Top News

By Reference Librarian Anne R.

 

One of the more interesting movies playing in theaters this winter is Red Tails, based on the true story of the Tuskegee Airmen. Executive Producer George Lucas has said in interviews that he financed the movie himself, because Hollywood wasn’t interested in backing an expensive movie with an all-black casts. 

 

Although it has been getting mixed reviews, it was the second-highest grossing movie during its debut week. That’s good news since Red Tails brings an important story to light, one that too few people know about. 

 

Black Male Activists Win Leadership Award, Support for Community Projects in Detroit and Philadelphia

 

DETROIT, MI — Twenty men – teachers, businessmen, writers and pastors – have been named winners of the BME Leadership Award, created to honor black men in Philadelphia and Detroit who step up to lead the community. 

 

“The award shines a light on a truth that we need to remember: there are thousands of black men in these cities who choose to make it a stronger and better place to live for all of us,” said Trabian Shorters, one of the leaders behind the BME Challenge, which sponsors the award. “Perhaps if we tell their stories and others decide to support their efforts, you will see more and more black men and boys willing to follow their example.” 

By Tashmica Torok

 

Laughter floated above a table where drinks were poured and women bonded after an intense work out.  Women who I had spent nearly a year with traveling and sharing my life, all sat around with loosened manners and relaxed hearts separate from the expectations of their individual responsibilities.  Even though time was slipping into a later hour, one that we would all regret in the morning, we continued to sit together where our only responsibility was to listen and finish our drinks.

By Jimmie Gladney

 

I salute the President and Publisher of The New Citizens Press, Rina N. Risper, for her eleven years of progressive action and her community involvement in the Lansing area.  I am a subscriber of the newspaper.  In the January 15, 2012 – January 28, 2012 issue, I enjoyed reading the article by Lemar Brown.  He shared many good ideas on how to help stop the violence that is tarnishing the town. One statement he made was “There Are No Winners”.  I agree.   The victim goes to an early grave and the suspect generally goes to prison. The families and the children of the two are left behind to face the hardships.

 

Dear Tamara:

 

In my lifetime I have been hurt and let down by everyone around me (my former spouse, family members, and friends). People have let me down so much in the past that I have a hard time connecting with anyone. I guess you can say that I have built a wall of protection around myself and it’s hard for me to trust people and open up. 

 

Because of this I spend a lot of time alone. I want to reconnect with my family and friends, but I really don’t know how to. How do I begin to trust people again?

 

Ready to Trust Again

By Robert Pagliarini, 
Tribune Media Services

 

Do you have a gap between where you are and where you’d like to be? Maybe you have a mortgage you can’t afford, credit card debt you can’t get rid of, 20 pounds you can’t seem to lose, a schedule so packed you don’t have time for your family, or the feeling that there’s got to be more to life. If so, you’ve come to the right place.

 

By Earl Ofari Hutchinson

 

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.” 

By Mark Miller

Tribune Media Services

 

   Are older workers really faring better in this recession-wracked job market?

 

  Just seven percent of workers over 55 were jobless in October, compared with a nine percent national average, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported earlier this month. That’s a sizable gap, and it’s been roughly that size throughout the recession. 

From: Gregory P. Kelley 

 RE: J. W. Sexton vs. Eastern

 

Note: The community needs a win – win

 

Disclosure: I’m an Everett High School graduate and a Lansing resident.

 

Ok, now what’s the rush?

 

Lansing School District parents and community residents need to calm down, slow down the decision train and expand their thinking with regard to closing a high school.

 

The decision at hand, which high school to close J. W. Sexton or Eastern, has been brewing for many years.  Everyone should take a deep breath and take another look at the problem facing the Lansing School District due to the declining student population. The district  must not be held hostage by the Eastern International Baccalaureate Magnet Program. That’s a good program, but it must not be even a primary determining factor in the decision. The tail, no matter how attractive, should not wag the dog.