No Skills, No Job!

We all know that unemployed is higher than it's been in decades, and the numbers could get worse before they get better. The sad reality is that when the economy does begin to turn around, many disenfranchised workers will not be prepared to reenter the workforce.

The Detroit Free Press reports that one in three working age adults in Michigan, or 1.7 million people cannot read well enough to be hired for a job to support a family. More that 40% of this total lacks a high school diploma or GED. So while our President pushes job creation, it appears that many workers will not be qualified to be hired due to lack of adequate skills. This is the true reality of the situation, so while jobs will be created in the future, adequate skills will still be necessary to be considered employable.

Debbie Rowe Continues To Get Her Money!

Katherine Jackson's attorney's announced yesterday that she had reached a child custody agreement with Debbie Rowe the mother of Michael Jackson's two oldest children. The New York Post reports that Katherine Jackson agreed to continue her son's verbal agreement with Ms. Rowe which ultimately will pay her $4 million over a period of time. Apparently this agreement wasn't made in writing, so Mrs. Jackson obviously made this decision to keep tension down as they settled on her maintaining sole custody of Prince and Paris Jackson, and Ms. Rowe receiving visitation rights.

Black Workers Allege Segregated Bathrooms at Philly Trash Plant!

It's hard to believe that in 2009 blatant segregation would still exist, however, the Philadelphia Daily News is reporting that black workers are alleging that the Northwest Transfer Station outside of Philadelphia has segregated bathroom facilities. This allegation is part of a discrimination suit being brought against the facility. The allegation is being denied by the facility.

This story is interesting in displaying the environment that black workers still may be dealing with in 2009. I would much rather see black pundits debate an issue such as this instead of still discussing the Skip Gates arrest on Larry King.

E. Lynn Harris Died From Heart Attack!

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that author E. Lynn Harris died from a heart attack last week while on a business trip in Los Angeles. The coroner's office reports that Harris suffered from “hypertensive ateriosclerotic cardio-vascular disease,” and had a history of diabetes. Harris was famous for his books about gay African American Men and at the time of his death was negotiating television rights for his books. Prayers go out to the family.

Manhattan Aide Resigns After Facebook Rant!

The New York Post reports that an aide to Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer was forced to resign after postings on her Facebook page were discovered concerning the Skip Gates arrest controversy. Lee Landor posted the following statement on her Facebook page:

"I get it -- white men have dominated for hundreds of years and there's a lot of anger there. But HOW MUCH MORE can the white people do to correct past injustices of their ancestors?" wrote Lee Landor, 24, who had worked as deputy press secretary for Stringer.

"If Mr. Big Shot Harvard would have kept his mouth shut, shown his ID and not started yelling at a police officer, he never would have been arrested. So please, its time to get over this 'It's because I'm black' bull- - - -" she added.

Hope the statements were worth it to the 24 year-old.

Atlanta's Newest Housewife!

Bravo's "Real Housewives of Atlanta" debuts a new season tomorrow night with a new Atlanta Housewife, former Xcape group member Kandi Burruss. The Atlanta Journal Constitution profiles Ms. Burruss who incidentally secured the role after talks broke down with BET to be on the "Tiny & Toya" show. The 33 year old Burruss who has written hit songs for artists such as TLC states that she is financially secure, but still a working woman while raising a daughter Riley as a single mother, although she is engaged.

Below is Burruss' take on her new cast members:

Sheree: “She’s not as bad as I thought she’d be. I already knew her ex husband [Bob Whitfield.] I was really cool with him. Times I have seen her before, I thought she had attitude issues. Once I was around her, I thought she was pretty cool.”

Kim: “I like Kim. We’re both Tauruses. We always make jokes about it. To me, she’s a real person. She’s over the top with some of the things she says and does. But she’s funny. She’s very fun to be around. She’s good to people. One thing I noticed is she picks up on little stuff. She remembers everybody’s name in the crew. That means she takes time to get to know people. She also checks in with me to see how I’m doing. It has nothing to do with the show.”

Lisa: “She’s a supernova of energy. I’ve never seen anyone like her. We have a good time when we’re together. I respect the fact she’s definitely about her businesses.”

NeNe: “The crazy thing is I was a fan last year. I really liked her a lot. Now I’m cordial with her because we have to do press together… I would say we would not hang out together if we weren’t on this show.” [She wouldn't say what the falling out was. We'll have to wait until the show airs.]

There's no doubt the show will not be boring this year, but as the other housewives have learned, once you're in the public eye and on television every week, your life becomes an open book.

Glenn Beck Calls Obama A Racist!

Fox News commentator Glenn Beck stated yesterday on the "Fox & Friends" morning show that he believes President Barack Obama is a racist, with "a deep-seated hatred for white people or the white culture." When challenged by host Brian Kilmeade, Beck responded "I'm not saying he doesn't like white people," Beck said. "He has a problem. This guy is, I believe, a racist."

This is Beck's personal opinion, however, being a commentator on a reputable television station, and a supposed voice of reason makes this comment alarming if Beck truly believes what he's saying. Thanks to the Atlanta Journal Constitution for the link.

Welcome Back With Conditions Michael Vick!

Michael Vick was officially reinstated back into the NFL by Commissioner Roger Goodell. The reinstatement, while conditional, does give the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback an opportunity to resume his professional football career after serving a 23 month stint in prison on federal dog fighting charges.

Former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy will serve as a mentor to Vick, which I'm sure gave Goodell some confidence that Vick has a chance to successfully transition back into the league. Vick's activities will be monitored closely, so any transgressions, even minor ones will be reviewed. Here's hoping Vick is picked up by a team, and at least has an opportunity to play again, and earn a living.

Text Messages With Kwame Took Down Detroit Police Monitor!

The Detroit Free Press reports that local FBI agents uncovered text messages between former police monitor Sheryl Robinson Wood and former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick that led to her resignation last week. The text messages revealed "meetings of a personal nature" in different cities from 2003 until 2005. The messages do not indicate that a romantic relationship was taking place, but that it was a personal relationship.

While Kwame appears to have landed on his feet in a suburb out of Dallas, he's managed to derail the career of another female companion.

Michael Jackson Continues To Captivate Even In Death!

The New York Daily News reports on the continued public fascination with Michael Jackson, and the many rumors that have surfaced since his death on June 25th. Largely by his own doing Michael Jackson had become an aging star, who no longer was really interested in performing or making records it seems. An opportunity to replenish his financial empire returned him back into the public consciousness, and probably due to the pressure not to disappoint led to his death. Now, of course, everyone has an opinion on everything Michael Jackson. It can't be the fact that his estate will probably make his heirs hundreds of millions of dollars that is driving all of the attention.

Probable Jail Time For Plaxico Burress!

It looks like going to a club in New York and accidentally shooting himself in the leg is going to lead to jail time for NFL player Plaxico Burress according to the New York Post. Prosecutors have been pushing for a 2 year jail term, while Burress is willing to serve a 1 year term. Either way, it looks like a bad decision will cost Burress time in jail, and the loss of millions of dollars.

Forrest Shot In Back After Shots Fired!

The Atlanta Journal Constitution provides additional details regarding the killing of boxer Vernon Forrest on Saturday night. Forrest apparently was adding air to a tire on his Jaguar when he was robbed at gunpoint. Apparently armed, Forrest chased the robber, and shots were exchanged. Giving up chase and walking back towards his car, Forrest was then shot in the back 7 to 8 times. Forrest's 11 year-old godson was with him, but had walked into the gas station to use the bathroom and buy snacks.

It's easy now to say that Forrest may still be with us if he hadn't tried to chase down his attackers. While that may be true, and we'll never know, gun violence continues to riddle the black community. Forrest leaves behind a 12 year-old son Vernon Jr..