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The Afro-American, August 17, 2013 - August 23, 2013
NATION & WORLD
‘Ebony’ Causes Stir with “We Are Trayvon” Covers
Ebony magazine has created controversy with the preview of its special September issue, which features bold cover photos related to the Trayvon Martin murder case. As part of its attempt to keep alive the conversation of race and Stand Your Ground laws, which became national issues following the slaying of African-American teen Travyon Martin last year, the publication is rolling out a special issue with four separate covers bearing the headline “We Are Travyon” and featuring Black celebrities and their sons. Appearing on the covers are the slain teenager’s own parents, Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin with their son Jahvaris Fulton, as well as director Spike Lee and his son
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Jackson, actor Boris Kodjoe and his son Nicolas and NBA star Dwyane Wade with his sons Zaire and Zion, all wearing grey hoodies. In addition to an exclusive interview with Trayvon’s parents, the issue includes in-depth coverage on George Zimmerman’s trial and the aftermath, a discussion with Lee, Kodjoe and Wade about how they address the topic of racism with their sons, a Courtesy Images prayer of healing by Bishop Ebony covers T.D. Jakes, an article on racial profiling by Columbia University professor Marc Lamont Hill, a poem for Travyon by singer Jill Scott, discussions on how to save Black youth from gun violence, and more. The visually powerful covers and the issue’s content have been widely praised by many. Predictably, however, others have decried the covers as being racist and even evil. There was even a rumor that the Tea Party would boycott the magazine. Ebony responded to that rumor with several snarky replies. “We have so many Tea Party readers and followers. To lose all zero of them due to our September cover would be devastating,” the magazine wrote on its Twitter account Aug. 7. “The racist trolls on our timeline objecting to our September covers need to have a seat at a Klan meeting and get out of our mentions.” To its supporters the magazine said: “And thanks to all those who have expressed their appreciation for our September covers. We are honored to do this work. #JusticeForTrayvon.”
Oprah, Ernie Banks Among Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipients
Four African Americans are among the 16 recipients of this year’s Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest honor. President Barack Obama announced the winners on Aug. 8, marking the 50th anniversary of the award, which was
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Ernie Banks and Oprah Winfrey established by President Kennedy. Since its founding, the award has been conferred on more than 500 individuals who have made especially exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. Among the African-Americans who will be recognized this year are three men and one woman who have distinguished themselves in the fields of sports, civic engagement, philanthropy and the media. Ernie Banks, or “Mr. Cub” as he is known to many, is one of the greatest baseball players of all time. During his 19 seasons with the Chicago Cubs, he played in 11 All-Star Games, hit more than 500 home runs, and became the first National League player to win Most Valuable Player honors in back-to-back years. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977, his first year of eligibility. Bayard Rustin, who is being honored posthumously, is most known for organizing the historic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. As an openly gay African-American, Rustin was an unyielding activist for civil rights, dignity, and equality for all. An advisor to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he promoted nonviolent resistance, participated in one of the first Freedom Rides, and fought tirelessly for marginalized communities at home and abroad. Cordy Tindell “C.T.” Vivian is a distinguished minister, author, and organizer. A leader in the Civil Rights Movement and friend to Dr. King, he participated in Freedom Rides and sit-ins across our country. Dr. Vivian also helped found numerous civil rights organizations, including Vision, the National Anti-Klan Network, and the Center for Democratic Renewal. In 2012, he returned to serve as interim President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Oprah Winfrey is a household name around the world. One of the world’s most successful broadcast journalists, she is best known for creating “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” which became the highest rated talk show in America for 25 years. Winfrey has long been active in philanthropic causes and expanding opportunities for young women. She has received numerous awards throughout her career, including the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award in 2002 and the Kennedy Center Honors in 2010. The foursome joins an august group of Blacks who have previously received this honor, including Sidney Poitier, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Thurgood Marshall, Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali and Maya Angelou, among many others. The recipients will be honored at a ceremony later this year.
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Also see 1963: Civil Rights at 50, highlighting news coverage of key civil rights events from 1963.
Washington, D.C. • newseum.org
Michelle Obama
Michele Obama to Release Hip-Hop Album to Support Anti-Obesity Campaign
First lady Michelle Obama is releasing a hip-hop album late this year to promote her “Let’s Move!” anti-child obesity initiative. The first lady does not lay down any rhymes herself, however. Instead, “Songs for a Healthier America,” set for release on Sept. 30, features artists such as Doug E. Fresh, Jordin Sparks, DMC and Ashanti, as well as TV medical personality Dr. Oz and the “Hip Hop Doc,” Dr. Olajide Williams. The album’s catchy first single, “Everybody,” already has a video featuring a message from Obama, Doug E. Fresh, Sparks, Dr. Oz and students from the Thurgood Marshall Academy Lower School. It relays the “Let’s Move!” campaign’s message to “work hard/eat right” and other healthy—but cool—lessons.