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Oldest Black Church in Georgia Now Facing Foreclosure

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

 

The oldest black church in DeKalb County had to recently shut its doors after facing foreclosure proceedings on its building. Flat Rock Community Church is 150 years old. According to Binita Miles, a senior pastor, the church is now having to deal with significant financial problems as a result of declining membership.
The church's mortgage is $6,500 and parishioners are now meeting in a local elementary school.


The challenges being faced by Flat Rock are being felt nation-wide. Quite a few black churches have found themselves to be victims of the recent foreclosure crisis and are working to find a way to pay the bills. African Americans at large were disproportionately impacted by the economic downturn and many of us are on the brink of homelessness. Not only do African Americans have the highest unemployment rates in America, we have less wealth to fall back on in the event of economic problems.

 

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Your Black News – 12/31/10

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Why Tupac Wouldn’t Want to be Alive Right Now

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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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Scott Sisters Finally Free – Have to Share Kidney as Condition of Release

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

 

 

Jamie and Gladys Scott have sat behind bars for nearly two decades over a robbery that netted just $11 dollars. The two women also dispute the fact that they even participated in the robbery, and many wondered if there were political motivations behind the magnitude of their original sentence. But the Scott sisters, who are 36 and 38 years old, were released this week when Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour suspended their sentences indefinitely.
The sisters were given two life sentences in 1994 when they allegedly ambushed a man, hitting him in the head with a shot gun and making off with $11 dollars. Nancy Lockhart, an activist, fought tirelessly for the women to be released, and there were rallies held in Mississippi on their behalf. She was finally successful when the governor made the decision to release them.
One interesting aspect of the release conditions for the Scott sisters is that they are actually required to share a kidney or will be asked to come back to prison. While bizarre as a request, this doesn't seem to be a problem, given that Gladys offered to share her kidney with her sister. Governor Barbour cited the high cost to the state of Jamie's kidney condition (she has complete kidney failure), and also noted that he doesn't feel that the sisters are a threat to public safety.

 

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Keith Olbermann Says that Fox News is “100% Bullshit”

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

MSNBC anchor Keith Olbermann went out of his way to take the war with Fox News to an entirely different level the other day. On his Twitter account, Olbermann repeatedly tweeted the words "Fox News is 100% Bullsh*t." He also spent much of his time specifically aiming at Fox News host Bill O'Reilly, stating that "I don't have as much hate or as many lies in me as O'Reilly."
Olbermann's latest stunt surely pleased most of his fans, many of whom hate Fox News as much as he does. I personally appreciate the candor of Olbermann's comments, and it's hard to disagree with him. The truth is that Fox News disrespects the entire concept of journalistic integrity and represents a part of America that many thought had disappeared long ago.
I am especially appreciative toward Olbermann for defending me in the past when Bill O'Reilly spent an entire week on his show trying to get me fired from Syracuse University. Olbermann rightly pointed out that O'Reilly used lies to attack me, and provided the quote to prove it. Olbermann's efforts didn't really work, however, as many of my Syracuse colleagues were so spooked by O'Reilly's electronic terrorism that I spent the next two years dealing with underhanded shenanigans from scholars who share O'Reilly's disdain for African American scholarship.

 

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TASHA SMITH IS NOW MARRIED

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*Surprise, surprise! Actress Tasha Smith decided to “secretly” tie the knot this month.
Smith, 39, married her fiancé, entrepreneur Keith Douglas in the living room of their L.A. home after announcing their engagement six months ago.

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KANYE MAKES AN APPEARANCE IN KIM’S MUSIC VIDEO

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*Kanye West has reportedly filmed a cameo in a music video for Kim Kardashian’s forthcoming debut album.

According to TMZ, Hype Williams is directing the clip, and reportedly  “spent hours working with Kim and Kanye during a secret closed set shoot.

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CHRIS BROWN GOES IN ON RAZB ON TWITTER

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*Chris Brown and former B2K member Raz B got in a nasty Twitter fight yesterday over comments having to do with Rihanna and Halle Berry.

According to TMZ, the whole thing started when Raz tweeted Brown, “Im just sittin here Thinking how can n**gas like [Eric Benet] and [Chris Brown] disrespect women as Intelligent as Halle Berry, Rihanna.”

Brown immediately responded, “n**ga you want attention! Grow up n**ga!!! Dick in da booty ass lil boy.”

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Pastor Allegedly Burglarizes the Home of Her Parishioner

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

A Dallas pastor was arrested after she was accused of breaking into the home of one of her parishioners. The woman under suspicion is Sandra McGriff, a prominent pastor at The Church of the Living God. McGriff was held on suspicion that she burglarized the home of Serita Agnew, one of the members of her church.
McGriff was seen coming out of the house with fur coats after the kitchen window had been broken. A neighbor also claims that they saw a laptop and three purses in her blue Jaguar. When police called the owner of the home, it was determined that she had not given McGriff permission to enter. Adding to the suspicion was that Agnew spoke with McGriff shortly before the alleged robbery, telling her that she was going to be out of the house visiting her daughter.

 

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Fox News Commentator Says Michael Vick Should Have Been Executed

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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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BEYONCE MADE 87 MILLION DOLLARS THIS YEAR: 2010’S HIGHEST MUSICIAN

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Beyoncé’s estimated earnings of $87 million this year were enough to make her the highest-ranking musician on Forbes’ list of Hollywood’s 20 Highest Earners of 2010.

The R&B/pop star ranks at No. 9. on the list overall, while the No. 2-highest earning musician Britney Spears comes in at No. 13 overall with $64 million netted over the past year. Lady Gaga was the third highest earning musician, and ranks No. 14 overall with $62 million earned.

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BEST BLACK BOOKS OF 2010

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*1.        The Grace of Silence: A Memoir

by Michele Norris

Quite frankly, this heartbreaking memoir in which the author wistfully recounts her family’s quiet and dignified way of dealing with racism and discrimination, moved me to tears. NPR’s Michele Norris describes lives painfully limited by the color line, including a litany of humiliations endured by relatives well before she was born, such as the indignities suffered by her maternal grandmother while employed by Quaker Oats as a traveling Aunt Jemima.

Particularly poignant is the painstaking lengths Michele goes to resurrect the besmirched name of her late father. For following his honorable discharge from the military after serving in World War II, he’d returned to his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, reasonably believing he’d earned the right to vote by fighting for his country.

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WILLOW SMITH TELLING DAD TO MOVE OVER

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Willow Smith is making her mark in the industry and is possibly putting her personal touch to an old school track.

She’s thinking about remaking her daddy’s original “Parents Just Don’t Understand” which she thinks is a suitable song for her style and audience.

In an interview with Yahoo Music, the young star shared her thoughts about her career.

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BERRY GORDY SAYS “TINA MARIE WAS MY BABY”

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Teena Marie sings to Motown founder Berry Gordy at a 50th anniversary celebration of Motown October 20, 2007 in Detroit.

*Berry Gordy, whose Motown Records released Teena Marie’s first four albums, released a statement Monday reflecting on his relationship with the soulful R&B standout, who died in her sleep Sunday of apparent “natural causes.”

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SHAQ FINED 35,000 DOLLARS: FOR CALLING REFS ”CONTROL FREAKS”

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Boston Celtics center Shaquille O'Neal (C) holds onto the ball as Orlando Magic forward Brandon Bass (R) goes for the ball during the first half of NBA basketball action in Orlando, Florida December 25, 2010.

*The NBA fined Celtics center Shaquille O’Neal $35,000 today for public comments about the officiating following Boston’s 86-78 Christmas Day loss to the Magic in Orlando.

According to ESPNBoston.com, O’Neal fouled out in only 13 minutes of playing time and sounded off after the game.

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JAY-Z SPENT 350,000 DOLLARS FOR CHRISTMAS ON HIS WIFE BEYONCE

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*Jay-Z reportedly rolled through the Hermès store in New York City on Christmas Eve and dropped $350,000 on Birkin bags and other gifts for his wife, Beyonce Knowles.

A spy tells the New York Post’s Page Six, “Jay was in a private room of Hermes doing last-minute shopping. He had a guard standing watch outside. He spent $350,000 on Birkin bags, among other things.”

The pricey status bag starts at

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TYLER PERRY GIVES BACK

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*Entertainment mogul Tyler Perry is bringing a Christmas miracle to an Atlanta area grandmother who recently lost her home in a fire.
Rosa Lee Ransby and her 4-year-old great-granddaughter escaped a fire Tuesday in her Coweta County, Ga., home, according to the AP.

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JESSE JACKSON JR SAYS “IM A PUBLIC SERVANT NOT A PERFECT ONE”

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*In an interview with The Associated Press, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who has largely avoided the public eye of late, said he is a public servant, not a perfect one, and didn’t rule out a future run at higher office.

Jackson, who has been dogged by links to the corruption case against former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and questions about his own relationship with a female “social acquaintance,” says he continually struggles with his “personal shortcomings.”

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OBAMA CALLS EAGLE’S OWNER TO SAY CONGRATS FOR MICHEAL VICK

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According to King, the president said that released prisoners rarely receive a level playing field and that Vick's story could begin to change that.

Forget your political allegiances or feelings about Michael Vick and take a step back to think about this. The sitting president of the United States went out of his way to publicly praise a man who, 3 1/2 years ago, many thought would never play again in the NFL. Even the most ardent believers in Vick couldn't have fathomed a turn-around like this.

In retrospect it seems obvious that Vick would get a second chance in the NFL, but it wasn't so clear-cut back when he was lying to the commissioner, getting sternly admonished in federal court and serving out a sentence at Leavenworth. read more click here

R.I.P TINA MARIE: DIES AT AGE 54

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Teena Marie's last album, "Congo Square," was titled after a historical meeting place for slaves in New Orleans, featured a tribute to Martin Luther King's widow and also song "Black Cool," written for President Barack Obama.

No matter that Marie, 54, was white. The R&B legend revered and fully immersed herself in black culture — and in turn was respected and adored by black audiences, not only for her immense soulful talents, but for her inner soul as well.

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GAME SHOW LOSERS ACTUALLY WON: CORRECT ANSWER

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*The couple who lost $800,000 on a Fox game show — despite giving the right answer — has been invited back for a second try, but have yet to decide if they’ll return.

On a Dec. 20 episode of new game show “Million Dollar Money Drop,” contestants Gabe Okoye and Brittany Mayti bet $800,000 on the question: which product was sold in stores first, the Macintosh computer, the Post-It Note or the Sony Walkman?

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CNNSI Writer Says Terrelle Pryor Should Go Pro

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

In an interesting article for CNN/Sports Illustrated, writer Andy Staples lays out some compelling arguments regarding why Ohio State University quarterback Terrelle Pryor should leave behind the chains of the NCAA and find his way to the NFL. He says the same for four other Ohio State players,Boom Herron, DeVier Posey, Mike Adams and Solomon Thomas, who are expected to serve a five game suspension next season for selling some of their gear exchange for a little cash and free tattoos. Staples argues that the NCAA is exploiting these young men by punishing them for making money off their own names and images, even though the NCAA earns money from the very same images.


"Go pro. Do it immediately after the Sugar Bowl. Play the game, take a shower, and sign with the agent of your choice. Then go drink a Hand Grenade at Tropical Isle to celebrate," Staples said. "You can go to the NFL or the CFL or the UFL, where you'll be paid when someone profits from your name or likeness. You'll be fairly compensated for your contribution to your team's gross revenue. Should you benefit from your notoriety, you won't be punished."

 

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Black News from Your Black World - 12/27/10

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OBAMA & FAMILY SPENDING CHRISTMAS IN THE SUN

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*A politically rejuvenated President Barack Obama arrived in Hawaii late Wednesday for an 11-day family vacation in his home state.
Air Force One touched down shortly before midnight local time. The president headed to the rented oceanfront home in Kailua Bay where his wife, Michelle, daughters Malia and Sasha, and dog Bo have been vacationing since Saturday.

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OPRAH SAYS “AMERICAN ARE TOO SMART TO VOTE PALIN INTO THE WHITEHOUSE”

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*An extensive Q&A with Oprah Winfrey is featured in this Sunday’s Parade magazine, where the daytime queen discusses everything from her new cable venture to supporting Obama, to her thoughts on Sarah Palin –specifically whether or not the thought of a Palin presidency scares her.

“It does not scare me because I believe in the intelligence of the American public,” Oprah answered.

Read more excerpts from Oprah’s Parade’s cover story below.

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STEVE HARVEY THE NEWEST LATEST “RELATIONSHIP GURU”

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*The NY Times has done a piece on Steve Harvey. With all of his accomplishments over the years and now his recent turn as an author and “relationship guru,” the title of the piece asks if he’s a “Multimedia King?”

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OJ Mayo – Check Yo Daddy

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OJ Mayo's Dad Charged with Attempted Murder, Crack Possession

1:09 PMDec 25

Source: BV on Sports

Memphis Grizzlies star OJ Mayo got an unpleasant surprise this Christmas when his father was charged with attempted murder and crack possession, among other things. Mayo's father, 39-year old Kenneth Maurice Ziegler, allegedly hit a police officer ... Read More

Your Black News – 12/25/10

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Dr. Boyce Video: Black Economic Empowerment

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Dr. Boyce Watkins on AOL Black Voices: Economic Prosperity

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

Zachary Rinkins is serious about money. He's been running a very popular financial blog for the past several years, and has positioned himself as one of the most respected financial bloggers in the black community. I love what Zachary is doing because he reflects a generation of young people who are interested in seeing themselves empowered through economic success.

 

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KERI HILSON VIDEO TOO SEXY FOR THE YOUNG LADIES

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*In her latest video for “The Way You Love Me,” Keri Hilson plays B.B., a gun-slinging woman who sets out to bring her man into custody – with co-stars JoJo, Faith Evans and Diddy-Dirty-Money’s Dawn Richard as her band of “bad bitches.”

But it’s the clip’s sexual content that has folks buzzing, particularly Hilson’s scantily clad popping and locking.

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OBAMA SEEMS TO BE STRONGER

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*Just weeks removed from his midterm “shellacking,” President Obama is heading into the holiday break with remarkable victories on Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, START, and the 9/11 bill. Even GOP strategists are grudgingly giving him some credit, as The Daily Beast’s Lloyd Grove reports:

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MEET THE GUY THAT BROKE INTO 50 CENT HOME

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The Hartford Courant is reporting that police have charged 19-year-old Alexander Hernandez with attempted murder in connection with a double shooting in October.

The New Britain resident was arrested Tuesday (Dec. 21) on burglary charges after police said he broke into rapper 50 Cent’s Farmington mansio

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OHIO STATE QUARTER BACK AND TEAMMATES SUSPENDED FOR 2010 GAMES

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*Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor and four other players were suspended by the NCAA on Dec. 23 for the first five games of the 2011-12 season.

The players – including offensive lineman Mike Adams, running back Daniel Herron, wide receiver DeVier Posey and defensive end Solomon Thomas – were allegedly caught selling jerseys, awards and championship rings and receiving improper benefits from a tattoo parlor.

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CARMELO ANTHONY SISTER DIES

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Denver Nuggets player Carmelo Anthony has left the team to be with his family after the death of his sister and is expected to return after Christmas.

The team said Wednesday night that Michelle Anthony died of a pre-existing medical condition Tuesday (Dec. 21) in Baltimore. She had four children.

Masai Ujiri, the Nuggets executive vice president of basketball operations, says, “Our entire organization supports Carmelo during this difficult time for him and his family. It is heartbreaking news, particularly during the holiday season.”

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Ivy League Student Busted with $150K Worth of Heroin

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

Keri Blakinger, a senior at Cornell University, was arrested this week with $150,000 worth of heroin in her possession. The arrest represents the second largest drug bust in the history of the Ithaca, NY police department. Blakinger was carrying the drugs in a tupperware bowl and immediately admitted that the drugs belonged to her.


According to her Facebook page, Blakinger was an English major. There is no word on what sentence could be, but given the magnitude of New York drug laws, she may be in prison for a very long time.
The Blakinger case at Cornell is a telling reminder that drug abuse occurs on quite a few campuses across the country and not just in urban communities. This is not the first Ivy League drug ring to be brought to light. Others have been found at Harvard, Columbia and other well-regarded campuses. But while bad behavior knows few boundaries, there is a stark disparity in the way that drug possession and use is prosecuted, and much of that variation runs along racial lines.

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Terrelle Pryor and other Ohio State Players Suspended for Improper Benefits

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

Terrelle Pryor, the star quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes, is set to be suspended for four games next season as a result of receiving improper benefits. He wasn't the only Buckeye kicked out for 1/3 of next season: Four other players were also suspended: Daniel Herron, DeVier Posey, Mike Adams and Solomon Thomas are among the guilty and condemned.
Adams is being asked to repay $1,000 for selling his 2008 Big Ten Championship ring and Heron was busted for selling his jersey, pants and shoes for $1,000. Also among the list of offenses being investigated was that the players received free tattoos in exchange for autographs.
When I read this story, I thought, "Here we go again, the NCAA participating in their typical sanctimonious and hypocritical behavior."

 

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MICHEAL JACKSON’S NEW CD SOLD 3MILLION IN ONE WEEK

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*Mr. Michael Joe Jackson may gone to the after life, but that doesn’t mean he’s been forgotten by the living. The bottom line is that there are a lot of folks who still want to buy his music.
The numbers are in and “Michael,” his posthumous album, debuted globally at #1 in its first week of sales — with over 3 million albums sold.

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NENE LEAKES SAYS SHE “ISN’T PREGNANT”

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NeNe Leakes has taken to Twitter to deny reports that she is pregnant.

After rumors surfaced across the blogosphere, the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” standout tweeted Tuesday: “Pregnant? I’ve said it b4 & I’ll say it again…I won’t be having a child with no man. Shop is closed! Wrong housewife.”

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NELLY AND ASHANTI NOT GETTING MARRIED ANYTIME SOON

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*Rapper Nelly says he and his girlfriend Ashanti are taking their own sweet time with marriage plans – insisting their careers take top priority at the moment.

“I’m not a person that wants to get married more than once. You see what I’m saying? If I’ma do it, I’ma do it and that’s it. You’re dying if you leave me,” he told Rap Up.

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SHERRI SHEPPARD MAY BE GETTING MARRIED

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Sherri Shepherd just might be engaged, y’all. Rumors have been spreading that “The View” panelist has been dating a Los Angeles based teacher and writer, Lamar ‘Sal’ Sally since the summer and now plans to marry him.
“Sherri has been wanting Sal to ask her to marry him since the two hit it off earlier this year and attended some awards shows on the west coast,” said an insider.

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JUDGE RULED IN ANTWAN COOK’S FAVOR: CLAIMING HE WAS SEPERATED DURING HIS AFFAIR WITH FANTASIA

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*A North Carolina judge ruled in favor of Fantasia’s former lover Antwaun Cook in his divorce proceedings against his ex-wife Paula, saying the pair separated on Sept. 14, 2009, and not in June 2010, as Paula’s claimed.

In effect, this means Cook was indeed already separated from Paula during his affair with Fantasia.

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