Investigation
History: The Cruel Ads Of Andrew Jackson And ‘The Master Class’
April 28, 2017
Full disclosure: This sh!t will probably make you cussin’ mad.
You’ve heard that former Presidents all the way back to the Founding Fathers of the United States owned slaves and did terrible things to Black people just ’cause with no just cause… right? Please tell me you know this. Well, if you ‘heard about it’ and sort of dismissed it as heresay, how about you take a read of the article linked below and see the $50 bounty ad that Andrew Jackson (yep, Andrew Jackson that was the President) put out for the capture of his “Mulatto Man Slave†wherein he offered “ten dollars extra, for every hundred lashes any person will give him, to the amount of three hundred.â€
DAMMIT! So infuriating. I’d call him a son of a b!tch, but I actually like dogs. But I don’t like Massa Jacksun. Not a bit.
He was not the only one, of course. But this hard evidence was gathered – and must serve as a reminder – of what America at even its highest levels did to Black people, and how they viewed Blacks as less than ‘people,’ not so long ago. Read on…
MORE: HUNTING DOWN RUNAWAY SLAVES (MSN.COM)
– @ojones1
Awake, A Dream From Standing Rock (Extended Trailer)
April 20, 2017
The fight is still on, just not on your TV any more. Like most relevant revolutions… not televised. So what are the Sioux still beefing about over there? Pipelines for certain. But “Awake” goes deeper; telling the story of Native-led defiance that forever changed the fight for clean water, the environment and the future of the planet. You know, ‘trivial’ pursuits like that.
Guess this is not worth the mainstream (or those who say they are not mainstream) media’s air time, huh? Good thing for this documentary.
Posted in Activism, Environment, Film, Investigation, Politics, Trailer, Videos | 
Tags: A Dream From Standing Rock, Awake, Awake A Dream From Standing Rock, Dakota Access pipeline, James Spione, Josh Fox, Keystone XL pipeline, Myron Dewey, Sioux, Standing Rock, Standing Rock Sioux, Standing Rock Sioux tribe | 
No Comments »
The Assassination Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr (Documentary)
April 4, 2017
“Martin Luther King, Jr. was an American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader of the African-American civil rights movement and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who became known for his advancement of civil rights by using civil disobedience. He was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4, 1968, at the age of 39. King was rushed to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:05PM that evening. The King family and others believe that the assassination was carried out by a conspiracy involving the US government, as alleged by Loyd Jowers in 1993, and that James Earl Ray was a scapegoat. In a 1999 civil trial that did not name the US government as a defendant and sought $100 from Jowers, with both the family and Jowers cooperating together and the only presenting parties, the jury ruled against Jowers and Unidentified Conspirators”
Rewind: Judge Joe Brown Says James Earl Ray Didn’t Assassinate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr (Video)
April 4, 2017
It’s been almost 50 years to this date, April 4th, that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr was assassinated in Memphis Tennessee. Judge Joe Brown was the last judge to preside over alleged shooter, James Earl Ray’s case. To this very day Judge Joe Brown still believes “he didn’t kill him.” Judge Joe Brown says he didn’t believe Ray was the gunman despite his guilty plea. Joe Brown denied that he was involved in Dr. King’s murder but plead guilty because he felt it was in his best interest under the circumstances given.
Posted in Activism, Celebrity, Cover Story, Education, Human Interest, Interview, Investigation, Politics, Videos | Tags: Dr. Martin Luther King, Joe Brown, Jr (Video), Jr; MLK, Judge Joe Brown, Martin Luther King, Rewind: Judge Joe Brown Says James Earl Ray Didn't Assassinate Dr. Martin Luther King | No Comments »
Men’s Rights & Gender Equality Explored In New Documentary called “The Red Pill” (Trailer)
April 3, 2017
When the societal scale of justice tips, we expect them to tip towards fairness; to balance the disadvantaged, right? But what happens when the scale tips too far? What’s worse, what happens when the ‘newly vicitimized’ are persecuted for coming forward…let alone for standing up for themselves? Why all this double-talk and roundabout conjecture speak? Because this post is about men speaking up about how they are being victimized by a culture that more and more favors women – at the expense of men.
When a feminist filmmaker sets out to document the mysterious and polarizing world of the Men’s Rights Movement, she begins to question her own beliefs. The Red Pill chronicles Cassie Jaye’s journey exploring an alternate perspective on gender equality, power and privilege.
Intriguing. And now Cassie Jaye no longer even calls herself a feminist. She must have found some deep sh!t. Hit the jump for an extended teaser trailer and expo on “The Red Pill.” And you can get deeper in depth with USA Today on the topic of ‘masculinity under fire’ by following the link below.
MORE: MEN PAY A STEEP PRICE WHEN IT COMES TO MASCULINITY (USA TODAY)
Posted in Activism, Film, Human Interest, Investigation, Trailer, Videos | Tags: Cassie Jaye, Feminist, Men's Rights Movement, Men’s Rights Activist, The Red Pill | No Comments »
Black Women’s Defense League (Video)
March 28, 2017
Something about that U.S. Army Oath Of Allegiance comes to mind: ‘support and defend… against all enemies foreign and domestic.’ The documentary above starts off getting right into the range of threats posed to the Black woman by a myria of factions, all the way down to Black men. In the tradition of the Black Panthers, and holding to their radical activist philosophical underpinnings in many ways, the Black Women’s Defense League (BWDL) is all about Black women fighting against the oppressor for each other.
VICE’s Wilbert L. Cooper meets the Black Women’s Defense League, a Dallas-based womanist organization notable for its pro-gun stance. As he follows them from their political education classes to their firearms training, he sees how they fight against White supremacy and patriarchal violence.
On ‘support and defend’… These sistas are definitely doing community education, empowerment and nutrition programs the Panthers intiated and implemented. But note the use of the word ‘many’ when it comes to what Pather traditions BWDL will support and defend… Founder Neicy X says that, unlike in the past, BWDL is NOT toeing the line for ‘the cause’ so far that it even compromises the liberty of women – like not standing against the abuse of their mates. No! ANY enemy, including an abusive husband/mate/relative, can catch a bad one!
Interesting viewpoints – about the right to self-defense, gun ownership (and the U.S.’s racist historical stance against Black ownership) and the inherent dangers, how some see women with guns as sexy (which BWDL does not mind, but stresses that the guns ‘are for USE’) and more – shared in this VICE short documentary.
The Lost Streets Of Chicago (Documentary)
March 25, 2017
The caution on language for this BBC documentary. If that is what folks fret most about this video, then maybe they should not watch. Just saying, if harsh words make you cringe, you cannot possibly take an expose of the harsh reality Chicagoans face. Worse, if you are MORE affected by the language than the subject matter, you fail as a human.
Know what. Watch either way. We must do better. But first, we must not shy away. Otherwise, our great city will be lost.
Killings in Chicago have hit a 20-year high as the grim toll for homicides passes 500. The BBC’s Ian Pannell and Darren Conway explore a world where gangs and guns rule.
– BBC News
Posted in Cover Story, Investigation, News, Videos, Youth | Tags: BBC, BBC News, Chicago, Chiraq, Darren Conway, Gang Violence, Homicide, Ian Pannell, The Lost Streets Of Chicago, Violence | No Comments »
J’ouvert: Brooklyn’s Dirty Masquerade (Documentary)
March 23, 2017
Yup. You probably know Carnival. You MIGHT know J’ouvert. Whether you do or don’t, here comes a VICE documentary on it… meaning we are about to get deep enough in depth about it so all who watch are in the know. Was kind of hoping the Carnival newbie Wilbert L. Cooper was gonna get a ‘real’ demonstration from Kat (or one of the other sistas) at the barber shop *wink*
J’ouvert is a wild, pre-dawn street masquerade that marks the beginning of Caribbean Carnival. It’s a tradition that represents rebellion and freedom from slavery for West Indian communities around the world. New York City’s J’ouvert is one of the most famous, bringing out more than 250,000 revelers every year who party through the night dressed in elaborate costumes or smothered in paint and powder.
While J’ouvert is a cultural cornerstone for the city, it’s become a subject of controversy. Over the past decade, more than 20 people have been shot and killed in and around the festival, leading many to associate the event with violence.
– VICE
Wow. A lot to take in. Press play and get started.
Study Shows That People Think Black Men Are Scary (Video)
March 23, 2017
This is crazy. But then you realize that SOMETHING has been serving to ‘justify’ the frequent escalation to violence and murder against Black men (by radical racists, out of control cops, even Black assailants). Maybe research studies, leading to thoughtful discussion, can start us down the path to treating Black Lives like the really Matter.
A study found that both White and Black people often view Black men as older, bigger, and stronger than they actually are. Cenk Uygur, John Iadarola, and Jordan Chariton, the hosts of The Young Turks, tell you why.
MORE: PEOPLE PERCEIVE BLACK PEOPLE AS BIGGER, SCARIER (VOCATIV)
Posted in Investigation, News, Panel, Series, Videos | Tags: People Think Black Men Are Scary, racial profiling, STUDY, The Young Turks, TYT, Young Turks | No Comments »
New York Graffiti Experience (Documentary)
March 22, 2017
What do you know about that old school Hip-Hop cinema maaaan? Have you seen “Wildstyle” yet? If so, congratulations. But that was ’83. And we mean old school – before the 1980s. How about this mini-documentary that came out in 1976, the “New York Graffiti Experience” above? #Graffiti #HipHop #Elements
Enjoy. You’re welcome!
Posted in Art, Film, Hip-Hop, History, Investigation, Lifestyle, Videos | Tags: Andrew Aaron, Fenton Lawless, Jerry Friedman, Justine DiIanni, Lawless Productions, New York Graffiti Experience | No Comments »
Cover Story: The Illegal Harvesting Of Black Men’s Organs
March 21, 2017
When I found out about that movie, “The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks,” coming out on HBO in April, I felt the urge to do some digging now. Surely, medical science is not doing us like they did in the Tuskegee Study; or perhaps burying our stories still (like they tried with Henrietta Lacks). Nope. They are just harvesting our organs now and…
…WAIT WHAT???
Dammit. Damn it to hell!
MORE: THE ILLEGAL HARVESTING OF BLACK MEN’S ORGANS (AFFINITY MAGAZINE)
– @ojones1
Children As Young As Four Work 12 Hours A Day To Make Your Smartphone Work (Video)
March 7, 2017
Damn. And while the States stay distracted by whatever the f*ck the President is up to or not, and whether we care if Nicki will clap back at Remy or not, THIS deplorable despicable sh!t is going on. Watch above and read on… and prepare to get MAD!
‘Slavery is alive and well’ is no metaphor, people. We’re talking about miners in The Congo who are worked near death daily in unsafe conditions for nowhere-near-livable pay. And many of the miners are MINORS, some as young as four f*cking years old! All this to dig up as much cobalt as the developed world can buy to make smartphone and electric car batteries.
Regulate the mines? Yeah, right. Read more about the tragedy and challenges of this situation by following the link below.
MORE: FOUR-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN MINE 12 HOURS A DAY (TRUE ACTIVIST)
Posted in Activism, Business, Cover Story, Investigation, Travel, Videos, Youth | Tags: child exploitation, child labor, cobalt, cobalt mining, Congo, exploitation, Inside the Congo mines that exploit children, mining, Sky News | 1 Comment »
Watch The First 2 Hours Of PBS’ Documentary Series “Africa’s Great Civilizations” (Video)
March 2, 2017
Yes indeed. PBS’ 6-hour documentary series “Africa’s Great Civilizations†(hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.) hit the airwaves as advertised, February 27th through March 1st; shedding light on the stories, kingdoms and cultures of Africa. Groundbreaking and enriching. Fertile soil for fruitful discussions.
Got the first two hours for you here; hour one embedded above, with hour two after the jump. Take it as seed to build with your bretheren, your family… your human family. Africa’s history is WORLD history. Enjoy!
Posted in Education, Film, History, Investigation, Series, Television, Travel, Videos | Tags: Africa’s Great Civilizations, black history, Black History Month, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., Henry Louis Gates, Henry Louis Gates Jr., PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, Public Broadcasting System | No Comments »
Afro-Brazilian Hair Stories – Parts 1 & 2 (Video)
February 21, 2017
All jabs and jokes at the Chris Rock ‘Hair’ Movie aside, Black women’s hair is serious biz – monetary and cultural. This docu-miniseries from Essence mag is focusing on the cultural side. The women are beautiful; Afro-Brizilian beautiful. But some of the stories and struggles they share… not so.
While producing our August global issue in Rio de Janeiro, we interviewed women who are celebrating the “Afro” in Afro-Brazilian. However, their hair journey has been a battle of personal, family and social acceptance because of Brazil’s complicated history with race and identity.
– Essence
Start with Part 1 above, and continue with Part 2 after the jump.
Posted in Fashion, Film, History, Honeyz, Human Interest, Investigation, Lifestyle, Series, Travel, Videos | Tags: Afro-Brazilian, Afro-Brazilian Hair, Afro-Brazilian Hair Stories, Essence, Juliana Luna, Marina Marçal, Natural Hair, Part 1, Part 2 | No Comments »
Prison Fighters (Showtime Documentary Trailer)
February 7, 2017
‘Prisoners turn Muy Thai fighters to fight for their freedom’ definitely reads like a logline for a hit series. We assure you, it is not. Think more like ring announcer Jimmy Lennon shouting, “It’s SHOWTIME!” And you will be much closer to truth.
PRISON FIGHTERS: 5 Rounds To Freedom uncovers a shocking practice of liberation in the criminal justice system of Thailand. The SHOWTIME Sports original production examines a fully sanctioned and accredited rehabilitation program called Prison Fight through which convicted criminals can train and compete in fights that lead to early release. Premieres on Friday, Feb. 24 at 8:30PM ET/PT on SHOWTIME.
Posted in Film, Human Interest, Investigation, Sports, Television, Trailer, Videos | Tags: 5 Rounds To Freedom, fight for freedom, muy thai, Prison Fight, PRISON FIGHTERS, Showtime, SHOWTIME Sports | No Comments »
Africa’s Great Civilizations (Documentary Series Trailer)
February 3, 2017
#AfricasCivilizationsPBS premieres February 27 on @PBS. Will you be watching? pic.twitter.com/zAQ60ctWRr
— Henry Louis Gates Jr (@HenryLouisGates) January 16, 2017
It’s February. Black History Month to those who want to celebrate it as that. But since we make history every month, and we predate history, let’s go with the LOVE theme (not even waiting until the 14th *wink*).
So, on everything we LOVE, the late author & renaissance man Dr. Henry Louis Gates is at bringing us this POWERFUL docu-series on “Africa’s Great Civilizations.†Stirring, speaking truth for the ages… A must-watch when it drops Monday, February 27th on PBS. Peep the trailer above.
(And don’t let “them”… any “them” tell you YOUR history. “They” should not determine YOUR place in the universe. YOU should!)
Posted in Education, Film, History, Investigation, Series, Television, Trailer, Travel, Videos | Tags: Africa’s Great Civilizations, black history, Black History Month, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., Henry Louis Gates, Henry Louis Gates Jr., PBS, Public Broadcasting System | No Comments »
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)
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Activism, Cover Story, Education, History, Human Interest, Interview, Investigation, Politics, Progressive, Videos | Tags: 13th, 13th Documentary, Documentary, New York Film Festival, NYFF | No Comments »
ESPN’s 30 For 30: Nature Boy (Teaser Trailer)
December 23, 2016
Finally… The R… oh wait, that’s another pro wrestler’s schtick. Ha!
But wrestling fans might be feeling like “finally” when the kiss-stealing, wheeling-dealing, limousine-riding, jet-flying son of a gun gets his 30 For 30 shine on ESPN. Watch the teaser above for the ESPN documentary for The Nature Boy Ric Flair. Wooooooooo!
Posted in Celebrity, Film, Investigation, Series, Sports, Television, Trailer, Videos | Tags: 30 For 30, ESPN, Nature Boy, Ric Flair, The Nature Boy | No Comments »
The World’s First Male Sex Doll (Video)
December 20, 2016
Ooookay. VICE’s Karley Sciortino is taking girls “playing with dolls” to a whole other level! Getting mighty cozy with the concept in this documentary episode exploring the making of male sex dolls for women.
Because, you know, gender equality.
(Hahaa! Karley, though. Got an undeniable sexy about her, right? Just saying, she probably does not need to go the doll route. Surely there is a real ‘plaything’ out here that will gladly play with her… Errr… Just watch.)
Posted in Alternative, Film, Human Interest, Interview, Investigation, Product, Relationships, Series, Videos | Tags: Karley Sciortino, Making The World's First Male Sex Doll, Male Doll, Male Sex Doll, Sinthetics, Slutever, Synthetics, VICE | No Comments »
The Boyfriend Experience: In Japan, A Woman Can Even Rent A Man That Will Come Sit & Cry With Her (Video)
December 19, 2016
So the ‘Boyfriends For Hire’ business is still strong in Japan. We hipped y’all to it over three years ago on here. This is a next step. Sure, you can rent a boyfriend in Japan, but what about the elements expected of a longer-term bond? What if Japanese women could experience feelings usually borne of deeper bonds… without the being bound to a partner part? And do it a la carte? Would that be worth something?
Yeah, about $65 per hour. Yep, at least that’s what a ‘Handsome Weeping Boy’ will cost in Japan.
Watch.
(Full disclosure: VICE finds some cute correspondents. Like this Karley Sciortino. Them legs, too. Just saying.)
Posted in Alternative, Business, Film, Human Interest, Interview, Investigation, Lifestyle, Relationships, Series, Travel, Videos | Tags: Boyfriends, Boyfriends for Hire, Boyfriends for Hire in Japan, companionship, Handsome Weeping Boy, host, Karley Sciortino, Men for Rent, on demand, on demand companionship, Single Japanese Women Are Buying the Boyfriend Experience, Slutever, The Boyfriend Experience, VICE | No Comments »
