Friday, March 27, 2009

Bsi 1,974.7 +9.67 +.49%

Maybe it's the economy.  Perhaps its the collapse of opportunity in the banking and financial industries.  But whatever the reason the Index is boosted by news that 25% of African-American seniors at Harvard applied to Teach For America, the non-profit that trains teachers and then places them in urban schools.

Perhaps something positive could come out of this whole economic downturn.

WINNERS

The Black Pack (DCBP) 3.31 +3.31 NA

At least that's how ten young black Washington insiders have been dubbed by theroot.com.  While we're hesitant to fall back into the whole talented tenth debate -- we're certain the exposure will only help the careers of those named.

LOSERS

The Black Community and The Cops  (AACC) 2.73 -1.02 -27.2%

Ridiculousness on both ends of the spectrum.  From Oakland "protesters" supporting a cop killer to Dallas police harassing NFL player Ryan Moats as he attempts to visit his dying mother in law. 

The trust just isn't there.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Bsi 1,965.03 -9.4 -.48%

The Index falls in response to the loss of noted African-American history scholar John Hope Franklin.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Bsi 1,974.43 -16.53 -.83%

Oh, NAACP, why do you do this to us?  Just over a week ago we applauded your efforts to bring to light predatory bank lending practices -- a serious issues critically affecting black Americans.  But now, here they are demanding that advertising agencies hire more minorities.  The timing couldn't be worse as ad companies are having a hard time holding on to the employees they have, let alone hire new ones. 

In addition, the request goes right to the heart of our issue with the NAACP and their annual reports on diversity in media.  Diversity at its best is an amorphous goal.  Strong arm tactics lead more to a climate of knee-jerk reactions and a culture of quotas than anything else. 

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Bsi 1,990.96 +2.15 +.11%

A slow news day leads to negligible gains.

BUY

Son House

Sheer poetry...

SELL

The Wealth Gap

It seems the past four years have seen African-American families fall further back behind white families when it comes to wealth.  A recent study shows that for every dollar of wealth the average white family has, the average black family has a dime.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Bsi 1,988.81 +6.42 +.32%

While there have certainly been ups and downs in President Obama's first days in office, the ratings spike "The Tonight Show" and "60 Minutes" got from his appearances show that he still has star power.