http://nnpa.org/black-unemployment-rate-continues-to-fall-by-freddie-allen/
http://nnpa.org/trayvon-martins-friend-rachel-jeantel-im-still-standing-by-jazelle-hunt/
http://nnpa.org/black-girls-are-also-victims-of-gun-violence-by-marlon-peterson/
LINCOLN COUNTY COPS
HIRE BLACKFACE COMIC
By Cash Michaels
Editor
Controversy
is brewing over the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #85 in Lincolnton hiring a
“black face” white comedian to do a benefit concert, despite objections of the
Lincoln County NAACP.
On its
website, the FOP Lodge #85 – which is made up of local Lincoln County police
officers and sheriff’s deputies – defended its actions, saying, “The comedy
concert will feature Willie P. Richardson. We invite the citizens of Lincoln
County to join us for a night of clean comedy suited for the entire family.”
While it’s
true that Richardson, who hails from Nacogdoches, Texas and is best known on
the predominately white country music circuit as “The Phone Prankster” for his
comic black male phone impersonations in black face, apparently doesn’t use
profanity or sexual humor in his stage act, a look at his many Youtube videos featuring
a fat black woman having to be pushed through the door of a bus by two drivers;
or an older black male with bad teeth smiling wide, or a midget in a Mexican
sombrero wearing a diaper, might easily be deemed racially offensive by many.
Debra C.
Williams, president of the Lincoln County NAACP, is certainly offended. After sending out a press release about the planned Richardson show to the local Lincoln Times-News newspaper, and then apparently seeing some of
his controversial videos on Youtube, Williams was clear in her opposition.
"These are the people who are supposed
to protect us, but behind closed doors, they're making fun of us,"
Williams told WBT News in Charlotte this week. "It's time for the
community to take a stand.”
For its part, FOP Lodge 85 is
defending its “family friendly” choice of entertainment, even though, in
response to the controversy, it has postponed the Richardson show from June 28th,
to August 16th in an apparent effort to build up public support.
On its website, the lodge said an FOP group from another state recommended using Richardson after he had
called seeking to do a show. He had previously performed a benefit concert for a local
fire fighters’ association several years earlier as well, without a problem.
When FOP Lodge 85 members voted to hire him, “There is no indication
that any of our members knew the race” of Richardson, “…and had no reason to
expect controversy,” the statement went on, adding that many were familiar with
him from his radio appearances.
“Lodge #85 is disappointed with the Lincoln County Branch of the
NAACP. By contacting the media first
instead of Lodge #85 it appears the Lincoln County Branch of the NAACP was more
concerned about publicity for their organization then an open dialogue with
Lodge #85,” The statement added.
An FOP spokesman, Spencer Summers, told WBTV-TV that the lodge
“unanimously” voted to go ahead with the show, but with one new caveat.
“The comedian is not going to do it
in [black] makeup,” Summers said. “He’s [going to] do it in regular face.”
Summers, the FOP Lodge spokesperson,
is black, and he insisted that other black FOP police officers see nothing
wrong with Richardson’s act.
The FOP Lodge statement clarifies
even more, stating, “Willie
P. Richardson will NOT perform in makeup or “blackface”. Willie P Richardson
will perform his clean political incorrect humor as a Caucasian male. He does
not use profanity or tell racist jokes or stories.”
"Lodge #85 is a diverse
organization made up of police officers and sheriff's deputies from local law
enforcement agencies,” a statement from the leadership maintained. “Members of
all races voted to have the comedy benefit concert with Willie P.
Richardson."
The statement added that the motion
to go forward with the Richardson act “…was made by an African American member,
and seconded by another African American member of Lodge #85.”
The lodge went on to remind all of its
past charitable work in the community – from donating toys to needy children, to
helping injured law enforcement officers with medical bills.
Still, the question remains, did the
lodge actually check into Richardson’s background or videos, all readily available
online.
An online article from July 2007
titled, “RAY PRICE GETS “BLACK-FACED” LAST WEEKEND, SPEAKS OUT AGAINST RACIAL
BROUHAHA,” reported how country music singer Ray Price was blindsided by
Richardson’s blackface act opening for his show in Lafayette, Louisiana.
According to the article, Richardson
was mistakenly thought to be black when he performed, and the Lafayette NAACP
asked that his act be barred once it was discovered that he was white.
"When asked why he would let a white comedian who paints himself black
open for him, Ray Price commented, “I don’t get to choose who opens for me, the
promoter does that. Besides, it doesn’t make any difference to me how he wants
to look. I’ve always liked black people,” the paper reported. Price later added,
““I have nothing against blacks. In fact, if they came to the show, they
might’ve enjoyed it.”
Richardson peddles CDs and DVDs of
his blackface act at his online website, and travels the country doing clubs
and concerts. He insists that he does not do racial jokes, though he’s proud
that his brand of comedy is “politically incorrect.”
Interestingly, some of Richardson’s
earlier “phone prank” comedy bits didn’t feature him pictured in black face,
but rather an elderly black man smiling with rotted teeth on a telephone,
giving the audience the impression that it was a black man doing the talking.
Richardson’s comic logo features a
black man with a cigar in his mouth. And the subject matter, like a comic bit
titled “Frequent Voter,” which has Richardson calling a local elections office
claiming to be a black voter who has already voted absentee, and wants to know
if he can vote again since he and his wife are normally paid to do, clearly has
him furthering false right-wing allegations that justify voter photo ID.
Interviewed by the Lincoln Times - News, Richardson says his comedy is not designed to "demean" anybody, and he gets signed releases to use the phone prank recordings on CD.
Interviewed by the Lincoln Times - News, Richardson says his comedy is not designed to "demean" anybody, and he gets signed releases to use the phone prank recordings on CD.
State NAACP President Rev. William
Barber says, "We stand in solidarity with the Lincoln County NAACP branch."
-30-
CASH IN THE APPLE
6-12-14
By Cash Michaels
TRACY
MORGAN – All of our collective prayers go to comedian Tracy Morgan and his family, as he continues to recover from a
tragic traffic accident on the New Jersey Turnpike over the weekend. Reportedly
the driver of a Wal-mart truck, who had not slept for at least 24 hours,
allegedly swerved into the path of Morgan’s vehicle, causing an accident. One
person in Morgan’s vehicle was killed, and he was injured badly from the crash.
Once again,
no matter who you are, or how high on the hog you’ve been, anything can happen
at any moment that can dramatically change your life in an instant. Morgan is
an extremely talented person, and we pray for his speedy recovery.
DR.
ANGELOU’S MEMORIAL – It was a dignified, yet spirited memorial service honoring
Dr. Maya Angelou held at the Wait
Chapel of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem last Saturday. Personages from all walks of life, from First Lady Michelle Obama, to former Pres.
Bill Clinton, to talk queen Oprah Winfrey, to former UN Ambassador Andrew
Young, were there to pay homage to a phenominal woman who contributed by
measure to the fields of literature, the arts and education.
Listening
to the tributes to Dr. Angelou reinforced the value of African-American culture
to the world, and the vital, pivotal role that she played in shaping it. Her
groundbreaking autobiography, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” has inspired
generations. Her historic poem at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton,
“On the Pulse of the Morning” produced visionaries who picked up her cues, and
their pens, and gave us even more great poetry.
You could
feel Dr. Angelou smile as the tributes were sung, and the songs were sung.
Certainly the words and music of Valerie Simpson at the end reminded us that
Dr. Maya Angelou was someone who enjoyed a good time.
She taught
us all well, Dr. Maya Angelou did. Let’s hope all of us move forward with the
lessons of peace and hope that she prayed we would learn.
“DRUMLINE”
– Sometimes you don’t really appreciate a film or television show until years
after it’s come out. Last weekend I had the chance to watch “Drumline,”
starring Nick Cannon, Zoe Saldanna and
Orlando Jones. It is the story of a talented young musician who attends an
historically black college in the South, and joins the school’s marching band.
Nothing exciting in that description, and yet the lessons learned by Nick
Cannon’s character about discipline, teamwork and creativity are valuable,
making this 2003 film timeless in message.
The film
was directed by Charles Stone III,
and if you’ve never seen, I suggest you do, because it’s fine work. And if you
have, I suggest that you watch it with your kids. Yes, there are one or two
scenes that come close to the sexual line, and some of the language can get a
little rough for kids, which is why it’s rated PG-13 (parent guidance
suggested). And yet, I think the overall message is great, and needs to be seen
by our young people.
GUARDIANS
OF THE GALAXY – There can be little doubt that comic book movies literally rule
the box office now, with the tremendous success of The Avengers, Iron Man,
Thor, Spider –man, X-Men, Captain America…and the list can go on, and will.
That’s why the next big summer movie for superheroes comes in August with
“Guardians of the Galaxy,” which looks really weird and seems to have a comic
(as in funny) edge to it. Starring Zoe
Saldana, Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper, I predict that it will be hit
primarily because we could all use something that stretches the imagination, but
allows us to feel a little silly too.
Looking
forward to “Guardians of the Galaxy” in August.
HEAT VERSUS
THE SPURS – By the time you read this, game three of the NBA Finals between
defending champs the Miami Heat, and
erstwhile challenger the San Antonio
Spurs, is in the books. But make no mistake, based on what we’ve seen in
games 1 and 2, this seven game series may go the distance, and both teams are
just as worthy to win.
They also
have deeply personal reasons to want to win.
The Spurs
feel that they should have won last year when they had the Heat against the
ropes in game 6 with just seconds to go. Problem is Heat player Ray Allen had
other ideas, sunk a three from deep in the corner, and that turned fortunes
around for the Heat, winning game 6, and then game 7.
So the Spur
want it badly this year.
And the
Miami Heat, the two-time champions, are not pleased with the way the air
conditioning was turned off (OK, OK, broke down, are you happy?), and team
leader LeBron James had to suffer
cramps in 90 degree heat. That forced the Heat to lose to the Spurs in a game
they were winning.
You saw
what happened in game 2, when James came back mighty strong to score 35 points
and dominate to lead the Heat to victory. We’re writing this before game 3 kicks
off, but there’s no doubt that James and the Heat don’t like being embarrassed,
so they’re playing to prove that the first two championships were no fluke, and
that they deserve respect.
Like I
said, this is going six or seven games, but ALL of them will be thrilling!
And yes, I
have the Heat to win. Have a problem with that?
Make sure you tune in
every Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m. for my talk radio show, ''Make It Happen''
on Power 750 WAUG-AM, or online at www.myWAUG.com.
And read more about my thoughts and opinions exclusively at my blog, ‘The Cash
Roc” (http://thecashroc.blogspot.com/2011/01/cash-roc-begins.html).
I promise it will be interesting.
Cash in the Apple - honored as the Best
Column Writing of 2006 by the National Newspaper Publishers Association.
Columnist Cash Michaels was also honored by the NNPA for Best Feature Story
Journalist of 2009, and was the recipient of the Raleigh-Apex NAACP’s
President’s Award for Media Excellence in Sept. 2011.
Until next week, keep a smile on your face,
GOD in your heart, and The Carolinian in your life. Bye, bye.
-30-
TRIANGLE NEWS BRIEFS
6-12-14
WAKE COMMISSIONERS
PROPOSE USING LIQUOR TAXES TO BOOST TEACHER PAY
Now that state legislative
leaders have unveiled their plans for improving teacher pay, the Republican-led
Wake Commission Board is proposing to raise the local teacher pay supplement
from $6,200 annually to beyond the $6,400 a year Chapel Hill – Carrboro School
System teachers now receive – the highest in the state. Without raising local
property tax rates, the commissioners intend to use $3.75 million in tax revenue
from alcoholic beverages to raise the salary supplement. “We’re the richest county of North Carolina,”
said Commissioner Betty Lou Ward at Monday’s meeting. “We definitely should be
able to pay our teachers better.”
BEAR SPOTTED IN FIVE
POINTS AREA
At press
time, the black bear that several people, including police, spotted trolling
through various sections of Raleigh’s Five Points area Monday, has not been
captured, and is probably long gone. The bear was seen on Carroll Drive just
after midnight Sunday, and was later seen crossing Glenwood Avenue before
disappearing. Experts say this is mating season for bears – whose population
has increased in recent years - so it’s not unusual for black bears, which are
considered shy and harmless, to venture into urban areas.
COUNCIL PASSES
RALEIGH BUDGET WITH 2.12 PERCENT TAX INCREASE
The Raleigh
City Council passed the first budget under new city manager Ruffin Hall this
week, and it requires city residents to dig 2.12 percent deeper into their
pockets. The $750 million budget raises fees for garbage pickup and utility
services like water and sewer. It also funds street repaving, school crossing
guards, and gives city employees a 2 to 4 percent raise.
-30-
STATE NEWS BRIEFS 6-12-14
FIRST LADY OBAMA
LEADS MOURNERS AT ANGELOU MEMORIAL SERVICE
[WINSTON –
SALEM] First Lady Michelle Obama led a star-studded list of those who paid
tribute Saturday to the late Dr. Maya Angelou during a private memorial
ceremony in Wait Chapel on the campus of Wake Forest University, where Dr.
Angelou taught for many years. Oprah Winfrey, former Pres. Bill Clinton, singer
Valerie Simpson and others told mourners about what made Angelou great and
inspirational in word and deed. Notables like ABC-TV’s Robin Roberts, former UN
Ambassador Andrew Young and author Prof. Michael Eric Dyson were in the
audience of over 2,000 to pay their last respects.
UNC - W ORDERED TO
PAY PROFESSOR OVER $700,000 FOR LEGAL FEES
[WILMINGTON]
A federal judge has ordered UNC – Wilmington to pay over $700,000 in legal fees
to Associate Professor Mike Adams who sued the school because he alleged it
illegally denied him promotion to a full professorship after he converted from
atheism to Christianity. Last March, a federal Jury in Greenville found the
school at fault. The judge ordered UNC – W to give Adams his full promotion,
with all pay and benefits due since 2007. UNC – W may appeal the ruling.
FORMER CHARLOTTE
MAYOR COULD CUT SENTENCE
[CHARLOTTE]
Former Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon could serve a maximum 20 years in prison
for pleading guilty to one count of corruption last week in US District Court.
But if he starts telling what he knows to federal authorities about other
figures involved in similar corruption schemes involving city government, that
maximum sentence could be cut significantly, published reports say. However, if
Cannon, 47, is found to be still breaking the law in any way, or withholding
information that could lead to other prosecutions, his plea agreement is out
the window, legal observers say.
-30-
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