Monday, May 2, 2016: At a Donald Trump for President rally in Carmel, IN, former football star and actor Fred 'The Hammer' Williamson announced his support for Donald Trump. Watch his endorsement below.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Cleveland Browns’ player is teen’s surprise prom date
Seventeen-year-old Elyria High School senior Elna Wright is nonverbal and uses a wheelchair as a result of a rare progressive disorder. She was crowned homecoming queen, but her boyfriend died last fall and she had no other date. Her parents took to social media, asking if an athlete might escort their Cleveland-sports-crazy daughter. The Browns’ Cameron Erving stepped up. The 6-foot-5, 313-pound guard picked Wright up in a limo bus, posed for photos in the historic downtown square and accompanied her to the dance. Watch the heartwarming video of this story below
Federal grand jury indicts Michael Slager in shooting of Walter Scott
A federal grand jury this week indicted former North Charleston officer Michael Slager on charges of violating a civil rights law and misleading investigators in Walter Scott’s death, a rare measure in police shootings that gives authorities another route to reach a conviction.
Chief among the three charges is a count of deprivation of civil rights under the color of law. Public officials are barred under the federal statute from using their powers to violate people’s “rights, privileges or immunities.” The indictment alleges that Slager was acting with his authority as a policeman when he used unreasonable force — a violation of the Constitution — by shooting Scott five times from behind.
He also was indicted on counts of using a firearm in a violent crime and obstruction of justice. He’s accused of telling state investigators that Scott was coming at him with his own Taser when he fired. A video showed Scott running away.
The grand jury first met nearly a month ago and handed down the indictment Tuesday. It was made public Wednesday.
Slager, 34, is expected to be arrested again under a federal warrant. He has been free on bail since January in the state’s murder case. An arraignment was scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in U.S. District Court in downtown Charleston.
Read more: Federal grand jury indicts Michael Slager
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
HBCU, Morgan State Named a National Treasure
“The National Trust believes Historically Black Colleges and Universities tell an important and often overlooked American story,” said Stephanie Meeks, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “We are proud to partner with Morgan State University– a nationally-recognized innovator and education leader– to demonstrate how the preservation of their remarkable older buildings can be a springboard for growth, rejuvenation, and revitalization.”
Founded in 1867 as one of the nation’s earliest institutions to offer post-secondary education for African Americans and the largest in the state of Maryland, Morgan State University’s urban campus has an impressive collection of historic buildings. The University’s varied built landscape now features 20 contributing structures—ranging from Classical and Italianate to Modern and Brutalist—eligible for listing on the National Register. Buildings on the campus were designed by pioneering and celebrated black architects such as Albert Cassell, Hilyard Robinson, Louis Fry, and Leon Bridges.
“We have known of Morgan’s significance on the higher education stage for many years and now, as we prepare to celebrate our 150thanniversary, the world will know that, in fact, this university is a national treasure,” said David Wilson, president of Morgan State University. “We are very excited and honored by this designation from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In many ways, it is recognition of the value we have placed on caring for and preserving the history of the great Morgan State University.”
“The National Trust believes Historically Black Colleges and Universities tell an important and often overlooked American story,” said Stephanie Meeks, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “We are proud to partner with Morgan State University– a nationally-recognized innovator and education leader– to demonstrate how the preservation of their remarkable older buildings can be a springboard for growth, rejuvenation, and revitalization.”
Founded in 1867 as one of the nation’s earliest institutions to offer post-secondary education for African Americans and the largest in the state of Maryland, Morgan State University’s urban campus has an impressive collection of historic buildings. The University’s varied built landscape now features 20 contributing structures—ranging from Classical and Italianate to Modern and Brutalist—eligible for listing on the National Register. Buildings on the campus were designed by pioneering and celebrated black architects such as Albert Cassell, Hilyard Robinson, Louis Fry, and Leon Bridges.
“We have known of Morgan’s significance on the higher education stage for many years and now, as we prepare to celebrate our 150thanniversary, the world will know that, in fact, this university is a national treasure,” said David Wilson, president of Morgan State University. “We are very excited and honored by this designation from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In many ways, it is recognition of the value we have placed on caring for and preserving the history of the great Morgan State University.”
About the National Treasures Program
National Treasures are a portfolio of highly-significant historic places throughout the country where the National Trust makes a long-term commitment to find a preservation solution. As the presenting partner of the National Treasures program, American Express has pledged $6 million to help promote and enable the preservation of these cultural and historic places. For more information, visit www.savingplaces.org.
About the National Trust for Historic Preservation
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a privately funded nonprofit organization that works to save America’s historic places. For more information, visit www.savingplaces.org.
About Morgan State University
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified Doctoral Research Institution offering more than 70 academic programs leading to bachelor’s degrees as well as programs at the master’s and doctoral levels. As Maryland’s Public Urban Research University, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. More information about the university is available at www.morgan.edu.
Monday, May 09, 2016
Ferguson swears in first African American police chief
The city of Ferguson, Missouri, swore in Delrish Moss as its first African-American police chief on Monday.
Sunday, May 08, 2016
Al Sharpton confronts Larry Wilmore over calling Obama the N word
Larry Wilmore joined Al Sharpton's MSNBC show, Politics Nation to discuss his now much-discussed performance at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Watch their exchange below:
Saturday, May 07, 2016
Full Speech: President Obama Commencement Address at Howard University
President Obama delivered the commencement address today (05/04/2016) at Howard University. Watch the president's entire speech below.
If Trump picks a black VP candidate who should it be?
By George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.com EMAIL
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump has handed off the job of searching for a vetting vice presidential candidates to Ben Carson. Now since Carson is leading the search it's highly unlikely that a black candidate will be chosen, but we now live in a world where Trump is the respective Republican nominee so anything is possible.
In wondering who Carson might look at and vet I came up with a short list (very short list) of respective candidates. Let's take a look at them.
Ben Carson: Highly unlikely as he has reportedly stated his does not want to be VP. He would also have trouble staying awake during meetings and would probably be a better fit as Surgeon General.
South Carolina U.S. Sen. Tim Scott Would be a great pick, intelligent, well spoken, understands the issues, and has the gift to be able to articulate his ideas to the masses. He will not be picked though because of all the aforementioned reasons. He also just has too much dignity to serve with Trump.
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell: Probably over qualified for the job, but would make a great VP. He would have an excellent grasp of foreign policy and military issues. His work and statements since leaving a life of public service should give him some distance from Bush 43. Problem is he is a man of extreme honor and dignity and would never serve under Trump. The second issue is that his wife wouldn't let him serve under a Donald Trump. I can hear her saying, "You had better not!"
Utah Rep. Mia Love: Supposedly a rising star in the GOP but she lacks any real experience, but this is the party that put Sarah Palin on a presidential ticket. But then again she would kill two birds with one stone. She is both black and female.
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice: Very qualified, has the two birds with one stone thing going, but the association and fierce loyalty to Bush 43 would be an issue.
Herman Cain: No qualifications at all. He just here because he's African American and I didn't want the list to be too short.
So who do you think the pick will be from this list or could there be someone I didn't mention?
Friday, May 06, 2016
African-American newspaper denied credentials to Trump event
The Black Lens, an African-American newspaper, was denied media credentials to cover Donald Trump’s Spokane campaign stop.
“My gut says that it has to do with the fact that the name of my paper is the Black Lens,” said Sandra Williams, the paper’s editor. “Based on the rhetoric that he’s been spewing around the country it would make sense that he did not want a black newspaper covering what he says in his rallies. That’s the assumption that I’m making.”
The email sent to Williams said, “During the 2016 Presidential Primary race, the Donald J. Trump Campaign fully recognizes and respects all media but due to various venue sizes, media space, and safety we must limit the number of credentialed media and give priority to our national and local outlets. We appreciate your understanding.”
The Black Lens is published monthly and has a circulation of 1,000. Williams and a photographer are the publication’s only staff members.
Read more: Spokane-based African-American paper denied credentials to Trump event
Thursday, May 05, 2016
Denzel Washington Event Raises Millions For African American Museum
While many in the entertainment and media industries were saying their bittersweet goodbyes to President Barack Obama at his final annual White House Correspondent’s Dinner this past Saturday in D.C., an elite crowd was communing at the Los Angeles home of movie star Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta to raise additional millions for one of the President’s major priorities.
Early in his presidency, President Obama insisted that all monies needed to complete the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture be raised before his exit from The White House at end of 2016. Authorized by Congress in 2003, the museum stands on a five acre-site on the National mall, near the Washington Monument, and boasts a $540 million dollar price tag.
The federal government contributed $270 million, leaving the Smithsonian and others in the community to raise the remainder. The museum reported raising just over $252 million dollars last month –not far from their $270 million goal. The museum is set to open on September 24 of this year, with President Obama cutting the ribbon.
Denzel and Pauletta said they felt compelled to open the doors to their sprawling home in the Hollywood Hills, nestled far away from prying eyes of star tour buses, in celebration of the mostly California-based supporters of the museum who donated more than $55 million dollars to the project over the past few years.
The Saturday night event raised more than $17 million and included the announcement of a hefty pledge of $10 million dollars from television titan Shonda Rhimes, who could not attend the fundraiser.
Read more here: Denzel Washington Event Raises Millions For African American Museum
Democrat Justin Fairfax to run for lieutenant governor
Democrat Justin Fairfax, a former federal prosecutor and 2013 attorney general candidate, is running for lieutenant governor in Virginia
.He is the first Democrat to officially jump into the statewide contest, while Republicans already have a crowded field including Sen. Bryce Reeves, R-Spotsylvania, Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel, R-Fauquier, and Del. Glenn Davis, R-Virginia Beach.
The candidacy of Fairfax, 37, an African American, would inject diversity and an energetic style into a Democratic ticket that includes the comparatively low-key Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam and Attorney General Mark Herring.
“I am passionate about creating and protecting economic security and opportunity for all Virginians,” Fairfax said in a statement. “As a former federal prosecutor, I know just how fragile security and stability for hard-working families can be.”
Read more: Democrat Justin Fairfax to run for lieutenant governor
Wednesday, May 04, 2016
NAACP Statement on Use of ‘N-word’ at White House Correspondents' Dinner
WASHINGTON - NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks issued the following statement about remarks made at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 30 in Washington D.C.:
“On The Nightly Show and in many other programs, Larry Wilmore is a thoughtful and courageous comedian who consistently makes us laugh by confronting the ugly contradictions we see in our government, media, and society. I assume that Mr. Wilmore was sincere in humorously criticizing, commending and mocking the President during the dinner. Context, like race, matters. The n-word has a long history of hate. It doesn’t matter whether the people listening are wearing tuxedos and gowns, the racist ugliness of it cannot be forgotten. Many in the audience clearly believed he had crossed a line in his final remarks.
“In this election year, we have consistently reminded candidates that the words they choose have meaning and consequence. Even a seemingly ‘friendly’ form of the n-word ending in ‘ga’ rather than ‘ger’ insults many in our nation even when meant to compliment our president. While it may be common to use the n-word as a racial obscenity for effect with a crowd in a night club or among acquaintances in a locker room or a rhyme in a song, the n-word, as racist profanity, should not be in the same sentence or the same room as the President of the United States. The fact that President Barack Obama is the first African-American to hold the highest office in this country should not be a license for undue racial familiarity or racialized disrespect.
“For many years now, the NAACP has maintained that the n-word does nothing to foster real and meaningful conversations our country needs to have about race, class, segregation and tolerance in our nation and we are, once again, sadly disappointed by its perpetuation in our national dialogue. With a vocabulary of America’s aspirations, the NAACP strives for a day when the n-word refers to a ‘nation’ indivisible by race, class, color, creed, or slurs.”
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Founded Feb. 12. 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest, largest and most widely recognized grassroots–based civil rights organization. Its more than half-million members and supporters throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.
Tuesday, May 03, 2016
Growing Popularity of Black Superheroes Creates Opportunities for Comic Book Investors
“When interest in a character rises, comic book values do, too,” says Vincent Zurzolo, co-owner of Metropolis Collectibles, the world’s largest vintage comic book dealership, and ComicConnect.com, its online auction site.
Take The Black Panther’s first appearance in Fantastic Four #52 in 1966. (First appearances are typically the most valuable comics in a series.) In 2012, a 9.8 graded copy of Fantastic Four #52 sold for $19,200. In 2016, a similar copy sold for $83,650—a 435% increase in value.
Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, The Black Panther character was born as T’Challa, the prince of Wakanda, a technologically-advanced country. He takes on the hero role when his father, the king, is killed.
Then there’s Luke Cage, a favorite of actor Nicholas Cage, who adopted his surname. This black superhero, who first appeared in Marvel’s Hero for Hire #1 in 1972, boasts superhuman strength and unbreakable skin. Last year, he was featured on the Netflix series Jessica Jones. This fall, he’ll headline his own series.
In 2011, a 9.8 graded copy of Hero for Hire #1 sold for $2,766. In 2014, one sold for $6,100. But earlier this year, a similarly graded copy sold for $24,000, a whopping 867% increase in 5 years.
“The interest is industry wide,” notes Stephen Fishler, co-owner of Metropolis/ComicConnect, pointing out the upcoming reboot of Milestone Comics, a DC imprint created by African-American artists and writers in 1993. The best known are Hardware, Icon and Static.
Hip hop icon Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run DMC, launched his own comic book imprint, Darryl Makes Comics (http://www.dmc-comics.com), in 2014. His graphic novel series, DMC, features McDaniels as a contemporary superhero—complete with trademark Adidas and fedora—confronting evil in 1985 New York City.
“The Black Panther has been a favorite of many collectors for decades. He has a great back story and cool powers. Once more people learn about him, his vintage comics will become more collectible.”
Source: www.ComicConnect.com
Barbie® Launches Misty Copeland Doll
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., May 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Barbie® is honoring Misty Copeland by unveiling a doll in her likeness to continue to show girls they can be anything. Copeland, the first African-American female principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre (ABT), has been a role model to girls throughout her career.
The doll is part of the Barbie Sheroes program, honoring female heroes who inspire girls by breaking boundaries and expanding possibilities for women everywhere. Copeland joins an esteemed group of diverse Barbie Sheroes, including Ava DuVernay,Emmy Rossum, Eva Chen, Kristin Chenoweth, Sydney "Mayhem" Keiser, Trisha Yearwood and Zendaya.
The fashions for the doll were inspired by Copeland's Firebird costume from her first American Ballet Theatre principal role, which she is performing again on May 18 (matinee) and 19 as part of ABT's annual spring season at the Metropolitan Opera House. Copeland was intimately involved in the doll's design and partnered with the Barbie design team on all the details.
"I always dreamed of becoming an ABT ballerina and through Barbie I was able to play out those dreams early on," said Copeland. "It's an honor to be able to inspire the next generation of kids with my very own Barbie doll."
Copeland shows girls how to break boundaries both on and off the stage. She began dancing on a Boys & Girls Club basketball court and continues to be very active in local Clubs in various cities. She also works with Project Plié, ABT's comprehensive initiative to increase racial and ethnic representation in ballet and diversify America's ballet companies.
"Misty Copeland is at the center of a cultural conversation around how women continue to break boundaries," said Lisa McKnight, General Manager and Senior Vice President, Barbie. "As a brand, we want to honor women, like Misty, who are inspiring the next generation of girls to live out their dreams. We know role play often leads to real "play" in life and we're thrilled to celebrate Misty with her very own doll."
This initiative furthers the Barbie "You Can Be Anything" campaign message echoing that when a girl plays with Barbie, she imagines anything she can become. Earlier this year, Barbie expanded their Fashionistas® line by introducing even more diversity with three new body types – tall, curvy and petite – seven skin tones, 22 eye colors, 24 hairstyles and countless on-trend fashions and accessories.
For more information and images, please visit www.barbiemedia.com. The doll is available today for $29.95on www.thebarbiecollection.com and rolling out to retailers nationwide.
About Mattel
The Mattel family of companies is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products. Mattel's portfolio of best-selling brands includes Barbie®, the most popular fashion doll ever produced, Hot Wheels®, Monster High®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends®, Fisher-Price® brands and MEGA® Brands, as well as a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. In 2015, Mattel was named one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" by Ethisphere Magazine and in 2014 ranked No. 5 on Corporate Responsibility Magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel's companies employ approximately 31,000 people in 40 countries and territories and sell products in more than 150 nations. Visit us at www.mattel.com, www.facebook.com/mattel or www.twitter.com/mattel.
The Mattel family of companies is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products. Mattel's portfolio of best-selling brands includes Barbie®, the most popular fashion doll ever produced, Hot Wheels®, Monster High®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends®, Fisher-Price® brands and MEGA® Brands, as well as a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. In 2015, Mattel was named one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" by Ethisphere Magazine and in 2014 ranked No. 5 on Corporate Responsibility Magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel's companies employ approximately 31,000 people in 40 countries and territories and sell products in more than 150 nations. Visit us at www.mattel.com, www.facebook.com/mattel or www.twitter.com/mattel.
© Misty Copeland Enterprises, Inc. 2016
Monday, May 02, 2016
I really don't like Larry Wilmore right now.
By George L. Cook III. EMAIL
I'm sure by now you have heard or read about Larry Wilmore (You know the comedian you had never heard of with the show on Comedy Central that you don't watch) refer to a sitting President of the United States as "My nigga" at the White House Correspondents Dinner. Not just any president mind you, but Barack Obama the first black president.
I won't post the video of his ignorant comments because there are other blogs where you can view them. I just want to make my feelings known.
Now if you are like me your immediate response was "What the f*@# did he just say?"
I was shocked and angry at his comments. A black man finally becomes President of the United States, something all black men of my age bracket were told we could never be by are well meaning teachers. Then in Obama's last year in office, it's a black man that calls him the N-word to his face in public?!?! (Everyone else called him ni**er behind his back or online). The use of the word is always inappropriate regardless of the setting and to refer to Obama that way on national TV (Yes, C-Span counts) is just mind boggling.
My first angry reaction to Wilmore's comments was "F*ck Larry Wilmore!"
I decided to calm down, watch Wilmore's comments again to see if I missed any context, and try to come up with a more adult and mature response. So after much contemplation I came up with this:
F*CK LARRY WILMORE!
I actually wanted to title this post-F*ck Larry Wilmore, but I took a full day to calm down before posting and thought better of it. But I'm still pissed.
Who the hell is Larry Wilmore but a poor man's Chris Rock (I know you thought that was the other black guy that took Jon Stewart's place on The Daily Show) without the wit and jokes. Couldn't he have said "You did it black man." and gotten what I think was his point across?
I wanted to start a boycott of his show but how can people boycott something they don't watch? It would be like asking black people to boycott Fox News
I'm sorry for going at Wilmore like this, but we have to do better with how we represent ourselves publicly. Calling the President of the United States "My ni@@a" is an embarrassment not only to African Americans but in my humble opinion it attacks the legacy of Obama's presidency.
Fortunately Larry Wilmore will soon be forgotten (or on a reality show), but President Obama's legacy will live on.
Al Sharpton not happy with Larry Wilmore's use on the N-Word toward Pres. Obama
Civil rights activist, TV show host, and Radio show host Al Sharpton is none to happy with Larry Wilmore after the comedian referred to President Obama as "My ni@@a" at the White House Correspondence Dinner.
Speaking to the LA Times, Al Sharpton made the following comments:
"Many of us are against using the N-word period," Sharpton told the Times at MSNBC's after party that followed the event at the Washington Hilton. "But to say that to the President of the United States in front of the top people in media was at best in poor taste."
Sharpton said Wilmore's comic monologue at the dinner "was all right until he dropped the N-word."
"I think he was trying to in his own way to act like he was relating," Sharpton said. "But relating to who? Or what? I really didn't like it."
Sunday, May 01, 2016
Hairstyles, Not Hair Type, Responsible For Widespread Hair Loss In Black Women
New research suggests certain scalp-pulling hairstyles may underlie gradual hair loss.
Hair can be a touchy subject. It’s considered an essential part of overall identity: especially for women, that’s why many of us try our best to care for and manage it. However, while most of us know that moisture and trimming split ends are essential for hair growth and strong, healthy hair, how we style our hair could also be detrimental to its health. A new research review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found a strong association between certain scalp-pulling hairstyles — many of which are common among black women — and gradual hair loss. Their research assigned a level of risk to a number of popular hairstyles, from straightening to tight ponytails.
Traction alopecia, a form of gradual hair loss caused by constant strain or tension, affects an estimated one-third of African-American women. Fortunately, unlike others, this form of alopecia can be easily stopped and reversed. Still, the current study’s researchers urge dermatologists to better educate themselves about hairstyles that can contribute to this condition, including tight ponytails, braids, knots and buns.
"Hair is a cornerstone of self-esteem and identity for many people, but ironically, some hairstyles meant to improve our self-confidence actually lead to hair and scalp damage,” Dr. Crystal Aguh, assistant professor of dermatology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, said in a statement.
Read more here: Hairstyles, Not Hair Type, Responsible For Widespread Hair Loss In Black Women
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Joy Reid Gets Melissa Harris-Perry's Weekend Slot on MSNBC
MSNBC’s Joy Reid will host a new program airing from 10 a.m.-Noon ET on Saturday and Sundays, taking over the timeslot left behind by Melissa Harris-Perry.
“Melissa did a show that was incredibly valuable,” Reid said in a statement. “Instead of trying to replace it, we will fill the space with something new; something compelling, and something that adds to the conversation.”
“MSNBC viewers crave not only the facts, but also in-depth discussion and analysis from a range of perspectives,” said MSNBC president Phil Griffin. “There is no one better equipped than Joy to lead this new project, and create a place for the kind of unique discussion our audience has come to expect.”
The show debuts next Saturday, May 7.
[SOURCE]Check out the grassroots organization Black Girls Vote
Black Girls Vote (BGV) is a grassroots organization that seeks to uplift the Black community by educating and inspiring voting age Black women to understand the public policy decisions affecting their families and communities. The organizations goal is to empower Black women to change policy through the electoral process
Vision
To improve the lives of Black Women one vote at a time.
Mission
To inspire a community of women to use the democratic process to address issues that impact Black women.
Goals
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Advance education
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Learn more, get involved, and donate to Black Girls Vote here: http://www.blackgirlsvote.com/
Friday, April 29, 2016
Sandra Bland's Mom Speaks Before the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls
Geneva Reed-Veal, the mother of Sandra Bland addressed the newly formed Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls. She spoke on behalf of black women who die in prison and her belief that her daughter did not commit suicide. Watch her speech below.
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