As he evolved away from his past as Detroit Red, he transformed himself first, into a loyal protégé of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, then, into a world renowned human rights activist. He never hid behind his legend to avoid speaking of his time as a petty criminal, instead using his story to bolster the confidence of everyday men facing his same struggles. He let them know, in no uncertain terms, that they didn’t have to have a pristine past to make a difference in the present and the future.

Want to Keep Up With NewsOne.com? LIKE Us On Facebook!

RELATED:

Malcolm Shabazz, Grandson Of Malcolm X, Dead At 28

Top 5 Malcolm X Speeches

When looking back at the often tumultuous days of Malcolm’s life, one can not help but wonder what was on his mind. As he began to separate from the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, the man he credited with saving his life, as he broke ranks with the Nation of Islam, the brothers he had molded into the image of Black manhood that was deemed necessary for the separation of Black and White Americans to be successful, as his philosophy began to shift away from merging race and religion, to his belief that matters of human rights can not be confined by such a flimsy institution, as he begin to realize that he was living a lie and all White Americans were no more our enemies than all Black Americans were our friends, what was on his mind?

Many of us forget that he was only 39-years-old when he was gunned down in the Audubon Ballroom just north of Harlem, New York on February 21, 1965. In his short life he went through three pivotal transformations that culminated with the founding of Organization of Afro-America Unity and Muslim Mosque, Inc. Though the two convergent movements never gained the traction and power of the NOI, it spoke to Malcolm’s influence that he was able to step out on purpose and take people with him that were ready to die for him.

Where are those leaders today?

As we celebrate the birth of Malcolm, I’m reminded of the day that I had the honor of meeting his eldest daughter, Ambassador Attallah Shabazz in Los Angeles. I was able to look into her eyes and see her father’s spirit, intelligence, resilience and passion — and to also tell her that he shaped my philosophy on religion, politics and race. I shared with her that he gave me strength to stand on principal when it seemed that no one was standing by my side. She smiled when I told her that when I was first introduced to his focus on human rights, rather than civil rights — because how can we expect civility until we are first considered human? — it changed my life.

In a poem I penned in 2011, I recount how I was also able to share my unyielding love and respect for the great El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz with my now 8-year-old son:

Today  my son went to school like any other day

He took his shower, brushed his hair, ate his breakfast and

Kissed me goodbye

But not before I told him about a man

Not before I explained to him that, though this man’s time was brief

His impact on the world is one that shook the buildings in Washington

And the hoods from Detroit to Harlem

Not before I told him that here stood a Prince who stood for something

A King who struggled in the trenches each and every day

To shed light in darkness

To weld the power burning in our collective psyches

Into Weapons of Mass Instruction

Not before I told him that because of one Warrior

Freedom will forever be a word in his mother’s vocabulary

Because I’m ready to die for it

Not before I told him that there once was a man

Whose body was defiled by bullets and lies

His death certificate signed by traitors and bureaucrats

A man who could not contain brilliance so bright it lit minds

From the ghettos of this stolen nation to the deserts of Africa

Reminding us that the shackles of slavery have been broken

Yet we still have to escape the plantation

I told him about a Soldier who refused to withdraw from a battle with a country

That refused to define him as man and in that defiance of oppression

Taught an entire generation that equality  — on our terms — will be had

By Any Means Necessary

Before my son walked out of the door

I told him about his brother, his teacher, his elder, his ancestor

Who refused to live a lie even if it assured his death

Who refused to kowtow or step and fetch it

Or be a diluted version of the man he was destined to be

Just so he could later be deemed acceptable enough

To warrant a holiday on the day of his birth

Yes, my son went to school today…

But not before I told him about brother Malcolm.

Today, I hope we all take a moment to honor the life of a man who died for us all — and continue to walk in his legacy.

Happy Birthday, brother Malcolm.

SEE ALSO:

Official Family Statement On Death Of Malcolm Shabazz

Where Have All The Leaders Gone? New Poll Suggests Black America No Longer Looking For Heroes

Did you know having a big butt could mean living longer?  How about being single and gettling less sleep?  Check out more ways you could live longer here.

It’s crazy what a little make up and some photoshop will do for some people.  Check out some of the most popular models in the world without make-up.

Congratulations to Sonja Graves of Albert Hill Middle School. She’s this week’s Teacher of the Week!

]]> http://urbanpetersburg.com/1443450/sonja-graves-week-15-teacher-of-the-week/feed/ 0 DSCN0149 ronebwilliams DSCN0149 DSCN0147 http://urbanpetersburg.com/1443368/the-deadline-to-vote-in-the-june-primary-is-may-20-check-your-voter-status-here-video/ http://urbanpetersburg.com/1443368/the-deadline-to-vote-in-the-june-primary-is-may-20-check-your-voter-status-here-video/#comments Fri, 17 May 2013 11:21:26 +0000 Miss Community Clovia http://urbanpetersburg.com/?p=1443368 ]]>

Virginia has an election every year which means the peoples’ voice should be heard on issues of healthcare, education, civil rights, justice, jobs and medicare. Every aspect of your life is decided on at the “stroke of a vote”.

The Republican Party of Virginia 2013 State Convention is this weekend at the Greater Richmond Convention Center and there over 13,000 delegates will nominate candidates for lieutenant governor and attorney general. Also, Ken Cuccinelli will accept his party’s nomination for governor.  The duo primary for democratic candidates for lieutenant governor, attorney general and certain seats for the House of Delegates will held on Tuesday, June 11, 2013.

There are four contenders in the Virginia governor’s race for 2013  Democrat Terry McAuliffe and Republican Ken Cuccinelli. Cuccinelli is currently the Attorney General for Virginia and will not seek a second term only to run for governor. Republican Tareq Salahi has lived in Virginia all of his life. He is a televison personality and businessman. Terry McAuliffe is a businessman, entreprenuer and former chairman of the Democratic National Committee. And, Libertarian Robert Sarvis is an entrepreneur and small business owner.

The 2013 Democratic and Republican Primary candidates  for statewide office in Virginia and the House of Delegates. The primary in June 11, 2013.

Register to vote, check your voter status or candidates on the ballot for the general election, by visiting the Virginia State Board of Elections.

Who qualifies for restoration of rights?

If you have lost the right to vote as a result of a felony conviction in a Virginia court, a U.S. District or a military court, you must have your rights restored in order to qualify for voter registration. The restoration of rights restores the rights to vote, to run for and hold public office, to serve on juries and to serve as a notary public. It does not include the right to possess or transport any firearm or to carry a concealed weapon.

In order to be eligible for restoration of rights by the Governor, an applicant must:

• Must be a resident of Virginia, and/or have been convicted of a felony in a Virginia court, a U.S. District court or a military court
• be free from any sentence served or supervised probation and parole for a minimum of two years for a non-violent offense or five years for a violent felony or drug distribution, drug manufacturing offense, any crimes against a minor, or an election law offense.
• have paid all court costs, fines, penalties and restitution and have no felony or misdemeanor charges pending. 
• not have had a DWI in the five years immediately preceding the application. 
• Not have any misdemeanor convictions and/or pending criminal charges 2  years preceding the application for non-violent felonies or five years for a violent felony or drug distribution, drug manufacturing offense,  any crimes against a minor, or an election law offense.

For information on requesting a copy of your criminal history record and criteria for restoration of rights, please visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

 The Rolling for Freedom Project will get you election-day ready. Thanks in advance for your support.  Miss Community Cloovia

Follow me on twitter: @communityclo

Facebook fan page: Clovia Lawrence, public figure

Delegate Joe Morrissey (D-74) speaks out on automatic restoration of rights for non-violent felons.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-iRHkIAKkU%5D
Virginia voters will elect a new governor in 2013. Check your voter status now!

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General (4-year term)

House of Delegates (100) (2-year term)

Cities:

4-year terms:

*Commonwealth’s Attorney

*Sheriff

*Commissioner of Revenue

*Treasurer

Counties:

4-year terms:

Board of Supervisors (55 counties)

School Board (50 counties)

City Council (3 city)

(terms vary-set by Charter)

City School Board (3 city)

(terms vary-set by Charter)

Town Council (11 towns)

(terms vary-set up Charter)

Primary if held: June 11

In the overly dramatic story entitled “An Onset of Woes Raises Questions on Obama Vision,” the New York Times reports that President Barack Obama has privately expressed his desire of “going Bulworth,” a reference to the political comedy movie of the same name starring Warren Beatty. If you don’t remember the movie, just know that it was one of many bad choices Halle Berry has made in her career — and she had really, really terrible hair in the film. Oh, and the soundtrack was full of rap songs.

Watch a clip of “Bulworth” here:

That said, the reference speaks to Obama’s yearning to drop his lingering damns in a box and get all the way blunt with his political adversaries and pundits alike. Longtime adviser David Axelrod, whose heard the reference himself, says, “Probably every president says that from time to time. It’s probably cathartic just to say it. But the reality is that while you want to be truthful, you want to be straightforward, you also want to be practical about whatever you’re saying.”

Yeah, but that’s not fun.

What if President Obama could get a break and say exactly what’s on his mind? Here, I put together a number of responses I think the President would offer if he could.

On the Justice Department’s seizure of Associated Press reporters’ phone records: “I didn’t have anything to do with it. And really, why would I go out of my way to piss off people who already get on my nerves?”

On the IRS playing politics: “Listen, haven’t y’all read my book? I barely talk to my own uncle, let alone Uncle Sam. The acting director is gone. Damn, are you happy now, Gina?”

On the 37th try to repeal Obamacare: “F**k the GOP’s thoughts and feelings.”

On his failure to force Congress to pass even a modest gun-control bill: “If I could pistol whip those cowardly Democrats and good-for-nothing Republicans in to voting for background checks, I would’ve asked Michelle for her old piece already.”

On being asked about Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s trip to Cuba: “That’s exactly why TMZ and Buzzfeed are going to put those other media companies out of business.”

On calls for impeachment over the Benghazi scandal: “You’ve got two options: Kiss my natural Black ass or choke on the ashes of my Newports.”

On keeping our embassies safe: “If you’re not giving the State Department the money to prevent security breaches, shut your happy *sses the hell up.”

On arriving to press conferences late: “I don’t love them hoes.”

On immigration reform: “Try me if you want to about not passing reform. I’ll be leading the wobble at Hillary Clinton‘s inauguration. Both times.”

On Elizabeth Warren taking the Obama administration to task over not taking the banks to court: “I’m having trouble answering this question because Elizabeth just rightfully caused my jaw to fall to the floor.”

On his next Supreme Court appointment: ”It’s not right to wish for people to die, but let’s just say I wouldn’t be mad if it were Scalia and Clarence Thomas won the raffle for a first class ticket to the crossroads.”

A man can dream anyway.

SEE ALSO: Julian Bond Defends IRS Targeting Of Tea Party Groups, Says They’re ‘Racist’

Michael Arceneaux is a Houston-bred, Howard-educated writer and blogger. You can read more of his work on his site, The Cynical Ones. Follow him on Twitter: @youngsinick

A 64-year-old Detroit man is recovering at a local hospital after he was viciously stabbed at a gas station.

The unidentified victim spoke to Fox 2 News Detroit about the attack that took place Saturday morning around at 5 a.m. He says he was approached by a would-be-thief who demanded money. Soon after the demand, the attack began. At first, the thief began punching him. Then the punches turned to stabbing and continued until he passed out.

SEE ALSO: Mom Struggles To Help 400-Pound, 11-Year-Old Daughter Lose Weight

“I didn’t realize that I was bleeding until I hit the floor,” he said. “All the blood started coming out and I got real weak and I couldn’t move.”

The victim was left with stab wounds in his chest and abdomen. He is expected to recovery, but may have to undergo surgery Friday. Police said they’ve arrested a 27-year old Detroit man who lived near the gas station where the attack took place. He’s expected to be arraigned Friday.

SEE ALSO: Retired Mailman Wins Lottery For The Fourth Time!

During the attack, there were three people standing nearby but neither of them tried to help the victim.

“The three or four other people in the gas station,” he said. “They could have easily held him until the police got there. But they didn’t show any kind of favoritism. It makes me feel like people don’t care what happens to other people. I understood that he had a gun, but I never saw a gun.”

The 64-year-old is still in pain, but says his faith is helping him to deal with it. “It’s not the choice that you make, it’s the choice that God makes,” he said.

Nicknamed “Mister Show Business,” Sammy Davis Jr. (pictured throughout) occupies a significant portion of African-American experience in entertainment. Although the singer, dancer, and Rat Pack member was seen by many as an assimilating “uncle Tom,” Davis lived a complex life full of triumphs, failures, and everything in between before his passing in 1990 on this day. NewsOne takes a look back on the life of Sammy Davis Jr.

SEE ALSO: Henry L. Johnson Fends Off German Captors During World War I On This Day In 1918

Born Samuel George Davis on December 8, 1925, in Harlem, parents Samuel Sr. and his Cuban-American Mother Elvera Sanchez were both entertainers. Davis began his career early, performing in a vaudeville troop with his father at the age of 3. In 1933, Davis began his film career, starring in the satirical and often-criticized musical short “Rufus Jones for President.”

Watch Part 1 of “Rufus Jones for President” here:

Davis’ career took a turn during the inception of World War II, when he served in the United States Army. Largely protected from racism by his father and uncle, Will Mastin, Davis experienced prejudice in an extreme fashion for the first time during his time in service. The Army was aware of Davis’ prodigious singing and dancing abilities, so they assigned him to an integrated entertainment unit.

It was under those circumstances that Davis learned to cope with racism.

“My talent was the weapon, the power, the way for me to fight. It was the one way I might hope to affect a man’s thinking,” wrote Davis in one of his autobiographies.  After being discharged from the service, Davis went full speed with his career, recording several albums, touring with his family and landing on Broadway in 1956 with the play “Mr. Wonderful.”

In this file photo, actors, from left to right, Peter Lawford, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Frank Sinatra are shown in the 1960 movie, “Ocean’s Eleven.”

Davis supported the Civil Rights Movement in a variety of ways, although he was often criticized for hobnobbing with White Hollywood while seemingly snubbing other Black entertainers in favor of his Rat Pack friends. There were also rumblings going around that Davis fronted money for the Italian Mob all while becoming an international celebrity.  In 1972, Davis’ support of then-Republican President Richard Nixon was seen as a slight to the Black community.

Davis married Altovise Gore (pictured below) in 1970, and the ceremony was presided over by Rev. Jesse Jackson. Although the pair remained married until his passing, it was a troubled union sparked by Davis’ personal demons of drug addiction, poor spending habits, and a propensity to focus only on his career and not his family’s needs.

Considering that Davis remained somewhat popular throughout the 1970s, he never regained the star power and faded in to poverty, depression, and basic obscurity.

Davis succumbed to throat cancer in Beverly Hills; this after a delayed surgical procedure was performed to save his life. Davis was resistant to the surgery, as he didn’t want to lose part of his legendary voice. After his death, the Las Vegas Strip, in the city where he often performed for thousands, darkened its lights in tribute to Davis. He is buried next to his father and uncle in Glendale, Calif.

Davis was a polarizing figure indeed.

Although he seemed to take on mannerisms employed by White stars of his day, he couldn’t disguise the fact he was still a Black man. Even his conversion to Judaism was perceived as a ploy to shed his African-American roots, but that only raised intrigue in the man that much more. No matter what has been publicly said about Davis, there is no denying that Sammy Davis, Jr. deserves respect for his talents despite the murkiness of his private life and politics.

Watch Davis perform “The Candy Man” here:

Rest In Powerful Peace, Sammy Davis, Jr.

SEE ALSO: Robert Smalls, Family Escape To Freedom On This Day In 1862

Falica is 11-years-old and weights 400 pounds.

Her mother, Earlene Johnson, says that she has done all she can to lower her daughter’s weight. “We exercise everyday,” Johnson. “We’ve been in nutrition classes every since 2007.”

CLICK HERE FOR THE NEWS VIDEO TO THIS STORY

When Falica’s primary care doctor referred her to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., in 2012, Johnson says they were “hotlined.” Essentially, Johnson claims, a doctor told her that she was to blame for her daughter’s weight gain.

SEE ALSO: Black Florida Family Comes Home To KKK Flier On Doorstep

“They would not do any blood work, they wouldn’t do any x-rays, they wouldn’t do any testing on my daughter,” Johnson said. “They were saying that they believe that she overeats and that I can stop it. Basically, they were telling me that it was my fault.”

Johnson says a physician told her to follow up with the nutrition clinic. But when she did, they got a surprise.

SEE ALSO: Mother’s Day Shooting Suspect Faces 20 Charges

“The next day, when I got home, the state of Missouri and child services was at my house,” she said. “Children’s Mercy had hotlined, me stating that my daughter, Falica Solomon, had a disease called “blout.”

But no “bout” was found when Johnson took Falica to her pediatrician. In fact, the pediatrician says there is no such thing as “bout.” The Kansas City mother showed Fox 4 News labwork that revealed her daughter’s blood work, blood sugar and blood cholesterol were all “normal.”

SEE ALSO: Black Florida Family Comes Home To KKK Flier On Doorstep

Johnson says that she has since moved her daughter to the Healthy Hawks program and a different hospital. So far, Falica has lost 10 pounds.

When Fox 4 News contacted Children’s Mercy, the television station was told no patient by Falica is on their roll.