Pulse Live is reporting Roy Allela, 25, has invented smart gloves that convert sign language into audible sound. Allela developed the invention after his niece was born deaf and his family had difficulty communicating with her because they did not know sign language.
George Tubei writes:
“They say necessity is the mother of invention and the need to communicate and connect with her niece pushed 25-year-old Roy to invent smart gloves that convert sign language movements into audio speech.
Sign-io’s sign language to speech translation glove recognizes various letters signed by sign language users and transmits this data to an Android application where it is vocalized.
This feat saw Roy win admiration and recognition by the prestigious American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the world’s largest organization for mechanical engineers, during its prestigious 2017 ASME Innovation Showcase (ISHOW) competition.”
BBC is reporting Daniel Kaye, a British cyber criminal who cyber attacked Lonestar, an African phone company, has been sentenced to two years and eight months in prison. Kaye’s attack was so significant it knocked the entire nation of Liberia offline.
BBC‘s Dominic Casciani reports:
“Kaye, from Egham in Surrey, is a self-taught hacker who began selling his considerable skills on the dark web – offering individuals opportunities to target and destroy their business rivals.
According to court papers, Kaye was hired in 2015 to attack Lonestar, Liberia’s leading mobile phone and internet company, by an individual working for Cellcom, its competitor.
Cyber criminal Danny Kaye, 29. (Photo: Google Images)
There is no suggestion that Cellcom knew what the employee was doing – but the individual offered Kaye up to $10,000 (£7,800) a month to use his skills to do as much as possible to destroy Lonestar’s service and reputation.
Robin Sellers, prosecuting, told Blackfriars Crown Court that in November 2016 Kaye had built a “botnet” – a particularly powerful form of cyber attack that is designed to overwhelm a target’s systems, making it impossible to carry out normal business.”
Kaye attacked several telecom companies in several countries but due to Liberia’s weak infrastructure, he was able to knock the entire nation offline. He admitted to the following charges:
Making the Mirai #14 botnet for use in a Computer Misuse Act 1990 offence
Launching cyber attacks against Lonestar in Liberia – another crime under the Computer Misuse Act
Possessing criminal property – relating to $10,000 found on him when he was arrested
The investigation was spearheaded by the National Crime Agency.
With her daughter Ilwad looking on, Ilhan Omar was sworn into office, becoming the first Somali American to serve in Congress. Omar arrived in the United States 23 years ago, is one of two Muslim women to serve in Congress and the first person to wear a hijab on the House floor.
Oscar and Golden Globe winner Mahershala Ali and the Green Book Guide.
(Photo: Green Book Film)
Oscar and Golden Globe winner Mahershala Ali and the Green Book Guide. (Photo: Green Book Film)
The motion picture Green Book took home several top awards at the 76th Golden Globe Awards. In the acting categories, megastar Mahershala Ali won for best supporting actor and Viggo Mortensen won for best actor. Director Peter Farrelly won best director and motion picture screenplay while the film picked up the best comedy or musical award.
In 2010, The Burton Wire’s founder & editor-in-chief Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D. wrote about the guide for The Root. In the article Dr. Burton examined the history of the guide and tried to track down some of the businesses listed in Washington, DC and Baltimore, Check out an excerpt of the article which will give you some context about the guide behind the celebrated film.
EXCERPT
In 1936 a Harlem postal worker and activist named Victor H. Green decided to develop a guide that would help African Americans travel throughout the country in a safe and comfortable manner. The Negro Motorist Green Book (also called The Negro Travelers’ Green Book), often simply known as The Green Book, identified places that welcomed black people during an era when Jim Crow laws and de facto segregation made it difficult for them to travel domestically without fear of racial backlash.
The Green Book listed businesses and places of interest such as nightclubs, beauty salons, barbershops, gas stations and garages that catered to black road-trippers. For almost three decades, travelers could request (for just 10 cents’ postage) and receive a guide from Green. Eventually the guide expanded to encompass information about Canada and Mexico.
Like users of today’s popular recommendation sites such as TripAdvisor, travelers collected information during their journeys, which they shared with Green and his team of editors. The data were then incorporated into future editions. “Historically, The Green Book falls in line with the underreported activism of black postal workers and the heightened awareness of driving while black in certain regions of the country,” says Robert Smith, associate professor of African-American and civil rights history at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. “Although many think of this book in historical terms, the challenges facing black travelers then resonate with black travelers now, particularly as it relates to racial profiling and stop-and-frisk laws.”
The Green Book has recently been rediscovered in popular culture. Atlanta playwright Calvin Alexander Ramsey wrote a play entitled The Green Book, in which a black military officer and his wife stay in a “tourist home” (private homes identified as safe places for travel) with a Holocaust survivor on the eve of a speech being given by W.E.B. Du Bois in Jefferson City, Mo. Ramsey also published a children’s book, Ruth and the Green Book, illustrated by legendary artist Floyd Cooper that follows a young girl’s journey with her family in an expensive car from Chicago to Alabama.
In a New York Times article, Ramsey recalled having to pack a big lunch when his family traveled from Baltimore to Roxboro, N.C., so they wouldn’t have to stop along the way. Food historian Jessica Harris recently discussed The Green Book in Byron Hurt‘s award-winning documentary Soul Food Junkies. Harris shared that the guide highlighted not only safe places but also the best places to eat and to find soul food while traveling. A traveling exhibition, “The Dresser Trunk Project,” also pays homage to the places of refuge, comfort and familiarity found in the guide.
The world lost major influencers, legends, trailblazers and icons during 2018. Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin went to glory this year after losing a battle with pancreatic cancer. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, anti-apartheid activist and former wife of the late South African president Nelson Mandela, passed away in April. Model and actress Kim Porter succumbed to the flu, passing away in November and leaving behind four children. Joseph Jackson, the man who helped create two of the world’s most beloved superstars Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson died of pancreatic cancer. Jazz legend Nancy Wilson passed away this year as did Broadway actress Ethel Ayler, beloved actor Reg E. Cathey, Temptations singer Dennis Edwards, gospel singer Yvonne Staples and global icon Hugh Masekela. Rappers Craig Mack and Jabulani Tsambo, Hip-Hop pioneer DJ Lovebug Starski and rising stars XXXtentacion and Linda ‘ProKid’ Mkhizealso left us in 2018. Science trailblazer Raye Montague and Olivia Hooker, one of the last survivors of the 1921 Tulsa race riots and among the first black women in the U.S. Coast Guard died. Tuskegee Airman Floyd J. Carter, Sr. transitioned while Internet sensation Young Busco died just hours after his last post at age 31. The media world lost legends Lerone Bennett, Jr., Les Payne and Ray Taliaferro while the arts world lost actress Olivia Cole, choreographer Arthur Mitchell, poet Ntozake Shange and The Last Poets’ Jalal Mansur Nuriddin. Civil Rights lions Dorothy Cotton, Vel Phillips, Linda Brown, Peggy Cooper Cafritz, Reverend Wyatt T. Walker, Zola Skweyiya and Frankie Muse Freeman passed away this year. The sports world lost Jose Castillo, Luis Valbuena, Willie “Stretch” McCovey, Wayde Sims, Ray Emery, Hal Greer, Ed Charles, Edwin Jackson, Rasual Butler, Oscar Gamble, Chameka Scott, Cyrille Regis, Nicholas Bett, Jlloyd,JoJo White. South African legends (politics) Sandy Mokwena (actor), David Phetoe (actor) and Edna Molewa (politics) also died. Miss Universe and Miss USA 1995 Chelsi Smith of liver cancer at age 45.
2. #BlackGirlMagic Happens in U.S. Politics
Ayanna Pressley became the first Black woman elected to Congress in Massachusetts. Stacey Abrams and Andrew Gillum became the first Black nominees for governor of Georgia and Florida. Both lost to voter suppression tactics by the GOP. For example, Abrams opponent Brian Kemp refused to step down from the office of Secretary of State even though it was his office which oversaw the Gubernatorial election. Lucy McBath, gun control activist and mother of slain teenager Jordan Davis, won her 6th Congressional district election, occupying a seat once held by Republican Newt Gingrich and handing GOP favorite Karen Handel a sound defeat. More than 70 black women ran for office in the state of Alabama. In Illinois, 31-year-old Democrat Lauren Underwood won in a predominantly white and solidly Republican district, becoming one of the youngest black candidates elected to Congress. Minnesota’s Ilhan Omar won her race, becoming America’s first Somali-American woman in Congress. Michigan’s Rashida Tlaib, became one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress. Jahana Hayes, 2016 National Teacher of the Year, won her race, becoming the first black woman to represent Connecticut in Congress. California Senator Kamala Harris helped usher in the Justice for Victims of Lynching Act, which passed unanimously in December making lynching a federal crime. The act was introduced by the chamber’s three African-American senators: California Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris, New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker and South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott.
3. Ethiopia and Eritrea Sign ‘Declaration of Peace and Friendship’
Ethiopia and Eritrea have declared their “state of war” over after landmark talks between the neighbouring countries’ leaders, as part of a historic agreement that will see the opening of embassies, development of ports and resumption of flights. The rapprochement ends a decades-long cold war over border disputes that hurt both countries. Eritrean Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel, quoting from a “Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship,” said at the time of the announcent, “a new era of peace and friendship has been ushered (in).” The “state of war that existed between the two countries has come to an end”, he wrote on Twitter.”
4. The Diaspora is Winning the War on Stereotypes One News Story at a Time
Following China’s ban on ivory last year, ivory demand has dropped by almost half, and poaching rates are falling in places like Kenya. Niger revealed that it has planted 200 million new trees in three decades, the largest positive transformation of the environment in African history. In the forests of central Africa, the population of mountain gorillas, one of the world’s most endangered species, was reported to have increased by 25% since 2010, to over 1,000. Rwanda became the first developing nation to provide universal eye care to all of its citizens, by training 3,000 nurses in over 500 health clinics. Ghana became the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to eliminate trachoma. In 2000, it threatened 2.8 million people (15% of the population) with blindness. New research revealed that in the last two decades, female genital mutilation has fallen from 57.7% to 14.1% in north Africa, from 73.6% to 25.4% in west Africa, and from 71.4% to 8% in east Africa. Morocco passed a landmark law that criminalizes violence against women, and imposes harsh penalties on perpetrators. Trinidad and Tobago’s high court ruled that the Caribbean nation’s colonial-era law banning gay sex was unconstitutional. The share of black men in poverty in the United States fell from 41% in 1960 to 18% today, and their share in the middle class rose from 38% to 57% in the same time.
5. 911 Calls on Black People Living While Black in the U.S.
Black people in the United States had the police called on them for studying in a university while black, returning to their home while black, mowing the lawn while black, cashing a paycheck at a bank while black, golfing too slowly while black, eating at Subway while black, meeting at Starbucks while black and selling water while black among many other ridiculous incidents. Emboldened by white nationalism and white supremacy embraced and endorsed by the current White House, hate crimes and hateful crimes targeting black folks of all ages are on the rise. For example, Teresa Klein, a white woman lied on a 9-year-old black boy about groping her — a claim that was proven false. In Dallas, Botham Shem Jean was killed in his apartment by Amber Guygera, a neighbor who is also a police officer. Guygera was eventually charged with murder. Racial profiling is not new but black folks putting folks on blast via social media and getting some form of justice is relatively new.
This post was written by The Burton Wire’s founder & editor-in-chief Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D. Follow The Burton Wire on Twitter or Instagram @TheBurtonWire.
Photo: Jamal Khashoggi speaks at the Middle East Monitor in London in September 2018.
(Google Images)
Photo: Jamal Khashoggi speaks at the Middle East Monitor in London in September 2018. (Google Images)
Reuters is reporting footage of the transfer of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s remains in suitcases has been aired on pro-government Turkish television. According to the article, the video “shows men carrying what it says were a total of five (suit)cases through the main entrance of the residence, a short distance from the consulate where Khashoggi, a leading critic of Saudi policies, was killed in early October.” The residence in the video belongs to Saudi Arabia’s consul general.
Khashoggi, a U.S. resident and royal insider, was murdered allegedly for his criticism of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also alleged to have ordered the murder.
Réveillon is celebrated throughout the world including New Orleans in the United States. (Google Images)
In a photo gallery, Chantal Martineau of the Huffington Post shares different New Year’s Eve traditions that occur throughout the African Diaspora. Martineau highlights “Watch Night,” which began with prayers for freedom on New Year’s Eve by slaves who were typically auctioned off on New Year’s Day in the U.S. and throughout the Caribbean. Black-eyed peas and collard greens (prosperity and good luck) are staples in African-American communities on New Year’s Eve. She also shares the story of Haiti’s Soup Joumou, a pumpkin soup once forbidden to slaves, which is made in honor of their independence hard fought and won in 1804. The Junkanoo, which is a carnival featuring bands and costumes that began with slaves having the day off on New Year’s Eve, takes place in the Bahamas. Réveillon happens worldwide including Brazil, where extravagant parties are hosted in celebration of the new awakening and attendees wear white to symbolize a fresh start.
The Junkanoo is New Year’s Eve tradition in the Bahamas. Celebrations are marked by music, dance, costumes and food as Bahamians highlight the coming of the New Year. During slavery, the Junkanoo was a celebration of having the day off. (Google Images)
However you choose to ring in the New Year, keep in mind that people throughout the African Diaspora will be participating in shared traditions marked by hope, peace and prosperity. The Burton Wirewishes you a happy and safe New Year.
View Martineau’s photo gallery of African Diasporic New Year’s Eve Traditions on Huffington Post.
Bino and Fino is an African educational cartoon. (Photo Credit: Google Images)
Contemporary psychological literature is overflowing with empirical evidence (originating in or based on observation or experience) indicating the importance of active positive racial socialization of Black children. Reinforcing positive attitudes, behaviors, information and beliefs about African culture is connected to academic achievement, psychological, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being, especially in black children.
The recently released documentary, American Promise, underscores what we, as Black psychologists, have known and attempted to share with the public for more than half a century. As we embark on the Kwanzaa season, I have compiled a list of choice zawadis (gifts) to support the healthy racial identity development of my little Black boy and possibly yours. Happy Kwanzaa!
Kwanzaa Set
This set contains all of the symbols of Kwanzaa you will need to celebrate the holiday. Created from a single piece of wood, the candleholder was inspired by the Ashanti royal throne. Intricately carved at its base is the symbol “gye nyame” meaning steadfastness in courage.
Kwanzaa Books (My First Kwanzaa; A Kwanzaa Celebration)
A great way to get acquainted with Kwanzaa principles.
Gift ideas for those who celebrate Kwanzaa. (Photo Credit: Google Images)
Putumayo CDs – Putumayo Kids
Celebrates the world through music! Features music from the African continent, New Orleans and the Caribbean.
Playmobil Egyptian Play Set Children can experience and recreate the world through miniature mobile projects based on children’s play principles.
Montessori Puzzle Map of Africa Why not start teaching your children about the different countries in Africa now? This wooden puzzle map has a knob indicating each African country. Not to worry, there is a labeled and unlabeled control map if you need help.
Ezra Jack Keats Children’s Books These children’s books examine a number of topics. Some of my favorites are “Peter’s Chair,” “Hi, Cat!” “Pet Show!” “Whistle For Willie,” “A Letter for Amy,” “Regards to the Man in the Moon,” “Louie,” “Goggles!” and “A Snowy Day.”
What are some of your Zawadi ideas that reflect African culture? Share with us in the comments section below. Happy Kwanzaa!
This post was written by Nyasha Grayman-Simpson, Ph.D., who is a counseling psychologist located in Baltimore, MD.
Black Santa Larry Jefferson at Mall of America in Bloomington, MN (Photo: Google Images)
Writing for MPR News, Riham Feshir discusses the great demand for Santas of color in the United States. The article highlights Santa Larry who can be found at Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. In the article, Larry Jefferson who dons the red suit for Mall of America says the demand for Santa Larry was so high this year, he began taking appointments for photos back in October. Black Santa is not new to black America, but the warm reception or willingness of diverse groups of people to demand or acknowledge Black Santa in mainstream spaces is relatively new. Even though Jefferson, who is the first African-American Santa at Mall of America, was met with mostly positive responses, there was some negative feedback to such an extent the Star Tribune turned off the comments section on their story about Jefferson due to hateful comments:
Feshir writes:
The image of a white man portraying Santa has been implanted in most minds for decades. It was illustrated by political cartoonist Thomas Nast based on his imagination of the 19th-century poem “The Night Before Christmas.”
Maria Tatar, a professor of folklore at Harvard University, says Santa was never a monolithic figure, and there are genial figures associated with modern-day Santa Claus — like Ghost of Christmas Past and Father Christmas.
Until recently, when one of her students gave her a children’s book titled “Santa’s Husband,” which is a story about a black and white gay couple.
‘The great thing about the myths and of folktales and all of our cultural stories is that we keep making them new,’ she said. ‘If we told the same old story over and over again the tale would shrivel up and die. It would become completely uninteresting to us.’
The characteristic generosity, however, comes from Saint Nicholas, the Greek bishop from modern-day Turkey. In available images, he has olive skin and brown eyes.
‘He kind of looks like me,’ Jefferson said with a smile. ‘Someone posted a picture of Saint Nicholas and my picture side by side, and was like, ‘Santa Larry, you look more like Saint Nicholas than anybody.'”
Black Santa is not new to African-American communities, particularly in the South. For example, in 1994 Greenbriar Mall in Atlanta, GA introduced their first black Santa Willie Veal, who dressed as Santa for 19 years until his passing in 2013. Santa Eddie (Eddie Simpson), who is also African-American, has dressed as Santa for the last five years at Greenbriar Mall. Facebook and Instagram are teeming with photos of African-American children sitting on the laps of black Santa covering several decades. Black Santas can be found in major cities throughout the country like New Orleans, Los Angeles, New York, Detroit, Seattle and Washington, DC.
Although Black Santa is no secret to black communities in America, there is a secret history to black Santas. Brian Wheeler of the BBC takes readers on a historical journey which begins with St. Nicholas in Turkey and chronicles other instances of a black St. Nick including U.S. presidential celebrations (Woodrow Wilson’s honeymoon in Virginia) and what Wheeler calls a breakthrough for black Santas when tap dancing legend Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, who became Harlem’s “first negro Santa Claus” at an annual Christmas Eve party for underprivileged children in 1936.
Tap dancing legend Bill “Bojangles” Robinson as Santa Claus in Harlem in 1936. (Photo: Getty Images)
Santa Eddie Simpson of Greenbriar Mall in Atlanta, GA. (Photo: Facebook)
Black Santa Larry Jefferson at Mall of America in Bloomington, MN (Photo: Google Images)
