Essay 297

MultiCultClassics Minutes presents Biggie, Big Easy and Big Al…

• A party celebrating the posthumous release of an album from Notorious B.I.G. went off as if the rapper was still alive. That is, three men were stabbed and another trio got shot — plus, one of the shooting victims was stomped. Quite a tribute.

• The two New Orleans cops who stomped an elderly Black man have been fired. The original incident had been videotaped and broadcast worldwide. A trial against the officers is scheduled for January 11. No word yet if it will play on CourtTV.

• Looks like Rev. Al Sharpton is not ready for primetime after all. Sharpton halted efforts to star in a CBS sitcom, telling the media, “I’m not interested in being Archie Bunker, I’m looking forward to becoming George Bush.” Guess that means he’s interested in a reality show sitcom.

• Sharpton took his comedy act on the road, commenting on the New York transit strike. Apparently, Mayor Michael Bloomberg has been using the word “thuggish” in reference to union chiefs. Sharpton took offense, implying the word had racial overtones for the predominately Black transit employees. “These are hardworking people … They get up at 3 o’clock in the morning to drive buses and trains … and now they're thugs?” Sharpton remarked. He then probably sped off in a fancy limousine.