on the black hand side

America on the Verge of Change for the Better

Check out this awesome video I was pointed to by fellow blogger Jim Legington. Share it with friends to spread Barack Obama's message of Unity and Change. If you are eligible to vote and haven't done so, please vote right away!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

     

© 2008, on the black hand side, www.blackhandside.net

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Sarah Palin Effigy: Hate Crime or Just Bad Taste?

A West Hollywood couple removed an effigy of Sarah Palin used in a Halloween display in front of their home. Chad Michael Morrisette and his partner, Mito Aviles, set up the display three weeks ago and the controversy took on international proportions. Some of his neighbors tried to block viewing of the display from the public.

While some may feel the display is creative, how different is that from a hate crime? I am so not feeling Sarah Palin but hanging her in effigy crosses the line.

On the other hand, there was no indication of any complaint about the depiction of John McCain surrounded by fake flames. What's up with that? McCain continues to be upstaged by his running mate. That's just wrong.    

 

 

© 2008, on the black hand side, www.blackhandside.net

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Body of Boy is Julian King

The body of the young boy found in the white SUV was Julian King; he was shot multiple times. This brings the number of dead to three as a result of the multiple slayings that started on Friday.

There are no words to describe the pain that Jennifer Hudson and the rest of the Hudson family are experiencing. Ms. Hudson's brother-in-law is in custody and held for parole violations. He and his girlfriend gave conflicting information regarding his whereabouts.

To lose loved ones in such a tragic manner is more than devastating. The person or persons involved must be brought to justice. I pray for the Hudson family's strength during this situation. I also pray for the mercy and uplift for the souls of Darnell Donerson, Jason Hudson and Julian King. Ashe'.   

 

© 2008, on the black hand side, www.blackhandside.net

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Boy’s Body Found in SUV

The body of a young black male has been found in a white SUV believed to be the one missing from the home of the mother of Jennifer Hudson. The bodies of Hudson's mother and brother were found on Friday in their home in their neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. Little Julian King has been missing.

News reports indicate that the estranged husband of the boy's mother, William Balfour, was in the custody of police as a person of interest. It is alleged that Balfour had threatened to take the boy in the past.

The Jennifer Hudson and family are on the way to the medical examiner's office to identify the young boy's remains.

 

© 2008, on the black hand side, www.blackhandside.net

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Help Jennifer Hudson Find Her Nephew

As you may know by now, singer-actress Jennifer Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson and brother Jason Hudson were murdered, Friday, October 24^th in their home in Chicago. Hudson's nephew Julian King has been missing since that time. The police have not indicated that there are any suspects and no clues as to why this tragedy occurred. Police questioned Julian's father, William Balfour, as a person of interest. Balfour is the estranged husband of Jennifer Hudson's sister, Julia Hudson.

Jennifer Hudson has offered a $100,000 reward for the return of her nephew, Julian. All inquiries should be directed to the Chicago Police Department, Area 1 Detective Division at 312/747-8380.   

Our prayers go out for the Hudson family and for the safe return of Julian King.

 

© 2008, on the black hand side, www.blackhandside.net

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Nation of Islam Expands Membership

The Honorable Louis Farrakhan announced that the NOI (Nation of Islam) will open its membership to whites, Asians, Hispanics and other groups in the tradition of the Islamic faith. That will be a change from the beliefs followed by the NOI for many years.

 

© 2008, on the black hand side, www.blackhandside.net

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Vick Could Be Released Early

As expected, Michael Vick will likely plead guilty to dogfighting charges next week to attain early release from prison. Vick is serving a 23 month sentence.

No doubt some folks need Vick in uniform and on the field as soon as possible. It's all about the Benjamins.

 

 

© 2008, on the black hand side, www.blackhandside.net

   

 

Big Willie is Back for Christmas this time

Will Smith has a new movie coming out in December called Seven Pounds. Ben (Will Smith) is an IRS agent who is depressed and guilt-ridden about mistakes from his past. He sets out to make amends by helping seven strangers. When he meets Emily (Rosario Dawson), a beautiful woman with a heart condition, he falls in love with her, thereby complicating his plans. Woody Harrelson appears as a blind pianist who befriends Ben and Michael Ealy plays Smith's brother.

Smith's movies are often released during 4^th if July weekend. This Christmas season release is a welcome change. I'm definitely adding this to my "must see" list as he has matured in his performance as an actor. I also enjoy the work of the rest of the cast. The trailer doesn't give a lot of the storyline but it's intriguing and piqued my interest.

    

    

© 2008, on the black hand side, www.blackhandside.net

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Richard Trumka on Racism and the 2008 Presidential Election

We know the outcome of the Democratic primary. Barack Obama won the nomination and became the first black person to be on the presidential ballot as a serious and viable candidate. With that comes the exacerbation of the issue of race in the United States of America.

Some of the folks in the video show their ignorance of Senator Obama and his beliefs. At the same time, their positions are held by many others.

We literally cannot afford Senator John McCain as president. As the reality of the impact on our daily lives of a Republican in the White House becomes apparent, Obama's poll numbers widen and reality trumps racism.

© 2008, on the black hand side, www.blackhandside.net

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Marching Band Formations: How do they do that?

If you attended or had the opportunity to visit an HBCU (Historically-Black College and University), you know that this time of the year, football season, is a particularly exciting and important part of the college experience. While football games are an important part of game day, it is half-time that truly rules for HBCUs.

The movie Drumline captured much of the black college band experience but there's nothing like being there.

Here is video of the Florida A&M University Marching 100. Band director Dr. Julian White explains the conceptualization and execution of the intricate formations by the 420 plus member band.

As you may know, perennially, there is much trash-talking about which school has the best marching band. I think that FAMU, my alma mater, is the best. You know, often imitated, never duplicated. Give your school's marching band a shout out if you think your school's band is the best.

Related Link: www.famu.edu

    

© 2008, on the black hand side, www.blackhandside.net

Vote for this blog for Best Pop Culture Blog and Best Blog About Stuff in the 2008 Bloggers Choice Awards.