Dr. Boyce to Keynote Black Achievers Banquet this Spring

from Dr. Boyce Watkins 

I'm very excited to find out that I'll be the keynote speaker for the annual Black Achievers banquet in Louisville next spring.  I give about 100 speeches per year, and I must confess that this is the most exciting event in which I've ever participated.  Black Achievers was responsible for saving my life, since they gave me a scholarship to go to college when nobody else would.  If you have a Black Achievers chapter in your city, I encourage you to join.  It makes all the difference in the world.

Why Barack Obama Is Suddenly Noticing Black People

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

Politicians chase votes the way a frat boy chases women.  Also like the frat boy, politicians can have selective memory when it comes to creating a respectable and reciprocal relationship.  They beg for your votes, promise you the world and then promptly disappear until it’s time for re-election.

That’s a bit of what we’re seeing right now from the Obama Administration.  The Obama camp has rarely used the words “black man” or “black woman” in public for the last year, yet they are suddenly hanging in the hood more than the barber and the local drug dealer.  They are holding forums to rally black voters for the mid-term elections and telling black folks to vote as if Obama were on the ballot.

Click to read.

Allen Iverson Goes to Turkey: Another Sad Story of the Black Athlete in America

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

I never thought I'd see the day that Allen Iverson, one of the most talented players in the history of the NBA, would be pushed out of the league like a loaf of moldy bread. "The Answer" left us all full of questions, as most of us really wondered what in the heck happened to his stellar career. This week, Iverson signed a deal to play for a Turkish team called Besiktas (I haven't heard of them either). The 35-year old veteran is likely going to be the star of the team and was given a two-year deal worth $4 million.
"There are a lot of things that I'm not proud of," Iverson said. "I came into this league 21 years old, never having nothing in my whole life and then given everything in the world. I met a lot of people that were bad people that I had around me. I met a lot of people that were good people. I had to at a young age distinguish who were good and who were bad. And I made a lot of mistakes along the way thinking I knew things that I didn't know. A lot of times I was a fish out of water, I thought I was in the biggest ocean in the world. I made mistakes, so me not being on an NBA roster, and me being bad-mouthed throughout the league, a lot of things I have to own up to. A lot of those things were true. I made a lot of mistakes. And obviously it cost me."

 

Click to read.

Award-Winning Filmmaker Makes a Movie About the N-word

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

I had a chance to chat the other day with award-winning filmmaker Dorian Chandler. Chandler is the author of the film "Nigger Nation," which explores the use of the n-word, and why people might think it's O.K. I've always been impressed with Chandler's work and consider her to be the best young filmmaker in America today. Her film has won several awards, including The Emerging Filmmaker Award from the "Women Make Movies," organization and the 2005 Flicker Film Festival Jury Prize.

The n-word is an interesting and perpetually controversial topic within and outside of black America. It is also misunderstood by most of us. First of all, I've never thought of the n-word concept in a singular sense, as there are multiple variations of the word used in casual conversation. There is the word that ends with an "r" and the other version that ends with an "a." Yes, I do believe that the version of the word being used makes a difference. Also, there are a long list of voice inflexions that can change the definition on the spot: If I say "What's up my n*gga!" in a high pitched, enthusiastic voice, that's very different from me twisting my lip, cocking my head to the side and saying "What's up n*gger" in a low, grumbling voice. In the first case I want to hug you, but in the second, you're about to get knocked out.

 

Click to read.

Lawrence Taylor Arrives at the Court House

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

Lawrence Taylor took his first steps into a courthouse yesterday to deal with allegations of sexual assault. Taylor is being accused of third-degree rape and soliciting a prostitute after he allegedly had sex with a girl under the age of 17. Taylor, who is now 51-years old, is accused of paying $300 to have sex with the girl, who was a 16-year old runaway.
Taylor's attorney, Arthur Aidala, says that his client didn't have sex with anyone and that he didn't rape anyone. He also said that he was not likely going to take a plea on the third degree rape charge. A plea on that charge would mean a mandatory 10-year probation, which Aidala says is "ridiculous."

Click to read.

Black Entrepreneurship: The Key to Our Survial

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

In case you didn't know this, one of the things that most people think about every single day is how they are going to make enough money to get by. Life is tough and finding enough money to live can be even tougher. What's worse is that the black community's struggle to build economic institutions and obtain financial security are things that keep us from being truly liberated in a fundamentally and historically racist society. The link between civil rights and economic prosperity was the seminal reason for my book, "Black American Money."
The commitment I made to the black leadership and the audience at the "Measuring the Movement" forum this year (hosted by Al Sharpton and the National Action Network) was to promote the idea of black entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is not just a matter of having your own business. It can also be as simple as finding some extra streams of income in order to obtain critical financial security. In this economy, you have no job security if you've only got one job. You have to find (what I would call) "a side hustle."

 

Click to read.

Kohls Sells a “Ghetto Fab Wig”: Yes, This is Racist

 

Written by Dorian Chandler

 

With Halloween approaching Kohl’s department store rolled our their latest available costumes and wigs. What the hell where they thinking when they decided to roll out this hot ghetto mess entitled “Ghetto Fab Wig.” Kohl’s claims you can “dance the night away in this disco inspired Afro style wig.

Really Kohl’s?

Your wig inspiration came from disco and Afro styles but instead of calling it that you decided to call it “Ghetto Fab?” I’m confused Kohl’s. Can you clarify how this ghetto fab wig got past your production and PC lines? Does Kohl’s consider themselves experts in what’s deemed “Ghetto” Fab a.k.a Black Fab? Oddly enough the model shown wearing the “ghetto fab” wig doesn’t look ghetto or black for that matter (what constitutes “ghettoness” anyway?)

Did Kohl’s one size fits all mantra get them in over their heads?

UPDATE: Kohl’s via twitter was swift to respond to the matter and apologize to each an every person that tweeted them (see below). They did as they said and removed the offensive language and the product as a whole from their site.

 

Click to read.

The Latest from The Invested Life – 10/29/10

 

Chicago:

(video) Tom Forde talks about whether a Roth IRA is right for him, and what he’s learned as he’s researched it:

http://bit.ly/aGO9uC

(text) while Matt Sapaula says that financial security is important, but insuring yourself is every bit as vital:

http://bit.ly/bhh8eC

Portland:

(video) Kathleen Lansing explains why her road to retirement is scary, but it makes the small business owner proud to hear about the value of her life’s work:

http://bit.ly/9XdF7n

(text) While Jenn Meacham looks back on the most important financial lesson she learned, at age fourteen:

http://bit.ly/cY3cUS

Los Angeles:

(video) Lisa and Brandon Schindelheim explain how switching roles taught her about finance, and him about he difficulties in being Mr. Mom:

http://bit.ly/bkM7w5

(text) While Candace says that’s it important to educate not only yourself about finances, but your kids as well:

http://bit.ly/aDm6yX

New York:

(text) Jennifer Sherwood explains why shopping in fancy stores might be a rush, but so is saving money:

http://bit.ly/cAQsyV

(text) While Dr. Boyce Watkins says that you don’t need to have big money to build a portfolio:

http://bit.ly/a4e8YR

Colorado:

(text) Michael Jake is glad to hear that his business has grown enough to start hiring, but has his concerns:

http://bit.ly/ajLbzk

Dallas:

(text) On our show, we’ve seen former NFL star Winfred Tubbs thinking about buying a house. In this new blog, he reveals that he’s had to scrap those plans and live in his condo instead until the real estate market improves:

http://bit.ly/bZNNn6

(text) While Ed Butowsky talks up the value of utility stocks:

http://bit.ly/cQiuZW

Miami:

(text) Suzan McDowell reveals her list of the 10 must-by priorities she can’t live without, and what she learned about herself while compiling it:

http://bit.ly/bWYiX7

(text) While Ben Tobias explains that if you don’t know what’s important to you, you’ll never effectively maximize your happiness:

http://bit.ly/9e6k3c

Pastors Ask Bishop Eddie Long to take an HIV Test

Two pastors, Reuben Armstrong and Prophet H. Walker, have teamed up to plan a rally against Bishop Eddie Long. Both pastors are asking that Long resign from his church, and Armstrong has even gone as far as asking that Pastor Long take an HIV test.
Armstrong is a radio show host and Walker is the pastor of the True Light Pentecostal Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The two plan to rally this weekend in Atlanta. The event is set to take place on October 31 at the state capitol.
Armstrong is the author of the book, "Snakes in the Pulpit," in which he discusses fictional pastors who sleep with men. He now claims publicly that members of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church came to him years ago to discuss Eddie Long's sexual behavior. According to Armstrong, they claimed that Long was sleeping with young men in the church. I am not sure why he's publicly requesting that Eddie Long undergo an HI

Dorian Chandler Digs into the N-Word and What it Means

 

Dorian Chandler (pictured above with Pras from “The Fugees”)  is my favorite filmmaker.  Her film “Nigger Nation,” is an award-winning exploration of the N-word and what it means in black America.  I highly recommend taking a look at the film, which you can view by clicking here.

Juan Williams Defends Fox News Racism

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

Fox News commentator Juan Williams has been in the news quite a bit lately. It started when he was fired from NPR last week for going onto Fox and saying that Muslims on airplanes make him nervous. Apparently, in Juan's world, every Muslim he meets might want to blow him up. I've always wondered how Juan would feel if a white woman said that she believes that every black man she meets (including Juan) wants to mug her. I should probably stop speculating, since Juan might actually agree with that statement.
Fox News took the interesting step of rewarding Juan for his racist rant by giving him a three-year contract reportedly worth a cool two-million dollars. Apparently, racism pays in an allegedly post-racial society. Fox proves the value of racism every day with their record ratings and massive profitability. A small fraction of that dough trickles down to Juan, one of the few black men in America willing to stand up for the network that has rejuvenated racial terrorism in our country.

 

Click to read.

Clarence Thomas Gets Blasted by an Ex-Girlfriend

Justice Clarence Thomas’s ex girlfriend comes forward after almost 20 years

Tea Party Candidate Gets a Little Bit Racist

Al Reynolds, Tea Party Candidate, Says Black Men Prefer Selling Drugs to Education

1:40 PMOct 27

Source: BV Black Spin

Illinois State Senate candidate Al Reynolds (pictured) is in hot water, after making some comments about black men that even his fellow Republicans have found to be quite offensive. When asked about black men going to college, Reynolds had this to ... Read More

Baracka Flocka Flame Video: Ignorance at It’s Finest

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

When I was asked my thoughts about a YouTube video spoof of Barack Obama rapping the song "Hard in Da Paint," by Atlanta-based rapper Waka Flocka Flame, I didn't quite know what to say. Knowing what I know about Waka Flocka Flame, I figured that the spoof would be a reflection of the kind of ignorance that seems to breed itself in modern day hip hop. I also expected that the video might consist of insulting depictions of President Barack Obama in an environment that involved weed, liquor, half naked women and maybe a gun or two. For some reason, there are people who seem to think that this represents everything about being black in America.
After seeing the spoof, I can only say that I was right. The video throws together a bunch of twisted lyrics being recited by an Obama look-alike who keeps telling us that he's "the head of state n*gga." The lyrics aren't exactly creative and the video is short of inspirational to anyone. But it has gotten tens of thousands of views on YouTube, which means that somebody out there likes it.

 

Click to read.

Family of DJ Henry Calls for Attorney General to Investigate Shooting

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

The shooting of Pace University football player DJ Henry has been the source of tremendous controversy. Henry was shot by police ten days ago outside a local bar in Thornwood, NY. The 20-year old college student was parked in a No Stopping zone when an officer allegedly tapped on his window, telling him to move. According to police, Henry hit two police officers when moving his car, prompting officers to respond with gunfire.
At the time, police were responding to a fight that occurred outside the bar, and Henry was not involved in any illegal activity.
Henry's parents, Angela and Danroy Henry, are asking that Attorney General Eric Holder investigate the shooting, as they do not trust that local law enforcement has been unbiased in their investigation. Someone from inside the police force leaked Henry's blood alcohol level to the media, which was reportedly above the legal limit. This contradicts accounts by others that Henry was the designated driver for the group with whom he was traveling.

 

Click to read.

NCAA Wants to Fine Its Players

NCAA Wants to Fine Players Who Get Extra Benefits

12:45 AMOct 26

Source: BV on Sports

The NCAA is working with various groups to find ways to keep college athletes from receiving benefits from sports agents. Most recently, there have been proposals put forth that would fine players for violating the rules. The penalties may even ... Read More

Come to Our New York Event on Black Relationships

 

Click to read more about it

Dr. Boyce: Racism is a Black Occupational Hazard

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

Most of us know Hanes Brands as the company that has Michael Jordan peddling underwear. The company is also responsible for other leading brands such as Champion sports apparel and Playtex, among others.

The company is now in the middle of controversy after an African American employee, Yunusa Kenchi, filed suit for discrimination. An embarrassing email has allegedly surfaced in which Kenchi was referenced using the n-word. The employee has taken the case public, and Hanes has yet to respond.

 

Click to read.

Juan Williams Firing from NPR Is Simply Poetic Justice

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

It wasn't a terrorist attack, but there was an explosion. The explosion occurred in my email inbox when a slew of associates forwarded me emails about NPR firing Juan Williams for his disparaging remarks about the Islamic community. Many of my friends remembered two years ago, when Juan and Bill O'Reilly went through a lot of trouble to have me fired from Syracuse University. Their ridiculous stunt stretched over several shows, as they worked to paint me as the most racist black man in America. The attack was a personal retaliation by O'Reilly for the fact that I asked theYour Black World Coalition to boycott O'Reilly's corporate sponsors after we grew tired of their attacks on Michelle and Barack Obama. I stand by every single word I said about both Juan Williams and Bill O'Reilly, so to put it in layman's terms, "Ain't a damn thing changed."

Click to read.

Single Moms Getting Hammered During the Recession

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

NYU’s Women of Color Policy Network recently released a report citing some disturbing trends in the economic status of single mothers of color. Basically, the report shows that women of color have a median net worth of zero. Yes, you heard that correctly, nearly zippo in the bank account, and maybe a little bit of debt.

The numbers compare with a net worth of $25,000 for single fathers of all races, and a net worth of $6,000 for white single moms. Young single moms are in the worst shape, with more than half of the moms under 40 having zero or negative net worth.

 

Click to read.

CNN’s Almight Debt

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2010/09/23/inam.trailer.almighty.debt.cnn

Documentary Clips

CLIP#1
CNN.com URL http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2010/10/05/inam.almighty.debt.clip1.cnn
SHORT URL http://on.cnn.com/cHsGQR
CLIP #2
CNN.com URL http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2010/10/05/inam.almighty.debt.clip2.cnn
SHORT URL http://on.cnn.com/aAYp0W
CLIP #3
CNN.com URL http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2010/10/05/inam.almighty.debt.clip3.cnn
SHORT URL http://on.cnn.com/9RKoRK

CLIP #4
CNN.com URL http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2010/10/06/inam.almighty.debt.clip4.cnn
SHORT URL http://on.cnn.com/bDH99C
CLIP #5
CNN.com URL http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2010/10/06/inam.almighty.debt.clip5.cnn
SHORT URL http://on.cnn.com/9L9cd5
CLIP #6
CNN.com URL http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2010/10/06/inam.almighty.debt.clip6.cnn
SHORT URL http://on.cnn.com/bYEDlA
CLIP #7
CNN.com URL http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2010/10/06/inam.almighty.debt.clip7.cnn
SHORT URL http://on.cnn.com/9biKix
CLIP #8
CNN.com URL http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2010/10/06/inam.almighty.debt.clip8.cnn
SHORT URL http://on.cnn.com/cAVC4n

Townhall clips

CLIP#1

Should pastors provide financial advice?

http://on.cnn.com/dgDg5h

CLIP #2

Sources of the wealth gap

http://on.cnn.com/c4uUvF

Townhall Photos

http://imftp.turner.com/User/ImageListing.aspx?f=19dp

Dr. Boyce Watkins on Twitter – 10/19/10

To follow Dr. Boyce on Twitter, please visit Twitter.com/DrBoyceWatkins1

 

1. It's in the Patterson Office Tower, room 21316 minutes ago via web
2. For anyone who lives near the University of Kentucky, I'll be on a panel on race and sports Thursday at 3:30 and again at 8:20.17 minutes ago via web
3. Rapper TI gets dumped by Axe Body Spray:http://tinyurl.com/2cm3kuwabout 2 hours ago via web
4. Six reasons that the black woman's body is sacred:http://tinyurl.com/2uwll4babout 3 hours ago via web
5. Magic Johnson finally sells his stake in the Lakers:http://tinyurl.com/2cfj2v8about 8 hours ago via web
6. A deputy was asked to resign at the jail where the deaths occurred last week - perhaps our protest worked: http://tinyurl.com/38hrrkjabout 10 hours ago via web
7. My interview with Rev. Al Sharpton is here:http://tinyurl.com/34gwphoabout 18 hours ago via web
8. The shocking album cover of Kanye West: what does it really mean? http://tinyurl.com/374mlww7:22 PM Oct 18th via web
9. Rev. Sharpton and I are on his radio show right now -sharptontalk.net3:22 PM Oct 18th via web
10. Popular Facebook apps found to be selling private user information: http://tinyurl.com/28lh6r82:46 PM Oct 18th via web
11. Tyra Banks sued by the mother of a teen sex addict:http://tinyurl.com/2bakbpa12:08 PM Oct 18th via web
12. Insight into the real Boyce Watkins: http://tinyurl.com/28ce3b76:33 PM Oct 17th via web
13. Democrats spend to try to get the black vote: Why Should we listen now? - http://tinyurl.com/263q7r210:30 AM Oct 17th via web
14. Don't let the criminal justice system kill your sons:http://tinyurl.com/3x3molx10:22 PM Oct 16th via web
15. I'll be on in the morning with Rev. Jesse Jackson - his show affiliate are listed at Keephopealiveradio.com8:43 PM Oct 16th via web
16. Have race relations gotten worse under Obama? Sharpton and I discussed that this week: http://tinyurl.com/29awh2y8:42 PM Oct 16th via web
17. Poll says race relations have gotten worse under Obama:http://tinyurl.com/39brvg811:32 AM Oct 15th via web
18. Would you vote for a candidate with the name "Rich Whitey"?http://tinyurl.com/26z7fts7:37 PM Oct 14th via web
19. Black America must outgrow the Jay-Z business model:http://tinyurl.com/2bmlrmx12:30 PM Oct 14th via web
20. Obama invites black bloggers to the White House. Why I am HAPPY not to go: http://tinyurl.com/2vswjvq11:34 PM Oct 13th via web

Magic Johnson Sells Lakers Stake: His Life Has Been Extraordinary

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

Magic Johnson has officially put an end to an important era of professional sports. Johnson, a long-time staple in the stands at Los Angeles Lakers games, is no longer an owner of the team. TMZ is reporting that while riding his private jet, Johnson signed a deal to sell his five-percent stake in the team for a cool $35 million.
The Lakers are the most valuable team in the NBA with a 2010 market value of $607 million. Johnson is also a valuable commodity himself, with a net worth estimated at half a billion dollars. This is the latest move in a series of impressive business decisions made by the NBA Hall of Famer.
I still remember that day 18 years ago when Magic Johnson announced on national television that he was HIV positive. I was standing in my dorm room with my two roommates and my girlfriend, who was in tears. She didn't know a lot about sports, but she certainly knew about Magic Johnson. It was a sad day for all of us, since we were counting the days until Magic would move on to the afterlife.

 

Click to read.

Our Protest Worked: Deputies Forced to Resign for Abusing Power

 

 

From Dr. Boyce:  I am hopeful that this is evidence that our protests last week at the county jail was successful:

 

 

Two Onondaga County sheriff’s deputies have been suspended or forced to resign in recent weeks following unrelated investigations into misconduct allegations.

Anthony Gorgoni, a deputy for 18 years, was suspended without pay three weeks ago for violating the sheriff’s use-of-force policy, Sheriff Kevin Walsh said. The allegations involve an inmate at the Justice Center jail, Walsh said.

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Alexander Nicholson, a deputy for eight years, resigned Friday when he was confronted with allegations stemming from an investigation by the sheriff’s abused-persons unit, Walsh said. That investigation is continuing, he said.

“I can only say we received the allegations, we brought him in, we confronted him with the allegations and he chose to resign,” Walsh said.

He said he could not be more specific about the allegations because the investigation is open. If they’re substantiated, they would be criminal, he said.

 

Click to read

Dr. Boyce and Al Sharpton Discuss the Relationship between the Black Community and the Democratic Party

 

Click to listen to Al Sharpton and Dr. Boyce Watkins discuss whether or not African Americans should go out and support the Democrats in the mid-term elections.  You can listen by clicking here.

16-Year Old Chooses HBCU Over Harvard

 

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

When I heard about 16-year old Ralph Jones Jr. choosing Florida A&M University over Harvard, I didn't even flinch. In fact, the words "woopty damn doo" came to mind. Those words were not chosen because I didn't appreciate the enormity of Jones' achievements, but rather, it was because most of us already know that many HBCUs are better than schools like Harvard and Yale. They are certainly better for African American students in almost every context.
The imaginary mystique of schools like Harvard and Yale effectively exists because these schools got a huge head start on HBCUs as it relates to access to resources and the establishment of legacy. In fact, many of these institutions were founded at a time when it was illegal for slaves to learn how to read. So today, Ivy League universities have endowments in the billions, while many HBCUs can barely pay the light bill.

 

Click to read.

Kanye West Album Cover: Is This Man in Trouble?

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

Like many other people across America, I found myself googling like crazy to see a picture of the new album cover issued by the great Kanye West. Well, I use the word "great" to describe West for a few reasons. First, he's made it clear that he sees himself as the greatest artist of all time. Secondly, many of his fans think he's the greatest. Third, he's certainly had the kind of impact on music and culture that only a great artist can produce. Therefore, he certainly fulfills the definition of greatness, at least in my mind. But that doesn't mean I like him.
Great artists are rarely well-behaved, and Kanye is certainly no exception. His music changes at the drop of a hat, with Kanye taking creative risks that sometimes cause many of his fans jump ship. He's also said some of the most random things in live venues, including his challenge to Taylor Swift during the MTV Music Video Awards. We also can't forget when West disappeared from NBC for years after telling George W. Bush (and the rest of the country) that Bush doesn't care about black people. I applauded when Kanye went after Bush, I shook my head in shame when he attacked Taylor Swift. So, like the rest of you, my perception of Kanye is certainly mixed, which is probably the way he wants it.

 

Click to read.

Who is Dr. Boyce Watkins: The Inside Story

Q: What do you stand for?

A: I stand for fairness and doing what is right.  I am not a Finance Professor who happens to be black, I am a black man who happens to be a Finance Professor.  There is a great deal of inequality in America that runs along racial lines.  This is due to the fact that our country has built a 400 year social, financial and educational infrastructure that promotes the advancement of one group over the other.  It is my job as a public scholar to challenge this imbalance and work to find solutions to these problems.  My primary tools of choice are education and economic empowerment.  I work hard to teach youth, especially African Americans, the value of being highly educated and the additional value that comes from becoming Financially independent and empowered. Those were the choices that changed my life and gave me the freedom and strength to express myself honestly, creatively and (some think) intelligently.

I also want to challenge the NCAA to rethink the way it treats college athletes.  As a Finance Professor, I am not sure how we can justify earning millions for our coaches and administrators,  while allowing the sources of labor (the athletes) and their families to live in poverty.  This is wrong and unAmerican, for capitalism should give us the rights to freely negotiate our wages.  When we engaged in our campaign on CNN, ESPN and CBS to challenge the actions of the NCAA, people thought I was trying to attack them.  The truth is that I don't enjoy attacking anyone, I only want to fight for fairness.  One thing that my students have always said about me (whether they love me or hate me) is that I am fair.  I call it for what it is.

---

Q: Your work can be controversial, why do you do it?

A: I ask myself that question every single day!  Personally, I believe that the role of the black scholar in America is to work hard to uplift our communities.   Our intellect is needed, and in addition to engaging in scholarly research that lies in dusty academic journals, we should become active in our communities and throughout the world.  I believe strongly in the concept of Scholarship in Action.  The thing about Scholarship in Action is that it requires the combination of intellect, creativity, curiosity, commitment, passion and courage that stands at the root of all true genius.  I do not consider myself a genius, but I wake up every day thinking "I am one day closer to my last day on this earth.  How can I get the best return on my investment?"  That is what keeps me going.

Click to read more.

Democrats Try to Appeal to Black Voters: Should They Listen?

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

I was on the radio this morning with Rev. Jesse Jackson, Dr. Marc Lamont Hill (Columbia University Professor and host of "Our World with Black Enterprise"), Regina Thomas (former Secretary of the Commonwealth for the State of Virginia) and Charles M. Blow from the New York Times. One of the issues that came up is the fact that the Democratic Party is spending as much as three million dollars to shore up the black vote before the mid-term elections. Apparently, they suddenly realize that black voters exist, and I wouldn't be surprised if black voters disappear from their memories again after the elections are over. By ignoring key issues in our community and suddenly appealing to black voters when it's time to protect their power, the Democrats are coming off as frat boys who show up to a girl's house when it's time to get naked.
One of the profound points being made by Dr. Hill (which I backed up immediately) was the fact that the Democrats, in their appeal to black voters, have not taken the time to establish any kind of trade-off with our community. There's been no consistent effort to directly address massive black unemployment, excessive numbers of foreclosures, disparities in the educational system, mass incarceration or any of the other issues that matter to us. Now, for some reason, the Democrats think that African Americans will forget that they've been forgotten.

 

Click to read.

Have Race Relations Gotten Worse Under Obama?

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

A recent Rasmussen Poll has revealed some interesting information about the state of black-white relations in America. According to the poll, only 36 percent of Americans think that race relations between blacks and whites are getting better. This number is down dramatically from 62 percent last year at the time of the Henry Louis Gates debacle.
The study also says that 27 percent of respondents say that race relations are getting worse, which is a 10 percent increase since July 2009. Another 33 percent of Americans think that relations are about the same.
As usual, whites and blacks don't view race relations in the same way, with African Americans being much less optimistic than whites. A full 39 percent of whites think relations are getting better, while only 13 percent of African Americans agree with that assessment.

 

Click to read.

1 in 22 African Americans Will be Infected by HIV

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

More “good” news from the Center for Disease Control:  African Americans have a 1-in-22 chance of catching HIV in their lifetimes.  This is eight times the rate for white Americans.  Of course the numbers are no surprise, given that HIV is already spreading quite rapidly through our community.   This confirmation from the CDC is simply another depressing reminder of the risks of irresponsible sex.

Obviously, sex is as natural as breathing, given that it’s the reason we even exist in the first place.  But the power of sex must also be respected, and some of us grow up in a culture where casual sex is considered the norm and the pursuit of good sex is worthy of being a lifelong endeavor.  While I am certainly not here to judge, perhaps we should consider a few thoughts:

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TI Gets 11 Months in Prison

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

The rapper T.I. appeared in court today, pleading with the judge not to send him back to prison. The artist faced five to 11 months in prison for violating the terms of his probation after being caught in possession of illegal narcotics. He and his wife Tameka "Tiny" Cottle were arrested last month, with the arrest taking over national headlines for several days.
T.I. (a.k.a. Clifford Harris Jr.) told the judge that he needs help for drug addiction instead of incarceration. The U.S. Attorney's Office, however, is asking that the artist spend two years in prison. The media was not allowed into the courtroom during the hearing, at the request of the judge.

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Sexual Harassment Suit Filed Against Eddie Long’s Church: Yes, that’s the Sixth Suit This Month

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

A woman who was once employed by the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is suing, alleging that other employees retaliated against her when she complained about being sexually harassed. Tama Colson filed suit in the U.S. District Court of North Georgia, with the suit asking for unspecified damages.
Colson says that another employee showed her a picture of a penis on a cell phone. She says that when she complained about the incident, other employees retaliated against her. She is claiming that the church is responsible for the harassment she experienced, as well as the retaliation and emotional distress.
"New Birth has a strict policy against sexual harassment that requires employees to report the complaint within 48 hours of the abuse," Long and church spokesman Art Franklin told CNN.
"Tama Colson's complaint allegedly happened in October of 2009," the statement said. "Although, Tama Colson was aware of the New Birth sexual harassment policy she did not make her complaint known to New Birth authorities until August of this year. New Birth moved swiftly to launch an investigation that is ongoing.”

 

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Dr Boyce and Al Sharpton ask if Obama Has Hurt Race Relations in America

 

Dr. Boyce Watkins and Rev. Al Sharpton ask whether or not President Obama should be accused of helping or hurting race relations – listen by clicking here.

Candidate’s Name Spelled “Rich Whitey” on Ballot

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

The Green Party candidate for governor of the state of Illinois is a man by the name of Rich Whitney. Unfortunately, if you take one letter out of his name, you turn him from a serious candidate into a serious joke.
That's what happened to Whitney this week, when his name was misspelled as "Rich Whitey" on voting machines in almost two dozen wards in the city of Chicago. Even worse is the fact that the wards are in predominantly African American neighborhoods.

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