 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Blackballot.com focuses on gathering African American opinions on various topics. Our research specialists develop surveys that help measure customer satisfaction and loyalty, brand equity, PR efforts, and public opinions. Whether you want a complete strategy toanalysis plan or a dozen questions answered quickly, we ve got the expertise you need to get the job done.
For further information on research and polling solutions, please contact Vice President of Sales, Chris Langley, at chris blackballot.com.
|
 |
Russell Simmons, Blood Diamonds, and Oil in Africa
By K.B. McDavid
When I initially read the New York Times article detailing the trip that Russell Simmons and Dr. Benjamin Chavis took to South Africa that was sponsored by the Diamond Industry, I was taken aback. I am being polite. I am a fan of both Simmons and Chavis from the movieKrush Groove to Dr. Chavis appearing on Jim Joness album On the Way to Church- DipSet But when I read an open letter that Simmons and Chavis published in the December 14th issue of the New York Post about diamonds in Africa, I was disgusted. The following is a direct quote:
 It is unfortunate that old stereotypical images of an underdeveloped, selfdestructive, savage Africa have been re-conjured up in the mindset of too many people by those who may be well intentioned but who, through their unmitigated zeal to make and market movies, documentaries, and other forms of media, inadvertently display a hurtful, counterproductive, irresponsible and less than accurate portrayal of the current reality of Africa. Despite this inaccurate interpretation, we welcome and are thankful for the opportunity for dialogue with all who are focused on this issue.
This is an ignorant criticism of the movie Blood Diamond. The civil war in Sierra Leone is a recent occurrence that took the aid of British Commandos to stop. Fortunately, renewed tensions were simmered because ALL of the people rallied around the World Cup Team.  I would like to give Sierra Leone native and English Soccer Super Star Didier Drogba a twentyone gun salute for taking time to out to play for his people.
As a result of the horrific conflict depicted in the movie Blood Diamond, the Kimberly Process was initiated. If you own a diamond, you need to get educated and involved with the
Kimberly Process. In May of 2000, Southern Africa diamondproducing states met in Kimberley, South Africa, to come up with a way to stop the trade in conflict diamonds, hence the Kimberly Process was born. However, the Kimberly Process doesnt address the poor working conditions and substandard pay of diamond miners in Africa. The diamond industry is run by white Africans who have exploited the political instability caused by the foreign powers in Africa. The murder rate in South Africa is off the chain. In 2000, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime ranked South Africa second in the world for assault and murder. To Russell and Dr. Chaviss credit, the Kimberly Process has added
prosperity to South Africa and helped the murder rate decline by five percentage points in 2004. Unfortunately, the number of kidnappings and rapes continue to rise. South Africa is now the rape capital of the world. Go figure what economic prosperity brings.
Blood Diamond was a good movie which touched on a variety of topics. It showed the brutality but not to the extent that the violence really occurred. The film showed the origin of the conflict and highlighted the Kimberly Process. Charles Taylor  former Liberian Dictator is directly linked to the conflict depicted. In order to keep control of the diamond mining areas in Sierra Leone, rebels financed by Taylor began the process of cutting off limbs. Tens of thousands of limbs. Tens of thousands for diamonds. The pictures speak for themselves. Jonas Savimbi former Angolan Rebel Leader carried out a civil war backed by the Apartheid regime and the U.S. for 27 years.
He was a famine all by himself. Savimbis war crimes were responsible for a major famine in the region, a famine fueled by diamonds. Savimbi and Taylor are the most infamous of the African war lords whose reasoning for death and destruction was fueled by diamonds.
The most insightful line in the film was spoken by an old man who had survived a massacre in his village. In response to the violence, the man reflected that if oil were found in the village, the people would really be in trouble. That was deep. Now, oil is the issue. Oil is at the root of the problem in the Sudan. Rape, famine, and murder are all a result of the conflict over oil in Darfur. In Nigeria, the In Jaw people fight for their survival by kidnapping oil workers, destroying oil facilities, and fighting for independence with Government troops. Africa has the best grade of crude of oil in the world and Nigeria produces 20 of Americas oil. So that gives Russell and Mr. Chavis some credibility for their ignorant statement. Oil is the issue not Diamonds.
But blood drips from all of our hands. If you own a diamond, youd better get involved in Kimberly Process because God dont like ugly.
|
 |
Love in the City  Is it Really that Hard to Find
By Danielle Young
When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade, right Well, living in the Big Apple gives you the choice of making apple pie. But there is one Big Apple feat that isnt easy as pie, and thats companionship. I know what youre thinking tell that to all the lovesick fools kissing on the trains and on the street It can be tough living in the city that never sleeps or slows down to find that special someone. You may have to kiss a few toads to get your prince charming.
The problem is many people get discouraged about the opposite sex when they encounter a few of the bad apples. Some people say that it is all about dating. You have to get out there and date in order to find what you like and what you dont. But the hard part is finding people to date. Where do you go to meet decent people You can start by going to random places that you enjoy. Try your favorite bookstore. If you enjoy reading, maybe youd get along well with someone who enjoys reading as well. Enjoy the sound of vinyl Keep your eyes open at your record store. Maybe your prince loves music, too. There is nothing better than meeting someone with your interests. If you like cooking and you find yourself
at the grocery constantly picking up new ingredients, let your next stop at produce be a beneficial one. Maybe your man will be squeezing tomatoes right next to you. Dont be on the lookout, but just scope the scene. Make sure that some form of eye contact is made and a connection is established. Dont let your prince get away. Do something to catch his eye.
Many men like women to approach them. Say something funny or interesting. You never get a second chance for a first impression, so make it a good one. A common misconception is that men are supposed to approach women. It shouldnt always be that way. A woman should not be afraid to speak to a man she is attracted to. Whether the man or woman is doing the approaching, remember that it all starts with the approach.
|
 |
Ode to the Little General
By Lynn Williams
Only in the National Basketball Association can 511 be considered a small stature, but Coach Avery Johnson did not let that limit him as he seamlessly transitioned from NBA player to NBA Head Coach. The road he trailblazed to the head coach position he is currently enjoying with the Dallas Mavericks was not an easy one. Going where there is no path laid out is the true test of character for a self starter and a true leader.
After Johnson left St. Augustine High School, he attended New Mexico Junior College. Subsequently, enrolled at Cameron University then Southern University before graduating in 1988 and going undrafted. Johnson spent a summer season with the United States Basketball League USBL Palm Beach Stingrays before being signed with the Seattle Supersonics. During his next 16 years as a NBA player, he was occasionally traded and even waived. After the 2003- 2004 season, Coach Johnson signed on to become a player coach with the Dallas Mavericks. He was being groomed to take over for Coach Don Nelson. On October 28, 2004, he retired from playing to focus solely on coaching.
On March 19, 2005, Coach Avery Johnson became the eighth head coach for the Dallas Mavericks since their 1980 1981 inaugural season into the NBA. Coach Johnson became the coach to win 50 games in 62 the fastest and just this past week celebrated his 100th win in 131 games. What really punctuates his success is his interaction with the players and the community. While he drives the team towards excellence, Johnson continues to show them that he cares about them as people, husbands and fathers. He sets an example through his community involvement and civic duty, volunteering with the Salvation Army and the Red Cross relief efforts for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. He serves on the boards of two Dallas organizations
Project Turn Around, dedicated to addressing the social needs of urban youth and their families, and Hunger Busters, dedicated to bringing freshly made meals to the hungry and homeless. Coach Johnson has a bright future ahead of him. Some people are just born to lead.
|
 |
|
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
|
[an error occurred while processing this directive]