Activism
NYFF: ’13th’ Documentary Film Panel Discussion (Video)
January 5, 2017
The day after Ava DuVernay’s new film, 13TH, opened the 54th New York Film Festival, subjects interviewed in the film came together for an extended conversation exploring the many issues explored in this powerful documentary about race and criminal justice.
From the portrayal of black men in popular culture, dating back to D. W. Griffith’s 1915 Birth of a Nation, to the progression from slavery to mass incarceration and the persistent demonization and killing of black men by police in our cities today, the discussion will consider how the past connects with our present reality. Participants will include Ashley Clark (BFI), Jelani Cobb (The New Yorker, The Substance of Hope: Barack Obama and the Paradox of Progress), Malkia Cyril (Center for Media Justice), Kevin Gannon (Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning), and Khalil Gibran Muhammad (Harvard Kennedy School; former Director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture). 13TH is a Netflix original documentary.
PREVIOUS: 13TH DOCUMENTARY TRAILER (VIDEO)
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Posted in Activism, Cover Story, Education, History, Human Interest, Interview, Investigation, Politics, Progressive, Videos | 
Tags: 13th, 13th Documentary, Documentary, New York Film Festival, NYFF | 
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Accidental Courtesy: Daryl Davis, Race & America (Festival Trailer)
December 27, 2016
I never set out to convert anybody. In my quest, some of them ended up converting themselves.
– Daryl Davis
So, go on and plan on watching the trailer above TWICE, because the first run will likely leave you breathless. This is the award-winning documentary about a Black musician, Daryl Davis, who befriends and engages members of the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacists in an extended dialog about race, hate, and how we can get past it. Turns out this all started as a bold an simple measure to get the KKK’s answer to this question: “How can you hate me if you don’t even know me?”
(Davis’ dialogs with Klan members have been so powerful that several members ultimately left the organization. You MUST watch!)
“Accidental Courtesy: Daryl Davis, Race & America” comes to PBS on February 13, 2017.
Posted in Activism, Cover Story, Film, Human Interest, Relationships, Television, Trailer, Videos | Tags: Accidental Courtesy, America, Daryl Davis, Ku Klux Klan, Race, Race & America, Racism, White Supremacy | No Comments »
Pusha T Reads The Words Of Norman Brown (Video)
December 24, 2016
A true story. The words of Norman Brown, read by Pusha T. Powerful testimony on what a second chance can mean to a person and to society. A quick watch, but a good one!
Wow, 20+ years… on the way to much more in the pen… But freedom granted by President Obama gave the brother a chance to write a new ending to the book of his life. Maybe he can help others with their ‘rewrites’ too.
Robert Reich Enumerates Four Ways Trump Is Trying To Control The Media (Video)
December 24, 2016
What are the 4 ways Trump is trying to control the media? Watch our video and see how tyranny begins.
– Inequality Media
Wow. Did Former Secretary Reich draw a direct line between Donald Trump’s tactics and Adolph Hitler’s? Too much? Spot on? Watch and deliberate.
– @ojones1
Posted in Activism, Lecture, Politics, Progressive, Videos | Tags: accountability, control the media, Donald Trump, free press, how tyranny begins, Inequality Media, media bias, Robert Reich | No Comments »
Politics: A Step-By-Step Breakdown Of How Trump Stole The Election (Video)
December 23, 2016
And wait… this is NOT a pro-Clinton post either. Keep reading and watch both vids…to the very end!
In short, here are the two major steps detailing how the Trump campaign stole the election: (1) votes that were never counted and (2) interstate cross-check. Greg Palast (you saw our earlier post on here featuring him right?) goes in-depth about the ‘strategery’ in this two-parter. Start above, continue after the jump.
Posted in Activism, Interview, Politics, Series, Trailer, Videos | Tags: Campaign 2016, Cross Check, CrossCheck, Donald Trump, Donald Trump's Victory, Greg Palast, Hillary Clinton, Hysteria Factory, Paul Jay, Recount, The Best Democracy Money Can Buy, The Real News, Trump Campaign, voter suppression, Why Clinton Didn’t Push for Michigan Recount | No Comments »
Marcus Garvey Inspired MLK & Mandela; Today His Son Is Asking President Obama To Pardon Him (Video)
December 23, 2016
“Today we look at another request for a presidential pardon, this one from the family of Marcus Garvey, a pioneering figure in the Black Freedom struggle in the early 20th century who inspired generations of civil rights activists around the world. In the 1920s, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover targeted Garvey for his political activity as a leader of the Pan-African movement. Garvey was convicted in 1923 on a charge of mail fraud and sentenced to five years in jail. His charges and conviction effectively ended Garvey’s political movement and eventually led to his deportation back to Jamaica. We speak to Marcus Garvey’s son, Dr. Julius Garvey, who is leading the Justice4Garvey effort.”
JUSTICE4GARVEY.COM
PART 2 OF THIS INVERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP BELOW…..
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Gentrified – Ethnic Cleansing: American Style (Film Trailer)
December 16, 2016
“Is it ‘redevelopment’ . . . or ethnic cleansing?
‘Gentrified’ is the first documentary ever to take an in-depth look at the effects of gentrification and provide statistical and social evidence that it targets the Black community in particular. When big business and big govt conspire to create so-called “redevelopment” it always leaves a richer, all white neighborhood in its wake. The old, Black residents are left to their own devices which include poverty and homelessness.
In ‘Gentrified’, we travel across the United States and interview activists, entrepreneurs and academics to give a brutally honest look at the way the entire country, and even the world, is being reshaped by the process of gentrification. In the 21st century the ‘haves’ are removing the ‘have-nots’ and it’s time we saw who they were.
They’re rich. They’re white . . . and they’re coming for everything you’ve got.
A special UK screening will be followed by a panel discussion in London on February 18th at 6pm at the Hackney Attic.“
PREVIOUS: BLACK CHANNEL FILMS PRESENTS ‘GENTRIFIED – POLICE, MONEY, & ETHNIC CLEANSING’ (VIDEO)
Haiti & ‘The Forgotten Occupation’ (Trailer)
December 13, 2016
Damn. Just damn. When we look at ‘poor Haiti’ from America, we should hold more rage in our hearts than pity. The U.S. have just done wrong by that Black nation. WRONG!
In 1915, more than a century after having eradicated slavery from their country, the people of Haiti suddenly find themselves the victims of a brutal American occupation, reigniting an all too familiar past for the proud, independent nation.
Watch the trailer for “The Forgotten Occupation” above. Shout to Radio Rebel Tayla Andrè for sharing. For more info, check out TheForgottenOccupation.com.
Posted in Activism, Film, History, Investigation, Politics, Trailer, Videos | Tags: American occupation, Haiti, The Forgotten Occupation, U.S. Occupation Of Haiti | No Comments »
Victims Of Misfortune (Extended Trailer)
December 12, 2016
The American criminal justice system is more about addressing the ‘criminal’ part rather than the ‘justice’ part of its moniker. A quick search on ‘prison’ on here will tell you that. But this “Victims Of Misfortune” shows how deep the dung is; addressing what happens to the imprisoned after they have served their time. Facts and nearly two decades of research folks. Don’t argue with folks who disagree, as this is no longer a debate. This is a documentary that exposes truths and shares knowledge.
Victims Of Misfortune is a feature-length, social change documentary that will give a historical and current look at America’s criminal justice system and the discriminatory policies that people with a criminal background face, post conviction/release. Victims Of Misfortune will also take a closer look at America’s system of indentured servitude putting the practice in proper historical context. The United States has 5 percent of the world population, with around 25 percent of the world’s prisoners (over 2.4 million people behind bars). Nearly $70 billion is spent annually on probation/parole, prison and detention centers for immigration detainees. Once these people are released from prison or have a criminal record, they are then discriminated against for employment, housing, education, governmental benefits and some even deported.
Posted in Activism, Cover Story, History, Investigation, Trailer, Videos | Tags: criminal justice, criminal justice system, criminal record, Dr. Umar Johnson, ex-con, ex-convict, indentured servitude, Levon Hinton, parole, Prison, Prison System | No Comments »
Politics: Greg Palast Speaks On How Voter Suppression Sealed Donald Trump’s Victory (Video)
December 10, 2016
Wowww… Cross Checking. Damn, they stay scheming, right? Actually, voter suppression is only part of the problem with getting truly fair and open elections. A good chunk of the problem is STORY suppression! Why is this only being talked about on outlets like DemocracyNow and podcasters like Margaret Prescod? Wonder if even they would know to cover such without investigative reporter Greg Palast exposing these political underbelly scum tactics.
If you’re Black, you’re 900% more likely to have your vote disqualified than if you’re White.
– Greg Palast
A must watch. The 15 minutes goes by fast. Feel free to watch twice to really get it.
Posted in Activism, Interview, Podcast, Politics, Radio, Series, Videos | Tags: Campaign 2016, Cross Check, CrossCheck, Donald Trump, Donald Trump's Victory, Greg Palast, Margaret Prescod, voter suppression | 1 Comment »
U.S. Veterans Deliver Powerful Apology To Native Americans At Standing Rock (Video)
December 9, 2016
Someone is probably going to find a way to be mad at these vets about this, but oh well. I salute these troops who likely served proudly with reverence, demonstrated humility and purity of heart. They still serve, in a different way here, with this bold, sincere, and timely formal apology. On bent knees at Standing Rock. Watch and be moved.
“We fought you, we took your land, we signed treaties that we broke…we beg for your forgiveness.”
– Wesley Clark Jr.
Note the chosen pronoun ‘we’… not shirking the legacy (good & not-so-good) they joined when they joined to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. And they were granted forgiveness in front of those assembled. A largely symbolic ceremony to be certain; but still very powerful!
– @ojones1
Posted in Activism, Cover Story, History, Human Interest, Speech, Videos | Tags: apology, Chief Leonard Crow Dog, First Nations, forgiveness, Forgiveness Ceremony, Lakota Sovereign Nation, Military Veterans, Native Americans, Standing Rock, Standing Rock Forgiveness Ceremony, U.S. Military, U.S. Veterans, Veterans, Wesley Clark Jr. | No Comments »
How Much Land Would It Take To Power The Entire USA With Solar Energy? (Video)
December 7, 2016
Hmmm… Solar-powered America for all… laid out plain and simple. Of course, none of this is as plain or simple as the video implies. But I like how it defies any doubters of the concept’s doability. The U.S. made it to the moon (or convinced the world it did, for any alternative history theorists out there) in seven years once President Kennedy set the country’s direction & ambitions toward the goal. This can be done!
But will it be?
– @ojones1
Cuba’s Generational Divide (Documentary Short Film)
December 7, 2016
Three generations of Cuban women, three different opinions of Castro.
For some Cubans, the leader's death has highlighted a divide. pic.twitter.com/wXWI5sVE97
— Fusion (@Fusion) December 7, 2016
Incredible video expo… and incredibly short. Maybe ongoing interest will drive development of a fuller doc or short. The impact of the life, and recent passing, of Cuban revolutionary dictator Fidel Castro can be debated from various angles including regional vs. global and overall positive vs. overall negative. But we do know there was an impact, and it apparently resonates throughout the ages.
Case in point: Above you see three generations of Black Cubans – Esperanza Caridad Martinez (Grandmother), Margarita Beatriz Nicholas (Daughter), and Leyssy O’Farrill Nicholas (Granddaughter) speak on three views of Cuba; in effect, Castro’s legacy. Thing about it is that while the views could have (and maybe has already) sparked fiery discourse among them, the discourse is very calm and deliberate. Each generation speaking on what they know and feel about living in Cuba and prospects for Black Cubans like them moving forward there and abroad. But what’ll really get you at the end… is that one tear Grandma shed for her Leyssy. Whether or not Leyssy has what it takes to eat off her art (caution: NOT a given, anywhere) by leaving, she ought to know she has LOVE in Cuba. 100,000%.
Posted in Activism, Human Interest, Investigation, Opinion, Politics, Relationships, Travel, Videos | Tags: Black Cuban, Cuba, Cuba's Generational Divide, Esperanza Caridad Martinez, Haitian, Haitian Cuban, Haitian descent, Havana, Leyssy O'Farrill Nicholas, Margarita Beatriz Nicholas | No Comments »
Dutch Christmas Celebrations Still Include Blackface (Video)
December 6, 2016
With minor cultural considerations, Christmas is the same worldwide right? Well, that depends on what you call ‘minor’ (or translated… HELL NO)! Especially not in the Dutch tradition. Watch the Zox expose on Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) in the Netherlands. Blackface! They are still pushing the use of blackface and human caricature as a part of the Winter holidays; dissing Black people over there in the worst ways while totally oblivious (yeah, right). But the times, they are a-changing…slowly.
Posted in Activism, History, Human Interest, Investigation, Politics, Travel, Videos | Tags: Black Pete, blackface, Dutch Christmas, Netherlands, Stereotype, Vox, Why blackface is still part of Dutch Christmas, Zwarte Piet | No Comments »
Nigerian Tribal King Takes Shell Oil To Court (Video)
December 2, 2016
Lawsuit for millions and millions of dollars. Think that even makes an oil conglomerate blink? Hardly! Real question is… Where is the humanity?! If you got it for the clean-up, when the courts force you, why not spend the money PROTECTING the people?
(Wait. Don’t answer. I think I already know. Sickening…)
A Nigerian tribal king has taken oil giant Shell to court in London. Here’s why.
– Al Jazeera English
Long Live The Chief! Watch him work. Shame on you Shell! Immeasurable amounts of oil spilled. Land made wasteland. Militarization and the killing of Ken Saro-Wiwa. On you (and the Nigerian government)!
– @ojones1
Posted in Activism, Business, Cover Story, Environment, Human Interest, Politics, Travel, Videos | Tags: Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera English, Chief John Ejah, Delta, HRH Emere Godwin Bebe Okpabi, John Ejah, Ken Saro-Wiwa, London, Niger, Nigerian, Ogale, Ogoniland, Shell, Shell Oil | No Comments »
Dr. Hadiyah Green Pioneers Groundbreaking Cancer Treatment
December 2, 2016
Another great segment checked in by Roland Martin. Dr. Hadiyah Green has me SPEECHLESS! BRILLIANCE! BEAUTY! She’s my new true crush. She is everything of the essence of Ernest Everett Just, Daniel Hale Williams, Charles Drew… all the pioneering geniuses of 20th Century medicine… carried into the 21st Century. I hope and pray that she, and folks like her, can continue to push through the b.s. and CURE CANCER NOW!
Watch her interview above. Follow her at @DrHadiyahGreen. Support the effort at Physics2Cancer.org
(Did you see the part where she got her treatment proposal ready, and “they” told her that no one would back her methods without including a drug??? ARE YOU $%&!ing SERIOUS??!! Maannnn… you MUST watch!)
– @ojones1
Maj Toure Celebrates Trump’s Election A Victory For 2nd Amendment Rights (Video)
November 24, 2016
Southern hospitality. Nice place for gun owners. Comparing the gun range he visited to a Whole Foods. Even openly embracing gun owner education and those who came out to learn. All good things. But in the midst, Maj Toure threw this in about his recent Georgia visit in the video clip above…
Folks from Bankhead, Vine City. I mean the worst parts of Atlanta came through.
Errr…Could have done without that. And wow, the solid backing of President-Elect Donald Trump (defending his rep against liberal media bias). Might be a bit much for a liberal listener. But listen and watch. See how Maj Toure and Colion Noir frame this past election, Trump’s win, a victory for the 2nd Amendment… um… positively.
An interview for NRA TV. Yep, that NRA. And check out what the organization’s head honcho had to say about President-Elect Trump’s glorious victory after the jump.
Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise (Trailer)
November 16, 2016
New docu-series from noted history scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Debuted last night. Next scheduled national broadcast next Tuesday, November 22, 2016. Check local listings for other air times.
In his new four-hour series, BLACK AMERICA SINCE MLK: AND STILL I RISE, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. embarks on a deeply personal journey through the last fifty years of African American history. Joined by leading scholars, celebrities, and a dynamic cast of people who shaped these years, Gates travels from the victories of the civil rights movement up to today, asking profound questions about the state of Black America — and our nation as a whole.
– PBS
Dave Chappelle’s Opening Stand-Up Routine On Saturday Night Live (Video)
November 14, 2016
Dave Chappelle is back & continues to prove he’s a genius! Check out a few more of his SNL skits after the jump…
PREVIOUS: DAVE CHAPPELLE IN HIGH SCHOOL HIV/AIDS AWARENESS PROMO (VIDEO)
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Posted in Activism, Celebrity, Comedy, Hip-Hop, News, Politics, Television, Videos | Tags: Dave Chappelle, Saturday Night Live, SNL | No Comments »
