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Major News Developments!

(posted 11-22-'09)

Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!

Labor and Minority Groups Pressure President Obama for Greater Job Creation

          (Taylor Media Services) A Labor Department report released earlier this month showed unemployment among African Americans having climbed to a near Great Depression level of 15.7 percent. Meanwhile, the jobless figure for the rest of the nation reached 10.2 percent – the highest unemployment rate since 1983. It was for those reasons that President Obama came under pressure from some of his friends last week.

          The NAACP, the AFL-CIO and the Hispanic rights group La Raza joined forces to pressure the Obama administration to do more to create jobs for a recession-plagued nation. The normally pro-Obama groups made it clear that they felt his $787 billion stimulus had favored big banks and corporations and had not gone far enough to create jobs. They called for significant increases in government spending for schools and roads and billions to provide fiscal relief for financially strapped state and local governments.

          In an attempt to avoid appearing to be an Obama critic, the NAACP’s Senior Vice President Hilary O. Shelton said, “It’s time for us to really stoke this issue up. We’re not so much trying to convince him to do something he doesn’t want to do, but urging him to move forward on an issue we have agreement on.”

          Obama’s stimulus package followed stimulus plans of the past and essentially involved pumping billions of dollars into banks and big corporations with the belief that they would in turn make loans and create jobs so that more Americans would be employed. But thus the classic stimulus approach has not worked. There are also reports that many financial institutions are “sitting on the stimulus dollars” and failing to make loans as they wait on better economic times.

          Meanwhile, the Economic Policy Institute – a liberal research group – issued a statement last week saying that despite what it labeled Obama’s “effective and bold” recovery package, the nation is facing a prolonged period of high unemployment. Obama has not ruled out a second stimulus package but such a program will face strong opposition from conservatives in Congress who believe government spending is already out of control.

          However, conservatives and Republicans have as yet failed to offer any comprehensive alternative to the Obama stimulus. The current recession has gripped the nation since December 2007.

Leading Figure in the Civil Rights Movement Dies at 86

          James Armstrong

(Taylor Media Services) One of the leading and most respected activists in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s James Armstrong has died in Birmingham, Alabama. He was 86 years old. Armstrong was a figure in the battle for voting rights for        African Americans in the early to mid-1960s. He also helped organize sit-ins and filed lawsuits to help bring about public school integration.

          Perhaps the most notable role for which the former barber is associated is the Selma-to-Montgomery Voting Rights across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The 1965 march became a key motivation to the Civil Rights Movement when marchers were viciously attacked by Alabama state troopers and other law enforcement agencies.

Atlanta Mayoral Candidates Are Trying Leave Race out of the Run-Off Election

But the Issue Keeps Raising Its Head

          (Taylor Media Services) You have an African American man running against a white woman and the prospect that Atlanta, Georgia may elect its first white mayor in over 35 years. But both candidates Kasim Reed and Dorothy Norwood have pledged to leave the race issue out of the campaign as they head toward a December 1^st run-off election day. Can it be done?

           Kasim Reed

Many Atlanta voters are saying “no.” In addition, the city’s top newspaper the Atlanta Journal Constitution says voting trends in the recent general election reflected racial demographics in the city. Reed and Norwood emerged atop a field of six during the recent general election race but neither was able to capture the majority needed to avoid a run-off election.

          Norwood was the top vote getter. But Reed split the city’s Black vote with four other African American candidates. Atlanta’s Blacks are 56 percent of the city’s total population. But that percentage is down from over 60 percent as recently at 2000. The “capitol of the South” has not elected white mayor since 1973.

 Mary Norwood       

Reed should win the run-off race now that the other Black candidates are out of the race. But his victory is not a guarantee. The outcome could be affected by an uncontrollable crime problem, a budget crisis and a feeling among many Atlanta Blacks that African American mayors have not done enough to improve conditions for Blacks and the poor in the city.

China’s Economic Penetration into Africa Continues at Record Pace

Is the Motherland Properly Guarding Its Riches?

            (Taylor Media Services) Despite the worldwide financial crisis spurred by the current U.S. recession, the rapidly growing Chinese economy has not let up on its acquisition of resources in Africa. Indeed, at a recent summit held in Egypt, China pledged to increase its investments in Africa. The investments have raised a concern that African nations are opening themselves up to exploitation by the communist-led government.

 Chinese President Hu Jintao

          With the fastest growing major economy in the world, China has shown a strong interest in acquiring raw materials, especially oil and key minerals, from Africa. The Asian giant is making its moves while the major capitalist economies in the U.S. and Europe are actually reducing or simply maintaining their current investment levels throughout Africa. During his recent trip to the motherland, President Obama only pledged an increase in funds to fight AIDS.

In fact, Obama’s initiatives in Africa are not significantly different from those of his predecessor President George W. Bush. But while Obama lectured the Africans on ending corruption and doing more for themselves, the Chinese are coming with money and a pledge of non-intervention in the internal affairs of the African nations. In addition to investments, Chinese President Hu Jintao has promised $5 billion in loans.

Are the Africans selling their resources to China on the cheap? It is difficult to determine since details of many of the trade agreements are not made public. However, the Chinese have also pledged to open up their domestic markets to goods made in Africa. This has been an area of major complaints hurled by Africa towards the U.S. and Europe. They claim that under so-called free trade initiatives, they have opened their markets to U.S. and European products but the Europeans and Americans are effectively blocking African-made products.

Jesse Jackson Honored in Congress for Decades of Civil Rights Work

           Rev. Jesse Jackson

(Taylor Media Services) Veteran civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson was honored in the U.S. Congress last week for his decades of work expanding human rights protections to Blacks and other minority Americans. Last Wednesday the honors began with various members of Congress reading one-minute tributes from the floor of the House of representatives.

          The tributes continued Thursday night when the Congressional Black Caucus held a special forum on race in honor of Jackson. Caucus chairperson Barbara Lee said of the event, “It’s an opportunity to honor Rev. Jackson for the true leader he is and for what he has done.” The honors also marked the 25^th anniversary of Jackson’s first historic run for the presidency in 1984.

Black Former Congressman Jefferson Receives 13-Year Prison Sentence

 Former Congressman Jefferson

        (Taylor Media Services) Black former Louisiana Congressman William Jefferson has been given the longest sentence ever handed down to a congressman caught up in a corruption probe: 13 years. Jefferson was convicted last Auguest on 11 counts of receiving nearly $500,000 in bribes for steering business contracts from African countries.

        The Jefferson case because a source of late night television jokes because $90,000 in marked money was found in a freezer in his home in the Washington, D.C. area. Jefferson is 62-years old. A date for him to report to prison has not yet been set.

Police Still Investigating Apparent Suicide of Top Chicago School Official

          (Taylor Media Services) Chicago police indicated last week that they were still investigating the apparent suicide of Chicago’s Board of Education President Michael Scott. Scott’s body was found last Monday near the edge of the Chicago River with what the coroner has ruled as a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

          No suicide note was found and family and friends could not provide authorities with any reason as to why Scott would want to take his own life. Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson labeled the educator’s death “a major loss” to the city.

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Entertainment, People, Books and Style!

Who Will Replace Oprah Winfrey?

TV Talk-Show Diva Announces 2011 Retirement

          (Taylor Media Services) Who will replace Oprah Winfrey? That was the question being asked in television and entertainment circles last week as the queen of television talk shows last week announced that she would end “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in 2011 – 25 years after it first aired in 1986. Winfrey said her decision was based on “prayer and careful thought.”

 Oprah Winfrey

          Currently, the heir apparent to Winfrey’s unofficial title as TV talk-show diva is fast-rising talker Tyra banks. But it is unclear what other potential stars television executives may be grooming. Although Winfrey is leaving, she is not expected to go very far. Insiders widely expect the 55-year-old to launch another talk-show on the new OWN – Oprah Winfrey Network.

          The Oprah Winfrey Show was the foundation of Winfrey’s multibillion dollar media empire. It helped make her the richest Black person in America with an estimated wealth of $2.7 billion. However, the popularity of the show had begun to decline as her base audience of white suburban women aged. Last year, for example, it saw a 7 percent drop in ratings.

          Meanwhile, OWN is scheduled to debut in 2011. It will replace the Discovery Health Channel and initially will be available in 74 million American homes.

Denzel Washington Returning to Broadway in August Wilson Play “Fences”

 Denzel Washington

          (Taylor Media Services) Black superstar Denzel Washington will be abandoning Hollywood for a while as he returns to New York’s Broadway to play the lead role of “Troy Maxson” in the August Wilson drama “Fences.” The role was originally performed by James Earl Jones in 1987. The award-winning play is set to open on “The Great White Way” this coming April and run through July.

          Among the producers are Carole Shorenstein Hays and Scott Rudin. Other cast members have not yet been announced. Meanwhile, the Oscar-winning Washington last appeared on Broadway in 2005 in Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar.” August Wilson is the award winning Black playwright who died last year.

Black Man Voted “Best New Artist” in Country Music

 Darius Rucker

          (Taylor Media Services) Darius Rucker, formerly of pop music and lead singer with the group “Hootie & the Blowfish,” was voted last week “Best New Artist” in country music. This marks the first time a Black man has won the award. It came during the 43^rd Annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards in Nashville. Taylor Swift took the highest honor: “Vocalist of the year.”

          There have been other Black Country music singers: most notably Charley Pride. But Rucker’s presence in the genre appears to be drawing pop music fans to Country and Western. However, last week many fans took to Internet chat rooms urging Rucker to return to Pop music.

Janet Jackson Says His Doctor – Conrad Murray – Responsible for Michael’s Death

          Janet Jackson

(Taylor Media Services) Speaking out for the first time publicly about the drug-induced death of her brother Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson last week let it be known that she feels Michael’s physician Dr. Conrad Murray was “responsible.” In an exclusive interview, she told ABC’s Robin Roberts, “he was the one that was administering. I think he is responsible.”

          Murray has admitted giving Jackson the drug Propofol to reduce pain and to help him sleep. However, he maintains he did not give Jackson an amount which could be considered lethal. Thus far, authorities have not indicted Murray in Jackson’s death. Meanwhile, Murray was in a California court last week on charges of failing to make child support payments. Jackson died last June shortly after being administered the drug.

Universal Apologizes for Offense of Omitting Black Couple

          (Taylor Media Services) It seemed like a very straight forward and potentially interested idea but it degenerated into charges of international racism. Universal Picture was promoting a film entitled “Couples Retreat.” The film followed four couples – one of them Black – as they go on a retreat in hopes of repairing problems in their relationships.

          But the international poster promoting the film, specifically the one used in Britain, excluded the Black couple and only showed the white couples. The omission led to charges, both in Britain and internationally, that Faizon Love and Kali Hawk were excluded because of their race. Universal denied the charge asserting it was only trying to “simplify” the poster for international markets.

          Nevertheless, the studio last week issued a statement saying it “regretted” causing offense and agreed to discontinue use of the poster.

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Editor’s Commentary

Are Too Many Blacks Soaking up “the Worst American Has to Offer?”

Is There a Moral Fall into Degenerate Behavior?

By Robert James Taylor

          Early 20^th Century Black leader Marcus Garvey once warned African Americans that if they failed to build wealth, power and pride, they would linger at the bottom of society “soaking up the worst America has to offer” and emerge as a pathetic and possibly degenerate people. For a long time I felt that Garvey had exaggerated the potential consequences of the failure to build a strong Black nation. But a recent spate of crime stories has me wondering whether or not he was correct.

          In recent days, police in Cleveland, Ohio have recovered at least 11 bodies of Black women who had apparently been molested, tortured, murdered and then stored in the home of sociopathic sexual predator Anthony Sowell. Sowell is a Black man who appears to have selected his victims because they were often poor drug addicts whose disappearances would either not be reported or, if reported, not be thoroughly investigated by the police.

          A Black Highland Park, Michigan father went to court last charged with killing his own 15-year-old son. After an argument with the young boy, Jamar Pinckney is accused of pulling his son from his aunt’s hour, stripping him naked and then shooting him in the head execution-style. Before being shot, Jamar, Jr. begged his father not to kill him. The senior Pinckney reportedly felt killing his son was the way to punish him for allegedly touching his half-sister in an inappropriate manner.

          Autopsy results released last week show that 5-year-old Shaniya Davis had been asphyxiated. In case you missed the story, Shaniya was the beautiful Fayetteville, North Carolina girl whose mother Antoinette Davis had allegedly offered her to grown men for sex reportedly to raise money for her drug habit. Now, a man (and I use that word reluctantly) Mario Andrette McNeil stands accused of kidnapping little Shaniya, raping her and then choking her to death.

          A few weeks ago, rival groups of Black youth engaged in an after school brawl in Chicago, Illinois. When one of the groups was unable to find rival gang members to beat up, its members attacked a completely innocent Derrion Albert. The 16-year-old was beaten and stomped until he died. His killers were other Black youth around his same age.

            In Deerfield Beach, Florida, a group of teens doused a 15-year-old pal with alcohol and set him afire in a dispute over $40 and a video game. They were in court last week pleading not guilty to the crime. The ages of the five boys allegedly involved in the gruesome incident ranged from 13 to 15. Three of them have been charged as adults. But an attorney for one of the youths argues that because of their ages the young men may not have understood the consequences of their action. Yeah, right!

          Last week, Baltimore, Maryland residents attended memorial services for 15-year-old Jason Mattison, Jr. Jason had been gagged, stabbed, raped and left to die by 35-year-old Dante Parish. The two had reportedly been involved in a homosexual relationship. Parish was a convicted murderer who had recently gotten out of prison on a technicality – a phrase which usually means some police officer or prosecutor did not properly do his or her job properly.

          I could go on and on. Each week there are new examples of horrific crimes taking place in Black communities around the nation. The crimes too frequently reflect moral depravity, completely inappropriate sexual relationships or are out-and-out degenerate in nature. Very often the crimes take place in low-income, poverty-ridden communities.

          Was Marcus Garvey right? I have long held that when you combine poverty, dysfunctional households and weak moral values, negatives will eventually outweigh positives and the community will become a cesspool for evil and degenerate behavior.

          This appears to be what is taking place in too many of our communities. In future columns, I will put forth ideas on how to stop the degeneracy.

[Meanwhile, share your views on how to end the family and moral deterioration in the Black community. Email Robert Taylor at TaylorMediaPrime@yahoo.com or write him at Robert Taylor, 1517 T Street, SE, Washington, D.C.]

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Op-Ed Commentary/Opinion

BUSINESS EXCHANGE: Reparations for Blacks and “Too Big to Fail”

By William Reed

Supporters of slave reparations, argue that there is no equal opportunity for African Americans, nor has there ever been. Systematic discrimination deprives African Americans of equal chances and deserve justice and equal parity.  There is a clear lack of parity in the recent instances of bailouts for the rich and distain for stimulus or reparations to the descendants of slaves.  The Black American community’s population contribution to the wealth of America is too great to continue failing to address such inequity.

"Too Big to Fail" refers to the idea that in economic regulation, the largest and most interconnected businesses are so large that a government cannot allow them to fail because such failure would have a disastrous effect on the economy.  The US Treasury Department's Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) and associated bailouts are estimated to eventually cost $27 trillion, yet the nation’s first Black President dismisses the $24 trillion debt owed Black American descendents. 

The Presidential acts are paradoxical.  The government dismisses Blacks, yet funds a financial industry that has historically been an anathema to Blacks: direct involvement in the slave trade and demonstrated patterns of denying African-Americans access to credit and financial services.

The cost to Blacks is enormous.  In terms of net financial assets, the “cost of being Black in America” amounts to a $94,426 deficit.  From the onset, Blacks in America experienced significantly lower income and wealth, higher levels of poverty, shorter life spans, among many other embedded disparities.  White households average about $150,000 more wealth than typical Black families.  Total wealth for White families is five (or more) times greater than that of Black families.  Such wealth gaps makes it much more difficult for Black families to own homes, send their children to good schools, or recover from economic downturns caused by unemployment or illness.

But the American “perception” is that Blacks “are doing alright”.  “African-Americans are the most privileged blacks in the world.  The notion that they should somehow be entitled to reparations because their ancestors were brought to the Americas is intellectually absurd”, say many Americans, both Black and White.  But they are not experiencing the same American reality.  Nine out of 10 White Americans reject reparations to descendants of slaves.  Many have a perception that race bias in America has been virtually eliminated, and that Blacks are no longer disadvantaged. 

But, the truth is, Black Americans’ standard of living rates in per capita income, life expectancy, political empowerment, family and community life are at Third World levels.  American per capita income is high but less evenly distributed than in most developed countries.   The US has one of the widest rich-poor gaps of the high-income nations; the bank buy-outs illustrates how the gap continues, and grows.

The deprivation is historical and institutional.  After the Civil War, the U.S. government bailed-out slave owners while it backtracked on practices that allocated Blacks 40 acres and a mule.   Governmental policy has always played an absolutely crucial role in determining the racial character of the haves and the have-nots in America .  It is fair time direct inheritors that directly benefited from wealth gained from slavery, the slave trade, and slavery related enterprises, pay reparations debts.

Call it ‘a stimulus’, ‘paying off a debt’, but it’s time to call it “a work in progress.  If the Federal Government is going to prop up the richest of the rich, isn’t it time to add up the losses that Blacks have incurred during their time in America .  The amount of $24 trillion is the estimated sum total of the worth of all the Black labor stolen through the means of slavery, segregation, and contemporary discrimination in today’s dollars. 

This includes the estimated economic loss for African Americans as a result of legal segregation for 1929-1969; discrimination from the end of slavery in 1865 to the end of American apartheid in 1969; the amount contemporary Blacks have lost as a result of discrimination they experienced seeking to secure mortgages for homes and businesses.  Great wealth has been amassed on the backs of Blacks, the amount is too big to continue failing to address it.   

(William Reed – www.BlackPressInternational.com)

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Special Report:

Black Philadelphia Women Continue Fight against Philadelphia Nursing School

By Marilyn Kai Jewett (NBNJ Philadelphia Correspondent)

                        Former students of St. Joseph Hospital’s School of Nursing recently filed a civil suit against the school alleging breach of contract and fraud.  The Liberation of Students Rights Group of Philadelphia (LSRGP), a group of five African American women, alleges they were wrongfully released from the 12-month program funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to increase the pool of registered nurses in the state.  The program was presented as one looking to attract women from the “community.”

The students entered the program’s first class, but were summarily dismissed from the program after three semesters for “failing to meet academic standards,” according to school administrators. However, none of the students was provided with grades or copies of written exams. The group alleges that the program was beset with numerous problems including lack of qualified instructors, no laboratory or library facilities, cancelled classes, uneven instruction, favoritism, the arbitrary changing of grades and being tested on information not taught.

          The suit charges the school with breach of contract for failing to provide quality professional nursing education, clinical expertise and professional development to all nursing students.  It also alleges fraud on the part of St. Joseph’s because the school presented itself as a fully accredited nursing program. St. Joseph’s nursing program is not accredited.

          For over a year, group has sought to resolve the issues with school administrators to no avail.  They took their grievances to Congressman Robert Brady and State Rep. W. Curtis Thomas, who both represent the district where the school is located.

          In 2007, Merenda and the NEA launched an investigation that identified several problems.  The board then recommended that St. Joseph’s not admit a second class until adequate faculty was hired.  The investigation also found that only five of 20 graduates had passed the state nursing board exam. St. Joseph’s was warned that the school would be put on provisional status if the pass rate remained below 60 percent.  In February 2008 the NEA ordered that the clinical component cease.  In April 2008 the school was officially placed on provisional status.

“We wanted more than anything to become registered nurses and serve our community,” said Sabrina Whitaker, who transferred from an accredited nursing program at Widener University to attend St. Joseph’s program. “We tried to keep these issues in-house and have them dealt with by the administration, but they ignored us. We had no choice but to file a civil suit.”

The case has national implications. Several nursing schools around the country have also experienced backlash from students because of inadequate facilities and nursing instruction. 

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Better Life Opportunities, Money, Jobs & Advice

National Business Grants Organization Expands Via Technology

(Taylor Media Services) The National Institute of Small Business Grants (NISBG) has recently expanded its efforts to educate entrepreneurs about real and legitimate grant opportunities. NISBG is now taking advantage of several technological avenues to reach more people. In addition to its resourceful web site, the organization has launched a daily blog, a YouTube channel, and a Twitter account.

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Motivation 101

Employing Inspiration for Success during Difficult Economic Times

By Anthony Carter

Do you feel down when you get out of bed. Is your motivation level low? Have you lost that zeal you once had? Do you no longer go after your goals with passion and enthusiasm? We have all had times where we were not passionate about pursuing our goals. There is a reason for these low moments. Usually you are feeling low because you are lacking inspiration. We need inspiration.

Inspiration is the catalyst that caused us to go after the goal in the first place. Without inspiration you're dead in the water. Rekindle the fires that burned so hot when you first set your goals and then began pursuing them. Somewhere along the way you've taken your eye off the ball. You need to be inspired again.

Inspiration is the key to maintaining high levels of motivation. And with more motivation you will experience more success. High levels of motivation help you smash through disappointment, failure and frustration. Keep your desires at the forefront of your mind and you will possess the necessary inspiration to keep doing the work until you hit your goals. It helps to continually anticipate receiving what you want. You must always harbor thoughts of obtaining the object which you are striving to gain.

One way to maintain inspiration is through the use of affirmations. Another way is by keeping pictures of what you want constantly before your eyes. And yet another is through the use of goal cards.

If you follow the advice given here then you will continue to build yourself up. You will also develop a strong positive mental attitude. And that will keep you doing the work that it takes to hit your goals. You will gain courage and endurance in order to keep going despite conditions or circumstances.

Do the what it takes to remain inspired. Inspiration is the key to your success.And to learn so much more about how to Get Motivated and Stay Motivated, you can check out 10 Keys To Maintaining Motivation For Hitting Your Goals at http://www.motivationkeys.com/

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The National Black News Journal & Advocate

November 26, 2009

Analytical, financial, health and historical empowerment

Editor – Robert James Taylor; Operations – Chris. Taylor; Advertising/Circulation – LaRue Bonner

Correspondents: Washington, DC; Los Angeles, California; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Columbus, Ohio and Richmond, Virginia

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Major News Developments!

(posted 11-15-'09)

Can Prosecutors who Frame Defendants Be Sued?

Black Victims Argue Yes; Obama Administration Argues No; U.S. Supreme Court Will Decide

             (Taylor Media Services) The facts of the case are not really in dispute. Two African American men from Iowa spent 25 years in prison for allegedly killing a retired white police officer in 1977. But it was later discovered that prosecutors in the case had solicited false testimony in order to convict the then teenage Black men. When the false testimony from supposed witnesses and other exculpatory evidence were revealed the two men were released from prison.

          However, freedom was not enough for Curtis McGhee and Terry Harrington. Shortly after their release they filed a lawsuit against the prosecutors who framed them. Historically, however, local, state and federal prosecutors have enjoyed absolute immunity from lawsuits even when they did great wrongs.

 The case threw the Obama administration into a difficult situation. It either had to defend “the system” or help correct what most Americans would probably agree was a great injustice. It chose to defend the system. In a friend-of-the-court brief filed by Solicitor General Elena Kagan, it argued that absolute immunity for prosecutors was essential to a strong judicial system. The Supreme Court heard arguments in the case last Wednesday.

Lawyers for McGhee and Harrington argued that prosecutors should be treated like police officers and only enjoy qualified immunity from lawsuits. Paul Clement, a former solicitor general, went further saying the case was actually a civil rights case. According to Clement, “The framing of innocent African American citizens for a crime they did not commit lies at the core of what Congress sought to prevent in the Civil Rights statues.” The high court may not actually decide the case until this spring.

Sammy Sosa’s New Lighter Complexion

Was He Trying to Soften His Skin or Look White?

          The new lighter complexioned Sammy Sosa and his wife

(Taylor Media Services) Former baseball homerun hitting machine Sammy Sosa is (was) a dark skinned man of African ancestry from the Dominican Republic. Thus, when he emerged in public recently with drastically lighter skin, tongues started to wag with speculation that Sosa was a self-hater who had chemically bleached his skin in order to look white.

          Sosa denies the allegations. He told ESPN Deportes last week that he was using a “bleaching cream” but its purpose was to soften his skin not change his pigmentation. Sosa’s explanation became a bit more extraordinary when he added, “What happened was that I had been using the cream for a long time and that, combined with the bright TV lights, made my face look whiter than it really is. I don’t think I look life Michael Jackson.”

          Sosa did not explain why he was using a bleaching cream to soften his skin. And despite the denial, his complexion actually did look like that of the late Michael Jackson after he began chemically bleaching his skin. Sosa even said he may market the European-made bleaching cream to other Blacks.

          Log onto our conversation website and give your views: Should Blacks who bleach their skins in order to look whiter be denounced as haters of their race or left alone to do with their skins as they choose? Visit online http://BetterLifeSociety.ning.com or leave a brief message at 202-657-8872.

Black Doctors’ Group Announce Support for Democrats’ Health Care Reform

          (Taylor Media Services) The nation’s largest association of African American doctors last week announced its support for the health care reform proposals currently being pushed through Congress by President Obama and leaders of the Democratic Party. In a statement, the National Medical Association’s Dr. Willarda Edwards said, “Bold legislation that gives every American access to health care is a long overdue reality.”

          The Affordable Health Care for America Act of 2009 recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a narrow margin. It faces an even closer vote in the Senate which takes up the legislation in December but may not actually vote on its provisions until early 2010. The NMA represents approximately 30,000 African American physicians and their patients. The group was founded in 1895.

Racial Discrimination Threatens Mental Health of African American Women

          (Taylor Media Services) A new study by Florida State University finds that racial discrimination leaves African American women more susceptible to depression and threatens their mental health. According to lead researcher Dr. Verna Keith, “Our results show that perceptions of unfair treatment, like other chronic stressors, are psychologically burdensome to African American women.”

          Keith explained in the study published in last month’s Sex Roles, an online research journal, discrimination damages Black women’s feelings of being in control of their lives and makes them psychologically less resilient. The study involved 2,300 adult Black women. However, older women and women with college educations reported fewer symptoms of depression.

Was it Morally Correct to Execute the ‘D.C. Sniper?’

            John Allen Muhammad days before his execution

 (Taylor Media Services) What do the Biblical words “Thou Shalt Not Kill” actually mean? That was the moral question raised last week in the wake of the execution by lethal injection of notorious “D.C. Sniper” John Allen Muhammad. Muhammad and his teenage assistant Lee Boyd Malvo staged a reign of terror in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area 7 years ago killing 10 people at various locations in the area.

          All the victims appeared to have been innocents who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time as Muhammad and Malvo drove around Washington, Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland for a three-week period randomly selecting targets. Muhammad never gave an explanation as to why he led the killing spree.

          Regardless, was it morally correct for the state of Virginia to kill him? Share your views on the Muhammad execution by logging onto our new website http://BetterLifeSociety.ning.com and posting your thoughts in the forum section or leave a brief message at 202-657-8872.

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Sentencing of Congressman Conyers’ Wife Reset for January 15

 Monica Conyers

          (Taylor Media Services) The sentencing on bribery charges of the wife of one of the most powerful Black members of Congress has been re-scheduled from December 1 to January 15. Former Detroit City Council member Monica Conyers faces up to five years in prison after pleading guilty to bribery charges growing out of the city’s Synagro sludge scandal.

          Conyers is the wife of Representative John Conyers – head of the House Judiciary Committee and one of the most powerful members of the House. She admitted to accepting at least $6,000 from businessman Rayford Jackson in 2007 to change her vote in favor of the $1.2 billion Synagro sludge treatment contract. Nevertheless, it is highly unlikely Conyers will get the full five year sentence. Judge Avem Cohn did not give a reason for the change in sentencing date.

The Trial of Baltimore’s Black Mayor Has Started

But Should there Be a Trial at All?

            (Taylor Media Services) The trial of the first Black female mayor of Baltimore, Maryland began last week. But the start of the trial had many Baltimore residents asking whether the case against Sheila Dixon is worth the time and expense involved in its prosecution. Dixon is accused of stealing $1,500 in Christmas gift certificates intended for needy families in the city.

           Mayor Sheila Dixon

However, Dixon’s attorneys are arguing that she is an honest, hardworking mayor who has been targeted by an overzealous prosecutor and an angry former boyfriend who is lying on her in order to escape punishment for his own dishonest business practices. Sensing that many people might question the prosecution of a case involving such a small amount, prosecutor Robert Rohrbaugh responded.

          He told the jury that Dixon’s alleged act was “unspeakable.” During his opening remarks, he repeated nearly a dozen times that the gift cards were intended for “needy people.” But Dixon’s attorneys say the cards were in fact gifts to her, Regardless of the amount involved, the trial is expected to last several weeks.

Why African Nations Staged Walkout of U.N. Climate Talks

            (Taylor Media Services) Charging that the United States and other rich nations were not negotiating in “good faith,” several African nations last week staged a dramatic walkout at the United Nations climate change negotiations in Barcelona, Spain. The talks were designed to set emission and funding standards to curb global warming. But, speaking for the African delegation, Grace Adiambo of Kenya charged that several African countries were already suffering the effects of rising temperatures and could soon be facing food shortages.

          She explained, “We want our developed country partners to negotiate in good faith and put numbers on the table.” The “numbers” were a reference to developing country demands that rich nations contribute funding to help poorer countries overcome global warming. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Europe want the rapidly growing economies of nations like China, India and Brazil to do more to solve the global warming problem.

          But many nations feel if they cut back on carbon emissions from the burning of fossil fuels like coal and gas their economies would suffer. Last week’s talks were the last round of negotiations before a U.N. climate conference convenes in Copenhagen, Denmark in December. However, last week’s developments suggest little progress can actually be expected in Copenhagen.

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Entertainment, People, Books and Style!

R&B Music Sensation Usher Divorces and Returns to Dating

          Usher and ex-wife Tameka during happier times

(Taylor Media Services) R&B and Hip Hop signing sensation Usher formally ended his often troubled two-year marriage to his former hair stylist Tameka Foster last week. Entertainment columnists report the 28-year-old has already returned to dating. The marriage frequently involved conflict not only between Usher and Tameka but also between Tameka and Usher’s mother. Tameka is 7 years older than Usher.

          In court papers, Usher Raymond claimed the marriage was “irretrievably broken” but Tameka countered in papers filed five months ago in Atlanta that she was surprised by the signer’s decision to file for divorce. She said she “had every reason to believe” the marriage was intact and that the two had been intimate shortly before the divorce petition was filed.

          The former couple is still linked, however. They have two children.

Omarosa Gets Dating Reality Show on TV One

Will She Marry the Winner

 Omarosa

            (Taylor Media Services) Omarosa, the woman who gained a national reputation for toughness after her appearance on Donald Trump’s “Apprentice” reality show, is getting a show of her own on Black-controlled TV One. The show is entitled Omarosa’s Ultimate Merger and will feature a dozen men vying for the chance to marry Omarosa.

          Ultimate Merger is a joint venture of real estate mogul Trump and TV One. It is set to begin airing in the spring of next year. TV One targets an adult African American audience but owners include Comcast and DirectTV. Omarosa and Trump have reportedly been working on the new reality show for over a year. However, the limited information made available about the show leaves it a bit unclear as to whether Omarosa will actually marry the winner.

Comedian Katt Williams Says Burglary Arrest Was a “Stupid” Misunderstanding

          Katt Williams

(Taylor Media Services) Katt Williams – a comedian some had dubbed the next Richard Pryor – is a free man today after being arrested last week and charged with burglary and criminal trespassing for allegedly breaking into a home in Coweta County, Georgia – southwest of Atlanta.

          The police say the 38-year-old Williams had stolen several thousand dollars in jewelry and coins. But Williams – forever the comedian – said there was no burglary just “a misunderstanding between me and two stupid detectives.” Williams was mobbed by fans after he posted the over $41,000 bond and left the Coweta County jail.

          Williams’ full name is Micah S. Katt Williams. He has a host of television and movie appearances to his credit and his comedy DVD “Pimpadelic” was number 8 in sales as of late October according to Nielsen/VideoScan.

L.A. Prosecutor yet to Decide Whether to File Charges in Mike Tyson Hitting Incident

          (Taylor Media Services) Tammy Brook, a spokeswoman for former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson, says the much publicized hitting incident at Los Angeles International Airport last week was the fault of an overly aggressive photographer. She says Tyson was returning from Europe to Las Vegas when several photographers began snapping pictures of Tyson, his new wife and their 10-month-old child.

          According to Brook, one of the paparazzo became overly aggressive and appeared to be attacking Tyson. Tyson allegedly hit 50-year-old Tony Echeverria and knocked him to the floor. The freelance photographer was treated for a cut to his forehead. The two reportedly made citizen arrests of one another until the police arrived on the scene. Los Angeles prosecutors are expected to make a decision this week as to whether to charge either man with an offense.

Comment on the Serena Williams Nude Pose Controversy

           (Taylor Media Services) Tennis sensation Serena Williams graced the cover of the recent “Body Issue” ESPN magazine. That fact is not particularly unusual for a sports publication but what had tongues wagging and criticisms flying last week was the fact that the 28-year-old athlete poses in the nude. One popular African American Internet blogger screamed in print that Serena had “disgraced herself.” Others, commenting on various websites, countercharged accusing Serena critics of “over-reacting” and appearing to “hate the female body.”

          What do you think? Should Serena Williams have posed in the nude for the cover of the “Body Issue” of ESPN magazine? We are conducting an online survey. Log onto http://BetterLifeSociety.ning.com and share you views in the Forum “Comment” section.

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Editor’s Commentary

Economics 101: Those who Caused the Current Recession Cannot Be Relied upon to Fix It

By Robert James Taylor

            The Labor Department’s most recent unemployment report symbolized the fallacy and the foolishness of relying upon the same class of greed-driven people who caused the nation’s current recession to implement solutions to end the recession.

          The November 6, 2009 Labor Department report revealed that in October the nation’s unemployment rate climbed to 10.2 percent – the first time joblessness in America had soared above the 10 percent mark since 1983. Meanwhile, for African Americans, the percentage of people looking for work and unable to find it climbed to a near Great Depression figure of 15.7 percent.

          This is not supposed to be the case. Shortly before he left office President Bush pumped most of his $750 billion stimulus into the economy. Then within roughly a month of taking office President Obama began pumping another $787 billion into major banks, corporations and insurance companies. Yet, unemployment is still rising and people are continuing to suffer.

          The underlying problem is that most of the stimulus money was given to the wrong people – the very people whose short-sighted greed caused the recession in the first place. The “wrong” people were major commercial banks, Wall Street investment houses and insurance companies. In theory, the stimulus process was supposed to work as follows: Billions of government dollars (your tax money and funds borrowed from China) would be pumped into major banks; banks would then stimulate business activity by lending the money; businesses with new cash would put it to productive use and employ increasing numbers of people; unemployment would fall; the recession would end and everybody would be happy.

          But this did not happen. The latest government reports suggest the big banks and investment are essentially sitting on the stimulus money or playing Wall Street speculation games with it. One Commerce Department report has the cash reserves of the nation’s biggest banks climbing by 11 percent over the past year to well over $1 trillion. Meanwhile, Wall Street stocks are having some of their best days in over two years as those with the money speculate with it instead of engaging in productive, business-related investments.

          This whole process is driven by short-sighted greed.

          In the future, when the government needs to stimulate the economy out of recession or depression, the stimulate dollars should go primarily to the middle class and the poor – people who will spend the money – not sit on it waiting on more profitable future opportunities or run to Wall Street and essentially gamble with it.

          Here is the real stimulus process: Provide stimulus dollars to the middle class, the working class and the poor. They will spend it stimulating retail business activity. Seeing increased demand retailers will order more products and services from wholesalers. Wholesalers will then order more from manufacturers and if they need to expand they will borrow from the banks.

          In other words, stimulate from the working class up not the super-rich down. The lower classes will (must) spend and spur economic activity but the upper classes can afford to either sit and wait or go gambling on Wall Street.

[Share your views on Robert Taylor commentaries by logging onto http://betterlifesociety.ning.com or by sending an email to TaylorMediaPrime@yahoo.com .]

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Op-Ed Commentary/Opinion

BUSINESS EXCHANGE: Back-to-Black

By William Reed

What constitutes Black identity and voice in America today?  Does the majority of Black Americans still identify with President Barack Obama and voice the post-racial idioms that the nation has rid institutionalized racism?  Or, are growing numbers of discontented African Americans ready to re-define their political and economic identities?

Barack’s identity is not only under question by Americans seeking his birth certificate.  A coalition declaring “Black Is Back” recently gathered in Washington questioning his identity with Blacks, “We need to remind people of the absolute lack of ‘progress’ since new faces assumed leadership”.  The Coalition’s chief organizer says “Concerns of Black and working people remain insufficiently addressed”.  Omali Yeshitela, who heads the Uhuru movement said at a Washington march and rally, “The political paralysis toward righting the ills of Black Americans suffers from lack of a Black-led movement to counter ‘post-racial’ politics”.

To fill the breach, “Black is Black” seeks to bring back the “Fight the Power” tradition historically used to create structural change.  The Coalition’s “Call to Action” is consistent with those of masses of Black and Brown Americans: “Black and Brown people continue to suffer the brunt of un/under-employment and predatory loan scandal crises”.  The Coalition also counters Obama on the military spending and warfare that continues on his watch.

 The Coalition charges mass incarcerations, police brutality and political imprisonment remain rampant among African Americans. Since election, Obama’s popularity has declined among Blacks as well as other ethnic groups.  In a May 2009 poll 60 percent of Blacks felt that Obama met their expectations, while just 46 percent of Whites did.  The country’s economic stagnation and America’s first Black President’s hesitation to make a move on Black issues provide fertile ground for Yeshitela & Company. 

The October 2009 Labor Department figures show the Black unemployment rate at 15.4 compared to an average 9.8 percent for other groups.  “Black is Back” may have more takers than most think.   A 2008 poll found only 49 percent of Whites felt racism was widespread in America compared to 72 percent of Blacks.  Most Black Americans are poor, working-poor working-class, and substantially segregated.  The core population of Blacks’ historical resistance is now the college-educated, white-collar middle class.  This Black population segment is American race relations’ “good news”, but is likely to live, study and work with Whites.

Historically, Black independence and nationalist movements have not only sought racial pride and dedication, but have been directly tied to struggles for economic and social equality as well.  “Black is Back” Coalition co-organizer Glen Ford, Executive Editor of the Black Agenda Report, makes the point that as the US Government is bailing out banks, Blacks Americans should be asking, “Where’s the bailout for us”?  

While national discussions on reparations for descendents of slaves have been circumvented because the nation could not endure the exorbitant costs, the staggering amount of bank and financial industry bailouts nearly doubles the nation’s entire economic yearly output.  The pivotal question is: “Will Blacks buy into just false choices of “post-racial” rhetoric, or that of “status quo” conservatives; as opposed to Yeshitela’s vision: “To free our people’s hopes and dreams from oblivion”? - www.Blackisbackcoalition.org .

(William Reed – www.BlackPressInternational.com)

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Better Life Opportunities, Money, Jobs & Advice

National Business Grants Organization Expands Via Technology

(Taylor Media Services) The National Institute of Small Business Grants (NISBG) has recently expanded its efforts to educate entrepreneurs about real and legitimate grant opportunities. NISBG is now taking advantage of several technological avenues to reach more people. In addition to its resourceful web site, the organization has launched a daily blog, a YouTube channel, and a Twitter account.

The blog (blog.businessgrants.org) publishes daily news, commentary, and tips pertaining to business grants. The YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/businessgrants) features the latest online videos on how to obtain business funding. The Twitter account (@BizGrants) features daily tweets and re-tweets of recent articles and press releases that are related to business finance and funding. For more details, visit www.BusinessGrants.org

Target Market News to Host 2009 African American Internet Marketing Summit

(Taylor Media Services) Target Market News announced last week it will host the 2009 African American Internet Marketing Summit. The event is scheduled for Thursday, November 19th in Chicago at the Wyndham Hotel downtown. The all-day conference will feature some of the industry's leading executives and companies in marketing, advertising, media, technology and research.

 Ken Smikle

"Think of this as the 2.0 version of our 2008 Internet Summit," said Ken Smikle, President of Target Market News. "We added marketing to the title because we're putting an emphasis on how the Internet and digital platforms reach the $800 billion African American consumer market.” He added, “With the boom in social media, there needs to be more dialogue on how marketers continue to explore and use the hundreds of targeted digital media platforms. The financial opportunities are too great to ignore -- especially in this economic climate."

Information on the program details, registration and sponsorship opportunities can be found at www.TargetMarketNews.com. Participants must register in advance. Attendees should contact the Wyndham Hotel Chicago to take advantage of discount rates for the Summit. Target Market News is a leading news and information source on African-American marketing, media and consumer research. For more information, e-mail Target Market News at info@targetmarketnews.com, or call 312-408-1881.

Grants Available for African American Museums

The Institute of Museum & Library Services has discretionary grant opportunities for staff development and training of personnel in African American museums. The award ceiling for this funding opportunity is $150,000.

This funding opportunity is open to Historically Black Colleges and Universities; museums whose primary purpose is African American life, art, history, and/or culture, encompassing the period of slavery, the era of reconstruction, the Harlem Renaissance, the civil rights movement, and other periods of the African Diaspora; and nonprofits whose primary purpose is to support museums.

The funding opportunity number is AAHC-FY10 (CFDA 45.309). It was posted Oct. 15 with an application closing date of Jan. 15, 2010. For more information, contact Christopher J. Reich, Senior Program Officer, 202/653-4685, creich@imls.gov

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The National Black News Journal & Advocate

November 18, 2009

Analytical, financial, health and historical empowerment

Editor – Robert James Taylor; Operations – Chris. Taylor; Advertising/Circulation – LaRue Bonner

Correspondents: Washington, DC; Los Angeles, California; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Columbus, Ohio and Richmond, Virginia

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Major News Developments!

Unemployment Rate Jumps into Double Digits for First Time Since 1983

Black Joblessness Approaching Depression

             (Taylor Media Services) Despite signs of an embryonic recovery from recession in the business sector, the nation’s unemployment rate continued to rise last month. In fact, joblessness reached 10.2 percent – the first time unemployment has climbed above the 10 percent mark since April of 1983, over 26 years ago.

          Meanwhile, joblessness among African Americans started to approach levels not seen since the Great Depression. In October, 15.7 of Blacks looking for work were unable to find it. In September, the Black jobless figure stood at 15.4 percent. But Blacks are by no means the only ones being affected. Unemployment among whites soared to 9.5 percent in October – up from 9.0 percent in September.

          Hispanics also saw their joblessness rise. It was 13.1 percent last month compared to 12.7 percent in September. The largest group of people showing improvement in their job situation was college-educated adults. Their unemployment rate actually dropped slightly falling from 4.9 percent to 4.7 percent. Most analysts say it could be another 6 months before the employment picture begins to improve.

          Politically, President Obama needs the situation to improve by the time campaigning seriously begins for the November elections in 2010.

Some Democrats Nervous after Last Week’s Elections

There May Be a Push for Obama to Slow Down Reforms

            (Taylor Media Services) Last week’s off-year elections were bad news for the Obama administration and its reform agenda but the results were far from the political disaster which had been predicted by several right-wing pundits. Despite last minute efforts by President Obama to prevent it, Republicans won the governorships in Virginia and New Jersey.

           Republican Party Chariman Michael Steel

However, the Democrats took a congressional seat in upstate New York which had been in Republican hands for decades. White House advisors said the Republican victories in Virginia and New Jersey had few implications for Obama’s standing or for Democratic prospects in the 2010 elections. They are probably right but the Republicans appeared energized. GOP Chairman Michael Steele called the victories “a Republican renaissance.”

          The Republican view is probably an exaggeration; but regardless some Democrats are scared feeling Obama may be a bit too fast and bold with his reform agenda. Thus, there may some pressure on Obama to slow down. Democrat Gerald Connolly, for example, charged the election results had “somewhat of a chilling effect, potentially on the agenda.”

          Meanwhile, Democratic liberals suggested that it is time for Obama to more aggressively push his reform agenda. They said, in Connolly words, more needs to be done to revitalize Obama’s “depressed Democratic base” of minorities and liberal whites.

Maxine Waters Joins the Growing List of Black Congress Members under Investigation

           (Taylor Media Services) California Representative Maxine Waters - one of the most progressive members of Congress - has joined the growing list of Black members of Congress being investigated for possible violations by the House Ethics Committee. The alleged Waters transgression relates to aid she appears to have given to Black-owned OneUnited Bank of Massachusetts. After Waters helped arrange a meeting between bank officials and the House Banking Committee, the bank received $12 million in federal bailout funds.

           The problem flows from the fact that Waters’ husband Sidney Williams owned stock in the bank and sat on its board until early 2008. Last week we reported on the investigation into the financial activities of another Black member of Congress from California Laura Richardson. Richardson had lost her home to foreclosure but an apparent sweetheart deal from a major lender enabled her to get it back.

          The leading Black Congress member under investigation is New York’s Charles Rangel, chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. He is accused of failing to report income and assets on a required financial disclosure form. Meanwhile, at least four other Black members of Congress are also under investigation for alleged financial wrongdoings.

Martin Luther King’s Daughter to Head the Civil Rights Organization He Founded

          (Taylor Media Services) The only civil rights organization ever founded by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is the Atlanta, Georgia-based Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). In a historic move recently that veteran civil rights group selected Rev. Bernice King – Dr. King’s daughter – as its next president. The SCLC issued a statement saying, “in the spirit of your late father, with great anticipation, we look forward to your leadership.”

           Rev. Bernice King

Rev. King, 46, is currently a minister at the New Birth Missionary Church in Lithonia, Georgia. She is the first woman and the third King to head the organization which played a leading role in getting the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act passed in the mid-1960s. Previously Dr. King and later his oldest son Martin Luther King, III headed the direct-action civil rights group.

          SCLC was founded in 1957 by Dr. King, Rev. Joseph Abernathy and Rev. Joseph Lowery. Rev. Lowery played a key role in getting Bernice King selected for the post.

National Fatherhood and Families Conf. Set for Los Angeles in February

           (Taylor Media Services) A national conference addressing issues of fatherhood, parenting and families is set to take place February 23-to-26 at the Westin LAX Hotel in Los Angeles. The 11^th Annual National Fatherhood and Families Conference is expected to draw social service professionals and community leaders from throughout the nation.

Organizers say “The gathering will feature workshops and speakers with helpful information on how improve communities by strengthening and improving programs serving fathers and families.”  Registration and conference information can be obtained by logging onto the Fathers and Families website: www.azffc.org.  Corporate, government and organizational sponsorship and advertisement packages are still available for the conference by contacting FFCA at 602-254-5081.

          "This conference brings together professionals from across the country who are on the front lines of working to improve father and family programs," said James Rodriguez, CEO of the Fathers and Families Coalition.

Dr. Regina Benjamin Confirmed As Surgeon General

 Dr. Regina Benjamin

(Taylor Media Services) Dr. Regina Benjamin received Senate confirmation late last week to serve as U.S. surgeon general, making her only the third African-American to hold the position. She was nominated by President Barack Obama on July 13, 2009 and received unanimous approval during the confirmation vote Thursday night.

Benjamin is a graduate of Xavier University in Louisiana and was a recipient of the MacArthur Foundation’s so-called “Genius Award” for her work aiding poor people in the Mississippi Delta region and for her work providing medical services to people left homeless by the aftermath of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

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Special Report:

Rise in Blacks Turning to Islam Appears to Spark Law Enforcement Attacks

          (Taylor Media Services) The recent raid on a Detroit area warehouse and the killing of African American Muslim cleric Lugman Ameen Abdullah during a shootout have helped to bring to light two closely related trends in American society. First, a growing number of Blacks, especiallyfrom low-income inner city areas, are converting to the Islamic religion. Second, law enforcement organizations from the local police to the FBI have begun to target these Black Muslim groups with informants, disruptive tactics and raids.

          For example, last week’s raid on Iman Abdullah’s warehouse in Dearborn, Michigan was carried out by an FBI anti-terrorism unit even though the warrant for Abdullah’s arrest did not accuse him and 10 others of any terrorist or planned terrorist acts. Instead, the Muslims were being accused of “conspiracy to sell stolen goods and illegal possession and sale of firearms.” FBI statements following the shooting revealed that its agents knew of the group’s activities because of three paid informants they had planted inside the organization.

          The presence of law enforcement informants follows a pattern present in the recent arrests of Muslims in cities ranging from Miami and San Francisco to New York and North Carolina. But the “Black Muslims” being targeted are not the Nation of Islam Muslims who follow Minister Louis Farrakhan. Instead, these new and growing in number Muslim groups are Sunni or orthodox Muslims with distinct African American characteristics.

          The exact number of African American converts to Islam is extremely difficult to measure. But a 2007 survey by the Pew polling group placed the number of Muslims in America at 2.35 million with approximately 35 percent of those being Black Americans. But Vassar College professor and expert on American Islam Lawrence Mamiya says the number is closer to 6 million.

          Mamiya also estimates that “regular” orthodox Islamic groups in America - drawing little focus from law enforcement groups - worship in about 300 mosques spread throughout the country. The second largest group with around 100 mosques is part are of Farrakhan’s Nation of Islam. But there is a third group with 40 to 50 mosques united in the Ummah. The FBI says the word means “Brotherhood” but followers say it means “Community.”

          It is those groups associated with the predominantly African American Ummah which appear to being drawing most of the attention from law enforcement agencies as their mosques pull increasing numbers of young, inner city Black males into their ranks. Interestingly, the Ummah was founded by Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin formerly known as H. Rap Brown - the fiery Black Power militant of the 1960’s. Al-Amin is currently serving life in prison for allegedly killing two police officers.

          There is also a prison connection to other Ummah mosques. Many of the leaders have served time in prison. This may give them an advantage when communicating the tenets of Islam to inner city youth. But exactly why young Blacks are converting is unclear. Explanations range from the young California woman who told an Associated Press reporter she was drawn by the religion’s emphasis on equality and humility to a young Washington, DC man who told this reporter, “If I ever go to jail, I’ll have protection.”

          Whatever the reasons, Islam is growing in Black America. Simultaneously, law enforcement has become suspicious. And that can be a potentially dangerous and even violent development.

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Better Life Opportunities, Money, Jobs & Advice

Job: National Urban League Looking for CEO for Denver Area

           (Taylor Media Services) The National Urban League is searching for a President and Chief Executive Officer for Urban League of the Metropolitan Denver, Colorado. The salary range for the position is $100,000 to $125,000. The person selected will be responsible for providing leadership and implementing the policies and objectives of the organization in accordance with the national charter and board of directors.

          A bachelor’s degree (masters preferred) is required along with a minimum of five years of successful public administration, business, or non-profit management experience. For certification consideration, you must submit an up-to-date resume to:  Jerome Whitney, Urban League of Metropolitan Denver, Inc., 2015 York Street, Denver, Colorado 80205 on or before November 13, 2009.

Philadelphia N’COBRA to Feature Acclaimed Documentary “The Durban 400”

             (Taylor Media Services) N’COBRA, the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America, is featuring the highly acclaimed international documentary “The Durban 400” in Philadelphia on November 20^th. The film focuses on a group of South African activists who attended the United Nations World Conference against Racism earlier this year. The Obama administration boycotted the conference charging it was too critical of U.S. ally Israel.

          However, the Durban 400 sought to address the issue of reparations for the slave trade and European colonization of Africa. The documentary will be shown at the Cliveden Museum House, 6401 Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia. Persons interested in obtaining a $20 ticket can call 267-591-2197.

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Entertainment, People, Books and Style!

Glamour Magazine Names Rihanna “Woman of the Year” in Wake of Chris Brown Beating

                 Rihanna

(Taylor Media Services) Fast-rising R&B singer Rihanna was named “Woman of the Year” last week by Glamour Magazine. The honor comes in the wake of the beating the 21-year-old Bahamian native received last February from ex-boyfriend Chris Brown – another fast-rising star in the R&B music industry. Magazine editor Cini Leive said Rihanna was chosen because “in breaking her silence about what she calls the “big secret” of domestic violence, she is sending an important message to young women …”

            Rihanna told the magazine she felt “humiliated” when pictures were leaked to the media showing her bruised but added she decided to take the opportunity to alert young women to abusive relationships. The February incident reportedly resulted when Rihanna and Brown got into an argument over his alleged involvement with another woman.

            Meanwhile, Brown was sentenced to community service and placed on five years probation.

Rev. Al Sharpton Steaming Mad after Ex-Wife and Daughter Arrested

          (Taylor Media Services) Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton was fighting mad last week after he learned that his ex-wife and his daughter had been handcuffed and arrested after arguing with police officers over a traffic ticket in Harlem, New York. Both women were charged with disorderly conduct and a relatively new charge “obstruction of governmental administration.”

           Dominique Sharpton

Both women – 53-year-old Kathy Jordan and 23-year-old Dominique Sharpton – were ticketed and then released. Sharpton issued a statement saying “I cannot imagine how two unarmed women with not record, could be taken in cuffs from a traffic dispute with no personal or property damage.” He added, “We will never accept un fairness.”

          The police say Dominique raced past a police car, through a red light and called her mother when police stopped her.

Racial Discrimination Threatens Mental Health of African American Women

             (Taylor Media Services) A new study by Florida State University finds that racial discrimination leaves African American women more susceptible to depression and threatens their mental health. According to lead researcher Dr. Verna Keith, “Our results show that perceptions of unfair treatment, like other chronic stressors, are psychologically burdensome to African American women.”

          Keith explained in the study published in last month’s Sex Roles, an online research journal, discrimination damages a woman’s feelings of being in control of their lives and makes them psychologically less resilient. The study involved 2,300 adult Black women. However, older women and women with college educations reported fewer symptoms of depression.

Share Your Views on the Serena Williams Controversy with Nude Pose

           (Taylor Media Services) Tennis sensation Serena Williams graced the cover of the recent “Body Issue” ESPN magazine. That fact is not particularly unusual for a sports publication but what had tongues wagging and criticisms flying last week was the fact that the 28-year-old athlete poses in the nude. One popular African American Internet blogger screamed in print that Serena had “disgraced herself.” Others, commenting on various websites, countercharged accusing Serena critics of “over-reacting” and appearing to “hate the female body.”

          What do you think? Should Serena Williams have posed in the nude for the cover of the “Body Issue” of ESPN magazine? We are conducting an online survey. Log onto http://BetterLifeSociety.ning.com and share you views in the Forum “Comment” section.

Radio One Shows Improved Financial Results but Still Appears Weak

             Alfred Liggins

               (Taylor Media Services) Radio One - the nation’s largest African American controlled radio network - issued its Third Quarter (July, August and September) results last week. They show the radio giant with “net revenue” of $75.5 million - down by 12 percent from the same period in 2008. However, “net income” was $14.2 million - an improvement from a net loss of $266.1 million in the Third Quarter last year.

            CEO Alfred Liggins III issued a statement saying, “Our third quarter results contain mixed signals. The sequential improvement in radio revenue that we have been seeing since the first quarter continued, but not as strongly as I would have liked.” Radio One owns approximately 60 radio stations, a major stake in the Tom Joyner Radio Show and controls the Black cable television network TV One.

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Editor’s Commentary

America and Israel Should Allow Abbas to Resign

It Is Best to Let a Palestinian Leader Emerge They Do Not Like

By Robert James Taylor

          There are times when the superficial, short-sighted thinking of America’s and Israel’s policies in the Middle East astound me. For example, last week both nations were wringing their hands and virtually begging Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas not to follow through with an announcement to step aside and allow someone else become Palestinian president.

          The fact that America and Israel were pleading with Abbas not to step aside points up the absolutely ridiculous nature of a policy which can never bring peace to the Middle East. Essentially, America and Israel do not want to see Abbas go because he pretty much does whatever they instruct him to do.

          The two nations maneuvered, misled the world and may have employed assassination (i.e. the strange and sudden death of former Palestinian President Yassir Arafat) to get Abbas elected. I am not sure if there is a Palestinian phrase for “Uncle Tom” but basically Abbas has been a Palestinian Uncle Tom seemingly doing more to carry out America’s and Israel’s Middle East agenda than to achieve true nationhood for the Palestinian people and end Israeli oppression.

          America and Israel have long felt that having the 74-year-old Abbas as Palestinian leader was a major coup. They finally had in place a “moderate” with which they could work. But this was a false victory. Abbas became so distrusted by his own people that they started to turn against him.

          The prime example of this distrust came in the aftermath of the Goldstone Report. The findings of this report was a major diplomatic victory for the Palestinians and their claims of Israeli oppression and brutality. The Goldstone panel essentially felt there was strong evidence that the Israelis had engaged in war crimes and possibly crimes against humanity during the Gaza war ealier this year.