On this episode of When Keeping it Post-Racial Goes (Terribly, Terribly) Wrong: LL Cool J and country singer Brad Paisley have made a song. It’s called “Accidental Racist,” and it is horrific. And mystifying. And accidentally racist.
“Fruitvale,” the buzz-about film chronicling the final days of police shooting victim Oscar Grant, will hit theaters on July 26th, three months earlier than expected, after garnering rave reviews at the Sundance Film Festival.
Members of Congress are calling for an investigation into Jay-Z and Beyonce’s recent, widely-publicized trip to Cuba. Jay and Bey are alleged to have not gotten the proper clearance for the trip, and could face a substantial fine?
The identity of a 4 year-old girl abandoned on a stranger’s doorstep has been solved, due in large part to social media. Over 2 million people re-posted photos of the little girl, eventually leading to a tip that identified her as Zoe Brown.
Beloved anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela has been admitted to a hospital for a lung infection. At 94 years-old, Mandela’s health has steadily declined in recent years. Please join us in keeping Mr. Mandela in your prayers.
Rhymes and Reasons talks to activist and BBU member Jasson Perez about the Hip Hop songs that changed his life: Tupac’s “Keep Your Head Up,” Outkast’s “Rosa Parks,” and how hip-hop’s made him a better father. Listen in at BlackYouthProject.com
According to Chicago Mayor RahmEmanuel, the decision to closeover 50 Chicago public schools was a difficult one, but worth it to ensure that students aren’t trapped in failing schools. Nearly 30,000 students will be affected; most of them African American.
13 year-old “gangsta rapper” Lil Mouse was a performer at a record release party on the city’s South Side that turned into a shootout, leaving at least 7 people injured. What is a 13 year-old doing at a nightclub on a school night?
This Monday, President Obama will designate five new national parks; one will be for the legendary Harriet Tubman.Tubman was an incredible woman, more than deserving of such an honor.
Sandra Arnold, a history student at Fordham University, has created a database that allows participants to mark the burial sites of slaves, thus protecting them from being trampled by time and construction projects. This is a fantastic and vital initiative.
Artist and advocate Yoli Zapata talks to Rhymes & Reasons about the four songs that got her through the toughest of times: R. Kelly featuring Nas with “Did You Ever Think?”, 2Pac’s “Can U Get Away”, Lauryn Hill’s “Doo Wop (That Thing)”, and Aaliyah’s “One in a Million.”
Witnesses say 16-year-old Arrell Monegan was shot while waiting to get a haircut on Saturday in what is believed to be a case of mistaken identity. No arrests have been made. Another tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Arrell Monegan’s loved ones
