State Appeals Court Has First African American Judge

For the first time in its 83 year history, the State Court of Appeals has an African American judge.

Former Davidson County Chancellor Richard Dinkins was sworn in for the court’s Middle Tennessee section Wednesday. FULL ARTICLE AT WKRN.COM

Oprah Chooses ‘A New Earth’ By Eckhart Tolle as Her New Book Club Selection

“Being able to share this material with you is a gift and a part of the fulfillment of my life’s purpose,” Oprah Winfrey said on Wednesday, January 30, 2008, as she revealed the 61st Oprah’s Book Club selection “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle.

She added, “It was an awakening for me that I want for you, too.” For the first time ever, readers around the world will be able to participate in a free, live interactive classroom discussion, led by Winfrey and Tolle.

Each weekly class will correspond to a chapter from “A New Earth,” with the discussion focusing on the chapter’s themes. The 10 weekly sessions will be webcast every Monday night from March 3 through May 5, at 9:00pm ET/6:00pm PT.

Published in 2005, “A New Earth” encourages a collective sense of commitment to changing the way we live for people who want to make a difference. With the knowledge that we live in a time desperate for global change, renowned spiritual teacher Tolle’s book answers the question: what can one person do to enact that change?

With clarity and in practical terms, he gently leads readers to a new level of consciousness, awakening them to their lives’ purpose and inviting them to envision a new earth where peace and fellowship are the norm. “A New Earth” is published internationally in the English language by Penguin Group, one of the world’s premier global consumer trade book publishers.

The 10-part interactive worldwide web event is a pioneering venture that will have the potential to reach an unprecedented number of readers in all English-language territories far and wide. With key market positions in the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, Canada, India, China, New Zealand and Ireland, Penguin Group will be able to share this Oprah’s Book Club selection with a worldwide audience.

John Makinson, Penguin Group Chairman and CEO, commented, “Penguin is one of the world’s few truly global publishers and all of us are honored to be working with Ms. Winfrey on this ground-breaking project. ‘A New Earth’ is an unforgettable manifesto for a better way of life. Its message reaches across boundaries to illuminate and enrich the human spirit everywhere. Eckhart Tolle teaches us to change the way we view the world and make connections to each other.”

Oprah’s Book Club works with the American Library Association (ALA) to distribute thousands of free Book Club selections donated by each publisher, to school, public, and community college libraries nationwide. The Chicago- based ALA, http://www.ala.org, is the oldest and largest library association in the world with more than 64,000 members.

Allhiphop.com’s Founders Weeklong Event Thought to Raise the Profile

Greg Watkins stood at the bar at a New York City nightclub, watching a fashion show unfold onstage and trying not to think about all the drinks his guests were charging to his credit card. He was paying for three rappers, two of whom each ordered an entire bottle of Hennessy cognac. Pretty soon the tab exceeded $600–and that was the least of his worries.FULL ARTICLE AT INC.COM

Wal-Mart Honors the Heritage and Experiences of African-Americans

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has a long tradition of supporting diverse communities throughout the year. This February, the company is proud to celebrate Black History Month 2008 and honor the living history of African-Americans. As part of this recognition, Wal-Mart will highlight the meaningful historical and contemporary contributions of African-Americans. Wal-Mart will also feature an advertising series — including print, radio and television advertisements — encouraging African-Americans to live history today. “Each day African-Americans make history and share their legacy in communities across this country,” said Esther Silver-Parker, senior vice president, diversity relations, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. “As individuals share their personal stories and accomplishments, they encourage others to make a difference in their own communities. As our nation celebrates Black History Month, Wal-Mart is proud to recognize the African-Americans who have and continue to make history today.” To celebrate Black History Month Wal-Mart will host several in-store activities: — Each week throughout the month, stores across the country will feature demonstrations to highlight health and wellness, books, music, food, beauty, and skin care products that serve the needs and preferences of African-American customers. — To encourage customers to learn more about African-American history, GEEBEE’s Black Heritage Series(TM) games and puzzles will be available for purchase in more than 600 Wal-Mart stores. Beginning Monday, February 4, GEEBEE’s Black Heritage Trivia Game will also be available for purchase on Walmart.com. The game series, which includes the “Black Heritage Trivia” game, “My First Matching” game, “I Can Do Anything” game and assorted puzzles by famed African-American artist Annie Lee, integrates positive historic role models and cultural identities to foster greater self-esteem among African-American youth. — Wal-Mart is proud to support the theatrical release of “The Great Debaters” by promoting its movie trailer among shoppers in stores nationwide on Wal-Mart’s in-store TV network. — Complimentary inspirational materials, including the eighth annual publication of Wal-Mart’s “Profiles in Pride” booklet, the annual Black History Month Timeline keepsake and other educational resources will be available to customers in select stores throughout the month and available at http://www.walmart.com/blackhistory. This year’s Black History Month timeline will highlight Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and their roles in the African-American community. The 2008 “Profiles in Pride” booklet will showcase HBCU marching bands. Additionally, the booklet pays tribute to Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club associates who graduated from HBCUs. Wal-Mart’s support of African-Americans extends beyond the walls of its stores and clubs into the community. To help preserve African-American history, the Wal-Mart Foundation donated $250,000 to the Museum of African-American History, New England’s largest museum dedicated to preserving, conserving and interpreting the contributions of 19th century African-Americans. The company’s grant will assist in the restoration and re-opening of the museum’s African Meeting House, a national historic landmark in Boston and the oldest existing black church built by free African-Americans in the United States.

2 students expelled for kissing on bus

The families of two Richland County high school students kicked out of school for kissing on a school bus are challenging a decision to expel the pair, an attorney said Tuesday.FULL ARTICLE AT CITIZEN-TIMES.COM

Vote Hope and Stevie Wonder Plan to Deliver Voters to Obama With PSAs

Vote Hope intends to sign, seal and deliver voters to Obama with their latest public service announcement featuring Stevie Wonder. The video PSA, fourth in a series produced by the grassroots organization, encourages youth and underrepresented communities in California to vote during the February 5th primary.

Wonder, who has been a visible Obama supporter, and whose song, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” has been played during Obama rallies, hopes that his efforts will help increase both voter turnout and support for Obama. “It’s time to bring this country back to a good future,” says Wonder.

“You’ve got a voice, you’ve got a choice. Vote for Change,” he adds. The forty-five second spot features Stevie Wonder writing in Braille to spell out his candidate of choice, Barack Obama. Other Vote Hope videos feature hip hop artist Common, and several Los Angeles-based underground lyricists (Project Blowed), who wax poetically about why they support Obama.

“I’m voting for Obama because he’s just there to do some good in the world,” said Common in the video. “A voteless people is a hopeless people. I didn’t vote until I got Bush’s first term, then the bogus sequel,” spits MC Open Mike on the video.

Wonder, Common and lyricists take their “get-out-the-vote” message straight to the people via video-sharing Web sites like YouTube, MySpace and FaceBook. Vote Hope has also produced Tu Voz, Tu Voto (Your Voice, Your Vote), a Web-based, English and Spanish-language, serial melodrama about a fictional Ortiz family and their burgeoning support for Senator Obama.

Vote Hope’s goal is to increase voter support for Obama in the California primary. “Increasing voter turnout among young people and communities of color in California will be critical to Obama’s success,” said Vote Hope founder Steve Phillips.

Pittsburgh Gang Shooting Kills Young Girl

Two members of a local street gang shot and killed a 12-year-old girl while targeting somebody else at a house in the Perry South neighborhood, Pittsburgh police said Wednesday.FULL ARTICLE AT THEPITTSBURGHCHANNEL.COM

Largest African American Bookstore Chain, Shuts Down

The Karibu Books chain, based in the Washington, D.C., area and one of the few remaining retailers to specialize in books aimed at black readers, is closing after 15 years. “We sincerely thank each and every one of you for your patronage and support,” Karibu CEO Simba Sana wrote in an e-mail to customers. “We are optimistic that our mission to empower and educate through a comprehensive selection of books by and about people of African descent will continue to resonate within the communities we proudly served.”

No specific reason was offered for the decision, and phone and e-mail messages from The Associated Press were not immediately returned Wednesday. Karibu has six stores, one of which has already closed. All will be shut down by Feb. 10. Like other specialty retailers, including gay and feminist bookstores, black bookstores have suffered in the past 10 years, partly because of the rise of superstore chains and Internet sales, but also because of the growing popularity of black authors.

With superstores and online retailers now offering large selections of such books, at lower prices, black stores have had a hard time competing and many have closed. Until recently, Karibu had been regarded as one of the few still thriving. “I was shocked to hear the news,” said Zane, the best-selling author who lives in suburban Maryland. Zane, known for such erotic novels as Afterburn and Addicted, said that Karibu stocked her books when no one else would and was the first store where she appeared for a signing.

She had made it a tradition to begin each of her author tours with a signing at one of the Karibu stores. “I had been talking to them about my next book and knew there was something wrong because they couldn’t schedule me,” she told the AP. “Karibu was such an important store for me and authors looking for a chance to break through.” Among the remaining black stores are the Hue-Man Bookstore & Cafe, in Harlem, and Eso Won Books, a Los Angeles-based store that has also fought to stay in business.

“It was such sad news,” Eso Won owner James Fugate said Wednesday. “I really like Simba and to hear they are closing is a great loss to book selling. African American stores are just going down. So many of us look as if we are on the margins even when we’re open.”

DJIMON HOUNSOU will Never Back Down

RELEASE DATE: March 14, 2008

SYNOPSIS: At his new high school, a rebellious teen (Faris) is lured into an underground fight club, where he finds a mentor in a mixed martial arts veteran (Hounsou).

VIEW TRAILER:

PREMIER: Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins

 

RELEASE DATE: February 8, 2008

On Monday, January 28th, the cast and crew came out for the World Premiere of ‘Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins’ at the Grauman’s Chinese in Hollywood, California.

In attendance were Director Malcolm D. Lee, stars Martin Lawrence, MoNique, Cedric the Entertainer, Mike Epps, Nicole Ari Parker with husband Boris Kodjoe, Joy Bryant, and Michael Clarke Duncan and Margaret Avery.
 

Timing of Snipes trial couldn’t be better for IRS

Even Hollywood couldn’t have written a more ideal script for the Internal Revenue Service than actor Wesley Snipes’ tax-fraud trial.At a time when millions of Americans are buckling down to prepare their taxes, Snipes is being cast as a villainous example of the dangers of joining with Internet-fueled activists who claim the IRS has no authority to collect taxes.FULL ARTICLE AT CNN.COM

Foxy Gives Judge Earful, Gets Denied

Foxy Brown will not be given a get-out-of-jail-free card. Not even a temporary one.A New York judge has denied the rapper’s request for a premature end to her yearlong jail stint in order to travel to California for an ear examination and possible repair of a troublesome cochlear implant.FULL ARTICLE AT EONLINE.COM

Mary J Blige, Maroon 5 to Perform at ‘The VH1 Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Bash’

VH1, Pepsi and the NFL have joined forces once again to bring the worlds of football and music together with “The VH1 Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Bash.” Taking place in the host city of Glendale, Arizona, the concert will pay tribute to the All-American sport of football and its 42nd Super Bowl with performances by Mary J Blige, Maroon 5 and special guest Ne-Yo among other special guest appearances. Hosted by Jerry O’Connell, “The VH1 Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Bash,” will also feature appearances by numerous NFL superstar players. “The VH1 Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Bash” will be taped at the Jobing.com Arena (located next to University of Phoenix Stadium) in Glendale, Arizona on Thursday, January 31 and will air on VH1 on Saturday, February 2, at 9 PM.* VH1.com will stream the concert live and unedited on Thursday, January 31 at pepsismash.vh1.com — two days before the show airs on VH1. In addition to performances from the on-air show, exclusive performances will be available for on-demand viewing on VH1.com at pepsismash.vh1.com, after the broadcast premiere. Extensive video and music playlists compiled from “The VH1 Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Bash” performers including, “Box Set: Mary J Blige” and “Unplugged: Maroon 5″ will be featured on VH1.com leading up to the show.

Report: Blacks in Michigan at higher risk of homicide

A new report says the homicide rate among blacks is 50% higher in Michigan than for the U.S. as a whole.The nonprofit group the Violence Policy Center looked at FBI data from the most recent available year, 2005.FULL ARTICLE AT WLNS.COM

African Americans Are Being Discriminated Against at Colorado UPS Center

United Parcel Service has a policy in written words in its hub stating, that they do not discriminate and have a diversity program. Then why are Caucasian employees and a Caucasian management team, at this Commerce City Hub in Colorado targeting African American employees with blatant discrimination and racial slurs like, “that is not a reason to throw away a good Black Boy,” said a supervisor, speaking to two Black employees. A Caucasian employee came up to a Black employee saying, “What is a Police Helicopter call?” The Black employee said, “What”? The Caucasian employee said, “A Ghetto Bird”. A White supervisor told a black employee, “don’t just sit there, get up and run like Kunta Kenta”, a Black Slave in the book and movie “ROOTS” written by Alex Haley. A White employee making racial slur about Sambo, a Black Boy viewed as a racist stereotype that lead to the White character known as Blackface and painted on thick white lips, and calling African Americans a vulgar and vile word such as Niggers.

African American people have been terminated from United Parcel Service, for going to the restroom, while the White employees have not, and told if they need to go to the restroom or leave their work area they need to contact a supervisor. The Assistant Labor Manager has terminated an African American employee just for eating some crumbs out of a potato chip bag in his work area doing his job. The Labor Manager said, “he was taking an extended break”. The District Manager said, (the Assistant Labor Managers Boss) “the Labor Manager (which is Black) is trying to please or satisfy the White supervisors and managers for firing you again”. An African American man was terminated from United Parcel Service for eleven (11) seconds of non-production and kept out of service or work for three (3) months without any way to support himself. From Denver, Colorado he had to travel to Chicago, Illinois, one thousand (1,000) miles to be reinstated for (11) seconds of non-production, after he was reinstated United Parcel Service still refuse to give him the three months of back pay which they owe and the company never provided any losses as of today. A manager for United Parcel Service said about the employee that was fired for the sixth (6th) time is that, “I felt that there was probably enough to warrant a shot at getting the termination to stick this time, so I brought him in and terminated him just before break.” African American employees tried to have a forum with the District Manager who is white at the United Parcel Service hub in Commerce City, Colorado. The men finally had to talk to Congressmen and Congresswomen to have their grievances heard and then, and only then, that some of their problems were resolved. This is not the first time that Congress was involved in the affairs of United Parcel Service employees, several African Americans said. One African American male was terminated six (6) times in four (4) years, averaging one (1) termination every six (6) months. He says that, United Parcel Service Managers and Supervisors are ruining his way of life by firing him so many times for frivolous and trivial reasons. Is this the practice of a giant corporation such as United Parcel Service? This is a BILLION DOLLAR or more company. These are ongoing practices that United Parcel Service employees are faced with today. Discrimination, harassment and coercing of this kind should be banished from a work place. We need a good and understanding Legal Service, said one employee, to stop United Parcel Service from stepping on our civil rights. “We are here working trying to make a living, trying to feed our families, trying to make ends meet. Our lives and our existence depend on coming to work and to an environment where there is no harassment, coercion or discrimination.

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