Are black men or black women the ones to blame in the decline in African American marriage?
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Tiger Woods in Serious Car Accident
Tiger Woods was seriously injured in a single-car accident early Thanksgiving morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Woods pulled out of his driveway at 2:25 am when the crash occured. His 2009 Cadillac SUV struck a fire hydrant and then a tree.
Woods was taken to the hospital, where he is in serious condition. Alcohol was not a factor, according to police.
Dr. Wilmer Leon: The Power of Privilege
Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III
On the evening of Tuesday, November 24 a young couple from Virginia made their way into one of the most secure events in the country, President Obama’s state dinner for Indian Prime Minister Monmohan Singh and his wife at the White House. Like the other 300 plus invited guests, Tareq and Michaele Salahi went through multiple layers of Secret Service security, took photos with Chief of Staff Rom Emanuel and mingled with Vice President Biden and other invited guests. The problem is that the Salahi’s were not invited to the dinner. Their names were not listed on the official guest list or any other list that would have allowed them entrance into the White House. They crashed the party!
All that this couple needed to gain entrance into a state dinner at the White House was a tuxedo, traditional Indian evening wear, attitude, and white skin. When they arrived at the Secret Service check point without a printed invitation and without their names on the official guest list, they were not detained or questioned. No telephone calls were made; no further inquiries were needed; just white skin, blond hair, the expectation of admittance, and a pretty smile. Had this occurred at an airport the Salahi’s would have never made it past airport security.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
WINDING DOWN By Julianne Malveaux
The last five weeks of the year, the days beginning with Thanksgiving and moving through the New Year, are days when we all wind down. Some of us don't want to admit it, citing business as usual. But the fact is that from the first thanksgiving party to the last holiday gift exchange, we have collectively decided that the year is over and we can't do much about it.
This year is different from many others. One in six Americans does not have a job. One in four African Americans is unemployed. This means that our holiday parties must be muted by the challenge of acknowledging and supporting those who are impaired in our midst. It also means lifting up those who deserve the lift up, those who have done such phenomenal things this year that they need a shout out.
I will lift up my sister friend Susan Taylor for her National Mentoring Cares Movement ad for the phenomenal love she sows into African American people as we grow, develop, and learn to heal from our hurt. As she crosses the country, she infuses her gentle spirit into the many ways we can embrace our futures. She is a force that must be loved, respected and appreciated.
I will lift up Dr. Boyce Watkins for his embrace of Heather Ellis, the young sister from Missouri who faced 15 years in jail for cutting a line. Heather Ellis did what so many of us do - went to the store with a friend (cousin), took separate lines, and decided that whoever got up first would hook the other up. How did this turn into a racial farce of utter insanity? It would take the people in Kennett, Missouri to tell us. Here is what I know - Boyce Watkins spent time, effort, energy and money in rallying people around heather Ellis. I am grateful for his activism and lift him up for his work.
I will lift up Donna Richardson Joyner, who has both embraced Bennett College for women and black women around the globe in her positive and joyful commitment to healthy living. Thanks to Donna, we are doing work on growing a healthy garden and embracing healthy habits at Bennett, but more importantly, thanks to Donna, we all have a model of how to live and how to be.
I will lift up Blanche Williams and the National Black Women's Town Hall and the many ways that Blanche is into hooking sisters up. Blanche's mantra is "Embracing Greatness" and she is unselfish about that embrace. She is a blessing and a lesson, a joy and a leader. I am so very excited about their work.
There are so very many more that deserve the lift up. And, there are so many that must be acknowledged as they struggle through these times. I am especially concerned by those who are marginalized by the notion of these holiday celebrations, marginalized by the reality that they have not much to celebrate. What do we celebrate through the storm? Mostly we celebrate that we are still here. Still here? Still navigating, functioning, managing, holding it up. And we celebrate the fact that in the middle of the wind-down, we are indeed winding down.
I always find the end of the year poignant. We always have much to reflect on, much to celebrate. We lift up those who have assisted, accomplished, and moved us more aggressively to a better world. And, at the same time, we acknowledge those who have been tousled by our economy. We ask that all of us do the work we must do to provide analysis as we move forward. We wonder if we suffer from the paralysis of analysis.
At the end of the day, we know that the end-year act of winding down offer us an amazing possibility to lift up and respect our past and yet be challenged by our present. We know that there are those whose contribution has been stellar; we know we all want to do more. We inhale this moment called the end of the year, appreciating the opportunity to wind down, looking forward to the challenge of winding back up.
As long as there are racial economic gaps, there is cause to work, challenge, and focus. When the black unemployment rate is nearly twice the white rate, when black wealth is a tenth of white wealth, there is work to do. For many the end of the year should be nothing more than a momentary respite. There is, still, much work to do.
Dr. Wilmer Leon: Go Home Sarah Palin
Dr. Wilmer J. Leon, Howard University
With the release of her new book Going Rogue: An American Life, former Alaskan Governor and Republican party VP nominee Sarah Palin is once again being given a spotlight she does not deserve. Under normal circumstances Palin would have drifted into obscurity by now; a political has-been who never was. Instead, a sub-par politician with no substantial constituency; no command of relevant issues, and no solutions to substantive problems, is being given air and face time as though she really matters. The simple reality that few are willing to articulate is, if she were not relatively attractive, of European ancestry and a woman, Sarah Palin would be day old bread.
Former Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain (R-AZ) did not select Palin as his running mate because she was a “rogue”, innovator, or had demonstrated intellectual heft. McCain simply pandered to the Conservative Right, tried to siphon off some of the disgruntled Senator Clinton supporters, and gave America more of the same ole’ politics. From that point until now, Sarah Palin has continually tried to reinvent herself, but continues to give Americans more of the same; “all sizzle and no steak”.
Dr. Wilmer Leon Gives Obama Advice on Policies
Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III, Your Black World
Early on the campaign trail, presidential candidate Barack Obama said, "This country is ready for a transformative politics of the sort that John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and Franklin Roosevelt represented." Socially, President Obama is beginning to move in such a positive transformative direction.
After 12 years of languishing in Congress, on Wednesday, October 28, President Obama signed into law the Matthew Shepard / James Byrd Hate Crimes Bill. By signing this bill, the president expands the federal definition of hate crimes to include those motivated by gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability. It also allows federal authorities to pursue hate-crimes cases when local authorities are either unable or unwilling to do so. This law was named after Matthew Shepard, a gay man murdered in Wyoming in 1998, and James Byrd, the African-American man dragged to his death behind a pickup truck in Texas that same year.
PLIES BEING SUED
Five Gainesville residents are suing a Florida rapper, his record label and a local club after they were shot during a 2006 concert.
Billy Dee Williams, Michael Lamar Daymon, Edwin Devasco Faircloth, Steve Ruben Jean-Jacques and Dorian Shannel Johnson are suing rapper Plies, whose real name is Algernod Lanier Washington. They are also suing night club 238 West and Washington's record label, Slip-N-Slide Records Inc., for compensatory damages.
Washington is best known for his 2007 single "Shawty" featuring T-Pain.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Heather Ellis Finally Speaks: Listen to her Side of the Story
Here is an interview that Heather Ellis did for AOL Black Voices - it appears that her side of the story is very different from the prosecution and she may have reason to sue the police department.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Jesse Jackson vs. Artur Davis
I love speaking with Rev. Jesse Jackson. He walks and talks like a man who has seen and heard nearly everything. Our civil rights leaders are social hubs through which many members of our society must travel in order to reach their destinations. You can’t call yourself a black man and not know the Rev. Jesse Jackson.
Rev. Jackson took things a step further by stating recently at a Congressional Black Caucus function that,”You can’t vote against health care and call yourself a black man.”
RELATED: Jesse Jackson Says To CBC You Can’t Be Black And Be Against Health Care
This comment was aimed at Rep. Artur Davis of Alabama, the only member of theCongressional Black Caucus who does not support health care reform. What is most interesting about Jackson’s comment is that he is right, but not quite. You can certainly argue that Davis’ lack of support for the plan implies that his interests are not in line with the majority of African Americans in this country: Most of them love Barack Obama and are willing to support anything that he supports. The other sad truth is that health care reform is so complicated that most Americans don’t have a clue about what’s going on. In that regard, we can argue that it is difficult for Davis to say that he represents the black community when he votes in a direction that is not correlated with the majority of African Americans in the state of Alabama.
The Latest Black News from AOL – 11/20/09
It Ain't Easy Being Green...During the Holidays
- Now that the holidays are coming up, I always get asked the question, so what do you eat? It's ... Read More
- Posted by Nwenna Kai in Blackvoices Main | Comments (1)
Diabetic Holiday Cooking With the Diabetic Diva
- In 2007, I was diagnosed with acute type 1 diabetes. I was approximately 200 pounds, and had ... Read More
- Posted by Elizabeth Mwanga in Blackvoices Main | Comments (0)
The Single-Parent Holiday Guide
- Whether you are just separated or have divorced for seven years, the holiday season presents some ... Read More
- Posted by Angela Bronner Helm in Blackvoices Main | Comments (0)
Black Friday Doorbuster Deals
- Black Friday Doorbuster Deals are designed to get people into stores early in the morning on that ... Read More
- Posted by Alexis Stodghill in BV on Money | Comments (0)
Idris Elba Added to Another Comic Book Film - 'Thor'
- Already set to play a character in Dark Castle's DC Comics adaptation 'The Losers,' British actor ... Read More
- Posted by Wilson Morales in BV on Movies | Comments (0)
White Women Wear Weaves Too! (And Other Revelations)
- If you have questions about weaves, wigs, sew ins, clip ins, extensions and/or lacefronts -- I sure ... Read More
- Posted by Patrice Grell Yursik in BV Hair Talk | Comments (3)
Health Care Bill Update, Congressional Black Caucus & Oprah: Business News
- Black Caucus Stalls Finance Overhaul In one of the clearest examples of how the weak economy is ... Read More
- Posted by Alexis Stodghill in BV on Money | Comments (0)
OPRAH IS LEAVING SOON
CHICAGO – For more than two decades, Oprah Winfrey has been the inspirational, change-your-life champion who reigned over daytime television much like Johnny Carson once ruled late night.
Now she's ready to say goodbye, leaving a huge void for broadcast TV even as she raises the possibility of more Oprah than ever when she starts her own cable network.
Winfrey told viewers Friday that she will dim the lights on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" at the close of its 25th season in late 2011.
read more click hereThursday, November 19, 2009
Heather's Attorney is Ripping Witnesses Apart
It appears that Heather's attorney, Scott Rosenblum, actually knows what he's doing - the trial is getting interesting.
OPRAH’S SAYS GOODBYE TO ABC SEP.2011
Oprah Winfrey will announce on Friday that her popular daytime talk show, "The Oprah Winfrey Show," will end its run in 2011, Tim Bennett, the President of Harpo, announced in a letter released to ABC affiliates on Thursday.
"Tomorrow, Oprah will announce live on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' that she has decided to end what is arguably one of the most popular, influential and enduring programs in television history," he wrote in the letter, obtained by Access Hollywood. " The sun will set on the 'Oprah' show as its 25th season draws to a close on September 9, 2011."
How Does Depression Affect the Black Community?
Medicine on Call with Dr. Elaina George, Your Black World
Dr George and Delores Jones, a correspondent for AOL speak about dealing with depression and change through inspiration and spirituality.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Didn't See the Rally? This Might Not be the last one
Heather Ellis' case makes the top story on the Memphis news - the country awaits the verdict of her trial.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Listen to Dr. Boyce, Roland Martin and Tom Joyner Discuss Heather Ellis
Given that Tom Joyner's Show is sponsored by Walmart, this leads to a relatively awkward conversation!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Black News: Black Kids Told to Pick Cotton in front of their White Classmates
A history lesson that asked black elementary students to act like slaves has sparked protests from parents and teachers at a North Carolina school Wednesday.
During a field trip to Latta Plantation, three students from Rea View Elementary in Waxhaw were chosen by tour guide Ian Campbell to wear bags and mimic picking cotton while their white classmates looked on, WSOC-TV, Charlotte, reported Friday.
Many of the teachers and parents from the elementary school said they plan on writing the leaders of the plantation regarding the racially insensitive history lesson.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Black News: Prosecutor Removes Himself from the Heather Ellis Case
Heather Ellis is shown alongside her mother, Hester Ellis, outside the Justice Center at Bloomfield last month following her pre-trial hearing in a case that has gained national attention. At right is Ellis' attorney, Timothy Hunsaker from the St. Louis firm of Rosenblum, Schwartz, Rogers and Glass. Also pictured (at left) is an unidentified member of the American Civil Liberties Union.
(Staff photo by Noreen Hyslop)
A motion filed in a Dunklin County courtroom brings a new twist to the case against Heather Ellis, a case that has garnered national media attention.
Ellis, an African-American woman from Kennett, is charged in connection with an incident at the Kennett Walmart in 2007 during which she was arrested and charged with two counts of the Class C felony assault on a law enforcement officer, one count of the Class B misdemeanor peace disturbance and one count of the Class A misdemeanor resisting arrest. Ellis was charged as a result of a scuffle that broke out in a checkout line at the store, following Ellis being accused by associates employed by Walmart of cutting in line.
The motion in question, filed by Ellis' attorney on November 2, involves Ellis' legal representation requesting Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Stephen Sokoloff to recuse himself from the case.
Click to read.Saturday, November 7, 2009
Rapper Vigalantee Weighs in on Jay Z's Beef with Beanie Sigal
The Kansas City Rapper Vigalantee weighs in on the beef between Jay Z and Beanie Sigal - Did Jay Z get him fired?
Sirius/XM Satellite Host Dr. Wilmer Leon Talks about Heather's Case
Listen as Dr. Wilmer Leon speaks with Elliot Millner and Pastor Nathaniel Ellis about Heather's trial.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Dr. Elaina George: What do we Make of the Health Care bill?
This show is an interview between Dr. Elaina George and Dr Emelita Breyer. Dr. Breyer is from the Breyer Foundation, an independent organization dedicated to finding solutions to health care reform that does not add to the deficit, or raise money on the backs of the people through taxation.
She has a thorough understanding of the sanctity of the doctor patient relationship. And has real solutions that will protect the things that make the US healthcare system the best in the world.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Media Coverage on the Heather Ellis Trial Continues
CNN is going to interview Dr. Boyce Watkins on Friday, and Fox 5 has jumped on the case.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Black Health with Dr. Deborah Stroman
by Dr. Deborah Stroman, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Got Sugar in the Blood? Change Your Lifestyle Today!
Do you remember your elders speaking about “sugar in the blood”? Do you have a friend or family member who suffers from diabetes? The importance of understanding high blood sugar is critical to the management of our often fast-paced, unhealthy, and stressful lives. A few years ago I had the opportunity to visit the “Bodies – The Exhibition” and experienced the most engaging presentation on the anatomy and pathology of the human body. Cadavers, adult and fetus, were on display to showcase the miracle of the body and the importance of good health and exercise. This poignant visit, which highlighted all of our major bodily systems, provides the inspiration to urgently share information regarding sugar – the crack cocaine of the Black of the community!
Christopher Metzler Spars with Bill O'Reilly
Dr. Christopher Metzler at Georgetown University spars with Bill O'Reilly over President Obama's position on race relations.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Your Black News from AOL - 11/2/09
Oprah Winfrey's Push for the 'Preciouses of the World'
- PUSH novel As powerful and influential as Oprah Winfrey is, it's takes a deep subject matter to get ... Read More
- Posted by Wilson Morales in BV on Movies | Comments (1)
Who Owns the Black Haircare Industry? Not Black People
- I was intrigued by a recent call for a boycott of non-black beauty supply stores by Professor Devin ... Read More
- Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (1)
Economic Recovery Definition: Is the Economy Really Getting Better?
- What is the definition of an economic recovery? This is the hot finance topic of the week. As the ... Read More
- Posted by Alexis Stodghill in BV on Money | Comments (0)
Atlanta Poised to Elect Its First White Mayor in 36 years: Polls
- You'd expect Atlanta's leading mayoral candidate, Mary Norwood, to employ Barack Obama's campaign ... Read More
- Posted by Carmen Dixon in BV Black Spin | Comments (0)
Celebrity Halloween Costumes: What Where Nick & Mariah, Rihanna, Selita Ebanks & More Wear?
- You bought the wig, searched the accessories and even sprung for the expensive make up you knew ... Read More
- Posted by Zandile Blay in BV on Style | Comments (0)
White Woman Terrorizes Black Deputy Over Traffic Citation
- Julie Hubbard, 44, was stopped by a sheriff's deputy in DeLand, Fla., after making an illegal ... Read More
- Posted by Ruth Manuel-Logan in Blackvoices Autos | Comments (3)
Rev. Al Sharpton's Ex-Wife and Daughter Arrested Over Traffic Stop Dispute
- Civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton's ex-wife, Kathy Jordan, and daughter, Dominique (pictured ... Read More
- Posted by Ruth Manuel-Logan in Blackvoices Autos | Comments (0)
50 Cent 'Baby By Me' Video Premieres, Album Date Pushed Up
- Get Rich or Die Tryin Despite his forthcoming album, 'Before I Self Destruct,' leaking nearly a ... Read More
- Posted by Brennan Williams in BV Newswire | Comments (0)
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