Did a Black College Discriminate Against Its First White Coach?

About.com: Race Relations
Nadra Kareem

May 31, 2010


In 2007, Savannah State University made history when it hired Robby Wells--the school's first white football coach. But after leading the Savannah State Tigers for two years, Wells resigned early this year. He now says that the Georgia-based historically black college gave him the choice of resigning voluntarily or being fired. According to a federal lawsuit filed by the former coach, school officials not only took issue with his race but with the fact that he's engaged to a black woman.

VH1's What Chilli Wants: Rozonda Chooses....

And the winner is...


Rozonda! The show is picked up for Season 2.

Booo....

Has this been one of the most awkward finales ever? Why didn't the producers have the men stand in front of Rozonda butt naked, wearing bow ties holding flowers? Now that's a finale!

Two thumbs up for two white dudes making the cut. Two thumbs down (and a toe) for this weak azz finale.

That is all.

Mosey on over to VH1 to recap the whole season...

Suzan Lori Parks Gets Animated

Suzan Lori Parks is an African American playwright and screenwriter. She received the MacArthur Foundation "Genius" Grant in 2001, and the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for her play, Topdog/Underdog.

Parks' first screenplay was for Spike Lees's 1996 film, Girl 6. She later worked in conjunction with Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions on screenplays for Their Eyes Were Watching God (2005) and the 2007 film, The Great Debaters. Parks' plays include Imperceptible Mutabilities in the Third Kingdom, The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World, In The Blood and Fucking A.


Suzan is married to blues musician Paul Oscher

Check out the video at Nick Jr!

Wonder Why Black Women "Settling" Is Often Lauded In The BC? Blame Billy D & Miss Ross

That's right I said it. The "nothing but a black man" mantra was started by no other than Billy D "Colt 45 Williams and diva-extraordinaire Diane Ross- better known as Diana in front of company 'n all.

For those of you older than cable, you know exactly what I'm tombout. I'm referring to the 1975 Black American Classic Mahogany. For those of you not in the know, Mahogany is to black folks as A Star is Born is to white folks. The similarities are uncanny. Kris Kristofferson forsakes his career for the love of Babs while Diana Ross forsakes her career for the love of Sweet Billy D. Ironic ain't it? Of course there are a few distinctions among these two classics. For example, during the first 6 1/2 minutes of the film Diana is chased by a drugged-out sex predator. But I digress.

Instead of writing a double-spaced thesis on a 2 hour film, I've decided to make my 9th grade English teacher proud (shout out to me and Diana's Alma mater) by presenting you with the CliffsNotes version of the movie:

Tracy Chambers played by Diana Ross, dreams of leaving the slums of Chicago as a Fashion Designer. However her boyfriend, Brian Walker, played by Billy D Williams, dreams of making it big right there in the slums by running for Alderman. They quickly fall in love in spite of not sharing an onscreen love scene. Sounds beautiful right? Except that there are several underlying themes that would make Ms Perry throw a mean side-eye. For instance the scene where Tracy bails Brian out of jail by writing a bad check. True, she instigates the fight which landed him there, but why do we not see Brian actually working? We witness Tracy putting up with her racist boss at the high-end department store where she works. We even watch her struggling to spread her creative wings as she attends night school. The only thing we see Brian doing is waving a bullhorn and beaten up white construction workers.

Once Brian finds out just how passionate Tracy truly is, he quickly displays his insecurities. See Exhibit A. Clearly he thinks that Tracy is getting above her raisin' right at the 6:36 mark. Now-a-days, Brian's bitchazzness certainly qualifies him as a playa-hater (or hater for short). But since it's 1975 his 'tude places him in the running for the Jive Turkey category.

Exhibit A

Next up are the "this is what happens when you get romantically involved with whitey" scenarios. Tracy gets a big boost in her career by noted photographer Sean McEvoy played by Anthony Perkins. Due to his famed reputation and great connections, he's able to fly her to Rome where she's an instant success. Later on Tracy feels obligated to "pay him back". This is around the same time we realize he's impotent. What's even worst, Sean turns out to be a psychotic sociopath and ends up killing himself while trying to kill her. What better way to keep black women from white men than to have Norman Bates play love interest to Ms Ross.

I guess the director didn't think we understood him the first time. So he sends in white man #2 in the form of Count Christian Rosetti, played by Jean Pierre Aumont. Basically Count Rosetti comes in and dusts Tracy off, lifts her up and assists her in furthering her career. Christian obviously has more money than God (he's a count for Christ sakes) and makes no secret how he feels about her. But once again she's not feeling the whiskey-bravo. Looka here, Rosetti is a little long in the tooth but um...I'll smash Count Chocula if the money is right.

Amazingly enough, Tracy continues to pine over "Colt 45" which by now has turned quite sickening. The man belittles her career choices and continues to remind Tracy that she's nothing without him. Now keep in mind dude ain't held down a regla 9 to 5 since the opening credits. Furthermore he has failed to suggest forsaking his "profession" let alone moving to a better part of Chicago George & Weezy style. Well I guess I don't have to tell you how it all ends. Tracy gives up fame, fortune and a castle to live in squalor with a self-centered man with no job and a bad fro. Damn who's responsible for this crap?

Oh yeah now I remember...Berry Gordy. That splains it.

I'm Out!

Hawaii Still Leads U.S. With Highest Rate of Mixed Marriages

Honolulu Advertiser
May 27, 2010

Nearly one-third of marriages in the Islands are between interracial couples — by far the largest percentage in the country and four times the national average, according to a new analysis of the latest census figures. That Hawai'i tops the nation in its percentage of mixed-race marriages probably comes as no surprise to residents: Hawai'i — known for its diverse population and melting pot attitude — has held the spot for decades. Meanwhile, nationally, the growth of interracial couples is slowing among U.S.-born Hispanics and Asians.

After Hawai'i, Alaska has the highest percentage of mixed-race marriages — 19 percent. Oklahoma, New Mexico and Nevada round out the top five, while West Virginia is at the bottom of the list, with 2.9 percent. More after the jump...

We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Broadcast...

When asked about her *ahem* ensemble, Venus responded with, "It's all about the illusion." To That I say...

Dayuuum V

I would've sold my Mama to sit in the press box that day!

Something tells me that if Serena was the one swinging her cakes tennis racket around that day, President Obama would be on CNN right nah making an official apology of some sort.

Do You Date The Same Way You Handle Your Finances?

When my cousins married white women it didn’t seem to cause an uproar. For some reason, I don’t expect the same reaction if Stephanie or I decided to marry a white man.

I don’t have any proof of this, it’s just a feeling I get. It seems that we aren’t supposed to have the same options as our cousins did- Wise Diva


Folks we pretty much know how society usually reacts when it comes to black women dating out.

Selena-pedia, First Edition 2010, defines dating out as getting bizzy with the enemy, hooking up with massa, or worshipping tha white man. In layman's terms "dating-out" typically refers to the romantic relationship between said black woman and the whiskey-bravo (better known in the urban community as a white boy).

However the real question is, do you date the same way you handle your finances? In other words, are you the type of person that places all of his/her eggs in one basket-while hoping for a small profit? Or do you exercise ALL your dating options while undoubtedly receiving the highest rate of return all your time and hard research can buy?

To quote Access Atlanta's the Wise Diva,"Are you diversifying your dating options?"

VH1's What Chilli Wants: Rozonda Gets Closer To Two [White] Men

Aries Spears: Is that your date for the night?

Chilli: Yeah

Aries Spears: Is he your date? So you went for the white boy huh?

*laughter*

Aries Spears: Damn, Usher f***** it up for everybody!

Aries Spears: If you think you walking out of here with the baddest b**** in here...

All jokes aside, what in the bah-jeezus hell happened to Aries? Damn, life been whooping his azz! Looking every bit like a raccoon on chemo. How dreadful.

Catch full episodes and web exclusives after the jump...

I'm Out!

Niecy Nash Took It There On Dancing With The Stars

In case you missed it last week, Niecy Nash and her dance partner Louis Van Amstel brought the story of a 1960's interracial couple to life.

Alas Nay-Nay eventually got the ax but kudos to her and Lou-weez for the courage to take it there.

Wait did Lou-weez tell Nay-Nay that she gotta help him fight his battle too? Naw Boo fall back. You got Elton, Rosie, Ellen (Janet Reno) and both the city of San Francisco and the ATL to help you. Ya'll doing just fine!

Side Note: Nay-Nay went a little hard on Pancake #45

I'm Out!

My Apologies

Hey Fam,

Sorry for the lack of blogging lately. We're a soccer family and currently we're in the middle of indoor soccer season.

Yesterday my daughter got roughed up a bit. One of the players on the opposing team gave her two high kicks to her thigh and calf area. The opposing player also pinched her on the right side of her stomach. The girl's father sat next to me and he continued to encourage his daughter to "get aggressive" with my daughter! My daughter returned the favor by pushing her down several times. My daughter was also tripped a few times throughout the game. At one point her shoe came off while passing the ball to one of her teammates. Mr Father-of-the-year yells out, "That'll slow her down." I guess it's the price you pay when you're a little faster and more agile than members of the opposing team.

People usually joke and say there's only one rule in indoor soccer and that there are no rules! Hell they don't even take score LOL.

Anwho, after indoor season, we go right into British Soccer Camp and after that it's outdoor soccer season, yeah baby!

Had we been outdoors, little "Becky" would've received a yellow card *smh*

I'm Out!

Asian Network Reports: Dating Black

Despite increasing numbers of British Asians in mixed relationships, interracial dating and marriage between Asians and those from the black community are still relatively rare. ‘Dating Black’, presented by Anita Rani, questions why the Asian community is more accepting of mixed relationships with white people than those with black people.

We hear from three young British Asians who have all dated black. Layla is struggling to tell her parents about her black boyfriend. Rickesh has finished his relationship with a black girl because of the hostility he and his partner would face from his parents and community and Rajiv has gone against his parents wishes after falling for Francesca- Anita Rani


Here are a few comments from the interviewed subjects:

My parents couldn't understand why I would go out with someone black. As far as they are concerned, black people are the lowest of the low...

I wouldn't date a black girl again purely because of the hassle I know I will go through...

In the Asian community to some degree considers itself to be up higher up the ladder than the black community so when your child is dating someone black its consider a step down...


*blink blink*

Wow but the world wants us to believe that racism only exists in good ole US of A.


You will need to download a free copy of Real Player to listen to documentary

Alicia Keys Shoots New Video With Chad Michael Murray

Well cot-damn!

*cougar claws activate*


Alicia Keys shot the video for her new single “Unthinkable” a few weeks ago with actor Chad Michael Murray of One Tree Hill as the leading man.

Hmm, I wonder how realistic the love scenes (if any) with her leading man will be. I know the hate-meter is gonna hit the roof. More after the break...

Regina King: Black Women Need to Start Swirling It Up

Every single one of my girlfriends won’t date men that aren’t Black. I have maybe about five and these are people that I’m really considering my friends, not people that are associates or that you talk to or deal with at work. I have about five Black friends who date outside of their race. But all the other friends of mine, it’s either they vocally say that they won’t or every time an opportunity comes up for them to date outside of their race, there’s some excuse why it’s not going to work. They never really say it’s because he’s White, or because he’s Spanish or something like that. It’ll be more like, Well, you know he works at such and such, and our schedules don’t match.’ But we’ll know really what it is. It’s ’cause he’s White. It’s more common here on the West Coast. I think in New York, you find more Black women that date outside of their race. But in L.A. not as many. More after the jump...


DUH! It's about time these black celebrities start speaking up and out. Now if we could get Gerard Butler to stop playing with my emotions...

Oxygen's Love Games: And Kendra Chooses...

Well you will have to watch and see lol. Hit Fancast for additional episodes and bonus clips after the jump...

You Don’t Attract The Wrong Men, You ACCEPT The Wrong Men!

If you consistently find yourself in relationships with liars, cheaters, addicts, leeches, or commitmentphobes, your job isn’t to get them to stop lying, cheating, drinking, mooching or committing. Your job is to leave. At a certain point, it’s not his fault for being fundamentally flawed.It’s your fault for thinking that your chemistry is powerful enough to change your broken relationship. Remember, most men are the wrong men. Men with chemistry are the ones who break through, but you give them a free pass. You’ll never stop attracting the wrong men, but starting now, you can stop ACCEPTING the bad behavior of the wrong men… and save yourself years of heartbreak and pain- Evan Katz


I think I'm in love *sigh* lol

Damn Even The Texan White Guy Smells Bullsh**

For society to become concerned with the plight of black women now that black women are succeeding on their own terms would be comical if it weren’t so sad. 

Many of the black women succeeding today have toiled in obscurity for years at the bottom of the societal barrel, often in broken homes and with life circumstances that would melt most people.  The fact that our society is saying black women need to find a good black man to settle down with is an insult.- Jeff Bolton



Earlier today while visiting my girl CW's site I came across an interesting article written by a gentleman by the name of Jeff Bolton.  Honestly, I've never heard of him before today, but I'm glad she posted the article. Bacially Jeff is just as puzzled as most of us are as to why the media continues to grind out these "woe is me" stories about African-American women in dating and marriage.

One of my favorite quotes from Jeff:

There’s nothing wrong with them. They shouldn’t be forced into a box made by society’s expectations for them. Why is the sad, tired story of the failure of black men in society placed ahead of that of the success of black women in this pop culture reporting? 

O_o  *scratches head*

One commenter named Monie believes she knows the real reason for the relentless bashing against African-American women in the media:

Monie:

Ever since Michelle has become the First Lady, there has been an onslaught of negative images and commentary. Michelle Obama is well-spoken, classy, fit, formally educated and happily married with children. It’s as if the media wants to quickly remind black women of who we “really are” and to not get lost in the “fantasy” that is Michelle’s life.  So what do they do? Replace magazine cover images of the Gabby Unions with the Gabby Sidibes, promote televised discussions and books written by self-appointed black relationship gurus who are nothing more than womanizers themselves (Harvey and Harper) and fill the magazines and e-mags with articles on single black womanhood to plague us with self-doubt, loneliness and bitterness. It’s so pathetic; and I don’t hear this nonsense about black women in countries like the United Kingdom. They really need to leave us alone. More after the jump...
 

Clutch Magazine: What White Men Think About Dating Black Women

Clutch Magazine’s Alaina Lewis did a great piece on interracial dating among black women and white men. Several white men were interviewed, and let’s just say most of them (if not all) got more than a little real with their responses!

Alaina: Have you, or have you ever considered dating a black woman?

“I have, but it’s something that’s unfortunately never happened for me, because every time I approach a black woman I sense a resistance of not wanting to be with someone white, unless he acts black. And I’m not trying to offend anyone with my ‘acts black’ statement. I’m just meaning, that black women only want to date white men who have a little more soul than I do and don’t listen to rock music.” – Paul G.

“I’ve dated African American women, Asian women, white women and whomever else. When you turn out the lights, they’re all just women. The only difference is, some like mayonnaise on everything, and the others like soy or hot sauce. A little joke for ya.” – Rory H.

Alaina: Do the negative stereotypes the media projects on the African American woman scare you away from dating that race? ( i.e. “the black woman’s attitude.”)

“No, I don’t buy into any theories that attitude is more common among black women, there’s plenty of women with attitude in every race. I’ve met some ‘white trash’ princesses in my day with attitude that is off the charts. Anyway, the media just promotes whatever seems to get them the highest ratings. Unfortunately nowadays, that involves showcasing vulgar, loudmouth, self-obsessed, drunken skanks. Shows like the “Jersey Shore,” “The Real World,” and any other reality show on VH1 or MTV are prime examples. If I took my cues from the media, I would be scared of dating all women.” – Jesse D.

“It’s not the media that scares me away from not wanting to date a black women, it’s black men that make me think differently. I say that to say this, and I’m only giving you my observation… I see a lot of black men running around with a white girl on their arm, which is fine, but when I’ve sat down with brothers and asked them why they don’t like dating black women, they always have something negative to say about you guys, whether it be your attitude, your jealousy, or the thought that you guys want to play the man of the house. I don’t need to watch to TV to see what I can see when I walk down the block. But I don’t have to buy into that either, which I don’t, but I am aware of what’s being said about yall by your own men. It’s a shame to see that.” – Paul G.

More after the jump...