The recent finale of the hit FOX show “Empire” drew 21 million viewers. The show tackles numerous issues affecting the Black community such as class, incarceration, homophobia and interestingly enough, mental health. One of the main characters, Andre, has bipolar disorder and the show highlights how his family deals with his illness.
Author Archives: Manny Otiko OW Contributor
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More Black families choosing to educate children at home
Home schooling used to be something only done by White Christian fundamentalist parents concerned about the secular influence of public schools. But an increasing number of Black families are making the decision to educate their children at home. According to the National Home Education Research Institute, there are more than 200,000 Black home schoolers. They even have their own organization, the National Black Home Educators, which serves 5,000 customers.
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SoCal political experts weigh in on 2016 presidential candidates
We are barely into 2015, but it seems the 2016 presidential race is in full swing—well at least in the Republican Party. The GOP has a broad range of candidates vying for the nomination. This ranges from more mainstream candidates, such as former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. And long shot-candidates such as Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and an African American, Dr. Ben Carson, a retired neurosurgeon.
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Black adoptee says new parents must preserve child’s culture
Not too long ago the common belief was that Black children in the foster system were expected to be adopted by African American families, but that has changed in recent years. Transracial adoptions have become common place. Celebrities such as Sandra Bullock and Tom Cruise have adopted Black children, and some celebrities such as Madonna and Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have gone as far as adopting children from Africa.
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Black entrepreneurs say business ownership leads to self determination
Even though the Obama administration is entering its final lap, things are not looking great for the African American community. The Black unemployment rate is still about double the national rate and more education will not necessarily solve the problem. According to the New York Times, Blacks with some college education had higher unemployment rates than White people who only had a high school diploma. A few years ago, New York Times columnist and Pulitzer-prize winning economist Paul Krugman said a college degree is simply no longer a ticket to a good-paying job.
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SoCal Muslims: Islamic terrorists don’t understand the religion
Recent attacks by Islamic militants in France, Pakistan and Nigeria have focused scrutiny on American Muslims, who are again being forced to defend their religion. This frustrates Ojaala Ahmad, communications coordinator for the Council on Islamic-American Relations (CAIR)- Greater Los Angeles Area Chapter. Ahmad said there are about 1 million Muslims in the state of California, with about 600,000 residing in the SoCal area. The group is racially diverse and consists of Muslim immigrants, as well as American converts.
Posted inArts & Entertainment-OW, Entertainment
The real Rick Ross tells his story in new book
When most young people hear the name Rick Ross, they think of the gangster rapper, a former prison guard who created his persona modeled after the real Rick Ross, an infamous Los Angeles drug dealer. “Freeway” Rick Ross, as he came to be known, has described his life’s story in a new book called “Freeway Rick Ross: The Untold Autobiography.”
