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. 

Posted by Kevin at 04:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.

Posted by Kevin at 09:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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.

Posted by Kevin at 03:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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!

Posted by Kevin at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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! 

Posted by Kevin at 03:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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?

Posted by Kevin at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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!

Posted by Kevin at 03:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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!

Posted by Kevin at 01:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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. 

Posted by Kevin at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

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!

Posted by Kevin at 01:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.

Posted by Kevin at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)