Dogon Village News Alerts - Edrea Davis

Radio talk show producer extraordinaire, Laurence Gaines, passed away

nospam@example.com (Edrea) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:47:37 -0500

After spending Saturday witnessing the critical need for our hard working men need to get tested for health issues, I woke up to the devastating news that a wonderful associate, Laurence Gaines, passed away. Laurence was the executive producer of The Bev Smith Show. I knew Laurence had been sick but thought that he was on the road to recovery. My thoughts and prayers go out to his biological family and his family at American Urban Radio Networks. Laurence was a wonderful producer and person, he will be missed.

From Bev Smith (BWO www.radiofacts.com)

It is with the deepest sorrow that I inform you that my friend and my executive producer Laurence Gaines has passed away after a long battle with his health. We thought he beat it because he returned to work but God had other plans for Laurence. For those of you who knew him well, you know that he is in heaven trying to get me that interview that I asked for with God (smile). Tonight at 8pm EST, The Bev Smith Show will dedicate time to remember Laurence Gaines and the impact he made on the show. If you would like to be a part of that show to share your memories, please call the studio at 1-888-331-1210 starting at 8PM EST. Memorial arrangements are incomplete at this time. Pray for his family and The Bev Smith Show family.

Listen to The Bev Smith Show online at
www.waok.com/

Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program provides innovative outreach to black men

nospam@example.com (Edrea) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:07:00 -0500

I'm just getting back from Los Angeles where I assisted my associate and owner of jazzmyne PR, Makeda, in coordinating media for the Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program (BBHOP). Led by Dr. Bill Releford, the BBHOP provides free diabetes and blood pressure screening in Barbershops across the country. The programs goal is to address healthcare disparities and cardiovascular disease in African American men. Dr. Releford decided that innovative outreach to black men is critical because they are disproportionately affected by diabetes and hypertension more than any other ethnic group.

The day started out at the The New Millenium Sports Beauty & Barber Salon on Crenshaw in the Leimert Park area. In addition to volunteer doctors on hand for a discussion and to perform screenings, a number of celebrities stopped by to encourage men to get screened. There was a two-hour panel discussion broadcast live by KJLH addressing health issues impacting African American men.

I was shocked to witness the amount of men coming in off the street in need of a free screening. There were men with and without health insurance that had not been screened. Click here for a video news story of the event.

After spending the morning at the New Millenium Barbershop, the doctors and celebrities went on a bus tour to visit some of the 100 barbershops performing health screenings.

The experience on Saturday certainly made me recognize the critical need for our hard working black men to get screened for life or death health issues.

Kasim Reed has a good chance of becoming the next mayor of Atlanta

nospam@example.com (Edrea) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:56:01 -0500

Looking at the numbers Mary Norwood 45%, Kasim Reed 37% and Lisa Borders 14% - it is safe to assume that Kasim Reed has a pretty good chance of replacing Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin. Based on her performance in several debates, I have to wonder about Norwoods intellectual capacity. She doesnt come off as the brightest bulb in the fixture. Anyway, if Reed gets a little over 80% of Borders/others votes and maintains his count, its game time.

I hope hes prepared to spend some money right to cross the finish line. Norwood did a great job with her commercials. Even though I was bothered by the fact that the commercials seemed like negative attacks against the Franklin administration, Norwood came off as a likeable candidate concerned about the issues confronting. She should never have participated in a debate. It was like Sarah Palins interview with Katie Couric. She also messed up with the last ad denouncing Republicans. What was up with that? She made it sound like Republicans have some kind of contagious disease. That was a bad move.

If Norwood runs some positive ads, keeps hugging people, and doesnt open her mouth she has a better chance of winning on Dec. 1. Of course, if I were Kasim Reed I would publicly ask for a debate.

Norwood and Reed in runoff Dec. 1 by Eric Stirgus, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta has one more month and one more election to go before it chooses the city's next mayor: Councilwoman Mary Norwood and former state Sen. Kasim Reed will face each other in a runoff Dec. 1.

With 100 percent of the vote counted, Norwood led the race with 45 percent. She maintained a comfortable margin throughout the vote counting Tuesday night but was unable to muster the 50 percent required to put the race away. Reed finished a strong second, with 37 percent, and City Council President Lisa Borders faded to a distant third with 14 percent in the eight-way race.

"I will hit the ground running," a smiling Norwood vowed late Tuesday night, addressing a buoyant crowd at the Varsity, the unusual site of her election-night gathering. "I feel wonderful. We are 10 points ahead. I think that's a great place for anyone to be." (Norwood wound up seven points ahead, although she was 10 points up when she made that statement.)

Reed emerged to greet supporters at the Hyatt Regency at 11:15 p.m., saying that Norwood had run her best race, and that the trajectory of his campaign showed that he was on the road to be the next mayor. Read the full story at ajc.com (Staff writers Ernie Suggs and Steve Visser contributed to this report)

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Al Sharpton threatens to sue Rush Limbaugh

nospam@example.com (Edrea) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:17:32 -0400

Seems that Rush Limbaugh the talk show host that seems to say anythin about anyone who isnt ultra conservative is miffed that his dreams of becoming part owner of the St. Louis Rams have been shattered. Rush seems to think Rev. Sharpton and Rev. Jackson made comments that caused the NFL team to kick him to the curb. Methinks his anger is misplaced - Rush most likely made his own comments that got him nixed.

Anyhoo, in a column published by the Wall Street Journal Rush claimed that Rev. Sharpton played a leading role in the 1991 Crown Heights riot" and the "1995 Freddie's Fashion Mart riot."

Rev. Sharpton, who was not present at either of the incidents mentioned by Rush, demanded an apology. Associated Press reports that Rev. Sharptons spokeswoman released a statement saying, "Unless Mr. Limbaugh apologizes and clarifies his statements, attorneys for Rev. Sharpton will move forward with a lawsuit..He has the right to criticize Rev. Sharpton, but he does not have the right to accuse him of criminal activity, and riots and murders are criminal."

Will good ol Rush apologize? I guess well have to stay tuned for part two since his camp did not respond to APs request for comment. Read the full story here

First Lady Michelle Obama one class act as President Obama dances salsa with Thalia

nospam@example.com (Edrea) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:18:11 -0400

This is hysterical. The White House held a fiesta to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. President Obama was so moved by the music during a performance by Latina star Thalia, he jumped up and danced salsa with the singer. When he returned to his wife she sat smiling, clapping, and enjoying the music. Some people say that the media is making something of nothing. I say GO Michelle! She gave President Obama the classiest South Side of Chicago attitude she could muster. I guarantee you, Mr. President is checked and will not try that again. While people debate the body language going on here, Mr. Pres knows what's up - won't be no Clinton scandals on Mrs. Obama's watch. Michelle Obama is one class act.

Brutal School Bus Attack - Bullies Need the Scared Straight Program

nospam@example.com (Edrea) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:41:58 -0400

This is absolutely ridiculous. Black people need to get together and march against this type of behavior. Why were they beating this young man? He looks like he is White. Are they beating him because he is not Black? It's hateful and we should yell just as loud about this as we do when Whites attack Blacks! After watching this video you have to wonder why White people aren't marching. Perhaps incidents like this are motivating some of the tea party attendees.

These children need something like the Scared Straight program they once had at Rahway State Prison in NJ. Let them get bullied by some of those muscular inmates doing double life and see what they have to say then.

Read about bullies here

Ghetto South Carolina Representative Refuses to Apologize again for Calling the President a Liar

nospam@example.com (Edrea) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 10:59:39 -0400

The South Carolina Republican acted ignorant and ghetto during President Obama's health care address says he will not apologize again for his outburst. I understand why our President is acting classy enough excepting his apology, however, since I'm just "joe public" I'm gonna call it like I see it. There are some old-school ignorant folks that refuse to give President Obama the respect given to ALL presidents. It seems that every time you mention race these days you get "accused" of playing the race card. Call it what you want, I'll call it racism. I don't believe Mr. Wilson would have disrespected a white man the way he did President Obama. I also believe he made a decision to disrespect the president and apologize later. They should have dragged his GHETTO butt out of the building.

Several articles claim that Mr. Wilson is a good guy and this is not normal for him. Guess what? This is the first African American President so he had no need to act like this in the past. You will never convince me or anyone with common sense that all of this hoopla over health care is not an undercover way to protest a black President. To all the nuts out there all I can say is get over it, there's a black man in charge.

Two of the articles below: "A Dangerous Kind of Hate" by Colbert I. King of the Washington Post and "Boy, Oh, Boy!" by New York Times op-ed columnist, Maureen Dowd, are quite revealing. Take a minute to click and read them.

A Dangerous Kind of Hate by Colbert I. King, Washington Post

On Aug. 16, pastor Steven L. Anderson of Faithful Word Baptist Church in Tempe, Ariz., told his congregation that he prays for the death of President Obama. In a sermon titled "Why I Hate Barack Obama," Anderson preached: "I'm not going to pray for his good, I'm going to pray he dies and goes to hell." Read the full story here

Boy, Oh, Boy! by Maureen Dowd

The normally nonchalant Barack Obama looked nonplussed, as Nancy Pelosi glowered behind.

Surrounded by middle-aged white guys - a sepia snapshot of the days when such pols ran Washington like their own mens club - Joe Wilson yelled You lie! at a president who didnt.

But, fair or not, what I heard was an unspoken word in the air: You lie, boy! Read it here

Wilson: No more apologies for outburst against president

(CNN) -- Rep. Joe Wilson said Sunday he will not apologize again for yelling out that President Obama lied during the president's speech to Congress last week.

Rep. Joe Wilson, R-South Carolina, shouts "You lie!" during President Obama's speech Wednesday night.

"I am not going to apologize again," the South Carolina Republican said on "FOX News Sunday" when asked about pending disciplinary steps against him by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives.

Wilson said he already apologized to Obama and that the president accepted it. However, he insisted that Obama "was misstating the facts," and that Democratic leaders in the House were "playing politics" by continuing to focus on the issue.

The controversy has shifted the focus of the heated health care debate by calling attention to claims by Republicans that a health care overhaul sought by Obama and Democrats would provide free insurance coverage for illegal immigrants. Read the full story on CNN.com

Cops arrested Harvard professor as he tried to get into his locked home

nospam@example.com (Edrea) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:30:18 -0400

I have a lot of respect for Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr and it is sad that this kind of foolishness still goes on in America. But, I have to admit, I'm getting a kick out of it.

Just think, of all people to mess with, the cops selected one of the nation's pre-eminent African America scholar. And, when people want a statement from him, he directs them to his boy, Dr. Charles Ogletree, a Harvard Law Professor. Oh Lord, it doesn't get any better than this! The Po-Po is gonna have to be more careful these days and watch who they pick fights with. Black folks have come a long way and you never know who you're messing with. I hope this incident gets back to the boys in the hood - they can celebrate because Gates and Ogletree are the two best people to show that the "post-racial/Obama era" people keep referring to is a figment of someone's imagination.

When I initially heard about this incident I hoped that it was just the police protecting the neighborhood. If there were two men of any race kicking or appearing to force a door in at my home I would hope someone would call 911. Too bad people are no longer neighborly - back in the day my neighbors would have looked out the window and known who it was if they lived in the area.

But nowadays they would call 911.

The problem with this incident seems to be the fact that they arrested Dr. Gates even after they found out who he was and had a problem with him being "loud and tumultuous."

The man was home. He had a right to be as loud as he wanted to be after showing proof that he was not a robber on a cane. I suspect Dr. Gates used words the police couldn't even spell and it got them mad. Perhaps that's what the tumultuous means.

We can't jump to conclusions and think this was racist - although I doubt that a frail white man using a cane would have been treated this way. I believe it's something I often talk about with police - white, black or otherwise - they have a power problem and tend to abuse the power they were given. If someone does not give police the respect they think they deserve because they carry a gun, some police feel like they can arrest you for disrespect. Any, police often arrest people because they feel they were disrespected. In addition to being ignorant, that is abuse of power but it happens every day with these insecure police officers trying to find their manhood (or womanhood) in a badge.

Black scholar's arrest raises racism claims
BOSTON - Police responding to a call about "two black males" breaking into a home near Harvard University ended up arresting the man who lives there Henry Louis Gates Jr., the pre-eminent African-American studies scholar.

Gates had forced his way through the front door because it was jammed, his lawyer said. Colleagues call the arrest last Thursday afternoon a clear case of racial profiling.

Cambridge police say they responded to the well-maintained two-story home after a woman reported seeing "two black males with backpacks on the porch," with one "wedging his shoulder into the door as if he was trying to force entry."

Other stories:
MSNBC - Black scholar's arrest raises racism claims

NY Times - Harvard Professor Jailed; Officer Is Accused of Bias

Chicago Tribune - Esteemed Harvard professor nabbed while trying to enter his own home

Los Angeles Times Blog - Henry Louis Gates Jr. arrested. Seriously, Cambridge?

Black in America 2 could teach President Obama a few things

nospam@example.com (Edrea) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:39:51 -0400

To be honest, I didnt expect much tonight when I went to see the advance preview of CNNs Black in America 2 at the Carter Center in Atlanta. I never made it through Black in America Part 1 at one time - my blood pressure kept reaching dangerous levels.

It looks like CNN responded to the tough-love I know they received after part one. Tonight, I have to admit, CNN put their foot in it big time! Black in America 2 touched on marriage and families, excellence in schools, and training black leaders for corporate America. I truly believe its award winning material.

In Black in America 2 CNN's Soledad O'Brien criss-crosses the U.S., reporting on groundbreaking solutions that are transforming the black experience in America. She uncovers pioneers who are making a difference: people inspiring volunteerism, programs that are improving access to quality health care and education, and leaders working to address financial struggles and develop strong families.

I would not allow my grandchildren to watch part 1. I figure they will learn about the dark side of the African American community soon enough. Since they are lucky enough not to live in poverty, and have fathers and grandfathers in their life, the negativity was not something I wanted to promote.

On July 22 and 23 I will watch the show with my four older grandchildren. Their assignment is to write two paragraphs stating what the show meant to them and how they will strive for excellence. Contrary to what our President thinks about black people, not all black children are playing Xbox or worrying about their jump shot all the time (although the president has a pretty good jump shot I hear).

Perhaps President Obama can learn from CNN and find something positive to say about what is happening in the African American community. I read that while I was enjoying the positive stories that CNN was able to unearth about black America, tonight the President gave another tough-love speech to tuxedo and gown-wearing black professionals gathered in the ballroom of the New York Hilton to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the NAACP. He was quoted as mentioning Lil Wayne - I wonder how many people in that audience knew anything about Mr. Wayne.

Thanks CNN for finding some of the positive and inspiring stories and there are many. As one of the panelist after the screening said, Black America wins much more than they lose or we wouldnt be here. If someone could let the President know that most of us are trying and succeeding, like his mother did, to raise our children to aspire to be doctors, lawyers, and even president of the United States of America. He's not the only African American living a constructive life. As a matter of fact, it was the hard work of the black community that helped to get him in office.

President Obama is just back from Africa and still finds it necessary to criticize the African American community rather than lift up the many accomplishments. Im beginning to believe he is suffering from a little self-hatred. It may be time for a little tough-love for Mr. President. I know I'm sick of the negativity.

I hope someone convinces President Obama to take a minute from grinning, holding press conferences, and scolding black America to watch Black in America 2, he may learn something.

To read about some of the stories on Black in America 2 visit CNN.com.