A video was posted to YouTube two days ago showing a white male customer hurling profanity and racial slurs at a young Black female employee of Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins at 341 W 41 Street (Arthur Godfrey Road and Sheridan Avenue) on Miami Beach, Florida. The video was posted by Veronica Timpanaro.

Apparently, the male customer was upset that he was not served as soon as he entered the store. The lone employee was serving a female customer and a young child but that did not matter to him. It was bad enough that he exhibited such disgusting behavior, but he also did it in the presence of a young child.

When he couldn't have his way after dropping f-bombs, he proceeded to drop n-bombs at the employee, threatened her and even called her a coon. He's a really classy guy. There's a very clear picture of his face and him throwing up his middle finger. Prayerfully, social media will work its magic and identify him. Then, the Miami Beach Police need to arrest him for disorderly conduct, ethnic intimidation and other charges. 

Racist, hateful behavior cannot become the new normal for America! 

@vanessawbyers

Last night, Diddy made a surprise appearance at WALL Miami alongside DJ Irie to perform 4 songs from his Bad Boy Records days. 

Photos: WorldRedEye.com

Celebrate “Homegrown Achiever” Dr. Edda L. Fields-Black, Associate Professor of History, Carnegie Mellon University and the author of Deep Roots: Rice Farmers in West Africa and the African Diaspora (2008). Dr. Fields-Black will speak about her research into the history of West African rice production. Mangrove rice farming techniques used hundreds of years ago by farmers in West Africa's Rice Coast later played a key role in the commercial rice industries in the American South.

Dr. Fields-Black will offer new ways to think about how the environment has shaped Diaspora experience. Other speakers will discuss current environmental issues threatening our land and communities. Did you know that climate change and sea level rise are likely to trigger a new wave of gentrification in our area? How can we come together to recognize the value of our land and our heritage? How can history and culture help us defend our place in Miami?

9:30AM

Registration and Coffee

9:45AM

Opening Remarks and Welcome   Dr. Hilary Jones, Associate Professor, Department of History and African & African Diaspora Studies Program, FIU

10:00AM-11:00AM

The Work of Our Hands: Rice and Rice Farmers in West Africa's Upper Guinea Coast Lecture by Dr. Edda L. Fields-Black

Go on a journey to West Africa’s Upper Guinea Coast to learn about one of Africa’s best kept secrets, agricultural technology that made the Upper Guinea Coast West Africa’s “bread basket” hundreds of years before the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

11:00PM-11:15PM

Coffee Break

11:15PM-12:15PM

What is Our Land Worth?

Brief Presentations and Small Group Discussions

Hear about the threats from sea level rise in Miami-Dade and how it is likely to affect property values and residential patterns. Discuss strategies to organize and prioritize. 

12:15PM-12:30PM

Closing Discussion and Wrap-Up 

12:30PM-1:00PM

Book Signing with Dr. Fields-Black

WHEN:    Saturday, May 21, 2016 from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM (EDT) 

WHERE:    Historic Hampton House - 4240 Northwest 27th Avenue, Miami, FL 33142 - View Map

Click Here for Registration Link

Judge Marcia Cooke was mistaken for the help by Ken Eskin, Bay Harbor Islands Town Council candidate.

“When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but with creatures bristling with prejudice and motivated by pride and vanity.” 

― Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence People

Surely Bay Harbor Islands Town Council candidate Ken Eskin wishes he’d never ever uttered the words “What family do you work for?” when he encountered Marcia Cooke in the condo parking lot, as she placed items in her car and he distributed campaign materials. Eskin, who is white, assumed Cooke, who is black, was the help. Cooke has lived in the area for twenty years and has been a federal judge for 11 years. 

 

Eskin said he sent Cooke a note of apology. He went on to say that the mistake was not racially motivated. Wrong again, Mr. Eskin, it was. He assumed…pre-judged… that Cooke, although dressed in corporate attire, was a maid. It didn’t dawn on him that she could be a resident or that she could be a professional woman. Shades of Levi Pettit, that was racist. The fact that Eskin doesn’t get that is…well…very unfortunate. 

Our perspectives, as individuals, are shaped because of our experiences…our family upbringing…etc. If we are honest, we have to deal with our personal shortcomings from time to time. Instead of pretending to be perfect, sometimes we just need to start with being real. 

Surely, Judge Cooke was caught off guard. Instead of driving away from Eskin, she could have used the situation as a teachable moment with him. One is rarely prepared for such situations unless they’ve already had a similar experience. Before he became president, Barack Obama  was mistaken for a valet. If Ken Eskin didn’t recognize the racism in the incident with Judge Cooke, perhaps someone else will and their perspective of Blacks and other minorities will change because of her racial profiling experience.

For almost fifty years, Rev. Timothy Drayton wanted to tell his story. He has lived with the guilt of unwittingly assisting corrupt police in the murder of Bobby Williams. Williams is but one of 23 connected deaths discovered by friends of Danny Goldman.

Please watch this video recorded statement of Rev. Timothy Drayton, made in July 2013. In the video he talks about what happened on August 5,1966 when Bobby Williams, 18, died in a hail of gunfire from police shotguns. 

Bobby Williams had no criminal record ... there was no gunpowder on his hands after the shooting ... newly uncovered forensic evidence on that fact casts a new spotlight on the truth ... and this video tells a story never before heard. 

Drayton’s chilling account of living in terror and the physical and psychological abuse residents were subjected to at the hands of corrupt authorities, is a story that must be told. 

Perhaps most disturbing of all is that this is not an isolated incident. It is a piece of the puzzle, one of many, that helps answer the two main questions about the kidnapping and murder of Surfside teenager Danny Goldman. See the records, information and videos at www.surfsidekidnapping.org. Be sure to read www.surfsidekidnapping.org/site/links.

Constance Jones

Local news anchor Constance Jones and Fox Searchlight are hosting a special screening of BELLE this coming Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at Regal South Beach, 7:30pm. 

BELLE is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), the illegitimate mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral.  Raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson) and his wife (Emily Watson), Belle’s lineage affords her certain privileges, yet the color of her skin prevents her from fully participating in the traditions of her social standing.  Left to wonder if she will ever find love, Belle falls for an idealistic young vicar’s son bent on change who, with her help, shapes Lord Mansfield’s role as Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in England.

Because it is private event, a ticketing system is not being used but a special guest list is being created. RSVP by emailing your name to [email protected]. The deadline is Monday May 12, 2014.

Painting of Dido Belle with her cousin Elizabeth, formerly attributed to Johann Zoffany

Wikipedia:  Dido Elizabeth Belle

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Fourteen year-old Tremaine McMillian was at Haulover Beach on Memorial Day, May 27, 2013, when he was arrested by two Metro-Dade police officers who charged him with resisting arrest with violence and disorderly conduct. The officers also accused Tremaine of giving them “dehumanizing" stares.

McMillian disagrees with the officers’ account of what transpired and went on to say he was bottle feeding a puppy and could not have made the gestures of which he is accused. Cell phone video that has made the social media and internet news circuit shows a physical altercation between the two officers and the teen.

Tremaine’s mother, Maurissa Holmes, has started a petition asking State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle to drop the charges against him. The petition can be accessed here: http://www.change.org/petitions/drop-charges-against-my-son-tremaine-who-was-attacked-by-police-while-holding-a-puppy.

A trial date has been set for July 16. Mark that date on your calendar and follow the news for updates.

The video looks like overreaction and unnecessary force on the part of the cops. I have enough cop friends to know that sometimes situations look bad, on the part of the police, when they are not and sometimes the situation really is bad on the part of the police --- let’s be real. This isn’t one of those “I hate cops” blogs, so slow your roll, if that’s what you think.  

“Neutralize” the threat

There should be a better way of resolving this situation that doesn’t involve this boy having a felony charge placed on his record. Too many young black males, yes, I’m going there, become a part of the prison pipeline because of incidents such as this and zero-tolerance. I don’t know Tremaine or either of the officers. I do know that if Tremaine is not already a hardened criminal, let’s not turn him into one because of a relatively minor incident.

Does law enforcement deserve respect? YES Fear? NO. For sure, at least three people know what happened on this past Memorial Day at Haulover that resulted in Tremaine being subdued, choked, and arrested --- Tremaine and the two police officers. Even the three of them probably view the situation slightly differently.

This is another teachable moment. Without accusing anyone of anything or taking anyone’s side, use this incident as a means of informing your friends and family on how to respond when stopped by police. Go to the ACLU’s website for general tips on your rights and how to respond based on certain situations.

-vb

Related Link:   Know Your Rights: What To Do If You're Stopped By Police, Immigration Agents or the FBI

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Demand Justice for Wrongfully Arrested 14-Year-Old Boy

Miami police put 14-year-old holding a puppy in choke hold for 'dehumanizing stares'

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Miami Beach welcomes TV & Films top Stars to the Fontainebleau's Arkadia tonight

In Miami these days when one speaks of a Duo, they're generally talking about the Miami Heat's Lebron James and Dwayne Wade, respectively.  But another dynamic duo is invading Miami for the American Black Film Festival (ABFF).  Collectively, DJ Shogun and Aaron "Mr. MusicIsMyBusiness" Arnold have worked with everyone from Hollywood Actor Idris Elba to Global Icon Sean "Diddy" Combs; They've DJed and hosted everywhere from Switzerland to Harvard University and many places in between.  Tonight at 10pm this duo will be bringing their talents to Miami Beach for the 16th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) opening party where DJ Shogun (@DjShogun) will be spinning and Mr. MusicIsMyBusiness (@MrMimb) MCing.    

This spectacular event, sponsored by Uptown Magazine and Stella Artois, will take place at the Fontainebleau's Arkadia on Miami Beach and not only host some of the top emerging film-makers, producers, directors from all over the world but stars like Will Packer, cast members from “Think Like A Man,” Tracee Ellis Ross, Vanessa Williams, Rockmond Dunbar and many more. 

“This is our third year and as the American Black Film Festival (@ABFF) continues to grow in magnitude and impact we're honored to be growing with it," said the duo (DJ Shogun and Aaron). "We're always excited to support & celebrate the Black arts. To provide the soundscape for the week and rub elbows with legendary & rising stars is a pleasure.” 

Some of the Festival highlights this year will include:  The first ever Webisode Challenge, A Conversation with Salim & Mara Brock Akil;  “Beasts of The Southern Wild” (took top awards at Sundance and Cannes) and the HBO Short Film competition to name a few.  

About The DJ 

DJ Shogun, a Queens, NY Native, is fast  becoming the go-to-dj for many high-profile events: Miami's  International Fashion week, Russell  Simmon's Globalgrind.com launch party at The W Hotel in LA,  Michael Jordan's Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament @ Atlantis,  Carmelo Anthony's Shoe Launch Party @ Jaguar, LA, Derek Jeter's  All-Star Party @ Marquee, NYC, etc. He also  spins with celebrity-friend, Idris  Elba. His music style (i.e.Hip Hop, House, Electro, etc.). The currently serves as MusicIsMyBusiness' anchor DJ and is a part of the newly form Monster DJ collective.  You can learn more about him at http://www.musicismybusiness.net/about/jason-dj-shogun-murdock/ or www.djshogun.com

About The MC

Aaron "mr.musicismybusiness" Arnold is CEO of MusicIsMyBusiness.  The Chicago Native has built MusicIsMyBusiness (MIMB) into one of "America's Smartest New Companies led by people under 30," according to Inc Magazine.  Recently, Sean "Diddy" Combs gave Mr. Arnold a great endorsement to his 5million plus followers as the "future" of music and business.  He's spoken everywhere from Harvard Business to Capital Hill on behalf of Google to hosting parties in ATL-DC-Miami-Chicago and St. Thomas, Vi.   His story and growth continue to peak interest from kids to businessmen across the globe.  In the past, he's been featured in Black Enterprise (twice), Inc Magazine, CNN, MTV, Vh1 and blogs for Fast Company Magazine re: Social Media &TheModernStartup. You can learn more about him at www.musicismybusiness.com or facebook.com/MrMusicIsMyBusiness 

About ABFF

Founded in 1997, the American Black Film Festival is an industry retreat and competitive marketplace for films by and about people of color. The festival's mission is to facilitate distribution opportunities for quality films and introduce the top echelon of emerging artists to the industry at large. Since its inception, the ABFF has premiered over 500 films, positioning it as the leading film festival for Black and urban content. The ABFF is a property of Film Life, Inc., a New York-based event marketing, production and distribution company founded in 2002 by Jeff Friday (CEO).  For more information, please visit www.abff.com. 

Black Gold: Struggle for the Niger Delta will compete for the Grand Jury Prize at the 15th Annual American Black Film Festival, July 6-9, 2011 in Miami, Florida. The movie was nominated for Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress and Best Screen Play in the Narratives Film Competition. Director, Jeta Amata brings to the screen, a powerful story of greed, murder and corruption in the volatile oil rich Niger Delta region. 

The scope and significance of the story has attracted a noteworthy cast, including several from Hollywood: Billy Zane (Titanic), Mbong Amata (The Amazing Grace), Vivica A. Fox (Kill Bill), Hakeem Kae-Kazim (Hotel Rwanda), Sarah Wayne Callies (Prison Break),  Eric Roberts (Dark Knight) and Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs).  Based on true events, Black Gold is already following in the footsteps of Hotel Rwanda for its social and environmental statement on corruption and the violation of human rights in the Niger Delta, as current headlines on the international news carriers: CNN, BBC and Al Jezeera reveal.

“It is a region where good and evil has been blurred by shady government officials, greedy oil companies and violent rebels fighting over the control of the scarce oil resources that run the world. Now the people are seeking peaceful resolution to their grievances”, states director Amata.

Black Gold is Jeta Amata’s long awaited follow up to his award winning feature, The Amazing Grace. Black Gold was shot in his native Nigeria and the US to tell the story of a an unlikely hero, a Nigerian woman who courageously stood up to unite the warring factions and rallied the world to take notice, putting her life on the line.

“We believe that Black Gold will shed light on the degradation of the environment caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta and hope that the multi-national oil corporations and the government will clean up their act.”, states producer, Wilson Ebiye.  

The movie will screen Thursday, July 7th at 3 p.m. (with a talk-back) and Friday, July 8 at 10:30 a.m. at the Colony Theatre on Miami Beach. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or by calling (305) 674-1040 starting July 6.