Essay 1316

Reports and retorts in a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• The Chicago Tribune reported on the 100-year anniversary of the American Jewish Committee, the country’s first civil-rights organization. The AJC launched to fight anti-Semitism, and ultimately served as a model for other U.S. civil rights groups. Click on the essay title above to read the full story.

• The New York Post reported hate crimes are up in the city, with Jews and gays receiving the biggest spikes. Incidents against Jews jumped 28 percent, while anti-gay crimes increased 20 percent. Surges occurred in every category except Whites and “others” — the latter group covering crimes targeting more than one ethnic group at once. Sort of like the Borat movie.

• Oprah attended the Mary J. Blige concert at the House of Blues in Chicago, with security allegedly prepping the joint for her arrival and departure. Winfrey walked in and out through the front door, although she was allowed to cut past the crowd to get to her private area. These accommodations would not have been necessary if Oprah had decided to catch K-Fed’s show a few nights earlier (see Essay 1300).