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I got my inspiration to create My Urban Report because of two events in my life. I worked for the now defunct Black Family Channel on a citizen journalism show called UR TV, and I’m a grad student at the University of South Florida studying media convergence.

As I worked to develop the citizen journalism show, I researched blogs, learning that the online journals are often said to be the backbone of citizen journalism. That’s when the light bulb turned on. I could start my own news “channel” that could also be used for my grad studies (I’m gathering research for a thesis on blogs).

At the same time, I was reaching out to independent media producers all over the country who could submit content for the show. I scoured YouTube, and the many video communities that seemed to pop up overnight, and found Chip Dizard.

Dizard is a web designer in the DC/Baltimore area, and he has some skills with the camera. He tends to focus on politics, and though he prefers to stay behind the scenes, his shooting and editing is above average (just my opinion).

So, the show never made air. I was only able to produce the pilot, but I’m glad I connected with folks like Dizard. Looks like he’s embraced the idea of citizen journalism. He sent me the link to the video above.

Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments.

PEACE!!

by A.man.I

Hats off to 23 year-old Barrington Irving.  He made history by becoming the youngest pilot and first Black person to fly around the world. Watch video here.[Miami Herald]

Lesson: Aim high, and don’t listen to anyone who says your dreams can’t come true.

[AfroNerd]

by A.man.I

LACK OF ENTREPRENEURIAL TALENT HURTING JAMAICA
The Chairman and Director of the Planning Institute of Jamaica says the country has money, land, and a labor force, but what’s hurting the economy most is a lack of entrepreneurs.

MBL IS GOING TO BAT FOR YOUNG BLACKS
Baseball’s highest ranking African American, Jimmie Lee Solomon says the league is working to encourage more African American youth to play baseball. Some players like Gary Sheffield have criticized MLB for the few number of blacks who play professionally.

BET AWARDS HIGHLIGHTS
Check out YBF (Young Black & Fabulous) for photo highlights from the BET Awards.

by A.man.I

Former CNN correspondent Jeff Koinange says, “my lack of judgment . . . admittedly went beyond the bounds of my personal morality.”  He’s talking about his relationship with Marianne Briner, and the events that ended his career at the cable network.  Koinange’s use of CNN’s e-mail system to send messages to Briner led to his firing.  On top of that, Briner published the inappropriate e-mails on her blog.

Koinange sent a message titled, “Why I Left CNN” to Richard Prince’s Journal-isms.  Koinange says Briner turned on him when he didn’t generate publicity for a book she was trying to promote.  Here’s a portion of his take on the situation:

“…as I followed the reactions in various publications, it seemed as if the testimony of others who had been victimized by the female blogger who released correspondence between her and myself was sufficient to show that there was a pattern to her actions that were clearly aimed at promoting her book and that she turned on me, as she had others, with vicious retribution once she did not achieve the desired result.”

In the message he also disclosed that he and his wife are expecting.  I can only imagine what kind of strain this has placed on his family.  Koinange says he’ll continue to pursue his journalism career.

by A.man.I

WORLD LEADERS MEETING TO DISCUSS DARFUR CRISIS
Fifteen countries including the U.S., France, and China are participating in a one-day conference that starts today in Paris.  The goal is to work on a plan to end Sudan’s Darfur crisis.  Sudan is not participating.  

CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY CLAIMS POLICE ASSUALT
Lawyer Michael Warren says a NY police sergeant assaulted he and his wife after the pair observed officers brutally arresting a man.

DOWTOWN DISNEY CRACKING DOWN ON UNWANTED TEENS
Walt Disney World has started an operation to keep unruly teens away from the Downtown Disney attraction. At least fifty teens and young adults have been banned from the park for life.

You’re probably having trouble watching My Urban Report videos via the daily email blast.  I’m working to figure out why.  For now please visit the site directly.  Thanks for your patience.  

I never experienced the notorious Atlanta street party known as the ”Freaknik”, but photojournalist Scott Heeden  captured all of the sights and sounds back in 1998. Thanks for the link L.Towe.