September 29, 2016 

Associated Press 

Bill Nunn, a veteran character actor whose credits ranged from the “Spider-Man” movie franchise to such Spike Lee films as “Do the Right Thing” and “He Got Game,” has died.

His wife, Donna, said Nunn died Saturday at his home in Pittsburgh. He was 63 and had been battling cancer.

A longtime Pittsburgh resident and graduate of Morehouse College, Lee's alma mater, Nunn broke through in movies in the late 1980s, first in Lee’s “School Daze,” then in the Oscar-nominated “Do the Right Thing,” as the ill-fated Radio Raheem, who dies when choked by police during a street brawl in Brooklyn.

“Radio Raheem is now resting in power,” Lee wrote on Instagram, also calling Nunn “My Dear Friend” and “My Dear Morehouse Brother.”

“Radio Raheem will always be fighting da powers dat be. May God watch over Bill Nunn.”

Nunn, who stood well over 6 feet tall, went on to appear in dozens of films and TV programs, including “New Jack City,” Sam Raimi's “Spider-Man” trilogy and “Sirens.”

Nunn was the son of a prominent Pittsburgh Steelers scout, also named Bill Nunn, and befriended future Steelers president Art Rooney II while both worked as ballboys for the NFL team. They would long savor a youthful prank, stealing the car of star defensive tackle "Mean" Joe Greene.

“Joe showed up in a beautiful, green Lincoln Continental,” Rooney explained last year. “Me and Bill Nunn were ballboys and somehow Bill got the keys one night and we decided to take it for a ride.

“We only told Joe that story about 10 years ago. We figured enough time had passed that we could disclose the little joyride.”

September 22, 2016 

By Danny J. Bakewell, Jr. 

Executive Editor 

Community and Civil Rights leaders were offended by disrespectful comments made by Emmy Host Jimmy Kimmel during this year’s Emmy Awards telecast. Kimmel referenced that famed attorney and community advocate Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. who died of a brain tumor in 2005, was in hell for defending O.J. Simpson during what has been dubbed the “Trial of the Century” where the football star was accused and later found not guilty of murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown-Simpson and Ronald Goldman.

Noted attorney Ricky Ivie of the Law Offices of Ivie, McNeill and Wyatt said that “comments like the ones made by Kimmel are offensive not only to Johnny but also to African American Lawyers all over the country.  Johnnie was a friend and one of the greatest legal minds in our profession.  To insinuate that he was in hell for providing Mr. Simpson with a superior defense which is his constitutional right is utterly ridiculous”.

After Courtney B. Vance won Best Actor in a Limited Series Kimmel said “I have to believe Johnnie Cochran is smiling UP at us tonight.”  Attorney Carl Douglas who worked with Cochran for years and was also a part of the noted OJ Simpson Defense “Dream Team” said “That was a terribly offensive joke that Jimmy Kimmel made about my mentor and hero Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr.”

Cochran was a deeply religious man.  He made no secret of the fact that he was a Christian and a lifelong member of 2nd Baptist Church in Los Angeles where Pastor William Epps served as the church’s senior pastor.

“What troubles me the most is that this was a scripted show and that Mr. Kimmel’s comments were not off the cuff but something written, I am certain vetted by producers, directors and several others including the comedian and late night host himself and no one noted that these comments were disrespectful and out of line,” said Danny J. Bakewell Sr., Los Angeles Brotherhood Crusade chairman and executive publisher of the Los Angeles Sentinel.

“For them to make a joke of one of our community’s most noted and respected leaders shows the simple disregard that the Emmys and Mr. Kimmel have for African Americans and the African American Com­munity.

This year, the Emmys were allegedly going to focus on diversity, presenting a stark contrast to the Academy Awards seven months earlier, which received national criticism for its all-white acting nominees.

Earlier in the evening,  Kimmel joked “The only thing we value more than diversity is congratulating ourselves on how much we value diversity,” before sarcastically urging audience members of color to thank their white colleagues for their “bravery.”

The show did highlight several winners of color — from Regina King for American Crime to Courtney B. Vance and Sterling K. Brown for The People vs. O.J. Simpson. The People vs. O.J. was one of the evening’s biggest winners.

Former Los Angeles Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke who is also an attorney was so offended by the comments that she penned an op-ed regarding the offensive statement.  In part the former Supervisor stated “Cochran liked to say he worked not only for the OJ’s but the No J’s”  Reverend Jesse Jackson referred to him as ‘The People’s Lawyer’. No Johnnie I think you look down on us not up.”

As of L.A. Watts Times press time the Emmys had not returned phone calls nor have they released a statement regarding Kimmel’s comments but several community leaders are calling for an apology by both Kimmel and The Emmys.

September 22, 2016

Aries  

March 21 – April 19 

You might need to make a decision concerning your work, goal, or career plan. If you're offered an opportunity, the present picture encourages you to look into the details. With Mercury moving backward and then forward this week, it's possible that someone could withdraw an offer. It might be helpful to wait until early next week to assess the situation. With the Sun joining Jupiter in Libra on Thursday, a little bit of charm can work wonders

Taurus 

May 21 - Jun 20 

Avoid growing too blinkered, especially if one issue engages your attention more than anything else. There's a chance that you're considering a proposition or planning a trip and are caught up in the details. If you wait until week's end, you may find the process much easier, as Mercury will be moving forward by then. Until then, take any offers or options with a grain of salt. And with Venus dancing into Scorpio, one relationship may become more passionate.

Gemini 

May 21 - Jun 20 

You may be wondering whether you should borrow money for a mortgage or remodeling project. While the overall forecast looks positive, it might be easier if you avoid discussing the matter this week. With key influences suggesting fluctuating situations and conditions, you would be better off researching your options first. If you're really eager, this is the ideal time to get all the facts. In addition, the weekend looks like it should be enjoyable and successful.

Cancer 

Jun 21 - Jul 22 

Conversations could be intense this week, but plans should not be rushed. As much as you want to get ahead with an idea or collaboration, forcing the pace might not work. In fact, the more flexible you can be the better. With the Sun joining Jupiter in your home and family sector this weekend, it's an opportunity to bring everyone together - and it should be a grand occasion for all. With Venus moving into Scorpio, creative opportunities could show up.

Leo 

Jul 23 - Aug 22 

A lovely Venus/Mars link hints at a positive interaction with a friend or perhaps a budding romance. You could find yourself drawn to someone simply because the person is interesting to talk to and has a lot of stories to share. If you're thinking about asking for a raise or dealing with issues linked to payment for a job, wait until next week. Look into the details, but see how the land lies. Another - better - offer could come along.

Virgo 

Aug 23 - Sep 22 

You may be seeking to stabilize a certain situation and get it under control to the best of your ability. However, as Mercury slows and then turns direct midweek, your plans could be subject to unexpected changes. That said, be prepared to look at various alternatives. The least appealing may even turn out to be the best deal. In addition, as the Sun joins Jupiter in your personal financial zone, a small windfall could come your way this weekend.

Libra 

Sep 23 - Oct 22 

A lovely lineup at the start of the week hints at a positive conversation or relationship that seems to be moving in an upbeat direction. And with the Sun entering your sign on Thursday, you'll feel very much more in your element and ready to embrace any plans and projects that have been on the back burner. Venus, your personal planet, dances into Scorpio and your money zone on Friday, which might encourage you to purchase a few small luxuries.

Scorpio 

Oct 23 - Nov 21 

Conversations could be very deep this week. If you're making plans, though, you'll need to be flexible, as a U-turn is possible. Meanwhile, Mercury pushes forward midweek, which suggests that any delays or misunderstandings you've had to deal with should begin to sort themselves out. The Sun enters a secluded sector of your chart, meaning you'll be in a phase in which you might appreciate more time to yourself. You could come up with some very creative ideas.

Sagittarius 

Nov 22 - Dec 21 

A lovely Venus/Mars link in your sign early on can be perfect for a special date or social event with a bit of a kick. A question concerning a creative goal or business matter could dominate your awareness, and it may mean that you miss out on opportunities elsewhere. Give it your attention, but know that there's a strong likelihood that whatever you decide could change by next week. Finally, a weekend event should be delightful.

Capricorn 

Dec 22 - Jan 19 

Perhaps you're mulling over the benefits of following a certain course of action. With Mercury slowing prior to pushing forward, you might find that any plans you do make are subject to changes or delays. If so, it could work in your favor. The Sun's move into Libra puts the focus firmly at the top of your chart, encouraging you to forge ahead with the goals and plans you've been researching. Look out for an opportunity over the weekend.

Aquarius 

Jan 20 - Feb 18 

A sterling link between Venus and Mars early on could be the reason you decide to team up with another to take a trip. Whatever your plans, collaborating could take you out of your comfort zone in an enjoyable way. In addition, the Sun's move into Libra on Thursday could encourage you to get moving on plans and opportunities that are challenging but fun. The weekend could see you mulling over one such offer that may be too good to pass up.

Pisces 

Feb 19 - Mar 20 

Watch out for projects that are time consuming and perhaps a waste of effort. Mercury's link with Pluto suggests that you and another may be engaged in an idea that requires a lot of thought and planning. With Mercury set to push forward midweek, an event could encourage you to change your mind completely. Flexibility will be required. Later, with the developing focus on your finance sector, the weekend could bring a small prize your way.