emPower Magazine Blog

Colin Powell Comments On Gates, Many Blacks Share Racial Profiling Dilemma

By Kenya Thorne

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, interviewed by Larry King Tuesday on CNN, mentioned that Professor Gates should have acted differently to the situation involving his arrest by Cambridge police officer James Crowley. Believing that "you don't argue with a police officer," Colin expressed that Gates should have cooled off before talking to the police officer so that the whole situation could have been avoided. President Obama has invited both men for an informal meeting at the White House to ease racial tensions.

During the interview, Powell recalled being racially profiled himself at Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC. He explained on CNN that he was trying to meet someone there "and nobody thought I could be the national security adviser to the president. I was just a black guy."

A majority of blacks say that they too have been racially profiled by police officers, according to VOAnews.com. Relations between the police and African Americans have improved greatly since the Civil RIghts era—when civil rights activists were wrongly arrested, accused, and murdered—yet, statistics show that black drivers are more likely to get their cars stopped and searched by the police than white drivers.

According to Charles Wilson, head of the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers, too often cops stop, question, or arrest people based on the color of their skin instead of using evidence.

"The institution of policing is and always has been inherently biased against people of color and low income, and you must accept that as a fact," Wilson told a VOAnews.com reporter.

I remember the many road trips my family made during our summer vacations as a child. One night after dropping off my younger cousin in Lansing, MI, my dad slowly pulled the car around the corner, with me, my mom, and my little brother in tow. Soon after, we saw flashing lights behind us, indicating that my dad needed to pull over. Two cops got out the car, shined their flashlights all in our faces, the backseat, and in the front, blinding me,and then one cop asked my dad for his license.

My dad was really upset and I shared his frustration. He wasn't speeding; he had just pulled out the driveway! I realized my dad was pulled over simply because he was a black man riding around in a brand new Lincoln LS. They were probably wondering if the car was stolen. My dad had no reason to get pulled over, but nevertheless, my dad got a ticket for going a couple miles over the speed limit. Right.

Sources:

MSNBC.com-Powell: Gates should have reacted differently

VOA News-Majority of African Americans Say They Have Been Victims of Racial Profiling by Police

Why 'SkipGate' will not be a Teachable Moment

By Crecilla Scott

“Black and white Americans have completely different reactions to the Gates case because they have a completely different historical experience with police authority.” –- Lawrence Bobo, W.E.B. Du Bois Professor of the Social Sciences at Harvard University and author of The Root.com article, The Place Where We All Can't Just Get Along

For the record, I had absolutely no intention of mentioning the fiasco that is SkipGate.  There are very few news outlets and websites that have not dissected the dust-up and subsequent arrest of Henry Louis Gates, Jr. by Officer Crowley.  I can’t turn on my TV or read a blog that does not reference the incident.  It’s not that I am uninterested in the case -- I’ve had numerous conversations about its implications. I know that the police officer should not have arrested Professor Gates once he proved that he was the legitimate homeowner. I know that Professor Gates was arrested, at least in part, for being uppity. (All black people know that you don’t “sass” a police officer.)  It’s just that there are more pressing issues to be concerned with, like the poor 8-year old girl who was gang-raped and essentially disowned by her family.  Let me rephrase that – I’m not saying that we should not be concerned with a policeman’s abuse of authority, but unfortunately, this is nothing new for black folks. While we should continue to challenge injustice, I don’t think the incident involving Henry Louis Gates Jr. is the optimal example of police abuse. It is an example, but not the most “teachable” example. After all, the good professor made it out of his home alive.  (Actually, the only teachable moment that may come from this incident is that we do not live in a post-racial America – and black folks already know this fact.)

I’ve read many articles on this issue and for the most part, they all sound similar. Most black people believe Professor Gates was unjustly arrested in his home and many white people believe the police officer was within his rights. Black people are generally mistrustful of the police.  Many of us have experienced (or know someone who has experienced) their aggressive, heavy-handed ways. Most white people see most police officers as “Officer Friendly.” Black people don’t see the law this way – period. 

But, more than divergent views and differences of perspective, it’s the denial and ignorance displayed by some fellow Americans that lead me to believe that, in the end, this will not be a teachable moment. Anytime a bitter, ignorant Republican tries to sponsor a bill to make President Obama apologize for his comments about Officer Crowley, I know that this incident is not a teachable moment. Anytime The Root, Professor Gates’ online magazine, is flooded with racist insults -- I know that this incident is not a teachable moment.  Anytime Mika Brzezinski, co-host on “Morning Joe,” believes that the same scenario involving a white cop and a white homeowner would have ended with the same results -- I know that this incident is not a teachable moment.  (O.k. incident may have ended the same, but what are the odds?) 

Let me address Ms. Brzezinski for a moment. She asserts that when two men get together and have an argument, it usually doesn’t end well. But when, in the history of this country, have police officers and citizens been viewed as equal? One has the authority and power of the law on their side. And when has a black man and a white cop “having an argument” been on equal terms?  She spoke without any historical or current context of race relations in this country. Ms. Brzezinski goes on to ask if it’s regrettable that the police officer was so quickly labeled a racist…but has she ever asked if it’s regrettable that just about every black man in America is labeled a threat to America?  Isn’t it regrettable that so many encounters with the police end so horribly for minorities?  Isn’t it regrettable that black and white experiences in this country are so different that we can’t see eye to eye in so many instances (i.e., Michael Vick, Rodney King, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., etc.). Isn’t it regrettable that in the end, this will not be a teachable moment?

Crecilla Scott is the founder of Infinity Research, LLC, a social science research company in the Washington DC area. She is the host of a local TV show, “Conversations with Crecilla.” She is also a passionate speaker, who has given professional presentations for various organizations and federal agencies. She can be reached at Crecilla@liukarama.com.

Additional Resources

If They’re So Scared, How Come We are the Dead Ones?
http://www.theroot.com/views/if-they-are-so-scared-how-come-were-dead-ones

Site for Blacks Attracts Slurs After Arrest of Professor
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/27/business/media/27root.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/24/AR2009072402117.html

http://www.theroot.com/views/equal-and-opposite-overreaction

http://www.theroot.com/views/place-where-we-all-cant-just-get-along

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/27/AR2009072701907.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19698132/

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/07/27/2011033.aspx

Dr. Rachael "The Next Dr. Ruth" Gives Frank Sex Advice To African Americans

By Kenya Thorne

Rachael Ross, MD regularly gives out frank advice on sex and reproductive health to the African American community. She has shared her expertise with BET, Power 92.3 and B 96 in the Chicago area, as well as with other shows and programs. A standout in the field of sexology, she has often been called "The Next Dr.Ruth." Her mission is to change people's dangerous sexual behaviors and slow down the out-of-wedlock births by educating people and answering tough questions that people are sometimes reluctant to ask. She also talks about the emotional side of sex. Hopefully her frank discussions will change those misguided attitudes to those of monogamous, safe, healthy, and honest relationships. Visit her website for more information and advice on how you and your partner can have healthy relationships.

Here is Dr. Rachael answering some callers' very personal and intimate questions.

Sources:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/health/chi-sex-talk-radio-doctor_jul27,0,1076592.story

Wireless Internet Technology Closing the Digital Divide

By Kenya Thorne

A recent Pew Internet report unveiled that there is a growing trend of African Americans who are using smart-phones on a consistent basis. According to the report, 29 percent of African Americans use the Internet via phone, compared to 12 percent from 2007. These rates are more than double that of the national average.

Mobile Internet use is soaring, being that it is, to date, the easiest way to expand affordable wireless technology. It also reaps tremendous social benefits that may soon close the digital divide. Furthermore, this new information supports why President Obama should continue to seek funding for high-speed wireless networks.

Source:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jonathan-spalter/the-digital-divide-is-mob_b_244573.html

Poll Shows Obama Support Diminishing for Health care Reform

By Kenya Thorne

The new Washington Post-ABC News Poll shows that approval ratings favoring Obama are weakening among political Independents and women for health care reform.

Approval ratings have fallen less than 50 percent for the first time, with a 16-point drop among women and a 9-point drop among Independents.

In June, women favored Obama over Republicans with handling health reform by 34 points, but now its shrunk down to 24 points.

The numbers indicate a decrease in specific areas, but not a significant one.

In spite of it all, majorities within the four major groups: women, Independents, liberals and younger adults, support the general outlines of the health reform package.

Last night, Obama answered questions from the press about his health care reform plan. Watch the video.

Sources:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/behind-the-numbers/2009/07/obamas_shrinking_approval_on_h.html?hpid=topnews

Black in America 2: Blacks Providing Opportunities

By Kenya Thorne

As I watched Black in America 2 last night, I couldn't help but feel proud and hopeful. Why didn't I know about this documentary!?! This year, CNN's Black in America 2, hosted by Soledad O'Brien, let America capture some aspects of the lives of the African Americans who are success stories, who are making a difference in the lives of others.

Malaak Compton-Rock selected a group of teenagers from Brunswick, an area of Brooklyn, NY, to experience life in Africa, where they got a taste of reality. This was her way of molding them hopefully to become great leaders for their community.

This segment was really emotional for me. Going to Africa to help has been something on my heart for a while now. This past week God has been showing me things that leave me even more grateful. I had been complaining, but soon after, I would see someone who didn't have the things that I had.This show was a real eye opener. I may be living in poverty in America, but it's not even comparable to how Africa is.

The next segment was about Steve Perry, principal of a magnet school in Connecticut where 100 percent of students graduate high school and go to college. Impressive. I hope many others follow his lead. They also documented Susan Rice's brother, John Rice, who is moving towards getting more black CEO's among Fortune 500 companies through his program called MLT Management: Leadership for Tomorrow.

Seeing all of those young,successful African Americans in his program let me know that I CAN make it to the top. Now there is no doubt in my mind. Every time I interview with a good company, I always have that feeling that the person is thinking this: "Don't forget; you're black. You don't qualify. You're not good enough to be in our company." That's fine if you feel that way. Now I'm part of a company that I'm proud to be a part of, a place where I am wanted, and needed.

Tonight at 8 pm Black In America 2 will continue, featuring blacks like Tyler Perry on his career and accomplishments, surgeon Dr. Lisa Newman, who is studying triple negative breast cancer and goes to Africa for research, as well as other influential African Americans in this nation.

Sources:

http://blogs.ajc.com/radio-tv-talk/2009/07/21/cnn-returns-with-black-in-america-2/

http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/tv/bal-ae.zontv19jul19,0,7426528.story

The Current Health System Affects Everyone

By DeShuna Spencer

On a recent trip to the doctor, the physician began asking me questions about my medical history.

Ever since I could remember, I've had fainting spells. Unlike my heart murmur, my fainting condition never went away on its own as I got older. Because this condition has followed me since my childhood, he wanted to know what my pediatrician diagnosed my condition as. I told him I didn't have a regular pediatrician as a child. He reworded his question, "Well, what about your family doctor?" I said I only went to the doctor to get my shots when I was four and I didn't go to the doctor again until I was 16. He looked at me puzzled for a while and left it alone.

I was one of the millions of children who don’t get regular check-ups. My parents made too much money for my family to get Medicaid, but didn’t make enough to provide three children health care. As a child, I never considered myself poor. My parents owned our little house in a dilapidated South Memphis community surrounded by low-income apartments (before moving to a better neighborhood as a teenager). For the most part, we had food unless my father got laid off, worse off relatives moved into our house or when things like the car or bathroom faucets stopped working. But looking back on it, my parents were struggling to make ends meet. I remember needing things for school and my mom would give it as long as at least $100 was left in the family checking account. Sometimes by the end of the pay period, we would only have $20 left. As an adult without children, I can't image only having $100 to my name. What if a catastrophic medical emergency occurs? Where would the money come from, especially if you're without health insurance? A person in this situation has two options: go to an emergency room and incur thousands of dollars of debt or forgo the much needed medical care. A case like this happened a few years ago. In Prince George's County, MD a 12-year-old boy died after a tooth infection spread to his brain. By the time it was caught by doctors, it was too late. If his mother would've had dental insurance, that boy would be alive today.

I went to the dentist for the first time when I was in the 11th grade. My sister was 22, and my mother, who had a tough childhood, was 42-years-old! But thankfully as a child, I never had a major medical situation. I did have one case of the flu in the eighth grade that was so bad, I began hallucinating. But I made it through. I am happy to report that my entire family is doing well and insured, at least for now. My brother lost his job on Monday; I am concerned about his future health coverage.

The current health system affects everyone. Insurance companies have skyrocketing premiums, which hurt small businesses; medical emergencies are causing families without health insurance to go deeper into debt; and lack of coverage causes preventable diseases to go undetected.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in 2007, 49 percent of African Americans in comparison to 66 whites used employer-sponsored health insurance. Also in 2007, 23.8 percent of African Americans in comparison to 9 percent of whites relied on public health insurance. Finally, in 2007, 19.5 percent of African Americans in comparison to 10.4 percent of whites were uninsured. Due to lack of coverage, blacks are more likely to die from diseases that are easily treated if caught early.

There has been a lot of debate about health care reform. Because of my childhood, I believe every American (especially those under the age of 18) should have some form of health insurance. I would not mind paying an extra $50 in taxes to ensure everyone is getting adequate health care. How can the most powerful country in the world allow millions of people to live without health insurance? We need a reform. Although I believe every American should have health coverage, I have a few concerns as well. In Canada for instance, because of doctors' heavy case loads, patients sometimes must wait up to six month to receive pertinent lifesaving treatment. During the President's message this evening, I hope he addresses this concern.

No matter which side of the aisle you sit on for this debate, we can all agree that the way the current health care system is being ran is not working. Let’s hope our elected officials make the right decisions about health care reform.

DeShuna Spencer is Owner/Editorial Director of emPower magazine. Reach her at editorial@emPowernewsmag.com.

There is Nothing Post Racial about President Obama’s Speech to the NAACP

By Crecilla Scott

“The most difficult barriers include structural inequalities that our nation’s legacy of discrimination has left behind; inequalities still plaguing too many communities and too often the object of national neglect.” – President Barack Obama, addressing the NAACP at its 100th anniversary celebration

On July 16, 2009, President Obama addressed the NAACP during its 100th anniversary celebration. His exhilarating speech acknowledged our country’s shameful legacy of racism and discrimination and highlighted the need for African Americans to raise the bar and encourage excellence from our children.  In typical fashion, many news outlets summarized President Obama’s speech with the phrase “no excuses.” Unfortunately, that sentiment oversimplifies and denigrates the integrity and complexity of what was conveyed in President Obama’s speech.  True enough, President Obama mentioned that phrase in his speech.  But the mainstream media would have most people believe that those words encompassed all that President Obama had to say.  In reality, he also said:

“The first thing we need to do is make real the words of the NAACP charter and eradicate prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination among citizens of the United States…”

“But make no mistake: The pain of discrimination is still felt in America. By African American women paid less for doing the same work as colleagues of a different color and a different gender…”

“The most difficult barriers include structural inequalities that our nation’s legacy of discrimination has left behind…” 

Newsflash to those who believe that we live in a post-racial America: those pesky structural inequalities--which are a direct result of deep-seated, entrenched, legalized, violent, racial hatred and discrimination in this country – disproportionately impact African Americans.  This is in addition to continued instances of racism that leaves us wondering if it’s 2009 or 1959.  For example:

1. On July 9, 2009, black children were kicked out of country club’s swimming pool because they might change the complexion of the pool.
2. The newly elected chairman of the Young Republicans, Audra Shay, 38, won despite racist statements on her Facebook page such as “No ‘Obama in a noose?”-- in response to a hanging effigy of Sarah P.
3. According to the Huffington Post, Texas state police had to break up a confrontation between black protesters and skinheads during a protest for justice in the death of “24-year-old Brandon McClelland, whose mangled body was found Sept. 16 on a country road outside of town after he was run over by a vehicle and dragged beneath it.”
4. Last week, Republican representative Todd Tiahrt (Kansas) drew audible disapproval while speaking on the House floor when he speculated whether or not President Barack Obama’s mother (and Justice Thomas’ mother), may have had an abortion had the government picked up the tab.  (Author’s note: Why didn’t he publicly speculate if his own mother would have had one?)
5. After a report of a suspected residential break-in on July 16, 2009, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., one of the world’s most respected scholars, Alphonse Fletcher Professor of Harvard University and Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American Research, was arrested in his own home after producing a driver’s license and appropriate I.D.  Subsequently, disorderly conduct charges were dropped.

I can continue, but you get the idea. I readily acknowledge the tremendous progress that our country has made. But we have not reached a “post-racial” America. While many people are quick to reference this imaginary “post-racial” status, these same people generally ignore or deny this country’s “structural inequalities that our nation’s legacy of discrimination has left behind.” Until the quality of life for minorities improve (i.e., narrowing or closing the achievement gap, life expectancy, infant mortality, income and wealth disparity, etc.), we cannot place the entire burden of improvement on individuals while ignoring structural impediments that perpetuate these conditions.  As Huffington Post commentator John Ridley points out, “governmental intervention and personal responsibility are not mutually exclusive.”

What many people fail to realize is that President Barack Obama is not exclusively the result of hard work and perseverance. He is not only an example of personal responsibility and pulling oneself up by one’s bootstraps. He is also the realization of our descendents’ tremendous efforts that demanded equality. In short, President Obama is the embodiment of personal responsibility meets a more democratic, less racist society. 


Crecilla Scott is the founder of Infinity Research, LLC, a social science research company in the Washington DC area. She is the host of a local TV show, “Conversations with Crecilla.” She is also a passionate speaker, who has given professional presentations for various organizations and federal agencies. She can be reached at Crecilla@liukarama.com.

Additional Resources
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/07/17/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5168100.shtml
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/07/16/obama.naacp/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/07/07/lacewell.post.racial/index.html#cnnSTCText
http://ta-nehisicoates.theatlantic.com/archives/2009/07/obama_tells_fellow_blacks--no_excuses_for_failure.php#comments
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-ridley/can-the-naacp-survive-pre_b_238274.html
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/07/17/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry5168100.shtml
http://bible.cc/hebrews/11-1.htm
http://www.theroot.com/views/obama-doctrine-racism-s-real-deal-it
http://www.theroot.com/views/nothing-be-jealous-about
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/07/17/ferguson.education.parents/index.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/21/riot-police-storm-texas-t_n_242372.html
http://thinkprogress.org/2009/07/20/house-gop-website-posts-video

HPV: The Debate Continues

By Fadesola A. Adetosoye

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV-associated cervical cancer are important domestic and international public health issues. Approximately 11,000 newly diagnosed cervical cancers occur annually in the United States, causing approximately 37,000 deaths. Globally, an estimated half of a million new cervical cases occur each year, resulting in 27, 4000 deaths; 80 percent of cervical cancer-related deaths occur in developing nations.

According to Weinstock et. Al., HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States, accounting for an approximate 6.2 million newly diagnosed cases each year.   Overall, one in four American women carry some variation of HPV between the ages of 14 and 59. Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), results conveyed an overall 27 percent HPV prevalence among women and girls in the U.S., with an increase in annual prevalence for girls between the ages of 14 and 24 years. In raw numbers, the percentage demonstrates an estimated 7.5 million women, between the ages of 14 and 24, are infected with some form of HPV.

In June 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of a prophylactic quadrivalent HPV vaccine against HPV strands 6, 11, 16, and 18 for use among women aged 9 to 26 years of age. Shortly after its licensure, at least 24 states, and the District of Columbia, introduced legislation to mandate school-aged girls to receive the vaccination prior to school entry in the fall.  At the same time, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), an advisory board to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adopted a recommendation that girls, aged 11 to 12-years-old, should receive the vaccination. The legislation and ACIP recommendation spurred a number of protests, begging the question: should HPV vaccinations be required for school-aged girls? Requiring school-aged girls to receive the mandate is challenging, but possible.

To gain support from parents and other naysayers of the HPV mandate, policy recommendations must provide evidence that the benefits outweigh the costs (economic and social costs).

Provision of evidence must include:

• Outreach to members of disenfranchised population. A large number of opponents to HPV mandates are from minority populations. Much of the opposition has to do with medical mistrust and lack of knowledge concerning the HPV vaccination’s benefits. Possibly collaborating with community health centers and community members, by providing workshops, may be helpful. Furthermore, outreach will help legislators understand what the public’s issue is with the mandate, which can aid in reforming the policy language to include everyone’s needs.
• Long-term economic impact. The short-term costs may appear high; however, explaining the long-term costs of cervical cancer, as a result of HPV, may help make a better policy decision. Explaining the dangers of cervical cancer and the risk of cervical cancer from HPV may help the public and legislators understand the significance of a policy mandate for the HPV vaccination.
• Statistics. Demonstrating the efficacy of the drug for eradicating or reducing incidence of HPV may help policy decisions. For example, the FDA demonstrated that Gardasil was “nearly 100 percent effective in preventing precancerous cervical lesions.” Conducting further studies corroborating the Gardasil’s findings may provide stronger support for the policy recommendation.

Much of the arguments against HPV vaccination mandate concern opposition to the science by pro-life groups. If more is known about the HPV vaccination, it is possible that supporters on this issue may be able to pull in the naysayers. Do your part by donating to the National Cervical Cancer and HPV Coalition to help fund further research on this issue.

Black Professor at Harvard Arrested, Prosecutors Drop Charge

By Kenya Thorne

Update: 1:30 pm: 07.21.09

The disorderly conduct charges against Dr. Henry Louis Gates, professor at Harvard University, have been dropped.

The city of Cambridge issued a statement saying the arrest "was regrettable and unfortunate" and police and Gates agreed that dropping the charge was a just resolution.

"This incident should not be viewed as one that demeans the character and reputation of professor Gates or the character of the Cambridge Police Department," the statement said.

Original Post: 10:30 am 07.21.09

Late last week, African American History scholar Henry Louis Gates, 58, of Harvard University, returned from a trip to China to find the front door of his home jammed. After attempting to get inside, he was arrested upon entering.

Minutes after he let himself in through the back door, a Cambridge police officer arrived at his home. Gates says that he showed the officer his driver's license and his Harvard ID card. He was arrested not for breaking into HIS home, but for disorderly conduct. The officer stated Gates “exhibited loud and tumultuous behavior.” Police reports say that Gates refused to identify himself, and Gates is now accusing the police of racism.

 I find it hard to understand why the police officer didn't excuse himself and leave the professor alone. Obviously his driver's license had his address on it, but the officer still didn't believe his story. Gates told the officer, "This is what happens to black men in America."

He couldn't have said it any better. I would've displayed my First Amendment right also. It seems like it doesn't matter if you attended Yale, teach at Harvard, or live in a safe, predominantly white community—if you have color on your skin, the police are not going to care. It's such an insult for all of this to have happened to this prestigious black man.

This incident is now bringing up old feelings of question about the police in Cambridge among Gates and fellow African American colleagues. Are they racial profiling? Are black men in that area being targeted? S. Allen Counter was stopped by campus police officers back in 2004 after being mistaken as a robbery suspect, and was threatened to be arrested if he couldn't provide proper identification.

Now Counter, Gates, and other African Americans from Harvard are left with this question."What if Gates was a white professor? Could this have been avoided?

Sources:     http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jNR4dcq5sivgbez2rttRVWtTMXoAD99ICMF01

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=anupUHzw.F0Y

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/21/us/21gates.html