The New Poverty!

The Charlotte Observer profiles the new face of poverty in Debra Cherry. Cherry is 47, college educated and previously making $75,000. Laid off due to job cut backs, she's unemployed and now living in an apartment after previously residing in a $250,000 home. McDonalds says that she's over qualified for working in the fast food industry. Unfortunately this is the new reality for the working class. Hopefully Cherry's profile will improve her job prospects.

What Is Carmelo Really Thinking?

Carmelo Anthony began his 8th media day with the Denver Nuggets yesterday amid trade rumors that have him being traded to either the New Jersey Nets or the Philadelphia 76ers. Anthony is a free agent after this season and has a $65 million contract on the table from the Nuggets that he has refused to sign. The Nuggets fearing a LeBron James debacle have decided to trade Anthony if he doesn't sign the contract extension.

Anthony may be making a bad decision along with "his team". It's likely that next year the owners will lock out the players in an effort to bring costs down which will likely impact player salaries. Anthony's probably looking at his last $20 million a year payday but is acting like he has all the leverage. If I were the Nuggets, I would make him play out the season. I know they run the risk of losing him for nothing, but Carmelo Anthony as much as I love him as a player is not even the leader of his own team, that happens to be Chauncey Billups, and he's definitely not LeBron James.

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.

Woody Paige's Gift In The Wake of Kenny McKinley's Death!

Columnist Woody Paige wrote the following words in this article yesterday in the Denver Post:

"Why would a smart, personable, resolute, "happy-go-lucky" Kenny McKinley — with a college education, a young son, a $385,000 contract and a bright future in football and life — commit suicide Sept. 20, 2010?"

It turns out that Paige had suicidal thoughts 8 years ago. Lucky for Paige, he had friends who saw his desperation and saved him. McKinley, apparently had made comments about taking his life, but no one ever imagined that he would actually do it. He obviously had demons that he was fighting that he couldn't shake. I hope that his death will not be in vain, and that anyone who is having suicidal thoughts will seek help . McKinley will be memorialized on Monday in Austell, GA, hopefully he has the peace now that he couldn't find in life.

Jesse Jr.'s Girl!

I guess Eddie Long has taken up all of our time with the allegations against him, that we ignored the end of a once promising political career for Jesse Jackson Jr.. Jesse was exposed as having a social acquaintance in Giovana Huidobro, who Jesse's buddy Raghu Nayak told Feds that he personally paid to have flown from Washington to Chicago on at least two occasions on Jackson's behalf. Jackson has slanted it as a private matter that has been handled by him and his wife, however, Chicago Sun-Times columnist Mary Mitchell takes it a little deeper, stating that Jackson has positioned himself as the pro-black candidate who has taken on a blond "social acquaintance" in this article.

Truthfully, Barack Obama's ascendance ended Jesse Jackson Jr.'s rising political career. The Jackson name simply carried too much baggage and Obama was a fresh face with a fresh message. This scandal will simply be a footnote in what could've been an even more promising and effective political career.

At Least Kevin Kolb Got His Money!

Yesterday Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid stated that Michael Vick is now the starting quarterback for the team replacing Kevin Kolb, who sat out Sunday's game because of a concussion. The Eagles traded "5" or Donovan McNabb in the offseason to the Washington Redskins because they felt that Kolb was ready to take over the reigns of the team. Michael Vick obviously had other ideas, because he looks better than the old version of himself and as Reid stated has been playing out of his mind.

Don't feel too sorry for Kolb because he did get a signing bonus of $10.7 million to sit on the bench and back up Vick. Vick is starting his second act and has done what I doubted he could do, which was get back in shape and work towards becoming a real quarterback. He's finally putting his immense talent to work on the football field, and may indeed have a successful comeback.

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.

A.J.'s Story!

This is an inspiring story that I found in the Detroit Free Press focusing on A.J. McLittle. A.J. has risen from the streets of Detroit and is now a sophomore at the University of Eastern Michigan. He comes from a family history of males who just don't make it, but he's trying to end the cycle. He was admitted to college under a special program and his first year performance was closely monitored, but he made it through to the second year, and he's determined to graduate. We all have to hope that A.J. reaches all of his goals.

Trouble For Clifford Harris?

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports on possible issues for Mr. Clifford Harris, better known as hip-hop artist T.I.. The judge who sentenced Harris in his firearms conviction has signed an order for Harris to appear before a federal judge to explain why his probation shouldn't be revoked due to his arrest in California on September 1st. The embattled star is facing 3 possible probation violations: possession of Ecstasy, testing positive for opiates and associating with a convicted felon.

Perhaps Harris forgot that he has to follow the same rules as other people who are on probation or simply forgot his precarious legal situation. He's had to cancel a concert at Penn State later this month, so it's assumed that his travel privileges have been revoked. This is a perfect example of when "Keeping It Real" has gone wrong.

Goodwill Training Program Helps Ex-Con Get Job!

The Charlotte Observer reports on Paris Friday who served 17 years in prison for conspiracy and racketeering. The first thought would be that Friday would have difficulty finding a job, however, he used his stint in prison to take job skills classes, and upon leaving prison in March and unable to find a job, he joined the Goodwill Occupational Training Program. Friday now works 2 jobs, one of which is a front line commissary cook. Friday is now working 75 hours a week and is a productive citizen. He's begun his "second life" learning from the mistakes in his first life and thriving. His second life opportunity is off to a good start, and inspirational for anyone who has lost hope for future job prospects.

Causing Commotion In Philly!

When the Philadelphia Eagles exiled Donovan McNabb to Washington in the offseason they assumed the Kevin Kolb would assume the throne as leader of the team as the starting quarterback. A suspect offensive line and a perhaps not ready for prime time Kolb have thrown a wrench in the Eagles succession plans. Kolb suffered a concussion in the game Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, and someone named Michael Vick came off the bench and nearly lead the Eagles to victory.

Vick at times looked like the Vick of old, with the same blazing speed and arm strength. Clearly Kolb is the future in Philly but Vick may have a chance to start Sunday against the Detroit Lions and at least for a short period of time cause head coach Andy Reid a few sleepless nights and a mild quarterback controversy for his team.

Cornbread Millionaire!

Beverly Davis lost her suburban Atlanta home to foreclosure earlier this year, but has been determined to repurchase the home despite losing her government job in 2006 and working odd jobs since then. Davis armed only with her brains and will started her website cornbreadmillionaire.com which sells her homemade cornbread mix. She has received national recognition for her ability to restart her career and donations of $54,000 fom her business according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Davis hopes to repurchase her old home, but it is under contract. However, with the money she is generating with her business she should be able to purchase another home at some point even if she has to make a cash purchase.

Beverly Davis is a testament to perseverance and innovation. She's been down, but has gotten up and now is thriving in a new career.

Chicago Peace Activist Son Killed By Gunshot!

Darryl Jackson has spent countless hours trying to curb violence in his native Chicago. Yesterday he received the most tragic news that a parent can hear when he discovered that his 16 year-old son Deantonio Goss was shot and killed in an alley just blocks from his home while walking home from school with a classmate according to the Chicago Tribune. The senseless killings just continue in our community, and everyday it's just a footnote for normal activity which is a tragedy.

Will Rahm Run For Mayor of Chicago?

With Richard M. Daley deciding not to run for a record 7th term as mayor of Chicago, White House chief of state Rahm Emanuel has emerged as a potential candidate. Emanuel has stated in the past that he covets the job as mayor of Chicago, but POLITICO states that while Emanuel may be a favorite to succeed Daley, he's not guaranteed the job. If Emanuel does run it will at least be interesting theatre.

Can National Action Network Survive?

The New York Post reports that finances at Rev. Al Sharpton's nonprofit organization National Action Network are so dire that the organization may not be able to survive according to an internal bookkeeping audit. The organization still faces over a million dollars in delinquent tax payments that are owed at the city, state and federal levels. Sharpton hasn't commented on this report, but it will be interesting to see what his version of the truth will be concerning the financial viability of his organization.

Chris Brown Scores A #1 With "Deuces"

Chris Brown has scored an improbable #1 record with "Deuces" on the Billboard R&B chart. The song, taken from the mixtape "Fan of a Fan" has gained momentum over the last month, currently charts at #24 on the Billboard 100 chart and still gaining steam. Brown also has a role in the #1 movie from last week "Takers" so this has been a pretty good week for the young Mr. Brown.

Money Doesn't Buy Intelligence!

T.I. and his wife Tameka "Tiny" Cottle were arrested in Los Angeles last night after police smelled marijuana smoke coming out of their Maybach. T.I. just got out of federal prison last December related to weapons charges, and is a convicted felon. I'm not sure of the legal ramifications that will result from T.I.'s arrest but obviously money doesn't buy intelligence.

Props To Bush?

President Barack Obama addressed the nation last night to inform all of us that the war in Iraq is over. The President who did oppose the surge in Iraq, admitted that although he and former president George W. Bush had opposing views on the war that Bush had a commitment to overall success in supprting the surge.

Conservatives are focused on the fact that President Obama opposed the surge, but he finished what was started which has lead to ultimate success in Iraq.

8 Babies, 6 Mothers For Cromartie!

I found this interesting article by Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press chronicling the exploits of New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie. Unfortunately the exploits being discussed aren't on the football field as Cromartie has 8 children by 6 different women, with 4 of them being the 3 year-old age range. Cromartie, who is 26 years-old had to be fronted $500,000 of this year's salary to take care of paternity issues. He's became something of laughing stock when recently on the show "Hard Knocks" he seemed to have difficulty remembering the names of all of his children.

I'm not going to judge Cromartie, but he'll have continuous pressure on him keeping up with the child support payments, and being a member of the "Not For Long" league his career could be over at any time. I guess he never met birth control that he found acceptable.

Jordan and Bobcats Lend A Hand To Area Schools!

Michael Jordan, the owner of the Charlotte Bobcats saw a need for Charlotte area schools and took it upon himself to help out since funding for middle school athletics has been cut by $1.25 million. The team has donated $250,000 towards middle school athletics which has spurred donations from other sources according to the Charlotte Observer.

This is a great gesture by Jordan and the team. Physical activity is necessary for everyone, and with budget cuts affecting all school systems, the Bobcats really stepped up when needed.

Lorenzen Wright's Mother Still Seeking Answers In Her Sons Death!

Lorenzen Wright's bullet riddled body was found a month ago in a secluded lot in his hometown of Memphis. Now that the tears have been shed and her son has been buried, Deborah Marion wants answers regarding her son's murder. Detectives have been collecting evidence but have yet to speak on the record about potential theories or suspects. Speculation has been rampant about possible causes of Wright's murder, but Memphis police can't make any arrests based on speculation. Perhaps one day Deborah Marion can sleep with the peace of mind that her son didn't die in vain. The Memphis Commercial Appeal provides additional updates.

What Are Arteesha Holt's Demons?

I'm not sure what demons 14 year-old Arteesha Holt faced, but she's been a behavioral problem for her family for years. Holt's life took a turn to oblivion on August 13 when she allegedly shot and killed 2 men in a Baltimore neighborhood, apparently in an attempted robbery. She was arrested yesterday and charged as an adult with first degree murder according to the Baltimore Sun.

Holt apparently has suffered from mental health issues and her family had attempted to help without success. She reportedly had been living in the streets in recent months. Just a sad story.

Is Timbaland Ok?

It was being reported that producer/rapper was in danger of causing harm to himself on Tuesday after he apparently left his home distraught over the theft of a $2 million watch by someone he knows. Hopefully everything is OK with Timbaland, whose real name is Timothy Mosly.

Fantasia Wanted Out!

Fantasia Barrino says that she wanted out of her life 2 weeks ago when she attempted suicide. It's probably not fair for me to be a skeptic, but it seems convenient that Barrino has a new CD out today titled "Back To Me" and a new VH-1 "Behind The Music" airing tonight. Barrino is a talented singer who has legitimately had personal issues. Hopefully in this particular situation she's being sincere with her fans.