Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome?

Article (The Oregonian)

Thanks to Ramblings' Journal for exposing this article! Now "post-traumatic slave syndrome" explains murder.

A Portland lawyer claims that black folks' suffering by slaveowners explains why his client beat his 2-year-old son to death. Social work "expert" Joy DeGruy-Leary asserts that slavemasters beat slaves, black folks never got a chance to heal, and we still face racism so we suffer from genetic multigenerational trauma. The county judge threw out the theory at pretrial but says that she might consider it at trial if the lawyer can prove that it's a verifiable disorder (which the American Psychiatric Association doesn't recognize) and applies to this case.

You don't need to tell us that racism still exists. Yet excuse us, but didn't slavery end 139 years ago? The "expert" is a sociologist and not a licensed psychologist, so why is she proposing disorders? Why is our violence rate three times higher now than 50 years ago, when slavery was much more recent and we faced far more oppression? There are 38.3 million black Americans - over 90% of whom have slave ancestors - so shouldn't this disorder and attendant violence be far more widespread? Never mind that the vast, vast majority of black folks are law-abiding citizens.

At Ramblings' Journal, Michael King states, "America's courts are filled with shady shrinks paid by sleazy shysters ready to spout off any convenient theory for the bad behavior of pathetic people." Amen, Brotha Michael. This is one of the most repulsive things we've read this year!

New Book Pays Tribute To Black Veterans

Article and Audio (Voice of America)

Yet more books out about black veterans! Yvonne Latty's We Were There: Voices of African American Veterans, from World War II to the War in Iraq contains more than two dozen first-hand accounts, along with photographs. They not only fought to defend the U.S., but to bring about racial equality in the military. A traveling photo exhibition based on the book recently opened at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

Black Republicans: "Democratic Party Must Apologize For Past Wrongs"

Article (ChronWatch)

They're contacting the Democratic National Committee, demanding that it apologize to blacks for 168 years of racist practices during its upcoming national convention. Slavery, Civil War, Jim Crow, and Great Society were all instigated by Dems. No love for the donkey party. While they're at it, why don't black Republicans target their own party? Who sold out black folks in 1876, with the Hayes-Tilden Compromise which ended Reconstruction? Who was silent during Jim Crow? Who started affirmative action? Who aired those Willie Horton and "black hands" ads?

Canada: Iginla's Rise As Hockey's Poster Boy

Article (Globe and Mail, Canada)

Observers claim that as the NHL's first black captain, Mr. Iginla could help market hockey to black Americans. We say highly doubtful. For one, Americans - especially black folks - strongly prefer to follow American sports stars. Second, how many black folks (hell, any folks) watch hockey in America? The sport is barely on TV here. More affluent blacks prefer tennis and golf, and working-class blacks prefer the showstoppa pizzazz of football, basketball, and boxing. Plus, NASCAR is fiercely on the rise with black folks. We just don't see how ice hockey can compete.

WWII: Black Vets In Normandy, France

Audio (National Public Radio)

NPR speaks with a 79-year old black veteran of the D-Day invasion as he prepares to join in the commemoration of the 60th anniversary in France. Joining veteran Bill Danbey is photographer and filmmaker Samuel LeBon Wooten, a French-born black who is producing a film on black American involvement in the attack. Just in time for this Sunday's 60th anniversary, he's returning to Normandy with Mr. Danbey and several other black vets.

U.S. Troops Prepared To Leave Haiti

Article (Associated Press)

The U.S. hands over operations to a U.N. force tomorrow, even though a fraction of the planned 8,000 troops and police are there yet. Most of the 1,900 U.S. troops will stay until June 30. Of course, the same whiners about U.S. "unilateralism" want us to remain there. U.S. troops shouldn't have been in Haiti in the first place. Haitians should've determined Jean-Bertrand Aristide's fate. Holier-than-thou France and Canada should do more. How about the Caribbean policing its own region? Our involvement should be turning back illegals and drug traffickers.

South Korea, U.S. To Discuss Peninsula Troop Reduction

Article (Associated Press)

The planned reduction (1/3 of the 37,000 U.S. troops in South Korea) is part of USA's global effort to realign its forces to better respond to emergencies. About damn time! We'd withdraw all 37,000 troops. South Korea should be solely responsible for its defense. It has twice the population and 20x the economic power of North Korea. South Koreans are rabidly anti-American, so why protect these ingrates? Let them deal with Kim Jong Il since they believe USA is more of a threat than the communist North's nuclear program. We've got more pertinent issues to handle.

Botswana's GDP Grows 6.7%

Article (Daily News, Botswana)

Botswana's gross domestic product is estimated to have grown by 6.7% over the past year, as compared to 2.2% the previous year. We don't hear much about the good part of Africa, but Botswana has been a stable democracy since its independence in the 1960s. The southern African country has one of Africa's highest per capita GDPs ($9,500, vs. black Americans' $16,864 per capita GDP) and has had impressive economic gains.

Is The NAACP Still Relevant As It Nears 100?

Article (St. Petersburg Times)

At age 95, the NAACP increasingly deals with an aging, less active membership, and a faltering national profile. In 1995, it had 650,000 members nationwide. Today's membership is about 500,000, and some lifetime members never attend a local branch meeting. NAACP chair Julian Bond says the 25-40 age group is its weak link.

Some folks, like libertarian media commentator Larry Elder, say the NAACP is now irrelevant. We are Larry fans, but we disagree. The NAACP's legal defense fund is still relevant, to make sure that America doesn't backslide on racial equality (as it's done in three critical points in U.S. history: its founding, the Dred Scott, and Plessy v. Ferguson). Call us cynical - and the occasional crazy racist incident calling for NAACP intervention remains.

However, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People must alter its focus in the 21st century. It's 2004, not 1954. We have our civil rights, thanks in no small part to the NAACP. Yet it now smugly rests on old-school laurels and is an elite social club in many cities, when we still have work to do. For black folks to continue to advance, we must look inward and focus on economic empowerment issues.

60th Anniversary Of Tuskegee Airmen's Heroism

Article (BlackAmericaWeb)

This year marks the 60th anniversary of one of USA's greatest military feats ever – an unblemished record of escorting bombers through Europe's hostile skies during World War II without losing one to enemy fire. And it was black folks who did it. The brothas destroyed more than 1,000 German aircraft while smacking down Nazis for the Allied Powers and then returned to USA to fight for our civil rights. Shall we point out that Tuskegee Institute - the airmen's home base - was founded by Booker T. Washington, the inspiration behind this website?

Black Writers Seize Glamorous Ground Around 'Chick-Lit'

Article (New York Times)

The Beautiful Negroes (aka Black American Princess) set is taking the literature industry by storm. There is a growing set of Manhattan-based novels about affluent black women living high-octane lives. Black chick-lit often centers on single women with dream jobs, precariously balancing the personal and professional. The market for contemporary black fiction is booming. According to Target Market News, a research company that specializes in black consumer statistics, we spent $325 million on books in 2003, an 8% percent increase over 2002.

Arab Report: Iraq Situation Improving

Article (Associated Press)

Despite war and occupation, Iraq has seen a surge in human rights groups, political parties and independent media - entities almost unheard of under Saddam Hussein. The report by Egypt's Ibn Khaldoun Center for Development Studies was careful not to credit USA for the progress. The report reviews civil society, democratization, and minorities in 19 Arab nations. Does the Center believe this blossoming of Iraq's civil society had no help? Who kicked out Saddam and helped usher in this progress? Will Western liberal media highlight this report? Uh, no.

Sudan: Arab Militia Use 'Rape Camps' For Ethnic Cleansing

Article (The Daily Telegraph, England)

Arab Muslims continue their racist genocide in Sudan in their quest to take over the African continent. There may now be a peace accord with the black Christian rebels in the south, but black Muslims remain the targets of Sudan's Arabized Muslim government. Ah, the "religion of peace." When will black Americans raise holy hell about this issue, as we did on South African apartheid? Why the hell did African leaders support Sudan's successful bid to join the U.N. Commission on Human Rights, why is U.N. head Kofi Annan so muted on this issue? Why aren't Muslims of all races denouncing this mess? Oh we forgot, a U.S. female soldier leading Iraqi prisoners on a leash is far more important than black folks getting slaughtered, enslaved, raped, and expelled in a racist genocide.

School Equality: A Black Responsibility?

Article (Boston Globe)

We'd say it's mostly a black responsibility, but systemic issues regarding quality access remain. The conservative National Organization of Scholars recently held an event about the racial gap in educational achievement. Research shows income differences account for only about 1/3 of the gap. Carol Swain, a Vanderbilt University law professor, was the only black speaker and she hit the nail on the head. She identified various cultural factors that may hold black students back, including "dysfunctional abusive homes," "lack of parental involvement in the schools," and "negative peer pressure about learning and about high achievement as evidence of one's `acting white.'" Ms. Swain also identifies affirmative action in universities as part of the problem because it reduces incentives for most black and Latino students to do well in high school. She says better schools may provide some solutions but there must also be cultural change, and "middle-class minorities must take a leadership role in this area."

Amen, Sista Carol. We've argued the same thing! Before liberalism pumped its poison in black communities, school equality was a black responsibility. We set up schools, risked death to get an education, etc. Kids in Booker T. Washington's era (or Dr. Martin Luther King's era, for that matter) weren't calling education a "white" thing, but common-sense blackness.

A moderate, Ms. Swain says she ain't concerned about (white) conservatives who may have their own agenda. "Do liberal blacks worry about being tokens for the status quo? I doubt it. I call things the way I see them." Thankfully, black folks are taking things back into our own hands, quietly fleeing public schools for private ones and calling for school vouchers.

Israel: Sharon Postpones Vote on Gaza Pullout

Article (Associated Press)

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon threatens to fire Cabinet opponents of his Gaza withdrawal plan and remake his parliamentary government with moderates after failing to muster a majority during a key meeting. He wants to withdraw Israeli soldiers and settlers from all of the Gaza Strip and evacuate four West Bank settlements, citing boosted security. His Likud Party rejected the U.S.-backed proposal in a May 2 referendum. In a rare interview with an Israeli TV station, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat gave conditional support to the pullout plan.

Harlem Launch For Bubba Book Tour

Article (New York Post)

USA's "first black president" (so says writer Toni Morrison, so no sneers!) has chosen Harlem's Hue-Man bookstore for his first independent bookstore appearance on his upcoming book tour. Hue-Man, which opened its doors in 2002 just two blocks away from former President Bill Clinton's Harlem office, is Harlem's only independent bookstore.

German Nazi Vet: "D-Day? France Preferred Us To The U.S. Even Then"

Article (The Daily Telegraph, England)

This story is a mess! We believe it though, because it sounds way too French. Let us get this straight: Nazi Germany invades France. France surrenders on a dime, while the Fuhrer shells bombs left and right as refugees flee. The Nazis occupy over 60% of France's land. France whines about its occupation, and begs folks to rescue it. America is minding its own business while the Europeans self-destruct, but decides to help rescue France from fascists (since France did help us defeat the British in the American Revolution). After liberation, we help France rebuild itself. Our thank you are French whines about American soldiers and bombers? Excuse us, wouldn't y'all be speaking German right now but for us? Let's not forget that the 761st Tank Battalion - an all-black unit - helped liberate these ingrates, even before we had our own freedoms. Oh, we forgot. The French always bends over to whomever it appeases, and was a very willing associate in turning over Jews to the Nazi ovens. That's why nobody trusts it to be a part of NATO's military force now. Why in hell do we call this country an ally, when it's our enemy?

JEFF JACOBY COMMENTARY: Vouchers And The Promise Of Equality

Commentary (Boston Globe)

Mr. Jacoby argues that while cultural aspects are also critical in discussing academic achievement, bad schools in which so many minority children are trapped are part of the problem. He proposes:

"So maybe it's time to try a really radical reform: choice. Education policy in the United States treats Americans as too incompetent to provide for their children's schooling. Unlike food or clothing or health care - where the market generates lots of options and parents are free to choose among them - education is mostly supplied on the Soviet model: Schooling is 'free,' but the schools are owned and operated by the state. A small fraction of parents pay to educate their children privately, but the great majority simply take what the state supplies. The public education system is essentially a monopoly, and like most monopolies, it wastes money, performs indifferently, and doesn't much care if its customers - American mothers and fathers - are satisfied."

Mr. Jacoby argues that choice and competition have led to revolutionary advances in virtually every other area of modern life, yet public education remains essentially unchanged from 50 or even 150 years ago. We agree, and liberals block such reform even though 57% of blacks (and 70% of those with schoolkids) support it.

Detroit Museum Gambles On Lynching Exhibit Controversy

Article (Knight Ridder)

Last week we posted an article about the fiscal troubles of Detroit's Wright Museum, the nation's largest black history museum. To return to profitability and attract record crowds, the museum has announced a controversial and graphic photo exhibit about lynching. The exhibit opens July 15. This exhibit has previously been in other big cities, to mixed reaction. In deference to our readers we selected the least gruesome photo that we could find online to accompany this post, but terrorism ain't pretty.

DEBORAH MATHIS COMMENTARY: Will The South Be Transformed Into Fulfillment Land?

Commentary (BlackAmericaWeb)

The native Southerner remembers taunts, chides and ridicule about her region from "condescending Northerners and Westerners, many of them my own kin" as a child. However, the Great Migration of last century is in reverse, as black folks return to the South. We've been arguing that this reverse migration means the fall of liberalism, given the South's social conservatism and evangelical Christianity. As long as we focus on our communities' most pressing issues, the "New South" will be Fulfillment Land.

Louisiana: State Senator Revives Civil Rights Museum

Article (New Orleans Times-Picayune)

It's been 5 years since the state legislature passed a law establishing a Louisiana Civil Rights Museum. Little has since been done, and the author of the 1999 law seeks to rectify it. Many local blacks feel that the state hasn't done more to honor the movement. E.g., the SCLC was founded in New Orleans. The first successful bus boycott took place in Baton Rouge two years before the better-known one in Montgomery, Ala. Our question: why hasn't New Orleans' sizeable black elite taken up this mantle? Why wait for the state to do what we can best do - honor our history?

Serena, Venus Advance at French Open

Article (Sporting Life, England)

Serena Williams won her fourth-round match, beating Shinobu Asagoe 6-3, 6-1. Older sister Venus is also in the tournament's final eight. We see the French are behaving themselves this year, after last year's appallingly racist treatment of Ms. Serena at the Open.

Davis Calls For Unity

Article (The Demopolis Times)

Rep. Artur Davis, a moderate Democrat seeking a second term in Congress, seeks to bridge ideological differences in his district to bring constituents closer together. You may recall his acrimonious race in 2002, from liberal black activists and the Congressional Black Caucus as he defeated five-term liberal Democrat Earl Hilliard.

CLARENCE PAGE COMMENTARY: What Bill Cosby Meant To Say

Commentary (Chicago Tribune)

The liberal commentator says that had Cos chosen milder language for his recent controversial comments of what keeps poor black folks poor, folks would've ignored him. Bill Cosby is really issuing a call to action to black folks to step up to the plate and take back our communities. Mr. Page is particularly glad to see Mr. Cosby dismiss the widely heard concern that he was giving white conservatives ammunition to trash black folks. He says, "We, who happen to be African-American parents, in particular, need to stop worrying about what white conservative talk-show hosts, for example, think about us and start talking about what we are doing to ourselves."

Amen, Brotha Clarence! Many white folks will be white folks anyway, so can we be obsessed about our future? Black folks of all ideologies can increase school mentors, pressure black kids to learn, protest thuggish music videos, and other things to help young folks grow up with strong values without being a millionaire like Mr. Cosby.

Long After World War II, Black Battalion Gets Its Due

Article (San Francisco Chronicle)

Thanks in large part to NBA great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's new book about its exploits, the 761st Tank Battalion - USA's first black armored unit - is getting some limelight. Nicknamed "The Black Panthers," they helped liberate France, broke through German lines and turned back a counterattack in Belgium, pushed through Bavaria, and liberated two Nazi concentration camps in Austria.

Britain: Labour Party Moves To Increase Black Representation

Article (Black Information Link, England)

Operation Black Vote's exit polls show that in past elections, over 80% of blacks cast their votes for the Labour Party. However, many activists feel the party takes black voters for granted. Labour (Prime Minister Tony Blair's party, which historically allies itself with USA's Democratic Party) is determined to change the perception. Fellow Americans, doesn't this scenario sound familiar? However, the Conservative Party's black members like Lord John Taylor and Adam Afriyie have their own plans to increase Britain's black conservative base.

Saudi Hostage Crisis Ends

Article (Associated Press)

Saudi commandos stormed a resort early today to free dozens of foreign hostages seized by suspected Al Qaeda gunmen in an attack on the Saudi Arabia's oil industry that killed 22 people. An American was among those killed in the clash.

WWII Vets Gather For Memorial Dedication

Article (Associated Press)

Yesterday more than 140,000 people turned out on the National Mall to dedicate the new World War II Memorial, a sweeping monument of granite and bronze that was planned for more than a decade.

Florida Campaigns Aim To Assure Black Voters

Article (New York Times)

As Election Day draws near in a battleground state whose 27 electoral votes could prove crucial once again, a movement is rising in poor black communities to register and educate folks about the voter process. A top goal is to change deep suspicions about voting equipment's accuracy; how polling places are chosen; and what role Gov. Jeb Bush, the president's brother, will play in Florida's outcome. The liberal People for the American Way is doing this work - where are black moderates and conservatives?

Britain: Black Voters Learn More About Politics

Article (BBC, England)

A Bristol City Council "shadow" initiative to encourage more black folks to get involved in local politics is believed to be the first of its kind in England. Black residents who sign up will be placed with councillors and escort them to meetings and events to learn more about the political process. The initiative is organized by Operation Black Vote, a national group aiming to increase black political participation and representation.

CAROLINE GLICK COMMENTARY: Should Europe Supply The Arab World With Nuclear Weapons?

Commentary (Jerusalem Post, Israel)

Is Europe out of its damn mind?! After condemning Israel, a European Union parliamentarian declared Europe should supply Arab countries with nuclear weapons. A Frenchman (of course) proposed this idiotic idea, citing Israel's "theocratic excesses." Eh? Israel is the Middle East's only democracy, lightyears ahead of its neighbors on human rights and freedom of religion. We suppose none of the 22 Arab states have theocratic excesses (try 20 do). Oh we forgot, the only religion that European secularists respect is Islamic terrorism. Look at how Europe turns its back on the genocide of Sudan's black Christians -- which the U.N. calls the world's worst humanitarian disaster -- while it's in overdrive about Iraq. Given Europe's centuries-long hatred of Jews, the EU merely wants the Arabs - both in the Middle East and within Europe - to finish what Hitler was almost able to do in the 1940s. "Niggers" and "kikes," count on Europe to turn its back.

Gamble By Beyonce's Father Pays Big Dividends

Article (Miami Herald - free registration required)

This article focuses on the role that Mathew Knowles has played in his daughter's success. The family's pastor pipes in, and the Knowles family's Christian faith and Mr. Knowles' experience with school desegregation is discussed. Destiny's Child started out singing for church congregations and fashion shows. We're big Beyonce fans, but can we please see a return of her social conservativeness on stage and not just off it?

GREGORY KANE COMMENTARY: Black Leaders Must Choose Between Criminals And Victims

Commentary
(Baltimore Sun)

Mr. Kane says black leaders who constantly lament the plight of black criminals - who complain that too many black men are in prison but not in college and who make restoring voting rights to black felons a civil rights issue - have a choice to make: continue to support them or their usually black victims. They can't support both because the two groups have opposing agendas. He also adds pundits forget that black conservatives have been publicly uttering what Bill Cosby recently uttered for awhile now. We say amen, Mr. Kane.

Kerry Uses Civil Rights, Military Themes In Appeal To Black Veterans

Article (Associated Press)

Drawing on military themes while trying to strengthen his black voter support, Sen. John Kerry told black vets that their sacrifices were part of an "unfinished journey" to ensure that blacks need not fight as hard for equality as our forebears did when they returned home from war. Sen. Kerry's speech was a salute to veterans organized by the Congressional Black Caucus.

Bermuda Seeks Affluent Black American Tourists

Article (The Royal Gazette, Bermuda)

Bermuda's tourism department is targeting affluent black Americans to capture another niche market, selected a black American marketing firm to assist its efforts. We recently posted an article about Barbados' efforts to attract black American tourists. Bermuda is late to the party, given that several other countries have had such efforts underway for some time but we welcome the hospitality.

Army: "Pat Tillman Likely Killed by Friendly Fire"

Article (Associated Press)

The U.S. Army says former NFL player Pat Tillman was probably killed by friendly fire as he led his team of Army Rangers up a hill during a firefight in Afghanistan last month. Previous military statements suggested he was killed under enemy fire. Mr. Tillman walked away from a $3.6 million NFL contract to join the Army after the 9/11 attacks.

Amtrak Ordered to Pay $500,000 in Racial Slur Lawsuit

Article (San Francisco Chronicle)

A federal court jury has awarded $500,000 to a former Amtrak electrician who said he was subjected to racial slurs, harassment, and discrimination throughout five years of work at the Oakland rail yard.

Clarence Thomas' Father-in-Law Can't Fly U.S. Flag

Article (Associated Press)

Every morning since 9/11, Donald Lamp has hung his U.S. flag from his apartment balcony. His Omaha retirement community wants him to take his flag down. The World War II veteran and daddy-in-law to the U.S. Supreme Court justice refuses.

Bush Calls for "Culture Change"

Article (Christianity Today)

President George W. Bush says a new era of responsibility should replace the "feel-good" ethic in America.

GERARD ROBINSON COMMENTARY - Freedom of Choice: From 'Brown' to School Vouchers

Commentary (Heartland Institute)

Mr. Robinson argues that unlike its counterpart during fear-based choice with segregation academies in te 1950s and 1960s after the 'Brown v. Board' decision, black communities can benefit from freedom-based choice that school vouchers bring. Given that the last Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies survey showed that 57% of blacks support school vouchers, most folks agree with Mr. Robinson.

NASCAR Tries to Address Color Sensitivity

Article (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)

Former NBA star Magic Johnson is the point man, cultivating his professional and personal contacts with a historic challenge in mind: find a black driver to compete among NASCAR's elite teams.

Film Highlights Black Soldiers in WWII

Article (Axcess News)

More than 1 million black Americans served in World War II, and William Smith has made it his personal mission to ensure that our stories are captured. Smith wrote, produced and paid for the documentary "The Invisible Soldiers: Unheard Voices." It won the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame Documentary Film Award.

Caribbean Flood Death Toll Mounting

Article (Associated Press)

The official Haitian governmental toll climbed to 592. It's 442 in the Dominican Republic. American, Canadian, and Chilean troops arrived in helicopters loaded with water, food, medical supplies, and aid workers. The U.S. has provided $50,000 in immediate relief to each country.

Film Prompts Black Stereotypes Criticism

Article (The Guardian, UK)

Sounds like the black literati are rightfully coming down hard on the new flick "Soul Plane," arguing that it demeans black folks. Our question: this Hollywood crap keeps getting pumped out because black folks make it sell. How about not supporting Hollywood product which demeans our dignity?

Nykola has written an interesting piece about the film, "The Modern Day Minstrel Show," on her blog.

Cosby's Comments Bring Applause From Black Conservatives

Article (Agape Press)

Black conservatives praise liberal comedian Bill Cosby for publicly asserting that problems in black communities are mostly due to personal failure, not racism or public policy. E.g., Ward Connerly comments that he's been saying similar stuff for awhile but is called a sellout, yet says "Bill Cosby is in a position to deflect such comments, and I applaud his statements."

We continue to support Cos 95% (we quibble with minor stuff). A side note for black conservatives: Cos has credibility and almost no black conservatives do with most black folks, because Cos doesn't just talk but actually acts. Black conservatives should pay heed here, in building up a constituency to address the issues that Cos outlines. We need to be in communities talking to folks, not throwing grenades over fences. Ceasing to use words like "them" (ain't you black too, Ward?) would help our cause.

REGGIE RIVERS COMMENTARY - Military: Keep Our Slaves Safe

Commentary (Denver Post)

Former Denver Bronco Reggie Rivers argues that the military is one of the last bastions of slavery in America.

What utter drivel in this article, which trivializes slavery big time. One doesn't volunteer for slavery! That a descendant of slaves wrote this crap is even more troublesome. Uh, several differences Reg: (1) people volunteer to serve in the military (hello, contract -- a word with which Mr. Rivers should be familiar); (2) they are paid for their labor, even learning useful skills for upward mobility when they return to civilian life; and (3) they are free to leave or re-enlist once their tour of duty is up. Heck, they can even go AWOL without facing death. You think your great-great grandparents had these options? Puhleeze brotha, don't step with this crap!

The Forgotten Heroes of World War II

Article (Black Entertainment Television)

As USA pauses to dedicate a new memorial to World War II veterans this Memorial Day weekend, let's remember the accomplishments of black World War II heroes. Did you know that it was the all-black 761st armored tank unit (seen in the photo) that liberated the infamous Buchenwald and Dachau Nazi-run Jewish concentration camps?

Liberia Inching Towards Peace

Article (News 24, South Africa)

A national-unity government arranged under the peace pact is to lead Liberia until late-2005 elections, supported by the United Nations' largest peacekeeping mission. Liberia was founded in 1821 in part by freed U.S. slaves and is Africa's oldest republic. 5% of its citizens are "Americo," or of American descent.

Iraqi Council Announces Prime Minister Pick

Article (CNN)

The Iraqi Governing Council has tapped one of its members to be prime minister in the interim government that will take over on June 30. Iyad Allawi, a Shi'ite Muslim, doctor and founder of the former exile group Iraqi National Accord, will be the first Iraqi other than Saddam Hussein to lead Iraq in more than three decades.

Our First Letter

Mark Anthony Neal sent us an email taking issue with our response on Wednesday to his Africana.com article, "Hip Hop's Gender Problem." Click here for our response. The associate professor of American Studies at University of Texas writes:

"Check the record--my books and public writings have consistently held Hip-Hop and R&B artists as well as a few ministers and patriarchal gatekeepers accountable for their sexism, misogyny and homophobia. A few examples:

Critical Noir: Rhythm and Beatdown
Baby-Girl Drama: Remembering Sakia
My Black Male Feminist Heroes
Critical Noir: Spelman Women Take a Stand"

Our focus was on this particular article, which we believe was too light on offensive hip hoppers. We wish Mr. Neal had put the critique from his other articles into this article. In "Hip Hop's Gender Problem," he deflects too much attention from hip hoppers' actions, arguing that society itself (the influencer) must change before hip hoppers can change. Our point: how about hip hoppers taking some responsibility to change society, especially since they are a key part of the very influencer of which Mr. Neal speaks?

Jacko Trial Set for September 13

Article (Associated Press)

The judge in the Michael Jackson molestation case set a tentative trial date of September, and heard arguments on whether to reduce the pop star's bail but didn't issue an immediate ruling.

U.S. Signs Free Trade Agreement with Central America

Article (Newsmax.com)

The U.S. and five Central American countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua) signed a free trade agreement. The Dominican Republic will soon join the pact. However, CAFTA faces stiff opposition in Congress because many Democrats contend it doesn't protect U.S. workers from unfair competition from low-wage countries. We say doing a job just as well but cheaper ain't "unfair" competition, but common sense efficiency that enables us to focus on areas where we excel.

J.C. Watts: "Republicans Should Listen to Minorities"

Article (Wichita Eagle)

J.C. Watts, a former U.S. Representative and current GOPAC head, says the No. 1 question the GOP should look at is: why do black voters agree with some of the party's ideals and most of its stances on social issues, but not vote for its candidates? "Most black people don't think alike; most black people just vote alike," he says.

Aristide to Take Asylum in South Africa

Article (Associated Press)

Former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide will leave Jamaica this weekend for temporary asylum in South Africa. We still say that he is shady as hell (how does a former Catholic priest become Haiti's richest man?) but it was the Haitian folks who should've decided his fate through elections.

Study: Caffeine in Sodas Risky for Black Kids

Article (Knight Ridder)

Many pediatricians and nutritionists blame sugary soft drinks for making America's kids fat, rotting their teeth and causing calcium deficiencies. A new study adds increased risk of hypertension to the list, due to caffeine, and black teens are at highest risk.

New Magazine Targets Harlem's Growing Black Middle Class

Target Market News says that a new glossy quarterly magazine, Uptown, will emphasize culture, the arts, nightlife, and black society in Harlem. Uptown will distribute 100,000 complimentary copies throughout New York City's black neighborhoods. Harlem is on the upswing again thanks in part to an influx of young black professionals.

Michigan: Anti-Affirmative Action Vote Drive Halted

Article (Associated Press)

A campaign to ban affirmative action in Michigan is giving up the effort to make the November ballot and now aims for 2006. A co-chair says the extra time is needed because of "internal disorganization, internal discord, legal decisions" and the health problems of campaign founder Ward Connerly.

Bill Cosby Uncensored

Has Howard University released the video from the NAACP dinner yet? Oh, well. Two days ago, Bill Cosby appeared on PBS' "Tavis Smiley Show" to discuss his comments about the social responsibility of many low-income blacks. Here are the transcript and audio (ain't this interview a tad testy?).

Transcript
Listen to the program

China Gags Tiananmen Dissidents

Article (Reuters)

China is placing the pro-democracy dissidents under house arrest to prevent them from publicly commemorating the 15th anniversary of the June 4 Tiananmen Square crackdown.

LEONARD PITTS JR. COMMENTARY: Appreciation for Generation of True Heroes

Commentary (Detroit Free Press)

Mr. Pitts argues that there's much to learn from the Greatest Generation, in relation to today's world events. For all the ways the world has changed over almost 60 years since World War II, the core of it has not changed at all. He says, "But maybe it's only now, with fanaticism confronting us, that we can finally and fully appreciate them."

South Africa Emerges as Beacon of Hope, Racial Harmony

Article (Ft. Worth Star-Telegram)

Once laboring under the darkness of an apartheid system that disenfranchised the vast majority of its population, South Africa is clambering into the light with a growing black middle class. Once a pariah state teetering on the brink of civil war, South Africa is emerging on the world stage as a beacon of hope and racial harmony. However, challenges remain in this work in progress.

Super Duper Sista

Article (The Age, Australia)

Missy Elliott's persona flies in the face of bikini-clad and promiscuous stereotypes of mainstream hip hop and R&B.

Beyonce Sees Double

Article (Hello! Magazine, England)

Pop star Beyonce Knowles is the latest addition to the Madame Tussauds wax museum, as part of their Divas exhibition in New York and London. Visitors can get up and show off their own dance moves on stage as the wind-blown Beyonce clone issues her verdict. The on-again, definitely-now-off-again socially conservative Christian is apparently thrilled with the $90,000 waxwork figure, for which she posed for three hours.

Movies: Raunchy 'Soul Plane' Flies First Crass

Article (Washington Post)

We haven't seen the movie, but it sounds like another ghetto-fabulous product, full of raunch and stereotypes.

Michael Eric Dyson: "Bill Cosby is Waging War on Poor Blacks"

National Public Radio

Today on NPR, ultra-liberal cultural critic Michael Eric Dyson further expands upon his "Bill Cosby is classist, elitist and rooted in generational warfare" critique of Cos's comments about some poor blacks. He says Mr. Cosby is ill-informed and hypocritical, lacks balance and an appreciation for youth culture, and should focus more on rich folks like the Enron and Tyco crew. A few of Mr. Dyson's points are valid, but overall he diverts attention from the truth behind Cos's main points.

Ironically, ultra-liberal cultural critic Cornel West backs Mr. Cosby's comments, joining Cos's sizeable black supporter flank. He says Cos speaks out of love and compassion, given his 4 decades of philanthropy.

Republican Honcho Addresses Black Business Leaders

Press Release (U.S. Newswire)

Ed Gillespie, Republican National Committee chairman, met with more than 100 black business leaders in Detroit, kicking off a multi-city Economic Empowerment Tour. Teaming up with boxing promoter Don King, Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams, business CEO Lurita Doan and Miss America 2003 Erika Harold, Mr. Gillespie is reaching out to black voters to increase GOP support from 9% to 25% this year.

Economy Picks Up in 1st Quarter

Article (FOX News)

The economy grew at a 4.4% annual rate in 2004's first quarter, slightly faster than previously thought and higher than 2003's final quarter.

Alvin Ailey's Dance Troupe at 45

Article (National Public Radio)

Next week, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will hold a gala celebration to recognize a $1-million grant from the Oprah Winfrey Foundation. The money will fund scholarships for the world-famous company's next generation of stars, to continue using dance as a way to celebrate black American culture.

U.S. Indicts Radical Muslim Cleric

Article (FOX News)

Abu Hamza al-Masri was arrested today in Britain on an extradition warrant issued by the U.S. government, and charged in an 11-count indictment in Manhattan federal court. The charges link him to Yemen hostage attack in 1998, plus an attempt to set up a terror camp in Oregon. He faces a maximum of 100 years in prison.

BET: Black Exploitation TV?

Article (Atlanta Daily World)

Spelman College students recently confronted Viacom chiefs to express their frustration with hip hop videos on Black Entertainment Television featuring derogatory images of hyper-sexed, scantily clad black women. This was sparked by a recent Atlanta visit by Nelly to Spelman, arriving to protests. Amen, sistahs! More black folks must speak out about these jiggaboo videos that pimp black culture. Why aren't the big black groups, the feminist groups all over this mess? We'll say it: when BET fell out of black hands (Bob Johnson sold it to Viacom), it went downhill.

Brits Bash Racist Royal Pain

Article (New York Post)

Britain's top black politician condemns Princess Michael of Kent for her racist outburst to noisy black diners at a Manhattan eatery. Lord John Taylor, a Conservative Party member, says the House of Lords may issue a formal condemnation. Too much hilarity! A Czech-born British aristocrat with a German Nazi daddy comes to the U.S. -- a former colony that kicked out the Brits with sizeable black involvement, including the American Revolution's first death -- to tell black folks who've been here for centuries to "go back to the colonies"? Girl, learn some history!

Chicago Black Ministers Join Drive Vs. Gay Marriage

Article (Chicago Tribune)

Chicago joins the growing national chorus of black religious leaders who oppose gay marriage. Leaders from more than 28 denominations vowed to collect 50,000 signatures in black churches and warned area politicians to not count on the churches' historical support unless they oppose the unions. Although black churches' political activity has generally centered on economics rather than social issues, leaders say that is changing.

Al Gore: "Bush Team Must Resign"

Article (Billings Gazette)

In a speech sponsored by ultra-liberal Moveon.org, yesterday Al Gore denounced the Bush administration's "twisted values and atrocious policies." He demanded the resignation of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, national security adviser Condoleezza Rice, and to a lesser extent CIA director George Tenet (Clinton appointee) due to events in Iraq. The Republican National Committee shot back at Gore, saying that while he was vice president when terrorists attacked U.S. embassies in Africa, bombed the USS Cole, and did the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

Black Gays: "White Gay Marriage Activists are Hijacking Black History"

Press Release (MarketWire)

Last week, the Abe Lincoln Black Republican Caucus staged its third day of protests in Dallas against white gays, who compare their marriage struggle with the civil rights movement to promote their agenda. At a huge pro-gay marriage rally, ALBRC even staged a counterprotest to highlight racism within gay communities. When even black gays are upset about gay marriage comparisons to Jim Crow, you know a line has been crossed.

Republican Party Sending Black Stars on 4-City Tour

Article (Dallas Morning News)

In an effort to attract more black voters, boxing promoter Don King, 2003 Miss America Erika Harold and Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams will join RNC chairman Ed Gillespie in meeting with black business leaders. Tour stops: Detroit, New York, Philadelphia and Miami. President George W. Bush received just 9% black support in 2000, the worst showing by the GOP since Barry Goldwater in 1964. The GOP seeks 25% black support in 2004. Great idea, but why is Scary Hair on the tour? Where's Colin Powell - a GOP star who most black folks recognize and like?

THEODORE SHAW COMMENTARY: Beyond What Cosby Said

Commentary (Washington Post)

The NAACP's legal defense's head evaluates Cos's comments. While he agrees with some of what Mr. Cosby said about personal responsibility, he believes systemic racism was missing from the discussion. Mr. Shaw contends that many of the problems Cosby addressed "are largely a function of concentrated poverty in black communities -- the legacy of centuries of governmental and private neglect and discrimination."

We disagree. When we were truly ignored or abused by government, in certain ways we were better off: Our marriage rate was 63% in 1950, it's now 35%. 80% of our kids were born in wedlock in 1960, it's now 25%. Unlike in the 1960s, most of today's black kids do not grow up with fathers in the home. In 1960 only 10% of black men experienced incarceration before age 30, today it's 35%. Education was once viewed as the ticket to upward mobility to "uplift the race," now many youth view it as "white." We were far less prosperous back in the day, but our core values were way better. It was when "Great Society" social programs, which rewarded bad behavior and punished marriage, and increased secularism rolled on the scene in the late 1960s that our values spiral began.

Stage I of our equality battle was addressing society, Stage II must be about the growing gap within our communities. Black America is now split in two: an upwardly mobile (even prosperous) 3/4, and a poor 1/4 who are mostly responsible for our bad stats. Those who are taking advantage of our post-civil-rights opportunity era to improve ourselves vs. slackers on our ancestors' legacy. In the "beyond what Bill Cosby said" era, black leaders should preach what they practice. E.g., NAACP head Kweisi Mfume grew up very poor, did some jail time, and was a deadbeat dad. He changed his life, went back to school, and has now become a fine citizen. He didn't dwell on victimology. Why do black elites like Mr. Mfume and Mr. Shaw believe these life lessons are so difficult for ordinary folks? Instead of the NAACP whining about black TV shows, how about addressing urgent issues like illegitimacy, education, and crime? Mr. Shaw argues that we should work on both personal responsibility and eliminate racism. While we believe Mr. Shaw excuses some folks' bad ways, we agree with his final point.

Fantasia Crowned the New 'American Idol'

Article (USA Today)

There is justice in America. Fantasia Barrino won "American Idol" with her gospel-tinged soulful sound. So she's ghetto fabulous, but she can "sang"! Diana DeGarmo looks like a sweet teenager, but she regularly goes off-key and just ain't ready yet. She is at least two leagues below Ms. Fantasia. So far, "American Idol" has voted in two black folks and a white gal who sounds black. Our conspiracy theorist friends say the black oligarchy will be busted up next season, as "too many" black folks are winning the contest.

LARRY ELDER COMMENTARY: Bashing Bush Takes Over as Top National Pastime

Commentary (Creators Syndicate)

Move over, NFL, NBA, NASCAR. Elderado argues that bashing President George W. Bush is now America's No. 1 pastime. When discussing religion or politics with strangers, conventional social etiquette compels one to tread gently and cautiously. But Bush-haters are perfectly willing to bash the president without regard as to whether anybody might be offended, or they do so with the assumption that anybody with a brain surely must agree, or they couldn't care less whether they offend someone.

JAY BRYANT COMMENTARY: Cosby, Right and Wrong

Commentary (Townhall.com)

Mr. Bryant comments on how the professional black leadership opposes Bill Cosby's controversial comments, but the "informal" leadership backs him and calls for more straight talk. He argues that Theodore Shaw, the NAACP's legal defense fund head, is right when he says that systemic racism is the bigger problem: it's white liberals who've for forty years have systematically destroyed black families and neighborhoods with catastrophic welfare programs, glorifying victimhood, and the hippies' "free love" ethic.

DAVID SHEEHY COMMENTARY: Illegal Immigration Forcing Black Americans to Return to the South

Commentary (MichNews.com)

Mr. Sheehy argues that the mainstream media refuses to tell the truth about a key factor behind black Americans' exodus from the North and especially the West, back to the South: illegal immigration.

Immigrants Outlive Native-Born Americans

Article (Associated Press)

The difference in life expectancy is true for all races, but is most dramatic among blacks. Immigrant black men live nine years longer than black men born in the U.S. E.g., the average American-born black man lives to age 64, while a black man born in Africa who immigrates lives to age 73. If the man never left the African country where he was born, he might well have died before his 50th birthday. Reason: black immigrants are three times less likely to smoke than American-born blacks and far less likely to be obese, which leads to various health problems.

Ancient University Unearthed in Egypt

Article (Associated Press)

13 lecture halls believed to be part of the ancient University of Alexandria, from the 5th-7th centuries. It's the oldest university ever found in the world.

Sudanese Government, Rebels Sign Peace Accords!

Article (Voice of America)

After two years, Sudan's Arabized Muslim government and southern Christian black rebels have signed agreements paving the way to end 21 years of civil war. However, the agreements do not cover the conflict in Sudan's western Darfur region between Arabized and black Muslims, which has killed an estimated 10,000 folks and displaced another 1 million. A lot more work to do in Darfur, and hopefully the south's peace accord will be followed so genocide against black Christians and animists doesn't continue.

These Al-Qaida Folks Want to Kill You

Article (Associated Press)

The FBI urges the public to help it track down 7 suspected al-Qaida operatives and avert a possible summer attack on U.S. soil. Attorney General John Ashcroft said the "disturbing" intelligence augments al-Qaida's own declaration that its plans are 90% complete. He said that could mean terrorists already are here to execute the plan, though he stated there is no new info indicating when, where or how an attack might happen. If you've seen any of these folks, call your local law enforcement pronto!

Nation to Dedicate World War II Memorial

Article (NBC 17)

Nearly 59 years after the end of World War II, the National World War II Memorial will be dedicated in Washington, D.C., on Saturday. The Memorial Day weekend celebration on the National Mall, with 200,000 people expected, will culminate an 11-year effort to honor America's World War II generation, often called the "greatest generation."

Amnesty International: "Greatest Worldwide Attack on Human Rights Since 1954"

Article (Voice of America)

In its annual assessment of global human rights, Amnesty International blames both terrorists and governments for perpetuating what it calls the most sustained attack on international humanitarian law seen in 50 years. The U.S. receives the most criticism due to the Abu Ghraib abuses.

We've said Abu Ghraib was wrong, want the offenders prosecuted to the fullest legal extent, and will continue to do so. Yet let us get this straight. Two million black folks have been slaughtered in Sudan since 1983, based on their race and religion. Racist genocide by Arabized Muslims, rape, slavery, getting moved off their land. Even the U.N. calls Sudan the world's worst humanitarian disaster. Yet Amnesty International rips into the U.S. the most in this so-called assessment? Utterly ridiculous -- and racist. Amnesty International must be held accountable for saying that the lives of 2 million dead black folks due to genocide hold less value than U.S. soldiers forcing Iraqi prisoners into humiliating poses. Like we've been saying, the murder of "niggers" -- especially those who are Christian -- don't matter to liberals unless it serves their true goal: anti-Americanism.

Express your outrage to Amnesty International. We just did and feel better!

Sarin Gas Confirmed in Baghdad Bomb

Article (IC Berkshire, England)

Comprehensive testing has confirmed the presence of the chemical weapon in the remains of a roadside bomb discovered this month in Baghdad. The bomb was made from an artillery shell designed to disperse the deadly nerve agent. The origin of the shell remains unclear, but the U.S. military is investigating it. Some analysts worry that the artillery shell may be part of a larger stockpile of Iraqi chemical weapons that insurgents can now use.

JIMI IZRAEL COMMENTARY -- What It Iz: Does America's Father Know Best?

Commentary (Africana.com)

Mr. Izrael says Cos was out of pocket with his now infamous comments. He says Bill Cosby is being hypocritical given his 1970s comedy records and movies which liberally used jive-talk and his own "baby-mama" drama a few years back. Mr. Izrael asserts that the best role models are flawed role models, who rise above their own human frailty, and Cos's generation disses young folks while ignoring the broken legacy that his generation left behind.

Mr. Izrael is correct that stern admonition without positive reinforcement often backfires. Yet how about looking at the unfortunate truth behind most of Cos's comments? Mr. Cosby doesn't just talk but has been deep in the trenches raising funds for black folks' education, for at least two decades now. We'd also argue that Cos is a flawed role model, and thus can and does impart knowledge about what young folks can avoid in their own lives.

Detroit's Black History Museum in Trouble

Article (Africana.com)

One of the world's largest black museums is in fiscal crisis. Detroit's Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History must raise $500,000 by June 30 to remain open. A widespread community effort to generate the funds is underway, as area churches and private donors contributed the first half of the $1 million total administrators say is necessary. Our questions: (1) why does the museum have no endowment; and (2) where aren't more affluent black folks donating to the museum? To donate, go here .

MARK ANTHONY NEAL COMMENTARY: Hip Hop's Gender Problem

Commentary (Africana.com)

Mr. Neal says there's been a lot of talk about the problems with how women are represented in hip hop, but very little about the source of the influences for these images and ideas. He asserts that we should look at the influences - U.S. society in general - instead of the performers themselves.

While we agree that sexism exists in U.S. society, Mr. Neal is an apologist for misogynist rappers. Don't change the topic! Black critics wanna know what black folks are gonna do about most hip hoppers' (and we'd add, R&B's) crassness, since its videos are particularly heinous within the music industry. We're concerned about how black kids internalize harmful (and colorist) lyrics and images of black women and its nihilistic version of black masculinity, and its repercussions for social relations within our communities. How about far more hip hoppers taking responsibility for their output? Especially since their action network blah blahs about how hip hop is a catalyst for change? More parents, regardless of race, must hold crass hip hoppers accountable and monitor their kids' music.

South Africa's Former Freedom Fighters Get Rich

Article (Channel News Asia)

They once fought apartheid, but today they're getting criticized for using "black empowerment" laws (what we call set-asides) to become multi-millionaires. Firms want recognizable black South Africans with political contacts to hold interests in their companies so they can benefit from government contracts while complying with the law. We don't believe that affirmative action, especially for the few, will improve South Africa's prosperity. Increasing mass access to education and reducing barriers for small entrepreneurs would do far more.

ROBERT KLEIN ENGLER COMMENTARY: Illegal Immigration and Black America

Commentary (Chronwatch)

Mr. Engler argues that illegal immigration mainly comes at black Americans' expense: in the employment arena, being forced out of communities, resources for public schools, etc. As a result, he claims, the Democratic Party's support of blanket amnesty sells out black folks.

While we support legal immigration up to a certain level, we gotta agree with Mr. Engler. The government keeps bestowing rights to illegals that black folks -- who've been in USA for almost 400 years -- had to fight extremely hard to get, rights that should first go to citizens (regardless of race). There's now even talk of allowing illegals to vote in local elections! Black folks have seen this unfold before -- remember the black employment bans, when European immigrants came to these shores? What amazes us is that more black folks ain't crying foul about the misuse of our tax dollars to prop up illegals (mainly why California is in its current fiscal situation) and why so many black "leaders" are complicit in this mess. 24% of our folks are poor and yet the CBC and the Democratic Party fervently support importing more poor folks whose first act on U.S. soil was to break the law, driving down wages in the process. Yes, Republicans do too but (1) 92% of black folks don't vote GOP and (2) they support the issue much less.

Shi'ite Scientist Likely to be Iraqi Prime Minister

Article (Washington Post)

Hussain Shahristani, a Shi'ite nuclear scientist who spent years in the notorious Abu Ghraib prison under Saddam Hussein's regime, is emerging as the leading candidate for prime minister. U.N. envoy Lakhdar Brahimi and Robert D. Blackwill, the U.S. presidential envoy to Iraq, are still working out the "complicated geometry" of dividing power among Iraq's disparate ethnic and religious factions.

THOMAS SOWELL COMMENTARY: A Pattern of Opportunism

Commentary (Creators Syndicate)

Professor Sowell argues that Sen. John Kerry gives opportunism a bad name, as having it both ways is his political pattern. "John Kerry should get the Academy award if he succeeds in this year's challenging acting performance - but not the presidency." Oh, and he calls him out for that "second black president" comment a few months back.

Mixed Black Reaction to Cosby's Speech

Article (Washington Post)

Yes, the controversy is still brewing. Black talk radio, churches, schools, folks are puttin' in their two cents. In the Black Entertainment Television forum section, opinion has been mixed. Some folks believe he touched on some unfortunate truths about some black folks' parenting skills and personal values. Others believe he went too far, let white folks off the hook on racism, and is out of touch with community realities. Uh no, he is too in touch and said it publicly, hence the hits that he's taking from a few folks.

WWII: Black Soldiers Battled Fascism and Racism

Article (Washington Post)

1 million blacks (yes, a mil) served in World War II. Veterans remember their bitterness about blatantly biased homecomings, but also the black newspapers' "Double V" campaign (victory abroad against Nazism, victory at home against racism). Events this weekend in D.C. unveiling the WW II Memorial will celebrate their role in the war. Once black folks went abroad to fight for other folks' freedom, upon return folks really began "agitating" for our own freedom in the civil rights movement.

WALTER WILLIAMS COMMENTARY: Managing a Disaster

Commentary (Creators Syndicate)

Efficiency criterion dictates that resources be allotted to those who can best use the resources as opposed to those who best need it. Mr. Williams applies the triage principle to education of black youth, arguing that limited resources should be prioritized for those who want to learn. In what's sure to be controversial to educators, he argues that kids who disrupt classrooms should be removed and not make education impossible for those who do have a chance for academic achievement. School vouchers sure would help.

African Nations Form Security Council

Article (Agence France Presse)

Long reluctant to intervene in each other's crises, African nations have now launched a new continent-wide security council with powers to send African peacekeeping troops to conflict zones. It's been done before and failed, and critics say political will and capacity will be critical. We support the measure, and hope it's successful.

U.S., Britain At Odds Over Iraq Resolution

Article (Associated Press)

The U.S. and Britain are at odds over how much control Iraq's caretaker government will have over U.S.-led military operations after the June 30 power transfer. Secretary Colin Powell said U.S.-led troops will do "what is necessary to protect themselves." British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Iraqis should have the final say over any major military operations.

Lawyers Reveal Evidence in Marion Jones Steroids Probe

Article (Reuters)

U.S. anti-doping officials have presented Olympic champion Marion Jones with copies of an annotated ledger and calendar they believe may be a schedule of her steroid use. Maintaining her vigorous denial of doping, her attorneys say the evidence is weak, and she has never tested positive. Ms. Jones has vowed to sue if authorities bar her from the Olympic Games in Greece in August. Marion is our girl, but this looks real shady.

TA-NEHISI COATES COMMENTARY: Ebonics! Weird Names! $500 Shoes!

Commentary (Village Voice)

The ultra-liberal Mr. Coates slams Bill Cosby's controversial comments about some low-income blacks at last week's NAACP dinner, calling it a "classist diatribe" and "condescending lessons on ethics and etiquette." Yet he says we're not to be surprised by Cos's comments, as "over the past couple of decades, he's played one ugly role that his activist friends like to ignore--patron saint of black elitists."

We believe Mr. Coates is way off base about Cos, because he told the truth. It is classist to not preach what one practices, which is what "leaders" regularly do by tooting the victimology horn -- believing ordinary folks to be incapable of changing their actions -- when their own lives were forged through hard work, perseverance, and creativity. Where we do agree with Mr. Coates is his following quote: "The civil rights crowd has had a rough 30 years as the old tactics of marching and boycotting have come up lame. Its leaders, like Cosby himself, are in winter, and having beaten Bull Connerism, they now stand befuddled and silenced before their greatest new adversary--class. Race still matters, but largely the problems of black people today are the problems of poor people."

Abdul-Jabbar Enjoying His Role as Historian

Article (New York Times)

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has written a new book about World War II's black soldiers. He would've been a history teacher had he not been an NBA star.

McDaniel Pushing to Make Golf TV History

Article (Asheville Citizen-Times)

A senior writer at Golf Digest, Pete McDaniel is expected to become the first black person to be an on-course reporter for PGA Tour events.

BRIAN MCCOLLUM COMMENTARY -- Detroit: Hip Hop Voter Summit Storms In, Slips Away

Commentary (Detroit Free Press)

Mr. McCollum illustrates how, despite lofty talk, the Hip Hop Summit Action Network event has built-in dilemmas. A "non-partisan" national coalition using hip hop's influence to get out the vote, but conducting leftist Democratic activism under the guise of voter registration. When pressed to make changes within the industry to clean out the raunch, artists respond with a paradox: hip hop is a potent catalyst for transforming the world, but it's merely entertainment so they aren't responsible for their actions.

RICH LOWRY COMMENTARY: Compassion on the Border?

Commentary (King Features Syndicate)

Mr. Lowry argues that President George W. Bush's quasi-amnesty proposal for illegal immigrants has increased the rate of attempted border crossings and tragic deaths. He states that USA should get serious about enforcing its immigration laws, stop giving the advantages of citizenship to illegals, and send a strong message that our borders mean something. Amen.

CYNTHIA TUCKER COMMENTARY: Cosby's Pointed Remarks May Spark Much-Needed Debate

Commentary (Yahoo! News)

The liberal Ms. Tucker upbraids Howard University for not releasing a transcript (or video) of Bill Cosby's controversial speech, as it's still huffy that he used its podium to discuss ills of some black folks. Key quotes:

"But much of black America, especially its middle class, is ready to have that conversation. In that sense, Cosby's speech was a watershed event -- a sign that black America is now comfortable enough with its accomplishments to discuss its shortcomings. 'Perhaps Bill did us a favor,' says NAACP President Kweisi Mfume, who attended the ceremony, 'and more people will now be prepared to step forward. It'll be a tough-love conversation, whether or not people want to have it. And it will take opinion leaders to say those things that should be said.'

"But isn't it about time that black Americans acknowledge that, at the dawn of the 21st century, personal responsibility has at least as much to do with success in modern America as race? Isn't it only fair to note that the landmark Supreme Court ruling of 50 years ago did roll back much of systemic racism?"

She mentions that many blacks have squirmed from Cos's remarks not because they disagree (probably not, seeing how it's discussed among black folks all the time) but they don't wanna give fodder to white conservatives. Ms. Tucker says ignore white folks and focus on the challenges of the post-civil-rights era. Well said, Ms. Tucker. It's good to see conservatives, moderates, and liberals stepping up and backing Bill Cosby's truth-telling. Hopefully, we'll see more pressure on black youth to drop TV and pick up more books, crackdowns on illegitimacy and fatherlessness, improve the speech and carry themselves with pride, strategies to increase black businesses and investment, and these raunchy videos trying to pass for "black culture." Stage II is on its way!

France, Russia Question U.S. Handover in Iraq

Article (CNN)

Ah, our "allies." France and Russia question how much power the U.S. will transfer to an interim Iraqi government on June 30. France wants the interim government to have veto right on military operations by the U.S.-led multinational force (which folks don't have with France's regular military incursions into Africa). Russia suggested members of the new government should be chosen before the U.N. Security Council endorses the handover. U.N. head Kofi Annan said U.N. officials want to name a government by the end of May, but that's probably unrealistic.

Zimbabwe: Mugabe Denies Food Shortage

Article (Washington Times)

Contradicting U.N. relief experts, dictator Robert Mugabe says his country has no food shortage and thus international help is no longer needed. His land reform policies have contributed to widespread famine, causing a refugee flow into South Africa. Critics say Mugabe is using the food shortage as leverage for the 2005 elections.

Violent Crimes Decrease in 2003

Article (Washington Times)

Overall violent crimes decreased 3.2%, and fallen for the 5th year in a row. However, there was a slight rise (+1.1%) in murders. There was a 6.5% decrease in overall violent crime in the nation's largest cities. Yeah!

Group Calls for Larger Presidential Debates

Article (FOX News)

The Citizens Debate Commission argues that other voices like independent Ralph Nader would shake up this year's debate and expand voter choice. We believe that if someone can get on at least 75% of the state ballots, then he or she should be included in debates. Right now, it's a Catch-22. The minor parties can't get media coverage or debate access so they lack good poll numbers. Because they don't have good poll numbers, they can't get media coverage or debate access. It would enliven our republic, but no way the Dems and GOP agree to include party crashers.

BOB COHN COMMENTARY: Adding Negatives

Commentary (Washington Times)

If the L.A. Lakers win the NBA champs, the addition of Karl Malone and Gary Payton will be regarded as wise and useful. If the Lakers lose, the presence of the 2 former All-Stars will go down as a seemingly good idea gone awry.

Black Migration Jolts Electoral Math

Article (Sun Herald)

As of the 2000 census, 58% of blacks live in states that President George W. Bush won. Long term, the southward movement could make the Deep South competitive again for Democrats. But in the near term, black movement from closely fought states like Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania to Bush Country could prove costly to the party's presidential hopes. Says the article: "In the cold, hard calculus of [short-term] Electoral College politics, the Democrats have the majority of their most loyal constituents concentrated in states where, for all practical purposes, their votes for president won't matter." One possibility that this article doesn't posit: the southward move could eventually make more blacks vote GOP, our original political party.

NAT HENTOFF COMMENTARY -- Sudan: The Disgrace of the United Nations

Commentary (Washington Times)

Arabized Muslim militias are slaughtering, enslaving, and expelling black Muslims in Sudan's western Darfur region, but does the world care? The U.N. Security Council recently refused to rescue survivors. Sudan was even recently rewarded with a seat on the U.N. Commission for Human Rights! Human Rights Watch aside, why is it Christian conservatives who've led the charge on the issue? Where are holier-than-thou European and American liberals, who protested in every major capital against the Iraq war? Who are on Abu Ghraib overdrive? Oh we forgot, the murder of almost 2 million "niggers" -- especially those who are Christian -- since 1983 don't matter to white liberals unless it serves their true goal: anti-Americanism. Why aren't black leaders raising holy hell? Oh we forget, so-called "leaders" are so focused on trying to embarrass President George W. Bush that they could care less about joining forces with government to end this atrocity.

French Open: Serena & Venus Advance to Second Round

Former champion Serena Williams, the second seed, defeated Iveta Benesova of the Czech Republic 6-2-, 6-2 to advance to the second round of the French Open in Paris. Five-time Grand Slam winner Williams, the 2002 champion here, returned to action two months ago after eight months off following knee surgery. Her sister, Venus, seeded fourth, defeated Tamaraine Tanasugarn of Thailand 6-2, 6-4. Go Serena, go Venus!

Bush Announces Five-Step Plan for Iraqi Sovereignty

Article (MSNBC)

U.S. will hand over authority by June 30, help establish security, continue rebuilding Iraq's infrastructure, encourage more global support, and move toward national elections with the first held no later than January 2005. We're still deeply skeptical about democracy in such an incompatible national culture, but we'll see if it happens.

College-Educated Blacks Moving to Orlando

Article (Tallahassee Democrat)

An exodus of buppies from the North and Midwest has boosted Orlando into the 4th most popular destination for blacks -- who are returning to the South in large numbers -- while causing a brain drain from other states. About 40% of blacks moving to Florida are settling in Orlando. Blacks are attracted to Orlando's climate, job opportunities, schools, relatively low crime rate, and the growing network of black professionals.

KEITH BOYKIN COMMENTARY -- Whose Dream: Why Black Churches Oppose Gay Marriage

Commentary (The Village Voice)

The head of the National Black Justice Coalition, a group working to build black support of gay marriage, takes black ministers to task for their vocal opposition. As we've stated before, Booker Rising bucks the trend of 64% of blacks who oppose gay marriage. We say consenting adults, ain't the state's affair. However, this article's implication that black ministers are stooges for white conservatives - as opposed to free-thinking folks, rooted in their faith - troubles us. Rev. Gomes attributes black social conservatism to racial assimilation. Oh puhleeze! Most black folks were socially conservative way before integration.

Mr. Boykins is correct that what especially offends most black folks is the comparison between the gay-marriage struggle and the civil rights movement: "While black gays and lesbians have been sidelined, the white gay community has been caught off guard. As conservatives wisely used black ministers to speak against same-sex marriage, the gay community put out images of white couples and put white spokespeople forward, thereby creating the perception that this is an issue for white folks trying to cash in on the black struggle." Mr. Boykin won't like this article, where several hundred black Christians in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area protested against gay marriages and the comparisons made to the civil rights movement. Rallies in other places have been done for similar reasons.

The comparison reeks of arrogance and trivialization. Trying to guilt trip black folks - and trampling over our history to do it - ain't gonna win over hearts. Mr. Boykin should tell his peers to quit running offensive TV ads comparing the issue to Jim Crow. He takes Rev. Jesse Jackson to task, but Rev is correct that gays were never called 3/5 human in the Constitution or denied voting rights. Let's not even get into slavery, the Civil War, Jim Crow, lynchings, or the 4 of 27 Amendments that are there due to our history. Very little that happens to gays ain't happened to black folks, but the reverse sho' ain't true. That fact that folks can civilly discuss gay marriage but not race shows the difference. Being black is genetic, while being gay is at least partly rooted in choice. To compare the two is outrageous. Argue the issue on its own, and quit hijacking black history.

MYCHAL MASSIE COMMENTARY: Peaceful Religion Is Not Spelled I-S-L-A-M

Commentary (WorldNetDaily)

Mr. Massie argues that wherever you have Islam, you will have war due to the attitude of Islamic civilization and the Koran. He looks at various world incidents to make his case. He also takes U.S. Muslims to task for not speaking louder about atrocities committed in the name of their religion.

Worst Poll Numbers Ever for Bush

Article (CBS News)

President George W. Bush's overall job approval rating has slipped to 41%, an all-time low. While a majority of Americans now believe the economy is in good shape, 65% think USA is on the wrong track. 61% disapprove of his handling of the Iraq war. Sen. John Kerry holds an 8-point lead over President Bush, 49% to 41%, in a head-to-head match-up. With independent Ralph Nader in the field, Kerry's lead drops to 6 points.

THOMAS SOWELL COMMENTARY: Bravo for Bill Cosby

Commentary (Creators Syndicate)

Mr. Sowell argues that Bill Cosby and black leaders represent two long-standing differences: the leaders are concerned with protecting the image of blacks, while Mr. Cosby is trying to protect the future of blacks (especially youth). He says what Mr. Cosby said are painful realities and they don't become any less real by hushing them up. Also, that too many black folks are worried with what whites think, instead of just getting to work on reversing the trends. What did Booker Rising say just 2 days ago? Teach, prof!

New Jersey: Black Clergy Group Backs School Voucher Plan

Article (The Star Ledger)

The Black Ministers Council's support is a marked split from the state's Democratic Party, and in line with conservative Republican Bret Schundler, who lost to Gov. James E. McGreevey in 2001 and is expected to challenge him again next year. The BMC will organize a parents' movement to push the issue. They're also calling for teacher tenure reform, which will surely anger the powerful state teachers union. 72% of parents with children in the state's 30 poorest districts support vouchers. Watch as union obstructionism attempts to block improving education.

U.S. Pledges Additional $100 Million In Haitian Aid

Article (Voice of America)

Ah, pouring more hard-earned taxpayers' dollars into a Third World hellhole and watch government leaders get fat on corruption. The funds will help restore electricity, police force, judicial system, as well as a budget deficit inherited from Jean-Bertrand Aristide and prepare for 2005 elections. We must dispute the State Department quote about "returning full democracy to Haiti, returning the government to the people through elections." Isn't that what Haiti had, however imperfect? No love for Mr. Aristide, but it was for Haitians to decide if he would exit.

Tennis: Will Black Players Follow the Williams Sisters?

Article (USA Today)

Three black women -- all ranked within the Top 4 by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association -- are among the faves to win the NCAA singles tourney this week! No black woman has ever won the NCAA singles title. In 1998 there were no black women in the top 100 of college tennis. Now there are 5 in the top 32 and 7 in the top 100! The best black male players in pro tennis have come from the NCAA scene. Arthur Ashe is the only black man to win an NCAA singles title, in 1965. James Blake was NCAA singles runner-up in 1999. No guys are among the favorites this year.

COLBERT KING COMMENTARY: Cosby Told It Like It Is, Unfortunately

Commentary (Washington Post)

Mr. King says that whether Bill Cosby should've used the NAACP event to share his controversial observations about some black folks may be open to question. He asks: however, if not at the 'Brown vs. Board' 50th anniversary, then where or when? While 'Brown' opened many changes for the better, Mr. King argues that not all changes have been good. He faults Mr. Cosby for one thing: it's not just some low-income folks who ain't carrying their weight, but quite a few other folks too. Can't say we disagree there.

Vernon Jarrett, Veteran Journalist: RIP

Article (The State)

Veteran journalist and broadcaster Vernon Jarrett, a prominent commentator on race relations and black history, died Sunday of throat cancer. He was 84. During his career, Mr. Jarrett interviewed such civil rights leaders as W.E.B. DuBois, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and Roy Wilkins, as well as boxers Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Robinson. Mr. Jarrett was a founder and former president of the 3,000-member National Association of Black Journalists, which had planned to present him with its legacy award at its annual convention in August.

The Death of Christianity in Europe

Article (Christian Broadcasting Network)

Although Europeans say they believe in God, church attendance in most countries is under 5%. Less than half of Brits can name any of the 4 New Testament Gospels. 33% of all Dutch no longer know why we have Christmas. France has more practicing Muslims than baptized Catholics. Many of Old Europe's cathedrals are now simply large museums. Religious differences between the U.S. and Europe are a key driver of current political divisions.

In its racist slams against American culture (much of it black culture), Old Europe would take away the one element -- religion -- that gave us the strength and fortitude to fight for our civil rights. It sure wasn't secularists who led the charge against slavery or Jim Crow! Not to mention the root of much of our musicology and art. Interestingly, only 3% of Brits regularly attend church. Of that 3%, half are black -- and blacks are only about 5% of Britain's population. The black Pentecostal church is growing in London, so at least our brethren ain't lost their minds.

Old Europe could be poised for spiritual revival -- but it'll come under Islam, its fastest growing religion and former conqueror whose adherents have a much higher birth rate. It'll be interesting to watch from across the pond...

God May Delay European Union Constitution Deal

Article (The Independent, England)

The EU has split over calls for a reference to God or Christianity in the draft constitution, casting a cloud over fresh optimism that an overall deal will be struck next month. Seven nations, including 5 of the EU's new countries, said a reference to the "Christian roots of Europe" is a national priority in negotiations on the constitution. Spain, which once backed this reference, has switched sides after the recent change of government and backed secularist France. Old Europe gets ever more godless...

JOSEPH C. PHILLIPS COMMENTARY: In the Midst of Campaigning for Reform

Commentary (Joseph C. Phillip's website)

Mr. Phillips goes off on folks who exploit the Abu Ghraib scandal for political gain, saying it demoralizes our troops, derails domestic support for the Bushies' policy, and diverts America from its democracy project in the Middle East. He asserts that USA's grapple with Abu Ghraib in the world spotlight and many Americans' outrage testifies to the country's moral strength and justifies our role as world leader. If Mr. Phillips looks familiar, it's because the conservative Republican played Denise's husband on "The Cosby Show" and was also on "General Hospital."

COBB COMMENTARY: Battle for the Souls of Black Folk?

Commentary (Cobb's blog)

Cobb argues yes. It is manifesting itself in the controversy over Bill Cosby's comments, especially coming off the 50th anniversary of 'Brown vs. Board of Education.' Cobb says:

"There is no singular black leadership, and no particular need for one. So into that vacuum are a number of contingent groups trying to own black. I'm certainly a partisan in that representing what I call the Old School...Black liberals are astonished at the nerve of a black man who dares to criticize dysfunctional blacks. White conservatives are astonished at the nerve of a black man who dares criticize dysfunctional blacks. The fundamental agreement between these groups is disbelief, both undercutting Cosby with anti-black prejudice. One from the perspective that he can't be trusted from now on the other from the perspective that he couldn't be trusted until now. And yet, from the perspective of conservative and successful black families, there's nothing new in Cosby's utterances. Indeed one black blogger noted that the only interesting thing about the whole dustup was that Cosby said it and not his mom."

Cobb hit the nail on the head, and the shifting politics between black liberals and white conservatives make it quite difficult for black moderates and conservatives to get our message out there. Nykola also touches upon the battle, as does moderate Debra Dickerson's book The End of Blackness: Returning the Souls of Black Folk to Their Rightful Owners. We agree that a fierce battle for Black America's soul is afoot. We argue that the pendulum is swinging back to the Booker T. crew since (1) W.E.B. DuBois' "Talented Tenth" (now Talented Twentieth) crew's elitism has ruled black thought for almost 90 years; (2) black Americans' move back to USA's most non-liberal region means the future is on our side; and (3) Mr. Washington's message of self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and mass leadership and power is far more useful than Mr. DuBois' civil rights and elite leadership approach now.

Stage I was civil rights, a (largely) bloodless revolution that ordinary black folks -- maids, railroad porters, teachers, college students and schoolkids as young as six, businessfolks, and lawyers -- won by electrically shaking the foundation of the world's most powerful nation (our nation) to the core. Liberal blacks seem to forget this fact, in their defeatist attitudes that ignore progress and thus fuel black helplessness. Our 40 years in the (transitional) wilderness are now up. Black folks under age 45 are growing ever impatient with the current leadership, just as current leaders did when they were our age. Stage II is to further build upon our strengths and our economic empowerment to propel us to the mountaintop!

U.S., Britain Introduce New U.N. Resolution on Iraq

Article (FOX News)

The U.S. and Britain proposed a new U.N. resolution to give a multinational peacekeeping force in Iraq a one-year mandate after Iraq assumes sovereignty. The force would be under unified command, expected to be led by an American. The interim government will control oil revenues, though proceeds would continue to be monitored by an independent agency. U.N. envoy Lakdhar Brahimi is in talks to select interim government members, who will rule until January elections. President George W. Bush is expected to outline it in tonight's speech at 8 p.m. ET.

LEONARD PITTS JR. COMMENTARY: Cosby's Remarks Challenge Us to Discuss Race Honestly

Commentary (Knight Ridder Newspapers)

Mr. Pitts argues that blacks and whites have a way of talking past each other about race issues, each preferring to publicity stick to the script that makes it easiest on us, demands the least from us. His comments:

"Much as some white folk pretend otherwise, racism didn't vanish one fine day long ago. It lives, here, now, still. And it isn't something black people can cure through self-improvement. Racism doesn't care how educated, wealthy or decent you are. It will still call you ignorant, deny you a loan and throw you in jail. It will still give white people unearned advantages on the basis of their whiteness.

And yet this also is true: For all the woe it brings, racism is not the proximate source of all the ills that beset the black underclass. We do not need white people's approval or even their involvement to correct much of what ails us — to require that our children spend less time with BET and more with BOOK, to reconnect our fathers with their families, to abandon the misbegotten mind-set that equates ignorance and thuggery with authentic blackness."

Tell it, Mr. Pitts! Preach!

Inflation Seen Jumping 2.5 Percent

Article (Associated Press)

Fed by escalating energy prices and a rebounding economy, inflation will pick up more this year than previously thought, says the National Association for Business Economics. If the new projection should prove accurate, it would mark a sharp jump from the Consumer Price Index's 1.9% increase in 2003 and would represent its largest increase since a 3.4% advance in 2000.

DA: "Jacko's a Flight Risk"

Article (FOX News)

Michael Jackson's prosecutor is opposing the pop star's move to reduce his $3 million bail, arguing that he may be planning to flee the country. District Attorney Tom Sneddon's office said Jackson's immense wealth requires at least $3 million bail to ensure he will appear for trial on child molestation charges and, if convicted, would be prepared to serve a lengthy prison sentence.

JABARI ASIM COMMENTARY: Did Cosby Cross the Line?

Commentary (Washington Post)

Mr. Asim says yes. He agrees with elements of Bill Cosby's remarks at the NAACP's 'Brown' 50th Anniversary dinner. However, he says: "It is true that some blacks continue to engage in conduct that contradicts and undermines the aims of the civil rights movement. He has every right to take them to task. It is far less amusing that Cosby, a multimillionaire, chose to criticize 'the lower economic people' when evidence of the habits he condemned -- misplaced priorities, negligent child-rearing, deteriorating morality -- can be found at every level of American society. Why single out poor people, who are least able to defend themselves?" True, but we can't continue our advances if our poorer folks don't hold up their end of the deal. Mr. Asim is more concerned that Coz called out some folk in "mixed company" than the truth in his comments.

‘Soul Food’ Finale Leaves Viewers Hungry for Dramas

Article (BlackAmericaWeb)

Wednesday night marks the final episode of “Soul Food,” the highest-rated show on the Showtime cable network. With its strong ratings, many viewers are questioning why the show is being canceled. Vanessa Williams says that with the increased opportunities for visibility made possible by the Internet, she urges black people to be vigilant about getting our stories to screen — even if it’s a computer screen.

DEBORAH MATHIS COMMENTARY -- Maddening Shame: Blacks Not in Presidential Game

Commentary (BlackAmericaWeb)

Ms. Mathis bemoans how blacks are conspicuously missing from Sen. John Kerry's Veepstakes, despite being its most supportive voters. She says, "Despite pleasing polls, the fair-sounding lip service and the great colorblind ideal — despite 40 years of trudging up the line and toppling barriers — black America is still not thought of as a serious player in the ultimate game. And that is a maddening shame."

The liberal Ms. Mathis is correct. Democrats should be embarrassed. On the Republican side, Secretary Colin Powell seriously floated a White House run in 1996 and President George W. Bush (unsuccessfully) asked him to be his Vice Presidential candidate in 2000. Campaigns are afoot to put Dr. Condoleezza Rice on the ballot this year in lieu of the troubled VP Dick Cheney, or encourage her to lay down groundwork for a 2008 run. Yet nothing on the Dems' side, where 92% of black folks cast their ballots in 2000. Blacks accounted for 28% of the total Democratic ballots casts four years ago, yet Sen. Kerry's senior campaign staff is whiter than Idaho.

Ms. Mathis ignores one thing: black folks are partly to blame for this disrespect, as we don't strategically use our bloc vote. It's predictable so we have little leverage. Sen. John Kerry cannot win the White House without 90%+ of the black vote and a high turnout, so we still hold some power. If we torpedo his candidacy -- which can happen if we diversify our non-Dem vote from 8% in 2000 to just 15% -- Dems will get the hint real fast. Many moderate and conservative blacks should vote Republican or Libertarian. Many liberal blacks should vote for Ralph Nader or Green. Or go to the polls to vote for other offices, but leave the prez slot blank. Hold the Dems' feet to the fire. Until black folks teach the Democratic Party a long-overdue lesson, it won't change. However, younger blacks are increasingly identifying themselves as GOP and especially independent so the Dems' punishment will come soon. Black Republicans, y'all must step up your message.

Joint Center President to Step Down

Article (Black Enterprise)

Eddie Williams, president of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies for 32 years, will step down in December. He has built a think tank that is the world go-to place for anyone who has questions about issues related to black Americans, and pioneered polling of our opinions. Under his leadership, JCPES has grown from 7 staffers and a $400,000 annual budget, to 43 employees, an annual budget of $6 million and an endowment of $6 million+. Many of the stats you see on this website's left margins are from JCPES.

Bush to Address Iraq Handover in Speech

Article (Associated Press)

In tonight's speech, President George W. Bush will lay out details of the June 30 transfer at a time when his approval ratings are at the lowest level of his presidency and just six months before the election. We say it's about damn time. Booker Rising supported the war, but we believe the post-Saddam-ouster planning has been shoddy.

Great Migration, Part II?

Article (Los Angeles Times)

Blacks are leaving other U.S. regions and returning South. This population shift is nowhere near the millions who left the South from 1910-1970, but the Brookings Institute says the sizeable flow means a new map of Black America must be drawn. People are returning South due to its increased prosperity, better race relations, more cohesive black communities and culture, family ties, and lower costs. Atlanta is the #1 destination, then Dallas and Charlotte. We predict moderate and conservative black politics will increase in appeal, given the South's social conservatism.

P. Diddy to Host Political Show on MTV

Article (Associated Press)

In a new show tentatively called "Project Change," Combs hopes to grill President George W. Bush and his Democratic rival Sen. John Kerry. Combs told the New York Post he'll scout the streets of Harlem, Brooklyn and Detroit for "real people" to ask the questions. The 34-year-old hip hop mogul and recent Broadway actor said he hopes to encourage a record number of youth and racial minorities to vote this year. This ought to be interesting...