Thursday, October 28, 2010

Youth Justice Sunday




Baltimore youth advocates take to the streets for a rally against the construction of a state correctional facility for juvenile offenders who are being tried as adults. The rally will be held Sunday, October 31 at 600 E. Monument St. 4pm-7pm.

One-on-One Eric Anthony

Baltimore bred actor Eric Anthony made inroads on and off Broadway for 10 years. In 2008 he took on L.A. to make his mark in film. Now he returns to Charm City for a performance as Scarecrow in The Wiz at CenterStage now until Nov 7.




Clip of Scarecrow(Anthony)




Stay Strong Dale!




Coppin State University student and All-American track star Dale Dunn was shot Tuesday night after a trip to the grocery story. Reports say Dunn is in critical but stable condition. My prayers are with Dale and his family doing this difficult time.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

One-on-One with Zarifa Roberson



Zarifa Roberson was born with a disease called arthrogryposis multiplex congentia, a severe arthritis of her joints and muscles. Medical staff shortly informed her parents that she would not live pass a year.

Now at age 30, Roberson is moving and grooving with a Master's degree from Coppin State University and a flourishing career. An ambitious and vibrant spirit she decided to launch I.D.E.A.L. (Individuals with Disabilities Express About Life) Magazine to bring forth positive representation of young people living with disabilities. She takes the time to chat with huevoicesdotcom about National Disibilities Employment Awareness Month and her groundbreaking publication.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Shelley's Story

At age 27, Shelley Barnes is a two-time breast cancer survivor. She recently took the time to share her story with huevoicesdotcom. Please take a listen.




Shelley's Story Continued....


Wednesday, October 20, 2010

My Black Agenda AND Your Black Agenda (COMMENTARY)


There has always been a divide of ideology in Black America. W.E.B. Dubois felt the need to highlight the plight of blacks and agitate the confines of racial injustice, while Booker T. Washington preferred that blacks concentrate on making a way for ourselves and refrain from bucking the status quo. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. preached peace and togetherness, while Malcolm X touted the need for self-preservation. Spike Lee's body of work depicted self-pride and honed in on police brutality. Tyler Perry has seen unprecedented success by conquering box-offices and creating a multi-million dollar business as Madea.

Needless to say, we won't always agree on how we should move forward, but it cannot be ignored or taken for granted that we do face issues today as a people. Funny enough, I've heard that we are not a monolithic group. Yet when it comes to poor health care, unemployment and high school drop-out reports we all seem to fall inline together. You can take the time to laugh, I'll wait....

The question of should there even be a Black Agenda has floated around as of late. My colleagues and I have exchanged passionate, constructive debate over the matter and my conclusion still stands. Given the history of black folks in America I can't recall a time when there wasn't a need for an agenda, even today. It is often ignored in media but the systematic racism and inequality is still too comfy in our society.

Please let me say that The Black Agenda is not based on the premise of exclusion but the need for empowerment. It is a plan and timetable set forth to recognize and improve critical areas within the black community. So, now that I have shared mine. What is Your Black Agenda?

One on One with Freddie Howard




Former publisher of the historic Afro American Newspaper recently died. Now former colleague and friend Freddie Howard opens up about Murphy and legendary sports writer Sam Lacy.

Monday, October 18, 2010

One on One with Pastor Jamal Bryant





Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, pastor of Empowerment Temple, talks about his work with the new TV One reality series K-Ci & Jo-Jo Come Clean.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Proper Identification Please! (commentary)



In my teen years, hip-hop had me in a whirlwind and I emulated rappers to no end. Yeah I was grateful to have good parents, but I didn't look up to them at the time. Instead, I looked up to cats like Wu-Tang Clan. I identified with the hoodies, Timberlands and the rebellious persona.

Which brings me to the reason why I decided to write this piece. A couple of weeks ago I found out on Twitter that Antoine Dodson was making an appearance at the BET Hip-Hop Awards.For those who aren't in tune with pop culture (don't worry I struggle myself), Antoine Dodson is the vivacious young man from Huntsville, Alabama who became an overnight Internet sensation after his colorful soundbite in a news story. According to the report, an unknown man climbed into his sister's bedroom window and allegedly tried to rape her. Following his classic act of buffoonery on the news an Internet meme entitled "Bed Intruder" was made out of the soundbite courtesy of The Gregory Brothers.



"Bed Intruder" managed to reach well over a million views and landed as a top rated R&B single on iTunes. And to top it off, every body's favorite Amos & Andy caricature made it to the big time-the 2010 BET Hip-Hop Awards-. Sorry, I'm not a fan of Dodson or the "Bed Intruder Song". It was buffoonery at its best and I honestly think the television news network demonstrated poor judgement.

Now I understand the power of media and how it can influence us all. Whether it is a movie trailer starring our favorite actor or a rally for Jena 6 broadcasted on Black radiu, We consume can even determine how we view ourselves. This becomes especially crucial when it involves the youth, who will gravitate to whomever they can identify with the most.

Please don't take this as a self-righteous attack on pop culture. Nor is it a sermon I prepared for the social network congregation. This is simply a message to be mindful of the images we uphold. Of course no one's perfect and we all fall short sometimes of good deeds, but let's not fall short of good character.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

One one One with E. Raymond Brown





Filmmaker E.Raymond Brown sparks a new and daring conversation with his debut film Ghetto Physics. Along with co-director William Arntz, Brown explores the dynamics of high-powered entities that exploit. Using the archetypal psychology of pimps and prostitutes, Brown breaks down the social, political and economical constraints that he feels manipulates society.

One one One with Sharon G. Flake






Author Sharon G. Flake has garnered national attention for her youth fiction books that often sheds light on critical issues of today's youth. Her stories of confusion, despair and love brings a realistic tone rarely seen in literature for young African-Americans. Flake takes the time to talk about her work including her latest book You Don't Even Know Me.

huevoicesdotcom @ Thousand Women for O'Malley/Brown event



President Barack Obama' senior adviser Valerie Jarrett speaks at the Thousand Women for O'Malley/Brown/Mikulski. Jarrett came out to Martin's Camelot in Upper Marlboro to rally Democrat voters and show her support for Maryland Democrats in a crucial general election.

Monday, October 11, 2010

huevoicesdotcom interview with Axiom



huevoicesdotcom's interviews hip-hop/soul duo Axiom. Comprised of actor/emcee Black Root and singer/emcee Wordslave, Axiom has cut their teeth on Baltimore/Washington's open mic circuit and earned praise for their eclectic works like Heat Rises and Mindstate Mixtape. Now the group talks about their latest project It's A Mixtape and what's next to come.

huevoicesdotcom @ Soul Cannon/Axiom showcase




This is a clip of Hip-hop/alternative rock band Soul Cannon performing "Claps" at Club Reality on 10/10/10. The group shared the stage with the dynamic hip-hop duo Axiom. Be on the look out for an exclusive huevoicesdotcom interview with Soul Cannon upon the release of their new album The Mixed Ape.

Friday, October 8, 2010

huevoicedotcom @ Gov. Martin O' Malley rally with President Barack Obama





President Barack Obama speaking at Gov. Martin O'Malley rally held at Bowie State University.

One on One with Peter Allen




huevoicesdotcom's Bobby Marvin interviews Peter Allen, co-writer for the blockbuster film Takers.

huevoicesdotcom @ Blink Pink



Breast cancer survivors Sarita Murray and Zerita Ross host Blink Pink, a breast cancer awarness and survivor celebration. Segments include an interview with sponsor Zerita Ross and Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

huevoicesdotcom @ First Annual Mother-Son Dance






Urban Leadership Institute(ULI) sponsored the 1st Annual Mother-Son Dance: An Invitation to Manhood, an event aimed at celebrating and strengthening families. Over a dozen women along with their sons packed a banquet room at the Radisson Cross Keys. Hosted by David Miller,co-founder of ULI,the dance featured author/publisher Cassandra Mack and sports journalist Brian Custer.

The Mother-Dance is apart of the Raising Him Alone Campaign, an initiative set forth to empower single mothers raising young African-American males nationally and internationally. David Miller and youth advocate Matt Stevens recognized the overwhelming broken homes in urban settings and the need for services to support families. In 2009, the two launched the campaign honing in on single mothers. Since then, Miller has published a book component (Raising Him Alone) followed by a national tour of workshops and conferences.