Fact: Teaching is a field that has been historically dominated by white women. Fact: There is an achievement gap between black students and their white peers. Fact: There is a shortage of black teachers in all levels of education. There are many different theories in education regarding black students and academic achievement, but the jury is still out on why we don’t have more black teachers.

Escaping school. One reason that black teachers are lacking is that many black youth lose faith in the education system at an early age. Research shows that after third grade, many black males have a different attitude about school than they did upon entering kindergarten. By the time they reach high school, many black students view graduation as an escape from school. Curriculum is often biased and students do not have opportunities to see themselves in their textbooks and novels. Black students often have difficulty relating to white teachers who do not have the background to understand black culture and learning styles. There is a lopsided distribution of Special Education referrals and discipline issues with black students. It is no wonder that after being marginalized and alienated throughout their formative years, many black students graduate and never look back. When a student goes through school with feelings of alienation, it is a difficult sell to ask them to return in the capacity of a teacher. No one wants to serve an institution that they don’t believe in.

Show me the money. Another deterrent for black educators is the fact that teaching is one of the lowest paying fields in the professional arena. Over the last hundred years, black people have been attempting to establish an economic foothold and a place in the middle class. Unfortunately, teaching does not provide the means to live an upper-middle class existence. Hence the high percentage of black students enrolled in business, marketing, and other “high dollar” college majors. For a first or second generation college-bound student it simply does not make sense to choose a career that pays less than a job that requires a comparable four-year degree.

Can white teachers relate? It is not my intention to make the assertion that white teachers cannot teach black kids. However, a teacher of a different race faces unique challenges when attempting to engage black students. Many black students do not have faith that a teacher of a different race will ever understand their perspective, and they are turned off from the first interaction. There is a popular saying in education: “kids don’t care what you know, until they know that you care.” Although this saying is somewhat cliché, it is profound. It is imperative that teachers establish relationships that are genuine and that they are not afraid to address issues of culture and race head-on. Cultural differences often act as distracters in the teaching and learning process. In order to circumvent some of these issues it is important for white teachers to educate themselves on black culture. This can be done in the form of classes or independent research on black history, music, hair styles, television shows, and dialect. It is also important for teachers to understand that the community-building process is key. Black students tend to learn better when they feel that they are a member of team or a family. While white students tend to thrive on competition, black students are more likely to excel when they are challenged to succeed as a group.

Is there a solution? Programs have been implemented to address the educational crisis in the black community, such as London Schools and the Black Child. Curriculum writers are being challenged to include multi-cultural materials, and many universities have launched massive recruiting efforts to produce more black educators. Professional learning courses have been created to educate teachers on how to relate to and motivate black students. The educational community has recognized the crisis and is now trying to reduce feelings of alienation amongst students of color. Another reassuring trend is the growing number of college educated black families. The percentage of first generation black college-bound students is declining. As more black families achieve financial stability, the necessity for upward mobility is dropping. Although the outlook may seem bleak, there is hope.

Mariah, not known for her demure sense of dress, has been spotted looking unusually covered up on a recent holiday with hubby Nick Cannon, fuelling further speculation that she’s “with child”. This may seem like flimsy evidence, but couple this with the fact that she reluctantly took a sip of champagne offered to her on The Ellen De Generes Show and was recently spotted outside a gynaecologist’s office with what looked like a baby scan, and things starts to sound more believable. Mariah’s camp has of course denied the claims, but we all know that baby denial is de rigueur in La La Land. We probably won’t get official confirmation until she’s swollen at the ankles and 8½ months gone.

When it comes to health and prevention, men are light years behind women. Maybe it’s the tough-guy image that so many of us want to portray, or maybe we just don’t want people telling us what to do. But when it comes to prostate cancer, we have reached a fevered pitch in the health community. Why is it so hard to get me to wake up and take notice of a sweeping phenomenon? What is it about prostate cancer that keeps us from taking preventative measures to prevent the spread of the disease? The fact of the matter is that prostate cancer is now the number one form of cancer among men in the UK. Furthermore, black men are at a far greater risk than any other racial ethnic group. With all of the information available for men, most men simply wait for bad things to happen before taking action.

Prostate-Healthy Diet. Quite frankly, I am guilty of ignoring the call to action. I decided to do a little research to see what I can do on my own, and I found three simple diet adjustments to decrease my chances of prostate cancer. I am not by any means a physician or dietary expert, but the information I found is valid and timely.

Fish Oils. British researchers have concluded that fish oils, rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, can prevent prostate cancer spreading in bone marrow. If seafood is not your thing, you can purchase supplements from any health-food or vitamin shop.

Broccoli. It sounds too simple to be true, but broccoli is a natural colon-cleanser. Adding a portion of broccoli to your daily diet will go a long way towards making sure you remove impurities and blockages.

Spice. Research has shown that capsaicin, the hot part of pepper, sparks the death of prostate cancer cells. This dietary adjustment may not agree with everyone, but if you have a capacity for spicy foods, it does your body good to add a little spice to your diet.

What’s most impressive about these three simple adjustments is that they are all cost effective, and they don’t require a major lifestyle change. I urge you to try at least one, if not all three, over the next thirty days. You probably won’t feel a change, but rest assured your body will thank you in the long run.

It seems like the tough times just continue for Wesley Snipes. The film star is already facing a tax-evasion trial in which he’s accused of not paying taxes on the $38 million he earned between 1999 and 2004. To add to this he is now protesting the fact that the area where the trial is being held in Ocla, Florida, has a history of racist Klan-type activity. Worryingly when the jury was called there were no black jurors for the legal team to choose from. Snipes was understandably concerned and is now trying to get the trial location changed.

The recent death of Ike Turner gives truth to the adage “old habits die hard”. The Autopsy results concluded that Turner died from a cocaine overdose. The notorious rocker was also battling heart disease and emphysema, which contributed to his death. It was a very sad ending for the 76-year-old who was obviously unable to shake off his demons.

The results are in of a study looking at the differences between how black and white women develop breast cancer. The study, published in The British Journal of Cancer, found that black women are more likely to develop breast cancer two decades before white women: the average age of a black women is 46, while white patients averaged at 67. The cancer is also a lot more likely to be aggressive among black patients. Medical experts put this down to biological differences, and the aim is to use the data to change attitudes to diagnosis, screening and treatments for black females.

Watch out Generation X!  A new demographic is taking a foothold in the workforce.  Generation Y, comprised of workers ages 29 and under, is reaching epic proportions. In addition to their staggering numbers, Gen Yers bring with them a unique perspective towards working.

Gen Yers only want to work as long as it does not take away from their personal lives. They tend to shy away from leadership positions when the pay does not add up with the amount of work that the position requires.  They want to be able to pursue personal interests, have decent vacation time, and competitive salaries.  This is the generation that grew up with MTV, mobile phones, and the internet.  Instant gratification is a way of life for the twenty-something demographic.

Many executives describe Generation Y as demanding, unrealistic, and disloyal.  When work conditions are not satisfactory, they are more likely than Generation X or the Baby Boomers to seek new employment.  They bring limited work experience, but they expect to surpass entry level within a year’s time.  Generation Yers are confident in their education and want to be respected for their training and internship experience.  They are not impressed by titles, and they respect leaders who lead by example.

With all of the potential drawbacks that are associated with this demographic, it is important to highlight the upside.  The under thirty crowd is more likely to take risks and to push the envelope to make changes.  They are technologically savvy, and they work well in teams.  They are willing to collaborate with others to formulate creative solutions to increase the bottom line.  When faced with challenges they are able to think outside of the box.

Much to the dismay of their older, more experienced counterparts Generation Y is beginning to have their way.  Employers have come to realise the importance of having young, creative, energetic, well-educated people on staff.  In the end it’s all about the bottom line, and the new wave represents the most educated, technologically advanced segment of the workforce today.  Although they have been known to rub their employers the wrong way, they have also been known to make an immediate impact and to make profound changes for the better.

Driving Under The Influence charges seems to be the new ‘sex tape’. Vivica Fox joins a long list of entertainers whose fading celebrity is being given the kiss of life by a drink driving misdemeanour, almost guaranteed to bag you a spot in the gossip rags. The actress pleaded no contest and was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to enter a 90-day alcohol education programme.

If you are struggling to win the hearts and souls of American voters who you gonna call? Well in the case of presidential hopeful Barack Obama, there was only one possibility-the mega rich and mega influential Oprah! The TV mogul recently hosted a rally on behalf of the Democratic candidate, and in an open display of support, urged the 23,000 strong crowd to ‘see through’ the likes of rival Hilary Clinton. Despite a high profile campaign, the senator has encountered difficulties securing votes from many who feel he lacks political experience. But with an endorsement from the women who can make or break a career in a millisecond, this could signal a wave of change.

An internet celebrity website claims that rapper/actress Queen Latifah is set to marry her girlfriend, Jeanette Jenkins, a personal trainer who she’s been dating for four years. Although rumours surrounding Latifah’s sexuality have been abuzz since her extremely convincing portrayal of a gun-toting lesbian in 1996’s Set it Off. The rapper/actress has remained elusive when questioned about her sexual orientation. According to the report, the two women are planning to come out publicly about their engagement to the whole world. Latifah’s camp refuse to confirm or deny the reports, although industry insiders cite this as one of Hollywood ’s worst kept secrets.

An international debate ensued after a female judge in , failed to jail a group of nine men for gang raping a 10-year old Aboriginal girl. The men, who range from 17 to 26 in age, were given mere slaps on the wrists despite their heinous crime. Shockingly, the judge came to the bizarre conclusion that the girl, who was only seven at the time, ‘probably agreed to have sex’ with all of them. Huh? At such a young age how can anyone understand the concept of consensual sex?

In passing the suspended sentences Judge Bradley even admitted that sex with anyone under the age of 16 is illegal. Worryingly, there has been an increase in sexual crimes committed against Aboriginal girls in recent years, which is even more reason why this girl should have been protected. Her failure to hand out jail sentences illustrates that Aborigine people are still considered second-class citizens. If is really keen to show the world that they have ridded the country of racism, Judge Bradley should be removed from post immediately.

Da Brat faces charges of aggravated assault after allegedly cracking a bottle of rum over a clubber at Jermaine Dupri’sne nightclub studio 72. The rapper was said to be involved in a shoving match with Shayla Stevens, a cheer leader for the Atlanta Falcons, before striking out. Stevens apparently suffered head injuries and permanent disfigurement and has enlisted heavy weight lawyer Willie Gary to represent he. First Lil’ Kim, then Foxy, now Da Brat: we are tired of reporting on female rappers and assault charges.

It seems as if Naomi’s outburst about black models being sidelined in the industry has opened up a can of worms. A recent survey conducted by Mintel reveals that Black and Asian women are largely ignored by the lucrative beauty industry. It’s hardly news to us; after all, we’ve long since given up on the idea of being able to purchase our favourite beauty products from high-street retailers. But the report does shed some light on the statistics-namely that black and Asian women spend £65 million on make-up, skin and hair products, which is 2% of the lucrative £3.7 billion British beauty industry, whilst making up 7.9% of the population. The report warns mainstream beauty retailers of the perils of missing out on the ethnic pound and urges the industry to do something we’ve been trying to get them to do for ages: WAKE UP.

Marion Jones, who was undoubtedly the star of the Sydney Olympics in 2000, was reduced to a blubbering wreck when she finally confessed that she had taken illegal steroids during her 200/01 reign on the track, Jones, who won five medals in Sydney, made her emotional confession in front of a news crew. Although seeing such a figure of inspiration reduced to a shadow of her former self quite disconcerting, this is yet another embarrassing episode for US athletics, whose heritage of producing sprinting greats such as Jess Owens and Carl Lewis continues to be blighted by drug cheats. Jones will be sentenced in January and faces a possible six-month imprisonment for lying to federal investigators.

Bobby Brown has denied the severity of recent heart palpitations that led his lawyer to announce to a news crew that he had suffered a full-blown heart attack. According to 38-year old Bobby Brown, he was feeling fine and was given a clean bill of health by his doctor. But with recent pictures surfacing on the Internet showing him looking the worse for wear, not to mention his well-documented problems with drug abuse in the past, the evidence certainly doesn’t support his optimistic attitude.

Oprah is set to sell her cable-television channel Oxygen Media to NBC in a $925-million deal. Ms Winfrey is one of television’s highest-earning celebrities, having made $295 million in June 2007. The television-channel sale will add to Oprah’s billion-dollar empire. It’s always nice to see a black women excelling not just in front of the cameras, but in the boardroom too.