Jesse Williams Debunks Black Community’s ‘Angry’ Stereotype

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October 6, 2015

by: HelloBeautiful Staff

Jesse Williams is utterly over the idea that Black people are just naturally angrier than everyone else in America.

The “Grey’s Anatomy” star has been very vocal about the injustices against the Black community that have been coming to light at a nearly constant rate over the last few years. Deaths of people like Trayvon Martin, Sandra Bland, Michael Brown, Eric Garner and Renisha McBride (among countless others) have been the catalyst for the Black Lives Matter movement.

When America sees images of the community protesting in the streets, marching, and generally calling for change, it’s often seen as a demonstration of Black America living up to the “angry Black people” stereotype.

Jesse, however, told The Guardian during a recent interview that the “angry” label comes from a lack of understanding. Quite simply, there is no way to definitively conclude that Black people are prone to being mad at the world.

“There is zero evidence, zero evidence that black people are more inclined to be angry in vacuum than anybody else,” he said.

It’s easy to label Black people as angry because it doesn’t take into account that they might have a legitimate reason to be frustrated with the way they are treated. As such, Jesse called on critics to be more empathetic to the emotions Black people have about the struggles the community faces.

“They are upset. Is being upset bad? Is anger just a negative quality?” Jesse added. “It doesn’t begin with rage, right. It’s a community that’s f*cking hurting and is really disappointed in itself, in the people that it trusted, in the government it paid taxes to… That is where the frustration comes from.”

blackamericaweb.com

Yes, Jeremiah Wright Still Hates President Obama

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Birmingham Times

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October 6, 2015

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By: EURWeb

Years after the Rev. Jeremiah Wright made waves with saying “G**damn America!” the controversial pastor appears to still carry a grudge against President Barack Obama.

According to The Atlantic, Wright didn’t call out the commander-in-chief by name while speaking at the United Church of Chapel Hill on Saturday morning (Oct. 3), but it was obvious who he was referencing as when apparently accusing Obama of failing to take a stand against structural racism.

“My daughter and granddaughter call him our Halfrican-American president—he don’t want to talk about reparations,” Wright said. “It’s not personal responsibility. It’s not ‘pull your pants up.’ Don’t get on Fox News and lecture black men. You’re missing the point. Let’s talk about white-on-black crime. Until we have a hard dialogue, it’s all gonna be superficial, ‘Kumbaya,’ ‘We Shall Overcome.’”

From there, the former Trinity United Church of Christ pastor shared an extended metaphor about sheepdogs —once they’re trained to protect a flock, he said, they’ll fight against even dogs from their own litter — as he proclaimed, “We got a lot of sheepdogs in the African American community.”

Prior to going in on Obama, the Atlantic noted that Wright cited Luke 19 via the Caribbean in his response to an older woman who asked if black American’s should receive reparations.

“One of the reasons America has never confessed to its original sin is that confession means repentance, and repentance means you gotta pay,” he said. “That’s not black people getting a check next week—it’s structural issues” like housing covenants and redlining, he said before going in on Obama.

Wright’s relationship with Obama goes back to when the politician was a member of Trinity United. Their friendship eventually soured after parts of Wright’s sermons surfaced and were criticized in 2007. Among the things picked up by the media from the sermons was Wright saying “God damn America!”

Although he didn’t come down on Wright as a person, Obama denounced his former pastor’s remark in a speech titled “A More Perfect Union.” He later took a more forceful stance against Wright, saying he was “outraged” and “saddened” by the clergyman’s behavior.

Wright turned up in Chapel Hill to speak on racial reconciliation. In addition to Obama, Wright mentioned Donald Trump in his nearly three-hour speech as he weighed in on the refugee crisis in Europe and anti-immigration in the United States?

“I heard Donald Trump say if you’re here illegally you need to go back. Let’s start in the 1400s!” Wright said before quickly moving on to chat about the “the illegal state of Israel.” On the plight of Palestinians, he offered a Canaanite’s perspective: “What kind of God you got that promised your ass my land?”

From there, Wright brought Trump up again.

“You want to talk about thugs and rapists?,” he said. “Georgia was founded as a colony for criminals!”

Daily Quote ~October 5, 2015~

By

Birmingham Times

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October 5, 2015

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“Spiritual Thought/Empowerment”

Alabama Versus Auburn by Dr. Jesse Lewis Sr.

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Birmingham Times

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October 2, 2015

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JAN-Jesse-Lewis — Dr. Jesse Lewis, Sr. is the founder of The Birmingham Times.

Here are just a few of

my predictions…. Most

people will agree with me

that before the starting

of the 2015 football

season they thought that

Alabama and Auburn

would be playing for the South Eastern Conference (SEC) Championship. Also, most people

would agree that in all probability, Auburn

would have won because of their Heisman trophy quarterback and a 5-Star running.

When the season started, Jeremy Johnson quarterback for Auburn had honorably mention as being in the Top

3 Heisman Trophy candidates. Alabama was listed in the Top 3 football teams in the country and Auburn was in the Top 8.

Today in the Top 25 teams Alabama ranks Number 13. Auburn does not rank in the Top 35.

Alabama. If Auburn loses on Saturday, their chances of going to a bowl game is slim and none. The only requirement is to win 6 games. If Alabama loses

to Georgia on Saturday, they still have a chance of going to a bowl game.

I am going out on a long, long, limb and state that Alabama will win out

the rest of the season and play for a national championship which means that they will beat Ole Miss, Georgia, LSU and Auburn.

I still believe that

Championship.

The Birmingham Times comes out Wednesday night. I will get 20 thousand hits and here is what they will say… ‘Are you some kind of nut’?

OR ‘You must be smoking some strange kind of cigarette.’

On Sunday and Monday, if Alabama comes out victorious, they will be saying, ‘You are a genius.’ If Alabama does not beat Georgia, then they will say, ‘I told you that you were crazy.’

before the end of the season and be successful. Jay Coker will lead Alabama to play for the national championship. There will be a rematch between Alabama and Ohio State.

Here are a few more teams that will play this weekend who I PREDICT will

win or lose the game… (Predicted Winners are in Capital letters and bold type.)

I predict that MIAMI will win at Cincinnati, today.

Tennessee will win

I predict that Memphis

The SEC has Georgia, LSU and Ole MISS

in the Top 10. The interesting part will be decided on Saturday, the fate of Auburn and

the Eastern Division of SEC and Alabama will win the Western Division. Alabama will come out victorious that will give them the SEC

MORE PREDICTIONS

I further predict: Auburn quarterback will return

will lose at SOUTH FLORIDA, on Friday.

I predict that UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA

will win at Georgia Tech on Saturday.

I predict that PURDUE will win at Michigan State on Saturday.

I predict that

MINNESOTA will

win at Northwestern on

Saturday.

I predict that KANSAS STATE will win at Oklahoma State.

I predict that ARIZONA STATE will win at

UCLA on Saturday.

I predict that TEXAS will win

at Texas Christian on Saturday

I predict that ALABAMA will win at Georgia on Saturday.

I predict that LOUISVILLE will win at North Carolina State on Saturday.

I predict that MISSISSIPPI STATE will win at Texas A&M on Saturday.

I predict that Mississippi will lose at FLORIDA on Saturday.

I predict that OHIO STATE will win at Indiana on Saturday.

I predict that TEXAS TECH

will win at Baylor on Saturday.

I predict that San Jose State will lose at AUBURN on Saturday.

I predict that SOUTH CAROLINA will win at Missouri on Saturday.

I predict that FLORIDA STATE will win at Wake Forest on Saturday.

I predict that NOTRE DAME will win at Clemson

on Saturday.

I predict that VANDERBILT

will win at Middle Tennessee

State on Saturday.

I predict that Arkansas will lose at TENNESSEE on Saturday.

I predict that MICHIGAN will win at Maryland on Saturday.

I predict that TEXAS-SAN ANTONIO will win at University of Texas at El Paso on Saturday.

Alabama, Birthplace of the Voting Rights Act, Is Once Again Gutting Voting Rights

By

Birmingham Times

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October 2, 2015

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Alabama passed a strict voter-ID law and then closed 31 DMV offices in the state.

because of its brutality against black citizens in places like Selma. “The Voting Rights Act is Alabama’s gift to our country,” the civil-rights lawyer Debo Adegbile once said.
And it was a county in Alabama–Shelby County–that brought the 2013 challenge that gutted the VRA. As a result of that ruling, those states with the worst histories of voting discrimination, including Alabama, no longer have to approve their voting changes with the federal government.

After the Shelby County decision, Alabama’s strict voter ID law, passed by the GOP legislature in 2011, was allowed to go into effect without federal approval. And now Alabama is making it much tougher to obtain the government-issued ID required to vote by closing 31 DMV locations in the state, many in majority-black counties.

The state is shuttering DMV offices in eight of the 10 counties with the highest concentration of black voters. Selma will still have a DMV office but virtually all of the surrounding Black Belt counties will not. “Every single county in which blacks make up more than 75 percent of registered voters will see their driver license office closed,” writes John Archibald of the Birmingham News. “The harm is inflicted disproportionately on voters who happen to be black, and poor, in sparsely populated areas.”

Alabama describes the closings as a cost-saving measure, but the impact has clear racial and political overtones. Writes Archibald:

This is the very type of voting change–one that disproportionately burdens African-American voters–that would have been challenged under Section 5 of the VRA, which the Supreme Court rendered inoperative. “The voices of our most vulnerable citizens have been silenced by a decision to close 31 license facilities in Alabama. #RestoreTheVOTE,” tweeted Congresswoman Terri Sewell from Selma.

Approximately 250,000 registered voters in Alabama don’t have a driver’s license or acceptable form of voter ID. In the last election, a 93-year-old World War II veteran was turned away from the polls because of the new law. Only 41 percent of Alabamans voted in the 2014 election, the lowest turnout in the state in 28 years.†

Daily Quote ~October 2, 2015~

By

Birmingham Times

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October 2, 2015

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“Spiritual Thought/Empowerment”

-Giving up is not an option, because God never gives up on us.

-The Voice

Daily Quote ~October 1, 2015~

By

Birmingham Times

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October 1, 2015

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“Spiritual Thought/Empowerment”

-Everyday will not be a good day, but remember that today is your day, and God has called forth

is this day just for you.

-The Voice

Midfield High School Boys Basketball Hosts First Ever “Coaches Got Game Too” All-Star Game

By

Birmingham Times

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October 1, 2015

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By: Brittany Young

Midfield High School’s boys basketball program is hosting the first ever “Coaches Got Game Too” All-Star basketball game October 3.

The game will be held at Midfield’s gymnasium and will feature high school basketball coaches in the Birmingham Metro Area. Midfield’s Head Boys Coach Darrell Barber will serve as the Home team’s captain, while Midfield’s Head Girls Coach Charles Thomas will serve as the Away team’s captain.

Serving as the Home team’s head coach is also Wenonah’s Head Girls Coach and Three-Time State Champion Emmanuel Bell. He leads the way for a star-studded squad:

Darrell Barber – Current Midfield head boys coach and former assistant girls coach at Midfield; five-time state champion; played basketball at Tallahassee Community College, Texas College and Miles College.

Mike Barham – McAdory High School assistant boys coach.

Mathew Epps – Midfield assistant boys coach; two-time state champion; played basketball at the former Ensley High School.

Courtney Jones – Midfield assistant boys coach; former state champion; played basketball at Fairfield High Preparatory School.

Willie Moore Junior – Walker High School head girls coach; played college basketball at the University of West Alabama.

James Poindexter – McAdory head boys coach; former state champion at John Carroll High School; played basketball at Lipscomb University.

Randall Smith – Parker High School head girls coach; long time assistant boys coach to Reginald “Caveman” McGary at Parker and the former West End High School.

Ronald Steele – John Carroll assistant boys coach; former Carroll standout; played basketball at The University of Alabama; played overseas with many teams, but his last professional team was Bnei Hasharon.

Javonka Ward – Homewood High School head girls coach; former University of Alabama at Birmingham women’s basketball coach; played college basketball at Old Dominion and Hampton University.

Steve Ward – Huffman head boys coach; head boys coach at the former Hayes High School where he coached the Phoenix Sun’s Eric Bledsoe; played college basketball at Alabama A&M University; married to Javonka Ward.

Serving as the Away team’s head coach is Erwin Head Girls Coach and Former State Champion Ulysses Haynes. He certainly has the troops to put an “L” on the backs of Bell and company:

Charles Thomas – Midfield head girls coach; former Minor head girls coach.

Derrick Williams – Minor High School head boys coach; played basketball at Birmingham Southern College.

Zanu Taimu – Woodlawn High School assistant boys coach; played basketball at Miles with Coach Barber.

Andrew Steele – John Carroll head boys coach; played basketball at The University of Alabama; younger brother of Ronald Steele.

Cedric Lane – Jackson Olin High School head boys coach; former Wenonah head boys coach; three-time state champion; played football at Miles College. Lane, Barber, Taimu and Thomas all attended Miles together.

Torey King – Midfield assistant girls coach; played baseball at Ramsay High School.

Marvin Jones – Hoover High School assistant girls coach.

Audwin Howard – Wenonah head boys coach; former Woodlawn assistant boys coach; played basketball at Alabama A&M with Steve Ward.

Elton Green – Minor head girls coach.

Asia Bragg – Holy Family head girls coach; four-time state champion as a basketball player at Midfield; played at East Mississippi Community College.

Charles Burkette – Hoover head boys coach; 2015 state championship (defending state champ); former Saks High School head boys coach; played basketball at Jacksonville State University.

Maurice Ford will serve as the hype man. He’s the head boys coach at Fairfield and former, long-time Parker head boys coach. He also coached Eric Bledsoe and played basketball at Miles.

It seems as if Miles’ homecoming is arriving a little early this year. 95.7 Jamz will be in the building and a “Hit the Quan” dance contest will be held at halftime.

There will also be some good eats, as Wings Around the Clock and Lila’s Delights will have plenty of chicken plates and cakes for fans to snack on as they enjoy the game.

Admission is $3 and tipoff is set for Saturday at 1.pm.

The 2015 MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS

By

Birmingham Times

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October 1, 2015

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The ride in this vehicle is phenomenal! If you’re an environment motive driver by day, a slow rider by afternoon and a “speed racer” at night; this is THE car for you! Where, or where to start describing the 2015 Mini John Cooper Works (JCW)? Do I start with the exterior, the interior or the RIDE??!! Let’s start on the exterior because quite honestly when I think of the interior and the ride I get a tad bit over excited and I want to give you as much information as I can about the car and if possible share my week driving the 2015 Mini John Cooper Works in such a manner you’ll feel as if though you were with me.

The 2015 Mini JCW Coupe Hardtop in the Rebel Green color had awesome black bonnet racer stripes, black roof and mirror caps, LED Headlights, white turn-signal lights, a speed sensitive rear spoiler and optional 18” JCW Cup Spoke two tone rims with Run Flat Tires. Yes, indeed this car is a definite head turner.

It is a 2 door, 4 passenger coupe that has a hatchback –styled trunk lid and comes in 3 trim levels: Base, S and (my personal favorite) John Cooper Works (JCW).

The higher-performing of the three is the JCW, it has a more powerful 2.0 Liter MINI TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder 228hp with 236lb torque engine, 6-speed Getrag manual transmission, MINI Driving Modes: Sport, Mid and Green, Dynamic Stability Control that includes dynamic traction control+ EDLC, sport tuned suspension, an aerodynamic body kit, and very distinctive/exclusive cloth upholstery and styling details.

It has MAJOR options, of which many are regrouped into packages; such as keyless entry and ignition, xenon adaptive headlights, rear parking sensors, power-folding mirror that are heated, leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated seats Sport Seats, a 10-speaker premium audio system, JCW leather steering wheel cover, and a Sport Button that sharpens the engine and steering effort response.

Okay, I’m going to try to give you more details about the interior of the car…beads of perspiration just popped upon my head and the top of my lips! JCW sport seats with lateral support and thigh support, Automatic dual-zone climate control, Multifunctional leather-wrapped JCW sport steering wheel, hidden dash storage, an On-Board Computer, Bluetooth and USB/POD interface, and LED ambient lighting. I really enjoyed the ambient lighting. It not only was featured on the interior lights, door handles, floor lights but also on the…get this…MINI Connected Infotainment System. The ambient lights even showed the RPM’s of the vehicle!!!

Oh my goodness the RIDE in this car was absolutely one of a kind! To be able to change from Sport to Mid to Green was a simple as changing a light bulb! I mean one single swipe of the dial and the transition was made so effortlessly. You could only tell the difference by the hum of the exhaust system. In the Sports Mode the 2015 Mini John Cooper Works Coupe sounded a like beast on the prowl, hungry and ready to eat up the road! Yummy yum yum! In the Mid Mode it was like driving at a city pace and the Green Mode was like a perfect Sunday drive with the top down, a clear sky and very relaxing. This car was so in tune with me and it was refreshing to be able to reflect my mood with my car. This car and I really bonded! I thoroughly enjoyed my test drive in the Mini John Cooper Works Coupe. If you’ve never experienced the thrill of driving a Mini Cooper let alone a Mini John Cooper Works model please take this advice: Don’t Put It Off Any Longer!

Keeping an Eye on Safety for October 1, 2015

By

Birmingham Times

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October 1, 2015

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By Samuetta Hill Drew

Safety Tips for outside Joggers, Walkers and Cyclists are timely topics for this season due to the almost perfect weather conditions in our region. The fall season ushers in lower temperatures in both the mornings and afternoons which coincide with the most popular times for outdoor exercise. Note, jogging and walking at night are not recommended. This safety series will be divided into two parts with the first article focusing on safety tips for outside joggers and walkers. The second article next week will focus on safety tips for cyclists. The City of Birmingham should be applauded for its recent addition of numerous cycling lanes throughout the city which itself is a safety initiative.

Safety Tips for Joggers/Walkers

HOME PREPARATION:
Map out your route and share your route information with a friend or family member. Note, it is recommended that you alter your routes periodically. Notify a family member or friend when you leave and when you return home especially if you live alone. The route should not be heavily wooded or have many bushes. These are prime locations predictors can use to hide prior to an attack. You may want to contact your local police periodically about any criminal activity in your route area.
Wear brightly colored clothing (reflective materials suggested) so you can be easily seen by motorist.
Jog or walk with a known companion or a dog.
Carry your cell phone and a whistle or high decibel personal alarm device.
Carry your driver license or other type of identification. You may also want to write your ID information, telephone number and blood type inside your sneaker.
Don’t wear jewelry or carry cash.
ACTUAL JOGGING OR WALKING:
Stay alert at all times! Try not to get into a “zone” where you become oblivious to your surroundings. This can be dangerous by making you more vulnerable to potential attackers or motorist driving too fast or out of control.
Don’t wear headphones or earphones. If you become bored by not having these electronic listening devices, try practicing identifying characteristics of strangers; count the number of cars you see of particular types, memorize license plates, etc.
Beware of someone asking you for directions. Stay at least a full arm length away from the car.
Have your door or vehicle key ready before you reach your home or vehicle.
Trust you intuition! If you feel unsafe about a person or area, leave immediately. If you think you’re being followed, immediately change your route. Contact the police, if necessary.
Jog or walk against the traffic.

You want to enjoy your exercise experience but, never forget to Keep an Eye on Safety.