Oakland activists speak out against gang injunctions following a May 27 hearing on proposed court order against alleged members of "North Side Oaklan...
African arts showcase at UC Berkeley
The spirit of Africa was alive at the African Arts Society's "Showcase" on November 20 at UC Berkeley.
AC Transit considers more cuts
Photo: Flickr user DavdavenAC Transit is holding two public hearings (2 p.m. and 6 p.m.) on May 26 to consider declaring a fiscal emergency and cutting vital transit service for the second time this year. Bus drivers and riders will hold a rally and march at Frank Ogawa Plaza at 1 p.m..The Board of Directors is considering 8 percent cuts throughout its weekday, late night,...
Laney College student Egypt bound for educational program
Laney College student Reginald James, host of The Black Hour, will be heading to Egypt at the end of May.Support my journey to Egypt. The two week trip is a part of the Merritt College Africana Studies Department's Study Abroad program. The purpose of the program is to "globalize students’ understanding of the African world historically, culturally and politically from an...
Malika Ubaka - Mother, model, artist, Laney College student
Darting across campus in an oversized hooded sweatshirt with "Oakland USA" written across the front, Laney College student Malika Ubaka is hustling."You want to buy a raffle ticket?" Ubaka asks a student. "The money is going towards a scholarship for students."That same grind that has raised over $500 in scholarships for honors students, is the same hustle that has Ubaka continuing...
Richmond's DB "What's up?" Directed by Erk tha Jerk - Music Monday
Off the debut album, "How to be a Rich Man," Richmond, CA rapper DB comes with "What's up?" The video is directed by Erk tha Jerk."What's up?" by DB, directed by Erk tha Je...
A Day at COA: Inside the College of Alameda Children's Center
Photo: Reginald James/TheBlackHour.com.Nekah Dewitt shares a 'photograph' she made for you at the College of Alameda Children's Center.Earlier this semester, the Peralta Colleges administration announced its intention to close the College of Alameda Children's Center in July. After mothers organized, workers spoke out, and students protested (shutting down an April trustees...
Oakland hosts Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival
Eastside Arts Alliance will host the 10 annual Malcolm X JazzArts Festival on Saturday, May 22 at San Antonio Park in East Oakland. The main jazz stage features: E.W. Wainwright’s African Roots of JazzRonnie Stewart’s Bay Area Blues Society’s Caravan of AllstarsHoward Wiley leading EastSide’s Freedom Now! BandHenry Clement’s Gumbo BandThe line up goes through an evolution...
Killer Oakland Police officer Patrick Gonzalez identified, armed and dangerous, activists say
There is a man, armed and dangerous, roaming the streets of Oakland, California. He has killed three citizens, wounded another and known for harassing countless others. "Sgt Patrick Gonzales is one of Oakland's most notorious killers," according to Oakland Cop Watch. "At the moment this murderer is being paid more then $200,000 a year for terrorizing the residents of Oakland....
Dawna Williams elected Laney College student body president
Dawna Williams defeated Harry Jiang in a May 11 run-off election to choose Laney College's next student body president. It was a margin of six votes-Williams received 124 votes to Jiang's 118."It was very close," said Williams, who currently serves as an Inter-Club Council (ICC) Representative on ASLC. "I tried to do something a little different this time and let people get...
Peralta Colleges propose 'free speech zones' to limit free speech, students, faculty say
Photo: The Desert LampA proposal to designate specific areas on campuses of the Peralta Colleges as "free speech zones" has drew outrage from faculty, staff and students at a May 12 town hall.The draft "Administrative Procedures (AP) 5550-Speech: Time, Place, and Manner" will regulate public "speech activities" on campus. Individuals and organizations from the community that...
Laney College journalists honored for writing
Laney College student journalists were recently honored for their contributions to the Laney Tower newspaper at a state convention held by the Journalism Association for California Community Colleges (JACC). Tower Editor-in-Chief Tracey Tate received honorable mention for Column Writing. Tate, who blogs at www.blingingbeauty.com, also recently won a trip to New York to meet supermodel Iman, all due to her writing.Tower Staff Writer Reginald James, editor of TheBlackHour.com received a second place award in the News Story category. His story about...
Thousands of Peralta students overcharged
SummaryThousands of students attending the Peralta Colleges were charged for a fee that should have never been implementedHad the Student Representation Fee passed, students would have tens of thousands of dollars to advocate on behalf of the student bodyStudent representatives failed to organize the pass the measureThe ballot measure was placed on the ballot by trustees and administrators improperly, a student expect saysDue to more budget cuts, student representatives say the fee is neededBy Reginald JamesTheBlackHour.com EditorThousands of students...
Women leaders speak at Laney College
By Terez McCallSpecial to TheBlackHour.comFive dynamic and accomplished women recently joined a panel discussion in the Laney College Student Center to share their inspirations and insights on the issue of gender and leadership.Facilitated by the ASLC, the diverse panel included: Leslie Ewing, executive director of the Pacific Center; Nancy Nadel, Oakland City Council Member; Dr. Angela Smith, Chair of the Communications Department; Dr. Inger Stark, chair and acting dean of the Sociology Department; and Laney College Interim President Dr. Elñora...
Proposed free speech zones at Peralta spark concern
By Reginald JamesTheBlackHour.com EditorGeorge Orwell’s novel, 1984, described a world of an oppressive totalitarian regime, extreme government surveillance and an erosion of citizen’s rights. A proposal at the Peralta Colleges to establish “free speech zones” has evoked Orwellian visions of the campuses’ futures. Yet others see the proposal as a necessary procedure to protect free speech.Free Speech Zone ForumMay 12, 2010Noon to 1 p.m.Laney College, T-450The draft “Administrative Procedures (AP) 5550 – Speech: Time, Place, and Manner” will regulate...
African Americans Making Connections at Merritt College in Oakland
Oakland Youth Commissioners, from right, Brionte Young and Eric Gant, respond to a question from Ryan Nicole Peters.By Reginald JamesTheBlackHour.com EditorMore than 300 people assembled at Merritt College in Oakland for a conference May 1 organized by Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson. The event connected community groups with activists, students with educators and entrepreneurs...
Laney College Presidential Candidates Forum
Laney College will host a forum for finalists for the campus’ new president on May 11. Each candidate will be interviewed and the public will have an opportunity to ask questions. Laney College President's Forum10-11 a.m.Dr. Steve Maradian11 a.m.-12 p.m.Dr. Elnora Webb12-1 p.m.Dr. Jing LuanMay 11, 2010Room G-189Laney CollegeWatch live on Ustream.tv.The final candidates are: Dr. Steve Maradian, vice-president for policy and research at the Accreditation Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC); Dr. Elnora Webb, acting Laney College President;...
Back to Arizona - Hip Hop artists protest racist Arizona law - Music Monday
Hip-Hop artists in Arizona protest the new racist new state immigration law, Senate Bill 1070. The track, evoking a Public Enemy classic, features DJ John Blaze, Tajji Sharp, Yung Face, Mr. Miranda, Ocean, Da'aron Anthony, Atllas, Chino D, Nyhtee, Pennywise, Rich Rico, and Da Beast. Back to ArizonaHip Hop last drew down on Arizona when the state refused to recognize Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday as a holid...
ASLC election run-off May 11
Dawna WilliamsHarry JiangPhotos by Lambert Li/Courtesy of the Laney TowerFull Disclosure:The Black Hour endorsed Dawna Williams for ASLC President. She was the only presidential candidate to complete our questionnaire. The Black Hour stands by the endorsement today.The top two vote getters in the April student government elections at Laney College will go head to head in a...
Oakland Police shoot and kill deer
Cartoon by Reginald JamesOakland Police officers shot and killed a baby deer in East Oakland on May 1. The deer was deemed a threat to public safety because many children – who called the deer, 'Bambi'– were in the ar...
Laney College to host Malcolm X Summit
In honor of the legacy of freedom figher Malcolm X (El Hajj Malik El Shabazz), the Laney Black Student Union (Laney BSU) will host, "Malcolm X: Beyond Militancy Summit." The three day event features speakers, music, movies and more. Tuesday May 11th11AM-1PM Celebration with music, dancing, and art featuring Haitian dancers, African drummers, and a live band on the Quad.5PM-8PM...
Oakland Police kills deer
Oakland residents were shocked to see a deer frolicking in the flatlands of East Oakland, but were even more disturbed when an Oakland Police officer murdered the deer. The deer was reportedly unarmed. Photo Courtesy: KTVU"The incident was caught on video and has gone viral on the Internet, stirring up concern from animal lovers. Oakland police have launched an investigation...
Assembly Member Nancy Skinner speaks on California State Budget at Berkeley City College
California State Assembly Member Nancy Skinner leads a discussion about the California State Budget on March 27. Part 1: Nancy Skinner DiscussionPart 2: Nancy Skinner Q & AVideo courtesy of P-Span, Peralta...
Lupe Fiasco - "I'm Beamin" Video - Music Monday
Back in February, The Black Hour posted Lupe Fiasco's "I'm Beamin" as our Music Monday pick of the week. On top of a dope N.E.R.D. beat, the track from "outer space" reflecting "inner peace" returns to TheBlackHour.com with a futuristic themed vid...
Mayweather wins bout with Mosley
Photo: Chicago Sun Times blogFloyd "Money" Mayweather, Jr. defeated "Sugar" Shane Mosley in a highly anticipated welterweight bout Saturday night in Las Vegas. After Mosley landed a sweet right in the second round that caused Mayweather's legs to buckle, the chance for Mayweather to get knocked out for the first time ended. Judges handed Mayweather a unanimous decision after...
