Black author interview with Tranay Adams, author of The Devil Wears Timbs

As an author myself I know how hard it can be for authors to get publicity for their books. With that in mind I have decided to post short 7 question interviews with black authors to help publicize black authors and their books at no cost to those authors. If you are willing to do a free interview just contact me at georgelcookiii@gmail.com

AAR (African American Reports): Tell us something about you the person?

Tranay Adams: My name is Tranay Adams. Some of my loved ones call me Tre, Neck Bone, or Tre80. My homeboy who in Junior high school gave me that name because I was having so many fights in Junior high school. Fter a fight is when I actually met him. He was like, ‘Cuz, you must had like 80 fights since you got here. I’ma start calling you Tre80. I used to rap in high school so I used it for that too but I grew out of rapping some time ago. I like what I do now which is writing. I used to write poetry. In fact I used to charge cats $2 and a pack of Black and Milds (the Black and Milds were for my friend) to write poetry for their girl friends on their birthday or anniversary, or whenever they felt like simping. I can draw but I don’t like to. I haven’t done in a few years. To make this short, I like things that you wouldn’t think a 20 something year old from the South Central Los Angeles would like. I like to think myself as IRREGULAR. But this is me. You either love me or leave me alone.

AAR: What inspired you to begin writing?

Tranay Adams: I lost my grandfather who, besides my youngest uncle, Big Mack, was the only father figure that I had growing up. He died when I was 13 going on 14. It really messed me up so I couldn’t focus in school. So my mother put me in home school. The teacher there gave me two books. Man Child in the Promise Land by Claude Brown and Always Running by Louis Rodriguez. I loved them both. I stopped reading for a time but rediscovered my love for it once I discovered B-More Careful by Shannon Holmes and Gangsta by K’wan. I thought these novels were classics. The authors were from New York. I wanted to write a novel that had people like me and the people that come from my neighborhood could identify with, so that what got me into writing. What fueled me further is CA$H’S Trust No Man Trilogy. His style was raw and gritty, much like my own.

AAR: What is your latest title?

Tranay Adams: I was signed to Lock Down Publications in June, I think. My first novel The Devil Wears Timbs which is a street-lit tale dropped July 23rd 2014. It will be a trilogy.

AAR: What's the plot of the book?

Tranay Adams: Basically, it’s about a brother and sister who are on the run from a man that they deem as the devil. But they realize he isn’t nearly as bad as the friend of the man that takes them in off of the streets.

AAR: Who is your favorite character in the book?

Tranay Adams: I love all of my characters. No matter how malicious some of them tend to be. But if I had to choose I’d have to say Fear and Eureka. You can throw Constance in there too.

AAR: Where is the book available?

Tranay Adams: The Devil Wears Timbs is Available on Amazon.com on E-book, as well as paper back. You can get in touch with me on Facebook at Tranay Adams or my email which is tranayadams@gmail.com for a signed copy.

AAR: Is there anything you would like to mention in closing.

Tranay Adams: Yes. Thank you to all of you that support me. I love you all to death. Know that whenever you buy a novel with my name on it that I strive to give you the best that I have to offer. Also pick up these titles from my label mates and associates.

The Devil Wears Timbs II: Baptised in unholy water by Tranay Adams will be out this September.

Don’t F*ck With My Heart by Linnea

Boss’n Up by Authoress Royal Nicole

Love Knows No Boundaries by Coffee

Thugs Cry 1 and 2, Trust No Bitch, Trust No Man trilogy, Til My Casket Drops, Shorty Got A Thug and Bonded by Blood by CA$H

Dog Food By Rayneisha Pitman

Natural Born Killaz, Boy, I’ve Had Enough, Girl, I’ve Had Enough, Ratchetville trilogy, To Live and Die in L.A, and a host of other novels by Terry L. Wroten. You may see him out there in these Los Angeles streets in his van with all of his books as advertisements. Get at him; he got that heat, straight up.

Thanks for the interview. I really appreciate it. Salute!

Buy The Devil Wears Timbs

Newark's own Kenneth Faried saves USA Basketball team at FIBA World Cup

With the United States down by 5 points at halftime against Turkey Newark's (NJ) own Kenneth Faried stepped up and saved the day for Team USA. Kenneth Faried finished with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks during what was not a good game for the US Team in the early going.

Displaying the grit, defensive tenacity, and hustle the Newark native out of Technol0gy High is known for Faried help lead a rally that resulted with Team USA winning 98-77. Anthony Davis finished with 19 points and 6 rebounds. James Harden chipped in with 14 points. Team USA is now 2-0 with victories over Finland and Turkey.

Black Author Interview with Hope Destiny author of Side Effects of Love

As an author myself I know how hard it can be for authors to get publicity for their books. With that in mind I have decided to post short 7 question interviews with black authors to help publicize black authors and their books at no cost to those authors. If you are willing to do a free interview just contact me at georgelcookiii@gmail.com

AAR (African American Reports): Tell us something about you the person?

Hope Destiny: What can I say about me....I'm a bit OCD. I am ambitious. I am a challenge. I love challenges. I have my Masters degree in Accounting.i have 3 kids...all teenagers...a daughter 18 and sons 17 and 14. My 17 year old and I have the same birthday. Been married twice. Been divorced twice. I love me some me...

AAR: What inspired you to begin writing?

Hope Destiny: I wanted to tell my story about my beginnings because where I am now and where I came from, I had to rise above it. I wanted to inspire someone to be a victor not a victim. People live in their minds too much. I did. It's too much wealth in the world as well as heights to attain....I want to be in that race. The race is not given to the swift but to those who endure to the end....

AAR: What is your latest title?

Hope Destiny: The latest title has not been released. It's called Side Effects of Love. That's the name of the series. I will and can expand on that at a later time. The one before that is called That Good Good that I collaborated with another author on. The book before that is my memoir and first book called You Don't Know...My Story.....both books are a series.

AAR: What's the plot of the book?

Hope Destiny: Side Effects of Love I won't too much elaborate on but That Good Good is an urban erotica fiction of six short stories. Different stories...different plots...You Don't Know...My Story is my memoir from youth to 18.

AAR: Who is your favorite character in the book?

Hope Destiny: That Good Good is a collaboration so I can't say I favor my characters over the coauthor characters...lol. All the characters represent different things in the different stories.

AAR: Where is the book available?

Hope Destiny: That Good Good: an urban erotica short stories series as well as You Don't Know...My Story: I don't look like what I've been thru are available on Amazon.com....paper back copies of both can be purchased on Createspace.com. Hard copies of That Good Good can be purchase at lulu.com.

AAR: Is there anything you would like to mention in closing.

Hope Destiny: If I have to close with anything....I would like to tell everyone to dream big and strive for success because it is achievable with hard work. Maybe being a millionaire isn't what God has for you. Maybe being a thousandnaire is.....be comfortable and happy with what you achieve.....don't sweat the small stuff.

Buy Books By Hope Destiny

Hip Hop responds to Michael Brown shooting.

Some have falsely accused Hip Hop of sitting out of the Michael Brown shooting tragedy. That is not true. Some have made statements while others like The Game, T.I., and J. Cole have released songs in honor of Michael Brown or discuss the shootings of unarmed black men. Yes there is much to criticize in Hip Hop but when Hip Hop artist step up and attempt to be socially conscience we need to acknowledge that also. Check out a few of those songs below:

Don't shoot by The Game featuring Diddy, Rick Ross,2 Chainz, Fabolous, Yo Gotti, Wale

Be Free by J. Cole

New National Anthem by T.I.

Three very good reasons for the militarization of local police

Many seem to be a bit peeved about the slight over reaction by the Ferguson Police Department during protest over the death of Michael Brown. There has been a huge outcry about the militarization of local police. A few people are upset because police in the United States looked like Russian thugs instead of cops. But to all of you people out there crying I know of three instances where you would be happy that the police were packing military style weapons, vehicles, and gear. Now if you just put your brain and your common sense to the side I'm sure that you will agree that police looking like f*cking storm troopers can be a good thing. So here are the three really good reasons for the militarization of local police.

Reason 1: Zombie Apocalypse.

One day the dead will walk. Call them zombies, walkers, living dead, or the walking dead but they only have one name for us, lunch. The only thing standing between the dead and your brain will be your local police force.

That's right your liberal asses will be happy as well when the dead walk and your local neighborhood police have enough fire power to take on a small country.

Reason 2: Alien Attack

When aliens attack the only thing standing between you and an alien anal probe will be that cop in full military gear. For those 5% of you who think that an alien anal probe might not be such a bad thing how about when that probe is followed up by devastating laser fire? Bet you wont mind GI Cop running down your street then.

Reason 3: Godzilla

That's right the king of the monsters might be stomping down your street one day killing all your family and friends. When his fire breath is scorching your ass you will be only too happy to see an MRAP or tank rolling down Main Street.

Those are three very good reasons to have a militarized police force. So what you got to say now?

George Cook AfricanAmericanReports.com

Mourn Michael Brown but don't forget about Victor White

While many are focused on the tragic death of Michael Brown there is still an investigation going on into the less known death of 22 year old Victor White of Louisiana. Victor White was arrested by the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office and searched TWICE (that's important here) by police. The police claim that during both searches they found drugs on him. Once at the station police claim White refused to get out of the car and somehow produced a gun (although he was supposedly searched twice) and shot himself in the back. They claim he did this although his hands were handcuffed BEHIND his back. The death had been ruled a suicide by both the sheriff's department and the medical examiner. Now that the family has managed to get a hold of the medical examiner's report (which the examiner would not release) there appears to be one major inconsistency with the police story. You see the reports shows that Mr. White was shot in the chest. Watch more on this story below:

African American winners at the 2014 Emmy Awards

Congratulations to all who won Emmy Awards in 2014. I would like to take a moment to let you know of those African Americans who are Emmy Award winners.

Joe Morton: Scandal. Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series

[SOURCE] Morton expressed his appreciation for the award: "It's an incredible feeling to have been in the business this long — this is the first time I've been up for one of these things. And given who I was quote unquote up against, it's terrific."

He added: "My head is in the clouds somewhere, and my feet are trying to touch the ground."

Uzo Aduba: Orange is the New Black. Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

[SOURCE} Backstage, the 33-year-old found herself on the verge of crying once again. "I feel so full, that’s why the tears come out," she told reporters, adding: "I’m stuffed. My cup runneth over right now. Mission accomplished, thank you."

Aduba went on to discuss her admiration for show creator Jenji Kohan. "The thing I love most about working with Jenji is her want and this burning need to tell the truth, and it doesn’t really matter the cost, what it takes to go here," she said. "She puts that and instills that in her writing and her writers, and it’s just incredible."

She continued: "Her heart is just mama bear for everybody on that team, not only for the art that she makes, but she wants to create a family there for us. She really does everything in her power to make sure that energy — the love and the life that’s present — stay bright, and that makes it the perfect work environment."

Video: Al Sharpton delivers eulogy at Michael Brown funeral

Watch Rev. Al Sharpton deliver a eulogy at Michael Brown's funeral.

Pres. Obama sending three White House officials to Michael Brown funeral.

[SOURCE] President Barack Obama is sending three White House officials to the funeral service of Michael Brown.

Leading the group for Monday's service will be the chairman of the My Brother's Keeper Task Force, Broderick Johnson. My Brother's Keeper is an Obama initiative that aims to empower young minorities. Johnson is also the secretary for the Cabinet.

Also attending will be the deputy director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, Marlon Marshall, and an adviser for the office, Heather Foster.

The White House says Marshall is a St. Louis native and attended high school with Brown's mother.

Chicago team now Little League US Champions

With all of the negative news coming out of Chicago especially when it comes to young black men killing each other it's nice to report on a group of young men doing something positive.

A team from the south side Chicago made up of all black players beat a team from Nevada 7-5 today to become the US Little League Champions. They next face a team from South Korea for the world championship. Congratulations on the teams victory and good luck in the Little League World Series Championship game.

Michael Brown shooting: Ferguson police release almost blank incident report

It's been two weeks and the Ferguson Police Dept. (not to be confused with the Keystone Cops) has just released what it claims to be the incident report from the Michael Brown shooting. They released only after the ACLU threatened to sue to get it. Well now we have it and the damned thing is almost blank and reveals no information about the shooting itself. Don't take my word for it, look for yourself.

Read the report: Michael Brown Shooting Incident Report

Michael Brown shooting: Store owners did not call police

Owners of the Ferguson Market which Michael brown allegedly robbed say they never called 911 which directly contradicts the police version of events. Now both versions can't be right. I'm wondering why the national media which is covering all things Micheal Brown seems to be ignoring this aspect of the story. Thankfully the local St. Louis media is covering that aspect. Here is a report from on the store owners claims by KTVI, a St Louis television station.

Wow, conservatives suddenly care about black on black crime.

Although the shooting of Michael Brown is recent we have seen and heard this script before. Whenever there is an issue of race and the killing of a young black man by police we hear of the rights sudden "concern" on the issue of black on black crime. One issue has nothing to do with the other. The conservative talking heads and pundits bring up this red herring to avoid talking about the topic at hand. On a side note why don't we ever hear the term white on white crime? But back to the topic at hand.

To avoid talking about race conservatives throw out stories about the killings in Chicago and other urban areas. They also suddenly care about the lack of black fathers in the home. They question what those protesting or talking about the killing of a black man by a cop is doing to stop black on black crime in cities or states miles away. They bring this up knowing it has nothing to do with the murders of Michael Brown, Sean Bell, Oscar Grant, Ezell Ford, John Crawford, etc.

What gets me is no one ever turns to them and ask, "What are you doing to stop black on black crime?"

Conservatives are always allowed to bring up what they believe are issues in the black community and then allowed to dump them in someone else's lap. No one ever calls them out and questions them about their sudden concern for the black community. It's about time that they be called out for the hypocrites they are.

If they cared about the black community you would hear more from them when there's not a crisis. We would hear about the groups and people they have working in the black community to make things better. We don't hear that because there is not much to talk about when it comes to what conservatives do in the black community unless you count criticizing it.

So my question to the right is why don't you care about our issues on a regular basis just not when you are trying to avoid a conversation on race?

George Cook AfricanAmericanReports.com. Email me

Black NFL referee refused to work Redskins games in protest of racist team name

A former NFL referee told The Washington Post that he requested not to work home or away games for the Washington Redskins due to the team's controversial nickname.

Mike Carey, who retired after the 2013 season following 24 years in the league, says he requested off Washington's games beginning with the 2006 season because it became clear to him that "something disrespectful" was happening and being on the field "probably (was) not the best thing for me."

"Human beings take social stances," Carey, the first African-American referee to work a Super Bowl, told the newspaper. "And if you're respectful of all human beings, you have to decide what you're going to do and why you're going to do it.

Longtime NFL referee Mike Carey said "even if I didn't have Native American friends, the name of the team is disrespectful." "In America we've learned that respect is the most important thing that you have. I learned it from my parents, my schools, from my faith. And when you learn there's something that might not be as respectful as you like, when you come to terms with it, you have to do something about it."

"I know that if a team had a derogatory name for African-Americans, I would help those who helped extinguish that name. I have quite a few friends who are Native Americans. And even if I didn't have Native American friends, the name of the team is disrespectful."

Read more here: Mike Carey said no to Redskins

From Eric Holder: A message to the people of Ferguson

The following is a statement on the Michael Brown shooting from the US Attorney General Eric Holder to the people of Ferguson Missouri.

by Eric H. Holder Jr.

Since the Aug. 9 shooting death of Michael Brown, the nation and the world have witnessed the unrest that has gripped Ferguson, Mo. At the core of these demonstrations is a demand for answers about the circumstances of this young man’s death and a broader concern about the state of our criminal justice system.

At a time when so much may seem uncertain, the people of Ferguson can have confidence that the Justice Department intends to learn — in a fair and thorough manner — exactly what happened.

Today, I will be in Ferguson to be briefed on the federal civil rights investigation that I have closely monitored since I launched it more than one week ago. I will meet personally with community leaders, FBI investigators and federal prosecutors from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to receive detailed briefings on the status of this case.

The full resources of the Department of Justice have been committed to the investigation into Michael Brown’s death. This inquiry will take time to complete, but we have already taken significant steps. Approximately 40 FBI agents and some of the Civil Rights Division’s most experienced prosecutors have been deployed to lead this process, with the assistance of the United States Attorney in St. Louis. Hundreds of people have already been interviewed in connection with this matter. On Monday, at my direction, a team of federal medical examiners conducted an independent autopsy.

We understand the need for an independent investigation, and we hope that the independence and thoroughness of our investigation will bring some measure of calm to the tensions in Ferguson. In order to begin the healing process, however, we must first see an end to the acts of violence in the streets of Ferguson. Although these acts have been committed by a very small minority — and, in many cases, by individuals from outside Ferguson — they seriously undermine, rather than advance, the cause of justice. And they interrupt the deeper conversation that the legitimate demonstrators are trying to advance.

The Justice Department will defend the right of protesters to peacefully demonstrate and for the media to cover a story that must be told. But violence cannot be condoned. I urge the citizens of Ferguson who have been peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights to join with law enforcement in condemning the actions of looters, vandals and others seeking to inflame tensions and sow discord.

Law enforcement has a role to play in reducing tensions, as well. As the brother of a retired law enforcement officer, I know firsthand that our men and women in uniform perform their duties in the face of tremendous threats and significant personal risk. They put their lives on the line every day, and they often have to make split-second decisions.

At the same time, good law enforcement requires forging bonds of trust between the police and the public. This trust is all-important, but it is also fragile. It requires that force be used in appropriate ways. Enforcement priorities and arrest patterns must not lead to disparate treatment under the law, even if such treatment is unintended. And police forces should reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.

Over the years, we have made significant progress in ensuring that this is the case. But progress is not an endpoint; it is a measure of effort and of commitment. Constructive dialogue should continue — but it must also be converted into concrete action. And it is painfully clear, in cities and circumstances across our great nation, that more progress, more dialogue, and more action is needed.

This is my pledge to the people of Ferguson: Our investigation into this matter will be full, it will be fair, and it will be independent. And beyond the investigation itself, we will work with the police, civil rights leaders, and members of the public to ensure that this tragedy can give rise to new understanding — and robust action — aimed at bridging persistent gaps between law enforcement officials and the communities we serve. Long after the events of Aug. 9 have receded from the headlines, the Justice Department will continue to stand with this community.

As we move forward together, I ask for the public’s cooperation and patience. And I urge anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the FBI by dialing 800-CALL-FBI, option 4.

Eric H. Holder Jr. is attorney general of the United States.

US Attorney General Statement on Federal Civil Rights Investigation in Ferguson

Attorney General Statement on Latest Developments in Federal Civil Rights Investigation in Ferguson, MO by George L. Cook III

Michael Brown: Second autopsy results released

The preliminary results of an autopsy that Michael Brown's family requested is unlikely to settle the dueling narratives that have defined the case from the beginning.Brown was shot at least six times -- all to the front of his body, according to the preliminary results.

National Guard called out in Ferguson, Missouri

[SOURCE] Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has called out the National Guard after another night of trouble in Ferguson, Missouri.

Nixon's office announced early Monday that, "A day of hope, prayers, and peaceful protests was marred by the violent criminal acts of an organized and growing number of individuals, many from outside the community and state, whose actions are putting the residents and businesses of Ferguson at risk. ... Given these deliberate, coordinated and intensifying violent attacks on lives and property in Ferguson, I am directing the highly capable men and women of the Missouri National Guard to assist ... in restoring peace and order to this community."

There was no immediate indication of how many guard personnel would be involved.

Should Pres. Obama do more to address situation in Ferguson?

During an appearance on Face The Nation Michael Eric Dyson told Face the Nation Sunday morning that President Barack Obama needed to more to address the situation in Ferguson, MO. He made this statement despite President Obama already haven spoken publicly addressing the situation and the 40 FBI agents now on the ground in Ferguson. Watch his statements below and then please take the poll beneath the video.

It's obvious that Dyson believe President Obama should do more. What do you think?

US Justice Department will conduct second autopsy on body of Michael Brown.

Huffpost reporter Ryan J. Reilly that the US Justice Department will be conducting a second autopsy on the body of Michael Brown.

The latest from #DOJ on the #MikeBrown probe #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/pc5uNVgm7e

— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) August 17, 2014