Black Expressions Poetry Winners Announced!
The winners of our Poetry Slam have been chosen!
Check out the winners and their brilliant work!
Let us know what you think of all the goodness!
« December 2006 | Main | April 2007 »
March 23, 2007
Terry McMillan Sues ex-Husband for $40m
Claiming her ex-husband tried to ruin her reputation during their messy divorce in 2005, acclaimed author Terry McMillan has filed a $40m suit against Jonathan Plummer.
McMillan is the author of several books including How Stella Got Her Groove Back and The Interruption of Everything among many others. She has stated in the past that her early romance with her now ex-husband inspired Stella.
Good Luck, Terry. We can't wait to see what you'll write about this chapter of your life!
March 19, 2007
Wyclef Jean Speaks (And Raps) Before Congress
Wyclef Jean, musician and founder of Yele Haiti, recently went before congress to speak about the future of Haiti. Jean addressed the numerous issues which afflict his nation of origin and argued in favor of the HOPE Act. This act would allow the US to import significantly more from Haiti, thus boosting its struggling economy.
"After some 200 years of neglect, almost everything is a priority in Haiti... One is overwhelmed as to where to begin." Jean hopes to use his iconic stature to bring a brighter future to Haiti.
Tell us what you think!
March 13, 2007
Lawmakers in GA Call for Official Apology
Black lawmakers in Georgia have called on the state to issue a formal apology for its role in slavery and the segregration laws that followed. This follows a similar resolution in Virginia that passed unanimously in February.
"It's time for Georgia...to say it's sorry." -State Representative Tyrone Brooks
What do you think? Tell us!
SCSU to Undergo $126m Renovation
South Carolina State University is using $126 million to improve its image, facilities, and diversity over the course of the next 24 months. Planning to host a Democratic presidential debate on April 26, the historically Black university hopes to reinvent itself amidst affirmative action policies and the accompanying increased competition in recruiting gifted African-American students.
Citing feedback from questionnaires sent to thousands of South Carolina residents in March 2006, the university has outlined a strategy to effectively redefine itself and "to better educate its students and to improve its service to" the entirety of South Carolina.
Film to Feature Disney's First Black Princess
The Frog Princess will be Disney's first animated motion picture to feature a Black princess. Tentatively named Maddy, the film's star will be a 19-year-old woman living and working in New Orleans' French Quarter.
Walt Disney Studios chairman Dick Cook was quoted as saying, “The film’s New Orleans setting and strong princess character give the film lots of excitement and texture.” The film's animation will be done entirely by hand in a fashion reminiscent of Disney's traditional animated legacy, and features a score composed by Randy Newman.
March 06, 2007
Eric Jerome Dickey Interviewed on Urban Style
NAR Gives $1m to MLK, Jr. Memorial Foundation
The National Association of Realtors has donated $1 million to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, joining an ever growing list of major donors. The check presentation ceremony took place on Capitol Hill and featured Congressmen James Clyburn and John Lewis as well as the foundation's president, Harry E. Johnson, Sr.
An advocate for fair housing laws, NAR president Pat Vredevoogd Combs said, "We are proud to be a part of the effort to build a permanent home to honor Dr. King on our National Mall."
Young Lloyd Launches Entertainers 4 Education
Young Lloyd is in the midst of launching the Entertainers 4 Education Alliance. Featuring appearances by influential artists and prominent musicians, Entertainers 4 Education Alliance will encourage young people to make smart choices, to stay focused on their goals, and, most importantly, to stay in school.
The inaugural event will take place on Monday, March 12th from 6:00-8:00 pm at the AMC Lincoln Square Theatre in New York City. More than 600 area high school students have been invited.
March 02, 2007
NYC Passes Ban on N-Word
City council members in New York City voted unanimously to ban use of the n-word in any context. The resolution is entirely symbolic; the ban carries no weight in law and will not be enforced. Offenders face no punishment.
"This could be the beginning of a movement," said Councilman Albert Vann.
Do you agree with the Councilman? Share your thoughts!
Dreamgirls Set to Find Success Overseas
Beyonce Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, and Anika Noni Rose's performance at the Academy Awards of songs from their hit movie, Dreamgirls, might be just what it takes to find success overseas. The nearly all-Black cast is set to determine whether the recent overseas success of movies relying on Black stars is a fleeting or lasting trend.
“In the old days, they told you Black films don’t travel down South. Now they say it’s not going to travel overseas," says entertainment president of BET Networks, Reginald Hudlin. Hopefully, Dreamgirls has what it takes to break down these barriers and carry Black performers to even greater heights both here and abroad.
Tell us what you think!
Americans Cry Out Against 'Why I Hate Blacks' Column
Editors at AsianWeek, a San Francisco-based weekly newspaper, published a piece by New York writer and self-proclaimed "Asian Supremacist" Kenneth Eng entitled "Why I Hate Blacks." In what can only be described as a tyrannical rant, Eng made his "case" using solely stereotypes and assumptions.
President and CEO of NAACP, Bruce S. Gordon, has denounced the article stating, "Eng’s comments expose the racial tension--often hidden, but still very much present--in communities across America." The Asian community, too, has risen against the racist commentary with a petition calling for a formal apology and retraction by AsianWeek.