Paralympian medalist Oscar Pistorius has been charged in the shooting of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. (Google Images)
CNN is reporting that celebrated paralympian athlete Oscar Pistorius has been arrested for the murder of his model girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.
CNN’s Nkepile Mabuse, Josh Levs and Faith Karimi write:
Steenkamp, 29, and Pistorius, 26, were the only two people in the upscale Pretoria home at the time of the shooting, police spokeswoman Denise Beukes said.
In keeping with South African law, Pistorius will be named officially as the suspect when he appears in court. The first court appearance is scheduled for Friday.
The state will oppose bail, Beukes said.
Pistorius will not appear Thursday because the public prosecutor needs more time to prepare the case, police spokeswoman Katlego Mogale told CNN.
He arrived Thursday at a police station in Pretoria.
The Mail & Guardian is reporting that there were previous reports of domestic violence at the residence. This story is developing.
UPDATE (11/28/16) – The Photo of Dr. Rebecca Davis Lee Crumpler included in the original post of of this article on 02/14/13 cannot be independently verified. Therefore, it has been removed.
“The way to stay happily married, she advised, ‘is to continue in the careful routine of the courting days, till it becomes well understood between the two.’ “ – Dr. Rebecca Davis Lee Crumpler
Dr. Rebecca Davis Lee Crumpler
Rebecca Davis Lee Crumpler, the first African American woman to become a physician in the United States, was born in Delaware February 8, 1831. In 1852, Crumpler moved to Massachusetts where she worked as a nurse for eight years. In 1864, she earned a medical degree from the New England Female Medical College, making her the first African American woman in the United States to earn that degree and the only African American to graduate from that college. After the end of the Civil War in 1865, Crumpler moved to Richmond, Virginia where she joined other Black physicians caring for formerly enslaved people who otherwise had no access to medical care. Crumpler authored “A Book of Medical Discourses” in 1883 and died March 9, 1895.
The Akosua Report: Facts on The African Diaspora, is written by Akosua Lowery. Follow her on Twitter@AkosuaLowery.
Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, beat Burkina Faso 1-0 to win this year’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON), held in South Africa. (Google Images)
Nigeria’s national football (soccer) team, the Super Eagles, triumphed over Burkina Faso during the final match of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Sunday night. The Khaleej Times reports that Nigeria’s president, Goodluck Jonathan, praised the team for their first AFCON win in 19 years. Nigeria has won the Cup twice before, first in 1980 and most recently in 1994. Many of the team’s members were honored individually, including the injured Emmanuel Emenike, who was given the Golden Boot award. Emenike, along with teammates Efe Ambrose, Victor Moses, John Mikel Obe, and goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, were identified as five of the tournament’s best 11.
The Khaleej Times writes:
“According to Jonathan, the die-hard Nigerian spirit, which makes the citizens to fight hard and overcome all challenges, had assisted Stephen Keshi’s team to emerge strong and steady.
While thanking the government of South Africa and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for a well-organised tournament, Jonathan said he looked forward to receiving the national team at the Presidential Villa here Tuesday.
The Nigerian leader also commended the Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, officials of the Nigeria Football Federation and others who contributed to the astonishing transformation of the team from underdogs to winners.”
Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, beat Burkina Faso 1-0 to win this year’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON), held in South Africa. (Google Images)
Nigeria’s national football (soccer) team, the Super Eagles, triumphed over Burkina Faso during the final match of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Sunday night. The Khaleej Times reports that Nigeria’s president, Goodluck Jonathan, praised the team for their first AFCON win in 19 years. Nigeria has won the Cup twice before, first in 1980 and most recently in 1994. Many of the team’s members were honored individually, including the injured Emmanuel Emenike, who was given the Golden Boot award. Emenike, along with teammates Efe Ambrose, Victor Moses, John Mikel Obe, and goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, were identified as five of the tournament’s best 11.
The Khaleej Times writes:
“According to Jonathan, the die-hard Nigerian spirit, which makes the citizens to fight hard and overcome all challenges, had assisted Stephen Keshi’s team to emerge strong and steady.
While thanking the government of South Africa and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for a well-organised tournament, Jonathan said he looked forward to receiving the national team at the Presidential Villa here Tuesday.
The Nigerian leader also commended the Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, officials of the Nigeria Football Federation and others who contributed to the astonishing transformation of the team from underdogs to winners.”
President Barack Obama laid out a long list of plans for his second term as president of the United States during his 2013 State of the Union Address. (Google Images)
written by Devona Walker
While President Obama was still giving his State of the Union address, Fox News’ website had already posted this headline: Obama Urges New Spending. Guess that’s not surprising. What was surprising is that he put so much out there for his critics to chew on.
After four years, much of that time spent dodging political bullets, Obama was surprisingly self confident and task-oriented. He was nothing like the young idealist we met a little more than four years ago, that hope and change rhetoric he traded for strategy and salesmanship. He was nothing like the defensive steward we saw subsequent to the 2010 midterms. It’s almost as if he was speaking about his own policy priorities without playing preemptive defense against the GOP.
“Our economy is stronger when we harness the talents and ingenuity of striving, hopeful immigrants,” President Obama said. “And right now, leaders from the business, labor, law enforcement, and faith communities all agree that the time has come to pass comprehensive immigration reform.”
In addition to comprehensive immigration reform, Obama vowed to tackle gun control,voting rights, raising the minimum wage, climate change, benefits for families of gay soldiers, bringing the troops home from Afghanistan, equal pay for women and cyber security. In addition, there were several issues — investing in education, reeducating the American workforce, creating private-public economic partnerships, tax incentives for employers who hire American workers and disincentives for employers who shift operations abroad, creating manufacturing and universal pre-school — that sounded a whole lot like spending.
For policy geeks like myself, it was the perfect speech. He skillfully took hot button issues and made business and economic arguments for them. He took multiple shots over the bow to intransigent Republicans without once mentioning them by name. He laid out an elaborate policy agenda, while threatening Congress that if they choose not to act, then he will do what he can on his own by using Executive Orders. But most importantly he offered a bold, aggressive and big vision for what American can be in the future.
If Obama gets a fraction of what he laid out in the State of the Union address done, he will go down as the most transformational president of our century… if he gets it all done, I think we should collectively reclaim “Barack the Magic Negro,” (the name the right used in 2008 to denigrate him).
Highlights
Climate Change:
“We can choose to believe that Superstorm Sandy, and the most severe drought in decades, and the worst wildfires some states have ever seen were all just a freak coincidence,” Obama said. “Or we can choose to believe in the overwhelming judgment of science, and act before it’s too late.”
Gun Control:
“Each of these proposals deserves a vote in Congress. If you want to vote no, that’s your choice. But these proposals deserve a vote,” the president said. “Because in the two months since Newtown, more than a thousand birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries have been stolen from our lives by a bullet from a gun.”
Voting Rights:
“We must all do our part to make sure our God-given rights are protected here at home. That includes our most fundamental right as citizens: the right to vote,” Obama said. “When any Americans – no matter where they live or what their party – are denied that right simply because they can’t wait for five, six, seven hours just to cast their ballot, we are betraying our ideals.”
Immigration Reform:
“Real reform means strong border security, and we can build on the progress my administration has already made — putting more boots on the southern border than at any time in our history, and reducing illegal crossings to their lowest levels in 40 years,” he said. “Real reform means establishing a responsible pathway to earned citizenship — a path that includes passing a background check, paying taxes and a meaningful penalty, learning English and going to the back of the line behind the folks trying to come here legally.”
The relationship between tennis legend Serena Williams and newcomer Sloane Stephens is a bit overstated by the press. (Google Images)
written by Benjamin Snyder
With the conclusion of the Australian Open, the year’s first major tennis tournament, the women’s event anointed Belarusian Victoria Azarenka once again as its champion for the second time in two years. But, arguably even more exciting for tennis fans (Azarenka was booed throughout her Melbourne campaign), was teenager Sloane Stephens’ run to the semifinals and her subsequent ascent to the Top 20.
Hailed for years as a potential American future talent and for her vibrant presence in press conferences, Stephens made headlines at the start of the season for facing 15-time major champion Serena Williams in the Brisbane quarterfinals. Although she lost 6-4, 6-3, the match proved to be Serena’s toughest test during her title-winning performance over the course of the week.
In the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, however, Stephens, the daughter of deceased NFL athlete John Stephens, notched the biggest upset of her young career by taking out an injured Serena in three dramatic sets. Poised under pressure, Stephens made just her third semifinal appearance at a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) event, with her first two having come at Strasbourg and Washington DC last year.
While a celebration among the tennis community and for black athletes, which has been dominated by Serena and elder sister Venus on the women’s tour in recent years, the media coverage of Sloane and Serena’s relationship proves to be overstated upon further analysis.
Numerous sources, including the Herald Sun, and the Daily Mail, among others, prominently portray Stephens as worshipping Serena, or claiming that she considered her an idol, or hero growing up.
But, as eloquently explained – and even with textual support — in an article for Deadspin.com, the phenomenon is probably more fiction than fact. Although Sloane did admit to having a poster of Serena hanging up in her room in the past, there has been no prominent source available to conclude that she considered the Williams’ sister her “hero,” as the same Washington Times article blatantly suggests in a sensationalized opening paragraph.
Moreover, Serena’s own comments on the subject prove to diametrically oppose the media’s exaggerated claims about Stephens’ perceived idol worship. As quoted by the Independent ahead of their Australian Open match, Serena told reporters about her role as a ‘mentor’ to Stephens: “I don’t know, I would need a better definition of the word ‘mentor.’ I just feel like being the older one, maybe some of the younger players look up to me. It’s interesting. It’s hard to be a real mentor when you’re still in competition, so I think it’s a little bit of everything.”
As Serena later succinctly stated about the relationship with her younger competitor as the interview continued, “No. I feel no responsibility [for Stephens]. I doubt she has any expectations of me to be responsible for anything. Maybe she does. I don’t know.”
Stephens’ own comments transformed Serena from “idol” to human after a fourth-round win in Melbourne. She told reporters about their quarterfinal meeting, “You’re still playing a regular person across the net. You’ve just got to go out and play.” Nothing supernatural about it (although she did once refer to Williams as a “tennis god,” but not as her “tennis god.”)
Instead, Stephens used one word to characterize the state of their relationship: “Normal.” That more mundane language should probably take place of the hyperbole reporters currently use to grossly overstate the relationship between the two black athletes, basically because they’re both black.
From “hey!” to hero? Reporters, something’s amiss here, although one thing seems fairly certain: Stephens is destined for continued success on tennis’ biggest stages — Serena worshipper, or not.
Benjamin Snyder is a sports contributor to The Burton Wire. You can follow Benjamin Snyder on Twitter @WriterSnyder.
The relationship between tennis legend Serena Williams and newcomer Sloane Stephens is a bit overstated by the press. (Google Images)
written by Benjamin Snyder
With the conclusion of the Australian Open, the year’s first major tennis tournament, the women’s event anointed Belarusian Victoria Azarenka once again as its champion for the second time in two years. But, arguably even more exciting for tennis fans (Azarenka was booed throughout her Melbourne campaign), was teenager Sloane Stephens’ run to the semifinals and her subsequent ascent to the Top 20.
Hailed for years as a potential American future talent and for her vibrant presence in press conferences, Stephens made headlines at the start of the season for facing 15-time major champion Serena Williams in the Brisbane quarterfinals. Although she lost 6-4, 6-3, the match proved to be Serena’s toughest test during her title-winning performance over the course of the week.
In the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, however, Stephens, the daughter of deceased NFL athlete John Stephens, notched the biggest upset of her young career by taking out an injured Serena in three dramatic sets. Poised under pressure, Stephens made just her third semifinal appearance at a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) event, with her first two having come at Strasbourg and Washington DC last year.
While a celebration among the tennis community and for black athletes, which has been dominated by Serena and elder sister Venus on the women’s tour in recent years, the media coverage of Sloane and Serena’s relationship proves to be overstated upon further analysis. The concept of women mentoring woman in the workplace is extremely relevant in this day and age, being a popular tool used to help the underrepresented gender take their place at the top alongside their male counterparts. However, this particular relationship between the two tennis players doesn’t seem to be an example of this.
Numerous sources, including the Herald Sun, and the Daily Mail, among others, prominently portray Stephens as worshipping Serena, or claiming that she considered her an idol, or hero growing up.
But, as eloquently explained – and even with textual support — in an article for Deadspin.com, the phenomenon is probably more fiction than fact. Although Sloane did admit to having a poster of Serena hanging up in her room in the past, there has been no prominent source available to conclude that she considered the Williams’ sister her “hero,” as the same Washington Times article blatantly suggests in a sensationalized opening paragraph.
Moreover, Serena’s own comments on the subject prove to diametrically oppose the media’s exaggerated claims about Stephens’ perceived idol worship. As quoted by the Independent ahead of their Australian Open match, Serena told reporters about her role as a ‘mentor’ to Stephens: “I don’t know, I would need a better definition of the word ‘mentor.’ I just feel like being the older one, maybe some of the younger players look up to me. It’s interesting. It’s hard to be a real mentor when you’re still in competition, so I think it’s a little bit of everything.”
As Serena later succinctly stated about the relationship with her younger competitor as the interview continued, “No. I feel no responsibility [for Stephens]. I doubt she has any expectations of me to be responsible for anything. Maybe she does. I don’t know.”
Stephens’ own comments transformed Serena from “idol” to human after a fourth-round win in Melbourne. She told reporters about their quarterfinal meeting, “You’re still playing a regular person across the net. You’ve just got to go out and play.” Nothing supernatural about it (although she did once refer to Williams as a “tennis god,” but not as her “tennis god.”)
Instead, Stephens used one word to characterize the state of their relationship: “Normal.” That more mundane language should probably take place of the hyperbole reporters currently use to grossly overstate the relationship between the two black athletes, basically because they’re both black.
From “hey!” to hero? Reporters, something’s amiss here, although one thing seems fairly certain: Stephens is destined for continued success on tennis’ biggest stages — Serena worshipper, or not.
Benjamin Snyder is a sports contributor to The Burton Wire. You can follow Benjamin Snyder on Twitter @WriterSnyder.
So So Def has been a major part of the black music industry that has created a multi-billion dollar economy in Atlanta.
Written by Christopher A. Daniel
The history of American popular music has definitely seen its fair share of input from African Americans. Considering hip hop and R&B continues to stretch the boundaries for crossover success, it seems the last two decades have been dominated significantly by Georgia’s rich musical community.
“It’s all about being connected to what’s going on and what the general public is looking for. You have to keep it fresh and have confidence.” says Michael Mauldin, entertainment manager and former president of Columbia Records.
Another one of Atlanta’s own, Jermaine Dupri, believes Atlanta is a culmination of “good music, a great lifestyle and fun.” He’s set to commemorate two decades of his production imprint’s — So So Def Recordings — Midas touch. JD hosted a press conference in January to announce his anniversary concert on February 23 with his label’s legendary roster.
It was Dupri who also gave hip hop Da Brat, its first solo female act to certify platinum. Known for her classic 1994 release, “Funkdafied,” the Chicago native believes her success results from Dupri encouraging her to embrace her individuality. “I’m a P.Y.T., pretty young thug. It ain’t no other person like me in the world, and [JD] knows that. Seeing any female rapper do their thing makes me proud.” says Brat.
Mauldin, Dupri’s father, credits a producer’s work ethic and musical integrity as keys to success. He adds that So So Def specifically has always been about excellence. “[Jermaine] has always been about the music. What people don’t see are the hours spent in the studio till the morning comes. I can always count on him to give me the real solid stuff,” Mauldin says.
Dupri, on the other hand, says hit records are a much simpler process. “It takes a great song, artist and producer,” he says.
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.
Musicians in St. Kitts and Nevis remember legendary reggae superstar Bob Nesta Marley. (Flickr)
Writing for SKNVibes, Precious Mills talks to members of the music community in the twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis about the legacy of Reggae superstar Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley in celebration of what would have been his 68th birthday on February 6.
Mills reports:
“Bob Marley is one of the greatest legends that ever lived. And him being a black entertainer, role model, pluralist and motivational speaker, he has paved the musical way for our generation of individuals who are captivated not only by music but performing. Bob Marley was not only an idol, he was not just a musical artiste, he was someone who sang about freedom, life and love. He is one of my favorite artistes of all times and I am proud to have Jamaican roots.” – DJ Sudine ‘Sudie-Pop’ Clarke (R&B/Dancehall)
“I got a lot of information and ideas from listening to Bob Marley’s songs when I first started out as an artiste. In my opinion, Bob Marley opened a lot of people’s eyes and ears to the realities of the world. Every generation can relate to his music in some way.” – Ishan ‘Ja Fire’ Huggins (Reggae/Dancehall)
Find out what other musicians had to say about Bob Marley on SKNVibes.
Sean “Diddy” Combs makes history by producing the world’s first Instagram fashion show in time for New York Fashion Week. (Google Images)
Writing for the Huffington Post, Julee Wilson reports that music and fashion mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has made history yet again by producing the first-ever Instagram Fashion Show. Wilson reports that the fashion icon stated:
“In honor of New York Fashion Week we wanted to do something that has never been done before”, said Combs in a press release. “With Instagram technology we are bringing Sean John to the social media runway where our consumer lives.”
Combs’ historic fashion show arrived just in time for New York City’s historic snow storm Nemo, which knocked out power to 650,000 homes in the Northeastern region of the United States, including New York. Did we mention that it’s also New York Fashion Week?
Say what you will about Diddy, but his ability to strategize and rise to the occasion despite precarious circumstances while making use of social media is pretty impressive.
