Kids In Trouble's Celebrity Fashion Show
James Brown (CBS/NFL) Melvin Lindsey (WHUR Radio) and Jim Vance (NBC-TV)
OPEN LETTER: BROTHER, BROTHER WHAT'S GOING ON?
May 5, 2006
Dear JB,
It was great to see you and your brother Terrence at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Washington Nationals. It was my first time meeting Terrence. When he said you had been looking for me because you were thinking about starting your own production company. I could not believe my ears.
First, let me say congratulations to you on being name a minority partner for the Washington Nationals and your move to CBS television. I found it rather amusing the way many of the so-called shakers and movers shown up to the ground breaking ceremonies with "Hat in hand." I read your comments in the local newspapers and heard your sound bite on television in response to former Mayor Marion Barry calling you and others “Token Negroes.” Your response, 'The Race Card is no longer fashionable.' My brother you need to get your head out of the sand, racism is flourishing in America. Racism is now disguised as rich vs. poor. The old saying 'Its best to be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt' applies here.
JB, it was exactly five years ago February 2001 (NBA All-Star Game Weekend) I suggested to you at Union Station that you start your own production company. We were there to discuss your co-hosting a salute during NBA All Star weekend to NBA pioneer Earl Lloyd. In attendance was NBA Hall of Fame player Sam Jones, sports talk show host Butch McAdams, Andrew Dyer (Roundball Report TV Cable 76), and Christy Winters-Scott (Comcast Sports basketball analyst). Butch, Andrew and Christy were all up and coming media stars. With the right direction and input, the James Brown Production Company could have been used to open doors for them and other interested minorities. You were a no-show at the reception and never bothered to call.
It was great to see you and your brother Terrence at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Washington Nationals. It was my first time meeting Terrence. When he said you had been looking for me because you were thinking about starting your own production company. I could not believe my ears.
First, let me say congratulations to you on being name a minority partner for the Washington Nationals and your move to CBS television. I found it rather amusing the way many of the so-called shakers and movers shown up to the ground breaking ceremonies with "Hat in hand." I read your comments in the local newspapers and heard your sound bite on television in response to former Mayor Marion Barry calling you and others “Token Negroes.” Your response, 'The Race Card is no longer fashionable.' My brother you need to get your head out of the sand, racism is flourishing in America. Racism is now disguised as rich vs. poor. The old saying 'Its best to be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt' applies here.
JB, it was exactly five years ago February 2001 (NBA All-Star Game Weekend) I suggested to you at Union Station that you start your own production company. We were there to discuss your co-hosting a salute during NBA All Star weekend to NBA pioneer Earl Lloyd. In attendance was NBA Hall of Fame player Sam Jones, sports talk show host Butch McAdams, Andrew Dyer (Roundball Report TV Cable 76), and Christy Winters-Scott (Comcast Sports basketball analyst). Butch, Andrew and Christy were all up and coming media stars. With the right direction and input, the James Brown Production Company could have been used to open doors for them and other interested minorities. You were a no-show at the reception and never bothered to call.
I should not have been surprised by your absent. You gave it all away when you asked me “Harold did you check with Abe Polin?” I had to double check to see if Abe Pollin had suddenly become my father. When we will ever get away from this plantation mentality?
JB, we live in the same town and you could not find me for 5 years? This was not the first time you didn't keep your word. I am always trying to give a brother the benefit of the doubt because my word has always been my bond. I guess I am too "Old school."
When I received a “Presidential Appointment” from Richard M. Nixon in 1969 the same similar Player Hating colorful observations (token nigger, Uncle Tom) were made about me, all behind my back. Marion Barry remarks were no different. I try to make sure very thing I say about someone is on The Record and are made objectively. I live by “A lie will change a thousand times, the truth never changes.” W. E DuBois said in his book, The Souls of Black Folks “Not much has changed in America in 100 years.” DuBois’s book was assessing Negro life at the beginning of the 20th century. JB, that is a sad commentary as it relates to those of us who are black and think we have made it.
JB, you were once quoted in a local newspaper saying "Harold Bell has always been a voice for people who had no voice. He has always called them as he saw them. He has been an inspiration and motivation to me and other black broadcasters." It looks like you have forgotten. Especially, if you think that you are a partner in the Washington Nationals organization. If you are a partner I like to see you save Frank Robinson’s job. I don't understand black men taking these token positions in Corporate America and knowing dam well they are not going to be taking part in the decision making process.
My brother, you need to keep it real, you are not a partner in the Washington National’s organization. You are a “Token Negro” who the Lerner family turned to after DC Mayor Anthony Williams reminded Major League Baseball that the Lerners as potential owners were without minority involvement.
I know your community and sports history and they ain't nothing to stand-up and shout about.
I am in the process of making some very important and overdue career moves this month as it relates to “Legends of Inside Sports.” If you and Terrence are serious about getting together with me and working on the projects you mentioned at the ground- breaking ceremony we need to talk ASAP. I thank God the World Wide Internet has no boundaries. I don’t need sponsors or anyone’s permission to set up shop.
I am including two DVDs and an audio CD as it relates to my project. This project has been six years in the making. The format also includes thirty years of radio interviews. Do you remember the great Brooklyn Dodger pitcher Joe Black? My radio format is copied after his radio show “By the Way” that aired in the 60s & 70s and was sponsored by “The Greyhound Corporation.”
JB, we live in the same town and you could not find me for 5 years? This was not the first time you didn't keep your word. I am always trying to give a brother the benefit of the doubt because my word has always been my bond. I guess I am too "Old school."
When I received a “Presidential Appointment” from Richard M. Nixon in 1969 the same similar Player Hating colorful observations (token nigger, Uncle Tom) were made about me, all behind my back. Marion Barry remarks were no different. I try to make sure very thing I say about someone is on The Record and are made objectively. I live by “A lie will change a thousand times, the truth never changes.” W. E DuBois said in his book, The Souls of Black Folks “Not much has changed in America in 100 years.” DuBois’s book was assessing Negro life at the beginning of the 20th century. JB, that is a sad commentary as it relates to those of us who are black and think we have made it.
JB, you were once quoted in a local newspaper saying "Harold Bell has always been a voice for people who had no voice. He has always called them as he saw them. He has been an inspiration and motivation to me and other black broadcasters." It looks like you have forgotten. Especially, if you think that you are a partner in the Washington Nationals organization. If you are a partner I like to see you save Frank Robinson’s job. I don't understand black men taking these token positions in Corporate America and knowing dam well they are not going to be taking part in the decision making process.
My brother, you need to keep it real, you are not a partner in the Washington National’s organization. You are a “Token Negro” who the Lerner family turned to after DC Mayor Anthony Williams reminded Major League Baseball that the Lerners as potential owners were without minority involvement.
I know your community and sports history and they ain't nothing to stand-up and shout about.
I am in the process of making some very important and overdue career moves this month as it relates to “Legends of Inside Sports.” If you and Terrence are serious about getting together with me and working on the projects you mentioned at the ground- breaking ceremony we need to talk ASAP. I thank God the World Wide Internet has no boundaries. I don’t need sponsors or anyone’s permission to set up shop.
I am including two DVDs and an audio CD as it relates to my project. This project has been six years in the making. The format also includes thirty years of radio interviews. Do you remember the great Brooklyn Dodger pitcher Joe Black? My radio format is copied after his radio show “By the Way” that aired in the 60s & 70s and was sponsored by “The Greyhound Corporation.”
In closing, I understand how busy you are, especially now that you are a so-called minority partner. The old and new friends will be coming out of the woodwork. I saw several in the crowd on Thursday. This package is for your “Eyes and ears” only. Please return materials to me once you finish checking them out.
Please keep me and Hattie in prayer as we will you. I am looking forward to your response.
Please keep me and Hattie in prayer as we will you. I am looking forward to your response.
As Always,
Harold Bell
Published in USA Today Friday June 6, 2008
NFL PLAYERS WILL GET A LITTLE TV EXPOSURE!
Michael Hiestand
Even NFL players still have the right to dream big.
Like the 20 current or former NFL players who'll gather this month for two-a-days at NFL Broadcast Boot Camp. They risk coming face-to-face with whether they have what it takes to, say, stay focuson their Tele-Prompters if TV pancake makeup gets in their eyes.
The four-day workout at NFL FILMS in Mount Laurel, N. J., won't necessarily be quixotic: The league said a dozen players at its inaugural boot camp last year-including former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Steve Walsh and free agent QB Tim Hasselbeck-moved on to do on-air work.
Facing simulated TV production meetings and diagrams of control room operations, this year's rookies-including Derrick Mason (Baltimore Ravens), Brian Moorman (Buffalo Bills) and Darren Sharper (Minnesota Vikings)-will be helped by TV veterans such as CBS' James Brown and NFL Network's Rich Eisen.
And rooks, don't forget: Never look ahead to the next segment-take one sound bite at a time.
P. S. James with your own production company you could have easily cornered the market in preparing pro athletes and other minorities for potential careers in broadcasting.
Published in USA Today Friday June 6, 2008
NFL PLAYERS WILL GET A LITTLE TV EXPOSURE!
Michael Hiestand
Even NFL players still have the right to dream big.
Like the 20 current or former NFL players who'll gather this month for two-a-days at NFL Broadcast Boot Camp. They risk coming face-to-face with whether they have what it takes to, say, stay focuson their Tele-Prompters if TV pancake makeup gets in their eyes.
The four-day workout at NFL FILMS in Mount Laurel, N. J., won't necessarily be quixotic: The league said a dozen players at its inaugural boot camp last year-including former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Steve Walsh and free agent QB Tim Hasselbeck-moved on to do on-air work.
Facing simulated TV production meetings and diagrams of control room operations, this year's rookies-including Derrick Mason (Baltimore Ravens), Brian Moorman (Buffalo Bills) and Darren Sharper (Minnesota Vikings)-will be helped by TV veterans such as CBS' James Brown and NFL Network's Rich Eisen.
And rooks, don't forget: Never look ahead to the next segment-take one sound bite at a time.
P. S. James with your own production company you could have easily cornered the market in preparing pro athletes and other minorities for potential careers in broadcasting.
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