Top Ten Black Blogs (Dec 2008)

Our apologies for being absent with the Villager's Black Blog Rankings (BBR) last month.

We began this monthly effort BBR with 75 Black blogs in Sep 2007. This month we publish almost 1,500 Black owned & operated blogs. Also, we note that there are some changes in the Top Ten this month.

We don't have all Black owned & operated blogs on this list. If you see any that are missing ... please let me know in the COMMENTS section.

Here are BBR posts from the past five quarters:

• October 2007 - 300 Black blogs
  
• January 2008 - 602 Black blogs
  
• April 2008 - 1,045 Black blogs
  
• July 2008 - 1,269 Black blogs
  
• October 2008 - 1,440 Black blogs

Anyhow, with no further ado, here are the Top Ten Black Blogs for Dec 2008:

1. Pam Spaulding: Pam's House Blend (Authority: 1,196 / Rank: 1,530) - [Politics] Pam's blog continues to maintain a commanding lead as the top Black blog in the universe. Much of the buzz on her blog over the past month relates to the unfortunate defeat of Prop. 8 in California. Pam's House Blend is the go-to location for anything related to the lesbian and gay community. Pam has been dealing with the backlash against the Black community for the Prop. 8 defeat.


2. The Bossip: Bossip.com (Authority: 854 / Rank: 2,650) - [Entertainment] Bossip.com moved up to BBR #2 slot this month ... becoming the top-ranked gossip or entertainment blog on our list. This is the second month in a row that Bossip.com has risen in the rankings. I wonder if Bossip.com can continue the climb to the BBR #1 slot? Does anyone know if The Bossip is male or female? One thing is certain ... this blog isn't beloved by progressive woman of color judging from response to Bossip.com posts about Elizabeth Acevedo and Maya Angelou. Click here to see index of the people that are blogged about on Bossip.com.


3. Ahsmi Rawlins: Nah Right (Authority: 801 / Rank: 2,894) - [Entertainment] Ashmi (a.k.a., ESKAY) has been blogging since May 2005. Both his name and job are based on phonetics, literally and figuratively. The name – eskay – is the phonetic spelling of “SK,” the tag he used as a graffiti writer years ago. His blog (job) focuses on up-to-date information on the verbal artistry we have come to know as hip-hop. And although Nah Right has been proclaimed one of the best (or the best, depending on who you ask) hip-hop blog sites on the web, not much else is known about him. You can learn more from an interview he conducted with Format Magazine earlier this year.


4. Angel Laws: Concrete Loop (Authority: 695 / Rank: 3,550) - [Entertainment] Angel Laws is the young sister who who owns and operates this dynamic entertainment blog. She created the blog back in 2005. Recently, she published pictures of her time spent in the studio with Kanye West. I encourage you to see the list of the last 50 posts on her blog.


5. Oliver Willis: Oliver Willis (Authority: 630 / Rank: 4,061) - [Politics] Oliver has been blogging since April 2005. He is having a rough time right now as the Washington Redskins are not currently on track to be in the NFL playoffs this year. However, his distress as a sports fan is counter-balanced by his remarkable success as a top-ranked Black blogger. Oliver has been profiled in Huffington Post. He attended Florida Atlantic University and is a member of the Technology and Online Community Department at Media Matters for America.


6. Natasha Eubanks: Young, Black & Fabulous (Authority: 614 / Rank: 4,204) - [Entertainment] Natasha Eubanks said, "Young, Black and Fabulous was started three years ago out of my passion for celebrity gossip and was the first blog of its kind to focus on Black celebrity gossip and entertainment news.” One of her 'YBFchicks' shared thoughts on the rise of YBF from nothing to something.


7. Baratunde Thurston and Cheryl Contee: Jack and Jill Politics (Authority: 587 / Rank: 4,469) - [Politics] Baratunde (a.ka. Jack Turner) and Cheryl (a.k.a. Jill Tubman) were both featured recently on Meet the Bloggers, a weekly podcast sponsored by Brave New Films. I encourage you to follow both Jack and Jill on Twitter. If you're really serious ... you can learn more from Baratunde from his other blog, goodCRIMETHINK.


8. La Shawn Barber: La Shawn Barber's Corner (Authority: 380 / Rank: 8,116) - [Social Commentary] This top-ranked blog was launched in November 2003. La Shawn was last in the Top 10 back in June 2008. La Shawn comes at things from a unique point of view. She writes about politics, faith, culture, digital technology and, occasionally, how these things intersect. By the way, don’t call her "African American." She hates that term. If you must refer to her race, call her “Black.” And contrary to popular opinion, La Shawn is not a Republican. She’s an independent conservative.


9. Sandra Rose: Sandra Rose (Authority: 365 / Rank: 8,523) - [Entertainment] Sandra is a world class photographer who has morphed into a top-ranked blogger. It seems that Sandra is feuding with BBR #4 blogger Angel Laws. In any case, she earned her way back as a Top Ten Black Blogger for the first time since August 2008.


10. Wayne Bennett: Field Negro (Authority: 363 / Rank: 8,585) - [Social Commentary] I should start by saying that I'm not an unbiased observer. In my view, this is the best blog ever written. Period. The Los Angeles Times said it better than me when they interviewed Field last year. Simply stated, I think that you should read this blog every day. Period. Check out Field's post-election thoughts. I seem to recall that he was going to streak buck-naked down a Philadelphia street if Obama won the election. Somebody let me know if he paid off on that bet!

---

HONORABLE MENTION (11-25): Crunk & Disorderly, Necole Bitchie, AfroBella, What About Our Daughters, Ill Doctrine, Raw Dawg Buffalo, Womanist Musings, How To Split An Atom, Angry Black Bitch, SheGeeks, The Black Snob, Living Life Abundantly, Rod 2.0:Beta, Why Does Everyone Suck? and The Angry Black Woman.

---

This ranking is open to any blogger of African descent. We invite all Black bloggers to apply for membership into The AfroSpear or join our Facebook group known as the Afrosphere Bloggers Association.

Black Blog Rankings lean heavily on the Technorati Authority and Rank score for each blog. The Technorati authority and rank numbers are shown in parenthesis. The authority figure includes a number of factors including the number of blogs that are linked to this blogger over the past six months. The rank number indicates how many blogs are between the one listed and The Huffington Post, which is the #1 overall blog in the universe.

We do think that these Black blogs are important spheres of influence. Let them know that you appreciate the work they have put in over the past few months and years to get on this list.

I encourage all bloggers to provide some link-love to this post so that your readers can learn about the Villager's Black Blog Rankings! Next step is yours ... what say u?

The Storm is Over ... Hope is Here!

I'm still feeling the glow from the November 4th election results. Are you?

Who Will Replace Julian Bond as NAACP Board Chair?

Villagers, we didn't talk about it earlier ... but, it is worth noting that Julian Bond, 68, will not seek reelection as NAACP National Board Chairman when his term ends in February 2009. Bro. Bond served in this post for 10 years.

"This is the time for renewal. We have dynamic new leadership. The country has a new President in Barack Obama; the organization has a new CEO in Benjamin Jealous, and we'll soon have a new Chairman of the NAACP Board. The NAACP and the country are in good hands," he added.

It strikes me that the NAACP has a critical decision when they elect their next national board chair. Will they elect another 'old school' person? Or will they take this opportunity to truly turn the NAACP over to the next generation of Black leaders?

The organization made a statement with the selection of Ben Jealous as the CEO. Will they sustain the momentum of becoming relevant in the 21st century with their selection of another young leader to backfill vacancy left by Bond's retirement?

I don't know all of the candidates ... but, I like what I'm hearing about Roslyn Brock, the current NAACP Board Vice-Chair. She seems to represent the NAACP of the future. She became the youngest person and first woman to hold serve as NAACP Board Vice-Chair. She is a magna cum laude graduate of Virginia Union University with a master's degree in health services administration from George Washington University, and a MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

I hope that the NAACP won't miss this opportunity. It would be a shame for them to take a step backwards in time.

What are your thoughts? Do you sense that the NAACP will continue to be relevant to people of African descent in America?

Old School Friday: Stevie Wonder

I invite you to enjoy some 'grown-folks music'! Ms Grapevine and MarvalusOne have teamed up to create a weekly meme that we call, Old School Friday. It is our effort to post some music from the last millennium to relive some memories and to educate or just entertain each other.

The theme this week is 'Stevie Wonder music'. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Stevie Wonder because of the longevity of his career ... the social awareness of his music ... and his ability to overcome blindness.

However, I must admit that I've not always liked his music. So it was more difficult than I thought to make a selection for this week's OSF-meme. In the end, I realized that this is my favorite song by Stevie Wonder. Kick back and enjoy 'Superstition' with me...

Cincinnati Business Incubator Video Overview

I served as president of the Cincinnati Business Incubator (CBI) for five years. It is a non-profit small business incubator that spurred economic growth and job creation in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am very proud of the work that we did at CBI during the time I spent there. Here is a video with some feedback from CBI clients, sponsors and board members:






Please share comments that you have on small business incubators ... either in Cincinnati or where you are located. I am curious to learn if other villagers have used incubators to help grow their own business.

Am I Not Human? Child Soldiers

We support the 'Am I Not Human?' blogging campaign that lights up the 27th of each month. I encourage all villagers to find a way to support this effort to shine a light on human rights abuses taking place all over the world.

My submission this month was inspired by a television show. I watched the season premiere of "24" a few days ago. I was struck by the use of children as soldiers for the rebels in this show. In fact, the rebels were actually kidnapping children from homes, soccer fields and schools.
The fantasy of television is born from the reality of our world.

It turns out that child soldiers are fighting in at least 17 countries including Angola, Burma, Burundi, Chad, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Lebanon, Liberia, Nepal, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Uganda.

Boys and girls alike are forced into combat, exploited for their labor, and subjected to unspeakable violence. A UN treaty prohibits the participation of children under the age of 18 in hostilities. But too often, it is not enforced.

Physically vulnerable and easily intimidated, children typically make obedient soldiers. Many are abducted or recruited by force, and often compelled to follow orders under threat of death. Others join armed groups out of desperation. As society breaks down during conflict, leaving children no access to school, driving them from their homes, or separating them from family members, many children perceive armed groups as their best chance for survival. Others seek escape from poverty or join military forces to avenge family members who have been killed.

I rarely compliment President Bush ... but, I'm proud to know that he signed a new law last month that calls for the arrest and prosecution of leaders of military forces and armed groups who have recruited child soldiers.

I encourage all villagers to visit the Red Hand Day website. The folks on that website want us to urge the United Nations to take stronger action to end the use of child soldiers.

The aim of the Red Hand Day campaign is to gather one million “red hands” — the symbol of the global campaign against the use of child soldiers — and present them to UN officials in New York on February 12, 2009, the anniversary of the day the treaty banning the use of child soldiers took effect.

Participating in the campaign is easy:

1. Use red paint to make a handprint on a sheet of paper, and add a personal message about your desire to end the use of child soldiers; organize others at your school or in your community to do the same;


2. Upload photos or videos of your event to www.redhandday.org;


3. Send your red hands by February 2009 to Human Rights Watch, 350 5th Ave, 34th Floor, New York, NY 10118

Will you join this effort? What are your thoughts about using children as soldiers?

Black Friday 2008 Has Arrived!

Black Friday deals start today! Don't spend Black Friday 2008 jostling for bargains and parking spots. Amazon will have amazing deals to help villagers get holiday shopping done for less. Our Black Friday page is the central point to find all our Black Friday deals, including the Gold Box hourly deals featured from midnight to 11pm PST and thousands of products that are on sale for a limited time only.

Rep. William Jefferson .... Please, Just Go Away!

UPDATE: The corruption trial of U.S. Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., will likely be delayed until 2009.

---

Do you believe that things come in threes? If so, perhaps there is still hope that New Orleans congressman William Jefferson will fade from sight soon. First, Kwame Kilpatrick was forced from his position as mayor of Detroit. Second, OJ Simpson was forced from his position as a sports icon.

Perhaps U.S. Rep. William Jefferson will be #3 on this list. Jefferson, seeking his 10th term in Congress, faces a December trial on charges that he took bribes, laundered money and misused his congressional office for business dealings in Africa.

Of course, the people of New Orleans can end his career on November 4 when his congressional district holds a runoff. Jefferson was the first Black elected to Congress from Louisiana since Reconstruction. But, it is time for him to go away. Since he won't retire, it is up to the people to put him away.

OJ Simpson had false hope before he was found guilty by Las Vegas jury. Perhaps Jefferson is a wee bit too confident. He addressed a few dozen family members and supporters at a restaurant in a section of eastern New Orleans still struggling to recover from Hurricane Katrina. “We look forward to a rigorous campaign but a successful outcome,” Jefferson said.

A victory in the Nov. 4 runoff would send Jefferson to a Dec. 6 general election in the heavily Democratic district against a little-known Republican.

Jefferson’s campaign stressed his influence in Washington and prominently featured pictures of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other congressional leaders joining him in touring New Orleans, still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

But his clout was already dropping even before his last election two years ago. By then, news had broken that he was under investigation for alleged bribery and that federal agents said they found $90,000 hidden in his freezer. He survived, winning re-election in 2006 easily, but he subsequently was stripped of a seat on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Last year, he was indicted on corruption charges by a federal grand jury in Virginia. Other family members also have been caught up in an unrelated scandal. Two siblings face federal corruption charges in New Orleans and a third has pleaded guilty.

Jefferson has denied wrongdoing, while refusing to discuss details of the accusations against him. Sounds like Kwame and OJ, huh?!

What do you think villagers? Ain't it time for this guy to just go away?

New AfroSpear Member: The Liberator Magazine

I'm proud to let villagers know that a new member has been added to The AfroSpear. The Liberator Magazine recently earned membership in The AfroSpear.

The Liberator's mission is to help preserve humanity by creating and supporting excellent spaces of dialogue that provide fresh and forceful analysis and critique of art, culture, education, and politics. And they have a vision for how to do it. The Liberator effortlessly transcends boundaries because serious discussion is the precursor to serious action.

Brian Kasoro is the editor of 'The Liberator Magazine' (BBR #392). His blog started in March 2006. He feels that his blog will support The AfroSpear in its efforts "to provide a network of discussion and ideas on African issues in the diaspora and the continent." When asked how his blog would support that purpose, he wrote, "The Liberator is dedicated to supporting and creating excellent spaces of discussion in order to better serve humanity. The Afrospear is such a space."

Please join me in welcoming Brian Kasoro and his crew from The Liberator Magazine into our progressive group of Black bloggers.

Wordless Wednesday: Mixed-Race Animals

Why Won't Jeremiah Wright Just Go Away?

Rev. Jeremiah Wright almost cost Barack Obama his chance at becoming our 44th president. Not from his incendiary sermons that were caught on tape. Barack Obama handled the uproar from those video images when he gave that remarkable speech on race in Philadelphia.

Rev. Wright used poor judgement in making a speeches and interviews one weekend on PBS television, NAACP Detroit banquet and Washington Press Club. His comments were so out-of-line that weekend that the Obama family had to resign their membership in Wright's church and distance themselves from Rev. Wright on a personal basis.

Wright said he was hurt when the campaign removed him from Obama’s African American religious advisory committee last spring without sending word. [SOURCE]

“That kind of opened up a wound because … I found out I was put off the committee by watching television on a family cruise in the Caribbean,” Wright said. “Now that hurt.”

Wright was unapologetic about his April 2008 remarks that were widely condemned — including by Obama — saying reporters had “spat in my face” by not asking a single question about the 30-minute speech he gave about his theological views before he took questions.

Though he hopes to talk with Obama again once he leaves office, he also said he won’t hold back in criticizing Obama’s administration.

“I’ve already told … Obama: On Nov. 5, I’m coming after you,” he said.

“It’s not you the person … it’s the policies of this country. And as long as you are presiding over policies that grind God’s people into the earth, I’m coming after you."

Am I the only one who thought that Rev. Wright retired? Why doesn't he just fade away and enjoy his retirement years in quiet solitude?

Some of you might remember how Bill Buckner was reviled in Boston after his error at first base that many Red Sox fans thought cost them chance for world championship. Can you imagine how much Black America would have reviled Rev. Wright if his error cost Obama the presidency?

Personally, I don't have any love lost for Rev. Wright. I figure that he will be on Fox News before long. What are your thoughts on th future of Rev. Wright?

America's New Face to the World

It will feel good to have a president that is respected by other world leaders. It will be wonderful to travel to other parts of the world where people talk about our leaders with a smile instead of with a scowl. I imagine that we will need to get comprehensive immigration policy as there is sure to be an uptick in people wanting to come to America!

(Th)ink by Keith Knight: 'W Reaches Out to Sasha'

(Th)ink is an editorial cartoon written and drawn by cartoonist Keith Knight (the K Chronicles).

Blog Safari #20

I come across some great posts during my jaunts through the cyber-jungle. I invite you to join me and my rhino guides on this week's 'Blog Safari'. Enjoy the flow from these other talented bloggers!

• Afrospear - 'The Age of Obama'


• Daily Kos - 'Obama's Perfect Inaugural Ball'


• Seeing Black - 'Joe the Plumber R.I.P.'


• The Root - 'The First Internet President'


• What About Our Daughters - 'BET's Sinister Plot to Enslave Black Bloggers -- Spooky but True'

Let us know if you come across any remarkable posts that should be shared in our next Blog Safari!

Execution of Troy Davis Put on Hold by Federal Appeals Court

A federal appeals court has agreed to take up the case of a Georgia man on death row for allegedly killing a police officer despite strong doubts about his guilt.

Troy Davis, 40, is to get a new hearing on December 9, said the court, which has postponed his scheduled execution for the murder nearly 20 years ago of a white policeman.

The federal appeals court can either confirm the death sentence or send the case back to a lower court.

Davis has maintained his innocence and several witnesses at his 1991 trial have since recanted. Nine people who testified in Davis’s 1991 trial have recanted, saying they were pressured by police in the aftermath of the shooting. The murder weapon was never recovered and there was no DNA recovered at the scene.

His lawyers took the case all the way to the Supreme Court. In September, the high court halted Davis’s execution two hours before he was scheduled to die as it considered his request for a new trial.

But last month, the court refused to consider the constitutionality of executing a person when there is new, substantial evidence to show he was not guilty of the crime, thus opening the way for the state to reschedule his execution.

Now we wait to see what the federal appeals court has to say about the case. And Troy Davis lives another day...

Nobel Peace Prize Laureates Former Vice President Al Gore and Dr. Wangari Muta Maatha to Receive Chairman's Award

NAACP celebrates 100 year anniversary in 2009. The centennial celebration kicks off with the 40TH NAACP Image Awards that broadcasts live from Los Angeles' historic Shrine Auditorium Thursday, Feb. 12 on FOX.

Nobel Peace Prize Laureates Former Vice President Al Gore and Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai will be awarded the NAACP Chairman's Award during the special. The Chairman's Award, chosen by NAACP Board Chairman Julian Bond, is bestowed in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service.

"I am very proud to recognize Former Vice President Gore and Dr. Maathai for their substantial efforts in environmental awareness, sustainable development and peace," Bond said. "Their courageous and historic accomplishments have benefited not only current but future generations, and they clearly reflect the values that we have so valiantly fought for over the past century."

"The NAACP has served as a beacon, advancing civil rights to the benefit of all Americans. I am so honored to be a part of this historic, centennial celebration. The Image Awards are made all the more special because I am joined by my friend and colleague, Dr. Wangari Maathai," Commented Al Gore.

Prof. Maathai states: "I am deeply honored and privileged to share this award with my friend and colleague in environmental work, former Vice President Al Gore. I am especially honored to be receiving this award from the NAACP an organization that since 1910 has been working tirelessly for the dignity and humanity of ethnic minorities, especially focusing on social and economic equality. The election of President-elect Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America is a testament to your mission. As I receive this award I congratulate and thank you for your vision and commitment to the cause of human dignity."

Click here for the full NAACP press release.

Top Obama Aide Reassures Black America

by George E. Curry, NNPA Columnist

Many African-Americans are asking: Now that Barack Obama has won the White House, will he be so eager to govern from the center that he will forget about his obligations to Blacks?

Valerie Jarrett, a long-time friend and one of his closest advisers, gave an emphatic reply to that question - No.

In a private meeting with the Trotter Group, an organization of African-American columnists, Jarrett fielded numerous questions about Obama’s commitment to Blacks. And, in each instance, she left no doubt that the president-elect, who has a straight-A Senate rating from the NAACP, will remain true to his past.

Click here to read the rest of the story. Why would anyone doubt that Obama policies and appointments will be viewed positively by the Black community?

Morning in America

The vibe coming from the November 4th election was so powerful that we plan to remind all villagers about it each Tuesday thru the January 20th inauguration. Does it feel like a new day in America to you?

The Old Man and the Marine

One sunny day in January 2009 an old man approached the White House from across Pennsylvania Avenue, where he'd been sitting on a park bench. He spoke to the U.S. Marine standing guard and said, "I would like to go in and meet with President Bush."

The Marine looked at the man and said, "Sir, Mr. Bush is no longer president and no longer resides here." The old man said, "Okay", and walked away.

The following day, the same man approached the White House and said to the same Marine, "I would like to go in and meet with President Bush." The Marine again told the man, "Sir, as I said yesterday, Mr. Bush is no longer president and no longer resides here." The man thanked him and, again, just walked away.

The third day, the same man approached the White House and spoke to the very same U.S. Marine, saying "I would like to go in and meet with President Bush." The Marine, understandably agitated at this point, looked at the man and said, "Sir, this is the third day in a row you have been here asking to speak to Mr. Bush. I've told you already that Mr. Bush is no longer the president and no longer resides here. Don't you understand?"

The old man looked at the Marine and said, "Oh, I understand. I just love hearing it." The Marine snapped to attention, saluted, and said, "See you tomorrow, Sir."

This Week in Blackness: Black, Black, Blackity Black

We continue to enjoy promoting the comedy video series known as This Week in Blackness by Elon James White. Sit back and enjoy his satirical romp through the Black culture here in America.




Villagers, what is your take on Elon James White comedy sensibilities? What is your favorite episode of the 13 that currently exist?