2019
Yearly Archives: 2019
As opioid crisis hits home, Black media step up to spread the word
“Those same Republicans and Democrats, when the problem was crack, showed no mercy. No compassion. No understanding at all, and locked up a bunch of people,” Van Jones continued. “I do think that now its hitting everybody, hopefully we can come up with a more compassionate response.”
Let’s have a fruitful Kwanzaa!
We must unify and collectively work together in order to build and maintain our communities, make our sisters’ and brothers’ problems our problems and solve them together. We must be self-determining and responsible for our acts and our reactions: Umoja, Kujichagulia and Ujima.
Treasure Island Superfund denial based on misinformation
According to the EPA, one reason Treasure Island did not have Superfund status was that the state of California is “opposing inclusion on the NPL.” At that time, Treasure Island got the highest or near highest Hazard Ranking Scores for risk of exposure to residents, the human food chain and the environment.
Details demolish allegations against popular ousted AU Ambassador Dr Arikana Quao
“Too often what we hear [about Africa] is not what is going on,” Dr. Quao said, such as the constant reports of Africans killing Africans with no reportage of the facts that multi-national corporations often fund such carnage to facilitate easier extraction of valuable resources.
Aktive Supply brand invades today’s fashion world
In light of the Oscar Grants, Sandra Blands, Nia and Latifah Wilsons, Philando Castiles, Mike Browns, Tamir Rices, Kathryn Johnstons, Kenneth Hardings, Gus Rugleys and Idriss Stelleys of the world, the Black community needs to be bombarded with a message of protecting ourselves and one another in a nation that considers us the enemy.
Making and Unmaking Mass Incarceration (MUMI) Conference at Ole Miss
As a student, I did not recognize my authority on campus to create movements on behalf of incarcerated people in my state, but with this conference that realization was solidified for hundreds of current students.
‘People should take him very seriously’: Sanders polling surge reportedly forcing Democratic establishment to...
A poll last week from the UC Berkeley Institute of Government Studies showed Sanders leading the Democratic field in California, a crucial Super Tuesday state.
Lakou Mizik plays an African liberation soundtrack: Catch them New Year’s Eve in San...
“There would be no New Orleans music without Haiti. It has been one of the most important influences going back 200 years.” – Ben Jeffe, Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Deep loss: Robert Seth Hayes, Oct. 15, 1947 – Dec. 21, 2019
Robert Seth Hayes transitioned Saturday morning, Dec. 21, 2019, in his own home at the age of 72. Seth devoted his life to fighting for freedom, justice and peace.
Veronza Bowers: In search of a sound – lessons from bamboo
“The flute player is standing over me. I am aware of his presence, but why am I moaning? He has acted as a tour guide, almost leading me towards serenity, if it weren’t for the pain. What pain? Whose pain? So much pain – but why am I still moaning? Where am I?”
Christmas dispatches from Bethlehem
“Other people around the world are allowed to travel to Bethlehem. We think Gaza’s Christians should have that right, too,” said Wadie Abu Nassar, an adviser to local church leaders.
No good is served by David Gilbert’s continued incarceration
David Gilbert has paid a heavy price for his crime. Granting him clemency would allow him to contribute his many talents to his family, friends and the community at large, and his release would send a message of hope to the many elders serving lengthy sentences.
Comrade Malik: USP Pollock! but not quite yet
I feel like Schleprock, the character on “The Flintstones” with the dark cloud following him around! The U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has chosen to transfer me to USP Pollock in Louisiana, whereas I’d requested transfer to California, where a home and job are waiting.
The reality of federal prison, Part 1
These drastic changes like video visits and lockdowns are being gradually introduced and are creating a more inhumane environment. Will this stop the drugs and violence? I think not.
#NoKapNoNFL
Unlike the other captives in this miserable place, I refuse to be captivated! It is my assertion that the damage caused by the NFL is irreversible. What that means is that, even if Kap receives an olive branch, and is “allowed” to come back, my disdain for the game would remain.
Trickle-down housing
SB 50 is trickle-down housing. At a recent community housing meeting, someone told me, “I’m tired of getting pissed on.” Unfortunately, in this case, it is worse than that.
Mumia Abu-Jamal: New chance for freedom
The very fact that these files on Mumia’s case were hidden away for decades is damning in the extreme, and their revelations confirm what we have known for decades: Mumia was framed for a crime he did not commit!
Being the change our Jonestown ancestors fought for
Not telling our stories might be the biggest crime we in ghetto communities commit against ourselves. Sharing the details of our life decisions is essential. In the case of the Jonestown Massacre, we must open the secret for our people to study.
Brazil-Unreported: 1,546 people killed by Rio de Janeiro police between January – October 2019
"Black people are dying, black people are being detained, black people are being enslaved."
Bay Area Black Journalists honor Davey D with Lifetime Achievement Award
“People, whether they know it or not, when they go around with their little gadget and want to get an interview, want to take a picture, it came from this dude doing it first.” – Chuck D speaking of Davey D