By DENNIS HEVESI
Published: August 20, 2008
Stephanie Tubbs Jones, the first African-American woman elected to the House of Representatives from Ohio and a leader in the fight against predatory lending practices, died Wednesday. She was 58.
Mark Wilson/Getty Images
Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones of Ohio in 2005.
Related
The Caucus: Ohio Congresswoman Dies (August 20, 2008)
The cause was a ruptured brain aneurysm that Ms. Tubbs Jones suffered Tuesday, Eileen Sheil, a spokeswoman for the Cleveland Clinic, which owns the Huron Hospital in East Cleveland where the congresswoman died, told The Associated Press.
Ms. Tubbs Jones, a Democrat, was in her fifth term as representative of the 11th Congressional District, which includes most of the east side of Cleveland. Two years ago, she was re-elected with 83 percent of the vote. Before her first election to Congress, in 1998, she had been the chief prosecutor for Cuyahoga County in Ohio.
Considered a liberal, Ms. Tubbs Jones was a co-sponsor of legislative efforts to broaden health care coverage for low- and middle-income people and of programs supporting the re-entry of convicts into their communities. She was also the author of legislation requiring certification for mortgage brokers and stiffer penalties for predatory loans.
In June, Ms. Tubbs Jones voted against emergency supplemental financing for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“I feel it important that we have a plan for a timely redeployment of our troops from Iraq and Afghanistan before we continue funding what has become a seemingly endless war,” she said at the time.
When Congress officially ratified President Bush’s re-election in January 2005, Ms. Tubbs Jones joined Senator Barbara Boxer, Democrat of California, in initiating a rare challenge to what has historically been a polite formal ceremony. They were objecting to accepting Ohio’s 20 electoral votes for Mr. Bush, citing voting irregularities in the state.
Instead of holding a courteous joint session to certify the election, lawmakers were forced to retreat to their separate chambers for two hours of debate. In the end, the House voted 267 to 31 against the challenge; in the Senate, the vote was 74 to 1.
Stephanie Tubbs was born in Cleveland on Sept. 10, 1949. She graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 1971 and received her law degree there three years later.
From 1976 to 1979, she was an assistant Cuyahoga County prosecutor. In 1981, she won election as a Cleveland Municipal Court judge, and 10 years later she was appointed chief prosecutor.
As chief prosecutor, Ms. Tubbs Jones was at the center of a controversy in 1998 when she refused to reopen an investigation into the 1954 murder of the wife of Dr. Sam Sheppard, dismissing new DNA evidence that Dr. Sheppard’s supporters said would have exonerated him.
The case had received nationwide coverage in the 1950s. Dr. Sheppard spent 10 years in prison before the Supreme Court ruled that his trial had been prejudiced by publicity. He was acquitted at a second trial, in 1966, and died in 1970. With the new evidence, Dr. Sheppard’s son was seeking to collect damages on behalf of his father. Ms. Tubbs Jones argued that the new DNA results would be inadmissible because the samples were too old.
Ms. Tubbs Jones’s husband of 27 years, Mervyn L. Jones Sr., died in 2003. She is survived by her son, Mervyn II.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/21/washington/21jones.html?ex=1235016000&en=5fe09d19dd0cf6f0&ei=5087&excamp=GGGNtubbsjones&WT.srch=1&WT.mc_ev=click&WT.mc_id=GN-S-E-GG-NA-S-tubbs_jones
AFROCENTRIC NEWS PORTAL
Until the Lion tells His Own story, the tale of the Hunt will Always Glorify the Hunter.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
ON MLK"DREAM speech anniversary, Obama accepts nomination
On MLK "Dream" speech anniversary, Obama accepts nomination 0f
Locals react to first party nomination of African-American
Thursday, Aug 28 2008, 8:28 pm
Graham Cawthon
SHELBY - On the 35th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech outside the Lincoln Memorial, decorations went up inside the Cleveland County Democratic headquarters.One organizer referred to it as a party. Perhaps a party that the dream King spoke of came true."I've been glued to the tube every night for this thing," said Shelby City Councilman Andrew Hopper.What Hopper referred to was the much bigger party out in Denver, Col. to celebrate Sen. Barack Obama's clinching the Democratic Party's presidential nominee."What an exciting time to vote," said J. Benton Reid, who recalled growing up listening to Walter Cronkite give the Vietnam War body count each night on the news and compared that to the current conflict in Iraq."I'm looking at the hope he creates," Reid said of Obama, the first African-American to be a political party's nominee. "I'm looking for that change that will be created."Many have said, including former Sen. Bob Dole who visited Shelby Thursday, that the election between Obama and Sen. John McCain will be a tight race. Hopper, a military veteran of 33 years,
disagreed.
"There's a lot of things wrong with our current leadership," he said, claiming McCain would be too similar to the current administration. "I don't think it's going to be close."In Denver, former Cleveland County Democratic Party Chair Betsy Wells was on her way to Mile High Stadium Thursday evening to hear Obama's acceptance speech.Once a supporter of Sen. Hillary Clinton, Wells said the convention would unify the once divided Democratic Party."We are going to come out of this convention tonight as a unified party," she said. "There's no more Barack Obama delegates, Edwards supporters or Hillary delegates. We will be united behind the Obama-Biden ticket."
http://www.shelbystar.com/news/party_33276___article.html/obama_sen.html
Locals react to first party nomination of African-American
Thursday, Aug 28 2008, 8:28 pm
Graham Cawthon
SHELBY - On the 35th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech outside the Lincoln Memorial, decorations went up inside the Cleveland County Democratic headquarters.One organizer referred to it as a party. Perhaps a party that the dream King spoke of came true."I've been glued to the tube every night for this thing," said Shelby City Councilman Andrew Hopper.What Hopper referred to was the much bigger party out in Denver, Col. to celebrate Sen. Barack Obama's clinching the Democratic Party's presidential nominee."What an exciting time to vote," said J. Benton Reid, who recalled growing up listening to Walter Cronkite give the Vietnam War body count each night on the news and compared that to the current conflict in Iraq."I'm looking at the hope he creates," Reid said of Obama, the first African-American to be a political party's nominee. "I'm looking for that change that will be created."Many have said, including former Sen. Bob Dole who visited Shelby Thursday, that the election between Obama and Sen. John McCain will be a tight race. Hopper, a military veteran of 33 years,
disagreed.
"There's a lot of things wrong with our current leadership," he said, claiming McCain would be too similar to the current administration. "I don't think it's going to be close."In Denver, former Cleveland County Democratic Party Chair Betsy Wells was on her way to Mile High Stadium Thursday evening to hear Obama's acceptance speech.Once a supporter of Sen. Hillary Clinton, Wells said the convention would unify the once divided Democratic Party."We are going to come out of this convention tonight as a unified party," she said. "There's no more Barack Obama delegates, Edwards supporters or Hillary delegates. We will be united behind the Obama-Biden ticket."
http://www.shelbystar.com/news/party_33276___article.html/obama_sen.html
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
O.J. Simpson's daughter Arnelle in knock-down fight with dad
Wow isn't this a story? Arnelle has got to feel bad after seeing her father wounded.
By NANCY DILLON DAILY NEWS WEST COAST BUREAU CHIEF
Wednesday, August 27th 2008, 3:25 PM
Tamargo/Getty
O.J. Simpson and his daughter, Arnelle, at a party in 2007. She knocked him to the ground Sunday.
Roca/News
O.J.'s girlfriend, Christie Prody, was the source of the bad blood.
Cops rushed to the Florida home of O.J. Simpson after his eldest daughter knocked him to the ground in a brawl over his girlfriend Christie Prody, sources said.
"Arnelle had a fight with Christie over Christie's behavior. That's what started the whole thing," a source told the Daily News.
"Christie has some problems with drinking, and Arnelle got mad. O.J. said 'Don't talk to her like that,' and Arnelle pushed him."
The source said Arnelle, 39, called 911 in a fit of guilt after she toppled the 61-year-old on Sunday, giving him a minor head injury.
The police report does not mention O.J.'s fall, but the National Enquirer, which first reported the row, quoted a source saying O.J. was "cut on the back of his head, blood was coming out the side of his mouth and his lip was cut."
The Enquirer said Arnelle was furious with O.J. for dishing out money to Prody, 32, while his high school sweetheart - Arnelle's mom, Marguerite Whitley - has to work at WalMart to make ends meet.
Arnelle also lashed out at OJ for "ditching" Whitley to marry Nicole Brown Simpson, the Enquirer reported. O.J. was acquitted of Nicole's murder in 1995. Two years later, a civil jury found him "responsible" for the killing.
"It wasn't a big deal," the source said of Sunday's scuffle. "He wasn't all cut up."
The police report says the altercation ended when Arnelle agreed to leave O.J.'s house "in order to let things calm down."
ndillon@nydailynews.com
By NANCY DILLON DAILY NEWS WEST COAST BUREAU CHIEF
Wednesday, August 27th 2008, 3:25 PM
Tamargo/Getty
O.J. Simpson and his daughter, Arnelle, at a party in 2007. She knocked him to the ground Sunday.
Roca/News
O.J.'s girlfriend, Christie Prody, was the source of the bad blood.
Cops rushed to the Florida home of O.J. Simpson after his eldest daughter knocked him to the ground in a brawl over his girlfriend Christie Prody, sources said.
"Arnelle had a fight with Christie over Christie's behavior. That's what started the whole thing," a source told the Daily News.
"Christie has some problems with drinking, and Arnelle got mad. O.J. said 'Don't talk to her like that,' and Arnelle pushed him."
The source said Arnelle, 39, called 911 in a fit of guilt after she toppled the 61-year-old on Sunday, giving him a minor head injury.
The police report does not mention O.J.'s fall, but the National Enquirer, which first reported the row, quoted a source saying O.J. was "cut on the back of his head, blood was coming out the side of his mouth and his lip was cut."
The Enquirer said Arnelle was furious with O.J. for dishing out money to Prody, 32, while his high school sweetheart - Arnelle's mom, Marguerite Whitley - has to work at WalMart to make ends meet.
Arnelle also lashed out at OJ for "ditching" Whitley to marry Nicole Brown Simpson, the Enquirer reported. O.J. was acquitted of Nicole's murder in 1995. Two years later, a civil jury found him "responsible" for the killing.
"It wasn't a big deal," the source said of Sunday's scuffle. "He wasn't all cut up."
The police report says the altercation ended when Arnelle agreed to leave O.J.'s house "in order to let things calm down."
ndillon@nydailynews.com
Harvard to scrutinize campus police after complaints from black students, professors
August 26, 2008 04:59 PM
By Tracy Jan, Globe Staff
Harvard will launch an examination of the campus police department after complaints that officers have unfairly stopped black students, professors, and other university community members because of their race.In an email to senior university administrators and faculty today, President Drew Gilpin Faust announced the creation of a six-member committee to review the police department's diversity training, community outreach, and recruitment efforts. It will be led by Ralph Martin, former Suffolk County district attorney and managing partner of the Boston office of Bingham McCutchen.
"All of us share an interest in sustaining constructive relations between our campus police and the broader Harvard community, in order to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all faculty, students, staff, and visitors...." Faust wrote in her email. "I am confident that this group's efforts will help the University address this important set of issues in a constructive spirit and forthright manner."
Earlier this month, Faust noted, officers confronted a person using tools to remove a lock from a locked bicycle. The person, whom others familiar with the case have identified as a black Boston high school student working on the Harvard campus this summer, owned the bicycle, and was trying to cut the lock because the key had broken off in the lock.
Black students and faculty also protested after police interrupted a field day on the Radcliffe Quad in spring 2007 sponsored by the Harvard Black Men's Forum and the Association of Black Harvard Women. Police asked whether the black student groups had permission to be there.
And in 2004, police stopped a prominent black Harvard professor as he was walking to his office across Harvard Yard because they mistook him for a robbery suspect.
Harvard to scrutinize campus police after complaints from black students, professors - Local News Updates - The Boston Globe
By Tracy Jan, Globe Staff
Harvard will launch an examination of the campus police department after complaints that officers have unfairly stopped black students, professors, and other university community members because of their race.In an email to senior university administrators and faculty today, President Drew Gilpin Faust announced the creation of a six-member committee to review the police department's diversity training, community outreach, and recruitment efforts. It will be led by Ralph Martin, former Suffolk County district attorney and managing partner of the Boston office of Bingham McCutchen.
"All of us share an interest in sustaining constructive relations between our campus police and the broader Harvard community, in order to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all faculty, students, staff, and visitors...." Faust wrote in her email. "I am confident that this group's efforts will help the University address this important set of issues in a constructive spirit and forthright manner."
Earlier this month, Faust noted, officers confronted a person using tools to remove a lock from a locked bicycle. The person, whom others familiar with the case have identified as a black Boston high school student working on the Harvard campus this summer, owned the bicycle, and was trying to cut the lock because the key had broken off in the lock.
Black students and faculty also protested after police interrupted a field day on the Radcliffe Quad in spring 2007 sponsored by the Harvard Black Men's Forum and the Association of Black Harvard Women. Police asked whether the black student groups had permission to be there.
And in 2004, police stopped a prominent black Harvard professor as he was walking to his office across Harvard Yard because they mistook him for a robbery suspect.
Harvard to scrutinize campus police after complaints from black students, professors - Local News Updates - The Boston Globe
CBC Members, Debate Watch to Headline 2008 Annual Legislative Conference
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Releases Details of Extraordinary Program Conceived Around Conference Theme of "Embracing the Promise, Realizing the Vision"
WASHINGTON, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) is planning what may be the largest organized gathering of people watching a presidential debate as part of the 38th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), September 24-27, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
CBCF's "Presidential Debate Watch" will enable as many as 2,000 ALC registrants to come together on Friday, September 26, to watch on large screen televisions this year's first general-election debate sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates. The presumptive major-party presidential nominees, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Illinois) and Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), will square off at a 90-minute debate focused on foreign policy issues at 9 p.m. (EDT) at the University of Mississippi.
Overall, more than 18,000 people focusing on issues impacting African Americans and the African diaspora attend ALC each year at the convention center. The four-day conference features dozens of policy forums, general sessions, exhibits, a job fair, book signings and networking opportunities. It ends with a star-studded awards dinner and after-dinner gala. Registrants include elected officials, business and industry leaders, celebrities, media, emerging leaders and everyday Americans.
Headlining ALC will once again be the 42 members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). They will lead forums on education, health care, the environment, economic development, criminal justice, housing, transportation and international affairs throughout the conference. On Saturday, September 27, thousands of people will join the CBC and CBCF in honoring the contributions of outstanding individuals for their contributions to the community and the nation at the awards dinner. Actress Holly Robinson Peete and former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete will co-host the dinner.
Other conference highlights will include:
-- Celebration of Leadership for the Visual and Performing Arts. The CBC Spouses will honor "King of the Blues" legend B.B. King; Howard Bingham, Muhammad Ali's longtime photographer, and visual artist Betye Saar at the National Museum of Women in the Arts on Wednesday, September 24. The next morning, Thursday, September 25, the CBC Spouses and CBC members will provide food, clothing and health services at a homeless shelter in Northwest Washington.
-- Annual Prayer Breakfast. The Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake - president of Wilberforce University in Ohio, a former congressman from Queens, N.Y., and pastor of Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York - will deliver the sermon on September 27. The Rev. Dr. Rudolph W. McKissick Jr., senior pastor of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church in Jacksonville, Fla., will offer musical praise along with gospel singer Maurette Brown Clark.
-- National Town Hall Meeting. The session on September 25 will focus on reasons and solutions concerning the foreclosure crisis and match attendees with financial counselors.
U.S. Reps. Corrine Brown of Florida and Gregory W. Meeks of New York are the honorary co-chairs of ALC '08. They helped to choose the conference theme "Embracing the Promise, Realizing the Vision," to recognize the CBC's role in helping to lead the nation forward, even as the dreams of so many are being realized, yet still envisioning great hopes for the future.
"This year's ALC will offer a clear vision of what the icons of the civil rights movement promised - a nation full of equal opportunities for all of its citizens," said Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D., CBCF's president and chief executive officer. "The conference will be filled with dynamic social and policy content and the Debate Watch sessions are sure to be memorable. Everyone will leave the conference better informed and motivated to make a difference back in their communities."
With its Future Focus Series, CBCF's Center for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR) will feature members of Congress, academics, policy practitioners and experts who will cover topics of education, affordable housing, economic development and public health, on September 24.
The CBCF Emerging Leaders series is poised to offer multiple sessions connecting the nation's powerbrokers with emerging professionals to discuss strategies for personal and community development throughout the conference. On September 25, the Instant Apprentice Luncheon will give young professionals access to the nation's most powerful leaders in business, nonprofit and government. At the same time, the Newsmaker Luncheon returns for a second year to allow seasoned professionals with similar interests and backgrounds to interact in a semi-informal setting.
"The Annual Legislative Conference is a time for the community to gather from around the country, present our shared issues, brainstorm resolutions and establish an action plan for the coming year," Rep. Brown said. "We look forward to all contributions as we move forward to address the issues that disproportionately impact African Americans and other people of color."
Rep. Meeks, who is also a member of the CBCF Board of Directors said: "This year's participation from our emerging leaders has historical significance as the nation moves forward, realizing the dreams of so many, yet envisioning the visions of the future. We are seeing an exciting new energy and must harness the possibilities."
General, hotel and media registration are open. To register or to get more information about ALC '08 or the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, please visit www.cbcfinc.org or www.alc2008.org or call the ALC Hotline at (202) 263-5708. Proceeds from ALC '08 will help to raise funds for CBCF's research, scholarship, fellowship and internship programs as well as its economic development and public health initiatives.
Anonymous Donor Gives Spelman $17 Million for International Initiatives
Last update: 2:52 p.m. EDT Aug. 26, 2008
ATLANTA, Aug 26, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- To strengthen and expand international programs at Spelman College, an anonymous donor has generously given a $17 million gift to establish the Gordon-Zeto Endowed Fund for International Initiatives.
Named after Nora A. Gordon, C'1888, the first Spelmanite to teach in the Congo, and Flora E. Zeto, C'1915, among the first Congolese to study and graduate from Spelman, the gift will be used to infuse the curriculum, campus environment, and extracurricular offerings with an international component.
"In the context of an increasingly global economy and a world made smaller by technology, it is more important than ever that students, faculty and staff are prepared for active engagement with the international community," said Beverly Daniel Tatum, Ph.D., president of Spelman College. "This generous gift will help expand our global emphasis, ensuring that we remain competitive in a 'flat world.' "
Since 2002, the number of Spelman students participating in study abroad programs, has doubled. However, unlike study abroad, there has been no real growth in the international student population at Spelman. Therefore, a scholarship will be established to bring students from Africa to study and graduate from the College.
"The 21st century transformation of the College includes not only sending our students out into the world, but welcoming students from other countries to Spelman," said Tatum. "The addition of students from Africa will serve to further educate and prepare the Spelman community for global engagement."
Other initiatives to be funded by the Gordon-Zeto Endowment include:
-- Gordon-Zeto Dean for International Initiatives to provide senior leadership and oversight of Spelman's international program offerings.
-- Nora Gordon Scholars program to support study abroad opportunities for Pell grant eligible students, with first priority given to those interested in studying in Africa.
-- Gordon-Zeto Fund for Faculty/Student International Travel to support short-term study abroad opportunities for students and faculty.
The fund will also be used to strengthen existing programs. The endowment will help support a faculty position in the "Africans in the Diaspora and the World" first-year seminar program. The gift will provide travel funds for Spelman's Model United Nations team and support for the International Relations program. Allocations will also be made to the Office of Student Activities to support new and existing initiatives with an international focus, and the division of Enrollment Management will receive support for
international recruiting efforts.
SOURCE Spelman College http://www.spelman.edu
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/anonymous-donor-gives-spelman-17/story.aspx?guid=%7B28F9E6A1-5350-4078-8951-3432B4E7A071%7D&dist=hppr
ATLANTA, Aug 26, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- To strengthen and expand international programs at Spelman College, an anonymous donor has generously given a $17 million gift to establish the Gordon-Zeto Endowed Fund for International Initiatives.
Named after Nora A. Gordon, C'1888, the first Spelmanite to teach in the Congo, and Flora E. Zeto, C'1915, among the first Congolese to study and graduate from Spelman, the gift will be used to infuse the curriculum, campus environment, and extracurricular offerings with an international component.
"In the context of an increasingly global economy and a world made smaller by technology, it is more important than ever that students, faculty and staff are prepared for active engagement with the international community," said Beverly Daniel Tatum, Ph.D., president of Spelman College. "This generous gift will help expand our global emphasis, ensuring that we remain competitive in a 'flat world.' "
Since 2002, the number of Spelman students participating in study abroad programs, has doubled. However, unlike study abroad, there has been no real growth in the international student population at Spelman. Therefore, a scholarship will be established to bring students from Africa to study and graduate from the College.
"The 21st century transformation of the College includes not only sending our students out into the world, but welcoming students from other countries to Spelman," said Tatum. "The addition of students from Africa will serve to further educate and prepare the Spelman community for global engagement."
Other initiatives to be funded by the Gordon-Zeto Endowment include:
-- Gordon-Zeto Dean for International Initiatives to provide senior leadership and oversight of Spelman's international program offerings.
-- Nora Gordon Scholars program to support study abroad opportunities for Pell grant eligible students, with first priority given to those interested in studying in Africa.
-- Gordon-Zeto Fund for Faculty/Student International Travel to support short-term study abroad opportunities for students and faculty.
The fund will also be used to strengthen existing programs. The endowment will help support a faculty position in the "Africans in the Diaspora and the World" first-year seminar program. The gift will provide travel funds for Spelman's Model United Nations team and support for the International Relations program. Allocations will also be made to the Office of Student Activities to support new and existing initiatives with an international focus, and the division of Enrollment Management will receive support for
international recruiting efforts.
SOURCE Spelman College http://www.spelman.edu
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/anonymous-donor-gives-spelman-17/story.aspx?guid=%7B28F9E6A1-5350-4078-8951-3432B4E7A071%7D&dist=hppr
Rap star Dr Dre's son found dead
Page last updated at 10:26 GMT, Wednesday, 27 August 2008 11:26 UK
The 20-year-old son of rap star Dr Dre has been found dead at his family's home in Los Angeles.
The body of Andre Young Jr - who was named after his father - was found by his mother.
"Dr Dre is mourning the loss of his son Andre Young Jr," Dr Dre's publicist Lori Earl said in a statement.
The cause of death is not likely to be determined for eight weeks while toxicology tests are carried out, coroner John Kades said.
Dr Dre is a Grammy Award-winning rapper, producer and record executive.
As the founder of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner of Death Row Records, he has produced songs by artists like Eve, Mary J Blige and Snoop Dogg.
He has also overseen the careers of many rappers including Eminem and 50 Cent.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7583829.stm
The 20-year-old son of rap star Dr Dre has been found dead at his family's home in Los Angeles.
The body of Andre Young Jr - who was named after his father - was found by his mother.
"Dr Dre is mourning the loss of his son Andre Young Jr," Dr Dre's publicist Lori Earl said in a statement.
The cause of death is not likely to be determined for eight weeks while toxicology tests are carried out, coroner John Kades said.
Dr Dre is a Grammy Award-winning rapper, producer and record executive.
As the founder of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner of Death Row Records, he has produced songs by artists like Eve, Mary J Blige and Snoop Dogg.
He has also overseen the careers of many rappers including Eminem and 50 Cent.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7583829.stm
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