Brazil defeated Spain in the 2013 Confederations Cup, 3 to 1. (Google Images)
The verdict is in – Brazil defeated Spain in the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil. “The best in the world” eliminated “the best in history” at the legendary Maracanã, with a final score of 3-0. The happening did not live up to the hype with Brazil disposing of Spain’s storied club quite easily. Tales Azzoni of Yahoo Sports writes:
“Fred scored two goals, Neymar added another and host Brazil defeated world champion Spain 3-0 to win the Confederations Cup on Sunday night as protesters clashed with riot police outside Maracana Stadium.
Brazil, a five-time world champion, beat the reigning world and European champion and ended Spain’s 29-game, three-year winning streak in competitive matches.
Fred put Brazil ahead in the second minute, Neymar doubled the lead in the 44th with his fourth goal of the tournament and Fred added his fifth in the 47th.
Brazil, which won its third straight Confederations Cup, has not lost a competitive home match since 1975.”
Can Brazil’s Neymar lead help beat world champion Spain in the 2013 Confederation Cup final? (Google Images)
ESPNFC.com is reporting that Brazil and Spain will face-off in the Confederations Cup final on Sunday, June 30, 2013. For those who don’t follow soccer, this match-up is a big deal and it is unfolding in the Maracanã, which is undeniably one of the most legendary football (soccer) stadiums in the world. You have Spain, the world champions competing against Brazil, a nation obsessed with football (soccer) and champions themselves. The New York Timesheadline about this match screams, “Brazil vs. Spain: Best in World Meets Best in History.”
“The long absence of a Spain-Brazil rendezvous has made footballing hearts grow fonder. Not only do Brazil and Spain seldom meet — eight times in total, with four Selecao victories and two draws — but the last time was in 1999 when the sporting world couldn’t have been more different.”
European soccer giant Spain beat Italy in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup while Brazil defeated Uruguay 2-1 to ascend to the final match. Italy fought hard without injured star Mario Balotelli and playing in memory of former national team player Stefano Borgonovo who died Thursday from motor neuron disease at the age of 49. Italy came close but was unable to break the Spain’s world record run of 29 undefeated competitive matches. Brazil who disposed of Uruguay convincingly, will have an extra day of rest and a shorter distance to travel in preparation for the final.
Brazil has faced its difficulties too, a young team, still looking for a leader like Ronaldo to take them to the promised land. They may have found what they needed with a combination of Neymar and Paulhino, who rose to the occasion in the match against Uruguay with Paulinho’s goal coming late in the match but sending Brazil to the final. Neymar’s star power is definitely there as evidenced by Hip-Hop mogul turned sports agent Jay-Z’s desire to sign the footballer. Pundits are questioning Brazil’s Zenit forward Hulk’s ability to be a factor in this final, with shoddy play thus far in the tournament.
All eyes will be on this storybook football (soccer) match-up against the backdrop of bus protests that are still in full effect in Brazil. Who do you think will win the final? Let us know in the comments section below. Until then, lets play ball!
Tune in to the following networks to watch the Confederation Cup final which will air Sunday at 6 p.m. EST on ESPN (U.S – English), Univision (U.S. – Spanish), BBC Three (U.K.), Sportsnet World (Canada – English), TLN (Canada – Spanish), Globo (Brazil) and DirecTV Sports. Watch online at ESPN.com.
Ugochi’s song ‘Don’t Mind Them’ reminds us to remember who we are and where we want to go despite the actions of those who are against us. (Google Images)
As luck would have it, a TBW reader (Will K. Crosby) posted a video on FaceBook which I thought I’d share with you — Ugochi Nwaogwugwu’s ‘Don’t Mind Them.’ Instead of posting more of the same – traumatic events impacting people of African descent worldwide, I decided to post something to uplift the black world community, which has been pummeled especially hard this week in the news.
Nwaogwugwu’s ‘Don’t Mind Them,’ reminds us to keep life in perspective and those who cause harm to others will surely reap what they sow. In the meantime, don’t mind them and carry on with life, being the person that you want to be and creating the world in which you want to live. Chin up Black people. It will get better. Happy Friday!
Ugochi’s song ‘Don’t Mind Them’ reminds us to remember who we are and where we want to go despite the actions of those who are against us. (Google Images)
As luck would have it, a TBW reader (Will K. Crosby) posted a video on FaceBook which I thought I’d share with you — Ugochi Nwaogwugwu’s ‘Don’t Mind Them.’ Instead of posting more of the same – traumatic events impacting people of African descent worldwide, I decided to post something to uplift the black world community, which has been pummeled especially hard this week in the news.
Nwaogwugwu’s ‘Don’t Mind Them,’ reminds us to keep life in perspective and those who cause harm to others will surely reap what they sow. In the meantime, don’t mind them and carry on with life, being the person that you want to be and creating the world in which you want to live. Chin up Black people. It will get better. Happy Friday!
Legendar film director Spike Lee and actress Salli Richardson-Whitfield discuss the challenges in black Hollywood at the 2013 ABFF. (Photo Credit: Wison Morales)
The 17th Annual Black American Film Festival (June 19-23) held court in Miami with star-studded appearances, movie premieres and parties with a who’s who of Black Hollywood icons, newcomers and festival patrons from all over the country.
Founded by Jeff Friday, CEO of The Film Life, ABFF has transformed into one of the most acclaimed film festivals and destination weekends in the world showcasing the work and passion of emerging actors, directors, writers, producers – and now even comedians, who travel far and wide to make connections, pitch a project or be discovered. For many it’s about meeting the right person or talking to the right people to make that happen.
In addition to the master classes, poolside networking and red carpet affairs, perhaps the most provocative conversations took place at host hotel Ritz Carlton during the candid yet intimate panel sessions with film industry heavyweights baring their souls to intrigued pass holders – sharing never heard before challenges, experiences and advice along their paths to success.
And when a real talk discussion involves the likes of legendary director and avid Knicks fan Spike Lee (who by the way candidly expressed he “didn’t care who won” the NBA finals) the term no filter takes on a whole new meaning. For those who attended “The Artist’s Vision: Cultural Criticism and the Filmmaker’s Voice” panel, Lee and his fellow peers delivered transparent perspectives on a host of issues surrounding the perceptions and realities faced by Black Hollywood.
Joined by actress Salli Richardson-Whitfield, award winning casting director Kim Hardin and the hilariously outspoken writer-director David E. Talbert, the four panelists were led by moderator Dr. Michele Prettyman Beverly.
Following rousing introductions and a standing ovation for Do The Right Thing’s proverbial straight shooter, Lee wasted no time stirring the pot by responding to media observations such as the New York Times for highlighting the so-called renaissance of Black Cinema. “We always have these moments every ten years” said Lee. “Then it’s barren and dry. We need more moments, sustainable moments. I’m tired of (expletive) moments…let’s keep it going.” It’s the “same article” just the “names are different.”
Salli Richardson-Whitfield added that in addition to maintaining a consistent presence in the marketplace it is also the responsibility for certain black talent in particular to do more. “We as a people have to elevate our taste.” Talbert, who’s new film Baggage Claim which features a bevy of notable up-and-coming actors including Boris Kodjoe, Djimon Hounsou, Paula Patton, Lauren London, Derek Luke and Taye Diggs chimed in that in order to sustain the ongoing supply and demand for more black content making it to the big screen “we’ve got to support the movies.”
Kim Hardin, whose 25 plus year career as a casting director summed up the matter concluding that when it comes to balancing the ebb and flow of cast diversity and the final decisions by the powers that be “it’s just a continuous fight.” Lee added that “quarterly meetings by green light committees determine what makes the cut” and “ we are not in the room when these decisions are made about films.”
Moderator Beverly also posed the following question to the esteemed panel. “Are we expanding beyond Black Cinema?”
Hardin continued, replying “we do not need that title any more.” The sentiment sparked a host of replies surrounding the industry’s urban label and the historical acquiescence of Black filmmakers, actors and producers in adopting the racially profiled category as a creative genre.
Talbert sounded off on the paradoxical nature of being boxed in by the industry when “you climbed in the box.” Salli Richardson-Whitfield added “we need to find a way to re-brand us. We’ve had films that have made a lot of money but it [urban label] has messed up the brand.”
Spike Lee added, “We are the original source” in response to Black culture being borrowed or stolen. He added, “Our attention should be focused on the formula, the mathematics and the ‘trick-a-nometry’ of film studios tweaking the numbers on ticket sales.”
This post was written by Patrick Mamou, a contributor to The Burton Wire. He is CEO of The Marketing Group and serves as director of marketing and brand management for TBW. He also serves as a delegate for the ABFF. Follow him on Twitter @patrickmamou
SNCC Chairperson Stokley Carmichael, a Trinidadian American, was one of the leading voices of the Black Power Movement. (Photo Credit: Notable Biographies)
“…black people in this country [should] unite, recognize their heritage, and build a sense of community.” – Stokley Carmichael
Kwame Ture born Stokley Carmichael
On June 17, 1966, Stokley Carmichael of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), gave his famous Black Power speech.
The group was ushered by Jackson police to a waiting paddy wagon; all Riders refused bail. Carmichael was transferred to Parchman State Prison Farm, which proved to be a crucible and testing ground for future Movement leaders. Other Freedom Riders recalled his quick wit and hard-nosed political realism from their shared time at Parchman.
Carmichael also adopted the slogan of “Black is Beautiful,” and advocated a sense of Black pride in African Americans and a rejection of White values of style and appearance. This included adopting Afro hairstyles and African forms of dress. When Carmichael denounced American involvement in the Vietnam War, his passport was confiscated and held for ten months. When his passport was returned, he moved with his wife, Miriam Makeba, to Guinea, West Africa, where he wrote the book, Stokely Speaks: Black Power Back to Pan-Africanism (1971).
The son of Trinidadian immigrants, Carmichael changed his name to Kwame Ture, to honor the African leaders Nkrumah and Touré, who had become his patrons, later traveling the world as a proponent of the All African Peoples Revolutionary Party. He died in Conakry, Guinea in 1998 of prostate cancer at the age of 57.
The Akosua Report: Facts on The African Diaspora, is written by Akosua Lowery. Follow her on Twitter @AkosuaLowery.
Celebrated journalist Soledad O’Brien is flanked by veteran Atlanta journalist Monica Pearson and Urban League of Greater Atlanta (ULGA) event chairs/executive staff while receiving ULGA’s Spirit of the League Award. (Photo Credit: HIP Incorporated/Urban League of Greater Atlanta)
The days of walking into a newsroom at 3:00 a.m. daily are far behind Soledad O’Brien.
She has several exit strategies in place. For one, the benevolent Emmy Award winner has transitioned from Starting Pointto HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. “I have very specific things I want to do. [CNN] wanted to go in a different direction. It didn’t include the kind of stuff I wanted to do,” says O’Brien.
Her debut segment examined Iraq war vets in San Diego that use mixed martial arts to combat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The piece was one of the Long Island native’s first stories about veterans.
O’Brien’s Real Sports commentaries will refrain from highlighting competition. “It’s about human beings. The stories I tell are you by yourself. There is a real desire for thoughtful interviews, to really push people and tell authentic stories on people’s lives,” says O’Brien.
The gig also reunites O’Brien with a like-minded Gumbel. The two were colleagues at NBC during her 16 year tenure as a news producer. “You want to be around people who are smart, successful, interesting and reach for quality,” says O’Brien.
The thought-provoking interviewer has formed a production company, Starfish Media Group, which is truly her endeavor bearing her imprint. O’Brien’s venture allows her the full latitude to create quality programming and use her business savvy to ink deals with various networks.
“I’ve built a good brand. People like the work I do. The stories I tell could have a market elsewhere,” she says.
Furthermore, O’Brien owns up to her knack for arguing. “You can win by being smarter, doing the work, bringing info and leading. It’s a great way to do journalism,” she says.
O’Brien, a mother of four, will continue to devote time to her humanitarian efforts. Her Soledad O’Brien and Brad Raymond foundation, to date, has funded and guided 25 girls through college.
Recalling a conversation with one of Warren Buffett’s representatives, O’Brien says of giving back, “It’s not about scaling. The magic is in the individual getting through and getting out. It’s exactly what I would do for my own children.”
“My mission is to take the advantages I had and use that to leverage other people’s stories. Circumstances put you there, and you get dealt a bad hand. It’s our responsibility to figure out how to step in and ride that ship a little bit,” says O’Brien.
“Journalism is about all of these different disciplines. You can jump into every other conversation,” says O’Brien.
O’Brien is overwhelmed at times. After 26 years in journalism, her freedom symbolizes a new phase. “I’m not much of a look back kind of person. I’ve had a fantastic career. Life is about stages. To be able to do what you wanna do is incredibly freeing. You take opportunities and move ahead,” says O’Brien.
Christopher A. Daniel is a pop cultural critic and music editor for The Burton Wire. He is also a contributing writer for Urban Lux Magazine and Blues & Soul Magazine. Follow Christopher @Journalistorian on Twitter.
Celebrated journalist Soledad O’Brien is flanked by veteran Atlanta journalist Monica Pearson and Urban League of Greater Atlanta (ULGA) event chairs/executive staff while receiving ULGA’s Spirit of the League Award. (Photo Credit: HIP Incorporated/Urban League of Greater Atlanta)
The days of walking into a newsroom at 3:00 a.m. daily are far behind Soledad O’Brien.
She has several exit strategies in place. For one, the benevolent Emmy Award winner has transitioned from Starting Pointto HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. “I have very specific things I want to do. [CNN] wanted to go in a different direction. It didn’t include the kind of stuff I wanted to do,” says O’Brien.
Her debut segment examined Iraq war vets in San Diego that use mixed martial arts to combat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The piece was one of the Long Island native’s first stories about veterans.
O’Brien’s Real Sports commentaries will refrain from highlighting competition. “It’s about human beings. The stories I tell are you by yourself. There is a real desire for thoughtful interviews, to really push people and tell authentic stories on people’s lives,” says O’Brien.
The gig also reunites O’Brien with a like-minded Gumbel. The two were colleagues at NBC during her 16 year tenure as a news producer. “You want to be around people who are smart, successful, interesting and reach for quality,” says O’Brien.
The thought-provoking interviewer has formed a production company, Starfish Media Group, which is truly her endeavor bearing her imprint. O’Brien’s venture allows her the full latitude to create quality programming and use her business savvy to ink deals with various networks.
“I’ve built a good brand. People like the work I do. The stories I tell could have a market elsewhere,” she says.
Furthermore, O’Brien owns up to her knack for arguing. “You can win by being smarter, doing the work, bringing info and leading. It’s a great way to do journalism,” she says.
O’Brien, a mother of four, will continue to devote time to her humanitarian efforts. Her Soledad O’Brien and Brad Raymond foundation, to date, has funded and guided 25 girls through college.
Recalling a conversation with one of Warren Buffett’s representatives, O’Brien says of giving back, “It’s not about scaling. The magic is in the individual getting through and getting out. It’s exactly what I would do for my own children.”
“My mission is to take the advantages I had and use that to leverage other people’s stories. Circumstances put you there, and you get dealt a bad hand. It’s our responsibility to figure out how to step in and ride that ship a little bit,” says O’Brien.
“Journalism is about all of these different disciplines. You can jump into every other conversation,” says O’Brien.
O’Brien is overwhelmed at times. After 26 years in journalism, her freedom symbolizes a new phase. “I’m not much of a look back kind of person. I’ve had a fantastic career. Life is about stages. To be able to do what you wanna do is incredibly freeing. You take opportunities and move ahead,” says O’Brien.
Christopher A. Daniel is a pop cultural critic and music editor for The Burton Wire. He is also a contributing writer for Urban Lux Magazine and Blues & Soul Magazine. Follow Christopher @Journalistorian on Twitter.
Kenton-on-Sea is located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. (Google Images)
Iconic anti-Apartheid activist Nelson ‘Madiba’ Mandela is fighting for his life in a Pretoria hospital. Admitted for a lung infection, the 94-year-old’s condition was downgraded to “critical” over the weekend. His family has been holding vigil at his birth hometown of Qunu and many have been sending thoughts and prayers his way, including U.S. President Barack Obama, who called Mandela “a hero to the world.”
Many share that sentiment in South Africa, recognizing him as a symbol of hope and freedom who gave 27 years of his life to the fight to end apartheid. Others, including some black South Africans, feel as though Mr. Mandela failed to deliver on promises he made after becoming President of South Africa.
The Burton Wire contributor Fundiswa Fihlani, stationed in the Eastern Cape, randomly polled South Africans (in person and on Facebook) about their thoughts on what the ailing former president means to them and their lives and here is what was said:
Mzondeleli Matthews, 39, Port Alfred
Ngoyena mntu undenza ndizingce kakhulu ngobuntu bam (he is the one person that makes me proud of being human. He is one of those people that makes me keep going. He is really everything. If you really follow his story you become inspired.
Translation: He has changed my life because during the apartheid era it was difficult to enter and use same facilities that the white South Africans used. He united and gave the people of this land equality. We are no longer abused in our schools.
Ntsikelelo Tobi, 29, Kenton on Sea
His selflessness is very inspiring and he was a visionary as a leader which is what has helped me as a youth leader because I always refer back to how he did things.
Translation: I don’t feel anything for Madiba, whether he dies or not that makes no difference to me. He saw me as an item and sold me in exchange for his freedom.
Maureen Notununu, late 40s, teacher, Transkei
To me Mandela means the most irresponsible man I ever saw. He did not bring up his kids. He endured 27 years in jail, but what was he doing there for my life? Nothing. I was schooled under difficult conditions, fortunately in his homeland Transkei. What is in Transkei was the efforts of K.D Matanzima who was referred to as the apartheid puppet. This includes the ‘mud schools’ (schools that lack water, electricity and sanitation), teacher training and the university of Transkei. When Mandela came out of prison he promised us that the infrastructure in the rural areas would be changed to look like the urban areas. Only electricity was supplied and we don’t have roads. Even the existing poor roads are not maintained. Decentralisation he promised was never implemented. He is the only person with a billion rands house in Qunu whilst there are neither sites nor RDP (Reconstruction and Development Programme) houses in the rural areas. During his lifetime he did nothing for me. The right to vote for a government in SA does not improve my life.
Temesgen Mathewos, Ethiopian Entreprenuer
Mandela is a good man. He stood up for other people. I like Mandela.
Gift Kembo, Zimbabwe
I want him to get well soon. He gave the South African people democracy. I like him because he is the father of the nation.
Pierre Van Der Vyver, Kenton on Sea
He is a great and fascinating man. This country will be in total chaos if he dies.
Nobert Chasi, Venda
I wish him a speedy recovery. He is a true freedom fighter.
Willem Helmie, Harmony Park
Mandela has done a lot for this nation like the welfare grants, he fought for us. Now we have housing and democracy.
As you can see, Nelson Mandela means many things to many people. What does Nelson Mandela mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
This post was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder and editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire in collaboration with Fundiswa Fihlani, contributor to The Burton Wire.
Zuma reportedly cancels trip after late night visit to ailing former South African president Nelson Mandela. (Google Images)
AllAfrica.com is reporting that South African president Jacob Zuma has canceled a trip to Mozambique for a Southern African Development Community Infrastructure Investment Summit scheduled for tomorrow. AllAfrica.com reports:
“South African President Jacob Zuma paid a late-night visit Wednesday to the hospital where Nelson Mandela is critically ill. Zuma’s office announced soon afterwards he was cancelling a trip to neighboring Mozambique on Thursday.
These developments follow reports earlier Wednesday – unconfirmed by Zuma’s office – that Mandela is on artificial life support.
Johannesburg’s Citizen newspaper said it has been told by five sources close to the Mandela family – including two who have visited him – that Mandela is breathing with the help of a ventilator.
Later, Agence France-Presse reported Napilisi Mandela, a family member who had visited Mandela, as saying: ‘Yes, he is using machines to breathe… It is bad, but what can we do.’
