Essay 541

I beg your pardon — it’s another MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• Lawmakers in Alabama approved a measure to grant pardons to folks convicted under the Jim Crow laws, including civil rights icons Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Hey, has anyone considered naming a bus line after Parks?

• The late John H. Johnson, publishing icon behind Ebony and Jet magazines, will receive the 2006 American Advertising Federation’s Silver Medal Award. The award salutes folks who have made outstanding contributions to advertising. Hey, it’s pretty rare for the AAF to recognize Blacks even exist in the industry.

• Black actors are congregating for a project of biblical proportions. “The Bible Experience” is a 70-hour recording of the Old and New Testaments, slated to be read by Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Cuba Gooding, Jr. and more. Robi Reed is casting for the project and said, “We’re still looking for God.” Hey, if James Earl Jones is not available for that role, try calling Oprah.

• A juror from Michael Jackson’s sex trial has sold his notes on the proceedings via eBay. The winning bidder coughed up $2,550 for six notebooks, a juror badge and certificate of appreciation signed by the judge. The seller said, “It’s something that’s probably more important to someone else, like a fan of Michael Jackson’s.” Or more like a hater looking to make personal profit.

• A judge rejected another lawsuit against Jacko involving a man insisting the King of Pop molested him 20 years ago. The alleged victim claimed the memory had been repressed until 2003. Unfortunately, the judge wasn’t buying it. Hey, the moron can always try to sell his repressed notes on eBay.