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Obama Unveils Student-Loan Relief Plans

Obama Unveils Student-Loan Relief Plans

In what education advocates are calling a modest first step toward addressing the increasing costs of higher education, President Obama announced yesterday that he will authorize changes in federal policy to make college loans more affordable and easier to repay, the Washington Post reports.

In recent weeks, the Occupy Wall Street movement has made student-loan relief one of its objectives, but the burden of education-related debt is nothing new to many college graduates. Students at the University of Colorado's Denver campus cheered yesterday as the president told the students that he and first lady Michelle Obama empathize with their plight.

"We were paying more on our student loans than we were paying on our mortgage each month," he said. "How do we make college more affordable, and how do we reduce your burden?"

The president outlined the "Know Before You Owe" plan (which would allow college graduates to limit federal student-loan repayments to 10 percent of discretionary income starting in January, two years before the cap was due to take effect under federal law) and the accelerated "pay as you earn" option (which could benefit up to 1.6 million low-income borrowers and reduce their payments by as much as a couple of hundred dollars a month, administration officials said).

All remaining debt on the federal loans would be forgiven after 20 years -- five years earlier than under current law. To qualify, borrowers must have student loans in 2012 and have had loans in at least one of the previous four years.

In addition, nearly 6 million borrowers who have more than one federal student loan will be allowed to consolidate their debt, in some cases reducing their interest rates by up to half a percentage point, White House officials said.

The initiatives are part of the White House’s latest strategy -- punctuated with the catchphrase "We can't wait" -- aimed at pressuring Republicans to support provisions in the president's $447 billion American Jobs Act, which remains stalled in Congress.

College grads eager to take advantage of this plan should be glad the White House didn't hold off for that support, because it seems it could have been a long -- or never-ending -- wait. Republicans have denounced both Obama's decision to bypass them and the substance of the initiative. Rep. John Kline (R-Minn.), chairman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, says that the plan represents a decision by the president to "put politics before policy, touting a plan that will do nothing to help the nation's unemployed workers."

Read more at the Washington Post.

In other news: Police Critically Injure Iraq War Vet at OWS.

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Black Filmmakers Poised to Convene in Miami

Black Filmmakers Poised to Convene in Miami
Moses Robinson

Get ready to be dazzled by a vast array of independent moviemakers, aspiring starlets and leading actors when the 15th Annual American Black Film Festival convenes in Miami this July 6-9. The festival staged a vodka-fueled "Buzz Party" in Atlanta Thursday night that attracted about 200 people interested in joining the black Hollywood ranks.

At the festival, filmmakers will seek exposure and funding to back their projects, which range from documentaries to short films in the dramatic and comedic genres. Amid all the networking, screenings, seminars and assorted other festivities, Keenen Ivory Wayans will have the ABFF's Entertainment Icon award bestowed upon him for his long track record of writing, directing and producing. And to mark the 20th year since his breakout film, Boyz in the Hood, debuted, director John Singleton will present a behind-the-scenes documentary about the production.

In addition, syndicated radio talk-show host Michael Baisden will present his new documentary, Do Women Know What They Want? Jeff Friday, founder of the ABFF, said he's most excited a premiere screening of filmmaker Robert Townsend's latest project, The Discarded Boys. Starring Loretta Devine and Michael Clarke Duncan, it focuses on the redemption of youths during their stint at a reform school.

"Our purpose is to create a legacy and stand out as the premiere showcase for rising black talent," Friday said.

To learn more, visit American Black Film Festival and MichaelBaisden.com.

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Laurel Richie Named New President of WNBA

Laurel Richie Named New President of WNBA
WNBA

There's a new WNBA sheriff in town. Laurel J. Richie, a veteran marketing executive, has been named the new president of the WNBA.

Previously serving as senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Girl Scouts of the USA, Richie will become the league's third president and first African-American head. Richie has also spent decades serving companies like American Express, Pepperidge Farm and Oglivy in corporate marketing.

"The WNBA is comprised of the best female basketball players in the world, and I'm looking forward to working with these talented women as they strive to achieve their professional goals both on and off the court," says Richie.

Richie is scheduled to start on May 16 and become only the third president during the WNBA's 15-year run. 

Read more at ESPN. 

In other news: African-American Communities: More Environmental Challenges.

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African-American Communities: More Environmental Challenges

African-American Communities: More Environmental Challenges
Getty Images

Need a reason to celebrate Earth Day? Here's one. According to the Center for American Progress, more than 71 percent of African Americans and 66 percent of Latinos live in areas that fail to meet one or more of the Environmental Protection Agency's air-quality standards.

The EPA says that our minority communities are susceptible to more environmental challenges because we tend to live closer together and are more likely to live near toxic wastelands and sewers. Additionally, because of the high incidence of air pollution in our communities, we also suffer from higher rates of asthma and other respiratory diseases.

As devastating as this is to hear, not all is lost. Many are rallying to combat these environmental problems in our communities. The Obama administration, at the behest of EPA head Lisa Jackson, has played a big role in bringing this issue to the forefront by restoring the Environmental Justice office at the department. Other individuals, such as Root 100 recipient Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, CEO of Green for All, and teen activist Kari Hulton are working to bring green initiatives to communities of color. 

Today's a great day to be reminded of all the tests we face, but also of how we can do our part to tackle the problem. Visit Green The Root: Living Better While Saving the Planet to see how you can help our communities of color. 

Read more at the Center for American Progress.

In other news: Colt 45 Under Attack by Maryland's Attorney General.

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African Americans Leave Big Cities, Provide Boost for GOP

African Americans Leave Big Cities, Provide Boost for GOP
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Once a staple in big cities like Philadelphia, Detroit and Atlanta, African Americans are leaving in herds and heading toward the suburbs.

The Washington Post reports that eight of the nation's top majority-black districts lost an average of more than 10 percent of their African-American populations. This new census data is troubling not just to the cities themselves but also to lawmakers around the country.

African Americans are a strong and solid base for Democrats, and with these new numbers, Republicans see a chance to redraw congressional districts for their benefit.

From the Washington Post:

"In the Detroit area, for instance, Democratic Reps. John Conyers Jr. and Hansen Clarke lost nearly one-quarter of the 800,000 black voters in their districts since 2000, with many of them migrating to nearby districts. The expansion of Clarke's and Conyers's districts could help Michigan Republicans eliminate a Democratic district in the area."

As the nation gears up for the 2012 elections, this can have real implications on President Obama's re-election campaign and black lawmakers seeking to hold on to their seats around the country. Furthermore, Republican's redistricting plans could also weaken the influence of African Americans as a voting bloc.

Read more at the Washington Post.

In other news: Links: 7-Year-Old Handcuffed After Tantrum, Muslim Model Poses Nude and More.

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A New Study Says That African Americans Aren't Saving

A New Study Says That African Americans Aren't Saving
Getty Images

We have all heard it; now we have a study to back it up. Most African Americans do not save their money. According to "The African American Financial Experience," a study released over the weekend by Prudential Financial, African Americans aren't saving the way they should. Prudential found that only 20 percent of African Americans believe that they are on track to meet their savings goals for retirement, and nearly twice as many say they haven't even started.

Even worse, 60 percent of African Americans surveyed have less than $50,000 in company retirement plans, and only 23 percent have more than $100,000. While the recent economic downturn has made saving over the past couple of years difficult, this news is disheartening. With President Obama and Congress debating Social Security and Medicare as we speak, it's important that everyone has at least a small nest egg just in case those programs disappear. The study also discovered that African Americans are three times more likely to tap into our 401(k) plans during difficult financial times.

When asked they weren't saving, the respondents answered simply that they don't have the resources. The study found that African Americans believe that their employers and companies could do a better job of giving advice or information on financial plans to help them save more. They also believed that the financial community as a whole hasn't effectively engaged the African-American community.

The survey found that African Americans are nearly twice as likely as others to have a dream of starting a small business (35 percent versus 19 percent), and believe this will allow them to have financial stability and freedom. However, they noted that they lacked the substantial funds and capital to make this dream a reality.  Everyone can admit that saving money is tough, but it's key unless you want to pay later. One way you can start is by putting aside the refund that Uncle Sam just sent.

Read more at Prudential.

In other news: Brittany Norwood: Nothing in Her Past Would Suggest Violent Lululemon Murder.

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Tiger Woods Finally Gets His Swing Back

Tiger Woods Finally Gets His Swing Back
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Yesterday seemed like the day Tiger Woods would finally get his comeback story. He didn't win -- but his strong fourth-place finish proved that he still had it. After news broke in December 2009 that the celebrated sports star had cheated on his wife and had a string of mistresses, it seemed Woods couldn't catch a break -- or win a title. His marriage was finished, he lost tournament after tournament and he was released from a slew of endorsement deals.

Fans (and foes) watched with bated breath as Woods approached the 10th hole yesterday; he was tied for the lead and poised to receive his fifth green jacket. Charl Schwartzel of South Africa ended up winning it all, but the embattled Woods had his best showing since the scandal.

And more important than whether or not he won, he appeared to be back in America's good graces. He became big news for doing something positive -- rather than the butt of everyone's jokes -- and even garnered CBS News some decent ratings. While it's too early to tell if he has what it takes to win big again, sports fans and ESPN analysts were ecstatic to see a glimpse of the old Tiger Woods.

Read more at ESPN.com.

In other news: More From Ashley Judd on Hip-Hop's 'Rape Culture.'

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Behind the Keyboard: 30 Black Bloggers You Should Know

From politics to pop culture, from relationships to fashion and natural hair, today's bloggers are an exceedingly opinionated bunch. We like 'em like that.

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Cynthia Gordy

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Richard Prince's popular column on the news media, published by the Maynard Institute for Journalism Education (www.mije.org).

FEBRUARY 7 | CNN Suspends Roland Martin Over Tweets

FEBRUARY 5 | AP Lays Off Diversity Advocate

FEBRUARY 2 | News of Don Cornelius' Death Goes Viral

FEBRUARY 10 | Diverse Support for Contraception Law

FEBRUARY 9 | Obama: Foreclosure Settlement Is 'a Start'

FEBRUARY 8 | Santorum Wins; Doubts About Romney

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    2010

    Arnold Rampersad on Receiving the National Humanities Medal

    March 9, 2011 at 1:15 PM

    In a quiet moment of recognition at the White House last week, President Barack Obama awarded the National Medal of Arts and the National Humanities Medal to 20 honorees. The medals are the highest government honors for outstanding achievements in art, history, literature, education and cultural policy.

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    Marsalis Family First Group to Be Honored by NEA Jazz Masters

    Marsalis Family First Group to Be Honored by NEA Jazz Masters
    Washington Post/Getty Images

    The National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters fellowship has been, since 1982, the nation's highest honor bestowed on living jazz artists. Revered musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Abbey Lincoln, Hank Jones, James Moody, Dr. Billy Taylor, Sonny Rollins, Roy Haynes, George Benson, Nancy Wilson, Herbie Hancock and Quincy Jones have been honored. The award brings with it a $25,000 prize.

    Last night, at Jazz at Lincoln Center in midtown Manhattan, the Marsalis family became the first ever to be given this honor as a group. The patriarch, Ellis Marsalis, is a marvelous pianist and one of the most respected educators in New Orleans. He and his wife, Dolores, raised six boys, four of whom followed in his footsteps as professional musicians: Branford (saxophone), Wynton (trumpet), Delfeayo (trombone and producer) and Jason (drummer).

    After Ellis accepted the award on behalf of the family, his sons joined him onstage to play Jason's "At the House, In Da Pocket," a tune featuring a New Orleans backbeat groove. Wynton, Branford and Delfeayo traded spirited lines, transitioning to a midtempo swing, giving their dad a chance to flow into a melodious solo in the spotlight.

    The other honorees were flutist Hubert Laws, saxophonist Dave Liebman, arranger Johnny Mandel and producer Orrin Keepnews, recipient of the A.B. Spellman Award for Jazz Advocacy. With the exception of Keepnews and Mandel, who conducted the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in a beautiful rendition of his famous song "The Shadow of Your Smile," each honoree performed live. A special highlight was a rendition of "Stella by Starlight," performed by Laws and pianist Kenny Barron.

    A brief film overview introduced each 2011 NEA Jazz Master. During the Marsalis family film, Wynton, artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, talked about his father, Ellis. He said that early on, "I played in a funk band and ... he came and played with the band and played hipper than we was. ... My father was the coolest teacher you ever had. His specialty was dealing with hardheaded kids, since he had so many of them in his house."

    In other news: Dr. Conrad Murray's Medical License Suspended; He Is Ordered to Stand Trial

     

    Carol Moseley Braun's Quixotic Bid for Mayor of Chicago

    The former Illinois senator wasn't the first choice of the black power elite to take on Rahm Emanuel in the crowded mayoral race. Or the second.

    Is There a Place for Empathy on the Supreme Court?

    Republicans had a field day when the president said that "empathy" was an important attribute for a Supreme Court nominee. But as recent cases argued before the court prove, lives are at stake. Empathy is essential.

    Is There a Place for Empathy on the Supreme Court?
    Tim Sloan/AFP/Getty Images

     
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    Lena Horne

  • By teresa.wiltz
  • | Posted: December 29, 2010 at 1:07pm

    • She was the pinup girl for thousands of black GIs in World War II and a fixture on the 1940s cabaret scene, and she dazzled on the big screen in Cabin in the Sky, Stormy Weather and, years later, The Wiz. But the apartheid of her era kept her from becoming a major movie star. A much beloved civil rights activist, she won a Tony award for her one-woman Broadway show, Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music, in 1981. A class act in her own league, Horne died in May at 92.

     

    Teena Marie: The Godmother of Hip-Hop

    From the Fugees to DJ Lovebug Starski, Teena Marie, aka Lady T, made soulful music that influenced an entire generation of hip-hop.

    • By: Paul Devlin | Posted: December 27, 2010 at 4:31 PM

    Letter From Côte d'Ivoire: Living on the Cusp of Civil War

    Two men claim to have won the presidential election; two presidents were sworn in. Both sides are ratcheting up the violent rhetoric. At least nine people were killed; many more injured. Amid talk of death squads, Ivorians fear the worst.

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