Lawmaker vows thorough probe into Sean Bell shooting
The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee on Monday met with the family of a man fatally shot by police just hours before his wedding, promising a thorough federal investigation of the incident. Three New York police detectives were acquitted Friday on all counts in the case of Sean Bell, an unarmed man killed in a hail of 50 police bullets outside a strip club on November 25, 2006. Bell’s two friends, Joseph Guzman and Trent Benefield, were wounded in the shooting. “We are going to be putting together the federal strategy,” said Rep. John Conyers, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and a Michigan Democrat. “This is important.” (Continue Reading…)

Obama ‘Outraged’ by Wright’s Remarks
Sen. Barack Obama said he is “outraged” by comments his former minister, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, made Monday at the National Press Club and is “saddened by the spectacle.” “I have been a member of Trinity Church since 1992. I have known Rev. Wright for almost 20 years,” he said at a news conference in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. “The person I saw yesterday is not the person I met 20 years ago.” (Continue Reading…)

‘Noose’ Leads to Federal Agent Suspension
A U.S. Secret Service agent was suspended after admitting responsibility for tying what an African American agent reportedly said was a noose hanging in the agency’s Beltsville, Md., training facilities.\ Eric Zahren, a spokesman for the Secret Service, confirmed Monday that “an employee observed a rope tied in a loop, which was interpreted as a noose, in one of the training buildings,” he said. (Continue Reading…)

Clinton Supporter ‘Organized’ Rev. Wright Press Event
The Rev. Jeremiah Wright couldn’t have done more damage to Barack Obama’s campaign if he had tried. And you have to wonder if that’s just what one friend of Wright wanted. Shortly before he rose to deliver his rambling, angry, sarcastic remarks at the National Press Club Monday, Wright sat next to, and chatted with, Barbara Reynolds. A former editorial board member at USA Today, she runs something called Reynolds News Services and teaches ministry at the Howard University School of Divinity. (She is an ordained minister). (Continue Reading…)

Put away those boots and old fuzzy sweaters! The season for beaches, barbeque’s and showing a little skin is just around the corner. But, don’t worry about the heat because Clutch has got the trends that’ll keep you fashionably cool all summer long!

Daringly playful high waisted short shorts, flirty baby doll dresses and sporty rompers are on the style forecast this summer. With funky platforms and oversized accessories these ultra feminine retro looks pick up right where Spring left off. Red, white & blue is also everywhere this summer season. Classic All-American chic has arrived just in time for a stylish Fourth of July. With inspiration taken from the American flag, patriotic minded designers have turned the stripes and stars into one of the summer’s hottest trends. Bold, youthful and now glam, find stars from Chanel to Yves Saint Laurent and stripes from Marc Jacobs to Anna Sui. This summer get a sophisticated casual look as long dresses in chiffon, silk and sheer are form flattering and especially sensuous. Dresses made from these lightweight materials are both romantic and comfortable. With simple accessories and a sexy stiletto sandal these evening look is sure to turn heads.

Hit the beach this summer in a retro inspired swimsuit. Bikinis with a high waisted bottom are not just stylish but, are perfect for concealing your midsection. One piece swimsuits with square cut necks are perfect for showing just the right amount of cleavage without feeling too exposed.

Make the most of Summer 2008!

Verdict in Sean Bell Case Draws a Peaceful Protest
The circle of people was thin but spread wide, looping an intersection in the heart of Harlem on Sunday and blocking long lines of cars and buses in four directions. In the middle of the circle stood a cluster of angry people, and in that cluster stood a young man with a bullhorn and a question. “Why isn’t everyone else out here with us?” the man, Robert Cuffy, 22, asked. The circle of people, roughly 150 strong, stared back. It was two days after a judge acquitted three New York City detectives in the shooting death of Sean Bell, who died on the morning of his wedding day 17 months ago after the detectives fired a total of 50 bullets at his car. (Continue Reading…)

Obama on Rev. Wright: ‘He Does Not Speak for Me’
Sen. Barack Obama wants everyone to know that he is not the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and that the talkative Wright does not speak for him. On a day when his longtime pastor at Chicago’s Trinity United Church of Christ seemed to pop up every five minutes in the mainstream media and the blogosphere, Obama emphasized the distance between them. “I have said before and I will repeat again that some of the comments that Reverend Wright have made offend me and I understand why they’ve offended the American people,” Obama said in a brief airport tarmac press conference in Wilmington, N.C. (Continue Reading…)

The Game, Fellow Rappers Sound Off for Sean Bell
The Game isn’t playing with this one. In light of the shooting death of 23-year-old Sean Bell and the subsequent acquittal last week of the NYPD officers who fired the fatal shots, the SoCal-bred rapper has penned a musical response that in no uncertain terms lets us know where he stands. “911 Is a Joke,” which doesn’t beat around the bush when it comes to the issue of police brutality, is set to debut tomorrow on the Game’s website. (Continue Reading…)

One Month on, Zimbabwe Still in the Dark on Presidential Poll
A month after Zimbabweans took to the polls to pick a president, the outcome of the vote is still not in sight as the United Nations prepared on Tuesday to discuss the Zimbabwe impasse. Suggestions by the country’s electoral body that results of the March 29 presidential vote could be out later this week after the completion of a partial recount of ballots have been met with scepticism in some quarters. (Continue Reading…)

Cartoons of a Racist Past Lurk on YouTube
Among the millions of clips on the video-sharing Web site YouTube are 11 racially offensive Warner Brothers cartoons that have not been shown in an authorized release since 1968. Some of the cartoons were removed on April 16. A message saying the cartoons were no longer available because of a copyright claim by Warner appeared in their place. By evening the messages disappeared, and some of the cartoons were back. Representatives for YouTube and Warner would not confirm whether the companies had tried to remove the cartoons. (Continue Reading…)

While some clothing lines are out striving to be “different,” Dime Piece, designed by L.A. based design duo Ashley Jones and Lara Fama, is simply letting their brand of bold, street savvy tees speak for themselves. Slogans like “Ain’t No Wifey” and “Lipstick Killer” are emblazoned on super soft T-shirts that allow the fearless fashionista to make a statement without having to say a word.

Collection Description:
“We are moving toward a more progressive and contemporary look for the urban female this season, and so we used a few different types of fabrics in our special cut and sew pieces. The new Spring/Summer 08 collection has been deeply influenced by our laid back Los Angeles lifestyle. We captured the raw social standards of the Hollywood culture and the strong perspective of the everyday woman.”

Make sure to check out the entire collection via the lookbook…here.

Real Simple Talk with Vivica A. Fox
This month’s cover girl, Vivica A. Fox, is a woman who has lived in the public eye for 20 years, and the last several have had their trying moments-publicly. Audiences have always related to the 43-year-old actress/producer (Soul Food, Kill Bill) and been curious about her life. So since we keep hearing all these pesky rumors, we thought who better than you, our readers and her enduring fans, to ask the questions that you’ve always wanted to know-and to have Fox answer them herself. (Continue Reading…)

Cynthia McKinney Statement on the Sean Bell Verdict
“[T]he legislation and histories of the time, and the language used in the Declaration of Independence, show, that neither the class of persons who had been imported as slaves, nor their descendants, whether they had become free or not, were then acknowledged as a part of the people, nor intended to be included in the general words used in that memorable instrument. . . . [A]ltogether unfit to associate with the white race, either in social or political relations; and so far inferior, that they had no rights which the white man was bound to respect.” (Continue Reading…)

Rev. Jeremiah Wright Addresses Detroit NAACP Dinner / Video of Speech
The outspoken former pastor of Barack Obama told an audience of 10,000 at an NAACP dinner on Sunday that despite what his critics say, he is descriptive, not divisive, when he speaks about racial injustices. “I describe the conditions in this country,” the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr. said during the 53rd annual Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner held by the Detroit chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. (Continue Reading…)

Obama confronts race question in presidential vote
Barack Obama on Sunday rejected suggestions that prejudice could prevent his winning the US presidency in November, as Democrats mulled whether racial bias makes Hillary Clinton the better Democratic candidate. With last week’s Pennsylvania primary showing party voters riven along racial lines, African-American Senator Obama fended off questions about his viability in the contest during a Fox News interview. “I don’t think that race is going to be a barrier in the general election,” Obama said. (Continue Reading…)

I love superhero movies. I don’t know why but something about a strong dashing superhero saving the world from evil just gets to me. The fight between good and evil. Between what’s right and wrong. Between bulging biceps and a spandex suit. Just peaks my attention. That’s why when I heard they were doing an Iron Man movie I was super excited. When the movie opens I am totally going to be in line with all the other diehard fans waiting to see what looks like an awesome movie.

I can’t wait to see what Iron Man’s suit will look like. How awesome the special effects will be. And how good Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow who plays Virginia “Pepper” Potts opposite Robert Downey’s Iron Man, will look in the movie. And I’m sure she will look good because she is a spokesperson for Estee Lauder. And in conjunction with the movie Estee Lauder has let fans know exactly how they can recreate two of the films stunning makeup looks. All you have to do is go to the website before May 13th to get tips and purchase the products for the looks.

My favorite “Pepper” look from the movie is the Classic Look, which is soft, sexy and totally wearable. On the checks apply Tender Blush in Fresh Plum ($25), which leaves soft believable color. Eyes get the star treatment with Signature Eyeshadow Duo in Pink Dusk ($25), Artist’s Eye Pencil in Soft Smudge Black ($18.50) and Double Wear Mascara in Black ($19.50). And the lips are lined and then filled with Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Plum Frost ($19.50) and High Gloss in Rose ($16). Perfect. Sexy, but not over the top. Plus the colors will work with a variety of skin tones. To get the complete Classic Look or the Romantic click here.

And don’t forget to check out Iron Man in theaters May 2nd and you might see me in the popcorn line with my Plum Frost lipstick on.

Please wear all black on April 28th in protest of the Sean Bell verdict to show solidarity in our community.

Black is finally in fashion at Vogue
It’s an open secret in the fashion industry: black models rarely get jobs on catwalks, in magazines and on billboards. According to executives, they do not inspire women to spend money. Apart from Naomi Campbell in one Louis Vuitton advertisement this season, it would be difficult to find a single black model in a prominent position in a magazine. Carole White of the Premier Model Agency says she has received casting briefs requesting “no ethnics” and adds: “According to magazines, black models don’t sell.” (Continue Reading…)

Black Daddies Club Meets to Discuss Issues
Brandon Hay is looking to dispel the stereotype that black fathers don’t play a role in their children’s lives. Hay’s Black Daddies Club is meeting in Scarborough on Sunday, April 27 at the Malvern Community Recreation Centre from 6 to 9 p.m. This is the third meeting of the club and its first in Scarborough - Hay’s home community. The Black Daddies Club is a forum for black men to support one another as parents and help to build one another as leaders within the various black communities and the community at large. (Continue Reading…)

New Alarm Sounded on Plight of Black Women
When a foundation starts to crumble, it’s not long before the entire building starts to bow and sway, finally collapsing into a heap. In the National Urban League’s new report, “The State of Black America: In the Black Woman’s Voice,” there are indications that the black woman — the foundation of the black family — is in danger of being overwhelmed by problems manifesting in the family structure, economics and serious health disparities such as the AIDS epidemic. (Continue Reading…)

Bell’s Fiancée: ‘They Killed Sean All Over Again’
A day after three New York police detectives were acquitted on all counts in the case of Sean Bell — an unarmed man killed in a hail of 50 police gunshots — his fiancee told supporters that the justice system let her down. “On April 25, 2008, they killed Sean all over again,” Nicole Paultre Bell told supporters at a rally organized by the Rev. Al Sharpton. “That’s what it felt like to us,” she said Saturday. “Yesterday, they — the justice system — let me down. I gave them the benefit of the doubt. I’m still praying for justice, because it’s not over. It’s far from over.” (Continue Reading…)

Just a few tips…

• When applying blush look into the mirror and smile. This will help you figure out where the ‘apple’ of your cheek is.
• If you have broad face (square or round) apply the blush on your cheekbones and do not brush it up towards your ears.
• If you applied too much, a little bit of translucent powder over it will calm it down. For cream blush, blot the color off with a tissue.
• Dab blush (just a little) on each earlobe. This will add a glow to your face, especially if you pull your hair back or have short hair.
• Don’t forget to add a touch of the blush to your chin and forehead to help achieve the natural look.

Clutch and best-selling author Eric Jermone Dickey want to know what’s your pleasure? To celebrate the release of his new book, Pleasure, Eric is giving away copies to a few of our lucky readers. To enter to win all you have to do is email your name and email address to info@clutchmagazine.com and we will randomly select winners from the emails received. Hurry up because we only have 10 copies to giveaway! Good luck!

Click here to check out our interview with Eric Jerome Dickey

Acquittals in groom’s shooting spark outrage
Nicole Paultre Bell bolted from the courtroom Friday as a judge acquitted three New York City detectives of all charges in the shooting death of her fiance. “I’ve got to get out of here,” Paultre Bell said. Justice Arthur Cooperman was announcing the verdict clearing Detectives Michael Oliver and Gescard Isnora of manslaughter, assault and reckless endangerment in the death of Sean Bell. Detective Marc Cooper was cleared of reckless endangerment. “What we saw in court today was not a miscarriage of justice,” the Rev. Al Sharpton said on his radio program. “Justice didn’t miscarry,” he said. “This was an abortion of justice. Justice was aborted.” (Continue Reading…)

Africa Urged to Step Up Malaria Funding
African leaders were urged Friday to show political commitment by increasing funding towards the fight against malaria, one of the major killer diseases on the continent. Awa Marie Coll-Seck, executive director of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership, said malaria continues to kill millions in Africa because of poor funding and lack of access to medicines. “The strong political commitment and leadership of endemic countries, resulting in substantially increased demand for international funding, will be required for continued success,” she said. (Continue Reading…)

This staple is a no-brainer and we know some of you are wondering why we decided to even cover sunglasses as a staple when sunglasses are and will always be a staple for pretty much every season of the year. Well Ladies, we just wanted to make sure you knew what styles to be checking for while at H&M, Target, Topshop, F21 and so on.

The summer 2008 styles all have the expected repeats from pass seasons such as Aviators, Oversized, Wayfarer, Round, Neon and Cat-Eye, but with the help of Ms. Badu, Kelis, Mr. West and others the Goggle, Flat Top Visor, T-Bar, Heart Shaped and yes … Shutter frames will be showing up on lots of faces this summer.

Luckily, sunglasses are one of the most inexpensive accessories to get your hands on, unless of course you are a designer frame sporting fashionista who refuses to rock a perfectly fly pair of affordable sunglasses. Like earrings, sunglasses can be lost very easily, so you might want to buy a designer inspired pair before you put up $250 from your stimulus check to get those new pair of Chloe sunglasses.

*Video quality is not the best* Check it out on Def Jam’s site here…