HBCU Student Not Allowed to Graduate Because of Facebook Post

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, YourBlackWorld.com – Scholarship in Action 

Roman Caple is a senior at St. Augustine’s College.  He was set to graduate this weekend until he was informed by the school that he wouldn’t be allowed to walk with his classmates.  Caple says that his punishment was due to a Facebook post that allegedly "jeopardized the integrity of the college."

Caple argues that the reaction of school administrators came as a result of his posts following a tornado that hit Raleigh, NC two weeks ago.  But he says that most of his comments were meant to be uplifting.  One of his posts said the following:

"We all need to set our differences aside and help one another. Falcons we will continue to fly high because that's what we do. Help your neighbor, if need be, Falcons are one."

Detroit’s NAACP Honors Kid Rock and His Confederate Flag

 

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Your Black World – Scholarship in Action 

The NAACP of Detroit has committed what appears to be an incredibly sad act by giving it's Great Expectations Award to Kid Rock during it's annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner.  It's ironic that the NAACP is giving an award to someone who regularly uses the Confederate flag during his concerts.  The civil rights supporter in me doesn't understand the NAACP's actions, but the Finance Professor in me understands their actions perfectly.

Here are some questions for the NAACP as they honor one of their greatest heroes, Kid Rock:

1) If Kid Rock were not a donor to your organization, would you have given him this award?  Probably not.

click to read

Denver Broncos Player Jason Hunter Stabbed by His Girlfriend

Your Black World Reports

Jason Hunter of the Denver Broncos was stabbed by his girlfriend Wednesday morning, according to police.  Hunter is currently in stable condition.

"There case is still being investigated, so there are a lot of details we don't have yet," Detroit Police Sgt. Eren Stephens said.

Forbes.com: Tanya McDowell Pleads Not –Guilty

NORWALK, Conn. -- A homeless single mother who lives in her van pleaded not guilty Wednesday to stealing nearly $16,000 worth of education for her son by enrolling the kindergartener in her baby sitter's school district.

Tanya McDowell, 33, was arraigned in Norwalk, where she was arrested April 14 on felony charges of committing and attempting to commit first-degree larceny.

Prosecutors say McDowell used her baby sitter's address to enroll her son in Norwalk schools in the fall but should have registered the boy in nearby Bridgeport, a significantly poorer urban district and the location of her last permanent address.

Luther Campbell Raises Just $250 for His Mayoral Campaign

Your Black World Reports

It looks like the phrase “Too legit to quit” doesn’t quite apply to Luther Campbell.  The former leader of “2 Live Crew” has raised a reported $250 for his campaign to run for Mayor of Miami. Campbell was hoping that a recent fundraiser would bring him $5,000 to $10,000, but he was wrong.  Campbell is now $150,000 behind the fourth-highest fundraiser, Jose "Pepe" Cancio. 

NY Mayor Goes Nuts After Finding Out that Diddy Got a Police Motorcade

Your Black World Reports

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg went on a tirade after finding out that the NYPD gave the rapper Sean “Diddy”Combs a police motorcade to make a $75,000 event in New Jersey.  The mayor launched a probe into the incident, stating that it is unacceptable for anyone to receive police assistance with taxpayer dollars.  Officers from NYPD internal affairs went to the Midtown South precinct to go through logs, records and work schedules to find out who was responsible for what happened.  They are also reviewing videotapes from 35th Street and Times Square to find out more information.

Famous Athletes Who Went Broke

 

In 2008, the NBA Players’ Association claimed that 60 percent of pro basketball players go broke within five years of retirement. It’s not hard to see why. In the annals of “easy come, easy go,” few people see it come and go like professional athletes.

While it’s true that many take their salaries and invest them in sensible and enduring business ventures, many others squander their multimillion-dollar salaries on expensive cars, jewelry and mansions, and when the checks stop coming in, they have little to show for it.

Rapper Jim Jones Arraigned for Suspended License

From the Associated Press

Rapper Jim Jones has made a return to a venue he'd rather avoid: a New York City courthouse.

"I'm trying to stay out of this place!" the hip-hop artist said with a smile as he left court after his arraignment Tuesday on charges of driving with a suspended license. In 2009, he pleaded guilty in the same courthouse to a misdemeanor assault charge for a punching a friend of R&B star Ne-Yo in a Louis Vuitton store.

Things I Learned about Tyler Perry While Being Interviewed by Mo’Nique

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Your Black World – Scholarship in Action 

I watched Tyler Perry last night on the Mo’Nique Show on BET.  It was an interesting interview, with Mo’Nique fawning over Tyler’s brilliance in the way you would expect an actress to kiss up to one of the most powerful filmmakers in the world.  I fully expect that Mo’Nique will get some coveted roles in future Tyler Perry films.

Nicki Minaj to Attend the Royal Wedding

Your Black World reports

Hip hop star Nicki Minaj has reportedly rented a spot near Westminster Abbey, where the royal wedding is set to take place.  The problem is that she wasn’t actually invited to the wedding, but just wants to be there to see it.   Prince William and Kate Middleton are going to be married on April 29, and despite being on tour with Britney Spears, Minaj has rented a private jet to take her across the world to check out the events.

I guess this refutes the notion that hip-hop stars don’t believe in fairy tales.

Janitor Gives $40,000 to High School He Worked for

WHITE CENTER, Wash. -- The lunch hour is over and Evergreen High School custodian Tyrone Curry gets out his broom for a quick sweep up.
"I try to make sure it's spotless and it's ready for the kids," he said.
After cleaning, he's off to his second passion: coaching the track and field team.
"I just like staying busy," Curry said with a laugh.
But in reality, he doesn't have to work. He's a millionaire.

 

Dr. Boyce Spotlight: The Rapper Common Is an Uncommon Talent

For more information about Common, please visit GreatBlackSpeakers.com

With his Multi-Grammy Award winning music career and his continued work in film, Common has emerged as one of Hollywood's most sought after leading men. He has been seen on the silver screen in films such as SMOKIN ACES, AMERICAN GANGSTER, WANTED, TERMINATOR SALVATION and was most recently in DATE NIGHT and JUST WRIGHT.

Prior to acting, COMMON rose to prominence as one of hip-hops most poetic and respected lyricists having recorded over eight albums. In 2004, he partnered with Chicago native and rap music mega-star Kanye West to produce BE, which went on to garner four Grammy Award nominations. In 2007 COMMON released his critically acclaimed seventh album Finding Forever where it debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 Album Chart and it went on to earn a Grammy award. His eighth album, Universal Mind Control, was released in 2008 and recently nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Rap Album. He is currently in the studio working on his upcoming album The Believer.

COMMON is a regularly requested guest speaker known to motivate and empower collegiate minds while speaking at prestigious universities across the Country. In 2007, he launched the Common Ground Foundation, which is dedicated to the empowerment and development of urban youth in communities by helping them to realize their full potential.

 

Click to read

Gov’t Tells Snoop He Can’t Sell His Destructive New Drink

 

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Your Black World – Scholarship in Action 

Sixteen separate states are stepping in the way of Snoop Dogg’s latest big money venture with the Pabst Brewing Company. Attorneys General from Arizona, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Ohio, Tennessee, Washington, Utah, California, Idaho and Connecticut stood against the release of Snoop’s drink in their territories. Additionally, Guam's attorney general and the city attorney general of San Francisco all signed a resolution stating that the drink Blast by Colt 45 is dangerous and being marketed to young people.

The drink contains 12 percent alcohol and is sold in 23.5 and seven ounce containers. It is said to have as much alcohol as five beers in one can. There are several fruity flavors for the drink, including: grape, raspberry watermelon, strawberry lemonade and blueberry pomegranate flavors.

Black At Ya – By Vigalantee: Tell Us What You think

What’s Wrong with LeBron James Mother? Video Shown of Gloria Fighting with Hotel Valet

 

Three thoughts that come to mind as I watch the video of LeBron James’ mother getting into a fight with the valet at a hotel:

1) What the hayell?  - Yes, if my mama ever acts this way, she and I might have to have a nasty conversation or two.  I truly feel sorry for LeBron, who has been embarrassed by his mother in the past on multiple occasions.

2) This is what happens when we drink too much in public and forget that our child is a celebrity.  When you’re in the public eye, everyone is always watching.  You can’t sneeze, use the bathroom, or buy groceries without people scrutinizing every little thing you do.  Alcohol reduces our inhibitions and makes us unaware of our surroundings.  That’s why I don’t drink.

 

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Wiz Khalifa, Snoop Dogg, Too Short and Intergenerational Black Male Dysfunctionality

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

 

As a fan of hip-hop, I couldn’t help but appreciate the talent of the rapper Wiz Khalifa out of Pittsburgh.  Fresh off the release of his new album, “Rolling Papers,” Wiz appears to be on the top of the hip-hop world.  The first thing I thought about when I heard Wiz Khalifa’s style is that he sounded remarkably similar to artists of my generation, namely Snoop Dogg and Too Short.

Click to read.

Dr. Boyce - Black Men in Prison: The New Jim Crow

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

 

“More African American men are in prison or jail, on probation or parole than were enslaved in 1850, before the Civil War began,” according to Michelle Alexander, a law professor at The Ohio State University. Alexander is the author of an interesting new book called “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindedness.”

According to Professor Alexander, increases in crime rates do not explain the massive growth in black male incarceration that has taken place over the last 30 years.

 

Click to read.

Chris Brown Goes Crazy at Good Morning America – Could He Get Locked Up?

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by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action

A couple of years ago, I went onto CNN to give measured support for Chris Brown as he was facing tremendous public scrutiny (much of it deserved) for his physical attacks on the singer Rihanna.  I wasn’t trying to say that Chris was a good person; instead, I was arguing that he was a young kid who is not beyond redemption.

The bottom line was that Chris Brown is not a monster.

After hearing about his outburst today on Good Morning America, I am starting to think that Chris might be determined to become a monster.  If he’s not a monster, he’s at least a damn idiot.

Click to read.

Tyra Banks Heads to Harvard Business School

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

Media superstar and modeling-model Tyra Banks recently announced that she's headed to the Harvard Business School. While it's still not clear if she's getting an official degree (I assume its a short-term executive education course; I can't imagine someone with her experience and schedule taking too much time off for school), one has to be impressed with her decision to continue educating herself. Some might think that education is simply a thing you tolerate long enough to make money to support yourself. Nothing could be further from the truth, since learning should be a lifelong process.

"I started last summer and I didn't really talk about it. It was very incognito, my name and everything, but I decided to talk about it [now]. I think it's a positive thing, especially for girls to see that you can still continue to educate yourself and you can still be fabulous and fierce and celebrate your femininity," Tyra said to MTV News.

Click to read.

Ten Things that Every Black Dad Must Do for His Kids

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

1) Tell your kids you love them every single day

Love not only makes the world go round, but every person needs to feel loved in order to have the balance necessary to be truly successful. If you love your kids, don’t just show it with your actions, say it with words. It will keep them from seeking love in all the wrong places.

2) Set an example for other fathers

The black male gets a bad rap for allegedly being an irresponsible father. We know that this stereotype is a misguided reflection of America’s historical hatred of the black male, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t encourage each other to do a better job. Demand that other brothers in your circle stand up as good fathers to their children, in spite of their circumstances. It can be tough to be a good parent with sky high unemployment and incarceration rates, but that doesn’t give you an excuse not to try. Those of us who ignore our children should be shamed into realizing how harmful such irresponsibility is to our community.

3) Always find a way to show respect to their mother

Even if you can’t stand the woman you had a child with, you should always give her as much respect as you possibly can. Kids don’t enjoy watching their parents fight, no matter whose fault it is. Also, in spite of your differences, you must always find a way to show appreciation toward the woman who gave life to your offspring.

4) Prepare them for the bullsh*t

We know that being black isn’t easy. You have to be twice as good to get half as much and life sometimes kicks you in the butt when you don’t deserve it. Prepare your kids for life as an African American, letting them know that they are going to have to be tough, smart and courageous to succeed in a world where the odds can be stacked against them. We all know that life isn’t fair, and it’s important to make sure your kids are prepared for the coming disparities.

Click to read.

Dr. Boyce: The Death of Nate Dogg is the End of a Very Dark and Creative Era in Hip-Hop

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

This morning I woke up to find out that Nathaniel D. Hale, better known as Nate Dogg, died last night (March 15).  The cause of death has not been announced.  But its easy to connect Nate Dogg’s death to the health problems that came from the massive strokes he suffered in 2007 and 2008. 

Nobody sang hooks like Nate Dogg.  Most of us can go back to Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic” album in the early 1990s as well as “Regulate” by Warren G to see where this brilliant artist set the game on fire.  I loved Nate Dogg, and I am going to miss him.  Nobody could run the chorus the way he could, for he had a voice that hip-hop will remember for the next 50 years.

On another note, I wonder how Nate Dogg’s early death was related to some of the self-destructive habits

Back in 2006 – Dr. Boyce in Madison Square Garden Arguing that College Athletes Should be Paid

 

Given that March Madness is about to begin, many around the country are wondering if it’s time to start paying college athletes.  Dr. Boyce Watkins appears below arguing that college athletes should be paid, and explains the reasons in Madison Square Garden in 2006 with Stephen A. Smith in attendance.

This is also a racial issue, since most of the individuals doing the work are black and those earning millions off of the labor are white.  The NCAA earns more money during March Madness than the Super Bowl and the World Series, so Dr. Watkins is a long-time advocate of college athletes having the same labor rights as everyone else.

Part 1 is above

 

 

Part 2 is above

Diddy Is the Richest Rapper Alive: How He Got That Way

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

The rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs has reached another milestone in his increasingly storied hip-hop career. This year,Forbes ranked Diddy as the wealthiest hip-hop artist in the world, with a net worth of $475 million. He was followed on the list by Jay-Z, who himself carries a net worth of $450 million.

Following Diddy and Jay-Z are Dr. Dre, 50 Cent and Bryan "Birdman" Williams of Cash Money Records.

I wasn't surprised to see Diddy at the top of the list. His visionary style of corporate leadership is nothing short of iconic and legendary. The same is true for Jay-Z and other artists who made the list. What's most interesting to me about Diddy, to be quite frank, is that Sean is probably the worst rapper on the list of wealthy hip-hop artists. While we can easily point to major jams produced and sold by Jay-Z, Birdman, Dr. Dre and even Fifty Cent, Diddy hasn't put out hardly anything noteworthy since the death of the Notorious B.I.G. nearly 14 years ago.

Click to read.

Majority of African Americans Feel NAACP Image Awards Should Not Reward Negative Hip-Hop Artists

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

In a recent survey taken at YourBlackWorld.com, over 83 percent of the black respondents said that the NAACP is off-base by nominating hip-hop artists such as Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj, both of whom have used the N-word and lyrics that are derogatory toward women. In the survey, participants were asked the following question:
"The NAACP Image Awards recently nominated artists like Jay-Z and Nicki Minaj, both of whom have used the N-word and lyrics which degrade women. Does this make the NAACP hypocritical?"
In response to this question, 83 percent of the 335 respondents said "Yes, these nominations are a contradiction to the message and image of the NAACP." Another 5.8% of the African American respondents said that the NAACP might be a bit hypocritical in their approach, but that giving awards to these artists helps to keep them relevant. Another 10 percent of the respondents said that the NAACP was not being hypocritical by nominating these artists.

 

Click to read.

NAACP Gets Backlash for Promoting Negative Hip-Hop Artists

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

Last night, I was up watching last year's Hip-Hop honors on Vh-1. I knew that it wasn't live, since the rappers T.I. and Gucci Mane weren't in jail. In fact, I find it interesting that I had to count and remember which artists were incarcerated out of the bunch, since it seems that hip-hop has now made it cool to go to jail, at least for a little while.
As a fan of hip-hop, I enjoyed the music being performed by various artists. I couldn't, however, help but be disturbed by trends that become more and more apparent to me as I get older. At one point, there were three "interesting" songs performed in a row, one by an artist by the name of "Bone Crusher," a second performed by Gucci Mane and a third performed by the Ying-Yang Twins. Bone Crusher rapped about "popping the trunk" and killing another "n*gga" who spoke to him disrepsectfully. To be more precise, the lyrics were as follows:
Let a choppa go PLOOOOOOWWW! to yo melon
Now the plasma is oozin outta yo cerebellum
AttenSHUNNNNN! F*ck n*gga, now you swellin
You ain't talkin hardcore, now is ya? Lil' b*tch!

Click to read.

Biggie’s Anniversary Gives Us Reason to Stop and Think

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

March 9, 1997 will forever go down in history as the day when the world lost one of it's most talented artists, the Notorious B.I.G. Biggie was "the man," dropping lyrics like no other, gaining respect all around the world. He was loved by the community, and his spirit continues to live in the world on the 14-year anniversary of the day that he died.
I loved both Biggie and Tupac when they were alive. Both of them were about my age, and I mourned with the rest of the world after hearing about their deaths. I can also say that, like nearly everyone else, I knew that both Biggie and Pac were going to die young. Both artists seemed to believe that the end was coming soon, which is a problem that is all too common among young African American males.
In the midst of the cultural cancer that impacts the lives of millions of young black men across America, we find that all too often young black men don't expect to become old men. Hip-hop has long existed as a venue through which the state of the black male is communicated, and in this arena, you find that there is consistent conversation about violence, homicide and the soldier-like suicidal mindset that these men must embrace in order to have a chance to keep breathing.

 

Click to read.

Wise Intelligent from Poor Righteous Teachers: What It Takes to Change Hip-Hop Music

Wise Intelligent from Poor Righteous Teachers lays out his theory on why hip-hop is so negative and self-destructive.  He argues that negative messages that black males share with one another are partly driven by the desire to put their social conscience to sleep.  Watch the video below, or you can see it by clicking here.

 

 

Dr. Boyce Watkins is a professor at Syracuse University.  To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.

The Black Male Incarceration Crisis – Dr. Marc Lamont Hill Interviews a Group of Panelists on the Topic

 

One of my very good friends, Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, speaks to a panel about the mass incarceration crisis that is affecting black males.  Take a look.

The Little Girls Who Struck a Blow for Women that Was Heard Around the World: Open Letter to Lil Wayne

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

They say that behind every great man, there's a great woman. Yes, this is true, but what people also forget is that behind nearly every empowered, intelligent and confident young woman, there are a collection of black male role models. The group Watoto from the Nile, featuring three little girls doing an open letter about Lil Wayne's disrespect for women has simply taken over the black Internet. The video had over half a million views in just six days, and keeps growing by the second. It was due to the vision of the group's young manager, Albert Phillips, that the little girls were able to strike the blow heard around the world when it comes to black women demanding their right to be respected. In fact, these children struck a blow to Weezy that no grown man could ever match. It is for that reason that Albert Phillips is today's Dr. Boyce Watkins Spotlight on AOL Black Voices:

 

Click to read.

Racist Rap Video Makes Us All Wonder What Kids are Being Taught in School

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

A group of white students, who some believe are from Stuyvesant High School in New York, has gotten the Internet up in arms. Laying out admittedly solid freestyle skills over a smooth beat, the students continuously spew out the kind of racism that would make David Duke blush. To the surprise of some, Stuyvesant High School is considered one of the top high schools in the nation, but many are wondering what in the world they are teaching.
Apparently frustrated with their black classmates, the rappers use lyrics like "You so wack, b--, chilling in the projects. ....You black and you so f-– grimy. ... What'cha gonna do? Call your black squad n--?"
For over five minutes, the young artists continue to squeak out demeaning language toward people of color. The video is seemingly endless. The men also seem to be under the influence of either drugs or alcohol.

Click to read.

Did LAPD Officers Kill the Notorious B.I.G?

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

CBS Los Angeles is now reporting new evidence that officers within the Los Angeles Police Department may have played a role in the death of the rapper Christopher Wallace, also known as The Notorious B.I.G (aka Biggie Smalls).
Wallace was murdered March 9th, 1997. According to witnesses, a lone gunman in the driver's seat of a black Chevy Impala pulled up to the truck where Wallace was sitting in the passenger seat and opened fire. Wallace died shortly thereafter.
The Wallace family filed suit against the LAPD in 2005, bringing forth additional evidence that was not considered, implicating LAPD officers that they believe were involved in the death of Christopher Wallace. The two officers under suspicion are David Mack and Rafael Perez. Both Perez and Mack are in prison now for unrelated crimes, Mack for bank robbery and Perez for stealing cocaine.

Click to read.

Young Girl Swallows a Pound of Cocaine

by Dr. Boyce Watkins 

Luisa Gil of Union City, NJ was arrested in Boston after swallowing a pound of cocaine.  Authorities are holding her on $200,000 bail on a charge of Class B substance trafficking. 

The 21-year old woman flew into Logan airport from the Dominican Republic.  When authorities questioned her, her answers seemed suspicious.  She then admitted to swallowing 50 pellets of compacted cocaine.  The cocaine had been wrapped in condoms.

After hearing the woman tell her story, police took her to the hospital, where the dope was recovered.  The drugs had a street value of $50,000.  She was allegedly paid $2,000 to make the transfer of the drugs to the US.

Yes, we wonder how desperate people have to be in order to do something like this to earn money. 

Student Murdered, 11 Injured at Omega Psi Phi House Party

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

Two men opened fire after an argument occurred at an Omega Psi Phi fraternity house in Youngstown, Ohio this weekend. The two men shot multiple rounds into a crowd of people, killing a student and critically injuring a 17-year old with a head wound. The student who was killed was shot while trying to break the two disputing groups apart. The university said six of the injured were students.
The murder victim was 25-year old Jamail E. Johnson of Youngstown. Most of the 11 injured were shot in the foot. The men were arrested and charged with aggravated murder, shooting into a home, and felonious assault, according to Chief Jimmy Hughes of the Youngstown Police Department.
"These guys were in the location for a little while before the shooting occurred," he said. "Something happened that they became unhappy. They had some type of altercation."

 

Click to read.

Madam Prezident on Having Will Power in Relationships

 

Click to watch the video

Chad Holley Beating Caught on Video – Unbelievable

 

Chad Holley is brutally beaten by police, although he’d clearly surrendered before the beating.  Click here to see the video.

The Rapper Diddy Speaks Up on Behalf of Kelley Williams-Bolar

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

It appears that the case of Kelley Williams-Bolar is getting the kind of traction that can make a difference. Since we first wrote about Kelley on AOL Black Voices, the entire nation has taken notice. Change.org and ColorofChange.org have launched petitions that have garnered hundreds of thousands of signatures. Also, the story has gained national attention as a clear example of all that's wrong with the educational system in America.
In case you haven't seen the story, Kelley Williams-Bolar is the single mother of two who was sent to jail for sending her children to a school outside their district. In addition to being sent to jail, Williams-Bolar would have a felony record and not be able to ever teach again in the state of Ohio.

Click to read.

Introducing the Underground Girls of Hip-Hop: Changing the Game, One Woman at a Time

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

While most of the folks in our community are familiar with hip-hop as a form of entertainment, many of us are not aware that the strongest opportunities actually lie on the business side. We also know that on both sides of the mic, women are usually missing. Sure, there are great female artists like Nicki Minaj and spoken-word artist Madam Prezident. Those who establish the platforms, obtain financing and run the business operations that lie behind your favorite artist have access to both the power and financial benefits that come with the hip-hop music industry. So, hanging out in the booth may not be as valuable as going to business school when it comes to having real power in hip-hop. It is for that reason that Shylise "Shay Nutt" Simpson is today's Dr. Boyce Watkins Spotlight on AOL Black Voices:

1) What is your name and what do you do?
Shylise "Shay-Nutt" Simpson, Owner and operator of Undergroundgirlsofhiphop.com, 2010-2011 Female Hip Hop Honors Awards and Founder of the Power In Pink Mentoring Program.

Click to read.

Madam Prezident: Don’t Let Facebook Ruin Your Relationship

Morning ladies, I’m listening to Beyonce’s “Dangerously in Love Cd”. You already know, B and sparked some stuff right up out of me for next week, but I’ve been thinking about today’s post for some time now.

I know Facebook is the world’s newest fad, but there is one thing Facebook has no business doing, and that is “RUINING YOUR RELATIONSHIP”.

Facebook is a social network, which I happen to love because of the intermediate connection and personable sensation. Although when you are in a relationship I find Facebook to be a little bit of a headache, but it shouldn’t be.

Click to read.

U Texas Signs a $300M Deal on the Backs of Its Athletes

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

The University of Texas just inked a $300 million television rights deal for a 24-hour network that will broadcast Longhorn athletes and games. ESPN is the partner in the deal and will distribute the network via satellite in Texas and other states around the country. The network is expected to launch in September.
Given that college athletes are serving as the foundation for massive wealth being generated by schools like the University of Texas, it is time that we consider allowing these athletes to have the same labor rights as other workers who generate wealth around the nation. The United Steel Workers Union has actually spoken out on behalf of NCAA athletes, stating that they should have the right to unionize to ensure that their families can benefit from the wealth being created in these massive financial deals.

Click to read.

Frederick Jermaine Carter: Murder or Suicide?

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

 

The black community in Greenwood, Mississippi is on edge and angry after the death of Frederick Jermaine Carter. Carter, who was 26 years old, was found hanging from a tree in what authorities have labeled to be a suicide. But the community isn't buying the police's story and claim that he was actually murdered.
The Final Call is reporting on the death of Carter, and even Michael Pimbleton Jr., the mayor of Sunflower, Mississippi has said that there was more going on than meets the eye.
"This is 2010 and we still have Black people hanging from trees? They're saying he hung himself but I have doubt in my mind that he actually did that. That wasn't his character. This wasn't a suicide, this was a homicide," Mayor Pembleton said to The Final Call.
Carter was found on December 3, with his body hanging from an oak tree in North Greenwood, which is a predominantly white section of Leflore County. He actually lived in nearby Sunflower County, and North Greenwood is known as an area that black people are sometimes afraid to visit. Carter was with his stepfather, who said that he wandered off from an area in which they were both working.

 

Click to read.

 

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ESPN’s Special on the Black Male Athlete – My Take on The State of Things

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

I was sitting in front of my TV set flipping through one channel after another, and I found something that both intrigued and concerned me: An ESPN special about the image of the black athlete. I was curious to see what they had to say about black athletes, especially males, since that's something I think about nearly every single day of my life.

The panel consisted of Jalen Rose, John Calipari, Randy Shannon, Spike Lee, Robin Roberts and others. I was hopeful that the panelists would not succumb to the temptation of taking the paternalistic viewpoint that black male athletes are somehow destined to be ignorant and need to be told what to do. For example, unlike any other sport, men's basketball and football are the only ones in which there are age limits before the athlete can become a professional. The reasons for these regulations are driven primarily by the argument that the men are too young to go out and support their families by doing what they do for the NCAA without being compensated.

 

Click to read.

Cam Newton, the NCAA and Auburn University

by Dr. Boyce Watkins – Syracuse University, Scholarship in Action 

The "What the hayell" segment asks serious questions about events, institutions and individuals in our society who lead us to be confused about their behavior. One serious point of confusion is the NCAA, Auburn University and the treatment of star quarterback Cam Newton. Newton helped bring in a $21 million dollar payday to Auburn University with his recent NCAA championship. He also helped the school earn millions throughout the year through ticket sales, jersey sales and national television appearances. Yet, to this day, Cam and the other players on the Auburn University basketball team will see no piece of the multi-million dollar pie generated by their labor.

 

Click to read.

Diamond’s Corner: Kids and Domestic Violence

Oprah Winfrey Gets Criticized by BET Co-Founder for Lack of Racial Diversity

 

Sheila Johnson, co-founder of BET, had a few concerns about Oprah Winfrey’s net OWN network, citing the network’s lack of racial diversity.  On NPR’s “Tell Me More,” Johnson had this to say:

 

"The only advice that I say, let's open up your circle a little bit more. You know, we love the Dr. Phils. We love the Suze Ormans. Let's open up. There are other people. And there's also African-American experts out there that I think she should start bringing on her show that can reach even a wider audience."

At that point, host Michel Martin mentioned that the network’s whiteness might be confusing to some.  Johnson then said this:

"No. Yes," replied Johnson. "And I think she really should do that and not be afraid to do it. There's really a lot of great experts out there that really know the businesses at hand. And I'd like to see her open up her circle to do that."

Dr. Boyce Watkins Spotlight: Meet Ms. Keri Hilson

What is your name and what do you do?
Keri Hilson and I'm a R&B/Pop Singer and also write songs for other artists.

What are some of the misconceptions people have about celebrities and their money?

People tend to think that celebrities are impenetrable to making mistakes, that because they see you in a video with expensive things that your life revolves around that. I've found that my strongest foundation has been my family and friends now more than ever.

What has been the scariest/funniest/best moment in your career?

The best moment in my career is every time I'm on stage, going over lines and about to perform and I think, "Wow. I'm actually awake. I'm living my dream!"

 

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Dr. Boyce Watkins and Marc Lamont Hill on CNN’s Joy Behar Show

Click the video to see Dr. Marc Lamont Hill at Columbia University and Dr. Boyce Watkins discuss Mark Twain and the n-word

Dr. Boyce Watkins and Professor Mark Anthony Neal on CNN American Morning

Dr. Boyce Watkins : Why Tupac Wouldn’t Want to be Alive Right Now

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

The recent spoof claiming that the late Tupac Shakur was killed by Suge Knight got my mind racing back to 1996, the year that Tupac was murdered. Some might say that Tupac was the greatest rapper in history. I don't agree, but then again, my pick for "the greatest" changes with my mood. I can say that I listened to Tupac every morning and found his energy to be contagious. He represented a type of fearlessness, creativity and (most of the time) intelligence that led him to sell 75 million albums worldwide (he makes more money as a dead man than most of us will ever make in life). I am not here to pretend that Tupac was perfect, for he was flawed in quite a few significant ways. But he was certainly a legend and well-ahead of his time.
As we approach 2011, the year that most of us thought would never arrive, I thought I would list some quick reasons that Tupac wouldn't necessarily enjoy being here with us. Sure he would probably rather be alive, but he might be a bit disappointed with what he saw. Let's start from the beginning, shall we?

 

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Fox News - “Michael Vick Should Have Been Executed”

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

Fox News commentator Tucker Carlson followed the company's interesting tradition the other day by making one of the most distasteful and egregious comments in recent media history. Filling in for Sean Hannity, Carlson said that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick should have been executed for dogfighting.

"I'm a Christian, I've made mistakes myself, I believe fervently in second chances," Carlson said. "But Michael Vick killed dogs, and he did in a heartless and cruel way. And I think, personally, he should've been executed for that. He wasn't, but the idea that the President of the United States would be getting behind someone who murdered dogs? Kind of beyond the pale."

 

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