Today’s photo of the day shows Amani Toomer and his soon-to-be ex-wife Dr. Yola Dabrowski during “happier” times. According to Toomer, Dabrowksi committed fraud when they got married because she refused to have the “big family” that they agreed upon before their 2002 Las Vegas wedding. Instead, Toomer argues, Dabrowski aborted four babies, refused to change her name, and failed to cook, clean, or have sex with him. Dabrowski claims that Toomer was an “insecure and paranoid” husband who was relentlessly demanding. According to Dabrowski, Toomere once urinated on her clothes and threw her Blackberry in the Hudson river. Dabrowski, who has been granted $11,000 a month in temporary support, wants permanent alimony and half the couple’s marital assets. If Toomer wins his suit, however, he will not have to pay Dabrowski anything.

Is it me, or does this whole thing sound shady?

Today’s video of the day is one of the greatest Negro movies of all time. This is a cult classic!!!!

“But if I thought on it, I would like to be remembered as a brother who loved his people and did everything that I knew to fight for them, the liberation of our people.” – Minister Louis Farrakhan

Yesterday marked an historic moment in Black American life. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam, gave his final speech at the annual Savior’s Day Event. “My time is up,” the 73-year-old leader told the crowd at Ford Field, “I believe … that my time to be with my spiritual father and his sender has come. And your time to go through serious trial has come.”

Despite his reportedly ailing condition, Minister Farrakhan spent nearly two hours offering the type of oratorical fire that has made him a hero to Blacks of all religions. Controversial as ever, Farrakhan called for Bush’s impeachment, criticized the invasion of Iraq, and defended Iran’s right to have nuclear technology. On a conciliatory note, Farrakhan also called for religious unity among all believers, and demanded peace efforts among the nations.

Unfortunately, contrary to many rumors, Farrakhan did not name his successor at the event. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that a successorship plan is not in place, it is nonetheless important that Farrakhan names and grooms his successor in full public view. Otherwise, the post-Farrakhan era will be inevitably marked by multiple claims to authority and destructive infighting.

Although I have not always agreed with Minister Farrakhan, I have a profound respect for his love and sustained commitment to the struggles of Black people and his loyalty to the mission of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad. I also have a deep admiration for his willingness to admit mistakes, apologize for missteps, and sincerely attempt to heal wounds. Regardless of our differences with Farrakhan, it is difficult to deny that his growth and development are a testament to his faith and character.

At multiple moments yesterday, Farrakhan suggested that he has not only reached the end of his professional tenure, but that he was also nearing the end of his time on Earth. While it is my sincerest hope that he is wrong on both accounts, I wish him continued peace, love, and joy on his journey.

May Peace Be With Him

As usual, I did not watch one minute of the Academy Awards show last night. Why? Honestly, I don’t have a deep explanation. Unlike the Grammy’s, I’m just not that interested in 99% of the awards given out.

Fortunately, I have all of you to break it down for me.

How were the performances? Who looked bad? Who looked great? Who should have won an award? Who got lucky? How was Ellen Degeneres? Was Beyonce mean mugging JHud?

What’s the Science?????