Friday, June 29, 2007

Congrats To Big Hurt And Craig Biggio...


Thunder And Rain

By Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports
June 28, 2007

Both wrote their names into the record book with a Montblanc. Everyone had expected Craig Biggio and Frank Thomas to make their insignias with a dry Bic, simply trying to spit out whatever ink remained, and here, on the same day, they played calligraphers.

Milestone Thursday gave us everything. Biggio joined the 3,000-hit club in grander fashion than any of his 26 predecessors, pumping out five hits and crossing the plate on Carlos Lee's game-winning, extra-inning grand slam. Thomas joined the 500-home run club with a signature blast, his 270-pound body frozen just until he had to lunge, at which point his 39-year-old wrists generated enough bat speed to will the ball over the left-field fence – all before he got kicked out of the game for flapping his lips, a specialty of his.

For one day, they allowed us to remember what once was and reminded us what still, on just the right occasion, can be.

Biggio, the Houston Astro for life, the catcher-turned-second baseman-turned-outfielder-turned-second baseman, the scrapper, the hustler, the fresh face gone crow-eyed, the guy who only once before had a five-hit game, and that was on Opening Day 2001 following knee surgery. He looked Thursday like he had in his first season for the Astros 20 years ago, rounding first base on his third hit of the night, No. 3,000, and digging for the 659th double of his career. Age caught up with him momentarily and so did the throw – He was out. Later, though, he beat out an infield single with his 41-year-old legs with two outs in the 11th to keep the game alive.

And Thomas, the newly christened Toronto Blue Jay, the born designated hitter, the island of a man, the lumberer – bat and gait – left for the glue factory by the team he carried for so many years, the Chicago White Sox, only to revive his career last year in Oakland and, perhaps for the last time, live up to the game's most appropriate nickname, The Big Hurt. He looked Thursday like he had in his first season for the White Sox 18 years ago, taking borderline pitches, smacking bad ones, the paragon of patience and a worthy member of the 21-player crew with 500 home runs, unlike some recent enshrinees.

In the coming weeks, when New York Mets left-hander Tom Glavine earns his 300th win and joins baseball's third elite club, baseball's great contribution to water coolers and barstools everywhere – the unwinnable argument – will force us to compare the three. Which is the most elite? Which has been bastardized most by steroids? Which takes skill as opposed to longevity? Which merits automatic entry into the Hall of Fame?

Those taking up for 3,000 hits will point to longevity as a virtue. Even though the 3,000-hit club is the biggest, it is also the most select, their argument goes, filled with truly great hitters as opposed to one-dimensional sluggers. Look at the next in line: If Barry Bonds returns next year, he should crack 3,000. After that, Ken Griffey Jr. and Gary Sheffield have outside shots, only age and creaky limbs standing in the way – as it may, too, with Pudge Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez, Chipper Jones and Johnny Damon. The only shoo-ins, barring injury, are New York Yankees teammates Derek Jeter, with 2,255, and Alex Rodriguez, with 2,160. After that, the land is barren. The 20-somethings with the most hits: Adrian Beltre and Juan Pierre, at 1,333.

To hit 500 home runs, on the other hand, takes plenty more than showing up every day and slapping a single or two. The home run is baseball's greatest individual contribution – Lee's grand slam, everyone will agree, was the perfect capper on Biggio's night – and while a pitcher can earn a win giving up seven runs in a terrible performance, no batter, no matter how skilled, can put a pathetic swing on a ball and hit a home run. Anyway, the argument goes, pitchers complaining about how hard it is to win 300 games in the era of five-man rotations should suck it up and learn to pitch on three days' rest.

Oh, does that singe the eyebrows of those sticking up for the pitchers. First off, since Mike Schmidt became the 14th member of the 500-homer club in 1987, seven others have joined. A-Rod will make eight within a month or so, Jim Thome and Manny Ramirez could be Nos. 9 and 10 this year and Sheffield hit his 473rd on Thursday. Then there's Carlos Delgado at 418, Andruw Jones at 354, Vladimir Guerrero two behind him and … well, you get the point. Five hundred is no longer a milestone. After Glavine becomes the 23rd to win 300, the only pitcher with a legitimate shot is Randy Johnson, who's 16 shy. The next best bet, aside from 38-year-old Mike Mussina (242), might be Barry Zito. He has 108 wins.

Around and around the squabble will go, like the old Rotor ride at the amusement park. And, accordingly, once the floor drops out, the participants will lose their cool and see the discussion dissolve into something else, like whether the six-fingered Antonio Alfonseca would hold a split-fingered fastball between his middle and ring fingers instead of the index and middle.

Inanities have their place amid the kind of chatter that makes baseball fans proud to be baseball fans, the kind of talk that allows everyone to appreciate Biggio and Thomas, past and present.

Biggio, his batting helmet so covered with pine tar it looked like it got dipped in an oil barrel, was one of the better players of his generation but never the best. For the rest of 2007, he'll spend time on the bench, and then he'll likely retire.

Thomas, playing for a Blue Jays team with a double-digit deficit to Boston in the American League East race and yet passionate enough to get booted in the ninth inning for arguing balls and strikes, was one of the best players of his generation but never healthy enough to cement that reputation. As much as Thomas wants to recapture that, he knows the end beckons once his two-year contract expires.

So for one day, they froze time. Craig Biggio and Frank Thomas, once more, at their finest.

No argument necessary.


Jeff Passan is a national baseball writer for Yahoo! Sports. Send Jeff a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.

43rd Annual Mississippi Civil Rights Martyrs Memorial Service and Conference and Caravan for Justice a Success...

43rd Annual Mississippi Civil Rights Martyrs Memorial Service And Conference And Caravan For Justice Summary Report



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Dear Friends,

It was a great weekend.

I apologize in advance for omissions in this report. There was so much good participation, I am afraid that I am bound to leave something out.

People from out of state began arriving in Meridian on Thursday to join with people from Mississippi to complete the work for the 43rd memorial service.

An operational headquarters was opened at 31st Baptist Church at 8:30 Friday morning, June 22. Dr. Thompson is the pastor of 31st and he could not have been more gracious and helpful. The headquarters operated until around 10 pm Friday night. Coordination of volunteers for various activities, information sharing, sign making, and accomplishing the many final details for the Caravan for Justice and the Memorial Service and Conference were handled at the church.

A press conference was held in front of the former COFO office in Meridian at 11 Friday morning. It was covered by the local tv station and newspaper. Ed Whitfield opened with a sweeping eloquent statement of why we were there: to honor the Mississippi civil rights martyrs and demand as full a measure of justice as is obtainable for each and every one. Compelling remarks were also provided by Richard Coleman, Meridian/Lauderdale Co. NAACP Branch President; John Steele, Chairman of 43rd Annual Mississippi Civil Rights Martyrs Memorial Service and Conference Planning Committee, Curtis Muhammad, Mississippi Civil Rights Movement veteran, and several others. One speaker issued a challenge to the media to challenge Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood and Mississippi 8th District Attorney Mark Duncan on the grossly inadequate prosecution done by them thus far in the Neshoba murders case.

On Saturday morning, June 23, folks started arriving shortly after 8 at the First Union Missionary Baptist Church in Meridian for the Caravan for Justice that would depart at
10 am. First Union is where James Chaney's funeral service was held in 1964, and where his mother's service was held on June 9. Other vehicles arrived, including two full sized buses, and numerous cars, trucks, and SUVs. Many people enthusiastically placed signs on their vehicles. Additional signs had to be made on the spot. Some of the signs stated: JUSTICE FOR CHANEY GOODMAN SCHWERNER, WHY ONLY KILLEN?, KILLEN'S LONELY, JUSTICE FOR ALL MISSISSIPPI CIVIL RIGHTS MARTYRS, JUSTICE FOR EMMETT TILL, JUSTICE RIDERS, KILLEN NEEDS SOME COMPANY, and
WHY IS MISSISSIPPI PROTECTING OLEN BURRAGE?

The Caravan for Justice rolled out at 10 and made stops at the COFO office site, the James Chaney and Fannie Lee Chaney graves site at Okatibbee Baptist Church Cemetery outside of Meridian, the murder site on Rock Cut Road off of Highway 19 between Meridian and Philadelphia. At each stop, talks were given, and sometimes singing, music, and prayers offered. The services at the graves site and the murders site were of a particularly spiritual and moving nature.

There was harassment and worse by white racists during the caravan. A pickup truck driven by a young white man ran several vehicles off Highway 19. He made obscene gestures as he dangerously passed many of the vehicles in the caravan. He drove his truck into the rear of a caravan vehicle. This was done when the caravan was at low speed or stopped, and the assailant was also at low speed. He intentionally bumped the caravan vehicle a second time. When the occupants of the caravan vehicle emerged to check for damage, the assailant waved a club or bat from within his truck. The assailant then backed up, then accelerated forward, swerving toward the two men from the caravan vehicle, causing them to jump out of the way to avoid serious injury or worse.

The caravan arrived on time shortly before 1 pm in downtown Philadelphia for the big Rally for Justice at the Neshoba County courthouse. The caravan now consisted of four buses, two large recreation vehicles, and around forty other vehicles. Vehicles were parked around the courthouse square or nearby.

More harassment occurred in downtown Philadelphia. One Justice Rider was carrying a sign that read "JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED." As the Justice Rider crossed the street to reach the courthouse square, a middle aged white man in a late model red truck at the stoplight sarcastically shouted "What justice delayed are you talking about?" The Justice Rider shouted back, "All the murderers in this town." The red light changed and the truck proceeded away. While the Justice Riders were at the rally the sign dealing with Olen Burrage was ripped off the car it was on, torn to pieces, and the pieces left on the hood of the car.

The Rally for Justice at the Neshoba County courthouse began at 1 pm with well over 200 people. There were many powerful remarks given by several speakers. George Smith of Ft. Wayne, formerly of Meridian and a movement veteran who worked in Philadelphia in the 1960s, gave an especially to the point demand for justice in the Neshoba murders case.

After the rally at the courthouse, the caravan proceeded to the Longdale community center site. After a welcoming ceremony and the invocation by Rev. Barton of Kemper Co.'s Unity Springs Church (George Roberts' church) , a good meal was enjoyed by all. Curtis Muhammad served as Master of Ceremonies for the Saturday segment of the memorial service/conference. Curtis did his usual great job. Of course, there was freedom singing then and throughout the service and conference.

Steven McNichols a retired attorney and human rights activist from California read his personal account of the Freedom Ride that ended in the Harris Co. (Houston, TX) jail. The story gripped the audience in the reality of the brutality that movement people faced.

A panel dealing with the topic of Civil Rights Murders of Mississippi followed Steve. Ed Whitfield moderated the panel that included Keith Beauchamp, the producer of The Untold Story of Emmett Till; Ben Chaney, brother of Mississippi civil rights martyr James Chaney, civil rights crimes researcher Benjamin Greenberg of Boston, and John Gibson of the Arkansas Delta Truth and Justice Center. An engaged question and answer session followed the individual presentations by the panel members.

The Saturday session adjourned around 6, but the day was far from over. From about 8 to midnight a pizza party was held in and outside of one participant's room back at the Motel 6 in Meridian. There was making of new friends and reconnecting with old friends. And much swapping of stories. It wasn't long before Mississippi veteran Margaret Block and the group of History graduate students from the University of Wisconsin-Madison had a freedom singing songfest outside the door. The students had a good guitar player.

The program started back up at Longdale at 10 Sunday morning, June 24. Margaret Block was the Master of Ceremonies for Sunday. Rev. Advial McKenzie of Quitman did the invocation and Longdale native Jacqueline Spencer welcomed the gathering. A Roll Call of Mississippi Civil Rights Martyrs was read by movement veteran Diane Nash of Chicago; Jimmie Travis, movement veteran and Chairman of the Board of the Mississippi Veterans of the Civil Rights Movement; and Doris McKenzie, human rights activist from Quitman. The roll call consisted of reading summaries of the stories of each of the Mississippi Civil Rights Martyrs. The gathering was very moved.

Jacqueline Spencer followed the roll call with her personal comments from a child of Neshoba County civil rights pioneers that she is.

Then there was a scheduled and announced segment to recognize the food committee for their wonderful contributions to the success of the weekend. But there was a surprise part too. Four individuals were called forward to receive the first Longdale Freedom Fighter Awards: Rev. Advial McKenzie; George Roberts; Carolyn Sutton, the chair of the Food Committee; and Jacqueline Spencer.

Another great meal was served on Sunday. After the meal, the Pursuit of Justice panel, moderated by Steve McNichols, began. Panels members were movement veteran Judge D'Army Bailey of Memphis, movement veteran Judge Olly Neal of Arkansas, Minnesota State Senator Richard Cohen, Mississippi veteran and Chairman of the Mississippi veterans group Jimmie Travis, and John Gibson. The panel made clear that there has been grossly inadequate justice rendered in Mississippi civil rights murders cases in general, and in the Neshoba murders case in particular. After a Q & A session, the gathering divided into discussion groups to continue addressing the pursuit of justice issue. Representatives of each discussion group then reported back to the reconvened entire gathering. Many good ideas were presented to pursue more adequate justice in the Mississippi civil rights murder cases.

Hank Thomas, movement veteran of Atlanta, gave a talk on the need for and some paths for economic development within African-American communities and other communities.
A lively Q & A followed his presentation.

John Steele presented a report on the progress and plans for the reopening of the Longdale Community Center. He stated that a nonprofit corporation has been officially formed, and work to obtain federal tax exempt status is in progress. After his report, there were several comments from residents of the Longdale community about the strong need for the community center to be reopened.

Over 400 people participated in the Caravan for Justice and the 43rd Mississippi Civil Rights Martyrs Memorial Service and Conference.

It was great.

Must Black Voters Always Be Pawns???





Media Person Writes:
"Blacks generally are more liberal than average voters — liberal longshot Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio was the other audience favorite — so the trick for candidates is to appeal to blacks without alienating the rest of the electorate. Because Clinton is white, she has more liberty to give black voters what they want to hear without fear of being seen strictly as a black candidate."

Tha Artivist Writes:
Seriously Black Folks It Is Time To Get Our House And Prirorities In Order...Please Check Out Malcolm X's Classic "The Ballot Or The Bullet" Speech:
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/malcolmxballotorbullet.htm
or

A Concerned Artivist

Analysis: Clinton, Obama Eye Black Votes
By NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press Writer

If Bill Clinton was the "first black president," his wife and Barack Obama are vying to be the second.

Obama, the only black running for the White House, came into a debate Thursday night at predominantly black Howard University with the crowd on his side, chanting his name as all eight Democratic candidates posed for pictures on stage. But Hillary Rodham Clinton appeared to win many of them over in an impassioned performance that addressed their anger over inequality.

"If HIV/AIDS were the leading cause of death of white women between the ages of 25 and 34, there would be an outraged outcry in this country," Clinton said in the biggest applause line of the night, bringing audience members to their feet.

Black voters are a loyal base for Democratic candidates, which was why all the presidential candidates were sure to take part in a debate focused entirely on issues facing the black community. Polls show that blacks are closely divided between Obama and Clinton, with other candidates gathering less support.

"Clinton and Obama are both pulling on the heart strings of black voters," Democratic consultant Jamal Simmons said. "Most black voters are very fond of the Clintons, and having Hillary Clinton running for president and bringing back that feeling after years of President Bush is pulling on black voters out of a sense of loyalty. But Obama is pulling on them out of a sense of history."

Blacks have favorable views of both Clinton and Obama by about 8-to-1 margins, and of 2004 vice presidential nominee John Edwards by about 3-to-1, according to a Gallup poll released Friday. The telephone survey of 802 blacks, conducted June 4 to 24, had a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 6 percentage points.

Democratic strategist Donna Brazile, who served as Democrat Al Gore's campaign manager in 2000, said the debate gave Obama an opportunity to introduce himself to many black voters who aren't familiar with him after he served just 2 1/2 years in Washington. "He didn't knock it out of the park," Brazile said, adding that Clinton was a standout.

"She clearly understood that these issues deserve urgent attention, and she connected on that," Brazile said of the New York senator.

She also is married to former President Clinton, so wildly popular among black voters that novelist Toni Morrison dubbed him "the first black president" in a 1998 essay.

While the two previous debates focused largely on Iraq, there were no questions about the war this time. Some candidates injected Iraq into their answers, saying they would use the money spent on the war on domestic priorities and winning applause for the promise.

The debate's moderator, Tavis Smiley, steered the candidates to other issues that matter to black America. In turn, the candidates said those issues mattered to them.

"This issue of poverty in America is the cause of my life," Edwards said.

Said Obama: "It starts from birth."

Obama, who is the son of a black Kenyan man and a white Kansas woman, shared a bond with the largely black audience that no other candidate could claim. All the candidates decried the Supreme Court ruling earlier in the day that rejected school diversity plans in Seattle and Louisville, Ky., saying it turned back the promise of integrated schools that the court laid out 53 years ago in its landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education.

Obama offered himself as a powerful example of a beneficiary of Brown. "If it hadn't been for them, I would not be standing here today," the Illinois senator said.

Sen. Joe Biden noted that he voted against confirmation of Chief Justice John Roberts, who wrote the majority opinion in Thursday's ruling. All the Democratic candidates in the Senate opposed the confirmation of conservative Justice Samuel Alito, another of Bush's nominees. Clinton, Biden and Obama voted against Roberts; Sen. Chris Dodd voted for his nomination; Mike Gravel left the Senate in 1981.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, the first major Hispanic candidate, said race is about more than passing new laws and appointing new justices. "The next president is going to have to lead," he said, vowing to do so.

Black voters don't play a significant role in the primary race until after the leadoff contests in Iowa and New Hampshire are over, when Florida and South Carolina are scheduled to hold primaries on Jan. 29.

Blacks generally are more liberal than average voters — liberal longshot Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio was the other audience favorite — so the trick for candidates is to appeal to blacks without alienating the rest of the electorate. Because Clinton is white, she has more liberty to give black voters what they want to hear without fear of being seen strictly as a black candidate.

Democratic consultant Jenny Backus said Obama's effort to speak to whites and blacks resulted in his best debate yet.

"Obama took his performance to a different level by showing the ability to have a conversation that was about race that wasn't just one way," Backus said. "He was talking to both whites and blacks in his answers."

___

Nedra Pickler covers the Democratic presidential race for The Associated Press.

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Bye Bye Super...Disappointment!!!

Bureaucrat+No Vision= Mediocre Legacy...

In The Month Of June True Leadership Was On Display For The World To Listen And Tune In To On W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio...

June's Theme: "WE BE LEADERS"

True Leaders Of Great Talent And Exceptional Character Took Accountability For The Flock On Tha Artivist Presents...W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio...
As Always You Can Catch Tha Artivist Presents…W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio Every Sunday @ 4PM Central/5PM Eastern By Clicking On The Following Link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hostpage.aspx?host_id=1952

Our Guests Were...

A.) June 24,2007---Listen To What Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong Said On Tha Artivist Presents…W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio

This Past Sunday June 24, 2007 And In Honor Of June Being National Black Music Month Yours Truly Had The Honor And Privilege Of Interviewing Arguably The Greatest Musician Of The 20th Century, Louis ‘Satchmo’ Daniel Armstrong…For One Hour In All Pops Shared With Us His Reflections On Growing Up In New Orleans, His Relationships With People Influential In The Development Of His Career And Craft And His Overall Observations About Life…Needless To Say It Was Very Insightful And Colorful Commentary That Was Also Very Edutaining…Please Feel Free To Listen To The Conversation For Yourselves And As Always Please Spread The Good News!!!
Check Out The Interview By Clicking on The Following Link: http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/blogtalkradio/show_29279.wax

B.) June 17, 2007---Holman Unleashed!!! Produces Food For Thought On Sperm Donor's Day Editon of W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio
copyright by Michael Holman
From Tha Artivist: As always it is truly an honor and treat to have the incomparable, opinionated, loquacious as well as always magnetic and engaging Michael Holman on Tha Artivist Presents...W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio...Responses to this wonderful man's guest spots have been so strong that it was decided upon to do a spinoff show once to twice a month on W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio entitled Holman Unleashed!!!
Check out the first installment of this program by clicking here:
http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/blogtalkradio/show_26906.wax

Michael is a self-proclaimed "armchair anthropologist" and so some of his view points are very blunt and may be offensive or deemed irresponsible...Nevertheless the viewpoints he presents in this installment still needs to be heard and in many ways are more educational and progressive than detrimental and counterproductive...The point of these shows are not to change people's minds but to get people to start thinking about why do they think or feel the way that they do about certain issues and perspectives...
With that said I hope you continue to join us on this wonderful journey...


C.) June 10, 2007---Best Selling Author, Entrepreneur And Motivational Speaker Randy Kearse

(Recently Seen On The Colbert Report With Stephen Colbert)
http://www.randykearse.com/
From Tha Artivist: On Sunday June 10,2007 I had the Honor And Privilege Of Conversing With A Changed Man With A Plan...Bro. Randy Kearse Spent 13 1/2 years In Federal Prison For Being A Player In The Drug Game...However, After Less Than Two Years On The Streets He Has Already Published Two Well Selling Books, Started His Own Business And Has Been Featured In Numerous Media Outlets Including The Very Popular Colbert Nation With Stepehen Colbert On Comedy Central!!! For One Hour Bro. Randy Basically Shared With Us His Formula For Success Which Formed The Basis For His Latest Book Changing Your Game Plan...He Also Shared With Us His Joys And Frustrations In Trying To Walk The Straight And Narrow Path...Bro. Randy Is A Wise And Passionate Man And I Definitely Look Forward To Working With Him In The Near Future...
Please Feel Free To Listen To Our Actual Conversation And As Always Share With Others:


D.) Bro. Eady And Bro. Barton Spoke Truth To Power And Black Dollars On W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio


Kermit Eady, BUFNY Founder, Now CEO Of Eady Associates
http://www.kermiteady.com/
Bro. Kermit Eady
Founder and Former President/CEO of Black United Fund of New York
now President of Eady Associates and the Empowerment Institute
&
Bro. Larry Barton
Former Vice President and General Manager of Black United Fund of New York
It Is Always A Pleasure And Privilege To Have Bro. Kermit Eady And Bro. Larry Barton On Tha Artivist Presents...W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio...They Are True Servants Of The People And Have A Message Of Self-Empowerment That Needs To Be Heard In These Post-Katrina Times...
Please Take A Listen For Yourself And Pass On The Good News:
http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/blogtalkradio/show_26904.wax

As Always Please Spread The Good News...

May Days About We The People All Day Every Day On Tha Artivist Presents...W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio

May's Theme: "WE THE PEOPLE..."

As Always You Can Catch Tha Artivist Presents…W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio Every Sunday @ 4PM Central/5PM Eastern By Clicking On The Following Link:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hostpage.aspx?host_id=1952
A.) Tha Artivist And Dr. John Hope Franklin ---May 30,2007
Dear Fam, Friends, And Supporters,
I Interviewed The Legendary Scholar And Visionary Dr. John Hope Franklin On Weds. May 30,2007...I Was Deeply Moved By His Candidness, Frankness And Overall Enthusiasm...It Was Such An Honor To Interview A Person Of Such Brilliance, Courage And Passion...I Feel Honored To Be Connected To This Great Humanitarian And Man Of Learning For All Times...If I Am Blessed To Live As Long As Dr. Franklin I Can Get A Chance To Reminisce About This Historic Meeting Just Like He Told Me About His Interaction With One Of His Friends, The Great Dr. W.E.B. DuBois...Be Blessed By What You Hear In This Interview And Always Be Opened To Receive It!!!
Your Comrade And Brother In The Struggle...R2C2H2 Tha Artivist

Check Out The Actual Interview By Clicking On the Link:
http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/blogtalkradio/show_25754.wax

B.) Sunday May 27, 2007 Installment Of Tha Artivist Presents...W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio Was A Hip Hop Culture Celebration...


It Was One Of Our Highest Rated Shows Ever...Thanks To Everyone Who Helped Make This Show And Overall Venture A Success...

You Can Listen To The Actual Interview By Clicking On This Link:
http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/blogtalkradio/show_23455.wax


C.) May 20, 2007 Edition--- Hip Hop Is Alive And Well On W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio...


On Sunday's May 20, 2007 Edition Of Tha Artivist Presents...W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio Our Gifted And Insightful Guests Proved That Hip Hop Ain't Dead And Will Be Around For A Long Time Coming...

Please Check Out The Actual Conversation For Yourself By Clicking On The Following Link:
http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/blogtalkradio/show_22842.wax

D.) May 17,2007--- Black Girl Spoke On W.E. A.L.L B.E. Radio...
>


Thank YOU! I really enjoyed myself. You are such a profound thinker. I LOVE that. I don't come across it often enough. If you ever need anything, just ask. You have a new friend in me.
~Sis. Talitha Coverson (Her Thoughts On Tha Artivist Presents...W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio)

Tha Artivist Writes:Needless To Say The Interview Was Very Inspiring, Informative, Uplifting And Beautiful Just Like The Interviewee Sis. Talitha Coverson...I Look Forward To Hearing, Reading And Seeing More Great Things From And About This Young, Black, Gifted Phenomenal Woman Of Strength And Courage In The Near Future...
Here's The Link To The Interview, Please Share With Others:
http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/blogtalkradio/show_25672.wax


E.) Michael Holman On Jean Michel Basquiat...5/9/07

Wednesday May 9, 2007 On Tha Artivist Presents...W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio I Had The Honor And The Privilege Of Interviewing Renaissance Man Extraordinaire Michael Holman http://www.michaelholman.com...He Was Very Close Friends With Another Phenomenal Renaissance Artist Jean Michel Basquiat...He Wrote The Film Screen Play For The Biopic About Jean Michel Basquiat Entitled "Basquiat"...He Also Produced, Wrote And Recorded Music For As Well As Acted In The Classic Art Film "Downtown 81" Which Starred The Real Jean Michel Basquiat...Please Listen To This Important Interview By Clicking On The Following Link:
http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/blogtalkradio/show_24502.wax

F.) Afrocentropalooza On W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio 5/6/07
copyright by Michael Holman


In Accordance With That Powerful Theme The People Have Listened, E-mailed And Spoken...Much Thanks To Everyone (Guests, Listeners, Well Wishers As Well As Nay Sayers) For Making The May 6, 2007 Edition Of Tha Artivist Presents...W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio An Instant Classic...

Please Check Out The Show Again...If You Are Listening To This "Edutaining" Installment For The First Time, Listen To It Again...In Both Cases Keep Listening To This Show Again And Again And Again...As Always Please Spread The Good News!!!

Here's A Link To The May 6, 2007 Show:

http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/blogtalkradio/show_22840.wax

PWB: Politicking While Black

Are Black Leaders Under Siege?
By Wiley Henry Courtesy of The Memphis Tri-State Defender



Mayor Willie Herenton

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It comes as no surprise to some black Memphians that powerful white businessmen allegedly tried to coax a sultry black woman into luring Mayor Willie Herenton into a videotaped sex trap in order to foil his chances of winning an unprecedented 5th term as Memphis mayor.

“There’s a premeditated conspiracy to bring him down — no question about it,” said Dr. Isaac Richmond, national director of CORR (Commission on Religion and Racism). “Somebody wants him out by any means necessary.”

Mayor Herenton agrees. He said there’s a well-orchestrated political conspiracy designed to defame his character, “to cause me such an embarrassment that I wouldn’t run for re-election, and, if I did, that I would be on the defensive trying to prove my innocence. That’s a reality.”

Herenton notes that the mainstream media moved to assault the character of Gwendolyn Smith, who came forward with news of the alleged conspiracy, and didn’t probe to get at the origin of the foiled plot.

“Gwendolyn Smith’s character is not on trial here,” Herenton said. “Yes, she has a criminal record. But they are trying to say since she had a problem with the law that she’s incapable of telling the truth.”

Dr. Richmond said the alleged conspirators, those Herenton called “snakes,” fear him for what he represents: independence and confidence.

“As the mayor of the city, he hasn’t done anything that’s bad. If you don’t want him as mayor, get somebody in the race to beat him,” said Dr. Richmond, often labeled a rabble-rouser for using protest methods made popular in the 1960s.

So, are Black leaders under siege? Certainly, Herenton said. “When African Americans are moving into leadership of importance, they attract scrutiny more than their white counterparts.”

He said the media is often hostile to African-American leaders who are confident and focused on an agenda that benefits the total community. “We are under the microscope more that our white counterpart,” Herenton said.

“The stronger your leadership profile, the more they come after you. Now they’re armed with the justice department, the U.S. attorney, the FBI, and the DA offices and often focus on black leaders with such intensity and prejudicial views.

“After serving in public office 12 years as school superintendent and now 16 years as mayor, I’ve always understood that the African-American political leader can’t do what white political leaders have done. We face a double standard,” Herenton said.

Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttrell said the reason there may be a public perception that black leaders are under siege might stem from the recent FBI indictments.

Of the 12 defendants in the Tennessee Waltz public corruption probe, 10 are African Americans. City Council members Edmund Ford and Rickey Peete were also snared in an unrelated FBI sting operation.

“It’s a reaction to the number of indictments that came down,” Luttrell said. “You can look back over the years and find that a number of whites have bitten the dust – like Joe Cooper. For the most part, people make wise decisions. People are there (in office) for the right reason. And they come in white and black.

“You can take issue in our society and apply a racial lens to it. Let’s focus on good leadership, whether it’s black or white,” Luttrell said. “However, there are a few that won’t exceed the standard.”

Sarah Carpenter, a Hyde Park community leader, says a lot of the powerbrokers want to control the whole city.

“They are trying to push us back 50 years. There are many politicians still falling for the hokey-dokey. But we can’t fall for anything. I’m a Rickey Peete fan, but he hasn’t had his day in court.”

During his tenure as mayor, controversy has swirled around Herenton and his most ardent critics have criticized him for his leadership style and for his candid comments.

“They don’t have a performance issue with me; they have a style issue. And it ain’t going to change,” Herenton said. “Under the Herenton administration, there has been tremendous growth. You would have to be stupid and blind not to see that enormous progress has been made since I’ve been mayor.”

Mark Stansbury, who has served as an assistant to four University of Memphis presidents including Dr. Shirley Raines, said Herenton should be judged by his performance as mayor and not by his temperament.

“Dr. Herenton has done a good job in the city of Memphis,” Stansbury said. “They (white powerbrokers) are trying to destroy and discredit our black leadership in Memphis and all over the country.”

Stansbury said while black leaders are under siege, they have a responsibility to carry themselves in a manner where they can’t be set up. Case in point: the Tennessee Waltz.

“I don’t care what your race is. If you breech the public trust and commit a crime and you’re indicted and proven guilty, you ought to be punished,” Herenton said. “It behooves all elected officials, especially African Americans, not to breech the public trust.

“In fairness, some of the African-American officials should be under siege by law enforcement and the justice department if they’re committing crimes. There’s no excuse for the breech of trust by anyone whether you’re white or African American.”

The problem arises, Herenton said, when the justice system turns its head to crimes committed by white elected officials. Despite the onslaught of media scrutiny, the mayor said, some blacks don’t play by the rules and subject themselves to investigations.

“If we’re going to learn anything from this, people have to be squeaky clean and maintain their integrity,” said Willie Henry, a counselor and special assistant to U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen.

“What happens to black folks happens to people as a whole,” he said. “What destroys black leadership is a lack of involvement, education and commitment to the community. I’m one of those who is educated enough to speak truth to power.”

The truth of the matter, Herenton said, is that he is targeted by the media and rumors float around because “I’m not a part of the Tennessee Waltz.

They can’t believe that an African American can be honest and clean in his leadership role.”

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Art Auction Featuring The Works Of Tha Artivist And Friends This Sun. July 1 @ The Memphis Orpheum Theatre...

Sun July I,2007: Two Shows With Two Visionaries On Tha Artivist Presents...W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio

4th of July Weekend Double Main Event On Tha Artivist Presents...W.E. A.L.L. B.E Radio!!!

On Sunday July 1st Yours Truly Will Be Interviewing Two High Profile Individuals In Two Separate Hours On Tha Artivist Presents…W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio In The Same Day!!! A First In Tha Artivist Presents…W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio!!! Please Join Us For These Two History Making Hours Which Will Showcase...

Art World Sensation Rah Crawford
2PM Central/3PM Eastern
Link To Listen Live: http://www.nowlive.com/member.asp?id=100215235 or http://www.nowlive.com/r2c2h2
E-mail: r2c2h2@nowlive.com

"I Want To Define The Modern Generation
Through My Visual Art."


Bearded Che By Rah Crawford

Rah Crawford
http://www.rahcrawford.com/

Visual artist Rah Crawford has achieved a lot in a very short period of time. In just three years since his national debut his eclectic art work has graced gallery walls in New York, London and Amsterdam and he's created art live on stage with hip-hop icons, The Roots. He has also been commissioned by Grammy award winning music acts, Outkast & Jill Scott. Ultimately he has amazed art lovers around the world with his own brand of artistic expression which he calls Neoteric Pop-Iconic Clairvoyance(TM).

Let's back up a bit. Just who is Rah Crawford and what exactly is Neoteric Pop-Iconic Clairvoyance(TM) ?

A concept he created after 10 years of research is now used
to describe his body of work. Neoteric Pop-Iconic Clairvoyance(TM), which Rah describes as being a new approach to art, is a technique that asks the viewer to not only study and admire the images but to seek and find hidden text or numerals within the work and associate the words or phrases with the visual to come to a more vivid understanding of the work.

Born and currently based in Philadelphia, this 33-year-old Renaissance man has been throwing paint against canvases since he was a child. Having initially been inspired by his father, who was an artist himself, and steered by a mother who encouraged him to pursue his creative endeavors in music, fashion and publishing, he couldn't escape his first love of art even though he had many additional interests.




Celebrated Scholar And Malcom X Expert Dr. Manning Marable
4PM Central/5PM Eastern
Link To Listen To Show Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hostpage.aspx?host_id=1952 Call In Number: 646-652-4593
E-mail:
r2c2h2@gmail.com

"Truth Is On The Side Of The Oppressed" -Malcolm X

http://www.manningmarable.net/


Dr. Manning Marable is one of America’s most influential and widely read scholars. Since 1993, Dr. Marable has been Professor of Public Affairs, Political Science, History and African-American Studies at Columbia University in New York City. For ten years, Dr. Marable was founding director of the Institute for Research in African-American Studies at Columbia University, from 1993 to 2003. Under Dr. Marable’s leadership, the Institute became one of the nation’s most prestigious centers of scholarship on the black American experience.
Professor Marable is a national leader in the development of web-based, educational resources on the African American experience. With Columbia’s Center for New Media Teaching and Learning, he has directed the production of two courses on W.E.B. Du Bois and Malcolm X, respectively; a multimedia version of Du Bois’s The Souls of Black Folk, in 2001; and a massive multimedia version of The Autobiography of Malcolm X, featuring 440 historical annotations, 78 newsreel and film clip footage of Malcolm X, 216 photographs, over 200 government documents and original oral history interviews with Malcolm X’s friends and associates. In 2005 Dr. Marable and members of his Malcolm X Biography Project designed the content for the multimedia educational kiosks featured at the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center at the historic Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan, the site of Malcolm X’s 1965 assassination.
View Malcolm X Project:
Since 1976, Dr. Marable has written a political commentary series, “Along the Color Line,” that appears in over four hundred newspapers and journals worldwide. He is regularly featured in national and international media. He donates much of his time fundraising and speaking on behalf of prisoners’ rights, labor, civil rights, faith-based institutions, and other social justice organizations. Dr. Marable lectures annually in Sing Sing Prison, Ossining, New York, in a Master’s Degree Program for prisoners.

Rebirth Of Soul: Stax @ 50...



Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration @ The Orpheum Proves That Soul Isn’t Dead…
Tha Artivist Reports…

Although I’m an 80s baby it was truly a treat for yours truly to be able to get a chance to go down memory lane with many a baby boomer last Friday night (6-22-07)!!! It's been 50 years ago since Estelle Axton and her brother James Stewart decided to change American Music and Pop Culture History Forever when they put their financial resources together to create Satellite Records in a North Memphis Garage…This venture eventually became the now legendary Stax Records Brand…


If Motown was the embodiment of mainstream pop appeal then Stax truly epitomized the universality of soul…Many a legendary musical act made their mark at Stax which distributed the soul sound world wide…The list of names and hits reads like a who’s who and that’s my jam of jams of r & b, funk, gospel and soul…Everybody from James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Taylor, Otis Redding, The Bar Kays, The Mar Kays, Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas, The Memphis Horns, The Staple Singers, Rance Allen, The Soul Children, Eddie Floyd, Booker T. And MGs, Dr. Mable John, William Bell, Sam and Dave, comic great Richard Pryor and the Black Moses Himself Isaac Hayes among countless others played their part in this revolution to make soul music a household name and world wide phenomenon!!!

So it was truly a pleasure and a honor to see some of these headliners and legends on Friday @ The Memphis Orpheum Theatre…Although I am hometown boy myself I still had no idea how deep these soul roots ran…Memphis is truly Ground ZERO…This is where all the music came and crossed together to be distributed throughout the country and beyond…Blues had humble beginnings on famous Beale Street where W.C. Handy had the chance to write them down and in the process rewrite history…Rock N Roll was arguably first recorded @ Sun Records…True divas Aretha Franklin, Alberta Hunter, Lil Hardin Armstrong and Dee Dee Bridgewater were born in Memphis…Some of the greatest jazz, r and b, blues and gospel greats and near greats in their own right came out of Manassas High School, Overton High School and Booker T. Washington High School respectively…The legendary team of Al Green and Willie Mitchell hooked up in Memphis to create the Al Green sound and those legendary timeless hits!!! Let us not forget Orange Mound’s own Southern Hip Hop Pioneer duo 8Ball & MJG, the group which paved the way for other super successful acts like Outkast as well as the Oscar winning Three Six Mafia and their impressive albeit controversial legacy in the world of rap and Hip Hop…

But let us get back to the main point of this article which is Stax’s 50th Birthday Celebration…The purpose of this event was to raise money for Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Academy which presently stands on the same spot where the original recording studio stood @ College and McLemore in South Memphis back in 1960 (after moving from their original North Memphis location)…This manifestation owes its being to the dedicated pioneer and visionary work of Ms. Deanie Parker, a former vocal talent and longtime employee of the original Stax Records where she worked since she was a teenager…It took her 20 plus years of perseverance and diligence in seeing this project through to completion…And her hard work definitely paid off…

Like I said before it was truly an enjoyable and memorable program…It reminded me of one of those PBS specials where they have those DooWop groups from the 1950s and 60s perform their hits for their original and new fans…It was truly a rarefied and electrified air for many in attendance…What I also liked about the event was the fact that it also bridged the gap in having new school acts paid homage to the Old School pioneers who paved the way…This event definitely provided many edutaining (educational and entertaining) moments…


I thought both Hip Hop Icon Chuck D and American Idol Judge Randy Jackson did a great job in emceeing the event…Both men are very capable musicians and well read musicologists in their own right…They kept the show moving, but really I would say their job wasn’t that difficult because number one people who were there in attendance were already sold and grew up on the Stax Brand of Soul Music and Number Two the music acts were really really good!!!


The first acts did a great job in warming up the crowd for things to come...The vocal acrobatics of the great William Bell and great Eddie Floyd (who later came back and did a rump shaking cover of his signature tune “Knock On Wood”) paved the way for the wonderful bluesy, folksy and engaging story telling antics of beautiful Ray Charles alum (Rayette) Dr. Mable John…Storytelling has always been part of the African/African American art tradition…New School songstress and Neo-Soul stalwart Angie Stone did a great job in covering Shirley Brown’s soul standard “Woman to Woman”…Angie is definitely a born show woman because she showcased the band a la Jimmie Lunceford style by highlighting the horns, the rhythm section and those troopers the back ground singers letting them do what it do!!! The crowd was really into it at that point and in stand up mode…


Up and coming future soul legend N’Dambi took us there with her rendition of the late great Luther Ingram’s signature hit “Loving You Is Wrong I Don’t Want To Be Right…”…It was definitely hard not too fall for the leggy beauty from Dallas who really played her part with her large reddish brown Angela Davis style afro and blue turquoise mini skirt 70s style with retro boots to match…She looked like a taller version of the Beyonce Character (Foxy Cleopatra) from the last Austin Powers movie…I don’t doubt that we will be hearing more things from this song seductress in the very near future…

Some other surprises included the son of late great Otis Redding (arguably the greatest soul singer ever) performing one of his father’s signature tunes “Tenderness”…Otis Redding’s son bares an uncanny resemblance to his iconic father who perished in an airplane crash at the age of 26…Lalah Hathaway the daughter of another iconic singer who died all too soon, the great Donnie Hathaway, did a good cover of the popular “Mr. Big Stuff”…

The Soul Children proved that true soul never ages…It was truly enjoyable to watch their live stage performance which reminded of a cross between James Brown, KC and JoJo and Bobby Womack…Their act showed me that Stax did not only believed in recording great timeless music but also putting on great timeless live performances…

Trumpet virtuoso Wayne Jackson of the legendary Memphis Horns did up his group’s biggest hit “O Last Night” to a receptive audience…His performance reminded me of something that Louis Armstrong and Louie Prima would do…I really enjoyed it because I’m a trumpet man and show man in my own right…It was good to see Mr. Wayne Jackson do what it do with the seemingly same enthusiasm and spirit as when he first recorded his signature song…

New school act Soulive a.k.a. The Groove Machine of NY proved that true soul knows no geographical boundaries…They performed a very energetic version of Sam and Dave’s “Thank You”…


Gospel Soul artist Rance Allen hasn’t lost a step in his pep and proved that anytime is the right time to convert and save even the most soulful of souls through his songs…For a big man he really moved or grooved well (Mr. Allen reminded me in look of an older Heavy D)…He really made his stage time a time of worship and church….I thought they were about to pass around a bucket to take up tithes and offerings…



Mr. Allen's wonderful act set the stage for true Hometown favorite sons Booker T. and The MGs, who according to Chuck D was the greatest rock instrumental band of all time…They played their mega hit “Green Onions” to standing room only…There was not one person in the audience that wasn’t moved by their display of musical brilliance and telepathy…Steve Cropper was very exceptional in his display of musical pyrotechnics on his guitar…The group was very inspiring as a whole and they would definitely be a hard act to follow…

Mavis Staples of the legendary Staples Sisters sang her hit solo tune “Respect” which once again pulled the audience out of their seats and had us all bouncing to the beat…



One of the most crowning moments of the night I would say was the emergence of Black Moses himself, Isaac Hayes!!! He more than anybody in my mind really embodied the legacy of Stax music…His songwriting ability along with David Porter were behind some of Stax’s biggest hits and truly defined the era…He had seven no 1 albums during that period, more than any of his peers during the era…He was also responsible for penning one of the most recognizable songs in the entire world, the theme from the movie Shaft which enabled him to become the first African American to receive an Oscar for Best Song…So it made sense to save this truly soul treasure for last...And Isaac did not disappoint…He opened up his act with one of his signature tunes “Walk On By” which had the crowd on their feet…After the song he made a point to state how much things have changed in 50 years….He said that he can remember when Blacks were only allowed to sit at the balcony level of the Orpheum Theatre to watch a movie because of Jim Crow when he was growing up…Luckily for me I was able to sit in the orchestra level to watch this brilliant artist do his thang…After a round of applause from the audience he went into a tour de force version of his award winning epic tune “The Shaft Theme”…It really blew me away…The precision of the band was unbelievable...Isaac went into conductor mode…It was like watching God create the world in seven days…He basically enveloped everyone in the audience into his world and took us on a journey…That alone was truly worth the price of admission…However, after his act was over and he received thunderous applause, you can tell that Isaac was a mere mortal after all…He looked tired and needed to be helped off stage due to recent health setbacks...In spite of that I was glad to see one of the greatest artists of any genre do their craft at the highest of levels…His music will live on for all times…

The Finale had everybody come back on stage to do two of Stax’s biggest hits...The first was Otis Redding’s “Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay” followed by the Staples Sisters’s “I’ll Take You There”…

The show was also broadcasted live on XM Satellite Radio…Some notables in attendance included Dr. W.W. Herenton the Mayor of Memphis, former NBA Superstar Penny Hardaway and U.S. Rep for District 9 Steve Cohen…

To Learn More About Stax And Its Legacy Please Visit The Following Websites:
http://www.stax50.com/
http://www.soulsvilleusa.com/

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

R.I.P. Chris Benoit And Fam...

Wrestler Strangled Wife, Suffocated Son, Hanged Himself In Weight Room; Police Offer No Motive

By GREG BLUESTEIN, Associated Press Writer
June 26, 2007

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. (AP) -- Pro wrestler Chris Benoit strangled his wife, suffocated his 7-year-old son and placed a Bible next to their bodies before hanging himself with a weight-machine pulley, authorities said Tuesday.

Investigators found anabolic steroids in the house and want to know whether the muscle man nicknamed "The Canadian Crippler" was unhinged by the bodybuilding drugs, which can cause paranoia, depression and explosive outbursts known as "roid rage."


Authorities offered no motive for the killings, which were spread out over a weekend, and would not discuss Benoit's state of mind. No suicide note was found.

"I'm baffled about why anybody would kill a 7-year-old," District Attorney Scott Ballard said. "I don't think we'll ever be able wrap our head around that."

The Montreal-born Benoit was one of the stars of the WWE wrestling circuit and was known for his wholesome family-man image. His wife, Nancy, was a wrestling stage manager who worked under the name "Woman." They married in 2000.

When he won the world heavyweight championship in 2004, Benoit (pronounced ben-WAH) hoisted the belt over his head and invited his wife and child into the ring to celebrate. Asked by the Calgary Sun that same year to name his worst vice: Benoit replied: "Quality time with my family is a big vice. It's something I'll fight for and crave."

Nevertheless, Nancy Benoit filed for a divorce in 2003, saying the couple's three-year marriage was irrevocably broken and alleging "cruel treatment." She later dropped the complaint, as well as a request for a restraining order in which she charged that the 5-foot-10, 220-pound Benoit had threatened her and had broken furniture in their home.

In the divorce filing, she said Benoit made more than $500,000 a year as a professional wrestler and asked for permanent custody of Daniel and child support. In his response, Benoit sought joint custody.

The bodies were found Monday afternoon in the house, situated off a gravel road in this suburb about 20 miles south of Atlanta.

Benoit's 43-year-old wife was killed Friday in an upstairs family room, her feet and wrists were bound and there was blood under her head, indicating a possible struggle, Ballard said. Daniel was probably killed late Saturday or early Sunday, the body found in his bed, the district attorney said.

Benoit, 40, apparently hanged himself several hours and as long as a day later, Ballard said. His body was found in a downstairs weight room, his body found hanging from the pulley of a piece of exercise equipment.

A closed Bible was placed next to the bodies of the wife and son, authorities said.

The prosecutor said he found it "bizarre" that the WWE wrestling star spread out the killings over a weekend and appeared to remain in the house for up to a day with the bodies.

Toxicology test results may not be available for weeks or even months, Ballard said. As for whether steroids played a role in the crime, he said: "We don't know yet. That's one of the things we'll be looking at."

Steroids have been linked to the deaths of several professional wrestlers in recent years. Eddie Guerrero, one of Benoit's best friends, died in 2005 from heart failure linked to long-term steroid use.

The father of Curt "Mr. Perfect" Hennig blamed steroids and painkillers for Hennig's drug overdose death in 2003. Davey Boy Smith, the "British Bulldog," died in 2002 from heart failure that a coroner said was probably caused by steroids.

Benoit was a quiet, roughhewn figure amid the glitz and bluster of pro wrestling. He performed under his real name, eschewed scripted personas and didn't bother to fix a gap where he had lost one of his front teeth. (According to the WWE Web site, he lost the tooth while roughhousing with his pet Rottweiler.)

His signature move was the "Crippler Crossface," in which he would lock his hands around an opponent's face and stretch his neck.

He met his wife in the 1990s when she was married to rival wrestler Kevin Sullivan. As part of the scripted rivalry, Benoit and Nancy were supposed to act as if they were having an affair. A real romance blossomed, and she left Sullivan for Benoit.

Neighbors said the Benoits led a low-key lifestyle.

"We would see Chris walking in his yard from time to time. He wasn't rude, but he wasn't really outwardly warm," said Alaina Jones, who lives across the street.

Jimmy Baswell, who was Benoit's driver for more than five years, placed a white wreath at the Benoits' gate. "They always seemed like they were the happiest people," he said.

World Wrestling Entertainment said on its Web site that it asked authorities to check on Benoit and his family after being alerted by friends who had received "several curious text messages sent by Benoit early Sunday morning."

"He was like a family member to me, and everyone in my family is taking it real hard," said fellow Canadian Bret Hart, a five-time champion.

The WWE canceled its live "Monday Night RAW" card in Corpus Christi, Texas, after the bodies were discovered.

Monday's show was supposed to be a memorial service for WWE owner Vince McMahon. In a storyline concocted by the WWE, McMahon was supposedly "assassinated" in a limousine explosion two weeks earlier. McMahon appeared at the beginning of Monday's telecast and acknowledged the bombing was made up.

The McMahon storyline has been dropped.

Associated Press writers Debbie Newby and Jason Bronis contributed to this report.

Listen To What Louis 'Satchmo' Armstrong Said On Tha Artivist Presents…W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio 6/24/07


This Past Sunday June 24, 2007 And In Honor Of June Being National Black Music Month Yours Truly Had The Honor And Privilege Of Interviewing Arguably The Greatest Musician Of The 20th Century, Louis ‘Satchmo’ Daniel Armstrong…For One Hour In All Pops Shared With Us His Reflections On Growing Up In New Orleans, His Relationships With People Influential In The Development Of His Career And Craft And His Overall Observations About Life…Needless To Say It Was Very Insightful And Colorful Commentary That Was Also Very Edutaining…Please Feel Free To Listen To The Conversation For Yourselves And As Always Please Spread The Good News!!!

Check Out The Interview By Clicking on The Following Link:
http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/blogtalkradio/show_29279.wax

As Always You Can Catch Tha Artivist Presents…W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio Every Sunday @ 4PM Central/5PM Eastern By Clicking On The Following Link:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hostpage.aspx?host_id=1952

Thursday, June 21, 2007

In The Spirit Of Bessie Coleman...Your Attitude Determines Your Aptitude!!!


Around The World: Young And Solo
First African American And Youngest Person To Fly Solo Around The World Lands In Anchorage

By Nick McDermott, CBS 11 News Producer KTVA
Article Last Updated:06/18/2007 06:44:43 PM AKDT

It was quite a day for one pilot who landed in Anchorage late Sunday night and became the first African American and the youngest person ever to fly solo around the world.
On March 23, 2007, Barrington Irving left from Miami, Florida. It took him twice as long as expected, but now his name is on a short list of people to circle the globe alone. He made the trip to spread awareness about careers in aviation. He hopes his journey can serve as inspiration to those who want to fly. But more than that, he wants people to spread their wings and follow their dreams.
"If you just step out, there are people out there that will support you, support your dreams, support your endeavors. And it goes for any child that has a dream or endeavor they want to pursue for themselves," said Irving.
When he was 21-years-old, Irving started Experience Aviation, a non-profit business to encourage people to inspire young people interested in learning to fly.

To contact Nick, call 907-273-3186.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

On June 23, 2007 @ 2PM EST Come Join In The Afternoon of Community Empowerment Featuring Bros. Kermit Eady & Gil Noble

Langston Hughes Community Library & Cultural Center Invite You To: The Freedom Series / In Recognition of Juneteenth
The Afternoon of Community Empowerment Featuring:

Kermit Eady founder of Eady Associates and the Black United Fund of New York

Gil Noble host of the longest running Black TV talk show in the nation WABC’s “Like It Is.”


We Will Be Discussing Topics Such As:
The effects of the media on business start-up and development. Is the media necessary for the empowerment of Black America? The economic conditions of Black America and its relationship to the media. Our own personal growth and success through the incorporation of universal/spiritual laws in our lives
Also some very real advise involving do’s and don’ts of business start-ups.

Moderated by Rev. Howard H.L Dill, Pastor St. Mark A.M.E Church & Goldie Watkins-Bryant, M.P.H Public Health Consultant.


Where: Langston Hughes Community Library & Cultural Center 100-01 Northern Boulevard Corona, NY 11368


When: Saturday June 23, 2007 2:00PM for more information on this event visit http://www.kermiteady.com/ or call 1-888-538-9803

Check Out Bro. Eady On Tha Artivist Presents...W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio:

http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/blogtalkradio/show_26904.wax

http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/blogtalkradio/show_19950.wax


Holman Unleashed!!! Produces Food For Thought On Sperm Donor's Day Editon of W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio

From Tha Artivist: As always it is truly an honor and treat to have the incomparable, opinionated, loquacious as well as always magnetic and engaging Michael Holman on Tha Artivist Presents...W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio...Responses to this wonderful man's guest spots have been so strong that it was decided upon to do a spinoff show once to twice a month on W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio entitled Holman Unleashed!!! Check out the first installment of this program by clicking here:
http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/blogtalkradio/show_26906.wax

Michael is a self-proclaimed "armchair anthropologist" and so some of his view points are very blunt and may be offensive or deemed irresponsible...Nevertheless the viewpoints he presents in this installment still needs to be heard and in many ways are more educational and progressive than detrimental and counterproductive...The point of these shows are not to change people's minds but to get people to start thinking about why do they think or feel the way that they do about certain issues and perspectives...
With that said I hope you continue to join us on this wonderful journey...
And As Always Please Spread The Good News!!!

Here's Some More Info On Our Featured Guest:

Holman On Basquiat:



Holman On His Good Friend The Legendary Artist Jean Michel Basquiat
Please Listen To This Important Interview By Clicking On The Following Link: http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/blogtalkradio/show_24502.wax





Holman Unleashed!!! On W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio

This Month's Theme Is "WE BE LEADERS"

Our Special Guest Is The Multi-Talented And Multi-Faceted
Man Of The Arts And Letters,

Mr. Michael Holman

copyright by Michael Holman
Renaissance Man Extraordinaire---Filmmaker, Visual Artist, Musician, Author And the feature film screenwriter for the film "Basquiat" based on the life of one of his great friends and collaborators, The Great Legendary Visual Artist Jean Michel Basquiat...He also produced, wrote and recorded music for as well as acted in the classic art film "Downtown 81" which starred the real Jean Michel Basquiat
http://www.michaelholman.com/
*Check Out Mr. Holman's Classic Debut On W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio*
Also Please Listen To The Instant Classic May 6, 2007 Installment Of W.E. A.L.L. B.E Radio Where The Brilliant And Loquacious Mr. Michael Holman "Broke Bread" With His Peers, Planted Seeds And Discovered Jewels!!! This Show Was Two Hours "Short"And Is Considered By Many To Be One Of The Best Shows Tha Artivist Presents...W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio Has Ever Produced!!! You Can Check Out The Show By Clicking On The Following Link:

http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/blogtalkradio/show_22840.wax

As Always Please Spread The Good News!!!

W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Waiting For You!!!







Genarlow Wilson Gains An Unlikely Supporter...

Girl's Mother Defends Genarlow Wilson
Penalty Too Severe, And Sex Was Consensual, She Says; Prosecutors Suspect Defendants' Supporters Have Been Pressuring Her

W.A. BRIDGES JR./Staff
A bond hearing was set for July 5 for Genarlow Wilson, who is serving a 10-year term.


By JEREMY REDMON
Published on: 06/14/07


Genarlow Wilson should never have been criminally charged and imprisoned for receiving oral sex from a 15-year-old girl at a New Year's Eve party more than three years ago, the girl's mother says.

Veda Cannon said the sex between her daughter, Wilson and four other teens was consensual and regrets she didn't ask prosecutors not to charge them.

"I felt like Douglas County was trying to make an example out of these boys," Cannon, 39, of Douglasville, asserted Tuesday in what she said was her first interview about the case. "They should have been made to pay for their actions, but not to this severity," she said.

In a strange twist Wednesday, Cannon scrambled to soften some of Tuesday's comments following a visit to her home from a Douglas County prosecutor who had learned of her interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Responding to Cannon's assertions, county prosecutors said they suspect Cannon is bending to pressure from people supporting the defendants, an assertion she denied.

"Never once did she ever ask us not to prosecute this case," said Douglas County Assistant District Attorney Eddie Barker, who worked closely with Cannon during the case. "Where was she at when all of this was going on? Why is she just now telling you this three years later?"

Wilson, meanwhile, is fighting to get his felony conviction and 10-year prison sentence thrown out. He has so far spent more than two years of that sentence behind bars. At the same time, his case has captured national media attention. And his appeal has drawn support from several influential people across the country, including former President Jimmy Carter. Three of the four others convicted of molesting Cannon's daughter remain in prison.


Twists And Turns

A bizarre series of events occurred Wednesday morning after Douglas prosecutors learned Cannon was speaking to the press. Cannon said Barker and a colleague soon showed up at her home with an audio recorder to discuss her comments to the AJC.

In a subsequent interview with the AJC, she raised concerns that she was being misquoted.

After that conversation, Douglas County District Attorney David McDade disclosed his office had taped Cannon's conversation with the AJC.

"We were actually at her home when you were talking to her [Wednesday] morning," McDade said. "We were recording the conversation and so we have a tape of her telling you that you were twisting her words."

In the initial interview Tuesday, Cannon described a conversation she had with Barker before Wilson's case went to trial. She said she had asked Barker what would happen if she did not want to participate in the prosecution, and she said he responded by telling her she could face legal trouble for "neglect" as a parent, an assertion Barker vehemently denied.

On Wednesday, Cannon said Barker was not "threatening" her when he told her what could happen if she did not cooperate with the prosecution. She said Barker was giving her advice she had solicited and that his office was open and helpful to her.

Cannon ultimately testified in Wilson's trial, pointing out her daughter on a videotape of the party that was played for the jury. Her daughter did not take the stand.

The Journal-Constitution is not identifying Cannon's daughter or the unrelated 17-year-old girl in the case because both were victims of sex crimes. Cannon said she did not want to be photographed for fear that publicity surrounding the case would affect her three other children, ages 22, 17 and 10.


Videotape From Party

The case stems from a 2003 New Year's Eve party involving alcohol and marijuana. Wilson's friends rented neighboring hotel rooms that night at a Days Inn in Douglasville. One of the partygoers videotaped the events that evening with a handheld camera.

The tape shows Wilson having intercourse with a 17-year-old. Both appear intoxicated in the video. Wilson was charged with raping the 17-year-old but was acquitted.

In another part of the video, Wilson is lying on his back in one of the motel room beds and receiving oral sex from Cannon's daughter. Wilson does not appear to be forcing the girl in the video. Cannon said her daughter told her the sex was consensual.

Authorities went to the hotel room and confiscated the videotape after the 17-year-old girl's family complained to police. Wilson was found guilty of aggravated child molestation involving Cannon's daughter, a crime that carried a minimum 10-year prison sentence under the law at the time.

The Legislature, however, changed the law last year to make similar acts a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in prison.

Five other male youths reached plea deals in the case. Wilson was the only one to go to trial.

"She did not want any of this to happen," Cannon said of her daughter. "She was friends with all of them."

Cannon said her daughter misled her into believing that night that she was heading to a friend's house for a New Year's Eve party and that it would be supervised by parents. She said she instructed her daughter to return home by 1:30 a.m. on New Year's Day. Cannon said she never would have let her daughter go out that night had she known she was going to a party at a hotel.

"I know what my instructions were, and I don't feel that I have to justify myself to anyone," Cannon said.

Cannon's daughter, now 18, declined a request for an interview through her mother. Cannon said her daughter and Wilson had been classmates at Douglas County High School. The girl graduated from another high school before joining the Navy to pursue a career in nursing, her mother said. She is not married and has a 2-year-old son. Cannon proudly showed off photos of her daughter and grandson Wednesday.

"She is trying to put it all behind her," Cannon said, adding that her daughter regrets having sex that night. "She does not want to come back to Douglasville because it is still a touchy subject. She still deals with it every day."

More Genarlow Wilson On W.E. A.L.L. B.E.:

http://weallbe.blogspot.com/search?q=GENARLOW+WILSON