Welcome to My World

Maurice White 1941-2016 "It's All About Love"

2016-02-08T14:11:00.000-08:00

Maurice White ,74, the founder of Earth Wind & Fire passed away on February 4th. His legacy will

forever be one of love and spiritual uplifting and enlightenment through music.

White born in Memphis, TN was a famous drummer long before he created EW&F. He was a member of the Ramsey Lewis Trio (RLT) and played on songs for Etta James, the Impressions and toured with the Dells. He left the RLT in 1969 and formed the band we now know as EW&F shortly thereafter.

The music White produced for EW&F was a mixture of jazz, soul, R&B, infused with African and

Latin rhythms, gospel and the Phoenix Horns. The band sold over 90 million records the old fashioned way, one fan at a time.

Photo Credit: Google Images

An EW&F concert was always a diverse multicultural event which was/is a testament to the body of

work White created. During the big budget concert heyday EW&F shows featured theatrics that were

million dollar productions and delivered a stage show that was beyond compare. White’s brother

Verdine levitated while playing his guitar, the drummer spinning around never missing a beat, the

whole group getting into a giant pyramid that rose high in the air, broke into pieces and when the

smoke cleared they were standing linked arm-in-arm in front of you on stage. Audiences went crazy.

There was always an encore, there had to be.

White stopped touring in 1994 citing the rigors of being on the road. In 2000 he announced he had

Parkinson's Disease and made few public appearances thereafter but remained active behind the

scenes.

Faith, hope and love are the foundations upon which all human beings thrive and White managed to

capture that musically. He is the recipient of 6 Grammy Awards, a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame an NAACP and BET Award winner. He also produced music for the Emotions, Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond and Cher. EW&F was the band tapped to play the White House after President Obama was elected and held his first social event.

Heaven has just gotten another bandleader. The angels are in for quite a treat. Oh what music they will be making now!

George Clinton - King of Funk

2015-12-22T11:32:00.000-08:00

NEW HAVEN - Christmas came early for P-Funk fans as George Clinton made a rare December appearance at Toad's Place. For those in the know he traditionally performs there in February so this was a nice surprise. There are not many performers his age still able to pack a house and keep fans on the dance floor for hours - non-stop. No polite clapping here, make no mistake, this is indeed a party, old school style.

At 74 years young Mr. Clinton has no trouble getting the party started. From the first drum beats to the last ear splitting guitar solo he is right there having fun right along with the rest of us. Fueled no doubt by the love he gets from the crowd, the infectious music and frequent hits of weed that are passed up to him on stage. Yes, he is still up to his old tricks.

An informal poll of concert goers indicated that for many this is their 5th, 6th or 7th time seeing him. For Matt, 24, a clean cut white kid this was his first experience. He said "My brother gave me one of his albums when I was 15 and said I would understand when I got older." For 37 year old Ing, an Asian women this was her second time seeing Clinton, the first time was in Oxford, England. Rarely in the times we live in can an assortment of very different people come together and just party. Black, white, old, young, hippies, hipsters, old school revolutionaries in their dashikis along with heavily tattooed bikers wearing their respective colors. A modern day Woodstock. Unlike many concerts with such diverse groupings there is no hint of violence in the air. The only objective is to get funked up.

George Clinton Exits Toad's Place - Photo Credit Jocelyne Hudson-Brown

With the exception of a few obviously seasoned musicians the rest of the funkateers on stage get younger and younger each year, yet the quality of the music never changes. What makes Clinton so special is that he is one of the few African-American musicians still standing that played a key part in most all areas of modern music as we know it. From Doo-Wop, to Jazz, to Soul, R&B, Hip-Hop, Grunge and Rock & Roll he has covered them all, with great success. He is also the mastermind of the genre of music called "P-Funk" which seems to have no generational boundaries.

He is the recipient of many awards including an NAACP Image award, a Grammy, and an MTV music video award. Clinton is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and in 2012 was awarded a Honorary Doctorate of Music from the Berklee School of Music. His music is featured in movies and TV commercials for Apple computers.

MAKING HISTORY

2014-11-03T16:54:00.000-08:00

Covered the POTUS in Bridgeport. Saw many friends, could not get to you. Much love to Inquiring News for the assignments, it don’t get bigger or better than Mr. & Mrs. Obama in a 72 hour period.

So anyway, I’m in the “media “ section, doing my thing along with soaking up all the history, happy, happy. Then this b**** from general market media says to me “only the media are allowed in here”.

Well you could have knocked my down with a feather. Without missing a beat in my nice girl voice I said, “the secret service does not need your help” and kept on doing my thing.

Did it sting? You damn right it did. Sh*t, I had to show credentials, get thru 4 check points and a pat down to get behind that velvet rope. I’m an award-winning journalist, with editorials seen on Larry King Live, in the New York Post, our CT newspapers and many more. I went to Ground Zero, I am an Army Veteran. I have a Masters Degree. Somehow to her I did not belong there, seemed out of place…

Of course at the end of the event she apologized. She said “Sorry, I thought…” Save it!

Like those who came before me I’ll take it. I am a girl from Bridgeport, born without civil rights. It’s the least I can do. Covering “our” African-American President and First Lady, writing for an African-American newspaper for African-American people are among the high points of my African-American life.

Let’s keep knocking a hole in that glass ceiling. Black history is made everyday!

An Editorial - “Our” President Visits

2014-11-02T16:47:00.000-08:00

By the time you read this article Election Day 2014 will have passed. The campaigns were hard fought with each side bringing in the heavy hitters to champion their respective causes. I hope you voted and your candidate won.

Without a doubt the loftiest of those heavy hitters was President Barack Obama. President Obama’s visit to Central High School in Bridgeport fired up the party faithful and will no-doubt inspire countless more to vote in the future. But to many seeing the President meant a lot more than that.

President Obama is living proof that when you tell your child that he/she could be president one day it can really happen. Seeing him is proof that the work done by the Urban League, the NAACP, the Black Panthers, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, along with countless others whose names we will never know was not in vain. That the work you are doing today really means something!

I have been to both of President Obama’s inaugurations and have reported on his two recent visits to Connecticut (along with the First Lady). Our people came out in droves for each event, the turnouts unprecedented. The reaction of the people is beyond enthusiastic. Folks become overwhelmed by emotion seeing the Obama’s in person. In my articles “Rock Star” is the only noun/adjective that came close expressing to Inquiring News readers what I have observed. Recall the best concert you’ve ever been to. Remember the crowd going absolutely crazy? It is unbelievable! That’s the reaction every time President Obama hits the stage. He means so much to so many.

If all of us living today get to see another African-American elected President of the United States of America just know that the Second Coming would probably happen shortly thereafter. So lets enjoy these this time with “our” President and First Lady. Live by some of the examples they have set. Enjoy and be empowered by this very special time in history that God has blessed us to bear witness to!

Mrs. Obama Comes to Town

2014-10-30T16:40:00.000-07:00

NEW HAVEN – First Lady Michelle Obama came to town to give her blessings to Gov. Dan Malloy and leading Democrats running in highly contested races that were to be decided on election day, Tuesday, Nov. 4^th.

Mrs. Obama entered the Wilbur Cross High School auditorium to a rousing ovation. The kind usually reserved for rock stars. Her appeal is evident. A woman of power and influence unparalleled and yet she has the presence of every women. Her affect is as easy as her smile. She seems genuine and is very much on point with her message. Speaking over a sprinkling of hecklers here and there (back to that in a bit) she remained unfazed.

“So if there’s anybody here who is thinking that their vote doesn’t matter, if there’s anybody here who knows someone who thinks that voting just isn’t worth their time, if you know young people who are sitting on the couch, I want you to think we cannot afford to miss out on a single vote in this election -- not one. This is real. Think about your passions. Think about the things you care about. “ said the First Lady. “Vote”.

State Treasurer Denise Nappier who was also running for office was there supporting her party peers. Although she did not address the crowd in an exclusive interview with Inquiring News she called the First Lady’s visit “inspiring”. “Her visit energizes the party faithful”, says Nappier, “and the publicity surrounding her visit reminds others that election day is near. She is also a wonderful inspiration to young girls, letting them know they can come from humble beginnings like she did and succeed.

About 2,000 people from around the state attended the invite only rally on a lovely fall day. Being in the orbit of the wife of the most powerful man on earth is an

eye-opening once in a life-time experience. It requires patience, standing for hours, and being on your best behavior.

Along with the people in a crowded line that went down the street around the corner and then stretched as far as the eye could see was a heavy police presence, secret service agents, bomb sniffing attack dogs, snipers on the roof , many security check points Once granted entre, with a pat down for good measure, you are on lock down when enter the building and told with very firm yet friendly direction where to go. Should you deviate two steps someone is right there (quite startling) with that very firm yet friendly direction.

Something is in air, it tingles. Everyone is on high alert. What is about to take place few Americans bear witness to. First Lady Michelle Obama is now talking directly to you. She is walking through the crown shaking hands, posing for selfies. Then, just like that, it’s over.

At the end of a very long day, everyone is drained, but, it was all well worth this brush with history as we may never pass this way again in our lifetime.

Writers Note: Regarding hecklers. The ones who interrupted the First Lady (and no other speaker) in an effort to make a case, about whatever. Just so you know, your message went unheard. You were being disrespectful, rude and you looked foolish. You had no right to crash/infiltrate somebody else’s party with your nonsense. To utilize a quote from New Jersey Gov. Chris Christy (who was also heckled last week) “Sit down and shut up!”

John Lewis – “Get in Trouble”

2014-06-13T22:06:00.000-07:00

East Hartford - Famed civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis was honored at a reception hosted by fellow Congressman John Larson at Goodwin College. Lewis traveled to Connecticut to give the commencement address at the school.

John Lewis is a one of the few remaining old school civil right leaders still available to teach the ways that will keep the movement alive for the next crop of great leaders. Don’t be mislead by his dignified and charming grandfatherly manor. There is still plenty of fire left in this man.

“It is good to be here to see all of the changes that have occurred in America during the past 50 years, but we still have a way to go. There are forces in America today that want to take us back to another time. We can’t go back, we won’t go back.”

Interviewing Congressman Lewis

Photo by Merle Davis

His advice for future leaders? “They must get out there and push and pull and help make this country and the world community a better place. They have a moral obligation, a mission and a mandate to speak up, to speak out and find a way to get in the way. What I call good trouble, necessary trouble.” The kind of trouble Lewis has gotten into routinely for decades trying to help the cause. “I’ve been arrested about 40 times. I’ll probably get arrested some more.” he says with pride.

Lewis is a man who has been beaten and jailed trying to make a change. “Public service is a calling, a lot of people put up with a lot of stuff. I don’t get tired, I don’t get weary. I feel like I’ve been blessed. I feel I have an obligation to help others.”

He called Congressman John Larson “A friend, a brother.” He praised the leadership efforts of Goodwin College for helping young people grow up to be good citizens.

Goodwin College gave Lewis a new title “Dr. John Lewis” by conferred a him with a doctorial degree. “It’s a happy day.” he said.

Ladies “Know Your Value”

2014-05-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

GAYLE KING

Photo Credit: Merle Davis

HARTFORD, CT – The first “Know Your Value” conference lived up to all expectations with the mission to inspire “Women Taking It to the Next Level”. Over 300 women packed the Hartford Marriot for an afternoon of empowerment.

One of the conference highlights (there were many) was the “conversation with Gayle King” and that is exactly what it was. King was bright, bubbly and very real in every aspect of her chat. She clearly has an ability to identify with every woman because that is exactly who she is, albeit a very successful one.

King has plenty of history in Hartford. In her own words, “I got married here, I had kids here, I got a divorce here.” For 18 years she was a familiar face to TV viewers as a news anchor at WFSB. She recalls her time in Hartford fondly and still comes to the area regularly. She stayed connected to many of the same folks she had relationships with early on.

She proudly shared her age with the audience, 59. “I feel great.” she says. “I feel that when you get to whatever age you are and you feel good about yourself, you look good, you should shout it from the rooftop.”

King divulged some advise Maya Angelou gave her about success. “Success is liking who you are, liking what you do and liking how you do it. Also, success is one step closer to women’s liberation.”

Do you want to know what successful women do? According to King, “Put one step in front of the other, do the work, be persistent.” She also gets up at 3:30 in the morning!

Melissa Crawford from Bloomfield was happy to have attended the conference she said, “I have a new position at my job and this is going to empower me to do the things I need to do to go even further.”

Writer’s Note: The “Know Your Value” conference held it’s opening session on the same day as the close of the history making career of Barbara Walters. Walters’ is a television broadcast pioneer who has endured it all. She was the “first” which is never easy. Male co-anchors did not feel woman were capable of delivering the news, some were openly hostile. The way she spoke and the way she looked was the punch line of jokes for decades. She never gave in, she never gave up. Clearly, she “knew her value”.

Wrongfully Incarcerated – Fernando Bermudez Why No Public Outrage?

2014-04-30T17:36:00.000-07:00

Based upon an article written for Inquiring News

This post will beg the question as to why there has not been a national public outcry over the number of people being wrongfully convicted and incarcerated? More than 2,000+ people have been freed from jail over last two decades. Together they have served over 10,000 years. Many receive little or no compensation and/or have to fight for years to get it. Fernando Bermudez, 44, is one of those people.

Fernando Bermudez

Wrongfully convicted of murder in 1992, he was sentenced to 23 years to life. He spent a total 18 ½ years in various New York maximum-security prisons. He was released in 2009. An appellate judge pronounced him “Innocent!” “Innocent” as in did not commit the crime, dropping all charges.

Bermudez currently travels on speaking engagements worldwide. He has spoken up for the wrongfully incarcerated in the U.S., Germany, Japan and Italy. The Innocence Project has featured his as a guest speaker. Fresh from a speaking engagement at Harvard he granted Inquiring News an exclusive interview.

Jocelyne Hudson-Brown: At the time of your arrest what were you doing?

Fernando Bermudez: This happened about 2 in the morning. I was driving back with my brother to home where we lived with our parents. When we drove in front of the building and were about to get out we were surrounded by cops who pulled guns and forced me out of the car.

JHB: What would you like people to know about your whole ordeal?

FB: I think people think that once a situation like this is over that people can continue to live their life and be happy and make peace with what happened. But that is not true because (what happens often time to people who have been wrongfully incarcerated) I have a lot of pain; I have lot of hurt over what happened. The lost years, there is the PTSD that I deal with now after my experience. I still have anxiety, distrust, being uncomfortable, watching every penny that I spend. All these things are related to my wrongful conviction and what happened.

JHB: How are you adjusting?

FB: I’m still adjusting actually. It’s an ongoing process. I’ve found my place and my calling in society through public speaking and sharing my story. Doing that helps to heal myself as well as make a difference. Sharing my story is how I am able to find acceptance in it and share that perspective. But there are still issues with adjusting. Here is that main problem, lack of closure. Closure with the situation. I still have not been compensated yet. I still have not received justice in my case. I was released but that does not mean that I have received justice.

JHB: Let me get this right. You were wrongfully convicted, wrongfully incarcerated 18+ years, have been deemed innocent of any crime, and then released from prison. In the 5 years since you have been released you are still fighting for compensation? It there any end in sight?

FB: I don’t see it yet. To be sure I have been proven actually innocent! It’s not a matter of a technicality. It was proven without a shadow of a doubt. The State of New York did not appeal the ruling of the judge, they let it stand. The case is over. (I interrupt him at this point.)

JHB: So there is no question in it, no lingering doubt? You are totally innocent?

FB: Totally. My case actually made history. I am the first Latino male proven innocent without DNA evidence.

JHB: What was the worse thing about being in jail?

FB: Well the worse thing was the uncertainty about whether I was going to live or die in that place. The next day is not promised. You are living in a very violent, unpredictable environment day-to-day. I tried to increase my chances by staying in my cell as much as I could. In my cell at least I could control my immediate surroundings. But you have to go outside of your cell and that’s where the danger lurks even more.

JHB: As an innocent person, knowing you did not belong there you must have been overwhelmed…

FB: It was feeling of discomfort and dread. A constant level of fear. I would fight and battle with anger and depression. Just the stress of it all. How I dealt with that positively was occupy myself, distract my self. Through reading, exercise, working on my case, through writing letters.

JHB: How do you feel about the justice system now?

FB: Well I feel that we have a deeper problem with the criminal justice system than is ever imagined. And, in that regard I think that the issue of accountability needs to be discussed with greater consideration. We are talking about prosecutors who are sending innocent people to prison purposefully and nothing happens to them Corrupt prosecutors and even police do not get held accountable. It’s not fair. It’s not fair to society and especially not fair to the victims. The people who died or get deceased during the commission of a crime and those who become victims by being wrongfully convicted.

JHB: So everybody loses? And, the perpetrator is still out there.

FB: Everybody loses, everybody loses. The guilty person remains free, so many things happen. They wrongfully incarcerate the wrong person; they waste the taxpayer’s money. It’s a mess.

JHB: Do you currently see a counselor?

FB: Every week.

JHB: How has this affected you family? You Mom, Dad, brothers, sisters, aunts uncles etc. How has this experience both while you were in jail and now that you are out affected the family?

FB: Excellent question. I think that during my situation it kept us together and kept us solid in terms of unifying to fight and trying to support each other. Ironically, you would think that coming of prison it would have solidified that even more because when you get out it is time to celebrate. Time to reflect on the victory, try to heal together. Just the opposite has happened. I am embarrassed to say this, it has created a wedge. I call it the collateral damage that is related to being wrongfully incarcerated.

JHB: What does the future hold for you?

FB: The idea of continuing to be an international speaker. Opening up different corridors throughout the world where I can go and share my story. There are great expectations in continuing my college degrees. I hope to get my Masters and my Ph.D. so I can start teaching at a university and get my kids a free education. I’d also like to complete in book, which will tell my entire story.

Writers Note: I first met Fernando Bermudez in 2011 during a seminar hosted by Yale University. At the time I was left speechless by his testimony. Why? Because his is a story you see on TV or in a movie. That of a stranger, not someone you meet and get to know. The association makes it very real. He is to be applauded for having lived through his story to be able to tell it.

Jocelyne Hudson-Brown is an award winning journalist and a longtime correspondent for the Inquiring News. She can be reached at jhbmpr@yahoo.com.

President Obama - “Restore Opportunity for Everyone”

2014-03-05T18:40:00.000-08:00

Remember how it felt waiting for your favorite rock band hit the stage? Remember how the crowd erupted in screams, cheers and a standing ovation before they even hit the first note? Well, that’s exactly the uproar that took place when President Obama and the Gubernatorial All-Stars hit the stage to promote raising the standard minimum wage to $10.10.

On stage with three other governors, Deval Patrick of Massachusetts, Peter Shumlin of Vermont and Lincoln Chaffee of Rhode Island, Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy was introduced to a big round of applause. In great spirits Malloy said "I absolutely believe that if you work 40 hours a week, you shouldn't be living in poverty in Connecticut or any other state.” He introduced the President by saying, “There is a time to lead and a time to follow. I will follow this President on the great policies he will put forward, New England needs to lead on this issue."

President Obama presented his case to a very receptive audience of 3,000 on the campus of Central Connecticut State University.

Photo Credit: Jocelyne Hudson-Brown

Obama said. "It is a central task for all of us to build an economy that works for everybody, not just for some. We also believe is that nobody who works full-time should ever have to raise a family in poverty. That violates a basic sense of who we are.”

Writers Note: I asked a random young lady in the crowd (17 years old, not ID’d by name as she is a minor) what an increase in minimum wage would mean to her.

She said it would mean she could pay all of her rent on time. Rent? A 17 year old child? Yes, rent! Her parents are deceased, at one point while taking care of her brothers she/they had been homeless! She said it would mean she could “afford to buy meat” as she had not been eating any lately since she was short on funds. It would also allow her to pay for transportation to and from high school.

Hers is but one story out of many of people who work every day and are struggling. There are millions of hard working Americans who like her just need/want an “opportunity”. "And that's why it's time to give America a raise." says President Obama.

Nelson Mandela 1918-2013

2013-12-09T15:47:00.000-08:00

Few people in the history of the world have a profound effect on all mankind. Fewer still are deemed worthy of near sainthood, their death eliciting a cause for global mourning. Nelson Mandela will be counted among those few.

I saw Mandela in Oakland. June 1990. It was the last stop on an 8 city tour of the U.S. 4 months after being freed from a South African jail. He had been a political prisoner for 27 years. At the age of 71 he was a free man.

“Mandela is coming, Mandela is coming” everybody was talking about it. I did not know who “Mandela” was. The event was at the Oakland Coliseum. The way folks carried on I thought he was a (new) rock star. Somebody at work had an extra ticket. Looking back, I now recognize I saw and heard speak one of the greatest human beings of all time.

I went expecting a concert when what actually took place was an old school love/peace fest/, black power movement/protest, Bay Area style, attended by 58,000 people. In a sea of people banners that read “Oregon” and “Seattle”, they had come from all over the West Coast. The hippies from Berkeley/San Francisco and the Black Panthers from Oakland were both well represented. Within an expanse of multicultural faces, yellow, black and green (the South African flag) were the colors of the blistering hot day.

Oakland, CA , the birthplace of the Black Panther/Black Power movement was a fitting stop for the tour. Fresh out of jail Mandela had come to America to press even harder for sanctions against corporations that did business with South Africa under the conditions of apartheid. The ovation that greeted the little old man as he walked on stage was long and thunderous. He gave his speech and people cried. When he spoke of equality and (in)justice and freedom for his people in South Africa it renewed what would became a global response to his plea. (See Internet videos). Four years later he was elected president of South Africa.

Having to carry a “pass”, segregation, not being allowed to vote or own property were the law during apartheid. “We were placed in a position to accept inferiority or defy the government. We choose to defy the government”. said Mandela. Nelson Mandela’s story is one of perseverance, dignity and honor. His is the story of not backing down, of not giving up. He fought the good fight and we all won!

The Queen Latifah Show

2013-09-21T16:55:00.003-07:00

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah, 43, has always been a multitalented phenomenon and a trailblazer. Her resume is impressive. Grammy Award winning Hip-Hop artist, Golden Globe Award winning actress, BET Image Award winner, and Oscar Award nominee highlight some of her accomplishments. A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Not bad for a girl from New Jersey.

Throughout it all she has carried herself with a certain air of poise and confidence that has eluded many women in the entertainment industry. Female self-empowerment and self-respect have always been a running theme throughout her projects. She has now placed herself in the position of “talk show host” with the unveiling of her new daytime television effort “The Queen Latifah Show.”

With Latifah at the helm, “The Queen Latifah Show” is produced, written directed by a powerhouse of Hollywood A-listers including Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith along with her longtime Flavor Unit associate Hakim Compere. To which she says, “I am working with all my old friends, who happen to be huge.” She has known Will, Jada and Hakim since they were all in their teens. “We have all become great businesspeople and have grown throughout our careers to get to this point. We know where we came from and we know who we are.”

This is not a project that she is taking lightly. “I want to make this show a big hit, I really do. I feel if we can make this show a big hit we have the power to change people’s lives. That means a lot to me” she says. “I want my show be must see TV, that’s my goal”

“We are looking to do a fun hour. A-list celebrities, DJ’s, interesting topics. We are going into the field. Doing really interesting stories on people who are making a difference every day. We are thinking outside the box. Not just the plain old talk show format. We are going to stretch it (The Queen Latifah Show) a little further, make it funnier, elevate it, take it to the next level.”

At this point in her career (and her life) Queen Latifah seems grounded and happy to be surrounded by whole lot of love. She maintains a sense of optimism that places her in position for even greater success. “I want to have fun on my show, I want to sing and do sketches. I (also) want to walk away with something, I want to learn something and I want to share that. I could retire doing this.” she says.

Zimmerman NOT Guilty

2013-07-14T19:11:00.000-07:00

On February 26, 2012 George Zimmerman (then 28) shot and killed 17 year-old Trayvon Martin an unarmed African-American teenager who was minding his business walking home from the store. On July 13, 2013 Zimmerman was found not guilty by a jury of his peers, six white women.

The reality is Zimmerman was long preparing for a showdown. He had been Mixed Martial Arts training for 18 months; he was enrolled in criminal justice classes. His best buds in law enforcement advised him. He was carrying a concealed weapon.

George Zimmerman is the best example of a person who should never have a gun permit. A person who sees bad guys at every turn. A person who places himself in a position of pseudo authority, in his case the Neighborhood Watch captain, which he thought gave him the right to lord over others. A person who goes to Target to get groceries on a Sunday evening strapped with a Kel Tec 9mm handgun. He had to carry a gun, as he never knew when he would run into those “fucking punks”.

In what common sense would see as an open and shut case of guilt on Zimmerman’s part, in the world of criminal justice it is not quite that simple. The world of criminal justice relies heavily in interpretation. The interpretation of laws, the interpretation of words, the interpretation of evidence. It relies on stacking the jury with people who lawyers think they can convince to see things their way. It relies on money, in having enough to buy expert witnesses to come in and testify to your version of events. It also relies heavily on its ace on the hole “beyond a reasonable doubt”.

These types of trials are often not about justice, forget who wins or loses. They are not about the little people, those being the victims and/or the defendants. Once they reach the world stage they become career boosters for the attorneys involved, the judges, the TV news anchors and the so-called experts who are the guests on their shows. They are about the forthcoming movie and books deals (Zimmerman’s friend Mark Osterman penned his book early), celebrity appearances and making money.

Trayvon Martin’s parents have been a model on how one might carry themselves publically through unspeakable tragedy. They are not “street people” you know, the seemingly ignorant ones that everyone can comfortably say “they had it coming”. Trayvon’s mother Sabrina Fulton has been employed 24 years with Miami Dade-County. She is a college graduate, married to Tracy Martin, Trayvon’s dad at the time of his birth. Tracy Martin is a truck driver. They were a tight family unit. Both mother and father actually lived near each other in Miami. Martin Sr. was visiting his fiancée in Sanford and Trayvon was with him because he was suspended from school. I can only imagine the little road trip was to give Trayvon some father/son “get your act together kid” time.

As of now there was no way of knowing if any further remedy will be sought regarding justice for Trayvon Martin or punishment for George Zimmerman. Today we know that Zimmerman was found not guilty and is a free man. Today he is free to roam the streets again, free to carry his concealed weapon.

In reality Zimmerman will never be a free man again. Soon enough the financial support will stop, his wife will divorce him. He will spend the rest of his life a pariah, an embarrassment to his people, to his judge father, to those same peers that once had his back. They will soon find association with “Georgie” uncomfortable once the blinding lights of the media are turned off and reality sets in. After all, who wants a dinner guest with blood on his hands from killing an innocent kid?

Q&A with actress Kendra C. Johnson

2013-05-27T18:57:00.000-07:00

Actress Kendra C. Johnson

Kendra C. Johnson, 37, is a Hartford, CT native. She is part of an all-star cast in the new Tyler Perry show “Love Thy Neighbor” featured on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). Johnson recently took some time with Inquiring News to speak directly to her Connecticut fans, friends and family.

Inquiring News: How did you make the leap from Hartford to Hollywood?

Kendra C. Johnson: I have had a couple of detours from Hartford to Hollywood. I’ve lived in Atlanta, North Carolina and Los Angeles. As much as I’ve traveled I feel like the foundation I was brought up with and who I am is rooted in CT. I’m happy and proud my life began where and when it did. Hartford birthed my love for the performing arts. I am a product of the Artists Collective. They have a lot to do with where I am today.

IN: Tell Inquiring News a bit about your new show Love Thy Neighbor?

KCJ: It’s a sitcom. Hattie Mae/Patrice Lovely plays my mother. Palmer Williams plays my uncle. They came together and run a diner. Love Thy Neighbor is about the every day trials and tribulations of life. The happy times and the sad times. I also have a son on the show.

Cast of Tyler Perry's Love Thy Neighbor

IN: I have to ask, what was it like meeting and working with both Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry?

KCJ: I was comforted by Mr. Perry while on set. He made me feel very comfortable and very valuable on set.

IN: Did you get to meet Oprah Winfrey?

KCJ: I did! (Laughs) I’m still waiting to tell Oprah about the time I met Gayle King in Hartford. I think it was at AME Zion many years ago when I was a little girl.

IN: So many great credits in television and motion pictures. (Kendra’s acting credits include appearances on The Game, The Shield, Bones, and Phat Girlz among others) What do you see as the key to longevity for working in the business?

KCJ: First and foremost you have to make a decision. One of my network mates said it best, “Do you want to be famous or a working actor?” Fame is fleeting it can come and go; you’re hot today and not tomorrow. We’ve seen that over and over. If your desire is to be a working actor then you have to plan for and prepare for some longevity in this business. If that is your desire there are so many aspects of the art you can work in.

IN: Are you satisfied with the roles you have been given/chosen?

KCJ: Actually, you know, I am. Every time I think about a role that I’ve played there has been an interesting story there. The character that I play in Love thy Neighbor this is probably one of the characters I’ve been proudest to portray.

IN: If you were not acting what would you be doing?

KCJ: Well prior to moving to Los Angeles, I worked in Human Resources. So I can always go back to that. I also have a passion for working with children.

IN: What‘s next Kendra?

KCJ: Hopefully we have lots and lots of seasons of Love Thy Neighbor on OWN. We have been told over and over “this is just the beginning”. I excited, I’m grateful, I’m humbled. I feel extremely blessed to have been chosen for this journey.

In addition to film, television and theatre credits Ms. Johnson is the empowerment editor for Plus Model Magazine. Love Thy Neighbor premiers on Wednesday May 29^th, on the OWN network at 9pm with a new episode following at 9:30pm.

The Inauguration of a President – What You Don’t See on TV

2013-01-24T19:51:00.000-08:00

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By now you’ve seen many images of the second inauguration of President Barack Obama in many forms. Television, videos, photographs, magazine and newspaper accounts all neatly packaged and nicely presented. Ready for primetime. The promotion of democracy at it’s very best.

What you don’t see is the journey of the people whose flag waving images fill the National Mall and presidential parade route. Over one million individuals traveled to the nation’s capital for an outdoor event in January that lasted just about six hours.

What you don’t see are those people walking for miles along with hundreds of thousands of others to witness history. There is no other way to get to the Mall other than walk. Many of those taking that journey, were in wheelchairs being pushed along by friends or family members, some hobbling along on crutches and canes, some whose breathing is aided by oxygen tanks.

What you don’t see is the hospitality of the people of the Washington D.C. who host the festivities every four years. Shop owners who allow people come in to use restrooms, to get out of the cold and/or to sit for a minute. Scores of volunteers who are up as early as 5:00 in the morning in frigid weather acting as cheerleaders congratulating the people as they (finally) reach the Mall. The hundreds of vendors from all over the country selling their souvenirs. The museums that remained open so people can stop by and take a tour.

What you don’t see is the heavy security. The snipers atop buildings, the police and their dogs, the military presence. All there to make sure there are no problems. So much order amid so many people is amazing. There has never been an incident.

What you don’t see is the effect of the realization that the on the very same ground you are walking upon stood soldiers fighting the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. It is where Martin Luther King gave his “I Have a Dream” speech. One can overhear parents telling the stories to the youngsters.

People came to Washington D.C. from all over the world to be a part of the historic event. Old, young, black, white, brown and tan. The people who did not wait for a formal invitation because they knew none was needed.

What you did not see was everyday people doing an extraordinary thing. Why, because we know we may never see this day again so we went to Washington (and took the kids) to be able to tell the story to future generations.

A visit to Newtown, CT

2012-12-19T20:27:00.003-08:00

--> TV does not do the devastation felt in Newtown, CT justice. Seeing thousands of people, cars, flowers, police, media, memorials and passing hearses up close and in person was like a punch in the gut. So overwhelmingly sad and tragic.

Quite frankly it made me sick to my stomach!

Mass Memorial Site

Incident at Sandy Hook Elem. School in Newtown, CT – A “Mentally Ill” Man Speaks Out

2012-12-16T16:52:00.000-08:00

This was written by my friend William C. Jackson. I will add no words to the discussion as the piece speaks for itself.

Originally posted on Facebook December 14, 2012

"Rant/Commentary...I am just going to come out and say it...I am mentally ill. I am not joking here. It is the truth. I have been battling depression and anxiety for the past five-and-a-half years. And for all the problems I have had, including dealing with cruel, insensitive people, I have never thought about buying a gun, and then going to a public space to start opening fire (My illness is well-documented, so I wouldn't be able to get a gun, anyway).

I said that if it is revealed that the scum that killed all those people at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown had a mental illness, I would be EXTREMELY angry. Why? Because I have a mental illness. And most people with mental illness are NOT violent. They want to be treated just like everyone else, and I am no different. But with things such as this happening, there is a stigma associated with having this illness (Can he be trusted not to hurt anyone if something bad happens to him? for example).

William C. Jackson

I feel for the families of the families of the victims, especially those that will be without their child for the holidays.

I believe that there is a special place in hell for people like the gunman.

Please, media, do not say that he had a mental illness. Don't make it harder for people like me.

SALUTE TO FEMALE VETERANS

2012-11-12T12:37:00.000-08:00

I am a United States Army Veteran. Decorated. From the old school discipline of “Be All You Can Be.”

Indoctrinated by the Government to kick ass and take no names.

I – fear – no – evil.

That’s Girl Power Baby!

WhooRaahh

9/11 Revisited

2012-09-10T21:36:00.002-07:00

Edited excerpts from various articles I’ve written on my experience at Ground Zero.

To this day I cannot explain what made me go to New York. It’s just that despite the images I saw over and over on the television screen I still could not believe it. Really. I had to see for myself.

September 13, 2001 - I just came back from the other side “Ground Zero” they ‘re calling it. The scenes there are unforgettable, unimaginable, and incomprehensible. I will never forget the sight of fire and smoke rising from the hole in the sky where the World Trade Center once stood.

The streets were littered inches thick with dirt, dust, soot, glass, metal, ashes and burned paper everywhere. I’m aware that mixed in the debris are body parts. The twisted wreckage of cars, trucks and vans all cemented, seared into the streets, on the sidewalks and against the sides of buildings. The fire trucks, police cars and emergency vehicles stood frozen in time completely mangled and upsided. I was totally unprepared to view the devastation. People on the street openly weeping, it was too much to process.

Lost/missing pictures of loved ones on bus stops, trees, the sides of passing trucks and store front windows. The yellow ribbons, the candles, the makeshift shrines. Red, white and blue on everything worn by everyone. The sight of the men, and women buses and trucks as they enter and exit the scene of the crime. The faces of these heroes exhausted and drained. Being in a crowd of 10,000+ people who are silent or whispering or weeping, all staring in disbelief.

Ground Zero Remains

Hundreds of cars, trucks, vans and military vehicles filled with volunteers from all over the country also included (surprisingly) “inmate work crews.”

The events of September 11, 2001 gave us a new sense of our place in the world. Goliath fell that day, it’s still a hard pill for us to swallow.

Yet tonight as I sit here at my computer looking over at what can best be described as my memorial from that day, a foot high glass bottle filled with ashes burned financial papers, twisted blinds taken from the crime scene I’m sure of one thing. The events of 9/11 are the direct result of hatred. Hate can have no place in our lives.

Interview with a Literary Agent

2012-06-06T17:07:00.000-07:00

GINA PANETTIERI - TALCOTT NOTCH LITERARY
by Jocelyne Hudson-Brown

The purpose of this paper is twofold. It satisfies a class assignment to interview a leader in the communications industry and it is also my hope that it provides another MACOMM student with an interest in the literary field some insight into the profession. It seemed fitting that I do this in print form in opposition to a produced video piece because the “printed word” putting print to paper, is the truest from of the literary art form.

Part 1 of the following interview with Gina Panettieri was conducted on May 25, 2012 at the office of Talcott Notch Literary in Milford, CT. Part 2 was conducted at 2012 BookExpo America at the Jacob Javits Convention in New York on June 5^th 2012.

Part 1

I met Gina Panettieri while satisfying a 200 hour internship as part of the MACOMM curriculum. I found her to be warm, available and just a wealth of information. The following excerpts are from an interview where she freely answered

questions.

Gina Panettieri

Jocelyne Hudson-Brown - How did you get your start in the business?

Gina Panettieri – My start was not traditional. I was hosting a writers support group; soon writers began asking for help. I began advocating for writers, interviewing attorneys, editors, writing letters, just doing it to be supportive. People began saying “You are good.” I got no pay just satisfaction. Then someone suggested that I do this for profit. So in 1988 I said, “You’re right” and I have been going ever since. You must understand when I first started there were really no internships. People got a job and stayed for 20 years. Interns have the opportunity to learn a profession and practice it.

JHB - In these lean times (for your industry) how are you surviving?

GP – Good Question. There have been a number of failures. Borders, small bookstores…they failed to make the transition. This (economy/digital advances) has challenged everyone. The big change right now is the Amazon dominance. They are both a selling platform and a publishing platform now, stealing some of the biggest authors. They (Amazon) have unlimited resources. Publishers now have the double challenge of the economy and Amazon. Some agencies are now offering more. They are serving as publishers also publishing to “E” format, doing editing, providing cover art. Providing more services.

JHB - What adjustments have you made to adapt your work to the “ digital” way of doing things?

GP - There is money to be made in digital. Using their (Amazon’s) experience and knowledge. Joining them makes sense for agencies. An eBook now comes automatically with print.

JHB – Correct me if I’m wrong. I think no matter the advances occurring with digital publishing, people still want a real book.

GP - God yes! They still want to hold it in their hands. I know of one author who has had 5 books published. The first 4 were digital, the last one in print. She said the print one was the first one that felt “real”. There is something about getting that box of books, of seeing it on the shelf. Also, monetary commissions are greater when a book is taken to print. When a book gets printed it is a commitment to the author from the publisher. They (the author) get more support, a real push with regard to marketing and promoting.

JHB - What do you see for the future of your industry?

GP - Books will survive. Hardcover sales are up. People like books for collecting, and then there are the coffee table books. Books are beautiful. Also, some books do not translate well to digital. Picture/Art books, recipe books. Seeing them on Kindle does not have the same effect.

JHB - What might be considered the downside (negative) of your profession?

GP – Commission based income can be a downside. You have to sell (books). Any work based on sales can be scary. But, if your book just had a big hit you will be glad not to be on salary. It is not a 9-5 job; you will be reading on evenings and weekends. About 50-60 hours a week of reading. Clients will want your time. The hours can be demanding. Then there is travel for conferences. Most publishing events are held on weekends. If you are a person in demand the weekend is taken up with conferences, clients, making contacts. It is a commitment not a Monday-Friday, 9-5. You have to love books, talking about books, meeting people. It’s an art, it’s terrific.

JHB - Besides the usual “follow your dreams” is there any advise you could give?

You need to know your market, study it. Subscribing to industry magazines and journals enables you to make informed decisions. Within them is a ton a free content. Educate yourself. This is also a profession that requires “personality”. It is definitely not for the risk adverse. You cannot be frightened by challenges and you must have drive and ambition. Know your genre and understand the rules. Study what successful people in you market have done.

Part 2 BookExpo America, Jacob Javits Convention Center New York, NY

BEA Publishers Exhibit

BookExpo America (BEA) is an annual industry event that features over 1350 exhibitors from all over the world. They include literary agents, publishers, book dealers, digital suppliers dealers. Most every major player in the industry is represented. Literary professionals from all over the world are featured. Included were representatives from Russia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Germany among others.

Individual elements include bloggers conferences, educational seminars, author interviews, photo ops and autograph sessions and galley giveaways.

The professionals that attend the event are book publishers, literary agents, teachers, book buyers for schools and universities, book sellers (store owners), librarians, anyone who may be responsible for recommending books to be acquired or purchased. It is not open to the general public.

Product categories exhibited are adult trade, art/photography/coffee table, body/mind/spirit, business books, children/young adult trade, cookbooks, drama, education/how to, environmental/natural world, erotic, foreign language, gay/lesbian, graphic novels, health medical, history, humor, large print, literature/poetry, multi-cultural, philosophy, professional educational, reference, religious, remainders/bargain books, science fiction/fantasy, scientific/technical/professional, self help/recovery, Spanish books, text books, travel outdoor recreation, university press, women’s studies/feminist, coloring books, journals, hobbies and crafts, bookmarks/bookplates, calendars, limited edition, and stationary.

Representing the digital domain are exhibits that featured the latest apps, devices/e-readers/tablets, digital marketing, digital services, eBook accessories/ eBooks, e-publishing solutions, mobile products and services, search engines, social media, software development, internet marketing and sales.

Support services featured included publicity/promotion, distribution, posters, inventory control, rights/permissions, retailer supplies/services, music and audio video.

The primary reason for highlighting so many components of BEA in this writing is that each one represents a specialty/niche within the literary profession. Seeing them all in one place at the same time was quite exciting. A book (any book from any genre) is a lot more that words on a page with a nice cover. Anyone with traditional experience in communications (audio/video, writing, production, internet/web specialists) will find their skills are easily transferable to the literary field where they are very much wanted, needed and appreciated. What is great about it is that one can easily find themselves as the biggest fish in a small pond particularly where production and digital expertise is concerned.

While at BEA the interview with Gina Panettieri continues:

JHB - How long have you been coming to BEA?

GP - This must be I think my tenth year.

JHB – This is my first time here. So much to see and do, I am very excited and a bit overwhelmed and over stimulated in a good way. (I consistently overheard this from other attendees as well.) As a literary agent with your experience what does the BEA mean to you? For me it is a total exposure to the industry. What does it do for the more experienced literary agent?

Gina meets w/author at BEA

GP – It gives me an opportunity to see what publishers are excited about, what they are promoting, their big titles. It gives me a chance to speak with other publishing professionals and to interact with them. If I have a product that is appropriate I can take a one-on-one appointment with them and pitch certain projects.

It just gives me more of an opportunity to get an idea of what’s going on in publishing. There are workshops, panels and seminars that are going on that are very informative. It is both a selling venue and an educational forum. People can use it for a number of different purposes.

JHB – Thank you Gina for a wonderful opportunity. I appreciate seeing the literary arena like this. Indeed, one can never judge a book by its cover!

ETHICS - Secrets Revealed?

2012-01-14T13:49:00.000-08:00

From the point of view of a journalist the discussion begins with “information that becomes known to you and you could release to the public.” Would you reveal it?

First of all, I would be anxious about even having such a secret (there are always repercussions). If said secret is an important part of the story not just a salacious entry I feel it should be revealed. Of course, there will be people (stakeholders) who do not agree.

As indicated in my first post “Watergate” comes to mind most immediately when it come to the media, journalists and the revelation of secrets. What began as a story about a burglary ended with the toppling of a president. The “secrets” involved former FBI agents, White House staff and President Nixon all involved in illicit, illegal activities, lies and cover-ups. Government officials acting as an organized crime unit. There is no doubt that this “secret” should have been revealed.

The United States of America is based upon the ideals of a democracy. These men were going about the business of winning an election and running the country like entitled gangsters. The whole idea if not revealed could have destroyed a nation. The Washington Post showed an enormous amount of courage to publish a story like this. According to the Post publisher there were "unveiled threats and harassment." The notion that they did not buckle under the enormous pressure is really incredible. Quite honorable.

Saving Democracy/Ousting a President?!

In deciding whether to reveal a secret I would use some of the following criteria. The first thing I would start out with is the source. If the source of the information was creditable and facts could be verified I would reveal it. If the secret involved dangerous or illegal activity or components upon which people base decisions/votes/investments, I would reveal it. As in the case of Watergate if it threatened the structure and stability of the country I would certainly reveal it.

As for the fallout, before I would tell anyone anything I would also have to investigate the backing and the protection I would have. What type of history does the paper have when it has to make such a crucial decision? It must be kept in mind that this seemingly selfless act of bravery exposes a lot about all of the folks involved in the reveal. All must be risk takers and not everyone is up to the task. Even though I would probably find a way to reveal it one-way or the other (we now live in an anonymous digital age) my physical safety comes first!

Alas, more often than not those people who do reveal the secrets of the rich and/or powerful frequently lose their jobs, family, reputations and end up in the poor house or on skid row surviving on drink and drugs. In the worse case scenario they end up dead!

Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein were extremely lucky, not all reveals end in such glory. Fame, fortune, Pulitzer Prizes, book deals, a movie where A-list actors Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford portray you. They will forever be the standard bearers employing a level of honesty and objective reporting that all journalists should aspire.

That having been said as a journalist I will not be the decision maker as to what is actually printed, the editors would be. Certainly I would attempt to defend my position as to why this information is important for the citizens to know but ultimately it would be out of my hands. Basically, it would boil done to the ethics, the objectivity and the courage of the newspaper. I would hope that could/would stand up to the challenge.

As a media professional you will always be privy to secrets, “off the record” conversations and such. Your responsibility is to the public at large. Ultimately you must always serve the greater good.

References:

http://youtube.com/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/watergate/

http://google.com/images/

Ethics – Exercises for the Soul

2012-01-07T14:18:00.000-08:00

Welcome To My World. My name is Jocelyne Hudson-Brown and for the next few blog postings I will concentrate of the matter of “ethics”. Although I’d like to take credit for this highbrow endeavor, I cannot; it was assigned as an ongoing task by my professors for a class on “Media Ethics”. Come on, follow me and let’s begin our walk down the highroad…

“Communication(s)” is my profession of choice. Being an effective communicator is a great responsibility as the information you are providing influences lives. The better you are at it the more people influenced. As I move forward toward becoming an expert in the field the prevailing ethical question for me is (has been) ”the message.” What am I putting out there? Utilizing the oath of honesty “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth” is a good tool to use as a measurement device.

Early on as an undergraduate I asked one of my professors what the definition of “spin” was? He told me “spin” was the equivalent of lying. It may have been bit of a stretch (and harsh) for an answer, but the sentiment of it has never left me. The highlight of my last few projects has been my hiring as the communications director/spokesperson on a couple of political campaigns. Trust me, these folks are major beneficiaries of “spin”. Winning is everything and it is not a game for the faint of heart or for those overly concerned about the simple matter of ethics.

Navigating ethical dilemmas in the field of communications for a political campaign is like running a footrace through a minefield. One may indeed reach the finish line but not without an explosion or two. If you are lucky you still have your limbs upon completion. No matter, you will have left some part of your soul on the field. This analogy applies to winners as well as losers.

Ethical scenarios most commonly encountered in this arena go from when (if at all) to put out certain information regarding the other candidate? Who is doing what? Where is the money coming from? The last two items are public information and legally must be clearly defined.

There are no shortages of examples of ethics violations in the field of communication for politics and the messages fed to the public. History both past and present is chock full of examples where the messages conveyed to the masses were “spun”, some with a healthy assist from the media.

One of the items that came to mind quickly was the issue of weapons of mass destruction as a reason for going to war with Iraq. No evidence of these weapons was uncovered as testified to by many entities, only the word of then President Bush. Yet, the media got on the bandwagon and spoon-fed this lie to the American people. Those that refused paid a hefty price. That of being cutoff, of being denied access to power. Woodward and Bernstein (Watergate) never backed down and were eventually fully supported in their efforts by the Washington Post. And of course there is Hitler and the non-reporting of the atrocities that were performed at his behest. The New York Times did do some reporting on the concentration camps, however, the stories were buried on the bottom of the back pages.

Sometimes the media is at the forefront of truth telling and sometimes only reports "objectively" once it has no other choice. In each case heavy coverage by the media to uncover truths and present them to a public that would have been outraged by the lies much earlier would have certainly saved many lives.

I’d like to think that the lessons taught by my parents combined with a bit of spirituality and a formal education have given me the tools needed to make ethical decisions. In addition, having grown into a mature adult and undergone my own life experiences has also provided tools that can only be obtained when faced with real world challenges.

In all honesty most of the decisions I’ve made within the context of my career have been ethical, early on (20+ years ago) some may have been a bit questionable (too eager to please, rationalizing the end result), none were illegal. When working with politicians the question of "What would I say if I had to testify?" is always on my mind. Going to jail (or the possibility thereof) is where I draw the line.

The lessons I’ve learned from the current reading of the course materials have provided me with various theories as to the how and whys of making ethical decisions and the foundation(s) upon which these theories are based.

With regard to what I’d like to see in addressed in class, maybe be some ethics situations in which we could apply decision making on the spot. Case studies are great but most bad decisions are made on a moments notice and not after a lot of thought and a good nights sleep. Perhaps some sort of role playing would be interesting where we have to make snap decisions (even with a raising of the hand) and then finding out the result of those decisions.

References:

Arnettetal - Ch3 - 2

http://www.slate.com

Johnson Publishing Company – Overcoming Crisis

2011-12-03T10:55:00.000-08:00

To review - In 1942 with a startup cost of $500.00 Johnson Publishing Company (JPC) was the brainchild of John H. Johnson. JPC’s current work products include Ebony/Jet magazines and Fashion Fair Cosmetics. The combined value of these brands is estimated at well over 700 million dollars. Almost 75 years later JPC is the largest African-American owned publishing company in the world.

Fashion Fair Cosmetics - Black is Beautiful

The organization has certainly seen its share of crisis mostly having to do with finances and dwindling print circulation. JPC has always been privately held so the day-to-day workings are not as transparent as those of its publicly held peers. A bit of research uncovers that the current crises that JPC must navigate has several facets, among them are proper and prompt compensation to its writers and vendors (the focus of blogging rumors), reinvention to remain relevant to current and future readers, adopting digital and social media platforms/practices and remaining solvent through tough economic downturns both internal and external.

Fortunately crises as they relate to JPC may be a lot easier to survive than those of other companies we have studied. This is simply because they are not too scandalous in nature, and no harm has been done (death or physical injury). The only real damage for JPC comes in the form of public/stakeholder perception. With a good strategy along with prolonged efforts that manage measurable results these particular crises can be easily overcome.

Beginning with the death of the founder John Johnson in 2005 JPC has undergone drastic change from the top down. Unfortunately, this has been painful in many obvious aspects but after the of death of Johnson, it was essential to remove the cobwebs. Rodrigo A. Sierra, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, states, "Digital has not been where it needed to be for the company, I don't think that Johnson Publishing Co. has done a good enough job with the digital efforts to move the brand forward and monetize that side of the business". Admitting errors, Crisis Management 101.

The solution to most all JPC “crisis” issues is found in the following excerpt of the Argenti reading, “the perceived loss of control, fueled by stakeholder empowerment, may be the biggest psychological impediment to widespread adopting of strategic digital plans”. (Argenti P. 238)

The recent partnership with JP Morgan Chase signals a new chapter. Although the terms have never been disclosed (JPC remains the majority stock holder) the involvement of an outside influence can only enhance JPC’s perspective and open the doors to new ideas. JPC has only to embrace the effort.

In the past JPC has been the sole leader in the field with no discernable competition. Most all efforts that came after molded themselves after the JPC model. Although imitation is considered the sincerest form of flattery, this flattery has seen JPC resting on its laurels. This has JPC losing its younger audience to other increasingly influential print, broadcast and web based efforts geared toward an African-American audience.

Jet Magazine - Catering to a Younger Audience

JPC must acknowledge that African-Americans do not have as desperate a need for empowerment and acceptance we did in the past (that said, it cannot be overstated that empowerment efforts must continue unabated), that many more entities are vying for our attention and money and the new JPC target demographic is tech savvy and get their news from mediums other than print. “Considerations” aside now is the time to act.

Make no mistake JPC is by no means headed toward extinction. The fact is that our class assignment(s) called for both an objective and critical analysis of our subject and I have attempted to do just that. I make no apologies to JPC regarding what was uncovered from that analysis or to those sensitive to the issues that have been raised. Keep in mind either way; I don’t make this stuff up. I just comment on it!

Ebony Magazine - Celebrating 65 Years of Publication

If JPC never implemented an aggressive digital strategy it has easily another 25+ years to still be viable. This is because at its core the primarily print readership is older and will still be loyal to the brand. They/We will never forget where we came from. That will make 100 years, a full century in the business of catering to an African-American interest. John Johnson always believed in African-Americans as consumers particularly when it was not fashionable or politically correct. NO OTHER MONEY MAKING ENTITY CAN ATTEST TO THAT.

This in itself will go down in the annuals of American business history, must less Black history. What John Johnson and Johnson Publishing Company have done in modern times to enhance, expand and advance the cause of those who were stolen from Africa and force into 200 years of slavery in America can never be fully appreciated by a general market audience. One who “poo-poos” the idea that JPC does not have a real digital presence does not have a clear idea of the greater good John Johnson and his company has done to cleanse and heals sores that others made and allowed to fester. I conclude that JPC has and will continue to do well!

NOTE: Thanks to everyone who read "Welcome to My World". Your comments were most appreciated and respected. I learned a lot from reading all of your blogs at least once. You have greatly expanded my world. Again many thanks!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Works Cited:

Argenti, P. (2009) Digital Strategies for Powerful Corporate Communications. New York: McGraw Hill

http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories

http://www.johnsonpublishing.com

Johnson Publishing Company - Internal Relations

2011-11-26T10:34:00.001-08:00

The research uncovered in my last two blog posts: Johnson Publishing Company
(JPC) - Media Relations and Johnson Publishing Company – Content & Critical Analysis illustrated that JPC has a lot of work to do with regard to updating its brand. This is of particular import if the company intends to remain competitive and relevant in a digital era.

In addition to the above challenge JPC must tweak its original mission just a bit simply because the times have changed. Instead of communicating from the top down, the focus must be a more diverse approach as the priorities for its stakeholders have changed. The most important thing JPC can do is “articulate the company’s vision, strategy, and potential to investors, analysis and the media.” (Argenti P. 150). I’m not sure they need a corporate blog to do this. This information (as noted above) updated as appropriate on a completely revamped website would be just fine.

Besides the blog I am currently posting about JPC I did find a few more on the web, all seemingly from individuals like myself without any attachment to the company. (Subject matter of those blogs in my next posting.) I cannot comment on an internal blog, as there may well be one but the public does not have access to it.

A blog that may be useful for JPC external publics would provide some insight into the day-to-day workings of the company. Topics could include what it is like to work for such an iconic company, what type of corporate culture they maintain, future growth plans, what kind of benefits are available, how features are chosen, how to submit an article for consideration and of course an invitation to join this community with comments and suggestions. The blog should be written by someone digitally savvy with a commitment to the organization and a through knowledge of its past. The best candidate would probably be another (younger) family member with a vested interest and a dedication to keeping the legacy viable.

JPC has never used a celebrity spokesperson for the organization. No “Jared” so to speak. The JPC brand (Ebony/Jet magazines) have always had a high talkability and endorsement quotient with both celebrities and public at large. The primary spokespeople have historically been co-founders John & Eunice Johnson.

John Johnson - Founder Johnson Publishing Company

Recently a new spokesperson for JPC has emerged in the form of the newly minted CEO Desiree Rogers (former Social Secretary for Obama ). Although I’m sure she is qualified for the position I don’t find her answers regarding the current and future status of JPC convincing. It feels like she doesn’t quite know her lines or needs to do more homework. Perhaps it’s just growing pains.

Desiree Rogers - JPC CEO

By far the best spokesperson for JPC is Linda Johnson Rice daughter of the original founders. It is clearly apparent she is ferociously dedicated to the brand, the image and has more than a basic working knowledge. JPC is her history; it is her life, not just a job. Most importantly, she can answer the hard questions. "This is more than a business," Rice told Folio: The Magazine for Magazine Management. "This is my life. This is my family”

Linda Johnson Rice - JPC President

The fact is with the rather recent deaths of both co-founders: Mr. and Mrs. Johnson (2005, 2010 respectively) the company is undergoing a period of bereavement, change, and finding its new identity. Combine this with an ever changing business and digital landscape, and the high bar the founders have set it’s becomes clear that the new caretakers, the second generation of JPC have their hands full. No worries, the obstacles the company have already overcome have been much harder. The change only means letting go of the past and the willingness to embark upon and embrace a new future. There is no doubt in my mind they can do it.

Works Cited:

Bhargava, R (2008) Personality not Included New York: McGraw Hill

Argenti, P. (2009) Digital Strategies for Powerful Corporate Communications. New York: McGraw Hill

http://www.google.com/images

www.africanawards.com

www. answers.com./topic/linda-johnson-rice

JPC - Media Relations- Repost

2011-11-20T08:30:00.001-08:00

As uncovered and discussed in last week blog “JPC – Website Content & Critical Analysis”, the JPC corporate website leaves a lot to be desired with regard to its new technology offerings, this certainly includes “media strategies”. Many questions that could/would have been addressed in this blog have been already been discussed. The fact is according to our readings JPC meets very few (and this is generous) of the criteria as it relates to the interactive newsroom, its audience and the information it one can obtain from it.

There are a couple of recent changes of interest to note. First, when doing JPC research for this week’s blog “Media Relations” the corporate webpage has been updated. Now, when you click on the Ebony/Jet images you are directed to the online versions of those magazines instead of the subscription page. The Fashion Fair page has been updated as well. Perhaps they are reading my JPC missives?

Second, and of great importance is a find I discovered doing a global Internet search. In a press release dated11/16/2011 the bloomberg.com website announced the JPC was undertaking a massive effort to “revitalize and expand” the brand. To that end JPC has hired a new technology executive to help with “new technology initiatives” this includes “social networks and mobile devices”.

This initiative is a clear indication the JPC is aware of the fact that they have fallen behind with regard to fulfilling the needs of the digital age stakeholder. It may also have a lot to do with the fact that in July 2011 JP Morgan Chase & Company became a “minority” stakeholder with JPC. In addition to obvious financial gain this association provided JPC it also opened the inner workings of JPC to new scrutiny. As is sometimes the case with “sole proprietorships” tunnel vision is often a hindrance. Perhaps in an effort to protect and capitalize on the investment, Chase may have opened the doors to a new implementing a new direction for JPC along with its brands. I’m sure they did due diligence and performed their own “critical analysis”. The good thing is that Chase thought JPC was still relevant and has a viable future otherwise I doubt they would have made the investment. No one backs a loser!

Further research uncovered an NPR article dated 9/22/11 touting “Ebony Jet Parent (JPC) Takes a Bold New Tack. It indicated concerns about “Johnson Publishing's ability to survive the turmoil in the media industry are no longer relevant”. This means JPC is indeed turning a new leaf.

It is clear that all aspects of JPC are going to embark on a massive makeover designed to meet the needs of a print publication and its transition into the digital age. All aspects of media relations will be improved. Soon enough we should be able to say “This is not your grandma’s Ebony/Jet/JPC…

Johnson Publishing Company - Media Relations

2011-11-19T08:43:00.001-08:00

Works Cited:

http://www.johnsonpublishing.com/

http://www.bloomberg.com/news

http://www.npr.org/