by George James
The summer is a time for warm weather, vacation, family reunions and weddings. Many couples plan their wedding during the summer and fall months. Planning a wedding can bring a lot of stress and drama to the couple. From deciding when and where to get married, to working on the guest list and to figuring out how you will pay for the wedding. Stress and drama can also come from what other people want for your wedding and from handling major conflicts such as faith, money or where to live after the wedding. It is possible to get the wedding you want and not have any drama, even with all the possibilities leading up to the wedding.
by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action
After a recent drive-by shooting involving two teens in Chicago, a CBS affiliate (WBBM) decided to engage in some good old fashioned racist black male stereotyping. The station interviewed a four year-old boy to ask him what he thought about the violence in the neighborhood, and ended up completely misrepresenting the child in the process.
Ayvaunn Penn from Your Black Poets presents “The Power of Silence” by E. D. Arrington out of Wilson, North Carolina.
by Ayvaunn Penn, Your Black World
Music artist and ex-convict Shyne is apparently done sowing his wild oats. Perhaps it is better stated that when he tried to sow his wild oats, his crop failed horribly, so he decided to give it up. HipHopWiredreports, “After serving nearly 10 years in prison, the rapper was released in 2009, signed a new deal with Def Jam that didn’t start off so well, and was deported to Belize. Nowadays, Shyne who once made a living rhyming about sex, drugs and murder has decided to leave those lyrics in the past.” Providing further insight, TheJC.comreports:
By JasmineHughes
In some surprising news, a $20,000 bidding war broke out on Ebay on Wednesday with buyers apparently desperate to get their hands on a latex mask of Casey Anthony.
The bidding started modestly but by Wednesday morning the price exceeded $20,000, with most of the larger bids appear to have been placed by one bidder. Ultimately, the auction ended that Wednesday with a winning bid of a whopping $999,900, as reported by CNN.
by: PatriceJohnson
HotMessNews…
Keri Hilson decided to get on Twitter and make a joke about the deceased Amy Winehouse, even though she thought it was funny no one else seemed to laugh with her.
by Ayvaunn Penn, Your Black World
Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush is crossing over from New Orleans to Miami. The deal went down on Thursday with the Miami Dolphins negotiating Bush’s new contract. ESPN reports that “Saints coach Sean Payton confirmed the deal, which sends reserve safety Jonathon Amaya to New Orleans and also involves an exchange of undisclosed draft picks. Bush agreed to a two-year contract for nearly $10 million with the Dolphins, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter Thursday.” According to reports, Bush was supposed to make approximately $11.8 million dollars this season in the final year of his contract. It would not have been easy, however, for them to pay him this amount due to current salary restrictions.
Ayvaunn Penn, Your Black World
For previous report click here.
It is probably safe to say that Malikah Shabazz is not upholding the image of her father, Malcolm X. At the age of 46, X’s youngest daughter has been sentenced to 5 years of probation for stealing $55,000 from an elderly woman by charging on credit cards in the woman’s name. Shabazz is required by the courts to pay off the debt in full. If she fails to do so, she could get up to 7 years behind bars.NYDailyNews.comreports:
by Ayvaunn Penn, Your Black World
If you are a 50 Cent fan, and you couldn’t wait for his next album to be released, kiss that anticipation good-bye. His new album was originally planned to be released this coming November, but the rapper is currently too fed up to even consider a new album-release date.HipHopDX reports that “50 Cent has canceled his upcoming album, which was set for a November release. The G-Unit soldier took to Twitter last night to break the news after his new single ”I’m on It,” produced by The Cataracs, leaked to the Internet, causing him to seek retribution by threatening to release Dr. Dre’s new single “Psycho” today at 2 p.m.” 50 Cent specifically tweeted:
by Ayvaunn Penn, Your Black World
Terrell Owens and La La Anthony are coming back to reality — TV that is. Their reality shows are set to be back on the air as soon as next month. RollingOut.comreports that “La La Anthony returns to VH1 on Monday, August 22 with LA LA’s Full Court Life at 9:00PM ET/PT.” Now that she is married to NBA star Carmelo Anthony, the show will give viewers an inside look into how she and her husband are adjusting to married life in the limelight.
RollingOut.com also reports that “Terrell Owens returns to VH1 with season 3 of The T.O. Show on Monday August 22 at 9:30PM ET/PT.” Terrell, Monique, and Kita are back — this time, in Miami. During this season, viewers will go on the journey with T.O. as he receives a medical diagnosis concerning his ACL, undergoes surgery, and recovery. As always, Owens is still looking for the right woman for him while also pursuing the revitalization of his professional career.
Ayvaunn Penn is the founder of Your Black Poets and an award winning writer completing her degree in English and philosophy. To inquire about her freelance editing services, click here. To like Ayvaunn on Facebook, click here.
by Ayvaunn Penn, Your Black World
The economy is making people do all kinds of crazy things. But even in a declining economy, there are still consequences for poor choices — even if your home has been foreclosed on and your bank account is darn near empty. The Grio reports that “Connie Murray Dumas, 40, will be in prison until 2029 after she was found guilty of armed robbery and possession of a pistol during a violent crime.”
By JasmineHughes
To date, “the pill” has represented a sort of victory for women’s rights, but the realities of taking a daily medication that is sometimes accompanied by an expense and unpleasant side effects may make it more of a burden for women than a reproductive equalizer. And so comes male birth control, which, researchers say, might finally help men and women to take on life’s responsibilities together in about 10 years.
There has been yet another man added to the list of accusers of Bishop Eddie Long. Centino Kemp has never filed a lawsuit, but it is being reported that he also had an inappropriate relationship with the pastor at one point in his life.
By JasmineHughes
Gay rights are an awkward topic for the NAACP. An appearance by Comedian Wanda Sykes may have made some attendees uneasy at a panel discussion in Downtown L.A.
Sykes opened up her Monday appearance at the NAACP annual convention by saying “I didn’t have to ‘come out’ black.”
By JasmineHughes
Vaccinated or not, either way you’re getting shot. That is the message being sent by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and its partners in Africa that are helping the organization achieve its goal of vaccinating every single child on the planet.
According to a recent report in the Malawi Voice, at least 131 Malawian children were vaccinated this week at gunpoint after having previously fled the country with their parents to avoid the pokes.
In response to an on-air conversation held by Bill O’Reilly and Laura Ingram regarding rapper 50 cent and also the controversial events that took place in the past two years of the Chris Brown’s career. The New York rapper took to Twitter to defend Chris Brown against Fox News’ attacks. Right before the segment concluded, Bill declared that he would ‘love to have 50 Cent and Chris Brown on his show,’ which prompted 50 Cent’s response via Twitter: READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY →
From Mochamusings.com
Let me tell you my story. At 15 I got pregnant. I was happy and terrified at the same time. I couldn’t believe I had a baby growing inside me, but I knew I was way too young. Abortion seemed like my only option. I couldn’t imagine going through with the pregnancy and giving my baby away. And my worse fear… my family finding out! What would they think of me? I’m a good girl. I go to school. I got a job. And, I cause very little trouble. I tried to tell my mom and even a few older cousins. But, I would shake profusely every time. I never got the courage. So, at 15, my boyfriend and I had a friend take us to the clinic. What a memory…
The place is packed with young girls and very few, if any, parents. It was like an assembly line. First up: a clipboard full of paperwork. I had no idea what to put because I knew very little. Next up: payment window. Never once did anyone review the paper work that I faked my way through or even attempt to ask for ID. Really! Now it’s my turn to go back.
by Ayvaunn Penn, Your Black World
Jay-Z and Kanye West are collaborating their great lyrical minds in a music venture that is to sweep the nation. Entertainment Tonightreports that the two “have launched a new group, the Throne, and the duo will hit the road in a nationwide tour beginning in September.”
These two musicians have not only been in the music inudtry together for many years, they have been friends during that time as well. They decided to put their talent together on the creation of their soon-to-be-released album called Watch the Throne. They have been pouring their all into its creation over the past year. They even recorded in various parts of the world such as London, New York, Sydney, Paris, and Abu Dhabi. According to reports, this new album will of course feature the vocals of Jay-Z’s wife Beyoncé and other music artists such as Frank Ocean, and Curtis Mayfield.
One song from the album has already debuted. The single “Otis” was released last week. Entertainment Tonight reports that ”Watch the Throne will be available exclusively on iTunes on Aug. 8, and tickets for the tour go on sale the same day. Fans who buy their tickets online will receive a digital copy of Watch the Throne. The album is due to hit stores Aug. 12.”
The following list of 24 confirmed concert dates and locations is provided byEntertainment Tonight:
Sept. 22: Detroit, Palace of Auburn Hills
Sept. 24: Toronto, Air Canada Centre
Sept. 25: Montreal, Bell Centre
Sept. 27 and 28: East Rutherford, N.J., Izod Center
Sept. 29: Washington, D.C., Verizon Center
Oct. 4: Philadelphia, Wells Fargo Center
Oct. 6 and 7: Chicago, United Center
Oct. 8: Minneapolis, Target Center
Oct. 10: Denver, Pepsi Center
Oct. 13: Tacoma, Wash., Tacoma Dome
Oct. 14: Vancouver, B.C., Rogers Arena
Oct. 16: San Jose, Calif., HP Pavilion
Oct. 17: Sacramento, Calif., Power Balance Pavilion
Oct. 19 and 20: Los Angeles, Staples Center
Oct. 21: Las Vegas, MGM Grand Garden Arena
Oct. 25: Dallas, American Airlines Center
Oct. 26: Houston, Toyota Center
Oct. 29: Atlanta, Philips Arena
Oct. 30: Greensboro, N.C., Greensboro Coliseum
Nov. 1: Baltimore, Md., 1st Mariner Arena
Nov. 3: Boston, TD Garden
Ayvaunn Penn is the founder of Your Black Poets and an award winning writer completing her degree in English and philosophy. To inquire about her freelance editing services, click here. To like Ayvaunn on Facebook, click here.
By JasmineHughes
It seems that summer sun and subways are not a good mix this year as we get news of yet another incident on a New York subway. During an altercation a mom misplaces her baby, this happening is a bit low, even for the subway. See video inside.
By JasmineHughes
With criticism growing by the day of a white female rapper’s use of the N-word (V-Nasty), people are beginning to speak out. Andy Milonakis,a white actor, who often imitates hip-hop culture, has decided to defend V-nasty’s use of the N-word.
On a clip posted on YouTube by the actor himself, Milonakis said, “My problem is people spinning their own f—–g idea of another human being that they don’t f—–g know. That to me is ignorant. Have you ever been to a ‘hood? Have you ever been to Atlanta, or East Oakland? Every race drops the N-bomb. You’re dissing someone who is on your team.”
By JasmineHughes
In a recent poll by The Root, the age-old stereotype of Black people and their tipping practices rears its head. Specifically researched were the attitudes and habits on tipping across cultures.
The findings showed that African-Americans are much more likely than whites to tip as a “reward for good service.” These findings were among a number of differences in tipping habits across cultural lines revealed in The Root‘s online survey.
Chinese police rescued 89 infants kidnapped for sale and arrested 369 people they said were linked to two human trafficking rings this month, state media reported on Wednesday.
In the first case, the traffickers, who were mostly Vietnamese residents, abducted children from Vietnam and sold them in China's southern regions of Guangdong and Guangxi, the China Daily newspaper said, citing an unnamed officer from Guangdong's provincial department of public security.
In mid-July, police detained 39 suspects in connection with trafficking and rescued eight infants, aged 10 days to seven months, who had been drugged with sleeping pills, the newspaper said.
In another crackdown this month, police arrested 330 people suspected of involvement in the trafficking of baby girls, the newspaper said. The police operation took place across 14 provinces.
Wasn’t he growing up when Ray Charles first got started? It appears that Quincy still has a taste for the young ones. What do you think? Too damn old or congratulations?
Your Black World reports.
It is being reported that the highly-rated BET Show, “The Mo’nique Show” has been canceled by the network.
Rodney Perry, the sidekick on the show, wouldn’t say much, only stating that “I was told indefinite hiatus.”
by Ayvaunn Penn, Your Black World
Jimmell Cannon, 13, was shot 8 times in the shoulders, hand, and leg by Chicago Police on Monday in West Humboldt Park neighborhood. While he is at Stroger Hospital in serious-to-critical condition, his family is looking for answers. The way they saw the events unfold is not the same thing Chicago Police report.
By JasmineHughes
Even with a growing number of Black women embracing their natural hair, there remains an immense fascination with it, this includes both other races and also some unfamiliar Blacks. It seems the ‘Puffy Hair Movement’ will take some getting used to.
For many who don’t know, the term “natural hair” for black women is defined as hair that is not processed and not chemically altered. Straightened hair is often viewed as easier to care for and more attractive, but for some, the dangers of a chemical straightener, like a relaxer, are too much. So, instead, they opt to wear their hair in its natural state. Natural hair can be described as curly, kinky, wavy etc. the list goes on.
by Ayvaunn Penn, Your Black World
One of the stars in VH1‘s reality television show Basketball Wives is reported to have been involved in a three-car accident in Los Angeles. TMZ reports that just prior to the accident, Roman had just flown into LAX and was picked up by a car service.
The vehicle driving behind that of Roman rammed into the back of her car. The vehicle that rammed Roman’s car had been rear-ended with impact by a subsequent vehicle.RollingOut.com reports that “Tami’s vehicle sustained the bulk of the damage from the three-car pileup.” No injuries have been reported. However, shortly after the car accident Roman tweeted, “I have a major headache!”.
Ayvaunn Penn is the founder of Your Black Poets and an award winning writer completing her degree in English and philosophy. To inquire about her freelance editing services, click here. To like Ayvaunn on Facebook, click here.
By JasmineHughes
After overcoming a potentially career killing throat problem, singer R. Kelly is now facing some serious financial woes. The singer made headlines last week when he was rushed to the hospital for emergency throat surgery to drain a painful tonsil abscess. Kelly is said to be taking an indefinite break from performing to recuperate from his surgery.
But In recent financial news, a report shows that Kelly owes the IRS $837,000 in delinquent federal taxes. According to The Detroit News, the IRS filed a tax lien against the music producer on Jan. 6, 2010, with the Cook County Recorder of Deeds.
Kelly’s current lien adds to a growing list of evidence that the singer is having serious financial difficulties. Just a few weeks ago it was reported that Kelly’s Chicago mansion was facing $2.9 million foreclosure lawsuit from JPMorgan Chase Bank after the singer failed to pay his mortgage for more than a year.
Luckily for Kelly, his debt problems were relieved a bit in June when the IRS lifted a tax lien of just over $1 million.
By JasmineHughes
Mac Cosmetics has announced the new stars of its Viva Glam campaign, which benefits the MAC AIDS Fund. Along with Ricky Martin, rapper Nicki Minaj will be the newest spokesperson who will represent the 2012 Viva Glam campaign that will launch in February of next year.
Your Black World reports.
A federal judge has allowed a lawsuit to proceed against a Burger King franchise, after a black customer claims that one of the workers spit in his food. Glenn Goodwin from Cleveland, Ohio filed a lawsuit against the company in 2008 when he found that a worker had spit on his burger before selling it to him.
Your Black World reports.
The actor Morgan Freeman is livid that conservatives used a voice that sounded like his to campaign against a Democratic opponent. Freeman went out of his way to make it clear that he didn't authorize the use of his voice or a likeness of it for the video. The ad is one that attacks candidate Shelly Moore in the state of Wisconsin. Although the voice sounds eerily similar to Freeman's he makes it clear that he didn't do it:
"A political ad running in Wisconsin by a conservative group narrated by someone trying to sound like Morgan Freeman was not narrated by Mr. Freeman," his rep Stan Rosenfield said. "Morgan Freeman did NOT narrate that ad."
