Author: 1suprememic

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#1 Story: Black History Month

Martin Luther King Jr.: “My Dream Has Turned into a Nightmare.”

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About 50 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King on May 8, 1967 in an interview with Sander Vanocur said, “That dream I had that day has turned into a nightmare.” In an extraordinary, wide-ranging conversation, King took acknowledged the sole purpose and revising moments he’d gone through since his most famous speech. He expressed to Vanocur that his old pursuit of happiness through the civil rights movement was not the way anymore and then come to realization.

Things were changing for King since 1963, John F. Kennedy life was taken away. Kennedy had been impressed by King and had delivered his own nationally televised speech on civil rights in June of that year to complimented. Lyndon B. Johnson was the President in which the passage of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act was passed, declaring in a memorable 1965 speech to Congress, “We shall overcome.” But by 1967 Johnson had taken the country deeply into the war in Vietnam. Which was something that Dr. King would go against.

By 1967, King also had to contend with the fact that he was no longer the unchallenged leader of the civil rights movement. Increasingly rejected his message of non-violence preaching “Black Power,” and encouraging oppressed blacks to fight back. In growing numbers, they did. And following the victories of the early Sixties in desegregating schools and lunch counters and securing the right to vote, King took on the far more difficult task of improving poverty and economic injustice.

We best know him for his impact on civil rights, bringing all people together, and his ‘I Have a Dream Speech’ but it would be years later that he would no longer be about.

A lot had changed about Dr. King’s motto since 1963.  Preaching black power and encouraging oppressed blacks to fight back.

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Jada Stone – Wan Jowu Ni

R&B soul artist Jada Stone from Houston who has done several shows out in the Houston metroplex.  Her new single Wan Jowu Ni is out along with several other songs. Wan Jowu Ni meaning to be jealous in Yoruba language. Jada says the influence of the language comes from having friends that speak the Yoruba.

“I always love learning and I noticed that people can always remember lyrics fast. So I decided to teach everyone Yoruba in this new project.”

Jada Stone’s purpose with this song was to inspire individuals who have good things and good people to ignore haters of what good value they hold.

“I just wanted to inspire people to ignore the haters. So many times we let haters tear us away from good things and good people. Only because haters are unhappy with themselves.”

Jada intends to make a new wave with the phrase Wan Jowu Ni.

Check out more on Jada Stone’s blog site.

https://www.hiphoplivehouston.com/ 

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2018 NBA All-Star Weekend

This past weekend in Los Angeles, the NBA All-Star shenanigans were superb, there were just as many bigs in the skills competition as guards, celebrities were the judges of the slam dunk competition, and there is a new winner for the three-point shootout.

Over the years there has been some changes and some readjustments on how they choose teams for the rising stars challenge and for the All-Star game. What used to be called the Rookie and Sophomore Challenge is now called the Rising Stars Challenge. Now not only are rookies and sophomores are playing with each other on the same tam with each other but the teams are divided by nationalities as well. The teams are now Team USA vs. Team World. One of the most publicized rookies Lonzo Ball was unable to play the game due to a minor knee injury. A player to watch from Team USA was Dallas Mavericks rookie Dennis Smith Jr. it’s been time since the Mavericks had a player of his caliber. Ben Simmons the big 6’10” point guard recorded a double-double in his outing but it would be the player from Serbia Bogdan Bogdanovic who recorded 26 points with a game high of 7 three-pointers. Team World would win it 155-124.

This year skills competition did just had guards it had bigs as well having Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, Joel Embiid, and Lauri Markkanen. Unusual to have forwards and centers in this competition considering its supposed to be dedicated to league’s best rising ball handlers but since the game has evolve some over the years things have changed.  Guards that were in the lineup were Jamal Murray, Lou Williams, Donovan Mitchell, and Spencer Dinwiddie. Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie won the challenge and took home the crown.

Two former three-point shootout participated in the event again this however Devin Booker for the Phoenix Suns would hold this year’s crown. Playing in his third year averaging 24.2 ppg and shooting 38.3 from three he’s proven he can put the ball in the bucket. Donovan Mitchell was the winner of the main event which is the Slam Dunk competition. His runner up was Larry Nance Jr. competitor. Nance Jr. father won the dunk contest back in 84’ he wore his jersey as he did the famous cradle dunk. Mitchell would win off of him doing a 360 windmill dunk wearing a Vince Carter Toronto Raptors jersey.

This year’s All-Star game was ran by one of the most recognized NBA players, Stephen Curry and LeBron James. Both had their own teams instead of it being East and West it was Team Stephen and Team LeBron. The goal was to make the game more competitive which it was it wasn’t as high scoring as the previous ones and not all teammates played with each other. Team LeBron would win 148-145.

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Terrell Owens Is Finally In The Hall Of Fame

The man played 15 seasons in the NFL he finished second in all-time receiving yards, third in total touchdowns amongst wide receivers, eight in all-time receptions, 6-time  Pro Bowler, and has been a 5-time first team All-Pro with three different teams. Terrell Owens only one of three players to be a first-team All-Pro with three different teams. After two years of being not accepted by the unfair voters of the Hall of Fame. You’d be surprised by the wait Owens had to sustain to get into the honorary hall of great football players when his numbers and passion spoke itself.

Terrell Owens was born in Alabama in 1973, had three siblings, single mother and a father who wanted no part in his life. Owens was a star athlete since his younger days in a variety of sports like track, baseball, basketball, and his profession football. Throughout all of Owens’s life, he’s dwelt with hate from his peers. Terrell Owens was a very eager individual who backed it up with many talents and works ethic. The young athlete from Alexander City, Alabama took his talents to the University of Tennessee. After playing for three years in college Owens was drafted in third round by the San Francisco 49ers in 1996.

Although Owens played outstanding throughout his career, his image was tarnished by him making headlines a lot of locker room outbreaks and personal downfalls amongst his peers. It took him three years to get voted into the Hall of Fame due to the writers who ignored Terrell Owens the football player who put up great numbers. Instead, they looked at Terrell Owens who wasn’t an easy going person and who wasn’t liked by many people to hold him out of the Hall of Fame. Sooner or later Owens drive and hard work in the NFL paid off. Now he can say he is earned the level of respect he deserved.

 

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Cowboys looking Forward to Overcoming Division Rival Philadelphia Eagles

Tonight primetime on NBC at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas the Dallas Cowboys are going into tonight’s game with a lot to overcome. Ezekiel Elliot will be serving his 6-game suspension, Sean Lee has a troublesome hamstring, Tyron Smith has been dealing a aching back, hip issue, and a groin, Jeff Heath out with a concussion, and kicker Dan Bailey is out with a groin injury.

Philly is hot right now having a leading the NFC an with 8-1 record with an 8 game winning streak. Carson Wentz has been playing MVP caliber football the whole season throwing 23 touchdown passes, 5 interceptions, and a rating of 104.1. Although Philly going into this game favored it still should be competitive. Dallas is still stacked with talent it’s just a matter of how of their performance. Dallas’s secondary is their achilles hill most of their cornerbacks stand under 6 feet tall it’s just that alone be hard to matchup with bigger receivers like Alshon Jeffrey and Nelson Algholor. Dallas’s front seven will have to show up and stop the run without Sean Lee, giving up an average of over 100 rushing without him. Dallas’s strength is in the pass rush the team having a total of 28 sacks DeMarcus Lawrence leading the team with 11.5 sacks a career high so far.

Blocking for the offensive line has been a struggle the team giving up 8 sacks last week against the Atlanta Falcons. Chaz Green who gave 6 sacks has been pulled out of the starting at left tackle and has been replaced with Byron Bell. Dallas would hate to have the same struggles as last week.

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Hitch with Knee Injury a Big Loss for Dallas on Defense

On August 26, Saturday night against the Oakland Raiders linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys Anthony Hitchens  suffered a  tibial plateau fracture in his right knee. His estimate time for recovery is eight weeks or potentially longer depending on the process of recovery.

A big loss for Dallas losing a big part for there defense in Hitchens. The fourth year man out of the University of Iowa has proven to be a solid reliable force for the team at the middle linebacker position. Hitchens a dwelt with ankle injuries earlier in his career that he would be able to play through. This knee injury something serious that he will cause him to sit out momentarily considering it being his contract season wouldn’t him getting  a new deal in jeopardy. The next player up at the position would have to be Justin Durant considering since they recently re-singed him about a month ago to have some security and depth at linebacker. Linebacker Jaylon Smith is looking forward to having a productive rookie season after recovering from a torn ACL and pinch nerve in knee.

Considering that Dallas is still the favorites in the NFC East they still should look for a quality veteran free agent to sign to help sustain their defense. It’s their achilles hill and to keep that division title they must find ways to improve.

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Scandrick, Carroll Must be Leaders for Dallas Secondary to Prosper

 

The NFL’s off-season programs and mini-camp have come to a close. Teams have signed free agents and have been finalizing their rookie contracts. The Dallas Cowboys are going into the 2017 season raising many eyebrows, having many concerns with their that defense.

The Dallas Cowboys let go of four defensive  backs this past off-season all four had which started games this season for them and played major roles. Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne, Barry Church, and J.J. Wilcox were all not re-signed by the team. They weren’t the most spectacular, productive, and playmaking secondary, however secondary group that has been with Dallas through thick and thin. Brandon Carr has started his whole career and has yet to miss a game in his career playing 144 games. He’s nice physical corner who they like to use up against big receivers played five seasons with Dallas has had his inconsistencies and clutch moments. I know many people may through Carr under the bus because of the Odell Beckham Jr. one handed catch back in 2014. Yes I would say he is not so good at covering fast receivers their has been games he has shut some receivers down and in some games the ball isn’t being thrown to his side. In the postseason of 2014 Carr kept Calvin Johnson and Jordy Nelson out of the endzone limiting them to a combine of 7 catches allowed with 107 receiving yards. Carr would’ve been a great asset to keep around as a leader for the young guys on and off the field. Being a veteran you have experience and knowledge of the game to pass down to the rookies he was also a two nominee of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award  with the work of his Carr Cares Foundation. Brandon Carr had really good impact on the community of Dallas and he will be missed for that cause. Barry Church was the captain of the secondary leading the group with 85 tackles and two interceptions. A good mind for the game Church would call out the coverages for the secondary. Had versatility being able to play safety and down in the box as a linebacker. A good character with his time in Dallas being one of the most productive players on defense. Church has delt with injuries in his time however Church had the toughness to play through those injuries. Cornerback Morris Claiborne who was drafted 6th overall by Dallas in 2012 career has been plagued with injuries. Not always having the best attitude when approaching the game a time back in 2014 Orlando Scandrick was coming off a two game suspension, it was right than at the start of practice Claiborne loss his spot and left the field. He’s improved on that since and has played better coming off his best season however only played 8 games including the playoffs.  Claiborne’s level of production hasn’t reached expectation consistently enough for a good amount of time to surpass those injuries. J.J. Wilcox you lose a physical aggressive presence on the defense not the best tackler, however giving the defense energy can really uplift a team considering the defense as the weakness. One of the positive minded players on the team and rarely had injuries.

All four players departed to different teams due to Dallas lack of salary to spend or their willing in to commit with the player. Now you have veteran cornerback Orlando Scandrick as well newly signed veteran Nolan Carroll who was released from their division rival the Philadelphia Eagles back in March. These two cornerbacks are the only ones on the roster the that have played more than one season. Very important groom the younger players. Since loosing four secondary players in free agency Dallas drafted four to replace. Three corners and a safety Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, Xavier Woods, and Marquez White. Players who they all worked out individually before pursuing and each see potential in the future with the team.

Scandrick has been with the team his whole career since 2008 one of the few players other than Sean Lee who have been with the team for several years. Scandrick being the teams best corner considering his athletic ability, production, and experience. Yes he was suspended for violating the drug policy in 2014, however he was still able to maintain productivity that season until getting hurt the following.  Scandrick is really a key piece to this secondary going into his 10th season it’s really important that he establishes his role as a leader guiding younger players and developing that chemistry. Orlando Scandrick is the type of player who plays with something to prove always with a chip on his shoulder. Giving the defense energy before every game prepping before kickoffs Scandrick rallies up the defensive backs before every game getting them fired up a part of his role as a team leader. May have been a bit inconsistent playing last season after coming off a major knee injury which would take some time fully gain recovery and confidence in the knee. Scandrick finished the season with 46 tackles, three forced fumbles, two sacks, nine pass deflections, and an interception.

Nolan Carroll now landing on his third team of his career with the Dallas Cowboys signing a 3 year deal worth  $10 million with $4 million in guaranteed dollars involved. He’s a versatile corner can play either man or zone coverage able to play out wide in the nickel or dime package, and is willing to battle at the line of scrimmage. It was reported on May 29, 2017 that Carroll was arrested for DWI something that could possibly have him suspended which could cost him a chance at being a starter to begin the season. He’s already in somewhat of a bad rep for being arrested for DWI and we have yet to him play a game with the team. He can only now just show his leadership by example with hard work ethic. Be the first one on the practice field, the last one to leave, spend extra time watching film, and mentoring the younger players on how to improve their game. Carroll started all 16 games last year with Philly finishing with 55 tackles, 11 pass deflections, a forced fumble, and an interception.

 

 

 

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Did You Know About Black Wall Street?

In the early 1900s in Tulsa, Oklahoma where proactive African American entrepreneurs had their own governed community in Greenwood District named Black Wall Street. During this segregational period, the Black community was unified understanding the importance of building economic wealth for each other. These businesses consisted of 21 restaurants, 21 churches, 30 grocery stores, two hospitals, law offices, a bank, and a post office, housing, education including schools and libraries, public transportation, and six private planes. Black Wall Street gave the infrastructure of success in the black community.

On June 1, 1921, a great Massacre took place in right in the midst of Greenwood District bombed and burned to the ground. Behind it all was the White Supremacy Ku Klux Klan organization being known for their destruction and mass murders against blacks while invading their communities. Whites who were less fortunate grew jealous and envious of the African American’s self-empowerment. Black owners were highly proud of what they had helped build and wanted it to continue for generations to come. Blacks refused to give up any of their property or businesses to whites. This invasion led to over 600 businesses crashing and having 36 blocks worth of land with a population of 15,000 African Americans 3,000 lives were lost and 1,500 homes burned. Many entrepreneurs from Black Wall Street owned some of the biggest cotton gins and farms. It was great for African Americans to have great leadership initiative in their communities and be able to run it themselves. This took place when a time where blacks were under a lot of harder circumstances than today. Under the circumstances today don’t you think we can rebuild Black Wall Street?

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I AM

For the month of February Jabari Hakeem had his residents at the University Towers participate in Black History Month. For every room in the Towers their are two residents and on every door their is a note which reads, “I am.”

“I want my residents to gain self-knowledge from this program, what I want is for them to basically write a description of themselves,” said Jabari. “Two words Dr. Martin Luther King used to exaggerate in his speeches were I am, I am somebody, I am God’s child, I am soul power, I am black power and from that I just want the residents to build self confidence so that every time that they look at they’re doors its like they’re looking at themselves.”

Great way to go about Black History Month!