Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson Thanks God for Slavery!

Your Black World: Interview With Motivational Speaker Caitlin Powell

Interview with Youth Motivational Speaker, Caitlin Powell, by Tolu Olorunda.

Caitlin Powell is a role-model, motivational speaker, writer, telecaster and singer – all packed into one. The catch: She’s a mere 10 years of age! Though a fifth grader, Caitlin’s exceptional intellect is inspiring kids and parents across the country. Caitlin, who loves reading and studying math, is also the host of her very own webcast titled, “Caitlin’s Corner TV.” As one who takes advanced courses in her school, Caitlin knows, first hand, how challenging school can be. In her nationally-syndicated webcast, Caitlin offers tips and advices to her peers, on how to lead a fruitful life and embrace the challenges that come. Caitlin Powell is also a role model to her two younger siblings, who look up to her, being the oldest, for leadership. YourBlackWorld.com recently had the opportunity to speak with Caitlin on her interests, the joy of reading, motivational speaking and much, much more:

Thanks for joining us, Caitlin. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Well, I’m involved in my courses at my school; I love to sing; I’m on the telecast – it’s a lot of fun. I do the announcer #1, announcer # 2, camera-director and sound. My favorite is actually announcer #1, because you get to share a lot of information about what’s going on in the school.

How did you begin telecasting?

In Kindergarten, when I began schooling, I saw that people were doing it, and I really wanted to do it. Once I got to the fifth grade, I applied for it, and actually got in, because they said I’m a good speaker, and I do well in front of a crowd. So, it’s just a lot of fun, and I have a good time doing it.

What do you talk about in the telecasts?

I talk about the after-school activities, and clubs.

In your latest webcast, you mentioned math as your favorite subject. Why is that?

Well, it gets my brain working; it’s really hard and challenging – and I love a good challenge. So, I stay really smart, and I hope I have a good future.

A lot of your peers dislike math for this reason. Why? And how can you help them come to love it, just as much as you do?

Well, people say that they don’t like math because it’s too hard, and too challenging, but I tell them that if you keep on practicing, you’ll get better and even come to like it; and It’ll build your self esteem. If you try something hard, you’ll bring yourself up, and will have a good future.

You also enjoy reading. Why?

Reading helps you be creative, and understand how you’re supposed to write and make sense; and if you do research, it would build up what you know about it.

How has reading helped you in the classroom?

Reading has helped me, because they give me definitions, and when my teacher asks me about certain words, I already know them from what I’ve read.

Why do you think most 10-year-olds are not too fond of reading, and how can you help them gain interest in it?

I think that they don’t like it because they like to play more video games and things like that. So, they should just stop doing that and read more to build up their knowledge. Reading could be fun, because most authors try to make it fun for kids, at their age. It also makes you use your brain, such as in mystery, where they give readers clues to figure it out. But video games don’t teach you anything. You just sit down, wasting time, and getting addicted to it. So I think people should read more, because it’ll build your knowledge, vocabulary, and how you speak.

Besides reading and telecasting, though, what other interests do you have?

Well, I like to write short stories and plays. I like to speak a lot and sing. I do anything I can with my voice and hand. In 6^th grade, next year, I would love to play the violin, because it just sounds really pretty, and I would love to play instruments.

What are your plans for High School and College?

I plan to focus on math, reading and writing, so when I grow up I can be a mathematician, a singer, and/or a writer.

What does it take to be a role model – especially at such a young age?

Well, you have to make the right decision, and learn from your mistakes. You have to learn what to do and what not to do. You have to do the appropriate things. You also have to choose your friends wisely. Don’t hang out in gangs, or at bars that sell alcohol. Don’t do any kinds of drugs or anything like that. So, you have to think wisely and be smart about your decisions.

As a role model and motivational speaker, what is missing in the younger generation that you plan on impacting upon them?

You have to set goals for yourself, and follow them to achieve them; and I think a lot of people either don’t make goals, or don’t follow them. For instance, I just did a webcast on my New Year’s resolution, and I was talking about what things to do at a certain age, and all kinds of things.

So, young people should become more interested in their future?

Yes, because they would have a more successful future if they do those kinds of things. You have to know where you are going, so you can make the right steps and be the right person.

Thank you very much for the opportunity, Caitlin. Pls. visit her blog, and subscribe to her webcasts.

Watch Caitlin in Action:

This interview was conducted by Tolu Olorunda, Staff Writer for YourBlackWorld.com.

Black Scholar's Thoughts On Racism In College Sports And Charles Barkley

By Dr. Boyce Watkins

I don’t like Charles Barkley very much, I have to be honest about that. On an appearance on ESPN, I was asked by Charles’ buddy, Stephen A. Smith, what I think about Barkley possibly running for Governor of Alabama. My comment was that “Charles Barkley is a man who always says what’s on his mind. But the problem is that there is never anything in his brain to begin with.”

So, if I don’t like you and I give you a compliment, then that really means I like what you just did.

Charles Barkley, the man I can’t bear to listen to on TNT, recently called out his alma mater, Auburn University for their decision to hire the woefully unqualified Gene Chizik over Turner Gill, a coach who actually deserved the job. Gene Chizik has amassed the stellar record of 5-19 over the past two seasons at Iowa State University. The “geniuses” at Auburn University also paid their last coach, Tommy Tubberville, $5.1 million dollars to hit the road after going 85-10 during the last 10 seasons. This is the same brilliant thinking which leads us to believe that sub-mediocre human beings like George Bush and Sarah Palin are qualified to run the free world. Now I remember why I left the south.

One would think that Turner Gill of The University of Buffalo might have been a good pick. He took Buffalo to their first bowl game in school history, and soundly defeated unbeaten Ball State, who was ranked #12 in the country. The problem was that Gill posed the great deal breaker of nearly every head football coaching contract in NCAA sports: He was Black.

Sure, if he were trying to be a wide receiver, he’d be a lock. If he were trying to be a janitor or cafeteria worker, I am sure that Auburn University would have recruited him heavily. But Gill doesn’t realize that for schools like Auburn (and Kentucky, Tennessee and many other schools in the NCAA, particularly the SEC), Black men are only supposed to sacrifice their bodies on the field for virtually no wages, with little hope of actually earning the millions of dollars the NCAA pays its head coaches. Over 50% of all college football players are black, yet less than 4% of their coaches are Black. The athletes earn over $2 Billion per year for the NCAA, yet many of their families live in poverty. In other words, the NCAA has become the ultimate plantation, lawn jockeys and all.

Terry Bowden, Richard Lapchick and the rest of the country are calling it for what it is: Good old fashioned racism. They are stating, as I’ve said all along, that there is a time when African Americans must demand fairness in college sports, for the NCAA has shown almost no commitment to fairness when it comes to matters of race. Like our broken financial system, the system of college sport has created a network of irresponsible, illogical and unintelligent cronyism leading to embarrassing and inefficient outcomes. Paying $5.1 Million dollars to get rid of a good coach so you can pay more money to get a bad one is flat out stupid. Even if you are a racist, you should at least be a smart one.

I applaud Charles Barkley for pointing out the obvious, that Auburn University and the NCAA need a wake-up call. This isn’t 1955 anymore.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Finance Professor at Syracuse University and a faculty affiliate at the College Sport Research Institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He does regular work in national media, including CNN, CBS Sports, BET and ESPN. For more information, please visit www.BoyceWatkins.com.

Your Black World: Setting The Record Straight On Credit Reports

MILLY’S MONEY

Somebody Lied to You: Let’s Set the Record Straight

By: Milagros DuBouchet

YourBlackWorld.com

Lie #1: Freecreditreport.com

Have you ever seen those charmingly annoying freecreditreport.com commercials? The commercials with the French guy who lip-synchs melodies in an attempt to capture your heart and most importantly, your credit card? You would think a site called freecreditreport.com would actually give you a credit report for free but sadly, that’s not the case. Next time you watch the commercial, listen closely to the “fine print” that’s narrated afterwards. To make a long story short, you‘ll get a free credit report if you sign up for “Triple Advantage”—a product you actually have to pay for. I hope this justifies your desire to throw your remote control at the TV screen every time these commercials are on.

The truth is, if you would like to obtain a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax), make sure to visit annualcreditreport.com. We are all entitled to obtain a free copy of each report every 12 months. Keep in mind that you will not receive a credit score. Unfortunately, you do have to pay for that. I hope I set that record straight for good!

Lie #2: I’ve never had credit, so I don’t need to worry about checking my credit report.

One should check their credit report about 3 times a year—whether you have established credit or not. Since 8 out of 10 credit reports have mistakes on them, you always want to make sure your credit report houses accurate information. Aside from that, identity theft is a HUGE issue nowadays, and it always saddens me when one of my clients obtains their credit report for the first time, and to their surprise, they find numerous established (and typically delinquent) accounts on their report. The sooner you spot these things, the better. Trust me; you don’t want that to be you.

Lie #3: I use my credit card and never exceed my available limit, so my credit should be good.

The second most important factor to determining one’s credit score is the amount of debt you are utilizing. Lets keep it simple. You should never exceed 30% of your available limit. So, if I you have a credit card with a limit of $1.000, you should not utilize more than $300. If you do, then you’re immediately triggering an adverse effect on your credit score. Of course, no one tells you this when you apply for the card. FYI—the most important component to a good credit score is making your payments on time.

Lie #4: I made some late payments on my credit card and my interest rate was increased. As long as I don’t mess up with my other cards, then those interest rates should be fine.

The “Universal Default Clause” indicates that the interest rate on your credit card may be increased if you make late payments to other lenders, even if you pay your credit card bill on time. So, if you mess up with one lender, then all of your other cards can also be negatively affected. The law’s only requirement is that lenders disclose this in writing, so you know what that means. Read the fine print.

Lie #5: I always pay a little more than the minimum every month, so I’m using my credit wisely.

You know what credit card companies call people who pay off their entire monthly balance every month? “Deadbeats” –and no, I did not make that up! This is because they don’t get to make any money in interest from them, so naturally, that makes creditors unhappy. When you don’t pay off your monthly balance every month, you’re considered a “revolver”. Simple math says that if you charged $50 on your credit card this month, and your statement says your minimum payment due is $20, you should pay $50 before the month is over. Not $20, not $30, but $50! Credit card companies add interest to the difference that goes unpaid every month. Basically, anything you charge this month, you should pay off this month. Change your spending habits and use your credit wisely. You’ll notice the difference in your pockets!

Dr. Boyce Watkins Chuckles At Shoe Hurled At President Bush

Dr. Boyce Watkins
www.BoyceWatkins.com

While I am never one to laugh about someone attacking another human being, I could not help but notice this video showing a man making very accurate and high velocity pitches at the head of the President. But then again, I can understand the anger of directly enduring the arrogant imperialism that the Bush Administration has shown throughout the world.

Enjoy the video!

FYI: Caitlin Powell, a talented 5th grader in the YourBlackWorld family, has decided that she wants to take the bold step of being a role model to other young children. You can see Caitlin's Corner, the first of a series of webcasts that Caitlin is doing to positively impact the Black community. She is in advanced classes, loves to read and is already talking about what kind of college she wants to go to. She represents what our kids should be all about, and I hope you will support her by watching her video, making comments and having your children learn the lessons of educational empowerment.

BTW: To join our Black Money Advice list, please click here.

Take care!
Dr. Boyce Watkins
www.BoyceWatkins.com

ps.
If you want to know how I feel about the situation with Jesse Jackson Jr., my thoughts on the issue are below:

====================================================================================
by Dr. Boyce Watkins
www.BoyceWatkins.com

I was concerned to find out that Jesse Jackson Jr. has been asked to defend himself against allegations that he is involved in the scandal plaguing Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. I have spent alot of time with the Jackson family, as I've appeared on the show of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. more times this year than I can count. I have never met Jesse Jr., but I have a tremendous amount of respect for his father, as well as his sister Santita and his brother Jonathon, a fellow Finance guy. Jonathon and I spoke for hours about Economic and Financial empowerment in the Black community, and I was very impressed with what the brother had to say. Santita, whom I know better than the other "Jackson kids", has even given me advice on women, life and politics (this was especially relevant when I dealt with my university's backlash during the Bill O'Reilly situations a few months ago). I will always appreciate that.

At risk of not making everyone happy, here are my honest thoughts on the situation involving Jesse Jackson Jr, Barack Obama and Rod Blagojevich:

1) I am not sure who said what and who did what during this scandal, since I don't trust much of what any politician has to say. That goes for Rod, Jesse Jr., Barack and everyone else. Part of the reason I will never run for political office is because you are forced to lie and pander in order to get elected. That doesn't appeal to me. I have a strange habit of being honest, and as my mother used to say "Boyce, your mouth will either make you great or get you killed, I'm curious to see which one."

2) I do know one thing: Illinois politics is as corrupt as a crackhead on payday. Isn't the former governor of Illinois in prison also? The thing that worried me most about Barack Obama was that I am skeptical of any politician who rises to the top of Illinois politics. Like an athlete who dominates a sport riddled with steroids, you can't help but wonder if the winner is a little "juiced" himself. If Blagojevich is auctioning off a Senate seat and everyone knows that, it's not easy to accept the fact that the governor chose the winner because of his integrity and experience. While there was no clear winner of this Senate seat, anyone dealing directly with the governor is going to be under clear and logical suspicion.

3) I was incredibly disappointed by the way Jesse Jackson Jr. left his father hanging out to dry (politically speaking) during the Obama "I want to cut his nutts off" fiasco. Don't get me wrong, the words were highly inappropriate. Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. called me the next day and I personally forgave him (after all, they weren't my testicles on the chopping block). I did, however, say that I was surprised that a long-time veteran of the media would make such a mistake and that it is disheartening that our most respected Black leaders still have to go to horrible places like Fox News to get their message out to the Black American public. But I was also saddened to see that his son, for the sake of political expediency, distanced himself as far as possible from his father. When your daddy is bleeding, you don't try to suck more blood out of his body.

I grew up in a world where a son remains loyal to his father, especially when he has done so much for him. So, I had a hard time understanding why Jesse Jackson Jr. would issue a statement detaching himself from his dad, all so he could continue enjoying the benefits of Obama-mania. Now that the "you-know-what" has hit the fan, I wonder how long it might be before Jesse Jr's new political friends start distancing themselves from HIM. No one loves you like family, and any reasonable man should think long and hard before attacking his own relatives in public. I say this as a man with several relatives I'd love to slap. But I have never considered issuing a press release to push the dagger a little deeper in a pre-existing wound of public humiliation.

The lesson I take away from all this is that if you are trying to swim with the pigs, you are going to get covered in slop. Whether Jesse Jackson Jr. is guilty or not, I don't consider him a bad person. The same thing goes for Barack Obama. But chasing the dream and intoxication of power, popularity and American validation can come at a price in this dirty and corrupt game called American politics (especially for Black men). As quick as you rose to the top, you can find yourself at the bottom, so perhaps it is important to remain grounded.

Keep hope alive Jesse Jr., you're going to need it.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Finance Professor at Syracuse University and author of "What if George Bush were a Black Man?" He makes regular appearances in national media, including CNN, BET, ESPN and CBS Sports. For more information, please visit www.BoyceWatkins.com

Black Scholar Boyce Watkins Shares Thoughts On Jessie Jackson, Jr.

by Dr. Boyce Watkins
www.BoyceWatkins.com

I was concerned to find out that Jesse Jackson Jr. has been asked to defend himself against allegations that he is involved in the scandal plaguing Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. I have spent alot of time with the Jackson family, as I've appeared on the show of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. more times this year than I can count. I have never met Jesse Jr., but I have a tremendous amount of respect for his father, as well as his sister Santita and his brother Jonathon, a fellow Finance guy. Jonathon and I spoke for hours about Economic and Financial empowerment in the Black community, and I was very impressed with what the brother had to say. Santita, whom I know better than the other "Jackson kids", has even given me advice on women, life and politics (this was especially relevant when I dealt with my university's backlash during the Bill O'Reilly situations a few months ago). I will always appreciate that.

At risk of not making everyone happy, here are my honest thoughts on the situation involving Jesse Jackson Jr, Barack Obama and Rod Blagojevich:

1) I am not sure who said what and who did what during this scandal, since I don't trust much of what any politician has to say. That goes for Rod, Jesse Jr., Barack and everyone else. Part of the reason I will never run for political office is because you are forced to lie and pander in order to get elected. That doesn't appeal to me. I have a strange habit of being honest, and as my mother used to say "Boyce, your mouth will either make you great or get you killed, I'm curious to see which one."

2) I do know one thing: Illinois politics is as corrupt as a crackhead on payday. Isn't the former governor of Illinois in prison also? The thing that worried me most about Barack Obama was that I am skeptical of any politician who rises to the top of Illinois politics. Like an athlete who dominates a sport riddled with steroids, you can't help but wonder if the winner is a little "juiced" himself. If Blagojevich is auctioning off a Senate seat and everyone knows that, it's not easy to accept the fact that the governor chose the winner because of his integrity and experience. While there was no clear winner of this Senate seat, anyone dealing directly with the governor is going to be under clear and logical suspicion.

3) I was incredibly disappointed by the way Jesse Jackson Jr. left his father hanging out to dry (politically speaking) during the Obama "I want to cut his nutts off" fiasco. Don't get me wrong, the words were highly inappropriate. Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. called me the next day and I personally forgave him (after all, they weren't my testicles on the chopping block). I did, however, say that I was surprised that a long-time veteran of the media would make such a mistake and that it is disheartening that our most respected Black leaders still have to go to horrible places like Fox News to get their message out to the Black American public. But I was also saddened to see that his son, for the sake of political expediency, distanced himself as far as possible from his father. When your daddy is bleeding, you don't try to suck more blood out of his body.

I grew up in a world where a son remains loyal to his father, especially when he has done so much for him. So, I had a hard time understanding why Jesse Jackson Jr. would issue a statement detaching himself from his dad, all so he could continue enjoying the benefits of Obama-mania. Now that the "you-know-what" has hit the fan, I wonder how long it might be before Jesse Jr's new political friends start distancing themselves from HIM. No one loves you like family, and any reasonable man should think long and hard before attacking his own relatives in public. I say this as a man with several relatives I'd love to slap. But I have never considered issuing a press release to push the dagger a little deeper in a pre-existing wound of public humiliation.

The lesson I take away from all this is that if you are trying to swim with the pigs, you are going to get covered in slop. Whether Jesse Jackson Jr. is guilty or not, I don't consider him a bad person. The same thing goes for Barack Obama. But chasing the dream and intoxication of power, popularity and American validation can come at a price in this dirty and corrupt game called American politics (especially for Black men). As quick as you rose to the top, you can find yourself at the bottom, so perhaps it is important to remain grounded.

Keep hope alive Jesse Jr., you're going to need it.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Finance Professor at Syracuse University and author of "What if George Bush were a Black Man?" He makes regular appearances in national media, including CNN, BET, ESPN and CBS Sports. For more information, please visit www.BoyceWatkins.com.

Your Black World: Six Secrets About Bill Collectors

6 Secrets Debt Collectors wish you never knew

By: Milagros DuBouchet

YourBlackWorld.com

The world of debt collection is a mystery to most people. One thing we do know is that they can be very aggressive when it comes to collecting money. We know all about the annoying phone calls at 8am and the letters that cause nothing but anxiety. Some debt collectors are easy to work with; others can be incredibly difficult. In my work, I speak to debt collectors on a daily basis. I speak on behalf of my clients when they’ve been too intimidated, or are unsure how to communicate with them. The key to getting the most out of a situation with a collection agency is to learn their secrets, and use them to your advantage.

Secret #1 – They can reduce up to 50% of your original debt. This is the rule of thumb. Debt collectors know when they’re speaking with someone who doesn’t know the tricks of the trade. They will lie and tell you that you need to pay the full balance. This is not true! Tap into your negotiation skills and ask them to make a “settlement offer” so that you can save some money while you reduce your debt load.

Secret #2 –The amount of debt “forgiven” is added to your taxable income for the year. If you receive a debt settlement for over $600, the forgiven amount is then added to your taxable income for the year. Essentially, you can save money now with a debt settlement, but you must eventually pay taxes on this amount!

Secret #3 – Negotiate near the end of the month and you may get a better deal. Debt collectors get paid on commission for every payment agreement made with someone during the month. This easily explains their ruthless tactics to rake in as much cash as possible. Their monthly bonus depends on how good they are at getting you to pay—no matter what your financial situation is. With that said, they are more likely to make better settlement offers if you negotiate with them towards the end of the month.

Secret #4 – You can negotiate what they place on your credit report. When your debt collector is willing to accept less than the full balance, they usually note this on your credit report as well. As you can imagine, having a remark such as “paid collection” on your credit report is better than having it say “settled for less than full balance”. This is also negotiable. You should ask them to accept your partial payment as a payment in full, and have them note this on your report as well. If they agree, make sure you get that in writing.

Secret #5 – You can potentially pay NONE of the amount they claim. Debt Validation is a legal loophole that simply states that if you ask the debt collector to send you physical proof that the debt in question is in fact yours, they have 30 days to do so. If they cannot locate any original mitigating documents (which most collection agencies cannot), or if they fail to respond within the 30-day time frame, they must remove the item in question from your credit report. They are no longer able to collect on this debt. One the other hand, beware—they may end up selling your account to another collection agency instead!

Secret #6 – Anything you say can be used against you. A debt collector may ask you some personal questions and you may feel obliged to answer them. Questions such as “Do you have a bank account?” “Are you currently employed?” “Do you own a home or car?” are all part of their ploy to get more ammo to use against you. If you’re employed, they can potentially sue you and garnish a portion of your wages. If you have a bank account, they can sue you and freeze the funds in your account. If you own a home or car, they can sue you and put a lean on your assets. If asked any of these questions, answer with a simple no, or tell them you don’t feel comfortable sharing that information.

Milagros DuBouchet is a personal Financial Counselor in New York City. Her focus is to provide formal financial education training and personal financial counseling services to low-income Americans.