Essay 679

All over the map with a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• The Census Bureau reports that New Orleans has become Whiter, wealthier and older (see charts above). “This confirms what some people thought: There was a selective out-migration of poorer minorities,” said a demographer with the Brookings Institution. In other words, Hurricane Katrina did more damage to lower-income Blacks, making it tough for them to return. The Chocolate City continues to evolve.


• Kimberly-Clark terminated 105 workers from its Wisconsin diaper plant, and plans to cut 10 percent of its 62,000-person workforce worldwide. That’s a shitload of layoffs.

• An ex-Ford Motor Company worker fired just nine months before becoming eligible for full pension recently received a package saluting his 30 years of service. The package included a certificate, letter from company honcho Bill Ford and a gift catalog. The former employee called it “a slap in the face.” Ford officials probably called it a bold move.

• The KKK and other White supremacist groups gathered at the Antietam National Battlefield, site of the U.S. Civil War’s bloodiest battle. There were about 30 Klan members and friends, matched by about 30 counter-demonstrators — plus, nearly 200 federal, state and local law enforcement officials. It may have been the bloodiest waste of manpower in history.

• Lil’ Eazy-E, son of late rapper Eazy-E, was arrested for a traffic violation and possession of a firearm; plus, two accompanying pals were hit with a firearm violation and probation violation. Guess he’s carrying on the family tradition.

• Denny’s is facing new racial discrimination charges, this time from minority restaurant owners. A Michigan-based restaurant-management company filed a complaint alleging Denny’s routinely placed minority franchisees in underperforming locations, while handing the better locations to White franchisees. Denny’s officials called the claim “false and without merit.” Given the restaurant chain’s history of bias, can any charge truly be considered without merit?

• The Washington Post continues its series titled, “Being a Black Man.” The latest installment spotlights Eric L. Motley, a Republican on the move (pictured below). Click on the essay title above to check it out.