White Valedictorian a Matter of Pride or Validation?

Amid news of Morehouse College graduating its first white valedictorian, this week, we have a submission from blogger Kyle "Scoop" Yeldell. Yeldell, a Morehouse graduate and writer for Finditt.com, takes issue with what he calls the "media attention and slant to [valedictorian Joshua Packwood's] success."

Kyle "Scoop" Yeldell

Spike, Martin, Samuel, shoot, even Mukasa could be the face of dear old Morehouse.

It's been circulating that for the first time in Morehouse's 141-year history that she has a white valedictorian.

Joshua Packwood is a valedictorian that had a holistic college and social experience, one who excelled in the classroom both and abroad. Josh earned the right to be both valedictorian and wear the title "Morehouse Man."

However, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution titled their article on him with a preposterous question: Is he the face of Morehouse College?

Continue reading "White Valedictorian a Matter of Pride or Validation?" »

Geoffrey Bennett

12:32 PM ET | 05-16-2008 | permalink | comments (5) | e-mail post

Rev. Jesse Jackson Requests Secret Service Files

US civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks at a press conference on relief aid in Haiti

Thony Belizaire, Getty Images

Members of the United States Secret Service are under investigation after racist and sexually charged e-mails recently surfaced. One in particular, which references two-time presidential candidate Jesse Jackson, has the civil rights leader upset. According to CBS:

"Rev. Jackson's dealings with the Secret Service date back to his two campaigns for the Democratic presidential nomination in the 1980s. He actually asked for and was assigned protective details before other candidates back then.

The Secret Service e-mail, obtained from a court filing in Washington, was titled "The Righteous Reverend," and jokes about the deaths of Jackson and his wife when a missile strikes their plane. The e-mail ends with, it "certainly wouldn't be a great loss and probably wouldn't be an accident either."

Jackson is requesting to read every correspondence that concerned him and his family, dating back to the 1980s. While the most damaging e-mails found had nothing to do with the elder Jackson, his son, U.S. Rep Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.), isn't convinced this was a one-time event.

"The Secret Service is charged with investigating threats, not initiating them. This gives you some sense, some insight, into what may be taking place there," he said. "The Congress of the United States has oversight responsibilities and we're going to be looking very carefully at what's going on there."

Should Barack Obama be worried about the level of protection he receives from the Secret Service? One lapse in Obama's security at a Dallas event left some wondering.

Geoffrey Gardner

5:26 PM ET | 05-15-2008 | permalink | comments (1) | e-mail post

Is Facebook (et al) Taking Over Your Life?

iStockphoto.com

Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Flickr, Twitter, MeetUp ... these days, there's a social networking site for your every need. But can you be too connected?

Blogger Natalie P. McNeal (via The Root) is feeling the urge to unplug:

"I manage my actual social life far better than my virtual one. I have my own operating hours, for instance, to coordinate time with friends who hang out too late on work nights. I take them to events like receptions that end by 10 p.m.

But with social networking sites, there isn't a clear beginning, middle or end. You start by snooping on friends' pages and posting pithy status updates, and next thing you know, you're losing hours playing Scrabulous, and you've slipped into a networking vortex.

... Between my multiple e-mail accounts, IMs, and my blog, I am a fully connected woman. I am not saying these social networks aren't fun. I'm just saying I need to unplug."

How connected are you? And where do you draw the line?

Geoffrey Bennett

12:22 PM ET | 05-15-2008 | permalink | comments (3) | e-mail post

Did LeBron Really Say THAT to His Mother?

It's the latest tale of the tape: In the second quarter of a recent Cavaliers-Celtics game, LeBron James appears to curse his own mother.

It happened when Paul Pierce committed a hard foul against LeBron. The two became entangled near where LeBron's mother, Gloria, was sitting. She got up to defend her son, and that's when LeBron appears to tell her to "sit your a** down."

Check it out for yourself (around 0:12).

First question: Did he say it? Second question: If LeBron really did say what most people think he said, why did his mother not kill him right there on the court?

Geoffrey Bennett

5:28 PM ET | 05-14-2008 | permalink | comments (8) | e-mail post

John Edwards Endorses Barack Obama

Sen. John Edwards attends the 30th Annual 'Outstanding Mother Awards' in New York City.

Amy Sussman, Getty Images

NPR is reporting that Sen. John Edwards will endorse his former rival, Sen. Barack Obama, at a rally tonight in Michigan.

Will Edwards' support help Obama? How big a role will it play in the campaign?

More: John Edwards to Endorse Obama

Geoffrey Bennett

5:16 PM ET | 05-14-2008 | permalink | comments (3) | e-mail post

Has Google Finally Met Its Match?

Sure, Google has cornered the market on search. But if this trick takes hold, their name may no longer be as ubiquitous.

Zyber Media's PimpMySearch.com allows you to replace Google's name with your own ... or whatevever word you choose, by laying a customized "skin" over Google's search interface.

Here's how:

Use this link, swapping out "NAME" with whatever word you want to display.

http://www.pimpmysearch.com/home.html?gname=NAME

Paste it into your Web browser ... and voila!

(Special thanks to our very own Tony Cox for putting us onto this.)

Geoffrey Bennett

2:21 PM ET | 05-14-2008 | permalink | comments (5) | e-mail post

White Cop Disciplined for Profiling Black Police Chief

A white police officer has been pulled off active duty after harassing the wrong man: Deputy Chief Douglas Zeigler.

The highest-ranking black officer in the NYPD was parked in a department-issued SUV, wearing plainclothes, when two officers approached him. According to the New York Daily News:

"In his briefing to Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, Zeigler said the two cops, who are white, had no legitimate reason to approach his SUV, ranking sources said.

After they ordered him to get out, one officer did not believe the NYPD identification Zeigler gave him."

NYPD Chief Douglas Zeigler

At the same time, the officers in trouble offer a different story:

"When one officer spotted Zeigler's service weapon through the rolled-down window, he yelled "Gun!" according to sources who have spoken with the officers.

Both cops raised their weapons and ordered the driver out of the car, sources said.

Instead of saying he was an armed member of the NYPD, Zeigler shouted, "Don't you know who I am?" the sources said."

Following a rash of highly-publicized incidents involving the police and civilians, some argue that this event further illustrates the notion that racial profiling in the department is alive and well.

State Senator Eric Adams is calling for reform within the NYPD, especially when dealing with minorities.

"Something is wrong with our Police Department and their interactions with people of color," said State Sen. Eric Adams (D-Brooklyn), a former police captain.

WCBS has more:

The incident was reported as police are being criticized for stopping and frisking record numbers of pedestrians -- about 145,000 in the first quarter of this year. The majority of them were black or Hispanic.

The Rev. Al Sharpton, who has been leading demonstrations in the city to protest the acquittals of three police officers in the shooting death of an unarmed man as he left his bachelor party, took note of the Zeigler incident while speaking at his weekly rally in Harlem.

"You can't make this stuff up!" he said. "The problem isn't that they didn't recognize him. It is that they don't recognize our rights!"

Geoffrey Gardner

5:55 PM ET | 05-13-2008 | permalink | comments (7) | e-mail post

Why Do Black Smokers Seem to Prefer Menthols?

iStockphoto.com

Are black smokers' preference of mentholated brands like Kool, Salem and Newports a matter of cultural preference, tobacco industry marketing, or some combination thereof?

A researcher at the University of California offers his theory via the New York Times:

"The migration of African-Americans to urban manufacturing centers after World War II, coupled with the emergence of black-oriented newspapers and magazines, created various opportunities for niche marketing. In the case of cigarettes, with research showing a slight black preference for Kools, a menthol brand, the industry saw an opening to appeal to black smokers."

And then there's this: Though magazine advertising for cigarettes has declined, the Times reports "the portion devoted to menthol brands -- only 12 percent in 1998 -- had grown to 76 percent by 2006."

More: Cigarette Bill Treats Menthol With Leniency

Geoffrey Bennett

11:40 AM ET | 05-13-2008 | permalink | comments (3) | e-mail post

Fine Arts Commission to King Sculptor: Change It!

The United States Commission of Fine Arts says the sculptural renderings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. planned for the Washington Mall make him appear "confrontational."

A close-up of the sculptural rendering of the proposed MLK Jr. statue.

Getty Images

The 28-foot tall statue, carved from a large chunk of granite called the Stone of Hope, is the centerpiece of the memorial. But this statue of a man who embodied hope, compassion, and freedom is said to resemble an Eastern European dictator with a chip on his shoulder.

According to the New York Times, "the commission, whose approval is necessary for the project to proceed, recommended that the sculpture portray Dr. King as a more sympathetic figure."

The group has asked lead sculptor, Lei Yixin of China, to make the modifications. As you'll remember, some were critical of Yixin being selected over an African-American artist to lead this project.

How should he convey King's strength, while making him appear -- as the commission requests -- "more sympathetic"? What do you think of their suggestion?

Related Links:
King To Soon Stand in Nation's Capital
Commission Calls for MLK Statue's Redesign
Some Say Memorial Design Misrepresents MLK Jr.
Design Change Sought for King Memorial

Geoffrey Bennett

3:59 PM ET | 05-12-2008 | permalink | comments (11) | e-mail post

Would You Rather Buy Lies or the Awful Truth?

R&B singer R. Kelly arrives at the Chicago courthouse where jury selection is scheduled to begin for his child pornography trial.

Scott Olson, Getty Images

It's been six years since famous R&B crooner R. Kelly was nabbed on child porn charges.

Even with the subsequent release of a sex tape supposedly documenting the entire affair, and plenty of sordid details related to his alleged crime being made public, the man's popularity has hardly suffered. Certainly, he has still been touring and making money. (The same could not be said for Michael Jackson after his first court battle over similar charges.)

In fact, on today's roundtable discussion, we learned that listeners actually complained when radio stations pulled R. Kelly from the airwaves following his arrest.

Then there is the Senegalese Singing Sensation, Akon. According to TheSmokingGun.com, he faked his way to the top by exaggerating a largely benign criminal past.

"Police, court, and corrections records reveal that the entertainer has created a fictionalized backstory that serves as the narrative anchor for his recorded tales of isolation, violence, woe, and regret. Akon has overdubbed his biography with the kind of grit and menace that he apparently believes music consumers desire from their hip-hop stars."

AOL Black Voices has more on Akon's fraudulent past, including video of his now-refuted debut hit "Locked Up."

Do you agree that the hip-hop community lends a level of respect to performers who have served time? Do you care that Akon may have invented a troubled past to sell records? If child porn charges aren't enough to turn the public off a performer, what are?

Subscribe to the "News & Notes" RSS Feed to remain current on all the hottest topics.

Geoffrey Gardner

1:06 PM ET | 05-12-2008 | permalink | comments (8) | e-mail post

Should Obama Help Clinton Pay Her Campaign Debt?

Hillary Clinton addresses a crowd of supporters in Eleanor, West Virginia.

Joe Raedle, Getty Images

In order to keep her presidential pursuit afloat, Hillary Clinton has loaned her campaign nearly $12 million of her own money. But unless she's able to raise that amount and repay herself before the Democratic National Convention, Clinton will have to claim it as a loss.

Now, as part of a Clinton-Obama "olive branch" deal, (which would likely include Clinton withdrawing from the race), Obama would help Clinton discharge some of her debt. It's not as unusual as it may sound.

Some Obama supporters were initially skittish about the idea. But the New York Times clarifies how it would work:

"If Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton would happen to broker a deal to help pay off her campaign debts -- this remains a big if, aides said, because nothing has been formally discussed -- the money would not be taken from Mr. Obama's campaign account. Instead, he would have to make a fund-raising appeal on her behalf, asking people to contribute."

And Thomas Edsall further explains:

"Under federal campaign finance law, the Obama campaign cannot directly pay off Clinton's debts, or the $11.43 million she has loaned the campaign, because that would violate campaign contribution limits. But if Obama is the nominee, he and his donor base could provide invaluable help to her in raising money through signed appeals, joint fundraisers and by other methods."

So ... should Obama help pay Clinton's campaign debt? If so, how?

Geoffrey Bennett

12:03 PM ET | 05-12-2008 | permalink | comments (10) | e-mail post

Southern African Music Friday

Thanks to YouTube, enjoy some good audio (and bad, but fascinating, classic video) of South Africa's Miriam Makeba:

Plus, a political photo montage set to the music of Thomas Mapfumo of Zimbabwe:

Farai Chideya

6:18 PM ET | 05- 9-2008 | permalink | comments (0) | e-mail post

Did Clinton Play the Proverbial 'Race Card'?

Making the case that she appeals to a wider swath of voters than Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton offered some blunt remarks about race.

We debated Clinton's comments on today's reporters' roundtable. Take a read and tell us what you think:

"I have a much broader base to build a winning coalition on," she said in an interview with USA TODAY. As evidence, Clinton cited an Associated Press article "that found how Sen. Obama's support among working, hard-working Americans, white Americans, is weakening again, and how whites in both states who had not completed college were supporting me."

"There's a pattern emerging here," she said.

Geoffrey Bennett

5:34 PM ET | 05- 9-2008 | permalink | comments (14) | e-mail post

Batman vs. The Penguin on Elections

Continuing the YouTubeification of political commentary and satire, the cartoonist who goes by the name Tom Tomorrow posted this snippet on whether politics is flash-n-dazzle or issues-based.

What do you think?

Farai Chideya

2:45 PM ET | 05- 9-2008 | permalink | comments (0) | e-mail post

Feeling Pain at the Pump? It Could Be Worse

Gas prices in Fremont, Calif.

iStockphoto.com

As the price of gas reaches record highs in this country ... compared to other places across the globe, paying $4 per gallon could be considered a privilege.

CNNMoney has more:

"Out of 155 countries surveyed, U.S. gas prices were the 45th cheapest, according to a recent study from AIRINC, a research firm that tracks cost of living data.

The difference is staggering. As of late March, U.S. gas prices averaged $3.45 a gallon. That compares to over $8 a gallon across much of Europe.

... Cheap gas prices have also lulled Americans into a cycle of buying bigger cars and bigger houses further away from their work - leaving them more exposed to rising prices, some experts say."

Check out the comparisons:

How much are you paying for gas these days? At what point will the price of gas impact your daily driving?

Geoffrey Bennett

12:56 PM ET | 05- 9-2008 | permalink | comments (2) | e-mail post

Al Sharpton Arrested at NYC Protest

The Rev. Al Sharpton and nearly 200 other demonstrators were arrested Wednesday during city-wide protests over the Sean Bell shooting. AOL Black Voices has more, including photos of the arrest:

Sharpton, shooting survivors Joseph Guzman and Trent Benefield, and Bell's fiancee, Nicole Paultre Bell -- who legally took his name after his death -- linked arms as they blocked a street at the Brooklyn Bridge's base.

They were trailed by at least 200 demonstrators who kneeled in prayer in the road and counted to 50 in a reference to the barrage of gunfire that killed Bell.

The arrested protesters were expected to be issued tickets for misdemeanor offenses and be released soon, police said.

Today, Farai spoke with NPR correspondent Margot Adler, who was covering the protests, as well as the Rev. Herb Daughtry, about the Sean Bell protest he conducted outside of the House of Lords Church in Brooklyn on Wednesday. Do you feel that Al Sharpton's protest, and subsequent arrest, will help Sean Bell's loved ones find justice?

Geoffrey Gardner

11:41 AM ET | 05- 8-2008 | permalink | comments (0) | e-mail post

Please Welcome Our Newest 'News & Views' Voice

We've got another blogger around these parts -- Geoff Gardner (not to be confused with yours truly). You'll be seeing more posts from us in the coming days, as we announce a bunch of new partnerships. So as Farai, Geoff G. and I continue bring you News & Views, please continue to weigh in!

Geoffrey Bennett

5:48 PM ET | 05- 7-2008 | permalink | comments (3) | e-mail post

Video Shows Philly Police Kicking Suspects

Two days after the fatal shooting of a Philadelphia policeman, (the third city officer slain on duty in two years), video captured by a news helicopter has the citizens of Philadelphia in an uproar.

AOL Black Voices has more:

Fifteen police officers were taken off the street as authorities investigate a video showing three suspects being kicked, punched and beaten after they were pulled out of a car during a traffic stop.

"At a glance it does appear to be a bit beyond the pale," Doug Oliver, a spokesman for Mayor Michael Nutter, said Wednesday. "Officers are not allowed to operate outside of the law."

Watch and decide for yourself. Video courtesy of AOL Black Voices.

On today's show, Farai discusses police-civilian relations in another major city, New York. How do you feel about the police in your town? Feel free to share positive stories, as well.

More from NPR:
What to Do If You're Stopped by the Police
Videotaped Police Beating Roils Philadelphia

To stay informed as this story develops, sign up for our newsletter, "News & Notes Daily."

Geoffrey Gardner

5:47 PM ET | 05- 7-2008 | permalink | comments (99) | e-mail post

Sean Bell Protesters Descend Upon Streets of NYC

A series of "pray-ins" -- led by Al Sharpton -- are planned throughout New York City today, in response to the acquittals of three officers in the shooting death of the unarmed, 23-year-old Sean Bell.

WCBS TV has more:

Sharpton will join Bell's fiance, Nicole Paultre Bell, and stage a series of "pray-ins" to keep their cause visible. "I will be there and everyone willing to support us, please, come," she said Tuesday night.

Simultaneous protests are planned for 3 p.m. in six key transit areas in the city -- five in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn. Large crowds are expected for the acts of civil disobedience, which could see hundreds of people clogging each designated protest spot. The protests are expected to continue through the evening rush hour.

...Protesters want the acquitted NYPD officers -- Michael Oliver, Gescard Isnora, and Marc Cooper -- to face additional sanctions.

On today's show, Farai spoke with the Rev. Herb Daughtry about these protests. What do you think of these acts of civil disobedience? Necessary? Effective? If you live in New York, share your firsthand accounts of how this plays out.

UPDATE: Sharpton Arrested in Protests

Geoffrey Bennett

12:13 PM ET | 05- 7-2008 | permalink | comments (5) | e-mail post

Is Obama "Back"?

Barack Obama stands with his wife, Michelle, during a primary results rally in Raleigh, N.C.

Emmanuel Dunand, AFP/Getty Images

As I listened to the television and radio pundits last night, as the results were being called from Indiana and North Carolina, I heard a set of phrases over and over. Obama was "back"; he looked "fresh" and "rested."

While the campaign did have a bruising couple of weeks, there seems to be a constant effort not only to judge the substance of his and Senator Clinton's campaigns; or their rhetoric; but whether or not they seem dispirited AND whether or not the fatigue from a series of 18- hour days is starting to show on their faces.

That aside, both candidates gave speeches with capital B capital T Big Themes.

Senator Obama seemed to hint that the primary was all but over, and attacked Senator McCain:

Somewhere along the line, between all the bickering and the influence-peddling and the game-playing of the last few decades, Washington and Wall Street have lost touch with these core values, these American values.

And while I honor John McCain's service to his country, his ideas for America are out of touch with these core values. His plans for the future, of continuing a war that has not made us safer, of continuing George Bush's economic policies that he claims have made great progress, these are nothing more than the failed policies of the past.

(More excerpts of Obama's speech are here.)

Senator Clinton gave the rallying cry to march on:

Not too long ago, my opponent made a prediction. He said I would probably win Pennsylvania, he would win North Carolina, and Indiana would be the tiebreaker. Well, tonight we've come from behind, we've broken the tie, and, thanks to you, it's full speed onto the White House.

(Excerpts of Clinton's speech are here.)

Are we there yet, are we there yet, are we there yet?

For the voters in the back of the presidential minivan, the answer is: not hardly.

Farai Chideya

12:03 PM ET | 05- 7-2008 | permalink | comments (3) | e-mail post

Indiana, NC Voters Vote as Dems Continue Fight

Voters fill out ballots at a polling station in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Logan Mock-Bunting/Getty Images

Voters in Indiana and North Carolina are heading to the polls today in yet another crucial Democratic primary.

Both states have more available delegates than the rest of the remaining primaries.

So the outcome of today's vote has the potential to change the political landscape for both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

What do you think will be the result of today's voting? What do you want to be the outcome?

Related Links:
Indiana, N.C. Voters Settling Largest Remaining Contests
For Primaries in 2 States, a Variety of Scenarios
Camps Pre-Spin Their Wins

Geoffrey Bennett

12:01 PM ET | 05- 6-2008 | permalink | comments (1) | e-mail post

Mildred Loving, Matriarch of Interracial Marriage, Dies

Richard and Mildred Loving gave their name to the landmark Supreme Court ruling that struck down anti-miscegenation laws.

Bettmann/Corbis

From the AP: "A black woman from Virginia whose lawsuit helped end bans on interracial marriage has died.

Mildred Loving and her white husband, Richard, changed history in 1967 when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down laws across the country that prohibited interracial marriages.

Such unions had been banned in at least 17 states.

Loving, who was 68, died Friday at her home in rural Milford."

NPR: Loving Decision: 40 Years of Legal Interracial Unions

Geoffrey Bennett

11:48 AM ET | 05- 6-2008 | permalink | comments (3) | e-mail post

Who's On Your List: The Most (and Least) Influential

We say Oprah Winfrey (left) and Marla Gibbs (right) are the most and least (respectively) influential black folks in the world.

Getty Images

TIME magazine is out with its list of the "100 Most Influential People in the World". Among the black faces: Oprah, Chris Rock, Barack Obama and Tyler Perry.

Fair enough.

But it got us thinking: whom would you consider the most -- and, for that matter, least -- influential black folks in the world?

As for us, we'll stick with Oprah for most influential. (Her qualifications needn't be repeated here.)

And for least influential ... how about Marla Gibbs? A lovely woman to be sure, but not much influencing happening there.

Your turn. Who's on your list?

Geoffrey Bennett

6:02 PM ET | 05- 5-2008 | permalink | comments (7) | e-mail post

Dissecting Black Liberation Theology

iStockphoto.com

Though Rev. Wright's words have caused a furor, the spiritual perspective he preaches and adheres to has largely been disregarded. Now, the New York Times is taking a closer look at the black liberation theology movement:

"Black liberation theology was, in a sense, a brilliant flanking maneuver. For a black audience, its theology spoke to the centrality of the slave and segregation experience, arguing that God had a special place in his heart for the black oppressed. These theologians held that liberation should come on earth rather than in the hereafter, and demanded that black pastors speak as prophetic militants, critiquing the nation's white-run social structures.

Black liberation theology "gives special privilege to the oppressed," said Gary Dorrien, a professor of social ethics at Union Theological Seminary in New York. "God is seen as a partisan, liberating force who gives special privilege to the poorest."

What do you think of this religious school of thought? Is there still a place for it?

Related Links:
Speak Your Mind: Rev. Wright: Pariah or Prince?
Newsweek: Why Oprah Left Wright's Church
Frank Rich: John McCain's Pastor Problem
CBS Poll: Support For Obama Rebounds

Geoffrey Bennett

12:30 PM ET | 05- 5-2008 | permalink | comments (3) | e-mail post

White Men Can't Jump ...

... and black kids can't swim.

"Nearly 60% of African-American children can't swim," reports the AP via USA Today, "almost twice the figure for white children, according to a first-of-its-kind survey which USA Swimming hopes will strengthen its efforts to lower minority drowning rates and draw more blacks into the sport."

Can you swim? And if you have kids, is it important to you that they learn how? AOL Black Voices has more.

Geoffrey Bennett

12:22 PM ET | 05- 5-2008 | permalink | comments (2) | e-mail post

Talk About It: Clyburn, Rangel & Knowing Your Rights

If you listened to today's show, you're bound to have a reaction to one of the following segments. Here's your space to weigh in. (Audio available at 4PM ET.)

Clyburn: Wright's Conduct 'Worse Than Eating Your Young'
Clyburn on Rev. Wright: "On the verge of an African American getting the nomination of his party for this first time in history, for anybody to engage in conduct to destroy that is worse than eating your young."

Rep. Rangel Quells Calls for Clinton to Drop Out
Rangel on Hillary Clinton: Her experience gives her "the ability to take a punch, the ability to fight back."
Rangel on Rev. Wright: "No one has the authority to say these types of ridiculous things."

What to Do If You're Stopped by the Police
Find out why it may be best (and well within your rights) to keep your mouth shut if you get stopped by the cops.

Geoffrey Bennett

2:53 PM ET | 05- 2-2008 | permalink | comments (4) | e-mail post

Black Voters to Stay Home if Hillary Wins Nomination?

Hillary Clinton is greeted by supporters at the Zion Missionary Baptist Church in the African-American neighborhood of Compton, California in January 2008.

Robyn Beck, AFP/Getty Images

As the Democratic race for the White House whittles down to the whims of superdelegates, some black voters are telling those in power: if Barack Obama is denied the nomination via "back-room" dealings, there will be political hell to pay.

Color of Change -- the black netroots organization, which organized mass responses to Hurricane Katrina and Jena 6 case -- has launched a petition effort aimed at members of the Congressional Black Caucus. It reads:

As "superdelegates" in a close race for the Democratic nomination, members of the Congressional Black Caucus have the ability to vote for whoever they like and could undermine the will of the voting public and the voters they represent.

Though voters in most CBC districts overwhelmingly supported Barack Obama, some CBC members are threatening to vote against their constituents, and perhaps against the will of the American people, by casting their superdelegate vote for Senator Clinton. We can prevent this from happening by letting Black leadership know we're watching.

It will take courage and conviction for CBC members to break with back-room politics and stand up for democracy. But we must demand it. Call on members of the Congressional Black Caucus to cast their superdelegate vote in support of the will of voters.

What do you think of this effort? And for those of you who are Democrats, what will you do if your favored candidate doesn't get the nomination?

UPDATE: Thanks to Color of Change communications director Mervyn Marcano for the following insight: the petition the group launched today is targeted to all superdelegates; the CBC petition referenced above is now closed.

Related Link:
Will Black Voters Stay Home if Obama Loses Nomination?

Past Coverage:
Reporters' Roundtable: Jena 6 Protests

Geoffrey Bennett

12:26 PM ET | 05- 2-2008 | permalink | comments (14) | e-mail post

Eighth Grader Upbraids Detroit Councilwoman

Some eighth graders -- NOT all or even most -- are disrespectful, drunk on hormones, and caught between childhood and adulthood.

But this tape from Detroit (below) shows one young lady who speaks a load of common sense to a woman who is probably three times her age.

That woman is Detroit Councilwoman Monica Conyers, who happens to be the wife of Congressman John Conyers. During a council meeting, she got into a neck-rolling battle with the city council president, and called him "Shrek."

For those of you who don't have film- and DVD-addicted children in your life, Shrek is an animated character: a stocky bald green troll. The insult was something even a five-year-old could understand.

So maybe it make sense that an eighth grader would be the one to show maturity, decorum, and manners ... and put her elder in check.

The additional irony is that this city council hearing was about the hijinks of Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. As the rest of the country gets a good laugh out of this video, I wonder if Detroit folks are fed up to the point of exhaustion with their leaders.

Farai Chideya

12:05 PM ET | 05- 2-2008 | permalink | comments (9) | e-mail post

Runoff Announced in Zimbabwe Election

From the New York Times: "After more than a month of delay, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Friday announced that opposition candidate Morgan Tsvangirai had beaten President Robert Mugabe, but not by an outright majority, forcing the two into a runoff."

Read the rest and share your thoughts.

Past Coverage:
Africa Update: Zimbabwe Political Strife
Zimbabwe Election Crisis Drags On
Africa Update: Still No Results in Zimbabwe Vote

Geoffrey Bennett

11:51 AM ET | 05- 2-2008 | permalink | comments (1) | e-mail post

Rev. Dr. Wright Now Has One Less Degree

From Bloomberg:

"Northwestern University withdrew its offer to give the Reverend Jeremiah Wright an honorary degree at this year's commencement because of the controversy over past sermons by the former pastor to Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. ... Wright's invitation wasn't rescinded because of his views. Rather, Northwestern President Henry Bienen didn't want to compromise the celebration."

Agree with the school's decision?

Geoffrey Bennett

4:56 PM ET | 05- 1-2008 | permalink | comments (5) | e-mail post

J.C. Watts to Start Black News Network

J.C. Watts

Former Republican Congressman J.C. Watts recently announced the planned launch of a new TV network -- Black Television News Channel -- aimed at black, cable news watchers.

[We mentioned it during a recent bloggers' roundtable segment.]

AOL Black Voices has some tips for J.C., should he want to become the "black Ted Turner" ... among them:

Please make this a 24-hour NEWS channel. And not a 3-hour news, 21-hour gospel channel. Rev. Cleophus PumpWave Gatorshoe from Collard Green Baptist Church and his minions have already purchased half of the airtime on every cable access station in the country. Not to offend the religious communities, but I'm not edified at all by scriptural interpretations that are on when I should be watching unprejudiced, secular journalism.

What do you think? Is this network necessary? And how would you program it if you were in charge?

On the Web: Black Television News Channel

Geoffrey Bennett

12:23 PM ET | 05- 1-2008 | permalink | comments (14) | e-mail post