White College Students Celebrate Black Culture

by A.man.I

College students have been celebrating black culture by having parties in which they wear black face, don dew rags, grills, and show off big butts. Blogger EricaBarnett writes that UConn law students "celebrated" Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday by hosting a "Bullets and Bubbly" party.

That was followed up with a "Living the Dream," party at Clemson that was held the day before the slain civil rights leader's birthday. That is not a brotha in the pic if you didn't notice. The students apparently posted the pics on Facebook, and The Smoking Gun has also reported the incidents.

It's unfortunate that this is what these students think Black culture is all about.

Talking to Townsend Pt. 2

By A.man.I
Here's part two of a conversation I had with Black Family Channel's CEO Robert Townsend. In part one he spoke about his Hollywood career, and his breaks in the business. This time he talks about working for Black Family Channel.

YouTube version
Download video

Documentary Highlights Youngster's Self Image

by A.man.I
The self image of black teens, and children is examined in the documentary "A Girl Like Me." Teenaged filmmaker Kiri Davis produced the seven minute video through Reel Works Teen Filmmaking in New York. In the video, Davis replicates a doll study that was originally conducted by sociologist Kenneth Clark during the segregation era. Clark's study helped prove that segregation was psychologically damaging. Davis' video indicates that youngsters are still dealing with similar issues.

Thanks to theSuperspade.blogspot.com for posting it.

Watch below.

Media Reform Episode 5

by A.man.I
From watching some of my episodes this week, it may seem that there was a very large presence of Black, and other minorities at the 2007 National Conference for Media Reform. That was far from the case. There were certainly journalists, students, and activists from around the country, but we were greatly outnumbered. I'm not one to make race an issue, but it is certainly worth discussing especially since the 2007 National Media Reform Conference was held in Memphis, a city that has so much civil rights history.

There were a few workshops that dealt with urban or minority media issues. Danny Glover, and Van Jones were featured speakers, but other than that, we were the pepper amidst a whole lot of salt.

Others made similar observations. Here's a quote from an e-mail from Lisa Vives:
Black journalists did not get a panel, altho they asked for one. They arrived, many of them, as an afterthought, with some last minute foundation funding. They didn't get to tell the majority white audience how their papers covered Katrina, gentrification, police brutality, racial profiling, and many other social and economic stories overlooked or under-reported in the mainstream press. So the audience lost a major opportunity to look at a media they may know little about.

Chaka Ngwenya, producer of SARFMradio.com wrote:
This trip is one of those things you take for granted yet issues that were discussed at the Conference are so valuable and help shape our day to day lives. I am so glad I made the trip because it enlightened me on a lot of things about Media in America. It also confirmed some of the fears I have, that Media is controlled by a few individuals or a few corporate companies.

Finally, here's a link to a very insighful article.

This last episode is a tribute to the men and women who are still recovering from Hurricane Katrina. On my last day in Memphis, I met Oswald Nelson, who was displaced from the storm. He walked up to me as I was interviewing a couple of other locals. Coincidentally, the workshop on Hurricane Katrina was apparently cancelled at the conference, as pointed out by hip-hop activist Rosa Clemente with Know Thy Self Productions.

Watch below.

YouTube version
Download video

Memphis Episode 4 (Good Food!)

by A.man.I
I spent most of my time at the Media Reform conference interviewing folks about citizen journalism related issues for a "how-to" citizen journalism show I'm working on for Black Family Channel. I also made it a point to attend one of the workshops on the MySpace, YouTube social networking phenomena, because I wanted to learn how to best use these sites to spread the word about this blog, and as I've said, it's all about networking.

Blip.tv's co-founder Dina Kaplan was one of the panel members. If you don't know about blip, click this link or visit my blip.tv page. It's like YouTube for the more serious online video producers. The video player is by far the best I've seen on the Internet. After the discussion, people were crowding to talk the panel members. I waited patiently for my chance to speak to Kaplan. When it was my turn, I introduced myself, we exchanged info, and I explained that I wanted to interview her later. There were other folks waiting to talk to her, so I figured it would be best if I didn't hog her time.

Deep down, I didn't even think I would see her again, but at the end of the day on the main floor who do I see? Kaplan. I was curious to know about the company, and how it all started, and the interview was great (I'll post it later). So after we're done with the official stuff, she asks me if I wanted to grab something to eat because she had a taste for some Memphis ribs. I didn't think she was serious, but I said it was a possibility, and we again went our separate ways.

That evening, there was a mixer at the conference hotel. I was chillin' and sippin' a complimentary Corona Extra, when who walks up? Kaplan... again! I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, so the adventure was on. Now check this out, I always keep my Canon Elura 100 camcorder by my side. I call it my spy cam cuz it's small, but shoots nice pics. That evening, I happened to leave it in my hotel room. I was a little bitter at first, but as soon as I said, "I should have brought my camera." Kaplan said, "I have one."

Richard Hall, and his wife Maureen who produce the Richard Show were with her (they also had a camera which came in handy). Turns out Kaplan is a former TV news reporter, like me, and we have a few other things in common as well. That girl can eat, but she didn't know a thang about eating ribs.

Watch the adventure below.

YouTube version
Download video (wmv)

Reporter Training Program

by A.man.I
This could be a great opportunity for broadcasting students. It's called the "Minorities in Broadcating Training Program." I haven't heard of the organization, but here's the link. The deadline is February 15th. I learned almost everything I know about broadcast journalism through a reporter trainee program. Believe me, it's work.

Mephis Episode 3 (Remembering M.L.K. Jr.)

by A.man.i
I make it a habit to watch the local news whenever I'm visiting a city, and the Memphis trip was no different. I have tendency to watch Fox, since I worked for an O&O for eight years. Fox owned stations are now in the process of revamping their logos and creating a homogeneous look across the country. The Memphis station, like the station I worked for in Tampa are both Fox 13, and other than different faces on-air, the look is exactly the same.

When I changed channels, I was surprised to see a familiar face anchoring the morning news show - Terrance Bates. Terrence and I go way back. I met him in the late 90's (I want to say 1998) at a RTNDA conference. I was working as an assignment editor at WJLA-TV in Washington D.C., and he was already reporting at a small market in Texas. We've bumped into each other occasionally over the years, so I called him up, and it was on. It's always good to know a local, and even better to know someone in news. After a morning of shooting interviews at the Media Reform conference, I decided to find something to eat on Beal Street. Bates picked me up after I finished eating to give me a tour of the city.

Our first stop was the National Civil Rights Museum, which was built at the motel where King was killed back in 1968. It was the Friday before King's birthday weekend which is a very big deal in the city. The folks there were kind enough to let me bring my camera inside since I work for Black Family Channel. I explained that I was also a video blogger, and they said it was okay. As we toured inside, a large group of students gathered outside. They were on a civil rights tour called Sojourn To The Past.

It was a very moving experience.
Watch below.

YouTube version
Download video (wmv)

A Few More Words About Vick

By A.man.I
Here is another perspective on the Michael Vick situation. I received this press release from the NewsmakersLive Journal:

Sports fans and people of good-will should be outraged at the mean-spirited maltreatment of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick by the national and local media, says Rev. Darryl Winston, President of the Atlanta-based Greater American Ministerial Alliance [G.A.M.A.].

Vick, the NFL’s $130-million man and the game highest paid player, was buffeted by a barrage of stinging multi-media criticism and condemnation over the past several days for an alleged marijuana-related misdeed at Miami International Airport.

AJC Sports columnist Jeff Schultz was so vitriolic that he brazenly wrote “It’s time for the Falcons to let Vick go.” A bevy of other sports reporters and analysts echoed that searing sentiment. Vick has been shamelessly vilified for naught by an overzealous and unfair press.

“The mass media must apologize to Michael Vick for presuming his guilt while summarily rejecting in innocence,” fumes Rev. Winston, the 43-year-old progressive and politically active pastor of Church of the Greater Works on Jonesboro Road in southeast Atlanta. “The down-right inhumane way the media handled this contemptible. It is a clear example of the media overstepping its boundaries. We need to demand that sports media who engage in the sordid practice of ‘yellow journalism’ repent.”

We now learn that the super-star quarterback who has appeared in three Pro Bowls and is coming off a record-setting season where became the first NFL quarterback to rush for more than 1,000 yards has been vindicated. His image was wrongly attacked by piteous pundits. Vick has been exonerated by the Miami-Dade Police Department; cleared of any wrongdoing. The substance in his water bottle, that attracted nation-wide attention, was deemed not to be an illegal substance.

Still Vick has been stained and sullied by the sensationalism surrounding this media-manufactured controversy, Winston laments.

“In its purest form it is racism; at the very least it’s been demagogy of the highest caliber,” Winston opines. “This superbly gifted athlete has been wronged and bloodied by an arrogant press who think they have the power to do whatever they want to do to people of color. [Atlanta Falcons owner] Arthur Blank, civil rights activists, the African-American clergy, and fair-minded journalists should denounce this vicious vilification. I know G.A.M.A. is not alone in our righteous anger over this scurrilous media mischief.”

Memphis! Episode 2

by A.man.I

It was a smooth road to Memphis. I travelled from Atlanta, through Birmingham Alabama, into Mississippi, and finally arrived at the "home of the blues" about six hours after my road trip began.

Now remember, these events took place the weekend of January 12th. It takes time to edit these adventures for your viewing pleasure. The National Conference for Media Reform was a very interesting experience. There wasn't a large presence of mainstream media, but some local Memphis stations covered the event. Speakers and participants were highly critical of the mainstream - how minority issues are covered, and the way the news networks have covered the war in Iraq. Just about everyone stressed the need for more voices to be heard, and why coverage needs to better reflect this nation's diverse communities.

I was most interested in hearing how people felt about the way the news covers urban issues, and what people think about citizen journalism. From the Rodney King beating to 9/11, people who are non-journalists have been sharing videos with news outlets. Now, the Internet, and sites like YouTube, have cut out the middle man.

YouTube version
Download video (wmv)

Does Vick Deserve an Apology?

by A.man.I
I have nothing positive to say about the way we, the media handled the Michael Vick water bottle incident.

Check out the thoughts of ExodusMentality
It appeared to me that the lynching of Mick Vick was Well underway in Atlanta, then late Sunday night I hear a news whisper. It wasn't marijuana. Not the ganja, Not the purp, no dro, not wacky weed. The man is apparently INNOCENT. Now as I reflect on all the hype, I wonder if any of those who already had the man tried, convicted, and hung will be as public with their apologies. As I listened to the sports talk radio this morning, it doesn't appear that will be the case. The clowns I heard talking were still blaming Vick, only now they are saying he should have just had a press conference right away to proclaim his innocence. He brought all this negative media on himself, by not coming clean with the public from the start. So basically now they are ticked off at him for trying to keep his private affairs, well, you know, Private.

Memphis Episode 1

By A.man.I
As promised, I'm bringing you a week of adventures from the National Conference for Media Reform which was held in Memphis Tennessee earlier this month. Throughout my broadcasting career, I've attended a variety of journalism conferences. In this business, the power of networking can not be underestimated. I attended my first NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists) conference while in college. I was invited to the RTNDA's annual gathering after I graduated, and received a News Management Internship through the organization. I've also joined the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists, and I'm planning to attend the NABJ national conference this summer.

Since I'm now working on a citizen journalism show called "UR TV," the Media Reform conference seemed like a great opportunity to learn more about grassroots media, and meet the independent media makers. I've learned a great deal about the blogging movement, and citizen journalism since I started working on the project six months ago. I have also grown to appreciate the power that we all have to be communicators.

Today we travel to Memphis, but end up in Tupelo Mississippi. Later this week, I'll share some of my experiences from the conference. I visit the Lorraine Motel where Dr. King was assassinated. I meet some Memphis locals, and hang out with blip.tv's co-founder Dina Kaplan and a couple of video bloggers.

Episode 1 is below.

YouTube version
Download video (wmv)

Last Hired, First Fired

By A.man.I
Controversy continues in Philadelphia over the recent layoffs at the Philadelphia Inquirer. The Philadelphia Tribune is reporting that the Philadelphia NAACP, and the National Association of Black Journalists is now involved in the discussion surrounding the Inquirer's decision to layoff 71 employees. 20% of those who are losing their jobs are Black, and there are concerns that it will cause a disproportionate amount of minorities on staff. The NABJ is apparently concerned because Black journalists at the paper were twice as likely to be laid off than whites. The spokesman for the Inquirer's CEO, Jay Devine is quoted as saying “It is strictly based on seniority... The last hired is the first to be let go.”

Food for the Soul

by A.man.I
I believe that music is food for the soul, and far too often we're being fed garbage on the radio and the music video channels. The Internet is allowing artists worldwide to express themselves, and be heard. Please check out the righteous sounds of U.K. artist Kaiza Khan. Thanks to Tom Swindell for sharing it on YouTube.

Please make sure to tune in next week. I'll bring you all my adventures from the National Conference for Media Reform in Memphis. Have a safe weekend.

Thoughts from Chris Rabb

By A.man.I
I had the pleasure to meet Afro-Netizen.com's founder Chris Rabb at the National Conference for Media Reform. He's a veteran blogger, and was one of 37 bloggers invited to cover the 2004 Democtratic National Convention.

Watch a portion of the interview below.

YouTube version
Download Video (wmv)

My Urban Headlines

By A.man.I
-Obama for President
Illinois Senator Barack Obama says he has formed an exploratory committee to examine the issues, and feasibility of a presidential bid in 2008. Watch video at Barackobama.com.

-Modern Day Slavery
Gannett Tennessee is reporting that a school has suspended an activity that made students role-play like slaves and masters. Fifth grade teacher Ronda Sorenson reportedly developed the exercise to teach her students the horrors of slavery.

Random students have been paired together as slaves and masters. Administrators have now suspended the activity after a white female student told another teacher who is black that she didn't have to complete a math assignment, because as a master she (the student) didn't have to listen to the teacher.

-Atlanta DJs Accused Bootlegging
AllHipHop.com is reporting that Fulton County SWAT seized nearly 50-thousand CD's and arrested 28-year-old Tyree "DJ Drama" Simmons and 27-year-old DJ Don Cannon. The DJs have been charged with racketeering and are being held without bond.

Media Reform

By A.man.I
More than three thousand journalists, media activists, bloggers, and students gathered in Memphis Tennessee over the MLK Jr. birthday weekend, for the third annual National Conference for Media Reform. Jesse Jackson, Bill Moyers, and Jane Fonda were among the featured speakers. A common theme was mainstream media's lack of diversity, war coverage, and political issues such as net neutrality, and the FCC (watch all conference videos here).

There were workshops on bridging the digital divide, media policy, and hip-hop activism. As a journalist, I was interested in learning more about the grassroots movement, and networking with other media makers who are interested in citizen journalism.

This is what Leonard Witt (PJNet) wrote about the three day conference:
People of every age and every ethnic background all in one place, many of whom are making their own media. Get the Right into the mix and this is what newsrooms across America should look like. The result would be more stories from inside many more communities. However, it would be messy. No unified idea of what news is. No unified agreement about how to cover various communities and no unified agreement, whether conscious or not, which communities get the most and least coverage.

I met, and got to hang out with actor/activist Danny Glover, Blip.TV's co-founder Dina Kaplan, and I learned more about the emerging online, and independent media organizations like The Real News, Free Speech TV, and Spot On. There seems to be a strong grassroots media movement being fueled by the Internet, and those involved are serious about challenging the mainstream.

Memphis has a lot of history. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, was shot and killed at the Lorraine Motel in 1968. The site is now home to the National Civil Rights Museum. Memphis is also home to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and if you like live music, and the party scene, Beal Street is the place to be.

The videos are coming. For now, see what hip-hop activist Davey D had to say about independent media, and reform.

I'm in Memphis

By A.man.I
I'm in Memphis, Tennessee at the Freepress.net Media Reform conference. There are plenty of bloggers, media activists, and journalists discussing all sorts of issues.
The videos are coming.

In the meantime check out the sounds of Ghana's King Ayisoba.
King Ayisoba's Myspace.

The King Papers

By A.man.I

It's a magnificent exhibition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s writings, from his early beginnings as a student at Morehouse College, to the speech he made hours before he was assassinated in 1968. It's intimate, it's inspiring, and the historic exhibit titled, "I Have a Dream: The Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Collection," is set to open to the public on Monday at the Atlanta History Center.

On Tuesday, the media was given a preview of the exhibit. Some 600 personal artifacts from college transcripts, to handwritten sermons, and his book collection are all on display. The city of Atlanta purchased the King documents for 32-million dollars. The items were almost auctioned off, but now this priceless collection is being shared with the public for a limited time.

The King Papers, are amazing.

I spoke to Phillip Howard with Morehouse College, and broadcast journalist Angela Robinson about the significance of the exhibit.

YouTube version
Download video (wmv)

Talking to a News Photographer

From A.man.I

It would be impossible to create television news without the expert eye of the photojournalists who often capture timeless moments through the lens of their cameras. Sometimes called "shooters," a news cameraman/woman is the backbone of any news operation. They sometimes work as reporters asking questions, they often edit their video as well, and for any reporter, your photographer should be your best friend while out in the field.

I've met and worked with some of the best in the business, both young and veteran. What many share, is a passion for both journalism, and photography. I recently interviewed one of my former co-workers, Becky Kagan who works at WTVT-TV. She's much more than a news shooter.

Anyone who's interested in taking nice pictures, should heed her sound advice.
LiquidProductionOnline

YouTube version
Download video (wmv)

This is for The Gator Nation

From A.man.I

Courtesy WTVT-TV (Fox 13)

"If you're not a GATOR... You're GATOR BAIT!"

Now, I must admit, the kickoff return by The Ohio State University was a shocker, but as I watched the game with a group of Gainesville natives, and UF alumni in Marietta GA, we all sensed the Gators were about to chomp.

For the second time in months, the Gator Nation can proudly proclaim, "It's great to be a FLORIDA GATOR." The game was for the history books, UF is now the first school to hold basketball and football national titles, and if you don't know about dem Gators, you don't want to know about em. The cherry on the top is Chris Leak being named the game's MVP.

This morning, I did a phoner for WTVT-TV (Fox 13)
Charley Belcher's "off the chain" report
MyUrbanReport is below.

This is Why You Can't Choke on TV

From TVNewser
& MasterClip
This clip speaks for itself. I just hope the anchor was okay, she obviously needed a glass of water.

It's Great to Be a Florida Gator

From A.man.I
The school's colors are bright orange and blue, the team plays in a field known as the swamp, and tonight the University Florida Gators face the Ohio State Buckeyes, in the Fiesta Bowl for the BCS National Championship game.

I had no idea what I was getting myself into back in 1995 (it doesn't seem that long ago) when I transferred from a SF Bay Area community college to the University of Florida to continue my broadcasting studies. I still have the ticket stub from the first game I attended with my father when we visited the school. It was the Steve Spurrier era, UF played 'Ole Miss, and beat up on 'em. College football is different in the south, the spirit is off the meter, and folks take it seriously.

In 1996, the Gators won the football National Championship, then ten years later (2006), the basketball team won its first NCAA Championship. By this time, I was an experienced news reporter at WTVT-TV (Fox 13, Tampa). When I had the opportunity to return to Gainesville to cover the fans, I didn't hesitate. To top it off the station sent me with my road dog Rod Finch. He's my best friend in the news business.

So there's a story behind this video I'm posting. Florida of course won the basketball championship last year, and Rod and I were in the streets of University Avenue, covering the 10-thousand fans who flooded the streets. It was fun, but it was work, and the next morning we had an 7 and 8 o'clock live shot shot. After the police broke up the party around 2 a.m. we decided to grab something to eat, and by the time we returned to the hotel to sleep it was around 4 a.m. We both put in for a wake up call, but it never happened. At about 6:30, I hear my cell phone ringing, it's the satellite truck operator. We overslept. I ran up the hallway knock on Rod's hotel room door, we rush downstairs, and barely made our first hit. I still had the sleep in my eyes for the 8 o'clock hit. It became a legendary moment at my old station, because it was "off da chain." Helpfully, it will be off da chain tonight too. Go Gators.

It's All About Video

From A.man.I
& Salim Channel
If you have a video camera, editing software, and a some knowledge of video production, you too can take part in this online media movement. Actually, you just need a computer and an Internet connection to start a blog like this, but I'm a video guy, and I like making, and watching videos which are popping up all over the Net.

Though there are numerous online video communities (Revver, Veoh, MotionBox), I've gravitated towards two, Blip.TV, and YouTube. I like Blip for a couple of reasons. The quality of the player is great, there is no annoying lower third "bug," and many of the videos on the site are produced with some thought.

YouTube is great because of the community of users. The video quality isn't as high, but everyone uses YouTube, either to watch, or post. Most people are just messing around posting poorly produced videos, but some are entertaining, and creative.

Speaking of creative, and entertaining, my brother just produced another music video. You don't need a big budget to do this, just some skills, and a visual eye.

It's a new year, and you can have it, "Anyway You Want It."

Dreamgirls (Pt. 2)

From A.man.I
& The AJC

The movie "Dreamgirls," got plenty of hype before it opened on Christmas day, and so far it's done well at the box office. Over the New Year's weekend, the movie was among the top three in ticket sales. "Dreamgirls" made about $18 million behind Will Smith's "The Pursuit of Happyness" ($25 million), and "Night at the Museum" ($48-million). Not bad when you consider "Dreamgirls" is being shown in only 852 screens while "Night at the Museum is being shown on 3,768.

Though I enjoyed the movie, some of my friends have been more critical of the plot, and story line. If you haven't seen it yet, it's a musical, so expect a lot of singing, and take it for what it is. It has a Motown feel, the story parallels Diana Ross and The Supremes, and there are a few turns along the way.

In a previous post, I featured an interview with actor Keith Robinson who plays CC (a songwriter and brother of Effie - Jennifer Hudson). Here's part 2 of the interview. We talk about being a role model, and he shares some advice for aspiring actors.

YouTube version
Download Video

Saddam Execution

From A.man.I

This is just the latest example of a citizen capturing a newsworthy moment with a camera phone. The video is poorly shot, and it landed some guards in a bit of trouble, but now, it's online for all to see.

Sure it's slightly graphic, but the media gatekeepers can't keep this out of the public view.

Link to video (proceed with caution)

Interview with Robert Townsend pt. 1

From A.man.I

You may remember Robert Townsend from the movies, "Hollywood Shuffle," or "The Five Heartbeats," or the sitcom "The Parenthood." What you may not know, is that Townsend is also the President of Production at Black Family Channel.

Though I work with him, we only occasionally cross paths, and I recently took advantage of an opportunity to talk to him about his career in showbiz.

Below is part one of the interview.

YouTube version
Download Video (wmv)

This Revolution Won't Be Televised

From BusinessWeek
Catherine Holahan writes about citizen journalism and impact of video on the Net.
Posted by Citizen Media Watch.

Reporter Returns to Bagdad

Here's a link to an article by NABJ's 2004 Journalist of the Year, Hannah Allam. She paints a grim picture of the situation in Iraq.

Africa

From A.man.I
& Prince19826

I'm going to write one word, and I want you to think what comes to mind. AFRICA.

I really don't care what you thought about, I just want you to think.
Now watch this video posted by Prince19826 on Blip.TV.

Thoughts on New Media

From Journal-isms
Richard Prince provides some insighful thoughts on the current state of diversity in the journalism business, and new media.

The turmoil in the news business prompted by new technologies, changing news consumption habits and Wall Street demands ricocheted in newsrooms with a flurry of buyouts, layoffs and changes of ownership that left journalists feeling like whiplash victims.

The victims, Prince explains included both minority journalists and editors, like Dean Bauet of the Los Angeles Times. He was reportedly fired for objecting to his newpapers budget cutting plans.

Prince also discusses new media, and the blogosphere which has grown to an estimated 100-million bloggers.

No one appears to be tracking the diversity numbers, but Ju-Don Roberts, managing editor of washingtonpost.com, an African American who is next year's conference chair, said, "We need to improve the representation of minorities in the Online News Association."

Happy New Year!!!

From A.man.I

Greetings, and blessings to all in the 2007!!! It's hard to believe that 2006 is now in the history books. Journalist Ed Bradley, the legendary James Brown, and President Ford passed, and whle it is easy to reminisce and reflect, this is a time to set personal goals, and look towards the future.

We're living in exciting times, especially for a media hound like me. There's a full-fledged revolution occurring which is reshaping the way we teach, learn, and inform each other. People no longer have to exclusively depend on mainstream media (TV/newspapers) for information. I'm not saying we don't need mainstream media, and professional watchdogs that journalists should be, however, I've personally experienced the power of blogs.

When James Brown passed, I learned of the "breaking news," not from one of the mainstream outlets, but, rather a blogger, who posted the info right after he passed. Sure, blogs are often criticized for being poorly written journals that perpetuate rumors, and spread bad information, but there are numerous examples of credible, well informed writers and journalists who are working to share timely, and accurate stories.

My Urban Report is just one example. Though my background is in broadcast journalism, I'm now dabbling in print, and using some of the skills I've picked up in my 10 plus years working in the media, to do it my way. If you've recently found me online, I thank you for taking the time to read, and watch. My goal is to educate my readers/viewers about the media, share some positive stories that often go ignored in the mainstream, and promote citizen journalism, because now the people, that means you, and I have the power to inform the masses.

Sorry for the long rant, but I have to set the record straight for the 2007.

Thanks for tuning into My Urban Report.

I do this for the love.

Peace.