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Dr. Boyce Video -- 'Raised by The Mistress,' Part 2

September 20, 2010, 4:21 am
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raised by the mistress
This is the second part of my interview with author Jamilah B. Creekmur. I enjoyed speaking with Jamilah and I found her book, 'Raised by the Mistress,' to be a compelling layout of what it might be like to be the child of "the other woman."



I recommend taking a look at Jamilah's book and watching the interview. I think you'll enjoy what you see. You can watch the first half of the interview by clicking here.

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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Watch Blair Underwood As The New Black President On 'The Event'

September 20, 2010, 5:10 am
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While there has been about a handful of black actors who have played the President of the United States on the big screen, such as Morgan Freeman ('Deep Impact'), Chris Rock ('Head of State'), and Danny Glover ('2012'), only two have done so on the small screen, Dennis Haysbert and D.B. Woodside, both on the now-cancelled hit series, '24.'

Well, you can now count Blair Underwood as the third black president to grace the TV world.

The Washington state native is set to play America's first Afro-Cuban leader of the United States, President Elias Martinez in the much hyped NBC series, 'The Event.''

Premiering on September 20, 2010 at 9 pm, the story revolves around Sean Walker (played by Jason Ritter), a man who, while investigating the mysterious disappearance of his girlfriend, begins to discover the biggest cover-up in U.S. history.


Also starring in the series are Sarah Roemer, Laura Innes, Željko Ivanek, Ian Anthony Dale, Scott Patterson, Taylor Cole, Clifton Collins, Jr., Bill Smitrovich and Lisa Vidal as the Puerto Rican first lady.

For Underwood, the 46-year actor has come a long way since he first made his acting debut in as Russell Walker in 1985's 'Krush Groove.' His character was a take on the rapper/ pastor Russell Simmons of the famed rap group RUN D.M.C.

Although he's done his share of films from 'Set It Off' with Jada Pinkett Smith, 'Something New' with Sanaa Lathan to Tyler Perry's 'Madea's Family Reunion,' Underwood is more known for the roles he's created on TV.

For seven years, he played attorney Jonathan Rollins on NBC's 'L.A Law,' and Underwood was the only black actor who had a recurring role on the hit series, 'Sex and the City.' He was last seen in HBO's critically acclaimed series, 'In Treatment.'

 

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Style Verdict: Amber Rose at London Fashion Week

September 20, 2010, 5:23 am
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Amber Rose has been attending shows at London Fashion Week, this time without her uber-stylish ex, Kanye West. Unlike her notorious outfits during past Paris Fashion Weeks, Amber has been wearing some slightly questionable ensembles.


Ms. Rose attended the PPQ Spring/Summer 2011 in a print cardigan by the brand along with a cropped top and wide legged pants. She accented her look with her signature dark sunglasses, diamond studs, and pale pink lipstick.


For Henry Holland's show, she wore a bandana-print jumpsuit by the brand, along with a pair of House of Holland sunglasses. She kept the look comfortable with Air Jordan sneakers sans socks.
These looks vary wildly from her past Paris excursions with Kanye, where she wore everything from Alexander McQueen and Chanel vintage to Louis Vuitton.


Perhaps the Louis Vuitton Don had a a heavy hand in her styling? What do you think of Amber's post-Kanye transformation?

 

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Buju Banton Drug Trial To Start

September 20, 2010, 5:26 am
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Buju Banton Drug Trial To Start



Why do so many people blessed with great talent find so many different ways to squander it?

It can be an out-of-control but gifted raven-haired actress who can't stop partying or a Super Bowl-winning wide receiver who carries a gun in to a club and shoots himself in the leg. It just seems there is no end to the ways people will take gifts most of us would give a body part to possess and flush them down the toilet.

The latest entry to this list is reggae artist Buju Banton, who is facing trial on federal cocaine dealing charges and faces a possible life sentence. Banton is proclaiming his innocence, saying he was a victim of entrapment.

Banton's case hinges on which two associates of the singer come across as more believable during the trial.

Banton, 37, and an associate allegedly met with an undercover officer to buy coke. An old friend of the singer, Ian Thomas pleaded guilty to conspiracy to purchase and sell at least five kilograms of cocaine and now faces a life sentence.

On the other hand, a third man in the case, James Mack, signed a statement that he never met Banton before the arrest and that the singer didn't know about the gun in Mack's car at the time of the arrest. Mack is also facing a life sentence in the case.

Regardless of the trial outcome, Banton has shown a knack for derailing his own success. The Grammy-nominated singer saw several concerts canceled in the past because of protests to his violent anti-gay lyrics used in his early dancehall days.

He was also later acquitted of beating a group of gay men in Jamaica.

In his defense, Banton's attorney has said that the confidential informant in the case has been paid more than $3 million for working with law enforcement and more than $35,000 in the Banton case alone. If so, that will weaken the government's case against the singer.

But that doesn't excuse Banton for getting mixed up in this mess to begin with. Whether it was his idea or not, Banton knew that buying and selling big packages of cocaine comes with risks.

It will be interesting to see if Banton has put his name at the top of the wasted-talent list.



 

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Colin Powell Says Critique Obama on Issues, Not 'Nonsense'

September 20, 2010, 7:29 am
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Colin Powell decries 'nonsense' attacks on Obama

Retired General Colin Powell says that critics of President Barack Obama have failed to critique him on the issues and have instead delved into "nonsense."

Powell, appearing on NBC's Meet the Press, said that "fringe" elements in this country are not dealing with the issues. Instead, the focus is on whether Obama was born in this country and whether he is a Muslim or really a Christian.

"Let's not go down low. ... Let's attack him on policy, not nonsense," Powell said.

Powell is right.

If you disagree with Obama's stance on health care, fine, we can talk about it. If you disagree with his plans for an economic stimulus, let's get a cup of coffee.

But if you spout the Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck nonsense about Obama not being a Christian and not being born in this country, then lose my number.

The tales about Obama not being born in this country are not based on fact and has been proven to be untrue. The last time I checked, to profess faith in Jesus Christ was one of the main requirements of calling yourself a Christan. I've heard Obama do that.

The latest nonsense to come out about Obama is that he was influenced by his Kenyan father's anti-colonial thinking. Dinesh D'Souza offered up a ridiculous and profoundly unprofound assesment of Obama's thinking in a recent Forbes cover story. D'Souza wrote:

It may seem incredible to suggest that the anticolonial ideology of Barack Obama Sr. is espoused by his son, the President of the United States. That is what I am saying. From a very young age and through his formative years, Obama learned to see America as a force for global domination and destruction. He came to view America's military as an instrument of neocolonial occupation. He adopted his father's position that capitalism and free markets are code words for economic plunder. Obama grew to perceive the rich as an oppressive class, a kind of neocolonial power within America. In his worldview, profits are a measure of how effectively you have ripped off the rest of society, and America's power in the world is a measure of how selfishly it consumes the globe's resources and how ruthlessly it bullies and dominates the rest of the planet.



Gingrich jumped on D'Souza's assessment of Obama like a hungry dog would a piece of red meat:

"What if [Obama] is so outside our comprehension that only if you understand Kenyan, anti-colonial behavior, can you begin to piece together [his actions]?" former House Speaker and potential Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich said. "That is the most accurate, predictive model for his behavior."

Uh, Obama met his dad once, when he was a child. What scares me is that Newt Gingrich can publicly spout this nonsense while having an actual shot at being our next president.

Howard Kurtz of the Washington Post reported that the Columbia Journalism Review called D'Souza's article a "fact-twisting, error-laden piece of paranoia" and "the worst kind of smear journalism - a singularly disgusting work."

"I think it represents a new low," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs

Colin Powell decries 'nonsense' attacks on Obama

While I applaud Powell's comments, he didn't go far enough in explaining why the 'fringe' is in such an uproar about Obama.

The answer: They still haven't come to grips with the skin color of the guy sitting in the Oval Office.

Unfortunately, in America, it still boils down to race. The fringe element that Powell speaks about knows that they can scare a certain percentage of Americans with a brand of xenophobia based on the fact that Obama is black.

The idea that Obama is different lighted an easy path to the slippery slope of the president being a non-American Muslim who wants to overthrow the government he now heads. Many Americans rejected that idea when they voted for Obama. Those same folk need to step up and reject the nonsense now.

 

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Loni Love: Comedienne Joins New 'Gossip' Talk Show

September 20, 2010, 7:55 am
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Loni Love: Comedienne Joins New 'Gossip' Talk ShowHollywood funny woman Loni Love is one of four hosts on a new syndicated talk show called 'The Gossip Queens.'

Premiering on Sept. 26, the show will feature Love and three other comedians, Michelle Collins, Alec Mapa and Bernadette Pauley interviewing online bloggers about the latest in celebrity news.

"The stars of the shows are the bloggers," Love told BV Buzz. "We want to take bloggers and let them disseminate the information and we dialogue about it. It's a great opportunity to showcase the hardworking people on the internet and the stories they report."

Love, who recently starred in her own one-hour special for Comedy Central called 'America's Sister,' regularly spends time online reading the various entertainment blogs.

"There are some things I've read that I can't even talk about, but the craziest stories are the stories that involve legal issues. Now those get juicy! I like those because people sometimes claim they're not tLoni Loverue, but since there is the legal element to it you know it is! That's the kind of stuff I like to talk about," shared the Detroit-bred standup comedienne.

In addition to her work on 'The Gossip Queens,' Love continues to be a featured contributor to E! Entertainment's 'Chelsea Lately,' appears on TruTV's 'The Smoking Gun Presents: The World's Dumbest' and is a co-host on the nationally syndicated radio show Café Mocha.

(Read: 'Talk Time: MC Lyte & Loni Love Launch Syndicated Radio Show')

'The Gossip Queens' is a 30-minute show produced and distributed by Entertainment Studios, Inc. and will air in syndication five days a week. The show will also broadcast on the Logo cable network and online at www.Comedy.TV.

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For related stories, read also: 'Funny Girl Sheryl Underwood Hosts Comedy Show for Starz'

& 'Buzz Exclusive: Sherri Shepherd Host of 'The Newlywed Game.''



 

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Black and Missing: Have You Seen This Person?

September 20, 2010, 8:01 am
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Black and Missing, Shawntell WaitesShawntell Waites

Case Type: Endangered
Date of Birth: January 1, 1975
Missing Date: January 2, 2006
Age Now: 35
Missing City: Albuquerque
Missing State: New Mexico
Gender: Female
Race: Black
Complexion: Medium
Hair Color: Black
Hair Length: Medium
Eye Color: Brown
Wear Glasses or Contacts: No

Location Last Seen: Waites was last seen in Albuquerque, New Mexico, sometime during 2006. She has not been heard from since.

Circumstances of Disappearance: Waites is one of more than a dozen women who were reported missing in the Albuquerque area since 2001. All of them were involved in drugs and prostitution.

Last Seen Wearing: Unknown

Identifying Marks or Characteristics: Unknown

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

 

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Erykah Badu Gives Surprise Performance with The Roots & Q-Tip for Hennessy Artistry Show

September 20, 2010, 9:24 am
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It's not often that Erykah Badu decides to offer up surprise performances. The celebrated soul singer and mother of three has been keeping a relatively low profile since paying her $500 fine last month for indecent exposure from her highly-publicized 'Window Seat' video.

But, the Dallas native decided to join her friends over the weekend at the kick-off to the Hennessy Artistry concert series, which was held at Chicago's The Blackhawk Building.


Last year, hip-hop's favorite band, The Roots, teamed with Common for the cognac company's tour and this year, they are back with some help from Q-Tip for a five-city trek. The Roots and Q-Tip have co-curated the series together and clearly took their job serious. In the two-hour span of performances, where the likes of Curren$y, Yahzarah and Chicago's own Kid Sister took the stage for mini-sets, The Roots backed the gamet of artists and the A Tribe Called Quest MC popped on and off stage with such frequency he became an extension of Jimmy Fallon's house band.

Though, they performed notable songs from their music catalogs, the crowd seemed most excited about how they re-worked a cover of N.W.A.'s classic 'Straight Outta Compton.'

Then, right when the crowd thought the night was coming to a close, ?uestlove, who told media after the show that the night was "one of the best of his career," announced that Badu would be the night's special guest. After opening with her controversial tune 'Window Seat' and the J Dilla produced 'Telephone,' the top hat wearing singer teamed with the Philly group for the Grammy Award-winning song that jump-started her career, 'You Got Me.'

DJ D-Nice, whose photographs of The Roots and Q-Tip were prominently featured at the venue, was on-hand to keep the crowd moving before and after the concert portion.

Now, in its fifth year, Hennessy Artistry 2010 not only includes special live music performances, but a new art education component has been integrated to the invite-only shindig. As part of Artistry GIVES, art work from local emerging artists will be featured in each city through a partnership with Americans for the Arts.

There are four additional dates on the Hennessy Artistry 2010 tour and Big Krit, Daniel Merriweather, DJ Irie, Jay Electronica, Kat DeLuna, Marsha Ambrosious, Mike Posner, and Travie McCoy, are all confirmed to perform at the upcoming shows.

The next tour stop will be in Miami on Sept. 25 at the Ice Palace, followed by dates at Bert's Warehouse in Detroit on Oct. 2, Los Angeles on Oct.6 and the finale show at New York's Cipriani Wall Street on Oct.14, which will be streamed live via Ustream on the Hennessy Facebook page.



 

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Tour Talk: Fantasia & Kandi Burruss Hitting The Road

September 20, 2010, 9:30 am
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Tour Talk: Fantasia & Kandi Burruss Hitting The Road
Looks as though an 'American Idol' winner and one of the 'Real Housewives' are preparing to go on the road together.

Fantasia and 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' star Kandi Burruss are going on tour starting on Nov. 4 in Richmond, Va.

Burruss confirmed the news via her Twitter page.

"I'm going on tour with my girl Fantasia in November! It's gonna be so fun!" - she wrote via @Kandi.

Eric Benet will also be a part of of the tour lineup.

TEric Benethough a formal announcement has not been made, the tour jaunt is slated to run through January.

Amid the controversy over her highly publicized relationship with T-Mobile salesman Antwaun Cook and her attempted suicide, Fantasia's junior CD 'Back To Me' entered Billboard's Top 200 chart at No. 2, selling more than 117,000 units.

Burruss' sophomore solo CD, 'Kandi Koated,' will be released on Nov. 23, just before the third season - Burruss' second - of the 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' concludes.

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For related stories, read: 'Kandi Burruss: 'Real Housewives of ATL' Star Lands New Record Deal'

& 'Fantasia: 'American Idol' Star Hospitalized for Overdose.'


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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John Hopkins' Shooting: Eyewitness Gives Account

September 20, 2010, 10:00 am
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johns hopkins shootingIn the wake of the hostage stand-off at the Discovery Channel a few weeks ago came the news that a doctor was shot at John Hopkins hospital.

The alleged gunman, Warren Davis, 50, supposedly became emotionally distraught about the care of his mother; one witness said that he was upset that the diagnosis was that his mother would be paralyzed. Davis drew a semi-automatic handgun and shot the doctor in the abdomen. He then shot in the direction of his mother lying in the bed, causing his mother to get shot in the head. She died. Then shot himself. The doctor, Dr. David Cohen, is now said to be in good condition. expected to make a full recovery.

News reports stated that since the Virginia Tech shooting, Johns Hopkins created an emergency plan for a potential shooting like the one that happened last week: SWAT teams surrounded the spinal surgery wing, according to ABC News. The hospital continued to run, helping patients, even as the suspect was barricaded in a room.

Here's an eyewitness account from Meagan Shea (pictured), a make-up artist who volunteers for children with cancer at the hospital:

My Thursday started out a little late. I should have prepared my makeup kit the night before, but I was so tired I figured I'd do it in the morning. Little did I know nothing could've prepared me for my morning. I was excited to go to Johns Hopkins for the first time and volunteer with Flashes of Hope again, an organization I've worked with for over a year. Running late, all I focused on was not crying in front of the children. I find parking after getting lost, and I think to myself, "Okay, the worst part's over - I'm finally here". WRONG!

Today's going great, I think to myself. As we're waiting for the next appointment, chatting about traveling and giggling about the very "active" little girl from earlier, the hospital representative gets a page. There's been a shooting in the hospital and we're on high security alert. Hopkins is a humongous hospital, and she mentions the lobby, so I'm not TOO concerned about safety. The next gazillion texts she receives started to freak us all out.

We found out that the shooting took place in the building next to ours, and the shooter was still on the loose. The four of us (the program director, the photographer, the hospital representative and myself) began to create all types of scenarios to try and rationalize what could possibly be going on. It was a unanimous conclusion that since the hospital was in a neighborhood known for drug-related crimes (I mean, it is Baltimore, people) the shooting was drug-related and a form of retaliation. Little did we know, it had nothing to do with the wonderful citizens of East Baltimore.

We closed the door, locked it and looked out the window at the police helicopter and unmarked cars racing up the street. We looked around the room and assessed our environment - we had water, pretzels, a bible, internet service and four cell phones. We were fine. I felt safe. We got further information that the shooter has been apprehended - then we hear he is not.

For the next hour, we continued to be misinformed. It was draining. I began to receive phone calls and text messages from my family about my safety; I lied and told them I was fine and not afraid at all. Inside I was terrified, partly because I had no clue what was going on outside of our locked room, not to mention I have the imagination of a 7 year old. I'd already played out the entire day in my head.

We received word that a doctor was shot by an enraged man, who was upset about the care his mother was receiving at the hospital. Johns Hopkins, one of the most-respected hospitals in the country? People come all the way from as far as Russia to receive care here! BEN CARSON WORKS HERE FOR GOODNESS SAKES!

However, we all know that men don't play when it comes to their Mommas. Next we hear that the police had the suspect apprehended only to learn that was far from true. I literally began to feel as if I was on a seesaw! I just wanted to LEAVE, and they wouldn't let us go anywhere. Somehow our last family was able to make it into the building, this ended up being a Godsend to take our minds off of what was taking place outside of our door.

Our last family was a family of eight (three of the kids were not there, so really 5). An American family who had adopted five young Chinese girls with disabilities. Those little girls brightened the entire room with their smiles and were all very excited to get makeup done for their photos. For my last hour there at Hopkins, I forgot about the lockdown and that I had spent an extra two hours there.

I finally got word that we could leave, and I almost RAN out of the hospital. I had never been to Hopkins, and I don't think that was a good way to start our relationship. Needless to say, I don't plan on going back anytime soon!


 

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CNN's Black in America Gets it Wrong on Black White Wealth Gap

September 20, 2010, 10:06 am
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I was recently checking out some of CNN's special, "Black in America," the show they seem to do once a year. In the series, African Americans are analyzed like lab rats in a cage, with producers highlighting every dysfunction imaginable, as if we have a monopoly on counter productive behavior. Although I've always had a good relationship with CNN, I can barely stomach some of what I see. This is not to say that black folks are perfect: but the idea that we are somehow less perfect than whites is nothing short of paternalistic, White Supremacist thinking.

The segment that threw me through the roof was one covering the wealth gap between blacks and whites. In this particular Black in America segment, CNN shows that the wealth gap between blacks and whites is $28,000 to $140,000, with whites being the leaders. They then go on to state that African Americans save and invest less than whites. I give a "check" on most of these numbers, I have no problem with the data.

Where CNN was missing the entire bus was on the reasons for the wealth gap. I was surprised to see them fall into the simple-minded notion that black people are poor relative to whites because we just haven't learned to be financially responsible like white folks. That's a bunch of bull, because white Americans are financially irresponsible too.

The dominant reason for the black white wealth gap is simple: For 400 years, America built itself into a multi-trillion dollar empire on the backs of black people without paying them hardly a penny for their labor. That, my friends, is called slavery. Most wealth in America is inherited wealth, and if there is nothing to pass on to our children, they won't have much when they are adults. Our wealth was stolen from us and passed through the white community from one generation to the next. Now, white families are far wealthier than black ones.

So, here's a note to CNN's Black in America from a Finance Professor who also happens to be an African American male: While you might be tempted to think that black people are poor because we all choose to spend our money on gold chains and Nike sneakers, you might want to go deeper than that. Had slavery not occurred, the wealth gap would not exist. Had reparations for slavery been paid, the wealth gap would not exist. To cite poor choices by some members of our community as the dominant cause for the wealth gap is like blowing up someone's home and saying that the mess was caused by the eight-year old not cleaning up his room. It might be easy to argue that the child isn't cleaning his room, but his decisions cannot alleviate the bomb maker's responsibility in creating the bulk of the mess.

With that said, we can all agree that most Americans manage their money poorly. Whites and blacks are both poor savers and heavy consumers. As I mention in my book, "Black American Money," there is every reason to hold black America accountable for our inability to save and invest the way we should. But if we are going to get to the truth, we must start from a foundation of honesty. By pointing to Rush Limbaugh-like stereotypes to explain the wealth gap between blacks and whites, CNN's Black in America is completely missing the mark.

I hope they go a little deeper next 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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Evan Ross' latest film, 'Mooz-lum,' Wins Top Prize At Urbanworld Film Festival

September 20, 2010, 10:25 am
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Evan Ross was recently at the 14th Annual Urbanword Film Festival where his latest film, 'Mooz-lum,' took the prize for Best Narrative Feature.

Written and Directed by Qasim Basir, the film stars Ross, Danny Glover, Nia Long, Roger Guenevere Smith, Dorian Missick, Summer Bishil, and Kimberley Drummond.

Missick, who had spoken to Black Voices prior to the festival, stated that the film "is about a young Muslim (played by Ross) at a crossroads in his life and beliefs and how he navigates that just days before the 9/11 attacks. My character, Professor Jamal, is a young muslim professor who strikes up a mentoring relationship with Evan's character. I also have a strained -- to say the least -- relationship with Danny Glover's character who's the narrow minded dean of the university I teach at and Evan attends. It's an important film and I'm really proud of the work everyone did in it."

Ross, who attended the festival with his girlfriend Cora Skinner, spoke to Black Voices about preparing ffor his role as a Muslim.

Have the previous films you've done given you enough experience to take on a challenging role?

Evan Ross: Yes, every film I've done has been a preparation for the next one. I'm just understanding my craft and how I like to work, so it's been a process of that and having the opportunity to put it to work. It's been an amazing experience.

How else did you prepare for the part?

ER: Learning the Koran was a big part. Just learning about the religion, I felt that I wanted to have as much information as possible before I started shooting the film.

What's next on your plate?

ER: A ton of things. I have a film called 'Black Water Transit,' and another film called '96 Minutes.' I also just finished shooting '90210.'





 

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Around the Web - Twitter Promotes Violence Against Black Women?, Urban Gardening, Nelly Concerned About Kat Stacks, & Gastric Banding

September 20, 2010, 10:30 am
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When Twitter Attacks, Black Women Better Watch Out I think we can all agree that Twitter has been absolutely incredible, and, in its brief existence, it has made the world feel just a little bit smaller and more intimate. But for all of its awesomeness, Twitter can go from "We Are the World" to "it's on like ConEd" in a matter of seconds. (Clutch Magazine)

An Urban Garden in Detroit Students at Detroit's Enterprise Academy are getting a first-hand lesson in organic agriculture. The charter school has started an urban garden in a vacant lot near their building and have brought in 30 goats to help clear the field. Instead of machines or chemicals, the goats will graze the area to cleanse it of weeds. (The Grio)

Nelly Concerned About Kat Stacks? Rap artist Nelly has decided to expose groupie turned celebrity Kat Stacks, stating that he feels that she is mentally unstable. (Hip Hop Wired)

California Teens Getting Unapproved Weight Loss Surgery Gastric banding, which has not been approved for teenagers, is becoming the most popular weight loss surgery for teens in California. (The Root)




 

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Say What? Recession is Declared Officially Over

September 20, 2010, 11:28 am
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It's official: At least according to the powers that be, the Great Recession is officially over. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the recession ground to an end in June 2009, lasting 18 months since its beginning in December 2007. That was the longest downturn in America since World War II.

Despite what the "experts," say, most Americans are going to look at this proclamation as a bit of a joke - just like most people mainly just chuckled after the Bureau was a year late in calling the start of the recession. We don't need to look far to see why people will be skeptical about the so-called "end" of the recession.

Unemployment is still very high: at 9.6% nationwide, and far higher (about 16%) for African Americans. Just last week, the government told us that one in seven Americans (44 million) are now living in poverty, and that 50.7 million U.S. citizens are currently without health insurance.

All of this is to speak nothing of the trillions of dollars that have been lost in recent years in the stock market, the last decade of lost wage growth, and the persistent debt problems (housing debt, credit card debt, student loan debt, etc.) plaguing so many individuals and families.

With depressing challenges like these, it's kind of hard to buy the notion that we've truly turned the corner and that the economy has rebounded from its painful decline. Do you believe the recession is truly over? Why or why not?


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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Kenny McKinley: Broncos Player Found Dead in Apparent Suicide

September 20, 2010, 5:15 pm
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Denver Broncos Wide Receiver Kenny McKinley was only 23 years old this year. He was also found dead in his apartment. McKinley appears to have died from a suicide, according to initial reports.

"Although the death of McKinley appears to be the result of a self inflicted gunshot, the investigation into this matter, conducted by the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office and the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office, is on-going, " Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson said.

"Everyone with the Broncos is shocked and saddened by the loss of Kenny McKinley," President and CEO Pat Bowlen said on the Broncos' website. "He was part of the Broncos family and will be greatly missed by our organization. My most heartfelt condolences go out to Kenny's family and friends."

McKinley was a fifth round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. He has been injured a great deal as of late, and was put on injured reserve for the start of the 2010 season. He is the third player on the Broncos team to die suddenly in the past three years. Three years ago, Darrent Williams was killed in a drive-by shooting, and the same year, Damien Nash collapsed and died during a charity basketball game.

I am not sure what the situation is in Denver and why so many young black athletes have died after joining the Broncos. At this point, my mind runs wild with speculation and questions. I can't help but wonder if McKinley's on-the-field problems played a role in this suicide or if it was just a coincidence. Either way, he was too young to die, and we can all agree on that.

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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I Give Thanks for Everything. Everything

September 20, 2010, 5:34 pm
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Your Daily Affirmation for Tuesday, September 22, 2010:

Today I give thanks for everything in my life --whether I see it as good, bad or in between. I have faith-filled conviction that every experience of my life is either a direct blessing or a lesson which, if learned and heeded, becomes a blessing. Yes today I give thanks for everything knowing that gratitude is a magnetic force for good drawing to me more for which to be grateful.


 Be in a constant state of gratitude,

Barry Johnson
Previously: I Honor Life; I Honor God


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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Aretha Franklin's Son Eddie Attacked at Detroit Gas Station

September 21, 2010, 12:55 am
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Aretha Franklin: Son Eddie Attacked At Detroit Gas Station
Eddie Franklin, son of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, is undergoing surgery after being severely beaten Monday night at a gas station in Detroit.

The incident took place at gas station located at Plymouth Road and Evergreen Ave, and Franklin is asking anyone with information to contact area police.

The singer's longtime publicist Gwendolyn Quinn has confirmed that Eddie was attacked by as many as three people -- two men and one woman.

Reports indicate that authorities are on the search for a young woman with short haircut; and a male that is believed to be about six-feet tall and has dreadlocks.

All three suspects are African American.


*****

For related stories, read also: 'Denzel Washington, Halle Berry Among Aretha Franklin's A-List Cast for Biopic'

& 'Aretha Franklin Cancels Concerts Due to Broken Ribs.'

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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Kerry Washington, Craig Robinson, David Alan Grier Cast in 'We the Peeples.'

September 21, 2010, 1:15 am
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Kerry Washington, Craig Robinson and David Alan Grier have been cast in the 34th Street Films comedy 'We the Peeples,' states the Hollywood Reporter .

34th Street's Matt Moore is producing along with Tyler Perry Studios president Ozzie Areu, Paul Hall and Stephanie Allain, who produced 'Hustle and Flow' and 'Something New.'

Written and directed by Tina Gordon Chism, the story follows what happens when a child psychologist (Robinson) surprises his girlfriend (Washington) by showing up at her political family's annual get-together at their Sag Harbor vacation home only to find them desperately in need of therapy.

Washington and Grier recently starred together on Broadway in David Mamet's play, 'Race.' Her upcoming films include the December release of 'Night Catches Us' with Anthony Mackie and Tyler Perry's adaptation of 'For Colored Girls,' which Lionsgate releases on Nov. 5.

For his starring role in 'Race,' Grier was awarded with a Tony nomination.

Robinson recently appeared in 'Hot Tub Time Machine.'

Tina Gordon Chism had written the screenplays for 'ATL' and 'Drumline.'

Lionsgate will release 'We the Peeples,' which starts shooting in Connecticut in November.

 

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Sam Jones III: Former 'Smallville' Star Strikes Deal to Release Sex Tape

September 21, 2010, 3:00 am
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Sam Jones III: Former 'Smallville' Actor Strikes Deal to Release Sex Tape
On the heels on Paris Hilton, Ray J, Kim Kardashian and Lawrence Fishburne's daughter Montana Fishburne, another celebrity is getting into the pornography business.

Despite originally denying any involvement in shopping a deal for his sex tape with girlfriend, Playboy Playmate Karissa Shannon, former 'Smallville' actor Sam Jones III has apparently struck a deal with porn giant Vivid Entertainment to release the couple's X-rated DVD.

Confirming that a deal had been finalized to TMZ, Vivid president Steven Hirsch lauded the soon-to-be-released DVD as a sure "best seller."

"We are excited to finally distribute this amazing DVD. Not only is it extremely kinky for a celeb sex tape, Karissa is Sam Jones III & Karissa Shannonabsolutely beautiful," said Hirsch, before adding: "and as for Sam, let's just say he's no 'Smallville.''

Jones and Shannon originally issued statements claiming to be upset about the sex tape getting to Vivid, and claimed that they were "exploring all options...especially legal options" to stop its release.

The 27-year-old actor, who appeared on the first three seasons of 'Smallville,' told TMZ in an interview: "Karissa and I are very upset to find out that Vivid had acquired any footage of us ... our legal team will take every legal action to stop this."

Nonetheless, Vivid Entertainment paid the pair a hefty sum of money and the video will be released in the coming weeks.

*****

For related stories, read: 'Montana Fishburne: Up, Close & Extremely Personal'

& 'Worlds Collide: WWE Wrestlers Party With Hollywood Stars.'

 

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Black Couple Gives Birth To Sextuplets In Columbus‎

September 21, 2010, 3:05 am
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An Ohio couple (pictured above) welcomed their six infants ( four boys and two girls) Isaac, Josiah, Elijah, Rozonno, Madison and Olivia (pictured below) home, after being in the hospital where they were born since June 9th.

The proud parents, Mia and Rozonno McGhee, arrived at the hospital in a stretch limo to pick up their six bundles of joy. The babies had been kept at the hospital to make sure that they were healthy.

Black Couple Gives Birth To Sextuplets In Columbus‎


At birth, their combined weight was nine and a half pounds. "Our concerns early on, of course, were what everyone's were...respiratory status, fluids...how well their digestive system was working," said Monica Terez, medical center nurse.

According to the McGhee's, their babies are all doing well; they are eating, sleeping, and wetting diapers.

The babies are the first set of sextuplets born in Ohio, so they were subjected to quite a bit of fanfare starting with the hospital personnel who gave them a party before they left.

The McGhee's certainly have their hands full and are relying on friends, family and fellow church members to help them with their new brood. The infants currently go through about 300 diapers a week, 48 bottles a day and more formula than anyone can count. Thankfully, there are church members who have also volunteered for night duty as well, so the babies will be covered 24/7.

The McGhees have also been deluged with baby gifts and will even attend yet another baby shower at a local church center on September 25th, which will cover the remaining needs of their babies.

Fewer than 200 deliveries of sextuplets have occurred in the United States.



 

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