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Blair Underwood Opens HIV/AIDS Clinic in DC
The clinic looks to help hundreds in the District with free HIV/AIDS care…
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VIDEO: Chicago Honor Student Fatally Beaten
Derrion Albert, a 16-year old honor student, was was walking home from school when he was apparently dragged into a vicious brawl…
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Loves School, Hates Freedom: Obama Wants Longer School Days
President Obama wishes to infringe upon the civil rights of youth by insisting on more hours to educate them…
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Just in Time for Elections, Al-Bashir Lifts Media Censorship in Sudan
Newspapers are now allowed to dispense information without government pre-screening…
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Obama, Others Set to Put Shoe in Iran Over Its Nuclear Program
Iran’s newly unveiled uranium enrichment facility "is inconsistent with a peaceful (nuclear) program," President Obama said today…
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Black Lawmakers Adjust to Post-Inauguration Politics
Some believe the president must work from a centrist position for change while others see his presidency as an opportunity to push through Democratic initiative beneficial to the Black community…
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Something to Shout About: Serena Williams Pens Book
‘On the Line’ details coming up in the shadow of Venus, the star’s failures and her triumphs…
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The (No) Nuclear Option: UN Rez Aims for Nuke-Free World
The next order of business: Regulating transcontinental pig flight…
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Vaccine Shows Promise in HIV Prevention
Researchers found that people who received a series of inoculations of a prime vaccine and booster vaccine were 31 percent less likely to get HIV, compared with those on a placebo…
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Federal Worker Hanged, ‘Fed’ Scrawled Across Chest
The FBI is investigating the hanging death of a U.S. Census worker near a Kentucky cemetery. A law enforcement official says the word "fed" was scrawled on his chest…
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Complexion for the Rejection: Philly Swim Club Fined for Racism
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission issued a finding of probable cause Tuesday that racism was involved in the decision last June by a suburban Philadelphia swim club to revoke privileges of a largely minority day care center…
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Obama to World: America’s Awesome, Still Can’t Fix Problems Alone
"Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility," Obama said in a passage from a speech he was delivering Wednesday to the United Nations General Assembly…
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Ghosts of Timberlake: White Cop Told to Lose Cornrows
And just when he was getting set to record a "21 Jump Street" track with Lil’ Wayne…
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Going for Two: Plaxico Burress Sentenced to 24 Months
Defense lawyer Benjamin Brafton said, "This is a very real tragic case in many, many ways."
September 30, 2009
Your Black News from theroot.com – 9/29/09
September 28, 2009
Black News: Facebook Poll Asks Users If they Think Obama Should be Killed
The Secret Service is investigating a Facebook Poll asking people if they would like to kill President Obama.
"We are aware of it and we will take the appropriate investigative steps," said Darrin Blackford, a Secret Service spokesman. "We take of these things seriously."
The poll asked Facebook Users "Should Obama be killed?" The choices: No, Maybe, Yes, and Yes if he cuts my health care.
Facebook has made it clear that they did not create the poll, and that it was created in an application used by a third party.
"The third-party application that enabled an individual user to create the offensive poll was brought to our attention this morning," said Barry Schnitt, Facebook’s spokesman for policy.
"We’re working with the U.S. Secret Service, but they’ll need to provide any details of their investigation," Schnitt said.
Black Commentary from TheGrio – 9/26/09
Co-Director of the Political Participation Group at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund
Local elections count as much as presidential ones
8:00 AM on 09/28/2009
OPINION – Turnout statistics from recent state and local elections around the country paint a rather bleak picture that is squarely at odds with the political energy and momentum witnessed last November….
President and CEO of the CORO center for civic leadership, Pittsburgh
Black Pittsburgh struggles in the shadow of the G-20
9:27 AM on 09/25/2009
OPINION – For the most part, African-American Pittsburgh seems to be invisible, not only to the public relations hucksters who tout Pittsburgh’s successes, but we are equally invisible to the protesters….
Author of "Still I Rise: A Graphic History of African Americans"
Broad attacks on ACORN are just plain nuts
9:30 AM on 09/24/2009
OPINION — Let me be clear, ACORN’s actions deserved to be exposed, and they deserve to be punished. But let me be equally clear, ACORN is not a big American problem……
Religion Contributor
Racism’s roots in the Bible
8:11 AM on 09/23/2009
OPINION – Everyone in power had been raised in a religious environment that taught that blacks were the descendants of Ham who was cursed by his father….
Journalist & Activist
African-Americans need to ‘raise hell’ about climate change
8:10 AM on 09/23/2009
OPINION – Right here in the United States, there are serious climate issues that need to be addressed, and these problems disproportionately affect African Americans……
Author & Activist
Spare the rod, save your child
7:42 AM on 09/23/2009
OPINION – A study of more than 2,500 toddlers found that, for poor children as young as one, spanking is not only commonplace but promotes more aggressive behavior by age two……
Professor, Author & Co-Director of the RaceProject.org
Shift in race discussion needed for our kids and our media
8:50 AM on 09/22/2009
OPINION – Even the youngest among us recognize and realize the utility in making racial distinctions. Should we be concerned? If so, by what, exactly? …
September 27, 2009
Dr Elaina George on How to Stay Healthy: 5 Tips
by Dr Elaina George, Your Black World Medical Correspondent
Instead of waiting for the outcome of the healthcare debate to decide your fate, use some simple common sense strategies to take back the power to control your own health.
- Start exercising
An increase in activity of as little as 20 minutes 3 times a week can make a difference in your risk of heart disease,
diabetes and obesity. You don’t have to get fancy with a gym membership. Try taking the stairs at work instead of the
elevator, or park further from the entrance when you go to the market or mall.
2. Eat Smaller portions
You may not want to give up your junk food or fried food, but try to limit your portions. Instead of buying a six pack
of soda, buy a two liter bottle. You can better control the portions along with your intake of calories.
Read more at Your Black World, the top black news website in America
September 25, 2009
Dr Boyce Watkins: Did BET Go Too Far with Skank Robbers?
Your Black World, Syracuse University, AOL Black Voices, TheGrio.com
During the BET Awards, Martin Lawrence and Jamie Foxx did a skit called "Skank Robbers," which you can watch below. Some have argued that the video goes over the top, producing stereotypical images of black women to the point of being offensive. Referring to them as "skanks" was enough to draw the ire of many African Americans, but there was also a point in the video in which the narrator says, "From the producers of ‘Planet of the Apes’."
This video leads to the following questions as it pertains to BET:1) Who’s making the decisions? I’d love to see what thought process goes into deciding to make R. Kelly your keynote performer right after he is accused of creating child pornography, or having Lil Wayne sing about wanting to have sex with every girl in the world while underage girls are dancing on stage. I don’t hate BET, and I’ve done a great deal of work with them in the past, but I would like very much for them to explain to the public exactly how they operate.
If this link doesn’t work, then please click here.
September 24, 2009
Christopher Chestnut JD – Why You MUST Have Property Insurance
Christopher Chestnut (pictured above)
Your Black World, AOL Black Voices
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
Most of us know very little about the ins and outs of property insurance. Christopher Chestnut is not in that category. As a prominent attorney out of Florida, Mr. Chestnut has taken on multi-million dollar cases and handled some of the most complex lawsuits imaginable. As one of the leading young black attorneys in America, Chestnut has been recognized by President Obama for his outstanding accomplishments.
I spoke to Chris this week about Property Insurance and what it can do to make your life a little simpler. Here is what he had to say:
1) If you rent, make sure you have renter’s insurance. Also, make sure your landlord has homeowner’s insurance, since renter’s insurance only includes the contents that are INSIDE the house
2) Check your landlord’s insurance regarding injuries on your rented property. Most people are unaware of the fact that the homeowner is liable in the event that someone is injured on their property. Even if the children across the street climb the fence to get into your yard, you are liable if one of them gets hurt. Find out how your landlord’s homeowner’s insurance would cover you if someone has an accident.
ACORN Not Going Down Without a Fight
From USA Today
LOS ANGELES — Millicent Hill says God put her in her stucco home on East 92nd Street, but she believes she would have lost the house without ACORN.
Hill’s home is a center of after-school activity for kids in the Watts neighborhood in gritty South-Central Los Angeles. Children in her church-supported program can avoid the street, get a snack, work on a computer or get a hug.
LAST WEEK: House votes to defund ACORN
When "Mama" Hill, as she’s known, faced foreclosure, ACORN members showed up at a public auction to protest, prompting the lender to cancel the sale. ACORN then found a buyer who rents it back to Hill. "I wouldn’t be here without ACORN, and all of the kids would have to go somewhere else," says Hill, 69. "And they’ve got nowhere else to go."
Here and in other states, ACORN focuses on helping people with housing issues, supporting changes to health care and immigration policies, and registering voters.
ACORN — which has received about $53 million in federal funds since 1994 — has long been a target of conservatives because of its ties to Democrats. Attacks increased after its aggressive voter-registration and get-out-the-vote efforts for President Obama last year. Now, videos showing ACORN workers giving advice to conservative activists posing as a pimp and a prostitute are raising questions about its tactics and finances — and whether it can survive.
Please join the Your Black World Coalition at www.YourBlackWorld.com
September 21, 2009
Dr Boyce Watkins: Obama’s Stuck in a Racial Twilight Zone
Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University , MSNBC’s TheGrio.com
A few years ago, Dr. Cornel West wrote an outstanding book called "Race Matters." In the book, he explains why a post-racial America is not yet a reality. Race certainly matters in our nation, and we don’t need to look any further than the anti-Obama lynch mobs to find evidence of this fact.
What is most interesting is that the people who hate Obama for being black don’t even realize that this is the reason they hate him. That’s how the social sickness called "racism" sneaks into the very fabric of the social infrastructure on which our country operates.
President Obama’s recent experience is yet another reminder that the disease of racism has its greatest impact on those who think they’ve been cured. In spite of his continuous efforts to "just get along" with those on the right wing, they have insisted upon engaging in some of the most pathetic, thug-like behavior imaginable, creating a climate unlike anything our country has seen in the last 30 years.
If you think this has nothing to do with Obama being black, you need to open a history book. Lynch mobs rarely attacked a black man just for being black. They attacked him for being black and doing something that white people found to be unacceptable.
September 20, 2009
Black News: Dr. Marc Lamont Hill Debates Ann Coulter over Obama
from Your Black World
Dr. Marc Lamont Hill debates Ann Coulter on Fox News about Obama’s appearances in national media. Click here to watch!
September 19, 2009
Dr Boyce: University of Michigan’s “Optional” Football Practices
by Dr. Boyce Watkins , Syracuse University
MSNBC’s TheGrio.com
The University of Michigan football team has a storied tradition when it comes to winning. The program is equally storied when it comes to making money by putting athletes on the field no matter what. This football factory rivals the other bastion of athletic exploitation down the road: my alma mater, The Ohio State University.
It was recently unearthed that The University of Michigan has been using "optional" practices as a way to push athletes against their will. Players and their families have reported that any athlete who doesn’t attend the "optional" practices has a strong likelihood of being punished by the team.
I have just one question: why is anyone surprised? The only thing surprising to me about the University of Michigan case is that someone is actually willing to testify against the university. I am simply stunned that the players are bold enough to stand up for their rights in light of the fact that there are extreme penalties for athletes who have the audacity to think for themselves.
For college athletes, loyalty to the NCAA is not a choice. The officials who run college sports serve as the judge, jury and executioner in all cases related to athletic conduct. Like Michael Vick’s pit bulls, athletes within the NCAAsystem are domesticated, indoctrinated and brainwashed from the minute they set foot on a college campus.
The same way that many major retailers look the other way when five year olds are employed in third-world factories, the NCAA doesn’t do a very good job of enforcing the standards within its very own rulebooks. The only standards that seem to be applied strictly are those that keep the athletes and their families away from the multi-billion dollar revenue-generating machine that pays for the massive salaries of college football coaches. This is nothing less than a slap in the face to the players and their families, who give so much on the field.
Black News: Tavis Smiley Accused of Helping Wells Fargo Milk Black People
from AOL Black Voices, Your Black World
Did Tavis Smiley help Wells Fargo herd black people into subprime loans? Yes, according to information contained in a lawsuit filed recently by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. The suit alleges that Smiley was the hook used to draw in potential customers for subprime mortgages.
You might be familiar with the "Wealth Building" seminars that Wells Fargo conducted beginning in the year 2000. Smiley was the headline speaker at these events, held in Baltimore; Chicago; Richmond, Va.; and San Francisco. The seminars were advertised aggressively in black media and aimed directly at black communities. They were a huge success. Often, standing room only audiences would hear Smiley speak about how he mostly disliked banks while strongly urging attendees to invest in real estate as a sound strategy to build wealth. …
September 18, 2009
Your Black News: Shock Jock Michael Baisden gets with Dr. Elaina George to Ask Obama Hard Questions
from AOL Black Voices, Your Black World
Although many Americans have seen and heard the insane debate over healthcare, almost no one understands what’s going on. This is doubly true for the African American community, who is affected greatly by this debate and its outcomes. Most black bloggers aren’t talking about it and black doctors are too busy to inform the community.
Michael Baisden got with Dr. Elaina George, a prominent black physician in the Atlanta area, to break down the public option, healthcare and all related issues in the interview below.During the interview, Dr. George and Baisden answer some important questions:
Dr. Elaina George: Things to Know Before Getting a Flu Shot
by Dr. Elaina George, Medical Correspondent, Your Black World
Although the Swine flu virus has been identified in over 70 countries, it has not been as deadly as expected
- The world wide number of swine flu cases currently is 209,500 with 2,185 deaths
The common flu is more deadly
- In the US there have been 40,000 cases identified with 1,876 deaths. This is quite low when you compare the death rate to the typical flu virus which kills over 30,000 people per year.
Most cases of Swine flu have been mild
- Most people have had mild self-limited symptoms that resolve without any medical intervention.
Dr. Wilmer Leon on Joe Wilson, Serena Williams
By
Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III, Your Black World
Howard University Political Science Professor
On Saturday September 12th, at the U.S. Open semifinals, Serena Williams was caught in a “human moment” that she wishes she could change. After being called for a foot fault by a line judge Ms. Williams launched into an “f-bomb” laden tirade saying in part, “If I could, I would take this @#$#ing ball and shove it down your @#$#ing throat…" The resulting unsportsmanlike conduct penalty cost Ms. Williams the match.
On Monday September 14th Ms. Williams offered a written apology. In it she said, "I want to sincerely apologize first to the lineswoman, Kim Clijsters, the US Tennis Association and mostly tennis fans everywhere for my inappropriate outburst … I really wanted to apologize sincerely…I think the lady was doing the best she could. She was just trying to do her job.”
Some have questioned Serena’s sincerity and others have questioned the timing of her apology. These questions may be valid but at the end of the day Ms. Williams did the right thing. She took responsibility for her behavior and apologized directly to all of those whom she attacked and offended.
On Wednesday September 9th, Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) had his own “human moment.” During President Obama’s speech to a joint session of Congress on health care, Wilson shouted at the President “you lie”. Shortly after his outburst Congressman Wilson called the White House to offer his apology to the President. President Obama did not take his call. It was accepted on his behalf by Chief of Staff Rhom Emanuel.
Congressman Wilson has been asked by members of his own party as well as Democrats to formally apologize on the House floor. He has refused to apologize on the floor of the House saying, "I’ve apologized one time. The apology was accepted by the president, the vice president. … I am not apologizing again … I believe that is sufficient."
As a result of Congressman Wilson’s failure to apologize on the floor, the House passed a “resolution of disapproval” by a 240-179 vote. Congressman Wilson has now been duly punished for his outrageous and childish behavior.
Even though polls show a strong majority of American’s oppose Congressman Wilson’s actions, Republican Party leadership stands behind him. Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele said the House Democrats are guilty of “stunning…. Hypocrisy.” GOP leader John Boehner (R-OH) said that the action initiated by Wilson’s fellow South Carolina colleague, Democratic Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC) — is "patently partisan." Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) circulated a letter of support for Wilson.
News: Serena Williams, Kanye West, Public Outbursts and Race
by Dr Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University, Your Black World
From AOL Black Voices and TheGrio.com
Were there any racial implications to the recent outbursts by Serena Williams and Kanye West? Yes, there were. In my latest conversation with Rev. Al Sharpton, we break down these interesting events, all of which occurred during the past week. We can agree, however, that there are certainly things more important than worrying about Serena Williams and Kanye West. But these situations, in light of the backdrop of Obama’s comments about Kanye, might provide true teachable moments regarding America’s tattered racial history.As I’ve written before, Serena and Kanye have a lot in common, but nothing in common, all at the same time. Serena’s actions were justifiable, given the intensity of the situation and the fact that the line judge made the wrong call. At the same time, most of us can agree that Serena went over the line by threatening to "shove the ball down the f**ing throat" of the line judge because of her mistake. Yes, Serena, you are from the hood. But you don’t need to take it back to the hood to make your point to a U.S. Open line judge.
September 16, 2009
Dr Chris Metzler: Obama Presidency in Trouble?
September 16, 2009 · 2 Comments
President Obama’s presidency is in peril for two primary reasons. The first, his inability to be a transformational leader to an American public hungry for it is of his own making. The second, the thinly veiled demonstration of racism unskillfully disguised as “concern for country” is both to be expected and not of his own making.
First, President Obama came into to office promising “change that we can believe in.” However, on the signature issue of change, health care reform, he has not led; choosing instead to send a litany of mixed messages as to whether he would turn the Byzantine labyrinth that is the American health care system on its head. A transformational leader takes bold, decisive, innovative action if he or she believes that it is right for the country. Thus far, on health care, the President has not demonstrated transformational leadership; he has pledged fidelity to the status quo.
Dr. Elaina George: What’s Wrong with Healthcare?
In this episode of Medicine on Call, Dr. Elaina George interviews Jason Rosenbaum from The Seminal, a healthcare publication. What is wrong with healthcare? What is the state of healthcare reform? What are the goals for healthcare? Why is it taking so long to fix?
News: Jimmy Carter Gets Radical on Race and Obama
Former President Jimmy Carter said in an interview Tuesday that Congressman Joe Wilson‘s "you lie" outburst to President Obama was "based on racism" and that many of the critiques leveled against the president have been made because of his black heritage.
"I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man," Carter said in an sit-down with NBC‘s Brian Williams.
Carter specifically said that Wilson’s comment was "dastardly" and part of an "inherent feeling" held by many Americans — particularly Southerners — that African-Americans "are not qualified to lead this great country."
"It’s an abominable circumstances and grieves me and concerns me very deeply," Carter said.
September 15, 2009
Howard U. President Responds to Student Protests
In an effort to address the student demands raised during the Sept. 4 protest , President Sidney A. Ribeau and Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer Alvin Thornton sat down with The Hilltop to go through each presented demand.
Howard University President Sidney A. Ribeau
Demand: Hours of the Financial Aid office should be immediately extended until 7 p.m. until the set purge date with staff (i.e. certified financial aid officers and managers) in place to render quality customer service and to serve the unusually large number of students who have yet to be validated.
Response: “That’s something that I agree with and will, in fact, do,” Ribeau said.
Thornton said even before students raised the concern, this issue was a priority. He said that the office will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. until the set purge date. He said additional staff people will be needed, but they have agreed to move a substantial part of the operation back to the Amour J. Blackburn Center. Ribeau said this move will be completed by Friday. “It’s not easy, but that’s what we’re going to do.”
Demand: 24-hour, 7-day a week access to the Undergraduate Library and Founders Library, as well as significant capital improvements and renovations to Founders Library and Undergraduate Library.
The Masculine Perceptions of Black Women
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
MSNBC’s TheGrio.com
Black women are too aggressive. They are vicious, nasty, neck-swinging, over-sexed, amazons who utilize every available opportunity to tell off anyone in their path. They hate black men and they even manage to find creative ways to hate one another. We’ve now come up with a one-dimensional way of describing an incredibly diverse group around the world. That is what the world does to black women, and it is the same thing they do with black men. Personally, I’m getting sick of it.
In our natural aversion to such blatantly biased characterizations like the one presented in the first paragraph, we then go to the other extreme: Black women are all perfect, beautiful, loving, enlightened creatures who can do no wrong. All the problems of the black family belong solely to those "trifling brothers who just can’t get it together," and even when black women appear to be wrong, it’s just because the rest of us "are too weak to handle strong and intelligent sistuhs." Sorry my friends, stereotyping is wrong, even when it works in your favor.
Serena Williams’ tirade during the US Open on Saturday was offensive and sad to watch. She embarrassed herself and her family by threatening to "shove the ball down the f***ing throat" of a line judge during an internationally televised event. At the same time, Serena was in an extremely tense situation, the judge made a horrible call, and this was one of the biggest matches of her career. The judge had no business making that kind of call at that time, especially one that was ultimately incorrect. Serena simply said exactly what I certainly would have been thinking myself.
Wilmer Leon: Serena Needs to Learn to Play by the Rules
By
This past Saturday evening, on a second serve at 15-30, 5-6 in the second set at the U.S. Open semifinals, Serena Williams was called for a foot fault by the line judge. Based upon the judges call, Ms. Williams walked towards the judge, pointed her racquet at the judge and launched into an “f-bomb” laden tie raid saying in part, “If I could, I would take this @#$#ing ball and shove it down your @#$#ing throat…"
This exchange resulted in Ms. Williams being penalized a point for unsportsmanlike conduct. This penalty resulted in the match being awarded to her opponent, Kim Clijsters. Some are now questioning the chair umpire and tournament referee Brian Earley’s decision. With Ms. Williams being African American, many are crying foul based on race. Others are objecting to what some believe to be a ticky-tack call, especially at such a key point in a match.
September 14, 2009
Dr. Boyce: The Financial Cost of Tirades: Serena and Kanye
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
When Kanye West stood on NBC four years ago and said "George Bush doesn’t care about black people," I applauded. When he acted a fool on stage after not receiving some award he deserved, I laughed. When he came out with that really weird CD after dealing with personal crises involving the loss of his mother and break up with his fiance, I sincerely felt for him (but never bought the album).
But after Kanye’s stunt last night on the MTV Video Music Awards, I wanted to slap him. Damn brother, that was just pathetic. When Beyonce told you she liked men with big egos, you surely put that theory to the test.
Kanye West’s decision to bum rush the stage and yank the mike out of the hand of Taylor Swift, a 19-year old woman winning her first award has finally certified him as the jackass that everyone thought he might be. I have been a big supporter of West, and I still support him to a point. He brings some degree of intelligence to hip hopthat the industry has needed for a long time. But the truth is that his actions last night were rooted in extreme selfishness and horribly arrogant behavior. Not good for Kanye, nor anyone else.
This must have been "The weekend the black folks went wild," because Serena Williams had an equally problematic outburst at the US Open. After a very bad call by one of the judges, Serena felt the need to offer to shove the ball down the "f*cking throat" of the woman for making her mistake. OK sistuh-girl, does the judge really need to have the ball shoved down her throat?
Oprah Stands by Barack During His Tough Time
In the midst of all the drama surroundingPresident Barack Obama’s speech to schoolchildren on Tuesday, there’s one Chicago resident who will support the commander-in-chief through thick and thin.
The one and only Oprah Winfrey admitted that she was stunned by the amount of backlash the president was receiving after encouraging students to rise above their challenges to succeed in school.
In an exclusive interview with ‘Access Hollywood’ on Wednesday, the multitalented media mogul professed her frustration over the recent events.
"I’m just really stunned by people who feel that the president, the leader of our country and of the free world, saying to your children it’s important for your success, the success of your families and our country, for you stay in school, that education is vital to your well-being. … I don’t understand it. I do not understand it," Winfrey said.
September 13, 2009
Big Punch Heard Around the World: Did Race Play a Role in Player’s Suspension?
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
When I saw the video of the punch out by LeGarrette Blount of The University of Oregon, I was shocked and disappointed. This knock out blow that the athlete laid on Byron Hout of Boise State certainly has no place in the game of football – at least after the clock has struck zero. The University of Oregon acted immediately, suspending Blount for the entire season, effectively ending his career with the team. This incident is also going to likely hurt his chances of having an NFL career.
Here are some reasons that Oregon State was dead wrong in their decision.
1) The the university has no right to be judge and jury on this case. Where’s the union for college athletes? Oh yeah, they don’t have one. This incident is a reminder and sick reflection of the fact that college student athletes should have the same labor rights as the rest of us. Instead, they are subject to the harsh decisions of universities who care more about their revenues and reputations than the athletes themselves. Before you destroy a young man’s career, there should be hearings and a full investigation by a trustworthy panel of individuals who consider his well-being as part of the process. The idea that someone moved so quickly without knowing all the facts is absolutely ridiculous.
2) He is young. Since when can’t one 22-year old football player punch out another one and not pay for it for the rest of his life? Does it really make sense that the university feels that this man’s years of hard work are so disposable that they can simply throw them in the trash without consequence? Coaches are arrested for DWIs, commit crimes and do all kinds of egregious things, and are simply expected to go find another job. Blount, because of NCAA restrictions, can’t simply join the team at another university. His career is over.
September 12, 2009
They Continue to Fight Obama
How much do they hate Obama?
Tens of thousands of fiscal conservatives packed streets in the nation’s capital Saturday to protest what they consider the federal government’s out-of-control spending.
Demonstrators filled Freedom Plaza and Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown Washington. They waved U.S. flags and held signs reading "Go Green Recycle Congress," "I’m Not Your ATM" and "Obamacare makes me sick."
Some men were dressed in colonial costumes with tri-colored hats.
The protesters were marching to the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
FreedomWorks Foundation, a conservative organization led by former House Majority Leader Dick Armey, organized several groups from across the country for what they’re calling a "March on Washington."
The Washington march took place on the same day President Obama was headed to Minneapolis to rally support for his heath care reform plan. The plan, which also was the topic of his weekly raido and Internet message, has come under fire from fiscal conservatives who consider it too costly.
The Grio Speaks – 9/12/09
Author and Professor of African-American Studies at Duke University.
Tyler Perry reflects black culture but some hate what they see
9:34 AM on 09/11/2009
OPINION – Tyler Perry has placed a mirror up to our collective image and if we don’t like what we see, we need to move beyond simply complaining about what Perry is doing……
Executive Director of the Applied Research Center & publisher of ColorLines magazine
Post-9/11 immigration debate needs shift in focus
8:38 AM on 09/11/2009
OPINION – September 11th marked a shift in the politics of race and immigration that prevents us from adopting a plan for legalization, much less overhauling our very broken……
President of National Action Network
Obama puts health care back on track
6:30 AM on 09/11/2009
OPINION – Single-handedly shifting the debate, President Obama has once again silenced doubters and brought the focus back on the real issue – an inadequate system that is failing the nation….
September 11, 2009
Wilmer Leon: A conversation about the Economy
Dr. Wilmer Leon Speaks to Dr Danny Boston, an Economist at Georgia Tech University about the state of the economy. Click here to listen!
September 10, 2009
Dr Boyce Watkins: The President Absolutely Nailed It
by Dr Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
The other day, I mentioned that it was time for President Obama to get tough with his critics. Their below-the-belt attacks on the Beltway were getting to the point of embarrassing our great nation. We were reverting to 1920s lynch mobs and watching behavior that fell short of the threshold of human decency.
Well, when you’re confronted with a monster, you sometimes have to become one. And last night, the president was a monster.I applaud his firm approach when dealing with his critics. President Obama stood tall and strong, showing the vision of a great president. He also confronted Republican lies and misinformation directly. From a political standpoint, the speech was a mobilizer, which is called for when the opposition refuses to work with you and consistently pushes to dismantle your agenda. The right wing does not like this president, and they are using dirty tools of American racism and distrust of black men to win their fight with Obama.
The battle was further energized by the ridiculous outburst by South Carolina Republican Jim Wilson, who shouted "You lie!" in the middle of the President’s speech. Sorry Joe, bad move. Sometimes your enemies can be your greatest allies, and in this case, Obama needs to send Wilson a Thank You card. His actions were yet another spread of icing on the cake of energy that the president created with his stellar performance before Congress.
Your News: Republican Outburst May Help Obama
All eyes were on Barack Obama entering Wednesday night’s address to Congress, but a little-known South Carolina Republican may have done more than the president’s combative speech to unify besieged Democrats around health care reform.
The night’s defining moment — which Democrats hope to transform into a turning point – came when Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) shouted "You lie!" as Obama claimed his plan wouldn’t offer free care to illegal immigrants.
Wilson’s boorishness — for which he quickly apologized — enraged audience members on both sides of the aisle.
It also overshadowed a speech that included some of Obama’s harshest attacks on his GOP critics to date, including a denunciation of "death panel" alarmists as liars — a veiled swipe at Sarah Palin — and a warning to Republicans who want to "kill" reform.
"What we have also seen in these last months is the same partisan spectacle that only hardens the disdain many Americans have toward their own government," Obama said. "Too many have used this as an opportunity to score short-term political points, even if it robs the country of our opportunity to solve a long-term challenge. And out of this blizzard of charges and counter-charges, confusion has reigned.
"Well, the time for bickering is over. The time for games has passed," he added, to Democratic cheers.
The president’s combativeness, coupled with Wilson’s behavior, clearly energized Democrats — to the point where few were in a mood to criticize Obama’s lack of specifics or the fact that he offered no ironclad commitment to inserting a robust public option in the final legislation.
A Doctor’s Take on Obama’s Speech to Congress
by Dr. Elaina George, YourBlackWorld.com
The suspense is over. For weeks we have been holding our collective breath to see if there would be real insurance reform. Now we know. President Obama’s speech this evening incorporated a lot of different ideas, but what was most striking was his statement that the public option was just one of the avenues that could be travelled to achieve an expansion of insurance coverage. Besides the demotion of the public option as an important tool to reign in the all powerful insurance companies, I noticed that there was no mention of universal health care. Wasn’t that the point of this whole exercise?
To be fair there are some good things. Under the President’s proposal there will be:
§ Coverage for pre-existing conditions
§ A cap on out-of-pocket expenses
§ People can no longer be dropped from insurance companies when they get sick
§ No further cap on what insurance companies will pay out
It is a good start, but it doesn’t go far enough.
September 9, 2009
Dr Boyce Watkins: Obama Needs Your Help
By Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
MSNBC’s TheGrio.com.
- Obama prepares for pivotal health care speech
- Michael Vick warns students about the dangers of peer pressure
- Welcome to the age of "No Child Left Un-Politicized"
This week, Michael Jordan will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. He will always be remembered for his many accomplishments and record-breaking achievements in the sport. However, as President Obama prepares to put on a full-court press for health care reform in a speech to Congress tonight, he needs only to look back at one performance from "His Airness" to gain inspiration.
Twelve years ago, in the NBA Finals, Michael Jordan was going to lose. Sick with the flu, he could barely walk, and his aura of invincibility had been shattered in the eyes of the American public. Mike was going to finally relinquish one of his many titles and Karl Malone was going to get the championship that we all now know he never received.
But Mike was Mike, and Karl wasn’t. Mike found a way to win and Karl Malone found a way to become "posterized" as yet another footnote in the astonishing legacy of the great Michael Jordan. Every great man or woman has an opportunity to build his or her legend, and it comes during the most trying of times. It is how we respond to these moments that make the difference between becoming Michael Jordan or just another Charles Barkley.
An Insider Goes After BET
So Andreas Hale, former Executive Editor of Music at BET.com, has been let go.
But instead of simply gathering up his pencils, Rolodex and the favorite coffee mug, Hale took to the web to lay out many of his trials and tribulations during his time at BET.
Hale then hit ‘send’ on an explosive email that landed in our in-boxes Tuesday. The dysfunction that Hale describes is startling, but if we’re honest, I think Hale verifies what many of us have long suspected:
As someone who has been critical of BET for many years, it surprised many that I would leave my post at HipHopDX last year to take a position at BET. But it was an opportunity I absolutely had to take. I could no longer be critical of this company without accepting the opportunity to change it when given. …
Although I was hired to bring about change, I was systematically shut down. I wasn’t hired to make noise, I was hired to be silenced. The truth of the matter is that everything that you thought was wrong with BET is true.
September 8, 2009
Black College Sports: Oregon Athlete’s Punishment Too Harsh
Oregon not only lost the battle of their opening game against Boise State, but they also lost a general, in standout senior running back LeGarrette Blount.
Following a disappointing performance against Boise State in which the Ducks suffered a 19-8 defeat, Blount was walking off the field when he decided to sucker punch BSU player Byron Hout. Prior to the right straight to Hout’s jaw, Hout ran over to Blount antagonizing and instigating confrontation by yelling in Blount’s face and tapping him on the shoulder pad.
Once the skirmish was broken up by Boise coaches and Oregon players, Blount was escorted off the field, but a sports fight would not be a fight until the fans were involved.
Dr Boyce Watkins: How Obama Can Win this Fight
by Dr Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
I once saw a documentary by filmmaker Byron Hurt called, "Barack and Curtis," comparing President Obama to the rapper 50 Cent. Such a comparison might seem silly, given that one of these men is the leader of the free world and the other is a wealthy "gangsta" with more business sense than a Harvard Professor. But in this case, Barack might want to learn a bit from Curtis in order to get a little "gangsta" with the Republican Party, because the right wing has already gotten incredibly "thugged out" with him.
Through a web of lies, unfair attacks and orchestrated campaigns to discredit the president, the right wingers have been relatively successful in slowly eroding Obama’s base of support. While President Obama once rode the wave of 60% approval ratings and amazing popularity, the numbers are now hovering around 45% and morale within the Obama camp has been dramatically weakened. Let Obama lose an additional 10% of his supporters, and you’ve got another President Bush.
I’ve been critical of President Obama when he was wrong, and that won’t ever change. But I stand by my assertion that Barack Obama is the most intelligent and capable leader our nation has had in a very long time. He is certainly better than John McCain and Sarah Palin, whose intellectual and professional flaws make a mockery of our political system.
September 7, 2009
Afghanistan/Pakistan, a New Vietnam? – Asks Dr. Wilmer Leon
By
Under the pretext of responding to the September 11, 2001 attacks in America, the United and States and Great Britain invaded Afghanistan on October 7, 2001 under the banner of Operation Enduring Freedom. President Bush 43’ told the American people that the US strikes were,
“…designed to disrupt the use of Afghanistan as a terrorist base of operations, and to attack the military capability of the Taliban regime… As we strike military targets, we will also drop food, medicine and supplies to the starving and suffering men and women and children of Afghanistan… ”
September 6, 2009
Black News: Dr Boyce Watkins supports Howard University Student Protests
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
Howard University has a problem. Apparently, the school’s students have taken lessons on freedom of speech to heart and actually believe they have a voice in running the campus. That problem is magnified by the fact that they are finally speaking up on issues of mismanagement and incompetence that plague many universities around the nation, particularly Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
We all know that HBCUs can be amazing places to get an education. But we also know that many HBCUs are as slow as molasses when it comes to adopting the necessary administrative adjustments to keep up with the demands of college students. We also know that many HBCUs are not even hiring very many black professors, particularly in business and the sciences (Howard University is one of them). Not having the funds to engage in sound administrative policy is almost understandable. But ignoring calls for appropriate change because it undermines your quest to maintain power….well, that just makes you a black version of the Bush Administration.
