NBC to air five part series on Black women in the workforce

NBC NIGHTLY NEWS WITH BRIAN WILLIAMS" SPECIAL FIVE-PART SERIES "AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN: WHERE THEY STAND" TO AIR BEGINNING ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26 New York , N.Y. – November 15, 2007 –

Throughout the week of November 26, "NBC News With Brian Williams" will take a look at the issues facing African-American women across our nation in a new series "African-American Women: Where They Stand." The series will cover a wide-range of issues from their role in the '08 Presidential race, to the increased health-risks that they need to be concerned about.

Monday's installment will discuss African-American women's progress in the education field. Nearly two-thirds of African-American undergraduates are women. At black colleges, the ratio of women to men is 7 to 1. And that is leading to a disparity in the number of African-American women who go on to own their own businesses. Rehema Ellis will talk to educators, students and businesswomen about why this disparity exists.

Tuesday, Ellis will look at relationships within the African-American female community. Many agree the gender disparity in education and business among African-Americans is having an effect on relationships that African American women have. Some even say the implications could redefine "Black America's family and social structure." In the past fifty years, the percentage of African-American women between 25-54 who have never been married has doubled from 20% to 40%. (Compared to just 16% of white women who have never been married today). Ellis sits down with the members of a Chicago book club and talk about this difference and how it impacts them.

On Wednesday Dr. Nancy Snyderman will discuss the increases risks for breast cancer for African-American women. Mortality rates for African-American women are higher than any other racial or ethnic group for nearly every major cause of death, including breast cancer. Black women with breast cancer are nearly 30% more likely to die from it than white women. Premenopausal black women are more than twice as likely to get a more aggressive form of the disease. And, not only are African-American women more likely to die from breast cancer, but they're less likely to get life-saving treatments. Dr. Snyderman will profile one of the only oncologists in the world who specializes in the treatment of African-American women with breast cancer.

On Thursday, Ron Allen will take viewers to South Carolina -- the first southern primary state -- and ask the question: Will race trump gender or gender trump race? In South Carolina , black women made up nearly 30 percent of all democratic primary voters in 2004. This year, polls show a significant number are undecided, torn between choosing the first African-American or first female Presidential candidate. Allen talks with the undecided, as well the state directors for the Clinton and Obama campaigns, who happen to be African-American women.

To close the series on Friday, Dr. Snyderman will raise the frightening statistic that African-American women are 85% more likely to get diabetes, a major complication for heart disease. And, like breast cancer, more black women die from heart disease than white women. Dr. Snyderman will profile a leading expert and a unique church-based outreach program in South Carolina that seeks to spread the word about heart disease risks to black women congregants. Mara Schiavocampo, Digital Correspondent for "Nightly News," will address two hot topics in the African - American community: interracial dating and the impact of hip hop music on black women. Interracial dating is a growing trend in the African - American community. An <http://Essence.com> Essence.com poll found that 81% of participants approved of black women dating non- black men. According to a U.S. Census Bureau report in 2000, 95,000 black women were married to white men. In 2005, that number increased to 134,000. Schiavocampo will talk to experts about the trend and discuss how this defines the "Black family" of the future. Schiavocampo will convene a panel of leading black men and women from the hip-hop industry for an engaging discussion on whether hip hop lyrics and videos positively or negatively affect black women. The roundtable also will address how these portrayals are affecting relationships between black women and black men.

Consumers can go online to join the discussion and share their thoughts on message boards. They can also read and respond to blog entries at www.nightly.msnbc.com <http://www.nightly.msnbc.com/ <http://www.nightly.msnbc.com/> > .

Volunteers needded in New Orleans!

Please see a message below from our Regional Chair:

Ify Ike, National Corporate Relations Director, recently spoke with Juana Crear, Esq. (graduate of Tulane Law School) from New Orleans Legal Assistance Corporation. Many of us have talked about going to New Orleans during the holidays and breaks to help with the legal issues there. Here is a little more guidance as to the SPECIFIC areas of need was necessary. Ms. Crear has stated that student volunteers are desperately needed in the following areas:

Litigation unit- "228 Appeals Project" (cases that could not be
settled and individuals need representation)
Housing Unit- FEMA; Road Home Appeals (grant money for homeowners)
FEMA "recoupment" (cases where FEMA is requesting recipients to pay
FEMA back)
Section 8 issues
Family unit- domestic violence; custody child support; divorce, etc.
Homeless unit
Public Benefits Unit (social security; food stamps; disability;
employment/unemployment; general welfare; education)
Low-Income Tax Unit
Note system (assisting in creating/finalizing documents that provide
legal information to inform public of what they need to satisfy a
cause of action)
Spanish speaking students for translation
Consumer law unit (bankruptcy; predatory lending; purchasing)
Covington office- purely family office

She also stated that New Orleans needs student assistance in their DA's office and Public Defenders Office.

There are currently no brown student volunteers in the office. THIS IS A PROBLEM! Ify is working on creating a "database"of resources that can contribute to aiding black law students that can sacrifice at least a week in New Orleans. This includes housing; per diem; food; transportation; etc. Ify is looking to solicit from the NBA and further suggestions are welcomed.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN ANY WAY, PLEASE CONTACT IFY IKE AT ify.ike@gmail.com OR JUANA CREAR DIRECTLY AT jacrear@nolac.org OR PHONE at 504-529-1000x234. Our goal is to create a more consistent presence from NBLSA in
the New Orleans region as we pull together and rebuild OUR community.
Thanks!

--
Brian Baptiste
St. Thomas University, 3L
National Black Law Students Association
Southern Region- Regional Chair

GENARLOW WILSON FREE

Genarlow Wilson Set Free

On Friday afternoon, just hours after the Georgia Supreme Court ruled that his sentence amounted to cruel and unusual punishment, Genarlow Wilson was released from prison. In 2005, Genarlow Wilson, a 17-year-old star athlete and top student, was convicted of aggravated child molestation for having consensual oral sex with a 15-year-old classmate. The NAACP has been involved in the Wilson case since 2003, when the youth was initially charged with rape, working with both the Georgia legislature and the judicial system to free Genarlow. He had been incarcerated for almost three years of a ten-year sentence, even though only months after his conviction, a "Romeo and Juliet" law was passed that would have had a maximum allowable sentence of 12 months. Genarlow remained incarcerated until Friday in spite of June decision by a Monroe County Superior Court judge to void the original sentence on constitutional grounds and reduce it to one year. Cases like Genarlow Wilson, Marcus Dixon, and the Jena 6 highlight the rampant discrimination against African-American youth that exists in our criminal justice system. The NAACP is committed to doing whatever is necessary to see justice served in these cases and the hundreds of others, as well as working to reform the judicial system so that our youth are afforded the dignity, respect and equal treatment they deserve under the law.

From Dennis Hayes
Interim President & CEO NAACP

Loan Forgiveness for Public Interest Attorneys

A very good day for public interest lawyers! 10 years and your loans are forgiven! Maximum monthly payment capped at 15% of discretionary income!

Please visit the following link for more information: http://www.abanet.org/media/youraba/200710/article03.html

Martin Lee Anderson

Video of the actual assault.

Martin Lee Anderson Criminal Trial Results in Acquittal

All white jury in Panama City jury acquits defendants in Martin Lee Anderson case.

Photo Above: Anderson's mother, Gina Jones, center, and her lawyer, Benjamin Crump, are seen Friday after the verdict. "You kill a dog, you go to jail. You kill a little black boy and nothing happens." Crump told reporters. Crump is a Florida State University College of Law alumnus and former BLSA member.

The next step is to bring a civil case for violation of Martin Lee Anderson's Civil Rights against the defendants in this case. Stay tuned for updated information.

Background of this case:

In the summer of 2005, 14 year old Martin Lee Anderson was arrested and put on probation. Martin and 5 others were taking a joyride in his grandmothers Jeep, his sister got the key and one of the friends drove. They had an accident. The grandmother was informed she would have to press charges in order for her insurance company to pay for the damages.
Martin was later charged with violating the terms of his probation, for trespassing on school grounds.

Gina Jones and Robert Anderson, Martin's parents, were given the choice between a detention center hours away, or the local boot camp, just minutes from her home in Panama City FL. They chose the boot camp to be closer to their son.

On January 5, 2006, Martin entered the Bay County boot camp. He, along with a group of boys were directed to the training field for a physical assessment test. This included completing as many push-ups and sit-ups as possible within a 2 minute period, followed by a 1.5 mile run. Martin did 48 sit-ups and 18 push-ups without a problem and began his 16 lap run. Somewhere around the 10th lap, Martin fell to his knees. At this time Martin is pinned against the fence by two drill instructors, for "counseling" as they often referred to their force tactics.

At some point, Martin complains he is having trouble breathing. The DI's force an ammonia capsule on him, they report Martin tensed up some so they brought him down. He is then ordered to return to the run. Not long afterwards, Martin collapses again. A number of guards surround and begin the assault. This included pressure points between the ear and jaw, hammer strikes, kneeing the thigh, arm bar take-downs, holding by the arms, restraint, etc. Four more times the drill instructors decide to force Martin to inhale ammonia capsules. Each usage lasted for extended periods of time, and the last for 4 minutes.

At some point during the administering of the final ammonia caplet, Martin becomes unresponsive. Upon flopping the young man face first onto the ground, one of the drill sergeants notices sand in Martin's eye, and no attempt by Martin to remove it. The instructors realize something is wrong with Martin and EMS is called. He is taken to Bay Medical Center, and later flown to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola Fl. Martin never regained consciousness and died around 14 hours after the incident.

Excerpt from www.martinleeanderson.com .

Please see my other posting for the actual vidoe of the assault.

Death in our SRBLSA Family

Together with Georgia State University College of Law, SRBLSA mourns the death of 1L Paul Brady. On October 2, 2007, Paul was hit by a small truck while crossing the street at the intersection of Decatur and Piedmont near Georgia State University in Downtown Atlanta, Georgia. Paul passed away on Monday October 8, after a short stay at Grady Memorial Hospital.

Please make sure to lift up the Brady family in your prayers. For more information, see http://getwellpaul.blogspot.com/

Jena Six Protest in Jena, Louisiana

Congressional Black Caucus Leadership Weekend

Schedule of Events

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2007

National Bar Association Reception Honoring the
Congressional Black Caucus
7:00PM-9:00PM
The Grand Hyatt Washington
Constitution Ballroom
1000 H Street NW,
Washington, DC 20001
RSVP to AROBINSON@law.gwu.edu

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2007

Preview: A Reception for Emerging Leaders
hosted by IMPACT
6P.M.-8P.M.
Poste at Hotel Monaco
555 8th Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
RSVP to events@impact-dc.com

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2007

“The Decline of African-American Enrollment in
Law and Professional Schools”
The discussion is co-sponsored
by Representative Stephanie Tubbs-Jones (OH-11th).
2:00 PM-3:50 PM
Room 144a
Washington Convention Center
804 Mount Vernon Pl. NW
Washington, DC 20001
No RSVP Required

"United We Stand"
Join the National Black Law Students Association and Howard
University BLSA with a coalition of black professional students in
hosting the 4th Annual Congressional Black Caucus Reception
Featuring U.S. Congressmen Keith Ellison
Honorary Co-Chairs
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
Congresswoman Donna M. Christensen
Venable Law Firm 5:00pm -8:00pm
575 7th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 344-4000

Reception Open to Public
Join NBLSA and the Dream Team LLC at Cafe Asia
for the Official Seagram’s Reception After-party hosted by:
NBLSA, NBGSA, BLSAC, Howard NBLSA, Generation Change,
SNDA, and Creative Cause
1720 I St. NW
10pm - 3am
For more info Contact NBLSA Social Chair Anita Barksdale,
social@nblsa.org

SATURDAY. SEPTEMBER 29, 2007

2007 MABLSA President’s Retreat
University of Baltimore
1415 Maryland Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
9:00AM-2:30PM
RSVP to mid-atlantic@nblsa.org

NBA –YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION
“Marketing Yourself for the Job You Want:
A Guide to the Interview Process”
WilmerHale Law Firm
1875 Pennsylvania Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20006 US
4:00PM-6:00PM
Need that perfect resume to land your dream job? Want your
writing sample to stand out from all the rest? Want to practice your
interviewing skills? Are you ready to land the job of your
dreams? Then this workshop is perfect for you! Marketing Yourself
for the Job You Want is designed to guide students through the
interview process from start to finish. Skilled attorneys from
various practice areas will present valuable information on the
interview process. Students will also have the opportunity to
participate in 15 minute mock interviews with legal
professionals. All students must submit a resume to
resumes_nbayld@comcast.net ASAP. Each student will receive
feedback on both their resume and mock interview.

You can register for the Congressional Black Caucus Annual
Legislative Conference at http://www.alc2007.com

Jena 6 update

Please view this news segment for more information about the Jena Six.

HDNet World Report -- Genarlow Wilson -- A Grave Injustice

Here is some background information about the Genarlow WIlson case.

NBLSA SUPPORTS THE JENA SIX

NBLSA supports the Jena Six and rejects the rationale of the charges
of which Mychal Bell was convicted. Members are urged to stand
publicly with the families and supporters of the Jena Six. Come to Jena,
Louisiana on Thursday, September 20, 2007, the day of Mychal Bell’s
sentencing to rally and protest his unjust trial and conviction.
NBLSA calls its members to join in peacefully protesting the Jim Crow
Justice occurring in Jena, Louisiana. Join NBLSA and other national
organizations outside of the LaSalle Parish Courthouse to demand
justice for Mychal Bell and the other young men of the Jena Six.
NBLSA, the time to act is now!

Thursday September 20, 2007
Peaceful Protest & Rally
8:00am
LaSalle Parish Courthouse
1050 Courthouse St.
Jena, LA 71342

If you are interested in attending, please contact Social Action Chair, Wintta
Woldemariam at socialaction@nblsa.org.

Please join NBLSA for the Charles Hamilton Houston Leadership Weekend in New
Orleans, Lousiana from September 21-23, 2007 at the New Orleans Sheraton.

NBLSA YouTube Site

Please visit the NBLSA YouTube site for news and information that affects us.

www.youtube.com/nblsa

Call for SRBLSA LAW JOURNAL POSITIONS!

Please visit http://www.srblsalawjournal.org/srblsa_law_journal_documents.html

Jena Six Rally

The Michael Baisden Show: Live from Jena, LA September 20th

The Baddest Man on radio is putting action behind his words.On September 20th Michael Baisden along with comedian George Wilborn, national celebrities, and thousands of loyal listeners will March on the Jena Courthouse to demand justice for Mychal Bell, one of the black teenagers awaiting sentencing in the Jena 6 Case. Mychal Bell could receive up to 22 years in prison for what amounted to nothing more then a fist fight between black and white high school students. Michael will need all the support he can get to show the prosecutors, the Judge, and the entire nation that we will not stand by while they steal the lives of our children. Time for talk is over, it's time to act!

Details about Michael's visit to Jena:
DATE: Thursday September 20, 2007
TIME: Peace & Protest Rally at 8:00am
SENTENCING: 9:00am for student Mychal Bell
LOCATION: LaSalle Parish Courthouse 1050 Courthouse St Jena, LA 71342 (25 minutes from Alexandria)

HOST HOTEL: Baymont Inn and Suites Alexandria 2301 N MacArthur Alexandria, LA 71303 US Phone: (318) 619-3300

ALTERNATE HOTEL: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites 2340 MacArthur Drive Alexandria, LA 71303 (318) 487-9898

LIVE BROADCAST: Local Affiliate KMXH-FM 93.9 "Southern Soul & The Best of Today's R&B"

SRBLSA Calendar of Events

2007-2008 Calendar of Events

September 7-8, 2007
Sub-Region I Academic Retreat
Memphis, TN
Hosted by University of Memphis

September 14- 15, 2007
SRBLSA Golf Tournament and Job Fair
Nashville, TN
Hosted by Vanderbilt University

September 21-22, 2007
National Academic Retreat
New Orleans, LA

October 12-13, 2007
Sub-Region V Academic Retreat
Birmingham, Alabama
Hosted by Samford University

October 19-21, 2007
Sub Region IV Academic Retreat
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Hosted by InterAmerica University

October 27, 2007
Sub-Region III Academic Retreat
TBA

November 16-18, 2007
SRBLSA E-Board Meeting
Birmingham, Alabama

January 11-12, 2007
SRBLSA E-Board Meeting
Columbia, South Carolina

January 23-26, 2007
SRBLSA 37th Annual Regional Convention
Columbia, South Carolina

Rock the Vote - Home

Go to this website to register to vote in all 50 states! Rock the Vote - Home

You can also find out valuable information about the Presidential candidates and why you should vote in the 2008 elections.

Joseline