Imessenger 12-9

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I MESSENGER

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DEC 9, 2011

Mistrial declared!

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Check out CHERYL’S WORLD on Blogtalkradio

Ivan:

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The voice of the future 9 PAGE 1

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Brought to you by Harwood 609 Restaurant and Jazz Club

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POOKIE the serial IMESSENGER rapist

609 North Harwood Street, Dallas, TX 214.740.0609

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What’s Happening 12/10

KWANZAAFEST Writing through Grief at the Dallas Meditation Center, 727 S. Floyd Rd, Richardson 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Workshop & music meditation Fee: $55 (includes copy of "It's Only Temporary" journal) Bring pen & writing pad For info, call - 214-803-3920. Conducted by Linda Jones, veteran journalist, author and creator of "It's Only Temporary . . . A Journal for Surviving Loved Ones."

12/11 Education Archives and History Program (AAEAHP) and the Dallas African American Museum will host a viewing and panel discussion of the documentary, Our Past…

Our Strength… Our Story: Documenting the Civil Rights Movement in Dallas County, TX, Saturday, December 11, 2011, 3-5 pm at the African American Museum Auditorium (3536 Grand Avenue, Dallas).

A Night For The Stars Hosted by Salon N'Vious, presenting The Who's Who Amongst The Barber's & Stylist's of the South * Formal Attire * Dinner will be served @ 7pm pre-sale tickets $20 @ door $30 1 Barber & Stylist will be crowned King & Queen for Best Dressed Vendor Booths Available Tables are available for Reservation For more info contact: Trish @ 214.457.4038 or 972.240.

6600 Garland Convention Ctr. 1931 E. Centerville Rd. | Garland TX. 75041 12/13 Black Nativity: A Reason To Celebrate Adapted & Directed by Donnie F. Wilson December 13 - 18, 2011, 7:30 nightly A fresh and innovative adaptation of Langston Hughes' Black Nativity. The birth of Jesus Christ is played with the birth of Jazz. It's thunder meeting Lightning.

Bishop Arts Theatre Center, 215 South Tyler Street, Dallas, TX 75208 Comedian Steve Harvey The Verizon Theater Grand Prairie 1001 Performance Place. Doors Open At 7:00pm

Soul-stirring musical play, "A Baby Changes Everything", starring the Worship and Fine Arts department at Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church.

The play is FREE, and Show times are Saturday, December 17th at 1 p.m. and Sunday, December 18th, 7:50a.m. and 11 a.m. "A Baby Changes Everything" is the story of three individuals at the Inn, in Bethlehem, and how their perspectives on people, business and God changed forever, with the birth of baby Jesus. You don't want to miss, "A Baby Changes Everything", showing at THE MOUNT, 1233 State Highway 66, Garland, TX. Call 972-276-5218 for more information or log on to www.onthemount.org.

12/19 LAP DANCE WORKSHOP 7:45PM-9:00PM Instructor: Rashida Gift certificates are available. 214.604.5001 1/13 Tyler Perry's The Haves & The Have Nots January 13- 15, 2012

UNCF/Brinker International Scholarship

Deadline extended South Dallas Cultural Center 3400 S. Fitzhugh St. South to December 29 Dallas, TX 214-426-1683

Eligible majors that qualify for this scholarship include: Culinary, Food & Beverage, Food Nutrition, Food Science, Food Service, Hospitality Administration, Hotel Management, Restaurant Management.

The Brinker International scholarship is designed to help cover the gap between college expenses and financial aid packages for minority students majoring in the food service/hospitality field attending any fully accredited 4-year college or university that have food service/hospitality/culinary academic courses. Students must complete an essay on the subject: Why I am passionate about pursuing a career in the foodservice/hospitality industry, include a resume and one or more letters of recommendation.

For more information and to apply, visit www.uncf.org and select the “For Students tab and click on “Scholarships”

Opening Night Doors Open At: 7:00 PM Show at: 8:00pm at the Verizon Theater Mothers Against Teen Violence TEXAS Conference on Drug Policy at the Hall of State, culminating with the 12th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Luncheon

1/21 4:00pm - 5:00pm Dallas Public Library. Jamal Joseph, author of PANTHER BABY: A Life of Rebellion and Reinvention. Jamal Joseph, author of PANTHER BABY: A Life of Rebellion and Reinvention (February 2012) who, in the 1960s, exhorted students at Columbia University to burn their college to the ground. Today he's Chair of their School of the Arts film division. His personal odyssey - from the streets of Harlem to Riker's Island (charged with conspiracy as one of the Panther 21 in one of the most emblematic criminal cases of the sixties) and Leavenworth to the halls of Columbia - is as gripping as it is inspiring. Orphan, activist, subversive, urban guerilla, FBI fugitive, drug addict, drug counselor, convict, writer, poet, filmmaker, father, professor, youth advocate, and Oscar nominee Jamal Joseph lives with his wife and family in New York City The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture http:// dallasinstitute.org/programs.html or http:// dallasinstitute.org/programs_mlkjrsymposium.html are bringing Isabel Wilkerson author of Warmth of Other Suns for their Martin Luther King Day Celebration.

Comedian Charlie Murphy at The Arlington Improv. December 1518

Pulitzer Prize winning author Isabel Wilkerson writes one of the great untold stories of history: the decades-long migration of Black folks who fled the South for northern and western cities, in search of a better life.

Tune in to Cheryl’s World on Blogtalkradio.com weekdays at 9a.m.

Monday, December 12

Tuesday, December 13 Wednesday, December 14 Thursday, December 15

who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED! Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!

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Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!

Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!

I Messenger

Friday, December 16

and Phyllis J o i n C h e r y l a n d P h y l l i s Join Cheryl and Phyllis Join Cheryl and Phyllis Join Cheryl and Phyllis Join Cheryl Alphabet.

Alphabet.

Alphabet.

Alphabet.

Alphabet.

• Black Economic History • Black Economic History • Black Economic History • Black Economic History • Black Economic History Fact of the Day Fact of the Day Fact of the Day Fact of the Day Fact of the Day • The Motherland • The Motherland • E. Arabis Zemill • Katina Potts and Rev. Potts • The Motherland discuss marriage, the Gospel Stay tuned for the MAN Stay tuned for the MAN and a whole lot more!

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From 1915 to 1970 almost six million Black families -our counsins/uncles/aunts/parents -- left the South, "went up North" or "out West to California" and changed the face of America. In Feb. The Third Eye will review Calling all future food nutritionists, chefs, hotel manager and restaurateurs!!! the book Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012 FREE Apply3:00pm NOW for the UNCF/Brinker International Scholarship

who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!

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Cheryl Smith, Publisher 2011 IMessenger is a tribute to Le Messager, founded by Cameroonian journalist Pius N j a w e a n d T h e M e s s e n g e r, a n independent magazine, founded by labor activist A . Philip Randolph and economist Chandler Owen.

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DEC 9, 2011

SWAGGER MAGNIFIED! September 1 - December 31 -- I am picking the men I think have serious swagger. These men are intelligent, strong, sharp, fierce, competitive, charismatic, spiritual, hard, caring, handsome, smooth, creative, energetic and so much more! Without any NOW...

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Sporting News Editor-in-Chief Garry D. Howard, Fort Worth Star-Telegram Columnist Bob Ray Sanders, Min. Robert Muhammad, NFL Great Emmitt Smith, business mogul Daymond John, noted psychologist Nai’m Akbar, publisher Danny Bakewell Sr., NBA great and business mogul Earvin “Magic” Johnson, singer Charlie Wilson, journalist George E. Curry, former NAACP head and U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume, rapper, author Chuck D., Coach Doug Williams, businessman Charles O’Neal, comedian David A. Arnold, rapper Kool Moe Dee, businessman Jonathan Rodgers, Sports anchor Stephen A. Smith, basketball great Michael Jordan, Rev. Zan Wesley Holmes Jr., actor Billy Dee Williams, comedian and actor Chris Rock, FAMU President James Ammons, singer Nicholas Caldwell, actor/singer Leon, singer Morris Day, actor/rapper Will Smith, business mogul Sean Combs, journalist Ed Gordon, comedian/activist Dick Gregory, NBA great Allen Iverson, Hon. Minister Louis Farrakhan, journalist/ historian Lerone Bennett, Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III, Ambassador Ron Kirk, Hon. Nelson Mandela, Rap mogul Jay Z, actor James Earl Jones, actor/director Denzel Washington, NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, actor/author Don Shield, Hon. Willie Brown, Hon. Marc Morial, CEO Oscar Joyner, Journalist Acel Moore, rapper/actor Treach, journalist Dewayne Wickham, businessman Walter Williams, Sen. Royce West, media guru/activist Tavis Smiley, journalist T.J. Holmes, artist/ singer Miles Jaye, journalist Roland Martin, singer Hon. Jerry Butler, actor Sidney Poitier, actor Jeffery Wright, Muhammad Ali, entertainer/activist Harry Belafonte, businessman Comer Cottrell, actor Fred Williamson, Dr. Steve Perry, actor Malik Farrakhan, Gen. Colin Powell, Hon. Dwaine Caraway actor Jim Kelly, educator Dr. Frederick Humphrey, Doug E. Fresh, the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., Snoop, the Rev. Joseph Lowery, the Honorable President Barack Obama, actor Samuel L. Jackson...

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consideration or input from anyone, I am choosing the men who through personal experiences or history, I find to have so much going on. Stay tuned - I think it’s a great list! What do you think?

THEN...

Singer Marvin Gaye, actor Calvin Lockhart, singer Teddy Pendergrass and Nat King Cole, comic/actor Bernie Mac, journalist Lawrence E. Young, entertainer Isaac Hayes, singer Gerald Levert, African activist and publisher Pius Njawe, attorney/media mogul Percy Sutton, Publisher extraordinaire John H. Johnson, atty. Johnnie Cochran, music great Curtis Mayfield, maestro Barry White, orator, writer and statesman Frederick Douglass, humanist Malcolm X, singer Johnnie Taylor, entertainer Lou Rawls, singer Rick James, Coach A.D. Jake Gaither, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Hon. Mickey Leland, entertainer Sammie Davis Jr., the Chief Rocker Frankie Crocker, Tupac Shakur, Hon. Marcus Garvey, Hon. Al Lipscomb, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, journalist Ed Bradley, Hon. Arthur E. Teele, Jr., actor/comedian Richard Pryor, singer/songwriter Nickolas Ashford. Historian Ivan Van Sertima, musician Donny Hathaway, Hon. Adam Clayton Powell, businessman Alfred Huntsberry, Ossie Davis, actor extraordinaire Paul Robeson, journalist Vernon Jarrett, NFL Great Ron Springs, journalist Gerald Boyd, educator/inventor George Washington Carver, activist Huey Newton, educator Dr. Carter G. Woodson, NBA Great Maurice Lucas, activist Stokely Carmichael, entertainer Langston Hughes, Gospel great Pop Staples, entertainer Duke Ellington, entertainer Heavy D, Hon. Kwame Nkrumah, entertainer Miles Davis, actor Adolph Caesar, Dr. Percy Julian, musician Grover Washington Jr., activist A. Philip Randolph, activist Denmark Vesey, Nat Turner, singer Tyrone Davis, writer, journalist Paul Lawrence Dunbar, actor Paul Winfield, entertainer Ray Charles, Carl Brashear, journalist Max Robinson, musician Billy Preston, entertainer Cab Calloway, artist Ernie Barnes, Iceberg Slim, businessman Reginald Lewis, businessman Don Barden, THE MAN Joseph Smith, Sam Cooke,...

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IN MEMORIAM Andre Coe We are saddened by the loss of former colleague and DFW/ ABJ member, Andre Coe. Andre was an active member of DFW/ABJ and worked locally for The Dallas Examiner, The Dallas Weekly and Associated Press.

He shared his time with students as a mentor, even signing on as a driver for a trip to Montgomery with students in DFW/ABJ's Urban Journalism Workshop.

Even after his diagnosis, Andre, who loved his fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., remained positive, optimistic and cheerful. His love of writing never ceased as he shared his experience with the world via social media networks.

It was a joy to know and work with Andre.

We extend sincere expressions of love and support to his family.

Andre’s wake will be from 6:30-8:30 pm on Friday, Dec. 9, at Elmwood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 5750 Hwy 277 South, in Abilene, Texas. The funeral will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, Dec. 10, at King Solomon Baptist Church in Abilene.

but none successful enough to preclude him from attending a school for the blind, which specialized in visually handicapped students. Later matriculating at California School for the Blind in Berkeley, Robertson remarked that as lovely as the campus and surroundings were he sensed he was “being prepared to make brooms, chairs and tune pianos.” Breaking away, he insisted on enrolling in John F. Francis Polytechnic High School, where he survived and flourished, mustering the mettle it would take to continue breaking down barriers for himself and others.

Top brass at NBC recognized Robertson’s talents where he was promoted into the executive ranks, first as a Manager of Film Program Operations in 1965, then as a Director of Motion Pictures for Television and eventually Vice President of Motion Pictures for Television in 1971. Robertson later ascended to the position of Vice President of Film Programs.

Always aware that his presence behind the scenes was vital in shaping perceptions of minorities, as well as breaking down institutional barriers which limited the inclusion of minorities in policy making positions, he persisted. Robertson was intent on opening the doors for others and mentoring a new generation of diverse artists and executives. Robertson lasered in on what it took to survive and help others. He is survived by his wife Ruby of 58 years, his daughter Jill Francesca and son, Christopher John.

There will be a Celebration of Life memorial service for Robertson on Monday, December 19, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott, 6333 Bristol Park Way, Palisades Garden Room, Culver City, CA 90230.

Allen Wilson Stanley Robertson On the very broad shoulders of Stanley G. Robertson, stands a generation of African American producers, writers, directors, actors, technicians and executives, who are perhaps, unaware of the first black Vice-President of both a major TV network and a motion picture company, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes for over 50 years to make minority inclusion possible. He died November 16, at his home in Bel-Air, CA. He was 85.

“Even in death, I feel Stan still fighting,” said friend and colleague, Bill Cosby, who had a longstanding professional collaboration with Robertson.

Robertson’s knowledge of story-telling began during his stint in the Music Clearance Department at NBC, after first being hired as a page for the network in 1957.

A voracious reader, his career as an accomplished writer in the field of journalism had already reached a zenith before Robertson set his sights on working in the TV/Film industry, despite a chorus of nay-sayers who advised him of the impossibility of a black man making a career of it.

After receiving a degree from Los Angeles City College in 1949, for two years Robertson worked as a general assignment reporter for the Los Angeles Sentinel, (the largest circulated black paper in the west).

He rose to become the paper’s managing editor and resigned to become an associate editor of Ebony Magazine. “I had attained a status very few black writers had, at a time when there were very few places blacks could go. But it turned into a dead-end.”

The decision he made to leave his post at Ebony Magazine and go back to school in 1954 to study telecommunications at the University of Southern California was perhaps fueled by a determination forged in childhood.

The only child of working class parents, Robertson was born in Los Angeles, California on November 20, 1925 with the handicap of limited vision. By the time he was 20, he had undergone 14 major eye operations, PAGE 4

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Allen Wilson was blessed with all of the underrated "soft skills" that make a successful journalist.

He was a great listener. He was sincerely curious about everyone. He made people see that he was genuinely interested in whatever they had to say.

He rarely turned the focus of the conversation on himself. He had to earn everything he got in life, so he wasn't judgmental with the people he interviewed. He empathized with people across all social boundaries.

All those qualities made Wilson an award-winning sports writer and columnist for The Buffalo News.

Wilson died Saturday at age 49 after a battle with leukemia at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Wilson worked for The News for the past 20 years and was a Buffalo Bills beat writer since 1999.

He was widely respected among journalists and by the teams he covered for his astute knowledge of sports and for his commitment to fairness and accuracy.

"He's one of the finest individuals I've ever met," said Steve Jones, retired Buffalo News executive sports editor. "He was a great reporter in terms of his work ethic, his sincerity and his involvement with the subject he was writing about.

He always really enjoyed throwing himself into the subject. He never treated any story or any interview subject like it was routine."

Wilson was honored five times in the past decade alone by the New York State Associated Press Association for both sports reporting and column writing. He won the AP's distinguished sports reporting award in 2007 for a two-part series he wrote on former prep basketball star Ritchie Campbell.

Wilson's positive nature and unassuming style endeared himself to those he covered and gave him an uncommon knack for building trust with athletes and coaches. "He made you feel very comfortable," said News sports writer Rodney McKissic. "I knew him for

DEC 9, 2011

22 years, and whenever I was feeling kinda down about anything, he would always make me feel better. That's just the kind of person he was.

"He was like a chameleon. He could hang out on the East Side or hang out in Williamsville and be right at home anywhere. He could get along with anybody."

"I know this is a cliche," said Joe Major, a friend and radio colleague of Wilson's, "but I have not met one person that had some dealing with Al who didn't come away genuinely liking the guy. That's the toughest part."

Born in Durham, N.C., Wilson was an avid sports fan his entire life. He was an all-conference outside linebacker in high school.

One of the highlights of his senior year was getting the chance to work out a few days with then-college star Lawrence Taylor, who went on to a Hall-of-Fame career in the NFL. Wilson played tight end for two years at North Carolina Central University before a knee injury ended his football career. In his senior year at NC-Central, he was a member of the school's NCAA Division II national championship basketball team. One of his athletic claims to fame was playing a pickup basketball game with NBA great Michael Jordan.

His favorite teams growing up were the Dallas Cowboys, New York Yankees and the University of Notre Dame, and he remained loyal to them throughout his life.

"I used to give him grief for being a front-runner," Jones said. "I'd say, 'Al, I don't get it. The Cowboys, the Yankees and Notre Dame? Isn't there an underdog team in your life you're rooting for?' " Wilson had a lifelong passion for writing. Upon graduating from college, he worked for the Durham (N.C.) Morning Herald. He moved to the Rochester (N.Y.) Times-Union and then the Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel before joining The News.

It was early in his News career that he met his wife, Lisa, who now is executive sports editor at The News.

Wilson worked the high school sports and college sports beats for The News and covered numerous NCAA Final Four basketball championships. In 2006, he and News reporter Keith McShea won a New York Newspaper Publishers first-place award for a series on the scarcity of African-American coaches in area schools. He has covered numerous Super Bowls over the past decade.

Wilson took pride in having a vote for college football's Heisman Trophy the last 15 years and followed the college game intensely.

"He loved evaluating," Jones said. "His business wasn't college football in the big sense. He covered the Bills, and he had to be familiar with the college games.

But he had every cable package possible and watched a lot of games every week of the college season. For our draft preview, he'd be giving us 18 players deep on special teamers. I'd tell him, 'Al we're not going to run more than five of these guys. We don't need the eighthranked long-snapper.' " Wilson was a founding member of the Buffalo Association of Black Journalists and a former vice president of the group. He also participated in the chapter's "YGB" news radio show targeted at "young, gifted and black" high school students, once taking a group of student journalists to Buffalo Bills training camp and arranging for them to interview coaches and players for a story. He also helped the high school journalists put together a live call-in show with himself and other professional sports reporters to discuss the team's prospects. He was one of the hosts, along with McKissic and Major, of a radio show, the Sports Insiders, that ran for the past decade on Buffalo airwaves.

Besides his wife, Wilson is survived by a daughter, Alissa, two brothers, Jimmy and John, both of North Carolina, two sisters, Sharon Smith and Gwen Crutchfield, both of North Carolina, and his father, John Sr.

By Mark Gaughan BUFFALO NEWS SPORTS REPORTER !

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IMESSENGER

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DEC 9, 2011

Constable Derick Evans - mistrial declared in organized crime trial When called to the Frank Crowley Courthouse in Dallas County, I didn’t hesitate to be a character witness for Dallas County Constable Derick Evans (Precinct 1).

Constable Evans was on trial for “organized crime” He is accused of engaging in organized crime for breaking state law by holding a raffle to benefit his re-election campaign.

Special Prosecutor Marquette Wolf said the constable forced his deputies to sell 50 raffle tickets for $5 each or donate $250 to his campaign.

After deliberating for seven hours, the jury sent a note to presiding State District Judge Tracy Holmes, saying they were “hopelessly deadlocked.

According to reports, the jury sent the message once when the tally was 8-4, and then again when the tally was 7-5. It appears five of the jurors felt the burden of proof was not met by the prosecutors.

The person I know is an honorable one, committed to service, his office, his community, family and country. He is spiritually grounded and holistically

uplifted and I gladly call him “my friend.”

I’ve met many of his family members and I have seen the fruits of his labor in his own child because if there was ever an outstanding young man who will make someone a wonderful husband and father; well, Devin, who attends Prairie View A&M University is that person. And while he is the benefactor of the upbringing he has received from both of his parents, for the sake of this piece, Devin gets it from his father! Derick Evans is an example for others to follow! A real role model!

Just under a year after Constable Evans was indicted by a grand jury, I arrived at the courthouse prepared to perform my civic duty and tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

On the witness stand, I was asked to tell about Constable Evans.

Now, I couldn’t tell a lie. I talked about the community servant who was a positive influence in our community.

Yes, I do consider him to be honest and honorable.

I’ve seen the man in action -- as an elected official, community servant and family man.To his credit, I have found him to be consistently above reproach.

Hopefully the next jury will feel the same way. According to reports, the judge has set a new trial date for April 2012.

CW

A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste!

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DEC 9, 2011

Tatum announces plans to seek congressional seat The Rev. Kyev Tatum was “born in an abandoned house, reared in the government's house, educated in the school house, trained in the field house, abused in the courthouse, spent time in the jail house, redeemed in the Church House, and now running for the US House to fight to help you save your house.”

There’s a race brewing in Fort Worth for the new district and it will definitely be a race to watch.

A fourth generation Texan and native of Fort Worth, he was born on December 19, 1965 to his single mother of 10. His mother, Carol Tatum taught him how to serve and to be passionate about ministry and service.

Rev. Tatum is a long time advocate for civil and human rights, school choice and economic development in historical disadvantaged and underserved communities.

He believes service-learning is viable education methodology and the Communiversity Approach, (the Church’s heart, the university’s head, and the community’s hands) is one of

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Rev. Kyev Tatum

the most effective ways to teach students how to develop holistically.

Currently he serves as the President and CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in Fort Worth and Councilman on the Texas Interagency Council to Address Disproportionality in Austin.

Rev. Tatum has built a reputation of “Getting things done.” A former student-athlete and graduate of Green B. Trimble Tech High School and the University of North Texas (UNT) in Denton, Rev. Tatum is not afraid to tackle these tough issues head on.

With over 20 years of crossdenominational ministry experience and service-learning training, Rev. Tatum has been actively involved and has worked directly with many churches across the state.

Professionally, he has held student affairs staff positions from 1987-1997at the University of North Texas (UNT), and Texas Woman’s University (TWU) in Denton and Texas State University in San Marcos. With a heart for Godly service, in 1993, this holistic planner and implementer envisioned creating a positive community center for kids, especially underserved children in San Marcos.

As president of the local NAACP, he led a grassroots team who took an old army barrack that was a part of the old San Marcos “Colored” School during segregation and transformed it into the award winning Mitchell Center. In 1995, the Mitchell Center became a beacon of hope for many in the community, and is proud to hold the distinction as the first non-profit corporation in Texas,

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chartered and licensed to operate an early childhood center, charter school, and university-affiliated Boys & Girls Clubs in 2001. This futuristic national model is novel, acclaimed and gives even the casual observer pause.

On October 22, 2002, history was made when Rev. Tatum was appointed by the Commissioner of Education to serve on the Board of Directors for Region XIII Education Service Center in Austin, TX, becoming the youngest and first charter school representative on the board.

In 2006 and 2010, for his efforts to organize the community for the better, Reverend Tatum was named Servant of the People by the Fort Worth Weekly for his ministry work in the community.

Reverend Tatum is married to Tonya Tatum and his family is a member of the Harmony Missionary Baptist Church where Dr. Frank D. Lawson, Sr., is the Pastor.

When speaking to others about his drive to create better opportunities for the least, last, lost and the left out within the community, Rev. Tatum shares the personal account of his childhood failures and promotes the powerful challenge of risk-taking through servicelearning, so that his listeners can discover their true life- rewarding purpose.

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DEC 9, 2011

O'Neal, Harvey join Omega Psi Phi’s tribute to Minister Farrakhan

BY ASHAHED M. MUHAMMAD ASST. EDITOR

The Final Call

Recently, The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Two prominent Omegas, author, entertainer, and radio host Steve Harvey and NBA great Shaquille O’Neal both sent words of congratulations.

“There are no words great enough to capture the spirit nor depict the greatness of the legacy of Minister Louis Farrakhan. Minister Farrakhan is a man of courage and conviction; a man of integrity and strength; a man who is fully committed to serving God through the service of mankind. He knows that his life is not his own but that (it) has been shaped, molded, and determined by The Creator.

We have had the privilege and honor of being taught by this great man, Minister Farrakhan. He has so graciously shared with us the ways in which we can live a life of integrity and valor. Minister Farrakhan has assisted in preparing us for the complex and complicated path to manhood. He has shown us how we can learn from our errors and still stay on course, gain through selfless giving, forgive when wronged, and persevere despite unfavorable circumstances.

Minister Farrakhan has given us the pattern for unconditional love,” said Mr. O’Neal and his assistant Mark E. Stevens, also an Omega.

“There is no man that’s more deserving the honor that is being bestowed today.

Yet despite all his great accomplishments, Minister Farrakhan is a man of humility and modesty. In those qualities lie his greatness. We are so proud today to congratulate Minister Louis Farrakhan, spiritual leader, husband, father and friend,” they added.

Their message was signed, “Lovingly submitted by your ‘sons.’ ” Steve Harvey said, “The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan has been my friend and mentor for many years now. ... His advice and wisdom has guided me through some dark and confusing times...If we as Omega men are honoring him, it is because he embodies the principles of our fraternity as well as anyone living today... His courage is second to none,” said Mr. H a r v e y. “ H e i s M A N H O O D , SCHOLARSHIP, PERSEVERANCE, AND UPLIFT. He is my friend. HE IS ONE OF US!” PAGE 8

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“I love you, sir!” Mr. Harvey added.

There are many members of the Nation of Islam who are also members of Omega Psi Phi, all of whom shared their happiness at hearing that the Minister would be honored in such a manner.

Several spoke with The Final Call Nov. 19 following the banquet.

“He put what Omega means in perspective,” said Brother James Muhammad, former Editor-in-Chief of The Final Call. Bro. James pledged in 1973 at the Delta Epsilon chapter located on the campus of Bowling Green State University in Ohio. “He looks at things

present to see and hear the Minister on this special evening.

“I used to always get on my fraternity for not honoring Minister Farrakhan for the stances he takes,” said Bro. Jimmy.

“I said if they ever recognized him for it, I had to be there and tonight, I had to be here.”

Atty. Athill Muhammad, who pledged at Lincoln University’s Beta chapter in 1983 agreed saying, “One of the most beautiful things that I’ve ever done in my life was join a fraternity. That was only second because obviously the first thing was joining the Nation of Islam

“I used to always get on my fraternity for not honoring Minister Farrakhan for the stances he takes,” said Bro. Jimmy. “I said if they ever recognized him for it, I had to be there and tonight, I had to be here.” from a higher spiritual level while we may look at things from a lower level and he put into perspective what manhood was really about for me personally,” he added.

Brother Jimmy Muhammad pledged in the Spring of 2000 at Pi Kappa chapter on the campus of the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. He gave away highly coveted tickets to the Arkansas football game as well as an entire table he had purchased for his home chapter’s Omega centennial celebration just to be

under the leadership of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan,” said Bro. Athill. “To have both of my worlds come together so to speak with the fraternity honoring the Minister, it was very humbling to me because he means so much. He is the most important person in my life.”

Brother Dennis Muhammad joined the fraternity in 1971 at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale’s Omicron Theta chapter.

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“He summed up in his speech to the brothers what we need to do as a people, and the only thing that keeps us from being successful is our lack of unity,” said Bro. Dennis. “I think he gave marching orders to the brothers in the fraternity to stop standing on principles and actually put those principles into action by doing what it is we profess and say we believe,” he added.

Khalil Muhammad joined the fraternity in the Spring of 1989 while a student in Arkansas and now, is now with the Mu Xi chapter in Illinois. He said the Minister is “always on time, all the time and for any occasion.”

“I think it shows the growth and maturity that our fraternity has,” said Bro. Khalil. “To see Minister Farrakhan coming to a diverse crowd that may have

Brother Michael K. Muhammad (L) and Brother Tyrone Muhammad traveled from Muhammad Mosque No. 48 in Dallas for the event. Both are proud members of the F.O.I. and Omega Psi Phi.

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DEC 9, 2011

MCS CONSULTANTS LLC 2710 Thomes Ave. Suite 1689 Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001 www.mcsgrantconsultants.com

HOW TO RECEIVE A $100,000 FINANCIAL AID GRANT Millions of families are suffering financial hardships due to a serious down-turn in the economy.

Because of this, a special grant program is now available to assist individuals and families needing financial assistance. The proceeds from the grant can be used for the following: • College funding

• Supplementing retirement

• Paying off existing student loan debt

• Starting a business

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• Paying off a mortgage

As long as the proceeds of the grant are not used in any illegal manner, there are no restrictions on its use. For free information please send an email to: cheryllynnsmith@mcsgrantconsultants.com.

Want to keep up?

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Wednesday, January 18 - Saturday, January 21, 2012 1-800-578-0500 Reference: "NNPA" OMNI ROYAL ORLEANS HOTEL 621 St. Louis St. New Orleans, LA 70140 Single room/King bed Rate: $169.00 + tax (per night) Double occupancy/Double bed Rate: $189.00 + tax (per night)

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Introducing Ivan the great!

DEC 9, 2011

Black Girls Rock! always!

Ivan Tolbert and D Ella Vaughn Fort Worth-based attorney Bobbie Edmonds repeatedly told me about Ivan Tolbert and although I hold her in the highest regard and trust her judgement, nothing she said prepared me for this superbly talented young man that I would meet.

When he sings, he can stand totally still, like the late-great Teddy Pendergrass, and his voice comes through seemingly effortless.

In an age where computers have entertainers making millions, it’s refreshing to run across the likes of Ivan. He’s pure, natural talent, without any enhancements.

Ivan and D Ella performed at the recent 30th Anniversary Gala of the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists.

Opening the event with the Negro National Anthem, Ivan closed down the Fair Park Music Hall with an outstanding performance, that had attendees cheering.

Accompanied by the equally talented D Ella who is beautiful, intelligent and a definite songbird, the two make you think of the duos like Ashford and Simpson, Rick James and Teena Marie, Marvin and Tammi, Cee-Lo and Melanie Fiona, Roberta and Donny, and Lionel and Diana.

Ivan can sing it all and he plays the piano, too. Soul, gospel, jazz, and the blues, he’s ready to perform.

Equally impressive, the Louisiana State University alum is an accomplished opera singer.

He has performed with the Dallas and Fort Worth Operas, Opera Louisiana, Lyric Opera of Chicago and the New York Harlem Theatre.

It was only a matter of time before he entered the recording studio and now his solo CD, “BIG DEBUT” and another one, “Spirituals” are available for music lovers.

Released under Ivan’s company, IT Music Group, the CDs are available on Itunes.

A graduate of Fort Worth’s O.D. Wyatt, he is a headed for bigger and better things. He is worthy of our support and we shouldn’t wait until he “blows up” to offer that support.

Ivan is not a prima donna. He is a consummate professional and a crowd pleaser.

The DFW/ABJ gala showcased the talents of two African Americans who have enormous talents. Imaj and Ivan speak and sing in several languages and have wonderful personalities.

They are also swimming upstream against the current. Imaj is trying to join the exclusive club of country/western singers and Ivan wants to follow in the footsteps of Luciano Pavarotti.

"I believe as a singer, I feel deep and am full of emotions, and all the time without even trying it comes through my singing and writing,” said Mr. Tolbert. “It’s a gift from God and with no doubt I understand that and I thank him for it."

I do too! This brother is bad!

Let’s not sleep on the local talent. Too often we miss what’s right in front of us because we don’t appreciate it.

Just remember, I told you about Ivan and D Ella. I will never forget that Atty. Edmonds shared them with me!

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in OUR library Reviewed by Cheryl Smith cheryl@cherylsmithonline.com

According to Ms. Burton, faith is important and throughout Where Will You Go From Here? Moving Forward When Life Doesn’t Go As Planned, she provides scriptures and references that help readers understand situations as she urges, “let God guide you forward step by step.”

Ms. Burton doesn’t let readers off easy by providing all of the answers. Instead she encourages readers to put their feelings and thoughts on paper--to help process and revisit.

She’s no stranger to helping achieve positive outcomes and Where Will You Go From Here? Moving Forward When Life Doesn’t Go As Planned is just one of many tools Ms. Burton uses to empower her clients and readers.

We all face challenges and obstacles.

We all get hurt. How we deal with life is important and it is especially refreshing to read Ms. Burton’s take on things because while she acknowledges the past, she puts more emphasis on the future.

Jamal Joseph

Saturday, January 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Where Will You Go From Here?

Moving Forward When Life Doesn’t Go As Planned

By Valorie Burton The best-laid plans often go wrong. So where do you go, what do you do?

Labeled as a personal coaching resource, Where Will You Go From Here? Moving Forward When Life Doesn’t Go As Planned by certified personal and executive coach Valorie Burton helps readers think differently about their “circumstances and see what God is doing” in their lives.

In addition to sharing her own story, Ms. Burton introduces subjects who are all dealing with major setbacks, folks who have their own stories of resilience.

The subjects are of varying ages, which makes the book more universal and adaptable to more situations and circumstances.

Dallas Public Library Jamal Joseph, author of PANTHER BABY: A Life of Rebellion and Reinvention (February 2012) who, in the 1960s, exhorted students at Columbia University to burn their college to the ground. Today he's Chair of their School of the Arts film division. His personal odyssey - from the streets of Harlem to Riker's Island (charged with conspiracy as one of the Panther 21 in one of the most emblematic criminal cases of the sixties) and Leavenworth to the halls of Columbia - is as gripping as it is inspiring.

Orphan, activist, subversive, urban guerilla, FBI fugitive, drug addict, drug counselor, convict, writer, poet, filmmaker, father, professor, youth advocate, and Oscar nominee Jamal Joseph lives with his wife and family in New York City.

If you’d like to have your book reviewed, contact IMessenger at www.cherylsmithonline.com

Let’s Call Them Nigger “Let’s Call Them Nigger” says racism weakening U.S.

Retired veteran, business exec signs books at Dallas’ KwanzaaFest, Dec. 10 - 11

By James W. Breedlove In a newly released book, veteran African-American engineer and business executive James W. Breedlove, says that racism is undermining America’s global leadership in the world, and that an objective ‘BlackWhite’ dialogue is needed immediately to “stop its self-destructive slide into Third World status.”

Mr. Breedlove, a retired missile systems engineer and former Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration, says his new book, “Let’s Call Them Nigger and Other Controversial Commentary on Black America,” (Taylor Books, $15.95) is going to ruffle some feathers, but he says it’s long overdue.

Mr. Breedlove will be autographing books from Noon to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 10 and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 11 at the 2011 KwanzaaFest at the Automotive Building at Fair Park.

“Do not let the title fool you into thinking this is a pity-party for Black Americans,” said Mr. Breedlove, who is a small business consultant and awardwinning columnist. “It is a polemic on how racism is undermining America's position as a global dominator. The book asserts that racism is at the core of the

internal division that keeps America from maintaining its position of global dominance.”

In the book, he says that he knows that the word “nigger” is a “lightening rod that is racism’s dreaded calling card is lurking in the background. Breedlove writes “that an open dialogue must take place between Black America and White America if America is to stop its selfdestructive slide into third world status.”

Mr. Breedlove insists that Black and White Americans have to sit down to talk to stem the pervasive “race-based viruses” that are eroding the foundation of one of the basic premises of the nation that “all men are created equal.”

Mr. Breedlove writes, “It is absolute racism when a majority of the Congress, who have been mandated by the constitution with the fiduciary responsibility to legislate and spend wisely for the benefit of all the people decide they will let the country go bankrupt rather than permit a black president to participate in creating viable solutions for the declining economy, widespread joblessness, ballooning debt, escalating health costs, and unaffordable highly questionable wars that beset the nation.”

Follow Cheryl on Facebook and Twitter@penonfire

Let’s hear it for the

Texas Rangers PAGE 11

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Black Girls Rock! always!

www.dallasweekly.com !

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DEC 9, 2011

WSSU moves to 13-0, Rams advance to national semifinals

By Urban Sports Newswire Arlington, Texas— Winston-Salem State (13-0) continues to carry the hopes of HBCU football with their dominating performance against North Haven in the Regional I Finals. The Rams rolled New Haven 27-7 behind two long touchdown passes from quarterback Kameron Smith to wide receiver Jameze Massey, while running back Nicholas Cooper, rushed for 132 yards and one score. The Rams' defense stymied the New Haven Charger offense in the NCAA DII Quarterfinals, before 6,143, at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, NC. Coach Connell Maynor, whose team improved to 13-0, said that the Rams faced some adversity.

“They have a great quarterback and a great offense, but great defenses can stop great offenses, and that's what happened today,” he said. “We got pressure on the quarterback and made some plays. He was running around with his head chopped off throwing the ball all over the place, and that comes from pressure.

The defense played a great, great game.”

Winston-Salem State will face Wayne State, a 31-25 winner over MinnesotaDuluth in another quarterfinal game. The Rams, who got theirs and the CIAA’s first NCAA playoff win since 1993 in a second round win over California (Pa.), now becomes the first CIAA team to ever advance to the national semifinals.

Among HBCU’s, Central State in 1986 under head coach Billy Joe was the last team to make the national semis. With a win Saturday, it would be the Rams' first trip to the championship game and the first ever for a CIAA team. The Championship game will be held in Florence, Alabama. The game will be played December 10th at 2:00 p.m. at Bowman Gray Stadium. The game will be televised on ESPN3.

“The WSSU Rams are showing America what Black College football is all about,” said John Posey, CEO of Urban Sports News. “With every win, Winston-Salem State is making history.

Theydeserve number one in our poll.

They are a darn good football team.”

Winston-Salem State leads the Urban Sports News Black College Poll for the fifth week. Winston-Salem State (12-0),

Alabama State safety, Kejuan Riley, snared eight interceptions in 2011. The junior has been named to several All-American teams. Photo: John R. Posey, Urban Sports News.

Jackson State (9-2), Bethune-Cookman (8-3), Norfolk State (9-3), and Alabama A&M (8-3) occupy the top five spots in the USN Poll for Week 14. Norfolk State dropped two places in the rankings after their 35-18 loss to neighbor Old Dominion. Alabama State (8-3), Morehouse (8-2), Grambling (7-4), South Carolina State (7-4), and FAMU (7-4), and are the next five ranked teams in the USN Poll.

“The Grambling-Alabama A&M game will feature two good offensive lines, good defenses, and outstanding running backs,” explained Posey. “Kaderius Lacey (Alabama A&M) is a power back who just grinds a defense down.

Dawrence Roberts (Grambling) is smooth as a baby’s bottom. He lulls a defense to sleep and explodes for a long run as he did against Southern (68 yards). It will be a game of contrasting styles between Lacey and Roberts.”

Must-see games to watch this week include: 1) Winston-Salem State vs.

Wayne State. 2) and, Grambling vs.

Alabama A&M.

--The SWAC has announced its 2011 All-SWAC football team. The team is on the conference website at www.swac.org.

--Urban Sports News will be providing the action photography from the SWAC Championship. USN just shot the official stills for the Prairie View A&M tennis teams. USN will also be providing actions shots for the PV tennis throughout the outdoor season. Urban Sports News just completed a photo shoot of the Prairie View Black Foxes for a coffee table book. Urban Sports News also provided the official photos for the Grambling Women’s Basketball team. USN will also be shooting the Grambling women vs. the University of Texas on December 20th. USN will be providing game coverage at the Ticket City Bowl in Dallas, January 2, 2012.

USN has also been booked to provide photos and coverage at the Texas Southern Relays in March 2012. The USN team will be at the Texas Relays and Penn Relays in 2012.

USN Thought for the Week:

NEWS & NOTES: --Benedict College junior Marcus Goode has been named SIAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week while Stillman College senior Jamila McKinnis has been named SIAC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week. Paine College junior James Devlin and Tuskegee University sophomore Alondra Rivers have been named SIAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Newcomers of the Week.

--Jackson State's first foray into the NCAA Volleyball Tournament was short-lived as host Nebraska defeated the Lady Tigers in straight sets (25-10, 25-16, 25-13) Thursday night at NU Coliseum. The loss brought an end to JSU's 25-match win streak and ended its season at 29-10.

--The new Texas Southern football complex will open in 2012.

--SWAC women’s teams will be on t e l e v i s i o n o n D e c e m b e r 11th.

Mississippi Valley State plays at Iowa; Alabama State will play at LSU; and, Alcorn State travels to play Minnesota.

“I went to Morehouse College. There was no track and field there.”

Edwin Moses, Former 400-meter hurdles record holder.

John Posey, CEO, of Urban Sports News, a fullservice sports media company, has launched an alternative poll to provide a different, and more balanced, perspective to the rankings. The poll is conducted in collaboration with Henry Bailey and a select group of analysts. The USN Poll is released on Tuesday mornings to publications, Sports Information Directors, fans, sports websites, newspapers and to members of the media. Urban Sports News distributes news, photos and features, as well as, provides a wide range of communications consulting services. His work has appeared in 26 countries, numerous publications, media guides, television stations, and electronic media. Urban Sports News provides a wide range of services for a number of corporate and college clients.

It’s a new day!

Men of SWAGGER

Check out

Black Economic History

Cheryl’s World!

French made easier w PJ Interviews

www.blogtalkradio.com

Newswatch, and more...

9-11a.m. weekdays Bringing you informative, insightful, thought-provoking discussions, guests and information!

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DEC 9, 2011

Ten episodes of NAACP Image Award-winning series premiere beginning Jan. 2 Silver Spring, MD – TV One gets the New Year off to a rockin’ start with ten all-new episodes of Unsung, its NAACP Image Award-winning series of one-hour biographies celebrating the lives and careers of successful artists or groups who, despite great talent, have not received the level of recognition they deserve. Ten of black music’s most talented artists and groups will be recognized this winter in all-new episodes of Unsung, TV One’s top-rated and most highly anticipated series. The episodes will air weekly on Mondays at 10 PM, repeating at 1 AM (all times ET) and will chronicle the careers of: Vesta Williams (January 2) With one of the biggest, brassiest voices in R&B and contemporary jazz, along with a four-octave range, Vesta Williams charged through the 80s from an A-list backup singer, who recorded with the likes of Gladys Knight, Anita Baker, and Sting, to a hit-making diva. Her 1986 debut album included two top ten singles, "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" and "Don't Blow a Good Thing," while her follow-up produced the classic, "Congratulations." But Vesta’s surging stardom overwhelmed her, and she comforted herself with drugs and food.

Her weight ballooned, she was dropped by major labels, and her career seemed over. But Vesta vowed to clean up her act.

She quit drugs, lost over 100 pounds, and kept her musical chops limber while working with artists like George Duke, Howard Hewitt and Lee Ritenour. Though she continued to rely sporadically on pain-killers and sleep medication, she was determined to survive. This is her story.

Bobby Womack (January 9) - He’s been called the Poet, the Preacher, and the last Soul Man. By whatever name, there’s never been anyone quite like Bobby Womack, who has lived an eventful life that mirrors the painful dramas of his classic songs.

He grew up as the middle child among the talented Womack brothers, later renamed the Valentinos, where they forged success as a pop group under the tutelage of soul icon Sam Cooke. Bobby became Cooke’s protégé, a guitarplaying and songwriting prodigy who penned his first number one hit, ‘It’s All over Now’, as a teenager. But his budding career took a wild turn when, within months of Cooke’s shocking murder in 1964, the 21-year-old married Sam’s widow, Barbara. He became a

pariah among former fans, a target for violence by Cooke’s brothers, and was all but banned from the record industry.

Now, after five decades of making music, he’s a storied survivor, who tells it all – as only he can - in this riveting episode of ‘Unsung.’

Atlantic Starr (January 16) - Atlantic Starr made their mark with slow grooves like “Secret Lovers” and the wedding classic “Always”. But the band had its roots as a close-knit group of nine friends and family members, hailing from a small town in upstate New York, who were devoted to fun and to funk. With help from Commodores producer James Anthony Carmichael, and songs written by group members David and Wayne Lewis, they shot to stardom with “When Love Calls” and “Circles” - both featuring singer Sharon Bryant. In this episode of ‘Unsung’, members of Atlantic Starr, past and present, come together for the first time to discuss candidly the rise and fall of a group whose bonds of friendship frayed in the crucible of making music.

Freddie Jackson (January 23) Freddie Jackson’s soulful ballads are the stuff of velvet sheets, intimate encounters and rose petaled Jacuzzis.

With nine number one hits, including ‘Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake)’ and ‘You Are My Lady’, Freddie gave voice to sentiments men often struggled to communicate, and women longed to hear. Struggling with his weight since childhood, Freddie found his persona at odds with his ballooning figure, while whispers questioning his sexuality swirled amongst fans. In this revealing episode of ‘Unsung’, Freddie and his closest collaborators, including Melba Moore and M’lissa Morgan, chart his popular success and his personal struggles.

Full Force (January 30) - Few musical artists can boast a career as wide-ranging, influential and yet truly ‘unsung’ as Brooklyn's Full Force. For more than three decades the pioneering three brother, three cousin collective have broken ground as writers,

producers and performers. They’ve helped launch the careers of pop stars as diverse as Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, the Backstreet Boys and Cheryl Pepsii Riley, while reviving the career of the Godfather himself, James Brown. On this remarkable episode of Unsung’, one of popular music’s most prolific musical families gets busy one more time.

Millie Jackson (February 6) - Millie Jackson’s voice was enough to make her an R&B singing star, but it was what she said between songs – and how she said it – that made her famous. Tackling topics previously considered taboo, and with unrivaled comic timing, Millie spoke to a generation of young black women who didn’t often hear themselves represented on TV or on the radio. Years later, her place in music history grew when the first wave of female hip-hop stars anointed her the Godmother of Rap. Millie Jackson tells her story to ‘Unsung’ – and needless to say, she doesn’t mince words.

Ray Parker, Jr. (February 13) Whether singing, playing guitar, or crafting smooth-sailing hits like ‘Jack and Jill, ‘The Other Woman’ or ‘You Can’t Change That’, Ray Parker Jr. made success look easy. A double-dose of baby mama drama, family loss, and an ill-advised decision to leave his safe haven at Arista Records accelerated his descent from the top of the charts. But Ray Parker proved unsinkable, and along with testimony from his extended musical family – including Cheryl Lynn, Chaka Khan and Clive Davis - he tells ‘Unsung’ the tale of his still-unfolding journey.

Sheila E. (and the E. family) (February 20) - While the Jacksons, Sylvers and Debarge define family singing groups, the Escovedos are something else: a family that learned how to stay together by playing together.

Even before Sheila E. garnered international celebrity for 80's mega hits "The Glamorous Life" and "A Love Bizarre," her father, brothers and extended family were acclaimed musicians, with associations ranging

from Santana to Tito Puente, Lionel Richie, Jennifer Lopez, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. On this episode of ‘Unsung’, Sheila, her father, and her talented siblings come together to trace the remarkable journey of Oakland’s musical first family.

David Ruffin (February 27) - The raspy and anguished lead voice on megahits "My Girl," "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," and "I Know (I'm Losing You)," David Ruffin was the center of The Temptations in their peak years. But his expanding ego forced his bandmates to cut ties with him in 1968. And with only one significant solo hit, "My Whole World Ended," Ruffin never again reached the heights he'd enjoyed as the swoon-inducing leader of The Tempts.

In private life, David was a talented, self-tortured soul, capable of kindness and generosity along with untempered anger. But drug abuse wore him down in the '70s and '80s, costing him precious opportunities to reunite with friends and former bandmates, and damaging his relationships with those closest to his heart.

Whodini (March 5) - With a string of up-tempo, R&B inflected hits in the mid to late 1980's, the New York bred rap trio of Jalil Hutchins, John Fletcher (aka Ecstasy) and Drew Carter (aka Grandmaster Dee) dominated the Billboard charts to become one of rap’s first superstars. Along with Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, LL Cool J, RUN-DMC & The Fat Boys, they helped define hip hop’s ‘golden age’ with platinum success.

And with hits like "Friends," "Big Mouth" & "Five Minutes of Funk," Whodini mastered a difficult magic trick by making danceable music that was reflective and thoughtful. But along with the perks of success, Whodini battled cocaine addictions, squabbles over money and clashing egos, which ultimately caused the group to break up.

“There’s no better way for TV One to say Happy New Year to our viewers than with new episodes of Unsung,” said TV One Executive Vice President of Original Programming Toni Judkins.

“We are honored that Unsung has become a beloved classic, and are confident that these talented artists and their stories will resonate with our viewers and continue to build on Unsung’s legacy of helping to paint a richer portrait of black music in America.”

POLICE have not apprehended Pookie the serial rapist.

If you have information, call Crime Stoppers at

877.373.8477 Also, if you want extra protection, check out Street Safe at www.streetsafe.peopleguard.com PAGE 13

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DEC 9, 2011

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NO 1 ISSUE 13

DEC 9, 2011

SECOND CHANCE PERSONAL LOANS!!!

Urban Sports Network

NO COLLATERAL REQUIRED!!!

Due to the current stats of a miserable economy, a special loan program named Second Chance Personal Loans has been created to help individuals and families needing financial assistance. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $49,000. There is NO COLLATERAL required to secure a loan. If you have a job, you can qualify for a Second Chance Personal Loan.

• Poor credit or No credit history is acceptable

Black College Poll Rank

Team

Record

Comment

1.

Winston-Salem State Rams

13-0

• No collateral required

2.

Jackson State Tigers

9-2

Rams proved they are no fluke. WSSU butted New Haven out of the playoffs 27-7. Next up: Will host Wayne State in the Division II Semifinals.

Season over.

• No liens required on property or hard assets

3.

Bethune-Cookman Wildcats

8-3

Season over.

• Easy repayment terms

4.

Norfolk State Spartans

9-3

Season over.

• Minimum 10% cash contribution towards required loan

5.

Alabama A&M Bulldogs

8-3

6.

Alabama State Hornets

8-3

Regular season over. Next Up: Meet Grambling for the SWAC title Dec. 10.

Season over.

• Debt elimination or consolidation

7.

Morehouse Maroon Tigers

8-2

Season Over.

• Paying off existing student loan debt

8.

Grambling Tigers

7-4

9.

South Carolina State Bulldogs

7-4

Regular season over. Next Up. Meet Alabama A&M for SWAC title.

Season over.

10.

FAMU Rattlers

7-4

Season over

• Amount of outstanding debt is not a factor • Must be currently employed

A Second Chance Personal Loan can be used for a variety of purposes such as:

• Paying off credit card debt • Paying off a mortgage

USN Black College Football 2011 Poll: Week 14

• Supplementing retirement • Starting a business

Dropped Out of Top 10: None. Moving Up: Jackson State, Grambling. Trending Down: None.

• And much more…

The Second Chance Personal Loan program was designed to help the millions of struggling families and individuals to receive a Second Chance to get back on stable financial ground. Many people because of circumstances not under their control need a fresh and Second Chance. If you would like additional information on how to apply for a Second Chance Personal Loan, simply send an email to Cheryllynnsmith@mcsgrantconsultants.com consultant@mcsgrantconsultants.com.

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Others Receiving Consideration: Albany State, Elizabeth City, Hampton, Langston, Miles, , and Stillman.

The USN Black College Poll is compiled by John Posey, Henry Bailey and a network of local associates. Contact us at urbansportsnews@yahoo.com or 214-929-8573. Copyright 2011, Urban Sports News. All Rights Reserved.

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