Bernie Sanders: African-Americans will like me when they learn my record

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said Sunday that while he may be trailing among minority voters in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, that would change as soon as those voters learned more about him.

"When the African-American community becomes familiar with my congressional record and with our agenda and with our views on the economy and criminal justice, just as the general population has become more supportive, so will the African-American community, so will the Latino community. We have the momentum. We are on a path to victory," he said during the Democratic debate Sunday evening.

Read more: Sanders: African-Americans will like me when they learn my record

President Barack Obama addresses the water crisis in Flint

President Barack Obama addressed the water crisis in Flint, Mich. on Wednesday.

“If I was a parent out there I would be beside myself that my kid’s health could be at risk,” Obama said, adding that he declared a Federal Emergency and designated a federal coordinator to help with the crisis. Obama also spoke about his meeting on Tuesday with Flint's mayor.

“I told her we were gonna have her back and all the people's of Flint's back," he said.

“It is a reminder of why you can’t shortchange basic services that we provide to our people and that we together provide as a government to make sure that public health and safety is preserved,” Obama said.

[SOURCE]

Race, Jesse Owens biopic being released 02/19/2016

Race is the first feature biopic film about African American athlete Jesse Owens, who won a record-breaking four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games.Directed by Stephen Hopkins and written by Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse, the film stars Stephan James, Jason Sudeikis, Jeremy Irons, William Hurt and Carice van Houten. The film will be released in the United States on February 19, 2016. Watch the trailer below.

Should African American viewers boycott the Oscars?

By George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.com Email George

Not one African American was nominated for an Academy Award this year. In a year that included outstanding performances by Samuel L. Jackson (The Hateful 8), Micheal B. Jordan (CREED), Idris Elba (Beast of no Nation), Will Smith (Concussion), and Tessa Thompson (Creed), and a year that included great films directed by Ryan Coogler (CREED) and Cary Fukunaga (Beast of No Nation) not one African American person was nominated for anything.

This has led to the return of the #OscarsSoWhite hashtag on social media but lets be a serious at the end of the day a hashtag is just a hashtag. Bringing notice to a situation is great but there has to be some followup action. I believe that African American viewers should boycott the Oscars in protest this year. That would give the show lower ratings and lower ratings equals less advertising dollars in the future for the Academy Awards. One color that Hollywood understands the most is green, and if you affect that green you can effect change.

So lets start a new hashtag, #BlackBoycottOscars, and then follow that up with action.

New memoir by AP reporter recalls covering MLK and family

In a new memoir, "My Time with the Kings: A Reporter's Recollections of Martin, Coretta and the Civil Rights Movement," retired Associated Press reporter Kathryn Johnson describes civil rights flashpoints she covered in the 1960s and details her close relationship with the movement's leader, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and his family.

Kathryn Johnson covered the Civil Rights movement across the South in the 1960s, often risking her own safety to observe first-hand the events of this great era. Her stories took her from witnessing the integration of the University of Georgia by dressing as a student, to hiding unobserved under a table near an infamous schoolhouse door in Alabama, to marching with the massive crowd from Selma to Montgomery.

Johnson, one of the only female reporters on the scene, threw herself into charged situations with a determination to break the news no matter what. Including never-before-published photos, her personal account of this period is a singular addition to the story of the Civil Rights movement.

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Congressional Black Caucus Calls for Federal Funding for the City of Flint, Michigan Water Crisis

The Congressional Black caucus released the following statement on 01/15/2016 concerning the Flint water crisis.

January 15, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chairman G. K. Butterfield released the following statement in response to the Flint, Michigan water crisis calling for an immediate federal investigation and funding to assist the City of Flint in recovery:

“The lack of proper oversight and action, leading to tens of thousands of citizens being exposed to toxic levels of lead in drinking water demands a thorough federal response. More than 10,000 children, many under the age of six, have been exposed to dangerous amounts of lead in their drinking water, which can lead to a series of lifelong development and learning disabilities. Governor Rick Snyder failed to act swiftly and has greatly mishandled the state’s response. In return, thousands of families throughout the City of Flint have been harmed. As elected officials, we all have a responsibility to ensure the safety of our constituents, especially when it concerns some of our youngest and most vulnerable citizens, and the officials of Flint, Michigan failed to do so.”

Video: Cedrick Chatman shooting

Chicago on Thursday released video footage of a fatal Chicago police shooting of a black teenager, Cedrick Chatman in 2013 after a court ruling, as protesters renewed criticism of Mayor Rahm Emanuel for the handling of police killings. Watch the shocking video below.

Eric Holder endorses Hillary Clinton

Former Attorney General, Eric Holder has endorsed Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination. Read his statement below.

Eric Holder will endorse Hillary Clinton. Here is his statement: pic.twitter.com/lsjIFmVk37

— Dan Merica (@danmericaCNN) January 13, 2016

Hall of Fame baseball player Monte Irvin dies at 96

Hall of Famer Monte Irvin, a power-hitting outfielder who starred for the New York Giants in the 1950s in a career abbreviated by Major League Baseball’s exclusion of black players, has died. He was 96.

Irvin was 30 when he joined the Giants in 1949, two years after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier. Irvin spent seven of his eight big-league seasons with the Giants and one year with the Chicago Cubs in 1956. A native of Haleburg, Alabama, Irvin played in the Negro, Mexican and Puerto Rican leagues during his 20s.

Irvin batted .300 or more three times with a high of .329 in 1953. He finished with a career average of .293 with 99 home runs and 443 RBI, numbers that would have been far higher if not for the game’s racial segregation.

Irvin was one of the most important contributors during the Giants’ amazing pennant drive in 1951 when they overtook the Brooklyn Dodgers after trailing by 131/2 games in mid-August. Irvin batted .312 with 24 homers and an NL-leading 121 RBI.

That year Irvin teamed with Hank Thompson and Willie Mays to form the first all-black outfield in the majors. He finished third in the NL’s MVP voting.

Irvin is survived by daughters Patricia Irvin Gordon and Pamela Irvin Fields and two granddaughters.

[SOURCE]

It's official, Ryan Coogler to direct Marvel's Black Panther movie

Coogler, the director of the "Rocky" sequel "Creed," will direct Marvel Studio's upcoming "Black Panther" in 2018, the studio's first film starring an African-American superhero. Coogler will be also be the first African-American director in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a film franchise that has made over $9 billion at the worldwide box office.

Coogler will be also be the first African-American director in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a film franchise that has made over $9 billion at the worldwide box office.

"We are fortunate to have such an esteemed filmmaker join the Marvel family," producer and president of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige said in a statement. "The talents Ryan showcased in his first two films easily made him our top choice to direct 'Black Panther.'"

[SOURCE]

Canada rejects African-American's fear of US police asylum claim

A Canadian tribunal has rejected a claim for refugee status from an African-American man who said he feared persecution and police abuse in the United States based on his race, the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada said on Friday.

While saying he did find Kyle Lydell Canty to have a genuine fear of returning to his home country, adjudicator Ron Yamauchi said that was not enough to grant asylum.

A string of shootings of black men by U.S. police over the past 18 months have led to widespread protests and the issue has fueled a civil rights movement under the name Black Lives Matter.

"The Act does not protect claimants from every form of ill-treatment, suffering, and hardship," he wrote in the decision, dated Dec. 3. "It is addressed at situations of persecution, which is serious harm, an interference with a basic human right."

He added: "There are no substantial grounds to believe that his removal to the United States of America would subject him personally to a danger of torture."

Canty filed for asylum in September after coming to Canada as a tourist.

Read more: Canada rejects African-American's asylum claim

Vixen: The black superhero show you didn't know about

You probably haven't heard of Vixen a show that airs on on CW Seed. The show features a black female superhero from Detroit via Africa.

It is based on the DC Comics character Mari McCabe / Vixen, a costumed superhero crime-fighter with the power to mimic the abilities of any animal that has ever lived on Earth. The series is set in the Arrowverse, the same fictional universe as Arrow, The Flash, and Legends of Tomorrow. The six-episode series concluded on September 29, 2015. On January 10, 2016 it was announced that The CW renewed Vixen for a 7 episode second season, set to premiere in 2016.

Check out the first episode here: http://www.cwseed.com/shows/vixen/vixen-season-1/?play=24dac429-d147-4492-bbe9-818188019537

Whoopi Goldberg can call herself whatever she wants!

By George L. Cook III.

I'm sure many have heard Whoopi Goldberg's comments about her not being African American on the TV show The View and heard about the backlash that followed on social media. Just in case, you missed it read Whoopi's comments below.

“You know what uh uh! This is my country,” Goldberg said. “My mother, my grandmother, my great-grand folks, we busted ass to be here. I’m sorry. I’m an American. I’m not an African-American, I’m not a chick American, I’m an American!”

Now I identify as African-American and have my own opinions about what Goldberg said but you know what, THAT DOESN'T MATTER!

My argument against those who have a problem with the term African-American or any other hyphenated identifier has always been that we as Americans have the right to identify however we want. So to me, those African Americans upset at Whoopi for simply wanting to identify as American are being hypocritical. This is about being able to identify as you want not on making others identify as you would like them to. Whoopi Goldberg has that right to call herself whatever she wants whether anyone likes it or not.

That may not be a popular stance but I believe it's one that those who want to be treated fairly and equally should embrace. Whoopi still stands up for African American causes and issues and how she identify does not change that.

I, you, and Whoopi Goldberg can call ourselves whatever we want. What we call ourselves is not the most important issue, though. It's what we do to make things better that ultimately counts.

SANDRA BLAND'S FAMILY REACTS TO TROOPER INDICTMENT, FIRING

Sandra Bland's family is reacting to the news that Brian Encinia, the Texas state trooper who arrested Bland during a traffic stop has been charged for perjury and will be fired. Encinia faces up to 1 year in jail. Watch Sandra Bland's family react below:

The Best Man Wedding gets a release date

Universal Pictures’ THE BEST MAN WEDDING will be released on Friday, April 15, 2016

About THE BEST MAN WEDDING

The cast of THE BEST MAN series returns to celebrate the group’s most unexpected wedding to date. Malcolm D. Lee again writes and directs the third film in his signature hit series, and Sean Daniel ("The Best Man Holiday") returns to produce THE BEST MAN WEDDING alongside Lee.

Historic Black Church Donates $1M to Smithsonian's African-American History Museum

A historic black church based in Virginia has pledged to donate $1 million to the Smithsonian's National Museum of African-American History and Culture.

Alfred Street Baptist Church, a historically black congregation in Alexandria that traces its history back to the early 1800s, has announced their donation for the educational institute.

"ASBC has always been a leader in community outreach and missions within the faith-based community," said the Rev. Howard-John Wesley, lead pastor of Alfred Street Baptist, in comments to The Christian Post on Monday. Wesley added that this was the first time a faith-based organization had donated $1 million to the Smithsonian.

Killer of Walter Scott released on bail

A police officer who shot dead a black motorist in South Carolina has been released on $500,000 bail, The Post and Courier newspaper reported Monday.

Michael Slager, who was dismissed from the North Charleston police force after the incident, had been held in jail since his arrest in April for killing 50-year-old Walter Scott.

"The decision was met with gasps from Scott's family and with tears from Michael Slager's wife and parents, who appeared together for the first time in the downtown Charleston courtroom," the daily reported.

"Slager was released at 7 pm after posting $500,000 bail, a jail spokesman said. Under a surety bond, he would have to pay $50,000 of that total," it added.

[SOURCE]

Tyler Perry On Critics Who Say His Movies Negatively Portray Black Community

Tyler Perry might be one of the most successful men in the entertainment industry, having built a movie and TV empire, but the producer, director and actor still faces his fair share of critics.

Perry, 46, has come under fire from people who believe that his films are damaging to the black community by exploiting black stereotypes in the characters he creates.

But Perry admits that he's surprised by the backlash.

Read more: Tyler Perry Responds to Critics Who Say His Movies Negatively Portray Black Community

National Society of Film Critics : Best Actor Micheal B Jordan

The National Society of Film Critics voted Micheal B. Jordan best actor for his performance in Creed. Like all other winners his victory was announced via Twitter.

BEST ACTOR: Michael B. Jordan, "Creed"

— NSFC (@NatSocFilmCrix) January 3, 2016

Creed passes the 100 million dollar mark!

By George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.com

Much like the underdog hero that the Ryan Coogler directed film's title refers to, the movie Creed has turned out to be the underdog film that reached blockbuster status.

No, it didn't do Star Wars The Force Awakens type numbers but it did gross 100 million in a very crowded and powerhouse field. The movie has made an estimated $103,456,653 as of 01/03/2016 per Boxoffice.com. The movie grossed 100 million plus while in direct competition with The Hunger Games: Mockinjay Part II, Peanuts, The Good Dinosaur, SPECTRE, and later crossed the 100 million mark in the massive movie presence that is Star Wars The Force Awakens.

The small film had about a 35 million dollar budget and early projections had it making something in the 80 to 85 million range. It obviously meet and exceeded those expectations.

This is quite an accomplishment for director Ryan Coogler and proved that a well made and good film can attract an audience regardless of the competition or color of the cast. The movie could also get an best supporting actor Oscar nomination for Sylvester Stallone thanks to Coogler's direction. Although it's a long shot Tessa Thompson deserves a best supporting actress nomination also.

Don't know if Ryan Coogler or Micheal B. Jordan will be nominated but all involved deserve congratulations.

Let's all give Ryan Coogler and Creed a hand for passing blockbuster status!