Birmingham News Publishes Civil Rights Photos

February 27,2006 BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Dozens of never before released photos from the civil rights era came to light this weekend after an intern discovered them buried in an equipment closet at the Birmingham News.

"The editors thought if you didn't publish it, much of this would go away," said Ed Jones, 81, a photographer at The News from 1942 to 1987. "Associated Press kept on wanting pictures, and The News would be slow on letting them have them, so they flooded the town with photographers."

On Sunday, the photos finally went to print in a special eight-page section called "Unseen. Unforgotten." Others are on the newspaper's Web site at http://www.al.com/unseen

Stay home, TiVo, set that VCR. See this on Saturday Night ...

For those of you who get it on cable, The History Channel presents "Honor Deferred" on Saturday night at 8:00PM. It's produced by Al Roker, hosted by Bernie Mac and narrated by Samuel L. Jackson. Here's a story from our friends at EURWEB.com.

From the History Channel's website:

"African-Americans have fought bravely for America throughout our history. But sadly, until recently, they didn't receive deserved commendations.

This is the story of seven men who deserved the Medal of Honor for their valor during WWII, but only recently received their medals--six had already died. More than a million African-Americans served within the army's segregated ranks. Despite their bravery and courage, not one of the 432 Medal of Honors awarded went to a black soldier.

Was the army racist? Did African-Americans receive appropriate training? We explore all these issues and more in breathtaking recreations as we document the stories of the seven black Congressional Medal of Honor winners. Vernon Baker is the last living awardee. Witness as President Clinton presents these medals to Baker and the proud family members of the other six. "

To those of you who know the Mason story, this is familiar territory. To most Americans it is not.

Thank You Cinefe 8 Cinema and Cafe

PROUD just completed it's run at the Cinefe 8 in Lithonia GA. Thank you so much to the staff and the theater's owners, Lee and Robin May for booking the film during January.

To learn more about the Mays please read their bio. Not only are they part of a small group of African American theater owners, they are also some of the youngest theater owners in America. Please take a moment to recognize their commitment to family owned theaters that reflect the community.

You can always see what's happening at the Cinefe 8 on their website. Or by calling 770-593-8303. They have a a number of special events coming up in February and March including:

Friday, February 10, 2006 Start time 9PM -- REEL Talk (Live Music & a Movie) hosted by Live Poets Society (www.livepoets.net)

Friday, February 17, 2006 9AM-11:30AM -- Mauldin Brand & Independent Black Film Festival (screening for kids) (www.indieblackfilm.com)

Saturday, February 25, 2006 All Shows -- NAACP DAY

Starting Tuesday, March 14-19, 2006 7PM-11PM Sun. only 4PM-7PM -- Independent Screenings hosted by Independent Black Film Association (www.indieblackfilm.com)

Friday, March 24, 2006 Start time 7PM -- International Film Festival hosted by Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney

USS Mason Touches Many Historical Bases

If you've ever been to an event involving USS Mason, you have probably been struck by the demographic. You'll see a rainbow of people representing the military, academic community, and civil rights activists, with a dose of the Irish thrown in. This story brings together people you may never see in the same room otherwise.

And that's because the Mason story is American history. It's domestic civil rights, World War II, Navy, and social history of how African Americans were treated overseas. So while thank goodness we have Black History Month, we can use stories like the Mason to cross over into other areas and teach lots of different people about their own country.

Thanks to Grant County Indiana's Chronicle-Tribune for the mention of the Mason and for illustrating this case.

Simply Martin and Coretta

I looked at a great many pictures on the web yesterday, but this is my favorite:



Photo from the great Crunk and Disorderly pop culture blog. Thank you, Fresh.