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Black and Missing: Have You Seen This Person?

December 3, 2010, 9:48 am
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Jamal Basil Abdul'Faruq

Case Type: Endangered
Date of Birth: August 12, 1982
Missing Date: April 16, 1990
Age Now: 28
Missing City: Richmond
Missing State: Virginia
Gender: Male
Race: Black
Complexion: Medium
Height: 4-4
Weight: 47
Hair Color: Black
Hair Length: Short
Eye Color: Brown
Wear Glasses or Contacts: No

** Photo age progressed to 26 years old **
Location Last Seen: Seven-year-old Jamal Abdul'Faruq was last seen playing in his neighborhood with his 8-year-old brother, Basil Abdul'Faruq. Basil's body was later found in a landfill south of Richmond, Virginia, but Jamal remains missing.

Circumstances of Disappearance: Unknown

Last Seen Wearing: Jamal was last seen wearing a black Batman t-Shirt, blue jeans, white tennis shoes, and a grey and red fleece baseball jacket.

Identifying Marks or Characteristics: Unknown.

If you have information, regarding the whereabouts of Jamal Basil Abdul'Faruq, please contact the Black and Missing Foundation's tip line.


 

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Black and Missing: Have You Seen This Woman?

December 3, 2010, 10:00 am
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Black and Missing: Have You Seen Aletha Jo Williams?Aletha Jo Williams

Case Type: Endangered
Date of Birth: April 16, 1976
Missing Date: March 6, 2002
Age Now: 34
Missing City: Salt Lake City
Missing State: Utah
Gender: Female
Race: Black
Complexion: Light
Height: 5-2
Weight: 140
Hair Color: Black
Hair Length: Long
Eye Color: Brown
Wear Glasses or Contacts: No
Location Last Seen: Williams was last seen on the corner of 1700 South and W. Temple in Salt Lake City, UT.
Circumstances of Disappearance: She dropped off her belongings at a family member's residence and indicated she would return later. Aletha has a medical condition and was also six months pregnant at time of disappearance.

Last Seen Wearing: Unknown

Identifying Marks or Characteristics: Tattoo of the name "Shawn" on wrist, pierced ears, pierced tongue.

If you have information, regarding the whereabouts of Aletha Jo Williams, please contact the Black and Missing Foundation's tip line.


 

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Antoine Walker Being Sued for Stealing a Man's Fiancee

December 3, 2010, 1:05 pm
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Former NBA star Antoine Walker is being sued for $5 million dollars by a man who claims that Walker stole his fiancee. Kevin Jenkins says that he caught Walker and his fiancee in an "intimate moment," and confronted Walker about it. He said that Walker laughed in his face to deliberately cause him emotional distress.

Jenkins then says that he became so emotionally distressed that he thought about killing himself.

To date, I haven't heard of anyone being sued for cheating with another person's fiancee. However, I do know that in some states, you can be sued for cheating with someone else's spouse. These "alienation of affection" lawsuits are legal in several states: Hawaii, Illinois, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Dakota and Utah.

The lawsuits originate from the days when a woman was considered to be a man's property. In North Carolina, verdicts of over $1 million dollars have been won. Even more interesting is that you can still sue even if you don't live in a state where such laws exist. If the alleged indiscretion took place in one of the states mentioned above, you can sue under the laws in that state.

Don't expect to see Antoine Walker give up too much loot though. The former NBA baller is allegedly broke after being arrested a few months ago when he bounced some checks to repay gambling debts. He also experienced some interesting fallout in his own love life, where his former fiancee, Evelyn Lozada, jumped ship and is now dating Chad Ochocinco. So, perhaps what goes around comes around, or gets passed around, depending on how you look at it.

At the very least, Jenkins may just need to man up and deal with it. We all play the fool in the game of love at some point, and although we'd like to get paid for our emotional distress, you've got to just keep it moving. I lost a fiancee myself once and it hurt me to the core. But your world should always be bigger than just one person....especially if that person doesn't love you.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

 

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Check Out 'Beastly' Trailer With Vanessa Hudgens, Lisa Gay Hamilton

December 4, 2010, 12:30 am
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CBS Films has released the trailer to 'Beastly,' starring Vanessa Hudgens, Alex Pettyfer, Mary-Kate Olsen, Neil Patrick Harris, Peter Krause, and Lisa Gay Hamilton.

Directed by Daniel Barnz, this modern version 'Beauty and the Beast' story will be shown in theaters March 18th, 2011.

Kyle Kingson (played by Alex Pettyfer) has it all - looks, intelligence, wealth and opportunity - and a wicked cruel streak. Prone to mocking and humiliating "aggressively unattractive" classmates, he zeroes in on Goth classmate Kendra, inviting her to the school's extravagant environmental bash. Kendra accepts, and, true to form, Kyle blows her off in a particularly savage fashion. She retaliates by casting a spell that physically transforms him into everything he despises. Enraged by his horrible and unrecognizable appearance he confronts Kendra and learns that the only solution to the curse is to find someone that will love him as he is - a task he considers impossible.

Repulsed by his appearance, Kyle's callous father banishes him to Brooklyn with a sympathetic housekeeper (played Lisa Gay Hamilton) and blind tutor (played by Neil Patrick Harris). As Kyle ponders how to overcome the curse and get his old life back, he chances upon a drug addict in the act of killing a threatening dealer. Seizing the opportunity, Kyle promises the addict freedom and safety for his daughter Lindy (Vanessa Hudgens) if she will consent to live in Kyle's Brooklyn home. Thus begins Kyle's journey to discover true love in this hyper-modern retelling of the classic "Beauty and the Beast" story.

 

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At Age 48, Evander Holyfield Plans to Keep on Boxing

December 4, 2010, 12:46 am
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Just when you thought the Evander Holyfield era was over, you find that there's yet another stage to this endless saga. Holyfield, at the age of 48, has stated that he plans to keep on fighting until he becomes heavyweight champion of the world again. The fighter is set to take on Denmark's Brian Nielson in Copenhagen on March 5.

"My goal is to be the undisputed world champion one more time before I let it go. Once I do that, I sit down," said Holyfied. "And until I do that, I continue to fight."

Holyfield currently has a record of 43-10-2. This would be a nice career for most fighters, but unfortunately, it appears that Holyfield isn't ready to put away the gloves. One great concern are the long-term health issues that can come from being nearly 50 years old and getting pounded in the head for a living. I personally don't want to watch Holyfield decline in the same way as Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes.

Sadly enough, Evander Holyfield is enduring the fate of quite a few black athletes before him. With most of his money squandered and no other marketable skills, fighting is all that Evander can do. So, rather than watching him walk off into the sunset, his fans get the "pleasure" of seeing him decay right before their very eyes. It's sad to see, but oh so familiar.

Holyfield's financial problems are well-publicized. Over the past two years, his $10 million dollar estate has gone into foreclosure, and one of the mothers of his 11 children sued him for back child support. Overspending, a lack of education and fathering too many children with too many women are recipes for disaster for nearly every black athlete (or white athlete for that matter).

I am not one to condemn Evander Holyfield or anyone else, since everyone makes mistakes. But there has to be a point where black athletes learn from one another and stop making the same mistakes as their predecessors. Rather than fighting or playing basketball until we become tired old men, it might be more productive for us to retire into other careers that don't involve sports. Black men can be so much more than athletes.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

 

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Jermaine Jackson Has License Confiscated Over Child Support

December 4, 2010, 6:04 am
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Jermaine Jackson, brother of the late Michael Jackson, is having his driver's license confiscated due to his inability to pay back child support. Jackson allegedly owes his ex-wife, Alejandra Jackson, over $91,921 in child support payments.

According to court documents filed in the Los Angeles County Child Support Services Department, Jackson won't be allowed to drive again until the child support is paid in full.

Back in September, Jackson told the courts that he can no longer afford to pay $3,000 per month in child support for his two sons, Jaafar and Jermajesty. He has asked the judge to cut his payments down to $215 per month, arguing that his ex-wife makes more money than he does.

Currently, Jackson lives with his mother, rent free. He married Alejandra in 1995 and divorced her in 2004.

I am certainly the first to challenge the draconian nature of child support laws in America. Non-custodial parents who can't afford to come up with money every month risk being sent to jail or being publicly humiliated. I am an 18-year veteran of the child support system, and found myself consistently frustrated with the magnitude of my payments, as well as the lack of accountability regarding where the money was going every month. Additionally, the child support courts don't put nearly as much energy into keeping families together as they put into collecting money you may not have.

But when it comes to the case of Jermaine Jackson, there appears to be a serious problem. First, the mere comedy of a 55-year old man living with his mother rent free is incomprehensible. One would hope that his family would demand that he grow up at some point. Secondly, $215 per month is the amount of child support I paid when I was a 20-year old college student earning minimum wage on a part-time job. Oh yeah, that was just for one child, not two, and that was nearly 20 years ago, when the cost of living was a little more than half of what it is today. I also lived in Kentucky, where the cost of living is much lower than it is in California, where Jackson resides. Doesn't Jermaine Jackson belong to one of the richest and most powerful entertainment families in the history of the world? I'm just asking.

Finally, there is the broader lesson about having children for whom we cannot afford to provide. While I'm sure Jackson took great pride in giving his children creative names like Jermajesty, audaciously implying that they are the sons of royalty, one would hope that he would realize that being a true king means making a sincere effort to provide for your family. Jackson arguing that he should pay a ridiculously low amount of child support just because their mother earns more than he does makes him look that much more pathetic. The amount of money he's proposing can't even cover half the food they eat every month.

It almost seems that, like so many other entertainers and athletes across America, Jermaine Jackson has trapped his mind in perpetual childhood. He seems to exist in a world where a man can live with his mama until retirement, spending all of his time hanging out in the studio waiting for his next big break. Jackson is not alone in this mentality, for there are hundreds of thousands of other former ballers, singers, dancers and actors living with an unfulfilled entertainment dream, refusing to wake up to the realities of adulthood. It's ironic that one of Jermaine Jackson's greatest hits was a song called "Let's Get Serious." When I read this story about a 55-year old man from an entertainment family that's earned hundreds of millions of dollars living with his mama and trying to pay just $215 per month in child support for two children, I want to write a song called "Are You Serious?" Perhaps it's time for Jermaine to get serious and start taking care of his kids.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

 

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Juan Williams Says Extending Jobless Benefits Is Bad for Values

December 5, 2010, 1:42 am
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Fox News commentator Juan Williams made news again this week by stating that extending unemployment benefits for America's jobless would weaken their value systems. In Williams' words:

"Because employers, potential employers, will look and see that gee, they've been out forever, it doesn't make sense. And I think that's partly playing in to this cycle. And at some point then it becomes a matter of you lose your work ethic, your values are impacted, you know, getting up, showing up, dressing well, all that good stuff. So I don't know that that's smart."

I would say that Williams' comments are shocking, but they are certainly to be expected from the man who publicly sold himself to the most racist television network in the history of our country. I'm not sure why Williams felt the need to jump in on this issue in such an insensitive way, but it appears that he's working hard to earn the two million that Fox is paying him.

Perhaps Willams should do his homework. The $250 per week received from unemployment benefits is hardly enough for anyone to become spoiled. I've spent a great deal of time around wealthy people (I teach at a private university where the tuition is over $30,000 per year - total annual cost approaches $50,000 per year). I can say, without question, that wealthy people are quite likely less disciplined than working class Americans. It is our nation's paternalistic and demeaning way of viewing the unemployed that somehow leads the wealthy to believe that people don't have jobs because they are lazy.

Adding insult to injury, the notion that Republicans are refusing to extend unemployment benefits in exchange for tax cuts for the rich tells us that they are willing to allow millions to go homeless in order to add a few dollars to the pockets of those who don't need the money. Williams and his colleagues at Fox should stop to notice what it really means to be truly spoiled. Given that Juan is among the wealthy who stand to benefit from tax cuts at the expense of the poorest in our country, such campaigning by he and others to build their personal bank accounts is beyond reprehensible.

If Congress doesn't act soon, 635,000 Americans stand to lose their unemployment benefits this week. Another 1.6 million will lose their benefits by Christmas. Finally, six million could lose their benefits over the next year. The situation is dire, children are being affected, and the insensitive disposition being taken by those in power threatens to undermine the security of our nation. As the gap in wealth grows between the rich and the poor, we are further and further at risk of seeing our country erode into violence (since that's what happens when the rich keep everything and let poor people suffer).

With regard to Juan Williams, the truth is that he's not going to stop making such snide and ignorant remarks on television. My own tangles with Williams have been interesting, and I had no problem telling the truth about his behavior. But at the end of the day, my hope and prayer is that he will one day realize that in spite of a challenging economy, a man doesn't have to sell his principles up the river in order to make a buck. Williams is fully aware that Fox News not only serves to attack minorities and the poor, but they are also in consistent violation of fundamental rules on journalistic integrity. The only thing that surprised me about NPR getting rid of Juan Williams a few months ago was that they didn't do it sooner.

We've got to do better than this, especially at Christmas time.



Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

 

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WikiLeaks Has Trouble Raising Money

December 5, 2010, 3:44 pm
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There's an old Chinese saying that, "The fattest pig always gets slaughtered." After drawing international attention to itself by releasing tens of thousands of classified cables between government officials from around the world, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is in hot water with international authorities. The cables have caused a storm of controversy, but Assange isn't backing down. Recently, he called for the resignations of both President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Assange claims that both Clinton and Obama should leave their posts if there is evidence that they were deliberately spying on United Nations Officials, which is against International Law.

Governments around the world have been on the attack since the release of this sensitive information. A significant source of revenue for WikiLeaks was shut down when PayPal cut off the ability of its supporters to make donations to the company. They claim that WikiLeaks is engaged in illegal activity, disallowing PayPal to provide them with service. The website for WikiLeaks is already out of service, since Amazon dropped its contracts with the company, in addition to hackers and government officials working to undermine the group's efforts.

Since the release of the confidential cables, nearly all companies, groups and individuals doing business with WikiLeaks have come under scrutiny. WikiLeaks is also under legal pressure from around the world, with Assange being placed on the Most Wanted list.

As of Saturday, anyone attempting to donate to the organization via PayPal is being met with this message: "This recipient is currently unable to receive money." PayPal explained its decision to cut off WikiLeaks funding by stating that "our payment service cannot be used for any activities that encourage, promote, facilitate or instruct others to engage in illegal activity."

Other options to donate to the company consisted of sending mail to a P.O. Box in Australia, and sending bank transfers through Switzerland, Germany or Iceland. WikiLeaks' primary funding source has been the Wau Holland Foundation. The group's founder now claims that donations have increased significantly since the release of the confidential cables.

WikiLeaks has had to move from one website to another to hide from governments and hackers seeking to determine the nature and origin of the leaks. While it's original site, WikiLeaks.com, is no longer active, the German counterpart, WikiLeaks.de is up and running as of this weekend. They've even reached out to their supporters around the world for protection, emailing thousands of secret government files that can be released with a "special key" should anything happen to Assange.

WikiLeaks has been a topic of tremendous controversy as of late. The organization is finding itself right in the middle of public debates on governmental transparency in the face of an increasingly dangerous world. Columbia University took criticism this week when it's Office of Career Services warned students that accessing WikiLeaks data could impact their ability to land a job upon graduation.

Two things I will predict about the WikiLeaks scandal are that a) Julian Assange will probably go `to prison, at least for a little while. Governments are never above the blatant violation of individual liberty when it comes to protecting their secrecy, and b) Assange will have made one of the greatest impacts on governmental transparency in at least 20 years. By releasing these documents to the public, Assange has instantly made himself a front runner for Person of the Year.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

 

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Diddy Allegedly Stiffs Breast Cancer Charities

December 6, 2010, 2:53 am
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Diddy Allegedly Stiffs Breast Cancer Charities, The Long Island Plastic Surgical Group Foundation, 1 in 9: The Long Island Breast Cancer Action Coalition


Hip-hop entrepreneur extraordinaire Sean "Diddy" Combs (pictured) doesn't appear to be in a charitable mood these days. Officials from two New York breast cancer charities are accusing him of allegedly stiffing their organizations out of thousands of dollars at a Long Island party he hosted for their benefit.


According to Carolyn Spector, director of The Long Island Plastic Surgical Group Foundation, her organizations as well as 1 in 9: The Long Island Breast Cancer Action Coalition were "promised" proceeds from a Pink Party that the mogul hosted at Glo nightclub in Westbury, N.Y. Spector told the New York Post:

"Nothing was written down, but we were told we would get part of the take. The terminology was 'proceeds from the event.'"

Combs, who reportedly received $80,000 for his appearance at the charitable event, on the other hand, is wholeheartedly denying the allegations. The Grammy Award-winning performer says he never promised the charities anything:

"I didn't know what the [club] owner promised, that had nothing to do with me," Combs told the Post. "I had no information about the charity. When the event was booked, it was just for an appearance. I agreed to let him add the charity because I thought it was a good idea."

The charities' officials claim that there was quite a bit of money made on the night of the function. Guests were charged $10 at the door and $1,000 to sit with Combs in the VIP area of the ritzy club. The venue, which holds approximately 2,000 patrons, was bursting at the seams not long after midnight.

The event's promoters asked that attendees at the event wear a touch of pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. They also publicized the function in a similar manner to Combs' famed white-party galas, which he hosts yearly in the Hamptons. Sources say not only did Combs not have a splash of pink anywhere on his person, he was totally unaware of the mandate.

John Smythe, the son of Glo's owner, alleges that he offered the charities a table where they could ask for donations. Smythe also says Spector and Geri Barish, the director of 1 in 9, ordered drinks and wandered away. He told the Post:

"They were working a table for donations," he said. "But they left the table later and started drinking. Seemed like they were into partying."

In response to Smythe's comments, Spector said,"That's just a bunch of crapola!" According to Spector, the charities were given a verbal promise of a portion of revenue from the bar or door:

"There was never any question of my setting up a table and trying to fundraise on my own," Spector said. "That's not the way we operate. There weren't even chairs for us to sit down on. And I didn't have anything to drink."




 

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Jewish 'Guardian Angels' Accused of Brutality

December 6, 2010, 3:06 am
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Shormim, Eliyahu WerdesheimDressed up in matching outfits like the Guardian Angels, Baltimore's Shormrim patrol group takes to the streets to snuff out crime before it happens in the city's northwest neighborhoods.

But relations between the Jewish group and black residents are strained, because a member of the group was accused of roughing up a 15-year-old black boy and telling him he didn't belong in the neighborhood.

Police arrested Eliyahu Werdesheim (pictured), 23, a former Israeli special forces fighter, for assault, reckless endangerment and false imprisonment for the scuffle with the boy, who suffered a broken wrist and head lacerations.

Werdesheim claims the boy tried to hit him with a stick and sustained his injuries as Werdesheim defended himself. Shomrim leaders said Werdesheim has been suspended as an internal investigation continues.



Early reports of the incident say the boy was walking on a roadway, when a Shomrim patrol drove next to him for a distance and then jumped out of the van and surrounded him. The boy was then allegedly jumped on by Werdesheim and another man.

Shomrim means "watchers" in Hebrew and was started in 2005, after a series of robberies in Baltimore's Orthodox community.

Perhaps this Werdesheim character should face charges and maybe do a little jail time for his overexuberant patrolling with the 15-year-old.

But that does not mean that Shomrim should be disbanded or looked at in a negative light by blacks in the community.

There is nothing wrong with organized groups patrolling their community when police fail to do the job. After all, that is how the Black Panthers started in Oakland in the 1960s.

It sounds like Shomrim had a bad apple among its group -- not unlike every police department in the nation.

As long as Shomrim provides some better training to its members and sticks to the definition of its name and "watches" before getting physical with members of the community, everything should be fine.

　



 

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Rev. James Meeks: Churches Condemned for Not Fighting Civil Unions

December 6, 2010, 4:03 am
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Rev. James Meeks is a prominent and active member of the Chicago community. He is running for mayor in fact, and has taken strong positions on serious political issues. Rev. Meeks was in the news after taking a particularly noticeable stance against gay marriage and civil unions. In fact, he recently stated that churches in Illinois are "under condemnation" for not doing more to stop recent legislation allowing for civil unions of homosexual couples.


Rev. Meeks, as a state senator, refused to support the civil unions bill when it was passed. However, Gov. Patt Quinn and many other colleagues of Rev. Meeks voted in favor of the bill. Meeks stated on local radio that churches have failed to be the "salt and light" that Jesus needs in order for our society to be enlightened.

Rev. Meeks is treading on volatile ground by making such public statements against civil unions for gay couples. I'm not sure what his chances were of being elected mayor of Chicago, but I can't imagine that this situation is going to help him in the polls. All the while, Rev. Meeks says what he believes: He has been highly outspoken on much needed education reform, and has done outstanding work to support and sustain families in the inner city of Chicago. I doubt that a little controversy will ever slow him down.

Meeks' comments also represent the rift between the African American community and left wing liberals. Although African Americans tend to vote heavily Democratic, they are far more conservative than the Democrats would like for them to be: they go to church more often than whites do. They have a bigger problem with homosexuality than most white Americans. Black folks also don't tend to get as excited about liberal issues such as the torture of POWs or saving the environment. Sure, many black people care about these topics, but it's just not the standard conversation you'll hear in our community.

The peculiar marriage between the black community and the Democratic Party is a necessary one, given that the Democrats are the only party that at least tries to make black folks feel welcome: the liberals are steadfast allies to the black community on issues like racial inequality, creating jobs for working class Americans, social programs for the poor, protecting prison inmates and a few other important areas. But when we go to church and spend time with our families, that's when many black people turn into Glenn Beck: I know quite a few black folks in my own family who voted for George Bush in 2004 solely because of his position against gay marriage. The war in Iraq didn't matter, nor did any of the other issues that liberals care about. All that mattered was that Bush appeared to thump the bible as hard as they do, and many black folks hang on their pastors' every word. In fact, I've always said that if Republicans could just let go of the whole pro-racism, anti-poor, anti-working class thing, they could get quite a few black votes.

All the while, I confess that I do not agree with Rev. Meeks' position on civil unions for gay couples. Love is a beautiful thing, even if that love is not between a man and a woman. Members of the gay community should not be stripped of their rights to provide for those they love, even if the rest of us are uncomfortable with the nature of their relationships.



Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

 

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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Launches 'Fight HIV Your Way' Initiative

December 6, 2010, 5:11 am
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One of the world's premiere dance companies, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, will team with Bristol-Myers Squibb pharmaceutical company for a new Worlds AIDS Day initiative.

"Fight HIV Your Way" is a contest designed to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and inspire people affected by the disease to continue their fight.

The 10 first-place winners, who will be announced in July, will be the inspiration for a new dance performed by the troupe. The company's new artistic director Robert Battle, who will take over the role from Judith Jamison July 1, will choose a renowned choreographer to create the piece. It will debut during Ailey's New York City Center season in December 2011and continue to be performed as part of a 2012 national tour.

Jamison announced the contest in conjunction with the start of the season.

"Today, as we open Ailey's New York season celebrating 50 years of Alvin Ailey's inspiring 'Revelations' and announce the launch of the Reyataz "Fight HIV Your Way" contest, the poignancy of this date couldn't be stronger. We lost our founder, Alvin Ailey, to the disease 21 years ago on Dec. 1, 1989," she said.

The beloved company founder got his start on Broadway as a dancer in Truman Capote's 'House of Flowers,' and in the late 1950s, began choreographing work that explored the black experience. After appearing in the acclaimed film 'Carmen Jones,' the Texas native founded his modern dance troupe in 1958 and enlisted big-name dancers such as Katherine Dunham and Ted Shawn and choreographers like George Faison and Talley Beatty.

His most famous dancers were influenced by social protest and the black church, and his popular performances featured Negro spirituals and music from jazz great Duke Ellington.

Ailey died at Lenox Hill Hospital in Harlem at the age of 58 of a terminal blood disorder, which was the result of complications from AIDS.

Jamison added, "Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is proud to be paying homage to the thousands of individuals fighting HIV their way and look forward to unveiling this original collaboration next year."

National Minority AIDS Council and actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, who does HIV awareness through her annual concert 'Diva's Simply Singing' and her one-woman show 'Sometimes I Cry,' is also excited about the contest initiative.

"Dance is a transformational visual art that has the unique power to unite diverse audiences," she said.

"Bristol-Myers Squibb's Reyataz 'Fight HIV Your Way' contest provides people with a channel to express how they fight HIV their way. This year, with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's involvement, the photos and essays will, literally, move and continue to provide courage and strength for others with HIV," the 'Dreamgirls' star added.

People are being asked to submit their stories through a photo and essay to www.fightHIVyourway.com through Feb. 28.




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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

'Revelations' by Alvin Ailey AAADT company members.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Love Stories by Judith Jamison with Robert Battle, Rennie Harris and Clifton Brown.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Matthew Rushing.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Linda Celeste Sims.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Antonio Douthit and Kirven J. Boyd.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's C. Corbin, R. Robinson and R. Lyst and in George Faison's 'Suite Otis.'

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

'The Winter In Lisbon' by Billy Wilson AAADT company members.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Kirven Boyd in Alvin Ailey's 'Masekela Langage.'

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

'The Golden Section' by Twyla Tharp AAADT Company Members.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

'The River' by Alvin Ailey Renee Robinson and Clifton Brown.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

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Coming Out In 2011 - 'Desert Flower' With Liya Kebede, Anthony Mackie

December 6, 2010, 5:15 am
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After traveling the festival circuit and then released overseas in 2009, 'Desert Flower' is finally being released in the United States in early 2011 through National Geographic Cinema Ventures.

'Desert Flower' follows the true Cinderella-like journey of Waris Dirie, who escaped Somalia at the age of 13 and spent her adolescence as a maid in her country's London embassy. A regime change forces her onto the streets of London, but she is discovered by a famous fashion photographer, and this scared, homeless runaway evolves into a glamorous runway superstar. Her beauty and courage open doors to an exciting career, but her life is even more transformed by her tenacity to fight against the poverty and cultural traditions that earlier had forced her to run away from her home and family. Her work resulted in her being named United Nations special ambassador for women's rights in Africa in 1997.

Directed by Sherry Horman, the film stars Ethiopian model Liya Kebede as Waris Diries, Anthony Mackie, Sally Hawkins, Juliet Stevenson and Timothy Spall.

The Waris Diries book 'Desert Flower' has became a worldwide bestseller with more than 11 million sold copies.

Dirie has graced the covers of Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar and V magazines and whose past film credits include 'Lord of War' and 'The Good Shepherd.'

Mackie is currently on the big screen in Tanya Hamilton's debut film, 'Night Catches Us,' with Kerry Washington.

Desert Flower (Wüstenblume) - Trailer English from MajesticFilm on Vimeo.

 

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Former FCC Chairman Vocal About Lack of Black Media Ownership

December 6, 2010, 5:51 am
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Merger between NBC and Comcast
The National Coalition of African American Owned Media has a serious concern about the lack of black ownership in American media. The group expressed its discontent by running a full page ad in the Washington Post today speaking to President Obama about his decision not to challenge the pending merger between NBC and Comcast.

The group is arguing that the NBC/Comcast merger should not be allowed to proceed without Comcast agreeing to allocate 10 percent of its channel capacity and 10 percent of its programming budget to African American owned networks.

According to the group's website, two of the men behind the move are Stanley Washington, a former media executive, and Kevin Martin, former Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. Martin has gone as far as filing a lawsuit challenging the pending merger between NBC and Comcast, and has even pushed for a Comcast boycott.

The group's open letter appears to paint President Obama as a leader who has reversed his position on black media ownership. They start by quoting a letter that Obama wrote to the FCC as a senator, in which he stated that, "....the commission has failed to further the goals of diversity in media and... it is in no position to justify allowing for increased consolidation of the market."

The letter goes on to suggest that the Obama Administration has been kept silent by massive lobbying efforts on the part of Comcast to get the merger approved:

"If you continue to follow the path of the Beltway Elite, and turn your back on the African American community, and the critical goals you set for yourself and your administration (jobs, transparency in government, opportunity for all, net neutrality, etc.), it will foster widespread disappointment moving forward."

The pending merger between NBC and Comcast would be an intimidating concentration of power within the communications industry. Many outside observers don't believe that President Obama, nor anyone within his administration, feels positioned to challenge the merger, especially in light of the spending that both companies are doing to gain support in Washington. The decision to support a merger of this magnitude would certainly run counter to principles of net neutrality and open access to media. It would also continue a disturbing trend of corporate media control that occurred during the Bush Administration.

How media access is allocated should be of incredible significance to the black community, given that media shapes our lives, our messages and how we view the world. Part of the reason that a disproportionate number of black boys want to be rappers or basketball players is due to the fact that the black male images they see and hear in media are saturated with athletes, entertainers, criminals and almost nothing else. While there are a plethora of white talk radio options, there is almost nothing for black America other than stations owned by the same companies that play Lil Wayne songs over and over again. It's time for a change, and the change must occur at the top.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

 

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Who Wore What Last Night?

December 6, 2010, 6:00 am
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From the VH1 Divas tribute to the troops in California, to the Kennedy Center Honors in D.C.; the following stars worked it out on the red carpet opting for cute cocktail attire, regardless of the occasion. Check out what they wore.

Jennifer Hudson was a class act last night at the 33rd Annual Kennedy Center Honors in a little black dress. The slight draping and sheerness on top makes the dress unique, but what we're really loving are Hudson's shoes! The color -- glittery silver with a strip of black -- is totally fun, while the style is all business.

Brandy opted for a little white dress when she attended the USO Presents: 'VH1 Divas Salute The Troops,' this past Friday. We love that Brandy ignored the no white after labor day rule and chose a dress in an interesting cut. We're also loving the folds at the waist. Brandy completed her look with a statement necklace, sans earrings, and a pair of gray platform heels.

Christina Milian looked like one hot, festive mama in red at the ABC Family's: '25 Days Of Christmas 2010 Winter Wonderland Event.' The actress wore a figure hugging, low-cut column dress, and kept the rest of her look simple with black pumps and minimum jewelry. Daughter Violet looked adorable in an all red number as well, topped off with a Santa hat. How precious!

Brandy, Milian and Hudson are proof that cocktail attire can be worn -- and worn well -- for different occasions. Bravo ladies!


 

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Beyoncé's 'World Tour DVD' Goes Double Platinum In Just A Few Days

December 6, 2010, 6:02 am
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The Thanksgiving holiday season is over, but Beyoncé has much to be thankful for.

The 16-time Grammy Award winner debuted her 'I Am...World Tour' concert film on ABC on Thanksgiving night. The 90-minute prime-time Beyoncé special drew 4.44 million viewers.

The DVD went on sale on Black Friday (exclusively at Wal-mart) and has since been certified double platinum. It now tops the Nielsen Soundscan Music DVD chart.

Beyoncé also recently released a deluxe DVD/soundtrack edition complete with unseen footage, a 40-page collection of never-seen photos and an extensive travelogue.

The 'I Am...World Tour' DVD was also shot in Brazil, where the 29-year-old pop star played to an audience of 60,000 in San Paulo last winter.

As previously reported, Beyoncé edited, produced, directed and starred in her 'I Am...World Tour' DVD for her Parkwood Pictures production company. The concert film follows the 'Single Ladies' singer as she travels across 32 countries on six continents.

A Blu-ray version of the DVD will hit stores on Dec. 7.




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D.L. Hughley: Comic Preparing Sitcom Pilot

December 6, 2010, 6:05 am
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D.L. Hughley: Comic Preparing Sitcom Pilot
Comedian D.L. Hughley is gearing up for a return to television.

The 47-year-old funnyman revealed in a recent interview that he will begin production on a new sitcom for TBS.

"We have a new series. It's called 'Rabbit Factory,' he told EURweb.com. "We start taping the pilot in Albuquerque, NM the 9th through the 20th of December. I play a cop with 4 kids."

TBS is also home to Ice Cube's 'Are We There Yet' and Tyler Perry's 'MD.L. Hughleyeet the Browns' and 'House of Payne.'

The former CNN host, who ended his year-long stint on morning radio in New York City in August, is also planning to hit the road with comics Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer for 'The Original Kings of Comedy' reunion tour.

"We're really excited about that," he expressed.

Hughley himself also has an HBO comedy special in the works.

The Los Angeles-based comedian also contributes a weekly commentary on the nationally syndicated 'Tom Joyner Morning Show.'

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Ivory Coast Election Mess: Two Presidents, One Country

December 6, 2010, 6:13 am
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Ivory Coast Election


Thirty years ago, the Ivory Coast was a jewel of the African continent -- a vacation place for rich foreign travelers lured by wonderful beaches and political stability.

But that Ivory Coast is long gone. No better example of the country's failing fortunes over recent years is this week's confused election results, which have two men claiming they are the president, stoking worries that the country could be split in two.



Last week, the international community recognized opposition leader Alassane Ouattara (pictured above) as the winner of the presidential runoff election against incumbent Laurent Gbagbo (pictured below).

The problem is Gbagbo swore himself in for another term at the presidential palace, while Ouattara did the same at an undisclosed location.

Ouattara supporters -- based in the northern part of the country -- have threatened violence if Gbagbo doesn't give up power, but there is no sign that will happen anytime soon.

So what is the logical conclusion? Ivory Coast Election

The Ivory Coast could have twin governments, with Ouattara claiming support from foreign governments and incumbent Gbagbo running the army and state media.

Ten years ago, the Ivory Coast was split into the rebel-controlled north and the government-run south after a civil war. Unless international mediators can get these so-called leaders to listen to reason, Ivory Coast could be headed for another round of split government.







 

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Oprah Winfrey, Bill T. Jones Recognized At The White House As 2010 Kennedy Center Honorees

December 6, 2010, 6:22 am
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The 2010 Kennedy Center Honorees include some of the most influential people yet.

Emmy Award-winning talk show host and media mogul Oprah Winfrey, Tony Award-winning choreographer and 'Fela!' director Bill T. Jones, The Beatles' Paul McCartney, singer and songwriter Merle Haggard and Tony Award-winning Broadway composer and lyricist Jerry Herman (of 'Hello Dolly!' and 'La Cage aux Folles' fame) were presented with their Kennedy Center Honors medallions on Dec.4 at a State Department dinner hosted by Secretary of State Hilary Clinton.

The following day, President Obama and the First Lady hosted the five honorees at the White House before the Kennedy Center Honors gala.

President Obama made remarks about each of the talented honorees, but couldn't help gushing about his dear friend, Winfrey.

"Michelle and I love Oprah Winfrey and the more you know Oprah, the more spectacular you realize her character and her soul are, and the more you appreciate what a wonderful, gifted person she is," he said. "While she was working as a reporter in Baltimore, Oprah was told she was 'too engaged' and 'too emotional' about her stories, so the station put her on a talk show to run out her contract. That worked well. How's payback?"

He continued, "The reason we share ourselves with Oprah is because she shares herself with us. She has taught us to find strength in overcoming...and she has shown millions of people around the world - people she probably will never meet - what it means to believe in 'the dream of your own life."

President Obama also had high praise for 'Fela!' director/choreographer, Jones.

"As the co-founder of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, Bill hs earned widespread acclaim and artistic success in the hyper competitive world of modern dance - all while battling poverty, homophobia and racism," he said. "And through it all, Bill has never compromised his sense of purpose, or lost his ability to inspire others to greater heights."

Secretary of State Clinton traveled back from across the globe to offer remarks to the Honorees.

"We are privileged to honor five remarkable people who move us, inspire us, and remind us of what the human spirit is capable of," shes said.

Although it has not been formally revealed what celebrities will recognize which Honoree, Julia Roberts, John Travolta, Kid Rock, Barbara Walters, Jennifer Hudson, Sheryl Crow, Alec Baldwin, and Steven Tyler were among the celebrities in attendance at the Kennedy Center Honors festivities.

The 33rd Annual Kennedy Center Honors gala will air on CBS at 9 pm EST on Dec.28.




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Michelle Williams: Former Destiny's Child Singer Takes Over UK Radio

December 6, 2010, 6:40 am
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Michelle Williams: Former Destiny's Child Singer Takes Over UK RadioFormer Destiny's Child singer Michelle Williams has taken over morning radio in the UK.

The Illinois-bred vocalist is hosting the top-rated Choice FM morning show with British talent Martin Jay throughout the month of December and into early 2011.

Williams began her stint on Choice FM on Dec. 1, filling in for Jay's regular co-host Lucy Ambache, who is out on maternity leave.

The 30-year-old vocalist is not the first U.S. talent to host UK radio. Rapper Nelly recently did a guest-run on the Choice FM as well.

The Grammy-winning singer just finished a run on BBC's 'Strictly Come Dancing,' the show that ABC's 'Dancing with the Stars' is modeled after.

Williams returns to the U.S. in January and is expected to begin production on a new CD then.

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Black Music Notes Mar. 19

    3/19/09: Rihanna / Chris Brown
    Contrary to previous claims that Rihanna and Chris Brown reunited in the studio last month to record a new duet, record producer Polow Da Don recently confirmed that the couple recorded the newly surfaced track last year. "The reports are inaccurate," Polow's publicist, Laura Wright, told US magazine. "The duet was recorded long before the incident." According to People, the track, reportedly titled 'Bad Girl,' was intended to be on the soundtrack for 'Confessions of a Shopaholic,' but the song was eventually recorded by the Pussycat Dolls.

    Frank Micelotta, Getty Images

    3/19/09: Kanye West / The Dream
    Seven years ago this month, music heavyweights R. Kelly and Jay-Z released their highly anticipated collaborative album 'The Best of Both Worlds.' Now it appears Kanye West and The Dream are vying to work on a similar project. "Everybody is trying to talk us into it," Dream told 'MTV News' of his and West's friends and business associates. "It was first thought of by me. I was in Miami at the time, and I gave Kanye a call and said, 'The best thing would be for me and you to do an album.'... Let's take the best of both worlds and put it on a CD and try to make something we can sell to the consumers. He says he's with it. We're gonna try to make it happen." For now, you can catch Kanye on Dream's potential third single 'Walking on the Moon,' which is featured on his newly released album 'Love vs. Money.'

    Getty Images

    3/19/09: The Miracles
    Legendary Motown group The Miracles is the latest musical act to receive a Hollywood star on the world-renowned Walk of Fame. The 'Ooo Baby, Baby' singers were presented with the 2,381st star on March 20 by Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO Leron Gubler. Motown founder Berry Gordy and Stevie Wonder were also on hand as guest speakers for the ceremony.

    Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

    3/19/09: Chester Gregory
    After several years of blowing audiences away on the 'Great White Way,' Broadway Star and R&B soul recording artist Chester Gregory is preparing the release of his debut album 'In Search of High Love.' The March 31 release finds the multitalented singer introducing himself as a thoughtful and sensitive songwriter blessed with a voice that captivates and demands attention. "While I've thoroughly enjoyed performing on Broadway -- eight shows a week and telling other people's amazing stories -- now it's time for me to share my own," explained Gregory. Highlights of 'In Search of High Love' include the poetic 'Clouds to the Ground,' the crossover-bound 'Say it's Over' and Jackie Wilson's soaring 1967 chart-topper 'Higher and Higher.'

    Jemal Countess, WireImage

    3/19/09: Sammy Davis Jr.
    Altovise Davis, the widow of Rat Pack member Sammy Davis Jr. , recently died at the age of 65. Two days prior to her death, she was admitted to Los Angeles'Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after suffering a stroke. The couple, who met in 1967 on the set of the musical 'Golden Boy,' married in 1970 and remained together until Davis' untimely death of throat cancer in 1990.

    Evening Standard / Getty Images

    3/19/09: Earth, Wind & Fire
    Iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Earth, Wind & Fire is set to hit the road this summer for a 30-city tour beginning June 5 in Orange Beach, AL. In addition to Maurice White and company gracing the stage will be pop-rock band Chicago, which will perform a full show before joining for a final set together, according to Billboard. The tour will conclude on Aug. 1 in Lake Tahoe, NV.

    Santiago Llanquin / AP

    3/19/09: Kim Burrell
    Gospel vocalist Kim Burrell is on deck to release her first new album in nine years titled 'No Ways Tired.' The project's title is inspired by gospel pioneer James Cleveland's classic of the same name. In addition to covering Cleveland's hit, Burrell also tapped other timeless classics including 'My Faith Looks Up to Thee,' 'What a Friend We Have in Jesus,' 'O Lamb of God,' and 'I Surrender All.' There are also a few originals. 'No Ways Tired' is set to hit stores April 7 via Shanachie Records.

    Zomba

    3/19/09: Mike Jones
    Despite being on hiatus since the release of his debut album 'Who Is Mike Jones?' Houston's own Mike Jones is ready to make his mark on the charts once again with the release of 'The Voice.' Jones' sophomore effort is packed with some of the industry's most talented artist including, Lil' Wayne, T-Pain, Devin the Dude, Hurricane Chris and Twista. He's had recent success with his latest single 'Next To You,' which is currently number 16 on Radio and Records Rhythmic charts. "For the past four years, I have been doing a lot of restructuring, getting this record right, making sure my business is right and more," Jones said of his hiatus. "Now, I am ready to finish what I started. I'm hoping my fans will feel 'The Voice' was worth the wait." Mike Jones 'The Voice' is due in stores April 28.

    Gilbert Carrasquillo, FilmMagic

    3/19/09: Prince
    With the recent announcement that Michael Jackson will return to the stage this summer, another influential artist is also planning to make his return. Beginning March 25, Prince will be performing on the 'Tonight Show with Jay Leno' for three consecutive nights. In addition, the 'Little Red Corvette' singer is also readying the Mar. 29 release of his two new albums 'LOtUSFLOW3R' and 'MPLSoUND.' Prince is the latest artist to promote a release through multiple late-night talk show performances. U2 also recently performed five nights in a row on the 'Late Show with David Letterman' in support of its new album 'No Line on the Horizon.'

    Kevin Winter, NCLR / Getty Images

 

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