Black Man Black Woman

Month: September 2009

  • Dr. Boyce Money: Don’t Throw Tavis Smiley Under the Wells Fargo Bus

    Filed under: ,

    When I read about the predatory lending allegations against Tavis Smiley and Wells Fargo, I wasn’t surprised. Not because I feel that Tavis is some kind of crook, but because economic downturns are usually when everyone’s dirty laundry gets aired out. The high flying 2000s were a decade of extravagance, overspending, easy money and troubled relationships. The party was bound to end. Smiley’s party has ended with Wells Fargo, as the company has been accused of using Tavis Smiley and financial expert Kelvin Boston to convince African Americans to sign on to loans that turned out to be predatory. Neither Boston nor Smiley is willing to disclose the amount they were paid for the service, but I’m sure it wasn’t chump change.

    I’ve been open and honest in my critiques of Tavis Smiley in the past, but I give credit where it’s due. I’ve always felt that Tavis Smiley is a man who works out of a sincere respect and appreciation for the black community. He is not out to hoodwink, swindle or hurt us, at least not deliberately. At worst, Smiley is guilty of being caught in a situation that he may not have fully understood.

    Although I agree with the black community’s decision to hold Tavis Smiley accountable for his actions, I want us to be cautious of going overboard in our judgments. Here are 5 things I want to say about Tavis Smiley:

    1) Don’t throw Tavis under the bus. African Americans can be tough on our public figures. After Smiley’s repeated calls for accountability against President Obama, many failed to appreciate the value of scrutinizing our elected officials. While Tavis’ close relationship with Hillary Clinton undermined the credibility of his challenges to Obama, the truth is that accountability is very important when dealing with any politician. One must respect Tavis for having the willingness to say things that are unpopular, which even Obama himself doesn’t always have the courage to do.

    2) Beware of corporate sponsors bearing gifts. One of the greatest barriers to social progress for African Americans has been our inability to properly assess those who sponsor our activities. Any corporation that comes along with a signed check can usually find a place at our table. Would you want your teenage daughter taking money from any boy who offered it to her? Probably not, because you know that the the boy might be expecting “repayment” at the end of the night. The same is true for corporate sponsors, who are paying you to present the kind of image they want the public to see.

    3) The revolution will NOT be brought to you by Walmart. Rarely, if ever, can true black activism be achieved via funding provided by companies run by the descendants of our historical oppressors. This is due to the inherent conflict of interest between capitalist entities and the plight of the poor. African Americans are disproportionately poor and working class. Therefore, unfettered capitalism is designed to destroy us (although compassionate capitalism can fuel economic growth). So, while one can certainly understand why Smiley would be happy to take corporate money for his State of the Black Union event every year, the truth of the matter is that the honest activism of such a function can only go so far.

    4) A critical line must be drawn between financing and influence. There’s a reason that the New York times doesn’t let it’s advertisers decide which stories are going to appear on the front page. This is because the natural power that comes with financial support must be tempered by a commitment to conscientious objectives. If Wells Fargo needs to be called out for its predatory lending practices, that is not going to happen with the Wells Fargo logo placed behind the speaker’s head. There should be independent oversight of all funding sources for The State of the Black Union, The State of Black America, as well as events held by the NAACP and Urban League every year. Influence is bought behind the scenes all the time, and good black leadership should be as transparent as possible.

    5) We should keep supporting Tavis. Tavis Smiley’s annual event, The State of the Black Union, is one of the most celebrated in the black community. With a renewed commitment to conscientious corporate sponsorship, The State of the Black Union can regain its status as a respected and appreciated forum for black education. But in order for this to happen, we must make sure we know where the money is coming from, where it is going and what strings are attached. Without properly vetting the sources of your financial support, you are setting yourself up for corruption.

    Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Finance Professor at Syracuse University, a leading African American speaker and author of the forthcoming book, “Black American Money.” To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

     

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  • Do The Souljah Boy Twist!

    Posted by: theblackurbantimes.com

    That’s right! Souljah Boy has put some twisty designs in his head…not braids but twists! What are your thoughts? Likey? Or no likey?

  • Fired ref on list of camp replacements (AP)

    A referee who was previously fired by the NBA is among the group of replacements who have agreed to participate in training camp next week. Michael Henderson is one of 44 who was sent an e-mail from the NBA's referees operations department on Friday. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the e-mail, which provides the replacements with details about the meetings, scheduled to begin Thursday…

  • Cavs G West arrested on weapons charges (AP)

    FILE - In this Dec. 19, 2008, file photo, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West(notes) looks on during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets in Denver. Police say Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West was arrested on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009, after officers pulled him over in Upper Marlboro, Md., for speeding on a motorcycle while carrying two handguns and a shotgun in a guitar case. He was released on personal recognizance, and online court records did not list an attorney for him.

    Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West was arrested Thursday after officers pulled him over for speeding on a motorcycle while carrying two loaded handguns and a loaded shotgun in a guitar case. Prince George's County police spokeswoman Sgt. Michelle Reedy said Friday the Cleveland Cavaliers player was arrested about 10 p.m.


  • Chilli on Her New TV Show, Dating as a Single Mom and Usher

    We caught up with the southern beauty to see how her new dating series is different from other reality shows, why she’s open to men of all backgrounds and whether there’s any chance for a reconciliation with Usher.

  • UPDATE: Kelis & Nas: Back Together?

    Our ESSENCE.com insider spotted estranged couple Kelis and Nas at an event last night with baby Knight looking very much like they were back together. Find out where they were and tell us if you’re rooting for their reunion.

  • Men That Don’t Take Responsibility For a Pregnancy Are Punk Bitches!


    I’m tired of hearing Black men whine that they aren’t ready to be a father and that he shouldn’t have to pay child support for a kid he didn’t want. Look here fool… if you are having sex bare with a woman you know is fertile, you are ready to be a father whether you affirm it vocally or not. Actions speak louder than words. You are doing everything it takes to become a father, right? So what are you talking about you ain’t ready?

  • The Week That Was: Mo’Nique Moves on, Roxanne Shante Rings Alarm

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    She may have been a no-show at the Toronto International Festival earlier this week, but Mo’Nique partied it up with the likes of Vogue Editor-at-Large Andre Leon Talley at the Sugar Bar last night. The incredibly shrinking funnywoman dined on buttery shrimp, sidestepped to the live music (with a bodyguard standing shielding her = insane to observe), cut up on the microphone and welcomed the black media with open arms at an exclusive soiree celebrating her upcoming BET late-night talk show, which premieres Oct. 5.

    Aside from the new show, which we hear may draw comparisons to Arsenio Hall’s groundbreaking 1990s chat fest, the former star of ‘The Parkers’ is looking forward to a busy season. Her performance in the Oprah Winfrey/Tyler Perry-produced drama ‘Precious: Based on the Novel Push’ has garnered early Oscar buzz. It has also brought a tinge of scandal, too. This week, a source told Roger Friedman of the Hollywood Reporter that the 41-year-old actress asked for $100,000 at one point to show up to the festival with the rest of the cast. Of course, a rep for Lionsgate (the studio will release the film on Nov. 6) downplayed that tidbit with talk of “scheduling conflicts.” Hmmm. Winfrey, Perry and the diva Mariah Carey all showed up. And no one could possibly be busier than those three. They were all in New York City last night, too, but were nowhere near the Sugar Bar. When probed about the movie’s shining star, the film’s director told a room full of Toronto Festival journalists, “She’s at home eating some potato chips with her kids.” Ummmmm. Okay.

    Last night, however, Mo’Nique seemed to be in her own mode at the Ashford & Simpson-owned hot spot. She wasn’t talking about Toronto drama. Actually, come to think of it, she didn’t say much at all in the watering hole’s tight quarters. The ‘Original Queen of Comedy’ did commend ‘Precious’ filmmakers for believing in her, along with BET honchos Debra Lee, Stephen Hill and Loretha Jones.

    http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,entry&id=725061&pid=725060&uts=1253285733
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    Party Hearty: Mo’Nique at The Sugar Bar
    Mo’Nique getting her groove on.
    Wilson Morales
    BlackVoices.com

    Black Filmmakers

      Spike Lee
      Besides Woody Allen, no other filmmaker has had more films on the big screen in the last 20 years than Lee. From ‘She’s Gotta Have It’ to ‘Jungle Fever’ to the critically acclaimed and Oscar-nominated ‘Do The Right Thing,’ Lee’s production company, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks, has produced more than 35 films since 1983. In 2008, the Atlanta native released his latest film, ‘Miracle at St. Anna,’ a story about blacks fighting in WWII that stars Derek Luke and Michael Ealy.

      Oscar Micheaux
      As the pioneer of Black filmmakers, this Metropolis, Illinois, native revolutionized the film industry when he formed his own movie production company and, in 1919, became the first Black to make a film. He wrote, directed and produced the silent motion picture ‘The Homesteader’ and then introduced the film world to Paul Robeson in ‘Body and Soul.’ In 1986, the Directors Guild of America honored Micheaux with a Golden Jubilee Special Award, and today the Oscar Micheaux Award is presented each year by the Producers Guild.

      Robert Townsend
      Primarily known as a comedian, this Chicago native established himself when he wrote, directed, produced and starred in the comedy ‘Hollywood Shuffle,’ his 1987 film about struggling black actors. He also created and produced the CableACE award-winning ‘Robert Townsend and His Partners in Crime’ for HBO. His best film to date is the 1991 musical ‘The Five Heartbeats.’ Townsend recently directed the documentary ‘Why We Laugh,’ a story on black comedians and their impact in America.

      Bill Duke
      Known for his imposing 6-foot-6-inch figure and action films such as 1987’s ‘Predator,’ the Poughkeepsie, New York, native began directing feature-length films in the 1990s with the crime dramas ‘A Rage in Harlem,’ ‘Deep Cover’ and ‘Hoodlum.’ In 2007, Duke directed ‘Cover,’ which starred Vivica A. Fox, and most recently ‘Not Easily Broken,’ which is based on a T.D Jakes novel and stars Morris Chestnut and Taraji P. Henson.

      Ossie Davis
      As a pioneer in the film business and a legend in the Black community, Davis was an actor, director, poet, playwright, writer and social activist whose career spanned nearly 50 years. Davis directed numerous films during the blaxploitation era, including 1970’s ‘Cotton Comes to Harlem’ and 1973’s ‘Gordon’s War.’ Along with wife Ruby Dee, the Georgia native starred in many movies, including several of director Spike Lee’s films such as ‘Do The Right Thing,’ ‘Jungle Fever’ and ‘She Hate Me.’

      Melvin Van Peebles
      This Chicago actor, director, screenwriter, playwright, novelist and composer is most famously known for his contribution to the blaxploitation era with the independently financed and critically acclaimed film ‘Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song.’ The 1971 film was written, produced, scored, directed by and starred Van Peebles and tells the story of a deprived Black man on his escape from the white authority. The father of actor/ director Mario, in 2008, Melvin completed the film ‘Confessionsofa Ex-Doofus-ItchyFooted Mutha,’ which played at various film festivals.

      Julie Dash
      In 1991, this Queens, New York, native’s film ‘Daughters of the Dust,’ which tells the story of three generations of Gullah women at the turn of the 20th century, was the first full-length film with general theatrical release in the United States by an Black woman. In 2004, the film was included in the National Film Registry.

      F. Gary Gray
      Having directed more than 30 music videos for artists such as Ice Cube, Queen Latifah, TLC, Dr. Dre and Mary J. Blige, and winning several awards for his work, the New York native moved into the film world with the cult favorite ‘Friday,’ starring Ice Cube and Chris Tucker. He then followed that film with another fan favorite, ‘Set It Off,’ with Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox and Jada Pinkett Smith, before moving on to big budgeted films such as ‘The Negotiator,’ ‘The Italian Job’ and ‘Be Cool.’ His next feature is slated to be ‘Marvin: The Life Story of Marvin Gaye.’

      Forest Whitaker
      An Academy Award winner for his performance as Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the 2006 film ‘The Last King of Scotland’, the Longview, Texas, native has directed many films, including the fan favorite 1995’s ‘Waiting to Exhale,’ based on the Terry McMillan novel of the same name. Other directorial films from Whitaker include ‘Hope Floats’ and ‘First Daughter.’

      Lee Daniels
      Beginning his career in entertainment as a casting director and manager, the Philadelphia native worked on projects such as ‘Under the Cherry Moon’ and ‘Purple Rain,’ both of which starred Prince, before hitting the jackpot with his production of ‘Monster’s Ball’ in 2001. That film garnered Halle Berry a best actress Oscar, making her the first Black woman to do so. In 2006, Daniels made his directorial debut with ‘Shadowboxer,’ which starred Oscar winners Cuba Gooding, Jr., and Helen Mirren. Just recently, in January 2009, his latest directing gig, ‘Push,’ won three awards at the Sundance Film Festival, including best film.

    Mo’Nique

    *****

    Everyone and their mother (and even the P.O.T.U.S.) seemed to have some sideways comment about Kanye West’s messy spectacle at the MTV Video Music Awards — as if he was videotaped urinating on underage girls; as if he was accused of sexual assault by a Colorado hotel employee; as if he lumped up his beautiful Cover Girl model girlfriend on the streets of Los Angeles … but I digress.

    Joining in the fray is Angelo Ellerbee, an esteemed public relations veteran.

    In an eyebrow-raising interview with Out magazine, the New Jersey native – who has worked with virtually everyone in black entertainment from, Dionne Warwick to DMX, spoke his piece about the highly publicized debacle: “This is a problem! You can talk about how it’s liquor, but liquor just makes you do what you want to do. It’s an excuse. His mother dying, the liquor — they’re all excuses. You need to go and get some help. You need to come to me for a week. That’s what you need to do!”

    Another nugget from Ellerbee, who has garnered praise for media coaching and teaching celebrities proper etiquette: “It angers me to think that we’ve come so far and then our black president is shouted at and called a liar and nobody wants to do anything because no one wants to ruffle any feathers. You know what? I’ve got nothing but feathers to ruffle. I’m tired of this. When I worked with Mary J. Blige, people said it was the hardest thing to do and it would never happen. But life is not a cup of instant coffee. It’s brewed coffee. It’s brewed over time. Look where she’s at today!”

    *****

    Before Wanda Sykes starts hosting her late-night show on FOX this fall, audiences will get to see her on HBO. The Emmy Award-winning comedienne returns to the network for her second solo special, ‘Wanda Sykes: I’m a Be Me,’ debuting Oct. 10 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Taped last month before a live audience at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., the special will feature the brazen funnywoman performing material featured in her national stand-up tour. She addresses such topics as having a new “cool” black president, coming out as a lesbian, the real Michelle Obama, being a new mom, getting her first bikini wax, health care town halls, pirates and working as an entertainer on a gay cruise. Named one of Entertainment Weekly’s “25 Funniest People in America,” the ‘New Adventures of Old Christine’ star recently hosted the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.

    *****

    Grammy-Award winning neo-soul powerhouse Jill Scott, Obie Award-winning actress Yvette Freeman and Emmy Award-winning producer Shonda Rimes have some irons in the fire. Scott has been cast as the lead in Lifetime Television’s telefilm ‘Sins of the Mother,’ about a grad student who returns home to face her abusive, alcoholic mother. Scott, who recently helmed the critically acclaimed HBO series ‘Ladies No. 1 Detective Agency’ (now on DVD), will play the mother. According to ‘Variety,’ production began this week, and a 2010 premiere is slated.

    She played nurse Haleh for 15 years on the TV drama ‘ER,’ but Freeman is a master at theater. This week, the Obie Award-winning Delaware native stars in McCarter Theatre Center‘s production of Emily Mann’s ‘Having Our Say,’ based on the memoir about civil rights pioneers Sadie and Bessie Delany. The multiple-award-winning play officially opened Sept. 17 and will continue at the Princeton University venue through Oct. 18.

    ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ creator Rimes will produce a Miramax Films project adapted from journalist Helena Andrews‘ upcoming memoir ‘Bitch is the New Black,’ a satirical look at the new generation of young, successful black women in Washington, D.C. Andrews, a culture columnist for TheRoot.com, has been tapped to pen the screenplay.

    *****

    Roxanne Shante, who was recently embroiled in a sordid scandal about whether Warner Bros. Records financed her alleged college education, sounded an alarm about a serious women’s health issue earlier this week. Via her Facebook page, the Queens, N.Y., native wrote: “Sisters, it is very important that you get mammograms. I am not going to put my personal business out here. But just know I am speaking from a place and situation that I don’t want to see any of you in. If anyone here is a breast cancer survivor I would love to hear from you. Life Begins at 40.”

    When reached for comment, the former Cold Chillin’ Records rap diva (nee Lolita Gooden), who many consider the “First Lady of Rap,” did not respond. But today, she wrote: “Okay, let me explain. I wanted to share my situation because someone reading this needs to know they are not alone. Or they need to go and get a mammogram. We always put ourselves on the back burner for family, work, friends, etc. Put your health 1st today. As for me, I will be fine. God is good and has given me a guarantee. Plus, to worry is a sin, and I have committed enough of those so I don’t worry. Lol.” Her 40th birthday is Nov. 9.

     

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  • Lamar & Khloe Won’t Have A Pre-nup!

    Posted by: BallerAlert Can you believe this… Lamar is marrying Khloe Kardashian THIS Sunday (September 27)!!! What has she done in a couple of months that made this man propose? She needs to teach a f*ckin class. Khloe Kardashian will NOT sign a prenuptial agreement. Those Kardashians know how to make money don’t they.E Hollywood has already dumped 300k to pay for this ceremony.Why are they rushing? Is someone pregnant?

  • Obama’s Approval Rating Holds Steady

    WASHINGTON (Sept. 20) ? President Barack Obama’s approval rating is holding steady in the mid-50’s, according to a new CNN Poll of Polls.

  • How to find good and credible Ayurveda courses

    If one would try out alternative methods of therapy or treatment, here are some tips regarding Ayurveda and how to find good and credible Ayurveda courses. For hundreds of years, the concept of Ayurveda has captivated and gained widespread popularity amon…

  • Obama Has Tough Message for Wall Street

    President Barack Obama sternly warned Wall Street Monday against returning to the sort of reckless and unchecked behavior that threatened the nation with a second Great Depression.

  • Yale Student Murder Symptomatic of Growing Workplace Violence

    Filed under: ,

    The murder of Yale University Lab Technician Annie Le was sad, particularly since her body was found on what was supposed to be her wedding day. The accused killer in this incident is Raymond Clark III, a 24-year old co-worker. This tragic incident is not only problematic due to the fact that a young woman lost her life. It is also a sad reminder of the dramatic rise in workplace violence throughout the United States.There has been an 18% increase in workplace violence in 2009, relative to last year. Also, according to Corporate Counseling Associates, an HR consulting firm, there has been a 28% increase in workplace suicides. A poor economy certainly plays a role in the frequency of workplace violence, as tough times lead to tough decisions by firm managers who have to slice jobs in order to keep the company afloat.

    African Americans are impacted even more by the threat of workplace violence, since our unemployment rate tends to be much higher than that of white Americans. Also, other forms of related violence, such as that which occurs in the home, are affected when the economy goes south. In other words, a tough economy leads to problems that go far beyond money.

    The case of Annie Le brings some questions to light when one thinks about violence in the workplace. These questions should be asked by employees and employers, since violence is not only a threat to employee safety, it is also a potential door to major lawsuits filed by those affected:

    1) Are there background checks being done on employees? If an employee has committed a violent crime in the past, this may unfortunately be a reason not to bring him/her into the workplace. At the very least, precautions should be taken to ensure that the other employees are protected.

    2) Are there proper channels for reporting violence when it occurs? In the student shooting rampage at Virginia Tech University, some students died allegedly because the university did not have a proper warning system.

    3) Is there a way to provide counseling to workers so they can handle layoffs or workplace stress in a more productive manner? What about dispute resolution between employees? If the workplace has become uncomfortable, employees should be able to report the discomfort to management so that problems are solved before they get out of hand.

    4) Are there ways to spot situations in which an employee is at risk of being violent in the workplace?     Clark, the tech who is accused of killing Ms. Le, was known to be a “control freak” and allegedly felt that the animal cages in the lab were his personal territory. There are many cases in which workplace violence is committed by individuals who’ve shown a propensity for aggressive behavior.

    5) Are employees informed on the company’s existing policies on workplace violence? Employees should know what lines are not acceptable to cross in the workplace. Also, according to a 2005 Survey by the US Department of Labor, 70% of all companies do not have a policy in place to prevent workplace violence.

    Annie Le’s tragic death may be an opportunity to save lives. By grabbing the lessons presented from her case, we can make workplaces across America safe for everyone. Let’s hope that Annie did not die in vain.


    Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Finance Professor at Syracuse University. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email box, please click here.

     

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  • Implementing a Strategic Partnership

    When business is slow and consumer spending decreases, solidarity between entrepreneurs can help drive sales and possibly cut down on marketing costs.

  • 105,121 watch Cowboys lose on final play (AP)

    New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes(notes) (9) and guard Rich Seubert(notes) (69) celebrate Tynes' last-second field goal against the Dallas Cowboys in an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. The score gave the Giants a 33-31 win.

    Lawrence Tynes sent home the largest regular-season crowd in NFL history muttering about what might've been. Tynes kicked a 37-yard field goal as time expired, giving the New York Giants a 33-31 victory over the turnover-prone Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night and ruining the debut of their rival's $1.15 billion stadium.


  • Cutler leads Bears by Steelers 17-14 (AP)

    Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs(notes) celebrates after the Bears' 17-14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009.

    Hounded in the opener and harassed in the early going again Sunday, Jay Cutler simply wanted a shot at redemption. He got it and finally lived up to his lofty billing. Cutler made a big pass to Devin Hester, and Robbie Gould booted a 44-yard field goal with 15 seconds left to lift the Chicago Bears to a 17-14 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.


  • Cubs suspend Bradley for rest of season (AP)

    Milton Bradley's season is finished. Perhaps his days with the Chicago Cubs are, too. The Cubs suspended their volatile outfielder for the rest of the season Sunday, one day after he criticized the team in a newspaper interview. Bradley was disciplined for conduct detrimental to the team. General manager Jim Hendry said he decided to send Bradley home after learning of the player's remarks in…

  • Tigers win, lead Twins by 3 games (AP)

    Minnesota Twins' shortstop Orlando Cabrera(notes), left, and second baseman Nick Punto(notes) nearly collide as Punto catches a pop fly off the bat of Detroit Tigers' Curtis Granderson(notes) during the third inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009, in Minneapolis.

    Placido Polanco drove in three runs, Detroit's bullpen pitched four shutout innings and the Tigers avoided a three-game sweep with a 6-2 win over the Minnesota Twins on Sunday to increase their AL Central lead to three games. Ryan Raburn homered for slumping Detroit, which won for the second time in six games and fourth in 13.


  • Diamond Of Crime Mob Gets Topless For Photo Shoot

    Posted by: urban news joint

    Labels: Diamond, Former Member Of Crime Mob, Gets Topless For Her Photo Shoot (Sorry Fellows Only Hand Bra Here)

    posted by ATROI at 4:31 PM 0 Comments Links to this post

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  • Rays 1B Pena hit by pitch, leaves game (AP)

    Tampa Bay slugger Carlos Pena left the opener of Monday's day-night doubleheader against the Yankees after a pitch hit his hand and was undergoing X-rays. Pena was hurt on an 0-1 offering in the first inning from CC Sabathia, with the ball hitting his left hand and then his bat. Pena initially headed to first, but plate umpire Jim Wolf checked with third base umpire Fieldin Culbreth, who…

  • Stafford wins Lions starting QB job (AP)

    Matthew Stafford won the Lions' quarterback derby. Daunte Culpepper didn't lose the job. That's what Detroit's new coach, Jim Schwartz, emphasized Monday when he made the No. 1 overall draft pick the starter for Sunday in New Orleans, when the Lions try to win for the first time in 21 months.

  • Grizzlies, Iverson close in on deal (AP)

    FILE - In this Feb. 17, 2009, file photo, Detroit Pistons guard Allen Iverson(notes) drives against the Milwaukee Bucks in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game in Auburn Hills, Mich. The Memphis Grizzlies general manager refuses to confirm whether the team has made a formal offer to Allen Iverson. Iverson tweeted Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009, that Memphis had made him an offer, and ESPN.com reported general manager Chris Wallace confirmed the Grizzlies had made a formal offer. But Wallace Thursday through a team spokesman would only say he did not confirm an offer to ESPN.com.

    The owner of the Memphis Grizzlies and the team's staff are meeting with Allen Iverson as the sides move closer to a deal bringing the veteran guard to a very young team. Iverson said on Twitter on Sunday night he was meeting with the owner and staff Monday and that he wanted to help the Grizzlies develop a winner.

  • Phils’ Happ hurting, Moyer makes start (AP)

    J.A. Happ was unable to start for the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday because of a strained a side muscle. He was replaced on the mound by Jamie Moyer. The team said Happ hurt himself while taking batting practice Saturday. "I felt something and it hasn't gone away," Happ said Monday before the Phillies played the Houston Astros and tried to avoid a four-game sweep.

  • Merriman says he didn’t choke Tequila (AP)

    San Diego Chargers star outside linebacker Shawne Merriman says he didn't harm a reality TV star who has accused him of choking and restraining her. Merriman says in a statement late Sunday that he was worried for the safety of Tila Tequila because she appeared to be intoxicated and he didn't want her to drive.

  • Single Black Females: Where Do We Go From Here?

    Professional writer and editor Elayne Fluker shares her thoughts on being a successful, single Black woman.

  • NFL Star Arrested in Fight with Tila Tequila

    Posted by: www.tmz.com

    Shawn Merriman of the San Diego Chargers was taken into custody by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department after an alleged altercation with Tila Tequila. San Diego Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call this morning at 3:45 AM. Tila claims she was “choked and physically restrained” by Merriman after she tried to leave his residence.

  • Van Jones Resigns Amid "Smear Campaign"

    WASHINGTON ? The White House environmental adviser under fire for inflammatory statements made before he joined the administration resigned after what he called a “vicious smear campaign against me.”

    Van Jones “understood that he was going to get in the way” of President Barack Obama’s agenda, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Sunday.

  • Mesothelioma Diagnosis

    A mesothelioma diagnosis is really difficult and it involves a series of tests to create whether the illness is indeed mesothelioma. Even before you have gone to a health consultant, there are specific symptoms that you need to watch out for to have some…

  • Howard University Student Controversy Over Financial Aid Problems

    Filed under:

    Howard University has a problem. Apparently, the school’s students have taken lessons on freedom of speech to heart and actually believe they have a voice in running the campus. That problem is magnified by the fact that they are finally speaking up on issues of mismanagement and incompetence that plague many universities around the nation, particularly Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

    We all know that HBCUs can be amazing places to get an education. But we also know that many HBCUs are as slow as molasses when it comes to adopting the necessary administrative adjustments to keep up with the demands of college students. We also know that many HBCUs are not even hiring very many black professors, particularly in business and the sciences (Howard University is one of them). Not having the funds to engage in sound administrative policy is almost understandable. But ignoring calls for appropriate change because it undermines your quest to maintain power….well, that just makes you a black version of the Bush Administration.

    Diddy has come out and supported the students at Howard, and I support them too. The students at Howard University and other campuses around the country must understand very clearly that POWER ONLY RESPECTS POWER. If you are not focused in your vision and committed to fighting for what is right, the world is going to continue to abuse, mislead , exploit and oppress you. People will always enjoy walking over you if you remain committed to lying down.

    In the 19th century, the British maintained control over Chinese citizens by keeping them full of opium and low on education and ambition. By keeping their eyes off the prize, British leadership was able to manipulate the citizenry in any way they chose. When the Chinese people began to take control of their own destinies, this caused the Opium Wars, which opened the door for China to become the superpower that it is today. Whether you are referring to the federal government, university officials, or a pimp on the street, most oppressors who have power do not give that power away willingly.

    Like the British government of the past, University administrations can be as typical as any other entity when it comes to maintaining control of students and their minds. Students don’t realize how much power they can actually have, and most of them don’t even care. As long as students remain focused on going to one party after another and staying fearful of standing up for their rights, campus officials hold all the cards. University administrators have another advantage in that students are only around for 4 – 6 years, so by the time they realize they have any power, they’ve already graduated.

    When I was a student leader at The University of Kentucky (which in my opinion, is to this day, one of the most racist and segregated academic plantations in America), I remember periodically bumping into the university president. He would usually ask me the same question, “When do you graduate again?” When I became a faculty member years later, I figured out that the reason the president was asking about my graduation date was because he knew that when I left the campus, the student protests would leave with me. He was right; that’s exactly what happened. But from that experience, I learned that if you step out and fight for what is right, you might actually have a chance to win and make positive change for the good. Universities hate you for it today, but they give you an award for your efforts 30 years later. I encourage students at Howard University and other campuses across America to make sacrifices for their children and grandchildren, who will set foot on the same ground in just a few years. Were it not for students raising a little hell 30 years ago, you would not be where you are today.

    The students at Howard University have a legitimate grievance on their financial aid problems. It is as legitimate as the grievance of Kentucky State University students, many of whom are still living in hotels this late into the semester. Their grievance is as legitimate as that of the students at Morehouse College, who still don’t understand why a wealthy student can shoot a classmate and be allowed back into classes. Howard students should have their questions answered and be presented with evidence of systematic change in campus procedures.

    When it comes to bad leaadership, questions remain in the air, and they usually don’t get answered. Instead, the administration has the same formula: Just wait long enough and students will either grow weary, get distracted or leave the campus. Don’t be surprised if Howard University invites Lil Wayne on campus for a concert. Like the Chinese of 100 years ago, socio-political Opium always works to co ntrol the masses. Don’t let the leadership control you.

    Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Finance Professor at Syracuse University and author of “What if George Bush were a Black Man?” To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

     

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  • Contreras leads Rockies to win in debut (AP)

    Colorado Rockies' Seth Smith(notes), center, is congratulated by teammates as he returns to the dugout after hitting a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the eighth inning of a baseball game in Denver on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009.

    Even though he has pitched in the World Series before, Jose Contreras confessed he was nervous before his first start for the Colorado Rockies. He didn't look it once he took the mound. Acquired on Monday from the Chicago White Sox for minor league pitcher Brandon Hynick, Contreras pitched 6 2-3 solid innings to lead the Rockies to a 4-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.