Human Tragedy and Triumph = Ratings Magic

Research backs up the common sense notion that Blacks tend to gravitate to programming where there are larger numbers of people who look like us

2012-02-20

Cheryl Pearson-McNeil

I am always fascinated by the impact of human emotions on our consumer behavior – whether those emotions are inspired by tragedy or triumph Read the complete article

How a Hoops Underdog Reflects Modern America

The improbable Jeremy Lin—and the groups captivated by him—prove we’re too multifaceted to be monolithic

2012-02-17

Roger M. Groves Special to The Skanner News

I have started to write this story several times. Stories with only one drama point and theme are quick and easy to write. But just when I start to percolate on the topic of Jeremy Lin, a new compelling drama point and theme emerges. Read the complete article

Are Blacks Becoming Political Orphans?

With Democrats assuming our vote and GOP lacking viable alternative, African Americans have no one to turn to

2012-02-14

Prepping for another run for the White House, President Barack Obama recently launched an "African Americans for Obama" campaign to target Black voters. Read the complete article

For Racist Soccer Actions, Liverpool's Player Suarez Should Be Suspended

Suarez's latest, un-sportsman refusal to shake a competitor's hand at the professional, international football league on Saturday shows his rank pettiness and childishness

2012-02-13

Chido Nwangwu, USAfrica Multimedia Networks

But, as the very polite, opening acts of friendliness and sportsmanship were unfolding, the Uruguyan-born ill-mannered Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, 24, shocked all reasonable people as he refused to shake the hands of Black Frenchman and captain of Manchester United, Patrice Evra. It immediately turned into the Suarez show of silliness on global tv channels. Read the complete article

Why ‘Soul Train’ Will Never Leave America’s Station

Show embodied Black art, and then made it central to nation’s culture

2012-02-08

A few days before the release of “The Best of Soul Train” DVD set “Soul Train” founder, creator and impresario Don Cornelius was asked what it was that made “Soul Train”the hit that was. Cornelius didn't hesitate, "That was the period when soul music grew up." Read the complete article

Ariz. Gov. Jan Brewer: Arrest This Woman!

Now the Associated Press reports she's using the incident in her re-election campaign and to improve the flagging sales of her new book

2012-02-02

Bernie Foster, The Skanner News

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer greeted President Obama on the tarmac in Mesa, with a wagging finger inches from his face. This kind of disrespect toward the President of the United States isn't just rude. It hurts America at home and abroad.

Dear Editor: Why Are We Killing Each Other?

If you know anything about my son’s murder please help us. We know that the community knows, please come forward and stop this vicious cycle of silence

2012-01-31

Lucy Mashia

What message are we giving our youth? Will we have any youth left if we don’t stop it now? How would you feel if it was your son? Your brother? Your cousin? Read the complete article

Letter to the Editor: Thanks for the Visit to Our School

'Mr. Foster encouraged us to reach our goals by being prepared with a good education'

2012-01-30

Miller-McCoy Academy for Mathematics and Business, 7th Grade Class

On Friday, January 20^th 2012, Mr. Bernie Foster, President of the Portland Skanner News Paper, came to Miller-McCoy Academy for Mathematics and Business to speak to our class of urban males. Read the complete article

Gingrich Plays Old South Race Card of a Bygone Era

Voters swung to Gingrich because, as Harold Wade, 85, was quoted in the Washington Post as saying, 'We need someone who's mean' to take on Obama

2012-01-30

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.

The toxic message that drove Newt Gingrich to victory in South Carolina will drive our nation apart rather than bring it together. And it will spell defeat for him — and for Republicans if they choose to go that way. Read the complete article

This Time President Obama Literally in Gun Toters' Sights

The gun-toting men made a virtual public call for the gunning down of the president

2012-01-30

Earl Ofari Hutchinson

The bullet-riddled tee shirt of President Obama posted brazenly on Facebook by seven semi-automatic gun toting men among them a Peoria, Ariz., police sergeant was much more than the by now standard non-stop litany of racist cartoons, depictions, web postings, and kooky loose talk threats against President Obama Read the complete article