411 | A new life for Jena 6 teen

411 | HBCUs struggle during financial woes

New New | Capitalism : A Love Story

Michael Moore returns to the bis screen with his newest documentary. His target: the economy and why it failed. October 2.

411 | 'Bold action' or 'Compromise easily'

Shepard Fairey, famed designer of the prominent portrait during Obama's campaign, has designed a second image which appears on the cover of Rolling Stone. Full story here. Apparently people are in arms over the words circling the President's head. What do you think?

MESS | "Young nigga got it bad cuz i'm brown"

After incredulous speculation from the powers of the Right and all those still upset that a brother is living in the White House, and didn't have to break-in, Barack Hussein Obama is indeed a natrual born citizen of his United States of America. Now since we've proven what we alrady knew as truth, let us allow the president to do his job. Post-racial my BLACK ASS.

? | Thoughts on BiA 2: Part 1

The first portion of the two part series was very informative. Who knew Connecticut had a project? But nonetheless a refreshing experience to see positivity within our communities across the nation. Let's shed a light on my personal highlights from the two-hour show. First off the Journey to Change was incredible. I always shied from the idea of international travel, thinking its not for me. But the experience would be life-changing as it was to those students of Bushwick. It was disheartening though to see the lack of change in the male students where work is most needed to motivate our black males into seeing how important and benefiting a education can be. Thankfully those doubts faded away by the story of Steve Perry and his 100% graduation rate high school in Connecticut. Incredible. A young intelligent black male, a la Joe Clark, demanding and only accepting the best from his pupils. Seeing the potential in each student. Taking a personal interest their future success. THIS IS WHAT WE NEED! Not everyone can go home and have the support from their parents or guardians needed to achieve - as seen at Perry's high school football game. I was astonished at the story of the affluent African American community. Little is known about the history of black professionals in America, probably because we've been inoculated to believe we all were salves and now we all are okay in this post-Obama age. BS. We all are aware of the class rift people play into - the affluent Oreo vs. the struggling Negro. But the truth is we can not hide our race. As long as one succeeds in making positive strides for our community as a whole, it shouldn't really matter what side of the tracks you've come from. Can't wait until tomorrow's conclusion. And October's Latino in America should be just as informative and eye-opening to our nation as this opportunity.

Channel Surfin' | Black in America 2

CNN's Soledad O'Brien continues the groundbreaking report where last year's left off. Tonight @ 9 sit down with the entire family and learn what is being done to tackle issues in Black America. A preview show is scheduled @ 7; and Obama will address the country @ 8 pm. When is the last time blacks were the subject of a news telecast for something other than sheer entertainment? This is history in the making. I'd even compare the multlitude of the event with that of Alex Haley's Roots in the 70s. If you are American you need to tune in. This is the American Dream.

MESS | No respect, no respect.

411 | Kanye West & Fuse present.....

I can't wait, no I can't wait

411 | Black Harvard professor arrestted in own home

Click above for full story. Sounds like everyday shenanigans on the eve of Black in America 2.

411 | 'No Excuses' Obama tells NAACP

Channel Surfin' | 16 & Pregnant

I admit I was skeptical for another MTV reality show; but, this one right here spoke the unseen truth about teenage pregnancy. While the entire season has followed several different couples' journey to parenthood, the finale cast a curve ball to viewers. Pulling a Juno the two decide to place their child up for adoption in hopes of a better life and what they could provide that young. It really puts things in perspective and re-affirms what I knew all long: it's worth the wait.

In case you missed the entire season, I'm sure it will be reran on the weekend. Plus you can tune in to the a reunion special with everyone's favorite doc, Dr. Drew.

411 | "Do the Right Thing" 20 Y.O.

Twenty years have passed since Brooklyn erupted on a hot summer day in Spike Lee's revolutioary look at race. And yet the characters and conversation remain relevant to this day. Even in this alleged post-racial Obama age. Don't believe the hype, and continue to "Fight the Power" in twenty-0-9.

'00 | Bamboozled

. Keepin it 100: You're not black, with a "c," if you haven't seen this movie.

411 | Stopping the cycle

NY Times story detailing the risks of those children whose parents spend time in & out of jail. Those most affected: African American and low-education families. Click above for complete story. I think I'm going to limit the 411's to a "News Story of the Day." Still pending....

'04 | I can't live my, I-I can't live my

Woke up this morning to the news that my cousin - who would have graduated from high school last month - will serve six for dealing cocaine. He faced up to 60, which is a definite blessing that I hope he realizes. This is the closest I've come to prison in my life. We always hear or read the news of another brother whose caught a case. We momentarily feel for him from a far, but are still removed from the situation - it's not our problem. But the truth is it is our problem. And now the problem has a face and a name that will penetrate my thoughts and prayers for the next six years. This is dedicated to him and all our brothers and sisters caught up in the system. Whether you feel you're there justly or not, there's always a choice. You always have a choice.

8709 Special | Check my fresh

This summer I've been interning with Tonic.com, an online publication that specializes in good news. They cover any and all things that are healthy for the mind, body and soul. Stories to enlighten and inform of the good that goes around us that we may not know about. Check my latest story as well as others.

411 | Madoff gets 150 years

411 | Homeless student eyes Harvard

A touching story over @ CNN today of 17-year-old Kenneth Chancey. Chancey is a honor student, athlete, and class president. Despite his academic excellence and hopes to attend Harvard, Chancey his sister and father are homeless. Click title for details. sidebar: Incredible story of this brother and I commend him on his achievements, but why must we classify "home" as a house with a picket fence. Home is where the heart is. His family has probably struggled to maintain some form of normality; however, it is clear to see that he has triumphed over adversity. Maybe students indifferent to the importance of a quality education should experience life without necessities. Put things in perspective.

411 | President speaks on U.S. relation with Muslims

Obama just wrapped up a speech addressing the future relations between America and the Muslim world in Cairo, Egypt. One half history lesson, one half initiation of a 'new beginning,' Obama seeks to establish a dialogue in preparation to eventually lessen the violence and animosity betwixt both parties. (like that vocab huh?) More here.