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African-American and Latino Students Overrepresented in School Suspensions
The Southern Poverty Law Center has released findings of a study of out-of-school suspension rates for 18 of the nation’s largest school systems. Black and Latino students were overrepresented among students given these suspensions. Since the 1970s, the rates of out-of-school suspensions have escalated because of zero-tolerance policies implemented by school systems. K-12 suspension rates…
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2010 MacArthur Fellows Announced
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation named 23 new MacArthur Fellows for 2010. The fellows include a stone carver, quantum astrophysicist, jazz pianist, high school physics teacher, marine biologist, theater director, American historian, fiction writer, economist and a computer-security scientist. All were selected for their creativity, originality and potential to make important contributions…
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Wal-Mart Eyes Africa
Retail giant Wal-Mart is trying to expand into the continent of Africa by offering to buy Johannesburg, South Africa-based Massmart Holdings for $4 billion. If the deal goes through, this will jump-start Wal-Mart’s entry into the fast-growing African market. Massmart is a top distributor and retailer of consumer goods and general merchandise on the African…
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President Obama: 'I'm a Christian by Choice'
Fresh from our “Please read the memo” file, President Barack Obama is a Christian. After addressing several issues, including the Republican economic agenda, at a “backyard chat,” he also answered a number of questions, one of which was why he is a Christian. In response, Obama stated, “I am a Christian by choice.” He told…
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Arrest Made in Seton Hall Shootings
Police have arrested Nicholas Welch in connection with the murder of Seton Hall student Jessica Moore, 19, who was killed by gunfire at an off-campus party. Witnesses say that a man who was angry about not being allowed into an off-campus party left and returned with a gun, spraying the crowd. People were jumping out…
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Household Income Dropped in 2009
Household incomes plunged in 2009. For the second year in a row, the number of poor people rose as households with incomes more than $100,000 declined. According to Carol Morello of The Washington Post, “Incomes are down about 4 percent since the recession began in December 2007.” The median household income in 2007 was $52,384,…
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Obama: Democrat Voters Need to 'Buck Up'
President Obama is putting his foot down with Democratic voters, saying it would be “inexcusable” to sit out this election cycle over apathy. In a Rolling Stone interview, the president compares energized Republican voters with apathetic Democratic voters, which could have dire consequences for the country if Republicans regain the House and more control in…
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S.O.L.A.R. Records Founder Dick Griffey Dies
S.O.L.A.R. Records founder Dick Griffey has passed away. Griffey — who is credited with discovering Jody Watley, Howard Hewett and Jeffrey Daniel, who formed Shalamar — died from complications after undergoing quadruple-bypass heart surgery. After serving as a promoter and talent coordinator for Soul Train and producing hits for Soul Train records with Don Cornelius,…
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Kenny McKinley Remembered
Family, friends, coaches and teammates gathered at a suburban-Atlanta church to remember Kenny McKinley, who played for the Denver Broncos. McKinley committed suicide last week in his home near Broncos headquarters in Denver. It is believed that he was depressed over his season-ending knee injury. Friends spoke of McKinley, who was remembered for having a…
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Judge Declares a Mistrial in Buju Banton Case
A judge has declared a mistrial in the drug case against reggae star Buju Banton, who was accused of trying to sell cocaine to an undercover police officer last year. U.S. District Judge James Moody declared a mistrial after the 12-person jury sent him a note for the second time, stating that they could not…
Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude
