Saturday, May 31, 2008

Janelle Monae on OKP TV




Janelle MonĂ¡e "Lettin' Go" from Okayplayer on Vimeo.

Go 'head Janelle. 'Lettin go' is a high energy celebration with Jacksonesque jubilation elements. Excellent song for those moments when we all need to release the stress and celebrate existence. We expect great things from her.

Enjoy more of Janelle Monae in this OKP entry

You can still purchase Metropolis, Suite 1's mind-expanding EP via her website

Visions Of An African-American Woman For President



Asabagna raises a strong point, that I for one dropped the ball on, though I meant to return to it, especially after hearing her speak on the talkshow of an Afrospear member this Spring. Asabagna, an Afrospear member who writes for the Afrospear blog, redirects our focus in a current Afrospear blog article, by speaking of the disenchantment with the Democratic and Republican systems expressed by a number of commentators who will likely still end up voting for an establishment candidate.

Asabagna explains:

"They cannot vote for McCain because he has become too close to Bush lately and seems to have adopted a number of his policies. They cannot vote for Hillary because, although she is a woman, she represents the presumed privilege and entitlement of the ”old guard”… plus she has been playing on the fear associated with the “race” issue, in her effort to secure the Democratic presidential nomination.
While Obama, although he is more style than substance, more rhetoric than depth, and has unashamedly made the political choice to keep his association with the Black community at arms length and has bent over backwards to project ”white” American values, he is however seen as a “fresh” face… a change that America needs!"


Brothah Asabagna also quotes Green Party Candidate, Cynthia Mckinney's statement, which illustrates his most crucial point regarding the kind of candidates that intend to truly fight for the people:

“For far too long Black America has been at the mercy of political pimps and usurpers, particularly of the Democratic Party. It is now the year 2008, and we in Black America, in conjunction with our Brown, Red, Yellow, and White sisters and brothers have a genuine and serious choice in order to build a true people’s movement for real systemic change through the “Power to the People” campaign….”

Why has Cynthia received so little attention, despite the fact that she has the potential to be a harbinger for systemic change rather than the alternatives for what could be a twist on more of the same? Aside from not being placed in front of us around the clock via mainstream media, there are other interesting points offered in this Afrospear article, which I consider to be a piece for serious consideration. For certain it is time for diversity and systemic change to enter the White house, but who is the most effective candidate to bring it?

Jena 6 Request Removal Of Biased Judge

Update:
From RaceWire
Lawyers for the five remaining defendants facing trial in the racially divisive Jena 6 incident in Louisiana presented evidence Friday of what they said was bias on the part of the judge presiding over the cases and sought his removal.

After four hours of testimony, a visiting judge appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court to hear the recusal motion against LaSalle Parish District Judge J.P. Mauffray asked for more evidence and postponed a ruling until at least July. [Chicago Tribune]



5 of the Jena 6 youth are seeking to have Judge Mauffray Jr. removed from hearing their cases based in part on the fact that Judge Mauffray confessed his intent to imprison the young men whether or not it was supported by strong evidence. The 6th member however, Mychal Bell has already accepted an 18 month sentence according to his plea agreement. The evidence cited to support the request of the remaining youth is likely more than enough to guarantee they have a chance at a fair trial with a new judge presiding.

"Judge Mauffray is the man at the center of Jena's broken justice system and now he is forced to justify his bias in a court of law with the entire nation watching," shared James Rucker, Executive Director of ColorOfChange.org, the 400,000 member group advocating on behalf of the Jena 6.
"These proceedings are an opportunity to redeem Louisiana's justice system in the eyes of the nation and provide the Jena 6 with their constitutional right to a fair trial."

Judge Thomas Yeager offered to take the evidence under advisement, on May 30, but will finally decide his position on whether or not to recuse Judge Mauffray on July 18 of this year.


Villager says:
"If Mauffray is recused by Judge Yaeger it means a chance at a fair trial and an indictment for biased judges (and District Attorneys) everywhere."


Thanks Villager for the intel. I jacked the Jena6 image from you. Forgive me?

Is Anyone Still Refuting That This IS A Criminal War?



Extreme thanks to Nabeela of Liberator Magazine for posting this viral video in the making. It is time this country faced the truth about what is really happening in Iraq.
Please consider reposting this as soon as possible. You can utilize this site to download it if you want to post it through a non-conventional embedding solution on your blog.

WARNING:
This video is VERY intense and there is strong disturbing language used by the "soldiers".
Not recommended for children.




Related Intel



You might want to pick up the book by the Bush Administration's former press secretary who is telling all, about how Bush decieved the nation into waging war, as well as worked in tandem with mainstream media. Bless him for standing for the truth. Enough with the secrets. Time to wake up Amerikka.

Read More

Featured Friend: Mya B.



Mya B. is a sister deserving much respect, and thanks for her inspiration stance as an active conscious woman who stares the system boldly in the face and seeks change. We can all take notes from her book. Seriously.

Enjoy a clip from Mya's brazen protest of Police Brutality:

Sell Donuts In Front Of Police Station


Peep the clips from Mya's documentary:

"SILENCE: IN SEARCH OF BLACK FEMALE SEXUALITY"


Reverend Wright Speaks Intelligently About The Dangers of Sexual Oppression:



Find her on:


http://www.shootfilmsnotpeople.com/


http://soulvegfolk.ning.com/profile/MyaB


http://darejunkies.com

Afrosphere Media Disclusion From Prominent Progressive Caucasian Blog?



"...The AfroSpear and its members have been mentioned in mainstream media stories ninety-three times over the last year, the words "AfroSpear" and "Afrosphere" have never, ever been mentioned in a story at DailyKos," shares Francis Holland Esq, in a recent blog entry that expresses discontent with the segregated behavior displayed at DailyKos (also dubbed the Whitosphere by Mr, Holland), a blog that has also been underfire recently by concerned bloggers opposed to DailyKos posting racist images of the potential first lady Michelle Obama, being lynched.

Mr. Holland also mentions that despite the focus upon the lack of diversity in the DNC that has been a focal point in the blogosphere recently, DailyKos only expressed anger that their preferred popular bloggers of European descent didn't make it into an already exclusively white state blogger pool.

Do you agree that DailyKos is only interested in progressive white bloggers?
Your voice is valuable. Feel free to share it

...respectfully of course *_^

Peacekeeper Found Dead


photo of Peacekeepers from pbase.com

KHARTOUM, Sudan (AP) - A peacekeeper for the joint U.N.-African Union force in Sudan’s Darfur region has been killed for the first time since the troops deployed five months ago, the U.N. mission said Thursday.
A Ugandan policeman identified as John Kennedy Okecha was found dead in a vehicle for the UNAMID force in North Darfur Wednesday, UNAMID said in a statement. He had been shot three times in the neck, chest and stomach.
UNAMID described the killing as «an act of cold blooded murder» and appealed to all those with any knowledge of what happened to share it with the appropriate authorities so the perpetrators can be brought to justice.

-Pr-Inside

Big thanks to Cooper at Darfur: A Hell on Earth for the intel



Related News:



The World Campaign Feature George Clooney


crossposted at RootsofHumanity

Friday, May 30, 2008

Nas' New Album Cover Says What Words Apparently Cannot



Despite the controversy where his album title intentions were seriously misunderstood (and... mispromoted in a way that lent confusion), Nas is still making his point clear about how he feels people of color are regarded in Amerikkka, on the new cover of his now untitled album.

Yep. I think this album cover will pretty much kill the arguments that believe he intended to glorify the 'n' word... or maybe not? We live in strange times. Some believe we don't need a reminder of what our ancestors were subjected to, because despite the oppression we still experience, plenty of folks think we've 'arrived'.

What's your take?

Responsible Purchasing


"Mission

Promote and practice responsible purchasing by identifying best practices, developing effective purchasing tools, educating the market, and using our collective purchasing power to maximize environmental stewardship, protect human health, and support local and global sustainability."
-ResponsiblePurchasing.com



Thankyou Moon for the intel

The Green Album




Download here:

Thanks Scheme Mag

Seed Bombing

There are always actions we can take to make things better.

Buff 1 'Beat The Speakers Up'



Enjoy this charming little vid courtesy of Buff 1.



Want more Buff 1?

Visit his digital lounge:
http://www.myspace.com/buff1der

A Few Powerful Words From Saul Williams



This brothah is a serious prophet. Acquire his writings. He has truly come to uplift the soul and our community.

He's one of the few leaders actually saying something we and our children can grow from.

Listen.




Thankyou Sunshine The Dreadlock Nomad for the intel


Related Intel

Fight the system-Subway apologizes to homeschoolers for discluding them from their literary contest and promises not to do it again. Thankyou for sharing your voice!

Though State Blogs Seem Very MonoCultural,
The Dem Convention Seems To Have Slightly More Diverse Blogger Pool For National Blogs

Action Items: Stand For Privacy, Help Redeveloping Countries Adjust To Climate Change


Please take a few moments to stand for privacy and help our human siblings in redeveloping countries adjust to climate change. Thankyou for your stand.


Vital action:
Stand For Privacy



Help Redeveloping Countries Adjust To Climate Change


Make your voice heard!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Freestyle: The Cool Kids



The Curious Bazaar- Pangea Vegan Store


I'm very psyched about the Pangea Vegan Store. Like VeganEssentials.com they carry a great deal and are closer to East Coasters (good for shipping reasons) than Food Fight Grocery.



You've got to love responsible businesses. We make the world a better place by supporting ethical merchants.

Peep their realm:
VeganStore.com

Digital Splendor- KRS, Craig G, Sadat X Freestyle, and Rza's New Release





Krs One, Craig G, and Sadat X Freestyle at SOB's




Rza- You Can't Stop Me

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Vegan Delights At Post Punk Kitchen



Fierce Green recipe alert at Post Punk Kitchen.
Seriously worth your time.
Also peep their Veganomicon for more culinary spells...





Other delightful Vegans:

VeggieMomma.com
(She must be mentioned again)
Freshtopia.com
TegraLittle.com

Peacekeepers and Aid Workers Abusing Children



"Children as young as six are being sexually abused by peacekeepers and aid workers, says a leading UK charity.

Children in post-conflict areas are being abused by the very people drafted into such zones to help look after them, says Save the Children.

After research in Ivory Coast, southern Sudan and Haiti, the charity proposed an intern
ational watchdog be set up.

Save the Children said it had sacked three workers for breaching its codes, and called on others to do the same.

The three men were all dismissed in the past year for having had sex with girls aged 17 - which the charity said was a sackable offence even though not illegal.

The UN has said it welcomes the charity's report, which it will study closely.

Save the Children says the most shocking aspect of child sex abuse is that most of it goes unreported and unpunished, with children too scared to speak out."

-BBC News


Read more


PZ says:
A person has to be very sick mentally and spiritually to prey on those they have pledged to help.
This can't stand.


Related Intel:


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7422183.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7421264.stm

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Kwout is fantabulous



Ah Kwout... How do I love thee?

With your Firefox add-on loveliness, you make it possible for anyone to cut out any part of a webpage, including scenes from videos, and links sections, while maintaining functionality where they paste them. Know that you make the Screenshot functions of ancestor plug-ins feel very outdated. Be gentle with their egos.


I am Amazed.
(The heavy drama I'm extending is warranted)

Visit the Realm of Kwout
www.kwout.com


Also very fly is the Sproutbuilder.com content management widget...

Fashion For Peace Organized by African Designers with African Models


"NAIROBI (Reuters) - Scores of top African designers and models held a show in Nairobi National Park at the weekend to raise money for victims of Kenya's post-election violence and show a different face to their continent.

The "Fashion for Peace" event drew mainly West and East African models onto a catwalk in a marquee under the moonlight on savannah usually known for its lions and rhinos."

-Aweys Yusuf, Reuters


Read More



Am I not Human?





Instead of doubletalk let's just have a straight answer.
Are the people of re-developing countries human in the eyes of the corporations and governments that benefit from the horrific depopulation of an area, and profits from the sales of weapons used to do it? Is genocide good for corporate profit? Is that why sponsors who claim to seek safe and humane conditions for everyone, turn around and endanger the same people they claim interest in helping, by aiding their oppressors, and attackers? Do these corporations listed below find the stolen lives of children an acceptable reality because profit margins are their bottom line?

We're curious about that.
Because many of us have written to corporate sponsors about the Genocide Olympics but the sponsors seem content to avoid raising any issues about the conditions in Darfur, despite our letters.


And... we're curious about something else. Do these corporations consider Tibetan Nuns to be human, too? Do they share the same human and spiritual rights as say... middle and upper class Americans, or even some Americans living at or below poverty level? I mean... in the recent protest of 76 nuns calling for the return of the Dalai Lama on May 14th, 19 of the nuns went missing, while 54 were arrested.


Hmm...


Feel free to write to any of them and ask them if you're also as curious as we.
These are the names of the corporations supporting the Genocide Olympics.


Atos Origin
BOCOG
Coca-Cola
DB Schenker
General Electric
Johnson & Johnson
Kodak
Lenovo
Manulife
McDonald’s
Mizuna
Omega
Panasonic
Samsung
Visa

Send them all the same letter if inclined:
http://www.dreamfordarfur.org/
index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=85



Download the May 2008 ebook here:



The above is crossposted at RootsofHumanity


All life is entitled to dignity and freedom to live according to ones heart.








Please Take Action:
http://www.freetibet.org/




Update:

Please visit Villager's post for Haiti
Eddie's post for Child Soldiers
Sojourner's Place For Darfur
Yobachi's Focus on Darfur
and Marvalus One's focus on Darfur

Send us your link if you've participated so we can
be sure to mention your site.

Immortal Technique Live at UCLA Jazz/Reggae Fest (Strong Language)

Immortal Technique stays on point about the realities we and re-developing countries face. The language in this vid is strong if you have kids in the room, but the message is necessary. Share it.



Thanks OKP for the intel

Wyclef Discusses His Grassroots Initiatives For Haiti With CNN





More intel on the Programs Wyclef Speaks of here:
Togetherforhaiti.org

Grazi Nahright for the Intel

Official Queens Council Sumoons



"Royal Summons #1 : Missive to The Angry Independent of the blog Entitled "Mirror on America".

HEAR YE, HEAR YE!

ALL QUEENS OF THE BLACK BLOGOSPHERE ARE RESPECTFULLY REQUESTED TO HOLD COURT ON TUESDAY, 9:00PM EST ON THE TWENTY-SEVENTH DAY OF THE FIFTH MONTH IN THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND AND EIGHT. (05/27/2008)... IF THE ANGRY INDEPENDENT FAILS TO APPEAR IN COURT, HE WILL BE TRIED IN ABSENTIA."
-The Queens Council

CALL (724) 444-7444 on Tuesday, May 27th, 2008 (9PM) to weigh in your verdict.

Click here for details.


PurpleZoe, Queen of the Metahearts says:
Our progress as a community depends heavily on our collective ability to uplift rather than demonize either our feminine or masculine presence. Clean up the stereotypes by putting your spending power where the conscious images and community expressions are sold.

Etsian Splendor

The Etsian Splendor of Indie Merchants is long overdue.
Enjoy the fabulous virtual boutiques listed below,
and do drop us a line if you find a few glorious box-breakers
that we've missed.

Domestikate


Shanickers


RoseLaBiche

Locked up Naturally


This lush beautiful documentary, by filmmaker King Kuroji follows the journey of Metalock wearers in the African diaspora.




Stay tuned.
Visit Kuroji's Virtual Realm
KurojiNtu.com

Save The Music Indeed



This 'Save The Music' documentary came out a few years ago ( I bought a download from B-sides about a year back), but this snippet of Badu never fails to tickle me. Thanks Neosoulville for the reminder.



PurpleZoe on Tumblr

Tumblr's awfully cute. I couldn't resist.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Subway Excludes Able-Minded Homeschoolers




Subway's Every Sandwich Tells A Story contest has apparently made no qualms about excluding able-minded homeschoolers from being eligible. They should be ashamed. It smells of an effort to empower the government sanctioned schooling that has been dumbing our kids down more and more in recent times. We have the right to educate our children at home for both safety reasons and in the interest of empowering their minds in a system that would seek to do the opposite.

What is so harmful about a homeschooled child that they would be excluded from the opportunity to express themselves and be enriched by participating in healthy literary competition?

Write them or call them to let them know if you are as disgusted with this as we are,
and do stop dining with them:

Contact: Franchise Sales
Phone: 203 877 4281
Email: Franchise@Subway.com
Website: Franchise.Subway.com
Address: 325 Bic Dr
Milford, CT 06460
United States



Thankyou Springer's Journal for the intel


Related Intel:
http://michellemalkin.com/2008/05/25/
subway-sandwich-shop-no-home-schools-will-be-accepted/

Disney's Selling a 14k Gold Noose?



Supposedly this noose was created for the Pirates of The Caribbean collection, but my reality theorist nature says no. Despite Disney's supposed plan to finally present a Black Princess in 2009, they seem to have no problem selling racially insensitive symbols.

Makes you wonder what's really going on when progressive bloggers of European descent think it's no problem to post images of black women being lynched, a democratic nominee of European descent claims she's not dropping out of the race against her opponent of African descent because of assassination dangers, and Caucasian "friends" of golf players of African descent "joke" on-air about him being lynched (to name a few "issues" the black community has been insulted with).

Hmm...


Thanks Clutch for the intel
(See the mini links at the bottom of their entry to find their source of intel)

Is Rebecca Walker Seeking Fame By Way Of Destroying Her Mother's Image, Or Is She Sincerely Venting?



The first thing that struck me about Rebecca's article was that it was highly charged with emotion, and a seeming need to show the readers her mother Alice Walker's faults, as determined by her perception as an estranged daughter. I didn't get the sense that she was seeking to vent because she was hurt by the actions she claims of her mother.

I intend to go back and re-read the article because I may have missed something, but my take on this issue is: Rebecca probably wrote this article to hurt her mother, and possibly gain a bit of media attention while doing it.

Hopefully I'm wrong.

What's your take?

Read More

Spike Lee States 'We are In a Depression' on BlackTreeTV




Thanks for the intel BlackBlogWatch

Visit BlackTreeTV

Fader Remembers Aaliyah



The latest issue of Fader presents its Annual Icon issue which is: A Tribute To The Influential Aaliyah.


Thanks FlyPaperBlog

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Viropop no.37





Log into the Viropop community to win a personal wind charger from buygreen.com with one of your stellar blog entries ^_^

The Curious Bazaar- AvanteGaudy Vintage





Thanks to Ymib.com for the intel.



Visit their net dimensions

http://avantgaudy.com
http://avantgaudy.blogspot.com/