Jay Harris was a standout wide receiver for Exton (Pa.) Downington East High. With obvious gridiron skills, he became a signed on recruit to the Michigan State Spartans, a major Division I football program.

But life is full of twists and turns, and this is a real example. Harris had his scholarship to Michigan State rescinded after he posted the explicit rap video,  “Jay Datbull – Datbull 4 Life”, which you see below to YouTube.

In the 3:26 length vid he rhymes about “taking wives, rollin’ trees, and being a real nigga with words like a poet” amongst other insights. Harris said he decided to drop football about a week before the video launched. He knew people would watch it — but not so many in such a short time. At post time, “Jay Datbull – Datbull 4 Life” had over 754,000 YouTube views.

His album is slated for a June 1 release, and he plans to work with producer M. Stacks this summer. M. Stacks has worked with hit rappers including Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller.

Only time will tell how bullish Jay turns out to be in the rap game.

What say you?

VIA: BBC News – Latin America & Caribbean

Juan Ruiz and Miguel Suarez stand on either side of Malcolm Shabazz, grandson of Malcolm X.

Police in Mexico have detained two men suspected of involvement in the murder of Malcolm Shabazz, the grandson of US political activist Malcolm X.

The suspects work at the bar where Mr Shabazz, 29, was beaten on 9 May 2013.

He was found with fatal wounds in Plaza Garibaldi, a popular tourist area packed with bars and restaurants, and taken to a Mexico City hospital, where he died of his injuries a day later.

Police said they were still searching for three more suspects.

The two detainees have been charged with murder and robbery. All five suspects work at The Palace Bar, where Malcolm Shabazz was beaten.

Miguel Suarez, a union activist who was travelling with Malcolm Shabazz, said they had been in Mexico as part of their efforts to advocate more rights for Mexican construction workers in the United States.

‘Blunt-force injuries’

Mr Suarez said he and Malcolm Shabazz had been invited to a bar on Wednesday night by a woman.

The bar owner later demanded they pay $1,200 (£780) for drinks and female companionship, according to Mr Suarez.

He said he had escaped as a fight broke out, before returning to find his friend seriously injured on the ground outside the bar.

Mr Suarez said he had taken him to a hospital where he died of “blunt-force injuries”.

Malcolm Shabazz was the son of one of Malcolm X’s six daughters, Qubilah Shabazz.

When he was 12, he was involved in a fire that killed his grandmother, Betty Shabazz, the widow of Malcolm X.

Convicted of manslaughter and arson, he was sentenced to time in a juvenile detention centre.

Malcolm X, a black power activist and prominent figure in the militant Nation of Islam movement, was shot dead at a political rally in New York on 21 February 1965.

Crowdfunding (alternately crowd funding, crowd financing, equity crowdfunding, or hyper funding) describes the collective approach to raising money. Typically using the Internet, an entrepreneur or group shares their business idea to a “crowd” and provides the opportunity for individuals to contribute money to advance the business idea and receive some type of return as described by the posting entrepreneur.  By raising small amounts of money from (hopefully) lots of individuals the financial goals are achieved and the project is successfully “crowdfunded“.

“Access to capital is a bigger problem in the African-American community than in non-minority communities,” said Nathan Bennett-Fleming, founder of Blackstartup.com in an interview with VentureBeat. “Crowdfunding is a powerful solution to address its unique set of challenges. I want to promote the idea of community reinvestment and provide people with a dedicated way to not only achieve innovation within the space, but also address social systemic problems.”

According to the Blackstartup.com website, “Our platform is a new tool to generate financial resources to fund ideas and to address systemic social problems facing African Americans on the local, national, and international level.” Projects can come from any field .. as long as a positive link to our community is created”.

“Cooperative economics” or Ujamaa is one of the seven principles celebrated during Kwanzaa.  Bennett-Fleming is essentially bringing a practical and innovative means to the table for Blacks to apply the principle. With over $1.2 trillion in consumer spending, re-directing a fraction of these dollars to funding and growing business ventures is a worthy endeavor for the African-American community.

Says Bennett-Fleming, “Our community is under-valued and highly profitable.” “There is already a strong affinity within the community on the ground and the ability to market directly to a community that is under-marketed creates a significant value proposition. There is already a trend towards more focused, niche crowdfunding platforms. It is a vehicle to better use the tremendous consumer and wealth power of a specific community to take on its challenges.”

When it comes to wealth — as measured by assets, things you own, like cash savings, retirement accounts, stocks, bonds, and homes — minus your debts, like mortgages and credit card balances — White families have far outpaced Blacks. Before 2007′s “great recession” , non-Hispanic White families, on average, were about four times as wealthy as non-White families, according to the Urban Institute’s analysis of Federal Reserve data. By 2010, Whites were about six times as wealthy. Watch the video below.

The dollar value of that gap has grown, as well. By the most recent data, the average White family had about $632,000 in wealth, versus $98,000 for Black families.

Bob Law, longtime radio host, entrepreneur and community organizer was recently interviewed on Reel Talk with Brother Jay on KJCB 770AM in Lafayette, Louisiana. The highly informative conversation revealed why Black-owned radio stations are going out of business on a weekly basis. It also explains specific actions members of the Black community must take in order to reverse these alarming trends.

If you want to understand the importance of Black-owned radio, re-directing spending, and a positive solution, the Million Dollar Black Spending Power Campaign — this is a MUST LISTEN. Click the play button below and don’t forget to leave your comments after you listen!

by Tim Wise

As the nation weeps for the victims of the horrific bombing in Boston yesterday, one searches for lessons amid the carnage, and finds few. That violence is unacceptable stands out as one, sure. That hatred — for humanity, for life, or whatever else might have animated the bomber or bombers — is never the source of constructive human action seems like a reasonably close second.

But I dare say there is more; a much less obvious and far more uncomfortable lesson, which many are loathe to learn, but which an event such as this makes readily apparent, and which we must acknowledge, no matter how painful.

It is a lesson about race, about whiteness, and specifically, about white privilege.

I know you don’t want to hear it. But I don’t much care. So here goes.

White privilege is knowing that even if the Boston Marathon bomber turns out to be white, his or her identity will not result in white folks generally being singled out for suspicion by law enforcement, or the TSA, or the FBI.

White privilege is knowing that even if the bomber turns out to be white, no one will call for whites to be profiled as terrorists as a result, subjected to special screening, or threatened with deportation.

White privilege is knowing that if the bomber turns out to be white, he or she will be viewed as an exception to an otherwise non-white rule, an aberration, an anomaly, and that he or she will be able to join the ranks of Tim McVeigh and Terry Nichols and Ted Kaczynski and Eric Rudolph and Joe Stack and George Metesky and Byron De La Beckwith and Bobby Frank Cherry and Thomas Blanton and Herman Frank Cash and Robert Chambliss and James von Brunn and Robert Mathews and David Lane and Michael F. Griffin and Paul Hill and John Salvi and James Kopp and Luke Helder and James David Adkisson and Scott Roeder and Shelley Shannon and Dennis Mahon and Wade Michael Page and Byron Williams and Kevin Harpham and William Krar and Judith Bruey and Edward Feltus and Raymond Kirk Dillard and Adam Lynn Cunningham and Bonnell Hughes and Randall Garrett Cole and James Ray McElroy and Michael Gorbey and Daniel Cowart and Paul Schlesselman and Frederick Thomas and Paul Ross Evans and Matt Goldsby and Jimmy Simmons and Kathy Simmons and Kaye Wiggins and Patricia Hughes and Jeremy Dunahoe and David McMenemy and Bobby Joe Rogers and Francis Grady and Demetrius Van Crocker and Floyd Raymond Looker and Derek Mathew Shrout, among the pantheon of white people who engage in (or have plotted) politically motivated violence meant to terrorize and kill, but whose actions result in the assumption of absolutely nothing about white people generally, or white Christians in particular.

And white privilege is being able to know nothing about the crimes committed by most of the terrorists listed above — indeed, never to have so much as heard most of their names — let alone to make assumptions about the role that their racial or ethnic identity may have played in their crimes.

White privilege is knowing that if the Boston bomber turns out to be white, we  will not be asked to denounce him or her, so as to prove our own loyalties to the common national good. It is knowing that the next time a cop sees one of us standing on the sidewalk cheering on runners in a marathon, that cop will say exactly nothing to us as a result.

White privilege is knowing that if you are a white student from Nebraska — as opposed to, say, a student from Saudi Arabia — that no one, and I mean no one would think it important to detain and question you in the wake of a bombing such as the one at the Boston Marathon.

And white privilege is knowing that if this bomber turns out to be white, the United States government will not bomb whatever corn field or mountain town or stale suburb from which said bomber came, just to ensure that others like him or her don’t get any ideas. And if he turns out to be a member of the Irish Republican Army we won’t bomb Belfast. And if he’s an Italian American Catholic we won’t bomb the Vatican.

In short, white privilege is the thing that allows you (if you’re white) — and me — to view tragic events like this as merely horrific, and from the perspective of pure and innocent victims, rather than having to wonder, and to look over one’s shoulder, and to ask even if only in hushed tones, whether those we pass on the street might think that somehow we were involved.

It is the source of our unearned innocence and the cause of others’ unjustified oppression.

That is all. And it matters.

Actor Wendell Pierce says “bringing fresh food into these areas helps create economic growth.” The New Orleans native is giving back to his hometown in a big way. He has launched a chain of grocery and convenience stores named Sterling Farms in low-income neighborhoods where supermarkets don’t boldly go.

The New York Times reported that since Katrina devastated the city in August 2005, New Orleans has reclaimed its place as one of America’s prime food destinations. Many of the old standby restaurants have reopened, and new ones.

But grocery stores have not rebounded in the same way. Before the storm, there were 30 in New Orleans; today, there are 21. Most that have reopened are in wealthier neighborhoods: a Tulane University survey in 2007, the latest data available, found that nearly 60 percent of low-income residents had to travel more than three miles to reach a supermarket, though only 58 percent owned a car.

“The most important thing to me is creating a relationship with the community; creating an economic engine as an opportunity for them just to have access to a decent grocery store,” Pierce says.

Sterling Farms may be a lifesaver for the residents in the Lower 9th Ward who lack personal transportation.  The 2010 census indicates a population for the Lower 9th Ward that is roughly a fifth of what it was before the 2005 storm’s levee breaches. Census figures also show the population is about 60 percent of pre-Katrina levels in the 7th Ward.

“As a wealthy nation to have its people, the very core of our strength is people,” Pierce tells CBS News. “To have them be disenfranchised when it comes to nutrition and sustenance is unacceptable.”

Pierce partnered with his childhood friend Troy Henry to build the stores.

Sterling Farms will look like most other conventional grocers, with a deli, bakery, seafood counter and as many as 40,000 items. But it also will cater to the special needs of low-income shoppers. The store will offer a free shuttle to anyone who spends $50 or more, so they need not walk or take the bus with heavy bags. Each month, the store plans a cookout (which in New Orleans usually means a crayfish boil) to raise money for the community.

“I’m an actor first, but this is a business,” Pierce says. “This is American capitalism. American industry, you know? I think there’s an opportunity to do well and do good.”

Pennsylvania Convention Center Hosts 9th Annual Celebration

Philadelphia, PA -  The Black History and Culture Showcase (BHACS), the nation’s premier celebration of African American achievement and intellectual contributions will take place during Easter Weekend, March 30 and 31, 11am to 7pm at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, 12th and Arch Street.

The Showcase is FREE to attend and everyone is welcome. It was started in 2004 by Executive Producer, Everett Staten as a way to promote a greater awareness and appreciation of African American history. In 2012, Cultural activities were added to the event to recognize the artistic (fine art, literature, theater, music, film) and intellectual contributions African Americans have made to the world.

The need to tell an often forgotten story was Staten’s inspiration for creating the Black History and Culture Showcase. “The history of Black people in America is one of unbelievable resilience and achievement. However, in most instances our contributions are not included in the presentation of history. Our history remains the greatest story that has never been told.” said Staten.

“What makes the Black History and Culture Showcase so unique is that many of the exhibits have never been shown in museums. These privately owned inspiring exhibits contain priceless artifacts and rare photographs amassed by devoted Black history collectors”, added Staten.

The 2013 schedule of exhibits and activities include:

Exhibits

International Black Inventions Museum – Los Angeles, CA, Pays tribute to the invaluable intellectual contributions African Americans have made to the progress of society.

Lest We Forget Black Holocaust Slavery Museum – Philadelphia, PA, This exhibit features the most extensive collection of slavery artifacts, Jim Crow memorabilia and information ever assembled for public examination “free of charge”. The collection includes shackles, branding irons, photos, documents and more.

Legendary Blue Horizon – Philadelphia, PA – Ring Magazine described it as “the best venue in the world to watch a fight”, the now closed “Blue” will share its’ history and memorabilia. Some items will be available for purchase.

Additional exhibits include: Paul Robeson House, African American Museum of  Philadelphia, Black Doll Museum, Negro League Baseball, Black Firefighters, Black Women in Sports, Wilt Chamberlain, Tuskegee Airmen, Montford Point Marines, WWII Black Navy Veterans, Womens Veterans, Black History In the Press, 3rd Regiment
United States Colored Troops, Genealogy, Charles Blockson Collection, Archeology, Black Writers Museum, the Philadelphia Black Sports & Culture Association and the Clef Club.

Living Legends

Herb Douglas (oldest living African American Olympic medalist 1948) Sat 2pm – 4pm Tuskegee Airmen, Montford Point Marines, Mahlon Duckett and Pedro Sierra (Negro League players), Tina Sloan Green (first Black head coach in women’s college lacrosse history and won 3 national championships)

Activities

Friday 7pm – 10pm Sonia Sanchez Poetry Showcase Poets from all over the U.S.

Saturday 12pm – 2pm Theatrical reading of David Smyrl’s new play “Don’t Be Ridiculous” Smyrl has won 8 Emmy awards.

1pm – 2pm     Introduction to Genealogy – African American Genealogy Group (Seminar)

3pm – 5pm     WURD 900AM Symposium State of Mind III – “Sisters Speak: Examining the Impact of Race, Culture and History on the Body, Mind and Spirit”

3pm – 4pm     Hidden Treasure in Your Home (Seminar)

Bob Law

5:30PM – 6:30pm Community Forum – Introduction of the Million Dollar Black Spending Power Campaign – Philadelphia with keynote speaker, Bob Law, longtime radio personality, community activist and entrepreneur.

Sunday
1pm – 2:30p Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble (30th Anniversary)

2pm – 3pm Black Culture & Healthcare: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow – Glen Ellis

3pm – 4pm Clef Club Youth Jazz Band

Documentaries

Saturday 11am Shirley Chisholm ’72: Unbought and Unbossed 12:30pm Ida B. Wells: A Passion for Justice 2pm Brown Sugar: The History of Black Female Entertainers 5pm Amazing Grace: Black Women In Sports

Sunday 11am My Slave Sister Myself 3:30pm Zora’s Roots: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston 4:30pm Marian Anderson: A Song of Dignity and Grace

New to the Showcase this year is the Fine Arts & Crafts Suite which provides a place for African American artists and craftspeople to display and sell their handmade products. There will be original art, jewelry, clothing and dolls available.

In addition, the Showcase has a Black history marketplace where attendees can purchase historical items like figurines, stamps, books, posters, Obama campaign memorabilia, t-shirts and other collectibles.

The 2013 Black History and Culture Showcase is hosted once again by the Pennsylvania Convention Center located in Philadelphia at 12th and Arch Street. Ahmeenah Young, President and CEO of the Convention Center Authority stated,” Philadelphia is recognized as the nation’s most historic city and we are delighted to partner with Everett in presenting such an educational and historically relevant event. The Black History and Culture Showcase has become an integral part of the mosaic that represents Philadelphia and it is also an essential component of our hospitality and tourism attractions.”

The Black History and Culture Showcase is FREE to attend and everyone is welcome. This would not be possible without the support of corporate sponsors like PRWT Services, Inc that realize the importance of such an event. “PRWT is proud to sponsor BHACS and we applaud BHACS as they commemorate and celebrate the African American experience. Throughout PRWT’s history we have always demonstrated our commitment to institutions like BHACS that promote education, arts and culture, and we will continue to support those institutions as they continue to enhance the lives of the people in which we live and work”, said Harold Epps, President & CEO of PRWT. Additional sponsors and media partners are Colgate-Palmolive Company, PECO, WURD, Philadelphia Sunday Sun, Black Professional News, BOUNCE TV, rolling out.com, Philadelphia Tribune and Third Floor Media.

The Black History and Culture Showcase is an initiative of the Proud African American Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to producing community events and activities that provide positive portrayals of African American people. It is produced by Everett & Associates, Inc. For more information about BHACS visit www.blackhistoryshowcase.org.

Group Calls on Black Community to Reclaim Black Economic Power

Bob Law

New York, NY – A coalition of Black media owners, professional and political organizations are calling on African American consumers across the nation to begin immediately to redirect a minimum of $20.00 per week in spending to Black-owned businesses. The initiative being called “The Million Dollar Black Spending Power Campaign” is being organized by local groups in a number of key cities. It is projected that even with minimal support this effort may turn one million dollars per week back into predominantly Black communities throughout the country.

The initiative is the brainchild of Bob Law, longtime radio personality, entrepreneur and community activist, who recently sent an open letter to the Congressional Black Caucus, highlighting the assault on Black-owned radio and requesting the CBC to bring the matter to the attention of the FCC and the full Congress.

Dr. Maulana Karenga, Norm Bond

“From the corporate community to other ethnic groups, every community seems to benefit from Black spending except the Black community. We fully intend to renegotiate the Black community’s financial relationship with corporate America and others doing business in the African American marketplace. We believe however that a significant starting point is for Black Americans to first take control of our own spending” said Law.

Norm Bond added, “There was a time when African Americans controlled their own economy. If you look at the 1910 Census, there were more African American entrepreneurs than Whites. Today with all of the communication tools at our disposal, the tremendous consumer spending, and the urgent need to create jobs within the Black community, we must raise our collective consciousness and bring that entrepreneurial spirit forward again through massive action.”

Sara Lomax-Reese, Jim Clingman

The cooperative effort also includes Dr. Maulana Karenga, Creator of Kwanzaa and Professor and Chair Department of Africana Studies California State University, Long Beach; Norm Bond, activist and Chairman of the National Alliance of Market Developers; Professor Jim Clingman of the University of Cincinnati, author and syndicated columnist; and Sara Lomax-Reese, President and General Manager of 900AM WURD in Philadelphia.

Additional information about the Movement can be found at www.BuyBlackAllYearLong.com

Twelve former Florida A&M University band members are now facing more severe charges for the 2011 death of drum major Robert Champion, after Florida prosecutors on Monday filed manslaughter counts against them.

Champion died from internal bleeding after receiving a beating that shed light on the famed bands culture of hazing.

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Although ten of the ex-band members were charged in May with hazing, a third-degree felony, Champion’s parents had said they were disappointed with the lesser charge. State Attorney Jeff Ashton, who was sworn in as the Orange-Osceola state attorney earlier this year upgraded the charges and decided to make a case against two more of the former band members. The manslaughter carries with it a maximum sentence of 15-years imprisonment under Florida law, while the maximum sentence for hazing would have only been 5 years.