Black Marriage and the Dwight Howard Divorce: What This Tells Us About How We Raise Our Kids
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
One of my favorite films of all-time was "War of the Roses," starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. In the film, a divorced couple starts down a dangerous and hilarious path of mutual destruction, where the goal of each is to make the other person’s life miserable. At the end of the movie, both parties find that while it was their goal to destroy the other person, they actually ended up destroying themselves. Just for the record, each character dies at the end.
I think about "War of the Roses" when I see the custody battle between NBA star Dwight Howard and his ex-wife, Royce Reed. Of course I don’t expect anyone to end up dead, but it’s already clear that Royce and Dwight have made each other’s lives as miserable as possible. Royce recently called the cops after Dwight picked up her son from daycare at a time when he was not scheduled to do so. Before that, Dwight had filed a lawsuit against Royce for referring to him as a "douchebag" on the TV show, "Basketball Wives.
Should Reggie Bush Give the Heisman Back?
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
Anyone even remotely familiar with the sports world is well aware of reports that former USC star Reggie Bush is at risk of having his Heisman Trophy taken away from him. The return of the Heisman would likely be related to NCAA violations that allegedly took place within the USC program during the time when Bush played for them. Bush didn’t speak in detail on the issue when he was asked about it.
"At this point, it’s kind of out of my hands," Bush said Wednesday after practice with the New Orleans Saints.
Bush would not confirm or deny whether he spoke with the Heisman Trophy Trust about losing the award. Executive Director Robert Whalen said that no decision has yet been made.
Open Letter to Emmy Committee by Actress Regina King
Since the Emmy ceremony, I have been going back and forth about whether or not I should compose this letter. I try hard in my daily life not to engage in uncomfortable situations regarding race. But sometimes it’s very difficult to find other reasons that better explain why certain events play out the way they do. It is impossible for me to ignore the published statistics regarding the number of people of color mentioned, celebrated or honored in the history of the televised Emmys. Up to and including this year, there have been only 53 non-white actorsnominated for Emmys out of nearly 1,000 possible nominations in the top four acting categories for drama and comedy.
NFL Announcer Makes Terrible Comments about Hurricane Katrina
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
NFL Hall of Famer Dan Hampton has a great deal to apologize for this week. During a broadcast of an NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints, Hampton thought it would be funny to bring up that little thing called Hurricane Katrina. Making reference to the fact that the Vikings needed to show up with their A-game, Hampton said, "The Vikings need to go down there and hit that town like Katrina."
Bad move buddy, bad move.
There isn’t much to say about Dan Hampton other than the obvious. It didn’t take him long to realize that it might be inappropriate to make jokes about an event that led to the death and displacement of tens of thousands of people. Hurricane Katrina affected real lives in a very real way, and Hampton needs to understand that. Additionally, invoking Katrina into the fantasy world of professional football is only productive to the extent that the success of the Saints has helped to heal the hearts of New Orleans residents who’ve lost everything. So, if you can’t bring Hurricane Katrina up in a positive and uplifting way, please don’t bring it up as a joke.
African American Unemployment Rises 700% More Than White
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
This weekend, I was on the radio with Rev. Jesse Jackson. He’d just completed a march in Detroit, for jobs, peace and justice, only to find that his SUV was stolen upon arrival. But when I asked him if he was OK, his response was quite telling of the leader that he is: He simply said that the car doesn’t matter at all when there are so many people suffering across America.
Well, the nation-wide suffering for African Americans has just intensified with the recent unemployment data delivered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It’s most recent report showed that while white unemployment only went up from 8.6 percent to 8.7 percent, black unemployment went up from 15.6 percent to 16.3 percent. This increase of seven percent is at a rate that is 700 percent of the increase of white Americans.
African American Athletes, Hip Hop and Handguns: What Up with That?
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
Shaun Rogers, a Defensive Tackle for the Cleveland Browns, was fined $400,000 by the league for violating its personal conduct policy. Rogers was caught carrying a loaded gun inside an airport. The fine represents approximately 1/17th of his $6.9 million salary.
Some would say that Rogers got off easy, since it would have been no surprise to see him either suspended or sent to jail. The player was caught carrying a loaded semi-automatic handgun in his carry-on bag at Hopkins International Airport. There’s no indication regarding whether or not he realized that TSA agents actually have the ability to see inside of someone’s luggage with their x-ray machine. It’s hard to imagine what he might have been thinking.
The Economic Suffering of Detroit – Julianne Malveaux Featured in AOL Black Voices
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Scholarship in Action
This week, Bennett College President and prominent black scholar Dr. Julianne Malveaux wrote a strongly-worded article about the economic suffering taking place in the city of Detroit. In the article, Malveaux describes Detroit as Ground Zero for the black economic experience over the past two years.
"Only one in four young black men graduates from high school in Detroit. The rest are lost and left out, swallowed by a city where urban blight, industrial desertion, and educational failure define daily life. Detroit is ground zero, exemplifying the absolute worst of urban life."
Dr. Malveaux goes on to highlight the problems that are caused in our communities by decaying schools and poor investment in urban infrastructure. She mentions that President Obama was quick to support the automakers in Detroit, yet there are quite a few urban citizens of the city who have yet to feel relief.
When Rappers Get Locked Up: TI’s Drama with the Legal System
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
TI (aka Clifford Harris) is my favorite rapper, and the person I consider to be one of the most talented artists in America. I’ve made no secret about my appreciation for his music, and from friends of mine who know him, I can say that he is genuine about reducing gun violence among our youth. TI is also the artist that I would have gambled on to have the greatest likelihood of turning his life around. He has a lot to live for, and people who love him. He’s made his mistakes, but I was convinced that he’d grown from them.
Now, after hearing about his arrest for drug possession, I’m not so sure if TI has learned a thing. In fact, I’m having a hard time distinguishing TI from his self-destructive counterpart, Lil Wayne. And yes, I will say this in public: I think Lil Wayne is an idiot.
Crack Vs. Powder – Why Don’t States Make the Change?
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
Years ago when the federal government produced disparities in sentencing of crack vs. powder cocaine, many states followed suit. As a result, the black community was devastated with Draconian prison sentences, in which individuals with barely enough crack to weigh were given dozens of years in prison.
The federal government finally came to its senses and changed the law, making it marginally more equitable than it was before. The problem is that many states have not yet made the same change.
The arguments used to justify longer sentences are that the crack trade creates more crime and that the drug is more addictive than powder. Also, the tougher sentences were imposed in 1986, when basketball star Len Bias died from an overdose. It was originally reported that Bias had smoked crack, but a teammate later testified that Bias had snorted powder cocaine instead.
Dr. Boyce Watkins: Maurice Clarett is Back from Prison
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, The Coalition for Black Male Athletes, Syracuse University Scholarship in Action
Maurice Clarrett, the embattled former superstar of the Ohio State Buckeyes, is getting another chance to play football. Clarett just signed a one-year deal to play for the Omaha Nighthawks in the United Football League. This is the first time Clarett has put on a football uniform since spending three and a half years in prison for having a hidden gun and holding up a couple outside a night club.
"I am humbled by the opportunity the Omaha Nighthawks have given me and will dedicate myself on and off the field to prove that I can be a valuable member of the team and the Omaha community," Clarett said. "I am committed to working hard to earn the right for a second chance in football and more importantly in life."
Clarett is now 6-feet tall, 220 pounds, which makes him 10 pounds lighter than he was when he played at Ohio State. The coaches were astonished at his physical shape, giving him credit for keeping himself prepared. He is allowed to be out of the state for 30 days at a time, but his attorneys are hoping that a judge will rule that Clarett can leave the state for the entire football season. He is now 26-years old, meaning that he is at his physical peak.
How Do You Talk to Your Kids About Money?
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
Given that our children are likely our greatest expense and greatest love, perhaps it might be helpful to discuss how we teach them about money. If you raise your kids to be financially responsible, they can be assets to you during retirement. If they are taught about money in the wrong way, they become horrible economic liabilities that leave you riddled with guilt. So, although I don’t claim to know everything about child rearing, I thought I’d share some guidelines you might want to consider when it comes to teaching your kids about money.
The President Speaks on the End of the Iraq War
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
He came, he saw, he conquered. Well, sort of. President Obama took the nation’s attention for about 20 minutes tonight to deliver a speech about the end of America’s military involvement in Iraq. Sitting in the Oval Office with pictures of his family in the background, President Obama effectively told America that the last eight years are over. He thanked the troops, thanked the American people, and reminded the Iraqis that we still support them. He was being presidential, as he normally is.
The president worked to build bridges with Americans who disapprove of his performance. He mentioned how the high cost of the war reduced the nation’s ability to sustain its middle class. He talked about how patriotic Americans both approved and disapproved of the war, and even mentioned an earlier conversation he’d recently had with President Bush. He also reminded the American people that by ending military operations in Iraq, he was keeping one of his most significant campaign promises.
Jordan Miles: Black Honor Student Beaten by Police, Files Major Lawsuit
by Dr. Boyce Watkins – Scholarship in Action
Jordan Miles is a black teenager in the city of Pittsburgh. Miles also attends one of the city’s most prestigious performing arts schools. On a cold winter night earlier this year, Miles claims he was assaulted by three plain clothes police officers. According to the lawsuit Miles’ attorneys have filed against the city, the officers assumed that Miles was a drug dealer and conspired to file false charges against him to create a story to cover up their actions.
Miles says that he was walking to his grandmother’s house when officers Michael Saldutte, David Sisak and Richard Ewing approached him. Miles claims that the officers proceeded to chase him, kick him and beat his face into the ground. The damage to Miles’ face was extensive, and the officers allegedly pulled one of his dreadlocks from his head.
Should We Be Teaching Ebonics in School? Is So, How?
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
I wrote recently about how the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is now seeking to hire Ebonics translators to help them to apprehend drug dealers. The group seems to believe that by learning the underpinnings of urban language, it can find a way to bring down "Pookie nem" on the corner. The website Newsy.com covered the article that I wrote, with a few other scholars providing their own insights into how and why this decision might be implemented. While I am certainly listening to the discussion, I am not sure what it would mean to establish Ebonics as it’s own language or to try to teach it in school.
Does the teaching of Ebonics mean that we treat urban dialect as a class? If the kids and teachers acknowledge the language structure of Ebonics, do we continue to reinforce the use of what some might consider broken English? If the language is acknowledged in school, does that mean Employers and universities will accept graduates who speak and write in Ebonics? If not, is there any sense in solidifying a student’s desire to speak in a way that doesn’t match the rest of us? I’m not so sure.
President Obama Speaks to the Gulf Coast
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University Scholarship in Action
I still remember when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans five years ago. I’d just attended the Essence Music Festival the year before, only to hear that the very same streets I’d visited were now flooded with water. It was also the week of my first confrontation with Sean Hannity on the air. Donald Rumsfeld had come on the show right before me, and Hannity and I were arguing about why it seemed that the government spent more time planning to shoot "looters" than actually saving the people in the flood. Rarely before Katrina had we witnessed such a gross dehumanization of our fellow American citizens.
President Obama sought to commemorate the anniversary of Katrina by speaking in New Orleans this weekend. He told the students at Xavier University that he plans to stand with the community when it comes to making sure they know the Federal Government is behind them in the on-going quest for full recovery.
"My administration is going to stand with you, and fight alongside you, until the job is done," Obama said.
Black America, Fantasia and Poor Personal Choices
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University, Scholarship in Action
One of the most magnificent voices in all of music is owned by Fantasia Barrino, the singer out of North Carolina. Most of us know that Fantasia attempted suicide recently. Of course the suicide attempt led to instant national media attention, and she was all over the news telling her story. Her management team, understanding the value the incident could have for her brand, pushed out the Vh-1 special before you could say the words "publicity stunt."
Now, I’m not here to say that I know what happened to Fantasia or whether the suicide attempt was genuine. But one thing that remains fundamentally true is that she’d been highly upset over the decline of her career. Also, we know that the television specials and additional PR from the incident have put Fantasia in the limelight in a way that far exceeds what she had access to last month. The final thing we know is that Fantasia is working furiously in the studio to get an album out in order to profit from the re-establishment of her celebrity status. Unfortunately, her team may be looking to replicate the experience of Jennifer Hudson after her difficult experience last year.
Alveda King – Is She Really Part of the King Family?
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
Alveda King, the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is not making many friends this week. Her decision to join forces with Fox News host Glenn Beck during his bogus March on Washington is likely one of the most shocking and extraordinary political events in recent months. Alveda is being called a traitor for her actions and probably has old uncle Martin turning over in his grave.
But here’s the dirty little secret that most of us are not willing to accept: Alveda King actually represents millions of church-going African Americans. Also, her views are not nearly as outlandish as some would lead you to believe.
Alveda King is opposed to gay marriage, just like my mother. She doesn’t believe in abortion, just like many members of my own family. She believes strongly in old school family values, similar to Bill Cosby. She is clearly a product of the traditional black church and represents a section of black America that liberals don’t like to talk about. Many African Americans, whether we want to admit it or not, would agree with Alveda King on nearly every single issue.
A Brave New World? Computers Now Predict Who Will Commit Crimes
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Scholarship in Action
It is being reported that law enforcement officials in Washington DC plan to use a new computer program that claims to be able to predict which citizens are most likely to commit crime. The concept conjures up images of the Tom Cruise film, "Minority Report," in which agents were able to predict "pre-crime": Crime that hasn’t happened yet, and is set to occur. But far from science fiction, this program is based on reality.
The program was developed by Richard Berk, a professor at The University of Pennsylvania. The first version of the program was used to predict future murders among parolees, but it is being argued that the software can be used for all kinds of crime.
"When a person goes on probation or parole they are supervised by an officer. The question that officer has to answer is ‘what level of supervision do you provide?’" Berk told ABC News.
The program could have real implications, including determining the amount of a person’s bail or how long they are to remain in a halfway house upon their release from prison. The program works by using a large database of crimes and other factors, including geographic location, age, prior offenses and the criminal record of the person being considered.
Daniel Andre Green Has Evidence Showing He Didn’t Kill Michael Jordan’s Father
by Dr. Boyce Watkins
Daniel Andre Green was convicted of killing the father of former NBA star Michael Jordan. Nearly 17 years after his conviction, his case is starting to fall apart. The problems stem from a faulty crime lab in North Carolina, where multiple mistakes have been made over the last two decades.
Green told the Associated Press that the lab mishandled its reports, and that evidence supporting his case was denied to him in court. He has trained himself in the law and worked on his own case since the date of his conviction. Much of the recent attention to the case is due to a report concluding that the lab mishandled Green’s case, along with 200 others, over a 16-year period ending in 2003.
"I’ve always known that I’m walking out of prison," Green said. "I’ve known that because I’ve believed, ultimately, the truth has to come out."
Black Male Student Shocks the Crowd with Valedictorian Speech
by Lawrence Watkins – Great Black Speakers
When Justin Hudson gave his valedictorian speech at his Hunter College High School graduation, he made it one that people will remember for decades. In the speech, Hudson went beyond providing vague advice or encouragement for his classmates. Hudson instead chose to use his opportunity to push his high school school to end a flawed admissions policy that keeps Hunter College High School from developing adequate racial diversity.
"I feel guilt because I don’t deserve any of this and neither do any of you," Hudson said in his speech, as reported by Diverseeducation.com. "We received an outstanding education at no charge based solely on our performance on a test we took when we were 11-year-olds or 4-year-olds."
Why does the DEA Need Ebonics Translators?
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Scholarship in Action – Syracuse University
The Associated Press is reporting that the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is considering hiring translators to help agents understand the language of drug dealers. Apparently, the agents are having trouble interpreting the words and sentences being used by suspects during wiretaps. The agency reached out to some translation services companies to find someone to help them with the problem. No, this is not a joke.
"They saw a need for this in a couple of their investigations," Special Agent Michael Sanders said. "And when you see a need – it may not be needed now – but we want the contractors to provide us with nine people just in case."
Yes, this story is making me laugh as much as you are. When I heard that the DEA was considering such a move, I could almost appreciate their intentions, but I think they might be a bit misguided. The first thought that came to mind was whether or not they are presuming that drug dealers speak a dialect of English which matches that of the rest of urban black America? Sure, there are going to be similarities, but most of my urban friends don’t understand drug dealers either. Dealers don’t just sound like rappers, but actually structure a variation of language and sophisticated codes that nearly anyone would have trouble translating. Rather than hiring an ebonics expert to understand the lingo of drug dealers, they’d be better off hiring a former drug dealer.
Why Is No One Noticing the Hardship in Detroit?
by Dr. Julianne Malveaux, President – Bennett College
Only one in four young black men graduates from high school in Detroit. The rest are lost and left out, swallowed by a city where urban blight, industrial desertion, and educational failure define daily life. Detroit is ground zero, exemplifying the absolute worst of urban life. It had a passionate champion in Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, who recently lost her bid for reelection. But as passionate as Cheeks Kilpatrick and Senator Debbie Stabenow have been about Detroit, this is a city that won’t bounce back without revolutionary intervention.
NCAA Works to Further Reduce Options for Athletes
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University Scholarship in Action
Mark Emmert, the new president of the NCAA, plans to endorse a system for collegiate athletics that disallows players to play one year and head to the NBA. Instead, Emmert wants a system in which the age limit is removed (which is what kept players like Carmelo Anthony from going pro right out of high school) with players being forced to decide whether they wish to declare for the NBA draft or go to college. If they choose to go to college, they are not allowed to play in the NBA for either three years or when they turn 21, whichever comes first. In the face of the new rule, players are pushed to make the decision sooner, and are locked into that decision for at least three years.
Bethlehem Schoals and Tom Ziller of Fanhouse.com write on the racial dimension of this issue in the following way:
Wyclef Cancels Meeting with Dr. Boyce due to Problems with Haitian Presidency
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University Scholarship in Action
I just returned from Haiti, a country that continues to be devastated by the recent earthquakes that rumbled the soil in it’s capital, Port-au-Prince. Haitians lived under an umbrella of tragedy long before the earthquakes took place, and the suffering has only intensified since the media has left its shores. One thing that most of us believe, including myself, is that Wyclef Jean loves Haiti. His candidacy for president of Haiti was met with open arms by some, and folded arms by a few others. The evidence of disdain was presented to me personally when Wyclef had to cancel an appearance on my show due to the number of death threats he’d been receiving.
The mixed response to Jean’s announcement reflects the multitude of perceptions that various stakeholders have when it comes to the idea of Wyclef becoming president. I have spoken privately to friends in hip hop who’ve assured me that Wyclef has an infinite supply of love for his home country and wants to do what’s right. But I’ve also met with friends who feel that Wyclef is a beacon of self-promotion who cares far less for Haiti than for his own bank account.
Dr. Boyce Watkins on TheLoop21.com – 8/20/10
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Fri, 08/20/2010 – 00:00
He’s got low approval ratings, but our pro-business, anti-union economy makes it virtually impossible to create jobs …
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Having a side hustle can keep you afloat
Wed, 08/18/2010 – 00:03
How to achieve financial security in the current economy …
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The three money mistakes we make when we’re in love
Mon, 08/16/2010 – 21:00
Mixing love and money can become a dangerous thing. It’s even more dangerous not to talk about your finances with the one you love. …
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How to end black unemployment forever
Tue, 08/10/2010 – 00:00
Most of us wonder why black unemployment is so high. We wonder why black people are so broke. We need to be entrepreneurs. …
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Be like Buffett: What blacks can learn from this billionaire
Sun, 08/08/2010 – 20:15
The wealthiest in black America should emulate his investment and humanity …
South Carolina State University Under Investigation for Misuse of Funds in Clyburn Center
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Black Scholarship in Action, Syracuse University
The James E. Clyburn University Transportation Center at South Carolina State University has been spending money for the past 12 years, but no one seems to know exactly where that money went. State Senator Robert Ford has recently called for an investigation into the center to find out details on how funds have been managed. Even Rep. Clyburn has become a critic of the center’s management as of late.
The Post and Courier, a newspaper out of Charleston, SC has conducted its own investigation using an open records request. The newspaper has described the university’s records as "a convoluted system of record-keeping, with no central control and records on the same subject located in different offices or buildings."
There was a consultant’s report recently completed by the firm Elliott Davis which concluded that the university’s system of grant management not only makes it difficult to track the money, it also makes it tough to find out whether the objectives of the grant were accomplished.
Black Jewish Man Dies Protecting Girlfriend from a Robbery
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Institute for Black Public Policy, Scholarship in Action
Yoseph Robinson was a good man and role model. He’d converted to Judaism after his fight with drugs and often reminded others of the importance of being morally strong. He upheld these values until his last moments when he died protecting his girlfriend from a robbery.
Lahava, a woman helping Yoseph write a book, was laughing and joking with a man when he suddenly demanded her money. Robinson told the man to leave her alone, and that’s when a struggle broke out. Yoseph was shot several times in the arm and chest and died on the scene. The robber got away on foot in the Brooklyn area.
Before his untimely and unfortunate death, Yoseph Robinson served as a role model for neighborhood children. Everyone loved him, and he was writing a book on his transformation out of drugs and into a more productive life. As he died, he told his girlfriend to tell his daughter how much he loved her.
/African American Politician Kendrick Meek In a Nasty Battle
Dr. Boyce Watkins, Scholarship in Action, Syracuse University
I went to Florida this week and found myself surprised by what I saw on TV. It was then that I became aware of the nasty political battle going on between Jeff Greeneand Kendrick Meek (pictured). Both men are fighting to win the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, and both are playing dirty in order to get there.Greene is a billionaire investor who has enough money to run one of the nastiest campaigns Floridians have seen in a while. Meek is also a power broker, being the son of prominent African-American political figure Congresswoman Carrie Meek.
I admit that I found the nastiness of the political ads to be unique, intriguing and even a little entertaining. Each politician presents himself as a good family man who wants to serve the country, and each points to the other as devious, manipulative and damn near criminal. The Democratic primary battle in Florida makes for astonishing political theatre at the expense of Florida taxpayers.
Eric Holder Gets Confronted on Prison Rape
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Black Scholarship in Action – Syracuse University
Community advocates recently accused Attorney General Eric Holder of "dragging his feet" on the issue of prison rape. The AG has been asked to set national standards to keep inmates from being subject to sexual abuse during their time in prison.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, roughly 4.5 percent of all prison inmates report being victims of sexual assault during their time in prison. It is also reported to happen to roughly one out of every eight juveniles who are incarcerated.
Pat Nolan, Vice President of Prison Fellowship, argues that setting standards would be a good way to reduce the problem of prison rape. He mentions that increasing the lighting in the prisons, screening staffers and having independent supervision of facilities can make a tremendous difference.
Tanaja Stokes: 8-Year Old Shot to Death While Jumping Rope
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
Steshawn Brisco is one of the men who will likely be charged in the shooting ofTanaja Stokes, an 8-year old girl in the South Side of Chicago. Most shocking is that Brisco said that he "didn’t care" that there were children in the area when he began firing and that he "let the whole .40 clip go."
Tanaja’s cousin was also injured in the shooting.
A second suspect is being sought by police. The person in question is allegedly a juvenile who is well-known throughout the community. "I am begging you, turn yourself in. End the circle of violence that hurts this great community," said Police Commander Keith Calloway.
The death of Tanaja Stokes is part of the continuous nightmare that refuses to wake us up as a community. The cycle of violence in Chicago is out of control, and other cities across America are faced with similar tragedies on a regular basis. The cold reaction of the alleged perpetrator in this crime adds a more disturbing element to this already alarming situation.
Dr. Boyce: What is Scholarship in Action?
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
I’ve made it clear in the past that I support the notion of Scholarship in Action. While some know the Syracuse University interpretation of this concept, I have found that in some cases, African American scholarship is left in the margins of academic work. Therefore, I felt the need to expand on this concept with what I call “Black Scholarship in Action,” which is based on the idea of black scholars becoming engaged with the world and doing what is right for our communities.
Here are some thoughts on what Scholarship in Action means to me as an African American Professor:
1) Re-connecting with our communities and using our expertise for the greater good. We have too much brain power and too many problems to allow our greatest intellectual resources to be locked away writing research papers that hardly anyone is ever going to read.
2) Being courageous enough to honestly share our insights with the world, even if they are not popular. Capability without courage makes you socially impotent.
3) Following up our rhetoric with assertive action. There is nothing more to say about that. Talking about something is not the same as actually doing something. We have to make sure we know the difference.
4) Confronting consistent discrimination within academia. Too many universities consistently deny hiring and tenure to African American scholars, and this has to stop. Universities must be held accountable to their data, and if a campus has any department that has not tenured an African American in more than a decade, they should be sued for racial discrimination, especially if it can be proven that African Americans with strong credentials are applying for positions in that department.
Again, these are the Dr. Boyce Watkins perspectives on what it means to be a high action scholar, so your views might differ from my own. But it is my firm belief that The Age of the Black Scholar has arrived, especially if we decide that it’s going to arrive right now. No one can stop us, but us…..so let’s define our own destiny.
Dr. Boyce Watkins: Black Comedian’s Fight Against Racial Discrimination is a Lesson for Us All
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Black Scholars United
Serious charges of racial discrimination have been laid out against a Chicago couple for refusing to sell their home to a black comedian and his family. Apparently, the family’s real estate agent informed government officials that the couple chose not to sell their home to the comedian because he is black.
George Wilborn is not only the victim of the couple’s discrimination, he is also a co-host of The Michael Baisden Show. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced on August 10 that they will charge Daniel and Adrienne Sabbia, as well as their real estate agent Jeffrey Lowe with violation of fair housing laws.
According to HUD, the family and their agent stalled negotiations with Wilborn and even took the home off the market in order to avoid selling it to him. Wilborn and his wife Peytyn offered $1.7 million for the house, which was the highest offer the couple had received in two years. Lowe, the real estate agent, admitted that the couple did not want to sell the home to the Wilborn family because they are black.
Scholarship in Action from Dr. Boyce Watkins at Syracuse University – 8/12/10
Why Every Black Child Should Have a Passport
- I went to visit my daughter in Kentucky recently. I love spending time with my kids, which has … Read More
- By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 12th 2010 1:51PM | Comments (0)
Naomi Campbell Accused of Lying About Blood Diamonds
- Supermodel Naomi Campbell is refuting allegations that she lied in the war crimes trial of former … Read More
- By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 11th 2010 2:40PM | Comments (5)
Three Mistakes Often Made When Sending Your Kids to College
- I’ve been teaching at the college level for a while. The most interesting thing about it is that I … Read More
- By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 11th 2010 2:08PM | Comments (8)
Black Professionals Must Network to be Successful
- When I was younger, I remember hearing cliches like, "It’s not what you know, it’s who you know." … Read More
- By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 10th 2010 11:00AM | Comments (8)
Leader Working to Economically Empower His Community
- Walt Dixie isn’t just the president of his chapter of the National Action Network, he’s also a … Read More
- By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 9th 2010 9:08PM | Comments (1)
Glenn Beck: Obama’s America is like ‘Planet of the Apes’
- It appears that Glenn Beck enjoys the idea of comparing black people to monkeys. Beck’s latest … Read More
- By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 9th 2010 11:33AM | Comments (139)
Serial Killer in Michigan Targeting African American Men
- There are reports of a serial killer in Flint, Mich,, who is allegedly targeting black men in the … Read More
- By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 6th 2010 6:55PM | Comments (131)
Achieving Your Goals and Building Your Career: How to Get It Done
- I must first start this article by making it clear that I am not a man who knows all the answers. … Read More
- By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 5th 2010 6:50PM | Comments (5)
Naomi Campbell in the Middle of a Blood Diamond Trial
- Naomi Campbell, the supermodel known for attacking her personal assistants, is involved in a … Read More
- By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 5th 2010 5:53PM | Comments (7)
Cornel West Is Upset With President Obama
- Dr. Cornel West apparently has a bone to pick with President Barack Obama. Over time, the good … Read More
- By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Aug 5th 2010 12:14PM | Comments (237)
Serial Killer Searching Out Black Victims
There are reports of a serial killer in Flint, Michigan allegedly targeting black men in the area. To date, he has murdered five people and wounded eight others, and only one of the victims is non-black. He is described as a muscular young white male, according to Flint police.
The Associated Press is reporting that all of the victims were out alone at night. The attacker approached by asking for directions or help with a broken down vehicle. "He then pulls a knife and attacks them without saying anything more," Johnson said.
The presence of a serial killer targeting African Americans may only inspire additional racial tensions after Omar Thornton murdered several white colleagues in the workplace. In fact, I would argue that this kind of thing happens more often than we think, but those cases may not be highlighted by the media.
Achieving Your Academic and Professional Goals: The No Nonsense Approach
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
I must first start this article by making it clear that I am not a man who knows all the answers. In spite of the fact that I happen to be a professor, I would much rather be the student than the teacher. One of the things I’ve noticed over time is that there are quite a few of us who end up in the "woulda shoulda coulda" category of life. Rather than achieving our goals, we talk about how we "woulda done this if it hadn’t been for that," or we "shoulda did this when we were younger." Most of us "coulda" done quite a few things, but what matters at the end of the day is what you actually do. In fact, I would rather have someone actually give me a dollar than to promise me a million dollars that were never delivered.
Life is incredibly short. You’ve got 8,760 hours in every year, and about 1/3 of those hours will be spent sleeping. By sitting still, wasting time or engaging in meaningless activity, you are slowly drifting toward a safe arrival to your death bed. Most of us have a few dreams we’d like to fulfill while we wait for the next life to arrive, and what usually stands between us and our dreams is a little thing called "execution."
Barack Obama’s Economic Performance is Not as Bad as His Critics Think
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Scholarship in Action
Many conservative pundits are raising Hades over the fact that GDP growth for this quarter was only 2.4 percent, lower than the rates of five percent and 3.73 percent for the last quarter of 2009 and first quarter of 2010, respectively. They’ve tried to hang President Obama to the cross over this one, arguing that we have a “double-dip” recession in store and that the data serve as evidence that his economic policies have failed.
These so-called “pundits” are as wrong as purple shoes with polka dot slacks, and let me tell you why.
Dr. Boyce Watkins: Cornel West vs. Barack Obama
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University
Dr. Cornel West apparently has a bone to pick with President Barack Obama. Over time, the good Dr. West has become increasingly vocal in his critique of Obama, and even went as far as to say that Obama treated him "like a cub scout," when refusing to address his concerns about the administration’s behavior.
"Well, I’ll tell you, I had not talked to my dear brother since the Martin Luther King gathering in South Carolina, and very briefly Super Tuesday. But he did come and make a beeline to me after his speech on I think it was Thursday morning in Washington, D.C. I hadn’t seen him for two and a half weeks, and he made a beeline to me, though, brother, and he was deeply upset. He talked to me like I was a Cub Scout, and he was a pack master, you know what I mean?
Dr. Boyce at Syracuse: Should Black Women Be Angry that Essence Hired a Non-Black Fashion Editor?
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, TheLoop21.com
It seems that the world has grown irritated with Essence Magazine for hiring a new white fashion editor. Michaela Angela Davis, a former employee, has blasted the organization for effectively betraying its constituents with the non-traditional hire. She cites mass discrimination that has historically occurred within the fashion industry and seems disappointed that “our space” no longer belongs to us.
I certainly empathize with Davis’ point. Davis is a strong and direct black woman (I had her on my show), one who has very little tolerance for those who deviate from what she perceives as righteous ideology regarding women and minorities. Her passion for the issues that affect us seems to come from a genuine place, like a black woman who has seen enough and refuses to allow herself or anyone like her to be victimized by a clearly racist and sexist society.
Dr. Boyce Watkins: Did the Police Cover Up the Murder of Raymond Robair?
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Your Black World
Raymond Robair died nearly five years ago. It appeared for years that the officers who arrived on the scene tried to help him. Now, some are wondering if they made the entire story up.
Officers Melvin Williams and Matthew Dean Moore stated that while they were patrolling the streets, they saw a man who was "stumbling and holding his upper chest area." They then said that Robair collapsed and that they drove him to the hospital, where he died. A pair of broken ribs punctured his spleen and liver, and the officers were cleared by an internal police investigation, partially substantiated by the coroner’s report.
The greater problem though is that there are several residents in the area who dispute the account of the police officers. Several witnesses say they saw the officers punch and kick Robair. Also, an independent autopsy requested by the family ruled the death a homicide.
Dr Boyce: 13-Year Olds Should Not be Homicide Targets
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Your Black World
Theresa Lumpkin was, until yesterday, the mother of 13-year old Robert Freeman Jr. of Chicago. Her tenure as his parent ended with the young boy was shot and killed on the South Side of Chicago in what many believe to be a case of mistaken identity.
Witnesses say that the murder was deliberate, as the gunman shot the young boy multiple times.
"My baby was just lying there,” said Lumpkin. "He tried to get up. He tried to fight for his mama. He tried to fight for his life.”
Neighbors who saw the incident did not want their names to be published.
"I was running out [of] the door to say, ‘Stop shooting that baby,’" one neighbor said.
Robert had 22 bullet holes in his body, according to doctors. The people of the community say that he was apparently targeted because he had the same complexion, height and hairstyle of another boy who was the actual target. Police are investigating whether the shooting was due to a dispute over drugs or money.
This was the fourth teen shooting in the area this week.
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Black Education
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African American wealth
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African American scholars
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Barack Obama
Black women and Money
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Chris Brown and Rihanna
Barack Obama Stimulus Plan
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Barack Obama Financial Crisis
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