside a night club.
"I am humbled by the opportunity the Omaha Nighthawks have given me and will dedicate myself on and off the field to prove that I can be a valuable member of the team and the Omaha community," Clarett said. "I am committed to working hard to earn the right for a second chance in football and more importantly in life."
Clarett is now 6-feet tall, 220 pounds, which makes him 10 pounds lighter than he was when he played at Ohio State. The coaches were astonished at his physical shape, giving him credit for keeping himself prepared. He is allowed to be out of the state for 30 days at a time, but his attorneys are hoping that a judge will rule that Clarett can leave the state for the entire football season. He is now 26-years old, meaning that he is at his physical peak.
How Do You Talk to Your Kids About Money?
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
Given that our children are likely our greatest expense and greatest love, perhaps it might be helpful to discuss how we teach them about money. If you raise your kids to be financially responsible, they can be assets to you during retirement. If they are taught about money in the wrong way, they become horrible economic liabilities that leave you riddled with guilt. So, although I don’t claim to know everything about child rearing, I thought I’d share some guidelines you might want to consider when it comes to teaching your kids about money.
President Obama Delivers Speech on the Iraq War
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
He came, he saw, he conquered. Well, sort of. President Obama took the nation’s attention for about 20 minutes tonight to deliver a speech about the end of America’s military involvement in Iraq. Sitting in the Oval Office with pictures of his family in the background, President Obama effectively told America that the last eight years are over. He thanked the troops, thanked the American people, and reminded the Iraqis that we still support them. He was being presidential, as he normally is.
The president worked to build bridges with Americans who disapprove of his performance. He mentioned how the high cost of the war reduced the nation’s ability to sustain its middle class. He talked about how patriotic Americans both approved and disapproved of the war, and even mentioned an earlier conversation he’d recently had with President Bush. He also reminded the American people that by ending military operations in Iraq, he was keeping one of his most significant campaign promises.
Was Eddie Johnson Really Breaking the Law?
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…
Black Honor Student Beaten by Police, Files Major Lawsuit
by Dr. Boyce Watkins – Scholarship in Action
Jordan Miles is a black teenager in the city of Pittsburgh. Miles also attends one of the city’s most prestigious performing arts schools. On a cold winter night earlier this year, Miles claims he was assaulted by three plain clothes police officers. According to the lawsuit Miles’ attorneys have filed against the city, the officers assumed that Miles was a drug dealer and conspired to file false charges against him to create a story to cover up their actions.
Miles says that he was walking to his grandmother’s house when officers Michael Saldutte, David Sisak and Richard Ewing approached him. Miles claims that the officers proceeded to chase him, kick him and beat his face into the ground. The damage to Miles’ face was extensive, and the officers allegedly pulled one of his dreadlocks from his head.
Teaching Ebonics in School? What Would That Look Like?
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
I wrote recently about how the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is now seeking to hire Ebonics translators to help them to apprehend drug dealers. The group seems to believe that by learning the underpinnings of urban language, it can find a way to bring down "Pookie nem" on the corner. The website Newsy.com covered the article that I wrote, with a few other scholars providing their own insights into how and why this decision might be implemented. While I am certainly listening to the discussion, I am not sure what it would mean to establish Ebonics as it’s own language or to try to teach it in school.
Does the teaching of Ebonics mean that we treat urban dialect as a class? If the kids and teachers acknowledge the language structure of Ebonics, do we continue to reinforce the use of what some might consider broken English? If the language is acknowledged in school, does that mean Employers and universities will accept graduates who speak and write in Ebonics? If not, is there any sense in solidifying a student’s desire to speak in a way that doesn’t match the rest of us? I’m not so sure.
African American Athletes and All Their Children
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
I recently read a very interesting story about how so many black athletes are being hammered by the financial devastation of child support. Their paychecks are getting zapped to nothing, only to buy Coach purses and hair weaves for the women who’ve had their children. Perhaps the sex was good enough to justify the misery, but I’ve never had sex that good.
New York Jets running back Antonio Cromartie is one famous case of “I’m Bound to be Broke-itis.” Cromartie, who is 26-years old, has eight children with six women in five different states. In fact, the Jets had to front Cromartie $500,000 to settle his paternity situation before he even started playing for the team. There are quite a few other cases worth mentioning, but I won’t waste time laying out the issues.
What I will lay out is an added perspective that might help brothers realize the utter stupidity of putting themselves in situations that will keep their pockets empty, kill their ability to support a family down the road and possibly lead to incarceration. Getting caught under the neck of the merciless child support system is an absolutely horrible feeling. Children are a beautiful gift from God, and we can all appreciate a pretty woman, but if you let this stuff get the best of you, you’re begging for a life of misery.
President Obama Speaks to the Gulf Coast
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University Scholarship in Action
I still remember when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans five years ago. I’d just attended the Essence Music Festival the year before, only to hear that the very same streets I’d visited were now flooded with water. It was also the week of my first confrontation with Sean Hannity on the air. Donald Rumsfeld had come on the show right before me, and Hannity and I were arguing about why it seemed that the government spent more time planning to shoot "looters" than actually saving the people in the flood. Rarely before Katrina had we witnessed such a gross dehumanization of our fellow American citizens.
President Obama sought to commemorate the anniversary of Katrina by speaking in New Orleans this weekend. He told the students at Xavier University that he plans to stand with the community when it comes to making sure they know the Federal Government is behind them in the on-going quest for full recovery.
"My administration is going to stand with you, and fight alongside you, until the job is done," Obama said.
What Black American Can Learn from Fantasia’s Mistakes
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University, Scholarship in Action
One of the most magnificent voices in all of music is owned by Fantasia Barrino, the singer out of North Carolina. Most of us know that Fantasia attempted suicide recently. Of course the suicide attempt led to instant national media attention, and she was all over the news telling her story. Her management team, understanding the value the incident could have for her brand, pushed out the Vh-1 special before you could say the words "publicity stunt."
Now, I’m not here to say that I know what happened to Fantasia or whether the suicide attempt was genuine. But one thing that remains fundamentally true is that she’d been highly upset over the decline of her career. Also, we know that the television specials and additional PR from the incident have put Fantasia in the limelight in a way that far exceeds what she had access to last month. The final thing we know is that Fantasia is working furiously in the studio to get an album out in order to profit from the re-establishment of her celebrity status. Unfortunately, her team may be looking to replicate the experience of Jennifer Hudson after her difficult experience last year.
104-Year Old Negro League Star is Still Working
PONCE, Puerto Rico (AP) — Emilio Navarro swivels his hips several times, then bends down to touch his toes.
Not bad for someone who’s 104 years old. He doesn’t need a cane to get about and is known to go out dancing now and then. He doesn’t use glasses, either.
“And I don’t have many wrinkles,” he says in Spanish. He smiles, then allows in English: “Just a little bit.”
But the former professional baseball player isn’t being honored for his spryness. He is being honored as America’s Outstanding Oldest Male Worker for 2010 — Navarro still keeps the books and controls the finances at the game machine business he started.
Navarro, believed to be the last surviving player of the Negro American League, was chosen for the honor over dozens of candidates nominated in 30 U.S. states by Experience Works, the United States’ largest nonprofit training center for older workers.
Navarro, known affectionately as “Millito,” began working at age 12. He cleaned shoes, sold newspapers and hawked “dulce de coco,” a popular coconut treat in Puerto Rico, to help his mother financially.
6-Yr Old Girl dies in Crash After Surviving Horrific Attack
A South African girl who survived a criminal attack that shocked the nation was among those killed when a train hit a school van this week, a family spokesman said Friday.
Liesel Augis was only six years old when she was raped, beaten unconscious with a brick and thrown into a fire by a family friend in 2006. She survived and became known as “Little Rock” because of her strength and resilience.
On Wednesday, Liesel’s bus driver went around a closed railroad crossing gate and the van was hit by a train. Nine children died at the scene in Cape Town, and a 10th died Friday. Only the driver and four children survived.
Family spokesman Malvern de Bruyn said that Liesel had a zest for life, and the accident has left a deep scar in the family and the nation.
“We could see she was someone who wanted to defy anything that would cut her life,” de Bruyn said.
Liesel’s 2006 attacker, Abraham James, was sentenced to 28 years in jail without parole.
Is MLK’s Niece Crazy?
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
Alveda King, the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is not making many friends this week. Her decision to join forces with Fox News host Glenn Beck during his bogus March on Washington is likely one of the most shocking and extraordinary political events in recent months. Alveda is being called a traitor for her actions and probably has old uncle Martin turning over in his grave.
But here’s the dirty little secret that most of us are not willing to accept: Alveda King actually represents millions of church-going African Americans. Also, her views are not nearly as outlandish as some would lead you to believe.
Alveda King is opposed to gay marriage, just like my mother. She doesn’t believe in abortion, just like many members of my own family. She believes strongly in old school family values, similar to Bill Cosby. She is clearly a product of the traditional black church and represents a section of black America that liberals don’t like to talk about. Many African Americans, whether we want to admit it or not, would agree with Alveda King on nearly every single issue.
African American Student Helps Invent Car that Sets Records
by Dr. Boyce Watkins
Kansas City, Missouri is one of my favorite places in the world. I have friends there that I respect, and I’ve grown an appreciation for the African American community in that city. One of the things I noticed about Kansas City is that there are both reasons for despair, and rays of light that provide tremendous promise. One of those lights is a student by the name of Kelvin Duley.
Duley was part of a team at De LaSalle High School, which invented an electric car that can travel 300 miles per gallon. Last month, Dooley said he wanted to grow up to be a professional basketball player. Now, he says he wants to become an engineer. This experience has changed him for life.
Turn Off Fox News!
Dear friends,
Many of us already know that Fox News is biased — but it’s actually much worse than that. For years they have used lies, distortions, and race-baiting to divide this country. Recently, it’s gotten downright dangerous. Earlier this summer, a heavily armed man got into a gun fight with police after he was pulled over on his way to kill people at the Tides Foundation[1] — an obscure non-profit that Glenn Beck regularly demonizes on his Fox News TV show.[2]
Fox News is bad news for America — and it spreads, and is legitimized, partly through TVs in public places.
That’s why I’ve joined the TurnOffFox campaign — the first part of a larger campaign to diminish the influence of Fox. It’s about educating people about Fox and getting it turned off in stores, restaurants, and other public places.
Will you join me? It takes just a moment to declare your own household "Fox free", and at the same time appeal to public establishments in your community to stop playing Fox. And you’ll get a FREE Turn Off Fox sticker when you do. Click here:
http://colorofchange.org/turnofffox/?id=1870-1096688
No other news organization that’s considered legitimate consistently wages smear campaigns based on lies and race-baiting. But for years Fox News has done exactly that, and the pattern has only gotten worse since Barack Obama entered national politics.
Here are just a few examples:
— A frequent Fox guest, Jesse Lee Peterson, said that the majority of Black people have poor moral character, and cited "what they did to the dome" after Hurricane Katrina as evidence.[3] Peterson has also used his platform on Fox to claim that 90% of Black people are racists — against Whites.[4]
— In a case of naked race-baiting, Fox host Glenn Beck called President Obama a "racist" who had a "deep-seated hatred for White people or the White culture."[5] Earlier that week, Beck claimed that the President’s health insurance reform proposals were a form of "reparations" designed to "settle old racial scores."[6]
— Fox host John Stossel argued that the public accommodations section of the Civil Rights Act — which prevents businesses from discriminating based on race, sex, and other factors — should be repealed.[7]
— Fox News hosts Bill O’Reilly and Sean Hannity were the first to air deceptively edited and incomplete video of Shirley Sherrod’s remarks to the NAACP.[8] The video made it seem like Sherrod was confessing to using her position at the USDA to discriminate against White farmers, when she was really talking about the importance of overcoming prejudice. Sherrod lost her job over this misrepresentation, which Fox enthusiastically repeated without seeking the facts. Fox has since tried to pretend it had nothing to do with this smear — but Fox is the number one reason these kinds of distortions and smears have any part in our national dialogue.
The examples above aren’t even a tenth of Fox’s vicious lies and smears, and over the years they’ve just gotten more brazen.
The goal of Turn Off Fox is to reduce the number of public TVs showing Fox News, while spreading the word about Fox’s poison (and how it works) to those who don’t know.
Signing up for the campaign is just the first step. We make it easy for you to tell us about businesses playing Fox. If you’re willing to talk with them, we’ll provide you with straightforward materials that explain why they shouldn’t be a party to what Fox is doing. And if there are businesses you know that want to tell the world they would never play Fox, you can help them declare themselves a "Fox-free zone."
As businesses Turn off Fox and stand up as Fox Free, and as we encourage our friends and family to do the same, we’ll help make clear, to people across the country, what Fox is about. And we’ll reduce their ability to do harm.
Please join me in signing up for the TurnOffFox campaign:
http://colorofchange.org/turnofffox/?id=1870-1096688
Thanks.
References
1. http://bit.ly/a5F7kW
2. http://mediamatters.org/research/201007290032
3. http://mediamatters.org/research/200510030005
4. http://bit.ly/c060C0
5. http://mediamatters.org/research/200907300019
6. http://mediamatters.org/mmtv/200907230040
7. http://mediamatters.org/mmtv/201005200033
8. http://mediamatters.org/blog/201007200060
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.
Did This Man Really Kill Michael Jordan’s Father?
by Dr. Boyce Watkins
Daniel Andre Green was convicted of killing the father of former NBA star Michael Jordan. Nearly 17 years after his conviction, his case is starting to fall apart. The problems stem from a faulty crime lab in North Carolina, where multiple mistakes have been made over the last two decades.
Green told the Associated Press that the lab mishandled its reports, and that evidence supporting his case was denied to him in court. He has trained himself in the law and worked on his own case since the date of his conviction. Much of the recent attention to the case is due to a report concluding that the lab mishandled Green’s case, along with 200 others, over a 16-year period ending in 2003.
"I’ve always known that I’m walking out of prison," Green said. "I’ve known that because I’ve believed, ultimately, the truth has to come out."
Black Male Student Shocks the Crowd with Valedictorian Speech
by Lawrence Watkins – Great Black Speakers
When Justin Hudson gave his valedictorian speech at his Hunter College High School graduation, he made it one that people will remember for decades. In the speech, Hudson went beyond providing vague advice or encouragement for his classmates. Hudson instead chose to use his opportunity to push his high school school to end a flawed admissions policy that keeps Hunter College High School from developing adequate racial diversity.
"I feel guilt because I don’t deserve any of this and neither do any of you," Hudson said in his speech, as reported by Diverseeducation.com. "We received an outstanding education at no charge based solely on our performance on a test we took when we were 11-year-olds or 4-year-olds."
The Latest in Black News – 8/24/10
DEA Seeks Ebonics Experts to Help with Cases … Seriously
By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 23rd 2010 11:44PM
Filed under: News, Politics, Race and Civil Rights
The Associated Press is reporting that the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is considering hiring translators to help agents understand the language of drug dealers. Apparently, the agents are having trouble interpreting the words and sentences being used by suspects during wiretaps. The agency reached out to some translation companies to find someone to help them with the problem. And no, this is not a joke.
Continue reading DEA Seeks Ebonics Experts to Help with Cases … Seriously
Tagged as: dea, DEA seeks Ebonics experts to help with cases,DeaSeeksEbonicsExpertsToHelpWithCases, drug dealers, ebonics
Indiana Court Rules it Illegal to Choose Race of Senior Caregivers
By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 23rd 2010 10:40PM
Filed under: News, Politics, Race and Civil Rights
Brenda Chaney is a nursing assistant who works at an Indiana nursing home. One of the patients fell on the floor and Chaney went to help her. It turned out that Chaney was not allowed to help the woman up, primarily because she’d left instructions stating that only white aid workers should be able to work with her.
Chaney took the matter to court, and the court ruled that her civil rights had been violated by allowing these kinds of restrictions to exist within the health care system.
Continue reading Indiana Court Rules it Illegal to Choose Race of Senior Caregivers
Tagged as: race, racism, rand paul
Dr. Conrad Murray Wants Michael Jackson’s Fluid Samples
By Ruth Manuel-Logan on Aug 23rd 2010 8:52PM
Filed under: News
The saga continues surrounding the involuntary manslaughter case involvingMichael Jackson and his former personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray. The latest in the seemingly unending legal battle now involves Murray’s team of lawyers, who are requesting to get samples of Jackson’s bodily fluids so that they can use them as evidence in their defense.
Continue reading Dr. Conrad Murray Wants Michael Jackson’s Fluid Samples
Tagged as: Dr. Conrad Murray, Dr. Conrad Murray Wants Michael Jacksons Fluid Samples, Dr. Conrad Murrays Lawyers Ask Judge for Michael Jacksons Bodily, Dr.ConradMurray,Dr.ConradMurraysLawyersAskJudgeForMichaelJacksonsBodilyFluidSamp,Dr.ConradMurrayWantsMichaelJacksonsFluidSamples, Joseph Jackson,Katherine Jackson, Los Angeles, LosAngeles, Michael Jackson,MichaelJackson, propofol, TMZ
Harold Dow Cause of Death Revealed: It was Asthma
By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 23rd 2010 7:02PM
Filed under: News
Veteran CBS News reporter Harold Dow died suddenly this week at the age of 62. His untimely death was compounded by the confusion surrounding his cause of death. That mystery has now ended, as it has been revealed in a statement from his family that Dow died from an asthma attack behind the wheel
Continue reading Harold Dow Cause of Death Revealed: It was Asthma
Tagged as: harold dow, harold dow cause of death, HaroldDow,HaroldDowCauseOfDeath
Mosque Protest: Man Mistaken for Muslim Draws Confrontation
By Paul Shepard on Aug 23rd 2010 2:37PM
Filed under: News, Politics, Race and Civil Rights
If New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg were smart, he would stop granting permits for rallies and protest marches in the city related to the controversial proposal to build an Islamic center and mosque near Ground Zero.
I know that people have a constitutional right to protest, but the city can take away that right when the health and safety of the public is threatened.
All one has to do is look at the ugly scene (watch below) that broke out at a recent rally against the mosque proposal, called Park 51. Clearly, complete mayhem is just around the corner when people start gathering in public on this issue.
Continue reading Mosque Protest: Man Mistaken for Muslim Draws Confrontation
Tagged as: ground zero mosque, GroundZeroMosque, Mosque Protest: Man Mistaken for Muslim Draws Confrontation,MosqueProtest:ManMistakenForMuslimDrawsConfrontation, park 51, Park51
Obama to Deliver Major Speech on Iraq
By Jeff Mays on Aug 23rd 2010 1:30PM
Filed under: News, Politics, President Obama
President Barack Obama is expected to give a major speech about Iraq days after the last U.S. combat troops were withdrawn ahead of the Aug. 31 deadline.
ABC News is reporting that President Obama will use the speech to make three major points:
- Express gratitude to the troops for the work they have done; more than 4,400 U.S. soldiers have been killed during the seven years of the Iraq War, a war many believe the U.S. government mislead the public about. Who knows how many innocent Iraqi civilians have died.
- Highlight that he has kept his promise to withdraw the troops when scheduled
- Place Iraq within the context of our national security priorities
A couple of issues come to mind when thinking about what Americans need to hear from Obama: 
Continue reading Obama to Deliver Major Speech on Iraq
Tagged as: Bush and Iraq, BushAndIraq, george w. bush, GeorgeW.Bush, Iran,iraq, Iraq war, IraqWar, Military spending, MilitarySpending, Obama to Deliver Major Speech on Iraq, ObamaToDeliverMajorSpeechOnIraq, president obama,PresidentObama
Wyclef Jean Say
News – The DEA Hiring Ebonics Experts to Understand Drug Dealers
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Scholarship in Action – Syracuse University
The Associated Press is reporting that the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is considering hiring translators to help agents understand the language of drug dealers. Apparently, the agents are having trouble interpreting the words and sentences being used by suspects during wiretaps. The agency reached out to some translation services companies to find someone to help them with the problem. No, this is not a joke.
"They saw a need for this in a couple of their investigations," Special Agent Michael Sanders said. "And when you see a need – it may not be needed now – but we want the contractors to provide us with nine people just in case."
Yes, this story is making me laugh as much as you are. When I heard that the DEA was considering such a move, I could almost appreciate their intentions, but I think they might be a bit misguided. The first thought that came to mind was whether or not they are presuming that drug dealers speak a dialect of English which matches that of the rest of urban black America? Sure, there are going to be similarities, but most of my urban friends don’t understand drug dealers either. Dealers don’t just sound like rappers, but actually structure a variation of language and sophisticated codes that nearly anyone would have trouble translating. Rather than hiring an ebonics expert to understand the lingo of drug dealers, they’d be better off hiring a former drug dealer.
The Latest – 8/23/10
A Good Man Gets Gunned Down in Robbery
Interview: Pam Grier Keeps It ‘Foxy’ For BV
Montana Fishburne Fighting Former Partner
Photo Credit: YouTube R Grier / Everett Collection Getty Images
Hottest Posts
Harold Dow Cause of Death – Was it Asthma?
Respected journalist Harold Dow died suddenly this week. Dow was only 62 years old, and has had a 40-year career with CBS News that has spanned the globe. He was the first to interview OJ Simpson during his trial, he covered the kidnapping of Patty Hearst, and was also there for the release of Nelson Mandela.
The question that still rings loudly in media is “What was Harold Dow’s cause of death?”
Julianne Malveaux Speaks up for the city of Detroit
by Dr. Julianne Malveaux, President – Bennett College
Only one in four young black men graduates from high school in Detroit. The rest are lost and left out, swallowed by a city where urban blight, industrial desertion, and educational failure define daily life. Detroit is ground zero, exemplifying the absolute worst of urban life. It had a passionate champion in Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, who recently lost her bid for reelection. But as passionate as Cheeks Kilpatrick and Senator Debbie Stabenow have been about Detroit, this is a city that won’t bounce back without revolutionary intervention.
Respected Black Journalist Harold Dow Dies
by Dr. Boyce Watkins
Respected CBS News correspondent Harold Dow died on Saturday at the age of 62. The death is a shock to all of those who follow black public figures, as Dow was one of the most respected black journalists in America.
Dow leaves behind his wife Kathy and their three children. Dow was with CBS for nearly 40 years, covering some of the leading stories across America. He even covered the kidnapping of Patty Hearst and the release of Nelson Mandela.
Dow is the winner of the prestigious Peabody Award and the Edward R. Murrow Award. He was also nearly killed during the falling of the twin towers on September 11,2001. One of his greatest feats was getting the first interview with OJ Simpson after the murders of Ronald Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson.
Spelman College Ranked #1 HBCU in US News
Short note from Dr. Boyce Watkins
Spelman College was chosen as the #1 HBCU in the country in a recent ranking by U.S. News and World Report. The title is well-deserved, since I don’t know of a single Spelman grad who isn’t doing quite well. But some complain that the self-confidence of Spelman grads can sometimes breed arrogance – you know, the girl who wants to be CEO of the company on the first day. In fact, I know employers who refuse to hire Spelman grads at all.
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:
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.
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
James Clyburn Center Under Investigation for Funds Mismanagement
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Black Scholarship in Action, Syracuse University
The James E. Clyburn University Transportation Center at South Carolina State University has been spending money for the past 12 years, but no one seems to know exactly where that money went. State Senator Robert Ford has recently called for an investigation into the center to find out details on how funds have been managed. Even Rep. Clyburn has become a critic of the center’s management as of late.
The Post and Courier, a newspaper out of Charleston, SC has conducted its own investigation using an open records request. The newspaper has described the university’s records as "a convoluted system of record-keeping, with no central control and records on the same subject located in different offices or buildings."
There was a consultant’s report recently completed by the firm Elliott Davis which concluded that the university’s system of grant management not only makes it difficult to track the money, it also makes it tough to find out whether the objectives of the grant were accomplished.
Black Man Dies Protecting Girlfriend from a Robbery
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
Yoseph Robinson was a good man and role model. He’d converted to Judaism after his fight with drugs and often reminded others of the importance of being morally strong. He upheld these values until his last moments when he died protecting his girlfriend from a robbery.
Lahava, a woman helping Yoseph write a book, was laughing and joking with a man when he suddenly demanded her money. Robinson told the man to leave her alone, and that’s when a struggle broke out. Yoseph was shot several times in the arm and chest and died on the scene. The robber got away on foot in the Brooklyn area.
Before his untimely and unfortunate death, Yoseph Robinson served as a role model for neighborhood children. Everyone loved him, and he was writing a book on his transformation out of drugs and into a more productive life. As he died, he told his girlfriend to tell his daughter how much he loved her.
Dr. Boyce: Kendrick Meek In the Fight for His Political Life
Dr. Boyce Watkins, Scholarship in Action
I went to Florida this week and found myself surprised by what I saw on TV. It was then that I became aware of the nasty political battle going on between Jeff Greeneand Kendrick Meek (pictured). Both men are fighting to win the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, and both are playing dirty in order to get there.Greene is a billionaire investor who has enough money to run one of the nastiest campaigns Floridians have seen in a while. Meek is also a power broker, being the son of prominent African-American political figure Congresswoman Carrie Meek.
I admit that I found the nastiness of the political ads to be unique, intriguing and even a little entertaining. Each politician presents himself as a good family man who wants to serve the country, and each points to the other as devious, manipulative and damn near criminal. The Democratic primary battle in Florida makes for astonishing political theatre at the expense of Florida taxpayers.
The Latest in Black Sports – 8/20/10
Vikings Star Percy Harvin Collapses at Practice, Hospitalized
- Most of America might have expected that the return of Brett Favre was the biggest story at the … Read More
- By Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 20th 2010 7:25AM | Comments (0)
LeBron James Disses Dan Gilbert in GQ Magazine
- LeBron James recently did an interview with GQ Magazine, during which he chose to be brutally … Read More
- By Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 19th 2010 5:19PM | Comments (12)
Lance Stephenson: NBA Player Charged With Assaulting Girlfriend
- Lance Stephenson of the Indiana Pacers had just begun his NBA career. He was chosen as the 40th … Read More
- By Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 17th 2010 8:58AM | Comments (8)
Son of Former NFL Player Ickey Woods Dies of Asthma Attack
- Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Ickey Woods was stricken by the sudden death of his … Read More
- By Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 15th 2010 6:51PM | Comments (14)
Can Money Buy You Love?
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Scholarship in Action
I was in the car talking with my daughter, the one who I affectionately refer to as "TP." TP stands for "Top Priority," because I believe it’s important to let your kids know that there is someone out there who puts them ahead of nearly everything else. Her own father chose not to embrace the blessing of having her as a child, so God gave me that opportunity.
My daughter and I were, as we normally do, talking about life, the future and all that can be accomplished if we put our minds to it. I’m sure my kids grow insane from listening to me, since I effectively become a 24/7 motivational speaker, constantly reminding them that anything is possible if a person is committed, and also reiterating that your actions must be in sync with your objectives if you are serious about doing anything meaningful in this world. A whole lot of people talk, but very few people are actually doing.
Financial Pressure May Keep a Man From Dating You
by Dr. Boyce Watkins
Sometimes, I wish I could be a fly on the wall when women are having their most interesting conversations about men. Well, as a gesture of good faith, I can let women become the fly listening in on what men might discuss when they aren’t around. I can’t tell all the secrets, but I’ll let you in on one that has to do with money and dating.
I’ve heard more than one guy state that part of the reason he may choose not to date is because of the intense financial pressure of dating. In the worst case scenario, there’s the woman who expects the man to be the out of control baller, yanking out $200 or $300 dollars for a trip to dinner or the nightclub with $10 drinks. In many cases, he can’t be plainly dressed, so there is also the pressure of having to keep an expensive wardrobe or a fancy car. It’s hard to pretend to be economically invincible in a tough economy that has always been hard on black men.
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.
Alleged Killer Said He “Didn’t Care” When He Shot 8-year old Girl – Tanaja Stokes
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
Steshawn Brisco is one of the men who will likely be charged in the shooting ofTanaja Stokes, an 8-year old girl in the South Side of Chicago. Most shocking is that Brisco said that he "didn’t care" that there were children in the area when he began firing and that he "let the whole .40 clip go."
Tanaja’s cousin was also injured in the shooting.
A second suspect is being sought by police. The person in question is allegedly a juvenile who is well-known throughout the community. "I am begging you, turn yourself in. End the circle of violence that hurts this great community," said Police Commander Keith Calloway.
The death of Tanaja Stokes is part of the continuous nightmare that refuses to wake us up as a community. The cycle of violence in Chicago is out of control, and other cities across America are faced with similar tragedies on a regular basis. The cold reaction of the alleged perpetrator in this crime adds a more disturbing element to this already alarming situation.
Black News – 8/18/10
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Obama’s aunt granted asylum due to press leak
By theGrio
11:21 PM on 08/17/2010
BOSTON (AP) – U.S. Immigration Judge Leonard Shapiro blasted the leak by the unnamed official in his 29-page ruling granting asylum to Zeituni Onyango in May…
NY Gov. Paterson to meet with mosque developers
By theGrio
5:13 PM on 08/17/2010
NEW YORK – Last week, the governor offered to help broker a new location downtown should developers agree to move farther from the World Trade Center site…
3 suspects arrested in deadly Ind. b’day party shooting
By theGrio
4:40 PM on 08/17/2010
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – A masked man armed with an assault-style rifle opened fire Aug. 3 at the birthday gathering on the city’s near west side…
GOP: Obama insensitive over stand on mosque
By theGrio
4:35 PM on 08/17/2010
WASHINGTON (AP) – From statehouses to state fairs on Tuesday, Republican incumbents and challengers unleashed an almost unified line of criticism against the president…
Kidnapping leads to high speed chase, fiery crash
By theGrio
3:02 PM on 08/17/2010
VIDEO – Fort Worth police released video on Monday of a fiery crash that sent an officer and a man suspected in a fatal kidnapping to the hospital…
Bow Wow on films: ‘I want to be the next Will Smith’
By Eilyn Segura
2:36 PM on 08/17/2010
VIDEO – Pleasantly surprised, and very grateful when called an "international superstar", he divulges that it is much harder to make an album than a movie…
Caught on tape: Fight at Ga high school football game
By theGrio
1:33 PM on 08/17/2010
VIDEO – There were even reports of shots fired down the street from the game, which only led to even more confusion…
November trial set in 1965 Ala civil rights death case
By theGrio
12:46 PM on 08/17/2010
MARION, Ala. (AP) – A grand jury indicted James Bonard Fowler for murder in the killing of Jimmie Lee Jackson during a civil rights protest that turned chaotic…
‘Dismissed!’ Ice-T beats NYC unlicensed driving rap
By theGrio
11:12 AM on 08/17/2010
NEW YORK (AP) – "Like I said from the gate, I never broke the law," Ice-T said as he left court with his wife Coco…
Laurence Fishburne on Montana: “No one uses their Real Last Name in Porn”
Apparently, Laurence Fishburne and his daughter Montana are not speaking. He told his daughter that he embarrassed her and ridiculed her by saying that no one uses their real last name in porn. According to TMZ, Laurence has said that he will not speak to Montana until she “turns her life around.” This is sad.
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.
Dr. Boyce: 30,000 Line Up for Public Housing in Atlanta
by Dr. Boyce Watkins – African American Scholar, Syracuse University
A massive number of people showed up in downtown Atlanta this week hoping to get a chance to obtain free housing. Over 30,000 people reportedly waited in sweltering heat just to get an application for one of 400 vacant units for public housing in East Point, a section of the city.
There were 13,000 applications given out, meaning that most of the people applying for housing won’t receive a unit. Medical personnel and police were on hand to help some of those who’d been overtaken by heat exhaustion. It is unclear why residents had to wait outside in the heat in order to apply for a place to live.
The story in Atlanta is a sad reflection of what’s been happening nation-wide to the African American community since the start of last year’s recession. While many of us are fortunate enough to have jobs, there are hundreds of thousands of others who’ve been unable to find work and don’t have the ability to meet basic needs.
Was Fantasia’s Suicide Attempt a Business Move?
When I heard that the singer Fantasia attempted suicide this week, I was saddened and alarmed. Suicide is the last thing I’d expect from a woman who seemed to empower others with her seemingly endless supply of positive energy. Fantasia is a star in more ways than one.
As I researched the details of her suicide, I couldn’t help but notice that one of the causes of her depression may have been the slowdown in her career.
Artists who stop selling records suddenly realize that they were addicted to the fame and money. The declining artist is faced with massive economic problems, serious rejection issues and an intense sense of personal failure. When this is compounded with some of the relationship problems that Fantasia has reportedly had with a married man, you have a recipe for disaster.
That made me want to ask the question that others may not want to ask: Is Fantasia’s management team looking to milk sympathy from her fans to boost record sales? While I certainly empathize with what Fantasia is experiencing, I couldn’t help but notice the dramatic details of her personal problems being blasted throughout the media. It’s not as if her team has asked that we allow her a private moment to be with her family. They are bringing the entire world into her hospital room and sharing every detail of the experience.
the Latest from Dr. Boyce – 8/12/10
Why Every Black Child Should Have a Passport
- I went to visit my daughter in Kentucky recently. I love spending time with my kids, which has … Read More
- By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 12th 2010 1:51PM | Comments (0)
Naomi Campbell Accused of Lying About Blood Diamonds
- Supermodel Naomi Campbell is refuting allegations that she lied in the war crimes trial of former … Read More
- By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 11th 2010 2:40PM | Comments (5)
Three Mistakes Often Made When Sending Your Kids to College
- I’ve been teaching at the college level for a while. The most interesting thing about it is that I … Read More
- By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 11th 2010 2:08PM | Comments (8)
Black Professionals Must Network to be Successful
- When I was younger, I remember hearing cliches like, "It’s not what you know, it’s who you know." … Read More
- By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 10th 2010 11:00AM | Comments (8)
Leader Working to Economically Empower His Community
- Walt Dixie isn’t just the president of his chapter of the National Action Network, he’s also a … Read More
- By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 9th 2010 9:08PM | Comments (1)
Glenn Beck: Obama’s America is like ‘Planet of the Apes’
- It appears that Glenn Beck enjoys the idea of comparing black people to monkeys. Beck’s latest … Read More
- By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 9th 2010 11:33AM | Comments (139)
Serial Killer in Michigan Targeting African American Men
- There are reports of a serial killer in Flint, Mich,, who is allegedly targeting black men in the … Read More
- By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 6th 2010 6:55PM | Comments (131)
Achieving Your Goals and Building Your Career: How to Get It Done
- I must first start this article by making it clear that I am not a man who knows all the answers. … Read More
- By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 5th 2010 6:50PM | Comments (5)
Naomi Campbell in the Middle of a Blood Diamond Trial
- Naomi Campbell, the supermodel known for attacking her personal assistants, is involved in a … Read More
- By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 5th 2010 5:53PM | Comments (7)
Cornel West Is Upset With President Obama
- Dr. Cornel West apparently has a bone to pick with President Barack Obama. Over time, the good … Read More
- By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 5th 2010 12:14PM | Comments (237)
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