Topic: Racism

MLK Day: A day we should celebrate all year

By Scott Beasley | January 16, 2008 |

January 21st is Dr. Martin Luther King Day,

Dr. King was an American leader, not solely a leader for African-Americans. He taught us to fight racism and bigotry with intelligence, knowledge, and education, not violence. He wanted people of every color to have the same rights and opportunities, and tremendous progress has been made in those arenas for which he is directly responsible.

Sadly, we still have a long way to go and I’m not sure some will ever view others as equals because of their skin color. Skin color is a descriptive characteristic holding no more importance than eye color or height. Unfortunately, no matter how people are viewed, some only see the differences among ourselves in a negative way. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Opinion | No Comments

Dog, the bounty hunter, a racist?

By Scott Beasley | November 8, 2007 |

Anyone who has listened to the sickening rant of this so called “celebrity” should be infuriated. His repetitive use of the “N” word and obvious disapproval with interracial relationships was exemplified in a recorded phone call. His breakdown on television the other night was a bit premature. After listening to his hate-filled rant and then listening to his tearful apology, I find it hard to believe that he “transformed” overnight.

As a white man who grew up in the south, racism is prevalent towards every minority and is something that cannot be “unlearned” overnight. In today’s society, the use of the “N” word is taboo. It is demeaning and disrespectful and serves no purpose in society other than to be used as an example of what not to do. Condemning interracial relationships is even more disturbing. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Issues, Opinion | No Comments

Teacher reprimanded for racial remarks and racially-based discipline

By Terry McMoore | September 29, 2007 |

Reed Bergen, a teacher at Montgomery Central High School in Clarksville, has received a letter of reprimand from Principal Christy Houston for using the word “Nigger” while speaking to a group of Black students in his class. The reprimand also covers Bergen’s admission that he has written up some students for discipline issues based on their race.

The parents of the Black students have joined with civil rights activist Terry McMoore, Director of the Urban Resource Center in calling for the immediate firing of Bergen from the Clarksville Montgomery County School System (CMCSS) and are recommending that his teaching license be revoked by the State of Tennessee and United States Department of Education.

The parents of the students involved will join McMoore for a press conference on this issue on Tuesday, October 2, at 3 p.m. outside the Public Library at 350 Pageant Lane. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Politics | 3 Comments

Hate Crime Survivor, Thought Recovering, Now Suicides

By Turner McCullough Jr. | July 3, 2007 |

There are a multitude of people who keep saying that racism in America is passe, a relic of the past. That all minorities have to do is simply apply themselves and success will be theirs. To a 18-year old David Ritcheson, those claims proved unbearably false. Having initially survived a horrendous four hour physical and psychological assault, the student was thought to be making a remarkable recovery from his ordeal. College was assured him thru a free scholarship by the Anti-Defamation League. He testified before Congress in support of anti-hate crime legislation.

He was going to dedicate his life’s work to preventing hate crimes such as he had endured. However, some demons apparently still lingered on. Some pain was too great to overcome. For complete details, see the following pages:

The Dallas Morning News

Sections: Issues, Politics | No Comments

We need to look beyond Don Imus

By Terry McMoore | April 15, 2007 |

Bigotry and hate speech targeting race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and ethnicity continues to permeate the airwaves

On April 11, NBC News announced that it was dropping MSNBC’s simulcast of Imus in the Morning in the wake of the controversy that erupted over host Don Imus’ reference to the Rutgers University women’s basketball team as “nappy-headed hos.” The following day, CBS president and CEO Leslie Moonves announced that CBS has fired Imus and would cease broadcasting his radio show.

But as Media Matters for America has extensively documented, bigotry and hate speech targeting, among other characteristics, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and ethnicity continue to permeate the airwaves through personalities such as Glenn Beck, Neal Boortz, Rush Limbaugh, Bill O’Reilly, Michael Savage, Michael Smerconish, and John Gibson.

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Sections: Opinion | 1 Comment »

PRESS RELEASE: Clarksville Coalition of Civil Rights Leaders Unite for Common Cause

By Terry McMoore | March 18, 2007 |

Several civil rights leaders have decided to reconstitute the Clarksville Coalition of Civil Rights Leaders (CCCRL). These citizens believe that civil rights issues in Clarksville continue to go unresolved.

The coalition, originally founded in 2005, has been inactive due to the conflicting schedules of the leadership. However, after assessing the current status of civil rights compliance and protections in Clarksville and Montgomery County, some civil rights leaders believe it necessary to unite.

“In unity there is strength,” said Dr. Nancy J. Dawson, coalition chairwoman. “The time has come, to end, once and for all, the racial problems in Clarksville,” Dawson said. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Issues, Politics | No Comments

Video: On the Spot dealing with uncomfortable situations

By Bill Larson | March 13, 2007 |

In a series of short video segments City News of Toronto takes a look at how people react to various social situations. Each one is it’s own commentary on how people think and react. These videos cover a variety of situations from race relations, rude behavior, and social strife in public. What would you do in each of these situations, and what kind of statement would that course of action or inaction make about you?
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Sections: Arts and Leisure, Issues | No Comments