By Julianne Malveaux – The first Friday of every month is the time when we learn what is happening with the prior month’s employment. Many are excited that in a two month period the unemployment rate dropped from 9.8 percent in November to 9.0 percent in January. Good news? Not really. Only 36,000 new jobs […]
Commentary
Mayor Bing Shoots a 3 Pointer – To Be Equal
By Marc H. Morial – “I learned long ago to let my game do the talking and focus on the bottom line, not the headlines. That’s why tonight I believe we must come together with one voice and one vision to make Detroit a city that works.” Detroit Mayor Dave Bing A few years ago, […]
Affirmative Action debate heats up at Florida Universities
By Chuck Hobbs, Esq. – On February 24th a debate between students at predominantly black Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Florida State University (FSU), its predominantly white cross-town neighbor, will center upon one of the most politically divisive issues of the past quarter century—Affirmative Action and the role it plays in government spending. The debate […]
Fire Flame Columnist – The Gantt Report
By Lucius Gantt – “We the business, hundred million dollars, we the business, hundred million dollars”! If you listen to what your children listen to or listen to rap music yourself, you know the above quote is the hook for the current number one video on BET’s 106 & Park Show entitled “Fire Flame Spitters”. […]
With All Thy Getting – Rights vs Responsibilities
Raynard Jackson – King Solomon, of the Bible fame, states in Proverbs 4:7, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding.” I assume that it’s still legal in the U.S. to mention or quote from the Bible? I am not too sure; this can cause me to be […]
Don’t Mess With the 14th Amendment
By Marc Morial (To Be Equal # 6) – Section I of the 14th Amendment “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the […]
When is the Price of Unity Too High?
By Curtis R. Monday – Prior to the announcement of Mayor Richard M. Daley’s decision not to seek a record seventh term, I would have given my unconditional and unwavering support for most activities calling for the unified efforts of African Americans. In fact, I still hold to the belief that unity within our community […]
Will Rallies and Vigils Honoring David Kato Reveal the Whole Context Surrounding His Death?
By Cleo Manago – “Referring to David Kato’s murder as simply a “homophobic” crime is a dangerously under-developed perspective of the facts.” In the wake of last week’s brutal slaying of Ugandan “gay” rights activist David Kato, it will be interesting to observe if the resulting rallies and vigils will specifically acknowledge all factors leading […]
Egypt, Economic Justice And The Rest Of Us
By Julianne Malveaux – People took it to the streets in Egypt on Tuesday, January 25, and they’ve been on the streets ever since. They’ve been demanding the removal of President Hosni Mubarak, and agitating for “freedom, democracy, and change”. Unemployment is high, economic opportunity is low, and people are so frustrated that they are […]