The Glover Report
The Glover Report: ELECT OR RE-ELECT '12: Response to Vice President Biden’s Comments: “…They gon’ put y’all back in chains”:
I respect the Office of the Vice President of the United States of America. Further, I understand what that means – especially in relationship to the first African American President, Barack Obama.
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TGR: A Conversation with Brother Richard: Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan Hits Streets of Chicago:
When I heard that the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan had hit the streets of Chicago to help address the violence that unleashed there this summer, I had to reach out to Brother Richard B. Muhammad, Editor-in-Chief of The Final Call Newspaper, the most far-reaching black-owned publication in the world.
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Guest Editorial: An Open Letter about “Doni and Me”! by Prof. Ronn Nichols:
I am firmly convinced that it was his interest in this man’s version of the future landscape of mass communications that has fueled Doni’s passion for the field. To the point that it is sure to have birthed the iconic “Bmore News” and now all of its other publishing offspring as well! Even then, I could easily trace his motives. So when years later, after I had moved on to teach at Morgan State University, I learned from Doni that he planned to follow a career in publishing a new kind of news “organ” for public and community consumption, I was not surprised. I say “organ” because to me, “Bmore News ‘ as its known draws from many areas and all about the new media realities spoken of in “Megatrends”. Read in Full >>
OPINION PIECE: Submitted by the Honorable Peter Franchot, Comptroller of Maryland:
For anyone who remains unconvinced that the Maryland economy has lost momentum and is now moving in the wrong direction, the latest unemployment figures released by the U.S. Labor Department should remove all doubt.
The State of Maryland lost 11,000 jobs in June – the third highest total in the nation, trailing only Wisconsin and Tennessee. This was our fourth consecutive month of job losses, and it elevated our state’s unemployment rate to 6.9 percent.
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Editorial: GRAY MATTERS: Lolo Takes Shine From Harper & Wells:
Even in losing, NBC propped Jones on a pedestal of unworthiness. Wednesday morning after the race, Jones was able to bear her soul with Savannah Guthrie on The Today Show while Harper and Wells were banished to the NBC Sports Network with Michelle Beadle. Most of America’s medalists visited the network’s marquee program to share their story after victory but it was clear that Jones’ heartbroken cover girl story was more compelling than the champions from the event. Read in Full >>
Happy 10th Anniversary BMORENEWS.com: Sign the card!:
Natee:
We extend congratulations to you on your ten years of service thru bmorenews, and we are even more proud of the greater years of service that you have given to the community. Keep up the good work.
Family at Everyone's Place
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Commentary: "No Stars!" :: DO NOT GO TO THE MARI LUNA RESTAURANT IN PIKESVILLE!!! By Marsha Reeves-Jews:
I then asked the manager (general manager) to tell me what vegetables were in their Paella... usually smaller pieces primarily for seasoning, I wanted a green vegetable with my dinner. He then took the menu and said, "We are no longer serving the Paella".... Read in Full >>
The Glover Report: Empowerment Temple's Dr. Bryant Rallies Hearts for Chris Brown and Other Murder Victims:
And that leads to another beautiful aspect of last night’s ‘Come to Jesus’ meeting: the real genius of Dr. Bryant was bringing together the heart of the people – including dozens of people who have lost loved ones to murder in the streets of Baltimore. It was the community embracing the community. It was love – the very first thing Jesus commands of his followers.
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TGR: Structural Racism: The Shomrim’s Post on Facebook:
A long-time colleague asked me if I had seen the Patch’s post about the Shomrim’s latest: they had a post or two featuring black folks. When asked for feedback, I was initially at a loss for words – kind of like when I heard Bob Costas yesterday comment on Gabrielle Douglas’ gold medal victory. I was like a deer in headlights, to say the least (More on that in another column).
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Law Links Program is a Gem :: Arnold M. Weiner Law Firm, Other Local Firms Participate:
Lauryn Hill’s famous quote comes to mind: “I have come to learn that what differentiates one child from another is not ability, but access: Access to education; access to opportunity; access to love.”
In an American society that can be a slippery slope at best for many African Americans, the Law Links program is a classic example of what young people can achieve – regardless of race – with the proper support.
Editorial: Five reasons I want to be like Doni Glover by John Milton Wesley:
This brings me to the first reason I want to be like Doni. Once you meet him you never forget him; his name, his energy, his face, his voice, his quick wit, his knowledge of his craft, his commitment to economically disadvantaged people in general, and his determination to improve the quality of life for African Americans in particular. You have no doubt that this is someone who can do what they are telling you they intend to do and the listener has three options; as Ted Turner said “lead, follow, or get out of the way.” Read in Full >>
TGR: TV Announcer Speechless as Gabby Takes the Gold: "Cat gotcha tongue?":
I was trying to give it a pass. I said to myself, “No, these people can’t be this ignorant.” I had overlooked the 'flying squirrel' thingy. I had overlooked the incredible empathy for Jordan. However, some people have a way of being ignorant and seemingly not even know it. In fact, what I witnessed last night during NBC’s Olympic coverage was totally disrespectful to America and to black people.
In short, Gabrielle Douglas – in my best estimation – was slighted by the one NBC announcer. After she won the gold, this guy was quieter than a mouse pissing on cotton.
The Glover Report: Support National Black Business Month! Support Black Media!:
Like Norm always says, it is time to better target our one trillion dollars in annual disposable income. Without managing our money, we find that others are more than willing to do so. Just look at the hair and beauty industry. Given all of the money black women spend on these products, this industry is dominated by the South Koreans - not black folks. We are consumers. We are super-users. But, we are not producing at the levels we could. Read in Full >>
Commentary: Politicizing Grief:
Anyone who reads my columns can tell you that it is one of my mantras that politics should take up as little space in your life as possible. If it doesn't, it's only out of necessity occasioned by bad government, something we have in surplus.
A normal, healthy person with a functioning conscience should recoil with horror at the gruesome murder of a dozen Americans and the wounding of seventy others in a crowded movie theater in Aurora, Colorado. If you don't feel that, there's something wrong with you.
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Commentary: Pimps in the Pulpit:
Jackson is not alone. T.D. Jakes, Creflo Dollar, Eddie Long and others are also guilty of mental and financial genocide of their people. They live in sprawling mansions paid for with the blood, sweat, tears and Dollars of their members while many of those same members get thrown out of their homes in order to keep the “anointed one” living well. Read in Full >>
Commentary: August is Nat'l Black Business Month: An overlooked tiger in America's economic tank:
The United States is again at the precipice of economic ruin. However, if these lessons of the past teach us anything it's that black achievement creates innovation that can put us all back to work. During the month of August, founders of National Black Business Month encourage reviewing the annual State of Black Business report to learn more about such innovators, and to seek out at least one black business each day of the month - calling it 31 Ways, 31 Days. Read in Full >>
Guest Editorial: President Obama Launches Initiative On Education for African Americans:
Now with key information out there that President Obama needs record turnout from Black voters to win again, it appears that there is a reversal of this opinion. Perhaps we can credit the few Black thinkers and leaders who were willing to question the President over his arms length relationship to the Black electorate for this small gain. Those who demand nothing, get nothing. At least, this is a start. Read in Full >>
Guest Editorial: 'Natural', Perms, Braids, and the African in African American by Monica Vieira Tuck:
Of all my African-American friends, none ever went to an African club or restaurant. Honestly, there is no interest whatsoever in knowing anything relevant to Africa. That is where you came from! I observe their faces when my Ipod stars jamming African music. I just have never seen a group of people so eager to call themselves Africans and yet care absolutely nothing about it. They make very little effort to change and know better. People laugh when I look at my African-American husband and tell him: I am much more African than you, with my permed straight long extensions and almost white skin. Read in Full >>
Guest Editorial: Dozens gather to pay respects to LGBT victims of violence:
On July 17th, 2012, a group of 20 hardy spirits gathered in front of Baltimore's City Hall in the heat of the evening to remember and celebrate life. The crowd gathered to commemorate the lives of LGBT folk who had been violently killed. Foremost on the minds of attendees were DeSean Bowman and Anthony "Tyra" Trent.
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An Open Letter to the people of Aurora from a “9/11” survivor:
I lost my former fiancée Sarah Miller Clark on flight #77 that crashed into the Pentagon; her son lives in Aurora. One of my first calls on that fateful day in 2001 was to him in Aurora. Of course one of my first calls after learning of the incident at the Century Theater was to check on Sarah’s son, and my aunt who also lives in Aurora. I am happy to report both are well and safe.
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TGR: Special Feature: From Afro Paperboy to Media Entrepreneur: “Eddie” who?:
As for the need for the phenomenal institution called the black press, words cannot describe how desperately the Afro, the Baltimore Times, BMORENEWS, and every other black outlet is to the continued growth and development of the black community. We’ve come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. Black media is that voice of black America that yells out the best way forward. And as I was taught by great mentors over the years, nobody can tell my story like I can. No other race’s media is going to be able to do the justice to my story that I can do.
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REMEMBERING the Tragic Murder of Chris Brown: A Family's Loss. A Community's Pain.:
Photos by Ceandra B. Scott. For an Exclusive Update from Chris' mom: Click here. Read in Full >>
TGR: Reflecting On 'the Struggle' with J. Howard Henderson, Pres. & CEO of the Greater Baltimore Urban League:
As a matter of fact, he talked about how in the early 80s, the National NAACP (of which he was a part under Dr. Benjamin Hooks) made it their business to address the issue of the prison-industrial complex. They saw – early-on – that the over-incarceration of African Americans was about to mushroom. Some 30 years later, America has the rep of being the most incarcerating nation on earth. What an honor!
And, leading the way in that demographic, is black men – with the number of black women increasing faster than any other demographic.
We also discussed the impact of all of these prison sentences on the black family. We talked about the emasculation of black men – the removal of the black man’s testicular fortitude – on the family, on the race, and on the society.
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TGR: Support Independent Black Media Although … (“Much of black media really is awful”):
Keep speaking truth to power!
Apparently, the recent blogosphere discussion on black media began with a facebook post (noted above) by Journalist Yvette Carnell of www.BreakingBrown.com. Then, Bruce Dixon responded with a piece, The Black Press Is Dead. Get Over It. And Marc Polite responded with his own piece (“Can The Black Blogosphere Carry The Torch For The Black Press?”).
Topped by a provocative headline, I knew I was going to love or hate Dixon’s piece (I loved it). After all, it was discussing a topic near and dear to my heart: black media content. I am a huge proponent of uncensored, free and original press – especially as it relates to black folks. Black media is what I engage in every single day. What’s more, I am always curious as to what other independent-minded black journalists are thinking – if they, too, generally see what I see.
TGR: CHICAGO: URBAN PREP ACADEMY GRADUATES YOUNG BLACK MEN:
I don’t about you, but it certainly melts my heart to see such good news. Despite rampant late night news of young black men being shot dead in American streets via street or police violence, it is so refreshing and warming to see these lads matriculate forward to the next stage of their development.
Special kudos to their parents for ensuring their success. This is the type of news we love to report and share. It certainly brings another side to the often misunderstood young black man in America. Too often, he is castigated as irrelevant … as invisible.
Congratulations to all of these young men, their parents, and their teachers for a job well done!
TGR: Honoring Sen. Joan Carter Conway:
A tactician when it comes to the political game, she is the Chair of Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee – a very powerful position. Even more, she clearly understands Frederick Douglass’ statement that “power concedes nothing without a demand.” Hence, she is a fierce competitor and a bona fide leader of black folks here in Baltimore. She is a master at the game and I’m so glad she loves our community. Read in Full >>
Support Independent News Media in USA, 7.14.12:
Monica Vieira Tuck - Dallas http://doubymonicavieiratuck.wordpress.com/
Marc Polite - Harlem http://www.politeonsociety.com/
Charmil Davis - Newark http://www.newarkradioseries.com/Pages/default.aspx
Armstrong Williams - DC http://rightsidewire.com/
Raynard Jackson - DC http://raynardjackson.com/
Norm Bond - Phila. http://normbond.com/http://www.blackeconomicdevelopment.com/
LaQuay Juel - NJ http://blacknj.org/
Doni Glover - MD http://www.bmorenews.com/, and Mark Gray on Sports (DC http://www.hsrn.com/).
Read in Full >>
TGR: Sweet Potato Kids, an MBE Certified Business, Survives and Thrives ... at Deer Park:
Virgil and Michele Hall-Davis, sons have built family business on service, diligence, resourcefulness in the worst economy since 1929 and amidst the 7-year Walmart delay: According to the community, Sweet Potato Kids lives up to its reputation. According to Dave Green of the Planning Department for Baltimore County, “It’s community–oriented.” He added, “They identified a niche in the community and they worked it in a respectful way providing reasonable and wholesome activities for the entire family centered around the child.”
He said that the Davises are “very business-oriented, and always looking for ways to grow their business. They actively reach out to the community and to local resources so as to improve their center. Randallstown should be proud to have entrepreneurs of their caliber in the community. It’s the type of place that is family-oriented. And they cater to today’s kids in a unique way where they were focused on health long before the efforts by First Lady Michelle Obama. Even more, on any given day, you can see various races and cultures represented.”
The Glover Report: Internet Blackout: Black Monday, 7.9.12:
4 million Internet users to be dis-affected
In a way, I guess it’s like a rain day – Mother Nature’s way of slowing things down for a spell. Truth be told, the people affected by this shut down could easily be more than just Internet users.
After all, we’ve reached a day and time when so much of what we do relies on the World Wide Web, a fascinating development that has taken place since the early 90’s. Where we were once using dial-up to connect with America OnLine, a number of other companies have evolved – some of which have replaced early Titans. In short, communications might never be the same again.
Editorial: Gray Matters: Time For America To Appreciate Serena Williams:
The Williams family saga is the American dream personified yet filtered through cynicism of race. What Richard Williams did in raising two world class ladies from the streets of Compton and turning them into world champion tennis players is a testament to commitment and responsibility. His efforts have helped to keep American tennis relevant on a world stage. Yet he was accused of fixing matches between Venus and Serena in the early stages of their career. He kept them focused during the divorce from their mother Oracene and the death of their sister Yetunde Price in 2003. Read in Full >>
Guest Editorial: The Right to ... DIE: Contrasting the American Health Care Dilemma by Monica Vieira Tuck:
Priorities need to be established, and passing the so-called ObamaCare was a huge victory for the American people. It is a victory for the ones who stay at home in pain afraid of calling an ambulance because they can’t afford the bill. It was a victory for the families that need that break and that peace of mind, something that can’t be explained unless you have lived it. Unless you live with the fear, you can’t recognize how important this law is. Read in Full >>
TGR: The Importance of Attending and Finishing College:
Like all editorials, this is just an opinion. Everybody has one, so if you don’t agree – don’t worry! You’re not alone. However, I’m going to make a bold declarative and say that the money I have put on education has clearly been the first best investment I have ever made.
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TGR: George Zimmerman Freed on $1 Million Bond:
Then came George Zimmerman’s release. Mind you – all the while – media fatigue is setting in on a population that was otherwise motivated. And best believe, the defense attorneys know how to work that to their advantage.
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TGR: Stars and Stripes from China: 1sqbox.com's Alexis Coates, Granville Templeton in China, Japan:
“We just believe that China has a demonstrated track record for exemplary manufacturing of digital technology products,” said Coates. “We’re also looking at India, Pakistan, and other parts of Southeast Asia.”
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Guest Editorial: The End of a Legacy: Harlem's Hue-Man Bookstore to Close July 31st :: A Word from Carol Burnette:
As stop gap measures run out, the industry will be forced to reconcile the future place of "real books" in their business models and with continuous rumble and tumult, new ideas will percolate on how to deliver that new experience to the new consumer of books. No matter how apocalyptic the predictions are for the industry, it is my belief that books are here to stay in one iteration or the other. Read in Full >>
