Unnecessary Death of Bobby Tillman!

18 year-old Bobby Tillman attended what was intended to be a small house party in Douglasville, GA on Saturday evening. The party escalated to possibly as many 80 people and became out of control. According to reports, a female attendee hit a male attendee for some unknown reason. The male, choosing not to hit the female back, decided to hit the next male walking by who happened to be young Bobby. Upon being hit, Bobby was assaulted by more young men ultimately resulting in his death.

4 young men are now in jail being charged with Bobby Tillman's death. This is truly one of the truly unnecessary killings in recent memory. If this is an 18 and 19 year-old black male's mentality to hit another person without provocation, then the next generation is truly in trouble. Immediately 5 lives are gone, Tillman's mother has lost a son and this is not even considering what the owner's of the house that held the party is having to deal with in terms of future lawsuits.

Real Housewives Of The Scripted!

Bravo is stretching the Real Housewives franchise to it's limit at this point. "Real Housewives of Atlanta" debuted season 3 last night with the usual drama as NeNe and Dwight got into what seemed like a totally scripted argument over money that Dwight supposedly lent to NeNe's husband Greg. The funny part of the argument was Dwight tearing up the check, but nothing in the altercation seemed real. When the show initially premiered the cast seemed much more natural and spontaneous, but now almost everything in the show seems very scripted and planned.

I was really looking forward to watching the new season of Atlanta last night, but it left me wondering if anything on the show is the truth.

Eddie Long's Not A Perfect Man!

Bishop Eddie Long finally spoke to the members of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church yesterday morning stating that he's not a perfect man, but definitely not the man being portrayed amid the sexual coercion charges that surfaced last week. He stated that he's going to fight the charges, but since he never stated that the charges weren't true my guess is that settlement talks will be taking place at some point.

Long still appears to have the support of his church, but if he allows these suits to go to trial he runs the risk of being exposed if any of the charges are proven to be true. It's my guess that he won't be willing to take that chance.

Sex Allegations Against Eddie Long!

Anthony Flagg, 20 and Maurice Robinson, 21 have brought sexual coercion charges against Bishop Eddie Long, leader of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in suburban Atlanta. New Birth is a mega church with an estimated membership of more than 25,000. The young men allege that Long coerced them into inappropriate relations with lavish gifts and even the use of his Bentley. The young men are represented by B.J. Bernstein who assisted Genarlow Wilson in the appeal of his aggravated child molestation conviction.

It should be stated that Robinson was arrested in June for burglarizing the church and has confessed. Bernstein states that the act was in retaliation after discovering that Long has been having relations with other "spiritual sons" within the church. Long, through a spokesman has denied the charges, but one has to wonder why these young men would expose themselves to this scrutiny if there wasn't some truth in the charges. The whole story is sordid and disgusting and Long owes it to his followers to speak the truth, whatever that is in his mind. The Atlanta Journal Constitution provides additional information on this story.

R.I.P. Kenny McKinley!

Second year Denver Broncos football player Kenny McKinley was found dead yesterday in his Denver area home of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. People will speculate why a 23 year-old NFL player would apparently take his own life, but I really pray for his family and young son. McKinley, was from suburban Atlanta and a stand out at South Cobb High School in Austell, GA. He was also the all-time leading receiver at the University of South Carolina and a 5th round draft pick of the Broncos in 2009. Injuries had derailed his progression at the pro level, but by all accounts he had a promising future.

It's difficult to speak about a 23 year-old in the past tense who had the world at his feet. This is a devastating and senseless tragedy that simply has no answers.

Is Woody On The Bubble?

The Atlanta Hawks suffered on of the worst losses in Atlanta sports history last night losing to the Milwaukee Bucks 91 to 87 after having a 9 point lead with just under 4 minutes left in the game. With the loss the Hawks now go back to Milwaukee with the opportunity to lose the series after having a 2 games to none lead over the Bucks. If the Hawks indeed lose this series, it's probably the end of the line for coach Mike Woodson. Woodson isn't under contract for next year, and it would be inexcusable to lose this series to the Bucks who are playing without center Andrew Bogut.

Is Race A Factor In Potential Atlanta School Closings?

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports on the controversial proposal to close 10 schools in DeKalb County in Metro Atlanta. The 10 schools on the list are all in poor African American areas and are deemed necessary to offset an over $100 million budget shortfall. This is a tough call, because with the proposed closures it's possible for the students to be placed in schools that will provide a better education which is the bottom line.

Christine Beatty Headed To Atlanta!

Kwame Kilpatrick's sidekick in the text messaging scandal is headed to Atlanta for new job opportunities according to the Detroit Free Press. Beatty, with the assistance of sorority sisters and former classmates will be working as a business consultant. Her attorney states that while she will not be making a lot of money, it's a new start. So while Kwame Kilpatrick lives in a nearly million dollar home in the Dallas area, Ms. Beatty has to start from scratch with her two daughters. Hopefully this will be Beatty's opportunity to get her life back on track.

Joseph Lowery Hospitalized!

Civil Rights Icon Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery has been admitted to an Atlanta area hospital in intensive care, but the condition isn't considered serious. Lowery, who is 88, apparently has been having shortness of breath and some respiratory issues. Get well soon Dr. Lowery.

Kasim Reed New Mayor of Atlanta!

It looks like a run off was Kasim Reed's best friend, as it appears that he'll become the new mayor of Atlanta. With 100% of the precincts reporting Reed leads his challenger Mary Norwood by less than a percentage point (758 votes). Reed closed the gap on Norwood pretty quickly and ran a good race. Only 40 years old, Reed has his work cut out for him. Here's wishing him well.

Atlanta Mayoral Election Headed To Runoff!

Atlanta Mayoral candidates Mary Norwood and Kasim Reed are headed for an election runoff on December 1 after Norwood failed to attain 50% of the vote in the mayoral election yesterday. Norwood received 45% of the popular vote while Reed received 37%. Norwood is attempting to become the first white mayor of Atlanta since 1973.

It will be interesting to see if the Atlanta electorate becomes polarized along racial lines, and the race could come down to who third place finisher Lisa Borders ultimately supports. It's politics, so the next month in Atlanta will not be boring for Norwood and Reed.

Baby Left In Storm Drain By Teenage Parents Dies Near Atlanta!

There's always signs that things are headed towards crazy in our country. This story makes me wonder what people really are thinking as a teenage couple in the Atlanta area left an infant baby to die in a storm drain. Sinead A. Harrison, 18, and her boyfriend, 19-year-old Landis Bernard Stewart-Moore, face child cruelty charges after leaving their infant son to die in the drain. Harrison went to the hospital after giving birth to the baby and told authorities that the baby was left in a trash bin. Unable to locate the baby they questioned the father who informed them where the baby was located. The Atlanta Journal Constitution provides additional details on teenagers simply not caring about a child for which they were responsible.

Atlanta Mayoral Race Going Black!

Atlanta has had an African-American in the position of mayor since Maynard Jackson held the position in 1974, and it's possible that the city could have it's first white mayor since then. Presently, two African Americans are running for the office, Kasim Reed and Lisa Borders, along with Mary Norwood who is white. There is now a letter is circulating endorsing Borders and promoting a "black agenda." Below are the contents of the memo being circulated at the insistence of Atlanta political insider Aaron Turpeau courtesy of the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

Introduction

The debate over the best strategic option for black leadership and the African American community as we approach the Mayoral election in Atlanta has become critical based on the fact that for the last 25 years Atlanta has represented the breakthrough for black political empowerment in the South.

It is debatable to what extent the objective socio-economic and political position of the African American community has improved. At the same time, most would agree that the Jackson breakthrough represented an unprecedented opportunity for black political representation nationwide.

A passionate argument has been made for us to develop a unity of purpose and position, and for that to be defined immediately, given the short amount of time remaining between now and November 2009 election day (two and ½ months from now).

There are unstated assumptions that need to be examined. Perhaps the most critical factor is the lack of an agenda against which to evaluate candidates. An agenda, beyond just electing a Black Mayor, would allow us to move from the margins of the debate to controlling the expectations associated with gaining our support.

Three basic assertions have been made. They are as follows:

1. There is a chance for the first time in 25 years that African Americans could lose the Mayoral seat in Atlanta, Georgia, especially if there is a run-off;

2. Time is of the essence because in order to defeat a Norwood (white) mayoral candidacy we have to get out now and work in a manner to defeat her without a runoff, and the key is a significant Black turnout in the general election;

3. The reasons support should be given to Lisa Borders is: 1) she is the best black candidate in the race who has a chance to win the election because she can attract downtown white support; and 2) based on polling data drawn from a host of sources between May 2009 and July 2009, the numbers suggest Borders is growing stronger as we move closer to the election, while the most recent polling data suggests that the other black candidates are falling further behind over the same period.

There are also at least three unstated assumptions that should be further explored:

Unstated Assumption

1. With the “Black Mayor first” approach there is an unstated assumption that having a black mayor in Atlanta is equal to having a black social, economic and political agenda or at least someone in office who would be sensitive to that agenda if not a full promoter of that agenda;

2. By coming out for Borders now would eliminate Reed, Spikes and Thomas as viable candidates. Some would argue that if the polling data is correct then those candidates who are only polling at 8%, 2% and 1% respectfully, are already effectively out of the race; and

3. It is unlikely that there will be a unified preference among existing black leadership and in the African American community for one candidate prior to the general election.

The Missing Factors in the Current Approach

There are at least seven real world common knowledge factors that must be taken into consideration as we debate how best to manifest our support in the run-up to the November elections. They are as follows:

1. The impact of current alienation among Black Atlantans from the political establishment;

2. The imperiled state of the Jackson Machine, (in part because of the displacement of close to 100,000 black residents over the past few years) and the effect operation of the NPU system by whites;

3. Shirley Franklin’s perceived poor performance;

4. The changing demographics in the city, the potential role of new city voters and the diminished role of religious and labor leaders in mobilizing the black vote;

5. The importance of the City Council races (which to date seems to have been ignored);

6. The persistent poverty in the city, the educational crisis in the schools; the human security/public safety concerns; the type of economic development policies being pursued; and the city’s awful financial management issues;

7. A Black Agenda that any candidate should be evaluated against.

What’s At Stake?

Determining what’s at stake depends on perspective:

1. The view that the times are too serious to stand on the sidelines is absolutely correct from the perspective of a black mayor at all cost. In fact, if a white candidate were to win the 2009 mayoral race, it would be just as significant in political terms as Maynard Jackson’s victory in 1973.

2. Therefore, the question becomes, if that were the case, how would African American interests be addressed; thus, the need for a comprehensive agenda. At the same time, just having a black mayor doesn’t guarantee that African American issues and concerns would be effectively addressed either (as the current administration’s relationship to the African American community clearly demonstrates). In other words, are we simply providing votes without any expectations of the candidate that would enjoy our support?;

3. While some may think that Franklin represents the last link to the Jackson Machine, it is not widely known that both Borders and Reed are directly connected to Franklin; or that Spikes and Thomas are Republicans, as is Norwood. Additionally, it should not be overlooked that whoever is Mayor of Atlanta will be in position to play an important role in the upcoming 2010 Georgia Governor’s race;

4. The changing demographics which show a more rapid growth in the city’s white population (faster and a higher percentage than anywhere else in the country) requires that we critically evaluate all candidates;

5. To ignore the alienation that exists among black voters towards the Franklin Administration’s performance is naive at best and dishonest at worse; and finally,

6. We need an overall governance strategy and a definition of who really governs in Atlanta. In other words, in 2009 we have arrived at a place in time where we can no longer afford to just look at race in the Mayor’s race or individual council races.

At the end of the day, “when the morning comes,” a black agenda would better enable us to have our interests respected by and our influence realized in any administration.

While the memo may make some valid points, the political process has to simply evolve over time with the best candidate eventually emerging. A potentially polarizing memo does a disservice to both African-American opponents.

17 Year-Old Arrested In Atl For Shooting Woman & Beating Child!

The stories of crimes being committed by young black males keep getting more disturbing by the day. 17 year-old Antoine Wimes was arrested along with 21 year-old Donovan McCoy after they attacked a 22 year-old woman, shooting her in the face and severely beating her toddler according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. To make matters worse, Wimes was out of jail on $250,000 bond for murder and aggravated assault, but cut off his ankle monitor early Monday morning. Man do we need "change", Wimes in the matter of a few months has killed one person and potentially ruined the lives of 2 other people. Why was he out on bond? Simply ridiculous!

Real Housewives of Atlanta Update!

Rodney Ho of the Atlanta Journal Constitution provides an update for last nights "Real Housewives of Atlanta" episode. The ending continued with the "ghettoizing" of Reality TV with NeNe and Sheree double teaming Kim, and taking the feud outside of a restaurant. Many portions of this year's show seem clearly scripted, although watching Lisa Hartwell decide whether to have a another baby and watching Kandi Burruss working in the studio with Jazze Pha and addressing her mother's issues with her relationship appear to be very real and honest.

Did NeNe Choke Kim?

The Atlanta Constitution reports that a police report has surfaced in which "Real Housewives of Atlanta" cast member Kim Zolciak alleges that fellow cast member and former friend NeNe Leakes choked her during an altercation on April 15 during filming. The incident was witnessed by 2 people who confirm the Kim's version of events. Zolciak was advised to file a warrant for Leakes arrest, but it doesn't appear that this was ever done. There's nothing like drama on a reality TV show.

Frank Ski Foundation Honors Students!

It's always good to see celebrities giving back within our community. Atlanta radio personality Frank Ski is using his foundation to constantly help those in need. Franks' wife, Tanya, hosted an awards ceremony at their home over the weekend to honor six Clayton County, Georgia high school students, recognizing them for leadership and academics. The students were given goodie-bags that included a $1,000 college scholarship, and R&B singer Monica attended the ceremony giving the recipients word of wisdom. Thanks to the Atlanta Journal Constitution for the article.

Morris Brown College In "Crisis Situation"!

Morris Brown College President Stanley Pritchett tells the Atlanta Journal Constitution the the historically black college located in Atlanta is in a "crisis situation." The school recently had one of it's building auctioned off for $900,000, has another bill due on an exorbitant water bill, is $30 million in debt and has less than 200 students on campus. The college, which lost it's accreditation in 2003 is badly in need of a stimulus package. Here's hoping that President Pritchett can keep the struggling college viable, as our black colleges are struggling in these economic times.

A Tour Of Vick's Home!

The Atlanta Journal Constitution has 25 photographs of Michael Vick's home which is set to go up for auction next week. It's a beautiful home!

Why Are We Allowing Ourselves To Be Exploited?

DeShawn Snow, who was a member of the "Real Housewives of Atlanta" cast confirmed to Essence.com that she will not be returning for a second season of the show with the following quote:

[One of the producers] called and said that I was "too human for a circus show" and that because the show did so well, they are about to pump up the drama and they didn't think that I would fit in. He gave me an example, saying that during the reunion when I found out what a few of the other ladies said about me, they were expecting me to say more, but I'm not the type to go "television" and start acting crazy because somebody's talking about me. I'm fine with the decision. It wasn't my decision. They let me go and there are no hard feelings. I am thankful for the opportunity.

The crazy thing about this decision is that Mr. Snow was probably the only cast member who truly can live an opulent lifestyle. I'm glad DeShawn Snow didn't change her personality to become a celebrity. Bravo is making a small mint off this show, I hope the money is worth it for the the returning cast members, and the "bad publicity" that exposes most of them as not being what they've been portraying on the show.