2009
Yearly Archives: 2009
‘Black is the New White’: an interview with legendary comedian and writer Paul Mooney
Bay Area native Paul Mooney is one of the most legendary comedians in this country to touch a mic, not just because he can make his audience laugh, but because intertwined in his jokes there is a certain amount of political commentary and social criticism. Just like his buddy, the late great Richard Pryor, his pro-Black perspective and wittiness can never be deemed irrelevant.
Egyptian security forces attack Gaza protesters
Egyptian security forces were attacking protesters in Tahrir Square, at the core of downtown Cairo, after they sat down in the middle of a busy Cairo street, protesting the imprisonment of the people of Gaza. Others were literally barricaded inside their hotel, the entrance surrounded by steel riot barriers. It is pandemonium.
Jesus would not be a Zionist
Knowing what we do about Israel, we find it insulting to see the Israeli flag flying above the Belize flag. This is offensive to Belize and Belizeans; in Israel it is illegal for Palestinians to fly their flag. We seriously doubt that anyone could fly any flag above the Israeli flag in Israel.
Indio music: an interview wit’ rapper Deuce Eclipse of Bang Data
I have been a fan of my homeboy Deuce Eclipse’s music for years. Now Deuce is involved with a new hip hop rock group called Bang Data. Here’s the newest info on them and their new record. "The name Bang Data means to bang out information. Music is information and we want to put it out," says Deuce Eclipse.
‘Back to the Future’ mixtape: an interview wit’ R&B singer Dasha Chadwick
I learned about the Los Angeles based singer Dasha Chadwick from Facebook. The first time I heard her music was a few months ago, after I looked her singing up on YouTube. Before she was Dasha, the woman, I knew her when she was in the first grade when I used to walk her to school.
Students protest fee hikes: an interview wit’ journalist Dave Id of Indy Bay Media
Universities all over the state of California have erupted into protest over the raising of student fees. In the Bay Area, rebellions have been going down at UC Berkeley and at San Francisco State University regularly; students actually have brought their feelings right to the front door of the chancellor’s house.
Track coach teaches kids, one step at a time
A year ago, head coach Ralph Walker revived the Berkeley East Bay Track Club, a club which he said was a community staple in the 1970s and 1980s that served to encourage children to be healthy. “I don’t want no kids to go through the stuff I went through,” said 54-year-old Walker, who is paralyzed in the left side of his body. “I want them to grow up, go to college and be productive citizens.”
‘Be Well’: Oakland mother Jamilia Ashworth featured in book about raising healthy kids
Says Jamilia Ashworth, “I know there are so many moms out there like me who are very concerned about preventing obesity and other serious health problems for their children. I hope my story will encourage them to start making changes, too.”
Paul Mooney back at the Black Rep now through Jan. 2 – three shows...
This year, as in many years past, Godfather of Comedy Paul Mooney has returned to his roots at the Black Repertory Group Theater in Berkeley for performances every night Dec. 26-31, with three shows on New Year’s Eve. Tickets are selling fast, so call right away: (510) 652-2120 or the hot line, (925) 812-2787. Listen to two hilarious Block Report interviews by Minister of Information JR with Paul Mooney.
Vocalized town bizness: an interview with the vocalist Deja Bryson
Deja Bryson, the niece of Peabo Bryson, is one of the young up and coming vocal talents to emerge out of Oakland, California, hometown of some of the best to ever do it – like Tony, Toni, Tone and Ledisi. She will be performing at her debut show at Yoshi’s in Oakland on Tuesday, Jan. 5, at 8 p.m.
Globetrotter: an interview with former presidential candidate and Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney
Since last year, former presidential candidate and Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, the most progressive person to ever be a member of Congress or a presidential candidate, has been on a roll internationally - traveling through different parts of Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe telling the truth about what is happening with the regular everyday people who live in the United States.
Massacre on Monroe
They smiled and they grinned with the deeds they had done. / They chanted, “Chairman is dead,” while they splashed through his blood. / The media made up lies; the States Attorney told tales. / Before I was born, I was cellies with my Mama in a jail cell. - POCC Chairman Fred Hampton Jr.
Save Wesley United: 8th oldest Black church in U.S. threatened with demolition
Historic Wesley United Methodist Church, the second oldest African American church in New Orleans, the eighth oldest in the United States and a symbol of the struggle for emancipation and human rights in the state of Louisiana, is in jeopardy. Unless those who are trying to save it acquire financial support soon, the church may be torn down due to hurricane damage and replaced with a parking lot.
As it should be
It was as it should be / Young Black Panthers / Were killed for trying / To protect the cubs / For educating the cubs / For feeding the cubs / This was never the American dream / But we have lived a nightmare for days / In efforts to make our dreams / Come to life take flight / We still have to fight / It was as it should be / Giving honor to Chairman Fred / And Defense Captain Mark Clark
International Revolutionary Day: the 40th commemoration of the assassination of Chairman Fred Hampton and...
The Black Panther Party educated people, fed children, provided health care and resisted armed police aggression and other forms of government sanctioned aggression. Two of the martyrs of this movement were Chairman Fred Hampton and Defense Captain Mark Clark of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, who were both assassinated by the government on Dec. 4, 1969.
‘House Keys Not Handcuffs’: Homeless families denied a home even for their convergence
Communities from up and down the West Coast that had planned to converge in San Francisco to demonstrate our immense energy and BE THE CHANGE this administration needs to do what is right have been denied a previously approved permit to gather – why? on the grounds that the rally will be too large. Is this a re-run of the rise and fall of the Poor People’s Campaign’s Resurrection City on the Washington Mall in 1968?
Kwanzaa 2009
Habari gani, everyone! Happy Kwanzaa! Here are all the Kwanzaa celebrations we’ve been notified of; if you don’t find one near you, host one yourself and tell us about it so we can add it to the list. Kwanzaa is an African American holiday based on the African agricultural celebrations and collective principles, which contribute to the unity and development of the African community.
Nurturing the ‘grand’ in grandchildren over the holidays
In the holiday season, it is important to remember that a grandparent’s love and support have a positive impact on children, particularly in the early years of a child’s life. When children develop a strong bond with their grandparents, they feel more stable and even do better in school. Grandparents, share family stories with your grandchildren. Remember, children love to hear what their parents and grandparents were like as kids!
BART lynches Blacks with the gun and the law
Since the inception of BART, this transportation system has excluded Black contractors, Black construction workers and Black riders. Charlie Walker drove a truck into a San Francisco BART excavation site before we could get contracts.
A luta continua: Our international struggle for climate justice, environmental restoration and reparations continues!
Despite years and months of intense advocacy and organizing, whole nations and masses of people are facing increased possibilities of drowning, burning and/or starving to extinction. All the progressive forces we have met – inside and outside of the governments – have told us how determined they are to continue our generation’s mandate to reclaim the power from the selfish polluters who threaten the survival of all of us.