Journalism for the Future

March 9th, 2010
Emil Wilbekin, managing editor, Essence.com

Emil Wilbekin, managing editor, Essence.com

Essence.com Managing Editor Emil Wilbekin says that the future of journalism will be more like a conversation than the typical dictating monologue that’s been the better part of the history magazines and newspapers.

Wilbekin says a lot of the change will be driven by technology.

He encouraged students at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications to take their interests and use digital media to change the game.  But he added that the standard journalistic rules and standards will still apply.

Wilbekin was a founding editor at VIBE and recently headed Giant Magazine before coming to Essence.com in June. You can see his recent blog posts and Essence coverage of  Black Women in Hollywood here.

The talk was sponsored by Syracuse University’s Magazine Department and the Black Communications Society.

Tale of Two Cities

March 4th, 2010

Kike Arnal’s book In the Shadow of Power reminds us that every city has two sides. He captures the ironic juxtapositions that can be seen daily in our Nation’s capital.

Can You Stand to be Blessed?

March 1st, 2010
Cora Thomas Gospel Extravaganza with Guest Richard Smallwood

5th Annual Cora Thomas Gospel Extravaganza with guest Richard Smallwood

Tough Love from the Principal

March 1st, 2010
Steve Perry, Principal

Steve Perry, Principal

For too long the education system has fostered schools that are failing and according to Steve Perry, principal and education activist, failure is no longer an option.

“We can’t call a school a school if it doesn’t educate,” he says. “We have to create schools that are designed to be successful.”

Perry gave a lecture Saturday at Bethany Baptist Church that was  sponsored by the Say Yes to Education program.  He heads  Hartford Prep (CT) and was featured on the CNN series Black in America 2 with Soledad O’Brien.  Perry has also been interviewed often by New Inspiration for the Nation’s George Kilpatrick.

For Perry education is a calling, not just a profession. He drives several of his students to school each day and says 100% of the students at Capital Prep go on to college.

Perry says that he has no problem getting this across to his staff, and because you have a degree doesn’t mean you are a teacher. “I’ve fired some great people, they just weren’t good teachers,” he said.

Citing the McKinesey Report, Perry said that a child without an education will be a challenge for society. He said parents, teachers and entire community’s share responsibility for schools that don’t work.

“I love kids too much to care about grown people’s feelings.”

Welcome to Game Day

February 27th, 2010
Game Day: Euclid Avenue

Game Day: Euclid Avenue

Game Day (a preview)

February 26th, 2010

Tomorrow’s Syracuse vs. Villanova game will make history.

The crowd of 34, 616  is expected to break the record for the largest on-campus crowd to see a college basketball game. 

Camping Out in the Carrier Dome

Camping Out in the Carrier Dome

Since Wednesday,  hundreds of student season ticket holders have camped out inside the Dome, studying for exams, playing video games, sleeping on air matresses and waiting to particpate in the spectacle.

Welcome to Game Day.

A Songstress

February 20th, 2010
Erika Lovette

Erika Lovette

Fans, fellow artists, friends and family packed Sophistications Cafe in downtown Syracuse last night for singer Erika Lovette’s album release party. Her album is titled Love, Life and Everything In Between

You can see Lovette performing one of the songs from her album at a previous Art & Soul Cafe here.

During last night’s gathering, she described the genesis for songs and various collaborations. She also mentioned that one of the songs was produced by Leonard Stephens, Jr. (who passed away last year).

Coach (for Life)

February 19th, 2010
Coach (Ken) Carter

Coach (Ken) Carter

Motivational speaker and former high school basketball coach Ken Carter recently gave a presentation at Levy Middle School and encouraged students to be respectful and avoid negative peer pressure.

“Young people, you are one-third of our population, but one-hundred percent of our future, he said.”

Carter & Morgan, Rivals Reunited as Friends

Carter & Morgan, Rivals Reunited as Friends

Carter is best known for the character portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson in the film Coach Carter (2005). Carter, who was also a high school basketball star in Northern California as a youth, maintains that (even for players) education is more important than playing ball. During his visit he also found friend and former high school rival David Morgan, who now works at Syracuse University.

Counting Crows

February 11th, 2010
Above Irving Avenue

Near Irving Avenue

Vision & Exposure

February 10th, 2010

Thinking too small gets you in trouble.

Brooklyn-based Pastor A.R. Bernard says part of growth and development is about increasing your capacity.

He spoke last week at Abundant Life Christian Center in East Syracuse on 5 Factors That Influence Our Lives.