Black News Updates

Michael Jackson's Red and Black 'Thriller' Jacket Up For Auction

The iconic leather jacket is expected to fetch more than $200,000

2011-06-07

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) -- The jacket Michael Jackson wore in his “Thriller” video is hitting the auction block.
Auction administrator Darren Julien says the red and black leather jacket is “the most recognized and significant piece of pop culture” to come up for sale, and he expects it to fetch at least $200,000 at the Music Icons auction on June 25 and 26 at Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills. Read the complete article

DC to Unveil New Black Batman, First Detective Comics #1 Since 1930

Comic company will begin digital sales of all superhero titles

2011-06-07

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- DC Comics is going back to the starting point in September, renumbering its entire lineup of DC Universe titles with No. 1 and retooling nearly all of its major characters, including Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman.
At the same time, they will be introducing the first Black character to take on the Batman mantle – Batwing (pictured). This September, DC will release the “Batman of Africa” as Batwing #1, which will be written by Judd Winick and illustrated by Ben Oliver. Read the complete article

Gil Scott Heron Foreshadowed Rap and Spoke Truth to Power

Dead at 62 after a life of struggle and creative power

2011-05-30

By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY Music Writer for the Associated Press

Long before Public Enemy urged the need to “Fight the Power” or N.W.A. offered a crude rebuke of the police, Gil-Scott Heron was articulating the rage and the disillusionment of the black masses through song and spoken word.   Read the complete article

Lohan Begins House Arrest Sentence for Grand Theft

Punishment comes after probation violation for 2007 DUI

2011-05-27

Lindsay Lohan has been fitted with an ankle monitor and will serve her sentence on house arrest rather than going to jail. Read the complete article

OSU’s Black Greek System Sponsors Step Show, Juneteenth Celebration

Corvallis

2011-05-26

Oregon State University’s Black Student Union will be showcasing their 9th annual Divine Nine Step Show:Step Into the Bad Side at 3:30 p.m. on May 28 at Lasells Stewart Center, 875 SW 26th St. in Corvallis. Tickets are $6 for the public, $5 for students, and doors open at 2:30 p.m.
Read the complete article

'A Walk in Our Shoes' Helps Support African Students

Fundraiser to be held May 27

2011-05-26

This Friday, May 27, the African Youth Community Organization and Al Jebal Mediterranean restaurant will be holding a fund-raising event from 6 to 8 p.m. at Jackson Middle School, 16025 SW 35th Ave. in Portland.
The event, “A Walk in Our Shoes” will help raise “the needed resources to both sustain and to growth students who are falling through the cracks by providing academic tutoring, language instruction, afterschool sports activities and advice on cultural integration.” Read the complete article

Help to Restore Mural on Irvington Covenant Church

2011-05-24

The mural's creator, the prominent mural artist, Isaka Shamsud-Din, has expressed interest in restoring the mural. The King Neighborhood Association is exploring grant funding Read the complete article

Luke Campbell, of 2 Live Crew, Runs for Mayor of Miami

Former rapper turned businessman says his campaign comes after decades of activism

2011-05-23

MIAMI (AP) -- It's a late Friday night in a Little Havana restaurant when Luther “Luke” Campbell's campaign volunteer suggests announcing to the handful of other diners that a candidate for Miami-Dade County mayor is in their midst.
The former rapper nods in agreement, then jokingly reconsiders as the curly-haired volunteer walks away. Her short-shorts are demure by Miami standards, even practical on a humid night, but maybe the older couple she's approaching will get the idea that his campaign is about booty shaking. Read the complete article

'Boardwalk' Celebrates Popular Parker Brothers Board Game

More than a game now, Monopoly has become a multi-million dollar franchise

2011-05-19

Kam Williams, Special to The Skanner News

In 1935, Charles Darrow, au unemployed salesman from Philadelphia, got a patent on Monopoly, a board game ostensibly inspired by another named The Landlord. The original had been invented over three decades earlier by a Quaker named Lizzie Phillips as a means of illustrating capitalism’s tendency to enrich property owners at the expense of impoverishing renters.All of the above is chronicled in Under the Boardwalk, a delightful documentary directed by Kevin Tostado which is certain to delight any Monopoly fan. Read the complete article

Help Kickstart Groundbreaking Artists with Disabilities Show

A Somewhat Secret Place

2011-05-17

This groundbreaking art-show about and by the disabled is planned to open July 7th in Portland Oregon but funding is still short for the compete program. Enough pledges must be gathered before June 20th.Those who pledge will get tickets to special events and be proudly posted on the donors list