Study challenges claims of Gitmo recidivism
NEW YORK (IPS/GIN) - A prominent law professor said the U.S. Defense Department is issuing questionable data on the number of Guantanamo detainees who have been released “and then returned to the battlefield.” He gives the reason as because the government “is now in a position where they have to find some bad guys–even if they have to invent...
Film to debut at Saviours’ Day Convention
(FinalCall.com) - Janks Morton will debut his latest film, “Men II Boys” at the Nation of Islam's annual Saviours’ Day Convention in Chicago, scheduled for Feb. 27-March 1, 2009. The film is a documentary of men telling boys things fathers used to pass down to sons, things that advanced one generation to the next. The movie is a collaboration with LaMarr...
A celebration of the life of Charles Veal, Jr.
CHARLENEM LOS ANGELES (FinalCall.com) - The stars lit up the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center on Feb. 3 to celebrate the life of Maestro Charles Veal, Jr., one of their brightest stars. The master violinist, orchestra leader, multi-instrumentalist and singer from California passed away on Jan. 23 after suffering a seizure in Chicago. Mr. Veal commanded many stages for world-class performances...
Protestors oppose release of Oakland cop
CHARLENEMand Victor Muhammad ‘No bail! Keep him in jail!’ Update: Officer accused of murder out on bail (CNN, 02-07-2009) OAKLAND (FinalCall.com) - A judge has granted $3 million bail to the former BART officer who shot and killed Oscar Grant, III on a station platform on New Year’s Day, however, at press time Johannes Mehserle had not yet posted the $300,000...
Young and Powerful for Obama pushes activism
WASHINGTON (FinalCall.com) - During the Young and Powerful Presidential Brunch at recent inaugural festivities, the Rev. Jesse Jackson announced plans to organize college students around the county to protest student loan interest rates. The group Young and Powerful for Obama organized the brunch and other inaugural activities as part of efforts to support the new president and promote greater...
Firings end in tragedy for California family
CHARLENEM LOS ANGELES (FinalCall.com) - When Ervin Lupoe shot and killed his wife and five children, and then himself in their Wilmington, Calif. home, the deaths were another example of the human cost of joblessness and an economic crisis that has many people panicked over how they will survive these troubling times. In the suicide note he left behind, Mr....
Obama’s call: Help remake America
ASKIAMSenior Correspondent 44th president pushes ahead with agenda for the country, keeps promises in his first week WASHINGTON (FinalCall.com) - President Barack Hussein Obama stepped confidently onto the pages of history Jan. 20, calling a nation weary from an unnecessary, pre-emptive war and the worst economy since the Great Depression, to remake itself, to reaffirm its enduring spirit, and to choose...
State spending cuts could add to unemployment
WASHINGTON (FinalCall.com) - With Labor Department statistics showing unemployment insurance claims rising to over 4.6 million, still more face unemployment resulting from budget cuts as many state governments face financial resource gaps of tens of billions of dollars in FY 2009 and FY 2010. Matthew Sherman, Research Assistant at the Center for Economic and Policy Research writes in an...
‘Silent Depression’ victimizes Black America
By Richard MuhammadContributing Editor (FinalCall.com) - As a Black man ascends into the highest political office in the country, Black America remains mired in a “silent depression,” according to United for a Fair Economy’s State of the Dream report for 2009. The group’s annual assessment of the economic state of Black America that coincides with the King Day celebration was released...
Former transit cop arrested in Oakland shooting
CHARLENEM OAKLAND (FinalCall.com) - The arrest and filing of murder charges against the former transit officer, whose New Year’s Day shooting of an unarmed Black man was captured on cell phone videos and spread around the world, brought a small measure of relief to a diverse, national group demanding his full prosecution. Community leaders, activists and police watch groups say that...