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. 

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

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

Then...

Check It Out at Black Expressions!

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

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.

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!

 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!

"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.

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. 

Perhaps a little late but entertaining nonetheless.

Thanks, Nina! 

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! 

 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?

 "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?

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!

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)? 

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

 Clearly.  I like Serena, don't you?