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Black Cumin Seed Oil If you are an African American man, age 45 or above, the American Cancer Society recommends a yearly prostate cancer screening. African American men have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the US. In addition, a 2000 Roper Starch survey showed that African American men are significantly more likely than white men to experience side effects from prostate cancer treatment. (PHILADELPHIA) - An herb used in traditional medicine by many Middle Eastern countries may help in the fight against cancer. Researchers at the Kimmel Cancer at Jefferson in Philadelphia have found that thymoquinone, an extract of Nigella sativa seed oil, blocked cancer cell growth and killed the cells by enhancing the process of programmed cell death. In spring of 1996 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted a patent for a drug based on the extract of “Nigella Sativa,� more commonly known as the Black seed for treating cancer, preventing the side effects of anticancer chemotherapy, and for increasing the immune system functions in humans.
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While the studies are in the early stages, the findings suggest that thymoquinone could eventually have some use as a preventative strategy in patients at high risk for cancer, and as an immune system stimulant for those who have gone through surgery.
www.obnskincare.com
MLK-2011
Page 6: Community-Cincy Named one of the Most Affordable Cities Page 7: Community - Columbus NAACP Joins with FCCFA for Diversity Inclusion Page 11: Champions of Diversity- Interview With the Doctor Page 12: Trendsetters Speak- Light Skinned vs. Dark Skinned Page 22: Salute To Dr. King Page 33: Handle Your Business - Black Builders Club
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Happy New Year Urban Trendsetters and welcome to the January 2011 edition of Urban Trendsetters featuring the celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This is always an exciting edition for all of us in “Urban Trendsetterville” because if for no other reason, it means we have made it through one more year. So as Jay-Z would say “On to the next one!”
TEAM UTS Publisher/CEO
Sharon S. Gordon Urban Trendsetters, LLC
Contributing Writers Delois R. Wright Les Brown A. Christina Dunlap Mykayla Bryant Tamara Fournier
Distribution
W. Cobre’ Gordon
Photography Ron Cash
Production/Graphics Sharktooth IMD, LLC Ron Cash
Promotions Margo L. Wade Tracy Taylor
Sales Inside Sales Assistants Jessica Goliday Keshia Peterson Jennifer Mulligan
Columbus
Brenda Spencer Denis Liggins Erica Cooper Leonette Robinson
Dayton/Cincinnati Tamiko Troutman Juanita Michelle Sanae Camela Douglas
Office Manager Annie Prysock
We have a lot in store for 2011 as we continue on our journey to provide a positive publication for positive people. We are looking forward to our new website launch in February our 8th anniversary year as well as a more interactive online publication as those of you who read us online will notice throughout this edition. We have provided some small samples for you From The Publisher to enjoy. Through the use of technology and all that it has to offer, we have discovered more new ways to keep you entertained, enlightened and empowered, well as keep our competitors and yes a small number of “haters” on their toes. As urban trendsetters, that is our job! So, be sure not to miss our 8th Anniversary edition celebrating Black History Month on newsstands next month. In addition to our new interactive online news magazine, the Urban Trendsetters digital world is sure to posted and well informed. We have received great reviews for our Trend-EBlasts that we began sending out last year. If you are not a member of the UTS Nation, take a moment to sign up on our website today at www.urbantrendsetters.com. Another new member of our media suite of products is the Urban Trendsetters Radio Show. UTS Un Plugged launched with great success with an interview from Cleveland’s own but nationally recognized New York Times Best Selling Author of Success Runs in Our Race, George Fraser. UTS Un Plugged can be heard every Sunday morning on Columbus REWIND on 103.5 and 104.3 at 7:30pm. For replays of the past radio shows log onto www.columbustoday.com or www. urbantrendsetters.com. Those of you that know of him know that you do NOT want to miss the interview with Mr. Fraser. I saved it just for you! Our theme for 2011 within our print and online publication as well as our radio show is economic empowerment, so get ready to do a “self-check” to see if you are just a consumer or are you working to become a producer and creator of generational wealth? The question and answer is all yours. We want to encourage the African American community to become fully aware of the potential we have with our nearly 1.2 trillion dollar buying power. The article “Black Folks….. Networking is as Natural as Breathing” on page 33 will help you with your answer. Last year was a blessed year and we have no complaints. We were fortunate to have had the opportunity to form some great partnerships throughout 2010 and for that we are grateful. I would like to thank all of our new clients, partners, readers and listeners, for your support and sponsorship. Without it we would not have been able to survive. At Urban Trendsetters we recognize that many businesses especially minority media companies did not survive the storm last year, yet BUT by the grace of God we are still here and we want you to know that we do not and will not take that for granted. So on behalf of all of the Urban Trendsetters Team, we thank you and we look forward to serving you another year. So, until next month, be blessed and I wish you great prosperity. Dream BIG & OFTEN,
Sharon S. Gordon sharon@urbantrendsetters.com
Copyright Urban Trendsetters News Magazine is published and distibuted monthly by Urban Trendsetters Media and Communications, LLC. Our offices are located at 6172 Busch Blvd., Suite 2054, Columbus, OH 43229. Publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or cancel any advertisement or editorial at any time. Publisher will not be responsible for checking accuracy of items submitted for publication or for more than one wrong insertion of advertising copy. All contents of this publication are copy written 2010 by Urban Trendsetters Media and Communications.
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
January 2011
5
Community News Cincinnati Named One of the Most Affordable Cities in America By Morgan Brennan, Forbes.com
Billionaire Warren Buffett has made Omaha, Neb., synonymous with savvy stock investing, but the city is also highly attractive for those seeking an affordable lifestyle. In fact, the Midwestern metro ranks No. 1 on our Best Bargain Cities list. What do we mean by a bargain? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as an “advantageous deal.” On that score Omaha qualifies, thanks to a list-leading combination of affordable real estate and a healthy ratio of income to living costs. To compile our bargain city list, we started with the 50 largest U.S. Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and then compiled a mix of data aimed at handicapping the overall affordability of living in each. In Pictures: America’s Most Affordable CitiesIn Pictures: America’s Most Affordable Cities We looked at the current median asking price of homes on the market in each city, using data from Altos Research, a San Francisco-based real estate research firm. We got the median salaries of workers with bachelor’s degrees or higher from PayScale.com and compared it to a cost-of-living index from Moody’s Economy.com (the cost-of-living index factors in transportation, insurance, food, utilities and other factors). Finally, we factored in the latest unemployment rates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to reflect the relative strength of local economies. The result is a list of the top 15 urban affordability hot spots. Omaha Stakes As the home of major corporations like Union Pacific, ConAgra Foods and Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, Omaha boasts inexpensive real estate, a low cost of living and an unemployment rate little more than half the national average. Omaha’s job market will actually grow by 1.6% in 2011, according to Moody’s Economy. In fact, the
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Nebraskan hub will be a “city that thrives in 2011,” adds online real estate database Trulia.com. “Its home prices have stayed steady through the recession, owing to the fact that they never saw the inflation of the bubble era,” explains TaraNicholle Nelson, consumer educator for Trulia.com. “In Omaha, it seems to be steady as she goes.” The Midwest dominated our bargain city list. Other heartland metropolises offering good deals include Indianapolis, Ind. (No.4); Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn. (No. 7); Oklahoma’s namesake city (No. 9) and Tulsa (No. 15); and Ohio’s three largest metros, Cincinnati (No. 5), Cleveland (No.8) and Columbus (No. 13). Indianapolis, Kansas City and Ohio’s three enclaves have real estate deals available at low price points. Although Oklahoma City and Tulsa offer some of the lowest median salaries among the 50 MSAs ranked, their home costs are also near the bottom, making both cities highly affordable. At $249,000, the current median asking price for homes in Minneapolis-St. Paul remains higher than those of its neighbors on our list. The Twin Cities make up for it in quality of life, touting low unemployment rates and a healthy cost of living vs. salary.
“Minneapolis-St. Paul has very strong institutions of medical research and higher education, a highly educated population and a desirable amenity base,” says Stuart Gabriel, director of the Ziman Center for real estate at the University of California Los Angeles. “Minneapolis has weathered the downturn better than most places and its prospects continue to look relatively bright,” says Gabriel, who has researched the quality of life as it relates to real estate economics. Motor City ... Rocks? Surprising but true, Detroit, the Michigan metro known best for cars, crime and urban decay, took third place on our list. Detroit is a rough place with a staggering 13.3% unemployment rate and a high per capita crime rate, according to Federal Bureau of Investigation data. Its foreclosure rate is among the 10 highest in the U.S. There were 45,000 Real Estate Owned (REO) residences in the Motor City as of last November, according to online foreclosure site RealtyTrac. That said, if you have a college degree under your belt and a steady job to show up to, your money gets great mileage in Detroit. The median salary for degree-toting workers is $60,600 (15th out of the 50 cities) while the cost of living remains super cheap (second out of 50).
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
With a median asking price of $132,635, Detroit homes are dirtcheap. Gabriel warns that “the low house prices in Detroit are no accident. They’re a reflection of depressed land values, depressed amenities, depressed employment.” In other words, don’t expect this overall housing market’s value to rise anytime soon. Some experts believe it may even depreciate further in 2011. Detroit is a deal only for stably employed residents looking to buy a long-term home. Couple that with a blossoming arts community and the tentative hope that Detroit’s auto industry is resurrecting itself, and this city is a haven for pioneering bargain-hunters. Other metros ripe for a homemade deal? The Northeast blue-collar hubs of Buffalo, N.Y. (No. 2) and Pittsburgh, Pa., (No. 6); southern belle, Raleigh, N.C., (No. 11); and two Lone Star cities, Houston (No. 10) and Dallas (No. 14). Five of America’s Most Affordable Cities 1.) Omaha, Neb. Asking Price Rank: 9 Salary Rank: 43 Cost-of-Living Rank: 5 Unemployment Rank: 1 2.) Buffalo, N.Y. Asking Price Rank: 2 Salary Rank: 47 Cost-of-Living Rank: 1 Unemployment Rank: 12 3.) Detroit, Mich. Asking Price Rank: 1 Salary Rank: 15 Cost-of-Living Rank: 2 Unemployment Rank: 48 4.) Indianapolis, Ind. Asking Price Rank: 7 Salary Rank: 31 Cost-of-Living Rank: 4 Unemployment Rank: 24 5.) Cincinnati, Ohio Asking Price Rank: 4 Salary Rank: 25 Cost-of-Living Rank: 6
Community News THE FRANKLIN COUNTY CONVENTION FACILITIES AUTHORITY JOINS WITH THE COLUMBUS NAACP for DIVERSITY INCLUSION AT THE NEW HILTON COLUMBUS DOWNTOWN HOTEL
The Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, in partnership with Hilton Worldwide, announced today that the Columbus NAACP will partner with The Franklin County Convention Facilities
Authority to ensure that diversity inclusion is encouraged in every phase of construction for the new Hilton Columbus Downtown. The Columbus NAACP will ensure that all contractors have an equal opportunity to bid on the construction phase of the project. The Hilton Columbus Downtown convention headquarters hotel will be located at 401 N. High St., on the west side of High Street, across from the SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center and near Nationwide Arena. The project is a collaboration among the Franklin County Commissioners, Franklin County Convention
Facilities Authority and City of Columbus. The $140 million, fullservice convention hotel is expected to open in fall 2012 and will feature 532 rooms, 48 suites and 22,800 square feet of meeting space, including a 12,000 square-foot ballroom. The property will be owned and developed by the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority and operated by Hilton Worldwide. The design group consists of architects HOK and Columbusbased Moody Nolan and interior designers, Simeone Deary Design Group. Turner Smoot is the project construction manager. “The Frankilin County Convention Facilities Authority will partner with the NAACP because of their history of success at inclusion and encouraging diversity” said William C. Jennison, executive director of the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority. Jennison continues “the FCCFA has been very successful in utilizing DBE’s, FBE’s, MBE’s and Edge Certified contractors on construction projects. On the recently completed Battelle Hall project, the FCCFA achieved 18% DBE participation. This percentage is well in excess of utilization achieved on similar state, city and county projects. “Despite this obvious success at inclusion,” continued Jennison, “ the FCCFA’s goal would be to identify smaller companies that might be available as subcontractors or
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material providers. This effort is not so much about increasing the percentage of DBE utilization as broadening the pool of companies providing services. For many smaller companies, what is considered a small amount of work may be very significant to them. On the FCCFA’s first project in 1990, the FCCFA utilized a small subcontractor named McDaniels Construction. Today, they are a prime contractor on the hotel project. On that same project, Moody Nolan provided civil engineering services for the connector. Today they are teamed with HOK as designers of the Hilton Columbus Downtown”. “The goal for the Columbus NAACP is our work on the third leg of the civil rights movement and that is, economic inclusion”, said Noel Williams, President of the Columbus NAACP. “Thru this partnership the civil rights community and the business community are joining together to empower minorities economically. Our hopes are to increase the number of MBE/ DBE/WBE and other protective classes and their involvement in this process. Our ultimate goal is economic empowerment through jobs and business development throughout this community”. “The Hilton Columbus Downtown will take us to the next level as a tourist destination,” said Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman. “Even more importantly, it will create at least 550 permanent jobs Downtown and throughout our city at a time when our residents are in need of new employment opportunities. In addition to this, an expected $1.5 billion in new economic impact is expected over the next 30 years.” For more information call the Columbus NAACP at 614-464-1108. www.columbusnaacp.org
January 2011
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State News
ACLU blasts jail fee proposal
Sheriff unswayed after organization urges him to ditch plan to charge inmates By Rick Armon
Beacon Journal staff writer The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio is urging Summit County to scrap a proposal that would require jail inmates to pay booking and housing fees. ‘’Booking and housing fees are antiquated ideas that belong in Charles Dickens novels, not modernday Ohio,’’ ACLU of Ohio Legal Director James Hardiman said Wednesday. Sheriff Drew Alexander has been lobbying county leaders to approve the fees. He called the proposal a creative way to raise money to offset budget cuts. The pay-to-stay and booking charges could generate about $250,000 a year and help bring back some deputies who were laid off, officials have said. The booking fee could be $100, but officials are still working on the perday housing cost. The ACLU of Ohio said in a letter to the sheriff and County Council members that the fees raise ‘’serious constitutional and practical
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January 2011
problems.’’ Inmates would have to pay before they are found guilty of any crime and a significant number are indigent anyway and unable to pay, the group said. ‘’Not only are these fines unfair and Draconian, they could be counterproductive in ensuring the safety of our community,’’ Hardiman said. ‘’Incarcerated people who re-enter society are less likely to successfully reintegrate with hundreds of dollars in fines hanging over their heads. We want to lessen the odds of people reoffending and burdening our communities, not create new barriers.’’ Last year, the ACLU issued a report, In for a Penny: The Rise of America’s New Debtors’ Prisons, that included sharp criticism about both pay-to-stay and booking fees in Ohio. Alexander said he’s not surprised by the ACLU’s stance because the group traditionally doesn’t support lawenforcement efforts. ‘’It doesn’t stop us from continuing to try,’’ he said.
The fees would be refunded if someone is cleared of the charges that sent him to jail, and the county has no intention of making people who are indigent pay, the sheriff has said. Under the proposal, which has not been submitted to the council, the county would hire Intellitech of Poland, Ohio, to collect the fees. The company would place an employee at the jail and would be responsible for getting inmates to pay. Intellitech would receive a 30 percent cut on money collected upfront and 70 percent collected after people leave the jail. A similar proposal was rejected by County Council in 2007. Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@ thebeaconjournal.com. The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio is urging Summit County to scrap a proposal that would require jail inmates to pay booking and housing fees. ‘’Booking and housing fees are antiquated ideas that belong in Charles Dickens novels, not modernday Ohio,’’ ACLU of Ohio Legal Director James Hardiman said Wednesday. Sheriff Drew Alexander has been lobbying county leaders to approve the fees. He called the proposal a creative way to raise money to offset budget cuts. The pay-to-stay and booking charges could generate about $250,000 a year and help bring back some deputies who were laid off, officials have said. The booking fee could be $100, but officials are still working on the perday housing cost. The ACLU of Ohio said in a letter to the sheriff and County Council members that the fees raise ‘’serious constitutional and practical problems.’’ Inmates would have to
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pay before they are found guilty of any crime and a significant number are indigent anyway and unable to pay, the group said. ‘’Not only are these fines unfair and Draconian, they could be counterproductive in ensuring the safety of our community,’’ Hardiman said. ‘’Incarcerated people who re-enter society are less likely to successfully reintegrate with hundreds of dollars in fines hanging over their heads. We want to lessen the odds of people reoffending and burdening our communities, not create new barriers.’’ Last year, the ACLU issued a report, In for a Penny: The Rise of America’s New Debtors’ Prisons, that included sharp criticism about both pay-to-stay and booking fees in Ohio. Alexander said he’s not surprised by the ACLU’s stance because the group traditionally doesn’t support lawenforcement efforts. ‘’It doesn’t stop us from continuing to try,’’ he said. The fees would be refunded if someone is cleared of the charges that sent him to jail, and the county has no intention of making people who are indigent pay, the sheriff has said. Under the proposal, which has not been submitted to the council, the county would hire Intellitech of Poland, Ohio, to collect the fees. The company would place an employee at the jail and would be responsible for getting inmates to pay. Intellitech would receive a 30 percent cut on money collected upfront and 70 percent collected after people leave the jail. A similar proposal was rejected by County Council in 2007
National News Why African-Americans are more optimistic despite fewer jobs By Dr. Boyce Watkins
According to a recent survey by Experian, African-American consumption grew by over 50 percent from the year 2000 to 2008 ($590 billion to $913 billion), and it is expected to grow to over $1.2 trillion dollars by the year 2013. The study also shows that blacks are more economically optimistic than whites, with 36 percent of us stating that we expect our financial future to improve, as opposed to 31 percent for all adults. The Experian study says a couple of things: First, it says that black people love to consume and that we are getting better
at it. In fact, black people have historically been very good at buying things and working hard to get them, but we are not very good at production, investment and saving our money. We grab our tax refunds and run to the mall. We become highly paid corporate lawyers in order to purchase the house and car we really can’t afford. We are chubby kids in the economic candy store, accelerating our collective addiction to the monetary engines controlled by corporate greed. The extraordinary optimism of black consumers is surprising in light of the disturbing state of black joblessness. African-American unemployment still stands at well over 16 percent, with black male unemployment faring even worse. In spite of having relatively abysmal economic circumstances, black people have reason to be optimistic when compared with whites. The outlook differential is primarily due to the fact that we’re still
climbing our way out of hundreds of years of staunch oppression. As a result of this oppression, many African-Americans are first-generation college students, bringing upward mobility to their families and sharing the spoils of their success. In fact, according to a survey at UCLA, 62.9 percent of African-American college students are first-generation, compared with only 13.2 percent of whites. When you’ve spent so much time at the bottom of the financial ladder, almost every new position is better than the one you had before. Additionally, first-generation students are more likely to go to college to study in fields with higher salaries, such as business and engineering. The question here is “What do we do with all this buying and spending power?” As I write in my book, Black American Money, African-Americans must learn the value of financial capital and redefine our perception of how money is to be used. The cash in your bank account is not simply meant to be re- donated to the local Wal-Mart. It is intended for the creation of
ownership opportunities which allow you to have greater control of your economic and social destiny. Most importantly, money is power. By bringing together our collective buying power for the pursuit of meaningful political objectives, African-Americans can dig into a gold mine of influence that is both untapped and unprecedented. We can liberate black men from the modern day slavery of the prison system by not buying products from corporations which operate on prison labor. We can support outstanding charter schools like Urban Prep Academy in Chicago, which sent 100 percent of its AfricanAmerican male senior class to college. We can help our Historically Black Colleges break free from their financial strangulation. There are many more things we can do with our trillion dollar impact that go beyond buying the next pair of Air Jordans. Black consumption and economic optimism must translate into something more meaningful if we are to realize our true potential. There’s really no way around it.
Kimberly Corbin, president & CEO, National Black MBA Association Ms. Kimberly Corbin has been appointed as president and CEO of the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), an organization committed to the development of educational and economic growth for AfricanAmerican professionals. As we continue to celebrate our 40th anniversary, the NBMBAA will honor our history and mission, yet look forward to an exciting future. We are proud that Ms. Corbin has accepted this challenge and we welcome her,” says William W. Wells, PHOTO: Kimberly Corbin, president & CEO, National Black MBA Association
Jr., chairman of the NBMBAA board of directors. “Given Kimberly’s excellent track record in Corporate America, her leadership, and vision for excellence, the NBMBAA is certain to continue its mission.” Ms. Corbin holds an MBA from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration and an undergraduate degree from Florida A&M University. She has an impressive record of accomplishment in Corporate America where she started and led a corporate operations group charged with driving performance management. Most recently, Ms. Corbin was involved in an entrepreneurial venture that provided educational services. Prior to this, she served in various
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executive-level positions at American Capital, LTD; General Electric Commercial Finance, Inc.; Fieldstone Private Capital Group; and Bankers Trust Company. “I am excited to work with the staff, chapter leaders and membership of the National Black MBA Association to continue our efforts to create economic wealth within the African-American community,” says Ms. Corbin. The NBMBAA membership represents a group of talented men and women dedicated to improving the educational achievement and economic status of African- Americans. Ms. Corbin formally began her term as president and CEO of the National Black MBA Association on January 3rd.
January 2011
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Global News Witnessing the Birth of a Nation in Southern Sudan After decades of war and genocide, Southern Sudanese line up in droves to vote on a referendum divorcing them from the rest of the Sudan. This is history in the making. By: Zachariah Mampilly
They have returned to this part of Africa from all over the continent and abroad, traveling via every type of transport or simply on foot. After decades in exile in foreign lands or displaced internally from their own homelands, Southern Sudanese have begun to claim their own future. Their stories are familiar -- tales of lives destroyed, family members lost, pain too deep to speak. But a sense of optimism mixed with anxiety pervades the air. With this momentous election currently unfolding, they have begun the difficult process of separating their Texas-size portion of this troubled country, the largest on the continent. A new and uncertain future awaits. The roots of this divorce, 60 years in the making, began as many things do in Africa -- with European colonialism. Poisoned by a painful history of slavery, Sudan never should have been a unified country. Culturally and linguistically more attuned to the populations living toward the South and East, Southern Sudan was cynically mashed together with the rest of the Sudan by the fleeing British Empire. Troubles started almost immediately with a 20-year war that began in 1955. An 11-year peace was followed by a second, more brutal, war that began in 1983, causing the deaths of more than 2 million people. In 2002 a ceasefire was declared, followed by a Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005. That deal stipulated a sixyear period in which both sides were to work toward unity before a referendum on the future of a united Sudan would be held. But unity was never in the cards. The death of the charismatic Southern leader John Garang in 2005, shortly after he achieved his greatest victory, ended that possibility. The political party/insurgent force he founded, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army,
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quickly rejected remaining within a united Sudan after its founder’s demise. Instead, Southern leaders assiduously worked to prepare the population to go it alone. If, as expected, the population votes for separation, a formal declaration of independence will be celebrated in July, bringing into being Africa’s 55th nation. If the referendum passes, Southern Sudan will become the first new country on the continent since Eritrea was born in 1993. The new nation will face many challenges. Despite simplistic categorizations of the war as being between Africans and Arabs, Southern Sudanese are not a unified group. This is a proudly multiethnic, multireligious and multiracial land. Any sense of a common national identity that does exist was forged in the struggle against the North, something of which the new leaders are acutely aware. I spoke with Jok Madut Jok, a Sudanese-American academic who has returned to Southern Sudan to help build his new nation. He described to me the difficult task ahead of building a national identity out of Southern Sudan’s disparate groups, one not based solely on the painful memory of the war. In addition, public services remain limited. Infrastructure, almost nonexistent several years ago, is still minimal. The population lacks
basic access to clean water and food, not to mention health care and schools. Worse, corruption has become unavoidable for many Southern Sudanese as they try to rebuild their shattered lives. Relations with the North remain difficult. Large populations of Southerners live in the North, and vice versa. What to do about these communities remains a source of tension. And then there is the oil, the key source of revenue for both governments. Two-thirds of Sudan’s oil is pumped from fields located in the South, through pipelines that run in the North. Revenues currently split fifty-fifty between the two will have to be renegotiated peacefully. The government in the South will also need to find ways to diversify the economy so as not to fall victim to the petro-politics that have destroyed so many other African societies. There is reason for optimism, too. This is a fertile land, capable of producing the food necessary to feed its rapidly expa nding population. And Southern Sudan will quickly be incorporated into the vibrant regional East African economy, evident from the extensive presence of Kenyans, Ugandans, Ethiopians, Somalis and others who have come to make their fortunes amid a local economic boom. The political leadership, though not faultless, possesses a keen awareness of the challenges ahead. But most important, the Southern Sudanese share a unity of purpose, a belief that at this moment, this new nation is their destiny. The United States has played an important role in the events unfolding. President George W. Bush, under pressure from a strange coalition of African-American congressional
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leaders and white evangelical Christians, pushed for the referendum to take place. Under President Obama, the U.S. has remained a key player. American aid and military personnel have flooded the region since the signing of the peace agreement. Contractors, humanitarian groups and journalists jostle for hotel rooms that begin at $200 a night -- part of a boom that has brought the first roads and other basic infrastructure to a land that has never had much, while also opening the door to corruption. The new country’s vast oil resources, coveted by all the great powers, goes a long way in explaining the deep interest in this fledgling country. Americans have come out in force for this election. I bumped into a befuddled George Clooney in the buffet line on my first night in Juba. And John Kerry, Jimmy Carter and other U.S. political leaders have made multiple appearances in town, basking in the glory of this powerful event. But this is not a Western story, despite the desire of often self-aggrandizing politicians, celebrities and activists to claim a share of the credit. It is an African one. Foremost, the Southern Sudanese themselves have earned this election through a lengthy and painful struggle. The former insurgents have remained laser-focused on the referendum, contradicting the professional doomsayers in the international community who benefit from depicting Africans as warlike, incapable of negotiating peaceful outcomes without the intervention of the West. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development, an African regional organization, played the central role in ensuring that the stipulations of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement were enacted steadfastly. And African leaders have worked feverishly with the Sudanese, both Northern and Southern, to ensure that the two new nations, -Continued on page 29
Champions of Diversity
An Interview with The Doctor
-- Dr. Cornel West is a prominent and provocative public intellectual dedicated to democracy. Currently the Class of 1943 University Professor at Princeton University, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard in three years and obtained his M.A. and Ph.D. in Philosophy at Princeton. Since then, he has taught at Union Theological Seminary, Yale, Harvard and the University of Paris. He has written 19 books and edited 13 other. He is best known for his classic “Race Matters,” as well as “Democracy Matters,” and his recent memoir, “Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud.” He appears frequently on the Bill Maher Show, Colbert Report, CNN and C-Span as well as on Tavis Smiley’s PBS-TV Show. And since last fall, he can be heard regularly on The Smiley and West radio program. He has also appeared in over 25 documentaries and recorded 3 spoken word albums. In short, Cornel West has a passion to communicate in order to keep alive the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - a legacy of telling the truth and bearing witness to love and justice. Here, he discusses his participation in “America’s Next Chapter,” a forum hosted by Tavis Smiley where a panel of luminaries will wrestle with the question, “How do we make America as good as its promise?” The event is set to take place on Thursday, January 13th at George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium, and will air live on C-SPAN from 6-9 PM ET/3-6 PM PT, and will be rebroadcast on PBS on the Tavis Smiley Show on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday January 18th, 19th and 20th (Check Local Listings). Kam Williams: Hey, Dr. West, thanks for the time. Cornel West: It’s a blessing! Happy New Year to you, brother! KW: Thanks! And the same to you. By the way, a mutual friend of ours, Rhea Kinnard, asked me to say hello to you
for her. CW: Yes, a lovely sister, indeed. KW: I have so many questions for you from my readers that I want to get right to them. FSU Grad Laz Lyles says: I love that America’s Next Chapter is a multi-ethnic forum. Why aren’t there more forums of this type? CW: I think it has to do with the vision of my dear brother, Tavis Smiley. There ought to be more forums like this which are concerned with informing folks about some of the painful realities of our country. It would be wonderful for them to be multi-cultural and multiracial but, most importantly, they have to be willing to speak to those truths. KW: Laz’s follow-up is: Given our cultural history, is there more of an onus on African-Americans to be more inclusive with social and national discourse? CW: I think that’s certainly the case, because there’s no doubt that many of the mainstream white institutions tend to be cosmetic and symbolic when it comes to including African-
Americans, whereas we black folk tend to be much more sensitive about embracing others, and we have a long history of that. KW: Sister Patrice Muhammad says: After the State of the Black Union, some people said it was just a bunch of talk. Then “The Covenant with Black America” was published. Haven’t heard much about that lately. Where does The Covenant stand today? Any work being done in our communities based on that document? Has “The Covenant” been upheld in your opinion? What do you hope this conversation
will produce? CW: I don’t think talk is just talk. I firmly believe that talk can change people’s lives. Each life is precious. Talk can’t change a whole society, but it is not to be degraded or devalued. Talk is very important and not to be trashed. As for “The Covenant,” we had volume two, “The Covenant in Action,” which built on volume one in conjunction with local activists all across the country. And volume three, “Accountability,” was a call to keep track of all the promises that President Obama made. So, I think that what was originated by The Covenant is still ongoing. But unfortunately, when you look at the Obama administration, it hasn’t done that good a job at all in terms of poor and working people. It has been much more beholden to Wall Street oligarchs, and to pharmaceutical and private insurance companies. KW: Teri Emerson asks: At the point where President Obama is now, what would be your view on what he would need to do improve his chances for reelection? And would focusing more
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on the African-American community’s problems help or hinder his reelection? CW: Reelection ought not to be the primary preoccupation of any politician. It ought to be standing up for truth and justice. If he is to be a statesman, he would act like Lincoln, and stand up for something that might be unpopular but not allow the rightwing to dictate the agenda, meaning Fox News, the Tea Party and others. KW: Ilene Proctor wants to know whether, given the bleak economic outlook due to corporate malfeasance, global outsourcing, and a decline of empire, and with the U.S. facing challenges that were never as pervasive, there is any cause for optimism that American ingenuity and can-do spirit will help turn the country around. CW: That’s a deep question. I don’t think there are any grounds for any sentimental optimism. But black folks have never really been optimists. We’ve been prisoners of hope, and hope is qualitatively different from optimism in the way that there’s a difference between The Blues and Lawrence Welk. The Blues and Jazz have to do with hope while the other is sugarcoated music which has to do with sentimental optimism. KW: Children’s book author Irene Smalls asks: What does “America’s Return to Greatness” mean? Has America been great to and for all groups in this country? Is greatness domination or collaboration? Can American greatness permeate the class structure and have a multi-ethnic approach? CW: So much hangs on your definition of “greatness.” I’m a Christian. I believe that greatness has to do with the quality of love shown to the least of thy brethren and the quality of service to those who are catching hell. When you look at it in that sense, Continued on page 28
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Trendsetters Speak The Republican Party is about to return from a two year banishment, from political Siberia, back into the political mainstream as it seats its House majority for the 112th Congress. Let’s See If They’ve Learned Anything The Past Two Years
By Anthony Asadullah Samad While “change” of the past two years has occurred (no matter what the rhetoricians says), some of the most progressive change in recent congressional history mind you, the Republicans spent most of their time trying to find the tail they lost in the
2008 Presidential elections. For the past two years, the Republicans have spent their energy whining and crying on the sidelines, playing the obstructionist role and fanning the flames of dissent through third party extremists that they identify with only in their common distain for President Obama. While the President stopped our economy from a freefall collapse, and while he saved two industries (the banking and auto industries), and while he withdrew troops from Iraq, and became the first President in 100 years to successfully pass health care reform, the Republican Party refused to give him an ounce of credit and took every opportunity to snipe at him or prevent him from looking like the statesman that he is. The ideologues played on public frustration over the economy, and the silent Negrophobia that swept the
country over the election of the first black President, and combined it with the historical mid-term election slide that the party in power experiences, to produce the largest gain in a midterm election ever. It’s simply a continuation of the American people’s political sophistication in using divided government (major party control of each branch of government) to allow the parties to “check” each other. But somehow, that too was Obama’s fault. However, most of them got elected “Obama bashing” and represent some of the most extreme views in Congress since the days of the Dixiecrats. They made promises to return their government back to the people (whoever that means—though, in truth, we know). Well, they bout to get their chance. The two-mouthed, two-faced “Party of NO” claims it can bring fiscal
responsibility back to the federal government and reduce the deficit and repeal health care and extend the tax cuts for the rich and bring about compassionate immigration reform. It says that “Obama-change” has not been change. Well, I don’t know what you call it but the 111th Congress will go down in history as one of the most productive ever—right up there with those Radical Republicans of the Reconstruction Era. You know them, those Lincoln Republicans they like to selective claim when it’s convenient. The 112th Congress has it’s work cut out for it. We know from eight years of experience prior to 2008 that the Republicans will posture their position as one of the middle class, but clearly represent the rich and privileged. We -Continued on page 29
Light Skin vs. Dark Skin’ party highlights black on black bias By Mychal Denzel Smith Perhaps the greatest cinematic representation of the longstanding “light skin vs. dark skin” debate that has plagued the black community can be found in the 1988 Spike Lee film School Daze. The nearly seven minute musical sequence that finds the light-skin, straight-hair “Wannabes” squaring off with the dark skin, natural-hair “Jiggaboos” highlights one of the most controversial divisions among black people. Folks who are of African descent but are visibly more fair-skinned are assumed to have a superiority complex, due to their complexion being closer to white, reflecting the internalized notion of white supremacy. Inversely, those of a darker hue are looked down upon and ridiculed for possessing features that are more African in nature, again a product of white supremacy, suggesting that anything black is naturally inferior. At one point in our history, fraternities
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and sororities used a “paper bag test” admission policy to social events, where potential participants were required to have a complexion lighter than that of a paper bag to gain admittance. Ridiculous as this as issue of colorism sounds on the surface, it reveals deeper issues of self-hatred
that run deep in the black community. But these issues are history, right? Surely, in 2011, 23 years after Spike Lee satirized this divide on celluloid, we have recognized that one is neither superior nor inferior based on varying degrees of melanin. Of course, if any of us assumed that, we would be wrong. Club promoters in Columbus, OH plan to host a party they are billing as “Light Skin vs. Dark Skin” and have used social media (Twitter and Facebook) to help with the party’s promotion. An electronic version of the party flyer began making its rounds on the popular sites earlier this week and
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stirred up quite a bit of commotion, as some started claiming alliance to #teamlightskin or #teamdarkskin, while others went about vehemently denouncing the exploitation of the “color battle” for profits. It’s clear that the issue has yet to die. But why not? This is a generation that has become much more progressive in thought, bucking many of the traditionally conservative mores of the black community, particularly those surrounding the ideas of personal sexual practices. Even in those spaces where there is still much disagreement and debate, say regarding homophobia or interracial dating, there is a willingness at least to have a conversation and discuss root causes of the conflict. Colorism remains a taboo topic that is generally swept under the rug. While we mostly agree that the idea is silly, we fail to address the -Continued on page 29
Young & Trendy Be Sure You Stay Eligible For Your Benefits Selective Service System.
To stay eligible for many government benefits, young men need to register with the Selective Service System. -While young men may think government benefits are just for their elders, in fact, they may be eligible for many federal, state and municipal benefits programs right now. It’s important, however, to make sure you stay eligible by registering with the
Opportunities for Young Men Male students who need help paying for college will find that registering with the Selective Service opens up all doors to federal financial aid. This includes everything from Pell Grants to College Work Study to Guaranteed Student/PLUS Loans. Plus, those who sign up with the Selective Service System are eligible for federal job training via the Workforce Investment Act, as well as numerous federal jobs. Registering is also the only path to citizenship for immigrant men arriving in the U.S. before their 26th birthday.
Required by Law
According to U.S. law, virtually all male citizens and immigrants need to register with the Selective Service System. Historically, young men have had to do this during the 60-day window that begins 30 days before
their 18th birthday and continues for 30 days afterward. This still holds true, but with Early Submission, it is now possible to submit your registration information as long as you are at least 17 years and 3 months of age. Registration applies to all young meneven those living overseas. Those who are immigrants must likewise register, regardless of immigration status. Where and How to Register Online registration: Log on to www. sss.gov and click on the registration icon. It takes only a minute to complete the online form. When you submit your information, you will receive a registration number instantly. The U.S. Postal Service: Visit any U.S. Postal Service branch to obtain a Selective Service “mail-back” registration form. Men living overseas may register at any U.S. embassy or consular office. By mail: Eligible men may also
register by filling out a reminder mailback card. Selective Service will send this card to any young man around the time he turns 18. Mail-back cards are also available at some post offices. The federal student aid form: Another easy way to register for Selective Service is by checking a box on the application form for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA form). Checking “yes” on box 29 of this form will alert the Department of Education to provide Selective Service with the information to register you. School: Most high schools appoint a staff member or teacher to serve as Selective Service Registrar. They help to register young men and answer questions. For more information or to register, visit www.sss.gov.
What Parents and Teachers Can Do To Counter Teen Prescription Drug Abuse -Many parents used to fear that their children would abuse or become addicted to illegal “street drugs” like marijuana or cocaine. But today, millions of teenagers are turning to their parents’ medicine cabinets to get high on prescription medications, such as pain relievers, antianxiety pills and treatments for attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder. Statistics confirm that teen prescription drug abuse is a serious and growing problem in the United States. One in five high school students has taken a prescription drug that was not prescribed for them by a doctor, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Every day, 2,500 young people use a prescription pain reliever to get high for the first time. A Partnership For Action To address America’s problem of teen prescription drug abuse, addiction expert and television personality Dr. Drew Pinsky is taking part in the Smart Moves, Smart Choices educational programa joint initiative of the National
Association of School Nurses and PriCara, Division of Ortho-McNeilJanssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. Pinsky, known to his readers and viewers as “Dr. Drew,” is a New York Times bestselling author and host of “Celebrity Rehab” and “Sober House.” Smart Moves, Smart Choices is a national, school-based program for middle and high school students designed to educate teens, parents and educators about the risks of abusing prescription medicines. The program provides them with tools to take action, including a new Web sitewww.SmartMovesSmartChoices.org. Board certified in internal and addiction medicine, Dr. Drew understands the dangers and consequences of teens abusing prescription medications. “When used as prescribed by a doctor for a legitimate medical reason, prescription medicines can provide time-honored benefits,” says Dr. Drew. “But many teens do not realize that abusing prescription medications that were not prescribed for them-or mixing
prescription medications with alcoholcan cause serious health consequences, and possibly death, even if you do it just once,” Dr. Drew adds. A Potentially Fatal Mistake While any drug abuse-illegal, prescription, or over-the-counter -is highly unsafe, 41 percent of teens still mistakenly believe that abusing prescription drugs to get high is safer than taking illegal drugs, like cocaine or heroin. “Parents should try to be aware and monitor their teens’ access to prescription drugs. I encourage parents to take control and transform their medicine cabinets from danger zones into safe zones,” says Dr. Drew. Research shows that 65 percent of teens that have abused prescription pain relievers say they got them from friends and relatives. Dr. Drew advises parents to remind relatives, especially grandparents, to keep all prescription medications out of reach of teens and in a safe and locked location or container. According to Dr. Drew, parents can be more influential than they realize and can safeguard their teens
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by: • Taking all prescription medications out of the medicine cabinet and locking them in a safe location. • Disposing of all unused or expired prescription medications. • Learning to recognize the signs of abuse. • Starting an ongoing dialogue with your teenager about prescription drug abuse. • Seeking credible resources for help, such as the Smart Moves, Smart Choices Web site. SmartMovesSmartChoices.org features an interactive quiz, myth-busting facts, take-action tips and educational videos featuring Dr. Drew. Also available are materials that enable educators and school nurses to teach students about this topic in their own schools, including lesson plans and a school assembly tool kit.
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Education Study: HBCU Students Stronger in Technology and Math by DaVaun Sanders While the relevancy of Black colleges and universities is often questioned in today’s (supposedly) post-racial era, a new study shows their presence is more important than ever. According to a U.S. Commission on Civil Rights study, students who attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities are more likely to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The Commission’s annual study reported that HBCU students are more involved in their studies and faculty research projects than their counterparts at non-HBCU’s, who deal with more “academic mismatch.” This occurs when an admitted student’s qualifications fall below those of the median student in that program, and is a critical factor in attrition rates for science-related programs.
To combat the academic mismatch concern among non-HBCU college bound, the Commission suggested schools cease enrolling STEM students below the median credentials of students currently in the program
American Teens Are Asking For A Challenge
-A recent survey of teenagers in the U.S. uncovered surprising insights about math and science education in America. What The Study Found For one thing, the survey, commissioned by Intel Corporation, found the vast majority of American teens feel confident in their own math and science abilities. But they also generally agree there’s a
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math and science crisis in K−12 education in the United States. This suggests they may not feel personally responsible for the problem of falling math and science scores in the U.S. Instead, teens primarily attribute their lack of confidence in the United States’ math and science abilities to a lack of work ethic and discipline on the part of others, not a lack of school funding or resources, which many experts point to as the culprits. Fortunately, the teens do understand that math and science are important to their future success and express an interest in these subjects. Ninety-nine percent believe it’s important to be good at math and science and nearly 60 percent aspire to pursue a math- or science-related career.
What You Can Do There are several ways parents can help children learn science and math. Here are just a couple of suggestions: • Encourage questions. Encourage kids’ natural curiosity about the world. Scientists are professional question askers and relentless in their quest for answers. • Offer a math- and science-friendly home. Science happens everywhere. Gardening, working on the car, construction, cooking and plumbing all use math and science. Encourage kids to practice predicting, measuring, observing and analyzing. What Others Are Doing The aim of the survey was to offer a student perspective on the complex issues facing American education today and to spark a debate
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about how best to challenge American teens to excel in math and science. As the sponsor of the Intel Science Talent Search and the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, Intel recognizes math and science as critical foundations for innovation. Over the past decade, it has invested more than $1 billion and its employees have donated close to 3 million hours toward improving education. How To Learn More To join a community of people sharing their stories with the hope of becoming a catalyst for action and a voice for change in global education, visit www.inspiredbyeducation.com. To view ongoing updates, join the Face- book group at www. facebook.com/InspiredByEducation or follow Twitter updates at www.twitter.com/intelinspire.
The Journey New Bible for black teens aims to bring God down to earth By Bonnie Davis
Young people are predisposed to ask questions, yet when some questions refer to religion or teachings of the Bible, easy answers aren’t always forthcoming or simply are avoided. “Why don’t churches allow Christian R&B and hip hop?” “When I am worried, what can I expect God to do?” “Since I have a relationship with God, why do I need religion?” “Does God see me as black?” A new Bible, “Our Heritage and Faith Holy Bible for African-American Teens (NIV)”, attempts to respond to complex questions youths often ask themselves and adults. Wade Hudson, president and CEO of Just Us Books, said the book is necessary because teens and even adults often believe that to question simple statements such as “God is able,” means one is “un-Christian.” Hudson’s New Jersey-based company partnered with Zondervan Publishing House to create the book. “We came up with the concept and idea because we feel that, often in our churches we tend to miss young people,” said Hudson, who created the book with his wife, Cheryl Willis Hudson. “They’re not getting the necessary information about the tenets of faith. Some Sunday school teachers are doing a wonderful job, but so
many of our young people don’t even go to church. So we developed some concepts to engage them, interest them and motivate them to learn more about God’s words.” At first glance, the Bibles’ interior appears similar to any NIV (New International Version) edition. What sets them apart are their attractive, journal-like, duo-tone covers that come in shades of dark green and orange and black and yellow shades for males and pink and purple for girls. Colorful photographs depicting young blacks in various stage of worship occupy the book’s middle sections. A 106page addendum that begins with a page devoted to the lyrics of “The Negro National Anthem,” completes the work. Other key features in this Bible to enhance the readings and cultural relevance include notes on music, the black church and contemporary heroes to complement the Bible passages. A presentation page includes a family section and eight pages of maps to help teens visualize the lands of the Bible. It sells for $27.99. Wade said the book’s marketing department hopes that by making the book available to mainstream retailers such as Barnes and Noble it will capture a wider audience, namely youths who do not regularly attend church. “In the center the photographs are to engage and offer images for young people to identify with and learn about worship and prayer. We also answer about 50 questions in the back. Some get very deep; we get in your face.”
Wade, a deacon in his church in New Jersey, said that the answers are written in a manner that young people can understand. For example, “How do I talk to God?” “Sometimes people think it has to be an elaborate concoction. It’s not.” The Rev. Charlotte McSwine-Harris, pastor of the Charles City Community Church in Charles City, Va., says she supports the concept of the new book, but views it as a “commentary” because she does not consider the Bible, in its original form, as being targeted toward a specific race. “When we move away from traditional language (in the Bible), we move from original to translation or interpretation,” said McSwine-Harris, who is studying for her doctorate of Ministry at McCormick Theological Seminary. “The Bible is for everybody,” she adds. “It’s up to the interpreter to (make it applicable) for a particular audience. I don’t think you can have a black Bible or a white Bible.” Stacy Hawkins Adams is a best selling author of Christian and Christian non-fiction whose new book, “Who Speaks to Your Heart? Tuning In To God’s Whispers,” will be published by Zondervan in early May. Adams also is a wife of an ordained minister and the mother of two children ages 11 and 8. She says she is pleased with the Hudson’s work, and already purchased the children’s version for her son. “I love the children’s version of this Bible and so does my son, “ she says. “It helps him internalize the Scriptures that assert he is made in God’s image. There are also short articles throughout the Bible that deal with relevant cultural issues. I would definitely buy the teen version of this Bible for the same reason that my son appreciates his age-appropriate version - it can help teens identify with God in a more personal way, and help them understand that as African Americans, they too are a reflection of
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Him.” Adams, a former newspaper journalist and Sunday school teach, fully understands the questions and criticism the work may receive in the same manner as critics who question the need for historically black colleges or even Black History Month. “To me, it’s no different than having a version of the Bible geared to women that features articles and gender-specific information designed to help us strengthen our faithwalk in the context of our roles in modern society,” Adams explains. “This Bible helps teens appreciate and embrace who they are, while inspiring them to better understand God and become familiar with biblical teachings. I’ve shared the children’s version of the Bible with several church leaders, who seemed interested in distributing them to youths new to the church.”
Olive Branch Counseling Center Comprehensive Services · Individual Counseling · Marital Counseling · Family Counseling · Psycho-educational Groups · Mental Health Workshops for Churches & Community Organizations · Christian Counseling Joan E. Tucker, MACC, LPC/CR Director In Connection With Mt. Olivet Baptist Church 428 E. Main St. Columbus, Ohio 43209 Dr. Charles E. Booth, Sr. Pastor
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The Journey Interview: Drew Dyck on Why Young Adults are Leaving Christianity By Michelle A. Vu Drew Dyck, editorial manager of the ministry team at Christianity T o d a y International, spoke with The Christian Post about his recent book, Generation Ex-Christian. Dyck shared about the behind-the-scenes work required to write the book and which category of ex-Christian he thinks is the hardest to bring back to the faith. CP: Why did you write this book? Dyck: It started with a personal experience. It was an issue that impacted me. I remember having a friend come and visit me four or five years after high school. We had both gone to Christian schools together, our fathers were both pastors, and I remembered when he came to visit me he told me in a rather matter-of-fact way that he left the faith. Of course that got my attention given that we were from remarkably similar backgrounds. That kind of peaked my curiosity. As I moved through my 20s, I started to see that more and more of my friends were leaving the Christian faith. Sometimes they were explicitly renouncing their faith or just drifted away. That led me to read up a little bit on the topic and when I got into the literature on this issue I realized that what I was experiencing wasn’t isolated or unique to my circle of friends. What I saw was reflective of a much larger trend. That is when I decided that I really wanted to write a book on this topic. I am not a sociologist or statistician, but I knew that as a journalist I could bring something to this issue by introducing people to some of the faces and the stories behind the statistics. And just providing profiles of these, what I call “leavers,” these 20-somethings and early-30s that have walked away
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from the faith. And then provide some kind of tips on how to engage them in meaningful conversations about God that will ultimately lead them back. CP: How many people did you interview for this book? How long did it take you to do all the interviews and write the book? Dyck: I probably talked to close to 100, but as far as how many I used in the book, probably only a few dozens of them. The book took me about seven to eight months in all to complete and that was because I had a deadline. So that was a good motivator (laughs). These were people that I found through various ways, some were just friends of mine and that was how I started. Some had gone to youth group with me. Then I just heard of some friends of friends. I put messages on Facebook. I put an ad on Craigslist. I did some unusual things. I joined the Wheaton atheist group and went to one of their meeting and found some ex-Christians there to talk to. I was disinvited from future meetings but it was interesting none the less. So that was how I connected with people. At first I was apprehensive if people were going to talk to me since it is obviously a dicey topic. But I found, really, that a lot of them were actually eager to share their stories. Just to have a Christian listen to their reasons for leaving the faith for an hour or so was somewhat cathartic for them. CP: Out of the six categories of exChristians you list, which one is the hardest to lead back to Jesus Christ? Why? Dyck: Hmmm. I have one category that I call rebels. I kind of break that into two sections, with one being people that I call spiritual rebels. These are people who simply have a hard time accepting any sort of divine authority. This idea of a superintending deity is simply too much for them to accept. I remember talking to one young woman and after she talked about all her intellectual objections to faith, she took a major objection to the story of Jesus raising Lazarus. I asked her why she took that
story, which would seem to show Jesus’ compassion and power, so personally. She said that, “I just think that Jesus was trying to show off by letting Lazarus die and showing up after the fact and raising him from the dead.” I said, “Well, I think it is kind of a moot point because you don’t really believe Jesus really raised Lazarus from the dead.” I remember her saying, “Well, even if I did believe that he raised Lazarus from the dead, I wouldn’t follow him.” I said to her, “You mean to say that if you had irrefutable proof that Jesus raised people from the dead and he was who he claimed to be, you still wouldn’t follow him?” She said, “I rather burn in hell.” It was kind of eerie, but I realized that for a lot of people it is not about intellectual objections but really a heart issue. And I think those are the toughest leavers to talk to. How do you argue with the heart? You can’t and in those cases I think you obviously need to pray a lot, form relationships with them and really model the paradoxical freedom that comes from submitting to Christ. CP: Is there something that exChristians in all six categories have in common? Dyck: Yes. Almost to the person, the people that I interviewed reported being shut down brutally when they expressed their doubts as young people, whether that is in the church or their home. I remember one young woman reported being literally slapped across the face or else they received some kind of trite answers to their questions. They were sometimes ridiculed in front of peers for asking insolent questions. So it made me realized that the church hasn’t done a very good job, we haven’t done a good job of giving people space to let people air their doubts and then giving solid answers to the questions they have. I think the church does a great job in forming programs. We have a program for almost every age group. We have youth ministry, college and career, singles, what have you, even senior ministry. But we have precious
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little when it comes to actually helping Christians who are struggling with their faith or doubts. So that really opened my eyes to that need. CP: Your book has an intimate feeling because of the numerous real-life stories you included in it. But it got really personal when you shared about your older brother, Dave. Why did you decide to share so much details about your brother’s troubled life? Wasn’t it painful? Dyck: Yeah, it was. This was something that has been painful for our entire family, even moreso for my parents. But I just felt like he really illustrated a certain type of leaver. This is not a person who has a problem with any specific doctrine, but is just drawn, for some reason, to a lifestyle that is completely at odds with the Christian faith. So they end up leaving behind their Christian faith for all intents and purposes, and that is what happened to my brother. I guess the main reason I included that story is because I feel like, even when I started reading all these literature on de-conversions and trends of young people leaving the faith, it almost seemed surreal and detached. I think that is sometimes how sociologists look at it. But I just wanted to stress that for Christians, especially for parents, it is an issue that is akin to a death. That is a lot of times the way parents describe it. When it affects your family, all these emotions rush in and the cruel irony is sometimes those emotions can sabotage your effectiveness in reaching out to your love one because you might react in a way that is too aggressive or stay in denial. Both of which are extremes that are not productive. Sometimes I think we need to take a step back and think strategically and thoughtfully in how we approach our love ones.
The Journey Directory
Black Children are an Endangered Species: Billboard’s Expose Planned Parenthood *The Issues4Life Foundation, in partnership with The Radiance Foundation, launches an abortion awareness and pro-adoption themed campaign, entitled “Endangered Species.” California is the nation’s abortion capital with over 208,000 abortions (in the latest year reported) among its 424 abortion clinics. This African-American led initiative exposes Planned Parenthood’s racist and eugenics-based history and unaltered course. According to the CDC, the black abortion rate is 3 times that of whites and 2 times that of all other races combined — differences which cannot be explained by “lack of access” or “health care disparities.” Seventy (70) billboards stating “Black Children Are An Endangered Species — TooManyAborted.Com” are placed throughout Los Angeles. Walter B. Hoye II, President of the
Issues4Life Foundation, an AfricanAmerican leader committed to ending abortion, has raised awareness nationwide. “The impact of abortion in the African-American community is the Darfur of America,” Hoye declares citing the 50 million aborted since 1973, 18 million of which are African-American. The Radiance Foundation’s cofounder, Ryan Bomberger, is the Creator/Director of the TooManyAborted.com campaign and was, as a child, transracially adopted into a multi-racial family of 15. “Taxpayer-funded Planned Parenthood aborted 324,008 innocent lives and only made 2,405 adoption referrals according to their own latest Annual Report; that’s 135 children killed for every 1 adoption referral,” Bomberger says. “Choice is a sham.” Dr. La Verne Tolbert, PhD, a former Board Member of Planned Parenthood
knows about the abortion chain’s tactics. “In California, children are targeted for abortions through school-based clinics and school-linked clinics, which are family planning clinics on or near school grounds. Girls are taken off campus to a Planned Parenthood clinic, where abortions are performed without parental consent or notification.” The Issues4life Foundation is a nonprofit organization, based in California, dedicated to protecting human life from our biological
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beginning until death and works directly with African-American leaders nationwide to strengthen their stand against abortion. The Radiance Foundation is a nonprofit organization, based in Atlanta, that seeks to inspire people to live a life of meaning. Through various forms of media, speaking engagements, public awareness campaigns and community outreach efforts, they illuminate the intrinsic value each person possesses.
January 2011
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January 2011
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Style Trends
Skin lightening is serious business in India
A doctor uses a machine to heat up the skin of a patient receiving treatment to lighten her skin at a clinic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) For most African-Americans, it’s hard to comprehend that India of all countries would struggle with issues surrounding light and dark skin. So many of us simply associate such realities with our own communities and don’t realize that those issues also play out in other parts of the world. But the ample press that a Facebook page, officially known as “Vaseline Men Be Prepared”, aimed at Indian men, not women, allowing them to upload their pictures and then adjust it to see how Vaseline products can lighten their skin for a “fairer” or “whiter” complexion, has generated certainly proves just how pervasive this issue truly is. Interestingly, many of the reports in this company have not centered upon the psychology of why skin lighteners are such a viable market in India. Instead, the prevailing question is: why would a product as respectable as Vaseline exploit that psychosis? The easy answer is “profit”. And, let’s be clear, skin lightening products in India are very profitable. In fact, so much so that, even before this Facebook page appeared, BBC News had done a story about the market as early as 2003. Therefore, Vaseline isn’t doing anything that is deemed culturally insensitive in India. It’s quite the opposite. Pankaj Parihar, representing the global advertising firm Omnicom which designed the campaign, shared that “the response has been pretty phenomenal” with Agence Presse-France when questioned about the campaign that
launched in the second week of June. Back in the U.S., as previously suggested, the response hasn’t been so rosy. Many Americans, white and black, are simply appalled. Given our knowledge of racism in this country, we understand that this market exists in India precisely because of racism. Like many other countries of color throughout the world, India has an entrenched history of colonialism and the preference for lighter skin is a lingering vestige of that. While many of us feel that it is in extremely poor taste for Vaseline to capitalize on that, we must realize that it’s not very different from what the cosmetic industry does on a regular basis. One does not need smooth skin to navigate life. It’s desirable because, for women especially, men find smooth skin attractive. Last year, the Indian matrimonial site Shaadi.com conducted a poll of nearly 12,000 people and skin tone was the most important criteria for choosing a partner in three northern Indian states. For most of us in the United States, we don’t really notice the difference in skin tone of most Indians. Even in the Facebook ad, Bollywood actor Shahid Kapur doesn’t appear that dramatically lighter from image to image. In India, however, the slightest change is dramatic. American companies or products as associated with the U.S. as Vaseline are often charged with racial insensitivity in incidents such as this one but Vaseline, like L’Oreal, Garnier and Nivea who also promote the skin lightening properties of their products in India, is not being racially insensitive in this instance. In the market Vaseline serves, they are culturally on the money. The market demand is for a product that lightens one’s skin and they are meeting the market demand. Morally, however, they fall short. In the United States, there are times in which we demand that our companies or beloved products take the high road and put social responsibility above profitability. Such demands are not necessarily made in other countries. Now, skin lightening creams also exist in the United States but they differ in the fact that many are not used as much to lighten the skin as they are to even out skin tones. Ambi, a leader
By Ronda Racha Penrice
in the field, zoned in on this message a few years back and now promotes its products as skin tone “eveners” and not “lighteners”. Neutrogena even drafted Gabrielle Union at one point to also communicate the ability of their products to even out African American skin tones. How does what is happening in India differ from the multi-million dollar African-American hair weave market in the United States? Although many African-American women style their hair in various ways, quite a lot of women who weave their hair are motivated by the fact that longer hair, curly or straight, is viewed as more attractive. In India, it’s lighter skin. While it’s heartbreaking in the 21st century that a country such as India still feels that lighter skin is more attractive, it is reality. In April, Vogue India tried to promote darker skin as more desirable by featuring models with darker skin on
its cover. If Vaseline stopped selling its product tomorrow, the desire for fairer skin would not disappear in India. That will only change through conscious efforts by magazines and other entertainment entities to promote all shades of beauty. Even sadder, however, this controversy might not exist at all in this country if Vaseline had targeted women over men. After all, skin lightening creams have targeted Indian women for years now. Only recently, did it begin targeting men. There’s a greater tendency in this country to believe that, physically, men are alright just the way they are. Had Vaseline implemented this Facebook tool for women, would it have generated as much media attention? After all, the multi-billion cosmetic industry thrives on exploiting women’s insecurities and society’s perceptions of what constitutes beauty. Where is the outrage about that?
Rihanna
to Launch Her First Fragrance, Reb’l Fleur Hana Choi
It’s a deal that’s been months in the making, but Rihanna is now officially Hollywood’s newest perfumer with the launch of her debut signature scent, Reb’l Fleur. “My grandmother
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
in Barbados used to call me her Rebel Flower,” the singer tells PEOPLE of what inspired the fragrance’s name. And while the name might be the natural choice, deciding on the final mix proved something more of a challenge. “Over the years, I layered many different scents to get something that was truly my own,” she says. “But I wanted…something that said ‘Rihanna was here.’ Something delicious and special, a fragrance with subtle hints that linger and leave a sexy memory.” The end result recalls the star’s Caribbean upbringing with ripe fruits and sumptuous florals, as well as a musky mix of vanilla, patchouli and amber. Reb’l Fleur will begin rolling into department stores in February, priced at $49 for a 1.7 oz. bottle. Tell us: Will you buy Rihanna’s debut perfume?
January 2011
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Style Directory Contact Me Today Sharon S. Gordon www.sharongordon.soulpurpose.net 614-679-7318
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January 2011
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
January 2011
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History of King holiday all but forgotten
By Earl Ofari Hutchinson
Monday, January 17 marks the 25th anniversary of the Martin Luther King Day national holiday. President Obama and other administration officials have picked up on the call made repeatedly by the King family and civil rights and social service organizations for the day to be not just about celebration, pageantry, and parades, but a day of service. Obama’s “King initiative” for a day of service puts White House muscle behind the true meaning and spirit of the day and King’s life and work. Polls show that a majority of Americans as individuals plan to observe the King holiday in some way. However, the King holiday is still not the universally observed federal holiday that it could or should be. For the past few years the BNA, an Arlington, Virginia based business and information survey and print service, has taken an annual survey of businesses and governmental agencies to see who is and isn’t celebrating observance of Martin Luther King Day. And each year the results have shown the same disturbing thing. The King holiday is still at or near the bottom of the least celebrated national holidays. According to the BNA survey only one in three in ten employers (30 percent) will give all or most workers
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January 2011
25 years later
a paid holiday on Martin Luther Kind Day. In other words, the King holiday is still ignored by the majority of American businesses, the majority of organizations with a strong labor union presence and a fair number of municipalities. It gets worse. Not only has there been only marginal and incremental increases in the number of businesses that officially acknowledge Martin Luther King Day in the past five years, but the number that do acknowledge it have actually dropped from the alltime high of 33 percent of businesses that gave employees the day off in 2008. The employers and some municipalities that ignore the King holiday chalk up the failure to observe the day as simply a matter of cost, time and labor drain, instead of disrespect or any lack of appreciation for King. They argue they simply can’t afford to shut down. The argument makes some sense in the case of small to medium-sized businesses. And with the recession still slamming that segment of American industry and many governmental agencies hard, cost is a real issue and concern. But that’s not the whole answer as to why the King holiday is still shunned by many Americans. The fight for a King national holiday
has been bitter, contentious and controversial from the first moment that Michigan Democrat John Conyers introduced a Martin Luther King Day bill in Congress immediately after King’s assassination in April, 1968. It took more than a decade for the bill to finally come to a vote in 1979. It failed, coming within five votes of passage. It took four more years of fierce battles in Congress, mass marches, demonstrations and countless petitions to get lawmakers to move on the legislation again. Arch conservative North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms led the charge against the King holiday bill and questioned whether King was important enough to receive such an honor. He criticized King’s opposition to the Vietnam war and repeatedly slurred him as an agitator, Communist, and, of course, unpatriotic. Then President Ronald Reagan also vehemently opposed the holiday, citing cost concerns. Reagan grudgingly signed the King bill into law in 1983 only after Congress passed it with an overwhelming vetoproof majority (338 to 90 in the House of Representatives and 78 to 22 in the Senate). It took another three years before the first Martin Luther King Day was officially observed. It would take even
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more bitter fights over the next quarter century before die hard states such as Arizona, New Hampshire and Utah finally came on board and officially recognized the holiday. But even that hasn’t ended the controversy and the infighting over the King holiday. The latest ploy to trivialize the accomplishments of King and the holiday is the weather. Some school districts in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia say that they will hold classes on King holiday to make up for the school time lost because of the recent record snowfall in those states. The Reverends Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, as well as other civil rights leaders, have loudly protested this latest insult to King. Sharpton went further and urged parents to not only keep their children at home on Martin Luther King Day, but to use the day as a teaching not moment buy day to educate them about the enduring significance of the civil rights movement to their lives today. The good thing is that millions will celebrate and perform service on Martin Luther King Day. That’s what the day should be about. Those that continue to ignore the day should get that message too.
Celebrate the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr. in Ohio Plan your MLK three-day getaway today at DiscoverOhio.com/Multicultural – At the height of the civil rights movement in the 1960s, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited every part of Ohio, speaking at forums, universities and churches, spreading his message of peace, tolerance and racial equality. In commemoration of MLK Day on Monday, January 17, Ohio tourism attractions, universities and communities across Ohio will present a large and diverse array of activities to educate, entertain and encourage a greater pride in our communities. Following are some ideas to help travelers begin planning a family getaway to learn how Dr. King’s principles resonate in today’s world. From marches and museum exhibits to community forums and musical celebrations, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. Central Ohio
Northwest Ohio
Martin Luther King, Jr. March and Program, Columbus, Jan. 17 The city of Columbus’ annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day March will step off from Columbus City Hall at 4:45 p.m. Following the march, there will be a free Martin Luther King, Jr. Day program at Veteran’s Memorial from 6 - 7 p.m. Attendants will see vignettes of fundamental figures in Columbus’ history, musical performances by the Eastmoor Mixed Ensemble Choir and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mass Children’s Choir, and dances performed by Ballet Met.
MLK Unity Celebration, Toledo, Jan. 17 The University of Toledo and the City of Toledo present the annual celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., at Savage Arena on the University of Toledo campus. This year’s celebration theme is “One World. One People.” Speakers include Dr. Lloyd Jacobs, president of the University of Toledo, and Mayor Michael Bell. The Toledo Interfaith Mass Choir will perform at the free event.
MLK Open House, Columbus, Jan. 17 This free community event at King Arts Complex is an excellent opportunity for families and friends to enjoy music and live theatrical performances, watch videos, learn about the civil rights movement, participate in hands-on studio art activities and view art exhibitions. This year’s event, taking place from noon - 4 p.m., will feature Rev. Joel L. King, Jr., vice chair of the Ohio Dr. MLK, Jr. Holiday Commission and first cousin of Dr. King.
11th Annual MLK Silent March and Brunch, Ohio University, Athens, Jan. 17 Ohio University commemorates Martin Luther King, Jr. with a march, silent -- in the style of early civil rights movement marches – beginning at Galbreath Chapel at 10 a.m. Following the march at 11 a.m. is the MLK brunch and program in the Baker University Center Ballroom. The featured speaker is Dr. R. L’Heureux Lewis, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Black Studies and Public Policy at the City College of New York CUNY. He will discuss Myanmar, Martin Luther King and Hip Hop. Tickets for the MLK brunch can be purchased by calling the OU Multicultural Programs office at (740) 593-4027. Ticket prices are $6 for students, $8 for non-students and $60 per table (8 seats per table).
Northeast Ohio
Cleveland Philharmonic Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, Jan. 16 Tri-C celebrates the life of Dr. King in the metropolitan campus auditorium with keynote speaker Jeff Johnson, political commentator and activist, and a performance by the Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra at 3 p.m. The event is free, but tickets are required. Call (216) 9874805 for tickets and information. Cleveland Orchestra’s MLK Celebration Concert and Community Open House, Cleveland, Jan. 16 and 17 The Cleveland Orchestra and Severance Hall celebrate the spirit of Dr. King’s life, leadership and vision in music, song and community recognition at two events: • The Cleveland Orchestra performs its 31st Annual Celebration Concert with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Chorus and the Central State University Chorus on Sunday, Jan. 16, at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but tickets are required. Call (216) 231-1111 for tickets and information. • Severance Hall celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life with an afternoon open house of instrumental, vocal and spoken-word performances and entertainment on Jan. 17, noon-5 p.m. The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus will also perform. Free, no tickets required. Martin Luther King, Jr. Festival, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Cleveland, Jan. 17 This annual, free event has become bigger and better year after year. A celebration of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., is the focus of this glorious day of song and dance. This special day is highlighted by performances from national and local artists. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Breakfast, Akron, Jan. 17 The Akron Urban League presents the 3rd annual celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy. The breakfast buffet opens at 7:15 a.m., and the program begins at 8 a.m. The breakfast and program are free and open to the public; however, a ticket is required.
Southeast Ohio
Southwest Ohio
African Culture Fest, Cincinnati, Jan. 15 – 17 As part of the Cincinnati Museum Center’s Passport to the World Series, visitors can sample authentic food from an African marketplace, listen to narrators weave their tales and watch performances by African drummers. Free. Walk the Journey! Pass the Torch! Embrace the Dream!, Cincinnati, Jan. 17 The Martin Luther King, Jr. Coalition presents events celebrating Dr. King’s vibrant legacy filled with opportunities for participation, commemoration and celebration. Events include: • The King Legacy Awards Breakfast, 8 a.m., National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, $30. • Civil Rights Commemorative March, 10:30 a.m., beginning on Rosa Parks Way at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The march will end at Music Hall. Free. • The 36th Annual Commemorative Program begins at Music Hall at noon, featuring music by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Chorale. Free. March for Peace and Brotherhood, Dayton, Jan. 18 In celebration of MLK’s birthday, the University of Dayton (UD) presents a march beginning at 5:30 p.m., from four start locations: Marycrest Complex, A Lot (Stewart Street), CS Lot (Lawnview Avenue) and Irving Commons Lot (Irving Avenue). The march will conclude at UD’s Rec Plex, where Geoffrey Canada, president and CEO of Harlem Children’s Zone, will give a free speech titled Waiting for Superman: The Crisis Facing Youth — What Adults and Communities Can Do to Save Our Children at 7 p.m.
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
January 2011
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Family
Are you Sick or just Aging? By Glenn Ellis
Unfortunately, age sneaks up on us unexpectedly, and there is no escaping the fact that we are all growing one year older every three hundred and sixty-five days. U n f o r t u n a t e l y, this is, in many cases, the result of us having no understanding of what happens when the body ages. Normal signs of aging are generally the same for everyone, though they don’t necessarily develop at a particular age. You can expect to notice and adjust to, many gradual changes as you age. Certain physical changes are fairly predictable. Most people start needing reading glasses between ages 40 and 50, and many have some hearing loss later in life. As people age, bones tend to become less dense. Thus, bones become weaker and more likely to break. In women, loss of bone density speeds up after menopause. Bones become less dense partly because the amount of calcium they contain decreases. Part of the reason is that less calcium is absorbed in the digestive tract and levels of vitamin D (which helps the body use calcium) decrease slightly. Calcium is the main mineral that gives bones strength. Certain bones are weakened more than
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January 2011
others. Those most affected include the end of the thighbone (femur) at the hip, the ends of the arm bones at the wrist, and the bones of the spine. Ligaments, which bind joints together, tend to become less elastic as people age, making joints feel tight or stiff. This change results from chemical changes in the proteins that make up the ligaments. Consequently, most people become less flexible as they age. Ligaments also will tend to tear more easily, and when they tear, they heal more slowly. Aging affects the digestive system in several ways. Food is emptied from the stomach more slowly, and the stomach cannot hold as much food because it is less elastic. But in most people, these changes are too slight to be noticed. Certain changes in the digestive system do cause problems in some people. The digestive tract may produce less lactase, an enzyme the body needs to digest milk. As a result, older people are more likely to develop intolerance of dairy products. In some people, this slowing may contribute to constipation. The liver also changes. It tends to become smaller, and less blood flows through it. As a result, the liver may be slightly less able to help rid the body of drugs and other substances. And the effects of drugs last longer. As people age, the kidneys tend to become smaller, and less blood flows through them. Beginning at about age 30, the kidneys begin to filter blood less well. As years pass, they may remove waste products from the blood less well. They may also excrete too much water, making dehydration more
likely. The urinary tract changes in several ways that may make controlling urination more difficult. The maximum amount of urine that the bladder can hold decreases. As you get older you may be less able to delay urination after the first sense of a need to urinate. The bladder muscles weaken. As a result, more urine is left in the bladder after urination is finished. These changes are one reason that urinary incontinence (the uncontrollable loss of urine) becomes more common as people age. As women age, the urethra (which carries urine out of the body) shortens and its lining becomes thinner. The muscle that controls the passage of urine through the urethra (urinary sphincter) is less able to close tightly and prevent leakage. These changes may result from the decrease in the estrogen level that occurs with menopause. As men age, the prostate gland tends to enlarge. In many men, it enlarges enough to partly block the passage of urine. As people age, the heart and blood vessels change in many ways. The walls of the heart become stiffer, and the heart fills with blood more slowly. In aging men, owing to the decreasing testosterone levels, there is reduces interest for intimacy and diminished drive for any form of sexual activities. Similarly, in aging women, owing to the reduced estrogen levels, there is a phenomenal change in their behavior, needs, and desires for intimacy after menopause. The walls of the arteries become thicker and less elastic. The arteries become less able to respond to changes in the amount of blood pumped through them. Thus, blood pressure is higher in older people than in younger people. Despite these changes, a normal older heart functions well. At rest, the differences between young and old hearts are small. The differences become apparent only when more work is required of the heart, as occurs when a person exercises vigorously or
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
becomes sick. An older heart cannot increase how fast it beats as quickly or as much as a younger heart. Regular exercise can reduce many of the effects of aging on the heart and blood vessels. The muscles used in breathing, such as the diaphragm, tend to weaken. Also, slightly less oxygen is absorbed from air that is breathed in. In people who do not smoke or have a lung disorder, the muscles of breathing and the lungs continue to function well enough to meet the needs of the body during ordinary daily activities. But these changes may make exercising vigorously (for example, running or biking energetically) more difficult. The lungs become less able to fight infection, in part because the cells that sweep debris out of the airways are less able to do so. Cough, which also helps clear the lungs, tends to be weaker. Most vital organs gradually become less efficient with age. Your metabolism gradually slows, which means that your body needs less food energy than before. The kidneys also become less able to keep your body hydrated. This makes exercise, water intake, and a well-balanced diet increasingly important over time. An active body that gets plenty of oxygen, water, and nutrients is more likely to function efficiently for a longer period of time. As my Grandpapa, John Roberts, would say, “this only happens if you live long enough”. Remember, I’m not a doctor, I just sound like one. Take good care of yourself and live the best life possible! Glenn Ellis is a Health Advocacy Communications Specialist, and author of Which Doctor?. He is a syndicated health columnist and radio commentator who lectures on health issues. For good health information, visit: www.glennellis.com
Fit & Trendy Superstar trainer says America’s fitness level is ‘just depressing.’
By Ricardo Hazell / rick_hazell@ yahoo.com If you stay up late enough you will see some of the craziest exercise phenomenons ever. The Ab Roller, the Ab Crunch and, lest we forget, the giggle-inducing naughtiness of every Shake Weight workout. But there are so many overweight Americans that every home fitness enterprise that is created seems to be an instant success. We think we found a brother who is on the verge of the next best thing. His name is Shaun T, of Hip-Hop Abs fame. Now, he’s back with “Insanity,” a workout so off the wall Uncle Lee was tired just looking at it. The workouts look so challenging that even some professional athletes might have trouble with them. But Shaun says that it only appears difficult. “That is perfectly false,” said T of any assumptions that this workout may not be for the novice. “The way I designed ‘Insanity’ is you can be at any fitness level and be able to do as many reps as you can do. If you watch the videos it’s not rhythmic, it’s not dancing, you do not have to do everything I do exactly as I do it. Even I have to take breaks
with ‘Insanity.’ If I don’t take breaks then I’m not pushing myself. You should understand what it is to work hard or have knowledge of workout, or an idea of what’s it’s like to feel yourself tired, before you start. You shouldn’t jump from not doing anything for 6 years to doing ‘Insanity.’ If you’re used to exercising a little bit you should be okay.” OK, Shaun tells us that anybody can do the workouts, but we pressed him on that a little harder and he did eventually concede … just a bit. “You should definitely be active,” said Shaun. “You have to have a knowledge of body posture and things
l i k e that. I recommend you have a little bit of knowledge about what it is to be tired before you t r y
‘Insanity’.” So, what type of “knowledge” does one have to have to perform “Insanity” at peak efficiency?
“I started playing football and basketball when I was six years old. I was a high school and collegiate track star as well, so it was definitely athletics first before dancing. I didn’t start dancing until after I started getting into fitness. When I was in college my major was sports science. So, I got into teaching fitness and one of the classes I started teaching was a dance class. By the time I was finished with the dance class I was like ‘Wow, I can dance and I can choreograph. This is something that I can do and I love it’, he continued. “After working in the pharmaceutical health industry for a few years I went and started m y career as a professional dancer because I figured I might as well do it while I was young. I danced really, really h a r d c o r e professionally for like 5 years.” Let us get this straight, this brother played both football and basketball in high school, ran track in high school and college then was a professional dancer? This workout is not for any normal American. But that’s exactly how he wanted it. “I used to teach at Equinox in West Hollywood and my dance class was so popular that Beach Body came to me) and that’s how I started getting involved with d o i n g ‘HipH o p Abs,’ my f i r s t f i t n e s s program which was also a
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
dance program. I guess I’m pretty blessed because I’m using my college degree full out,” he joked. “I travel anywhere from America to Canada to Asia. There are fitness conventions all over the world where I also teach a fitness certification class and where I teach people how to teach aerobics. Most people, when they want to come work with me go to www.shauntfitness.com and check out where I’m going to be making appearances and they come and rock with me for a day, then die! But I know CPR and bring them back to life and send them home.” Not for nothing, but the “Insanity” workout seems like it’s only for people that are extremely serious, or have an exercise induced death wish. “With ‘Hip-Hop Abs’ we dance and have fun and we cut up and we laugh, but in ‘Insanity’ the most that could happen, and often does, is they gag and throw up here and there. But, that’s part of the pain. Me personally, I love it. If somebody has me working out so hard that I’m heaving over a trash can then I love it.” Shaun T’s career takes him all across the map. I asked him what he felt the biggest difference in fitness is between the United States and other countries to which he has traveled. “It is astounding the fitness level between America and Asia. For instance, Tokyo. There are very few people there that are overweight, quote unquote. I say quote, unquote because I know that fitness level is not completely dependent upon weight. These people eat good, they have a law in Tokyo where if you’re under a certain number of centimeters your BMI (Body Mass Index) has to be under a certain number or you get taxed. Yikes! You get taxed? Don’t get us wrong. We like big butts just as much as the next urban website, but if that law was introduced here then that would make up for the -Continued on page 27
January 2011
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Fit & Trendy Rapper
Paul Wall
is Skinny and Now and Talks About Weight Loss & Surgery
Texas rapper and honorary brother, Paul Wall, has lost over 100 pounds after undergoing a dramatic weight loss surgery procedure called the Gastric Sleeve. He explained in the upcoming Ozone Magazine his battle with weight and the importance of losing the pounds for health and lifestyle reasons. When did you decide to get serious about losing weight? Honestly, when we were in Afghanistan and [reps for VH1’s] Celebrity Fit Club were contacting [me] about coming on the show. That was a hell of a wakeup call. [Being fat] isn’t a secret. You can look in the mirror and try to hide it and cover it up, and it may work here or there, but there ain’t no shirt or hat you can put on or haircut you can get to hide the fact that you’re morbidly obese. That’s what the doctor said: I was “morbidly obese.” I decided not to do [the show] but it was still a wake-up call to have people calling you saying, “Hey, you’re really, really fat.” What kind of weight-loss surgery did you get?
The surgery I got is called gastric sleeve. There’s three kinds: gastric bypass, lap band, and the gastric sleeve. Gastric bypass is the one where you lose the most weight the quickest; it’s for people who are 400-500 pounds and have health problems that they need to fix right away. Since [the weight loss] happens so fast it leaves you with a lot of saggy skin. The lap band, which is very popular, is when they put a band around your stomach and it makes you feel like you’re full, so you don’t eat. But there’s ways to cheat with it, and with the lap band, you can always get it removed to go back to normal. [My weight] has been up and down my whole life, so I wanted to do something to permanently fix the problem. Since going back and forth on the drugs for years and taking diet pills, my metabolism was really gone. So I decided to go with the gastric sleeve, because it’s a little more serious than the lap band. They also cut out the hormones that make you hungry. So I actually don’t even get hungry anymore. The doctor talked
me out of doing the lap band; he told me it’s the most popular, but it’s not as effective. With the lap band, you lose about 50% of your excess weight. I was 120 pounds overweight. I weighed 320 pounds, and I’m six feet tall. So with the lap band I still would’ve been morbidly obese. With the gastric sleeve, you typically lose 80% of your excess fat. I lost 100 pounds with it, so that’s putting me in a more healthy weight class. Having lost 100 pounds, do you see a noticeable difference in your life? Yeah, hands down. I feel like I got my life back. When you’re so big like that, it’s embarrassing. I didn’t want to go out and be seen. I felt uncomfortable because I’m not used to being that big. People would see me and say something about it, because it was no secret.
I was morbidly obese, 120 pounds overweight. It was just embarrassing. I’d be on stage feeling like I was about to collapse. I’d get dizzy spells. I’d be on the airplane and have to ask for seatbelt extensions. Once you go up in the air, it’s really hard to breath. I was just thinking, “What if I have a heart attack?” I want to be here for my kids. I don’t want to have a heart attack. My son is four and my daughter is two and a half. The doctor told me that when you’re 50 pounds overweight, it takes 15 years off your life. So it literally saved my life. Have you been working out too? Nah. I’ve probably worked out twice since I had [the surgery] and that was just a light workout.
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January 2011
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
Fit & Trendy - Continued from page 25
federal deficit and then some. “In Europe they have 15 to 20 fitness conventions in their countries every weekend. I mean, it’s packed. I just wish that America would jump on that bandwagon. It’s not really about the weight, but the level of activity. You can go anywhere in America; New York, Miami, Los Angeles and you just see out of shape people. It’s an overwhelming majority and it’s very, very depressing. At a fitness center, training center … you can put your hands on it just about anywhere. That’s why I do what I do and I try to inspire as many people as possible.” The 20th century has witnessed this country enjoy of a string of successes that are historically unprecedented. Could it be we’re wallowing in our own success? Is it the types of foods we’re eating?
“It’s not really about what as much as it’s about how much,” he explained. “Like most restaurants, for example Cheesecake Factory. How big are the plates there? It comes down to what you learned in school with the food pyramid. If you just have portion control you basically can eat whatever you want. We think the more rice we have the better, the bigger the plate the better or I need to have dessert. You don’t need to have dessert. That’s where people get it wrong. One of the best pieces of advice that I like to give to people is don’t drink your calories. I promise that if you would stop drinking soda for a month you would loose ten to twenty pounds. It’s a promise. It’s caloric intake to output and its just sugar
you don’t need. It’s those little things
that would make a huge difference. One glass of wine is actually good for you. But it’s never one. It’s never one! Now wait a minute, says the naysayer, you have been at your athletic peak for most of your life! How are you going to profess to know the everyday eating habits of the everyday American? “I understand it’s hard. Trust me I know, but once you gain control of that it is the best feeling to say ‘Yeah, I’ve eaten enough and I can’t help but eat again.’ The less you eat in one portion the more times you can eat in a day. Instead of not eating all day and eating a huge meal at night, stuffing myself and going to sleep after not exercising, your body is going to hold on to that and say, ‘Well you’re only eating one time a day so I’m going to hold on to all that stuff.’ But if you eat five times a day, and it’s a good portion, your body is working. People don’t grasp that concept. A lot of people don’t loose weight because they don’t eat enough.” The “Insanity 60 day Total Body Conditioning Program” is for the serious-minded, but the DVDs do start off a slower pace for those who need to get used to the moves, but Shaun T tells EURweb.com it’s called a “body conditioning” workout for a reason. His intentions are to help people transform their body, not just tone up. The program features 10 different exercises designed to target a different part of your body. To order Insanity, Hip Hop Abs and other Shaun T. DVD’s log on to www. coachbeachbody.com/sharonsgordon.
“Superfood” In A Snap
—There are plenty of delicious convenience foods to reach for at mealtime. Make the smart choice by swapping empty, high-calorie foods for quick, satisfying foods that promote good health. Tom Rifai, M.D., a nationally recognized wellness expert in disease prevention, management and weight loss, reminds patients of an ancient and now scientifically validated secret for health and longevity. “Most Americans don’t realize that fish has been recognized as a ‘life extender’ since the early origins of man,” says Dr. Rifai. “In addition to being a lean, vitamin-packed protein source, fish and seafood like salmon, tilapia and shrimp also have natural omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which can benefit our health in many ways, including helping manage weight and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Regular fish intake is also linked to reducing insulin resistance, lowering blood pressure, lowering blood fats and improving blood glucose levels.” Based on the best scientific evidence, the U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee released dietary recommendations, which include eating at least two servings of seafood a week. Registered dietitian Sylvia Melendez-Klinger offers the following tips to help meet this nutrition recommendation: • Look for easy swaps—Add more fish and shrimp to your diet by preparing one of your family’s favorite recipes and swapping the protein for fish or shrimp. Seafood is great on salads, in pasta, tacos or in a stir-fry.
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
• Stock your freezer—Avoid highcalorie, high-fat food temptations by stocking your freezer with a variety of options. With frozen seafood, like Gorton’s flame-grilled fish and shrimp, you can prepare a nutritious, delicious recipe in minutes. • Make colorful, healthy toppings available—For a quick-and-easy lunch or dinner, serve whole wheat tortillas or sandwich thins with prepared grilled tilapia or salmon. Then present a host of toppings, like avocado, tomato, cucumber, or spicy or dilled yogurt, so everyone can add their personal favorite. Here’s a delicious, quick-fix recipe that uses flame-grilled salmon fillets bursting with flavor, plus 300 mg of DHA per serving: Grilled Salmon with Garden Vegetables and Linguine Serves 6 Ingredients: 6 Gorton’s Grilled Salmon Fillets 1 lb. uncooked whole wheat linguine 1 cup fresh basil leaves ½ cup chicken broth 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 cup broccoli florets 1 small red onion, sliced 1 medium bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 cup zucchini, sliced 2 cups fresh spinach ½ cup grape tomatoes, halved Cook salmon and pasta according to package directions. In blender, combine basil, chicken broth and 1 Tbsp. olive oil and blend until smooth. Set aside. Add 1 Tbsp. olive oil, broccoli, onion, bell pepper and zucchini to large skillet. Sauté over medium-high heat until tender crisp (about 2 minutes). Add spinach, basil sauce and cooked pasta to the sautéed vegetables and cook until spinach is wilted. Spoon pasta mixture into a serving bowl and toss with tomatoes and cooked, flaked salmon.
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An Interview with The Doctor
-Continued from page 11
I’d say America has had great moments, but I wouldn’t call it a great nation. I don’t think there have been any great nations in the history of the world, because in every nation you find poor people being subjugated. So, I see the term “great nation” as a contradiction, as an oxymoron. KW: Attorney Bernadette Beekman asks: Do you think that an increase in grassroots activism by the political left will counter the activities of those on the right? It seems that the Tea Party and their ilk have had an impact, based on the last election. CW: That’s a very good question. Sister Bernadette’s absolutely right. The most important assets we have are our bodies and our energy which can be put to good use as resources in political activism for poor and working people. KW: Filmmaker/Author/Professor Hisani Dubose says: I’d like to know what you think of the movement to pay teachers based on merit. Children, urban children specifically, come to school with a lot of issues that prevent them from learning or even being in the frame of mind to learn. Do you think merit pay might simply push troubled kids further behind? CW: For one, I feel that the recent demonizing of teachers and the teachers’ union is nothing but scapegoating. Therefore, all the talk of merit pay is part of that kind of mentality that wants to view the teachers as somehow the culprit, especially in our urban centers and rural pockets of poverty. Finland is the #1 country in the world in terms of education, and 98% of their teachers are unionized, and their
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students don’t take standardized tests at all. What they do have is an average class size of just 14 students, with 2 teachers in each classroom. That’s what exclusive prep schools like Andover, Exeter, Lawrenceville and the school that Barack Obama’s kids go to do. Until we reach the point that we treat our precious poor children the same as we treat our rich children, all this scapegoating of teachers is just an excuse to not confront the real issue. KW: Harriet Pakula Teweles says: Since “America Matters,” how can we re-define ourselves as a nation if as the 20th Century belonged to the United States, the 21st Century might belong to China? In other words, perhaps the greatest legacy we can leave future generations is a reframing of our national consciousness. How can we learn to still take pride in ourselves knowing that, in the 21st Century, America must be an eminent nation among other eminent nations and not the dominant, pre-eminent nation? CW: I think that every empire suffers from hubris, arrogance and condescension, and therefore a moral blindness. That’s true of the American empire, it was true of the British Empire in the 19th Century, and it will certainly be true of the Chinese Empire in the 21st Century. When we talk about America mattering, I take very seriously what the great Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel had to say in 1965 when he said that the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. will serve as the major means by which the best of America can be preserved. If that legacy wanes, America wanes. And that’s what we’ve seen since the death of Martin. KW: Harriet also asks: How can the panel discuss ‘The Next Chapter’ on the Smiley show if we continue to be stuck in this chapter, economically, socially, politically and internationally? It sounds discouraging, but maybe we can’t leave as glorious a future to the next generation. CW: That’s a wonderful question. For one, when Brother Tavis and others talk about “The Next Chapter,” they’re
really talking about dealing with the present chapter, because there will be no next chapter unless you deal with the present chapter. And if you don’t deal with the present chapter in the way that one ought, the next chapter might very well be the last chapter. KW: Legist/editor Patricia Turnier says: During segregation, the U.S had signs reading: ‘’No Colored” and “Whites Only.’’ Now we hear: ‘’You’re not a good fit for the organization.’’ What can be done to help AfricanAmericans enter the job market and break the glass ceiling? CW: Again, so much has to do with going beyond treating black people as cosmetic and symbolic items, as opposed to genuine personalities and human beings. And that is a deep moral and spiritual issue, which can of course be backed up by Civil Rights Commissions which enforce the laws against any form of discrimination. KW: Patricia also says: about 4.2% of all physicians are black, 3.8% of all lawyers are African-Americans, barely 5% of all college professors are black, and the majority of them are in HBCUs. Only 3.7% of all engineers are African-Americans. Given those statistics, do you think that Affirmative Action is effective enough? What can be done to correct this situation? CW:Â I think we need much more Affirmative Action across the board. There’s no doubt about that. But Affirmative Action is not the primary issue in and of itself. The primary issue is that we need for more young black people to fall in love with the life of the mind and to become voracious readers and writers. And we also need institutions of higher learning to be more receptive to black, brown, red and yellow talent. KW: Felicia Haney wants to know your thoughts on Islamophobia. She asks: With nearly 7,000,000 Muslims living in the U.S. now, how do you see Islam fitting into America’s next chapter? CW: Islam has always been a crucial part of America, and it is becoming even more crucial to America as a whole as more Islamic brothers and
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
sisters come here and as more citizens convert. Islam has a rich, prophetic tradition. We need more prophetic Islam figures like Malcolm X. If we could understand and try to grasp Malcolm after Mecca, we’d have the greatest example of what it means to be a prophetic Muslim who loves the people, especially the poor and working people across color and across culture, and who has the courage to stand up. KW: Ryan Davis asks: Do you still believe that President Obama is, as he said a year ago, “The friendly face of the American Empire?” CW: Oh yes, absolutely, although in some ways he’s becoming less friendly. KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read? CW: I just finished Griftopia by Mike Taibbi. That brother lays it out, man. KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory? CW: Ummm... Probably just playing with my brother and spending time with mom and dad when I was about 2 1/2. KW: The Tavis Smiley question: What do you want your legacy to be? CW: I don’t think about my legacy too much, Kam, because I’m still very much alive. Every day has to do with how much love, how much decency, how much compassion, how much kindness, and how much tenderness one is able to enact vis-a-vis others. So any legacy, for me, has to do with: How deep was your love? What were you willing to sacrifice? What were you willing to give up? What price were you willing to pay for others? KW: Is there a good question that reflects your consciousness that you could give me to ask everyone I interview? CW: Yes, what price are you willing to pay for a cause that is bigger than your own self interest? KW: Much appreciated! I’ll be sure to call it the Dr. West question. Thanks for another excellent interview. CW: Thank you so much, Kam. Stay strong, and Happy New Year!
-Continued from page 10 inextricably tied together even after this momentous partition, continue to negotiate their futures rather than return to war. It is not often that one gets to witness the birth of a new country. As Southerners head to the polls all week, I’m reminded of images of black South Africans lining up to vote in 1994. But even after 10 years of visiting and writing about Sudan, it is hard as an outsider to convey the powerful emotions that this long-suffering population is experiencing. All I know is that at this moment, at this place on earth, something special is happening. Zachariah Mampilly is an assistant professor of political science and Africana studies at Vassar College
-Continued from page 12
know the Republicans will claim to support education, and jobs, and home ownership, and families but will dump them in a heartbeat for business tax credits and budget cuts. Business funded political action committees funded the return of the Republican Party comeback, after an assist from the U.S. Supreme Court of course. -Continued from page 12
very real ingrained sense of white supremacy that informs our ideas surrounding the various shades that black people come in. So long as we ignore these problems and leave them unsolved, the sore will continue to grow and fester resentment amongst
You don’t think a payback is in order? Of course it is. Republicans believe in payback, good and bad. That’s why they’ve promised to come after health care (what they call “Obama care”). It’s not going anywhere, because they don’t control the Senate but it sounds good as a rallying cry. And speaking of crying, the new House Speaker, John Boehner, who cries more than a baby at feeding time, represents the disingenuousness of this new Republican majority. He gets on television and cries about how he pulled himself up by his own bootstraps, including an affirmative action education grant for poor students he received, but he puts his knee in the back of the poor every chance he gets. He needs to be tested soon and often so the American people will see him for what he really is. I’m sure the President has his number, but Congress as a body will need to see exactly what he wants to do on
immigration reform. The Republicans just killed the Dream Act. Let’s see what their alternative legislation will be. Let’s see what they really do for job creation, beside give businesses tax incentives. Let’s see how they will fix public education, besides cutting budgets and teaching to tests (leave no child behind). This is a chance to really expose the Republicans over the next two years. Either as true change agents, or as the rhetoricians that they truly are. Fooling the American people has become a science for them. Republicans, like President Obama, like to quote the Republicans’ first President, Abraham Lincoln. Each for their own good as Lincoln was truly conflicted about how he would save this nation. Lincoln once said, “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and you can fool all of the people some of the time. But you can’t fool all of the people all of the time.” Don’t tell that to these modern
day Republicans. They think we’re all fools and they constantly set out to prove it. This time, we’ll watch them try to sidetrack government reform and fool themselves while doing it. But they won’t be fooling us. We were watching to see if they learned anything at all about change. We hope they don’t blow their chance to reach across the aisle and to aid President Obama, but I somehow sense that two years from now, we’ll be echoing the words of former Arizona Cardinals coach, Dennis Green, that “The Republicans are who we thought they were.” Anthony Asadullah Samad, Ph.D., is a national columnist, managing director of the Urban Issues Forum (www. urbanissuesforum.com) and author of the upcoming book, REAL EYEZ: Race, Reality and Politics in 21st Century Popular Culture. He can be reached at www.AnthonySamad.com.
ourselves. Think back to the trouble Senator Harry Reid found himself in when he suggested that part of President Obama’s appeal was that he was lightskinned, and this characteristic was an impetus for his election. While some dismissed the comments as those of an ignorant, privileged white male, others agreed, recognizing that it is more difficult for darker-skinned black people to gain acceptance by the mainstream of American culture. The desire to dismiss Reid’s comments seemed to stem from the feeling that we, as black people and a country at large, had moved on from such ideas and/or wanting to counter the narrative of light-skin superiority. What became clear is that, while it may go unspoken, subconsciously the
issue of “light-skin vs. dark-skin” has never left us. And the debate has resurfaced again, this time in the world of hip-hop, where many of black America’s most heated debates find a home, with popular rapper Lil’ Wayne being accused of having not only a preference for lighterskinned women but a fervent disdain for those who are darker. This is not a new or unique accusation, as rappers have been called on their preference for showcasing light-skin/white women over dark-skin black women in their videos for nearly as long as music videos have been around. It’s another extension of an issue that plagues the Black community. There are those who will continue to blame colorism on the false notion of “Willie Lynch” (a mythical figure that
has captured the imagination of some black nationalists who claim he is responsible for masterminding many of the divisions the black community experiences today). While that is obviously not true, as no so much man ever existed, what is true is that black people have yet to truly solve the issues of ingrained self-hatred and white supremacy that have found in expression in this particular debate. And while some, like the club promoters in Ohio, seem to be attempting to make light (no pun intended) of the situation, the self-image of generations of black people is on the line. It’s about time we put to rest the notion of any one hue as superior to the other. There is no need for more “wannabes” or “jiggaboos” on either side.
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
January 2011
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Trendy Pallete New Website Makes Finding Recipes And Meal Planning Easier
—A new website offers cooks of every skill level an easier way to plan meals and find recipes they will love. Drawing on a database of more than 500,000 recipes, the site, called Yummly, uses unique search algorithms to better
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understand food, users and their tastes, and makes it possible for people to find delicious meals based on their nutritional and dietary preferences. That’s good news for busy home chefs and those with food allergies and special diets to cook for or picky eaters to please; whether planning a midweek meal or a festive holiday feast, it can be difficult to find recipes that will please the whole table. Yummly is user friendly and is convenient to use on any computer or touch-pad device. Find Recipe Ideas Based on Your Tastes The site’s search function makes it possible for users to find recipes that suit their unique tastes based on a variety of factors such as • Ingredient
likes and dislikes • Type of cuisine • Food allergy restrictions • Dietary restrictions • Nutritional preferences • Price per serving • Taste • Preparation time • Meal course • Recipe source • Specific holidays. Publish and Share Recipe Favorites Yummly now offers users the chance to save and publish their own recipes, whether it’s to keep in their private digital recipe box or share with the website community. The site, which is fully integrated with Facebook, also offers a variety of ways for people to save, share and e-mail recipes with friends and family. Plan Weekly Meals or Dinner Party Menus Users can now sort and save recipes into specified folders that will help in
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the planning and organization of dinner parties, special events or weekly meals. Users can also share their menu ideas with friends, family or the website community. Recipe Suggestions and Video Tutorials Registered users can now receive recipe recommendations delivered right to their e-mail in-boxes. The site dispatches a weekly e-mail of seasonal recipe selections tailored to meet the food likes, dislikes and dietary specifications set in each user’s profile. For those who are still learning, the site also offers a series of short and helpful instructional videos that demonstrate the basic cooking and food preparation techniques called for in most recipes. To learn more, visit www.yummly.com.
Travel Trends Survey Shows High-Speed Rail Is Gaining Support
-A majority of U.S. travelers report they are on track with the idea of using high-speed rail. That’s the word from experts who say a recent large-scale study shows that nearly two-thirds of adults (62 percent) said they would definitely or probably use high-speed rail service for leisure or business travel if it were an option. Travel time and cost are key Convenience and saving money were key factors for whether travelers would choose high-speed rail service over other modes of transportation. For example, when asked which factors would likely influence their decision to choose high-speed rail service, survey respondents mentioned: • Shorter travel times compared to driving (91 percent); • Less expensive than flying (91 percent); • Less expensive than driving (89 percent); and • Integration with local public transit so I can avoid use of rental cars, cabs and parking fees (85 percent). Time and the environment Other factors survey respondents ranked as important included shorter travel times compared to flying (80 percent) and environmental concerns (75 percent). Providing jobs and options American Public Transportation Association (APTA) President William Millar said, “We strongly support the government’s commitment to implementing high-speed rail. It will provide more options for
Cruise Itinerary: 7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise Allure of the Seas (Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Nassau, Bahamas; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; and Phillipsburg, St. Maarten).
A non-refundable deposit of $25 per person ($50 per stateroom) is due by March 1, 2011. The balance
travelers, as well as create jobs and be a strong boost for the local economy.” Investment proposed APTA proposes that Congress invest $50 billion over the next six years in high-speed rail. The association says the investment during that time frame, along with $123 billion in
public transportation investment, will help support and create 6.2 million jobs. The survey of 24,711 adults, was conducted for APTA by Synovate, a leading market research firm. APTA is a nonprofit international association of more than 1,500 public
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and private member organizations engaged in the areas of bus, paratransit, light rail, commuter rail, subways, waterborne passenger services and high-speed rail.
January 2011
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Handle Your Business
Remembering the firstBehind black man a billion-dollar business By Rima Abdelkader B E T founder Bob Johnson is credited with being the first black billionaire, but before him there was a legendary black businessman who was the first to build a billion-dollar company. A deal Reginald F. Lewis made after he purchased international giant Beatrice Foods promoted his American company, TLC Group, L.P. to the biggest offshore leveraged buyout in history, making TLC Beatrice worth $1.5 billion and on to Fortune’s 500 list. Kwame Jackson, one of the stars of Donald Trump’s in 1993. But first Apprentice, his philosophy considers Lewis -continues to his Harvard Kappa be followed by Alpha Psi brother entrepreneurs -- an inspiration, and black youth. although he never Well before “The met the man. “He Giving Pledge” was the pacesetter, campaign reaped and I always looked Loida Lewis gazes upon 16 philanthropic tycoons, up to him in that her late husband.jpg Reginald F. Lewis gave regard,” said Jackson, (photo courtesy of million-dollar donations who hosted an award Matthew Mattafella) to charity. Lewis gave ceremony in honor of back to black youth Lewis at the Harvard Club of New and stressed the importance of York. entrepreneurship, said Malik Yoba, Lewis died of brain cancer at age 50 an actor on the Fox drama, New York
Undercover. Yoba, who also never met Lewis, said he read Lewis’ coauthored book, Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun? in his early 20s. “You had a person of color play a game that had sort of been the domain of a specific group, and he figured out the thing,” said Yoba. Lewis created the first African-American law firm on Wall Street in 1970, and went on to launch his own company in 1983, eventually selling it for $65 million after a multi-million dollar leveraged buyout. He earned a notable 90 to 1 return on his investment. Christina Lewis learned the value of an investment at seven years old when her father asked her to earn 1 percent off of a few stocks he commissioned her to follow.”He taught me how to be good at math and love business...always work hard and give back,” said Christina, who said her mother’s steady income from being a corporate lawyer sustained the family when her father’s initial
profits as an entrepreneur couldn’t. The award ceremony is part of a series of events raising money for Lewis’ museum in Baltimore, Maryland, and for Project Youth Exposure, a not-forprofit organization geared towards exposing disadvantaged black youth to the corporate world. A notable Lewis saying, “Keep going, no matter what,” said Raven Lopez is what inspired her to stay alive and pursue her entrepreneurial aspirations. Lewis reached out to 20-year old Lopez to join Project Youth Exposure after seeing her on Oprah talking about her difficult journey living with HIV since birth. “I think it’s important to spread the message to all people, not just people of color, all people, that have aspirations to be entrepreneurs that here is an opportunity that is given to you and the road is not easy,” said Marilyn Crawford, a fellow Harvard alumna and CEO of marketing, ad and PR firm Windsor Primetime, who received the Reginald F. Lewis Torch Award for entrepreneurialism. “You either win it all or you lose it all -but you have to be willing to do it, as ‘RFL’ says -- keep on going no matter what,” said Crawford.
Five Financial Resolutions for 2011 by DaVaun Sanders
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New Year’s resolutions may seem contrived, but a fresh calendar makes for a great time to accelerate your hustle to new heights. Check out these five resolutions, recommended by Entrepreneur.com to bring your 2011 in strong. 1. Establish personal financial goals. Your outlook on the year will vary depending on several factors, such as your age or expertise in business. Take some time to plan where you want to be in life– preferably start with the next three to five years–and strategize how your company
will align with that plan. 2. Create a budget. Budgets are essential to a company’s well being, but few entrepreneurs invest the time in creating one. Consider your cash and credit needs, as well as any seasonal changes you may need to adjust for in the upcoming year. 3. Discuss priorities with employees. Your employees can draw energy and understand how best to fulfill their roles in the company if clear expectations are communicated with them. A more formal
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process can be more effective if your company is larger. 4. Negotiate fixed costs. As our economy recovers, vendors and leasers will likely begin to raise prices. Beat them to the punch by negotiating agreements to lock in your current price. 5. Reconsider delayed expansions. There is a possibility that lending will pick up once more in 2011, so if your business is performing well this may be the year to secure capital for growth.
Handle Your Business “Black Folks .... Networking is as Natural as Breathing”
I have been observing the growth of the Internet over the past several years and am truly amazed. Think about this for a minute. It was only a few short years ago that email, instant messaging, text messaging, ecommerce and video sharing ... just to name a few services, didn’t exist. Companies providing these services like MySpace, YouTube and Ebay went from zero to billions in just a couple of years. Many make more money than large corporations who have been around for decades. We’re currently living in what is called a “Web 2.0” internet environment and change is rapidly taking place everywhere online. For example, people now have the potential to use social networking sites to connect, communicate and co-operate. New software or web-based applications are quickly being introduced with new ways to do things and old applications are just as quickly, being set aside or seen as obsolete. With regards to marketing a business online, what worked yesterday may not work tomorrow. So keeping up or staying ahead of the wave is not as easy as it once may have been. The Black Builders Club is an international black business association that is always looking for
opportunities that will help stimulate economic development and wealth creation within and for the Black community. What we have noticed is that many of us are not effective in the use of the internet as a “tool” for increasing income and creating wealth. There is a big gap and it appears to be getting wider. Black Builders Club is online and excited about the “gross potential” of what we’re experiencing, but the “net reality” is, many of us are getting caught up and taken off purpose or task. Many are being distracted with so many promises of instant success or seeking to get “something for nothing”. Many are joining sites just to be joining and not making personal contact with anyone. Did you know, that feverishly posting ads all over a site and submitting friends requests, doesn’t necessarily guarantee getting sales? You see, with any tool, you must first understand it’s purpose and then learn how to correctly use it to get a desired result. The internet and especially social networking sites, If not properly utilized, will turn off more people than are turned on. Instead of being a tool for our advancement, “so- so” networking, can become a big distraction and cause many to lose more than they
gain. Here’s something to consider, did you know that in spite of the economic and “Black in America” forecast being portrayed in the media, there is plenty of money in circulation and wealth is being accumulated every day? Yes it’s true! The problem for many Black people is, that not enough of that money and wealth remains within our grasps. We’re on the internet, but many of us are not using it correctly. We haven’t been given the real purpose for the “tool” and no one is really showing us how to use it. The great (Black) American entrepreneur, S.B. Fuller (1905-1988) claimed that, even more than racial barriers, it was a “lack of understanding of the capitalist system” that kept Blacks from making economic progress. In an interview in 1963, Fuller claimed that when Blacks finally concentrate on developing themselves so that they excel in what they do, they will then find that they have no real problems. He claimed that Blacks were left behind economically because “they have nothing to sell.” That is, we offer nothing of our own that we control the development of, manufacturing and distribution for, on any significant scale. This simple thing, is one of
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By Lee Green
the reasons the “lion’s share” of resources, ie, capital, manufacturing and distribution capabilities, remain in the hands of a few outside our community. What we need is a way to increase and keep a larger portion of our share. If we would work together collectively and grow to any size or significance, we could do something about some of this and start to effectively change things. I am convinced that the Internet, ecommerce and social networking are ways for us to get started getting our share and more with little or no out-of- pocket cost ... any major program, think tank or study group. They say that “necessity is the mother of invention”. Well ya’ll .... its necessary. It’s time for change. We must seek to first and foremost, find ways to network. We must “connect the dots”, establishing meaningful, mutually beneficial networking relationships that create new income and generate real wealth, is our “product”. This is something that we can control develop, produce and distribute. The key is for us to (net) work together. Imagine, if tomorrow Black folk everywhere on this planet (with access to the Internet) woke up and started to take “networking” seriously and began “connecting the dots”. Imagine if, they immediately started to use the Internet as a tool for wealth creation using Black products and services. Imagine if they saw the value of doing business with Black owned and operated companies. They saw the potential derived from “recycling dollars” within our economic group and were provided with the resources, training and vehicle to help them do better for themselves. They did it without a meeting, a march, a word from their pastor, congress person or favorite sports or hip-hop celebrity. (Of course, those folk would come onboard once they saw things were moving along - Continued on page 34
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Continued from page 33
with or without them). Or they would be used to campaign against our “self-serving” behavior. Imagine that, they didn’t see it happening on a “Reality TV Show”, first. They didn’t hear some radio DJ or media superstar say “its time to go”. There were no TV commercials or radio spots pumping it up to the latest beats and no corporate logos underwriting it. No just us doing our thing. Black business owners, entrepreneurs and consumers, building a foundation of financial strength that would uphold and uplift one another and be available to pass wealth to future generations. They (we) just started networking as though our lives depended upon it. We just took the time to get connected and in the process let money start to flow. Networking is as natural as breathing, we do it all the time. The problem is, we have not systematically worked out a schematic for making it pay us everyday. If we did, we as a people, would be on the road to financial independence. Individual wealth is nothing until we all have an equal opportunity to be better off. Its not “civil rights” today that is the issue, its “silver rights”. I personally have been preaching this for over 25 years and, at times it seems for nothing. Talking about what others can do so uncomplicatedly is frustrating at times. Folk, its not that complicated. We only make it complicated as a way of avoiding the inevitable ... CHANGE. The complication is in our own minds. The marketplace is ready for change. We can and should seek out opportunity within our own
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community before crossing over to accept what someone else passes off to us as opportunity. The best way for us to be certain is to establish meaningful relationships from the networking connections we make with one another. Of all American immigrants, Blacks alone came to these shores in chains. This country was no “land of opportunity” for them. They didn’t come here seeking financial independence and the accumulation of assets on their balance sheet. They came here as assets on the balance sheets of others. You know how it went, “$100, two pigs, four cows and one Negro”. Our history in America started as us being owned by someone else as chattel slaves. Someone claimed ownership of us. We were their property. When the “spoils” and means of enrichment were created and divided, one group always helped themselves to the lion’s share. From their perspective, they were superior and there wasn’t anyone around to challenge them. They institutionalize their policies of injustice and proceeded to amass fortunes. Slavery was a “cause” and fear based, poverty, not trusting one another mindsets, of many of our people, is the “effect”. This effect is now creating causes all its own, and as a result, the system self- perpetuates. Frederick Douglas said it best, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” We didn’t demand enough, we didn’t get enough. And so Blacks, became conditioned to believe in history, and accepted the small mouthful of
welfare crumbs and menial jobs that offered no real chance of economic enrichment. That perspective, has caused all kinds of problems for Black people in this country that continue until today. Just to survive, Blacks have lived through slavery, reconstruction, “Jim Crow” segregation, integration and affirmative action and today “affirmative re-action” (the dismantling of most of our civil rights gains). Nevertheless, the problem and solution is the same. Its on US! We’ve got to CHANGE! Our challenge now is to take “reaffirmative action”, not only for ourselves and the short term personal gain a business opportunity may offer, but for our families and our community. God has blessed us with natural gifts. One of them is the ability to network. We are a visual and oral people and have lived by that tradition all our lives. I propose that instead of joining every network marketing company or money scheme that comes along or being isolated as “rugged individualist” or just using the Internet to play video games, network silly jokes, sentimental stories, urban legends, unsubstantiated PC virus scares, or have long winded debates in forums, as some of us are known to do, we instead mobilize our collective Internet strength and create income streams that will flow, perhaps starting slowly at first but building up like “rivers of living water” from mouse to mouse, house to house. I propose that we come together and organize. Getting a critical mass of people involved in the process is crucial. Check out the information below. We are looking to find groups of leaders who are willing to (net) work together with ... The National Black Business Trade Association. If you are interested in taking Black business networking to the next level ... get connected with us! Suppose all Black business owners, entrepreneurs, salespersons and distributors made the connection. Suppose all the Black churches linked into this network. Suppose all the historically Black colleges came onboard. Suppose all the other non-
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
profit organizations were encouraged to participate along with all the fraternities, sororities, and community groups and so on. Tens, possibly hundreds of millions of dollars could start to circulate, all from just taking a small step and a simple action. This would be “new money”. Money that we would usually just give away to someone else with no hope of return. And it would cost us very little to participate. How hard is that to do? Not hard at all. If we can take time in the day to link hundreds of people to a silly joke or hoax, why not take action that will generate income for yourself today and future generations tomorrow? Why not? We must do something to help reverse the cycle of poverty and under privilege many face. By formulating positive attitudes and effective strategies to build our businesses, our personal worth, our schools and our communities, we all will overcome. The fact that we were able to endure over 250 years of slavery and more than 100 years of open discrimination is evidence of our ability to survive. We must move past survival as a strategy and move toward contribution. We must now mobilize and utilize all of our collective resources to build and prepare for the future. We must change any non-cooperative attitudes and negative perceptions and assume the responsibility for our own future. No one is going to do it for us ... but with God’s help, we can do it for ourselves. For more information on the Black Builders Club and the National Black Business Trade Association log onto http://www.blackbusinessbuilders. com/members.html?6952 or call 866970-4887 and join the Urban Trendsetters Team.
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January 2011
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Tech Trends 50 Cent arrives to debut his new Sleek by 50 Cent Platinum headphones at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the International Consumer Electronics Show on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011 Did 50 Cent use Twitter to bilk fans for big bucks? By Javier E. David
It’s a given that musicians and actors often have little compunction about sharing their political views with the world. The First Amendment is a beautiful thing, and should be cherished by all. But when a star uses his or her popularity to dispense stock picks and makeshift financial advice? Now that’s a horse of an entirely different stripe. Such is the quandary rapper 50 Cent -- a.k.a. Curtis Jackson -- posed a couple of days ago, when he used the ubiquitous Twitter to promote H&H Imports, a virtually unknown penny stock company in which he has a sizable financial interest. The 35-year-old hip hop impresario, who made the phrase “get rich or die trying” a cultural mainstay, used the social networking site to plump for H&H’s prospects. “You can double your money right now. Just get what you can afford,” Fitty enthused to
his nearly 4 million followers. “They are no joke, get in now,” he added in a subsequent tweet. Never mind that 50 Cent had many reasons -- nearly 9 million, in fact -- to get the Floridabased company’s stock as high as it could go. One has to acknowledge that it’s somewhat refreshing to see a star use Twitter for something other than attacking an ex-paramour, or venting about whatever injustice rich celebrities suffer at the hands of a cold, cruel world that doesn’t appreciate or understand their genius. Having said that, there much that can be said about using a social networking platform to promote the illiquid shares of a questionable company. H&H, whose auditor recently raised questions about its ability to continue operating, is hardly a blue-chip stock: on a good day it trades at mere cents on the dollar. Even during ideal times, investing in the stock market is serious business. As the economic boom years illustrated to sometimes devastating impact, unscrupulous companies and self-described financial professionals often lie in wait to lure novice investors into parking their cash into get-rich-quick schemes It’s not for nothing that the term “pump and dump” came to
characterize the go-go days of the 1990s bull market, fleecing many investors. Buying assets shouldn’t be done on a whim, and certainly not based on the recommendation of a celebrity with a financial or business interest in the company. 50 Cent’s Twitter recommendation may not fit the textbook definition of pumpand-dump, but it appears to come awfully close to the line. It wouldn’t be surprising if he, or perhaps the executives at H&H, were forced to field inquiries from skeptical regulators. Fitty did the right thing by backpedaling his recommendation and warning his followers that H&H might not be right for them (he even scrubbed the original posts from his Twitter feed). However, it would have been better if he had never made the recommendation at all. Some of the company’s gorier details can be found over at the New York Observer, which in the latest quarter claimed losses of more than $1.3 million dollars, and $3.3 million to date. According to the report, H&H lent more than $100,000 to a firm whose owner is a blood relative of H&H’s chairman. And there appears to be some confusion as to how the company actually makes its money: while some outlets bill H&H as a headphone-distributor, others list the
company’s profile as a handbag and purveyor of women’s products and services. Not exactly an exemplar of transparency. Let’s be clear: 50 Cent’s tweet about a penny stock is hardly a scheme of Bernie Madoff-esque proportions. But the world wrought by the postfinancial crisis and the bursting of the Internet bubble has rendered the average citizen more jaded about investing in a volatile and sometimes opaque market. The stock sector has become increasingly accessible to the small investor through the proliferation of day-trading and micro-cap issues. But the buying and selling of financial instruments are done in a complex and fast-moving environment. Not to mention that the events of the last decade have seen the destruction of untold trillions in wealth. None of this is for the faint of heart, and it’s certainly not risk-free. Buying a stock based on the recommendation of a rapper -- even one as wealthy as 50 Cent -- is the rough equivalent of taking health advice from a short-order cook. Fitty would be better served leaving the stock picking and personal finance tips to the professionals, and would-be investors ought do the same. After all, would anyone buy a record produced by a certified public accountant?
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Auto Trends Beyonce Gives Jay-Z the World’s Most Expensive Car By John Mitchell
Beyonce Knowles showed just how much she loves her husband Jay-Z by reportedly presenting him with a Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport, on his birthday. The rap mogul turned 41 on Dec. 4 and to celebrate, The Sun reports his better half bought him one of the world’s fastest and most expensive production cars ever built. The Veyron Grand Sport is powered by a 16.4-liter engine that produces 1,000 horsepower with a top speed of 253 mph and a 0-60 mph time of just 2.7 seconds. And the price for all that speed and power: a cool $2 million. Beyonce can certainly afford it. According to Forbes, she made $87 million this year. Jay-Z is no slouch in the earnings department either, he has a business empire and a fortune estimated at $450 million. The Veyron will add to Jay-Z’s impressive car collection which
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Hours of Operation 9am-6pm according to The Sun includes a Maybach 62S, Ferrari F430 Spider and a Pagani Zonda Roadster. Next on the list for the couple could be a baby. Beyonce pregnancy rumors are an almost daily occurrence and last month her mom Tina Knowles shot down any baby speculation, but did say she can’t wait to be a grandmother and she believes they would make “great parents.”
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Is the ‘Rooney Rule’ still relevant in the NFL?
San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Singletary (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
History has a wonderful way of righting its wrongs. A person in South Africa no longer lives with the oppression of apartheid, Americans have a black president and sports can no longer be
compared to slavery as it has often been suggested. Never before have the atrocities of man been more transparent than with the advent of the 24-hour news cycle. “There have been comparable times in history when sports have been at the center of culture and seemed to dominate the landscape,” Roone Arledge, the former president of ABC News and the man who brought us Monday Night Football, once said to Sports Illustrated. “Whether in Greek society or in what used to be called the Golden Age of Sports... everything is magnified by television.” As the turn of the century approached, ESPN became a monopoly, the internet came into our homes with blinding
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speed and before you knew it, a new star beyond Hollywood had been created -the American athlete. The salaries of athletes escalated beyond ones imagination and so did the profile of the men who coached them. Instantly, coaches were the face of a franchise. Bill Parcells and Mike Ditka quickly come to mind. But there was one problem. You had teams dominated by people of color, being coached by white men. And in a country where image is everything and the talk of race is still a touchy subject, like religion and politics, this was not a good look, particularly for the NFL, where 70 percent of the players are black. The NFL has been around for 90 years
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now and there have been, get this, a mere 10 black head coaches. The 10th, Mike Singletary, was recently fired in San Francisco, which has us again talking about the Rooney Rule, which requires that NFL teams interview at least one minority coaching candidate before making a new hire. Former commissioner Paul Tagliabue was hopeful that by expanding the search, owners would come across qualified candidates who might have been overlooked otherwise. This is sad, because NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, is quick to hand out fines and suspend players for things as silly as end zone celebrations, yet he’s awfully quiet when it comes to a subject matter as groundbreaking and sensitive as the Rooney Rule. Only five blacks had previously coached in the NFL, beginning with Art Shell -Continued on page 42
January 2011
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Arts & Entertainment Tyler Perry Nabs 19 NAACP Image Award Nominations Halle, Janet, Minaj, LL, ‘HawthoRNe,’ ‘Treme,’ ‘Sunday Best’ also recognized.
The 42nd NAACP Image Awards nominations were announced today during a live press conference from the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills, CA — and Tyler Perry received a whopping 19. Two of his movies, “For Colored Girls” and “Why Did I Get Married Too?,’ will compete against each other in the best film category. Also in the category: “Just Wright,” “The Book of Eli” and “The Kids Are All Right.” Janet Jackson was nominated for best actress and Jill Scott for supporting actress for “Why Did I Get Married Too?” ‘For Colored Girls” earned Anika Noni Rose, Kimberly Elise, Phylicia Rashad and Whoopi Goldberg noms for best supporting actress, and Michael Ealy for supporting actor. Perry, who won NAACP Chairman’s Award last year, also garnered nominations for his screenplay for “Why Did I Get Married Too?” and best director for “For Colored Girls.” His TV series, Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne,’ was nominated for best comedy; star LaVan Davis for best actor, Cassi Davis for best actress and Keshia Knight
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Pulliam for best supporting actress. Meet the Browns’ David Mann earned a nom for best actor as well, with Lamman Rucker and Lance Gross in as supporting actress. Myra J. was nominated for writing for the “Meet the Racist” episode of “House of Payne. Actresses Kimberly Elise and Sanaa Lathan, actor/rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, singer/songwriter Smokey Robinson, actor Columbus Short and Actor/ Comedian Affion Crockett joined NAACP Image Awards chairman Clayola Brown and 42nd NAACP Image Awards executive producer Vic Bulluck to announce the categories and nominees. The NAACP Image Awards celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film. The awards also honor individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors during the two-hour event airing live Friday, March 4 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/ PT tape-delayed) on FOX.
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
Below is a partial list of the nominated categories. Visit http://www.naacpimageawards.net for the complete listing. TELEVISION Outstanding Comedy Series
RECORDING
• “30 Rock” (NBC) • “Are We There Yet?” (TBS) • “Glee” (FOX) • “Modern Family” (ABC) • “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS) Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series • David Mann – “Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns” (TBS) • Dulé Hill – “Psych” (USA) • LaVan Davis – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS) • Phil Morris – “Love That Girl!” (TV One) • Terry Crews – “Are We There Yet?” (TBS) Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series • Cassi Davis – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS) • Essence Atkins – “Are We There Yet?” (TBS) • Salli Richardson-Whitfield – “Eureka” (Syfy) • Tatyana Ali – “Love That Girl!” (TV One) • Vanessa Williams – “Desperate Housewives” (ABC)
Outstanding Drama Series
• “Detroit 1-8-7″ (ABC) • “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC) • “HawthoRNe” (TNT) • “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (NBC) • “Treme” (HBO) Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series • Anthony Anderson – “Law & Order” (NBC) • Blair Underwood – “The Event” (NBC) • Hill Harper – “CSI: NY” (CBS) • Laurence Fishburne – “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (CBS) • LL Cool J – “NCIS: Los Angeles ” (CBS) Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series • Chandra Wilson – “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC) • GuGu Mbatha-Raw – “Undercovers” (NBC) • Jada Pinkett Smith – “HawthoRNe” (TNT) • Regina King – “Southland” (TNT) • Wendy Davis – “Army Wives” (Lifetime)
Outstanding Talk (Series)
• “Conversations with Ed Gordon” (BET Networks) • “Larry King Live” (CNN) • “The Mo’Nique Show” (BET Networks) • “The View” (ABC) • “TV One on One with Cathy Hughes” (TV One)
Outstanding Reality Series
• “American Idol” (FOX) • “America’s Next Top Model” (The CW) • “Dancing with the Stars” (ABC) • “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (ABC) • “Sunday Best” (BET Networks)
Outstanding New Artist
• B.o.B (Rebel Rock/Grand Hustle/Atlantic) • Bruno Mars (Elektra Records) • Jason Derulo (Warner Bros. Records) • Nicki Minaj (Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Motown) • Willow (Roc Nation/Columbia Records) Outstanding Male Artist • Cee Lo Green (Elektra Records) • Jay-Z (Roc Nation/Def Jam) • Kanye West (Island Def Jam Music Group) • Ne-Yo (Island Def Jam Music Group) • Usher (Laface/Jive Records) Outstanding Female Artist • Chrisette Michele (Island Def Jam Music Group) • Corinne Bailey Rae (Capitol Records) • Mary J. Blige (Geffen Records/Matriarch) • Rihanna (Island Def Jam Music Group) • Sade (Epic Records) Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration • Diddy-Dirty Money (Bad Boy/Interscope) • Eminem & Rihanna (Shady/Aftermath/Interscope) • Herbie Hancock (feat. India.Arie, Chaka Khan and others) (Hancock Music) • John Legend and The Roots (Columbia Records) • The Black Eyed Peas (Interscope)
Outstanding Album
• “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” – Kanye West (Island Def Jam Music Group) • “Now and Then” – Smokey Robinson (Saguaro Road/ Cracker Barrel/Robso Records) • “Raymond vs. Raymond” – Usher (Laface/Jive Records) • “Soldier of Love” – Sade (Epic Records) • “Wake Up!” – John Legend and The Roots (Columbia Records)
LITERATURE
Outstanding Literary Work -Fiction • “A Taste of Honey” – Jabari Asim (Broadway Books) • “Getting to Happy” – Terry McMillan (Penguin Group) • “Glorious” – Bernice L. McFadden (Akashic Books) • “Till You Hear From Me” – Pearl Cleage (Ballantine Books/One World) • “Wench” – Dolen Perkins-Valdez (Amistad) Outstanding Literary Work -Debut Author • “Wench” – Dolen Perkins-Valdez (Amistad) • “The Girl Who Fell from the Sky” – Heidi Durrow (Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill) • “The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s
Great Migration” – Isabel Wilkerson (Random House) • “Beneath the Lion’s Gaze” – Maaza Mengiste (W.W. Norton & Company) • “Forest Gate” – Peter Akinti (Free Press/Simon & Schuster)
MOTION PICTURE
Outstanding Motion Picture • “For Colored Girls” (Lionsgate/34th Street Films) • “Just Wright” (Fox Searchlight Pictures) • “The Book of Eli” (Warner Bros. Pictures) • “The Kids Are All Right” (Focus Features) • “Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Too?” (Lionsgate) Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture • Anthony Mackie – “Night Catches Us” (Magnolia Pictures) • Common – “Just Wright” (Fox Searchlight Pictures) • Denzel Washington – “The Book of Eli” (Warner Bros. Pictures) • Jaden Smith – “The Karate Kid” (Columbia Pictures) • Morgan Freeman – “Red” (Summit Entertainment) Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture • Halle Berry – “Frankie & Alice” (Freestyle Releasing) • Janet Jackson – “Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Too?” (Lionsgate) • Kerry Washington – “Night Catches Us” (Magnolia Pictures) • Queen Latifah – “Just Wright” (Fox Searchlight Pictures) • Zoë Saldana – “The Losers” (Warner Bros. Pictures) Outstanding Independent Motion Picture • “Conviction” (Fox Searchlight Pictures) • “Frankie & Alice” (Freestyle Releasing) • “La Mission” (Screen Media Ventures) • “Mother and Child” (Sony Pictures Classics) • “Night Catches Us” (Magnolia Pictures) Outstanding Foreign Motion Picture • “A Barefoot Dream” (Showbox/Mediaplex) • “Biutiful” (Roadside Attractions) • “Four Lions” (Drafthouse Films) • “Mother” (Magnolia Pictures) • “Outside the Law” (Tessalit Productions) Outstanding Documentary (Theatrical or Television) • “For Love of Liberty: The Story of America’s Black Patriots” (PBS) • “Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel” (Metaphor Films) • “If God is Willing and the Creek Don’t Rise” (HBO) • “Waiting for “Superman” (Paramount Vantage)
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January 2011
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Why Jay-Z can’t seem to beat Illuminati rap
Someone didn’t give Hammer the memo. Last week an occult specialist firmly and finally put to rest all those rumors about Jay-Z and the Illuminati. But that didn’t stop Hammertime from releasing a diss track and video against Jay-Z, accusing him of devil worship. It’s likely an act of evil when Hammer is reviving himself from the clutches of irrelevance to “battle” Jay-Z, of all people. Nevertheless Hammer has held a grudge against Hova since Jay mentioned him in a track with Kanye West released last month. “Hammer went broke, so you know
I’m more focused/I lost 30 mil’, so I spent another 30/’Cause unlike Hammer, 30 million can’t hurt me,” Jay-Z rapped on the song “So Appalled.” Hammer’s financial problems are not only well documented, he has spoken publicly about the bad financial choices that aided in his career’s demise. And yet something about Jay-Z’s verse rubbed him the wrong way. So MC Hammer did what most broken hearts do these days -- log on to Twitter and vent. Hammer released a fury of tweets against Jay-Z, thereafter referring to the rapper as #hellboy. Hammer’s line of assault caters to a rumor that’s been circulating about Hov for a few years now -- that he’s a member of secret societies like the Illuminati and Freemasons. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when these rumors about Jay-Z being a member of the Illuminati started. The secret organization that may or may not actually exist is believed to be made up of powerful individuals who
are controlling the world and worship the devil, and blah blah blah...it’s the type of stuff conspiracy theorists eat up. Rapper Prodigy began to champion the “Jay-Z is illuminati” rumor back in 2008, and it’s hung around the dark recesses of the Internet since then. But Jay-Z added fire to the flame when he released his video for “On to the Next One” earlier this year. The odd and disturbing imagery of skulls and masked women dancing wildly confirmed it for some viewers -- Jay-Z is illuminati! Or he’s just really crafty at manipulating rumors to stir up a little publicity. Though Jay himself has denied allegations of devil worship and Illuminati membership, it took an occult specialist to finally get folk to believe that Jay is not a member. “I don’t think he’s an occultist, but I do think he is probably a genius in terms of using imagery,” author and expert Mitch Horowitz told BigThink.com. For most of the sane and cognizant this was no surprise. Jay-Z might be powerful, but he’s not that powerful. It was easy to mistake Jay’s famous Rock-a-Fella hand signal as the work
of a Delta Sigma Theta fanboy, but Freemasonry symbolism? I think not. And yet Hammer has persisted in his plight. Earlier this week he released the video for his diss track “Better Run Run.” Already reaching several thousand views on YouTube, the video shows a Hov-like character being chased through the woods by the devil. King Hammer, as he now refers to himself, raps “Devil said I’m a give you the world/ He said I’ll take it can you give me a girl.” The video continues with weak analogies and insults, until Hammer finally ends it by baptizing (or drowning?) the Jay-Z character. Jay-Z has been a good sport about the whole fiasco, recently commenting that Hammer took his lyrics the wrong way. Hammer, however, is holding on to his theory of devil worshipping hip hop stars, going so far as to require all interview requesters first denounce devil via his Twitter feed. Did Hammer take this “beef” too far? Without a doubt. But whether or not Hov worships the devil, Hammer’s exploitation of this rumor is definitely benefiting both parties in the long run.
‘The Game’s’ BET Debut Breaks Ratings Records *”The Game” premiered its fourth season on BET Tuesday night and set a ratings record for the network, which said 7.7 million viewers tuned in, making it the No. 1 original telecast on the network, and No. 2 of all-time, behind the 2009 BET Awards, which had 10.2 million viewers and took place three days after the death of Michael Jackson. “We’re coming out hitting hard,” said executive producer Salim Akil. “We really hope it opens BET up to more voices, to more people being able to come in and pitch shows and have a variety of different scripted shows on the network.” “BET has been absolutely topnotch in the way that they’ve
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been handling this, from allowing us to be creatively free … to the
advertising to now having the cast at TCA,” continued Akil, referring to the current Television Critics Association gathering in Pasadena, Calif. “All of the things that we didn’t get over there at CW, we’re getting at BET.” While BET hasn’t announced a fifth season, “The Game” is helping the network change its image. The show is the first scripted series for BET, which also premiered
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its own original show, “Let’s Stay Together,” right after “The Game” Tuesday night; 4.4 million viewers tuned in to watch “Together,” which airs at 10:30 p.m./9:30 p.m. Eastern. Along with the Queen Latifahproduced “Let’s Stay Together” and “The Game,” BET is also putting together a show called “Reed Between the Lines,” starring Tracee Ellis Ross (“Girlfriends”).
Cover 2Cover The Portable Cornel West
Cultural Icon Offers New Compass for Hope New York, NY (January 12, 2011) -When Dr. Cornel West speaks, people not only listen, they grab a pen to take notes. As a New York Times best-selling author, Princeton University professor, renowned speaker, and one of America’s most respected public intellectuals, this cultural rock star speaks boldly about issues
others sidestep and delivers knowledge that is potent, challenging, and liberating. “Uncompromising and unconventional . . . Cornel West is an eloquent prophet with attitude,” says Newsweek. West’s latest paperback release, Hope on a Tightrope: Words & Wisdom, an Essence bestseller and NAACP Image Award nominee (January 2010, $14.95; trade paperback, ISBN: 978-1-4019-3076-9), reveals why his wisdom is frequently a “top tweet” on Twitter. This accessible and indispensible collection, filled with provocative commentary on a wide range of issues - including Social Justice, Identity and Race, Courage, Faith, Music, and Leadership - has the power to not only change the way people think; it motivates them to act. Topics in Hope on a Tightrope include: * America’s future: We are now in one of the most truly prophetic moments in the history of America. The poor and very poor are sleeping with self-destruction. The working and middle classes are
struggling against paralyzing pessimism and the privileged are swinging between cynicism and hedonism. Yes, these are the circumstances that people of conscience must operate under during this moment of national truth or consequences. * The Obama administration: The depth and substance of the Obama victory remains an open-ended question and is sometimes downright disappointing . . . How I wish that President Obama’s economic team treated poor and working people with the same respect and support given to the financial oligarchs and corporate elites. Yet our task remains twofold: While we must vigilantly fight the vicious attacks of the right-wing media on Brother Obama designed to destroy his presidency and undermine our democracy, we must also apply unrelenting pressure on the Obama administration to support poor and working people. * Speaking truth to power: There is always a fundamental tension between a commitment to truth and a quest for power. The two are never compatible.
It could be Socrates, Jesus, Martin Luther King, Jr., or Fannie Lou Hamer. You always need a prophetic critique of those in power. Power intoxicates. Power seduces. Power corrupts. There is always a need for somebody to tell the truth to the powerful. * Music’s influence: Our literary giants view themselves in many ways as intellectual literary extensions of those great musical geniuses. It’s no accident that our greatest writer, Toni Morrison, has often said that she would like to write the way Sarah Vaughan sings. And did not Ralph Ellison try to write like Louis Armstrong blew his horn? High Quality Speakers Bureau will be hosting a series of nationwide Cornel West Hope on a Tight Rope “Tweet and Greets” beginning with a taping of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson in Los Angeles on January 19 and a special event at California State University, Northridge on February 3. For location details on how to join Dr. West and special guests visit www.cornelwest.com/HOAT.
Trailblazing Entrepreneur Dante Lee’s New Book Praised As The “Black Business Bible” “Dante Lee’s Black Business Secrets provides the reality check all aspiring business owners need before launching their ventures...If you are serious about entrepreneurship (not just playing at it), you must read this book.” -- Alfred A. Edmond Jr., Sr. VP/editor-at large of Black Enterprise, and host of WVON 1690 Chicago’s The Urban Business Roundtable “Wow, this book is a game changer...and a prescription for Black business success! I was not only informed and inspired, I was empowered by Dante’s impressive research, business insights, and nuggets of
brilliance.” -- George C. Fraser, author of Success Runs In Our Race and Click “Black Business Secrets schools you without taking you into a classroom. You’ll find a blueprint, filled with a wealth of practical information and powerful examples, right at your fingertips...If ever there was a Black bible for business secrets, this is it!” -Margena A. Christian, editor of Ebony New York, NY (December 15, 2010) -- Do you have what it takes to separate black business facts from fantasy, build
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your entrepreneurial muscles with a real business plan, and endure short-term failure to achieve long-term success? Let Dante Lee teach you how. As a 20-year-old college student, Lee developed a promising business concept. And by 30, this self-made entrepreneur had built Diversity City Media, known for its marquee online businessesBlackPR.com and BlackNews.cominto a national marketing and PR powerhouse with Fortune 500 clients like McDonald’s, Verizon, and NASCAR. Lee’s ultimate goal is to put more African Americans on the path to entrepreneurship through the wealth of real-world experience presented in Black Business Secrets: 500 Tips, Strategies, and Resources for the African American Entrepreneur (SmileyBooks, December 2010, Paperback original, Continued on page 42
January 2011
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in 1989, and only two held the position when the rule was adopted in 2003. The following year there were five, and between six and seven every year since, including two of the last three Super Bowl winners. These numbers have people questioning whether the rule has outlived its usefulness. “I would hope we’re at the point where the Rooney Rule is not necessary,” said Tony Dungy, former head coach of the Indianapolis Colts and current NBC
analyst, to Sports Illustrated. “But even if we are, there’s still some good things, some benefits that come from it. The biggest thing it has done, to me, is slow down the process and encouraged people to look at a broad spectrum and interview a lot of different guys. That helps everyone. It helps the person who ended up getting the job, and it helps the person who was looking.” Dungy acknowledged that there always will be franchises that side-step the rule or ignore it all together: “It’s hard to legislate (the) practice.” Owners pay hundreds of millions of dollars for teams, tens of millions for players and nearly every one would hire me or you, if they thought it would make their franchises successful. “Certainly there have been some ‘token’ interviews and there’s always going to be organizations that circumvent the rule, for whatever reason,” Richard Lapchick, director of the Institute for Diversity
and Ethics in Sports at the University of Central Florida, said to the Associated Press. “But overall, no one disputes it’s contributed significantly to the diversity we’re seeing today. It took a long time and the threat of a lawsuit to convince the NFL that everybody benefits from ensuring the (hiring) process is open. All the Rooney Rule was supposed to do was get people into the room who otherwise might never have had a shot.” So here we are. Are NFL teams making a mockery of the rule? Is the Rooney Rule still relevant? Do the owners believe in it? Are they circumventing rules by bringing in token candidates? Will the NFL ever catch up with its NBA counterpart? Unfortunately, these questions have yet to be answered. Presently there are five (Oakland, Denver, Cleveland, Carolina and San Francisco) head coaching jobs available in the NFL. It looks like Tony Sparano will be retained in Miami. My guess is that you might be lucky to see one African-American hired to fill one of those jobs. Leslie Frazier in
Minnesota doesn’t count, he was already in place. And of course Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys and arguably the biggest con man in sports, pacified us by interviewing two minority candidates, Ray Sherman, the Cowboys wide receivers coach and Todd Bowles, assistant head coach and secondary coach in Miami, when it had been rumored for weeks, if not for years, that Jason Garrett would be the next head coach of the Cowboys. After the Super Bowl, this too shall pass. Another year will go by, and next year coaches will be fired and we’ll start this debate all over again. Yes, we have come a long way as a society, but as we deal with the problems that people of color face in America; unemployment, housing, incarceration and education are just a few, the NFL still has a ways to go when dealing with its hiring practices. After all, you know who you want to hire, before you hire them. Just tell us the truth and maybe we can move on.
-COntinued from page 41 ISBN: 978-1-4019-2954-1, $15.95). “The astonishing growth in the number of African Americans who own their own business is cause for celebration,” Lee says. “There were 1.9 million Blackowned businesses in 2007, up 60.5 percent from 2002.” Despite this success, Lee asserts that Black entrepreneurs continue to face some of the same challenges they had to contend with 50 or more years ago, such as dealing with a double-standard when applying for financing. Black Business Secrets offers more than just a roadmap, it provides a top-of-the-line GPS that shows the quickest and safest routes to building a successful company, pitfalls to avoid, and strategies to outsmart, outperform, and out earn the competition. “And you don’t need to have an MBA or even a business class to do it,” Lee stresses. “You do, however, need a good business coach.” Black Business Secrets covers all aspects of entrepreneurship, and poses questions relevant to aspiring African American business owners, including:
* Is your financial situation situated? “Take an honest look at your basic assets and liabilities,” Lee urges. “Your personal credit score impacts your business credit. Have you calculated your net worth, planned for start up costs, applied for seed money, and put a financial safety net in place? The sooner you start thinking like an entrepreneur financially, the better. -Continued on page 42 -Continued from page 41 * Are you clear about what you do and how to sell it? Many entrepreneurs network, meet lots of people, and collect business cards, but they don’t clearly communicate what it is they’re selling. “A successful entrepreneur is able to answer the question, ‘What do you do?’ in 90 seconds or less,” he explains. * Can you do well while doing good? Is social entrepreneurship for you? Social entrepreneurship-applying business and entrepreneurial principles to tackle social needs-has worked successfully within the African American community for decades. “It testifies to our capacity to
sustain communities and build economic stability,” he says.
are impossible to secure for African Americans, and consumers of other ethnicities won’t buy black products. Whether seeking to create a home business, neighborhood store, or multimillion dollar empire, Black Business Secrets offers aspiring entrepreneurs a blueprint for success. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dante Lee is the president and CEO of Diversity City Media, an African American marketing and public relations firm based in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 2000, this award-winning company is known for its marquee online businesses BlackPR.com and BlackNews.com. Showcased in Ebony’s 2010 Young Entrepreneurs List, Lee is also the co-founder of the social networking powerhouse Lee Moss Media. ABOUT THE BOOK: Black Business Secrets: 500 Tips, Strategies, and Resources for the African American Entrepreneur SmileyBooks, December 2010 (Paperback original / ISBN: 978-1-40192954-1, $15.95)
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* Are you ready to be a marketeer? “Business is 10 percent what you’re selling and 90 percent who you’re selling it to,” Lee advises. “Every company is a marketing company. By harnessing the power of social media promotion via Twitter and blogging, you can expand your influence and gain more customers. You won’t sell anything if you have no way to let potential customers know you exist.” A special feature of Black Business Secrets is the wise counsel of superstar African American entrepreneurs, including Bob Johnson, founder of BET, and Gwen Richardson, founder of CushCity.com. He further explores what innovative business greats like Russell Simmons and Shawn Jay-Z Carter have accomplished through “social entrepreneurship.” Lee also breaks down business-busting myths such as one has to quit a job to start a business, loans and grants
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