theblackbottom

Colbert King spells out the perils of Bourgeois Politics plainly. There is an old saying, “Dance with the one that brought you.” I am curious as to Mr. Fenty’s understanding of the history of Black people in D.C. and why they might feel resentful to the emerging politics of race and economic privilege in the [...]

The troublesome economy is worrisome to all of us, but especially for young people! The data, no matter who is reporting it, is abysmal. The Great Recession as pundits have called this economic era is doubly difficult on Black communities; especially our young people who are just now trying to enter the workforce. This recession [...]

Austin Black’s love of Detroit goes deep.
“Detroit created my love affair with cities and urban planning,” says Black, a Cornell grad who grew up in and around the city. “I see what as I do now as giving back to a place that really influenced who I am today. Detroit is not dead. There are [...]

This is certainly an interesting political campaign for Mayor in the nation’s capital. In January I wrote a Friday Comment titled The Perils of Bourgeois Politics and this campaign certainly looks like I was dead on in my commentary according to this Washington Post article. Lets keep our eyes on this campaign because it will [...]

Netroots Nation amplifies progressive voices by providing an online and in-person campus for exchanging ideas and learning how to be more effective in using technology to influence the public debate. Through our annual convention and a series of regional salons held throughout the year, we strengthen our community, inspire action and serve as an incubator [...]

A city does not die when its last resident moves away. Death happens when municipalities lose the industries and vital populations that made them important cities.

(Via www.247wallst.com)
The economy has evolved so much since the middle of the 20th Century that many cities that were among the largest and most vibrant in America have [...]

Spike Lee returns to document New Orleans 5 years later with a sequel to his Emmy Award winning documentary “When the Levees Broke”. In conjunction with HBO Spike is back in the Big Easy documenting the progress and lack there of in rebuilding one the nation’s most distinct and culturally diverse cities with a film [...]

Glen Coffee is a sparkling example of what a spiritual calling really means, instead of what we mostly see in athletes today, which is a barage of meaningless words and empty gestures.
Although his decision was ill-timed, Coffee decided to forgo millions of dollars and the adulation of millions of fans in order [...]

When Charles Pugh was campaigning for city council, he held a workshop at his home with a handful of his team to prepare for what he calls the “gay question.” They spent the night working through 25 different scenarios that might come up during the race about his sexual orientation.
“We over prepared,” he says. “None [...]

Citizens and law enforcement work to combat violent crime in Detroit. DETROIT (WXYZ) – A community effort is underway in Detroit where leaders are trying to take back the streets in the wake of recent violent crimes.
The effort follows Monday night’s wild police chase and two reported attacks on elderly women over the weekend.
During a [...]