Black Expressions

NAACP Focuses Efforts on Darfur

2007-05-04T21:47:04Z

The NAACP has begun the implementation of a campaign intended to force Fidelity and Berkshire Hathaway to withdraw investments from Sudan. Joining the Save Darfur Coalition and the Sudan Divestment Task Force, the NAACP plans to use its economic and cultural influence to force companies to cut ties with the Sudanese government.

Reports indicate that 200,000-400,000 black Africans have been killed and more than 2,000,000 others displaced due to the conflict in Darfur.

Get more information about Sudan here.

NAACP to Bury N-Word

2007-05-01T14:56:27Z

In proper fashion, the NAACP recently came forward with plans to bury the N-Word during the NAACP's national convention in July. The ceremony will even include a eulogy for the now-deceased term. The NAACP held a similar ceremony in 1963 to bury Jim Crow.

"We are committed to ending hate," said the Rev. Wendell Anthony.

The N-Word is certainly dead to me. How about you? Tell me.

We're Disorganized Because We're Brilliant

2007-04-30T20:27:32Z

Check out this article at CNN.com about A Perfect Mess!

Then...

Check It Out at Black Expressions!

I have a feeling many of you will find it encouraging. I certainly did.

Coretta Scott King Forest

2007-04-30T18:43:38Z

Israel has announced the planting of a forest of 10,000 trees to be named in honor of Coretta Scott King. The forest will replace a small portion of the two millions trees in Biriya Forest destroyed by rockets fired by Hezbollah in last summer's conflict. It seems to me a perfect solution. Hopefully the Kings' reputation of peace and hope will find its way to the region.

The funding for the project is coming from the Jewish National Fund. The fund also made possible the beginning of a forest named for Martin Luther King, Jr. with the planting of 39 trees in southern Galilee in 1976.

I plan to have a forest named after me someday, too. But I guess in the meantime I'll just enjoy Coretta's.

This Day in '94

2007-04-27T21:25:28Z

27 April 1994 is arguably the most important date in South African history and among the most crucial in the advancement of worldwide race relations. It was on this date in 1994 that South Africa held its first democratic election including both blacks and whites since the beginning of apartheid. As I'm sure many of you know, the populace elected Nelson Mandela to lead them away from their broken past.

I know the whole situation might seem distant both geographically and temporally, but this date truly marks the end of one of the most bitter and violent racial divides in modern history. The old flag was lowered at midnight and with it fell away years of tyrannical racism. Two great people jointly won a Nobel Peace Prize for "the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa."

This day is celebrated as Freedom Day in South Africa.

Source.

Also, Happy Birthday, Coretta Scott King. We miss you!

HSAN Scores a Point

2007-04-24T16:08:25Z

Remember when I blogged about the Hip-Hop debate brought on by the Imus controversy?

Well, HSAN has released a statement clarifying its stance and calling on the recording industry to follow suit. It's a big deal. I consider it a major step forward.

Check it out!

"Come On, People!"

2007-04-23T18:27:22Z

Bill Cosby and Alvin F. Poussaint have co-signed a book deal with Thomas Nelson Publishers to release a book entitled "Come On, People! On the Path from Victims to Victors." The book will tackle several socio-cultural issues affecting the Black population in America. In many ways, it will be an extension of the work Cosby has been doing for the past three years addressing critical societal flaws. Teaming up with Poussaint, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Cosby intends to bring forth a message of hope.

"No two people in America are better poised to address this subject in any way more meaningful or more constructive than Bill Cosby and Alvin Poussaint," said David Dunham, Sr. VP of Thomas Nelson.

I won't lie; I'm kind of excited. Who's with me?

Source.

American Black Film Festival

2007-04-20T19:08:31Z

I'm almost certain that at least a few of my countless readers are aspiring filmmakers. And, as such, I feel it is my civic duty to tell you all about the American Black Film Festival.

The ABFF is currently accepting submissions for this year's festival. It's to be held in West Hollywood, CA from October 25-29. "Since its inception, the ABFF has screened more than 400 films and has rewarded and redefined artistic excellence in independent filmmaking... the American Black Film Festival continues with its mission to strengthen the Black filmmaking community, and making accessible to an ever-growing audience films by and about people of color." Source.

Check it out!

P.S. If this turns out to be your big break, I fully expect a mention in the credits of your next film.

Nina Foxx on Life

2007-04-17T16:28:06Z

Check out Nina Foxx's blog entry on Things to Ponder in 2007.

Perhaps a little late but entertaining nonetheless.

Thanks, Nina!

Imus Controversy Sparks Hip-Hop Debate

2007-04-16T20:05:55Z

The comments made by Don Imus on the 4th of April have cast light on two increasingly controversial art forms: hip-hop and rap. The music in question often features racial and misogynistic lyrics and includes significant use of the words which cost Don Imus his job. Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and Barack Obama have all moved to address what they view as obvious parallels between Imus' words and those used by today's hip-hop artists.

In the opposite corner stands the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network. In a statement released by HSAN, the organization makes it extremely apparent that they do not consider Imus' actions to be at all comparable to those of hip-hop artists:

"Comparing Don Imus' language with hip-hop artists' poetic expression is misguided and inaccurate and feeds into a mindset that can be a catalyst for unwarranted, rampant censorship," declared HSAN.

Where do you stand? Tell us!

Obama to Boycott Fox News Debate

2007-04-10T16:13:09Z

Barack Obama has decided to boycott a debate debate hosted by Fox News Channel. He is the second Democratic candidate to make the move; John Edwards' campaign recently announced similar intentions saying, "There's just no reason for Democrats to give Fox a platform to advance the right-wing agenda while they're pretending to be objective."

Roger Ailes, Chairman and CEO of Fox News, responded, "Any candidate for high office from either party who believes he can blacklist any news organization is making a terrible mistake about journalists."

Source.

It seems the Democrats and Republicans are continuing to intentionally increase the gap between them. Perhaps the answer is for the parties to come together, discuss, and compromise rather than insult or ignore each other. The country isn't called the "Divided" States of America. We need to unite as Americans regardless of whether we're black, white, short, tall, Republican, Democrat, etc.

Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Is this decision good, bad, or in between?

Tony Dungy to Publish Memoir

2007-04-09T21:25:52Z

Tony Dungy, the first African-American to coach a winning Superbowl team, is set to write and release a memoir entitled Quiet Strength. The work is to be cowritten with Nathan Whitaker and released in July 2007. It will chronicle the path that lead Dungy to find his place coaching the Indianapolis Colts, highlighting both victories and disappointments.

"I wanted to tell each one of them that it wasn't the victory, but the journey, and the lessons learned along the journey that matter... It is my prayer that reading my story will cause people to stop and examine what's really important in life." -Tony Dungy

I, for one, look forward to gaining some insight into such a brilliant man's life. What do you think? Will you read it?

Hurston/Wright Writers' Week

2007-04-06T17:58:18Z

Know a promising writer? Are you an aspiring new talent? Get a headstart and check out the Hurston/Wright Writers' Week.

Specifically geared toward writers of African descent, this year's seminars will be held at American University in Washington, D.C. The program attracts writers from all walks of life and gives real-world insights and experience. Applications are due by April 20.

I fully expect to see many of the participating writers on Black Expressions in the not-so-distant future.

So, Check It Out!

Obama Campaign Raises $25m

2007-04-06T17:23:19Z

Barack Obama's quest to become the first black President of the United States has taken a major leap forward with the announcement of his wildly successful fundraising efforts. With $25,000,000 at his disposal, his campaign is looking better by the day.

He's actively proving that his anti-war agenda and potential to be this country's first black president are a winning combination.

Tell me what you think about the upcoming elections? Is Obama your guy or does someone else have your heart (and your vote)?

Serena Williams Knows No Bounds

2007-04-02T19:56:32Z

In her usual fashion, Serena Williams boosted her world ranking from No. 18 to 11 by beating the No. 1 player in the world at Saturday's Sony Ericsson Open. After a slow start, Williams rallied and pulled against the odds to find victory on her own terms.

"It's just not in me to give up. I just keep fighting," said Serena.

Clearly. I like Serena, don't you?