This weeks LTH Weekly Talk Show: Does Pres. Obama need a black agenda? LTH WEEKLY
Black all boys school entire graduating class going to college!
Chicago's only public all male, all African-American high school reached an extraordinary accomplishment-- getting all 107 seniors accepted to four-year colleges. The students were accepted to a total of 72 schools across the nation.
Urban Prep Academy for Young Men in Englewood got a surprise visit from Mayor Daley and Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman to congratulate them on their success.
Hi this is George Cook and I wanted to share with the readers of LTH this article I read by Taylor Trammell. She is a senior in High school at Detroits Mumford High School. The article deals with how it feels to be told that you "speak white"
I Don't "Speak White" by Taylor Trammell
Throughout my life, the phrase “speaking white” has been used to describe the way I talk. I am an African-American, but they say I “speak white.”
Since elementary school I have been teased for the way I talk. It used to hurt to know that I wasn't accepted by my race. I didn't understand what they meant by “talking white.” Worse yet, I was light-skinned. I was not accepted because of these things. I just did not fit in. I found myself hating my voice and the complexion of my skin.
Stylish. Comfortable. Warm. We love the hoodie. But over the last few years, the wardrobe staple has gotten a bad rap.
Hooded sweats are now so linked to all things nefarious that last week, retired federal judge James T. Giles recommended banning them from South Philadelphia High School in response to the racial violence that occurred there in December between Asian and African-American students.
The word hoodie was used five times in his 31-page report, which suggested outlawing the apparel because it hides kids' faces, making it hard to identify them. Philadelphia School Superintendent Arlene Ackerman later said she agreed with the suggestion, and would consider banning the hooded sweatshirts districtwide.
White teachers make mockery of Black History Month
Audio: Clash between Smiley & Sharpton
If you have not heard it yet check out this fascinating and heated exchange betwwen Tavis Smiley & Al Sharpton as they argue over the need for Presidet Obama to have a black agenda
PBS host Smiley calls meeting to urge black agenda
By JESSE WASHINGTON, AP National Writer Jesse Washington, Ap National Writer
Two months after ending his annual State of the Black Union conference, Tavis Smiley is gathering African-American advocates to press the case for a "black agenda."
The decision was motivated by what Smiley called recent statements from some black leaders downplaying the need for President Barack Obama to specifically help African-Americans.
"I was compelled to do it because of this debate," the activist and PBS talk show host said Wednesday.
The panel discussion will be March 20 at Chicago State University. Panelists include advertising pioneer Tom Burrell, professors Michael Eric Dyson and Cornel West, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, and Bennett College President Julianne Malveaux.
The meeting is free and open to the public. Negotiations to televise the event are in progress, Smiley spokeswoman Leshelle Sargent said.
Some black politicians and activists have recently begun to question Obama's longtime stance that helping the overall economy will improve the fortunes of blacks who are disproportionately poor and unemployed.
West, for example, gave Obama a grade of C minus on policies and priorities focused on poor and working people, saying, "He has really not come through in any substantial and significant way." Members of the Congressional Black Caucus have blocked some legislation until their demands were met.
Last week, Smiley and the Rev. Al Sharpton had a fierce argument about the issue on Sharpton's radio show, with Sharpton taking heated exception to Smiley's claim that the reverend was giving Obama a pass on black issues.
When Smiley ended the State of the Black Union after 10 years, he said black issues were now being addressed elsewhere.
Apparently, however, not enough to his liking.
"This is not about Obama. It's about us," Smiley said in an interview.
He said that the Obama campaign and black leaders asked African-Americans for help during the election, but that "now that he's elected, what are black people being asked to do to hold him accountable to our agenda?"
Eric Deggans, who writes about the media and race for Florida's St. Petersburg Times, said Smiley's new event is consistent with his record of criticizing Obama's race-neutral stance. But there is a perception that Smiley is personally invested in the issue, he said, because Obama declined to attend Smiley's 2008 State of the Black Union event during the presidential campaign.
"It could be hard for people watching this to see Tavis as an honest broker," Deggans said. "He's playing an odd game," he continued. "He's trying to make great television and also present something that effects social change. That's often two different things."
Jesse Washington covers race and ethnicity for The Associated Press. He is reachable at jwashington(at)ap.org or http://www.twitter.com/jessewashington.
President Obama's speech on HBCU's
Watch President Obama's speech on HBCUs and as he signs an executive order to strengthen the capacity of and increase access to Federal funding for the Nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Jordan Faces Challenges In Owning The Bobcats
Michael Jordan's drive and immense physical talent made him an NBA superstar. His stardom and shrewdness helped him make millions in business.
His latest venture will test his talents and skills like no other.
NBA commissioner David Stern said Saturday he expects Jordan to be approved as majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats by the end of next month. Minutes before his exclusive negotiating window expired late Friday night, Jordan struck a deal with owner Bob Johnson to take over the money-losing team in his home state.
It puts the biggest basketball star of his generation in charge of a 6-year-old team that's never made the playoffs, has struggled to win over fans and has more than $150 million in debt.
LOS ANGELES – It was a winning night for "Precious" at the 41st NAACP Image Awards.
The heart-wrenching tale of an illiterate and abused teen who finds hope in a Harlem classroom was named outstanding motion picture and outstanding independent film at Friday's ceremony. Stars Mo'Nique and Gabourey Sidibe, screenwriter Geoffrey Fletcher and director Lee Daniels also won.
The NAACP elected a health care executive as its youngest board chairman Saturday, continuing a youth movement for the nation's oldest civil rights organization.
Roslyn M. Brock, 44, was chosen to succeed Julian Bond. She had been vice chairman since 2001 and a member of the NAACP for 25 years. Hear what her view is for the future of the NAACP in the video below:
Forget Joseph Stack. Remember his victim Vernon Hunter [ SOURCE ]
My condolences to the family of Vernon Hunter. Anyone making Joseph Stack a hero should remember the man Stack killed. Vernon Hunter a true American. George Cook www.letstalkhonestly.com
Vernon Hunter, 67, was inside the building an on Friday law enforcement officials confirmed his death.
The father of six and grandfather was born and raised in South Carolina and joined the Army at age eighteen.
Vernon Hunter spent two tours of duty in Vietnam in the Army.
A number of people living in his neighborhood told KVUE ( local TV Station ) that Hunter was the ideal neighbor and father.
Ironically Vernon Hunter's job at the I.R.S. was to help arrange payment plans for people who couldn't afford to pay their taxes.
Vernon Hunter's son
Ken Hunter says his father would have gladly helped Stack make the needed arrangements.
Vernon Hunter is expected to have a military funeral however details have not been released at this time.
Duke Lacrosse accuser charged with attempted murder
The stripper who falsely cried rape and ruined the reputations of three Duke University lacrosse players was charged with trying to stab her lover, police said Thursday.
Cops responding to a 911 call found an out-of-control Crystal Gail Mangum battling her boyfriend and screaming, "I am going to stab you \[expletive\]."
The 33-year-old woman then tried to burn boyfriend Milton Walker's clothes in a bathtub, a Durham, N.C., police report states.
Mangum resisted being arrested and gave cops a false first name, Marella, and age, the report states.
Her three kids - ages 3, 9 and 10 - were in the house at the time but were not injured.
The exotic dancer was charged with attempted first-degree murder, five counts of arson, assault and battery, resisting arrested, child abuse and other offenses.
US Census jobs can help lower black unemployment
With black unemployment numbers nearing 17% I think it's important to remind all that the US Census Department is now offering thousands of jobs. No they wont be around for ever but a short term job is better than no job. And you had best believe that many people who don't actually need the jobs will snatch them up to supplement what they already make if those without jobs don't apply for them.
Learn more about the jobs and what is needed to apply HERE
Anti abortion billboard calls black babies an endangered species
In this photo made Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010, an anti-abortion billboard is shown in Atlanta. The eyebrow-raising ads featuring a young black child are an effort by the anti-abortion movement to use race to rally support within the black community. The reaction from black leaders has been mixed, but the "Too Many Aborted" campaign, which so far is unique to only Georgia, is drawing support from other anti-abortion groups across the country. Read the entire article HERE
Magic Johnson to buy Johnson Publishing?( Ebony & Jet Magazine )
Magic Johnson in Talks to Buy Publisher
Earvin Magic Johnson, the Hall of Fame basketball player, is in talks to purchase Johnson Publishing Co., the publisher of Ebony and Jet magazines.
“There have been discussions,” Eric Holoman, president of Los Angeles-based Magic Johnson Enterprises, said in an interview. “There’s no definitive agreement.” He declined to comment further.
The 58-year-old publishing company’s Chicago headquarters would be included in the sale, said a person with knowledge of the situation. The former Los Angeles Lakers star would make the company a part of his Magic Johnson Enterprises, which includes partnerships with Starbucks Corp., 24 Hour Fitness Worldwide Inc. and T.G.I. Friday’s Inc., the person said.
Johnson Publications, founded in 1942 by Linda Johnson Rice’s father, John H. Johnson, targets African-American readers and owns archives of photos documenting more than a half century of black life and culture. Advertising revenue at Ebony magazine declined 38 percent to $35.5 million last year on a 39 percent drop in ad pages, according to the Publishers Information Bureau.
We are the world 25 ( For Haiti )
Check out this great new video for We are the world 25 ( For Haiti ) Video featuring Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Usher, Jennifer Hudson and Nicole Scherzinger, Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles, Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion and Fergie. Josh Groban, LL Cool J, Nick Jonas, Lil Wayne (and his auto-tune), Jeff Bridges, Kanye West, Miley Cyrus Wyclef Jean
Michael Wright becomes first black diver to win US title
USA Diving officials say Michael Wright's national championship win in the men's 1-meter springboard competition makes him the first African-American national champion in USA Diving's history.
Wright, a 22-year-old senior at Tennessee, won the title at the USA Diving Winter National Championships. He was third after the preliminary round but outpointed David Bonuchi 390-360 on the judges' scorecards in the final.
Wright is the first black member of Tennessee's swimming and diving team.
Four black doctors all from same family
The Ross family (from left to right): Dr. David Ross, Ruthie Ross, Dr. Nathaniel Ross, Dr. Rebekkah Ross and Dr. Rachael Ross.
At a clinic in Gary Indiana if you walk in and ask to see "Dr. Ross", the response would be "Which one?"
That's because four African American doctors, a father and his three kids, all practice medicine here.
Black leaders meet at White House to discuss unemployment
President Barack Obama and three prominent African-American leaders Benjamin Jealous, president of the NAACP; Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League; and the Rev. Al Sharpton, president of the National Action Network.
They meet to discuss how to improve economic opportunities for blacks.The unemployment rate for blacks was 16.5 percent in January, compared to 9.7 percent overall and 8.7 percent for whites.
The Negro Leagues Baseball stamps, to be issued in June, pay tribute to the all-black professional baseball leagues that operated from 1920 to about 1960. Drawing some of the most remarkable athletes ever to play the sport, including Satchel Page and Josh Gibson, the Negro leagues galvanized African-American communities across the country, challenged racist notions of athletic superiority, and ultimately sparked the integration of American sports.
The Negro Leagues Baseball stamps pay tribute to the all-black professional baseball leagues that operated from 1920 to about 1960. The two 44-cent stamps comprise one scene painted by Kadir Nelson.
In 1920, Andrew ?Rube? Foster (1879?1930)?who began his baseball career as a pitcher?established the Negro National League, the first successful league of African-American teams. Nicknamed ?Rube? after defeating major-league pitcher George Edward ?Rube? Waddell in 1902, Foster is considered the ?father? of Negro leagues baseball. He is featured on the stamp.
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Here are the top 10 HBCUs for 2010 as judged by the US News College Report. The usual suspects are there, Spelman, Howard, Morehouse. Is your college in the top 10. Read the list below and click the link below that to see the entire top 25.
