Boyce Watkins speaks on AOL – 7/22/09

The Latest

Dr Boyce: Henry Louis Gates and His Arrest at Harvard

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• I don't like our nation's criminal justice system. Every statistic reeks of racism, and the prison ... Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV Black Spin | Comments (2)

Dr Boyce Money: What Can Michael Vick Do Now?

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• Previously, I did a piece on Michael Vick and discussed ways in which Michael can get his ... Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (2)

Are Hip Hop Artists "Bo-Jangling" for the Dough?

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• I was on the phone with an artist in NYC the other day. I asked her why she hasn't released an ... Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV Black Spin | Comments (3)

Dr. Boyce: Michael Vick is Finally Free

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• Michael Vick is finally out of prison. He is not just being transferred from one prison to ... Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV Black Spin | Comments (9)

Dr Boyce Money: Steve McNair's Missing Will

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• My heart was broken when I read about the murder of NFL great, Steve McNair. My heart went out to ... Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (10)

Dr Boyce on AOL – 7/16/09

Dr Boyce: Lil Wayne Is Willing to Murder Newborn Babies?

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• I spent the weekend in New York City doing all the things that a father dreams of doing with his ... Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV Black Spin | Comments (38)

Nicole Spence Moves Beyond her Wendy Williams Experience

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• I've had the chance to interact with Wendy Williams on a regular basis over the past 3 years. ... Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV Black Spin | Comments (1)

Dr Boyce Money: Would You Date Someone Who Has Been Laid Off?

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• Would you date someone who doesn't have a job? Many of us would at least think twice about it. ... Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (20)

Dr Boyce: Bill Cosby's Book Made Money, But Did He Forget Something?

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• Meet Delores Jones. Delores is a talented radio show host and women's empowerment speaker out of ... Read More
• Posted by Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (66)

Dr Boyce – the latest – 7/16/09

• 

  Lessons from Sonia and Barack

  By Dr. Boyce Watkins

  7:50 AM on 07/13/2009

  (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Partisan politics aside, Judge Sonia Sotomayor and President Barack Obama present themselves to the world as middle-aged poster children for everything that can be right in Black and Latino America. I'm not talking about their political achievements...

  > more

• 

  What Obama needs to do in Africa

  By Dr. Boyce Watkins

  8:41 AM on 07/09/2009

  Obama looks on during the G8 Summit (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari) In a recent interview with AllAfrica.com, President Obama said: "I'd say I'm probably as knowledgeable about African history as anybody who's occupied my office. And I can give you...

  > more

• Dumb kids create a bad economy

  By Dr. Boyce Watkins

  8:22 AM on 07/08/2009

  One of my favorite magazines is "The Economist." A recent issue of the magazine had an intriguing article about American kids and how we've essentially prepared them to destroy our nation. National productivity is a grave concern for the U.S.,...

  > more

• 

  BET brainwashing our kids

  By Dr. Boyce Watkins

  9:03 AM on 07/02/2009

  I write this article at the risk of offending my daughters, who are all in the "We think Lil Wayne and Chris Brown were sent by God" age group.

  > more

Does Bill Cosby Have as Much Personal Responsibility as we Think?

by Delores Jones

Recently, I listened to yet another radio debate about the manner in which Bill Cosby talked about the plight of some black people at least 5 years ago.  Economically speaking, I too would be considered one of the working poor in the African American community mentioned, however, some of the words used to describe the behavior associated with this class of people did not fit me or others that I personally know.  In fact, I am a highly, educated single mother with a master’s degree in social work.  I also hold a bachelor’s of  broadcast journalism from the University of Missouri School of Journalism in Columbia, arguably one of the finest J-Schools in the nation.  I’ve been employed, unemployed, underemployed, upset, bewildered, disappointed, depressed and even disgusted.

Interestingly, none of the books I’ve read about “lower economic people” who are believed to be “failing the civil rights movement by not holding up their end of this deal,” invited me or others to the table to discuss individual situations or the people I encounter as a social worker who are simply trying to make this thing called life work the best way he or she knows how.  Just because a school is open does not mean what is being taught is adequate.  Just because there is a hosptial near by doesn’t mean I am welcome there or can afford to be seen there.  In fact, recently I learned that I need a major operation but I don’t have insurance to cover the projected $20,000 cost.  Did I mention, I work full-time?

 

Click to read.

To obtain Delores Jones for a speaking engagement, please contact us with the following information:

1800-934-7110

information@yourblackpublicity.com

Dr. Deborah Stroman: Speaks on McNair, Health and More

 

Dr. Deborah Stroman

Sheeessh! By the news events of the past few weeks, one would have thought that it was time to grab our belongings and head to hills. Can anyone be trusted in this information age of hustle, fast-talk, get-rich deals, and quickie-relationships? Here’s a bit of timeless advice for those desperately seeking peace-of-mind and still holding on in hope for a brighter tomorrow –

1. Don’t seriously date someone that doesn’t have as much as you to lose financially in a relationship (especially if you’re already married). Yes, this tip may appear narrow-minded, elitist, and tough to swallow but the facts reflect reality. Mr. McNair more than likely lost his life not because the alleged killer was not cute enough or highly cultured, but rather she got a taste of the good life that she had never previously experienced. The young lover was not an observable regular in the high-income bracket circle. Her self-defined love and feelings for this once-in-a-lifetime fling would not permit her to let go. She probably rested on the “if I can’t have him, no one else will” sentiment to end their lives tragically. It is highly doubtful that a businesswoman with millions (who was rejected by a rich lover that would periodically spend his mint on her to woo her) would take her own life and risk the chance to meet another stud athlete with bank and street cred.

Click to read more on the black scholars blog.

Dr Boyce on AOL – 7/11/09

Dr Boyce Education: Our Kids are Not Ready for the Future

• I have some questions I'd like to ask all of us in an open and strictly rhetorical kind of ... Read More
• Posted by Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (2)

Dr Boyce Money: Why It Pays to be a Dangerous Negro

• Dangerous Negro is changing the world. A young company founded by strong, intelligent black men, ... Read More
• Posted by Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (6)

Dr Boyce Money: What is the Financial Cost of Racism?

• I recently did an interview with Charlamagne Tha God (posted below) with 100.3 "The Beat" in ... Read More
• Posted by Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (1)

Dr Boyce: The Economic Implications of Obama's Trip to Africa

• President Obama is headed to Africa this week in what appears to be a symbolic, one day visit. ... Read More
• Posted by Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (5)

Dr Boyce: Did Stevie Wonder's Daughter Attempt Suicide?

• MediaTakeout is reporting that the 27-year old daughter of Stevie Wonder (Takiyah) attempted ... Read More
• Posted by Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV Black Spin | Comments (7)

Dr Boyce: My Call From the Obama Administration

• I got a call the other day from someone in the Obama Administration. I get a sense that key ... Read More
• Posted by Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV Black Spin | Comments (59)

Dr Boyce: My Encounter with Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh

• Last week, I received a phone call from the producer for "The Jim Reith Show" here in Syracuse. ... Read More
• Posted by Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV Black Spin | Comments (2)

Michael Jackson Being Attacked: Latest Updates on His Will

• We recently heard about Congressman Peter King referring to Michael Jackson as a "pedophile and a ... Read More
• Posted by Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (13)

Michael Jackson's Will Being Contested Heavily in Court

• We've continuously discussed the financial situation wtih Michael Jackson, as well as that for his ... Read More
• Posted by Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (1)

Dr Boyce Money: Love Investments Matter More than Money

• When I came up with the concept for Financial Lovemaking, I became an intense student of life: I ... Read More
• Posted by Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (7)

Steve McNair's Legacy as an NFL Great: Dr. Deborah Stroman

• Most of us know about the tragic death of NFL great Steve McNair. On this episode of "The Bottom ... Read More
• Posted by Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV Black Spin | Comments (6)

Breaking News: Steve McNair Shot and Killed in Nashville

• Image: Dr Boyce Watkins with Steve McNair in 2004 Media outlets are reporting that former NFL MVP ... Read More
• Posted by Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV Black Spin | Comments (51)

Michael Jackson Update: Celeb Insider Talks about Michael Jackson

• Michael Jackson's financial and family situations are getting more complicated by the second. As we ... Read More
• Posted by Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (4)

Dr Boyce: Rapper Drake Learned Lessons from BET Awards

• Some have seen the discontent I expressed about the most recent BET Awards. But I am not the only ... Read More
• Posted by Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV Black Spin | Comments (51)

Dr Boyce: Congressman Compares NBA Age Limit to Slavery

• I was pleasantly surprised to hear that Congressman Steve Cohen has chosen to take on the NBA's ... Read More
• Posted by Dr. Boyce Watkins, PhD in BV on Money | Comments (15)

Black News: Kids Kicked out of Swimming Pool for Being Black

What is the economic cost of racism?  Children from a predominantly black daycare were kicked out of a white country club pool for no apparent reason.  Some argue that it was because they were black.

Click here to listen!

Dr. Wilmer Leon on Sarah Palin’s Sudden Departure

Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III

On July 3^rd the democratically elected governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin announced that she will not seek re-election as Governor. Effective July 26^th, she will “transfer the authority of governor to Lieutenant Governor Parnell.” Governor Palin is resigning. The woman who tried to convince all of America that she was capable of being just one heart beat away from being the leader of the free world has thrown in the towel. It’s one thing to decide that you will not seek re-election; it’s another to “transfer authority” before the end of your first term. Eighteen months before the end of her first term, the sledding began to get tough and the “musher” quit!

During her acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, Governor Palin tried to belittle then Democratic Party nominee, Senator Obama’s work as a community organizer by saying, “I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a "community organizer," except that you have actual responsibilities.” Apparently, those “actual responsibilities” are no longer relevant. If she is unable to persevere and deliver on her commitment to her constituents in Alaska, how can she be expected to, as she said, “work hard for others who still believe in free enterprise and smaller government; strong national security for our country and support for our troops; energy independence; and for those who will protect freedom and equality and life...?” The hypocrisy is nauseating.

Click to read more on the Black Scholars Blog.

Boyce Watkins: Michael Jackson’s Kids and Their Money

by Dr Boyce Watkins

"Stuntin like my daddy" was the first song on the album, "Like Father, Like Son," issued by Lil Wayne and Birdman in 2006. "Stuntin" is a hip hop term synonymous with "flossing," blinging," and "balling." It means that you've engaged in excessive spending to ensure that you have the finest of everything and are even willing to live at the edge of your means in order to present appropriate status symbols to the world. Anyone who follows hip hop knows that you should never take financial advice from a rapper. In light of the recent passing of their father, I sincerely hope that the children of Michael Jackson didn't hear the Lil Wayne song, since their daddy's financial "stuntin" before his death has left the children with a conflicted economic legacy.

On one hand, we shouldn't feel sorry for Michael Jackson's kids, at least not financially. Their father's amazing talent gives them a brand that is literally worth well over a billion dollars in future royalties and licensing fees. Michael Jackson may have died physically. But financially, he is still a viable and overwhelmingly powerful corporate entity.

Click to read.

Dr Boyce Watkins: What We Can Learn from MJ’s Debt

by Dr. Boyce Watkins

• Janet Jackson honors Michael at BET Awards

Doctor talks to police about Jackson's final moments

Let's remember what Michael did for us

Michael Jackson is not dead. No, he's not on a deserted island chilling with Tupac and Elvis (who some believe faked their deaths), but he is certainly alive in corporate and social spirit, impacting millions of people.

Michael will make 1000 times more money in death than most people make when they are alive. But similar to when he was alive, massive amounts of cash will have to be generated in order to counter the enormous debt that Michael created while he was doing his thing.

Reports have stated Michael Jackson's debt to be as high as half a billion dollars, enough to make some major corporations blush. What's worse is that this debt was not created via a series of sound financial investments: it was conceived by building personal amusement parks, buying rare monkey statues, and rocking his way from one expensive store to the other.

Michael's spending became his addiction. Financial needs could have been what led to him agreeing to do 50 concerts in London this year (a tour he was preparing for just before his death), when he may have not been able to handle one. It was starting to get sad watching Michael perform, similar to watching Muhammad Ali after he'd spent 10 years dealing with Don King. While the 50-year old Michael Jackson may have given a great performance, it would probably be something less than what we've come to expect.

Click to read.

Your Black Legal: Protecting Those who Testify

 

Photo: Elliot Milner, Attorney at Law

Many of us have read about the traumatic beating of a woman in broad daylight in an Oakland beauty salon.  The woman chose not to testify, in part because she feared retaliation from her attackers.  The protection of witnesses is a serious issue and solutions are necessary.  Elliot Milner, an attorney, had this to say:

“This is a complicated issue, and there is no easy solution. Most police departments only provide protection in the most extreme cases, and this is usually a very rare occurrence. I am a proponent of self-help. I'm not speaking about vigilante justice, simply saying that if people in urban(and any other) communities want to make sure that their neighbors who speak out against those who commit crimes are not harmed, then it is necessary for people in the community to take the initiative to let it be known that they will not tolerate harm being done to innocent citizens who simply seek to have those doing wrong held accountable.

I completely understand that is easier said than done. However, community intervention is a must. The police(in Oakland or any other city/town) are not going to protect you. Even if they have the desire to, most police departments do not have the funding or personnel to accomplish that. In several cities, groups of men in urban communities have taken to policing the streets of their neighborhoods. It is imperative that people in the community show that they are not afraid and will not be imprisoned in their own homes, as is the case in some neighborhoods. Also, participating in dialogue with individuals who may be "in the street" or committing crimes is a must. The more you isolate a person or group of people, the more likely they are to react negatively to you.”

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Elliot Millner: Tyler Perry vs. Spike Lee: What’s Really Going on?

by Elliot Millner, JD

Although I realize that we live in the internet-age, which means even the simplest of criticisms can be blown out of proportion, I am disappointed to see how some Black people are unable to intelligently respond to constructive criticism, even when it is not directed at them.

The person who is the latest target of the "He's just a hater" orchestra is none other than renowned filmmaker Spike Lee. In a recent interview that he did with Ed Gordon, Spike dared to criticize some of Tyler Perry's work(specifically Meet the Browns and House of Pain) and made references to the shows as "coonery" and "buffoonery" and compared them to Amos n' Andy.

For the record, let me say that I agree with a lot of what Spike Lee said. Although I liked a couple of the Madea plays that I saw years back(even though I generally have issue with Black men parading around in dresses, even for comedy-but that's another topic), these two shows don't do anything for me. That's just me, and I do realize that comedy is subjective; what's funny to one person is not funny to another. However, any person familiar with the historical 'coonery' and 'buffoonery' that Spike Lee was referring to(reference Bamboozled if you haven't seen it) would be hard pressed to argue his point that some of Tyler Perry's characters do harken back to that era. If "Mr. Brown" isn't the prototypical coon-type character, then what is? This is not to single Tyler Perry out, because there are other examples, and some of them aren't actors(Flavor Flav).

Click to read.

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www.yourblackgossip.blogspot.com

www.yourblackcelebrities.blogspot.colm

www.blackbloggers.wordpress.com

Your Black Attorneys: The Troy Davis Case: Things you need to know

by Elliot Milner, JD.

" I have faced execution and the torment of saying goodbye to my family three times in the last two years and I may experience that trauma yet again; I would not wish this on my worst enemy and to know I am innocent only compounds the injustice I am facing."- Troy Davis, from Georgia's death row, on facing a fourth possible execution date.

For those who are unaware, Troy Davis has been on Georgia's death row for about 18 years, after being convicted of murdering police officer Mark McPhail(Mr. Davis has maintained his innocence from the very beginning).

It would take pages to give all of the details of Troy Davis' case, however I will say that there was no physical evidence found(including a murder weapon) connecting Troy Davis to the killing of Officer McPhail; he was convicted largely on the basis of inconsistent and often contradictory eyewitness testimony. The vast majority of those prosecution eyewitnesses have since recanted or changed their testimony implicating Mr. Davis, and one of those who hasn't is Sylvester Coles, the main alternative suspect presented by the defense during Troy Davis' trial. In addition, there have been multiple allegations of police coercion and the usage of unethical interrogation techniques.

(For additional information on Troy Davis' case, or to get information on how to act, check out www.amnestyusa.org/death-penalty/troy-davis and http://www.troyanthonydavis.org/.).

Troy Davis' ordeal has been going on for nearly two decades now, and is nearing its end, one way or the other. He has had numerous appeals denied(most recently in April 2009), habeas corpus petitions denied, stays of execution granted and expired, and also had one request for clemency denied by the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles(the same board that would decide any future request for clemency regarding Troy Davis).

 

Click to read more on YourBlackAttorneys.

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Dr Boyce: Michael Eric Dyson and Barack Obama Need to Talk

by Dr. Boyce Watkins

When I heard the controversial and heated comments about President Obama that were made by my respected colleague Michael Eric Dyson, I felt like a 2nd grader running outside to see the fight between two middle school kids. Both Barack and Michael are men I've grown to appreciate, and I love them for their strengths as well as their imperfections. Michael was the reason I became a public scholar during graduate school, as I would watch the words flow out of him like an MC in the booth dropping his hottest album. The man is good, damn good.

Barack Obama needs to listen to the words of Michael Eric Dyson. In fact, he should give Dyson as much, or more respect than he gives me or any other black public intellectual in America. Dr. Dyson, no matter how you perceive his critique of President Obama, represents a form of insight that you are not going to find in politics, the pulpit or anywhere else. At the same time, I will confess that his words may also come from an impure place that lies within the darkest part of our souls. In other words, Dyson, Tavis, Barack, Jesse and every other ambitious man in America is always going to be tempted by the "Demon of Playerhaterology". Men are naturally competitive, and no man likes to be disrespected. Obama, as a condition for his employment, is often asked to disrespect other leaders across America who represent the essence of meaningful black thought. That's going to create a long list of enemies.

Click to read more.

Read more Black Politics at www.YourBlackPolitics.Blogspot.com.

Dr Boyce Watkins: America’s Pending Retirement Crisis – Are you prepared?

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Finance Professor at Syracuse University

www.TheGrio.com

I hate to be the bearer of bad news. But then again, it must not bother me very much, since I am going to give you a big pile of bad news right now. Given that I earned a Masters Degree in the "morbid science" of statistics, I figured I would start the day by fulfilling my occupational expectation.

The first piece of bad news is that you are going to die. One day, your heart will stop beating and the 2.5 billion breaths you'll take during your lifetime will come to an end. Hopefully, it won't be painful, but I can't guarantee that. The truth is, however, that death might not be the worst part of it all.

The toughest news is that before you die, you are likely going to experience a long, slow period of physical and psychological decline called "old age". In conjunction with this decline, you are going to see your financial resources dwindle as quickly as the muscles in your body. Not only will the scale of your resources decline, but your expenses will likely mount as you go to one doctor's visit after another, all with the hope of delaying the inevitable. That period of life is called "retirement", and most Americans are not financially prepared for it.

Now that you are sufficiently depressed (there's no point in lying to you, I'm not very good at that), I will give you some facts to chew on. I also hope that in light of these realities, you will engage in something that the rest of America is not doing: preparing for retirement. While retirement planning has always been important in the past, it has never been more important than it is for you right now. The Perfect Economic Storm is coming, one in which all the scary clouds merge together into one big ball of fiscal devastation that can only be created by God himself. When your financial meteorologist (me) gives you that information, it's your decision to get your family prepared. Let's break down the components of the storm, shall we?

 

Click to read more.

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Dr. Wilmer Leon: Sotomayor and America’s Racial Hypocrisy

Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III

Howard University

On Tuesday May 26^th, President Obama nominated federal judge Sonia Sotomayor to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice David Souter. Before the President announced his selection he stated he was not just looking for someone with just “ivory tower learning”; he wanted “intellectual firepower” as well as a “common touch” and a “practical sense of how the world works”. He also used the word “empathy” several times. It did not take long for the critics to weigh in and challenge the nomination.

What is troubling about the criticism is that most of it is intentionally not directed at judge Sotomayor’s record as a jurist and opinions that she has rendered. Most of the criticism is deliberately based upon select statements made in speeches or lectures, as was the case with Rev. Jeremiah Wright. They have been contextualized in the most inflammatory way possible in order to scare white people.

Click to read more on our Black Scholars Blog.

 

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Did Wells Fargo Discriminate? Chris Richardson Breaks it down

Dr. Christopher Richardson

Dr. Christopher Richardson, one of the world’s leading experts on predatory lending and banking, comments on a recent report that Wells Fargo, one of the sponsors of the State of the Black Union event held every year, is being sued by several government agencies due to accusations of financially exploiting and deliberately misleading the Black community.  Dr. Richardson’s comments are below:

Click to read on African American Money.

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Chris Metzler Breaks Down Obama’s New Appointment

Dr. Christopher Metzler

President Obama's nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to be a Justice on the United States Supreme Court has brought to the surface the lingering resentment that so many White men in America have harbored since the end of slavery. Moreover, it has denuded the souls of white folks who have now become part of a race. It has also revived White men as victims and given voice to the intellectually dishonest rhetoric of "reverse" racism while also race-baiting the White House, albeit one headed by a Black man.

Of course, we understand that race is a social construction. That is, there is no biological basis for race. Rather, in the context of the United States, race has been formulated and given meaning by society and the courts who wished to connote difference and the privileges and insults thereto appertaining. That formulation for so much of our history defined Whites as superior and numerical racial minorities as inferior thus justifying different treatment.

First, it is not an understatement to say that many White men in America have opted out of the conversation on race. In fact, in most conversations about race, racial minorities are the ones who are presumed to be affected by racism because of America's toxic relationship with race. White men in particular enjoy the visible and invisible privilege of being both White and male and thus, until now, have seen no reason to be considered part of a "race." 

The White men of whom I write have decided that they will pick the carbuncle of race in an attempt to protect their white privilege at all costs. Hoisting the White man's burden are Rush, Tancredo, Hannity, Dobbs and Gingrich; the "unelected" leaders of the party. The elected leaders (especially those with significant Latino voters) and the languid "head of the party" (Michael Steele) will collude with them by saying nothing.

Click to read more on the Dr Boyce Black Scholar’s Blog.

Dr. Christopher J. Metzler is associate dean at Georgetown University and the author of The Construction and Rearticulation of Race in a Post-Racial America.

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Former NY Yankee Transitions to Business: How He did It

Jason Robertson is a man of many gifts. As an young man, he was an All-American baseball player, drafted by the New York Yankees straight out of high school. He was also listed by Essence Magazine as one of the most eligible bachelors in America for his good looks and success. If that were not enough, Jason retired from baseball and re-invented himself as a leading, award-winning entrepeneur.

Besides being a model of success for his 3 sons and celebrating his engagement to fiance Marshawn Evans, Jason is on a mission to teach other young men how to make the transition from successful athlete to outstanding businessman. Black Voices got a chance to catch up with Jason.

1) What do you do for a living?

I own an industrial packaging company. We sell corrugated boxes, bags, films, pallets, and we also provide warehousing and storage.

Click to read.

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Syracuse University Professor Boyce Watkins Joins NBC

Dr. Boyce Watkins, a Finance Professor at Syracuse University, will be joining NBC to do financial analysis and commentary.  Through various forms of television and online media, Dr. Watkins will do regular financial segments and articles on a variety of financial and socio-political topics. 

One of the financial segments will be "Financial Lovemaking", based on his book "Financial Lovemaking 101: Merging Assets with Your Partner in Ways that Feel Good".  He will also do "The Dr Boyce Breakdown", a segment in which he analyzes complex socio-political issues and breaks them down so that regular Americans can understand them.  This is part of Dr. Watkins' plan for Scholarship in Action, in which he is working aggressively to ensure that all Americans embrace financial literacy and that African Americans find the path to true equality.  Dr. Watkins has been consistently calling for more publicly engaged Black scholarship, so that African American scholars can be on the forefront of controversial issues within the Black community.

In addition to being a faculty member at Syracuse University, Dr. Watkins is a regular contributor to AOL Black Voices, where his column "Dr. Boyce Money" is among the most popular on the website.  AOL Black Voices is the most visited Black news website in America, with 114,000 readers per day.  He also does regular work with NPR, CNN and other media outlets, in addition to scholarly research and teaching.

For more information, please visit www.BoyceWatkins.com.

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Black Scholar News: Dr. Christopher Metzler Analyzes Sotomayor

Dr. Christopher Metzler (Georgetown University) analyzes the appointment of Obama’s new Supreme Court Justice.  Click the image to watch!

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Our Black Finance Expert Breaks Down Obama Legislation

Click the image below to hear what Dr. Boyce Watkins has to say about the new credit card legislation signed by President Barack Obama:

 

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Black Women Speak on Ursula Burns: First Black Female to run a Fortune 500 Company

 

With Ursula Burns being recently appointed as the first Black CEO of a Fortune 500 company, the Black community had a lot to say.  Most importantly, Black women and men in academia, law, and the professional world shine light on various points of view that should be considered as the nation celebrates the achievements of Burns and the Xerox Corporation.

Dr. Julianne Malveaux – President of Bennett College for Women:

“Glass ceilings are shattering and sisters are celebrating this amazing milestone. After the dust clears, let’s focus both on the glass ceiling and the sticky floor that suppresses the wages and salaries of most working women.”

 

Dr. Mary Stoddard, Attorney at Law – Stoddard,  Parks & Associates, PLLC:

“Having the first black female CEO of a Fortune 500 company is greatly past due. The value of a segment of the population that has been the fundamental cornerstone to the growth and development of this country is long due our nation. Because one black female has been bestowed the job, that does not remove the many who are qualified and denied the opportunity because they are a black woman.”

 

Click to read more comments.

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What is the “Wizard of Oz” Syndrome?

by: Lawrence M. Watkins

Last weekend, I had the wonderful opportunity to go home to Louisville and attend the Kentucky Derby. Growing up, I was not allowed to participate in many of the Derby festivities. My father was a Major with the Louisville Metro Police Department and was often over security for the city’s Derby festivities. Because of this task, he was subjected to a lot of foolishness through the years during Derby in order to serve and protect the city’s patrons. Therefore, he insulated me from most of the damaging behavior that comes with having an extra 200,000 people in the Louisville metro area of only 700,000 residents. This year was only my second “true” Derby experience and it was completely different from the Derby with which my father was familiar. I was excited to get the weekend rolling!

As I boarded my plane from Ithaca, NY all I could think about was how much fun I was going to have at all of the VIP events and all of the interesting people I was going to meet. Thanks to an awesome friend, my girlfriend, Kandice, and I were given some box seats to the Derby and tickets to all of the VIP galas. I was afforded the opportunity to spend hours with some of the top entertainers, athletes, and business moguls in the nation. I quickly became disappointed, however, as I transitioned from dreaming about talking to ‘Deity XYZ’ to actually speaking to him in person.

After exchanging small talk for a few minutes, I asked each person one simple question, “What are you passionate about?” My goal was to attain deeper insight on what made them successful. After proposing the question, each individual looked at me for a moment with a perplexed expression. After a much anticipated silence, most of individuals said, “Wow . . . No one has ever asked me that before.” As people answered this question for me throughout the evening, I slowly became saddened and disappointed by their responses. I was shocked by the amount of times I heard “making money”, “ballin’”, and “I have no idea” as simple responses to the question asked of them. I then asked myself a vital question . . . Is there really anything more to life than fast cars, chartered jets, and high class sporting events?

 

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The Power of Entrepreneurship

by Genma Holmes

When I am asked advice about to grow a business, I always reference my experiences at the Black Enterprise Entrepreneur Conference (BEEC). As I plan my business strategies at the beginning of the year, BEEC is always at the top of the must do list. Even when times have been lean, I have managed to find a way to attend the ONLY entrepreneurial conference that helps make me money.

For the last few years, I have been able to get my fellow brothers in the pest control industry to the conference as well. Each passing year, we have become more determined to work together on larger contracts and grow our companies together. What I have learned the most by attending the conferences is the power of collaborating and working together for the greater good. Being in an industry where there are few women in leadership roles and even fewer minorities as key influencers, it is even more evident to me the power of connecting with others who are visionaries and rain makers.

When you are in the presence of those who want to see you succeed, who teach you to think successfully, and who create venues to help you not only network but to close the deal, you are affected in a positive way. You leave the conference WANTING to be successful. And when you are hungry enough and have drive and ambition, you will walk in your destiny no matter what the economic barometer says.

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Get Your Paper Straight: Dr Boyce and George Kilpatrick on the Value of Education

Get Your Paper Straight: Dr Boyce and George Kilpatrick discuss the economic value of education.  Click the image to listen!

 

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Dr Marc Lamont Hill Goes to Columbia University

TEMPLE UNIVERSITY hip-hop scholar Dr. Marc Lamont Hill and I are sitting side-by-side on a Friday-afternoon Acela to Washington where he will be on a too-large panel giving a report card to President Obama.

Hill is Philadelphia's best-known and most visible African-American academic specializing in hip-hop, youth culture and controversial opinions.

The panel, at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, draws about 225 interested citizens, more than 95 percent African-American. Most have grievances about America and no panelist hands Obama a straight A grade. Hill gives him a C.

I take a seat in the back of the fifth-floor hall, one row in front of a Beyonce-beautiful woman in a skin-tight, let's-go-clubbing dress and push-up bra.

 

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