Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
President Obama Wins Noble Peace Prize
President Obama is the 2009 winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Obama was cited for "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples."
Thursday, October 8, 2009
GAY PRIDE MONTH: PART #2
The month of October was chosen in order to commemorate the anniversaries of the first two gay and lesbian marches on Washington, October 1979, which drew over 200,000, and October 1987, which drew over 500,000 and had the first public viewing of the NAMES Project AIDS Quilt, as well as the fact that National Coming Out Day is on October 11th. Since its beginnings, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, Human Rights Campaign, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and other national organizations have endorsed it. The governors of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Oregon, as well as the mayors of Boston and Chicago, declared October National Lesbian and Gay History Month in 1995. And in July of the same year, the National Education Association passed an amendment supporting Gay and Lesbian History Month.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
DC is Legalizing Gay Marriage
The District of Columbia is now recognizing same sex marriage licenses from other states, for residents who now reside in Washington under a new law that took effect July 7, 2009.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Is Obama Tough Enough to Make the Health-Care Decisions???
Many people have asked the question, "Is President Obama qualified for the job?" And the unequivocal answer is "yes." However, many have not asked the question, "Is President Obama tough enough for the job?" And my answer is leaning toward, "No."President Obama has what I call a "satisfaction complex." He is determined to appease both sides of the political aisle and satisfy everyone. This is a lofty and consequential feat that will be the downfall of his presidency. Those reading this may ask, "Shouldn't he try/attempt to please both Democrats and Republicans?" Of course the simply response is "yes." But, we all know that the core quality of a good leader is to make the tough decisions understanding that there will not be a consensus agreement. Even Republicans can appreciate someone making a firm decision and sticking with it. This is why they supported President Bush for eight years despite his illogical/non-directive/unpopular politics. I like the fact that Bush made the tough decision and stuck with it. Yes, at times he made mistakes and should have openly admitted his mistakes to the American people, but nonetheless he made the tough decisions.
The centerpiece to this discussion is, can President Obama make the tough decisions? It was easy to make firm decisions on the economic crisis and global terrorism, however the decision to be made on health care insurance will impact the American people differently. The others were "must" decisions, but the issue of health care insurance is the first "proactive" decision of his administration and potentially could hurt his approval rating and turn-off voters. His "marketplace" health care plan that Obama talks about to increase competition among insurance companies and keep them honest has alot of loopholes (public vs. private competition, rationing care, socialized care, etc.). But rather than addressing the various elements of the plan, his goal is to promote the overall picture (ie. Free and/or affordable health care for all). Everyone knows that "free" often comes with a price and affordable means, "you get what you pay for."
Will Obama risk making an unpopular decision this early in his presidency? Is he tough enough to make a decision and live with the consequences?
Monday, August 17, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Steve McNair, What Were You Thinking?!
The girlfriend of former NFL star Steve McNair first shot him in his right temple, then fired three more shots at close range, most likely as he slept, according to police. She then sat on the couch next to his body, and killed herself so that she would fall into his lap, they said. "The totality of the evidence clearly points to a murder-suicide," Nashville, Tennessee, Police Chief Ronal Serpas.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Black Fathers, Why "NOT" Be Accountable?
"The engaged black father is an elusive character in popular culture. The percentage of black children living in fatherless homes—roughly 50 percent—has perpetuated an orthodoxy that black men are irresponsible and indifferent to fatherhood. A 2007 study noted that a black father's ability to financially contribute is one of the biggest determinants of whether he stays in the home. Will (Black America) have to come to a consensus on what constitutes a good father?"Excerpts from Joshua Alston, O Father, Where Art Thou?
For every two irresponsible black "sperm givers", there is one responsible black father. Even though the absentee of the black father is an epidemic in the black community, it cast a negative shadow over the black fathers that are accountable, responsible, engaged, and as my Grandmomma would say "acting like a daddy." Also, it does not address the black fathers that would like to be in their child's life but the mother has impeded that process.
Personally, my Grandmother would always ask/tell my father, "why don't you spend time with the boy?" Her constant encouragement/firmness did not propel him to want to be in my life. So, being a responsible black father is an "individual choice" that the black man has to make.
Happy Father's Day to the "WOMEN" that have raised me--my Mother, Godmother, and Grandmother. And to the only father I have known, my Godfather, Andrew "Sonny" Owens. One love!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
The Wichita File: Minority Incorporation
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 2005-2007 American Community Survey, African-Americans in Wichita, Kansas make up 9% of the population (40,173). Despite the relative small percentage of African-Americans, many hold leadership positions in state, local, and community affairs. For example, Melody McCray-Miller (state legislator), Oletha Faust-Goudeau (state legislator), Gail Finney (state legislator), Carl Brewer (Mayor), LaVonta Williams (City Council), Norman Williams (Police Chief), Ron Blackwell (Fire Chief), Kevin Myles (NAACP), Chester Daniel (Urban League), Kevass Harding (School Board) and Betty Arnold (School Board).Given the presence of African-American leadership in Wichita, why is the black community (as a whole not individually) so stagnant? Have African-American leaders achieved a high level of minority incorporation that would allow them to influence economic, social, and political decisions to address the needs and concerns of the black community? Minority incorporation is the degree “to which a group has been able to achieve a position from which strong and sustained influence can be exercised” (Brown, Marshall, and Tabb 1984, 241). By definition, the above African-Americans in Wichita have achieved it. Yet, we have not seen if the obtainment of these positions has translated into black empowerment.
Have these African-American leaders exercised a level of black consciousness/solidarity? Have they encouraged the black community to act as a cohesive group and exercise collective action to better the community?
If the answer is “no” to the above questions, then these individuals only provide symbolic representation for the black community. So, why do we hold them in such high regard if their actions are not congruent with what is in the best interests of the black community? To bring truth to this analysis, some of the above leaders “do” represent the black community (and very well). However, the rest of them have fallen victim to the embedded conservative ideology that impedes black empowerment in the city. For many of them to gain these political/community offices they had to embrace conservative coalitions. In fact, some of these leaders that have achieved these positions have alienated themselves (intentionally and unintentionally) from the general masses of the black community and only maintained relationships with other “so-called” affluent blacks in Wichita (i.e., the forming of clicks).
What good is it to have the presence of African-Americans in leadership positions if it does not benefit the black community? It creates a false ideology of the advancement of blacks in the community and appeases the white dominant, conservative base that says “what else do you want?” Simple, Wichita needs African-Americans in these positions that align themselves with the plight of African-American progress and understands the historic struggles of the black race (those from Wichita know exactly what I mean).
William T. Hoston, Ph.D.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Who’s Responsible for the Lyrical Content in Rap Music? ---William T. Hoston
Rap artists repeatedly call women “Bitches and Hoes.” They make reference to being promiscuous with multiple women, glorify carrying guns, selling drugs, smoking weed, and stand by the motto “keeping it real.” But, is “keeping it real” being accountable for their lyrical content.
Opponents of rap music speculate that the lyrical content in some songs have gone too far? They argue that the content is too misogynistic, violent, rebels against American values, and more importantly, provides a generation of youth (of all races and colors) with negative reinforcements and stereotypes.
A double edge sword has continued to exist in that rap artists should be accountable for their lyrical content. However to censor these artists would compromise the validity of the art form. Since the inception of rap music it has been a medium for young African-Americans, born and raised in the inner-city to channel their life experiences and everyday struggles.
Whom (really) are the rap artists cleaning up their lyrics for?
The centerpiece of the debate is the rap consumer. A number of studies have identified White males (13-25) as the leading consumers of rap music. While White youth are typically framed as the victims of the influence of rap music, they account for more than 70 percent of sales according to the Recording Industry Association of America. Also, Whites are the owners of two major rap magazines, The Source and XXL. This raises the question: Have the institutions of white America taken a position on rap music to protect their own interest? Bill Yousman describes White youth identification with black popular culture as Blackophilia. In his research he argues that White youth have developed a fascination with not only rap music but the hip-hop culture.
In the late 1990s, Interscope Records that housed rap artists such as Dr. Dre, Snoop Doggy Dog, and Tupac Shakur came under heavy criticism regarding the lyrical content of their artists. Ted Field, chief financial investor, stated, “I wouldn’t allow my 3 and 10 year old daughters to listen to Snoop Doggy Dog.” In 1997, Forbes Magazine estimated Field’s net worth of Interscope Records at $500 million.
Rap music has evolved into a billion-dollar industry. The major record companies have not led a campaign to censor the lyrical content of these artists, in fact, many of them promote it further perpetuating the negative stereotypes that have branded young African-American males. The companies that distribute rap music (i.e., Interscope Records, Warner Elektra Atlantic (WEA), Polygram,MCA Music Entertainment, BMG Distribution, Atlantic Records, and Sony MusicEntertainment) are all owned by White males. Therefore, an internal question is raised: Why haven’t these music companies exercised some/more degree of control to censor the lyrical content of rap music? Simple, the degradation of the African-American male image is not as important to them as the financial benefit of profiting from it. I am not letting African-American males off the hook, but holding both parties (corporate and the individual) responsible since most of the blame disproportionately falls on the African-American male.
In the words of Tupac Shakur, “Now if I choose to ride/ thuggin’ till the day I die / They don't give a f*^k about us / While I'm kickin rhymes/ Getting to their children’s minds/ Now they give a f*^k about us.”
William T. Hoston is an Assistant Professor at Wichita State University in the Department of Political Science.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES...
Thank you WSU for the opportunities for professional and personal development that you have provided me during the last three years. The time I have spent at the university has been most rewarding and helpful in my academic career, and I hope that my contributions to the university, and greater Wichita community have been appreciated.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Nevada governor turns down Obama airport meeting
Nevada's Republican governor has turned down an invitation from the White House to briefly greet President Obama when he visits the state tomorrow for a Democratic fundraising event, citing comments the president made earlier this year calling on companies that received taxpayer-funded bailouts to avoid wasting money on luxuries like company planes and Vegas vacations.“While I appreciate the offer, I am not interested in a handshake and a hello from President Obama, I am interested in an apology and plan to undo the damage the President did,” Gov. Jim Gibbons said in a Monday statement.
He again called on Obama to publicly promote Nevada tourism, and to apologize for his remark that business leaders receiving money from the government "can’t get corporate jets. You can’t go take a trip to Las Vegas or go down to the Super Bowl on the taxpayer’s dime,” blaming the president for the recent cancellation of hundreds of conventions and other meetings originally scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, and the loss of more than $100 million in revenue.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Is WSU Raising Tuition?!?!
At WSU, a proposed 5.5 percent increase would put a semester's tuition and fees at $2,682-- or $140 more than the current rate of $2,542.http://www.kansas.com/news/story/822319.html
Thursday, May 21, 2009
IS MAYORAL CANDIDATE JAMES PERRY TOO "DARK" TO BECOME MAYOR OF NEW ORLEANS?---William T. Hoston
The city of New Orleans elected its first black mayor, Ernest “Dutch” Morial, in 1977 and black candidates have won all mayoral elections thereafter. However, all the mayoral winners have been light/fair skinned blacks (e.g., Dutch Morial, Sidney Barthelemy, Marc Morial, and Ray Nagin to name a few). Skin tone plays an important role in "Black on Black" and "Biracial" mayoral elections in New Orleans. It was probably a major factor in two New Orleans mayoral contests, 1986 and 2002. For example, in 1986 darker skinned William Jefferson (former corrupt US congressmen), a then city council member ran against lighter skinned Sidney Barthelemy. In the general election, Barthelemy won 86% of the white vote and Jefferson won 60% of the black vote. In the 2002 mayoral election, Ray Nagin captured a hefty portion of the white vote as well, all 143 white majority precincts (not the same in 2006).In the post-Hurricane Katrina period, many black voters have not returned to the city. And those currently residing in New Orleans have been turned-off with the antics of current mayor, Ray Nagin. Because black voter turnout may be relatively low in the upcoming election, this may potentially impact the outcome, compromise the black political leadership that New Orleans has enjoyed since the 1970s, and subsequently alienate James Perry from contention.
If James Perry is left in a run-off with another Black candidate, I would suggest employing a neo-conservative campaign strategy. If James Perry is left in a run-off with a White candidate, I would suggest employing a de-racialized campaign strategy. At the end of the day, the base of white voters that will determine the next mayor of New Orleans will "only" respond to a Black candidate that practices a neo-conservative brand of politics and totally deracializes their campaign. Other than that, he could bleach his skin since he was not born with the skin tone that black and white voters in New Orleans are accustom to.
William T. Hoston is a professor of political science at Wichita State University in the Department of Political Science (and New Orleans native).
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Guilty Forever: Time Spent Is Not Good Enough For Some--William T. Hoston
WARNING: I "do not" support nor condone the behavior, actions of Michael Vick.Please leave Michael Vick alone. The man has served 19 months in Federal (not state) prison with the remaining being served in home confinement in Virginia. Vick has been instructed by the NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, to show remorse for his actions to be reinstated to the NFL. How does he do that?!?!?
First, he will work on programs aimed at preventing urban youth from getting involved in dogfighting (I thought dogfighting was a rural problem...). Second, I am sure he will make several appearances on TV talk shows to display his remorse (possibly even Oprah). Third, he will meet with the NFL commissioner and for certain break down and cry on his shoulder (i.e., Rosewood, Mississippi Burning, Time to Kill, Amistad...catch my drift). Finally, he will do construction work for a minimal wage of $10 an hour after once being the NFL's highest paid player. The other "options" of remorse are out the door. For example, him giving to charitable organizations because the creditors and the Atlanta Falcons have asked for their money back (and rightfully so!).
The conservative in me says, "Michael Vick, you a big dummy, go hide under a rock!!!" The liberal says, "he has paid his debt to society, give him another chance :-)." The conservative says, "the world was your oyster, why would you participate in such a heinous and foolish act?" The liberal says, "he was just trying to 'keep it real' with the fellas and still be true to the hood--for acceptance." The conservative says, "keeping it real is knowing when to separate yourself from friends that will jeopardize your career." The liberal says, "these were the people that he believed truly loved and cared about him, boy was he wrong."
Personally, I am of the opinion that, he has done the time so we (as a society) should move toward forgiving him (many already have and didn't think what he did was all that bad). He has paid his debt to society. So, the NFL commissioner should reinstate him to resume his playing career. But hold up, the NFL is a corporation. What happens to an employee in corporate America if they commit a heinous act that misrepresents the corporation? Do they get to work there again? Sorry, that's the conservative talking :-(
So, let the liberal speak. The NFL should reinstate Michael Vick, only allow a team to pay him the league minimum for the first 3 years, and in the off-seasons he should perform 5,000 community service hours (yes I know thats alot!) for NFL related programs that target youth achievement.
In the words of Malcolm X, I say to Mr. Vick, "If you have no critics you'll likely have no (post)-success."
William T. Hoston is a professor of political science at Wichita State University in the Department of Political Science.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Former Florida A&M Student Gets Prison Term in Grade-Changing Case
A former Florida A&M University student was sentenced Monday to 22 months in prison in a case involving unauthorized changes to grades and other student records at the university, the Tallahassee Democrat reported, citing information from the U.S. attorney’s office.The former student, Lawrence Secrease, pleaded guilty to charges that included aggravated identity theft, unauthorized access of a protected computer, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his part in a scheme that involved grade changes for about 90 students, prosecutors said. Mr. Secrease and two co-defendants also changed the residency status for some out-of-state students to in-state, reducing tuition revenue to the university by thousands of dollars, the prosecutors said.
One co-defendant, Christopher Jacquette, also pleaded guilty and received the same sentence as Mr. Secrease last month, the newspaper reported. A third defendant, Marcus Barrington, was convicted at a trial in March and is scheduled to be sentenced next month. —Charles Huckabee
Sunday, May 17, 2009
NOW, WHY ARE YOU SPEAKING IN TRADITIONAL "RED" STATES?!?!
Obama: " Well, its simple, I am campaigning for 2012...Duh!"Hoston: "But they don't like you Mr. President."
Obama: "Dr. Hoston there is no progress without resistance."
Hoston: "Mr. President, instead of speaking at ASU and Notre Dame under controversy and criticism, why don't you speak at Morehouse, Spelman, Xavier, Dillard, SU, Grambling, Jackson St., Howard--you know places that would "really" welcome your presence."
Obama: "Dr. Hoston you make a good point, I should speak at those schools (HBCU's) considering I ran a de-racialized campaign and did not make any appearances in front of majority-black crowds."
Hoston: "Mr. President thank you. I appreciate that. Those schools would definitely give you an honorary doctorate :-)"
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Chrysler closing 789 dealerships (I miss my "Baby Bentley"!)
Chrysler LLC will close down 789 dealerships, or roughly 25% of the current number.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Next Black President of the U.S., 2064
Future Credentials* Bachelors of Science from Florida A&M University
Major: Political Science
Minor: Economics
* White House Intern
* Harvard Law School Graduate
Mock Trial Team
Law Review
* Georgia House of Representatives
* Georgia Senate
* U.S. House of Representatives
* U.S. Senate
* President of the United States of America
Monday, May 11, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Oprah Winfrey Is Killing Me; FREE food at KFC. --William T. Hoston
I'm confused, so Oprah Winfrey is providing individuals with coupons for FREE chicken (Grilled not Fried) at KFC. WTF!!! Is this NOT a form of economic and social stratification???
Oprah should be applauded for how she has used her image and show as a platform for charitable work (ie. gifts, donations, scholarships, cars, homes, etc.). Proponents have defended the validity of the show for this reason despite her unwilling conscience to use the show as a platform to address the economic, social, and political plight of African-Americans NOR consistently provide outreach for at-risk members of the African-American community. Yes, she has done things to help the black community (cherry picking the good negros), so i am NOT saying she has not. But many of her actions were reactive rather than proactive. In fact, many were surprised when she openly endorsed President Barack Obama (but if she hadn't, criticism would have grown especially after she dropped the ball in the 2004 presidential election between Bush v. Kerry).
With that said, this latest stunt is cause for outrage. Oprah knows (in the Black Folks Handbook) that Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is an establishment mainly patronized by African-American consumers, and that, coupled with the words FREE would lead to a volatile situation (42nd St. in NY). And I KNOW she had the foresight to KNOW this. She is in fact from the South where "Black folks" and "KFC" are synonymous with each other.
"I was really deeply moved, first of all, by all the people who sent thank you's for the chicken," Winfrey said. "You know, I actually got more thank you's for the chickens than we did for the cars, which is so amazing."
I pose a few questions: Why is Oprah giving folks "free grilled" chicken? Doesn't the word "free" elicit a certain demographic (race, social, and economic)? Is this helping the black community? Are opponents of this action looking at it too in-depth?
Oprah should be applauded for how she has used her image and show as a platform for charitable work (ie. gifts, donations, scholarships, cars, homes, etc.). Proponents have defended the validity of the show for this reason despite her unwilling conscience to use the show as a platform to address the economic, social, and political plight of African-Americans NOR consistently provide outreach for at-risk members of the African-American community. Yes, she has done things to help the black community (cherry picking the good negros), so i am NOT saying she has not. But many of her actions were reactive rather than proactive. In fact, many were surprised when she openly endorsed President Barack Obama (but if she hadn't, criticism would have grown especially after she dropped the ball in the 2004 presidential election between Bush v. Kerry).
With that said, this latest stunt is cause for outrage. Oprah knows (in the Black Folks Handbook) that Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is an establishment mainly patronized by African-American consumers, and that, coupled with the words FREE would lead to a volatile situation (42nd St. in NY). And I KNOW she had the foresight to KNOW this. She is in fact from the South where "Black folks" and "KFC" are synonymous with each other.
"I was really deeply moved, first of all, by all the people who sent thank you's for the chicken," Winfrey said. "You know, I actually got more thank you's for the chickens than we did for the cars, which is so amazing."
I pose a few questions: Why is Oprah giving folks "free grilled" chicken? Doesn't the word "free" elicit a certain demographic (race, social, and economic)? Is this helping the black community? Are opponents of this action looking at it too in-depth?
http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20090430-tows-kfc-coupon-download
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Obama administration jumps into Twitterverse
At the new president's urging and by his example, the entire federal government has bounded into the world of social-networking. Time reports 25 agencies now have YouTube channels. In the past week alone, about 30 have joined Facebook. But several agencies have been struggling to free themselves of bureaucratic restraints, like filtering software that bars employees from accessing social networks from work computers.
Monday, May 4, 2009
The Rate of Black Males Graduating from H.S.
North Dakota has the highest H.S. graduation rate for Black Males at 89%.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Sojourner Truth Honored
Sojourner Truth, was the self-given name of Isabella Baumfree, an American slave, abolitionist, and women's right activist. On Tuesday, she was honored as the first memorial bust for an African-American woman in the U.S. Capitol.
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