Quote for today...

"To deny a man his hopes because of his color or race or his religion or the place of his birth is not only to do injustice, it is to deny America and to dishonor the dead who gave their lives for American freedom."---Richard Goodwin, speechwriter of  LBJ's "We Shall Overcome" speech to Congress on March 16, 1965.

FAMU unveils Black Television News Channel; will broadcast in 4K

Ribbon cutting ceremony for FAMU's Black Television News Channel (BTNC)

There has been a market for television news broadcast from a black perspective for a long time, and FAMU is now unveiling a network for African American viewers. When I was reporting for Kentucky Educational Television in Lexington, Ky., I focused on black achievements and issues important to the black community to the chagrin of some in the media, but I was coming from a space I was most familiar. Now FAMU doesn't have to apologize! A new era focused on "hard issues" away from "Black entertainment TV" has begun.

Haki Madhubuti during film interview with Tomi Johnson for public television in late 1970's.

Owners of the nation’s first 24-hour video news network for African-American viewers, joined Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) administrators at the university for a ribbon-cutting to unveil plans for its new headquarters and launch date in 2018.

The Black Television News Channel (BTNC) will be the first 4K Ultra HD newsgathering and production infrastructure of its kind.

During the event, Byron Pitts, chief national correspondent and Nightline co-anchor at ABC News, announced that he will join the new network as a contributor while continuing his role at ABC.

“I am proud to be a part of this historic venture,” Pitts said. “And I want to thank the Black journalists that came before me and those that will come after me for creating a space to tell the truth and honor the truths of people of color that have often been ignored.”

The BTNC will house its principle operations within the 100,000-square-foot School of Journalism & Graphic Communication facility on FAMU’s campus.

“This partnership is not only unprecedented change, it’s game-changing,” said FAMU Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “I believe this partnership will be among those that will be chronicled in history in terms of allowing us to reach a larger spectrum of individuals to tell them more about their own culture and perspective that they can appreciate.”

Other features of BTNC’s future operations include a media-training center for aspiring multimedia and visual communicators, including FAMU students and students at other historically Black colleges and universities nationwide.

Congressman Al Lawson, a FAMU graduate, was among elected officials who lauded the network, which is scheduled to launch in February 2018.

“This is a great day at Florida A&M University and in the state of the Florida,” said Lawson. “Many of my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus are excited about the opportunity we have here in bringing a news network to Florida A&M’s campus.  For the first time, people will be able to tune into the Black Television News Channel and watch what is happening in America through another dimension and another story. Where else better for it to start than here at FAMU?”

Similar sentiments were expressed by former U.S. Congressman J.C. Watts, Jr., (R-Oklahoma) and former city of Tallahassee Mayor John Marks III, both owners of BTNC.

Watts is credited with being one of the visionaries behind the network. He expressed gratitude for the unwavering support and advocacy of national leaders including U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Illinois) and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), state legislators, staunch supporters in the media industry, and officials at the state and federal levels.

“We will honor the commitment you made to us,” said Watts. “We are honored to be a partner with FAMU’s leaders, students, faculty and staff in this effort.”

According to a study by the Florida State University Center for Economic Forecasting and Analysis, the BTNC will generate more than 100 jobs in Tallahassee and more than $30 million annually in economic stimulus for the region.

In March 2014, the FAMU Board of Trustees unanimously approved the agreement with BTNC to establish a “Network Course of Study” that included substantial benefits to the university’s promotion, recruitment, academic and student training programs.

FAMU’s journalism school dean, Ann Wead Kimbrough, DBA, reiterated the BTNC and FAMU effort offers “substantial positives” to enhance the university’s performance metrics as established by the Florida Board of Governors.

“This unique opportunity affords our students cutting-edge training experiences that will provide advantages in a competitive marketplace,” Kimbrough said. “There are opportunities for just about every major.”

Several BTNC officials will also update the FAMU Board of Trustees and other higher education officials on its operations that include its content distribution contracts with Charter Communications, DIRECTV, and Dish Network. Sony is partnering with BTNC to provide equipment for its professional newsroom and to benefit students. With Charter, the launch date will present BTNC’s content into 33 million homes in markets that include New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas, Detroit, Boston, Tampa, Orlando, Cleveland, Charlotte, Birmingham, Norfolk, Raleigh-Durham and New Orleans.

“There is no other network delivering in 4K in the U.S.,” said Marks, about the advanced technology that the network will debut. “We will be the first in the nation, and I am extremely proud to be a part of this network.”

Pic of the day...

Trump's Executive Finger

Civil rights rhetoric hollow in Trump's address to Congress

 

Trump's meeting with two Kings doesn't prove he'll be tough on civil rights.

Black History Lives!

Trump:"... tonight, as we mark the conclusion of our celebration of Black History Month, we are reminded of our nation’s path toward civil rights and the work that still remains to be done."

Pres. Trump's first words spoken at last night's Address to Congress ring hollow, in my opinion. Since he began his remarks touting the importance of civil rights, he should have focused on the importance of the Black History curriculum being taught in schools by qualified teachers. He should have used this opportunity to discuss how he was going to move his agenda forward on education and economic gender equality and against institutional racism. He should have limited his remarks to these bullet points instead of going off on a tangent!

He cracked open the door to what could have been a grand and memorable civil rights speech, but instead squandered his opportunity.

Before his speech, Trump could have met with leading civil rights organizations, which could have included The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, The National Urban League, The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Action Fund, and the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC).

He has not met with the Congressional Black Caucus.  He excluded Black Women from important meeting on workplace issues. I don't see many non-whites in his administration. He offered a known racist, Sessions, as Dept. of Justice head. He met with HBCU presidents, but the group was segregated from the rest of university heads who are white. His meeting with black leaders didn't include the most notable ones from NAACP, AME Church; black historians, educators, and economists; or present day civil rights activists.

He did not reference "Killed by Police," or Flint water crisis, or mass incarceration of people of color, or voting rights, or discrimination in the courts, high unemployment of black and brown youth, and lack of affordable housing.

"The most common legal application of the term civil rights involves the rights guaranteed to U.S. citizens and residents by legislation and by the Constitution. Civil rights protected by the Constitution include Freedom of Speech and freedom from certain types of discrimination...Civil rights legislation comes into play when the practice of personal preferences and prejudices of an individual, a business entity, or a government interferes with the protected rights of others. The various civil rights laws have made it illegal to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. Discrimination that interferes with voting rights and equality of opportunity in education, employment, and housing is unlawful." (http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Civil+Rights)

Let's see how he will move forward on protecting our civil rights and who he will confer with next to move his civil rights agenda forward. I'm praying for him.

Global issues we face

Wake up!

While our attention is focused on putting feet on couches and announcing the wrong award winners, we should be concerned about these global issues:

1. fiscal crises
2. unemployment
3. water/food shortages
4. poverty
5. income disparities
6. extreme weather/climate change
7. corrupt governance/geopolitical instability
8. war and destruction of property

Do you have others which are negatively affecting our Planet Earth?

AME Church in ATL's Buckhead celebrates Black History Month

Black History Month began as Negro History Week  in 1926 and is celebrated each year at New Hope AME Church.

It's done in Buckhead, Ga. the third Sunday in February each year - a Black History remembrance filled with singing, dancing, testifying, and praising God for trials and successes.

Yes, New Hope African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church on Arden Road in Buckhead, right across from its full graveyard, likes to celebrate history and makes no excuses for what the congregation claims are blessings in times of trouble.

New Hope is a lesson in history itself. It was created on two acres of land willed to black servants in the community after the Civil War (1872) by James "Whispering" Smith, a white resident of Buckhead, to be used for a church and school for "Negroes."     

Today, the small church is surrounded by mansions, and none of the congregants live in the neighborhood. But they still praise God, have barbecues, bible study, and an occasional film shoot. Almost everyone dressed in African garb, including Pastor Chisholm, for yesterday's event.

Pastor Chisholm

"God of our weary years and silent tears who has brought us safe thus far. We look back and can see your hands working in the midst of your people," said Pastor Phillip Chisholm. "We've made it because of the grace of God in our lives."

The service was solemnized by the gospel choir's rendition of Hezekiah Walker's "Grateful." Two dance performances, two poetry readings, and a solo were witnessed by attendees.  

Elder William Townsend, IV, a native of Atlanta who resides in Stockbridge, gave the sermon focused on holding on to God's promises through the processes of life. From the Bible, he read Psalm 27:13-14 - "I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord" AND Isaiah 40:31 - "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Don't give up! was the message sung by the choir during Black History Month celebration,

as Rev. Townsend (seated) waited to give his sermon.

"The incompetence of others led us to do their work," Townsend said of Black History in America. "We took nothing and made something. Don't let anyone put you in a box to limit your potential. We come from a successful linage."

Townsend, 26, said most people don't want to wait for their blessings and are impatient, but one must go through a process to reach success. "Process comes before what is promised. Tears, sleepless nights, but it will work out for your good. Remember what has been promised. We will experience God's goodness in the land of the living. Keep a good heart while you're waiting," were his recommendations.

Perry Washington, an English and Religion major from Morehouse College, gave recitation on slaves in flight.

The next major church event will be celebrated Saturday, March 25 when New Hope will honor its sister church, Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, for being a faithful community partner for 20 years.  

WCLK's Morris Baxter celebrates birthday in ATL

Fellow Aquarians Tomi Johnson and Morris Baxter celebrate at Suite Food Lounge.

It was a cold night, but it wasn't quiet inside ATL's Suite Food Lounge on Luckie Street. WCLK Smooth Jazz Radio Station DJ "Morris in the Morning" celebrated his birthday with guest celebrities, including Kim Waters, Norman Brown, Chantae Cann, Reagan Whiteside, and Dee Lukas.

Saxophonist Kim Waters

Kurk Johnson and Vocalist Chantae Cann

Tomi with Music Promoter Joe Douglas

Trumpeter Joey Summerville

Can't wait until Baxter celebrates another birthday next year.

Cool ladies enjoying the show.

Photo of the day...

AKA memorabilia from the Pink Ribbon Drive Campaign started by Jenell Ross, president of Bob Ross Auto Group, in memory of her mother, Norma Ross, who succumbed to cancer in 2010.

AKA is the acronym for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the first African American Greek sorority, founded at Howard University in 1908.

For more information, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDT5vSU-uOA&feature=youtu.be 

Ivanka Trump hosts White House roundtable meeting with female entrepreneurs

Billed as a gathering to discuss workplace issues affecting women, Pres. Trump and Canadian Pres. Trudeau met yesterday with members of the newly formed United States Canada Council for the Advancement of Women Business Leaders-Female Entrepreneurs. The meeting was hosted by Trump's daughter, Ivanka.

Noticeably absent were women of color.

Those invited include:
General Electric Canada CEO Elyse Allan

General Motors CEO Mary Barra

TransAlta Corp. CEO Dawn Farrell

Linamar Corp. CEO Linda Hasenfratz,

T&T Supermarket Inc. CEO Tina Lee

Schnitzer Steel Industries CEO Tamara Lundgren.

GE Vice Chair Beth Comstock

North America for Accenture CEO Julie Sweet

Catalyst CEO Deborah Gillis

NRStor CEO Annette Verschuren

Investissement Québec Chair of the Board of Directors Monique Leroux

General Motors Board of Directors Member Carol Stephenson

Katie Telford, Trudeau’s chief of staff, Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland, and Dina Powell, assistant to the president and senior counselor for economic initiatives, also sat in on the meeting.

Ahmadiyya Muslim women will celebrate Black History Month in Metro Atlanta

"Neither an Arab has superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over and Arab. A white person is not superior to a black person, nor a black is superior to a white." ---Muhammad

On Saturday, February 18 from 11a.m. - 1 p.m., a women's only event celebrating Black History Month will take place at Baitul -Ata Mosque, 1800 Willow Trail Parkway NW in Norcross, Ga. 

Refreshments will be served. 

"Racial equality is a cherished concept in Islam found in the Holy Quran and the sayings of Prophet Mohammad. In light of this, the women of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community unite proudly and request you to celebrate Black History Month with us."

RSVP: outreach54@gmail.com or call 404-395-3213.

Jesus was an immigrant!

John 1:45- 46 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, the One whom the prophets foretold—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”

Racists sometime link their actions on attempts to reduce crime

Images are often used in race wars.

Propaganda is used during war. Race wars are no exception. 

D. W. Griffith's 1915 movie The Clansman, re-titled The Birth of a Nation, portrayed black men as unintelligent and sexually aggressive towards white women.

Lynching were used often to deter sexual relations between black men and white women, but were not used when white men raped, sexually abused, and murdered black women and children. In 1918, Mary Turner, a pregnant woman who complained after her husband was lynched, was murdered herself.

According to NAACP accounts, Turner was "tied and hung upside down by the ankles, her clothes soaked with gasoline, and burned from her body. Her belly was slit open with a knife like those used 'in splitting hogs.' Her 'unborn babe' fell to the ground and gave 'two feeble cries.' Its head was crushed by a member of the mob with his heel, and the crowd shot hundreds of bullets into Turner's body." This happened in Lowndes County near Valdosta, Ga.

During Hitler's time, Der Strumer was a widely read weekly newspaper.  Its most striking feature was its front-page cartoons which often depicted Jews as vampires and rapists. Demeaning Jews led to the holocaust.

Jewish attentions to  white women were deemed unacceptable by the Nazis.

In 1955 while visiting family in Mississippi, 14-year-old Emmett Till was brutally murdered for flirting with a white woman. Till was beaten, dragged, shot in the head, tied with barbed wire to a large metal fan, and shoved into the Tallahatchie River. This year, the woman who accused Till of sexual misconduct, Carolyn Bryant Donham, said she lied.

Emmett Till photo by his mother, Mamie.

What do you think about these comments?
"No, you’ve raped our women, and you are taking over the country … I have to do what I have to do." --- Dylann Roof while he killed nine people in church

"They're bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists."---Presidential Candidate Donald Trump on the campaign trail speaking about Mexican immigrants

And President Trump claims that judges ruling against immigrant ban will be liable for crimes committed by illegal aliens. He has started a legal war. "SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!"

Read this when you have a chance...
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/07/14/immigration-and-crime/?utm_term=.f2168fdcee48https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/07/14/immigration-and-crime/?utm_term=.f2168fdcee48

Tom Price: from the past

In 2002 at Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta, I asked now Sec. of HHS Tom Price about obstacles to upward mobility in government.

“This president (G. W. Bush) has demonstrated in his actions and policies that this (glass ceiling) is not the case. I’m confident that his administration will produce real results in unifying the country and not dividing it for political expediency.”

On November 29, 2016, Price's office released the following statement after being nominated by President-Elect Donald Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services:

"It is an honor to be nominated to serve our nation as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Thanks to President-Elect Donald Trump and Vice President-Elect Mike Pence for their confidence. I am humbled by the incredible challenges that lay ahead and enthusiastic for the opportunity to be a part of solving them on behalf of the American people. There is much work to be done to ensure we have a health care system that works for patients, families, and doctors; that leads the world in the cure and prevention of illness; and that is based on sensible rules to protect the well-being of the country while embracing its innovative spirit.

"The citizens of Georgia's Sixth Congressional District have given me the privilege of representing them in Congress. I am so proud and grateful to live in and work on behalf of such a wonderful community and hope to continue serving our fellow citizens in this new role.”

An orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Price spent more than 20 years caring for patients in the metro Atlanta area, and helped found one of the largest private orthopaedic practices in the country. Congressman Price is chairman of the Committee on the Budget in the House of Representatives. He also serves on the House Ways and Means Committee – including the Subcommittee on Health.

Photo for today...

Is this Trump's vision for America?

Jeff Sessions cannot change his stripes!

Read Coretta Scott King's 1984 opinion based on facts about soon to be Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/3259988-Scott-King-1986-Letter-and-Testimony-Signed.html#document/p1

Patriots' Super Bowl win proves one should never give up until the game's over!

Super Bowl LIII will be held Feb. 3, 2019 in the Atlanta Falcons' new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Looking forward.