The Constitution Be Damned

The Republican front-runner in the presidential race, buffoonish Donald Trump, has unveiled his immigration plan that, among other draconian measures, denies citizenship to children born of illegal aliens. Such a proposal contravenes the 14th amendment of the Constitution which, in its pertinent part, provides: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside."

Parker-Gray High School

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Parker-Gray Fiftieth Reunion in Alexandria, Virginia. The event not only commemorated the class of 1965,  the last graduating class before the school closed, but it also celebrated previous graduating classes and, as one of the event organizers observed, anybody who had anything to do with the school. Reunions often have a bittersweetness about them: an opportunity to renew all acquaintances but also a reminder of loss. This is especially true in the case of my high school alma mater because with racial integration under full sway the school became a casualty. It is ironic that African American educational institutions forced to operate in society hostile to its very existence in the throes in racial segregation would become extinct under the emergence of racial integration.

Ornette Coleman 1930-2015

Ornette Coleman, the legendary alto saxophonist and composer whose innovations changed the course of music, died last Thursday.

Earl Lloyd 1928-2015

Earl Lloyd, the first African American to play in the National Basketball Association, has died. Most obituaries fail to mention that Lloyd was a 1946 graduate of Parker-Gray High School in Alexandria, Virginia.

The Big Apologist

It was only a matter of time before a black person would assume the dubious distinction of functioning as an apologist for Paula Deen's penchant for the n-word and fondness for bygone days in which black men dutifully dressed up in crisp white jackets and bow ties and served white folks. Aaron McCargo, Jr., the self-described Big Daddy on the Food Network, has come to Deen's aid:

Hey everyone. I wanted to say a few words about Paula Deen. Paula has always been very helpful and supportive throughout my career, and as her friend I'm saddened to see that she is going through a tough time right now.We are all human and we should never be quick to judge anyone. As my fans, I'm asking that you give her the benefit of the doubt as she goes through this difficult patch. Paula is in my thoughts and prayers. Much love – AMJ.

The Ridiculous

Of all the things to call a newborn child, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian have opted, as is often the wont for celebrity couples, for ridiculousness : North West.

Charles Ramsey

Kudos to Charles Ramsey for turning down offers of free food after stepping forward to assist Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, and Michelle Knight in escaping years of captivity.