Former U.S. President Barack Obama and former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama with Oprah Winfrey. Photo Credit: Elite Daily

Power 105 The Breakfast Club’s DJ Envy Caught up with Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson on Scoop B Radio. Press Play Below To Listen.

Every weekday morning, listeners are treated to the commentary of Charlamagne, Angela Yee and DJ Envy on New York’s Power 105.1 FM’s The Breakfast Club.

Interviews with notables in pop culture like Puff Daddy, Jay-Z, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Kanye West is what makes the show, THE SHOW!

One of the most notable interviews on The Breakfast Club was when Brian “Birdman Williams appeared on the show and told everyone to ‘put some respek on his name.’

“This also proves how big the Breakfast Club is with pop culture,” Breakfast Club host, DJ Envy told me on Scoop B Radio.

“You have people on American Idol saying: are you finished are you done? You had sports analysts and regular TV anchors [saying] are you finished or are you done? That came from a Breakfast Club Interview. You had white kids, black kids, asian kids. You know? You name it, Spanish; watching that interview. People that might not know about the Breakfast Club watched that interview.”

The Breakfast Club’s Charlamagne, Angela Yee and DJ Envy. Photo Credit: Zimbio

The show is a major success, but there are a few interviews that are missing from the trio’s accomplishment depth chart. “I would definitely love to do Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey,” said DJ Envy.

Ah, yes, Harpo’s finest!

Winfrey has been featured in TIME Magazine‘s 100 most influential people, ten times and is the chairwoman and CEO of both Harpo Productions and The Oprah Winfrey Network.

If that isn’t impressive enough, Winfrey is co-author of five books and a philanthropist who started The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, a school designed to educate and develop the leadership skills of young women in South Africa.

DJ Envy says having Winfrey on The Breakfast Club Would be an honor.

“To see her struggle and where she came from and how she was able to create that huge, huge conglomerate and have it succeed I would definitely love to do that,” he said.

You know you are official tissue paper when Carlton Banks once did his infamous dance to the original theme song of Oprah’s show while Winfrey made a cameo on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

Like Winfrey, President Obama also has ties to Chicago.

Power 105.1 Breakfast Club’s DJ Envy and sports and entertainment journalist Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson. Photo Credit: Eric Salvary of Get Fit Radio TV

Creator of the Affordable Healthcare Act, Obama oversaw Al-Qaeda leader, Osama Bin Laden and former Iraq President Saddam Hussein being removed from power. Additionally, the Obama administration provided payment to wronged minority farmers, assisted South Sudan in declaring independence and the former president also passed the fair sentencing act. His journey inspires DJ Envy.  “I would love to see what was in his mind as a child that he [thought he] could be President,” he said.

“Because  I know when I was a kid, I never thought I could be President. It was never even an inkling in my mind. A black kid from Queens? President?! Come on! That’s something white men do.”

So what’s holding up progress to get them both up there, Envy? “Time,” he said.

“I think we will. I think we absolutely will. We had Hillary Clinton up in here. Who ever would have thought Hillary Clinton would be up in here?”  

DJ Envy also says that had Michael Jackson been living he’d easily make his wish list. Not only did DJ Envy talk Oprah and President Obama on Scoop B Radio, he also discussed, Carmelo Anthony, the state of the New York Knicks,  Odell Beckham Jr and the New York Giants and how DJ Clue inspired him.

Visit www. Scoopbradio.com to check it out.

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The post Scoop B: DJ Envy Adds Oprah Winfrey & Barack Obama To Breakfast Club Interview Wish List appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Former U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King and former U.S. President Barack Obama. Photo Courtesy of: USA Today

John B. King Jr. epitomizes the American dream. Brooklyn born and bred, King was an orphan by age 12. His mom died of a heart attack when King was 8 and his dad died from Alzheimer’s disease.

But his love for learning was what he found his comfort in learning. A product of the New York City public school system, King comoleted his undergraduate work at Harvard University. After Harvard, he completed his Masters of Education at Columbia before earning his JD at Yale.

John B. King Jr. is currently the president and CEO of The Education Trust, a nonprofit advocacy organization that promotes high academic achievement for all students.

Check out former U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. & Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson via Scoop B Radio

Before his current position, King was tapped as the secretary of education in 2016, under former U.S. President Barack Obama. During President Obama’s time in office, he founded the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance. Amid the huge disparity in opportunity for millions of boys and young men of color (in comparison with White males, as young girls of color face similar disparities), the My Brother’s Keeper initiative was created to assist leading businesses into taking steps to tailor their diversity and talent strategy of hiring male POC.

My Brother’s Keeper Alliance was activated in February 2014 following the death of Trayvon Martin. By 2020, the majority of Americans under the age of 18 will be persons of color. The My Brother’s Keeper Alliance helps boys and young men of color by supporting program interventions and targeting six key life milestones that include entering school ready to learn (Early Childhood), Reading at Grade Level by Third Grade (Middle Childhood), graduating from high school ready for college and career (Adolescence), completing post-secondary education or training (Adulthood Transition), successfully entering the Workforce (Adulthood) and reducing violence and providing a second chance (Throughout Life).

Check out Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson’s feature on President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance in EBONY

Having covered the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance since its inception and announcement at Lehman College in 2014, I got a bit curious in a recent interview with King. As an educated African American, I hold dear to my heart that the Every Student Succeeds Act replaced the No Child Left Behind Act. As an experienced educator, King broke down to me how that changes the outlook on students who were under the No Child Left Behind Act during the Bush Administration. “The good thing about the new law is that it gives states and districts a chance to broaden the definition of an excellent education so yes of course students need strong skills in English and math,” John B. King told me on Scoop B Radio.

“But there’s an opportunity to think about science, social studies and excellence in the arts social and emotional development a much broader vision. At the same time were going to make sure implementation of the law protects student’s civil rights and the focus on equity. You know we still have big achievement gaps for African American and Latino students, low income students and English learners. So we have a lot of work to do and we have to make sure that states use their new flexibility and service of equity and better outcomes for students who haven’t had the opportunity to shift.”

By 2020, the majority of Americans under the age of 18 will be persons of color.  The My Brother’s Keeper Alliance will help boys and young men of color by supporting program interventions and targeting six key life milestones that include entering school ready to learn (Early Childhood), Reading at Grade Level by Third Grade (Middle Childhood), graduating from high school ready for college and career (Adolescence), completing post-secondary education or training (Adulthood Transition), successfully entering the Workforce (Adulthood) and reducing violence and providing a second chance (Throughout Life).

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The post Scoop B: Former Obama U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. Making Mark As President & CEO of The Education Trust appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Black History Month is here and while the month is short and will be over before you know it, it’s a month where African-Americans of times past and present are honored for their sacrifices, achievements and accomplishments marked throughout history. It’s a time for us to reflect on that rich history and celebrate the lives of the ones lost and present whom paved the way for generations of other African Americans to walk in freedom and while this movement is still a “work in progress” for the most part, we’re proud that they stood fearlessly in the face of adversity to make sure we have some of the luxuries we have today such as the right to vote.

One way to honor and look back on African-American culture, history, activists and the actors that played them or played parts representing such troubling times is by way of a movie. I personally love watching movies, especially the ones that portray the African-American men and women whom did so much for us. So, if you just happen to have a down day this month and want to celebrate the occasion, listed below are 10 Classic movies portrayed by African-Americans that you should watch in honor of Black History Month. In no particular order they are:

‘Purple Rain’

What better way to celebrate black history and the life of music legend Prince. The musical drama features some of Prince’s most iconic songs and killer outfits.

‘Malcolm X’

‘Malcolm X’ is was Spike Lee classic, portrayed by Denzel Washington. The movie chronicled the life of the civil rights hero.

“‘Selma’

Ava DuVernay made history with ‘Selma’ in 2014, becoming the first black woman to have her film nominated for “Best Picture” at the Oscars. ‘Selma’ is a portrait piece of Dr. Martin Luther King as he led the march from Selma to Montgomery for voting rights.

‘Glory’

Free black men were conscripted to fight in the Union Army during the Civil War, but as this 1989 period drama shows, not even their willingness to sacrifice their lives for their country was enough to shield them from racism and segregation. Denzel Washington stars in the role that would nab him his first Oscar.

‘Barry’

‘Barry’ is one of two drama films (of what will surely be many) that take a glimpse at the life of a younger former President Barack Obama, the man who would one day become the first black president of the United States.

‘The Princess & the Frog’

In 2009, Disney made history by featuring its first ever African-American princess. Anika Noni-Rose portrayed princess Tiana in this film.

‘The Color Purple’

Okay, so there’s really nothing to say about this one but – CLASSIC!!!

‘The Wiz’

‘The Wiz’ in which stars Diana Ross and a very young Michael Jackson is the black version of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ story.

‘Carmen Jones’

Dorothy Dandridge became the first black woman to be nominated for a Best Actress award at the 1954 Oscars for her role in this epic musical, based on Bizet’s tragic opera ‘Carmen.’

‘A Raisin in the Sun’

Starring Ruby Dee and Sidney Poitier, this 1961 adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry‘s play is a film about an African-American family search for the American Dream and what happens when that dream is derailed.

These movies are sure to give you a dose of the richness of the African-American culture and a sense of why we should celebrate this month each year. We’re not just celebrating the culture but we’re acknowledging the people whom broke barriers in every arena which makes us glad to be a part of such an amazing history. You can find other classics listed here. Did your favorite make the list? If not what, African American movies are your favorite classics? Sound off in the comments.

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With President Obama days away from finishing his two-term presidency, in comes President-elect Donald Trump.

Rapper, T.I. has been pretty vocal. The King of the South penned open letters to both Trump and Obama.

In his letter to Trump, T.I. said:

“Should it ever at times seem as though we are against you, I assure you it’s a result of you defining yourself as the representative for those who are and who always have been against us,” he wrote.“The deck has always been stacked against us in this country. With every generation, there have been strategic steps taken to oppress, imprison and control US. All we’ve ever wanted was equality and empathy as the historically disenfranchised citizens that we are, in a nation that we’ve contributed to just as much as anyone else who calls America their home.”

Additionally, T.I. created video messages via Instagram expressing his displeasure and giving insight to the entertainment industry as to why they should not be taking meetings with President-elect Trump.

In the videos,  the Grammy award winning emcee breaks down why Kanye West and Steve Harvey‘s meetings with Trump are detrimental to the black community as a whole and why he feels they were chosen.

“Trump knew that young people were against him, so who does he get to appeal to them-Kanye West. Why? Not because they buy his shoes or listen to his music, but to sway the young people who are against Trump that he’s ‘not that bad’.”

T.I. also expressed his displeasure with both Steve Harvey and Rev. Martin Luther King III for their meeting with Trump, saying:

“Steve Harvey you should know better and Rev. King he called you in on your daddy’s birthday, you should know better than that. Willie Lynch, read on it.”

Vincent Peters, a technology exec and community organizer who also served as a deputy field organizer for President Obama in 2008 was a bit alarmed. “I cannot help but be confused and a bit disappointed,” Peters told RESPECT-MAG by phone. “In a letter where Mr. Harris speaks of, “creating a healthy dialogue that may hopefully unite US, addressing issues that have not be addressed, and asking the President Elect who are you and who do you want to be?”  I ask myself what better way is there to create a healthy dialogue, address issues that haven’t been addressed, or understand who a person is outside of meeting that person face to face?”

What Peters finds more alarming is that he believes T.I. and others are using rhetoric similar to late civil rights leader Malcolm X as truth.

In his “The Ballot or The Bullet” speech delivered on April 4, 1964, Malcolm X challenged Black leaders saying:

 

“That same white man knowing that your eyes are wide open will send another negro into the community telling you to support him so he could use them to lead us astray…The first thing the [White racist] does when he comes to power, he takes all the Negro leaders and invites them for coffee, to show that he’s alright. And these Uncle Toms can’t pass up the coffee. They come away from the coffee table telling you and me that this man is alright.”

Malcolm X’s speech is said to have subliminally referenced leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his protege John Lewis who were friendly with politicians and were said to have a cup of coffee or two with President Lyndon B. Johnson at the White House. 

“To put things into proper perspective if 2017 was the 1960s Mr. Harris would be the person telling Dr. Martin Luther King and John Lewis not to meet with Lyndon B. Johnson,” said Peters.

“If Dr. King and Congressman Lewis would have listened to those who shared the same or similar sentiment as Mr. Harris, some of the most substantial legislation for civil rights and the advancement of African Americans in the US would have never been proposed or passed.”

Lewis, now a Congressman, in Georgia’s 5th congressional district since 1987, made headlines on Friday for questioning the legitimacy of Donald Trump’s standing as the United States’ incoming president. Trump questioned Lewis’ action in his community. “I understand Mr. Harris perspective comes from a world of art and music where in one song you can have contradicting lyrics themes and ideas,” said Peters.

“As long as the beat is the new wave and the hook is nice no one will ask any questions or try to make sense of the song.  In providing a framework in which others should move forward with Mr. Harris is in a very different arena where what you say and do have to actually make sense.”

So where do we go from here?

Well, Peters suggests defining an agenda for people of color to have been met over the first 500 days of Trump’s Presidency. “Putting together a defined agenda with our associated goals is the first step we should take before we accept any more invitations for coffee,” he said.

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DENVER, CO – MARCH 17: NBA Legend Dikembe Mutombo Smiles for the camera during half-time where the Los Angeles Clippers took on the Denver Nuggets on March 17, 2014 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Yesterday we celebrated the legacy of achievments of one of America’s greatest civil rights leaders in the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. One of his greatest mantras was: ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ 

An NBA legend who embodied that is Dikembe Mutombo. Mutombo is one of the NBA’s All-Time leaders in blocks and has been heralded for his humanitarian work in his native Africa.

In 1997, Mutombo, a retired 19-year NBA veteran started the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation to improve living conditions in his hometown of Congo. That earned him the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship award in 2001 and 2009.

He enjoys doing what he does and realizes that as a public figure, the higher that he’s gone up on the ladder, it is his surely his responsibility to send it back down. “You have to think about the future of our society,” Mutombo told me in a recent interview. “What are we leaving for the future of our grandchildren?”

What’s interesting is that he’s always been that way.

Need proof?

The former Denver Nugget, Atlanta Hawk, Philadelphia 76er, New Jersey Net, New York Knick and Houston Rockets big man once sat down with me during the 1997-98 season and schooled me on what he planned to do, what he was doing, the importance of achieving inside the classroom and what it was like playing for Georgetown University under ormer coach John Thompson.  It was chronicled on a recent episode of Scoop B Radio.

Check out the 2015 Hall of Fame member Dikembe Mutombo and Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson  

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The post Scoop B: Like Martin Luther King, Jr., Dikembe Mutombo Focuses On Helping Others appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

In his last act as President, Mr. Obama surprised Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. on Thursday by bestowing the Presidential Medal of Freedom on him, calling Biden “my brother” in a tearful goodbye in the East Room of the White House. Filled with friends, family and colleagues of Biden’s, Obama awarded the medal with distinction for the first time – a designation most recently given to President Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul II and Gen. Colin Powell.

During the televised ceremony President Obama had some very kind words for his colleague of 8 years. “To know Joe Biden is to know love without pretense, service without self-regard, and to live life fully.” He then went on to say, “My family is so proud to call ourselves honorary Biden’s.”

Mr. Biden broke down and turned his back to compose himself only to openly cry when President Obama bestowed the medal around his neck. He then spoke about Obama. “You have more than kept your commitment to me by saying you wanted me to help govern…. I can say I was part of a journey of a remarkable man who did remarkable things for this country. This honor is not only well beyond what I deserve, but it’s a reflection of the generosity of your spirit,” Biden told Obama. “I don’t deserve this. But I know it came from the president’s heart.”

Biden then added that he hoped the history books would record that he was an asterisk in Mr. Obama’s historic presidency. Both Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden will be missed.

Although they have left the White House, the bromance between these two is still alive and well and so are the memes honoring their relationship. Check out the gallery below:

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President Barack Obama made an appearance at ESPN’s The Undefeated: A Conversation with The President last night. Taking place at North Carolina Agricultural And Technical State University, Stan Verret hosted the conference and he interviewed the president. Later, citizens were able to ask Obama questions regarding change in America. With the current political issues occurring in America, students were anticipating opinions from our current president.

The beginning of the interview began by introducing the topic of “being undefeated.” While the crowd remembers Obama’s two term run, he reflects on his high school days when he played back up point guard and won a state championship. In his mind, being undefeated is a mindset one must have to finding strength. He stated”We all have been defeated, regardless of race, faith, gender…Through perseverance, we must learn from defeats and thereby render them temporarily to figure out the strength to achieve your goals.”

He references the knockdowns that the great Michael Jordan took against the Detroit Pistons. Even though he constantly lost, because of Jordan’s work ethic and dedication, he was eventually able to make it out of the Eastern Conference and win several championships.  

Afterwords, students were able to ask Barack Obama questions about current issues in America. To paraphrase, Obama said that we should all help one another. Not only are the political statements made through protests, but also mentoring one another. He stated, “Some might protest, others might mentor. The ability to mentor some 8-year-old or 10-year old who lives right around here. Maybe doesn’t have a dad.  Maybe doesn’t have a lot. You paying attention to him and you’re a star guard on your team, you taking him to a ball game and asking him how he is doing in school. That is revolutionary.”

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