Black Males Dying in Detroit at Alarming Rates

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

African American males in Detroit between the ages of 15 and 24 are dying at a rate that is roughly seven times higher than the rest of the Detroit population. If they were dying at the same rate as everyone else, there would be one death every three weeks. Instead, there are two black men dying every single week.
This has set off alarm bells within the Detroit Police Department, which has taken heavy criticism for its policing of the black community. Their most recent embarrassment was the shooting of seven-year old Aiyana Jones during a police raid. But the Chief of Police, Ralph Godbee Jr., is concerned about black men killing one another.

 

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Hip Hop's Crown Jewels to Be Auctioned

Over 50 pieces of jewelry worn by major stars will go on the auction block. 50 Cent, Biz Markie, MC Lyte, Kanye West and the late Notorious B.I.G and Tupac Shakur are expected to spark a bidding frenzy. Key items include Missy Elliot's diamond, black diamond and gold turntable ring, Biz Markie's black and white diamond headphones pendant, Sean "Diddy" Combs' princess and baguette cut diamond and platinum bracelet and Pharrell Williams' Gucci link necklace dipped in multicolored pave diamonds. Signature hallmarks like Slick Rick's multicolor diamond-set eye patch and Lil' Jon's diamond and yellow diamond "Crunk Ain't Dead" pendant will also be up for grabs. A portion of proceeds from the sale will benefit Russell Simmons' Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, the Hip Hop Summit Action Network and the Diamond Empowerment Fund.