Marley Movie Tralier (Video)

MARLEY will make its North American premiere at SXSW. Magnolia Pictures will release theatrically and on VOD on Friday, April 20th.

TIBH:The Death of Kwame Nkrumah

On this date in 1971 the great African leader Kwame Nkrumah left us to be with the ancestors. While alive Nkrumah was the first President of Ghana and the first Prime Minister of Ghana. He was one of the biggest supporters of Pan-Africanism and was a founding member of the Organization of African Unity(OAU). Kwame was a great leader for the people of Ghana and shining example for leaders of the newly independent African nations. His pro-Africa stance came at a cost as outside forces in 1966 would help overthrow his government in a military coup. He lived in exile in Conakry, Guinea, as the guest of President Ahmed Sékou Touré for the remainder of his life.

Globalization and Occupation: America's Real Foreign Policy

"This ain't politically correct, this might offend my political connects"
      Jay-Z "DOA"

The last few days I have been on my Twitter account ranting about the current wars throughout Africa and how the one in Libya should be the least of our concerns if we are truly going over there for the reasons we have been telling the world. Somalia, Darfur, and Ivory Coast have needed outside help for their situations for some time now yet they continue to get the blind eye from the world. There have been no "non-fly zones" created to stop the governments or fighting from rebels in any of these nations. In Libya there is leader that has done a lot for his country and people over his reign. There has been no leader in the history of man who has was ever been loved and accepted by all of his people. It should never be the role of America or any other nation to create or get involved in Civill Wars of of another country. Domestic issues should be handled by governments and officials, not outside nations and rebels.  As we get deeper into this current situation with Gaddafi this continues to look like old American politics with oil playing a huge role.  Is this America's true idea of globalization? Occupation, removal of leaders, new governments, and control of oil and other goods for the good of America and its allies? If you look at the U.S.'s foreign policy and the CIA's track record since World War II many would say this is exactly it.

The news like schoolbooks, movies, oral history, museums, all have a story to tell of a nation's history and evolution. For generations across the world the main story has always been that of the experiences, lives, and issues of privileged white males and silence to the voice of others. We have to realize that news and history is not just a bunch of dates and facts but more of a interpretation of events that should come from multiple point of views. History should always have a chance to be rewritten because of the narrow filters we look through to see the world. Today we have the opportunity to have history written by many writers with incredible stories to tell. However we continue to let a select few control how each one of these great moments in history will be viewed for future generations. Here in the U.S. we like to make our history develop through a perspective that reduces the role of slavery, native removal, conquest, as well as racism, genocide, power of class. Without these often forgotten people this country would be far from the super power it became and lack the authority it currently still has throughout the world.


I hope for our sake and the future of America's legacy that things change quickly. We have to be honest and more transparent with our policies. We can't say we have a history of making moves that save people from their leaders, when we let Rwanda happen while Clinton was in office and Castro lasted in Cuba for nine different U.S. presidents in our backyard. We consistently back Israel and their terrible politics as they continue to take from the Palestinians. America's history in the Arab world shows us that there is really only one reason we are in North Africa right now. We can no longer let "black gold" control and determine our policies as the world continues to watch America and its leaders ever so closely each day.

[Video] How To Make It In America: Episode 5

[VIDEO] How To Make It In America: Episode 4

5 Keys To Success For Entrepreneurs

1) Put The Business Ahead Of Fame and Fortune: The process of making of creating a viable idea is not easy. Even after you think you have a sure thing, that's just the first of many steps to turn that idea into a profitable product. There are so many people who are more fascinated by the idea of fame and recognition than maximizing their time creating the best product possible. If your ideas have no real substance behind it, the process becomes ten times more difficult with your mind on the end.

2) Don't Be Afraid To Start From Scratch: Sometimes you may work on 3 or 4 ideas for years until the right one comes around and causes you to scrap all previous concepts. Instead of getting discouraged by the daunting task, use your past experiences to make this transition as smooth and quick as possible. There is always a project before the right project.

3) Be Ready To Hear No Very Often: Along with a great idea, entrepreneurs also have to have a strong will and thick skin. No matter how good your idea and product is, it takes money and backing to make it profitable. Continually getting turned down for financial backing will often make you second guess yourself and the future of your business. When someone tells you no you can’t be hurt for too long because that slows down the process of moving on to the next potential opportunity.

4) Lose The Yes Men: Family and friends can help create a strong support system but they often don't understand what it takes to obtain perfection. They usually become "Yes men" and it becomes hard for them to give the best criticism. You have to keep people around who will keep it real with you and not just stroke your ego. You should have a inner circle that gives you constant counsel and insight on your venture. To ensure you are getting good advice also make sure you consult people inside of your field as well as people with no connection. You want to have a balanced input as you make decisions that will effect your process and performance. It’s hard to take constructive criticism at first, but you will not be successful without it.

5) There Is No Perfect Blueprint: The problem with making a new company is that nobody knows your vision better than you. It often gets hard because other people have no idea how to market and promote it. Trying to follow approaches of other companies may help but are not the only way to make sure you are successful. Whether you are creating something new or an improvement on an previous idea, in order to stand out from the pack you must try something different. With social media becoming the way of the future, you can find ways other then traditional marketing to promote and expand your business.

[VIDEO] How To Make It In America: Episode 3

On this episode Rene tries to buy out his marketing partners. Rachel rethinks her future when she sees Ben. Ben and Cam work on finding a tailor for their denim business.

[VIDEO] How To Make It In America: Episode 2

Ben and Cam find themselves in debt again to Rene and search for investors to get their jean line "Crisp"from a idea to reality. Ben also meets with Rachel to discuss their latest encounter. Another episode, another week of grinding.

[VIDEO] How To Make It In America: Episode 1

I know this series debuted on HBO last february, but I decided to start posting this series on here for those who missed it for 3 reasons;

1) The theme around YEBies this year is entrepreneurship and this show is all about that idea. They may not execute all to well but their hearts are always in the right place.

2) Watching this show we all can see some Ben Epstein and Cam Calderon in us and there's nothing better then watching shows with characters you can relate to.

3) How to Make it in America got renewed for a second season and HBO should be releasing the showtimes very soon.

So if you're on the east coast and are dealing with this snow like I am, sit back and enjoy this 1st episode of  How To Make It In America.

The Top 10 Cities For Young Entrepreneurs

The site Under30CEO has come up with a list of the top cities in America to live in for young up and coming entrepreneurs. The Website’s list came from surveying its readers about everything from resources and schools to social scenes for young entrepreneurs. For all you YEBies thinking about relocating this year here's a list of some great cities throughout the country where you may flourish.

Under30CEO’s top 10 list cities young entrepreneurs:

1. New York
2. San Francisco
3. Austin
4. Boston
5. Denver
6. Chicago
7. San Diego
8. Portland
9. Washington, D.C.
10. Seattle

See why each city made its readers top 10 list here.

Have You Done Your FASFA Yet?

With the consistent hike in the cost for higher education make sure if there is any possibility of you going to school this year that you sign up and take care of your FAFSA. Make sure you get as much money as you can for school from the government this 2011-12 academic year. Don't owe that lady Salie if you don't have to.

Sign up or update HERE

State Financial Aid Deadlines 2011-12

2011 African Journalist Awards

CNN International and MultiChoice have officially launched the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2011 Awards. The winners of these annual Awards will be announced at a gala ceremony to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa in June 2011.



This year, the competition will recognise excellence in the following categories:

• Arts & Culture Award
• Digital Journalism Award
• Economics & Business Award
• Environment Award
• Free Press Africa Award
• The HIV/AIDS Reporting Award
• Mohamed Amin Photographic Award
• MSD Health & Medical Award
• Print General News Award
• Radio General News Award
• Sport Award
• Television Features Award
• Television News Bulletin Award
• Tourism Award
• Francophone General News Awards
• Portuguese Language General News Award

Nigeria Reaches Settlement On Dick Cheney Bribery Case

Nigeria's anti-corruption police has dropped charges against the former US vice-president, Dick Cheney, over a multimillion-dollar bribery case after the energy firm Halliburton agreed to pay up to 250 million in fines. The charges which were filed Dec. 7 center around Cheney's activities as the chief executive of Halliburton and its one-time subsidiary KBR before he became the vice president in 2001. Last year both companies pleaded guilty in a U.S. court to violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices act by paying more than $180 million in bribes to Nigerian officials prior to 2007. The companies were fined $579 million, the largest fine ever paid under the act.

George Bush Don't Care About Black People...

and either did his predecessors in the white house and CIA. The COINTELPRO aka The FBI War On Black America is even more evidence of this nation's deep rooted hatred towards blacks. Even in the last days and weeks of Tupac and Biggie lives, it has been reported that both were under government surveillance by federal agencies. Why is that? Was it because of the amount of power these two black men had at such a young age? Was it because of how they allowed the media to play into the "West vs. East beef" that now was much bigger than the music business? Who really knows these answers. However we can see how over the years they shifted their attention from our social and civil right leaders to our performers and entertainers without missing a beat. Part 2 & 3 of this documentary is after the jump.

Blame Reagan for making me into a monster...

"Blame Oliver North and Iran-Contra/ I ran contraband that they sponsored/ Before this rhyming stuff we was in concert" - Jay- Z "Blue Magic"

YEBies Presents: Weekly Tax Tips For The Win (WTTFTW)

First let me apologize for the lack of updates, but I learned that absence makes the heart grow fonder or something deep like that.  I just want to drop some tips/tricks I learned in my years.  Nothing technical this week, 2 quick tips.

Tax Tip 1:  While its always nice to get a hefty income tax refund, ideally the best case scenario is where your refund is 0.  I know this may go against your general understanding of tax season but let me explain.  Getting a refund means that you paid too much in taxes throughout the whole year, so the IRS is essentially holding your money and returning it to you.  It could have been in your own account earning interest.

Tax Tip 2:  The IRS usually releases a high profile tax fraud/failure to pay taxes case as it get closer to April 15th.  This is a tactic used to instill fear in the tax payer, don't be fooled.  I'm not advocating cheating on your taxes, but don't let one popular case trick you into changing your tax return.  Stand firm in the tax positions that you take on your return.

Alright, I'll be back in 2 weeks with some more tax tips.  April 15th is right around the corner, get your taxes done. That's it for this edition of WTTFTW, by now everyone should have their W-2's and 1099's and should be thinking about their tax returns. Leave questions in the comment section or e-mail yebies@gmail.com and I will try to answer all questions.

Peace,

You Resident Taxpert


Previous: WTTFTW1 / WTTFTW2 / WTTFTW3 / WTTFTW4

Fonzworth Bentley – “Fireside Chat” [Video]

 

This is one of  the best songs and videos I have seen in a long while. I honestly did not know Bentley had this in him, but I'm pleasantly surprised.  This track was full with jewels for your mind and I'm glad he called out a lot of the issues that we all know are wrong with Rap/Hip-Hop and more importantly our community. 

 

“Leave it up to yo TV, man Negro please, there ain’t enough programming time, and programming’s jive, but this talk here don’t make no money, shout to dead prez, nah not talkin’ hundreds.”

Motherland Trailer [Video]

Motherland (Enat Hager) is a bold, epic journey through Africa with a authentic African voice. Fusing history, culture, politics, and contemporary issues, Motherland sweeps across Africa to tell a new story of a dynamic continent. From the glory and majesty of Africa’s past through its complex and present history. Motherland looks unflinchingly toward a positive Pan-African future. With breathtaking cinematography and a fluid soundtrack sculpted by Sona Jobarteh, Motherland is a beautiful illustration of global African diversity and unity.

Today In Black History: W.E.B. Du Bois

On this date in 1868 William Edward Burghardt Du Bois was in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Du Bois is arguably the most prominent black intellectual leader and political activist of the 20th century. He was one of the fathers of "Pan-Africanism" and was constantly looking for ways to improve the way of life for blacks worldwide. Du Bois was a leader of the first Pan-African Conference in London in 1900 and the architect of four Pan-African Congresses held between 1919 and 1927. He often gets some flack for his idea of a "black talented tenth", however in his later life, W.E.B. Du Bois recognized that leadership could arise from many levels, and grassroots efforts were also important to social change. His legendary book The Souls Of Black Folks was one the greatest books ever written on race in America its affect on blacks in America. At first Du Bois had believed that social science could provide the knowledge to solve the race problem which clashed with Booker T. Washington, who was advocating a philosophy of accommodation, urging blacks to accept discrimination for the time being and elevate themselves through hard work and economic gain. Du Bois charged that Washington's strategy, rather than freeing the Black man from oppression, would serve only to perpetuate it. This attack crystallized the opposition to Booker T. Washington among many Black intellectuals, polarizing the leaders of the black community into two wings. In 1905, Du Bois took the lead in founding the Niagara Movement, which was dedicated chiefly to attacking the platform of Booker T. Washington. These meeting would go on to set the ideological platform for the interracial NAACP which was founded in 1909. He would serve as editor of their magazine The Crisis until 1934 when he left the NAACP yielding his influence as a race leader and charging that the organization was dedicated to the interests of the Black bourgeoisie and ignored the problems of the masses. Du Bois was invited to Ghana in 1961 by President Kwame Nkrumah and became a citizen of Ghana, a land which he would go on stay in until his death at the age 95 in 1963.

New Elections in Niger???

Since the coup thursday thousands of people have taken to the streets of the Niger capital to celebrate the overthrow of the president and his government. Not everyone is as happy about these turn of events as the common Niger citizen however causing Niger to be suspended by the African Union. Most of the international community has been quick to condemn the coup. The leaders of the military coup in Niger have promised a "return to constitutional order", but its hard to believe for most of the outside world. Calling themselves the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy, the coup leaders promised to turn Niger into an example of "democracy and good governance" and save its people from "poverty, deception and corruption". The last time Niger had a coup was in 1999, when the then military leader, Col Ibrahim Bare Mainassara, was assassinated but civilian rule was restored in a year. All the coup leaders intend to do is return Niger to democratic rule and then return to their normal military duties.