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Fixing The Void in Black Television

In the 80’s and 90’s, sitcoms like the Cosby Show and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air were our safe haven when it came to television. Wide in variety with everything from drama to comedy, black people were finally becoming a part of regularly aired programming. Channels like Black Entertainment Television (B.E.T.) were beginning to peak and black shows on different stations were in abundance. Good Times, The Jeffersons, Martin, In Living Color, and Girlfriends were a few of the many popular shows. After struggling for years to be more than the hired help on television, our community was breaking ground. Fast forward to 2011, and the only black show that anyone can think of is The Game. Daily it’s becoming more and more difficult to find any African-American programming even on stations deemed made for “Black Entertainment” and viewers are becoming more in need. All we’re stuck with is repetitive reruns from the era of black television that is now over. Where has black programming gone?

In earlier years B.E.T. was filled with shows that branched out across all age groups, from Video Soul, Rap City, Midnight Love, B.E.T. News, and College Hill there was something for everyone. Now the station consists of 10 songs a day on teen-based 106th and Park and a motivational-style late show, Monique. The other twenty-two hours are nothing more than Baby Boy and Tyler Perry reruns as well as a variety of B-rated black films in the evening. Episodes of two or three black shows in syndication during the afternoon finish the line-up. Recently B.E.T. caught a break by airing new episodes of the hit series previously owned by The CW, The Game, but they’ve even seemed to diminish that with cheap production and rushed scripts. What was once a platform for black television is now an empty vessel, slowly becoming a channel that is no longer relevant.

Despite the lack of a black presence on television some have already begun making an effort. In 2004 Comcast and Radio One launched TvOne. TvOne is a station for African-Americans with a wide range of programming, including lifestyle, documentaries, and entertainment-oriented shows. It’s available in over 38 million homes and though it isn’t a part of basic cable many prefer it over B.E.T. With viewers no longer engaged even B.E.T. is attempting to make some change. Following the successful viewership of The Game, executive producers of the show, married couple Salim and Mara Brock Akil, inked a multi-year production deal with the network. Mara is the creator of Girlfriends and Salim is the director of summer box office hit Jumping The Broom. The two are set to produce more sitcoms and web series over the course of three years. One of the shows headed for the fall line up is Reed Between The Lines, a family comedy staring Tracee Ellis Ross and Malcolm-Jamal Warner.

Black college students even have something to look forward to. Curtis Symonds is launching the Atlanta based HBCU Network set to premiere in August and run throughout the entire nation by February of next year. The Network has partnered up with ESPN and will heavily feature sports at Black colleges as well as lifestyle, health, entertainment, and education programming. Symonds believes that HBCU’s provide a valuable audience. “HBCU students and alums are some of the most loyal and passionate fans you’ll ever come across. They bleed the colors of their teams and it’s time all of us got more of what we’ve all been craving for what seems an eternity.”

Other demographics in black programming are also being reached. Broadcasting & Cable recently reported that developing channel Black Heritage Network (BHN) is in serious talks with major distributors. The Black Heritage Network is a channel for the more mature and has a target audience of the late twenties to early fifties. They believe this audience isn’t currently being served. The channel won’t feature any scripted programming but will feature reality and history based shows as well as classic movies with cultural relevance. Reingold the CEO of the forming network describes it as a mixture of the Discovery Channel and History Channel. The station hopes to launch in December.

With new Networks and shows forming all hope with black programming isn’t lost but many questions are still being raised. What about the large number of people who can’t afford to spend extra money on cable and satellite bills to view these new networks? Must they settle for the images of blacks on reality television that serve as the only visual they witness of themselves on tv? When will the days where Blacks were integrated into the line-up of basic cable return? Have African-American stations that held the responsibility of showing other companies the value in having black shows dropped the ball due to the lack of recent programming? How long before we have a network that caters not only specific demographics and groups of blacks but a station where African-Americans are represented as a whole resulting in great television for everyone.

Source: www.theroot.com

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The Rising Political Voice of Black Youth

During the 2008 Presidential election America made a major shift, and not solely because our first African-American president was elected. Something else generationally profound was beginning. Politics was no longer sealed off as a topic of interest to citizens over the age of thirty. The youth were getting involved. According to polls, the election brought out the second largest youth vote in American History. Up to 24 million voters were between the ages of 18-29 – an 8-13% increase since the 2000 election. Professionals even stated that Obama would have lost the election without the youth vote. Since the new term, voting isn’t the only way young people have been getting involved, African-Americans to be specific. Some have started their own organizations, participated in political rallies, and are even becoming a part of the race. With millions of dollars going towards social network and technology-based campaigning and surges in the polls among youth, it is clear that young people are playing a larger role in politics more than ever before, and black youth are not excluded from the change. In many cases African-Americans are leading it.

Although many are getting involved now, some of our young leaders got an early start. Baraki Sellers, a South Carolina democratic member of the House of Representatives began his venture into politics in 2006 at the young age of 22. He was formally Student Government Association President at Morehouse University where he completed undergrad before attending law school at University of South Carolina. He is one of the youngest lawmakers in the country and has led the way inintroducing legislator dealing with texting while driving and placing bans on the unhealthy food served in public schools. He regularly visits college campuses in his state to stress the importance of other young people having a political voice. Others are getting involved in different ways. As the co-founder of Progress 2050 (A center for American progress) Erica Williams is serving as an advocate on numerous issues African-Americans under thirty care about. She regularly participates in debates on energy efficiency as well as the perspective of racial diversity in America. Other groups the youth are active participants of are The Earth Day Network, Americans for the Arts, and The NAACP. Others are taking more common approaches attending rallies, political debates, or hosting forums to voice their opinions on what they think the biggest issues in America are.

So what has brought about this change? Is it because of the last presidential election or were things gearing up before then? It seems to be a collaboration of different changes taking place to cause this new interest in the rapidly evolving U.S. With one of the largest generations, the “baby boomers” reaching old age and so many changes going on in the world, young people realize that they do have a role in the direction the U.S. is taking and feel obligated to represent and impact the future they are creating for themselves. “We hold the power to steer the young to become interested in politics and what’s going on in this country and that could be our greatest impact.” says Cory France, a rising junior at Howard University in Washington D.C. He goes on to express that with everything going on, its hard not to be paying attention.

Major events in the world have taken an unusually fast pace: the way FEMA handled Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the first black president in 2008, national disasters in Indonesia, Haiti, Japan, the Egyptian Revolution, and vanquish of Osama Bin Laden is more than enough for people to want to take action. Noticeably, Historically Black Colleges and Universities are serving as the catalysts that have gotten more of the African-American youth involved. “Here in the capitol there are always conventions, events, rallies, and debates on the issues and once you witness that on a regular basis, you and your peers become conscious of changes that need to be made and you are allowed to visibly see what you need to do to make those changes occur”, France added. A domino affect is taking place. Students who have gathered from different parts of the country some from lower class families, small towns, and single parent homes are going back home to those who may not feel as though they have a voice to address the issues they are concerned with. Young blacks are serving as voices not only for those in the same age group as them but for their communities as well. First Lady Michelle Obama and Former Defense Secretary Colin Powell both served as commencement speakers at Black colleges this year and it is apparent that the platform is in place.

Issues with educational funding, the economic crisis, war on terrorism, and global warming are among the top concerns of young people and college students. For quite some time it seemed as though the resolve that many Blacks had during the civil rights movement and a few decades after was beginning to fade. Many thought that this generation lacked the passion to create change. But in the recent years those notions are being proved wrong and now it is the African-American youth of American that is providing new hope during a time when we so desperately need it.

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Break Up Etiquette

There is a right and a wrong way to handle everything in life including breakups. I probably should hold off on writing this until the dust has settled on my own breakup but this is why I started blogging in the first place. My goal is to share my life experiences in the hopes that someone benefits for the things I write about.

I was just dumped via email. Yes, EMAIL!!!! The irony of the whole situation is that I almost dumped the guy not once but TWICE! Each time I was suckered back in by the hope of reformation. But this time it was me that was the dumpee because “our wants and needs” are not aligned.

Which brings me to the title of this article. Don’t feel badly for me. It happens to the best of us. Somewhere I know there are a legion of men jumping up and down for the folly of one of their fellow brethren. It wasn’t some long drawn out love affair. In fact it was a mere 45 days of my life, the shortest relationship to date. Nevertheless, it hurts and it feels quite awful to have been dumped via modern technology.

Without further ado let’s learn how to dump folks with class. Here is a list of what NOT to do:

  • EMAILS are ABSOLUTELY not an acceptable way to end a VERBAL contract with someone you are supposed to care about.
  • TEXTING is equally as offensive. The idea that a person past the age of 12 would use this form of communication is preposterous. Don’t do it!
  • Letters. I am not quite sure if people even write letters anymore but at any rate it’s a bad idea. I have an appreciation for the written word but this is not the time to display your eloquent way with words.
  • Sending a mutual friend to do your dirty work is extremely tacky. It puts the dumpee and the substitute dumper in awkward positions.
  • Over the phone. While this is the least offensive of all the above it is still not ideal. Chances are you didn’t start the relationship over the phone so why should you end it with a phone call? In some circumstances this may be the best way to go. If you are fearful of the reaction then using the phone is fine.

The bottom-line is to show the person that you once liked/loved that although you don’t wish to be in a relationship any longer that you still respect them enough to give them the news FACE to FACE. All other methods of ending a relationship are typically taken because the dumper wants it to be easiest on them. We can think of that as the cowards way out.

If you are going through a breakup the best advice I can give is to deal with your anger and then let it go! If you need to cry, cry. If yelling helps, do it! If you need to respond to the dumper, get it all off your chest and then go on with life. He wasn’t the first and he won’t be the last.

NEXTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mikki Bey is a Los Angeles-based makeup artist who believes in the power of the Universe to bring her all the desires of her heart. Fearless, determined and capable – she’s a bad mamajama!

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Barrino & Keys, What’s So Different?

We recently learned that former American Idol winner, Fantasia Barrino, attempted to take her own life. This news came in connection with a relationship Barrino is having with Antwaun Cook, a married man. Since this relationship has been made public, Barrino has been called every name in the book from a home-wrecker to a whore. What Fantasia chooses to do and who she chooses to do it with is her business so I will not speak on that. I don’t know her or Cook personally and can only speculate. One thing I did find interesting was that her “relationship-with-a-married-man” situation is quite similar to another stellar musical artist’s recent situation. Alicia Keys was also involved in a relationship with a married man, Kasseem “Swizz Beatz” Dean.

In both situations, it is reported that the marriages were estranged.However, Fantasia appears to be receiving the brunt of media’s back talk. Keys was not looked down upon in the same manner Barrino is. Why is this? Well, there isn’t one answer to this. And again, I can only speculate. Could it be the two women’s backgrounds? Keys comes from a strong, single-parent family, she’s intelligent, talented and highly revered on an international scale. Barrino dropped out of high school, became a teen parent, made a name for herself on a reality television show, and plays out the trials of her life on her television show Fantasia For Real. I would have to argue that this is a major factor in the way the two stories are being portrayed in the media. I believe that people have developed ideas of these two women based on their backgrounds and it isn’t right.

Are they home-wreckers? According to the men in their lives, they are not. This is what should matter. Unfortunately, it is the beliefs of a few, the media, that influence the thoughts of many, the public. It is with poor taste that the members of the media tell these stories. Because of it, women like Barrino are looked down upon while others in her situation are not. In my opinion, the media should stick to reporting the NEWS and not the personal lives of others.

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Gone Too Soon

I remember the first time I saw Thriller in its entirety. I was glued to the television, paying close attention to every detail. I loved Michael Jackson. I would watch his large dance sequences and mimic the moves in my head until I knew them by heart because I was too shy to practice them. When I was 11, my mother told my brother and I that she won a contest and we would be visiting Neverland Ranch. I all but passed out. That place is a child’s dream land. It’s like a carnival, zoo, go cart track, movie theater and arcade rolled into one. It wasn’t as flashy as you would think Michael’s lifestyle would be. The best part was, everything was free and unlimited. I didn’t get to see him, unfortunately, and I cried when it was time to go but that was one day I will never forget for as long as I live.

Another day I will never forget is the day of his passing. It started off as a bad one long before I learned of Michael’s cardiac arrest. I was at work when the news hit. My concentration was shot and I ended up leaving work early. I couldn’t believe it. I always figured Michael Jackson would pass away in my lifetime but… I wasn’t ready yet. I wasn’t ready for him to leave us. I wanted him to be around because I felt like we still needed someone like him. My selfish thoughts wouldn’t allow me to see that he was in a better place, free from all the scrutiny, pain and disappointment. I also did not think about all he’s left with us in terms of music, performance, and spirit all of which can be seen in many of our music and performing artists today.

His influence is like no other. Never again will we have such an influential and inspirational performer such as Michael Jackson. Never again will anyone be able to touch the lives and hearts of millions the way the he did. As long as I am alive, his memory will not be forgotten.

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BLACKis ONLINE: Cookin Soul

Alright y’all, as you know one of the most anticipated albums dropped last Tuesday. That album was Drake’s Thank Me Later. After dealing with a leak two weeks prior and so-so reviews of the album, Drake is still set to sell between 425-475K in his first week. Not bad for a kid from Toronto, who you either love or hate. I, for one thinks he has talent, but talent alone does not always produce a great product.

I stumbled upon a website called Cookin Soul that linked up with Don Cannon of DJ Drama fame and remixed the album.  Some songs have added vocals from the late, great 2Pac and Notorious B.I.G., along with current artists like Jay-z, Alicia Keys, and Lil Wayne.  They also took the liberty of remixing some tracks with live instruments to give songs a new twist and added flavor. So for those fans who were disappointed in the original album, this might be more your speed.

The site is also a resource for mash ups and remix albums such as Big Dilla, a compilation of J Dilla and Big Pun and The Red Album, a series of mash ups between Jay-Z and Game.  There are also tribute albums to Michael Jackson and Teddy Pendergrass.

So check out Cookin Soul and see what’s cookin’.

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Black Is… Me

I recently finished college and I’m told this is where my life begins. I have the world at my fingertips and can do whatever I put my mind to… I agree with this cliché statement to a degree but as a young Black woman in America, I know better. My “life” began a long time ago– I would say at the age of three. I became a big sister and my mother became a single parent. I had to grow up very quickly. My younger brother became my responsibility when our mom wasn’t at home. I didn’t complain. I understood my new role, and took it on proudly. My story is typical of many African Americans who grew up in single parent homes. I didn’t have time to dream big because I had to act quickly. When our mother was not home, I had to make parental decisions for my brother and I. I wouldn’t put that type of responsibility on any child but I can say that I am a better person for my experiences. Things never came easy for us but our mother never let us see her worry. To say that my life begins now is to throw away all the valuable life lessons of my childhood  and adolescence. These lessons got me where I am today so I refuse to do that. These experiences have helped me to deal with very difficult situations easily. I’ve learned how to “turn those lemons into lemonade” as the popular saying goes. As a people, we have been doing this since we involuntarily set foot on this land.

My story is one of many that make up the Black experience. Each of us handles what life deals us differently. What binds us is our history and culture. Our history is often sugarcoated and hidden. Our culture is often duplicated and seldom acknowledged. We continue to challenge stereotypes and even fall victim to them—but I digress. Black Is, the magazine, is a celebration of our experiences. It is a representation of the complexities that make up our daily lives. My hope is to bring the good, the bad and the ugly while posing questions to make you think and offering correctives to encourage action. What it means to be Black in America pertains to the individual. Black Is overcoming adversity and doubt in the face of struggle. Black Is determination and pride. Black Is beautiful. Black Is me.

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Can Success Leave You Lonely? The Black Male Perspective

Can success leave you lonely?  That depends on what type of companionship you seek as a person.  From the male point of view, I don’t think a successful man will ever be too lonely due to the fact that being successful is a quality that attracts women.  It may not be the long-term relationship type of women, but there will be someone around.  Whether they are on that man’s level of success is not a big concern to most; as men we feel that we should be the breadwinner in most instances.  In my opinion, it’s not the accomplishments of men and women that separate us, but the ills of society that tend to brainwash us into believing that you need someone of equal status as your counterpart. There has never been an example of a man who is very successful not  reaching down and dealing with someone not on their  “level”. Now if the situation were reversed, there would be plenty of backlash for a successful woman taking on the burden of a man.

So what can be done from this point? I feel like everyone needs to do away with stereotypes, prejudice, and judge everyone one on a case-by-case basis.  Statistics show that black women make up 71% of all black graduates.  This statement is misleading since it implies that all black female graduates end up being successful in their careers.  This is also misleading because success can be attained without a college education.  The real issue is compatibility: people fail to sync themselves with someone who is their complement and not their competition.