December 2, 2009
Today is National Call-in Day to Eliminate the Cocaine Disparity: Help Pass Legislation This Year
For the first time, crack cocaine sentencing reform legislation received a favorable vote in Congress when the House Judiciary Committee in July approved the Fairness in Cocaine Sentencing Act of 2009, H.R. 3245. To move the bill forward we need a vote on the bill by the entire House of Representatives. Now is the time for advocates to contact their Representative to ask for support and co-sponsorship of H.R. 3245. Call the U.S. Capitol today at (202) 224-3121 and ask to speak to your Representative.
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More on Blacks Valuing Education
Congratulations to journalist Vivian Po for writing about "More Latinos and African Americans Value Higher Education." Po's piece is based on yet another survey showing more pro-education attitudes among blacks. While many journalists repeat anti-black stereotypes, it's great that Po sticks to the facts.Blacks and the Great Recession
V. Dion Haynes highlights the challenges faced by young black men in "Blacks Hit hard by Economy's Punch." Allison Linn discusses the labor market and formerly incarcerated and homeless black workers in "Black Workers' Crisis May Linger After Upturn." Michael Luo discusses the black-white unemployment gap among those with a college degree.Thumbs Down on Precious
Courtland Milloy says that Precious is "A Film as Lost as the Girl it Glorifies." He is "bewildered by its enthusiastic reception." Juell Stewart sees more redeeming aspects to Precious than Milloy, but she criticizes the film for resuscitating president Ronald Reagan's "welfare queen" stereotype and for being "irresponsible to the African-American community."Share this article with a friend. Use the email icon below.
--Algernon Austin, Ph.D.
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