Brown Diamond Spotlight...

Mystery 9/11 rescuer surfaces after nearly 5 years. During the September 11th terrorist attacks, then 27 year old, Marine Sgt. Jason Thomas assisted in saving the lives of two police officers buried in the rubble at Ground Zero. And, guess what folks, no one asked him or called him. He heard about the attacks and ran to the rescue. And, then, he came back for two weeks to assist in the search and rescue effort. Afterward, he left the scene to try and put the situation behind him. He asked for no kudos or acclaim. He did it because he felt it was his duty to help. We need more men like him. No one expected him to be a man of color, but he was. Most people think we are incapable of such selflessness. Even the producer of the movie, World Trade Center, assumed and apologized for casting his part as a Caucasian man. We need more men like this. But, why couldn't this hero have been depicted as a person of color, Black, Hispanic, or otherwise? Why did it have to be a White man? I'm just wondering.
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In a disturbing turn of events, Patricia Todd, the woman who is on the road to becoming the first openly gay member of the Alabama legislature, will have her win challenged by her opponent, Gaynell Hendricks, who is Black. According to Hendricks' attorney said the case will center on claims that "Todd tried to keep voters from knowing about a $25,000 donation to her campaign from the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund." While the allegations are that she was trying to mislead voters, many people are saying that the true issue is if a White woman should representing a predominantly Black district, where Blacks couldn't even vote 2 generations ago. I personally feel like we all have been oppressed. Why should one oppressed group be prejudice or bias against another group, just because of the perception of having it slightly easier in life. We all have it hard for some reason or another. I only hope that if Todd ran a clean race, then she will be vindicated.
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In other news...

Christine Quinn, New York City's most visible gay official, has come under fire after she proposed last week that the city's more than 250 nightclubs be required to install security cameras at their entrances and exits. Many of her gay constituents are upset due to the fact that they feel this would be an invasion of privacy and pose a threat to those who are not out of the closet. While I don't particularly like the idea, I think it does have its pros and cons, including deterring criminals, because only stupid criminals put their faces on camera. I think she's damned if she does, and damned if she doesn't. And, what these gay leaders need to realize is that while she is gay, she represents more than just the gay residents and visitors of NYC.
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And,

In Los Angeles, the nation's first LGBT specialization within a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program. First being offered this fall, example courses include, "LGBT History and Mythology" and "Issues for Gender Variant Clients." "The program is devoted to bringing LGBT-affirmative theory and practice to students of psychology who want to strengthen their LGBT identities and in working towards social justice wish to help further gay and lesbian empowerment, dignity, self-esteem, and healing in their gay and lesbian clientele," Douglas Sadownick, the specialization's director, said.

I am really excited about this. It's about time. We have specialties for EVERY thing else. You can pursue a speciality in fecal matter, and they will have every possible course related to it. I hope many other educational institutions across the country follow suit.
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ANTM Season begins September 20th. Get the scoop at Crunk & Disorderly.

And, is it me or do the 2 chicks on the right in the second row from the top look like twins or sisters or something. Two times, two times, two times the ugly... But, I'll still be tuning in.

And, supposedly, Alicia Keys made her boyfriend Kerry wait 1 year before they had sex. Oohhh... Like I believe that. And, if it's true, it's only because she was still bumping fuzzies with her ex GIRLfriend. j/k. I still love you A. Keys, even if I do think you go both ways.
Get the story here.

Alicia also attended the national AIDS conference in Toronto a few days ago. Lovin' it. This is the side of Ms. Keys that I like to see. I could give to hoots about her "sex" life or lack there of.

And, a random pic of Michelle, looking like Ms. Celie... Sisstaahh, you been on my mind... j/k. She was singing with the kids after the Sky's last home game.

Spike Lee has a documentary about Hurrican Katrina called When the Levees Broke which will air on HBO in 2 parts on Aug. 21 & 22. Get the story here.

Rich has the recap on Project Runway. Get it here.

My pick for video of the day:

Corinne Bailey Rae~ Just like a Star

LIKE A STAR (by Corinne Bailey Rae)

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"Go big or go home people"~ Future