Bring That Week Back: Week of Oct. 4, 2009

Check out the week's biggest stories in Black America in pictures!

Atlanta 'Housewives' Fiancé Dies - Some serious drama for a cast member from "The Real Housewives of Atlanta." The former fiancé of Kandi Burruss is dead. A.J. Jewell died Friday after a fight outside an Atlanta strip club. A suspect has been charged in his death. Jewell died from massive head injuries suffered in a fight in the parking lot of the Body Tap Club. Police say Jewell worked at the strip club, but say they aren't sure what started the fight.

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Atlanta 'Housewives' Fiancé Dies - Some serious drama for a cast member from "The Real Housewives of Atlanta." The former fiancé of Kandi Burruss is dead. A.J. Jewell died Friday after a fight outside an Atlanta strip club. A suspect has been charged in his death. Jewell died from massive head injuries suffered in a fight in the parking lot of the Body Tap Club. Police say Jewell worked at the strip club, but say they aren't sure what started the fight.

Beaten to Death - Hundreds of mourners crowded a church on Chicago's South Side this week to remember 16-year-old Derrion Albert, who was beaten to death on his way home from school. Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan said he was "deeply pained" by the honor roll student's death. The boy was walking to a bus stop after school when a group of teens attacked him during a street fight.

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Beaten to Death - Hundreds of mourners crowded a church on Chicago's South Side this week to remember 16-year-old Derrion Albert, who was beaten to death on his way home from school. Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan said he was "deeply pained" by the honor roll student's death. The boy was walking to a bus stop after school when a group of teens attacked him during a street fight.

Famous D.C. Restaurateur Dies - Ben Ali, the founder of Ben's Chili Bowl diner, the oldest African-American owned business and a D.C. landmark, died. He was 82. Ali died of congestive heart failure Wednesday night at his home, his daughter-in-law Sonya Ali said Thursday. The restaurant gained national attention when President Obama stopped for a chili dog after moving to Washington.

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Famous D.C. Restaurateur Dies - Ben Ali, the founder of Ben's Chili Bowl diner, the oldest African-American owned business and a D.C. landmark, died. He was 82. Ali died of congestive heart failure Wednesday night at his home, his daughter-in-law Sonya Ali said Thursday. The restaurant gained national attention when President Obama stopped for a chili dog after moving to Washington.

Busted In New York - Method Man may be looking at some serious prison time — for failing to pay his taxes. Authorities say the rapper failed to pay nearly $33,000 in taxes between 2004 and 2007. The charges are for repeated failure to file a return and failure to pay taxes. Method Man turned himself into authorities Monday. He could get up to four years in prison.

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Busted In New York - Method Man may be looking at some serious prison time — for failing to pay his taxes. Authorities say the rapper failed to pay nearly $33,000 in taxes between 2004 and 2007. The charges are for repeated failure to file a return and failure to pay taxes. Method Man turned himself into authorities Monday. He could get up to four years in prison.

Freed, Facing Deportation - Rapper Jamal "Shyne" Barrow was released from prison Tuesday after serving 10 years for a club shooting, but he was quickly taken into custody by immigration officials who may deport him to his native Belize because of his felony rap sheet. While in prison, Shyne changed his name to Moses Leviy in recognition of his Jewish mother. His father is now the prime minister of Belize.

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Freed, Facing Deportation - Rapper Jamal "Shyne" Barrow was released from prison Tuesday after serving 10 years for a club shooting, but he was quickly taken into custody by immigration officials who may deport him to his native Belize because of his felony rap sheet. While in prison, Shyne changed his name to Moses Leviy in recognition of his Jewish mother. His father is now the prime minister of Belize.

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Hurt In Accident - She wasn't hurt badly. But Nicole Richie was a bit shaken up by a traffic accident in Beverly Hills, California. Police say the reality TV star was driving her Land Rover on Wilshire Boulevard this week when she was rear-ended by a photographer who was driving without a license. While she complained of pain, Richie said she'd seek her own treatment and no ambulance was called. The photographer was arrested on suspicion of driving without a license.

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Hurt In Accident - She wasn't hurt badly. But Nicole Richie was a bit shaken up by a traffic accident in Beverly Hills, California. Police say the reality TV star was driving her Land Rover on Wilshire Boulevard this week when she was rear-ended by a photographer who was driving without a license. While she complained of pain, Richie said she'd seek her own treatment and no ambulance was called. The photographer was arrested on suspicion of driving without a license.

Suicide Bombing Attack - A suicide bombing in the center of the Afghan capital killed at least a dozen people and wounded more than 80 others. The Taliban is claiming responsibility for the attack and says the target was the Indian Embassy.

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Suicide Bombing Attack - A suicide bombing in the center of the Afghan capital killed at least a dozen people and wounded more than 80 others. The Taliban is claiming responsibility for the attack and says the target was the Indian Embassy.

More Legal Trouble - More legal trouble for the doctor who was treating Michael Jackson at his home the day he died. Dr. Conrad Murray could end up under arrest and could lose his medical license because he has fallen behind on his child support payments. He owes $13,000 in unpaid support to a California woman.

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More Legal Trouble - More legal trouble for the doctor who was treating Michael Jackson at his home the day he died. Dr. Conrad Murray could end up under arrest and could lose his medical license because he has fallen behind on his child support payments. He owes $13,000 in unpaid support to a California woman.

Tribute Book Approved - Michael Jackson's estate has signed off on another book deal related to the pop star. "The Official Michael Jackson Opus" is a leather-bound book of photographs of Jackson. It is due to be released on Dec. 7. Profits from the book will go to Jackson's three children, his mother and charities established by his trust. The estate has approved only one other Jackson book — a reprint of his autobiography, "Moonwalk," which hits stores next week.

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Tribute Book Approved - Michael Jackson's estate has signed off on another book deal related to the pop star. "The Official Michael Jackson Opus" is a leather-bound book of photographs of Jackson. It is due to be released on Dec. 7. Profits from the book will go to Jackson's three children, his mother and charities established by his trust. The estate has approved only one other Jackson book — a reprint of his autobiography, "Moonwalk," which hits stores next week.

Unreleased Tracks - Thought you heard every Jackson 5 song ever recorded? Not quite. Apparently, the group had a bunch of material that hadn't been released. But that won't be the case next month, when an album of unreleased J5 recordings is due in stores. The release of their new material comes 40 years after their first hit single, "I Want You Back," was released. The set is in stores Nov. 10.

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Unreleased Tracks - Thought you heard every Jackson 5 song ever recorded? Not quite. Apparently, the group had a bunch of material that hadn't been released. But that won't be the case next month, when an album of unreleased J5 recordings is due in stores. The release of their new material comes 40 years after their first hit single, "I Want You Back," was released. The set is in stores Nov. 10.

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Music Heritage - The president will be spicing things up musically at the White House next week — by hosting a concert to honor Hispanic music heritage. Among those taking part in the performance will be Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony and Jose Feliciano. The event will be taped for a PBS broadcast to air the following week. In June, the White House hosted a jazz session, and in July country music was highlighted.

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Music Heritage - The president will be spicing things up musically at the White House next week — by hosting a concert to honor Hispanic music heritage. Among those taking part in the performance will be Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony and Jose Feliciano. The event will be taped for a PBS broadcast to air the following week. In June, the White House hosted a jazz session, and in July country music was highlighted.

Obama Wins - Meanwhile, Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in a stunning decision designed to encourage his initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Muslim world and stress diplomacy and cooperation rather than unilateralism. Many observers were shocked by the unexpected choice.

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Obama Wins - Meanwhile, Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in a stunning decision designed to encourage his initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Muslim world and stress diplomacy and cooperation rather than unilateralism. Many observers were shocked by the unexpected choice.

17 Years Together - The Obamas celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary this week. The couple kept things simple, with a dinner out near Georgetown in the nation's capital Saturday night.

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17 Years Together - The Obamas celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary this week. The couple kept things simple, with a dinner out near Georgetown in the nation's capital Saturday night.

Secret Love Child? - Mathew Knowles was slapped with a paternity suit this week, TMZ reported. He's accused of fathering a young actress' love child – even though he's been married for over 20 years to Beyoncé's mother Tina. Alexsandra Wright, an actress who appeared in a bit part on the TV show "Scrubs," claims Knowles is the father of her baby.

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Secret Love Child? - Mathew Knowles was slapped with a paternity suit this week, TMZ reported. He's accused of fathering a young actress' love child – even though he's been married for over 20 years to Beyoncé's mother Tina. Alexsandra Wright, an actress who appeared in a bit part on the TV show "Scrubs," claims Knowles is the father of her baby.

Gay Marriage - Washington, D.C., city councilman David Catania has introduced a bill that would allow same-sex couples to marry. D.C. already recognizes same-sex marriages performed in states that allow them. The new proposal would let couples wed in the city. The bill is expected to pass the 13-member city council. However, the bill will also have to get by Congress, which can overturn District legislation.

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Gay Marriage - Washington, D.C., city councilman David Catania has introduced a bill that would allow same-sex couples to marry. D.C. already recognizes same-sex marriages performed in states that allow them. The new proposal would let couples wed in the city. The bill is expected to pass the 13-member city council. However, the bill will also have to get by Congress, which can overturn District legislation.

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Obama To Address Gay Rights Group - The White House says President Barack Obama plans to address the nation's largest gay rights group this weekend. Human Rights Campaign's president says it's fitting that Obama will speak at Saturday's dinner gala honoring the late Sen. Ted Kennedy. The next day, thousands of gay and lesbian activists are expected to participate in the National Equality March in Washington.

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Obama To Address Gay Rights Group - The White House says President Barack Obama plans to address the nation's largest gay rights group this weekend. Human Rights Campaign's president says it's fitting that Obama will speak at Saturday's dinner gala honoring the late Sen. Ted Kennedy. The next day, thousands of gay and lesbian activists are expected to participate in the National Equality March in Washington.

More Public Support - A new poll suggests President Barack Obama's health care reform efforts are gaining favor. The latest Associated Press-GfK poll found that opposition has dropped dramatically from last month, when 49 percent opposed an overhaul and only 34 percent were in favor. The latest poll finds opinion split evenly, 40-40.

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More Public Support - A new poll suggests President Barack Obama's health care reform efforts are gaining favor. The latest Associated Press-GfK poll found that opposition has dropped dramatically from last month, when 49 percent opposed an overhaul and only 34 percent were in favor. The latest poll finds opinion split evenly, 40-40.

Teflon Rep! - Rep. Charles Rangel survives another GOP attempt to take him down. Republicans had drafted the resolution to kick Rangel out of the powerful position as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. Rep. John Carter (R-Texas) said, "The man who is in charge of writing the nation's tax laws doesn't pay his federal income or property taxes." The vote was 243 to 156, pretty much along party lines.

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Teflon Rep! - Rep. Charles Rangel survives another GOP attempt to take him down. Republicans had drafted the resolution to kick Rangel out of the powerful position as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. Rep. John Carter (R-Texas) said, "The man who is in charge of writing the nation's tax laws doesn't pay his federal income or property taxes." The vote was 243 to 156, pretty much along party lines.

Niners, Crabtree Have Deal - Although he missed all of training camp and the first four regular-season games in a contract impasse, Michael Crabtree officially became a member of the San Francisco 49ers. The wide receiver likely won't be active until Oct. 25.

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Niners, Crabtree Have Deal - Although he missed all of training camp and the first four regular-season games in a contract impasse, Michael Crabtree officially became a member of the San Francisco 49ers. The wide receiver likely won't be active until Oct. 25.

Traded - Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini has dumped dissatisfied wide receiver Braylon Edwards off on his former team. Mangini sent Edwards, a former first-round pick whose troubles have matched his immense talent, to the New York Jets on Wednesday. Just days earlier, Edwards was charged with punching a friend of LeBron James at a Cleveland club. James called Edwards “childish.”

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Traded - Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini has dumped dissatisfied wide receiver Braylon Edwards off on his former team. Mangini sent Edwards, a former first-round pick whose troubles have matched his immense talent, to the New York Jets on Wednesday. Just days earlier, Edwards was charged with punching a friend of LeBron James at a Cleveland club. James called Edwards “childish.”

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Get the Shot - Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is vouching for the safety of the new swine flu vaccine and urging people to get it. Appearing on the morning news shows, Sebelius said the adverse effects are minimal and it's especially important that children get it. She says the H1N1 virus is "a younger person's flu."

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Get the Shot - Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is vouching for the safety of the new swine flu vaccine and urging people to get it. Appearing on the morning news shows, Sebelius said the adverse effects are minimal and it's especially important that children get it. She says the H1N1 virus is "a younger person's flu."

AK Worldwide - Alicia Keys is launching a new company to handle her projects that don't necessarily involve singing, writing songs and playing the piano. Keys says she hopes AK Worldwide will help her find ways she can "affect the world in a positive way" without music. Her first effort in that area is a line of handcrafted jewelry engraved with inspirational messages.

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AK Worldwide - Alicia Keys is launching a new company to handle her projects that don't necessarily involve singing, writing songs and playing the piano. Keys says she hopes AK Worldwide will help her find ways she can "affect the world in a positive way" without music. Her first effort in that area is a line of handcrafted jewelry engraved with inspirational messages.

Soul Train Back on Track - It's been a minute since the Soul Train Music Awards were last held. But they're back — and rolling into a new city this year. The awards will be taped this year in Atlanta and will air Nov. 29 on Centric — the new channel run jointly by BET and MTV, both of which are owned by Viacom. Among those to be honored this year are L.A. Reid and Babyface and Charlie Wilson. Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard will co-host the awards.

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Soul Train Back on Track - It's been a minute since the Soul Train Music Awards were last held. But they're back — and rolling into a new city this year. The awards will be taped this year in Atlanta and will air Nov. 29 on Centric — the new channel run jointly by BET and MTV, both of which are owned by Viacom. Among those to be honored this year are L.A. Reid and Babyface and Charlie Wilson. Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard will co-host the awards.

BET Hip-Hop Awards - Set to tape this weekend in Atlanta, this year's BET Hip-Hop Awards will feature appearances and performances from Young Jeezy, Fabolous, Soulja Boy and Snoop Dogg. As previously reported, Kanye West leads the pack with nine nods. The 2009 BET Hip-Hop Awards are slated to air on BET Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 8 p.m./7C.

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BET Hip-Hop Awards - Set to tape this weekend in Atlanta, this year's BET Hip-Hop Awards will feature appearances and performances from Young Jeezy, Fabolous, Soulja Boy and Snoop Dogg. As previously reported, Kanye West leads the pack with nine nods. The 2009 BET Hip-Hop Awards are slated to air on BET Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 8 p.m./7C.

Fan Funding - Public Enemy is teaming up with a Web site to finance the recording of their next album through fan funding. The group is trying to raise a quarter-million dollars in increments of $25.00. Those who get in on the ground floor of the project will get an exclusive, numbered copy of the album. They will also get to share in any profits from the recording.

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Fan Funding - Public Enemy is teaming up with a Web site to finance the recording of their next album through fan funding. The group is trying to raise a quarter-million dollars in increments of $25.00. Those who get in on the ground floor of the project will get an exclusive, numbered copy of the album. They will also get to share in any profits from the recording.

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Carey's Concert - Wanna go see Mariah Carey in concert Saturday night in Vegas? You can see the show without leaving home — or even if you aren't at home. The concert is being billed as the first to be simulcast to mobile and other digital devices worldwide. The cost of the show is $9.99, and tickets are available on Carey's Web site.

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Carey's Concert - Wanna go see Mariah Carey in concert Saturday night in Vegas? You can see the show without leaving home — or even if you aren't at home. The concert is being billed as the first to be simulcast to mobile and other digital devices worldwide. The cost of the show is $9.99, and tickets are available on Carey's Web site.

Baby On the Way - Yes, it's a baby bump. Christina Milian has confirmed what many of us have suspected for a while — she's going to have a baby. She tells People magazine she and new husband The-Dream are also going to be new parents soon. They got married less than a month ago in Vegas. Milian says she is four and a half months along and knows the sex of the child, but wants to keep it a secret.

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Baby On the Way - Yes, it's a baby bump. Christina Milian has confirmed what many of us have suspected for a while — she's going to have a baby. She tells People magazine she and new husband The-Dream are also going to be new parents soon. They got married less than a month ago in Vegas. Milian says she is four and a half months along and knows the sex of the child, but wants to keep it a secret.

Barbie Goes Black -- For Real - Mattel is out with a new line of Black Barbie dolls. These have fuller lips, a wider nose and more pronounced cheek bones. The designer, who is Black and has a 6-year-old daughter, says she wanted to create a line of dolls for young Black girls that looked like them. There are three older dolls with three little sisters they mentor. They also have a variety of skin tones, ranging from cafe au-lait to chocolate.

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Barbie Goes Black -- For Real - Mattel is out with a new line of Black Barbie dolls. These have fuller lips, a wider nose and more pronounced cheek bones. The designer, who is Black and has a 6-year-old daughter, says she wanted to create a line of dolls for young Black girls that looked like them. There are three older dolls with three little sisters they mentor. They also have a variety of skin tones, ranging from cafe au-lait to chocolate.

Meeting an American Idol - “Ernie Banks is a real idol of mine,” said the highest ranking Black lawmaker in the country. Rep. Jim Clyburn got the opportunity last week to meet his hero, baseball hall of Famer Ernie Davis. Davis visited Clyburn’s D.C. office on his way to a meeting at the Library of Congress. “I grew up, and suffered through much of the same trials and tribulations that he, Jackie Robinson, Larry Doby, and Luke Easter suffered through," said Clyburn.

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Meeting an American Idol - “Ernie Banks is a real idol of mine,” said the highest ranking Black lawmaker in the country. Rep. Jim Clyburn got the opportunity last week to meet his hero, baseball hall of Famer Ernie Davis. Davis visited Clyburn’s D.C. office on his way to a meeting at the Library of Congress. “I grew up, and suffered through much of the same trials and tribulations that he, Jackie Robinson, Larry Doby, and Luke Easter suffered through," said Clyburn.