What’s Up with that Brother? Joe Jackson Retreats After Seeing Man in the Mirror of Public Opinion
July 5, 2009
JoetheFuture.com — Joe Jackson, father of the late Michael J Jackson, seems to have retreated after seeing himself as the man in the mirror of public opinion. Joe Jackson’s brand of fatherhood created one of the most successfully recognized, imitated, and celebrated families known to the music industry and nearly to the world. Not one, but all of Joe Jackson’s children with his wife Katherine has demonstrated and made a life from their talents, ushered to the stage by their father. Though successful, the Jackson family has also been considered to be the most dysfunctional.
Though loved by the world over, the Jackson’s happiness has been hard to imagine. Mainly due to public opinion based on an unauthorized biography of the family rise to fame. What we think we know about the Jackson came to us via scripting in the 1992 film The Jacksons: An American Dream starring Angela Bassett as the quiet matriarch Katherine Jackson and Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs as Joe Jackson. It seems to be public opinion that the role of Joe Jackson may have stifled the career of Hilton-Jacobs. With the shocking death of Michael Jackson, the biopic has since re-aired several times and has always been in rotation on music channels.
Back in the day, one could quickly dispel a rumor or change public opinion by creating a perception through the media. Not today. The truth will beat you to the punch. In his first public appearance after his son’s death, Joe Jackson may have swung on his 3rd strike. The first, the 1992 film about The Jacksons. Second, Michael Jackson’s interview with Oprah Winfrey discussing his father and the Jackson’s upbringing. Third, Joe Jackson’s appearance on the 2009 BET Awards where the award show was to honor Michael. As we noted in an instant feedback to his appearance, Joe Jackson interrupted his interview with CNN’s Don Lemon to mention his record label. It was the “record label” heard around the world of which no one has heard.
Strike one, two, and three and he’s out when it comes to public opinion. At post time, it appears the patriarh was also left out of his son’s Will – a true testament to what the public might believe about Joe Jackson.
At the BET Awards, Janet Jackson appeared on stage to address Jackson fans. Close attention paid to the statement that she had been elected by family to speak on their behalf. Additionally, Jermaine Jackson has appeared on every other network speaking patiently about his brother. Joe Jackson did try to come up with a save, appearing with Al Sharpton at a day later press conference to try and justify his comments which were even more confusing. However Sharpton in a later TV interview without Joe Jackson, said the father of Michael Jackson was confused on the award show red carpet after having answered so many questions.
At post time, it has been days since the public has seen or heard from Joe Jackson via national TV. Details of the memorial for Michael Jackson are being released slowly. Tuesday July 7th, a memorial open to a ticket holding public will take place at the Staple Center in California. A private memorial is also scheduled but no details released. A media influenced battle over MJ’s children remains in full force though the public has not seen either mother making waves to secure any parental rights.
Michael J Jackson’s death is recorded as June 25, 2009. Two seperate autopsies have been performed. The question remains “who put Michael Jackson to sleep? No details at post time as to where the world perfomer will be laid to rest. – Y. Lattimore, DryerBuzz.com “What’s Up with that Brother?”
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What’s Up with that Brother? Chris Gardner publishes road map to Pursuit of Happyness in new book
June 17, 2009
Up early enough to catch morning radio, we found a treat while listening to Lorraine J White (@lorraine1380), morning show host at Atlanta’s WAOK 1380. She conducted an interview with Chris Gardner who’s life unfolded before us on the big screen in Pursuit of Happyness starring Will Smith. One of the saddest movies of all times was the best story of potential we’ve ever seen in life and on screen. It resonated with audiences because people have found themselves starting over a time or two. Gardner told Lorraine his new book, Start Where You Are: Life Lessons in Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, could be considered a road map to the pursuit of happyness. The interview was short and sweet, over before we could finish this post, but Gardner left a few jewels to think about. “Plan B sucks,” siad Gardner. No one really wants to do plan B, where you really want to be is plan A.” He also remarked at how passion drives people who do what they love. According to the interview, the new book is already a best seller. Spread the buzz.
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What’s Up with that Brother? Novel Urges Brothers to Unleash Their Inner ‘Barack’
June 10, 2009
The change in the highest office in The United States, with the election of Barack Obama has yet to result in a transformation within African American communities.
BookBuzz — The Barack in Me, by author Moses Miller, is intended as an inspirational book written specifically for young African American males. However, the themes and subject matter cross any boundaries created by gender and race. By intertwining messages Barack Obama conveyed during his monumental campaign, with the authors own advice and experiences, the end result is a book said to encourages the targeted youth to unleash the greatness that exists within them.
“When I heard President Obama’s speeches, the message I received was that we all have to play a role in bringing about the change we so desperately need in our communities and in our country,” author Moses Miller stated.
Author Moses Miller hopes that his soon to be released book titled, The Barack in Me, will play an immediate role in reversing the tide of young black men ravaged by violence, drugs, illiteracy and high school drop out rates. “I conduct speaking engagements all the time with youth that don’t have positive male role models in their lives. Even with an African American President, they can’t see that they have the same potential for greatness. This book is one small step in an effort to guide and nurture our youth. We can’t expect them to do it on their own,” explains Moses Miller.
The Barack in Me, by author Moses Miller is due in stores August 18, 2009. Pre-orders available below.
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Daddy Got Custody, LLC Educates Involved Fathers in Pursuing Custody of Their Kids
June 10, 2009
Irving TX – Hear critical custody topics and learn valuable information to help you make your next major life decisions. During these classes, you will participate in large group lectures, small group discussions, and personally journal to get your ideas solidified with the help of a 300+ page three-ring binder workbook. You will go home with a realistic action plan, your personalized workbook, access to information on the website, and two free phone consultations from speaker and primary custodial dad!
Irving TX Seminar – Daddy Got Custody Parts I & II: Combo Courses, Saturday, July 25, 2009 from 8:45 AM – 6:00 PM (CT) – click here for details
If you’re in a child custody suit or about to be in one, don’t miss Daddy Got Custody Parts I & II
Part I will cover but not limited to:
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What do you do first?
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Are you really the better parent?
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How do you pick an attorney?
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What’s it going to cost you?
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Should you pick a judge or jury trial?
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Should you file first?
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Do you move out of the house?
Part II will cover but not limited to:
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How do you preparing evidence?
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What evidence do you bring to trial?
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What should you look for in a settlement?
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Is settling out of court wise?
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Mediation, what exactly happens?
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What 20 things is a social worker looking for in your home study?
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What can you expect in court?
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How do you strategically use witnesses, testimonies, charts, calendars, private investigators, videos, and tape recordings?
Daddy Got Custody LLC has a mission to educate, inform, teach, and provide resources and seminars to parents caught in custody situations.
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Robert “Bob BET” Johnson Announced Opening of Liberian Resort Hotel
June 8, 2009
Robert L. Johnson Announces Grand Opening Of New Liberian Resort Hotel
Robert L. Johnson, chairman of The RLJ Companies, today announced the grand opening of his latest business development, the RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas located in Monrovia, Liberia.
The RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas will play a critical and important role in the national reconstruction and economic development efforts put forth by Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to rebuild and revitalize Liberia.
“I believe passionately that African Americans have a responsibility to support Liberia and it is important to ensure that President Sirleaf succeeds in her ongoing effort in rebuilding the country,” said Mr. Johnson.
Located on 13-acres of ocean front property, the 78-room villa style hotel offers first-class amenities catering to domestic and international travelers and includes an on-site restaurant, full service spa, tennis courts and swimming pool with poolside bar.
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To Save Young Black Men Do We Treat Them Like Animals – Yes
May 28, 2009
Commentary by Y. Lattimore, Editor DryerBuzz.com
Before you get mad, keep in mind we live in a country where an animal’s life is valued at twice that of a human. Now go ahead and get mad, get angry. The step beyond anger is action. In an issue oriented society, hopefully this has become an issue for the reader. Unbeknown to man, there is a very simple solution to saving young black males. At the rate we are going, we need to save young black women as well. For the next fifty years, our prison systems are counting on failed implementation. And that “Obama” factor of seeing someone of similar image in leadership will be slow to take effect. Beside someone has to be there, within arms length, to drive the point home. We say at “arms length” because you have to apply a hug at various points.
Seriously, I’ve been screaming about an experiment which took place some time ago. It resonated with me back in the day as what I saw on the screen during a documentary resembled something I saw taking place on the streets with humans. To documentary disappeared for a minute and perhaps some re-writes have taken place, but even in its current form, the message is still there.
Now here this… To save young black men, do we treat them like animals? The answer is a resounding yes. Yes. Which animal in particular? Juvenile elephants. The story of the juvenile elephants today, some references tell it a little different from what I remember. We know how government experiments go. So when you find references to the story, the solution is still there, plain and simple. It appears simple at least to me. To implement, you’ll here that you need funding, years of study, a major movement, a board, a march on Washington, a senate hearing – all the red tape.
Or you can take it upon yourself and just be there for somebody. Perhaps the one where one out of 11 African Americans are in the corrections system, either in prison, on probation or on parole, according to a comprehensive study where major accounting of African Americans is reported in various Pew Reports put out by the Pew Center on the States and other Pew this and Pew that.
I know you’re NOT keeping up with family these days, but one out of eleven means that somebody is not around right now. With a larger family, 2 or 3 people might not be around. But let’s flip the script. That would mean ten (10) out of eleven is not in the system. We could go back to the stats to find out who’s working, not working, how many kids, how much education, income, wealth, zip code etc. However, we are seeing negative juvenile behavior coming across the board. Today working and being away from a child can have almost the same societal impact and influences on a child as a parent that does not have a clue and has never worked a day in their life. I’ve talked to inmates in federal prison and they tell me an idle mind gets the same amount of idle time – behind bars.
Back to elephants. Let me share one of the references that’s still possible to find online. Click here to read from Boys and girls learn differently: a guide for teachers and parents By Michael Gurian, Patricia Henley, Terry Trueman, but don’t read too much. Just read the first part about the elephants from the section “When In Doubt, Be An Alpha.” It gives a quick summation of what happened when the bull elephant was reintroduced to the juvenile elephants. After that part it goes into a concept of middle school which is a whole other beast and this blog is getting a bit long. Found source online with Google book search, because like I said earlier, references to the actual experiment are becoming difficult to find – probably because there in lies a solution.
We also found a few other sources making reference to juvenile elephants and their testosterone. Even basic reading about the elephant hierarchy and how elders are decided and leadership is formulated can give great insight to the drastic issues we have with our young males. We definitely have some issues and we need to be ready to try what works. The animal kingdom has by far, done a better job than humans over the time.
Does it work? YES. How do I know? Been there done that and made an impact. It works. It stops young men from going to prison. It stops them from disrespecting women and themselves. Young men who witness a positive bull or alpha male don’t walk around with their pants at their knees. They don’t come upon some body’s property and decide they will take their stuff or their life. Their brain and their conscience works when they have the right bull male to emulate, father or not.
Lastly and I’ll let you go. Borrowing from the juvenile elephants, we’ve got to reintroduce the bull male, but in a concept of volunteering. Oh goodness, I lost you. Let me try a word we used back in the day. Forget volunteering. I forget that four million black men marched on Washington but disappeared when it came time to volunteer. We’ve got to become stakeholders for the future. A stakeholder cultivates and doesn’t just drop seeds and walk away. The bull elephant demands respect, teaches, protects and keeps order with respect of the hierarchy. You can’t just be up in his herd and not pull your weight and you will know your place. If you step to him to challenge, you better win and be willing to do all that he does. In the end, he then passes the torch. He doesn’t leave anyone to fend for themselves.
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TV One premieres STAND documentary by broadcaster Tavis Smiley #Stand
May 24, 2009
Catch the Buzz: Twitter Viewing Party Tag #STAND
standthemovie.com — On Sunday, May 24 from 9-11 PM, TV One premieres STAND, a compelling documentary chronicling an extraordinary road trip taken by broadcaster Tavis Smiley and 10 remarkable black male friends at a key moment in our nation’s history. America was commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., against the backdrop of then-Senator Barack Obama emerging as the first African American to become the Democratic presidential nominee. As America approached the historic 2008 presidential election, the national dialogue and debate intensified about race relations, politics and the legacy of the civil rights movement.
On this journey is renowned philosopher, scholar, Princeton professor, author and civil rights activist Dr. Cornel West; his brother, songwriter and producer Cliff West; author, commentator, public intellectual and Georgetown University professor Dr. Michael Eric Dyson; Princeton Professor of Religion and African American Studies Dr. Eddie Glaude; Grammy Award-winning gospel and R&B artist BeBe Winans; actor and founding director of the Ebony Repertory Theatre Wren T. Brown; comedian and activist Dick Gregory; Raymond Ross, Smiley’s longtime special assistant; and young Memphis student activists Daron Boyce and Robert Smith. Along the way, Smiley and friends explore the diversity and complexity of the Black male experience in America past, present and future.
STAND provides rare insight into a unique group of scholars, musicians, comedians and social critics as they gather for reflection of brotherhood while confronting their own roles and responsibilities as pioneers of social progress.
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Cleo Manago “Crips & Bloods: Made in America makes successful attempt at contextualizing Black male struggle.”
May 18, 2009
“Crips & Bloods: Made in America” : Black Men Killing Each Other was Safer than Confronting Their Enemy
by Cleo Manago
Cleo Manago founder/CEO of AmASSI Wellness and Cultural Centers
Throughout the long history of non-fiction, documentary film making, few examples have surfaced that deeply illuminate the struggle among Black males in America, since slavery, to retrieve some semblance of manhood and respect. A new documentary called ‘Crips & Bloods: Made in America’ makes a successful attempt at contextualizing a disturbing, west coast version of this nation-wide, intergenerational, Black male struggle.
Produced by Cash Warren and Los Angeles NBA star Baron Davis,
“Crips & Bloods” features the voices and violent histories of former and current members of gangs, and the relevant history of Black (and White) Los Angeles. It also features mothers and other loved ones left in the wake of the often deadly consequences of a self-hate directed war between dejected Black males, lost in a patriarchal (and racist) reality, in a country and [Black] community they believe does not see them as human or as men.
Through interviews, vintage footage and documented facts, the 40 year genesis of how legions of Black males in Los Angeles wound up going from baby-boys on their mother’s laps to the confines of a gang, a prison, or a cemetery is uncovered. Stacy Peralta, the film’s director, sharply depicts how, historically, regardless of economic status, Black Angelenos faced brutal and cruel forms of racism which affected where they could live, how long many did live and the quality of their lives.
With pictorial examples, actual news coverage and a gripping narrative “Crips & Bloods” addresses how so-called gangs began as black youth who were not allowed to be in the [White] boy scouts, or to safely leave their communities for leisure. Exposed is that up until very recently, the where abouts of Black people in South Los Angeles were patrolled by legally sanctioned and often deadly White police brutality. It becomes clear that these are the seeds of how the frustrations of violently oppressed Black youth festered into a mutually implicit impulse to turn on each other, preconditioned to believe that the actual source of their pain was not practical or safe to directly confront.
Powerfully (and hopefully Blacks will learn from this), “Crips & Bloods” also illustrates how cooperative with each other, responsible, industrious and even prosperous a number of Blacks were before the systemic disruption of the community. Upon close examination, it becomes apparent how the power of ingrained notions had by many Blacks – that their still not being White – ate at the integrity of simply enjoying, valuing and protecting being an independent, successful [Black] community.
Unlike the so-called blacks-ploitation films of the 70’s and 80’s, e.g. “The Mack,” “Superfly” and “Shaft,” or the more recent gangsta or thug culture that romanticizes Black male disorientation, contrived bravado and displaced rage, “Crips & Bloods” actually explains the origins of how this madness came to be. The film actually acknowledges how racist, deadly and corrupt law enforcement, along with the murder or compromise of iconic Black men like Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Fred Hampton and Huey Newton of the Black Panthers trickled down into a legacy of terror and confusion among Black males. In addition, the typically unspoken psychological consequences of this period manifesting as serial fatherlessness, criminalization, joblessness, drug abuse and repressed Black male grief is acknowledged in “Crips & Bloods.”
Witnessing “Crips & Bloods: Made in America” for this writer was not just a visual field trip, but a revisiting of where I was raised (Watts and Compton) and what I personally observed growing up. This revolutionary documentary may act as a buffer or a wakeup call to finally put into context what so many Black males silently contend with. It may even help to inform health educators, law enforcement and mental health systems to recognize what they must know toward applying solutions to health disparities disproportionately had by Black males. These would include: HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, incarceration, homicide, depression and suicide.
While the election of Barack Obama, America’s first president on record to have a Black father, who also brought the country its first Black First Lady, is symbolically powerful, a film like “Crips & Bloods: Made in America” may help us to acknowledge and resolve realities that still need attending too.
Next steps or a next film could explicitly engage solutions to what “Crips & Bloods: Made in America” explores. Maybe the film will spark local discussion on funding and building programs to help produce more healthy Black males. This would be fundamental to developing a healthier Black community, and healthier Black fathers, husbands, sons and the productive partners of Black people.
To learn more about the film, visit the “Crips & Bloods: Made in America” companion website, http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/cripsandbloods/ , which features detailed information on the film, including an interview with the filmmakers and links and resources pertaining to the film’s subject matter. The site also features a Talkback section for viewers to share their ideas and opinions, preview clips of the film, and more.
Cleo Manago is a behavioral health specialist and cultural expert, journalist and founder/CEO of AmASSI Wellness and Cultural Centers
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What’s Up with that Brother? Erin O. Patton Under the Influence
May 8, 2009
Erin O. Patton, marketer and Adjunct Lecturer at SMU’s Cox School of Business, has published a book titled Under the Influence — Tracing the Hip-Hop Generation’s Impact on Brands, Sports & Pop Culture. The cultural marketing book traces the transformation of the Hip-Hop music and culture into a lifestyle, attitude and distinct set of brand preferences emulated and adopted by the masses through the mediums of music, television and film. It serves as a practical guide for marketers and media practitioners looking to define this transcultural audience and translate its $300 billion market opportunity in a new consumer paradigm and digital age.
Patton officially released the book May 5 in connection with Creative Week in NYC. As part of the book launch, Patton participated in an innovative program, “Behind The 
Book,” which takes authors inside the classroom of public schools as part of the curriculum. He visited Brooklyn Community Arts & Media (BCAM) High School in Brooklyn for a discussion of his book. After the lecture, the students shadowed the former Nike executive on a tour of Madison Avenue, including participating in the Diversity In Media/One Club-Adversity Industry Introduction at the West Side Lofts. Students from 22 creative portfolio schools and universities from around the world were on site showcasing work and answering questions about admissions, student life and what it’s like to transition from high school to college to pursue a career in advertising. Later, Patton conducted a book signing during an exclusive event celebrating the work of leading multicultural creatives and hosted by the JWT advertising agency.
In Under the Influence, Patton’s exploration begins with his youth in Pittsburgh in the 1980s when Hip-Hop was evolving from just music to a broader movement that influenced everything from which brands and products were relevant to the currency of vernacular and social issues, and continues through his award-winning marketing career.
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What’s Up with that Brother? James Stewart aka js7 [Video Buzz]
May 6, 2009
Don’t ask what DryerBuzz was doing on the sports channel Tuesday night. It was the first game of the second something for the Hawks. We only caught the last 4 minutes (I know fair weathered fan – if that). Fortunately, it takes a few channels to get through all the sports where we came across that brother – James Stewart. While Stewart has mastered his formula on the track, we watched closely for his formula of success. Can you pick out the key factors? We found Stewart’s story fascinating and wanted to know more of what’s up with that brother?
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