Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Calls for Don Imus’ Immediate Dismissal

For Immediate Release

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated

A Public Service Sorority Founded in 1913

1707 New Hampshire Avenue N.W. ▲ Washington, DC 20009 ▲ (202) 986-2400 ▲ Telefax (202) 986-2513

Sorority Calls for Don Imus’ Immediate Dismissal

Washington, D.C. - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a public service organization of more than 200,000 college-educated women, is calling for the immediate firing of Don Imus! We are outraged with the decision of MSNBC and CBS to simply suspend airing his radio show for two weeks following his racist depictions of African-American women. Delta’s National President Dr. Louise A. Rice said that the suspension is a mere slap on the wrist that only trivializes the harm done through his hateful, demeaning attack when on a recent radio show, Imus called members of the mostly black Rutgers University Women’s Basketball team, “nappy-headed ho’s.” Dr. Rice also stated that his abominable remarks degrades young African-American women college students, athletes, and all women who are working hard to make a positive contribution to American society.

“We believe that it is time for media corporations to draw the line as to what is unacceptable in a nation that calls on its young to go to fight in Iraq, pay taxes, vote and perform acts of responsible citizenship but at the same time, they are unprotected from predatory, divisive and inhumane degradation of their character on public airwaves,” said Dr. Rice. “It is incredible that anyone would use the public airways to display such utter disregard for the dignity of human beings such as the Rutgers student athletes whose commitment to scholarship and athletics is bringing honor to the university and our nation,” she continued.

Since its founding in 1913 when the members marched in Washington, D.C. for suffrage, Delta Sigma Theta has been in the forefront fighting for the dignity and just treatment of all humankind, particularly women. Delta considers the talk show host’s despicable remarks an intentional attempt to single out one group of Americans for public humiliation and ridicule. Imus’ apology does not go far enough to heal the wounds caused by this misrepresentation and name-calling aimed at young African-American women. If Imus does not face serious consequences, other like-minded individuals will continue this course of singling out African-American women for public ridicule.

Therefore the 200,000+ members of Delta Sigma Theta, operating out of 900 chapters located in the United States, Japan, Germany, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Korea, Jamaica, and St. Thomas and St Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands are calling for the stations that air Imus’ show and MSNBC that simulcasts it, to disassociate themselves from him and his polluting the airwaves with racial hatred. Fire Imus and send a strong message that hate speech will not be excused, tolerated, or protected. Don Imus must go!

Boycott by Carl Kenney

Alert: It's time for a boycott

Devine's Restaurant & Sports Bar

904 W Main St
Durham, NC 27701-2025
(919) 682-0228

It all took me by surprise. On Sunday, April 1, 2007, I sat at the bar at Devine's, a restaurant on Main Street in Durham, NC. I frequent the restaurant at least twice a week. It's within walking distance from my loft at West Village, and the chicken wings often satisfy my need for nourishment after a long day of writing, counseling, teaching or preaching. I sat at the bar with a group of friends. We were discussing the need for prayer when I took a peek at a group of T-Shirts hanging on the wall behind the bar. I almost exploded out of my seat.

The T-Shirts were for sale. They read, "Duke Lacrosse, WITCHHUNT. There is no evidence." Don't get me wrong, I believe everyone has a right to freedom of speech. If that's how the owners of the restaurant feel about the case I support them for fighting for the cause of the day. What disturbed me was their willingness to not only support that perspective but to take things a step further by giving customers access to T-Shirts to be sold to support that agenda.

The next day I went to the restaurant to share my concerns. I informed them I wouldn't come back and that I planned to boycott the place "Fine with us," I was told. "There's nothing wrong with freedom of speech." She went on to tell me the T-Shirt has been there all along. In other words, what's the big deal? Get over it. You silly little boy.

I refuse to give money to an establishment that openly sides with what I consider to be a quick dash to judgment. Do I believe those Dukies are guilty-No, but I don't believe they're innocent. I'll continue to affirm the need for all of this to play itself out within the criminal justice system. I refuse to stand by and allow anyone to deny the rights of any woman to have her day in the court. I refuse to accept the power plays of those with deep pockets when juxtaposed against the poor and powerless.

I have no problem with the myriad of supporters of these boys labeled as victims. I'm even willing to accept Coach K's contention that the university should have done more to support the poor little boys when the word first broke that they were being accused of raping a whore of a woman. I have no problem with allowing the true sentiments of power brokers to unfold before our eyes. Bring it on! Bring it on. There ain't nothing wrong with a little freedom of speech to make the city go round.

With that said, let me say there is always two sides to every scandal. Those who support the rights of women to speak their truth need to stand up and shout. No whispering folks. Holla like you're tired of the crap that is creeping in our midst. Tell the folk at Devine's that we, the people who refuse to condone language that makes men accused of crimes victims before the court has ruled and women criminals when they lack resources to counter the claims of power players, will speak a different truth. We will not buy your chicken wings and drink your beer when you sale T-Shirts to promote that agenda.

Stand with me on this one. Call the management. Boycott the place. Spread the word. Tell the truth folks. Movements begin when people like you stand against injustice. We have the right to speak our truth. Speak it with me.

Carl W. Kenney II

Boycott by Carl Kenney

The Urban Institute, NUD Service List

Tom Joyner wants this information to reach his listeners..

You have probably heard of "NUD" as a result of the Tom Joyner morning show related to
Comp USA. NUD (Non Urban Dictate) is the acronym for a very subtle and little-known marketing term specifically directed toward people of color. "Non Urban Dictate" These three words essentially mean that a company is not interested in the Black consumer. A NUD label means that a company does not want their marketing and advertising materials placed in media that claim an urban audience (black folks) as their main target.

There are legitimate reasons for companies not using urban radio. It may be that Blacks don't index high in certain categories or that a company's strategy is to market to the Black consumer down the road after they have established a strong position in their primary target.

But, NUD usually means that a company is not interested in the Black consumer. Companies evade discrimination liability by embracing it as theory rather than policy. As a service to Black consumers, the Urban Institute will list all companies that have a NUD policy. Armed with this information, we feel that Black consumers will be able to make informed buying decisions.

* Here's a list of Companies with NUD policies:*
1. Starbucks
2. Jos. A Bank
3. Comp USA
4. Weight Watchers
5. Keebler
6. Life Savers
7. Continental Airlines
8. Northwest Airlines
9. America West Airlines
10. HBO - Apollo Series
11. Paternal Importers
12. Calico Corners
13. OMScot
14. Pepperidge Farms
15. Ethan Allen
16. Busy Body Fitness
17. Mondavi Wines
18. Builders Square
19. Don Pablo
20. Lexus
21. Aruba Tourism
22. Ciba Vision
23. Kindercare
24. Grady Restaurant
25. Eddie Bauer
Please forward this information on to any other consumer that you
consider a
friend and advise them to do likewise

*Remember, you CANNOT act wisely unless you are informed wisely.*
The Urban Institute
2100 M Street, NW.
Washington, DC 20037