Arthur Ashe was an athlete, scholar and activist whose public opposition to discrimination helped change society. (Google Images)
by Akosua Lowery
“…historians had underestimated the socio-historical impact of the black athlete in black American life. But the truth is that the psychic value of success in sports was and is higher in the black community than among any other American subculture.” – The New York Times, Arthur R. Ashe, Jr.
Arthur Ashe
On January 28, 1970, Arthur Ashe became the first Black male to win Wimbledon. An activist, athlete and scholar, Arthur Ashe was denied entry to compete on the U.S. tennis team for the South African Open tennis championships because of his outspoken sentiments about South Africa’s racist policies, most notably Apartheid. Ashe was the first black player ever selected for the United States’ Davis Cup team and the only black man ever to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open. He retired in 1980. Arthur Ashe died in February 1993 from complications due to AIDS, which he contracted through a blood transfusion. Forced to disclose his illness under duress, Ashe spent the rest of his days campaigning for public awareness, including a speech on the floor of the United Nations on World AIDS Day on Dec. 1. The country’s first black Governor, Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder allowed Ashe’s body to lie in state at the executive mansion in Richmond. On June 20, 1993, Ashe was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton. He was married to world-renowned photographer Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe at the time of his passing.
The Akosua Report: Facts on The African Diaspora, is written by Akosua Lowery. Follow her on Twitter @AkosuaLowery.
Immigration reform is one of the key issues that will force the GOP to work with Democrats in Congress. (Google Images)
by Devona Walker
Congress is a mess. Due to the elimination of moderates and the ultra conservative hijacking of the Republican party, Congress continues to be a certified mess.
But here’s the good thing. Tea Partiers have so alienated establishment Republicans that they may be forced to work with Democrats to survive. Immigration reform is the perfect issue to test this premise.
On Tuesday morning, Sens. Charles Schumer of New York, Marco Rubio of Florida and John McCain of Arizona announced a bipartisan framework for comprehensive immigration reform. CNN quickly pointed out that immigration reform may be more political necessity than actual bipartisanship. But this is American politics not Match.com; there’s no need for romance — political necessity is good enough.
There are 435 members of the House of Representatives. Of that, 233 are Republicans. Democrats have a 17 seat deficit. There are 51 Republican members in the Tea Party caucus (not all Tea Party-backed Republicans have joined the caucus). In the Senate, there are 53 Democrats, two Independents and 45 Republicans. In that governing body, Republicans have routinely used the filibuster to thwart Democratic legislation.
Until now, moderate Republicans have been consistently bullied by the right wing with the threat of a primary challenge. The list of moderate Republican casualties is extensive: Indiana’s Richard Lugar, Rhode Island’s Lincoln Chafee, Pennsylvania’s Arlen Specter (who changed parties but was still defeated. Specter died last year), Maine’s Olympia Snowe (who retired), Minnesota’s Norm Coleman, Oregon’s Gordon Smith and Arkansas’ Ted Stevens just to name a few. For a full list, check out this 538 blog.
During the last political cycle, the right-wing took a beating. Tea Party spokeswoman Michelle Bachmann barely survived her election while Missouri’s Todd Akin, Indiana’s Richard Mourdock, Florida’s Allen West and Illinois’ Joe Walsh did not. During the fiscal cliff negotiations, the Tea Party successfully won the debate, embarrassing House Speaker John Boehner in the process. In the end, Boehner was forced to work with Democrats to avert the fiscal cliff. It wasn’t pretty. Boehner even told Sen. Harry Reid to go F%^# himself on his way out of the door. But the Democrats got most of what they wanted in terms of tax hikes for the rich and tax breaks for the middle-class.
Immigration reform is uniquely positioned as the ultimate test of this “pseudo” bipartisanship. The sane Republicans left in the party understand demographics and realize they need Latino votes in order to survive. The same thought process holds true for other issues.
Gun control, sans the assault rifle ban, will pass. Along with President Obama’s 23 executive orders — the most relevant being that he appointed an ATF Director — Congress will pass universal background checks. Background checks will effectively close the gun show loophole and drastically reduce straw purchases and the most common circumvention of state to state gun control effort, interstate gun trafficking. However, many people are against the idea of having a background check done against them – and perhaps rightfully so? Responsible gun owners who are purchasing and using their firearms legally may have an interest in some additional products that they could buy to accessorize their current gear like some of the best gun belts so that they can concealed carry their gun effectively and comfortably. Background checks are sometimes necessary, but for those with a criminal record due to a silly mistake, this can be frustrating. Some people seek out pardons Canada, or wherever they’re located, to be rid of their criminal record, which will make background checks and finding employment much easier.
About 40 percent of gun purchasers do not currently undergo background checks due to the gun show loophole. Why? Political necessity. On one side of the equation you have 20 dead six- year-olds and on the other is Wayne LaPierre. Roughly 90 percent of Americans support universal background checks, and more than 80 percent of NRA members support background checks. Subsequent to the Newtown school shooting, we are seeing “bipartisan” support and action on this issue.
The Defense of Marriage Act will also likely be nullified. This will require a different sort of bipartisanship. The repeal of DOMA will be greatly aided by another Republican-led body, the Supreme Court. In March, the Supreme Court will hear the Prop 8 case. A ruling is expected by June. Thirty-one states have amended their constitutions to prohibit same-sex marriage. I’m betting the Supreme Court will view it as a civil rights issue, in a 5-4 decision, and the ban will be ruled unconstitutional. This overrides all statewide bans and effectively nullifies DOMA.
The real horse trading will occur over a jobs bill and deficit reduction negotiations — which will undoubtedly put various “entitlements” and social safety net programs in play. Whatever happens, do know that immigration reform is the core issue that will make Congress work together i.e. Republicans actually do their job — and that’s ultimately a good thing.
Immigration is a growing issue in society, if you need some help and support, contact a reputable solicitors. Devona Walker is the politics editor for The Burton Wire.
The Rio Times is reporting that 245 people were killed in KISS nightclub in Rio Grande do Sul. Forty-eight others were injured. (Google Maps)
Lucy Jordan of The Rio Times is reporting that 245 people were killed at Kiss nightclub in central Rio Grande do Sul. Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff is on site comforting relatives of victims. In addition to the 245 people killed, 48 others were injured and are receiving medical treatment. The blaze is being blamed on a band’s pyrotechnics, which reportedly started the blaze at the nightclub in Santa Maria at 2:30 a.m. Sunday morning.
Jordan writes:
Police finished removing bodies from the scene late Sunday morning, Folha de São Paulo reported. In addition to the 245 confirmed dead by military police, 48 people are injured and receiving treatment.
Many people died after inhaling toxic fumes; and scores of people suffocated or were trampled as they fled the scene. Local media have reported that the club had only a single exit and panic spread as people tried to get out.
Firefighters had to cut a hole in the wall of the nightclub to access victims and extinguish the fire. Footage on Globo TV showed people crying outside, while firefighters knocked down walls to gain access using sledgehammers.
In 1961, 503 people died in a fire at the Brazilian Grand Circus in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro state.
Mali and French troops have joined forces to take back Hombori from the Islamist rebels. (Google Images)
BBC Africais reporting that Malian and French troops have retaken the town of Hombori, officials say, as they continue their campaign to regain control of northern Mali from rebels. The article states:
Hombori lies about 160km (100 miles) from the Islamist stronghold of Gao. Earlier, French warplanes reportedly bombed rebel positions, fuel stores and ammunition dumps near Gao.
But there were also reports that rebels had blown up a bridge linking the east of the country with Niger, from where African troops plan to open a front.
The bridge is situated in the town of Tassiga, which lies on the quickest route from Niger to Gao, and spans a canyon. However, Ibrahim Ag Idbaltanate, a former deputy in Mali’s parliament, said the bridge was not the only way to cross the canyon.
“You can make a detour of three to six miles (5-10km) and find another way to continue on the Niger-Gao road,” he said, quoted by AP news agency.
Forces from Niger and Chad had been expected to use the road to join the advance against the rebels.
Several African countries have pledged military aid to help the Malian government win back control of the north.
The U.K.’s defense minister has announced that it was deploying its Sentinel R1 spy plane to support French troops in Mali.
Then, there is Gee Smalls, a biracial Atlanta-based entrepreneur, who along with his husband of three years, Juan Session, owns and operates an event production agency, G.SPOT Productions. The freckle-faced, 35-year-old event planner with a precocious smile quickly addresses that marriage was fate. “Marriage chose us. We never put a whole lot of thought into it,” Smalls says.
The child of a white mother and black father in Charleston, SC, Smalls says he never really fit into society. At 22, he married his high school sweetheart. The two share an 11-year-old son. After six years, the marriage dissolved, but Smalls and his ex-wife remain great friends. Smalls came out to his son when he was six and remains very close to him. “I have a very good relationship with my son and his mother,” Smalls says. “I never considered it, but my ethnic struggles made it easier to come out.”
Smalls acknowledges that successful relationships are based on vulnerability and being open. The couple’s joint venture came as a result of Session, a former program producer, being laid off. Smalls, then a project manager for Philips, kept his corporate gig as his husband laid the foundation for their business. The couple also hosts an advice column, Love Works with Juan & Gee. “I’ve always been fascinated with event production,” Smalls says. “In school, I was always the life of the party. With us, we just realize that each of us are human. We don’t try to take anything personal.”
Gentleman’s Ball — the byproduct of Smalls’ and Session’s union — is a lavish production that affords Atlanta’s African American LGBTQ community the opportunity to attend a full service black tie affair. The prom-styled event breaks the monotony of campy nightclubs, PRIDE-centric events and awards ceremonies catering to the gay community. Gentleman’s Ball also raises funds and awareness for AID Atlanta’s Evolution Project, a community and fellowship safe haven for black gay and bisexual males ages 18 to 28. The space provides counseling, therapy, medical screenings and fun activities.
“I’m a philanthropist by nature,” Smalls says. “I want to help change the face of the black gay community. It’s all about having a passion for community service and uplifting people.”
Hosting its second annual event on January 26, Smalls says Gentleman’s Ball – entirely self-funded the first year — was successful in part to word of mouth. Elaborating on how expensive and time consuming an event of its caliber can be, he goes on to say the goals were to break even and to create a buzz for recurring years. “[Gentleman’s Ball] gives us the chance to get dressed, seated and celebrated with full service,” Smalls says. “Black gay men wear such shame. We are proud of who we are. When you walk away, I want you to be wowed, take away a sense of pride and feel a sense of energy in the room. Just be proud.”
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.
Then, there is Gee Smalls, a biracial Atlanta-based entrepreneur, who along with his husband of three years, Juan Session, owns and operates an event production agency, G.SPOT Productions. The freckle-faced, 35-year-old event planner with a precocious smile quickly addresses that marriage was fate. “Marriage chose us. We never put a whole lot of thought into it,” Smalls says.
The child of a white mother and black father in Charleston, SC, Smalls says he never really fit into society. At 22, he married his high school sweetheart. The two share an 11-year-old son. After six years, the marriage dissolved, but Smalls and his ex-wife remain great friends. Smalls came out to his son when he was six and remains very close to him. “I have a very good relationship with my son and his mother,” Smalls says. “I never considered it, but my ethnic struggles made it easier to come out.”
Smalls acknowledges that successful relationships are based on vulnerability and being open. The couple’s joint venture came as a result of Session, a former program producer, being laid off. Smalls, then a project manager for Philips, kept his corporate gig as his husband laid the foundation for their business. The couple also hosts an advice column, Love Works with Juan & Gee. “I’ve always been fascinated with event production,” Smalls says. “In school, I was always the life of the party. With us, we just realize that each of us are human. We don’t try to take anything personal.”
Gentleman’s Ball — the byproduct of Smalls’ and Session’s union — is a lavish production that affords Atlanta’s African American LGBTQ community the opportunity to attend a full service black tie affair. The prom-styled event breaks the monotony of campy nightclubs, PRIDE-centric events and awards ceremonies catering to the gay community. Gentleman’s Ball also raises funds and awareness for AID Atlanta’s Evolution Project, a community and fellowship safe haven for black gay and bisexual males ages 18 to 28. The space provides counseling, therapy, medical screenings and fun activities.
“I’m a philanthropist by nature,” Smalls says. “I want to help change the face of the black gay community. It’s all about having a passion for community service and uplifting people.”
Hosting its second annual event on January 26, Smalls says Gentleman’s Ball – entirely self-funded the first year — was successful in part to word of mouth. Elaborating on how expensive and time consuming an event of its caliber can be, he goes on to say the goals were to break even and to create a buzz for recurring years. “[Gentleman’s Ball] gives us the chance to get dressed, seated and celebrated with full service,” Smalls says. “Black gay men wear such shame. We are proud of who we are. When you walk away, I want you to be wowed, take away a sense of pride and feel a sense of energy in the room. Just be proud.”
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.
Caribbean tourist destinations like Tobago may suffer under the new tax code targeting credit card companies. (Google Images)
Caribbean 360 is reporting that a new U.S. IRS law could negatively impact the Caribbean tourism industry. According to the Nassau Guardian, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) has brought to the urgent attention of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association the fact that US credit card companies have been mandated to implement an automatic 28% withholding fee unless the merchant receiving the payment is compliant with new Inland Revenue Service (IRS) regulations. This means that credit card processing companies must collect and verify the tax identification number (TIN) and legal name associated with that number for each merchant customer. If there is a discrepancy, then the 28% withholding fee goes into effect. This makes now more than ever a critical time for people to understand and get the cra refund, if they are eligible.
Without it, there will be massive potential knock-on effects on other economies due to the defecit in funds. If this happens, then hotels and restaurants that rely primarily on American tourists could face cash flow problems, not to mention the cost of compliant with the new tax code. This means that many people are looking at this change in the law with a worried eye. Currently, American Express is the only credit card company enforcing the new law which went into effect January of 2012.
“History must restore what slavery took away from the Negro, his glorious past to act as stimulation for inspiration for him. Pride of race is the antidote for prejudice” – Arturo Schomburg
Arturo Schomburg’s massive historical collection on Black culture was bought by the New York Public Library in 1938. (Google Images)
Born January 24, 1874, Arturo Alfonso Schomburg was a historian, writer, and activist. Schomburg was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico. While he was in grade school, one of his teachers claimed that blacks had no history, heroes or accomplishments, which inspired Schomburg to prove him wrong.
Schomburg attended San Juan’s Institute of Instruction to become a teacher and also studied in the Danish West Indies, doing a great deal of research on Negro literature. Schomburg came to America in 1891 and ten years later moved to New York City, working at a law firm as a researcher. During this time, he actively supported Cuban and Puerto Rican Independence, and served as secretary of Las dos Antillas, an organization working for this cause.
In 1924, while in Europe, he searched for and acquired valuable information on Negro history. In Seville, Spain he dug into the original, loosely collected records of the Indies and was able to shed new light on Negro history. In 1929 Schomburg retired from the Bankers Trust Company and took a position at Fisk University as curator of his vast collection of papers, which now bears his name. The collected works consist of more than 5000 volumes and thousands of pamphlets, old manuscripts, prints and bound sections of newspaper and magazine clippings, is the largest and finest of its kind in existence.
He ranks as the foremost historian and collector of books on Blacks.
In 1928, the New York Public Library system purchased his collection of literature, art and other materials and appointed him curator of the Schomburg Collection of Negro Literature and Art (later renamed the Arthur Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture). Schomburg died June 8, 1938.
The Akosua Report: Facts on The African Diaspora, is written by Akosua Lowery. Follow her on Twitter @AkosuaLowery.
Jamaica’s Sheckema Cunningham by being the first non-European and only black female to win Gold at the Dutch Open held in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Google Images)
Caribbean 360 is reporting that Sheckema Cunningham, a rising star in the world of martial arts, has made history. Jamaica’s sports minister Neita Headley is reporting that Cunningham placed Jamaica in the spotlight after capturing gold at the Dutch Open in Eindhoven, Netherlands over the weekend.
Cunningham’s medal was her first European championship gold and she has become the only non-European and only black female participant to have achieved the feat in the 750-strong line-up of competitors.
Cunningham participated in the micro-weight division and defeated her Italian opponent in a close semi-final match before going on to defeat an opponent from Poland in the final.
Lincoln MacCauley Alexander was Canada’s first black Member of Parliament. (Google Images)
Lincoln MacCauley Alexander
“He was already a trailblazer, working as a lawyer in Hamilton — one of the first black lawyers in Ontario — but the African trip awakened him to even greater possibilities. The trip was, he wrote in his book, a journey of self-awareness. ‘I became conscious of my blackness…I had come from a white world. In Africa I was a black man and I was somebody. I started standing tall.’” – Lincoln MacCauley Alexander
January 21, 1922 Lincoln MacCauley Alexander, Canada’s first black Member of Parliament, was born in Toronto, Canada. After serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, Alexander graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1953. In 1968, he was elected to the Canadian House of Commons, making him the first black Member of Parliament. Alexander was re-elected in four federal elections, and served in the House of Commons for nearly twelve years. In 1992 he was appointed to the Order of Ontario and was inducted into Hamilton’s Gallery of Distinction. Lincoln MacCauley Alexander died at his home in Hamilton, Ontario on October 19, 2012. He was 90.
The Akosua Report: Facts on The African Diaspora, is written by Akosua Lowery. Follow her on Twitter @AkosuaLowery.
