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.

Posted by Kevin at 01:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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!

Posted by Kevin at 04:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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. 

Posted by Kevin at 02:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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)? 

Posted by Kevin at 12:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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?

Posted by Kevin at 02:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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!

Posted by Kevin at 12:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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.

Posted by Kevin at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Gerald Levert, singer of R&B love songs like “(Pop, Pop, Pop, Pop) Goes My Mind,” “Casanova,” and “Baby I’m Ready” died on Friday. We express our condolences. Click here to read the full story from blacknews.com.

Posted by Carol Mackey at 08:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Would Barack Obama get your vote? Why?

Posted by Kevin at 08:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

From BlackNews.com: Minister Louis Farrakhan said in a letter to followers this month that he is seriously ill, and he asked the Nation of Islam's leaders to carry on in his absence to make sure the movement "will live long after I and we have gone."

Posted by Carol Mackey at 07:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Chris Gardner, author of THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS, will appear on Oprah on 10/26 with actor Will Smith for the taping of the show.

Posted by Carol Mackey at 07:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Black Expressions was voted BOOK CLUB OF THE YEAR at last night's African American Literary Awards Show in Harlem. This is the club's second award in the category.

Posted by Carol Mackey at 01:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

All photos were taken by Jason Miccolo Johnson.

Carol Mackey and Eric Jerome Dickey: "Here I am, cheesin' with Eric Jerome Dickey. It was good to finally catch up with him. I hadn't seen him in years!"

Continue reading "National Book Club Conference in Atlanta" »

Posted by Carol Mackey at 12:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Click here to read the NY Times article on Malcolm Harris' take on being a black designer.

Posted by Kevin at 09:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Janet Jackson appears on the cover of Vibe in a bikini bottom and necklace made of large shells - which leave little to the imagination. This comes 2 years after her "wardrobe malfunction" at the Super Bowl half time show. Would this be considered "controversial"?

 

Posted by Carol Mackey at 07:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Spike Lee's documentary focuses on the suffering of black residents of New Orleans. Have you seen the footage? What are your thoughts on it? 

Posted by Carol Mackey at 07:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Here I am with Miasha, author of Diary of a Mistress

Omar Tyree was there, author of the hot title What They Want...here's a letter from Omar:

This was the best Harlem Book Fair I've ever had! I want to thank you guys for that, and I do look forwatd to What They Want leading the charge for your Essence magazine ads this Fall (smile).

That great cover design should create great responses for both of us (smile).

Thanks so much again FOR EVERYTHING!

Omar Tyree @ (www.OmarTyree.com)

The ever popular Wendy Williams, author of Drama is Her Middle Name

Posted by Carol Mackey at 09:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Carol Mackey, editor-in-chief of BLACK EXPRESSIONS®, will be interviewed live on WCBS-TV "CBS This Morning" at 5:45 a.m.* (Channel 2 on Time Warner Cable) to talk about BEC’s appearance at this weekend’s Harlem Book Fair, July 22nd from 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m!

In addition to promoting BLACK EXPRESSIONS®, Carol will talk about the three BEC books and authors who will appear at BEC’s booth this weekend:

Continue reading "Carol on "CBS This Morning? on July 21" »

Posted by Carol Mackey at 09:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We're pleased to announce the winners of the 2005 Fiction Contest. Stay tuned for an excerpt from each winning entry!

First Place - "Cost of Our Affairs" ($500)

Linda R. Herman, Cordele, GA

Second Place - "Black Is Beautiful" ($250)

Sonia Kennedy, Chicago, IL

Third Place - "The Brotherhood - The Belt" ($125)

Delisa D. Robinson, Buffalo, NY

Posted by Carol Mackey at 03:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Rapper Jay-Z Boycotts Cristal Champagne After the Company Makes Racist Comments

From www.Blacknews.com:

In a special summer issue of The Economist magazine, Frederic Rouzaud, managing director of Louis Roederer, said the company viewed the affection for his company's champagne from rappers and their fans with "curiosity and serenity."

Continue reading "Cristal Champagne Makes Racist Comments" »

Posted by Carol Mackey at 08:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Taken from www.Blacknews.com:

"New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin said Monday his city is recovering and that people have been "hoodwinked and bamboozled" into believing it won't be rebuilt."

Were you affected by Katrina? Is the Mayor correct - or is there no sign of relief yet?

Posted by Carol Mackey at 08:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

The Black Expressions Book club will be participating in the 2006 Harlem Book Fair. The Harlem Book Fair is a community event for African-American readers to discover, experience and celebrate the diversity of African-American history and culture through books.

Continue reading "BLACK EXPRESSIONS PARTICIPATES IN THE HARLEM BOOK FAIR" »

Posted by Carol Mackey at 07:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The rapper will be let out Monday due to good behavior (www.mtv.com).

If Lil' Kim wrote a book - would you read it? Let us know!

Posted by Carol Mackey at 02:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)