EURweb |
08-19-08 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
LAURENCE FISHBURNE SEALS 'CSI' DEAL: Contracts are all signed; actor will join cast in ninth episode this fall.
*CBS announced Monday that Laurence Fishburne is a go to replace departing actor William Petersen in its top rated drama series "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."
The Emmy and Tony winner will make his first appearance in episode 9 of the forthcoming 10th season, reports the Associated Press.
"I am elated and delighted to be joining the cast of `CSI,'"
Fishburne said in a statement, adding that he anticipated a "wonderful collaboration" with the other stars of the show.
Fishburne will play a forensics scientist who is also a college lecturer and former pathologist focused on the reasons why people commit violent acts. When Fishburne's casting was still in the rumor mill, the character was described as having a genetic profile that has been identified in serial killers.
"This gentleman knows this about himself and is ... in this journey to discover who his true character will ultimately become," Tassler told TV critics last month about the character.
The air date for Petersen's final episode has not been announced but will be early next year, according to the AP. His character, Gil Grissom, will be reappraising his life after years of high-tech forensics investigations with the Las Vegas Police Department and after facing personal turmoil. The actor will remain an executive producer on the series, the network said.
SAM JACKSON ON DEATHS OF CO-STARS: 'Soul Men' actor recounts funny moments with Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes.
*EUR's Lee Bailey caught up with Samuel L. Jackson on Sunday to discuss the recent passing of Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes, both of whom co-starred with Jackson in the upcoming film "Soul Men."
The movie stars Mac and Jackson as estranged members of a legendary soul group who reluctantly reunite to attend the funeral of another member of the group. Hayes plays himself in the film.
Jackson said he and Mac had to sing the Hayes song "Do Your Thing,"
from the 1971 soundtrack to "Shaft," as part of the film, which was a bit intimidating when the man who sang it originally was standing a few feet away.
"A little pressure in that," laughs Jackson. "When you're standing there singing and dancing, and you're singing the guy's song and he's watching you do it, it's a little pressure."
"But he gave us all these props because we do what we do," Jackson added.
The Kangol-wearing film star said he was still in bed when news of Mac's death broke in the morning hours of Aug. 9.
"Somebody woke me up and told me. I got up to make sure, because there had already been a false alarm earlier that week, so I wanted to make sure it was true, first of all, before I reacted in any way," Jackson said.
"And then to find out that he was dead, it was sad because I had just seen the film earlier that week. I immediately wondered had he seen it, would he have realized we had done something really great together. I found out from his manager that he hadn't [seen it]. That's a shame, but hopefully, the legacy of it all, everybody who sees the film they'll know we did something worthwhile."
"Life is short, so, we have to enjoy it and do as much as we can," he continued. "I'm really glad that I had the opportunity to work with Bernie, because he was a friend and colleague, somebody that I loved a lot, and it was a joy to finally be able to do a film with him. It's a great film, great performance by him. I hope that when the film comes out, people will go and see it and enjoy it and remember him as the wonderful, jovial, full-of-life person that he was."
ISAAC HAYES CELEBRATED IN MEMPHIS: Jesse Jackson, Richard Roundtree among celebs at Monday's memorial.
*The life and legacy of soul legend Isaac Hayes were celebrated in his hometown of Memphis at two gatherings - a private burial service on Sunday and a public memorial held yesterday with 3,000 fans and friends in attendance.
Sunday's ceremony included Denzel Washington, Tom Cruise and Wesley Snipes; while the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the Rev. Al Sharpton, Chuck D., Bootsy Collins and actor Richard Roundtree were on hand for Monday's farewell, according to the Associated Press.
"What would you say if you were flying into Memphis and they said you are about to land at Isaac Hayes International Airport," U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen asked the mourners, drawing a huge round of applause.
Cohen, who represented Hayes' area of Memphis, said the city should celebrate Hayes, an architect of the Memphis sound, as it celebrates Elvis Presley. "He is a world person who the world will miss," Cohen said.
Monday's four-hour service at Hope Presbyterian Church featured music, speakers and video clips. It began with a drum march through the sanctuary and a video clip of Hayes and Jackson on stage together at a 1972 concert in the Watts area of Los Angeles. Memorialized in the documentary film "Wattstax" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_Iiz2r2lXU) Jackson pulled off Hayes' cap to reveal his signature shaved head, then Hayes slipped off his robe to show his red spandex paints and chain vest.
"He was a lovely man, always involved with causes," Jackson told the AP before the service. "Literacy, civil rights. He was always there, and that's why we're all here for him."
"Isaac came from our culture. He emanated our culture. That's why he never lost his authenticity, never lost his conviction," Sharpton told the crowd. "There is a difference between authentic and fabricated."
Also speaking during Monday's service were fellow Scientologists Anne Archer and Kelly Preston.
Rap veteran Doug E. Fresh, also in attendance, said outside the church that Hayes' music directly influenced rap and hip-hop. "Hip-hop wouldn't be what it is without Isaac Hayes," he said.
Hayes died Aug. 10 after he was found unconscious at his Memphis residence. No autopsy was performed, but paperwork filed by Hayes' family doctor, David Kraus, lists the cause of death as a stroke.
TYRA ANGERS TALK SHOW AUDIENCE: Witnesses run to Page Six after host keeps them waiting for more nearly two hours.
*A recent taping of the "Tyra Banks Show" got started nearly two hours later than scheduled - which angered audience members because the delay appeared to be for no good reason.
An audience was brought into the West 26th St. studio for a taping of her episode "Celebrating Black Models, Past, Present and Future." But, an audience member tells the New York Post's Page Six that Tyra kept them waiting nearly 120 minutes as she stood backstage giggling, snacking and chatting with the crew.
"You could hear her going on and on because she was standing right behind the stage curtain," said the audience member. "She's talking and talking. Meanwhile, you have the entire audience waiting almost two hours for the taping to start."
The spy also said Banks had the nerve to have a bad attitude when she finally started the show, which featured interviews with Beverly Johnson, Veronica Webb, Chanel Iman and Tameka Jacobs.
"She leaves us waiting, and everyone is sitting there complaining, and then she comes out and doesn't say a word about it. She didn't even say hello, she got right into her script," said the source. "She acted so cold towards everyone. She's a phony."
Another audience member told Page Six that Tyra's guests couldn't get a word in edgewise. All along, "Tyra kept saying, 'When I was a model,' and would hardly let them talk," said the audience member. "It was all about her, as usual."
After the in-studio interview, the entire audience - which featured loads of aspiring models - was led outside onto the street for the show's ending.
"Cops had it closed off, and Tyra had bodyguards," laughed the spy.
"She had the audience prance down the street and then release black balloons. Some were whining that it was so bad for the environment. It was so disorganized, people fell over the press outside and almost trampled two little girls. Tyra was acting like it was a live sporting event instead of the most self-indulgent, narcissistic crap."
'COSBY SHOW,' UP FOR 'MEMORABLE TV MOMENT': Emmy special to feature top drama and comedic clip based on fan voting.
*The 60th Primetime Emmy Awards next month will feature a presentation of the most memorable moments in television history as voted on by you, the public.
Twenty dramatic and 20 comedic moments are in the running. Comedy contenders include "The Cosby Show" (Happy Anniversary, Oct. 10, 1985); "All in the Family (Sammy's Visit, Feb. 19, 1972) and "South Park" (Trapped in
the Closet, Nov. 16, 2005).
"Roots" (Episode 1, Jan 24,1977); "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman" (Jan 31, 1974) and "Brian's Song" (Nov 30, 1971) are among the drama candidates.
"It's a perfect opportunity both to celebrate the history of television and at the same time introduce new generations to some of the medium's most important events," Emmys executive producer Ken Ehrlich said in a statement Monday.
Fans can view clips and vote for their favorite moments online (click
here) until Sept. 15. The top five vote-getters in each category will be presented during the Emmy show on Sept. 21, and the two winning moments will be revealed just before the year's outstanding drama and comedy series are named.
R. KELLY SUES CLUB PROMOTERS OVER FLIERS: Singer claims they used his name and falsely claimed he was hosting an event.
*R. Kelly is suing two Los Angeles club promoters for using his name and image to promote an event without his permission.
The lawsuit, filed Friday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claims the pair of promoters from Sugar nightclub featured his name and face on fliers for an event they claimed R. Kelly was hosting.
Kelly says this constitutes "false advertising" - because he knew nothing about the party.
CHARLES BARKLEY HEADS TO GOLF CHANNEL: Show in development for NBA commentator.
*It's no secret that Charles Barkley loves golf as much as he loves gambling. Apparently, the Golf Channel saw this as an opportunity to lure him to the network with the promise of his own links-themed show.
According to Reuters, a rep from the network confirmed that the channel is developing a project eyed for 2009 that would feature famed golf instructor Hank Haney, who has coached Tiger Woods on his swing, giving Barkley tips on his own golf game.
Haney also will be featured in Golf Channel's new reality series "School of Golf: Hilton Head Island," premiering Sept. 2.
Barkley, meanwhile, is a TNT basketball analyst during the NBA season.
ALMA AWARDS GET 'UGLY': ABC series and its star win big at annual ceremony recognizing Hispanic artists.
*It was an "Ugly" night at the 2008 ALMA Awards over the weekend, with ABC's comedy "Ugly Betty" and its star, America Ferrera, receiving the evening top honors.
The series earned awards for directing and best performance by a Latino-led ensemble cast, while Ferrera, 24, was named Chevy Entertainer of the Year for her starring role as Betty Suarez, as well as her personal efforts to encourage young people to vote.
Sunday's ceremony was hosted by Eva Longoria Parker at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium and featured additional winners Charlie Sheen, Edward James Olmos, Roselyn Sanchez and Judy Reyes.
Designer Narciso Rodriguez was honored for special achievement in fashion, and Shakira received the Humanitarian Award for her work in early childhood education.
A host of artists, including BeBe Winans, Wynonna Judd and Lucero, performed a tribute to Linda Ronstadt, who received the Trailblazer Award for her contributions to American music. The Black Eyed Peas, the Cheetah Girls, Sergio Mendes and Cheech and Chong also performed at the ceremony, to be televised Sept. 12 on ABC.
'TAVIS' TO GO LIVE FROM BOTH CONVENTIONS: PBS Show will feature nightly analysis of events.
*PBS' "Tavis Smiley" will broadcast live from the Democratic and Republican conventions Monday through Thursday from August 25 through September 5.
The veteran journalist will offer full analysis of each night's primetime convention activities plus in-depth conversations with party leaders, elected officials and high-profile supporters from both parties.
On Friday night in both Denver and St. Paul, Smiley and a diverse panel will re-cap the week.
Online convention coverage and web extras including Smiley's video blog and photos will be available online at www.pbs.org/tavis.
MIJAC ACCUSED OF STIFFING HIS BROTHERS: Singer reportedly owes hundreds of thousands to four of his siblings.
*The New York Post is claiming that Michael Jackson owes four of his brothers $840,000 in royalties, but hasn't spoken to any of them since he was acquitted of child molestation charges three years ago.
According to Page Six, Jermaine, Tito, Marlon and Jackie Jackson are owed the money from their Jackson 5 hits.
The news can't be good for organizers of next month's BMI Urban Awards in Los Angeles who were hoping for a Jackson 5 reunion before receiving their lifetime achievement honor.
Tito, meanwhile, could really use the money he's allegedly owed. As previously reported, British newspaper The Sun said Jackson family friend Matt Fiddes sued Tito because he allegedly borrowed $24,000 and only paid back $17,000.
Fiddes lent Jackson the money for expenses and airfare from the United States to the United Kingdom when he and other members of his family visited England this year, the newspaper said.
YUNG JOC SUED FOR BACK CHILD SUPPORT: Baby mama says she's struggling while he's living large.
*Rapper Yung Joc has been sued by the mother of his 7-year-old son for failure to pay back child support.
According to Atlanta channel WSB-TV, the artist owes about $2,000 dollars to Fatimah Jester for their son, Amoni. Jester says it has been difficult collecting payments from the rap star.
"I never thought he would be putting me through some of the stuff I'm going through now. I can't even get in contact with him for things for my baby.it's just hard," Jester told WSB-TV. "Mr. Robinson has all kinds of cars, Bentleys, Mercedes Benz, Range Rovers, Two Range Rovers."
Jester says despite his lavish lifestyle, she and Amoni struggle financially on a daily basis.
Yung Joc, born Jasiel Robinson, is due in court on Sept. 11.
WE REMEMBER: Pervis Jackson, original member of The Spinners, dead at age 70.
*Pervis Jackson, one of the original members of the R&B group The Spinners, died Monday at a Detroit hospital two days after he was diagnosed with brain and liver cancer. He was 70.
According to the Associated Press, Jackson's wife, Claudreen, said doctors found tumors late last month, but were unsure at the time if they were malignant. The bass singer last performed with other members of the group in mid-July during a gig in California.
The Spinners, a Detroit-based group formed in the 1950s, hit their stride in the 1970s with such hits as "Mighty Love," "I'll Be Around" and "Rubberband Man."
In addition to his wife of 40 years, Jackson is survived by two daughters and two sons.
ITTY BITTY BITS: Will.i.am vs. Fergie?; Roseanne Barr vs. Brangelina; Frenchie Davis performs at fetish fair.
*The New York Post's Page Six is reporting that Fergie and her budding film career is causing turmoil within her group, the Black Eyed Peas. Bandmate will.i.am is said to be "furious" with the singer because she "won't commit to a tour schedule to promote the album." Fergie is currently on location in Europe shooting "Nine" with Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz and Kate Hudson, and filming is expected to go into late fall.
Roseanne Barr went off on Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt via her personal blog, claiming the actress likes Sen. John McCain, but hasn't decided who to officially endorse. Barr, a liberal, wrote: "...do you not know that the African daughter you hold in every picture had parents who suffered and died because of the Republican Party's worldwide economic assault on Africa..." Roseanne called Brad "vacuous" and said he makes $40 million a year in violent, psychopathic films and gives away a relatively paltry $3 mil "to starving children trying to look as if they give a crap about humanity."
*"American Idol" alum Frenchie Davis, who was booted off of the Fox competition show after racy pictures of her turned up on the Internet, was spotted performing at Toronto's "Fetish Fair," reports TMZ.com. Organizer Cam Lewis described the event as more than just a marketplace for leather apparel and sex toys. "It's a community fair with a fetish edge," he told the Toronto Sun. "It was first started because we wanted to bring a fair to the area consistent with the (gay) village."
MAGAZINE RACK: Vibe celebrates Biggie; Essence features the Obamas; hr: Watches and Luxury Lifestyle clocks Ced the Entertainer.
*Vibe's September 2008 issue features a tribute to late rapper Christopher "Notorious B.I.G." Wallace (aka Biggie) as part of the magazine's 15th anniversary "Juice" issue. On newsstands today (Aug 19), the issue includes an exclusive first-look at the cast from the upcoming B.I.G. biopic "Notorious," due for release on Jan. 16 by Fox Searchlight. As part of the fashion feature, Vibe re-creates its memorable October 1995 cover featuring Biggie and his wife Faith Evans in the back of a 1968 Cadillac DeVille. To celebrate the rapper's legacy, most of the magazine's exclusive photos - styled by veteran Vibe Fashion Director Memsor Kamarake - were shot on St. James Place in Brooklyn, NY, the site of Biggie's childhood home.
*Essence magazine's September issue features the cover story "The
Obamas: Portrait of An American Family. In a special interview, veteran political journalist Gwen Ifill has a conversation with the couple and their children, discusses the political attacks on Michelle, Barack's take on his controversial message to black men, and how the family remains so close when they are so often apart. Elsewhere in the issue, Rihanna addresses the Chris Brown rumors and Faith Evans sets the record straight on her drug abuse, ghosts from the past, and how she has found happiness with her husband and four children.
*The August issue of hr: Watches and Luxury Lifestyle
(http://www.hrluxury.com/) features Cedric "The Entertainer" on the cover with an exclusive interview inside. The issue covers his background and shows how much Cedric cares about watches. It also shows his community outreach with charities to support and advance education. "I really admire Cedric," said Hans Peter Jeschke, the publisher of hr: (pronounced by saying the letter names, "h""r") Watches and Luxury Lifestyle magazine. "Marla Winston, Cedric's publicist, called and told me that Cedric wants to be on the cover of my magazine. This is truly an honor."
EUR FILM REVIEW: One Bad Cat: The Reverend Albert Wagner Story
Documentary Chronicles Born-again African-American's Salvation via Sermonizing and Painting
Film Review by Kam Williams
*Albert Wagner (1924-2006) freely acknowledges that he frittered away his first half-century on Earth chasing skirts to the point that his wanton ways left him on the brink of ruin. A slave to wine and women, he fathered 20 children between his wife and his mistresses.
He would bottom out while spending time behind bars when he was accused of sexually molesting one of his own kids. He admitted committing the act of incest, and considered himself lucky not to have received a stiff sentence of five years instead of just five days.
Blaming his profligate behavior not only on lust, but on a combination of racism and narcissism, Albert turned a new leaf after God spoke to him through a piece of wood on his 50th birthday. From that point forward, the shameless sinner reformed, dedicating his life to Jesus and seeking salvation by creating Christian-themed paintings and by preaching as an ordained minister.
Having spawned such a large extended family, Reverend Wagner discovered that he had a ready-made congregation in his own relatives. Meanwhile, he also met with success as a prolific, self-taught folk artist, first in his hometown of Cleveland, and then all across the country, as word of his colorful masterpieces started to spread.
The arc of Albert's life from heathen to hero is chronicled by One Bad Cat, a compelling documentary narrated by stentorian-throated Delroy Lindo. The biopic was shot mostly on location at the subject's home/studio shortly before the ailing octogenarian's death, although director Thomas Miller also mixes in some interesting archival footage.
The charismatic Wagner proves to be as controversial a figure as you're going to encounter onscreen, as he somehow comes off as simultaneously likable and despicable. Yes, he strikes you as sincerely Born Again, but this belated conversion came only long after his having apparently wreaked enough havoc to leave lots of females' fragile psyches emotionally-shredded.
Yep, this was definitely one bad mother (shut your mouth!) who could have written a Bible for today's ghetto gangstas on how to be a player.
Excellent (4 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 81 minutes
Studi Tesseract Films
Distributor: IFC Center
To see a trailer of One Bad Cat, visit: http://www.onebadcat.net/Trailer.shtml
THE BRIDGE: When Them That’s Got Are Black
By Darryl James
*Last week, I drew a picture of the fall of America’s so-called “Liberal Democracy,” which includes riots, specifically between the “haves” and the “have-nots.”
In this nation, when any “haves” are African American, we know historically that white “have-nots” will start to lose their minds.
American racism and elitism rear their ugly heads when Blacks appear to be ahead of whites on any level—lower class, middle class and upper class.
Within the upper and so-called middle class, institutionalized racism comes into play to keep the playing field level for whites. That racism includes the glass ceiling, preferential hiring and replacement of Blacks with less qualified whites.
On the lower level, racism appears as violence when impoverished whites blame Blacks for taking “their” jobs.
At the opening of the twentieth century, whites committed acts of violence against Blacks who were better off, blaming them for societal problems and viewing them as needing to be “put in their place.”
One of the bloodiest, and perhaps most significant race riots of this nation’s history was the Tulsa, Race Riot of 1921 in Oklahoma. Its importance stems not from its resultant death toll, but from its shroud of mystery. Shortly after the bloody massacre, history closed its mouth and attempted to erase memory of the ugly event.
The Tulsa Race Riot was also significant because it represented white backlash against Blacks who were attempting to enjoy the promises of capitalism and democracy with their own communities and their own commerce.
In Tulsa, the Black area called the "Greenwood District" was nationally recognized as an area of high entrepreneurial activity, dubbed the “Black Wall Street of America."
Blacks came from all over the nation, hearing of the economic opportunities available on The Black Wall Street, where the concept of recycling Black dollars was thriving in the face of segregation which, unlike integration, gave Blacks no other option but to conduct commerce amongst themselves.
The community grew and flourished economically. Whites in the remainder of Tulsa were not only jealous, but also afraid of what Black prosperity meant for their own growth potential.
In the same fashion as the Wilmington Race Riot of 1898 and many other race riots, the Tulsa Race Riot erupted based on the assumption of Black sexual assault against a white woman named Sarah Page.
The white woman in question was actually having a consensual affair with a Black man, named Dick Rowland. A hotly debated incident in a local elevator lead the white citizens to believe that the white woman, who was also married, had been attacked by Rowland.
Rowland was arrested and the white mob that came to the jail looking for their own brand of justice, commonly referred to as lynching, was met by an armed group of Blacks, preparing to defend Rowland. One of the white men tried to disarm one of the Black men and the gun discharged, setting off mass confusion and an all-out race war, complete with burning and looting.
While the Blacks were outnumbered, the majority were former soldiers and began to battle military style. Unfortunately, they and the Tulsa police were overwhelmed by the swelling mob of hatred, which chased even the firefighters away. Before the National Guard arrived, the Greenwood District was burned to its foundation.
Official estimates placed the death count at ten whites and twenty-six Blacks. However, later reports told of more than three hundred dead, with property damage in the millions.
Even though the entire area was leveled, eventually, the residents returned to their community and rebuilt it from the ground up.
Toward the end of the twentieth century, survivors of the horrible event began to speak, and in 1997, The Tulsa Race Riot Commission was formed to investigate the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921.
Two years after the Black Wall Street was burned to the ground, the prospering Black community in Rosewood, Florida was also burned to the ground, based on friction between the races (and the white effort to "protect" the chastity of white womanhood from the sexual advances of the Black man), as well as white hatred of any Black advancement.
Similar in origin to Tulsa, Rosewood's rioting was begun by murderous whites assuming that a white woman had been sexually assaulted by a Black man.
Rosewood was a small community with a majority of Black citizens who owned their homes and their land. It was named for the red cedar that grew nearby.
That cedar was cut and shipped to New York to become pencils, which made the community prosperous. When the cedar ran out, so did the majority of the white citizens. Of the mostly Black population that remained, the men went to work at a sawmill in a nearby town and the women mostly did domestic work. Some Blacks even worked for Goins & Brothers, a Black-owned naval store in Rosewood, whose owners also owned or leased most of the land in a section called "Goin's Quarters."
The town also had a general store owned by a Black family, a Black-operated sugar mill, and a private school of their own. Rosewood even had its own train station.
The difficulties between the races that led to a major race war in Rosewood, Florida had been brewing for at least three years.
In the summer of 1920, other incidents included the lynching of four Black men who were removed from jail after being arrested for the alleged rape of a white woman.
In November of that same year, two whites and five Blacks were killed following a dispute over voting rights. Ococee, a Black community, was destroyed, including twenty-five homes, two churches and a Masonic lodge.
In 1921 and 1922, several Black men were lynched or burned at the stake for alleged assault or murder of white women.
In January of 1923, a white woman reported an attack by a Black man she couldn't identify. The sheriff apparently decided he could make the identification and apprehended one Black man, while a posse of white vigilantes apprehended and killed another.
Descendants of Blacks in Rosewood recall that the man who assaulted the white woman was actually her white lover. They also say that the woman, who was married and having an adulterous affair, protected her reputation by creating the Black assailant.
The next day more than two hundred whites gathered and converged on Rosewood, murdering two Black men. Many of the Black citizens escaped Rosewood to Gainesville by train.
Two days later, the white mob returned to Rosewood and burned every building in sight.
All tolled, eight people lost their lives—six Black and two white.
A grand jury was convened to investigate the riot, but claimed to find "insufficient evidence," and did not prosecute anyone.
In the cases of both The Black Wall Street and Rosewood, Blacks were attacked by whites who felt they were faring better. Blacks fought back even though they were outnumbered and overwhelmed.
American history likes to ignore these stories mainly because they were prosperous Black neighborhoods, thriving in the era of Jim Crow.
We should remember this lesson in history just in case it becomes our future when America’s so-called “Liberal Democracy disintegrates.
Darryl James won the Chicago Book Festival Non-Fiction Award for “The LA Riots, 3 Decades of Revolution,” his book on Rioting in America. James is also the author of the forthcoming powerful anthology “Notes From The Edge.” Discounted Autographed and Numbered Pre-Release copies can be ordered at www.darryljames.com. View previous installments of this column at www.bridgecolumn.proboards36.com. Reach James at djames@theblackgendergap.com.
THE MO'KELLY REPORT: The Intrinsic Value of Obama's Nomination...?
*And so here we are…fast approaching the Democratic National Convention. For the young people and those not intimately familiar with the inner-workings of the political machine; this is the moment when Senator Barack Obama “officially” begins his bid for the presidency of these United States. Everything up until now has been the pre-game show, the exhibition season, the overture before the musical if you will.
It’s during (and after) the DNC that the proverbial rubber meets the road. No more discussion about running mates, no more chants for “Hillary for President” or the supposed questions of Barack Obama’s electability. It’s an 8-week sprint to the Oval office…or the hell of trivia answer obscurity.
Somewhere, Senator John Kerry is being added to the game Trivial Pursuit as the answer to the question of “who lost to George Bush in 2004?”
When you’re best remembered for your failure in American politics, you are officially in the hell of trivia answer obscurity.
Moving right along…
So America, what have we learned thus far? Well, we’ve learned that we as a country are both capable of great progress and great regress. We’ve learned that for all the wonderful strides Obama as made individually, African-Americans are still the most hated group of people collectively.
You will never find another presidential candidate in the history of politics compared to the #1 American enemy in all the world.
That’s what we call racial regress.
Conversely, you might never see another candidate galvanize voters both young and old, Black and White in the way that Obama has.
That correctly can be characterized as racial progress.
By definition, there is something irreplaceable and unrepeatable about being the first of a kind. Never has a single candidate managed to reach such a wide and disparate demographic. At the same time, never has a presidential candidate been openly disrespected by fellow politicians and general populace alike. Senator Obama is a trailblazer in many ways…some less desirable than others.
Much has been made about Senator Obama’s middle name of “Hussein,” yet little has ever been made about George “Walker” Bush sharing the same middle name as convicted terrorist John “Walker” Lynn. And last Mo’Kelly checked, Saddam “Hussein” was cleared of any involvement in 9/11 or other terrorist acts against America.
Nevertheless, Obama has managed to press forward.
From Colin Powell to Bruce Springsteen, Senator Obama resonates with a multitude of Americans never before seen in American politics.
Never.
Not Kennedy (either John or Robert), not Jesse. Not Abraham, not FDR. Now before you accuse Mo’Kelly of historical heresy…hear me out.
In this multicultural America, never has so much been asked of any candidate. It’s hard enough to just be a Black man in America. Don’t believe the hype, despite Obama’s ascent in American politics…the world has not changed at ground zero for African-American men. You can best believe that the perception of Obama is separate and distinct from the perception of Black men collectively. On one hand, it’s a good thing as it allows the possibility for Obama to succeed. On the other, it’s indicative of the painful reality that Black men are “acceptable” individually, but never collectively. History would have you believe that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was an acceptable anomaly; an aberration.
Reality argues otherwise…
Obama’s rise is nothing short of cataclysmic in nature. There is no “reasonable explanation” as to why an African-American man…(literally an AFRICAN and AMERICAN man) should enjoy the popularity Obama does. No presidential candidate has ever been asked to answer to so many varied voting groups, so many ethnic derivations, so many political schisms while also proclaiming himself as African-American in the process. Candidates prior to Obama had only to wrestle with “Democrats” and/or “Republicans. “ Obama has had to deal with that and questions about his “Blackness,”…questions about his faith, questions about his patriotism and even questions as to his citizenship. John F. Kennedy never had to prove his “Whiteness,” his patriotism and surely never had his citizenship called into question. Never before in the history of American politics has so much been thrown at one presidential candidate.
The facts don’t lie.
As of this editorial, Senator Obama has not publicly selected his Vice Presidential running mate. Surely before the end of the week, that will have changed and will set the stage for the most eagerly anticipated Democratic National Convention in the history of this country…all hyperbole aside.
Such is the ongoing contradiction of America. Only during the height of our greatest social achievements can we also bear witness to our considerable social failures. Such was the case during the civil rights movement. The signing of the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act unfortunately don’t mean as much without the murders of Emmett Till and/or the four little girls at the 16th street Baptist Church to underpin them. Three years ago almost to the day, Hurricane Katrina set the stage for the devastation of New Orleans. Its damage…unprecedented. Its rebuilding process…still uncompleted. A “Black” presidential nominee in the same space as a decimated Black population more than slightly difficult to reconcile.
At times, I’m torn. I know I’d much “rather” see the residents of New Orleans made whole and return home instead of having a “Black” president. Let’s be real, what would more improve the lives of African-Americans collectively?
Clearly a New Orleans made whole would…
The reality is such that the exaltation of ONE African-American does little (if anything) to uplift African-Americans collectively. It’s a harsh and cruel fact. For all the pomp and circumstance certain to accompany the official nomination of Senator Obama at next week’s Democratic National Convention…the reality is that no matter what happens in November, the status quo for African-Americans has not and likely will not change.
It’s enough to question whether Obama’s nomination is of greater symbolic or legitimate significance. Not trying to equate Obama to Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas…but what did African-Americans “gain” through the addition of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court? Or, how have African-Americans benefited from the appointment of Condi Rice as Secretary of State?
Such a contradiction America is and has always been. It’s reminiscent of the success of Joe Louis and/or Jackie Robinson. Neither was allowed to drink from the same water fountain as their White counterparts, much less at the same lunch counter; regardless of their success.
About ten days from now, Senator Barack Obama will officially begin his bid fro the presidency of these United States…but the question still remains, are African-Americans better off collectively for it?
The Mo’Kelly Report is an entertainment journal with a political slant; published weekly at www.eurweb.com. It is meant to inform, infuse and incite meaningful discourse…as well as entertain. The Mo’Kelly Report is syndicated by Newstex and Blogburst. For more Mo’Kelly, www.mokellyreport.blogspot.com.
TURNER’S TWO CENTS: People’s Props for the Mac Man
By Cameron Turner
*The presence of more than 10,000 people at his memorial service in Chicago on Saturday was not only a tribute to Bernie Mac, it was also a beautiful statement about the hometown he loved. There were plenty of stars in the throng that filled the pews at the House of Hope mega church: Chris Rock, Tom Joyner, Samuel L. Jackson, Jesse Jackson, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and, of course the three other “Kings of Comedy” Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley and Cedric the Entertainer. But even more significant than the abundance of celebrities was the massive turnout by the People of Chicago, especially those from the city’s Southside where Bernie grew up and which remained in his heart even as he soared through the heights of international stardom.
They lined up early and stood in the sun for hours waiting to get into the memorial. Moms and dads, grandparents, young adults, teenagers and little kids. There were plenty of “I Love You, Bernie” t-shirts and an abundance of handmade signs decorated with magazine photos and heartfelt tributes written with multicolored markers. One of those signs, referencing the underprivileged neighborhood of Bernie’s childhood, declared: "Thank you, Bernie, for showing that good people do come from Englewood.”
Of course good people come from Englewood. They come from every inner-city in the United States. It’s just a shame that America need to be continually reminded of that fact.
Generations of racism, biased media coverage and gangsta rap have done a pretty thorough job of solidifying the false notion that our nation’s inner-cities are overrun by criminals and the morally bankrupt. But you and I know better. We understand that most residents of the so-called “ghetto” are good-hearted, morally-upstanding, courageous and loving people who are dedicated to their families and communities. They work hard on jobs that never pay enough and work equally hard to maintain dignity, family ties, pride and joy in the face of financial, institutional, social and psychological pressures – including very real danger -- that those of us from outside the ‘hood cannot fully appreciate.
These are the People whom Bernie represented and who he inspired. On Saturday, they came out by the thousands to say goodbye and thank you. In the process, they smashed the stereotypes just by being themselves.
Thanks for listening. I’m Cameron Turner and that’s my two cents.
THINK! IT AIN’T ILLEGAL…YET!
THE JOURNAL OF STEFFANIE RIVERS: YouTube TV
*Last weekend my friend and I decided to forgo dinner and a movie to stay home and watch TV. But when we couldn’t find anything on television to capture our attention – at least within the few seconds it took him to surf from one channel to the next – we ended up turning to YouTube. In a sentence, YouTube is ESPN, BET, the History and the Discovery channels rolled into one network.
YouTube is to the internet what TV-on-demand is to cable. I’m convinced that whatever piece of non-pornographic video you ever could want to view – not that I did a porno search or anything (unless you consider the R.Kelly video to be porno) – has been uploaded onto YouTube. If you want to watch old wrestling matches, see Howard Cosell interview Muhammad Ali in his prime or inspect video of Tupac Shakur with rapper 50 Cents (I know…if Tupac is dead how can that be?) it’s archived on YouTube – the video library of the internet.
After perusing the video catalog, we decided to watch a few standup comedians in action. Some of the videos were like watching a bad copy of a bootleg video. One camera man obviously had videotaped a comedy show as it was aired on his television. With commentary from his friends and without a tripod. But that just added to the humor of the whole thing. I guess you could say it was copyright infringement at its worst.
On another YouTube page one guy was so good at re-enacting popular scenes from well-known movies he had guest appearances on late night TV shows.
It’s apparent to me the whole world was waiting for some place to store all the videos they have ever recorded from the beginning of video time.
Starting in September I’ll upload the video version of my weekly columns on my new YouTube page. Who knows, maybe I can get everyone who reads it to check out the video version and help my site get thousands of hits. I admit I’m hooked. But I could think of a lot worse things to get hooked on.
Steffanie Rivers is a free-lance journalist living in Dallas, Texas. For public speaking inquiries, comments or questions email her at teamtcbadvertising@hotmail.com.
VERONICA'S VIEW: The Lost Wonder of Dreaming
Veronica Hendrix
*There have been songs sung about it.
Immortal speeches have been delivered about its promise and enduring mystery.
And perennial prose has exclaimed its illusiveness.
Some have dared to do it. Others have dabbled in its endless possibilities.
What am I talking about? I am talking about the power of dreaming.
There are countless individuals which have preceded me, who dared to dream magnanimously. Many of their dreams were formidable, incomprehensible, unfathomable, and absolutely phenomenal. Yet many of them have closed their earthly eyes and in their hearts, imagined the impossible -- anyway.
Those in bondage dreamed of living as free human beings.
Those that were daunted by hate and malevolence dreamed of casting an indomitable vote.
Those that were disenfranchised, despised and dismissed dreamed of living a consummated life.
Their act of dreaming ignited a wave of change that imbued hope in the blatant face of hopelessness. And the changes that followed transformed the fabric of our lives, and the landscape our nation.
My dreams were copious and variegated as a child. I used to dream about being a distinguished network correspondent like Carole Simpson. I often dreamed of being an independent and spirited woman like Marlo Thomas of the late 60’s sitcom “That Girl. And just like every starry-eyed adolescent girl during my era, my dreams were permeated with images of falling in love, getting married, raising children and making my parents deliriously proud of me.
As an adult, I still dream. Many of my dreams have come true through faith, dogged determination and focused resolve. For this I am extremely grateful.
Some of my dreams have been painfully deferred, while others remain disappointedly derailed. However, I have not lost hope.
But I will never stop dreaming. I will never lose the wonder of imagining what could be when a dream gestates, grows and gives birth to incredible realities.
Do you still dream?
I bet you do.
If you grew up when I did, the stark realities and harshness of life provoked us to dream, and to dream big. And you were probably inspired to dream by the wealth of examples all around us who not only had dreams of coalescing in a world that was just and humane, but who spoke resoundingly about their dreams, then went about the business of making them come true.
Today’s generation doesn’t dream as we did. It seems the wonder of dreaming has lost its edge in their hearts and in their minds.
Maybe it’s because we have given them too much material stuff in a misguided attempt to assuage the sense of lack we experienced while growing up. Or maybe, while we were busy pursing our dreams of grandeur, we failed to realize that they weren’t inspired to dream because we robbed them of that desire, by making many of their immediate dreams come true.
Innocently, inadvertently, and progressively, maybe what we did was extinguish the fire in their bellies that ignites the desire to dream, and the motivation to purse them.
I’ve had to come to terms with the evidence that this generation doesn’t seem to have the same provocation to dream. I hear it from my friends and colleagues, and I’ve had some first hand experience with it too with my own brood.
I don’t like it. That’s why I’m writing about it because I am irritated and solely annoyed.
To me, this generation of young folks appears too content with what they have been given or spoon feed. They don’t hunger and thirst for more than what is in the moment. And when they squander the opportunities, access, and resources they’ve been given (without much lamentation if any), it’s because they find it difficult to reverence something they never achieved through personal sacrifice, sweat equity and sleepless nights.
We can blame it on the media, the hip hop culture or whatever. But they have lost the wonder of dreaming because we haven’t done the best job in provoking them to dream. And provoking them to dream requires that we give them less – despite our own personal success -- so they will want more, and go after it.
Dreaming is a powerful human experience no one should be robbed of. It ignites life. It spawns hope. It evokes ingenuity. And it propels progress.
When a generation loses the wonder of dreaming, hope dies; ingenuity is suffocated; progress is halted, and life decays. One of the best investments we can make in the lives of this generation -- which literally costs us nothing -- is to invest our time and energy in provoking, as well as inspiring, them to dream. (If you have comments about Veronica’s View, email them to vsview@yahoo.com.)###
MEDICAL NOTES FROM DR. RANI: Life Expectancy in African American Men: Improving, But Just Not Good Enough!
*What is this mysterious killer with our black men in its sights? Disease that – for the most part – is preventable and treatable with great survivability. The recent untimely deaths of actor/comedian Bernard Jeffery McCullough, also know as Bernie Mac, and musician/singer Isaac Hayes, has refocused attention to raising awareness and prevention of the premature deaths of (AA) men.
Reports claim the life expectancy gap between men and women has decreased, but there are still significant disparities in health care among AA’s and ultimately our survival rates. According to the Centers for Disease Control the estimate of life expectancy at birth for the total United States population is 77.6 years. Men have a life expectancy of 74.8 years compared to 80.1 years for women. There has been an overall improvement in life expectancy for men, however, AA men live approximately 6.2 years less than white men (69.2 years versus 75.4 years).
Why such a huge disparity?
African Americans make up approximately 13% of the U.S. population, but only about 2.5% of physicians and medical students. We are twice as likely as other ethnic groups to have a stroke; almost twice as likely as other Americans to have diabetes; we have the highest prevalence of high blood pressure in the world; and sadly, represent almost 50% of the new HIV/AIDS cases each year. AA men have one of the highest rates of prostate cancer in the United States, however a recent study published in the September 2008 issue of Cancer reports that we are less likely to be screened for the disease.
The American Medical Association’s (AMA) recent apology to African American physicians for years of inequality plays a role in health disparities. Forty eight million people in this country are uninsured or under-insured. Even when health insurance and income differences are accounted for and the playing field is fair, AA men still receive fewer preventive services than white men such as flu shots and less aggressive procedures, like colonoscopy screening.
The AMA, however, is not completely to blame. As an AA physician, I regularly see a general neglect for our health. Lack of exercise, poor eating habits, and the underutilization of health care services are major pitfalls in our community.
“I have to go to work, Doc,” is a frequent excuse not to see the doctor, not realizing that once you have a heart attack or stroke, the disability associated with these medical problems could keep you from working forever.
In general, men tend to pay less attention to their health, smoke and drink more than women, and do not seek medical help as often as women. AA men frequently ignore symptoms and signs of disease, like chest pain (warning sign of heart disease), headaches (a stroke warning sign or brain tumor), and frequent urination (diabetes or enlarged prostate), and don’t seek care until there is a crisis. The end result is a late diagnosis of serious medical problems, which does not allow for aggressive treatment and potentially a poor overall outcome. Building a relationship with your physician and having family discussions regarding health are essential to better health.
Even in there early demise, Mac and Hayes have still found ways to inspire us. They will be missed, however, they have helped us to realize that we are not invincible and that regular checkups with our doctor, knowing our family history, eating healthy, and exercising are simple, but important ways to maintain good health. – Dr. Rani Whitfield
Dr. Rani Whitfield is a board certified Family Practice and Sports Medicine Physician who lives in Baton Rouge, LA. He is affectionately known as “Tha Hip Hop Doc” as he uses music and medicine to educate young people on health issues. Watch him on the BET Special Feel free to shoot your medical related questions to him at DrRani@ h2doc.com.
Visit H2Doc.com for more information
Copyright, 2008 Hip Hop Healthy Coalition
FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY: It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday
By Shannon King Nash Esq., CPA
*After a little over a year hiatus, I’m happy to be returning to my weekly column. A lot has happened over this last year, including a new baby and a move across country to the “A”. The good news is that I’m back and bringing you finance and legal commentary ripped from the headlines. The sad news is that this article focuses on the sudden and unfortunate loss of Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes. “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday,” (G.C. Cameron, 1975 and Boys II Men, 1991).
I remember Bernie on “Get On The Bus” like it was yesterday. Who could forget when his phrase “Baby Girl” became the “it” saying? Isaac Hayes was the epitome of 70’s cool; “Can You Dig It?”
Their deaths are yet another reminder that we all need to make sure we have our house in order before we go. The most basic start is to ensure that you have a Last Will and Testament.
There is a common misconception that only rich people need wills. The reality is that if you care about what happens to your property or your kids, you should have a will. Why? Because without one, these decisions will be left to the discretion of your state. This means all your money could go to your crazy cousin Cleofus; or even worse, he may get custody of your kids! Here are a few basic things you need to do your Will:
Basic components
A will is legal document that allows you to decide how your assets get distributed after you die. You can also determine who will get custody of your children.
The basic information you need to complete your will includes:
Your full name
Address
Social security number
Name of your parents, spouse, kids, and other beneficiaries (i.e., people who you want to leave you assets)
List of your assets (i.e., your bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate, and personal property such as jewelry, clothes, furniture, etc.)
Name of the executor (i.e., person who will manage your affairs)
Name of the guardian (i.e., person who will look after your minor children
In addition, must sign your will in the presence of several witnesses, use a Notary Public and have everyone sign a self-proving affidavit (i.e., a document that goes along with a will that proves this is truly your official document).
Who gets it?
Perhaps nothing is more important and in many ways difficult than deciding who should receive the assets from your estate. These gift requests should be extremely clear and concise. For example, if you want you 1986 Members Only Jacket™ to go to your home girl (Nickname Candy Girl), make sure you state just that (but use her government name; after all this is a legal document).
But you can’t give away all of your property under your will. The following assets already have designated beneficiaries; meaning when you die those assets will go to that designated person(s):
Life insurance
IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts)
Joint Checking and Savings Accounts
Real Property that you own with a spouse or another individual
Appoint a Friend
You must also appoint someone to look over and manage your will. Known as an executor, this person will make sure that your wishes are followed. You should obviously pick someone that you trust. Also, look for someone who you think can handle the stress of dealing with your rel
Click for the latest Obama - Political headlines
Share and Bookmark |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
