What I’m Reading: “Losing My Cool” by Thomas Chatterton Williams

Like many young men in America, Thomas Chatterton Williams grew up in awe of Tupac Shakur, Biggie Smalls, and the parade of bling-bedecked rap stars he saw on Black Entertainment Television and MTV. Williams emulated their lifestyle- sporting chains, diamonds, and expensive designer clothes purchased for him by his girlfriends, who were themselves a little more than accessories for Williams. In public, Williams lived the street life exalted in his favorite rap anthems, yet at the end of the day he returned to a home literally crammed with thousands of books, each carefully studied and underlined by his father, “Pappy,” who revered learning and critical thinking above all else.

Four Our Sons: Film featuring role models for young black men makes its way across the USA

Without extravagant fan fare or media hype, an awe-inspiring documentary for Black families is quietly making its way across the United States. This astonishing film, “For Our Sons,” takes as its subject the plight of all newly born and even unborn young Black children in America. The story centers on the horrendous statistic that in the United States of America, 1 out of every 3 mostly fatherless Black boys born between 2000 and 2010 will spend some time of their lives in prison.

Your input is needed! 2010 Economic Survey of Black America

In an effort to better understand the economic status of African-Americans and the perceptions behind the racial disparity that exists in today’s economy, TheLoop21.com, a premier African-American website for economic and political news, has commissioned the largest-ever consumer study of African-American consumers and workers. In partnership with the national sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Inc., the “2010 Economic Survey of Black America” seeks to provide a clear assessment of Black America’s economic status and black consumer confidence from the perspective of thousands of black consumers and workers.

Katie Washington becomes Notre Dame’s first ever black valedictorian

There’s news that makes the headlines, and then there’s news that makes the “chitterlings circuit” i.e. the email inboxes of black folk. This story seems to be more of the latter which is truly unfortunate considering the notable accomplishment of Gary, Indiana native Katie Washington. In the University of Notre Dame’s 168 years of existence, an African American has earned the honor of class valedictorian. Katie sports a 4.0 while majoring in biology major and minoring in Catholic social teaching. Her plans after the May 16, 2010 graduation are to pursue a joint MD/PhD from Johns Hopkins University.

Oklahoma City Bombing: 15 years later

Before 9/11 we had an in house terror attack in Oklahoma City that I’m sure none of us can forget. I remember being glued to the television for days and being particularly saddened by the preschoolers that died in the Oklahoma City bombing. I remember becoming leery of Ryder trucks whenever they crossed my path…those moments when terrorism wins… I remember Timothy McVeigh and the day he was arrested…and when he was executed…

Haiti earthquake video photo essay by Mark Lugo released to YouTube

TV producer and photographer Mark Lugo visited Haiti with his Swedish friend, Petter Lambertz, a few days after the 2010 Haiti earthquake that devastated the Haitian capital of Port au Prince. Initially, the two were not interested in anything but offering the little bit of help they could offer to the people of the Haiti. After a few days of traveling the back roads of Haiti to get to the capital, Mark noticed a certain vibe that the Haitian people had to them. It was a survivor’s heart and strong positive vibe that he noticed.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)

Here’s an excerpt from the Center for Disease Control on Sexual Assault Awareness Month: In the United States, 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men report experiencing rape in their lifetime. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Sexual violence is a serious public health problem in the United …

Federal grant to prevent and reduce substance abuse and HIV/AIDS among at-risk minority college students

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting grant applications to prevent the onset of substance abuse and the spread of HIV/AIDS among at-risk racial/ethnic minority young adults, ages 18-24, including minority college students. A total of $40 million is available to engage colleges, universities, and community-level …

Remembering Ryan White and the Ryan White CARE Act 20 years later

My how time flies and how far we’ve come when it comes to awareness and acceptance of those with HIV and AIDS in comparison to the 1980s. At the same time, we have quiet a way to go. One of the icons in the AIDS movement was Ryan White who died of AIDS on this day, April 8, 1990 at the tender age of 13. A hemophiliac, Ryan was diagnosed with AIDS in 1984 from receiving a blood treatment that was infected. The story of this young man from the midwest helped to begin to shift our thinking that HIV/AIDS was not a “gay disease.” Yet, he still faced his share of discrimination and was denied the opportunity to attend school once the school system became aware that Ryan had AIDS.

African Art Tradition and Influence: Frank Frazier at The King Arts Complex in Columbus, OH

The King Arts Complex is proud to present African Art Tradition & Influence: Frank Frazier, Thursday, April 8, 2010 through Friday, May 28, 2010 in the Elijah Pierce Gallery. African Art Tradition & Influence will showcase the artistry of sculptor, painter, and collagist Frank Frazier.
Frank Frazier is a self taught artist who attributes his talent as a blessing from the Creator. He draws his influences of working with oils, watercolor, charcoal and other materials from artifacts and artisans in Senegal, Gambia, Sierra Leone, and West Africa. Frank has composed numerous masterpieces. These works of genius have dictated everything from the civil rights movement to jovial jazz concerts. This native of Harlem has pioneered the way for other minority artists. His activism and dedication to his family has resulted in a global fan base. Frank’s work has been featured in institutions such as The Schomburg Center and New York Public Library in New York, Howard University and Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, and the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee just to name a few.

Tyler Perry talks about “Why Did I Get Married Too?” and “Precious” on the NBC Today Show

This Friday, April 2, 2010, Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married Too?” (www.whydidigetmarriedtoomovie.com) opens in theaters nationwide. If you missed seeing “Why Did I Get Married?” run out to Blockbuster and rent it before you see the sequel. The first movie shows four African American couples and long time friends that head out to the Rocky Mountains for an annual vacation. Life’s taken a toll on each couple in a different way, presenting challenges that ultimately put the intended joyous holiday to the test.

Cape Town offers best value for 2010 FIFA World Cup visitors

I’m attending this year’s World Cup and both the airfare and lodging is absolutely outrageous. I agree with paying a premium to visit South Africa during this time, but I feel like many establishments, and airlines are probably making profits that will get them to the end of the year on just those few weeks during the World Cup. It’s ridiculous. America is in a recession and we are the largest group of ticket holders. Wait, maybe we’re getting what we’ve given, lol. Too bad, I didn’t get any games in Cape Town. I’ll be mostly in Johannesburg. Read the article below… ~ Affrodite

Aron Ranen documentary “Black Hair” delves deeper into the black hair industry

I finally saw “Good Hair” last weekend (I know I’m super late), and thought Chris Rock did a good job presenting an overview of Black America’s obsession with hair and attaining what has been called “good hair” meaning straight, anglo-saxon hair. “RealitySurfer” left a comment on my post “Chris Rock’s ‘Good Hair’ not exactly what black folks hoped for” pointing me to the Aron Ranen documentary “Black Hair.” So far I’ve only watched the the 10 minute clip below, but I’m already intrigued.

Listing of 100 online documentaries for presidential history buffs

A contact from OnlineUniversities.com reached out to me to let me know they’ve created a blog post “100 Excellent Online Documentaries for Presidential History Buffs.” I checked out the list, and it’s very comprehensive. Here are just the first 10 they named:

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