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An Interview With an Author: Judge Karen Criticizes Prosecutors for Going Easy on Celebrities

September 17, 2010, 9:04 am
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In 'Stay in Your Lane: Judge Karen's Guide to Living Your Best Life,' Karen Mills-Francis, a Miami family court judge, writes a compendium of life lessons gleaned from more than 13 years of criminal court experience.

She is the star of the popular syndicated courtroom program 'Judge Karen.'

On Monday, she will launch a new nationally syndicated courtroom program, 'Judge Karen's Court,' produced by Litton Entertainment, which will air in all major markets.

BlackVoices.com caught up to the busy judge. Excerpts of the conversation are below.


BlackVoices: As the second African American woman elected as a judge in Miami, and as an officer of the law who has tried your share of criminal cases, you must have an opinion about what we're seeing in the headlines every day as it relates to celebrities and their brushes with the law. Do you believe that celebrities are treated differently or fairly within the judicial system?

Judge Karen Mills-Francis: As a judge handling a DUI calendar, I had a few cases of athletes charged with drunk driving. In each of the cases, I thought that the plea agreements reached by the prosecutor's office and the celebrity's attorneys often were more lenient than offers extended in other cases. Unfortunately, money can buy a person the best defense team possible, and that equates to better criminal sentencing.

BV: Your new television show, 'Judge Karen's Court,' premieres nationwide Sept. 20. What can viewers expect from your show that they are not seeing on other daytime courtroom shows?

JMF: Me! I mean, obviously I've got my burgundy robe and blond hair, but there really is no other judge on television like Judge Karen Mills-Francis. Period. The other TV judges, some of whom I know personally, are lovely, capable people, but I don't see any of them with the same sensitivity, honesty and drive to make things right the way I do.

BV: Although you did not coin the phrase "stay in your lane," it has become a mantra most associated with you and your approach to how you handle cases in your courtroom. Now, it is part of the title of your new book. What inspired you to write the book, and what do you hope readers will take away from it?

JMF: To me, "stay in your lane,'' refers to having a life of direction and purpose that you are in control of. In my courtroom, I see so many people lost in the darkness of their lives. I hope that somehow my book helps turn on the light by offering my thoughts and perhaps some answers to help them live fully and happily by trusting their own instincts. I also hope it helps them to find the moral compass we were all born with. Sometimes that compass may not have been cultivated by those responsible for their upbringing.

BV: One of those stories in the book is about what you call your "wake-up moment.'' Can you expand on that?

JMF: In the first chapter, I recount how I was afraid of appearing poor and out of place at a lawyer event because I was driving a beat up old car. My "aha moment" came when I realized that the thing that made me fear being ridiculed was a feeling of inferiority that I carried around from childhood. My awakening was understanding that in order to fulfill my lifelong dreams, I had to release my childhood fears.

BV: What have you found to be the most challenging or the most rewarding part about being a judge and making decisions that ultimately will affect people's life?

JMF: The most rewarding aspect of being a judge is meeting people who come up after court to thank me for positively impacting their lives, whether it was through intervention programs or through timely advice. I feel like I have been able to have a meaningful impact on the lives of children and adults.




 

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Fantasia's Highly Publicized Adultery, Suicide Scandal Plays Out on VH1 Show

September 17, 2010, 9:44 am
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As previously reported, 'American Idol' winner Fantasia Barrino was hospitalized on Aug. 10 because of an overdose of aspirin and a sleep aid.

After the near-fatal incident, the 26-year-old singer admitted during an episode of VH1's 'Behind the Music' that the overdose was intentional.

Throughout the blogosphere, people wondered whether the attempt, as well as her alleged sex tap scandal with Antwaun Cook, was all just a publicity stunt to promote her new album, 'Back to Me.' Further speculation will no doubt be raised when the tragedy plays itself out on season two of her VH1 show, 'Fantasia for Real.'

Watch video clip below.




The much-talked-about show documents Barrino from her initial 911 call to the North Carolina hospital bed where the 'The Color Purple' musical star recovered until Aug. 12.

"My love life is very touchy," she admitted during a trailer for the reality show. "I've been in a lot of different situations that haven't been good for me. I have not fulfilled my destiny. It's not time for me to go anywhere. And I can still fight, still keep going. I'm better now."

See for yourself how the eight-time Grammy Award nominee balances promoting her new J Records album and managing her personal life when season two of 'Fantasia for Real' premieres Sept. 19 at 10 p.m. ET/PST.
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Black Music Notes June 2

6/2/10: Ryan Leslie
Singer-songwriter Ryan Leslie is set to make a special appearance at New York's Bowery Ballroom on June 22 and 23. Leslie, who recently wrapped up his international tour with Ne-Yo, will also give fans a preview of select songs from his third solo project 'Les Is More.' Doors open at 7 pm.

Black Music Notes June 2

6/2/10: Dr. Dre
Hip Hop's favorite music physician, Dr. Dre will be honored with the ASCAP Founders Award at this year's Rhythm & Soul Music Awards. The 23rd annual event, which is set to take place June 25 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, will honor Dre for his musical legacy and influence. "Dre is one of the most important voices in modern music," said ASCAP president Paul Williams. "He created a unique, recognizable sound that dominated rap music in the early '90s...and continues to inspire artists and producers across all genres with his musical techniques."

Black Music Notes June 2

5/28/10: Kanye West
Despite shying away from the media since his 2009 MTV Video Music Award tirade, Kanye West is slowing making his way back into the spotlight. Last weekend in Manhattan, West made a special appearance at club CV and it turned into a mini album listening party of his forthcoming opus. "Kanye leaned over and said, 'Play track three,'" DJ Scram Jones told MTV News. "They all went nuts, Kid Cudi was dancing on the table, and then we cut it off at about a minute-and-a-half ... By the end of the process, we played four records."

Black Music Notes June 2

5/28/10: Robert Cray
Five-time Grammy Award-winner Robert Cray is set to release his new live album entitled 'Cookin' In Mobile' on July 27. The 13-song project , which features a bonus DVD with behind the scenes footage, was recorded earlier this year at the Saenger Theater in Mobile, AL. Longtime Cray fans can expect to hear classic hits such as 'Right Next Door' and 'Smoking Gun,' in addition to recent hits such as 'I Can't Fail' and 'That's What Keeps Me Rockin'.'

Black Music Notes June 2

5/28/10: Lil Kim
While many people are making comparisons between Nicki Minaj and Lil Kim, the Queen Bee has reportedly inked a new deal with a fellow Brooklyn mogul. According to various reports, Kim is the latest signee of Jay-Z's record label, Roc Nation. Although details regarding the deal have yet to surface or confirmed, a rep for Kim and Jay's camp was unavailable for comment at press time.

Black Music Notes June 2

5/28/10: Miles Davis
Miles Davis' landmark album 'Bitches Brew' drew critical acclaim throughout the music world during the early 1970s. In honor of the timeless classic, Columbia/Legacy will reissue the album as a super-deluxe Collector's Edition on Aug. 31. The all new collector's edition will find four bonus tracks from alternate versions of 'Spanish Key' and 'John McLaughlin.'

Black Music Notes June 2

5/20/10: Lionel Richie
As Memorial Day steadily approaches, Lionel Richie and PBS are set to celebrate the holiday with the annual broadcast of the National Memorial Day concert. The May 30 event, which takes place on the West Lawn of the US Capital, will feature an array of performers including Richie, Yolanda Adams, and others paying homage to our fallen U.S. troops. This year's concert will also recognize the 60th anniversary of the Korean War.

Black Music Notes June 2

5/20/10: Kelly Rowland
Following her departure from longtime manager, Matthew Knowles last year, Kelly Rowland has inked a deal with Universal Motown Records. For label president, Sylvia Rhone, signing the former Destiny's Child member was inspirational. "I think Kelly is an immensely talented, gracious, and beautiful woman, and I am thrilled about the opportunity to work with her on what's turning out to be an amazing album," she explained. "For an artist whose career began as a member of a landmark group like Destiny's Child, Kelly has truly come into her own and I am deeply inspired by her incredible energy." Rowland's as-yet-untitled album features collaborations from Stargate, Salaam Remi, Ne-Yo, Rico Love, and Esther Dean. No release date was set at press time.

Black Music Notes June 2

5/20/10: Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne has proven once again that he is "music" with his recent contraband jail incident. In fact, the Grammy Award-winning MC called his personal DJ, Scoob Doo to give him the details on what exactly happened, which surfaced online via YouTube. "Ain't too much, I got in a little trouble and whatnot, you feel me," Wayne explained about being caught with headphones and a MP3 charger. "Yeah, they tried to bang me with that. ... But I can't live without my music, Scoob. You know how it is, man. I needed my music. It's all good. I had to take my little slip up. I ain't trippin'. Players f--- up."

Black Music Notes June 2

5/14/10: Eminem/ Jay-Z
Following collaborating on the popular music video game DJ Hero, hip hop heavyweights Eminem and Jay-Z are teaming up once again for yet another business venture. According to published reports, the rap kingpins will be apart of a two part Live Nation produced concert event to be held at each of their hometown's baseball stadiums. "These shows are like a dream come true," Hov said. "I've always hoped that hip-hop could play any stadium like other genres of music. How perfect is it that Eminem and I get to play our hometowns and show how far the live rap experience has come?" Eminem will headline a concert Sept. 2 at Comerica Park in Detroit, while Jay-Z will perform at Yankee Stadium Sept. 13.

Black Music Notes June 2

 

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Love Analytix: 8 Reasons Why Boys Shouldn't be Boys

September 17, 2010, 10:00 am
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"Boys will be boys." As old as that saying is, it's still hard to believe that in 2010 men continue to get a pass for the silliest things based on gender and genetics. There are a set of rules when it comes to behavior, appearance, attitude and thinking that has become socially acceptable for a man, but would be repulsive, shocking or wrong for a woman to think about, not to mention act upon.

Of course there are a few things women get over on, but not as clearly as much as men. Think about it, when is the last time you saw a female take a squat outside to relieve herself because she couldn't make it to the bathroom? Exactly. These sexist societal norms make their way into relationships, often rubbing women the wrong way. Men start hearing that "boys will be boys" from an early age and then many of them find that they have a hard time growing up as men. They don't realize the saying has an expiration date.

Once a boy reaches a place of maturation, "boys will be boys" only functions as an excuse to behave the wrong way as an adult. It takes a man to realize when it's time to put away childish things, otherwise, dealing with a mature woman will be virtually impossible. In a fantasy world there would be no double standard, but there are and probably always will be biased views on how men and women are allowed to behave. So the least I could do is present the top 8 "boys will be boys" antics women really wish men would retire. Fellas:1. Promiscuity
If a woman sleeps with a lot of men is labeled a whore, then guess what you call a man who sleeps with a women? Yes, they are whores to. This double standard that men should be able to cheat, play the field, and sow their wild oats is incomprehensible. As real as STDs and pregnancy are, mature men should think twice who they share their goodies with just as much as women do.

2. Hygiene
It's sooo not cool to have dirty nails and onion-scented armpits or smell like you just came from the gym - after you took a shower. Don't use your manhood as an excuse to be filthy. Truth is, man or woman, breath that smells like boiled bologna is sinful.

3. Body Weight

It's so funny how woman watch their weight to impress a man, and men let themselves go from six-pack to beer keg so nonchalantly. Men, take care of yourselves. Sloppy is not sexy, no matter your sex.

4. Manners
Okay, so you're just going to burp and fart while you have your elbows on the table? Men need to understand that a man with manners is a man with class, and nothing is smoother than a guy with socially correct behavior. Thank you.

5. Lack of Emotion
It is fine to shed a tear from time to time, fellas. Showing an emotion besides the testosterone-fueled anger (See #9) isn't a "female thing," nor is it sign of weakness.

6. Fidelity
Because your a man the rules of monogamy don't apply? Negative. A one-woman man > a man with many women.

7. Fashion
Hello! No one is wearing Karl Kani and cornrows anymore. No one says you have to be a metrosexual to care about how you dress. Call it judgmental or not, but how you dress is a reflection of you.
8. Aggression
It's understood that men have testosterone running through their bodies, but there should be no such thing as excusable aggression and violence just because you're a man. If women must learn to control themselves to be a lady, men need to control themselves and learn the meaning of true discipline.

 

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Supermodel Beverly Johnson Rips the Runway with BV at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York

September 17, 2010, 10:00 am
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Not only did BV on Style have tickets to the hottest shows of the spring/summer 2011 season, we had a front row seat next to supermodel Beverly Johnson! Join us as we follow the fashionable footsteps of Johnson, as she storms Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park,the new home of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York (MBFW NY).

With a face you can't forget, Johnson will always be remembered for paving the way for high-fashion models of color. In 1974, she became the first Black model to appear on the cover of US Vogue and has over 500 magazine covers to date!

"I am excited to be in New York to kick-off the first season at Lincoln Center," dished Johnson, who is signed to Wilhelmina Models along with her daughter Anansa Sims.
We took in the Edition by George Chakra show with the mogul-model. We also spotted Kelly Rowland, model Jessica White and 'Top Model' winner Jaslene Gonzalez in attendance.

"I am wearing a look from the Edition by George Chakra fall 2010 collection. The line is very feminine and complements the curves," shared Johnson, who loved the embellishments Chakra did for spring 2011. When asked what distinguishes one designer from the next Johnson gushed "the wow factor," and, we have to agree! Chakra presented for the fourth time at MBFW NY and showed one of the strongest collections of the week. The designer shined like a veteran sending down the catwalk a bevy of 46 elegant and glamorous looks for the new season. From show stopping long satin gowns with sequined or glittering straps, to little black and white dresses suitable for a sexy date night, Chakra's designs emphasized and sculpted the female form. We loved the braided and weaving interlocking accents on the pieces that highlighted the architecture of the body in luxe colors of gold, saffron and blue lagoon.
Later, dressed in a fiery red shift dress from the fall collection of Edition by George Chakra, Johnson and BV took part in the biggest fashion party in history, Fashion's Night Out. Our first stop was the Giorgio Armani store on Madison Avenue where Johnson caught-up with long time friend, model/actress Lauren Hutton. The two reminisced about the heydays in fashion and modeling in the 70s.

"Lauren was highly influential in my career, she said. "She introduced me to photographer Francesco Scavullo, who shot my Vogue cover in 1974." And the rest is history!

With a schedule packed with events and appearances, Johnson turns to designer Kati Stern of Venexiana to get red carpet ready. We jetted to the Venexiana Spring/Summer 2011 runway where glamour and Stern's love of Lanvin's 1920s-era took center stage. The collection featured 50 eveningwear looks in a bouquet of spring colors inspired by the Mediterranean at sunset and the gardens of Italy's Alto Adige region where Stern visits each summer. Fashion historians will also recognize Kati's love of 1920s-era Lanvin throughout the collection.


"I recently found this line at Bergdorf Goodman and I fell in love," said Johnson pictured backstage with designer Kati Stern. "The collection it's very alluring, yet appropriate for many age groups. There were pieces I could easily see both myself and daughter Anasa wearing next season."

 

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Around the Web - Zoe Kravitz, MC Hammer's Martial Arts Line, Web 2.0 and Prison, & Relationships

September 17, 2010, 11:00 am
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Evoking: Zoe Kravitz The fashion icon/musician/budding actress is the embodiment of hipster cool. She's a master at effortlessly coordinating (or un-coordinating) her well worn-in vintage finds. Denim cutoffs, distressed booties, turbans, and slouchy tees are her staples. Who else could make rips, holes, and scuffs look so chic? (Coco and Creme)

Hammer Time Seems like MC Hammer keeps his hands in everything! After starting a management company for mixed martial arts fighters in July, Hammer is now launching a new clothing line for the sport's fighters and fans. (Hip Hop Wired)

Web 2.0 and the U.S Prison System When thinking about those who use new media, we often bring to mind images of relatively young and well off people who access social media using trendy laptops or stylish smartphones. However, there is a group that is slowly gaining access to blogs and sites like Facebook and Twitter that don't fit these images. (Black Web 2.0)
The Art of Sharing Your Space Whether you're dating, engaged, happily married, or married and need that flame to grow a little hotter, a little brighter -- living with the one you love can be challenging, even discouraging at times. (Clutch Magazine)

 

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New HBCU Network May Debut During Black History Month

September 17, 2010, 11:27 am
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michael jackson
Michael Jackson receives an honorary doctorate degree from HBCU Fisk University in 1988.

Calling all HBCU alum: If you're really into your alma mater, now you'll get a chance to root for your college team on TV, all the time. In 2011, Historically Black Colleges and Universities will have their own television network, mainly featuring black collegiate sports programming, via ESPN.

ESPN has struck a programming deal with the HBCU Network because EPSN owns the rights to games from various athletic conferences. HBCU Network is based in Atlanta and is headed by Curtis Symonds, who was previously head of affiliate sales and marketing at BET. Published reports say the HBCUs will jointly have a 20% equity stake in the network.

Symonds told SportsNewser.com that he plans a full-blown launch into 10 million homes in August 2011. Before then, however, Symonds is hoping to have a "soft launch" of the network in February, during Black History Month. While athletics will be the main draw, the network will also feature lifestyle content and various forms of "edutainment" - a mix of educational and entertainment-driven shows.

Even though I didn't attend a historically black college, I'd be curious to see what kind of programming evolves on this new network. I was also inspired to see that - despite the all-out race for ratings in the TV industry - HBCU Network doesn't see itself as competition for BET and TV One, which both have large Black audiences.

On the contrary, TV One president Johnathan Rodgers told TargetMarketNews.com that he's in talks with HBCU Network to work together with TV One handling many of HBCU Network's back-end functions, like its administrative, legal and operational duties.

What about you? Will you watch this new HBCU Network? And do you think it will be a hit with audiences?


Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, an award-winning financial news journalist and former Wall Street Journal reporter for CNBC, has been featured in the Washington Post, USA Today, and the New York Times, as well as magazines ranging from Essence and Redbook to Black Enterprise and Smart Money. Check out her New York Times best seller 'Zero Debt: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom.'

 

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Charles Barkley Admits He Took Money in College

September 17, 2010, 1:51 pm
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I'm not a huge fan of the "vast intellect" of Charles Barkley. In fact, I usually turn the volume down when he's talking. All the while, I have to admit that I am one of those people who sometimes finds myself admiring Barkley's candid nature. He's the man willing to say the things that other people won't, and he's usually pretty honest about it. As someone who monitors the status, actions and treatment of black athletes in America, I've paid careful attention to Sir Charles for quite a while.

The world was fed a healthy dose of that Barkley honesty recently when Sir Charles decided to admit that he took money from sports agents in college. He didn't actually say that he took the money and kept it, he just said that he borrowed some money and paid it back when he got to the NBA.

"I got money from agents when I was in college," Barkley said. "Most of the players I know borrow money from agents."

Barkley went on to describe the money he received as "chump change," but explained that this practice has been going on for a very long time.

"Let me tell you something, these agents are well known, and they've been giving kids money for 30 years, and I have no problem with it. Borrowing money from an agent ain't the same as a college paying you."

What Charles Barkley is making reference to is the natural black market that develops when you artificially restrict the supply and pricing of a valuable resource. Basically, college athletes are multi-million dollar commodities. They deserve to be paid and they should be paid well. The NCAA earns as much money as every other professional sports league, but they have the luxury of not having to pay their sources of labor with anything more than a scholarship.

Yes, the system is racist, since most of the people making money from this system are white and those being exploited are predominantly black. But you've heard me say this before, so I won't repeat the argument. The interesting point being made by Sir Charles is that star athletes are effectively being supported through their family financial problems by a black market, and that this black market is just. To some extent, agents loaning money to college athletes are similar to those who provided the Underground Railroad during slavery. While the NCAA is certainly not as corrupt and destructive as the institution of slavery, there is a similarity in the sense that in both cases, those who were breaking the rules had the moral high ground over those who supported an exploitative system.

During slavery, we could easily say that anyone encouraging a slave to leave the plantation was hurting the slave. Such individuals were demonized and the world was convinced that they were bad people for breaking the law. At the same time, we all know that it was wrong for slaves to remain uncompensated for their labor. Most of us understand fully that men like Charles Barkley and Reggie Bush were worth far more to their universities than the coaches, athletic directors and others getting paid off their labor. So, there's nothing wrong with them obtaining money for their ability, even if they violate the artificially created NCAA regulations in the first place.

I am glad that Barkley's words, and Reggie Bush's decision to give back the Heisman are bringing this issue into the domain of public discussion. Anyone with a black athlete in their family should be concerned about this system, largely because the NCAA is responsible for extracting roughly one billion dollars per year from the black community. In a nation where black family wealth levels are far lower than whites, black unemployment is nearly double that of whites, and black families are experiencing the brunt of bankruptcies, foreclosures and economic devastation on a level that the rest of the nation will never understand, it is important that our multi-billion dollar athletes and their families be paid. Congress has the power to change this, and with each passing day, I pray that they do what is right.

Until Congress does what is right for black athletes and their families, we'll just have to rely on the Underground Railroad. You can't blame Charles Barkley for speaking the truth when the rest of us are committed to the lie. College athletes deserve to be paid and criminalizing them for getting a small piece of what they deserve is simply unethical.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and the Athlete Liberation and Academic Reform Movement (ALARM). To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

 

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Alice Walker's Estranged Daughter Makes Startling Revelations About 'Color Purple' Author

September 17, 2010, 2:09 pm
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It's hard following the footsteps of your mother, especially if that woman is Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker.

For 40 year-old author, Rebecca Walker, having a famous mother has been anything but easy and she's opening up about just how her difficult life was.

"I very nearly missed out on becoming a mother - thanks to being brought up by a rabid feminist who thought motherhood was about the worst thing that could happen to a woman," she revealed to British newspaper Daily Mail.

"My mom taught me that children enslave women," she continued. "I grew up believing that children are millstones around your neck, and the idea that motherhood can make you blissfully happy is a complete fairytale."

These days, the Yale graduate (born Rebecca Leventhal) is the proud mother of a three and a half year-old son named Tenzin with her partner, Glen. Yet, she holds 'The Color Purple' novelist responsible for much of her hardships growing up and is working hard at being a totally different type of mother.

"Ironically, my mother regards herself as a hugely maternal woman. Believing that women are suppressed, she has campaigned for their rights around the world," she noted.

"But, while she has taken care of daughters all over the world and is hugely revered for her public work and service, my childhood tells a very different story. I came very low down in her priorities - after work, political integrity, self-fulfillment, friendships, spiritual life, fame and travel."

Following in her mother's footsteps, the biracial Mississippi native devoted a great deal of her life dedicated to upholding feminist principles.

She co-founded a non-profit to encourage activism in young women called Third Wave Foundation and was recognized for her work signing up tens of thousands of young female voters by The National Association of University Women, the National Organization for Women and the League of Women Voters, respectively.

After that, she was a contributing editor to several notable publications including Essence, Ms., Glamour, Interview, Vibe and Mademoiselle to name a few. Time magazine even chose her as one of its 50 Future Leaders of America.

For her mother, aside from writing the seminal novel which spawned a classic film and hit Broadways musical of the same name, the Georgia native has published poetry, novels and non-fiction works, in addition to being honored with The Radcliffe Institute Fellowship, the Merrill Fellowship, and a Guggenheim Fellowship.

Their personal lives mirror each other too; For years Rebecca dated alternative-rock-soul singer Meshell Ndegeocello, while her 66 year-old mother was rumored to be romantically involved wtih singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman.

Still, the daughter believes her mother was selfish taking off in her teenager years for a two month jaunt to Greece and leaving her with relatives and earlier in her childhood forbidding her from playing with dolls.

"A good mother is attentive, sets boundaries and makes the world safe for her child. But my mother did none of those things."

"I was 16 when I found a now-famous poem she wrote comparing me to various calamities that struck and impeded the lives of other women writers," Walker noted.

According to Rebecca, Alice spoke of how "Virginia Woolf was mentally ill and the Brontes died prematurely," then calling her a "delightful distraction, but a calamity nevertheless." It was something that she said was "a huge shock and very upsetting."

The two women were estranged after Rebecca's 2000 memoir, 'Black, White and Jewish: Autobiography of a Shifting Self' was released and her mother was unhappy about some of her daughter's reflections in the tome.

Still, their communication did not cease until Rebecca became pregnant with her first child in 2004.

"I was at one of her homes house\-sitting and told her my news and that I'd never been happier, she went very quiet. All she could say was that she was shocked. Then, she asked if I could check on her garden."

An email correspondence followed between the two women after Alice became upset at an interview Rebecca did in which mentioned that her parents did not protect or look out for her and now, according to Rebecca she's been cut out of her mother's will.

"She wrote me a letter saying that our relationship has been inconsequential for years and that she is no longer interested in being my mother," Rebecca noted.

"I have since heard that my mother has cut me out of her will in favor of one of my cousins," she added. "I feel terribly sad - my mother is missing such a great opportunity to be close to her family, but I'm also relieved. Unlike most mothers, mine has never taken any pride in my achievements."

"I've done all I can to be a loyal, loving daughter, but I can no longer have this poisonous relationship destroy my life."

 

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EXCLUSIVE: Steve Harvey Reveals Details Of Second Book 'Straight Talk, No Chaser'

September 17, 2010, 2:10 pm
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Steve Harvey's new book will be out later this year, and BlackVoices.com is the place the celebrated King of Comedy came to with the scoop about it.

Arriving Dec. 7 via Harper Collins, 'Straight Talk, No Chaser' is the follow-up to the media superstar's debut relationship book, 'Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man,' which skyrocketed to the top of the New York Times Bestseller's List and remained a top-seller for over a year.

Publisher's Weekly is already proclaiming the book to be "a thorough, witty guide to the modern man."

Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin heralded Harvey who she said "dispenses a lot of fabulous information about men. It's more than the average man will usually tell you. Steve Harvey will give it up."

"I go so deep into the mindset of men, and how we operate and function, and I give women real things that they can do, to help in their relationship," Harvey told BlackVoices.com.

"You know, look man, men are not bad people. But women think we're bad because they don't get us at all. We're very, very simple. We all think alike. We all basically think alike when it comes down to commitment, love, relationships, money, sex, whatever it is. We all about basically think the same."

"Women have this odd notion that we should think like them," the new 'Family Feud' host continued.

"I help them get beyond that. I've got a chapter in a book, I've got chapters in this book, that deal with this subject matter, whether you're independent and strong, but lonely. I don't care if you've been cheated on, I don't care if you have a relationship with a guy who won't commit to you, I don't care if your guy labels you as a nagger. Why are you always nagging? Why you all always seem to argue and fight about money? I cover everything in this book, much deeper than I did in the first book."

SPECIAL OFFER: A Limited Edition Autographed Copy of 'Straight Talk, No Chaser' can be purchased in advance here.


 

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In the Wake of the Acid Attack Hoax: The Black Bogeyman Phenomenon

September 18, 2010, 5:15 am
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On August 30, 2010, the world was shocked when Bethany Storro (pictured), a pretty 28-year-old Vancouver woman, allegedly became the victim of a random and violent attack in which she claimed a stranger threw acid in her face, leaving her burned and scarred. It also seemed that it may have been a bias crime in that Storro described her assailant as a black woman in her late 20s to early 30s, with slicked-back hair in a pony tail. According to Storro, the attacker was wearing a green shirt and khaki shorts and had three piercings in her ear. Storro even provided enough details of this mysterious black woman so that a composite sketch could be generated to aid in her capture.Storro quickly became the object of sympathy and a profile in courage, after she held a press conference at Legacy Emmanuel Hospital and proclaimed how her faith in Jesus would get her through this ordeal and that she forgave her attacker. She was even booked to go on "Oprah" and tell her story.

But inconsistencies in her account to the police eventually were her undoing and she confessed this past Thursday that her story was a hoax. She admitted she threw or rubbed the acid in to her own face. Obviously, this was a woman who was not just scarred physically, but it seems she was scarred emotionally some time ago.

It is quite possible that she has Munhausen Syndrome, a mental disease where a person repeatedly acts as if he or she has a physical or mental disorder when, in truth, they have caused the symptoms. People with this kind of factitious disorder behave this way because of an inner need to be seen as ill or injured and get the attention of medical personnel, friends, family and in Storro's case even strangers.

The repercussions of this hoax go beyond that of revealing how emotionally troubled this young woman happens to be. Even worse is that it has affected so many others. Vancouver, in particular the Esther Short Park area, temporarily emerged as being an unsafe area, with an acid-throwing predator on the prowl.

Black people, in this case black women, who fit the description of the attacker came under suspicion by both police and residents. The stereotype of the black criminal who would hurt or kill innocent white women and or children, once again was resurrected, hurting all people of color.

But we have seen this before. As Dr. Boyce Watkins pointed out in his recent BV Blog "Did Woman Pour Acid on Her Face and Say a Black Woman Did It?" there have been so many instances where blacks were blamed and demonized for incidents or crimes that either were fictitious or that they had no involvement in whatsoever.

Among them was Susan Smith, the woman who drowned her two children and blamed it on a black man. There was the infamous incident in Boston nearly 20 years ago, when Charles Stuart killed his pregnant wife and said that a black man did it. There was the case this May, in which a Philly police sergeant, Charles Ramsey, said he was shot by a black man but actually shot himself. Lest we not forget Ashley Todd, the McCain supporter who claimed an angry black man (an Obama supporter) robbed her and then etched a B in to her right cheek. It later came out she was emotionally disturbed and perpetrated the crime against herself.

So from a psychological point of view, why does the blaming of black folks happen and continue to happen?

Quite honestly I don't believe the answer is because the alleged victims are necessarily racist. I believe it is much more insidious than that. Even though America has evolved emotionally from slavery, Jim Crow and civil rights struggles, there is still this conscious and unconscious racism that pervades much of our thinking.

Many of us are still afraid or threatened by the image of the angry black person who wants to exact revenge for the years of perceived mistreatment. I call it the Black Bogeyman phenomenon. If you are not careful or are unfortunate enough to be in their path of destruction of one of these angry black folks, you may pay with your life.

The so-called crime victims mentioned in this article thought they could make their stories more believable and get more sympathy by tapping in to the collective unconscious fear that harbors the Black Bogeyman phenomenon. Mel Gibson tried to instill fear of black men in to his girlfriend during one of his rants when he told her that she looked so slutty she deserved to be raped by a "pack of N*ggers."

The most infamous use of the Black Bogeyman, however, was the political advertisement in support of the candidacy of George H.W. Bush during the 1988 U.S. presidential race . The ad ripped Democratic nominee, Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis for his support of a furlough program in which a black man, William R. "Willie" Horton, a convicted felon who while serving a life sentence for murder without the possibility of parole, did not return from his weekend furlough and ultimately committed assault, armed robbery and rape.

According to Bush, the message was simple and effective: Dukakis' support of the program would mean that he enabled and would continue to enable black felons to roam the populace and '"terrorize innocent people."

The Black Bogeyman phenomenon has now been used by right wing politicians to instill fear in voters as the Illegal Mexican Immigrant Bogeyman. This is epitomized by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer's comments about the factious "headless bodies found in the Arizona desert." It's probably more accurate to say that there may be a brainless governor that can be found in the Arizona desert.

The truth of the matter is that we are all becoming more sophisticated about these fantastical stories of dangerous black or brown, or whatever folks, committing dastardly crimes. The police seem to investigate more thoroughly and the public tends to be a little more skeptical. Maybe we all know something that as a shrink I have known for years: the enemy within (our minds) is often more dangerous than the perceived enemy without.

Dr. Jeff Gardere, better known as America's psychologist is one of the most sought-after experts in the field of mental health. In addition to having a private practice in New York City, he has garnered a reputation as being a top motivational and keynote speaker, empowerment and media coach. He now appears as the relationship expert on VH-1's 'Dad Camp.'





 

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'The Town' Film Review: A No-Holds-Barred Dramatic Piece Of Entertainment

September 18, 2010, 6:47 am
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With 'The Town,' Oscar winner Ben Affleck ('Good Will Hunting') proves that he's no one trick pony director after his last film, 2007's 'Gone Baby Gone.'

Directing himself, along with Jeremy Renner, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Chris Cooper, and Blake Lively, Affleck's latest film is a no-holds-barred dramatic piece of entertainment. Filled with heavy suspense and intensity, the acting is aces across the board in this compelling thriller.

Set in Boston, Doug MacRay (played by Affleck) leads a small crew, including best friend Jem (played by Renner), in staging bank robberies around the area. In their last heist, while successful, Jem couldn't help but take a hostage, bank manager Claire Keesey (played by Hall), along for a joy ride.

With Doug's insistence, they let her go, but Jem gets nervous when he discovers that she lives in their neck of the woods. He believes she may someday recognize them. Instead of taking care of her so that she doesn't talk, Doug puts himself in a tough corner when, after talking to her and a few dates, falls for her. She has no inkling as to his day job.

Meanwhile, FBI agent Frawley (played by Hamm) is hot on the pursuit of these merciless robbers who will stop at nothing until the money is taken. As he starts to put the pieces together and with little evidence to arrest the gang of four, he works on Claire so that she's aware of boyfriend's dealings.

There have been plenty of heist films from Michael Mann's 'Heat,' to the recent summer release 'Takers,' and every film offers something different from the other. While 'Takers' was seen as action packed, 'The Town' is more about the acting with some action.

Yes, there is a car chase scene and at least two heist sequences, but what Affleck injects more into the film is the character development. One flaw could be that he doesn't know if the audience should root for or against these robbers.

Renner's enigmatic performance is clearly the standout amongst the cast. As the dangerous one in the group, one never knows when he's going to tick. With so many films to his credit, where his acting was less desired, it's nice to see Affleck go back to basic and be the guy we remember from 'Chasing Amy.' Behind the tabloids and her 'Gossip Girl' TV show, Blake Lively has a future in the business and she has to thank Affleck for giving her an unrecognizable but meaningful role. In his first big role outside of his 'Mad Men' TV series, Hamm is powerful as the cop looking to close this case.

It's nice to see a film that delivers from the opening sequence to the end, and 'The Town' does so entertainingly.

 

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Former USC Coach Says Reggie Bush Looks Like an Idiot

September 18, 2010, 5:26 pm
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Steve Sarkisian is the head coach of the Washington Huskies. He's not a very good coach, since the Huskies are a horrible football team. In fact, you might say, that as a coach, Sarkisian is an idiot. I am sure that part of the reason he was able to land such a prestigious position at The University of Washington was due to the fact that he was able to coach the great Reggie Bush as Offensive Coordinator at USC. Bush likely made him rich and got him a lot of opportunities.

Apparently, Sarkisian isn't exactly grateful to Reggie Bush for giving him his big break. He recently said that Reggie Bush was "acting like an idiot" for giving back his Heisman Trophy last week. Sarkisian might want to sit down and shut up for a second, so I can tell him just how silly he looks.


I am not sure if Sarkisian has a bone to pick with Bush, but it appears that he does. But his disdain for Reggie Bush is yet another reminder of how everyone at USC seemed to have no problem profiting from Bush's productivity on the field, but were quick to dismiss him when things went wrong. I quietly wonder just how much Sarkisian knew about Bush's side payments and how hard he worked to protest anything that might have kept Reggie from keeping his eligibility. The shadow of shame cast on Reggie Bush after the Heisman scandal extends directly to anyone associated with the USC program during Bush's time on the field. All the while, I'm one to argue that there is nothing wrong with a million dollar asset like Reggie Bush getting a piece of the money he's making for everyone else.

What's also interesting is that beyond the millions made by the NCAA from Reggie Bush's ability, Sarkisian and other coaches saw themselves getting multi-million dollar opportunities on the back of Reggie Bush. Because of the stellar season USC had due to Bush's presence, many USC coaches were getting offers from NFL teams, and I'm sure the school saw a substantial boost in revenue from jersey sales, ticket sales, and revenue from television deals.

While Sarkisian might consider Reggie Bush the idiot for giving back his Heisman, I would imagine that one could define an idiot to be a coach who builds his career off of the demise of young men and then turns around and insults them. His comment was not only one of low class, but it was also embarrassing to the already humiliated football program at The University of Washington. Reggie Bush's career will continue, but with sequential records of 5 - 7 and 1 - 2, I'm sure Sarkisian's days are numbered at Washington. So, who's the idiot now?


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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Reginald Garrett: HS Player Dies After Throwing TD Pass

September 19, 2010, 6:57 am
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Reginald Garrett was a football star and straight A student. He was having another outstanding game Saturday, throwing his second touchdown of the night. After throwing the pass, Garrett fell to the ground and died.

The player was rushed to the hospital, but died along the way, according to a spokeswoman from the Baptist Orange Hospital in Southeast Texas.

Garrett was reported to have had a history of seizures, and coaches are saying that he may have had a seizure on the night of his death. Hundreds of fans, players and coaches showed up to the hospital when he collapsed, and the team has not yet decided if it's going to play in next week's game.

The death of Reginald Garrett makes me think back to my days as a track coach. We would make our athletes work hard, pushing them much harder than they could ever push themselves. They would moan, sweat, cry and vomit, yet we would keep pushing them to get better.

During my days as a coach, I would often wonder how much is too much. I'd wonder if it could ever be the case that the kid bent over in pain really has a problem with ashma, seizures, or his heart. Most coaches are not equipped to discern the difference, putting thousands of young lives in danger.

I am hopeful that high school athletics' associations around the country are able to find some way to protect young athletes from latent health problems. By making sure that coaches are properly trained and also putting a physician or health professional on staff for team practices, perhaps athletes can be protected.

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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Today Show Guest Robert Plant References "Spook Music"

September 19, 2010, 5:25 pm
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I was in New York doing what I try to do best: show up for my little girls and support them in their endeavors. My daughter had a volleyball game at her university and I was pumped for the event. Although I do all I can to stay away from work when I am with my kids, I couldn't help but sneak away to appear on one of my favorite radio shows, "The Main Line" on 98.7 Kiss FM.

During the show, we discussed all the usual topics for a hot blooded Sunday afternoon: Politics, news, African American issues, Obama and more. Toward the end of the show, someone made mention of Robert Plant's appearance on The Today Show. My first thought was, "Who in the heck is Robert Plant and why does he matter?" It only took me a couple of seconds to figure out the answer to both of those questions.

Robert Plant is the former lead man for Led Zeplin. He is also of British decent. Apparently, Plant was mentioning the American influences to his music. "Spook music" was a genre he stated to be one of his favorites, which obviously got my attention. The host of the show didn't seem to notice a thing and The Today Show hasn't issued an apology or explanation for the incident.

OK, I tried to think to myself, "What else could he have meant when he said, 'Spook music'?" So, I went to Internet University to try to find answers to that question. When I searched for the term "Spook Music" on the web, I didn't find much of anything that might allow me to exonerate Robert Plant for his ill-timed remark. I saw a band called "The Spooks," but that didn't seem to correlate. I also saw a website that talked about Spook music, but it was referring to a record label that appears to have been created in the last five years. Overall, it appears that both Robert Plant and The Today Show might owe black America an apology.

I'd love to hear feedback on this one, I'm trying to find an explanation. Could the Today Show Host have been too insensitive to catch this or am I the one missing the joke? Either way, we'd rather not be referred to as "spooks."


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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Older Americans Fear Never Working Again: What About Older African Americans?

September 19, 2010, 5:25 pm
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The New York Times is reporting on the growing numbers of Americans over 50 who fear never being able to find work again as the recession continues. As jobs are being added to the economy very slowly, younger workers might be pushing older applicants out of the pool of most-desired employees, leaving a larger and larger a group of people in need of jobs as they approach their planned age of retirement. One such woman has a particularly startling and sad story:

Patricia Reid is not in her 70s, an age when many Americans continue to work. She is not even in her 60s. She is just 57.

But four years after losing her job she cannot, in her darkest moments, escape a nagging thought: she may never work again.

College educated, with a degree in business administration, she is experienced, having worked for two decades as an internal auditor and analyst at Boeing before losing that job.

But that does not seem to matter, not for her and not for a growing number of people in their 50s and 60s who desperately want or need to work to pay for retirement and who are starting to worry that they may be discarded from the work force - forever.
Since the economic collapse, there are not enough jobs being created for the population as a whole, much less for those in the twilight of their careers.

Of the 14.9 million unemployed, more than 2.2 million are 55 or older. Nearly half of them have been unemployed six months or longer, according to the Labor Department. The unemployment rate in the group - 7.3 percent - is at a record, more than double what it was at the beginning of the latest recession.

After other recent downturns, older people who lost jobs fretted about how long it would take to return to the work force and worried that they might never recover their former incomes. But today, because it will take years to absorb the giant pool of unemployed at the economy's recent pace, many of these older people may simply age out of the labor force before their luck changes.


Please read the rest of this riveting story on The New York Times.

We know that when an economic situation is adversely affecting the general population, it tends to cut more deeply and negatively into the affairs of the African American community. While many people are aware of the fact that unemployment is hitting black youth hard with a rate of 32 percent, it seems that the plight of older African Americans is still a story that remains untold. An attempt to find statistics or articles covering this issue yielded meager results, showing that the media does not see the plight of older blacks in need of work as worthy of coverage -- yet we know they are out there and must be facing a harder battle.

Related:
+New HBCU Network May Debut During Black History Month
+National Black MBA Association to Hold 32nd Annual National Conference

Government and civic leaders must wake up to the reality of how unemployed, older blacks are likely suffering deeply given the current economic circumstances. The saying goes that when America catches a cold, black Americans get the flu. If The New York Times is reporting that older Americans can't get jobs, older African Americans might be facing a dire level of economic crisis -- that no one is paying attention to. This is something our leaders must immediately address.

 

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I Honor Life; I Honor God

September 19, 2010, 5:34 pm
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Your Daily Affirmation for Monday, September 20, 2010:

I AM one with of Life. I and "all-that-lives" share a common Source which is God, the Author, Creator and Sustainer of life. The life-giving energy within me is the same as that is in every life form be it human (friend or foe), beast, plant or micro-organism. Each life is a unique and purposeful creation of the Creator. Today, enlightened with this higher understanding of life-unity, I am committed to unconditionally respecting life in all of its expressions whether I comprehend each purpose of not!. To honor life is to honor God. And so I will. Amen.


You are ONE with Life, ONE with God,

Barry Johnson
Previously: With God I AM Victorius


Barry Johnson is an businessman, motivational speaker and management consultant. He holds a B.S. degree from Yale and an MBA degree from Harvard. You can follow him at twitter.com/thebarryjohnson and email him at bjohnson@risemovement.org

 

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24-Hour HBCU Network to Launch in the Fall

September 20, 2010, 1:47 am
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NewsOne.com is reporting that there are plans to launch a 24-hour network dedicated to HBCUs. The network is set to be focused on "edutainment" and lifestyle for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The company behind the platform, C3 Media LLC says that the network is set to fill a niche within the cable industry that has barely been reached in the past.

Much of the programming will also feature various sports teams sponsored by black colleges all across America. "The idea and vision behind the creation of the HBCU Network is to preserve and celebrate the African American colleges and universities, while also providing opportunities for their growth and further prosperity," CEO Curtis Symonds told NewsOne. "At the same time, we are passionate and excited about building a strong media brand and network from the ground up."

C3 Media is run by Curtis Symonds, Clint Evans and Candace Walker. They are negotiating with larger networks such as ESPN for the rights to black college football games. They also have a partnership with TV One. Their network will target African Americans aged 15 - 24 years old, as well as faculty and alumni of HBCUs.

When I read about this network, I was pleasantly surprised. The network's approach is impressive, as it reminds me of the importance of producing socially-conscious business models, which I discuss in my book, "Black American Money." Ryan Mack, a respected financial expert out of New York City, also speaks of such business models. The company has decided that Historically Black Colleges should share in their profits, which will hopefully open the door for additional funding for these universities. Given that many predominantly white universities earn billions by televising black athletes, it is my greatest hope that HBCUs will find some way to tap into this lucrative market as well.

The point to be made here is that when money is being made in the African American community, there must be an understanding of the importance of creating responsible business models, and not simply opening the door for more black economic pimps and ravenous slum lords. When you are selling things to black folks, the bottom line cannot be the bottom line (yes, the pun was intended). What I mean by this statement is that when we create businesses in our community, making money cannot be the only thing on our minds. This is especially true in an industry as important as media, where you are shaping minds that have been battered by the abuses of slavery and oppression for the last 400 years. If you teach a group of psychologically dysfunctional people how to become even more dysfunctional, you are reminding the world of just how much you hate them.

So, as this network launches and moves forward, I am hopeful that the producers and directors will stay focused on their goal of uplifting the community as the stakes get higher and higher. At the same time, those of us in the community should support this network in every way we can. I strongly believe that a well-supported network featuring sports and activities of Historically Black Colleges and Universities can not only allow us to make money from black athletic ability, it can also have as strong of an impact on HBCU attendance as the TV show, "A Different World." I look forward to seeing how this one works out.

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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Obama to CBC: 'Time for Action Is Now'‎

September 20, 2010, 3:22 am
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Obama to CBC: 'Time for Action Is Now'‎

Like most family members, they have have had some squabbles and exchanged some angry words, but when a real threat is on the horizon, they kiss and make up, put the feuding to the side and take on all comers.

That's what President Barack Obama and members of the Congressional Black Caucus did this past weekend.

As a black-tie audience cheered Obama on, the president raised the specter of a Republican-led Congress. if blacks don't turn out in droves to support Democratic candidates in the November election.

Obama urged lawmakers and party officials to return to their home districts and rally voters in their churches, barbershops and beauty shops (you know, the places where you can always find black folks) and mobilize the vote.





Obama is clearly trying to revive the enthusiasm generated in the black community by his campaign for the presidency in 2008, and it looks like the effort is sorely needed. A recent Gallup poll found that 25 percent of blacks gave either some or a lot of thought to the upcoming congressional election compared to 41 percent of whites.

Funny how the threat of having to work with a Republican House of Representatives has gotten Obama and CBC members to put their differences to the side for now.

Obama and CBC members most recently exchanged jabs with the handling of the Shirley Sherrod firing and the president's support (or lack thereof) of Kendrick Meek in his successful primary battle against billionaire Jeff Greene.

And don't forget that Obama and several CBC members have had long-standing differences over Obama's efforts to target aid toward the black community, with CBC members reasoning that there is nothing unusual for key constituent groups (especially those who were key to victory) to get some special spoils after the election.

Obama countered that as president his measures to improve the economy must help all Americans and that the targeting of aid packages won't happen on his watch.

But all of these arguments will look like mere skirmishes if Obama has to fight with a hostile majority in Congress for his final two years in office. That's why it makes all the sense in the world for the president and the members of Congress to circle the wagons.

　



 

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Millennium Villages: Solving Africa's Problems?

September 20, 2010, 3:44 am
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Village Becomes Lab For Curing Africa's Problems

In America, we probably would not be able to function without instant Internet access or our technological devices. Believe it or not, the luxuries that we claim as everyday vices are slowly being introduced in to rural villages in sub-Saharan Africa by the United Nations (UN) through the concept of Millennium Villages.

As reported by The Associated Press, Millennium Villages serve as hubs to introduce assistance and simple technology to places and act as one method that the U.N. has chosen to advance its Millennium Development Goals of reducing global poverty and increasing educational opportunity, gender equality and health by 2015.
There are 14 of these innovative communities scattered around 10 different countries in Africa. One such example of a Millennium Village exists in Dertu, Kenya.

Dertu can be described as a village of straw huts in the middle of a desert, somewhat isolated from surrounding areas. Communication is at a standstill as there is little electricity and no television. The water well draws many people, and it was built by UNICEF only 13 years ago.

If farmers wanted information about crops or market prices, they would have to travel for hours. About 70 percent of Dertu's people earn less than $1 a day, and most depend on food aid.

Thanks to the Millennium Village initiative, though, Dertu now has a cell phone tower where people can communicate via text messages instead of making day trips for information. There are other improvements as well: four new health care workers, free medicines and vaccines, a birthing center and laboratory under construction and bed nets to ward off mosquitoes.

School attendance has doubled for boys and tripled for girls, and there are high school scholarships and a dorm for boys. Each village gets $120 in spending per person per year - half from the villages' project and the rest from the government or aid groups.

Even with the advancements, the Millennium Villages are still a polarizing topic: "A lot has to be done still to meet the Millennium Development Goals. A lot has been done and for that we are thankful," said Ibrahim Ali Hassan, a 60-year-old village elder with dyed red hair who waves a cell phone in his hand as he talks.

Of the complainers, he remarks:

"They think now that we are a Millennium Village they will be built a house with an ocean view."

Mohamed Ahmed Abdi, 58, heads the Millennium Village Committee and acts as a liaison between the project and the villagers. He gripes that there are too few teachers, and that the well water is salty and unhealthy: "There is a difference between what we have been told and what really exists. We have been told that 'Your village is the Millennium Village.' We have been told that 'You will get roads, electricity, water and education,'" he said.

The U.N. is planning to review the success of its Millennium Development Goals at a summit during the week of September 20th since the goals were set 10 years ago. The man behind the project is Jeffrey Sachs, a Columbia University economist who serves as special adviser to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon on the Millennium Development Goals.

Sachs readily acknowledges that Dertu hasn't made a breakthrough, calling it "one of the most difficult venues on the whole planet." But he points to other advances in lifting villages out of extreme poverty:
"I think on the whole they've been a tremendous success, not only in what they are accomplishing on the ground but also opening eyes to what can be accomplished more generally," Sachs told The Associated Press. "They're a proving ground of how to create effective systems in health, education, local infrastructure, business development and agriculture."

Additionally, Sachs notes that Nigeria plans to adopt the idea of the Millennium Village and launch a major initiative to increase its reach to 20-million people. The real truth is that the concept of Millennium Village was developed to be embraced by the residents and expand the concept of assistance to a much wider audience.

Nicolas van de Walle, a fellow at the Center for Global Development and a professor at Cornell University, is an open critic of the Millennium Villages:

"In general, I think these villages are largely a gimmick and a substantial waste of money." The idea that if you spend a lot of money on poor villagers in Kenya, their lives will improve, is not seriously in doubt. The real issue is how to do this at a national level, in a sustainable way that builds individual and institutional capacity, empowers citizens and their democratically elected governments. It seems to me that in that sense the villagers have failed."

For this year at least, there have been some tangible results reflected in the increased use of preventive medical care, such as mosquito nets, decrease in malaria rates and chronic malnutrition, increase in crop production and delivery of babies by health care professionals across all 14 villages.

Even with the successes in Dertu, the need still exists. Because the expectation for Millennium Village was so high, the demand for services has outpaced the community's growth, leading to more sophisticated problems. There have also been allegations of corruption. Sofia Ali Guhad, the head teacher at the Dertu school, reflects the problem of exaggerated expectations and the pitfalls of success:

"The expectation was very high for the community, but we have received very little," Guhad said. Still later on she added, "Life is good. In fact it has improved. They are assisting us as much as they can."

 

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U.S. Muslims Meet Over Islamic Center Reaction

September 20, 2010, 3:54 am
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Muslim Summit Planned Over NYC Islamic Center

A group of American Muslim organizations are meeting to discuss what they view as a rising tide of anti-Muslim sentiment shown most recently in the public rejection of a proposed Islamic cultural center and mosque near Ground Zero in New York City.

But what the group hopes to accomplish with the gathering in New York is anyone's guess. A spokesman said the groups hope to reach a unified stand. If anyone knows what that means, I wish they would tell me.

First of all, being against the Park 51 project at Ground Zero doesn't necessarily mean one is anti-Muslim. The project is disrespectful to the families of 9/11 survivors and family members and since sensible alternative locations have been offered by state officials, the project should be moved to a place where a majority of Americans won't protest.

If the groups present are looking for a way to reduce anti-Muslim sentiments on the part of some non-Muslims, they might start with raising their voices against radical Islam fundamentalists - the type of people who engineered the 9/11 attacks and countless other acts of terrorism across the globe.

We all know that the majority of Muslims denounce terrorism, but it seems that some have been slow to castigate radicalized elements within their faith.

And the sad truth is that in failing to take on their own radical elements, they allow radical anti-Islamic elements to take root.

Just look at the recent piece by syndicated columnist Cal Thomas, who has suggested the United States discontinue Muslim immigration, especially from Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen, where radical Islamic teachings flourish.

"We must purge the evil from among us, or else," Thomas ended his column, which also suggested the government limit the construction of mosques and Islamic schools where radical Islam can be spread.

What I found most interesting about Thomas' over-the-top writing was the lack of public outcry against it.

The man advocated in newspapers across the country to ban Muslims from entering the country.

I like to think that before 9/11, such a column would have won universal rebuke and possibly lost Thomas his job, but in a post 9/11 world, open hostility toward Muslims is no longer a firing offense.

I believe the U.S. Muslim groups have it right that an anti-Islamic sentiment is gripping the country, but effectively combating it will take more than a closed-door meeting in New York. It will take the courage to tell radicals of the same faith they are wrong to kill and maim in the name of religion.



 

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