CNN's Randi Kaye has fresh details from two construction workers in Ferguson who witnessed Michael Brown's shooting. Their version of the shooting matches those who say Michael Brown's hands were up.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Interview with George Cook, author of NAPPY a story book for little black girls
Here is a short interview with myself (George Cook) about my children's book NAPPY. NAPPY is a short picture book letting little black girls know how beautiful both they and their hair are.
AAR (African American Reports): How did the book NAPPY come about?
George Cook: It was actually a poem in a book of poetry I wrote back in 2009. I wrote the poem to let little black girls know how beautiful they truly are. It was also written with my daughter in mind. it was kind of prophetic because now she is trying to go natural and is completely comfortable with her hair. She is breaking my wife and I financially in the process of going natural but it's cool.
AAR: When did you have the poem illustrated?
George Cook: I actually tried to illustrate it myself in 2010. It wasn't that well drawn, okay it was badly drawn..LOL. But I promised myself that as son as I could afford an illustrator I would have the book redrawn. I was able to do that in 2013.
AAR: How has the book been received?
George Cook: Very well. The book currently has a 4.4 rating on Amazon with 9 reviews and I'm proud of that. The only thing that bugs me out is that someone gave the book a three star review because it shows that girls have the option of also perming their hair. it bugged me out because I was trying to show that girls have many options in how to wear their hair and that they are ALL beautiful.
AAR: Why did you price the book at 99¢?
George Cook: I wanted the book available to all girls and 99¢ is the lowest price that you can set at Amazon for Kindle. I hope that makes the book affordable for most. I didn't want to go the physical book route because in my opinion the cost is prohibitive and the book would just cost to much to produce on my end and to the consumer on the buying end.
AAR: where is the book available?
Currently only on Amazon for the Kindle. You can use the link below to check it out. Thanks for the interview.
Tuesday, September 09, 2014
Georgia state senator upset that African Americans have to access to Sunday voting
Georgia republican state senator Fran Millar seems to have a problem with Sunday voting in his state. Actually it seems as if he has a problem with Sunday voting being held at South Dekalb mall since it's frequented by African Americans. Read his post from Facebook below.
Post by Fran Millar.
The NFL, the media and especially NFL fans are full of sh*t!
We have all seen the horrifying video of Ray Rice punching his then fiancee Janay Palmer . I don't know Ray Rice to call him a thug but I know that his actions in that video were disgusting and the punishment did not fit the crime. I do know that domestic violence is not a damn joke and we as a country need to take it more seriously. I also know that many in the media and fans suddenly jumping on their high horses to bash both the NFL and Ray Rice are full of shit.
You can include the NFL in that too but the NFL produces a product and like any business will do whatever it can to protect that business. The NFL dropped the ball in the both its investigation and in the punishment of Ray Rice and no one will argue that.
Those in the media that are suddenly holier than thou are certainly hypocritical. Many networks ran NFL related stories leading up to the beginning of the NFL stories to get ratings. They did so after seeing the actions of Ray Rice and other NFL players in the past. They ignored that in order to get ratings. Not bashing them just telling the truth. The talking heads on radio screaming and yelling about the NFL also spend more than half their air time talking about the NFL once the season starts. Why? For the ratings.
We the fans though are the ones full of the most shit. We can all sit there and like the media pretend to be holier than thou but we cheer bad guys as long as they are on our team. We over look things if a guy can make a great catch or has breakaway speed. We especially overlook things when our team is winning. We watch every game and buy new NFL related merchandise even though we just brought a bunch last year. We spend millions supporting the NFL. We do this in spite of some reprehensible behavior that players, coaches, and owners have shown in the past. We are in a way condoning that behavior because the NFL while taking a PR hit is not taking a hit where it hurts, its wallet.
So before we point fingers at the NFL and players maybe we need to check ourselves. We are the ones that feed the beast.
George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.com
Black author interview with Gerald R. Johnson author of Tainted: Book of Revelations
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?
Gerald: The writer Gerald R Johnson was born in a small town in Central FL on the day and time Neil Armstrong walked on the moon (July 20, 1969)... He's an avid people watcher thus he has a growing list of characters always at the ready to be utilized. He's a dreamer which keeps his love of and for writing always present. As a father, he loves the fact that his desires to be creative has passed along to his kids. He feels that he's a Writer first and an Author after the fact, and to him there is a difference between the two. As a reader, he is constantly learning more and more about the world of "published" writers and looks forward to one day sit amongst the likes of King, Rice, Brown & Patterson as their literary equals.
AAR: What inspired you to begin writing?
Gerald: Inspiration to write can come from almost anything... From a random thought to a ride through town or a walk through the mall to even a song on the radio or a conversation with a friend. I love that anything around me has always been able to pull a story out of me, and I'm fortunate that I had people in my life who recognized that passion to create stories and helped to keep that fire burning in me. My main inspiration is truly a love of creativity.
AAR: What is your latest title?
Gerald: My latest title is Tainted: the Book of Revelations and it is book 1 of a 3 book series.
AAR: What's the plot of the book?
Gerald: Two best friends who grew up in the projects of Tampa have created a multimillion dollar industry born from their time of hustling drugs and other illegal merchandise, but one of them wants more... He wants to own it all and to do that he's willing to kill his best friend to take sole ownership of their company. What he's not prepared for is his best friend grooming his new bride to take over everything. She's nieve to the cruelties of street thugs, but she's determined to prove that she can and will be the head of her husband's business. A cub must become a lioness as she deals with a nest of vipers. The question becomes... Is she truly up to it?
AAR: Who is your favorite character in the book?
Gerald: I have two... Bobby "Jangles" Johnson is that antagonist that you come to love to hate. He grows into his part as the bad guy and keeps you wondering ... What's next? Next is Courtney Roulette, she has a lot to learn about her husband's business, and being a young lady already scarred by a bad experience she has to learn to prepare herself for the worst in a war between Jangles and her husband Sidney.
AAR: Where is the book available?
Gerald: Tainted is available in both paperback and ebook on most major sites like amazon, barnes&noble, Booksamillion, goodbooks, etc.
AAR: Is there anything you would like to mention in closing?
Gerald: Tainted is the first I've ever done in the urban genre, but not my last. I am not cornerstoned in just the urban lit, I got my start in writing doing scifi & fantasy, and I always dabble in the paranormal and erotica. Recent writings has even taken me into the realm of psychological thrillers. I love the challenges of writing, of testing my writing limits and just pushing them to the breaking point. As I mentioned, I am a Writer before an Author, and to me that means I'm always in a learning mode as a Writer in order to make myself a better Author. I love what I do because it is not What I am, but Who I am... I am a Writer. Thank you for this opportunity
Sunday, September 07, 2014
Read a copy of the offensive & racist email by Atlanta Hawks owner Bruce Levenson
Here is a copy of the offensive email by Bruce Levenson that led him to make the decision to sell his stake in the Atlanta Hawks. It is important to not that Levenson reported himself and made the decision to sell on his own as well.
A Copy of Bruce Levenson offensive email by George L. Cook III
Push to Recruit Black, Latino Nurses
Arihanna Venable enjoys talking with her patients as she performs physical exams, takes their blood pressure and, sometimes administers medicine to help soothe wounds or illnesses.
However, when Venable looks at so many other registered nurses, she finds a glaring and often troubling trend.
“Not many of them look like me,” said Venable, 33, of Southeast. “We just don’t have a lot of black registered nurses and I think if we can somehow change that, a lot of our patients will feel more at ease and they’ll be more likely to come in and see a doctor before they encounter serious health problems.”
Venable counts among the 5.4 percent of African-American nurses in the nation. A small minority, considering there’s an estimated 2.5 million registered nurses in the United States. Latinos also are in the minority as just 3.6 percent hold those positions.
Read more: Push to Recruit Black, Latino Nurses
Three days of voting to be restored before Election Day in Ohio
Early voting in the three days before Election Day is back in Ohio.
U.S. District Judge Peter C. Economus granted a permanent injunction yesterday preventing Secretary of State Jon Husted from restricting or eliminating voting on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday before all future elections.
Democrats, who benefit from weekend voting because supporters tend to come to polls in greater numbers on those days, were overjoyed at the ruling. Republicans, meanwhile, were uniformly silent, with the exception of Husted, who issued a statement praising the decision as a victory for “uniformity and equality” in voting hours.
Read more: Three days of voting to be restored before Election Day in Ohio, federal court rules
Friday, September 05, 2014
Alexandria (VA) to dedicate memorial to African Americans who died in Civil War
During the Civil War, the Alexandria Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery was the burial place for approximately 1,700 African Americans who fled to Alexandria to escape bondage. Now, in the sesquicentennial of both the Cemetery and the Civil War, a new memorial honors this site and those who were laid to rest there.
The City of Alexandria will officially dedicate the Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 10 a.m. Several hundred descendants of those buried at the Cemetery have been located, and many will be on hand for the dedication ceremony.
Read more about the dedication and the cemetery here: http://www.visitalexandriava.com/things-to-do/historic-sites-attractions/african-american/
Black author interview with Queen Brown the author of the Aida series
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?
Queen Brown: I am a God fearing mother of two with a big heart and an even bigger need to succeed in life.
AAR: What inspired you to begin writing?
Queen Brown: An old friend of mines pushed me to do it because I always had a story to tell whenever he and I would meet up . My stories were always so vivid and dramatic.
AAR: What is your latest title? (If part of a series feel free to mention the entire series.)
Queen Brown: My latest title is 'Adia' (special edition). Part one, Adia (love, lies and murder) came out in late 2012. I have recently published parts 1&2 together in the special edition.
AAR: What's the plot of the book?
Queen Brown: A Young woman scorned by love sends her emotions on a whirlwind of craziness that she can no longer control. Secrets, bloodshed and pure mayhem grace the pages of both books.
AAR: Who is your favorite character in the book?
Queen Brown: My favorite character is in fact, Adia. She is sexy, intelligent and lethal. She brings all of the action to the story with her psychotic ways.
AAR: Where is the book available?
Queen Brown: The book is only available on Amazon.com for now.
AAR: Is there anything you would like to mention in closing.
Queen Brown: Yes, I appreciate you taking the time out to interview me George and I wanted to thank my supporters, new and old for picking up a Queen Brown book and enjoying it enough to continue supporting . There are more books to come! Stay tuned, remain positive & always remember to smile because it looks good.
Thursday, September 04, 2014
Eric Holder statement : US Justice Dept. launches probe into Ferguson Police
Attorney General Holder Delivers Remarks at Press Conference Announcing Pattern or Practice Investigation into Ferguson Police Department
Washington, D.C. ~ Thursday, September 4, 2014
Remarks as Prepared for Delivery
Good afternoon. I am joined today by Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Molly Moran and Director Ron Davis, of the Community Oriented Policing Services – or COPS – Office. We are here to announce the latest steps in the Justice Department’s ongoing effort to address the situation in Ferguson, Missouri, and the surrounding communities.
As you know, our federal civil rights investigation into the August 9 shooting death of Michael Brown remains open and very active. As I made clear during my visit to Ferguson two weeks ago, this investigation will take time. But the American people can have confidence that it will be fair, it will be thorough, and it will be independent.
Over the course of that visit, I had the chance to speak with a number of local residents. I heard from them directly about the deep mistrust that has taken hold between law enforcement officials and members of the community. In meetings and listening sessions – as well as informal conversations – people consistently expressed concerns stemming from specific alleged incidents, from general policing practices, and from the lack of diversity on Ferguson’s police force.
These anecdotal accounts underscored the history of mistrust of law enforcement in Ferguson that has received a good deal of attention. As a result of this history – and following an extensive review of documented allegations and other available data – we have determined that there is cause for the Justice Department to open an investigation to determine whether Ferguson Police officials have engaged in a pattern or practice of violations of the U.S. Constitution or federal law.
This investigation will be carried out by a team from the Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section – some of the same dedicated professionals who have achieved historic results in ensuring constitutional policing from coast to coast. Over the past five years, the Civil Rights Division has prosecuted over 300 individual officers for misconduct. We have opened 20 pattern or practice investigations into police departments across the country. That’s more than twice as many as were opened in the previous five years. And we’re enforcing 14 agreements to reform law enforcement practices at agencies both large and small. With these agreements, we have seen dramatic decreases in excessive uses of force; greater equity in the delivery of police services, including important measures to address bias; and, most significantly, increased confidence by communities in their law enforcement agencies.
As the brother of a retired police officer, I know that the overwhelming majority of our brave men and women in uniform do their jobs honorably, with integrity, and often at great personal risk. The Civil Rights Division’s efforts are simply meant to ensure that law enforcement officers in every part of the U.S. live up to those same high standards of professionalism. In Ferguson, our investigation will assess the police department’s use of force, including deadly force. It will analyze stops, searches, and arrests. And it will examine the treatment of individuals detained at Ferguson’s city jail, in addition to other potentially discriminatory policing techniques and tactics that are brought to light.
We have met with the Mayor, City Manager and Police Chief in Ferguson. They have welcomed the investigation and pledged complete cooperation. This investigation will be conducted both rigorously and in a timely manner, so we can move forward as expeditiously as possible to restore trust, rebuild understanding, and foster cooperation between law enforcement and community members. At the same time, I want to make very clear that – as this investigation unfolds and evolves – we will follow the facts and the law wherever they may lead. And if, at any point, we find reason to expand our inquiry to include additional police forces in neighboring jurisdictions, we will not hesitate to do so.
In fact, I can also announce today that – above and beyond our investigation in Ferguson – we are taking proactive steps to engage the St. Louis County Police Department in what’s known as a “collaborative reform effort.” This partnership is being led by the COPS Office, working closely with St. Louis County officials to conduct a comprehensive assessment. The St. Louis County Police Chief has voluntarily accepted the collaborative reform process and has also asked that the COPS Office conduct an After Action Report on their response to recent demonstrations. And already, with the cooperation of St. Louis County leaders, we have identified priority areas for intensive review and technical assistance – including racial profiling; stops, searches, and frisking; the handling of mass demonstrations by police officials; and law enforcement training both at the police academy and at the continuing professional level.
Because St. Louis County administers training programs for officers throughout the area – including members of the Ferguson Police Department – it makes sense to include the county police department as part of our comprehensive approach to confronting the challenges we’ve seen in that region.
I want to be clear: this is not a stopgap or a short-term solution. It’s a long-term strategy, founded on community policing, that will provide a detailed roadmap to build trust; to bolster public safety; to ensure accountability; and to change the way that law enforcement leaders make decisions, implement policies, and forge community partnerships. And our track record proves that such efforts to reform policing practices can be tremendously successful.
For example, in 2012, the COPS Office and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department completed an eight-month review similar to the collaboration we are launching today with the St. Louis County Police Department. The Las Vegas review resulted in 75 findings and concrete recommendations regarding officer-involved shootings and other use-of-force issues. To date, fully 95 percent of these recommendations have been adopted. And police agencies in two other jurisdictions are going through similar processes as we speak.
When I visited Ferguson two weeks ago, I promised that the U.S. Department of Justice would continue to stand with the people there long after the national headlines had faded. Today, with our investigation into the Ferguson Police Department and our reform efforts in St. Louis County, we’re taking significant steps to keep that promise. As these efforts unfold, my colleagues and I will keep working with the people in Ferguson to ensure that a fair, thorough investigation occurs; to see that dialogue can be translated into concrete action; and to facilitate lasting, positive change – that brings together police officials, civil rights leaders, and members of the public – to bridge gaps and build understanding.
This won’t always be easy. But I know that, together, we can and will meet this challenge.
Before we move to questions, there have been court decisions announced today in two separate but very important cases on which I would like to briefly comment.
First, we are pleased that the district court in New Orleans has found that the largest oil spill in U.S. history was caused by BP’s gross negligence and willful misconduct. The court’s findings will ensure that the company is held fully accountable for its recklessness. This case, which was vigorously pursued by the United States’ stellar legal team, marks another significant step forward in the Justice Department’s continuing efforts to seek justice on behalf of the American people for this disaster. And we are confident this decision will serve as a strong deterrent to anyone tempted to sacrifice safety and the environment in the pursuit of profit.
Second, in Ohio, a district court has held that the plaintiffs challenging the State of Ohio’s changes to its in-person early voting rules likely will be able to prove that those changes are unconstitutional. The Justice Department had filed a Statement of Interest in this case. And today’s outcome represents a milestone in our effort to continue to protect voting rights even after the Supreme Court’s deeply misguided decision in Shelby County.
I am pleased to note that today’s decision, and the judge’s analysis, rests on some of the same legal reasoning that underlies the Department’s pending challenges to voting measures in Texas and North Carolina under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. And as we move forward, my colleagues and I will continue to do everything in our power to aggressively defend access to the ballot box and ensure that every American can exercise his or her right to participate in the democratic process, unencumbered by unnecessary restrictions that discourage, discriminate, or disenfranchise.
At this time, we would be happy to take your questions.
Black author interview with Alycia Morris author of "Nothing New except Someone New"
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?
Alycia Morris: I was born in Oklahoma City Oklahoma but I grew up in Waco and Dallas Texas. We moved back to Oklahoma when I was 13 and that is when I engaged in sports (cheerleading and track). After high school I joined the United States Army Reserves where I did a 6 year contract. I began college and majored in Sociology. I enjoy reading,writing and watching movies. When I am stressed I cook.
AAR: What inspired you to begin writing?
Alycia Morris: After a bad break up with a man I just knew was my soulmate I did not know how to express my emotions. So I wrote about what I was feeling and why I felt that way. After I expressed my hurt I began writing stories about love and relationships. I created characters to describe how I felt and how others felt about different scenarios in life.
AAR: What is your latest title?
Alycia Morris: "Nothing New except Someone New" This is my debut novel and it is a 2 part series. Part 2 will be released early October.
AAR: What's the plot of the book?
Alycia Morris: Who will Isis choose? It is a love story with a twist, she has been broken hearted and all she wants is to be loved and wanted.
AAR: Who is your favorite character in the book?
Alycia Morris: Tarvis , he gives a different prospective of men whom are stereotyped in society. He is smooth, charasmatic, he is not afraid to show his feelings to anyone at any time.
AAR: Where is the book available?
Alycia Morris: Amazon.com and Kindle Unlimited
AAR: Is there anything you would like to mention in closing?
Alycia Morris: I am currently working on a suspense thriller titled "Foul Play" to be released at the end of the year and a series entitled "The Elite Circle of Dominance" to be released the beginning of 2015.
MERRILL LYNCH TO SERVE AS SPONSOR OF INAUGURAL ARTEMIS MEDICAL SOCIETY CONFERENCE
DALLAS/FORT WORTH (August 27, 2014) – Artemis Medial Society announced today that Merrill Lynch has agreed to serve as the exclusive financial services sponsor of its inaugural conference in Dallas, Texas. The conference will take place September 26 to 28, 2014 at the Westin Galleria Dallas hotel. For the full conference itinerary visit.
“We are very excited that Merrill Lynch has agreed to become the exclusive financial services sponsor of our inaugural conference,” said Dr. Myiesha Taylor, President, Artemis Medical Society. “They bring the trust, expertise and solutions our members are seeking in a financial services provider. It is an honor to have their support for our inaugural conference.”
“We are delighted to sponsor this organization as part of our commitment to women, to diversity and to serving the needs of the medical profession,” said Jeff Markham, Managing Director, Merrill Lynch Greater Texas Market Executive. “Physicians are a vital part of the communities in which we do business, and we are proud to be among this organization’s strongest supporters.”
“Merrill Lynch’s sponsorship demonstrates how non-profit organizations and corporations can work together to bring positive change to our society,” said Dr. Donna Hamilton, Vice President for Communications, Artemis Medical Society. “Our membership greatly appreciates that Merrill Lynch was willing to learn about our organization, members and mission. Having their support of Artemis’ inaugural conference will allow us to continue to work together in creating greater physician diversity that our society needs.”
Artemis Medical Society helps promote an environment in medicine where women of color from around the world can come together to support and learn from each other across all medical specialties. Since their formation they have worked diligently to create a supportive environment by fostering a strong sense of community among their membership. Artemis Medical Society believes women physicians of color are a vital part of an effective physician workforce that is responsive to, and aims to deliver quality healthcare to our increasingly diverse communities. Through mentoring, networking and advocacy, the organization is providing the foundation necessary to create a diverse physician workforce vital to our rapidly changing society.
Wednesday, September 03, 2014
Sen. McCain reveals his true plan to fight ISIS.
Sen. McCain reveals his true plan to fight ISIS.
By George Cook
From time to time we here at AAR get lucky and get interviews with top government officials. Today through sheer subterfuge and outright lying I was able to get an interview with none other than war hero and war hawk Sen. John McCain. This wasn't easy. I only gained access because I claimed I was from Fox News. McCain and an aide were dubious about my claim because I'm black. That was until I told them I was Ben Carson. They were silent for a moment and then agreed to an interview after McCain made a comment about us all not looking alike. Below is my interview with Sen McCain and his surprising plan to fight ISIS.
AAR (George Cook) (That's me!): Thank you for granting me this interview Senator McCain.
McCain: Oh no problem, I love helping you people.
(Pause as aide whispers something in McCain's ear. McCain gives me a shocked look.)
McCain: Oh my Mr. Carson I am so sorry I didn't mean to say you people.
AAR: It's okay I work at Fox and hear a lot worse. Can we continue?
(Senator McCain nods.)AAR: Senator you have been very vocal about putting soldiers on the ground and attacking ISIS. Do you really want to do that?
McCain: I want ISIS destroyed, dead, annhilated , terminated, vaporized, eviscerated and all kinds of f*cked up!
AAR: That's great sir but how do you plan on doing that? Even some of your fellow republicans are against putting boots on the ground and admit that air strikes have limited capabilities. When being honest your colleagues admit that real options that can hurt ISIS are limited.
(McCain makes a smile that scares me and begins to rub his hands together.)McCain: We don't need to put soldiers on the ground. We just need to put one man on the ground.
AAR: Who Rambo?
McCain: What do you think I am crazy? Rambo is not real.
AAR: Then who sir?
McCain: Captain America!
AAR: What the f*ck did you just say?
McCain: You heard me Captain f*cking America. We drop him in he kicks some ISIS ass, problem solved.
McCain: Bullsh*t did you see Winter Soldier? He beat like twenty guys in an elevator!
(The aide again whispers in McCain's ear.)
McCain: I have to go, it's nap time.
AAR: Oh please don't let me stand in the way of your nap time.
McCain: Thank you Mr. Carson
THE END
DISCLAIMER: Due to the nature of the Internet I feel posting this disclaimer is needed. This is obviously satire and I did not actually interview Sen. McCain. I sure as hell don't work for Fox News. That should cover everything. George L. Cook III
Racist clown fired from fair for calling woman a nappy head.
I swear I'm not making this up. A clown in a dunk tank at a fair in Memphis decided that it would be okay to call a black woman a nappy head and make other insensitive comments. He was of course fired but for a country where conservatives believe that there is no racism what does it say when even clowns feel it's alright to publicly vent their racist feelings?
Black author interview with Troi Fields author of Wife Tales
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?
Troi Fields: I am a single mother of 3 who's an avid football fan....my favorite player, my sons!!! I absolutely love the written word and have been a lover of literature since I was a young girl...the classics are my favorites! I am currently one of the King Publishing Group family of writers.
AAR: What inspired you to begin writing?
Troi Fields: I have always loved writing and used it to express my feeling and thoughts. I was actually working as a freelance editor and someone notice the skill I had filling in the "holes" in some of the stories. I was asked if I would ever be interested in coming from behind the scenes and writing a book for myself and so I did. It was that small nudge from a friend.
AAR: What is your latest title?
Troi Fields: My lastest release is Wife Tales Episode 3. It is the third installment in a series of six.
AAR: What's the plot of the book?
Troi Fields: The Wife Tales series centers around five ladies in the South Florida area and deals with the everyday things they go through in there marriages, friends and careers. It deals with how they relate to each other and the world around them. There is lots of drama and suspense but there is also a lot of real life issues that are brought to the forefront such as divorce, separation, the consequences of "shacking" for a long period of time, secrets, infidelities, etc.
AAR:Who is your favorite character in the book?
Troi Fields: I don't have one favorite in the book. I have found that the more I write, the more I see of myself in each of the women in some way, shape, form or fashion, but if I had to say one character I would choose Bailey. She is the sassy, no nonsense mother who is fighting for her family, her love, and the right to be cherished in her relationship.
AAR: Where is the book available?
Troi Fields: The series is available in e-book format on Amazon.
AAR: Is there anything you would like to mention in closing?
Troi Fields: That since I started this journey I have had some fans that have supported me beyond anything that I could have hoped for or imaged. I so appreciate their support, encouragement and friendship! They are the reason why I pick my laptop and write some days!
Killer of Renisha McBride sentenced to 15-30 years in prison
[SOURCE] The Dearborn Heights homeowner convicted last month for shooting 19-year-old Renisha McBride to death last fall was sentenced Wednesday to 15 to 30 years on a second-degree murder charge.
Theodore Wafer, 55, was convicted Aug. 7 by a Wayne County jury on charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in the killing of McBride.
Wafer also received seven to 15 years on the manslaughter charge and a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence on the felony firearm charge, meaning he'll serve at least 17 years in prison.
The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office asked for a minimum of 17 years in prison. Wayne County Circuit Judge Dana Hathaway, who presided over the trial, announced Wafer’s sentencing at a hearing that included courtroom comments from McBride’s sister.
Tuesday, September 02, 2014
Black author interview with Tiana Nicole author of Deceitful Temptations.
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?
Tiana Nicole: I would like to share with the readers that beyond all things I am humble. I’m a 29 year old wife and mother of three awesome children. Because of my background I’d like to think I’ve come a far cry from the life I lived in the past. I was a troubled teen whom needed to find a better outlet to deal with my aggression. My outlet was my education and of course my writings. I overcame those troubling times by proceeding to achieve an A.A Degree in Business Administration, a B.A Degree in Psychology, and my finest accomplishment of them all, a M.A Degree in Business Management.
AAR: What inspired you to begin writing?
I’ve always been inspired to write. Around or about the age of 13, I would produce short stories that were intended to be full novels, however somehow I would tell the entire story within the first five pages. I became discouraged by that particular short coming, and because of that road block I ceased writing. My interest in writing rekindled in 2010 at a point where I wasn’t expecting.
AAR: What is your latest title?
Tiana Nicole: My latest novel is titled Deceitful Temptations. The key characters of the book are both Pastor James and his wife Charmaine. Maurice is a smart, handsome man of the cloth whom of which is working hard to lead his city into the next millennium by running for Mayor with his wife right by his side every step of the journey. In public they have a picture perfect love. Despite the dedication from his wife, the good Pastor can’t seem to fight the temptations of the flesh the outside world has to offer. Although their picture perfect on the outside, their private lives holds an extensive amount of hurt, pain, and a battle of deceit that may be proven to be stronger than their marriage.
AAR: What's the plot of the book?
Tiana Nicole: The plot of the book focuses on shedding light on the fact of regardless of who we are in life, and what we set out to accomplish we all have our flaws and our faults. No one individual has tackled the craft of perfecting life. The plot also delivers a much needed awareness to both men and women how important it is to love yourself, and to never settle on anything less than your worth. In many instances we love the idea of companionship more than we love the idea of loving ourselves.
AAR: Who is your favorite character in the book?
Tiana Nicole: My favorite character in the book would have to be Charmaine. I loved that I was able to convey a powerful message through her character. It’s important to know when and if an adjustment is needed within any relationship. There’s a difference in walking away, and saying enough is enough.
AAR: Where is the book available?
Tiani Nicole: The book is available via Amazon in both e-book, and paperback format. We’re hoping to add additional outlets for purchasing.
AAR: Is there anything you would like to mention in closing?
I would first like to thank you for having me. It was an absolute pleasure. I would also like to thank my readers for the support and the love I’ve received since the release of my debut novel. I’d also like to inform my readers I’m working hard to bring them my next literary master piece, and the wait won’t bee too far away.
African-Americans may be getting inferior breastfeeding advice
Mothers who give birth in areas with higher concentrations of African-Americans are less likely to get breastfeeding support on maternity wards than mothers in other communities, a new study shows.
Breastfeeding provides well-documented health benefits to infants and their mothers. But African-American women are about 16 percent less likely to nurse their newborns than white women, according to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The study of 2,727 American hospitals and birth centers sought to uncover the reasons for the racial disparities.
Read more: African-Americans may be getting inferior breastfeeding advice
Buffalo NY bank didn't lend to blacks
A bank refused to offer mortgages to African-Americans living in Buffalo, New York's attorney general said in a lawsuit that he said was part of a wider investigation into an illegal practice known as redlining.
Evans Bank violated fair housing and discrimination laws by intentionally denying services and products to Buffalo's east side, home to more than 75 percent of the city's African-American population, the federal lawsuit alleges.
The bank's president, David Nasca, called the accusations "meritless." He said Evans, which has 13 branches in western New York, will vigorously defend itself.
"We remain confident that our residential lending practices meet all applicable laws and regulations," Nasca said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press.
Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's lawsuit alleges that Evans used a map to define its lending area that excluded the city's east side. The company is also accused of refusing to market its loan products or locate its branches in the area.
Schneiderman said the lawsuit is part of a wider investigation by his office into redlining, in which a lender denies access to mortgages or charges more in certain neighborhoods based on race.
Read more: New York: Bank Didn't Lend to Blacks in Buffalo
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