Vaginas speak in Monologues at Laney College

“Come inside. Don’t stop. Slow down. Rock me. Wrong hole!” These are some of the things vaginas would say if they could talk. On March 12, the Laney College Media Club presented a special performance of “The Vagina Monologues” to raise money to prevent violence against women. By Reginald JamesTheBlackHour.com Editor“The Vagina Monologues” was compiled by Eve Ensler in 1996 from over 200 interviews with woman of all types. In 1998, Ensler and others launched “V-Day” to raise money for anti-violence groups. Compelling narratives give the audience...

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Cesar Chavez Day at Laney College

The life and legacy of Cesar Chavez will be celebrated Wednesday, March 31 in the Laney College quad. The program is being organized by the Latin American Student Association (LASA)/M.E.Ch.A. club. The event will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.. As noted by Peralta Board President Abel Guillen, the birthday of Cesar Chavez is still not recognized as a holiday in the Peralta Colleg...

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Organize at Laney College to fight budget cuts

The Laney chapter of the No Cuts Peralta coalition will host a meeting Tuesday, March 30 to discuss the next steps to fight the attack on higher education in California, and at Peralta. The meeting will take place at 12 p.m. Tuesday, March 30 in the Fourth Floor conference room of the Student Center. More info at No Cuts Lan...

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Media Censorship Forum at Laney College

Are you getting all the news? Are major stories suppressed?Find out when Mickey Huff, director of Project Censored, addresses "Journalism in the Age of the Internet" and why the mainstream media censor major stories on Tuesday, March 30 at Laney College. The event will take place from 2:30-4pm in A266. The event is a part of the Mass Media and Society journalism class, but...

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Women's Leadership Panel at Laney College

Laney College will host a Women's Leadership Panel Tuesday, March 30 to discuss issues facing women. The panelists include:Dr. Elnora Webb, Acting President of Laney CollegeLeslie Ewing, Executive Director, Pacific CenterDr. Inger Stark, Chair of the Sociology Department and Acting DeanNancy Nadel, Oakland City Council Member, District 3Dr. Angela Smith, Chair of the Communications...

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COA counselor gets probation for forgery, identity theft

By Reginald JamesTheBlackHour.com EditorA former College of Alameda counselor was sentenced Monday to five years probation and 120 days in jail for multiple felony charges, including forgery and identity theft. Shirley Robinson, 69, who has been in custody at Santa Rita Jail for nearly a month since a jury convicted her of ten felonies, was sentenced at Alameda County Superior Court on March 29 and ordered to pay restitution and stay away from the victims. "Robinson created a forged power of attorney in an attempt to sell the property without victim...

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Laney College hosts Journalism Innovations Community Forum

Media professionals, citizen journalists, community members and organizations will come to Laney College Tuesday, March 30 to discuss the making on a more inclusive, equitable new-media system. The key topics are:Media Representation and AccountabilityOwnership and Diversity of Media OutletsRegulation, Policy and What’s at Stake for Communities (particularly regarding Net Neutrality and Digital Inclusion)Community Engagement in Shaping the New Media Landscape. The Community Forum will lead up to the Journalism Innovations III conference in May....

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VIDEO: Erykah Badu "Window Seat" - Music Monday

Erykah Badu has released the video for the song, "Window Seat," off her new album New Amerykah, Part II: Return of the Ankh. The album drops Tuesday, March ...

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BART police murder trial pushed up, attorney wants cops on jury

By Thandisizwe ChimurengaSpecial to TheBlackHour.comThe criminal trial of former Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) officer Johannes Mehserle will begin about a week earlier than originally scheduled. Judge Robert Perry moved the date to June 1 at a third preliminary hearing in downtown Los Angeles March 26. Both the district attorney’s office and the defense hope they will be...

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COA counselor convicted of fraud to be sentenced Monday

Former College of Alameda Counselor Shirley J. Robinson, who was convicted of 10 felony counts March 1 in a real estate fraud and identity theft scheme involving a long-time friend and colleague, will be sentenced Monday, March 29 in Alameda County Superior Court.Robinson was immediately taken into custody after the conviction for the 2005 scheme was designed to take legal title away from Robinson's friend of 50 years, Alze Roberts, according to the Alameda County District Attorney's (DA) Office, "Robinson created a forged power of attorney in...

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BART fires Johannes Mehserle accomplice

BART has fired one of the police officers involved in the New Year's Day murder of Oscar Grant, KTVU has reported.The officer, Marysol Domenici, was one of the first BART cops to arrive on the scene at Fruitvale BART station before Grant was shot. Interim BART police chief Dash Buttler -- who replaced the embattled former BART police Chief Gary Gee who retired last year-- fired Domenici, 29, as recommended by Meyers Nave, the law firm that was hired by the BART Board to do an independent investigation into the murder of Grant. Domenici's partner,...

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Peralta trustees appeal lawsuit by Oakland Tribune owners

By Reginald JamesTheBlackHour.com EditorThe Peralta Board of Trustees voted to appeal a judge's decision forcing the community college district to release a report on Chancellor Elihu Harris' role in awarding a no-bid contract to a former business partner at its March 23 board meeting. The Board voted 6-1 to appeal the BANG Vs. PCCD decision (the ruling ordering Peralta to make the district's Inspector General's report public.) Trustee Bill Withrow (Area 1-Alameda) voted against the decision, Board President Abel Guillen announced during the report...

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Laney College Cosmetology Department showcases "Hair then and Now"

The Laney College Cosmetology Department hosted the "Hair Then and Now," a Black History Month showcase in February 2010. Here are selected photos, courtesy of Laney Tower photographer by Lambert Li. Captions written by former Laney Tower Editor Angelica Carapia. More event photos on TheBlackHour.com Flickr pa...

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Black Women in Hip Hop

The Laney College Ethnic Studies Department will host "From Limits to Liberation: Black Women in Hip Hop Wednesday, March 24 at Laney College. Featured speaker will be Dr. Dawnelissa Fischer ("Def Professor"), associate professor at San Francisco State. This presentation serves as an overview of black women in hip hop: including misogyny in lyrics and videos, exploration of sexual freedom in performance, music industry issues as well as the use of hip hop to politically motivate women-centered organization and outreach. The program will take place...

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Transfer from Laney to UC Berkeley

Want to transfer to UC Berkeley?On Monday, March 29, UC Berkeley students from Stiles Hall will be on campus to help Black, Latino and indigenous students with transfer info, tips and support on making it happen. Students need a GPA of 3.0 or higher and at least 30 transferrable units. The event is free (and lunch is provided). Sign up in EOPS A-106 or the Transfer Center T-301 by Friday, March 26. The workshop takes place Monday, March 29 from 12-2pm in room F-204 at Laney College. You can register online at www.stileshall.o...

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Lynching, Death Penalty history connected

On Wednesday, March 24, there will be a teach-in at Laney College called, "Lynching Then, Lynching Now: The Roots of Racism and the Death Penalty in America." The program connects the link between lynching and the death penalty in the United States. The Fourth Annual Stanley Tookie Williams Summit was held at Merritt College December 2009Speakers include Barbara Becnel, Stanley Tookie Williams Legacy Network, former death row inmate Lawrence Hayes, Jack Bryson of the Movement for Justice for Oscar Grant, and Jabari Shaw, VP of the Laney Black Student...

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Oakland, Laney College students march, rally in Sacramento for Higher Education

Laney College students and employees are joining the educational budget cuts rally in Sacramento, on Monday, March 22. They will be marching to stop budget cuts, fee increases and staff layoffs. Once in Sacramento, the group will march from Raley Field in West Sacramento to the State Capitol. The Laney Team will be assembling at beginning at 7 a.m. Buses are scheduled to...

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ASLC candidates meet

Committee explains election rules, one candidate disqualified for absencesBy Reginald JamesTheBlackHour.com EditorSixteen candidates for the 2010 ASLC elections assembled before the Elections Committee at a mandatory candidates meeting March 16 on the fourth floor of the Laney College Student Center."You cannot hang your poster over another candidate’s poster. You cannot move...

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Omali Yeshitela speaks in Oakland on one year anniversary of Oakland Police vs. Lovelle Mixon

Omali Yeshitela speaks in 2009 following shoot out that led to death of four police officers and Lovelle Mixon. One year ago, four Oakland Police officers were killed after stopping Oakland resident Lovelle Mixon, who was also killed. What: Omali Yeshitela speaks in Oakland on one-year anniversary of OPD vs. Lovelle MixonWhen: Mar 21, 2010 4:00pm - 6:00pmWhere: Uhuru House,...

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VIDEO: Chop from the Top

Exclusive video featuring the budget cut anthem, "Chop from the To...

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Ise Lyfe performs in Berkeley

Oakland spoken word artist, educator and activist Ise Lyfe will present a staged performance of his new book, "Pistols and Prayers" Friday, March 19 at the Berkeley Repertory Theater. "Pistols and Prayers" is a cultural collage of spoken word, African American folk spirituals, classical music, Hip Hop and theater, Pistols and Prayers is a celebration of the African Diaspora...

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COA Black History Month Panel Discussion

The College of Alameda held a panel discussion February 23 as a part of the campus' Black History Month program. The topic of the program was called, "Our Future: It's not a job, it's a career." Video courtesy of Peralta...

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College of Alameda students rally against budget cuts

COA Rally against budget cuts video courtesy of Peralta TV's P-SpanBy Reginald JamesTheBlackHour.com EditorOver 100 students, along with faculty and staff, staged a rally on the College of Alameda quad March 4 for momentum in the battle of budget cuts. Organizers hoped to get COA students to attend an evening rally in San Francisco and to participate in the March 22 demonstration at the State Capitol. “We’ve been getting a lot of bad news lately; teachers and staff being laid off, friends and fellow students being turned away from the classroom,”...

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ASLC election candidates forum

Candidates for the 2010 ASLC elections will speak at a Student Election forum Wednesday, March 17 in room D-200.Elections ForumWednesday, March 176:30-7:30 p.m.D-200, Laney CollegeSponsor: Laney Media Events ClassThe event is being organized by the Laney College Media Communication's Media Events class and will be moderated by Reginald James, host of "The Black Hour.""This first forum will give the candidates an opportunity to share their message with a group of students while giving the media class a hands-on, educational opportunity to practice...

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Ericka Huggins speaks at Laney College

Activist stresses human value of women, need for men to work to end sexismBy Reginald JamesTheBlackHour.com EditorActivist and former Black Panther leader Ericka Huggins addressed an overflowing African American Studies class Feb. 22 at Laney College.As a part of campus' Black History Month program, Huggins engaged students in a discussion themed, “Women, Social Justice and...

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Anti-abortion group births debate at Laney College

Laney College student Mer Stevens organized a counter demonstration against the "racist and sexist" anti-abortion group." By Reginald JamesTheBlackHour.com EditorAn anti-abortion group caused quite a stir on campus when they arrived at Laney College March 8. The group showcased banners with graphic images of dismembered fetuses. “We came to campus to educate students about...

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ASLC offers scholarships to Laney College students

ASLC, the Associated Students of Laney College is offering $10,000 in scholarships to Laney College students. SCHOLARSHIP TYPE/QUANTITYAcademic Achievement (3)Total: $2,500Single Parent (3)Total: $2,250Vocational Student (4)Total: $2,750Financial Need (5)Total: $2,500There are 15 scholarships total. All qualifying students, regardless of citizenship or immigration status can apply. There are scholarships for vocational students, single parents, academic achievers (with a minimum GPA of 3.5), and for students who demonstrate financial need and more....

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Laney College students walkout, rally for education

Photo by Alessandro Tinonga"When you go and try to access the library on Saturdays, it’s closed. When you try to get into a class, they’re closed. Our district administration knew these budget cuts were coming from the state and they gave themselves half a million dollars in raises."Sara ConnorsBy Reginald JamesTheBlackHour.com EditorOver 500 Laney College students, faculty...

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Lady Eagles lose in state semifinals

In only their second season, the Lady Eagles basketball team reached the State Finals. After a nail-biting victory at home last week against San Joaquin Delta Mustangs at home. But the Eagles were defeated 70-62 to Ventura at the Women's Great at in Thousand Oaks Thursday night during a quarterfinal game. Below are highlights and interviews from the Laney vs. Ventura women's...

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Transformative Visions at Studio One in Oakland

Graphic: OneLife InstituteOneLife Institute presents “Transformative Visions,” a multimedia art show and spoken word/jazz concert with a message of peace and possibility, from 2:00 - 5:00 PM on Saturday, March 13, 2010, at Studio One Art Center, 365 - 45th St., in Oakland. Admission is free and open to the public.Scheduled to coincide with the annual observance of 'A Season...

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Vagina Monologues at Laney College

Laney College Media Club will present, "Vagina Monologues" Friday, March 12 at Laney College. The Vagina Monologues were born in 1998, when Eve Ensler conducted 200 interviews with women about sex, relationships and violence against women. The will feature performances by Laney College students. The event is a part of V-Day, a global movement to stop violence against women...

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2010 Laney College student goverment elections near, candidates introduced

Candidates for the spring 2010 ASLC elections have been announced by ASLC Secretary and Election Committee Chair announced candidates this week. ASLC, the Associated Students of Laney College is the official student government of Laney College.Candidates are as follows:PresidentAnton BosneagaHarry JiangElizabeth King Dawna WilliamsVice-PresidentBrian NelsonSecretaryErin Lofstrom-PerezTreasurerZuleivi...

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Ubaka Program holds Talent Show Auditions at Laney College

The Laney College Ubaka Program is holding auditions for a spring talent show March 9 and March 11. Rappers, dancers, poets, singers, poets, musicians, actors and artists are invited. The auditions take place Tuesday, March 9 and Thursday, March 11 from 3-5:30 PM in the Laney College Theater. Night auditions will be held Tuesday, March 16 and Thursday, March 18 from 5:30-7:30 PM. Email Ubaka students for more information. Ubaka is a part of the statewide Umoja Initiati...

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Lady Eagles soar over Mustangs 56-54, advance to State Finals

Laney College guard Raushanah Bashir drives to the hole against the San Joaquin MustangsThe Laney College Woman's Basketball team advance to the state finals tournament after defeating San Joaquin Delta 56-54 Saturday, March 6. The No. 4 seed Lady Eagles made 24 of 40 shots free throws, compared to the No. 5 Mustangs' 10 out of 20. Sophomore and Eagles forward Shonetta Crain-Williams...

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Black C - "Brand Nu" - Music Monday

Black C - "Brand ...

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OAKLAND Laney College Lady Eagles one game away from state finals

The Laney College Women's Basketball team is one game away from the State Finals. Lady Eagles (Laney College) vs. San Joaquin Delta MustangsSaturday, March 6, 7 p.m.Laney College GymOakland, CAAdmission$7 - General$5 - Student w/IDOn Saturday, March 6, the Lady Eagles (No. 4 seed) host San Joaquin Delta Mustangs of Stockon (No. 5 seed) for the California Community College Women's Basketball North Region Finals. Last week, the Eagles defeated San Jose City College 52-49. The Lady Eagles are on a 19 game winning streak. If the Eagles (24-5) defeat...

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Students protesting budget cuts shutdown Oakland freeway

150 educational rights activist arrestedEnraged by budget cuts to higher education, students through California walked out, held sit-ins and took to the streets Thursday. In Oakland, some protestors went further.Complete Coverage of March 4 Day of Action on OaklandLocal.comMore than 150 protestors were arrested March 4 after walking onto a downtown freeway. Traffic came to...

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UC Berkeley "Blackout 2010": Black students hold silent protest in solidarity with UCSD students

Black students at UC Berkeley, in solidarity with their brothers and sisters at UC San Diego held "Blackout 2010," a silent protest and blockade of Sather Gate. The Daily Planet writes, "The group—comprised mainly of black students on campus—wore black clothing, with black scarves around their mouth, to silently protest racist acts at UC San Diego, including an off-campus...

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Laney College March 4 Walkout, Rally, March Schedule

Photo: Flickr user TheBlackHour.comThursday's schedule of activities:11AM: Walk out of classesNOON: Rally on the Main Quad at Laney College1PM:March to Oakland City Hall5PM: Rally at the Civic Center in SFStudents, faculty and staff at Laney College plan to walk out Thursday, March 4 at 11 a.m. to protest Higher Education cuts. Upset of budget cuts and fee hikes, a noontime...

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Higher Education under attack, stand up with Laney College students March 4

By Reginald JamesEditor of TheBlackHour.comFor years, Higher education has been under attack. With the economy, community college enrollment has skyrocketed. At the same time, the state is balancing its budget on the backs of students with draconian cuts to education. While all people are affected, Black students will bear the greatest brunt. The California Community Colleges are the largest system of higher education in the world. Community colleges are an affordable option for basic skills, career training or preparation to transfer for a four-year...

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Why Laney College student Alessandro Tinonga is protesting March 4

Editor's Note: The following appeared on the website of SocialistWorker.org.By Alessandro TinongaSpecial to TheBlackHour.comLAST FALL, following a speakout and town hall meeting, members of the student government, professors and representatives from various student groups formed the No Cuts Peralta Coalition to fight budget cuts on campus here. The coalition has been successful in getting a core of two dozen students to lead protests against proposed cuts.Also last fall, the administration and board of trustees of the Peralta Community College...

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Laney College Acting President Elnora Webb supports March 4 Day of Action

Editor's Note: The post below was sent out by Acting Laney College President Dr. Elnora Webb to campus faculty and staff in support of the March 4 Day of Action.By Dr. Elnora WebbSpecial to TheBlackHour.comI ask you to join me in support of the student-led effort to MARCH this month to argue for sound investment in higher education and community colleges in particular. Please...

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Students banned from 'loitering' inside Laney College theater lobby

Photo: Reginald James/TheBlackHour.comBy Reginald JamesTheBlackHour.com EditorStudents are no longer allowed to hang out in the lobby area of the Laney College theater building due to disruptive behavior, faculty said.Jim Cave, the stage and production supervisor of the Theater Department said he’s dealt with unruly student behavior since the start of the semester. "People...

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